Delrifkah: Thought FOR TODAY

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
To truly love the LORD GOD is to obey HIM by living life HIS way.

ETERNAL WORD
"I will continuously obey YOUR Law, forever and ever." [Psalms
(Tehillym) 119. 44 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Psalm 119 is the GREAT SERENADE OF THE WORD for in it are seven decreed
declarations that "the WORD is forever!" GOD'S Law is everlasting, and
we will keep it eternally. "The LORD exists forever; YOUR WORD stands
firm in heaven." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 89 Tanakh, Kethuvim] The HOLY
WRITTEN WORD of the ALMIGHTY KING OF GLORY will never change; it was
waiting to be revealed in HIS time before the creation of the world.
It was there and forever will be.

"YOUR decrees are my eternal heritage; they are my heart's delight —
I am determined to follow YOUR Laws to the utmost forever...YOUR
righteous decrees are eternal; give me understanding, that I might live
— I know from YOUR decrees of old that YOU have established them
forever...Truth is the essence of YOUR WORD; YOUR just rules are
eternal." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 111, 112, 144, 152, 160 Tanakh,
Kethuvim]

The NEW COVENANT has similar promises at the time the LORD JESUS said,
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but MY WORD will no means pass away."
[Matthew 24. 35] Peter, quoting the Prophet Isaiah wrote: "The WORD
of the LORD endures forever." [1 Peter 1. 25; Isaiah/Yeshayah 40. 8]

Read the PRECIOUS WORD of OMNIPOTENT GOD slowly, deliberately,
reverently for there you will gather roses, instead of thorns; find
pearls, not pebbles; find love instead of hatred; forgiveness not
vengeance; freedom instead of bondage; humility not pride; instead of
enmity, reconciliation; instead of death, life, salvation, resurrection
and heavenly treasures.

How very foolish it is for anyone to commit his eternal soul to anything
other than the only thing in this world that will last forever, the
WRITTEN LIVING WORD OF GOD and its divine manifestation is the
revelation and unveiling of the LOVING OMNIPOTENT GOD and the LORD
MESSIAH YESHUA, our blessed SAVIOR & REDEEMER!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Infinite as YOUR power, even so is YOUR love, O LORD OF HOSTS. YOU led
us into the way of righteousness and brought us to the light of truth.
Therefore, at our lying down and our rising up, we meditate on YOUR
Teachings and at all times rejoice in YOUR Laws. In them are true life
and length of days. O that YOUR love may never depart from our hearts.
Praised are YOU, O LORD, WHO has made us YOUR people.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
A clean conscience makes a soft pillow.

SLICHOT — THINK & PRAY
On this Sabbath of Repentance, O our GOD, open our hearts to its solemn
call to turn from the vanities of life and consider our destiny in the
light of YOUR ETERNAL TRUTH. Help us to see whether we have indeed
hearkened to YOUR VOICE and have done justly, loved mercy and walked
humbly before YOU, our MAKER. Or, whether we have been negligent in the
fulfillment of our duties and have strayed from the path of moral
strength and integrity.

O RIGHTEOUS JUDGE OF THE WORLD, as we survey our life, we are filled
with shame that we have fallen short of the purpose for which YOU did
send us, and we have failed to use aright the numerous gifts which YOU
have given us. Humbly we confess that our intentions and our deeds
accuse us before the tribunal of our conscience and convict us in YOUR
sight.

O GREAT GOD OF HOLINESS, YOU know that we are but dust and in our
weakness we often yield to selfish indulgences. Create in us a pure
heart and renew a steadfast spirit within us. Strengthen us in our
resolve to mend our ways. Let our struggle with error and sin lead us
to a clearer realization of the Truth of YOUR HOLY WORD and to a firmer
adherence to YOUR LAW OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. Help us to remove every
misunderstanding between ourselves and our fellowmen.

YOU, LORD GOD OF HOSTS alone know when the day shall dawn in which the
light of YOUR truth, brighter than that of the visible sun, shall
encircle the whole earth. But, surely that great day so fervently
prayed for shall come, as surely as none of YOUR LIFE-GIVING WORDS
return empty, but shall accomplish that for which YOU did send them. O
GOD, YOU are plenteous in mercy and forgiveness, please establish peace
and harmony in our souls that we may be truly at one with YOU.

Then joy shall thrill all hearts and from one end of the earth to the
other and the gladsome cry shall echo: "Hear, O Israel, hear all
mankind, the ETERNAL our GOD, the ETERNAL is ONE." Then myriads will
make pilgrimage to YOUR HOUSE which shall be called the "HOUSE OF
PRAYER" and from their lips shall sound in spiritual joy: "LORD, open
for us the gates of YOUR TRUTH. O gates, lift up your heads! Up high,
you everlasting doors, so the KING OF GLORY may come in! WHO is the KING
OF GLORY? — the LORD OF HOSTS, mighty and valiant, the LORD, valiant
in battle. O gates, lift up your heads! Lift them up, you everlasting
doors, so the KING OF GLORY may come in! WHO is the KING OF GLORY? —
the LORD OF HOSTS, HE is the KING OF GLORY! Selah" [Psalms (Tehillym)
24. 7 - 10 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

May we ever thank YOU, our MAJESTIC LORD GOD, for sending YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH to be our only LOVING REDEEMER. And, may we ever revere,
glorify and honour YOUR HOLY EXALTED NAME with praise. We bow in the
presence of CHRIST JESUS OF NAZARETH, our WONDERFUL LORD, SAVIOR &
REDEEMER.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
As we bid farewell to Sabbath, May the MASTER of mercy extend HIS grace
and compassion to all of you, our beloved. "Heavenly Father, teach
us to emulate Your own grace and mercy. Cause YOUR truth to fall upon
our hearts like seed upon fertile ground. And, may we learn to love Your
Law ever more deeply and to find in it the beauty of holiness. Amen"
Slichot begins on Saturday night before Rosh ha'Shana. This is a
special series of prayers that invoke GOD'S mercy. If Rosh
ha'Shana falls at the beginning of the week, then Slichot begins on
the Saturday night of the previous week. (Sefardim begin saying Slichot
on Rosh Chodesh Elul.)
After the sin of the Golden Calf, Moses asked GOD to explain HIS system
for relating with the world. GOD'S answer, known as the 13
Attributes of Mercy forms the essence of the Slichot prayers. The 13
Attributes speak of GOD'S patience. The same God Who created us
with a clean slate and a world of opportunity, gives us another
opportunity if we've misused the first one.
Slichot should be said with a minyan (the quorum of 10 Jewish adults)
— however, if this is not possible, then it should still be said
alone, omitting the parts in Aramaic and the 13 Attributes of Mercy.
The most important feature of Elul (the preparation month) is to make a
plan for your life because the day will come when each of us will stand
before the ALMIGHTY to ask for another year to serve HIM, and we will
want to know what it is we are asking for.
L'Shanah Tova U'Metukah — May your name be inscribed in the BOOK OF
LIFE! Have a good week!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Honour is measured by him who gives it, not by him who receives it.

CUSTOMS — PIDYON HA'BEN
Either phrase, Pidyon ha'Ben (Redemption of the son) or Pidyon
ha'Bechor (Redemption of the first-born male) are correct. The child
has been considered by Jews, even since olden times, as the greatest of
human treasures. To produce and raise children is a religious
commandment and is the cause for rejoicing in the home. However, when a
son is born, there is special joy, for the parents trust that he will
carry on the family name with honour. Jewish women consider it a great
blessing from the GREAT & ALMIGHTY GOD to bear a son. It is natural
that the first child should be received with special attention by the
new parents. The oldest son has always taken first rank in the Jewish
family. In case of the father's death, he usually becomes the head, to
whom the younger brothers and sisters look for advice and help. He
inherits a larger share of the family's possessions than any of the
other children.

Ever since the first promise of redemption, Jewish women (who are very
devout) have hoped to be the mother of the REDEEMER. Deeply imbedded in
the Jewish soul there is the hope of the coming MESSIAH YESHUA and, "who
knows" -- perhaps their little boy will grow up to be the DELIVERER OF
ISRAEL! Eve, when she gave birth to Cain, believed it was HE for whom
she waited to save her from her sins. She exclaimed: "I have acquired a
MAN, the LORD." [Genesis/Bereshith 4. 1 Hebrew Translation] In
English, it is translated as "I have gotten a man-child from the LORD."
The word translated as from is simply the first and last letters of the
Hebrew alphabet, Aleph-Tau, which represents HIM WHO is the FIRST and
the LAST, the BEGINNING and the ENDING, WHO is, WHO was, and WHO ever
shall be! What a disappointment to her that Cain turned out to be, not
the PROMISED DELIVERER, but the first murderer; not the LIFE-GIVER, but
the life-taker!

One glorious day in the City of David, an event took place of which
Isaiah wrote: "For a CHILD has been born to us, a SON has been given to
us. And authority has settled on HIS shoulders. HE will be called
WONDERFUL (Pele), COUNSELOR (Yavats), THE MIGHTY GOD (Gibowr El),
ETERNAL FATHER (Ad Aby), RULER (Prince) OF PEACE (Sar Shalowm)." [Isaiah
(Yeshayah) 9. 6] This was a CHILD like no other child before HIM or
after, who was the GREATEST OF HEAVEN'S TREASURES; HE is the SON WHO far
surpasses all the sons of earth; HIS was a birth at which all the hosts
of heaven rejoiced; Miryam (Mary), who gave birth to this SON, truly
could declare in reality: "I have acquired a MAN-CHILD, the LORD!" for
JESUS THE CHRIST had come!

The birth of the SAVIOR in the City of David caused all heaven "and the
morning stars to sing together" — but one writer has expressed a
significant fact: "Though MESSIAH a thousand times in Bethlehem be born,
and not within thy heart, thy soul will be forlorn." When HE, the
MESSIAH, the unique SON OF THE LIVING GOD, is born in the heart, what
rejoicing in heaven! By faith we who are sons of men, become sons of
GOD through the new birth. Because YESHUA came into our humanity, we
can become partakers of HIS divinity. JESUS, WHO was born the SON of
Abraham, the SON of David, brings us into the family of GOD; and we also
are sons of David, sons of Abraham, of the heavenly family by faith.
"HE came to HIS OWN, and HIS OWN did not receive HIM. BUT AS MANY AS
RECEIVED HIM, to them HE gave the right to become the sons of GOD."
[John 1. 11 - 12]

"But every firstling ass you shall redeem with a sheep; and if you will
not redeem it, you must break its neck. AND YOU MUST REDEEM EVERY
FIRSTBORN MALE AMONG YOUR CHILDREN." [Exodus (Shemot) 13. 13 Tanakh,
Torah] According to the teachings of Rashi: "The law of redemption is
applicable to the ass only of the unclean animals, because the
first-born of the Egyptians are in the BIBLE compared to the ass." [see
Ezekiel/Yehezke- El 23. 20] "As the ass is an unclean animal, it has to
be redeemed with a lamb." [Abraham Ibn Ezra]

On the thirty-first day after the child's birth, a home gathering is
arranged to which relatives and friends are invited. Among the guests
is a Kohen (priest) who is thought to be a descendant of Aaron. The
ceremony consists of giving the Kohen the sum of five shekalim (about
$2.50), or the more popular sum of five silver dollars, and reciting
appropriate prayers. The boy is then pronounced redeemed or freed from
the service commanded for all first-born males. {Unless the Kohen is
very poor, he returns the money to the parents who give it to a worthy
Jewish cause.} This practice is almost not practiced today, but among
the very orthodox Jews, the first-born is always redeemed, not with a
lamb as in the BIBLICAL commandment, but as stated, with five silver
dollars. This custom is kept in remembrance of the salvation of the
first-born in Egypt when the ALMIGHTY AWESOME ONE commanded the
Israelites to substitute a lamb for their deliverance from death. The
redemption ceremony is followed by a party as an expression of
thanksgiving for this privilege.

It is written concerning the firstborn SON of Miryam (Mary): "Now when
the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were
completed, they brought HIM to Jerusalem to present HIM to the LORD (as
it is written in the Law of the LORD— Every male who opens the womb
shall be called HOLY TO THE LORD)." [Luke 2. 22 - 23]

"And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and
this man was just and devout, waiting for the CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL, and
the HOLY SPIRIT was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the
HOLY SPIRIT that he would not see death before he had seen the LORD'S
MESSIAH. So he came by the SPIRIT into the Temple. And when the parents
brought in the CHILD YESHUA (JESUS), to do for HIM ACCORDING TO THE
CUSTOM OF THE LAW, he took HIM up in his arms and blessed GOD and
said— LORD, now YOU are letting YOUR servant depart in peace,
according to YOUR WORD; for my eyes have seen YOUR SALVATION which YOU
have prepared before the face of all peoples, the LIGHT to bring
revelation to the Gentiles, and the gLORY of YOUR people Israel." [Luke
2. 25 - 32]

Simeon, who perhaps had held many boy babies in his arms in the Temple
at the Redemption Ceremony, was led of the SPIRIT OF GOD on this special
occasion to see and recognize the PROMISED MESSIAH. This SON needed not
to be redeemed for HE came to redeem all those who put their trust in
HIM. Everyone has the same privilege as Simeon to see and recognize in
YESHUA, THE REDEEMER, the SAVIOR of the world! HE has redeemed us, not
with corruptible things but with HIS OWN blood! JESUS is the SUBSTITUTE
— the ANTI-TYPE of the lamb which redeemed the first-born of Israel.
Comparable to the words of Simeon the devout when he took the CHILD
YESHUA in his arms and blessed GOD, we who know our DELIVERER can also
exclaim, "LORD, we have seen YOUR SALVATION which YOU prepared before
the face of all peoples!" KING JESUS, the LIGHT that brings revelation
to the Gentiles, and the glory of YOUR people, Israel.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Welcome Sabbath — Queen of the week! Praised are YOU, YEHOWAH, our
GOD, SOVEREIGN of the Universe, WHO makes us holy with YOUR mitzvoth and
favors us with the Holy Shabbat, lovingly and graciously given to us.
Assuredly, the KEEPER of Israel gives good gifts to those who love and
obey HIM!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The beginning of pride is when one departs from CREATOR GOD, and his
heart is turned away from his MAKER.

SINS OF THE NATION
"We have offended YOU by not keeping the commandments, the Laws, nor the
rules that YOU gave to YOUR servant Moses." [Nehemiah (Nechemah) 1. 7
Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Nehemiah had a great burden for his nation, Israel, and although he
himself had not been guilty of their sins, he willingly confess their
sins as his own, if ALMIGHTY GOD would only restore them to the Promised
Land.

