Delrifkah: Thought FOR TODAY

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Fulfill GOD'S precepts joyfully, just as Israel accepted the TORAH at
Mount Sinai — with exceedingly great joy.
BRIGHTNESS OF HIS GLORY
"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. 3]
This is one of SCRIPTURE'S most magnificent enlightenment of the PERSON
and WORK of MESSIAH YESHUA. The word "brightness (Hebrew: nogahh)"
literally means "bright, brilliant light, radiating-out, illuminate"
conveying the energy outflow from the sun. The sun constitutes a
immense generator of energy, more than sufficient to sustain all life on
earth.
As the sun's energy rays are to the sun, so is the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA
to the GOD-head. JESUS is "THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD." [John 8. 12] HIS
"origin is from of old, from ancient times." [Micah (Michah) 5. 2
Tanakh, Nevi'im] YESHUA'S glorified "countenance was like the sun
shining in its strength." [Revelation 1. 16]
JESUS, the RISEN ONE, is the LIFE-GIVING RADIANCE of the INDESCRIBABLE
GLORY of the ETERNAL ONE, from WHOSE face one day, heaven and earth will
flee away. [Revelation 20. 11] "Then the glory of the PRESENCE OF THE
LORD moved from the cherubym to the raised platform on which the Temple
stood, the House was filled with the cloud, and the court was filled
with the radiant brightness of the LORD'S GLORY and PRESENCE." [Ezekiel
(Yehezke-El) 10. 4 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "But for you that fear MY NAME,
the SUN (Hebrew: "YINNON" one of the names for "JESUS - THE WORD made
flesh") OF RIGHTEOUSNESS shall rise with healing in HIS wings (the
tassels on HIS "tallit (prayer shawl)" - see Matthew 9. 20)." [Malachi
(Malakhi) 4. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
The PRINCE OF PEACE, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH is the only MEDIATOR between GOD
and man, and through this SPLENDID ONE we can boldly enter into the
HEAVENLY FATHER'S PRESENCE. "For it is GOD WHO commanded the 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 CHRIST JESUS, the
LORD." [2 Corinthians 4. 6] Soon and very soon, we shall behold HIS
incredibly spectacular glory. What a triumphantly spectacular day that
will be!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!!
As we bid farewell to Shabbat, may our lips ever declare praises to our
KING, HELPER, SAVIOUR & SHIELD and magnify HIS glory for HIS loving
kindness is mighty over us. Blessed are YOU, WHO in YOUR glory gives
life and light to the whole world; for YOUR great goodness and endless
mercies, we give YOU thanks.
May the LIVING ETERNAL GOD, blessed be HE, hold you close, may HE hold
you ever so close in the palm of HIS mighty hand and watch over you.
Have a great week honoring the HOLY ONE WHOM we celebrate and adore!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
May your lips ever speak wisdom and your fulfillment be in righteousness
even as you ever yearn to hear the LIFE-GIVING WORDS of the FAITHFUL
ANCIENT ONE.

PRAISING OUR GOD
"You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to
be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God
through Jesus Christ." [1 Peter 2. 5]

In the OLD COVENANT it was the Levitical priesthood that was responsible
for Israel. The Levites performed "his religious duties; again and
again he offers the same sacrifices" in atonement for the sins of the
people, and this continued until MESSIAH YESHUA "offered for all time
one sacrifice for sins." [Hebrews 10. 11 - 12] The old priesthood has
now been set aside. Only the sacrifice of our PERFECT REDEEMER and our
own personal identification with HIM, by faith, is acceptable for our
salvation.

Nonetheless, there is a new priesthood — a spiritual priesthood
offering spiritual sacrifices — and it is vital that we who are now
HIS priests offer sacrifices that are acceptable and well pleasing to
ALMIGHTY GOD. We first are to present our "bodies as living sacrifices,
holy and pleasing to GOD — this is your spiritual act of worship."
[Romans 12. 1] Our bodies are to be reserved for GOD OMNIPOTENT, for we
are "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people
belonging to GOD, that you may declare the praises of HIM WHO called you
out of darkness into HIS wonderful light." [1 Peter 2. 9]

After presenting our bodies, the next acceptable sacrifices are to
"continually offer to GOD a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that
confess HIS NAME. And do not forget to do good and to share with others,
for with such sacrifices GOD is pleased." [Hebrews 13. 15 - 16] "Enter
HIS gates with praise, HIS courts with acclamation. Praise HIM! Bless
HIS NAME!" [Psalms (Tehillym) 100. 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

As we continually offer praises to GOD, the ALL-WISE CREATOR, in all
circumstances — acknowledging HIS wisdom and goodness is our
acceptable (Hebrew: "ratsown" - delight, pleasure, desire) sacrifice.