The same heart was found in Ezra— "O my GOD, I am ashamed and
mortified to lift my face to YOU, O my GOD, for our iniquities are
overwhelmingly over our head and our guilt has grown high as heaven."
[Ezra 9. 6 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Daniel also prayed for his Jewish people
in fasting, in sackcloth, and ashes identifying himself with their sins.
"We have sinned; we have gone astray; we have acted wickedly; we have
been rebellious and have deviated from YOUR commandments and YOUR rules.
O LORD hear! O LORD, forgive! O LORD listen, and act without delay for
YOUR OWN sake, O my GOD; for YOUR NAME is attached to YOUR City and YOUR
people." [Daniel (Danyel) 9. 5, 19 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Our LOVING OMNIPOTENT GOD heard their prayers and promised long ago,
"When MY people, who bear MY NAME, humble themselves, pray, and seek MY
favour and turn from their evil ways, I will hear in MY heavenly abode
and forgive their sins and heal their land." [2 Chronicles (Dibre
Hayamin Bet) 7. 14 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Today, all the lands of every nation are in need of healing. The GREAT
GOD ETERNAL desires HIS people to confess as their own, the sins of
their people, as we are partly responsible because of our past
indifference, merely criticizing instead of praying. Then perhaps the
HOLY ONE will hear as HE heard the prayers of Daniel, Ezra, and
Nehemiah.

The Apostle Paul felt the same burden in his day, "For I could wish that
I myself were accursed from CHRIST for my brothers, my kinsmen according
to the flesh." [Romans 9. 3] Others identified themselves with the sin
of their people along with Ezra and Paul. But, the LORD YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH went far beyond even that, HE not only identified HIMSELF
with us in our lost sinful state, but also "bore our sins in HIS OWN
BODY on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for
righteousness. " [1 Peter 2. 24] We can never thank HIM enough for all
the great goodness JESUS the BELOVED ONE has shown to us!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
The LORD GOD be with you this day and always; and may HIS grace, mercy
and peace abound in your life! May the REDEEMER of all ages make you
holy and may you grow in HIS wisdom and favor.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.
Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The GREAT GOD OF HEAVEN gave us tears so we could water our feelings and
grow as HIS people.

SECOND BIRTH
"When the time came for her (Tamar) to give birth, there were twins in
her womb! — When she was in labor, one of them put out his hand; and
the midwife tied a scarlet thread on his hand to signify —this one
came out first.— But just then he drew back his hand, and out came
his brother. Afterward his brother came out, on whose hand was the
scarlet thread." [Genesis (Bereshith) 38. 27 - 29 Tanakh, Torah]

This is the story of Perez and Zerah, sons of Judah and his
daughter-in- law, Tamar. Although Zerah was the first in line for
birth, the second son, so named Perez (translates: breach, break
through) received the blessing as the first born. Perez is in the royal
line of King David and the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH.

Zerah (means: out first, rising, brightness) was an honorable man and
his descendants were men of renown. One of them was notably
distinguished for being the king's deputy in all matters concerning the
people. [Nehemiah / Nechemah 11. 24] But Perez and his descendants were
superior to them all.

Jacob, the grandfather of Perez and Zerah, who also was the second born,
had a special story of his own. Jacob bought the birthright from his
elder brother, Esau, with a bowl of lentil stew; seeing that "Esau
despised his birthright." [Genesis / Bereshith 25. 31 - 34] As a
result, "Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing which his father had
given him." [Genesis (Bereshith) 27. 41 Tanakh, Torah] Nevertheless,
OMNIPOTENT GOD, according to election — not of works said, "The
older shall serve the younger" and as is written "Jacob I have loved,
but Esau I have hated." [Romans 9. 11 - 13]

The LORD YESHUA, the GREAT INTERCESSOR, told Nicodemus, a Pharisees,
that "unless one is born again, he cannot see the KINGDOM OF GOD.
Nicodemus said to HIM— How can a man be born when he is old? Can he
enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?— JESUS
answered— Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of wATER
and the SPIRIT, he cannot enter the KINGDOM OF GOD. That which is born
of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the SPIRIT is spirit.
Do not marvel that I said to you — You must be born again." [John 3.
1 - 12]

The importance of the Second Birth is for receiving the blessing. For
if one is born once, he will die twice. But, if he is born twice, he
will die only once. "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the
sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So
is everyone who is born of the SPIRIT." [John 3. 7]

Those of us who are born into the family of GOD MOST HIGH have
experienced the second birth (regeneration, rekindling, renewal) "having
been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the
WORD OF GOD which lives and abides forever." [1 Peter 1. 23] And the
blessing for those who are twice born: YESHUA, the GOOD SHEPHERD
pastures and "HE gathers HIS lambs in HIS arms, and carries them in HIS
bosom." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 40. 10 - 11 Tanakh, Nevi'im] AS WE OBEY and
serve our WONDERFUL SAVIOR & LORD, our days prosper and our years are
full of pleasure, contentment and exceeding joy at HIS right hand
forevermore. [Job/Iyob 36. 11; Psalms/Tehillym 16. 11] Go forward with
excessive joy and be lead with peace, mercy and love.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Be blessed as you choose not to react naturally, but to respond
supernaturally through the resources of the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD
within…to this we are called. To GOD be all glory, honor and
praise!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Mercy and wrath both come from the LORD; and HIS displeasure rests upon
sinners.

IN THE BEGINNING
"MY oWN hand founded the earth, MY right hand spread out the heavens.
When I call to them, they stand up together." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 48. 13
Tanakh, Nevi'im]

This SCRIPTURE passage not only tells us that GOD is the CREATOR OF
HEAVEN & EARTH, but also that HE created them instantly and
simultaneously. Creation was not a "process" — but an amazing and
miraculous event! ALMIGHTY GOD, the GREAT FASHIONER & MASTER DESIGNER
simply spoke them into being.

This is the testimony of the incomparable account of creation in
Genesis— "In the beginning ELOHIYM created heaven and earth."
[Genesis (Bereshith) 1. 1 Tanakh, Torah] Creation of all things was an
event completed in the past. . . in its beginning. Who else could
create, but the HOLY ONE OF HEAVEN, for by the greatness of HIS might
and the strength of HIS power, all things exist.

The Psalmist harmonizes: "By the WORD OF THE LORD the heavens were
made, by the breath of HIS mouth, all their host...for HE spoke, and it
was; HE commanded, and it endured." [Psalms (Tehillym) 33. 6, 9 Tanakh,
Kethuvim] "Let the heavens praise the NAME OF THE LORD, for it was HE
WHO commanded and they were created. HE made them endure forever,
establishing an order that shall never change." [Psalms (Tehillym) 148.
5 - 6 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

When the EXALTED ONE, blessed be HE, called a thing into existence, it
happened. When HE called for the heavens, the earth and all that HE
made were just as HE said. "And ELOHIYM saw all that HE had made, and
found it very good. And there was evening and there was morning (a
24-hour day; evening/morning each of the days of creation week) the
sixth day." [Genesis (Bereshith) 1. 31 Tanakh, Torah] The seventh day,
the MASTER DESIGNER rested, this is the only day "evening and morning"
are deliberately omitted because the LOVING ETERNAL CREATOR knows we
will find eternal rest in HIM alone.

OMNISCIENT GOD created the heavens and the earth and all that was needed
in six days, not millions or even thousands of years; nor did anything
evolve or develop on its own! "In six days the LORD made heaven and
earth and sea and all that is in them." [Exodus (Shemot) 20. 11 Tanakh,
Torah]

It is very important to recognize the recent creation of all things, GOD
SAID SO and no GOD-fearing person should ever compromise any of HIS HOLY
WORD. The REVEALED WORD of our blessed LORD GOD, WHO alone is TRUTH, is
stupendous and fascinating beyond words, and should be our primary
concern. HIS LIFE-GIVING WORD transcends and outshines all theories or
arguments of men.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Exalted and hallowed be GOD'S greatness in this world of YOUR creation.
May YOUR will be fulfilled and YOUR SOVEREIGNTY revealed in the days of
our lifetime and the life of the whole House of Israel speedily and in
our time, Amen May YOU be blessed forever, even to all eternity. May
YOU, MOST HOLY ONE, be blessed, praised & honored, extolled & glorified,
adored & exalted above all else. Blessed are YOU, ALMIGHTY LORD beyond
all blessings & hymns, praises & consolations that may be uttered in
this world, Amen. May peace abundant descend from heaven with life for
us and to all Israel, Amen.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Even when the HIGH & LOFTY GOD OF HEAVEN says nothing, some men turn it
into something.

WHEN GOD HAS NOT SPOKEN
"I did not send those prophets, but they rushed in; I did not speak to
them, yet they prophesied. IF they had stood in MY counsel, let them
announce MY WORDS to MY people and make them turn from their evil way
and wicked acts and return to ME — says the LORD." [Jeremiah
(Yirmeyah) 23. 21 - 22 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Today, as in times past, there are self-proclaimed prophets who say they
are bring "a word to you" and prefix it with "thus says the LORD."
Since there are three voices we can hear from...the ALMIGHTY CREATOR,
ones own spirit, and Satan — it is vitally imperative that you are
able to "discern the source" of the message. The question that we
should ask is, Where did this message come from?

ALMIGHTY GOD'S MESSAGE: "Who has marked HIS WORD and heard it? He who
has stood in the council of the LORD, and seen, and heard HIS WORD —
he who has listened to HIS WORD must obey and announce it." [Jeremiah
(Yirmeyah) 23. 18 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "I did not send those prophets, but
they rushed in; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied. IF they
have stood in MY counsel, let them announce MY WORDS to MY people, and
make them turned back from their evil ways and wicked acts — says
the LORD." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 23. 21 – 22 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
"I have heard what the prophets say, who prophesy falsely in MY
NAME— I had a dream, I had a dream.— How long will there be in
the minds of the prophets who prophesy falsehood — the prophets of
their own deceitful minds — the plan to make MY people forget MY
NAME, by means of the dreams which they tell each other." [Jeremiah
(Yirmeyah) 23. 25 - 26 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "Assuredly, I am going to deal
with the prophets —declares the LORD— who steal MY WORDS from
one another, who wag their tongues and make oracular utterances. I am
going to deal with those who prophesy lying dreams, who relate them to
lead MY people astray with their reckless lies, when I did not send them
or command them. They do this people no good —declares the LORD."
[Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 23. 30 - 32 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

PERSONAL IMAGINATION or SATAN'S LIE: A message from an individual
originates in himself and focuses the attention on himself, causing him
to appear more spiritual than others. It is words for people who have
itchy ears. Hananiah brought a message the people wanted to hear. GOD
OMNIPOTENT concluded, "Listen, Hananiah! YEHOWAH did not sent you, and
you have given this people lying assurances. Assuredly, thus said the
LORD: I am going to banish you from off the face of the earth. This year
you shall die, for you have urged disloyalty (taught rebellion) to the
LORD." [Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 28. 1 - 17] There was also a "lying spirit"
in the mouth of all the prophets of King Ahab. [1 Kings/Melakhim Alef
22. 23]

A worthless prophet will "lead MY people (Israel) astray."
[Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 23. 13] "The prophets of Jerusalem are something
horrifying: adultery and false dealing. They encourage evildoers, so
that no one turns back from his wickedness." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 23. 14
Tanakh, Nevi'im] "Thus said the LORD OF HOSTS: Do not listen to the
words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are deluding you, the
prophecies they speak are from their own minds, not from the mouth of
the LORD." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 23. 16 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "They declare
to men who despise ME —the LORD has said— All shall be well with
you. — And to all who follow their willful hearts they say— No
evil shall befall you." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 23. 17 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

In the NEW COVENANT, the Apostle Paul said, "Let two or three prophets
speak, and let the others JUDGE." [1 Corinthians 14. 29] We desperately
need to be able to discern the source of a message. When the TRUE &
LIVING GOD does speak, we should hear and obey promptly. When a message
is of man or from the Adversary (enemy), we need to recognize the source
and not get caught up in their lie and be deceived. For many "evil men
and impostors" will become embolden, and they "will grow worse and
worse, deceiving and being deceived." [2 Timothy 3. 13] Let us take
heart, the MERCIFUL & LOVING LORD GOD we serve knows what is ahead and
has forewarned us in HIS foreknowledge of our time and has prophetically
written in HIS WORD. "Indeed, my LORD YEHOWAH does nothing without
first having revealed HIS purpose (secret) to HIS servants, the
prophets." [Amos (Amus) 3. 7 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "No longer do I call you
servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I
have called you friends, for all things that I heard from MY FATHER, I
have made known to you." [John 15. 15] Stay alert, for such a time as
this. . .lest you be deceived!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
MOST HOLY LORD, continue to impart YOUR blessing upon us. Teach us to
seek YOU evermore within the sanctuary of our souls, within the
tabernacle of YOUR world, and in the congregation of YOUR worshipers.
Our greatest joy is to praise, honor and glory to YESHUA, the FAITHFUL &
TRUE WITNESS — the LIGHT OF THE WORLD!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
GOD chooses what we go through; we choose how we go through it.

GOLDEN LAMPSTAND
"You shall make a lampstand of pure gold; the lampstand shall be made of
hammered work; its base and its shaft, its cups, calyxes and petals
shall be of ONE PIECE. Six branches shall issue from its sides; three
branches from one side of the lampstand, and three branches from the
other side of the lampstand." [Exodus (Shemot) 25. 31 - 32 Tanakh,
Torah]

The seven-branch lampstand is a picture of the Seven-Lamps before the
Throne in heaven. "And from the throne proceeded lightnings,
thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the
throne, which are the SEVEN SPIRITS OF GOD." [Revelation 4. 5] Moses
was told to make the Tabernacle and its furnishings "according to the
pattern" he was shown for they served as copies and shadows of heavenly
things. [Exodus/Shemot 25. 9; Hebrews 8. 5]

The Hebrew word "menorah" means "place of light" — a lampstand. The
TRUE & LIVING GOD instructed the children of Israel to make it of one
block of pure gold. There was no wood in this Lampstand at all. Gold
is symbolic of DIVINITY and wood of humanity. CREATOR GOD, not man, is
the AUTHOR OF LIGHT. The LORD JESUS is "THE MENORAH." YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH is the LIGHT OF THE WORLD, the LIGHT OF THE JEWS, the LIGHT
OF THE GENTILES [Luke 2. 32; John 1. 9; 8. 12], and the LIGHT in the New
City coming down out of heaven. In the Holy City no light from the sun,
moon or stars are needed because "the LAMB is the LIGHT." [Revelation
21. 23]

The Golden Lampstand, symbolic of spiritual light and understanding,
stood in the Holy Place. One must come into the Holy Place with GOD,
the KING ETERNAL, and walk by HIS LIGHT in order to enjoy fellowship
with HIM. No service in the natural light is acceptable to the FATHER
OF LIGHT for "the natural man does not receive the things of the SPIRIT
OF GOD, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because
they are spiritually discerned." [1 Corinthians 2. 14]

The Menorah was not made in a mold or fashioned in sections then
connected together; but it was beaten into shape outside of the Holy
Place, then brought inside. The LORD JESUS, WHO is the LIGHT OF THE
WORLD, was found "in fashion as a MAN" — HE received the hammer of
ALMIGHTY GOD'S judgment upon HIM for the sins of the world outside of
Heaven. It was outside of the City of Jerusalem that YESHUA endured the
suffering on Calvary's Cross. Through HIS sufferings, PRINCE OF PEACE
was "made perfect" [Hebrews 2. 10], and then was received up into Heaven
(the Holy Place). [Hebrews 9. 24] "Ought not the CHRIST to have
suffered these things and to enter into HIS glory?" [Luke 24. 26]
Noteworthy Comment: On earth, the LORD JESUS was not permitted to enter
the Holy Place for HE was not a Levite; the MESSIAH was of the tribe of
Judah.

The pure gold represents a DIVINE nature; beaten gold signifies DIVINE
workmanship. For the children of the LORD OF HOSTS, this would mean the
renewing of our minds, beaten into shape. "The words YOU inscribed give
light and grant understanding to the simple." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119.
130 Tanakh, Kethuvim] We are to be renewed in the spirit of our mind
[Ephesians 4. 23] the way the SPIRIT OF GOD renews our mind to think
like MESSIAH YESHUA in HIS humility. "The SPIRIT OF THE LORD shall rest
upon HIM; the SPIRIT OF WISDOM & INSIGHT, the SPIRIT OF COUNSEL & VALOR,
the SPIRIT OF KNOWLEDGE, DEVOTION & REVERENCE for the LORD." [Isaiah
(Yeshayah) 11. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

The HOLY GOD OF HEAVEN is very specific concerning the form of this
article of furniture even to the bud, knop, flower, and every branch;
but HE does not give any measurement to it. The OMNISCIENT ONE has as
much purpose in omitting instructions as HE does including them in HIS
INSTRUCTIVE WORD. There is no measure or dimensions given for the
Menorah. There is no measure to light! Light is limitless, without
measure or dimension; so the LORD JESUS in HIS light, love, truth, grace
and mercy is matchless and limitless.

The six branches were to come "out of the sides" of the Lampstand. It
was on the sixth day that man was created. Six is the number that
signifies man and man's working day, it is an incomplete number. The
six branches coming out of the sides of the Central Shaft are a very
part of the Central Shaft which symbolizes the HOLY & RIGHTEOUS GOD.
Therefore, each branch is a picture of man coming out of GOD, born of
HIM ...from HIS thigh.

The Hebrew word for shaft is "yarek" which literally means to be soft,
thigh (the fruitful parts), the seat of life. The six branches joined
together with the Central Branch make seven which is the perfect number.
We are complete in YESHUA ha'MASHIACH. The six branches represent the
CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD. The LORD JESUS hung upon Golgotha's Cross and
from HIS side there flowed a stream of blood and water which gives life
to those who come to HIM and are a part of HIM. We, the Church —
HIS people, come "out of the side" of the CENTRAL BRANCH and from the
thigh of the CENTRAL SHAFT!

JESUS, the ANOINTED REDEEMER said, "I am the VINE, you are the branches.
Whoever abides in ME, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without ME
(severed from ME) you can do nothing." [John 15. 5] Severed from the
CENTRAL FIGURE, we cannot stand in the Holy Place; but, we are joined to
HIM, made possible by HIS wonderful sacrifice and HIS resurrection from
the dead. HalleluYAH!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
As we bid farewell to Sabbath, our prayer is the LIVING FOUNTAIN refresh
and sustain each of you, our cherished friends. May the LIGHT of the
HOLY ONE, blessed be HE, fill your up-coming week with a yearning desire
to submit to HIS inscrutable will and give you strength for your daily
tasks. May some of the sweetness of Sabbath be a part of each day as
you share the knowledge of wisdom of the LOVING MASTER with others.
Tov Shavua — have a good week!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
If you have, hold on to it; if you know, be silent; if you can, do!

CUSTOMS — BRITH MILAH
"GOD further said to Abraham— As for you, you and your offspring to
come throughout the ages shall keep MY covenant. Such shall be the
covenant between ME and you and your offspring to follow which you shall
keep: every male among you shall be circumcised. You shall circumcise
the flesh of your foreskin, and that shall be the sign of the covenant
between ME and you. And throughout the generations, every male among you
shall be circumcised at the age of eight days. As for the home born
slave and the one bought from an outsider who is not of your offspring,
they must be circumcised, home born and purchased alike. Thus shall MY
covenant be marked in your flesh for an everlasting pact. And if any
male who is uncircumcised fails to circumcise the flesh of his foreskin,
that person shall be cut off from his kin; he has broken MY covenant."
[Genesis (Bereshith) 17. 9 - 14 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Brith (bris or berith — means to bind, bond, obligation, cutting)
Milah (Covenant of Circumcision) is the Abrahamic Covenant, which is the
basis of Judaism and CHRISTianity, is the most marvelous document in
existence. Every Jewish boy today, when eight days old, is circumcised
according to the commandment. This practice, which is 4,000 years old,
is still held in high esteem by all Jews.

"Brith Milah" is a great celebration which takes place in the home where
relatives, friends, and neighbors have gathered. When the child is
carried in for circumcision, he is greeted with the familiar Hebrew
phrase: "Bruch haBah (Blessed is he that comes)." Attending the
ceremony, according to custom, there is always the invisible guest,
Elijah. The infant is placed upon Elijah's Chair just before the
operation. This, the Jews believe, insures the child's health and
promotes quick healing. At every circumcision, Elijah is supposed to be
seated at the right hand of the "sandek (one who holds the infant during
the operation)" — and the words "Zehu Kisei Eliyahu (This is the
Chair of Elijah)" must be said in a loud voice.

The one who performs the operation of circumcision, called by the Hebrew
term "Mohel" is so expert in this operation that no surgeon can compete
with him in his performance or in the safeguarding of the life and
health of the baby.

Part of the ceremony is naming the boy, which is done immediately after
the circumcision. The Ashkenazic Jews usually name the child after some
near relative who has passed away; whereas the Sephardic custom is to
name the child in honour of a living relative. This is an old custom
and is intended to keep family memories alive. When the boy is named
after the circumcision, he enters into the Covenant (Brith) and becomes
an inheritor of everything connected with it.

When the "CHILD born" and the "SON given" of Isaiah's prophecy
[Isaiah/Yeshayah 9. 6] was eight days old, Miryam (Mary) observed this
ceremony for HIM: "And when eight days were completed for the
circumcision of the CHILD, HIS NAME was called YESHUA (JESUS), the name
given by the angel before HE was conceived in the womb." [Luke 2. 21]

YESHUA, being a Jew "according to the flesh" — was subjected to
every law and commandment of GOD given to Israel in order to finish or
fulfill the OLD COVENANT and establish the NEW. For circumcision of the
flesh is a type and shadow of a greater experience of the heart. The
operation of circumcision signifies the cutting off the old creation
— the eighth day is the "morrow after the Sabbath" — the day of
Resurrection, the day of the new creation!

OMNISCIENT HOLY GOD does not establish the fact of a person's Jewishness
from the outward manifestation, but HE recognizes the TRUE JEW from the
condition of the INNER MAN! HE commanded the Israelites: "Circumcise,
therefore, the foreskin about your heartS, and stiffen your necks no
more." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 10. 16 Tanakh, Torah]

When Nicodemus, a religious leader of the Jews, a Pharisee, came to
MESSIAH YESHUA by night to inquire concerning the way to heaven, YESHUA
answered, "You must be born again." [John 3. 7] The OLD COVENANT was
sealed with circumcision of the flesh; the NEW COVENANT is sealed with
the new birth or circumcision of the heart. Here, circumcision was
inferred to be the mark of death upon the Adam life. With the natural
man there is no power to love ALMIGHTY CREATOR GOD with all the heart,
soul, and strength; but the LORD promised a spiritual birth which would
make this possible: "Then the LORD your GOD will circumcise your heart
and the heart of your offspring, to love the LORD your GOD with all your
heart and soul, in order that you may live." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 30.
6 Tanakh, Torah]

The new birth takes place when "with the heart man believes unto
righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation"
[Romans 10. 10] — when an individual makes a turn-about-face to GOD
MOST HIGH, to forsake his sins and accept the righteousness of GOD in
YESHUA ha'MASHIACH. The heart is circumcised, the old law is cut away,
and a new law takes its place. The ordinances rituals, ceremonies,
sacrifices under the OLD COVENANT are fulfilled, finished, done away in
the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL, the DELIVERER WHO has come out of Zion —
JESUS OF NAZARETH, the SON OF THE LIVING GOD!

"And you are complete in HIM, WHO is the HEAD of all principality and
power. In HIM you were also circumcised with the circumcision made
without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the
circumcision of MESSIAH (CHRIST JESUS)." [Colossians 1. 10 - 11]

Oh, my Jewish people, do you pride yourself that you are a Jew and that
you have obeyed the commandment of HOLY LORD GOD under the OLD COVENANT?
Listen to the words of Jeremiah, your own Jewish prophet, who wrote by
the inspiration of the SPIRIT OF GOD: "Lo, days are coming —
declares the LORD — when I will punish all WHO ARE CIRCUMCISED with
the UNCIRCUMCISED — Egypt, Judah, Edom, the people of Ammon, Moab,
and all who are in the farthest corners, who dwell in the wilderness.
For all these nations are UNCIRCUMCISED, and all the House of Israel are
UNCIRCUMCISED OF HEART (their minds are blocked to GOD'S
commandments) ." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 9. 25 – 26 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

GOD OMNIPOTENT does not recognize circumcision of the flesh above the
new birth. Jew and Gentile alike are commanded to obey "you must be
born again." Jews and Gentiles need an operation to cut away the
foreskin of their heart in order to enter into the KINGDOM OF GOD. It
does not matter if one is born a natural Jew; he does not merit heaven
by that fact; he is not even known as a TRUE Jew by GOD HIMSELF until
his heart is changed, until he repents of his sins and accepts as his
MESSIAH REDEEMER, the LORD JESUS CHRIST!

"For in CHRIST JESUS neither circumcision nor un-circumcision avails
anything, but a new creation." [Galatians 6. 15] "For he is not a Jew
who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the
flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of
the heart, in the spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from
men but from GOD." [Romans 2. 28 - 29]

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Welcome Sabbath — Queen of the week! Joyously welcoming Sabbath
Presence.
May the LORD GOD enlighten us with HIS wisdom and sustain us with HIS
power. For the TORAH, for the privilege of worship, for the prophets,
and for this Sabbath Day, given us for sanctification and rest, for
honor and for glory, let us thank and bless the LORD our GOD.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Religion is not what offends the majority, it is the holiness of
Almighty God.

POWERFUL WORD
"And they were astonished at HIS (YESHUA) teaching, for HIS WORD was
with authority (power)." [Luke 4. 32]

The WORD OF GOD is indeed full of power, whether it is spoken by MESSIAH
YESHUA or written in HOLY SCRIPTURE. There are many and varied physical
similarities used to characterize and emphasize its power. "This is the
WORD OF THE LORD: Not by might, nor by power, but by MY SPIRIT —
said the LORD OF HOSTS." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 4. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Consider these SCRIPTURAL PASSAGES: "Behold, MY WORD is like fire —
declares the LORD — and like a hammer that shatters rock!" [Jeremiah
(Yirmeyah) 23. 29 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Then when Jeremiah became weary of
the negative reaction against his preaching he said, "I thought— I
will not mention HIM, no more will I speak in HIS NAME.— But HIS
WORD was like a raging fire in my heart, shut up in my bones; I could
not hold it in, I was helpless." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 20. 9 Tanakh,
Nevi'im] "Assuredly, thus says the LORD, the GOD OF HOSTS: Because you
said that, I am putting MY WORDS into your mouth as fire, and this
people shall be firewood, that will consume them." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah)
5. 14 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

GOD'S WORD is also called a SHARP SWORD brandished by the HOLY SPIRIT.
"HE made my mouth like a sharpened sword; HE hid me in the shadow of HIS
hand, and HE made me like a polished arrow; HE concealed me in HIS
quiver." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 49. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im] As part of the
spiritual armor of those redeemed by the LORD, we are urged to utilize
"the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, which is the WORD OF GOD" [Ephesians 6. 17],
so we can "fight the good fight of faith" thus "lay hold on eternal
life." [1 Timothy 6. 12] "For the WORD OF GOD is living and powerful,
and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of
soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the
thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from
HIS sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of HIM to WHOM
we must give account." [Hebrews 4. 12 - 13]

The PRECIOUS HOLY WORD OF GOD is, more significantly, compared to light
which is the most essential form of energy, force, or power. "YOUR WORD
is a lamp to my feet, a light to my path." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 105
Tanakh, Kethuvim] "The exposition of YOUR WORD gives light, and grants
understanding to the simple." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 130 Tanakh,
Kethuvim] Our INIMITABLE (unique, one-and-only) CREATOR'S first
recorded words were, "Let there be light." [Genesis (Bereshith) 1. 3
Tanakh, Torah]

No power anywhere can compare to the power of the WORDS of the HOLY ONE
WHO is HIMSELF the LIVING WORD OF GOD, the LORD YESHUA OF NAZARETH; for
HE is the ONE "WHO being the brightness of HIS glory and the EXPRESS
IMAGE of HIS PERSON, upholds all things by the WORD OF HIS POWER, when
HE had by HIMSELF purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the
MAJESTY ON HIGH." [Hebrews 1. 3] How GREAT is our GOD!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Praised are YOU, O LORD GOD, for great is YOUR love for us and YOUR
compassion boundless. Be gracious to us that we may understand and
fulfill the teachings of YOUR REVERED WORD. Enlighten our eyes in YOUR
Law that we may cling to YOUR commandments. Thank YOU for YOUR saving
power, for from YOU comes our help. Draw us nearer to YOU to serve YOU
in faithfulness. Joyfully, we lift our voices and proclaim YOUR PRECIOUS
NAME.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Wisdom should not make you feel full, but fill you with hunger.

WARNING!!!
"HE (YESHUA, the SON OF MAN) will say to those on HIS left hand—
Depart from ME, you cursed, into the Everlasting Fire prepared for the
devil and his angels." [Matthew 25. 41]

The REDEEMER of all ages, MESSIAH YESHUA, WHO taught the importance of
love and forgiveness, spoke these words. In fact, the LORD JESUS had
more to say about hell and eternal punishment than any other speaker or
writer in the HOLY SCRIPTURES. This JESUS, WHO is the PRECIOUS CREATOR
GOD [Colossians 1. 16], the Soon-Coming JUDGE [John 5. 22], and the only
MAN WHO died and is risen from the dead [2 Corinthians 5. 14-15], we
would do well to believe HIS warnings.