Doing good works, not for our salvation which is a free gift, but
because of our salvation, is acceptable. And when we share what we have
with others, our sacrifices are "well pleasing" to GOD our MAKER. It is
an honour and a privilege as HIS holy priesthood to offer up these
spiritual sacrifices to our MAGNIFICENT GREAT KING as we look forward to
"that blessed hope — the glorious appearing of our great GOD &
SAVIOR, CHRIST JESUS THE KING." [Titus 2. 13]

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem us, O GOD, from the serfdom of ignorance and irreverence that we
continue to fulfill YOUR Great Commission as YOUR servants and
witnesses. Strengthen our hearts with unwavering faith and quiet
peaceful trust in YOUR providence. Then we shall become champions of
justice upon earth. Teach us to emulate YOUR grace and mercy, Amen!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.



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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Piety is in the person, not the place. [Lionel Blue]
MESSIAH'S RETURN & ARMAGEDDON
"And I saw the Beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies gathered
together to make war against HIM (MESSIAH YESHUA) that sat on the horse
and against HIS army. The Beast was captured, and with him the False
Prophet who worked miraculous signs in his sight, by which he deceived
those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his
image. These were both cast alive into the Lake of Fire burning with
brimstone. The rest were killed with the sword that proceeded from the
mouth of HIM WHO sat on the horse, and all the birds were filled with
their flesh." [Revelation 19. 19 - 21]
"Then I saw an angel coming down from Heaven, having the key to the
Bottomless Pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the
dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him
for a thousand years; and he cast him into the Bottomless Pit, and shut
him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no
more until the thousand years were finished. But after these things he
must be released for a little while." [Revelation 20. 1 - 3]
"I have commanded MY sanctified ones, I have also called MY mighty ones
(those who rejoice in MY exaltation — for which the guests were
notified to purify themselves ritually – Zephaniah/Zecharyah 1.7)
for MY anger. The noise of a multitude in the mountains, as of a mighty
force, a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together!
YEHOWAH OF HOSTS is mustering a multitude for war. They come from a far
and distant land, from the end of heaven - The LORD with the weapons of
HIS wrath — to destroy all the earth (a slaughter of sinners)."
[Isaiah (Yeshayah) 13. 1 – 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
This statement is especially true and accurate as you apply it to
searching out the ways of GOD. You will find HIM revealed in HIS
WRITTEN WORD, the HOLY BIBLE. The urgency is great and growing greater
as we see the signs unfolding all around us indicating that the time is
near. GOD is calling for HIS people to diligently seek HIM and be
prepared for the coming of the LORD. GOD'S call always comes with a
warning of destruction for those who fail to respond. "Wail, for the Day
of the LORD is at hand! It shall come as destruction from the ALMIGHTY."
[Isaiah (Yeshayah) 13. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Cherished ones, strongly consider the impact of the purge that will
follow the Battle of Armageddon. For then it will be too late to do
anything, you will then stand before the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE to receive the
reward earned by the choices you have already made. Then it will be too
late to decide to live for GOD and repent of all your evil deeds! It
will be too late to receive JESUS as your SAVIOUR! It will be too late
to begin church attendance to learn of GOD'S Plan of Salvation! It will
be too late to be saved from the fierce justice of ALMIGHTY GOD!
Therefore, do not delay! Be serious with GOD and seek HIM till you find
HIM, blessings and salvation will follow your search. This is a promise
of MESSIAH YESHUA our LORD when HE said: "Ask and it shall be given to
you, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you. For
everyone that asks receives, and he that seeks finds, and to him that
knocks it shall be opened." [Matthew 7. 7]
If you don't know the precious LORD JESUS as your MESSIAH–REDEEMER
and have a testimony of HIM, now is the appointed time to find THE
GALILEAN, WHOM to know is life eternal. For HE says, "I have heard you
in the acceptable time, I have helped you in the Day of Salvation.
Behold! Now is the accepted time. Behold! Now is the Day of Salvation."
[2 Corinthians 6. 2]
"With all my being, my soul yearns for YOU in the night; Yes, by my
spirit within me I will seek YOU early. For when YOUR judgments are
wrought in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn
righteousness. " [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 26. 9 Tanakh, Nevi'im] My soul
eagerly longs for the TRUE VINE, the BREAD OF LIFE, the PRINCE OF PEACE.
. . JESUS, my LORD & KING.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
O LORD GOD, keep our tongue from evil and our lips from speaking guile.