CHRIST JESUS, the SAVIOR, has marked and noted the warnings well.
Consider a few of the prophecies: "So it will be at the end of the age.
The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and
cast the wicked into the furnace of fire. THERE WILL BE WAILING AND
GNASHING OF TEETH." [Matthew 13. 49 - 50] "If your eye makes you sin,
pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the KINGDOM OF GOD with one
eye, than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire — where their
WORM DOES NOT DIE AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED." [Mark 9. 47 - 48]
And, there are so many more words of warning. But, how can we reconcile
such threats of doom with CHRIST'S OWN character of love?

The answer: Hell was prepared for Satan and his angels, not for people.
The devil is a hostile rebel and has been against ALMIGHTY GOD since the
beginning, wanting to be like GOD MOST HIGH [Isaiah/Yeshayah 14. 12 -
15], — and worshipped as such. When people follow Satan in this
same rebellious path, rejecting GOD'S WRITTEN HOLY WORD, they are
showing that they would prefer to be with the devil rather than with the
LOVING MESSIAH YESHUA throughout eternity. JESUS, the MASTER OF MERCY
& TRUTH loves us all the way to hell. However, HIS great love will not
keep us out of hell if we do not come to GOD HIS WAY, which is through
YESHUA, our only INTERCESSOR & REDEEMER. Therefore, the ETERNAL ONE ,
blessed be HE, has repeatedly warned of what is coming. . . and we must
heed that warning.

"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the KINGDOM OF
GOD? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor
adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, not thieves, not covetous,
nor drunkards, nor revilers (scoffer, insult, berate, despise), nor
extortioners will inherit the KINGDOM OF GOD." [1 Corinthians 6. 9 - 10]
"The cowardly, unbelieving, sinners, abominable, murderers, sexually
immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in
the Lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second
death." [Revelation 21. 8] "Outside are dogs and sorcerers and
sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and
practices a lie." [Revelation 22. 15]

May we exemplify our love to the LORD OF GLORY and thank HIM for what HE
has done to redeem us by obeying all that HE has commanded us to do for
our good, and HIS glory. Obedience is the fruit of praise and the key
to our relationship with the OMNIPOTENT MAJESTIC CREATOR, our ETERNAL
HOPE & EXCEEDINGLY GREAT REWARD.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh, (Holy, Holy, Holy)
ADONAI ELOHIYM SHADDAI (LORD GOD ALMIGHTY)
Asher Hayah Vahoveh Vay'vo (WHO was and is and is to come!)

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
When you fulfill CREATOR GOD'S commands, you are actively demonstrating
honor for HIM.

KEEPING THE LAW
"Whoever looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and
is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be
blessed in what he does." [James 1. 25]

There are many things mentioned in the Law of the ALMIGHTY ONE that must
be remembered and never forgotten. "MY son, do not forget MY Law
(teaching), but let your mind retain MY commandments. " [Proverbs
(Mishle) 3. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "You shall faithfully observe all the
INSTRUCTIONS that I enjoin upon you today that you may live and increase
and be able to possess the land that the LORD promised on oath to your
fathers." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 8. 1 Tanakh, Torah]

Again from Deuteronomy, the BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE, Moses continually
instructed GOD'S people to "Remember, Never Forget." [Deuteronomy
(Devarim) 9. 7 Tanakh, Torah] "Take utmost care and watch yourselves
scrupulously, so that you do not forget the things that you saw with
your own eyes and so that they do not fade from your heart and mind as
long as you live. And make them known to your children and your
children's children." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 4. 9 Tanakh, Torah] "Take
care then, not to forget the covenant that the LORD your GOD concluded
with you, and not to make for yourselves a carved image in any likeness,
against which the LORD your GOD has forbidden you." [Deuteronomy
(Devarim) 4. 23 Tanakh, Torah] "Take heed! Do not forget the LORD WHO
freed you and brought you out of the land of Egypt, the house of
bondage. Revere only the LORD your GOD and worship HIM alone, and swear
only by HIS NAME. Do not follow other gods, any gods of the people about
you - for the LORD your GOD in your midst is a QANNA (jealous,
impassioned) GOD — lest the anger of the LORD your GOD blaze forth
against you and HE wipe you off the face of the earth. Do not tempt the
LORD your GOD...keep the commandments, decrees, and laws that the LORD
your GOD enjoined upon you." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 6. 12 - 17 Tanakh,
Torah]

Then in the NEW COVENANT, Peter warns those who were in danger of
becoming forgetful hearers of the WORD OF GOD: "Beloved, I now write to
you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by
way of reminder) that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken
before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles
of the LORD and SAVIOR, knowing this first — that scoffers will come
in the last days, walking according to their own lusts." [2 Peter 3. 1 -
3]

Believers must remember the PURE WORD in order to counter the teaching
of the false prophets, false teachers, and scoffers who would bring in
damnable heresies. "For this reason I will not be negligent to remind
you always of these things, though you know and are established in the
present truth." [2 Peter 1. 12]

Destruction comes on those who forget the HOLY ONE'S INSTRUCTIONS, "MY
people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected
knowledge and obedience, I reject you as MY priest; because you have
spurned the teaching and forgotten the Law of your GOD. I in turn, will
spurn and forget your children. The more they increased, the more they
sinned against ME; I will change their dignity and glory into shame and
dishonor." [Hosea (Hoshea) 4. 6 - 7 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

David, king of Israel declared, "I study and meditate on YOUR precepts,
I contemplate and regard YOUR ways. I take delight in YOUR Laws; I will
not neglect nor forget YOUR WORD." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 15 - 16
Tanakh, Kethuvim] O, that we ever delight in the LAW OF THE LORD and
constantly meditate and reflect on it — "Give me understanding that
I may observe YOUR teaching and keep it wholeheartedly. Lead me in the
path of YOUR commandments, for that is my delight." [Psalms (Tehillym)
119. 34 - 35 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
May that be our prayer each day!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
CREATOR of the Universe, we come before YOU to praise and extol YOUR
greatness and goodness. YOU, LORD GOD, are the FOUNTAIN from which all
blessings flow. In all the experiences of life, we recognize that YOUR
guiding hand establishes our work and that YOUR love lifts our lives to
nobler effort. May the inspiration of this day strengthen our faith in
YOU. Purify our spirits that in our daily tasks we may be conscious of
YOUR PRESENCE. Continue to bestow YOUR benediction on us and teach us to
seek YOU ever more . Help us to live that when we have gathered our
final harvest, many shall rise up with us to magnify and bless YOUR
MOST-PRECIOUS NAME.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
He who bears no cross deserves no crown.

NO EXCUSE
When men stand before the RIGHTEOUS GOD OF HEAVEN for judgment there is
nothing they can say to accuse the MOST HOLY ONE of injustice for their
punishment. Our INFINITE LOVING MASTER has done everything conceivable
to bring us to repentance. Certainly HIS wonders and works are far
above our imaginations:

No one will be able to say — "But GOD, if YOU had walked with us in
a perfect environment and told us your will we would have believed and
obeyed."
Because HE did and they didn't. The MASTER CREATOR placed Adam and Eve
in the Garden of Eden and told them not to eat of the Tree of the
Knowledge of Good & Evil, with the warning that they would die the day
they disobeyed. But they ate of it anyway.

No one will be able to say — "But GOD, if YOU had withdrawn from our
midst and allowed us to do our own thing but been willing to walk with
us as we sought to walk with YOU, and speak to us by those who chose to
be near YOU, we would have naturally wanted to do good. We would have
obeyed YOU and we would have done good because that is our nature."
Because HE did and they didn't. From the time GOD drove Adam and Eve
out of the Garden of Eden, HE allowed people to do as they pleased. The
ETERNAL ONE walked with them as they desired to walk with HIM. Enoch
walked with GOD and GOD took him home. The rest became so evil that the
RIGHTEOUS JUDGE had to send a great flood to cleans the earth of all
mankind except Noah and his sons and their wives.

No one will be able to say — "But GOD, if YOU had made a great
example of YOUR great displeasure with evil, then allowed us to do our
own thing, we would have walked with YOU in obedience out of fear since
it is our nature to do good and not evil."
Because the EVERLASTING KING did and they didn't. GOD drove Adam and
Eve out of the Garden of Eden after they ate of the forbidden fruit.
Then, because of the great wickedness of mankind upon the earth, GOD
sent the Great Flood to express HIS great displeasure with evil. Again
men failed to follow the SOVEREIGN LORD and went their own way to
disobey. They built the Tower of Babel in their pursuits of idolatry.
They continued in their evil pursuits growing worse and worse.
Eventually the HOLY & RIGHTEOUS ONE had to divide them up by confusing
their languages. They scattered over the face of the earth and continued
to get worse until HE was forced to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because
of the cry that came up to Heaven from the wickedness of mankind.
Even the Canaanites were not destroyed until Israel was brought out of
Egypt, because the wickedness of the Amorites was not yet full. Then the
LORD GOD instructed Israel to destroy the inhabitants of that land. They
continued to grow worse, even though Abraham had lived in their midst as
"a prophet of GOD" — and they had been instructed in the way of
truth.

No one will be able to say — "But GOD if YOU had chosen a peculiar
people and used them as an example to us by blessing them when they did
right and punishing them when they did wrong, we would have watched and
learned from their experience and we would have acknowledged and obeyed
YOU."
Because HE did and they would not. ALMIGHTY GOD called Abraham and his
descendants to be a "light to the Gentiles" -- and blessed them when
they followed HIM faithfully, and punished them when they refused to
follow HIM. Still the nations looking on did not acknowledge the GREAT
GOD OF HEAVEN to obey HIS ways. Instead, they persuaded Israel to
disobey and then took advantage of them when the LOVING RULER punished
them.

No one will be able to say — "But GOD, if YOU had come to earth as a
man and demonstrated how you wanted us to obey YOUR Laws we would have
seen and believed."
Because HE did and they didn't. GOD came down in the PERSON of YESHUA
(JESUS) and demonstrated perfectly what HE wanted HIS people to do. They
nailed HIM to the cross and killed the SAVIOR, the MESSIAH, the WORD
made flesh.

No one will be able to say — "But GOD, if YOU had set a people out
of every nation, kindred and tongue as lights in the world to show YOUR
Will for mankind, we would have listened to them because they would be
part of us and speak our language and understand our problems."
Because HE did and they did not. The EVERLASTING ONE established the
Church as the "Light of the world" and as the "Salt of the earth." Yet
they martyred the Saints and tried to stamp out any evidence of THE WAY
to which the Church pointed. They chose to say that all was the result
of accidental process of evolution; and in choosing to believe the lie,
they refuse to acknowledge that the GOD OF TRUTH created everything and
will some day call every person to give account for the choices they
have made.

No one will be able to say — "But GOD, if YOU had expressed YOUR
wrath in such a way that no one could fail to know it was from YOU, we
would have realized the extreme terribleness of our ways and we would
have repented and come to YOU in humility to learn and obey."
Because the LORD GOD will have done it and they continue to refuse.
The LORD OF GLORY will send the plagues of the Great Tribulation and
destroy the earth, and men will curse and blaspheme HIM because of their
pains, but they will refuse to repent of their wickedness.

No one will able to say — "But GOD, if you had taken direct control
and set up YOUR OWN government and reigned on the earth personally to
guide us where we would not be allowed to do wrong. And, if YOU had
removed temptation from us we would have obeyed cheerfully and followed
YOU eagerly, we would have been glad to be YOUR people and accept YOU as
our GOD."
Because HE will have done it and they still won't. The LORD JESUS will
reign a Thousand Years of Perfect Government, Satan will be bound and
unable to influence men at all. There will be universal peace even
extending to the animal kingdom. Then when the Thousand Years are over,
Satan will be released to influence whoever he can. He will gather an
army of rebels so great that no one will be able to number them.

MESSIAH YESHUA, the ANOINTED ONE, has paid the price for your sin and HE
asks only that you accept that GREAT SACRIFICE and come to HIM in
repentance to find mercy. What else can the MOST HOLY AWESOME GOD do to
show HIS faithful justice, holiness, mercy, righteousness, grace, and
love? ALMIGHTY GOD, has done enough for anyone wise enough to want to
know.

There is no excuse for anyone who rejects what the TRUE & LIVING GOD has
revealed and offered. Judgment is coming! Be wise, seek the truth
today before it is too late. Now is the acceptable time, today is the
day of salvation!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Shalom U'Vrakah (Peace & Blessings) . . . to all who love Zion! The
LORD GOD be with you this day and always!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
You can't make ten when there isn't one to start with.

CUSTOMS — BURIAL & MOURNING (conclusion)
The prophets of the OLD COVENANT (TANAKH) SCRIPTURES knew that
ultimately there would be an end to the grave and that there would be a
bodily resurrection of the dead. They looked forward to the coming of
the MESSIAH WHO would , by HIS vicarious death, provide the means of
redemption from sin and death for those who will believe. Those who
accept GOD'S FREE GIFT, are freed from eternal death and will
participate with resurrection bodies in the glorious MESSIANIC REIGN
which will yet be seen on this earth. This era will be inaugurated at
MESSIAH'S second coming in power and glory. OMNIPOTENT GOD'S ultimate
purpose of a world of perfect beings in fellowship with HIMSELF forever,
will then be fulfilled!

How may we receive the gift of eternal life with GOD? We read: "For GOD
so loved the world that HE gave HIS ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON, that whoever
believes in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life." [John 3.
16] "He who believes in HIM is not condemned." [John 3. 18] "And this
is the will of HIM who sent ME, that everyone who sees the SON and
believes in HIM may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at
the last day." [John 6. 40]

Daniel, the Jewish prophet, spoke of this resurrection day — "Many
of those who sleep in the dust of the earth WILl awake, some to eternal
life, others to shame and reproach, to everlasting contempt and
abhorrence. Those who are wise will be radiant like the brightness of
the firmament, and those who lead the many to righteousness will be like
the stars forever and ever." [Daniel (Danyel) 12. 2 – 3 Tanakh,
Kethuvim]

How important it is that we experience the resurrection to everlasting
life, and that we not be among those awakening to shame and everlasting
contempt. Those who refuse MOST HOLY GOD'S FREE GIFT of eternal life
with HIM, made possible in YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, have nothing to look
forward to but the ultimate resurrection to eternal separation from
ALMIGHTY GOD, which is also called hell. Why anyone would choose this,
is difficult to understand.