Be our support when grief silences our voice, and our comfort when woe
bends our spirits. Implant humility in our soul and strengthen our heart
with perfect faith in YOU. Help us to be strong in temptation and trial
and to be patient and forgiving when others wrong us. Guide us, by the
LIGHT of YOUR counsel that we may ever find strength in YOU, our ROCK
and our REDEEMER. Amen
In the PRESENCE of the LORD we are filled with joy, for HE makes known
the way of life. Watch and pray....our KING, MESSIAH YESHUA is coming
soon!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
A miracle cannot prove what is impossible, it is only to confirm what is
possible. [ -Maimonides]
SOLOMON'S PRAYER – GOD'S ANSWER
Solomon's focus was on his posture (on his knees with his hands spread);
his position (facing the Temple); and the structure he made. Discern
his prayer at the Temple's Dedication:
"Then Solomon, standing before the Altar of the LORD in the presence
of all the whole congregation of Israel, spreading forth his hands.
Solomon had made a copper platform and set it in the midst of the Great
Court; it was five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high.
He stood on it; then kneeling down on his knees before the whole
assembly of Israel, he spread forth his hands toward heaven and said: "O
LORD GOD OF ISRAEL, there is no god like YOU in the heavens or on earth,
YOU keep YOUR Covenant and mercy with YOUR servants who walk before YOU
with all their hearts; YOU have kept the promises YOU made to YOUR
servant, my father David; YOU have both spoken with YOUR mouth and
fulfilled it with YOUR hand, as it is this day. And now, O LORD GOD OF
ISRAEL, keep that promise YOU made YOUR servant, my father David saying
— You shall not fail to have a man sit before ME on the throne of
Israel if only your children take heed to their way, that they walk in
MY Law as you have walked before ME. — Now, LORD GOD OF ISRAEL, let
YOUR WORD that YOU made to YOUR servant, my father David, be confirmed."
"Does GOD indeed dwell with men on the earth? Even heaven and the
heaven of heavens cannot contain YOU; how much less this Temple which I
have built! Yet regard the prayer and supplication of YOUR servant, O
LORD my GOD, and listen to the cry and the prayer which YOUR servant
offers to YOU. May YOUR eyes be open toward this temple day and night,
toward the place where YOU said YOU would put YOUR NAME, that YOU may
hear the prayer which YOUR servant offers toward this place. And may YOU
hear the supplications of YOUR servant and of YOUR people Israel, when
they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven YOUR Dwelling Abode, and
when YOU hear, forgive."
"If anyone sins against his neighbor, and an oath is exacted from him,
and comes and takes an oath before YOUR altar in this Temple, then hear
from heaven, and act, and judge YOUR servants, bringing retribution on
the wicked by bringing his way on his own head, and justifying the
righteous by giving him according to his righteousness. "
"Should YOUR people Israel be defeated before an enemy because they
have sinned against YOU, and return and confess YOUR NAME, and offer
prayer and make supplication before YOU in this Temple, then hear from
heaven and forgive the sin of YOUR people Israel, and restore them back
to the land which YOU gave to them and their fathers."
"When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because they have
sinned against YOU, when they pray toward this place and confess YOUR
NAME, and turn from their sin because YOU humbled them, then hear in
heaven, and forgive the sin of YOUR servants, YOUR people Israel, that
YOU may teach them the good way in which they should walk; and send rain
on YOUR land which YOU have given to YOUR people as their heritage. "So
too, if there is a famine in the land, pestilence, blight, mildew,
locusts or grasshoppers; when their enemies oppress them in any of their
settlements of their land."
"In any plague or whatever sickness there is; whatever prayer or
supplication is made by anyone, or by all YOUR people Israel — each
one knows his own burden and his own grief — when he spreads out his
hands to this House: may YOU hear from heaven YOUR dwelling place, and
forgive. Give to everyone according to all his ways, whose heart YOU
know — for YOU alone know the hearts of the sons of men — that
they may fear YOU, to walk in YOUR ways as long as they live in the land
which YOU gave to our fathers."
"Moreover, if a foreigner who is not of YOUR people Israel, who comes
from a far country for the sake of YOUR GREAT NAME, YOUR MIGHTY HAND,
and YOUR OUTSTRETCHED ARM, when they come and pray toward this House;
then hear from Heaven YOUR Dwelling Place, and grant whatever the
foreigner appeals to YOU for. Thus all the peoples of the earth may know
YOUR NAME and revere YOU as do YOUR people Israel; and that they may
know that YOUR NAME is attached to this Temple that I have built."