The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH took death and neutralized it, made it
devoid of its power so that now it is unable to hurt those who believe
in HIM. HIS death on the Altar of Calvary was the death of Death!
YESHUA, the ANOINTED REDEEMER died that we might live; because HE died,
we will never die! The LORD JESUS said at the tomb of Lazarus: "I am
the RESURRECTION and the LIFE. He who believes in ME, though he may die
(before HIS return), he shall live. And whoever lives (at the time of
HIS return) and believes in Me shall never die." [John 11. 25 - 26]
"Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the
dead will hear the voice of the SON OF GOD; and those who hear will
live. Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are
in the graves will hear HIS voice and come forth—those who have done
good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the
resurrection of condemnation. " [John 5. 25, 28 - 29] Even the death of
the saints is precious to the LORD OF GLORY; and because HE lives, death
is swallowed up in victory!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
O LORD, YOU are my GOD; I exalt and praise YOU, I will praise YOUR NAME,
for YOU planned graciousness of old, counsels of steadfast faithfulness
and truth.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Acquaint yourself with proverbs, for in them you will learn instruction.

CUSTOMS— BURIAL & MOURNING (Part 2 of 3)
David testifies to the fact that all men die: "Remember how short my
time is; for what futility have You created all the children of men?
What man can live and not see death? Can he deliver his life from the
power of the grave? Selah." [Psalms (Tehillym) 89. 47 - 48 Tanakh,
Kethuvim]

Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived, also testifies to this truth:
"No man has authority over the life breath - to hold back the life
breath, and no one has power in the day of death. There is no release
from that, war and riches are powerless to save its owner."
[Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) 8. 8 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "For in respect of the
fate of man and the fate of beast, they have one and the same fate; as
the one dies so dies the other, and both have the same life breath; man
has no superiority over beast, for all is vanity." [Ecclesiastes
(Kohelet) 3. 19 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Death came as a tyrant because of sin and disobedience [Romans 5. 12]
and is an inescapable appointment. [Hebrews 9. 27] The moment Adam
sinned he spiritually died and the seeds of physical death were sown in
his body. The Hebrew translation of Genesis/Bereshith 2:17, the last
phrase: "you shall surely die" — is literally — "dying
(spiritually) you shall (eventually) die (physically) ." Adam lost the
life of GOD and died spiritually (separated from the ETERNAL CREATOR).
From that moment he became mortal — that is, he continued in a dying
state until he eventually died physically. From that time onward
mankind was doomed to live in a land of the dead and dying. The whole
earth groans because of this enemy which strikes quickly and without
warning. Death is no respecter of persons but touches every home —
all must surrender to its power!

Many believe death is the end — that when a man dies, his body rots
in the grave — that there is no life thereafter — that man lives
a few span years and then it is all over. According to GOD'S
INCORRUPTIBLE & TRUSTWORTHY WORD, we are not so cut off for after this
life there is another life!

The appearance of Moses and Elijah on the transfiguration mount shows
clearly that the souls of the departed are conscious. [Luke 9. 30]
Moses had been dead for 1,500 years, and there he was back again on
earth talking to the MESSIAH YESHUA, the ANOINTED ONE!

Would the ALMIGHTY ETERNAL ONE fashion the wonders of creation: earth,
sun, moon and stars; make provision for the benefit of mankind, and
prepare all of these things for man if man is only to live a few years
and then be no more forever? True, the earth is at present under a
curse for man's sake, and man has been weakened and defiled by sin, but
this is no reason for thinking that OMNIPOTENT, OMNISCIENT LORD will
permit present conditions to continue indefinitely! Rather it is a
reason for thinking that the HOLY EVERLASTING ONE has some eternal
purpose for man, and that the time will come when HE will have a new
creation (physical & spiritual) where there will be no more evidences of
sin and death.

If man was created in the image of GOD and is HIS workmanship, then
there must be a continuance of life or else GOD'S work is eternally
ruined. Creation is a failure if this present life is all there is for
man. All is vanity and GREAT & MIGHTY MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE made a
mistake in ever making anything if nothing attains perfection here and
now. But GOD'S INFALLIBLE WORD declares that man has an eternal
existence whether he is a believer in YESHUA ha'MASHIACH or not. The
wicked exist forever in torment, their reward for wickedness and
rejection of salvation which is only through the RISEN SAVIOR.

All nature speaks loudly of resurrection life. In the fall, we witness
the withering grass, the fading flower and the falling leaf; and soon
the earth is in the grip of ice and snow. Death apparently is master.
But, as soon as spring comes, new life appears; the grass becomes green
again, the barren trees put forth new buds, and the song birds are heard
once more. All nature rejoices! That which was seemingly dead is alive
again.

The TANAKH (HEBREW SCRIPTURES) declare life after death and the
resurrection. Quoting Rebbe R. Eleazar in the TALMUD: "The dead
outside the Land will not be resurrected; for it is said in SCRIPTURE
—I will set glory in the land of the living— [implying] the dead
of the land in which I have my desire will be resurrected. " [Kethuboth,
Illa]

We read that Isaac "was gathered to his people" as was Jacob.
[Genesis/Bereshith 25. 8; 49. 33] To these patriarchs it meant that
they were going to the region of Sheol, the place of departed spirits.
Jacob contemplates joining his supposedly dead son, Joseph, in that
region. [Genesis/Bereshith 37. 35; 42. 38 — where the word grave is
a wrong translation of the word Sheol.]

Job exclaimed: "But I know that my VINDICATOR (Hebrew: ga'al —
REDEEMER) lives; in the end HE will testify on earth — this, after
my skin is destroyed. But I shall behold ELOWAH while still in my flesh,
I myself, not another, would behold HIM; would see with my own eyes: my
heart yearns within me." [Job (Iyob) 19. 25 - 27 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

When one of his sons died, David exclaimed: "I shall go to him, but he
will never come back to me." [2 Samuel(Shemuel Bet) 12. 23 Tanakh,
Nevi'im] And speaking to the Lord, he said: "I, justified, will
behold YOUR face; I shall be satisfied when I awake in YOUR likeness."
[Psalms/Tehillym 17. 15 - the Hebrew word for awake is "koom" means: to
get up, to lift up, to raise, to incite, to stir up, to make stand]
David knew that he would be like the LORD at the resurrection. He, as a
Jew, believed in the resurrection from the dead even as another fellow
Jew after him believed and wrote: "For our citizenship is in heaven,
from which we also eagerly wait for the SAVIOR, the LORD JESUS CHRIST,
WHO will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to HIS
GLORIOUS BODY, according to the working by which HE is able even to
subdue all things to HIMSELF." [Philippians 3. 20 - 21]

When ETERNAL GOD appeared to Moses in the burning bush, HE declared: "I
am the GOD of your father, the GOD of Abraham, the GOD of Isaac, and the
GOD of Jacob" [Exodus (Shemot) 3. 6 Tanakh, Torah] by which, the HOLY
ONE meant that HE was still their LIVING GOD, even though they no longer
roamed the earth; they continued to be living personalities. The LORD
JESUS used this revelation to declare, "GOD is not the GOD of the dead,
but of the living." [Matthew 22. 32]

. . . to be continued

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Be blessed as we bid farewell to Shabbat! May the ALMIGHTY ONE, WHO
separates the holy from the secular, forgive our sins, guide our life,
fill our upcoming week with HIS DIVINE PRESENCE. Refresh yourself and
others through HIS wisdom & discernment, love & kindness- that some of
the sweetness of Sabbath be experienced daily.
Go with GOD! Tov Shavua — Have a good week.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Ignorance can become quite lethal.

CUSTOMS — Burial & Mourning (Part 1 of 3) —
"They (Job's friends) broke into loud weeping; each one tore his
robe and threw dust into the air onto his head." [Job (Iyob) 2. 12
Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Immediately after death, close relatives of the deceased perform the
Keriah custom by making a slight tear in their clothing as a sign of
mourning. This act describes the severance of the living from the dead
and is performed in moments of deepest grief. It is the mark of a
broken or torn heart on the clothing.

Pious Jews direct that a little sack of Holy Land soil be placed in
their coffin. It is written in the Jew's oral law (Talmud): "He that
lives in the Holy Land is as though he were without sin. He that
inhabits the City one hour and dies there is sure of the world to come."
Having been denied the opportunity to live and die in Erez Yisroel (Land
of Israel), they yearn to be buried with a bit of the soil of the
Promised Holy Land. This also explains the custom of placing the body
with the head to the east, Zion-ward. The burial shroud is made of
white linen cloth and covers the undergarments. A prominent person may
be buried with his Tallit (Prayer Shawl) but the fringes are removed or
cut.

The grave is filled in, the first spadefuls by family and friends, and
the rest by members of the burial society— the hevra kadisha. At
the conclusion of the burial ceremony, the Kaddish is recited by the
sons of the deceased or by a close relative. The Kaddish (means:
sanctification) is a famous Jewish prayer which speaks of the greatness
of ALMIGHTY GOD, of redemption from exile, and of everlasting peace in
MESSIANIC times.

Upon returning home, a hard-boiled egg and a little ashes are placed
before the mourners. The egg, being a symbol of life, reminds them that
while death is inescapable, the living must face the future with faith
and hope. The ashes, as a sign of mourning, date back to ancient times
when ashes and earth were strewn on the head in times of misfortune.
With this simple rite begins the period of Shivah (seven), the seven
days of mourning. This custom is based on the fact that Joseph mourned
for his father Jacob seven days. [Genesis/Bereshith 50. 10] Relatives
and friends come to visit the mourners and to console them. The
bereaved usually sit on low stools during this time. Throughout the
seven days, the memorial lamp is kept lighted in memory of the dead.
Mourners abstain from entertainment and pleasures for thirty days. In
some families, this custom is continued for twelve months. As another
expressions of grief, mirrors and other decorative objects in the house
are usually covered up or put away. A large candle is lighted, which is
renewed and kept burning for thirty days (except on Sabbath) in
reverence for the dead.

A year after the death, the relatives and friends come to pay their
respects to the deceased. The Kaddish is recited and one of the prayers
is the famous Psalm/Tehillym 23, "The LORD is my SHEPHERD." Every year
the death anniversary is observed at home and in the synagogue. At home
a memorial lamp or candle in a glass is lit at sunset and allowed to
burn until the next sunset. This ceremony is called Yahrzeit. "The
light of the candle flickers and waves in harmony with the light of
TORAH." [Proverbs (Mishle) 20. 27 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

From the SCRIPTURAL account, man was created to live forever and not to
die. CREATOR GOD'S ultimate purpose is to have a world of perfect
beings having eternal fellowship with HIMSELF. And this eventually will
come to pass even as the LORD GOD OF HOSTS intended. But, in the
meantime along with our first parents in the Garden of Eden, the
entrance of sin brought death, both physical and spiritual.

. . . to be continued

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Welcome Shabbat — Queen of the Week. . . last in creation, first in
thought.
Exalt the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, the KING OF GLORY, WHO gives True
Sabbath Peace & Rest.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
It is time for the LORD to work when man makes void HIS Law!

GOD IN HUMAN FORM
The true MESSIAH must be the MESSENGER and MEDIATOR of a NEW &
EVERLASTING COVENANT which includes Gentiles as well as Jews. "For HE
(GOD THE FATHER) said— It is too little a thing that YOU should be
MY SERVANT in that I raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the
survivors of Israel: I will also make YOU a LIGHT to the nations, that
MY SALVATION may reach the ends of the earth." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 49. 5
Tanakh, Nevi'im; also Deuteronomy/ Devarim 18. 17-19; Jeremiah/Yirmeyah
31. 31-32; 33. 14-15; Zechariah/Zecharyah 3. 8; 9. 9-12; Malachi/Malakhi
3. 1] HE must also unite in HIMSELF all the GOD-ordained offices that
exist in Israel; being the PROPHET (Lawgiver & Leader) like Moses, a
HIGH PRIEST & MEDIATOR like Melchizedek, and a KING like David, besides
being the SAVIOR & LORD of all that ever will be saved.
[Deuteronomy/ Devarim 18. 15; Isaiah/Yeshayah 55. 4; 33. 22;
Psalms/Tehillym 110. 1, 4; Zechariah/Zecharyah 6. 12-13;
Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 33. 1, 4-18] The TRUE MESSIAH must be the REDEEMER of
man's sprit, soul (mind) and body. [Job/Iyob 19. 25-26; Psalms/Tehillym
16. 9-11; 17. 15; 31. 5, 19; 72. 13-14; Isaiah/Yeshayah 26. 19]

"Jacob was left alone. And a MAN wrestled with him until the break of
dawn...Then HE said— Let ME go, for dawn is breaking. — But
Jacob answered— I will not let YOU go unless YOU bless me.— Said
the OTHER— What is your name?— He replied— Jacob.— Said
HE— Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for as a prince,
you have striven with ELOHIYM and with man and have prevailed." [Genesis
(Bereshith) 32. 24-28 Tanakh, Torah]

Here we see that Jacob wrestled with a MAN, WHO was none other than the
LORD GOD ALMIGHTY. To commemorate this wonderful experience, Jacob
calls this place Peniel (face of GOD) "For, he said— I have SEEN GOD
face to face, yet my life has been preserved." [Genesis (Bereshith) 32.
30 Tanakh, Torah] Jacob recognized the fact that this "MAN" with whom he
wrestled was CREATOR GOD HIMSELF!

Most people, especially Jews, cringe at the mention of the fact that one
can see GOD and live. Nevertheless it was the experience of Jacob.
Also Moses, the great Lawgiver of the Jews relates a similar instance in
his own life and others: "Then Moses, Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and
seventy elders of Israel ascended; and they SAW the GOD OF
ISRAEL—under HIS feet there was the likeness of a pavement of
sapphire, like the very sky for purity. Yet HE did not raise HIS hand
against the leaders of the Israelites; they BEHELD GOD, and they ate and
drank." [Exodus (Shemot) 24. 9-11 Tanakh, Torah] Moses declares that
the nobles of the children of Israel saw the GOD OF ISRAEL and after
seeing HIM they were able to eat and drink -- which testifies to the
fact they were still alive, not fantasizing, in a trance, or dreaming.