"When YOUR people go out to battle against their enemies, wherever YOU
send them, and when they pray to YOU toward this City which YOU have
chosen and the House which I have built to YOUR NAME, then hear from
heaven their prayer and their supplication, and uphold their cause."
"When they sin against YOU — for there is no one who does not sin
— and YOU become angry with them and deliver them to the enemy, and
they take them captive to an enemy land, far or near; yet when they come
to themselves in the land where they were carried captive, and repent,
and make supplication to YOU in the land of their captivity, saying
—We have sinned, we have done wrong, and have committed wickedness
— and when they return to YOU with all their heart and with all
their soul in the land of their captivity, where they have been carried
captive, and pray toward their land which YOU gave to their fathers, the
city which YOU have chosen, and toward the Temple which I have built for
YOUR NAME — may YOU hear their prayer and their supplications in
YOUR Heavenly Dwelling, and maintain their cause, and forgive YOUR
people who have sinned against YOU."
"Now my GOD, may YOUR eyes be open and let YOUR ears be attentive to
the prayer from this place, and now, arise, O LORD GOD, to YOUR resting
place, YOU and YOUR Mighty Ark of strength. Let YOUR priests, O LORD
GOD, be clothed with salvation, YOUR saints rejoice in YOUR goodness. O
LORD GOD, do not turn away the face of YOUR ANOINTED; remember the
loyalty of YOUR servant David." [2 Chronicles (Dibre Hayamin Bet) 6. 12
- 42 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
GOD'S Answer:
"The LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him: "I have heard
your prayer, and have chosen this place for MYSELF as a House of
Sacrifice. When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the
locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence against MY people, if MY
people who are called by MY NAME will HUMBLE THEMSELVES, PRAY and SEEK
MY FACE, and TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS, then I will hear from heaven,
and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now MY eyes will be open
and MY ears attentive to prayer made in this place. For now I have
chosen and sanctified this House that MY NAME may be there forever; and
MY eyes and MY heart will be there forever. "
"As for you, if you walk before ME as your father David walked before
ME, and do according to all that I have commanded you, and if you keep
MY statutes and MY judgments, then I will establish the throne of your
kingdom, as I covenanted with David your father, saying — You shall
never fail to have a man as ruler in Israel.
"But if you turn away from ME and forsake MY Laws and MY commandments
which I have set before you, and go and serve other gods and worship
them, then I will uproot them (Israel) from MY land which I have given
them; and this House which I have sanctified for MY NAME I will cast out
of MY sight, and will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples.
"And as for this House, once so exalted, everyone who passes by it will
be astonished and say —Why has the LORD done thus to this land and
this House? — Then they will answer — It is because they forsook
the LORD GOD of their fathers WHO brought them up out of the land of
Egypt, and embraced other gods and worshiped them and served them;
therefore HE has brought all this calamity on them." [2 Chronicles
(Dibre Hayamin Bet) 7. 12 - 22 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
The Tabernacle was only sanctified when the glory of YEHOWAH was
present. [Exodus/Shemot 29. 43; Ezekiel/Yehezke- El 43. 5; Haggai/Chagai
2. 7, 9] Without the LORD'S PRESENCE, it was just an exquisite
structure.
Solomon fell into sin and the kingdom was taken from his son. [1 Kings
(Dibre Hayamin Alef) 11. 1-13 Tanakh, Nevi'im] GOD cast the House that
Solomon had made out of HIS sight just as He said He would. [2
Chronicles/Dibre Hayamin Bet 36. 17–19; Ezra 5. 12; 2 Kings/Melakhim
Bet 25. 8-10] Years later, for the same reason, GOD scattered HIS
people, Israel, throughout all the lands of the earth. Then in 70 AD,
GOD again cast the elaborate Temple Herod made out of HIS sight. No
Temple has been on the site for nearly 2,000 years.
GOD, the RIGHTEOUS & HOLY ONE does not care about position, posture, the
direction people face, or even the edifice they are standing in when
praying. GOD'S focus is on the heart of the king and of the people and
their willingness to obey HIS commands. Only GODly repentance in
sincerity and truth leads to salvation and to life through faith in the
LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
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 Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Depravity results in permissiveness when righteousness is ignored. . .
Permissiveness leads to rationalizing when holiness is ignored. . .
Rationalizing encourages open rebellion when repentance is ignored.