Note: THE ANGEL OF THE LORD, WHO is GOD OMNISCIENT, appeared frequently
in the OLD COVENANT times as a MAN. That being the case, it should not
be difficult for a Jew or Gentile who has studied SCRIPTURES, to believe
that the MESSIAH YESHUA was indeed YEHOWAH GOD manifested in the flesh!
"Behold, I am sending MY MESSENGER to clear the way before ME, and the
LORD WHOM you seek shall come to HIS Temple suddenly. As for the ANGEL
OF THE COVENANT that you desire, HE is already coming says the LORD OF
HOSTS." [Malachi (Malakhi) 3. 1 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Here the MESSIAH YESHUA is called "LORD, THE MESSENGER, and THE ANGEL OF
THE COVENANT." HE is the ANGEL WHO saves and redeems — spoken of in
Isaiah. [64. 9] It is true, the LORD JESUS came to save and redeem.
HE is "THE MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT" — the NEW COVENANT, prophesied
and promised by GOD in Jeremiah. [Isaiah/Yeshayah 31. 31-32]

But, why must the HOLY GOD OF HEAVEN appear as a MAN? Because sin
requires the death penalty. Man, who is a sinner, could not redeem
himself. ALMIGHTY GOD, in HIS OWN PERSON, must be a substitute to pay
the ransom price in man's place. But GOD OMNIPOTENT cannot die; HE is
"forever and ever." [Exodus/Shemot 3. 14; Psalms/Tehillym 90. 2]
Therefore, THE REDEEMER of mankind must become MAN in order that HE
could be made sin and die. [Hebrews 2. 9; 1 Peter 1. 18-19] THE
REDEEMER could not be a mere mortal MAN either for if HE was, HE would
have been involved in sin HIMSELF through Adam. [Romans 5. 12] Also, if
JESUS were simply a man, there would be no sacrifice that would be
appropriate for all humanity. To meet all the requirements, there had to
be a GOD/MAN, "THE GOD\MAN" to meet both man's need and ETERNAL GOD'S
requirements of a SAVIOR. YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, the LORD JESUS CHRIST is
THE ANSWER and HE is the GREATEST LOVER of our soul. Thank YOU, LORD!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
We assiduously (diligently, attentively, tirelessly) cover you with
ceaseless prayers desiring that you might be filled with the knowledge
of GOD'S perfect will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. We
encourage you to walk pleasing and be fruitful in every good work and
increase in the knowledge of YESHUA THE BELOVED KING and be strengthened
with HIS glorious power. In all things may GOD be glorified through the
LORD JESUS, to WHOM belongs the glory and the dominion forever and ever.
Amen

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Woe! to the generation whose judges need to be judged!

THE WORD — CREATOR & JUDGE
"YOU alone are the LORD. YOU made the heavens, the highest heaven of
heavens, and all their host, the earth and everything upon it, the seas
and everything in them. YOU keep them all alive, and the host of heaven
prostrate themselves in worship before YOU." [Nehemiah (Nechemah) 9. 6
Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Undeniably, the WORD indeed is the MESSIAH LORD YESHUA, the PRECIOUS
LIVING WORD WHO became flesh. "In the beginning was the WORD, and the
WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD. HE was in the beginning with
GOD. All things were made through HIM, and without HIM nothing was made
that was made. In HIM was life, and the life was the light of men."
[John 1. 1 - 4]

"Thus says the LORD, your REDEEMER, WHO formed you in the womb: "It is
I, the LORD ALMIGHTY, WHO made everything, WHO alone stretched out the
heavens with none beside Me, I spread out the earth by Myself."
[Isaiah/Yeshayah 44. 24 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

"Whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that
we through the patience and comfort of the SCRIPTURES might have hope."
[Romans 15. 4] "For it is GOD WHO commanded light to shine out of
darkness, WHO has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge
of the Glory of GOD in the face of JESUS THE CHRIST." [2 Corinthians 4.
6] "GOD, WHO at various times and in various ways spoke in time past
to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by
HIS SON, WHOM HE has appointed HEIR of all things, through WHOM also HE
made the worlds; WHO being the brightness of HIS Glory and the EXPRESS
IMAGE of HIS PERSON, and upholding all things by the WORD of HIS power,
when HE had by HIMSELF purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of
the MAJESTY on high." [Hebrews 1. 1 - 3]

The same WORD WHO spoke worlds into existence will also destroy all
opposition to HIS SOVEREIGNTY by HIS SPOKEN WORD. "As for those peoples
that warred against Jerusalem, the LORD will smite them with this
plague: Their flesh shall rot away while they stand on their feet; their
eyes shall rot away in their sockets; and their tongues shall rot away
in their mouths...So shall this plague be." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 14.
12 - 15 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

This is accomplished by the SPOKEN WORD OF GOD, "And I saw the beast,
the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war
against HIM WHO sat on the horse and against HIS army. Then the beast
was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his
presence, by which he deceived those who received the Mark of the Beast
and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the
Lake of Fire burning with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the
sword which proceeded from the mouth of HIM WHO sat on the horse. And
all the birds were filled with their flesh." [Revelation 19. 19 - 21]

Since the WORD is the HOLY ONE to WHOM we will all give account, it is
both expedient and imperative that we take care how we live and treat
the WORD today. Accept HIS life, HIS love, HIS peace and His
righteousness. The beloved YESHUA ha'MASHIACH desires to give you
all this, if you but humbly allow HIM be your LORD & SAVIOR. HE is
tenderly waiting for you.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Be gracious to us ALMIGHTY LORD GOD that we may understand and fulfill
the Teaching of YOUR WORD. Enlighten our eyes in YOUR Law that we may
cling to YOUR commandments. Unite our hearts to love and revere YOU and
to learn YOUR WORDS and wisdom. LORD YOU are my PRAISE, my STRENGTH, my
FORTRESS, my REFUGE — in days of affliction and at all times. Amen!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.
Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Let us remember to not only pray for the peace of Jerusalem, but model
that peace in our own lives.

ISRAEL FORGIVEN & DEFENDED
"For I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem for war: The City shall
be captured, the houses plundered, and the women violated; and part of
the city shall go into exile. But the rest of the population shall not
be uprooted from the City (Jerusalem). On that day, HE (MESSIAH YESHUA)
will set HIS feet on the Mount of Olives, near Jerusalem on the East;
and the Mount of Olives shall split across from east to west, and one
part of the Mount shall shift to the north and the other to the south, a
huge gorge...And the LORD my GOD, with all the holy beings, will come to
you (Jerusalem). And the LORD shall be KING over all the earth; in that
day there shall be one LORD with ONE NAME; the LORD alone shall be
worshipped (and shall be invoked by HIS TRUE NAME)." [Zechariah
(Zecharyah) 14. 2, 4, 5-b, 9 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

"In that day I will all but annihilate all the nations that came up
against Jerusalem. But I will fill the House of David and the
inhabitants of Jerusalem with a SPIRIT of pity and compassion; and they
will look on ME WHOM they have pierced; they shall lament BECAUSE [see
Revelation 1. 7] of ME about those who are slain, wailing over them as
over a favorite son and showing bitter grief as over a first-born. In
that day, the wailing in Jerusalem shall be as great as the wailing at
Hadad-Rimmon in the plain of Megiddon." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 12. 9 -
11 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

"In that day a fountain shall be opened to the House of David and the
inhabitants of Jerusalem for purging and cleansing. And when one
asked— What are those sores and wounds on YOUR back?— HE will
reply— From being beaten in the house of MY friends." [Zechariah
(Zecharyah) 13. 1, 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

When the nations of the world center their attack on the Jews at
Jerusalem, the SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS will return to earth to defend
Israel against her enemies for the last time, "Like birds flying about,
so will the LORD OF HOSTS defend Jerusalem. Defending, HE will also
deliver it; Passing Over, HE will preserve it." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 31. 5
NKJV] "Like the birds that fly, even so will the LORD OF HOSTS shield
Jerusalem, shielding and saving, protecting and rescuing." [Isaiah
(Yeshayah) 31. 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im] This will be literally fulfilled when
the TRUE VINE returns as KING of kings and LORD of lords with the armies
of heaven as described in Revelation. [see Revelation 19. 11 - 16]

The LONG-AWAITED LORD YESHUA will reveal HIMSELF to these Jews who had
been blinded as to HIS MESSIAH-SHIP. The REDEEMER will identify HIMSELF
as the "LORD OF GLORY" through the marks of the wounds in HIS hands and
HIS feet. JESUS, the CHRIST OF CALVARY will forgive those who repent
of their sin; HE will judge the nations who mistreated Israel; HE will
establish HIS Kingdom on the earth with all HIS saints (Jew & Gentile
from every tribe, tongue and nation), to rule and reign forever! Even
so, come quickly, my LORD & KING!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
MOST HOLY ONE, YOU are blessed beyond all hymns, praises & consolations
that may be uttered in this world. May peace abundant descend from
heaven with life for us and to all Israel.
May our HEAVENLY FATHER hear our prayers...that our long-awaited
MESSIAH, YESHUA — THE SON OF DAVID, KING of kings comes quickly.
And, may YOUR Holy Temple be rebuilt speedily, even in our day. Amen &
Amen!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
CHRIST-like- ones are a privileged people, and this greatly raises the
possibilities of our living in tough times. For we are called to stride
through life with a degree of regal bearing, not stumbling, not
staggering, but treading over what other people sink under.

BRIGHTENING PATH OF PAIN
"There is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the LORD, the
RIGHTEOUS JUDGE, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but
also to all who have loved HIS appearing." [2 Timothy 4. 8]

It is such a blessing to know that the MIGHTY CREATOR makes no mistakes,
that our illness is not something that just happened to you. "Shall the
thing framed say to HIM that framed it, HE has no understanding? "
[Isaiah (Yeshayah) 29. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im] NO! the enduring is yours,
without a doubt, but the responsibility for it is entirely HIS, and what
a difference that makes! Nothing can even touch the child of GOD
without HIS permissive will. It is not necessary for us to know the
reason, for they are safe with our dear, wonderful OMNIPOTENT CREATOR,
"in WHOM are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." [Colossians
2. 3]

Surely the BLESSED MAKER & REDEEMER will also be glad when these trials
are all over and HE will no longer have to watch HIS children suffer,
when all tears will be wiped from our eyes, and a song put upon our
lips. Until then, cannot we "endure hardship, as a good soldier of
CHRIST JESUS" [2 Timothy 2. 3] and spare HIM the sound of our wailing?
Sometimes, LORD GOD'S response comes in a Still Small Voice, and we
must listen in order to hear it. At other times, we can even feel
ourselves resting quietly in HIS mighty hand.

Each day must be lived with expectancy as though it were to be our last,
and there is so much to be done, to purify ourselves and set our houses
in order. ALMIGHTY GOD'S mercy is renewed with each new day— "The
kindness of the LORD is not ended, HIS mercies are not spent. They are
renewed every morning — great is YOUR faithfulness and grace!"
[Lamentations (Ekhah) 3. 22 - 23 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

O LORD GOD, YOUR quickening power, YOUR strengthening grace, YOUR mercy
LORD is so needed for those who sin and go astray, and those who sorrow.
And, YOU provide cherished rest for those who toil. For this, we thank
you freely, abundantly and without measure.

May the MERCIFUL ONE'S loving and protective wings arch over each of you
as HIS footsteps come ever nearer. Tomorrow's tasks, old pain, old
memories, forgotten as into HIS gentle hand; adrift on a sea of peace
— to sleep — then awake to see the blessed face of the HOLY
BELOVED ONE!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Our MIGHTY & GRACIOUS LORD GOD chooses what we go through; we choose how
we go through it. Choose carefully!
May peace abundant descend from heaven with life for us and to all
Israel, Amen.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The challenge in parenting is to be who we would have our children
become.

FIRSTBORN
"HE (JESUS) is the IMAGE of the INVISIBLE GOD, the FIRST-BORN over all
creation." [Colossians 1. 15]

Here the word first-born (Hebrew— bekowr) does not always mean "born
first" — but more often means "position" in HOLY SCRIPTURE. "He
(David) shall say to ME — YOU are my FATHER, my GOD, the ROCK of my
deliverance. — I will appoint him MY first-born, highest of the
kings of the earth." [Psalms (Tehillym) 89. 27 Tanakh, Kethuvim] David
was the eighth son of Iyshay (Jesse), not his first born, Eliab was. [1
Samuel/Shemuel Alef 17. 13]

Ephraim was the second born son of Joseph, Manasseh being the first.
Nevertheless, Ephraim is called the firstborn by the SOVEREIGN LORD GOD:
"I am ever a FATHER to Israel, Ephraim is MY first-born." [Jeremiah
(Yirmeyah) 31. 9 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Furthermore, "Hosah of the Merarites had sons, Shimri the first (he was
not the first-born, but his father designated him the first)." [1
Chronicles (Dibre Hayamin Alef) 26. 10 Tanakh, Kethuvim] The HOLY WORD
even calls a whole nation, a race of people first-born : "Then you shall
say to Pharaoh— Thus says the LORD: Israel is MY first-born son."
[Exodus (Shemot) 4. 22 Tanakh, Torah]

The PIERCED ONE, MESSIAH YESHUA is "the LORD WHO stretches out the
heavens, made firm the foundation of the earth, and created the spirit
of man within him." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 12. 1 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "Thus
said the LORD, your REDEEMER, WHO formed you from the womb —It is I,
the LORD, WHO made everything, WHO created the heavens and stretched
them out, WHO spread out the earth and what it brings forth, WHO gave
breath to the people upon it and life to those who walk thereon by
MYSELF." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 44. 24; 42. 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "All things
were made through HIM, and without HIM nothing was made that was made."
[John 1. 3]

YESHUA ha'MASHIACH was called the "FIRST-BORN" because in HIM we have
"redemption through HIS blood, the forgiveness of sins. HE IS THE IMAGE
OF THE INVISIBLE GOD, THE FIRSTBORN OVER ALL CREATION. For by HIM all
things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible
and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.
ALL THINGS were created through HIM and for HIM. HE is before all
things, and in HIM all things consist. And HE is the HEAD of the body,
the church, WHO is the beginning, the FIRSTBORN from the dead. That in
all things HE may have the PREEMINENCE (dominance, superiority,
incomparability) ." [Colossians 1. 14 - 18]

GOD THE FATHER, WHO spoke of HIS FIRST-BORN SON, WHOM HE appointed HEIR
of all things: "YOU are MY SON, today I have begotten YOU...I will be a
FATHER to HIM, and HE shall be MY SON...When HE again brings the
FIRSTBORN into the world, HE says— Let all the angels of GOD worship
HIM...YOUR Throne, O GOD, is forever and ever; a scepter of
righteousness is the scepter of YOUR Kingdom. YOU have loved
righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore GOD, YOUR GOD, has
anointed YOU with the oil of gladness...YOU are the same, your years
will not fail...Sit at MY right hand, till I make YOUR enemies YOUR
footstool." [Hebrews 1. 1 - 13]

As believers in the LORD YESHUA, we are called HIS first-born. And, by
HIS hand we are registered in heaven since we have been made just and
perfect by "HIS redeeming blood." [Hebrews 12. 23] Throughout eternity
we will praise our LORD JESUS, the BELOVED, the "FAITHFUL WITNESS, the
FIRST-BORN from the dead." [Revelation 1. 5] All hail KING JESUS, for
HE is altogether worthy of blessings, and honour, and riches, and power,
and wisdom, and strength, and glory forever and ever. Amen & Amen!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Shalom! We are covering you with our prayers for many abundant blessings
this day and always! May the GOD OF HOPE fill you with all joy and
peace.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
To set CHRIST apart as LORD is to honor HIM rather than to use HIM. To
rightly understand the entrance of HIM into the heart, we must accept
the enthronement of CHRIST., enthrone HIM in your heart.