[Chuck Swindall]
EVEN SO, PRAY
"As for me, far be it from me to sin against the LORD and refrain from
praying for you; and I will continue to instruct you in the practice of
what is good and right. Above all, you must revere the LORD and serve
HIM in truth with all your heart; consider how greatly HE has dealt with
you." [1 Samuel (Shemuel Alef) 12. 23 - 24 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Samuel had served the children of Israel as their faithful judge for
many years, and the LORD had blessed them and their land. Nevertheless,
they insisted on having a king like the other nations and pressed Samuel
to appointing one for them. Ultimately, Samuel anointed Saul to be their
king, even though Samuel and the LORD HIMSELF were both extremely
displeased with their demands.
Even so, Samuel's great heart, both for the LORD and for HIS people,
is revealed in the promise of his prayer. Although he was hurt and
disappointed because he had led them successfully and justly his whole
life, he would still pray for them and teach whoever would listen. This
is a great example for true CHRIST-ian leaders and workers today who
have been replaced by someone else, through no fault of their own.
Continue in love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from
sincere faith.
Intercessory prayer is not easy, especially if our prayers are not
appreciated by those we pray for. Nonetheless, it is a type of prayer
ministry that especially pleases the LORD GOD, and that is more
important than human gratitude. No doubt Paul was reflecting GOD'S
OWN desire when he said — "I exhort first of all that supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for
kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and
peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and
acceptable in the sight of GOD our SAVIOR, WHO desires all men to be
saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." [1 Timothy 2. 2 - 4]
Paul even urged prayer for Nero, the wicked emperor who had imprisoned
him and would ultimately have him put to death.
Our LORD YESHUA even instructed, "love your enemies, bless those who
curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who
spitefully use you and persecute you." [Matthew 5. 44] And, the LORD
YESHUA is our GREATEST INTERCESSOR of all. For when we sin, and all
have sinned against HIM, yet JESUS CHRIST THE RIGHTEOUS is our "is our
ADVOCATE with the FATHER." [1 John 2. 1] In fact — "HE lives to
make intercession" for us. [Hebrews 7. 25] Since MESSIAH YESHUA is our
GREAT EXAMPLE and HE seeks out men after HIS OWN heart, let us imitate
HIM by specializing at being prayer-intercessors also.
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, Amen. May YOU,
MOST HOLY ONE, be blessed, praised & honoured, extolled & glorified,
adored & exalted above all else throughout eternity. Blessed are YOU
beyond all blessings & hymns, praises & consolations that may be uttered
in this world, Amen.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Real friends are those who, when you've made a fool of yourself, don't
feel that you've done a permanent job.
THE MERCY SEAT
"You shall make a Mercy Seat of pure gold, two and a half cubits long
and a cubit and a half wide." [Exodus (Shemot) 25. 17 Tanakh, Torah]
Kapporeth is the Hebrew word meaning "mercy seat." It literally was a
lid covering the articles of judgment against the children of Israel and
all mankind. GOD'S Law, which was kept inside the Ark, condemned man
[Romans 3. 20; 8. 34] as did HIS truth and life symbolized in the manna
and the rod. Man could not keep GOD'S LAW, believe HIS TRUTH, and
appropriate HIS LIFE. Without a covering, the Ark of the Covenant would
have been a "Judgment Throne."
The Mercy Seat was not to be made out of wood, which represents
humanity; but was made of pure gold, symbolical of DIVINITY. Mercy is
of GOD, not of man. Thankfully, the OMNIPOTENT COVENANT KEEPER made the
WAY of redemption, a COVERING or PROPITIATION for sin. Therefore, it is
pure gold entirely. Only the MIGHTY CREATOR could fashion such a
PROTECTION; and HE planned it before the very foundation of the earth.
It is DIVINE all the way through!
The measurements of the Mercy Seat in width and length corresponds
exactly with the Ark of the Covenant so it completely covered the
contents of the Ark. The MASTER DESIGNER'S mercy is sufficient (because
of the blood atonement) to cover over His JUDGMENT against us.
MESSIAH YESHUA is our "MERCY SEAT" for "if anyone sins, we have an
ADVOCATE with the FATHER, JESUS CHRIST THE RIGHTEOUS. And HE HIMSELF is
the PROPITIATION for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the
whole world." [1 John 2. 1 - 2]
We must understand that BIBLE "types or symbols" themselves are not
perfect in every detail; only that which the type or symbol represents,
is Perfect. Typology shows similarities or contrasts as well as
different phases and aspects of the subject considered. The MERCY SEAT
is MESSIAH YESHUA, and yet it is also GOD'S Throne upon which MESSIAH
sets. The blood on the Mercy Seat is the requirement for atonement and
yet it represents the INNOCENT SLAIN LAMB WHO stood alive in the midst
of the Throne in Heaven!