GOD'S WORD, BURNING FIRE
"I thought, I will not mention HIM, no more will I speak in HIS NAME
— But [HIS WORD] was like a raging fire in my heart, shut up in my
bones; I could not hold it in, I was helpless." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 20.
9 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

When GOD'S WORD really becomes a part of your soul, you can never be
the same again. In his imprisonment, miserable and dejected Jeremiah
said: "The WORD OF THE LORD made me a constant disgrace and contempt"
[Jeremiah /Yirmeyah 20. 8], he testified; so he said, "I will not speak
any more in HIS NAME." But he could not refrain from crying out, even
shout it out! The HOLY WORD OF THE LORD was burning in his bones, and
he could not restrain them. "Behold, MY wORD like fire —declares
the LORD— and a hammer that shatters rock!" [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 23.
29 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

David, the psalmist, had a similar testimony: "When I was dumb, silent;
not even saying anything good, my anguish was intense and increased. My
mind was in a rage, and as I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke
out." [Psalms (Tehillym) 39. 2 – 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim] When the
resurrected LORD YESHUA "expounded to them in all the SCRIPTURES the
things concerning HIMSELF" the two disciples from Emmaus later
testified, "Did not our heart burn within us while HE talked with us on
the road, and while HE opened the SCRIPTURES to us?" [Luke 24. 27, 32]

The SOVEREIGN CREATOR HIMSELF is called "A CONSUMING FIRE, a JEALOUS
GOD." [Deuteronomy/ Devarim 4. 24; Hebrews 12. 29] Fire is the most
awe-inspiring of all the symbols applied in HOLY SCRIPTURE to the
WRITTEN WORD OF GOD. Fire has always been an instrument of GOD'S
righteous judgment, from the FIERY, EVER-TURNING SWORD in the Garden of
Eden [Genesis/Bereshith 3. 23] to Hell and the Lake of Fire that burns
with fire and brimstone. [Revelation 21. 8] OMNISCIENT GOD first
appeared to Moses in the Burning Bush [Exodus/Shemot 3. 2], and gave the
Law to Israel in fire on top of the mountain. [Exodus/Shemot 24. 17]

The LIFE-GIVING WORD is a raging, burning fire in the heart and cannot
be contained, but must be proclaimed at any cost. As Paul acknowledged,
"I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the GOSPEL!" [1
Corinthians 9. 16] Our own spirit compels us to preach the EVERLASTING
GOSPEL of CHRIST JESUS, for it is the POWER OF GOD to salvation for
everyone who believes.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
We bid farewell to Sabbath and welcoming the month of Elul, the sixth
month on the Biblical calendar, which began at sundown.
This month, Elul, is a month of repentance and preparation for the
upcoming Fall Feasts. The Shofar is blown every morning in every
synagogue in order to wake people up for the coming Day of Judgment on
the Feast of Trumpets and the Days of Awe.
According to Jewish tradition Moses began his second 40-day fast on the
first of Elul, asking GOD to forgive Israel for the sin with the golden
calf and to renew the covenant. His fast ended on Yom Kippur, the Day of
Atonement.
Have a wonderful week and delight yourself daily in the splendid
PRESENCE of our HOLY LOVING LORD GOD.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Forgive as you are asked.

ONE IN MESSIAH
"It is finished." [John 19. 30]

These are the words uttered by our LOVING SAVIOR, the LORD YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH on the Altar outside Jerusalem. But, what was finished?
Not HIS life, neither HIS work of salvation, it is still going on. All
the sacrifices of flesh in OLD COVENANT is now FULFILLED. YESHUA the
ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON OF THE MOST HIGH GOD came, not to destroy the Law, but
to fulfill it. Not to do away with the Law, but to perform what the Law
and the prophets required and to make good what it demanded and
prophesied.

When we believe on the LORD JESUS OF NAZARETH, we no longer need to
cling to that from which we have been delivered! Jews and Gentiles who
believe in MESSIAH are now HIS chosen, HIS people. There is no
difference. We are one in the body of YESHUA, the DOOR of our
salvation. There is but one body of believers (Jew & Gentile) in the
RISEN ONE! By HIS sacrificial death, all Jews and Gentiles who believe
in HIM have been made into one new man!

"Therefore, if any man (Jew or Gentile) be in MESSIAH, he is a new
creature (creation); old things are passed away, behold all things have
become new." [2 Corinthians 5. 17] The new nature refers to the
spiritual transformation that occurs within the inner man when one
believes in YESHUA ha'MASHIACH and knows HIM intimately as their
personal SAVIOR, LORD GOD & EVERLASTING KING. New as opposed to the old
person because of the change being given a new nature, that must be
cultivated, nurtured by spiritual decisiveness to grow in the LORD
JESUS. The HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD can accomplish this life-changing
transformation for all who will only believe (trust and obey).

"SCRIPTURE has concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of
CHRIST JESUS might be given to them that believe. But before faith came,
we were kept under the Law, shut up unto the faith which should
afterwards be revealed. Therefore the Law was our schoolmaster to bring
us to CHRIST, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith is
come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For you are all the
children of GOD by faith in YESHUA ha'MASHIACH. " [Galatians 3. 22 -
25] Truly, it is such a precious and lovely family our HEAVENLY FATHER
has given us — you are that special member!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
May your life be a witness and beneficiary of GOD MOST HIGH'S care, love
and presence. HIS grace is greater then all our needs!
O GOD, do not keep silent; do not hold aloof; do not be quiet, O EL!
For YOUR enemies rage, Your foes assert themselves, they plot craftily
against YOUR people, take counsel against YOUR treasured ones. They say,
"Let us wipe them out as a nation; Israel's name will be
mentioned no more." Deal with them, O my GOD, make them like
thistledown, like chaff driven by the wind, as a fire burns a forest, as
flames scorch the hills, pursue them with YOUR tempest, terrify them
with YOUR storm. Cover their faces with shame so that they seek YOUR
NAME, O YEHOWAH. May they be frustrated and terrified, disgraced and
doomed forever. May they know that YOUR NAME, YOURS alone is YEHOWAH,
the MOST HIGH over all the earth. [see Psalms/Tehillym 83]

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.


Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Modesty is meekness and wisdom combined.

IT IS ENOUGH
"Enough! said Israel. It is enough! My son Joseph is still alive! I must
go and see him before I die." [Genesis (Bereshith) 45. 28 Tanakh, Torah]

Enough in Hebrew is "rab" meaning greater, more numerous, exceedingly
much. Here, Jacob is overcome with thankful emotion at the news that
Joseph, his beloved son long given up for dead, is still alive. Later
Pharaoh, for a very different reason, cried "Plead with the LORD
for it is enough that there be an end of GOD'S thunder and of hail. I
will let you go, you need stay no longer." [Exodus (Shemot) 9. 28
Tanakh, Torah]

"It is enough! Stay your hand." [2 Samuel (Shemuel Bet) 24. 16 Tanakh,
Nevi'im; 1 Chronicles/Dibre Hayamin Alef 21. 15] ALMIGHTY GOD gave
this command to the Angel of Death to stop destroying the Israelites
after David sinned in numbering the people. When Elijah thought he
could bear no more, "Enough! he cried. Now, O LORD, take my life,
for I am no better than my fathers." [1 Kings (Melakhim Alef) 19. 4
Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Moreover, "Three things are insatiable; Four never say "Enough!"
Sheol, a barren womb, earth that cannot get enough water, and fire which
never says "Enough!" [Proverbs (Mishle) 30. 15 - 16 Tanakh,
Kethuvim]

The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH said, "It is enough for a disciple that he
be as his teacher, and the servant like his master." [Matthew 10. 25]
As the time of HIS arrest was drawing nearer, JESUS, the BELOVED, told
HIS disciples, "It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the SON OF MAN
is being betrayed into the hands of sinners." [Mark 14. 41] When they
produced two swords, "HE said to them It is enough." [Luke 22. 38]

There are many circumstances which will cause a person to say enough
already! But, in the ages to come there will never be an end to "the
exceeding riches of HIS grace in HIS kindness toward us in CHRIST
JESUS." [Ephesians 2. 7] The great abundance of our LOVING
REDEEMER'S blessings will never be viewed as enough for HIS mercies
never fail.

My desire is to be with my SAVIOR & KING, MESSIAH YESHUA, to behold HIS
glorious face and worship at HIS feet. I am confident and absolutely
certain, that we can never know enough of our amazing, magnificent LORD
GOD!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Blessed are YOU, MOST HOLY ONE, to be more like YOUR BELOVED SON is the
cry of our hearts. Show us mercy, O LORD GOD , and grant us YOUR
salvation. Eternal is YOUR power, YOU are mighty to save. I give YOU
praise and glory, O LORD.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.
Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Confession is worth one hundred witnesses.

ASHAMED OR BOLD
"According to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be
ashamed, but that with all BOLDNESS, as always, so now also MESSIAH
YESHUA will be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death."
[Philippians 1. 20]

Paul frequently looked ahead, anticipating future events with
confidence, as if they had already happened or at least were secure. He
anticipated beyond his present circumstances to foresee the outcome of
faithfulness — not being ashamed at the time of judgment.

Shame (Hebrew: kelimmah) is that painful feeling of having lost the
respect of others because of improper behaviour, incompetence, or
selfishness. It implies that the person has already thought about the
consequences of the action and is aware that they might be found out in
the course of events, but acts improperly anyhow. No defense is
possible in that tragic moment of discovery. The ashen shock is
followed by a rapid flush of blood to the skin, where the truth is
revealed in an un-mistaken emotional display of humiliation that the
world can visibly read. "The wicked flee when no one gives chase, but
the righteous are as confident (Hebrew: batach — bold, secure) as a
lion." [Proverbs (Mishle) 28. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Ezra experienced that deep feeling as he came before the ETERNAL LORD
GOD to confess for his people their disobedience and how they had
forsaken HIS commandments which the ALMIGHTY ONE gave through HiS
servants and prophets. [Ezra 9. 10] "O my GOD, I am too ashamed and
humiliated to lift my face to YOU, O my GOD, for our iniquities are
overwhelming and numerous; and our guilt has grown high as heaven."
[Ezra 9. 6 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

In contrast to that terrible feeling of guilt is the comfortable posture
of knowing that we have remained true to our MASTER'S admonitions and
warnings, "little children, abide in HIM, that, when HE shall appear, we
may have confidence and not be ashamed before HIM at HIS coming." [1
John 2. 28] The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH clearly stated the conditions,
"for whoever is ashamed of ME and of MY WORDS, of him the SON OF MAN
will be ashamed when HE comes in HIS OWN GLORY, and in HIS FATHER'S, and
of the holy angels." [Luke 9. 26] Praying always, "that I may open my
mouth BOLDLY to make known the mystery of the GOSPEL...that I may speak
BOLDLY, as I ought to speak." [Ephesians 6. 18 - 20] May we be found
worthy and confidently standing firm and attentively doing the MASTER'S
will, with a clear conscience, when HE comes for us or we go to be with
HIM.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel
Praised are YOU, O LORD GOD, for great is YOUR love for us and YOUR
compassion boundless. Be gracious to us that we may understand and
fulfill the teachings of YOUR PRECIOUS REVERED WORD. Enlighten our eyes
in YOUR Law that we may cling to YOUR commandments. Thank YOU for YOUR
saving power, for from YOU comes our help. Draw us nearer to YOU to
serve YOU in faithfulness. Joyfully, we lift our voices and proclaim
YOUR PRECIOUS NAME.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The critic should be like a grindstone, sharpening without cutting.

BEFORE THE FOUNDATIONS
"I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring
and her SEED; HE shall strike at your head, and you shall strike at HIS
heel." [Genesis (Bereshith) 3. 15 Tanakh, Torah]

When Adam and Eve rebelled and transgressed against ELOHIYM in the
Garden of Eden, EVER-LOVING MASTER DESIGNER pronounced a curse on all
creation [Genesis/Bereshith 3. 14 – 19]; death came into the world
at that point. However, the ALMIGHTY ONE also told of the ONE to come
WHO would be the REDEEMER-SAVIOR. This promise is hidden to most but so
clearly shown in the beginning in a most unusual way, in a short
genealogy of mankind before the flood.

The genealogy in Genesis/Bereshith 5 lists the names of the pre-flood
patriarchs from Adam to Noah. Adam means man; Seth— appointed;
Enosh— mortal; Cainan— sorrow or humiliation; Mahalaleel—
blessed of GOD; Jared— shall come down; Enoch— teaching or
dedicated; Methuselah— his death shall bring or judgment;
Lamech— despairing, weary or conqueror; Noah— comfort or rest.

The meaning of the names form a redemptive sentence when read together:
A MAN is appointed to become a mortal; in sorrow, blessed of GOD, HE
shall come down to teach. And, HIS death will bring despair; then,
comfort and rest.
Or — Mankind is appointed to mortality, wailing for the dead. GOD be
praised! HE shall descend, a mortal MAN, dismissing death, bring rest to
the weary.
Or even — Mankind is appointed to mortality, bringing humiliation
(sorrow). GOD be praised! HE shall descend, a dedicated MAN. When HE
dies as judgment, HE will conquer, bringing comfort and rest.

The Plan of Salvation was made before the world began. "HE (JESUS)
indeed was predetermined before the foundation of the world, but was
manifest in these last times for you." [1 Peter 1. 20] "HE (ETERNAL
GOD) chose us in HIM (YESHUA) before the foundation of the world."
[Ephesians 1. 3 - 4] "In the fullness of time, GOD sent HIS SON to be
born of woman, under the Law." [Galatians 4. 4]

There has never been a time when the ALMIGHTY HOLY CREATOR, the LORD GOD
OMNIPOTENT has forsaken HIS creation. Mankind would do well to learn
such love and in return, appropriately give HIM the honor, glory,
majesty, blessings and adoration HE alone is worthy of.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
We gratefully acknowledge, O LORD, our GOD, that YOU are our CREATOR and
PRESERVER, the ROCK of our life and the SHIELD of our help. We render
thanks to YOU for our lives which are in YOUR hand, for our souls which
are ever in YOUR keeping, for YOUR wondrous providence and for YOUR
continuous goodness, which YOU bestow upon us day by day. Truly, YOUR
mercies never fail and YOUR loving kindness never ceases. Therefore do
we forever put our trust in YOU our GLORIOUS KING.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Humility is being prepared to serve. Pride is not being willing to
serve anyone totally immersing oneself in themselves, wrapped in
an ostentatious (pretentious, brazen, showy) garment of self-indulgence.