Therefore, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH HIMSELF, with HIS atoning blood, is our
Mercy Seat, where we can meet with GOD ALMIGHTY. Thus, the golden,
blood-stained Mercy Seat becomes the very Throne of GOD, where HE meets
with those who believe on HIM for salvation. "Let us therefore come
boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace
to help in time of need." [Hebrews 4. 16]
It is a great privilege, honour and the blessing that our remarkable
LORD GOD SUPREME has given those who have been redeemed by the precious
blood of the GUILTLESS LAMB, to come into the Throne Room, the Holiest
Place where we can commune with HIM at the Mercy Seat. Oh what a
ASTOUNDING, ASTONISHING & WONDERFUL SAVIOR HE is!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
As we bid farewell to Shabbat we are praying for you our friends, both
Jew or Gentile. May you have a heart to know YEHOWAH, that HE is the
LORD of your life; oh, return to HIM with your whole heart. May each of
you be delivered from trouble and harm, or strengthened through it. Heal
us O LORD, make us righteous in YOUR sight.
Go forth victoriously into the week and take some of Sabbath's
sweetness with you.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
When I was younger I could remember anything, whether it had happened or
not.
GOD'S PEOPLE REST
"There remains therefore a rest for the people of GOD. For he who has
entered HIS rest has himself also ceased from his works as GOD did from
HIS." [Hebrews 4. 9 - 10]
Though we may get weary in the work the ALMIGHTY has assigned us here on
earth, we never grow tired of the work, for the need is so great and the
laborers are so few. The LORD knows our needs and the fact that we need
rest so HE ordained a weekly day of rest, HIS Sabbath. The CREATOR
HIMSELF set this precedence or example for mankind — HE did the work
of creation in six days and rested the seventh. [Exodus/Shemot 20. 8 -
11]
The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, nonetheless, taught that it is still
"lawful to do good on the Sabbath" [Matthew 12. 12], and SCRIPTURES
command us to always walk as the wise do "redeeming the time, because
the days are evil" and "understand what the will of the LORD is."
[Ephesians 5. 16 - 17]
There is a threefold purpose in the opening text from the book of
Hebrews. The Hebrew word for rest— shabbathown — is actually
the special word for "Sabbath Rest" — used only this one time in the
NEW COVENANT (speaking of YESHUA, the text says: "sat down at the right
hand of the MAJESTY on high {rested}" — Hebrews 1. 3). This
seemingly indicates that the weekly rest day, like each of the other
laws in the Ten Commandments, is still a DIVINE principle in the
CHRISTian dispensation, and violating it is to our hurt and
disadvantage. It also refers to the rest we find in KING JESUS, "For he
who has entered HIS rest has himself also ceased from his works as GOD
did from HIS. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest
anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. " [Hebrews 4.
10 - 11]
Also for our future life, it is most comforting when we, the believers
and worshippers of GOD MOST HIGH, will have blessed rest from toils and
troubles, "Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Write —
Blessed are the dead who die in the LORD from now on. Yes! says the
SPIRIT — that they may rest from their labors, and their works
follow them." [Revelation 14. 13]
How very much our wonderful CREATOR GOD has blessed us, even in these
hard days, we can find rest for our souls in YESHUA the REDEEMER, our
LORD & KING.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Welcome Sabbath, come, let us welcome the Bride of the Week...may its
radiance illumine our hearts as we kindle the candles of Sabbath!
Light is the symbol of the DIVINE, the LORD is my LIGHT and my
SALVATION. Light is the symbol of the DIVINE in man; the spirit of man
is the light of the LORD.
Light is the symbol of the DIVINE Law, for the commandment is a Lamp and
the Law is a Light. Light is the symbol of Israel's mission. I, the
LORD, have set you for a covenant of the people, for a light to the
nations. Thus, in the spirit of our ancient tradition that hallows and
unites Israel in all lands and all ages, let us go forth with the light
of GOD'S WORD to the nations as HE commanded.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

Thought for Today
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The average person, when left alone with their thoughts, is tremendously
lonely.
WITH YOU ALWAYS
"For the sake of HIS GREAT NAME, the LORD will never abandon HIS people,
because it has pleased the LORD to make you HIS people." [1 Samuel
(Shemuel Alef) 12. 22 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
This is the promise the GREAT GOD OF ISRAEL made to HIS chosen people,
Israel. "Remember, I am with you: I will protect you wherever you go and
will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done
what I have promised you." [Genesis (Bereshith) 28. 15 Tanakh, Torah]
To Joshua, the promise was given—"No one shall be able to resist you
as long as you live. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will
not fail you nor forsake you." [Joshua (Yehoshua) 1. 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
"Be strong and of good courage (Hebrew: chazaq v'amats) be not in
fear or in dread of them; for the LORD ELOHEYK HIMSELF marches with you;
HE will not fail you or forsake you." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 31. 6
Tanakh, Torah]
The promises of the ALMIGHTY ONE, our SHIELD OF TRUTH, are certain and
sure — infallible to all who trust in HIM. There are many faithful
assurances in HOLY SCRIPTURES, one that especially reveals GOD'S heart
declares: "The poor and needy seek water on the homeward march through
the desert and there is none, their tongue is parched with thirst. I,
YEHOWAH, will hear them. I, ELOHEY OF ISRAEL, will not forsake them."
[Isaiah (Yeshayah) 41. 17 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
The most precious to the believers now says—"I will never leave you
nor forsake you." [Hebrews 13. 5] Paul also was most convinced of this
and expounded— "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor
angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to
come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able
to separate us from the love of GOD which is in CHRIST JESUS our LORD."
[Romans 8. 38 - 39]
The last words our LORD MESSIAH YESHUA promised were — "I am with
you always, even to the end of the age. Amen" [Matthew 28. 20] And
moreover, the MOST HOLY & TRUE ONE always keeps HIS promises, HE never
fails.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Zey ha'yom asaw ADONAI, nagilah ve-neesmechah voh . . . This is the
day the LORD has made, we will rejoice and we will be glad in it!
Blessings to all who love Zion! We were greatly blessed when the HOLY
ONE has brought us out of slavery from Egypt and took HIS people
directly to Mount Sinai. There HE gave us the Law to keep us free from
slavery (to sin). Then, HE gave us HIS ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON, YESHUA the
MESSIAH to keep us free and give us true peace and eternal rest in HIM.
HalleluYAH! what a Savior!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
If you do not bend the twig of a vine when it is young, you cannot bend
it when it hardens. [TALMUD, MIDRASH Mishie 22]
GIFT of SUFFERING
"For to you it has been granted on behalf of CHRIST, not only to believe
in HIM, but also to suffer for HIS sake." [Philippians 1. 29]
CREATOR GOD is INFINITE POWER and manifests infinite love as seen
throughout HOLY SCRIPTURE. Undeserved suffering in the world has long
been one of the chief arguments of atheists. They insist that if GOD
exists, HE is either powerless to prevent such suffering or simply does
not care. How completely misinformed, misguided, confused, and mistaken
they are!
In reality, there is no such thing as unmerited suffering, "for all have
sinned" and "the wages of sin is death." [Romans 3. 23; 6. 23] A person
may suffer because of the sin of someone else, but even that person has
undoubtedly brought suffering to others on occasion.
All sufferings have a purpose, for GOD OMNIPOTENT makes even man's wrath
to praise HIM. "The fiercest of men shall acknowledge YOU, when YOU
gird on the last bit of fury." [Psalms (Tehillym) 76. 10 Tanakh,
Kethuvim] When Adam sinned, the MOST HIGH GOD cursed the ground for
man's sake. [Genesis/Bereshith 3. 17] Multitudes of lost sinners have
come to the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH for salvation as a result of the
sufferings they have experienced in the world under GOD'S curse. The
ETERNAL BLAMELESS ONE makes everyone GUILTY, that HE may have MERCY on
all who come to HIM. Then, HE is free to show mercy on the believers, or
execute judgment on those who refuse HIS way of redemption. Truly,
ALMIGHTY GOD ETERNAL is the "RIGHTEOUS JUDGE" and the only "MERCIFUL
GOD!"
Followers of MESSIAH are given the privilege of being "partakers of
CHRIST'S sufferings, that when HIS glory is revealed, you may also be
glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the NAME of CHRIST,
blessed are you, for the SPIRIT of glory and of GOD rests upon you. On
their part HE is blasphemed, but on your part HE is glorified." [1 Peter
4. 13 - 14] The LORD JESUS CHRIST is the only ONE WHO ever lived, WHO
never deserved to suffer, since HE alone was sinless. But, "CHRIST
suffered for us...the just for the unjust, that HE might bring us to
GOD." [1 Peter 2. 21; 3. 18]
One day, and that very soon it will all be over, "and GOD will wipe away
every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow,
nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have
passed away." [Revelation 21. 4] However until then, "though our
outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by
day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for
us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." [2 Corinthians 4.
16 - 17] The MASTER OF MERCY & TRUTH is gracious and full of mercy. May
our eyes behold, our hearts rejoice, and our souls be glad in the
salvation of our GREAT GOD.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!!