BLESSED HOPE
"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with GOD
through our LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, through whom also we have
access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope
of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in
tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and
perseverance, character; and character, hope." [Romans 5. 1 - 4]

Hope is a much needed ingredient for living in this world. In Hebrew
there are several types of hope: "yachal" mean to trust, wait, tarry or
stay "betach" is confident expectation, safe, secure, sure
"tiqvah" translates a longing "miqveh" means confidence, abiding
(also a bath or pond of water). Saints of GOD MOST HIGH have the
confident assurance of the hope of a glorious inheritance awaiting them.
"Therefore my heart rejoices, my whole being exults; and my flesh rests
in secure hope." [Psalms (Tehillym) 16. 9 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Good works only produce a false hope when one thinks they will earn the
rich reward of a Heavenly Home. Although GOD'S Law is perfect, it
cannot make a person righteous, for no one is able of keeping the Law.
There is hope however, and that hope is faith and trust in the LORD
YESHUA, HE is the believer's HOPE OF SALVATION; for MESSIAH in you
is the HOPE of glory. [Colossians 1. 27]

This HOPE that is in you is our SOLID FOUNDATION WHO gives us the needed
confidence to trust expectantly. "The LORD JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF, and our
GOD and FATHER, WHO has loved us and given us everlasting consolation
and good hope by grace." [2 Thessalonians 2. 16] "For the Law made
nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a BETTER
HOPE, through which we draw near to GOD." [Hebrews 7. 19]

We are also given a blessed hope, by GOD`S grace, bringing us to
salvation teaching us that by "denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we
should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking
for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our GREAT GOD and SAVIOR
JESUS CHRIST, WHO gave HIMSELF for us, that HE might redeem us from
every lawless deed and purify for HIMSELF HIS own special people,
zealous for good works." [Titus 2. 12 - 14]

Furthermore, we receive a LIVING HOPE in which we can greatly rejoice,
"Blessed be the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO according
to HIS abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the
resurrection of JESUS CHRIST from the dead, to an inheritance
incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in
heaven for you, who are kept by the power of GOD through faith for
salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." [1 Peter 1. 3 - 5]

"Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise
the immutability of HIS counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two
immutable things, in which it is impossible for GOD to lie, we might
have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the
hope set before us. This hope we have as an ANCHOR of the soul, both
sure and steadfast." [Hebrews 6. 17 - 19]

"Blessed is he who trusts in the LORD, and whose HOPE is the LORD
alone." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 17. 7 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Our WONDERFUL
SAVIOR not only gives us a better hope, a good hope, a blessed hope, and
a living hope, but also our hope centered on the eternal future with the
KING OF GLORY.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
As we bid farewell to Sabbath, may the HOLY ONE bless and fill you with
HIS Holy Commandments and call us to occupy ourselves with the
LIFE-GIVING WORDS of TORAH. And, may your ever-growing faith grant you
the privilege to witness and experience the marvelous miracle of being
delivered from the yoke of slavery to sin. We encourage you to take some
of Sabbath's sweetness with you each coming day.
"Tov Shavua Have a good week!"

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Assiduously (diligently, attentively, tirelessly) desire to live in
accordance with GOD'S HOLY WRITTEN WORD — not according to
carefully revised and selected portions of it.

HEART CONDITION
"The LORD saw how great was man's wickedness on earth, and how every
imagination and plan devised by his heart and mind was nothing but evil
all the time. And the LORD regretted that HE had made man on earth; and
HIS heart grieved in sadness." [Genesis (Bereshith) 6. 5 - 6 Tanakh,
Torah]

These two verses describing the incurable wickedness of the ancient
world, which finally brought on the global flood, contain the first two
of over a thousand occurrences of the word "heart (Hebrew: leb)" in the
HOLY SCRIPTURES. Observe the contrast: Man's heart was evil; the
ALMIGHTY ONE'S heart was grieved.

The heart is a physical organ, with its function of circulating the
blood as basic to physical life. "For the life of the flesh is in the
blood." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 17. 11 Tanakh, Torah] It is also used to
refer to the innermost part of physical objects (the heart of the earth)
— "For as Jonah was THREE DAYS and THREE NIGHTS in the belly of the
great fish, so will the SON OF MAN be three days and three nights in the
heart of the earth." [Matthew 12. 40] Almost always, the word heart is
used symbolically as reference to the quality of the basic nature and
deep essence of a person's being.

In this first occurrence, it refers to the thoughts of the heart.
Somehow, before one thinks with his mind, he thinks with his heart, and
the quality of his spirit in unspoken thoughts will determine the way he
reasons with his brain. The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA confirmed this—
"For from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts." [Mark
7. 21]

How very important it is then to maintain a heart that is pure. How
interesting that in the OLD COVENANT the first occurrence of "heart"
refers to man's evil thoughts. In contrast, the first occurrence of the
word in the NEW COVENANT is where the BELOVED YESHUA ha'MASHIACH gives
HIS gracious promise, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see
GOD." [Matthew 5. 8] And the blessed are promised— "They shall see
HIS face, and HIS NAME shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no
night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the LORD GOD
gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever." [Revelation
22. 4 - 5] Such great joy awaits us, joy forevermore!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Praised are YOU, O LORD our GOD, RULER of the world, WHO has given us
the law of truth and righteousness and has implanted within us
everlasting life. Praised are YOU, O LORD, GIVER of the Law. We bow
down and worship YOU, our ETERNAL KING! How we long to see YOU and
behold YOUR lovely face!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
If you don't have wrinkles, you have not laughed enough.

CUSTOMS — GOD is ECHAD
"Hear, O Israel! The LORD our GOD, the LORD is ONE!" [Deuteronomy
(Devarim) 6. 4 Tanakh, Torah]

The Hebrew word used here for one is "echad" meaning united one. HEBREW
SCRIPTURES teach the concept of plurality in GOD; that is to say, that
the ONE GOD manifests HIMSELF in THREE PERSONS: The HEAVENLY FATHER
— THE SOURCE of all things. As the ANGEL OF THE LORD, the WORD OF
GOD, the MESSIAH, the ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD, the VISIBLE REVELATION &
EXPRESSION. And, the HOLY SPIRIT— THE COMFORTER & TEACHER.

These THREE constitute a UNITY (echad). To have a unity in the
connotation of "echad" there must be a plurality — for instance:
when CREATOR GOD made Adam and Eve, HE stated that they shall be "echad"
(one) — a unity composed of two persons. At the Tower of Babel,
YEHOWAH said, "All the people are echad (one) and the language echad
(one) to all of them." [Genesis/Bereshith) 11. 6]

OLD COVENANT SCRIPTURES describe the GODHEAD as composed of three
co-eternal and co-equal PERSONS WHO are the same in subsistence, but
distinct in substance. There are three names for GOD which include
these THREE PERSONS: ELOHIYM, YEHOWAH, and EL SHADDAI.

The tri-unity of GOD is implied in Aaron's priestly benediction:
"YEHOWAH bless you and keep you (the FATHER). YEHOWAH make HIS face to
shine upon you and be gracious to you (the SON). YEHOWAH lift up HIS
countenance upon you and give you peace (the HOLY SPIRIT)." [Numbers
(B'Midvar) 6. 24 - 26 Tanakh, Torah]

All three PERSONS of the GODHEAD are seen in the following texts: "Come
near to ME, hear this— I have not spoken in secret from the
beginning; from the time that it was, I was there. And now the LORD GOD
and HIS SPIRIT have sent ME (MESSIAH YESHUA)." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 48. 15
Tanakh, Nevi'im]

"For HE said— Surely they are MY people, children who will not lie.
— So HE became their SAVIOR. In all their affliction HE was
afflicted, and the ANGEL OF HIS PRESENCE saved them; in HIS love and in
HIS pity HE redeemed them; and HE bore them and carried them all the
days of old. But they rebelled and grieved HIS HOLY SPIRIT; so HE turned
HIMSELF against them as an enemy, and HE fought against them." [Isaiah
(Yeshayah) 63. 8 - 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

It is thrilling to note that the Hebrew letter "sheen" — the initial
letter of the name for GOD (SHADDAI, means all sufficient) was formerly
taken by the Jews to represent the manner of DIVINE existence: It is
composed of three perpendicular strokes, with one to unite them (Sheen:
\\\ )!

In pronouncing the priestly or Aaronic Benediction the Rabbis today lift
their hands in blessing over the people. The hands are held with the
fingers of each hand depicting three strokes joined together, as in the
letter sheen, which in turn represents the NAME OF GOD. As stated, the
letter sheen is composed of three perpendicular strokes with one to
unite them. How vividly the hand symbolizes the NAME OF GOD
(represented by the letter Sheen) and also the trinity: THREE-in-ONE,
ONE-in-THREE!

It is claimed that in BIBLE times when a king issued a decree, it was
always given in the plural form, indicating the will of the kingdom in
issuing this decree. This idea (the plural of majesty) is quite
prevalent among many religious teachers. To this idea there seems to be
some serious objections.

A Hebrew teacher was asked what the Jewish scholars did with the
expression "ELOHIYM" — found many times in the first chapter of the
book of Genesis/Bereshith. He answered that it was the custom in the
BIBLICAL times to speak of the king and of the kingdom, and of the
things done in the kingdom in a plural form. All documents, the teacher
replied, were issued in this manner.

Attention was then called to the experiences found in the books of Ezra
and Nehemiah. It is stated in these books that Cyrus, Darius and
Artaxerxes each issued a decree. These three men were the kings of the
Medes and Persians. In none of these decrees issued, do the kings speak
of themselves in the plural form. It is always, "I, Cyrus" or "I,
Darius" or "I, Artaxerxes." [2 Chronicles/Dibre Hayamin Bet 36. 22 -
23; Ezra 6. 1 - 8; 7. 11 - 13; 6. 14]

HOLY OMNISCIENT, OMNIPOTENT, OMNIPRESENT GOD, the ALPHA & OMEGA is
TRINITY. HE is both ONE and THREE. However, HE is not both ONE and
THREE in the same respect. GOD is One as to HIS essence of being, but
THREE as to hypostases, persons, and modes of life and functioning. The
human mind has a triune constitution — it is made up of the
intellect, the sensibility, and the will — three minds, but of one
mind.

Many times GOD called HIMSELF the GOD OF ABRAHAM, the GOD OF ISAAC and
the GOD OF JACOB. HE seemed to love to reveal HIMSELF through this
name, this is the revelation of the FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT —
for Abram means the exalted father who became Abraham, the father of a
multitude. Isaac means laughter. He was the promised son, the JOY of
the father. Jacob is known as the heel grabber or supplanter — the
one who became "Israel" or a prince with GOD — and this speaks of
the work of the HOLY SPIRIT.

Three is the numerical "signature" of the DIVINE BEING. GOD has stamped
HIS signature on the universe HE created (Time: past, present, future;
Kingdoms: animal, vegetable, mineral; Views: earth, sea, sky; Forms
Matter Assumes: solid, liquid, gas; Colours to One Ray of Light: blue,
red, yellow; etc.)

Also, there is the three-fold constitution of man proclaims the
TRI-PERSONAL GOD WHO created him in HIS OWN IMAGE. The Sh'ma,
expressing the TRI-UNITY of the GODHEAD, leads the command calling upon
man's threefold nature: Spirit (hearts sensitivity to the SPIRIT OF
GOD), Soul (eternal human characterization, disposition, essence) and
Might (body, flesh) to love his TRIUNE CREATOR GOD!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Good Sabbath! Praise to Almighty CREATOR God! We praise and bless you O
GOD for lovingly and graciously giving YOUR Holy Shabbat — The
Bride, The Queen — the imagery of beauty & radiance, testifying to
the tremendous affection that the Sabbath is enjoyed among YOUR people
in YOUR presence.
We thank YOU, Great & MIGHTY GOD for by YOUR grace we were taught the
sanctity of the weekly day of rest and the Sabbath is the sign of the
tie that binds us to YOU. Keep us ever grateful and grant us YOUR
perfect rest. Amen

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
"I am your GUARDIAN —said CREATOR GOD— so why do you not pay ME
MY appropriate due by keeping MY commandments? "

MESSIAH'S DEATH
"CHRIST gave HIMSELF for us, that HE might redeem us from every lawless
deed and purify for HIMSELF HIS OWN special peculiar people, zealous of
good works." [Titus 2. 14]

While it is true that the LORD YESHUA died to save us from our sins,
according to SCRIPTURE [1 Corinthians 15. 3], it was also to "purify for
HIMSELF a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Paul said, "For to
this end CHRIST both died, and arose, and lived again; that HE might be
LORD of both the dead and the living." [Romans 14. 9] YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH desires to have people who will serve HIM as LORD of their
lives. "CHRIST also loved the church and gave HIMSELF for it...that HE
might present it to HIMSELF a glorious church, not having spot or
wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without
blemish." [Ephesians 5. 25 - 27] In and because of Him , the SAVIOR
sees us: "Every part of you is fair, my beloved, in you there is no spot
or blemish." [Song of Songs (Shir ha'Shirim) 4. 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Of YESHUA, the FAITHFUL & TRUE HOPE of all flesh it is recorded, "HE
died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves,
but for HIM WHO died for them and rose again." [2 Corinthians 5. 15]
"How much more shall the blood of CHRIST purge your conscience from dead
works to serve the LIVING GOD?" [Hebrews 9. 14] Finally, the Apostle
Peter reminds us that the TRUE VINE "bore our sins in HIS OWN BODY on
the tree; that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness [1
Peter 2. 24], that we should no longer be slaves of sin." [Romans 6. 6]

We who have been saved by the redeeming death and resurrection of
YESHUA, SOVEREIGN KING OF THE UNIVERSE, from our sins through HIS
precious shed blood should thank HIM continually for WHO HE is, and for
what HE has done for us. Moreover, we should praise HIM for what HE has
done in us. Then, seek always to live pure lives that HIS holy purpose
is accomplished in us, and that the sweet-smelling aroma of HIS love
flows from our being. May we truly be HIS people and HE, our GOD. This
is our reasonable service and our holy calling.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our GOD, the LORD is ONE. Praised be HIS NAME
WHOSE glorious Kingdom is forever and ever. Eternal truth it is that HE
alone is GOD, and there is none else. YOUR love has watched over us in
the night of oppression; YOUR mercy has sustained us in the hour of
trial. May YOUR Law rule the life of all YOUR children and YOUR truth
unite our hearts in fellowship. Praise to YOU, O LORD, our BLESSED
REDEEMER.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/