"Obey MY Voice, and I will be your GOD, and you shall be MY people. And
walk only in the ways that I have commanded you that it may be well with
you." [Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 7:23 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
O our KING, YOU are all good, YOUR mercies fail not and YOUR
loving-kindness never ceases. All our hope is in YOU, thus we
continually bless and exalt YOU forever and ever.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The reason for religion is not reason. . . it is an amazingly marvelous personal relationship with the MIGHTY CREATOR.
OMNISCIENT HOLY ONE
"Great is our LORD, and full of power. HIS wisdom and understanding is infinite, beyond reckoning." [Psalms (Tehillym) 147. 5 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
Paul asked the great eloquent question — "For who has known the mind of the LORD? or who has been HIS counselor?" [Romans 11. 34] Even the most learned scholars of every age are mere newborn infants in knowledge compared to the ALMIGHTY ONE, "HIS wisdom cannot be fathomed." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 40. 28 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Everyone who believes in ONLY TRUE & LIVING GOD acknowledges that HE is omniscient by definition. HE created all things and upholds all things, and understands all things. HE knows the future, for HE is the HIGH & LOFTY ONE WHO inhabits eternity forever dwelling in holiness, "the ONE WHO inhabits eternity" [Isaiah/Yeshayah 57. 15] and created time itself.
To acknowledge this is one thing, to live as if you believe it, is another. Most of the time we live, speak, and choose just as though the ALMIGHTY LORD ETERNAL neither knows nor cares what we do. But, HE really does know and cares! "When I sit down or stand up YOU know it; YOU discern my thoughts from afar. YOU observe my walking and reclining, and are familiar with all my ways. There is not one word on my tongue, but that YOU, O LORD, know it well." [Psalms (Tehillym) 139. 2 - 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
The blessed MASTER OF MERCY & TRUTH is both omniscient and omnipotent. HE is great in power and has created all things. Just look at the sky and the host of stars, even they HE calls by name, and "because of HIS great might and vast power, not one fails to appear." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 40. 26 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Just as the MASTER DESIGNER made HIS creation "very good" [Genesis/Bereshith 1. 31], so we also, as believers saved by HIS marvelous grace, are "HIS workmanship. " [Ephesians 2. 10] The ETERNAL ONE, blessed be HE, knows us individually and is concerned about our needs. Therefore, HE works with us in all our ways. . . HIS wonders to perform. It is such a privilege to serve our GREAT GOD , HE is THE GREATEST SOURCE of overwhelming joy!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Shout unto the LORD all the earth; worship the LORD in gladness; come before HIS presence with sings of joy. Acknowledge that the LORD is GOD; it is HE that made us and we are HIS people, the flock of HIS pasture. Enter into HIS gates with thanksgiving, and into HIS courts with praise. Praise HIM! Bless HIS NAME! For the LORD is good; HIS mercy endures forever, HIS love is eternal, and HIS faithfulness is for all generations. [Psalm/Tehillym 100]
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah Jesus and His Kingdom.
Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
GOD first, all else second!
VISIBLE RETURN OF MESSIAH
"For thus the LORD has spoken to me (Isaiah) —As a lion roars, and a
young lion over his prey (if a multitude of shepherds is summoned
against him, he will not be dismayed at their voice nor be disturbed by
the noise of them), so YEHOWAH OF HOSTS will come down to fight for
Mount Zion and for its hill. Like birds flying about, so will YEHOWAH OF
HOSTS defend Jerusalem. Defending, HE will also deliver it; passing
over, HE will preserve it." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 31. 4 – 5 Tanakh,
Nevi'im]
When the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA returns, every eye shall see HIM. There
will be no mistaking this glorious event. "For as the lightning comes
from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the
SON OF MAN be." [Matthew 24. 27]
At the trial of YESHUA, Caiaphas the High Priest adamantly demanded, "I
put YOU under oath by the LIVING GOD — Tell us if YOU are the
CHRIST, the SON OF GOD!" JESUS said to him, "It is as you said.
Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the SON OF MAN
sitting at the Right Hand OF THE POWER, and coming on the clouds of
heaven." [Matthew 26. 62 - 64] Luke plainly records, "And all flesh
shall see the SALVATION OF GOD." [Luke 3. 6]
No longer the MAN OF SORROWS, MESSIAH YESHUA will be coming riding on a
white horse, coming on the basis of HIS sacrifice for sin and HIS
victory over death: "Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white
horse. And HE WHO sat on him was called FAITHFUL and TRUE, and in
righteousness HE judges and makes war. HIS eyes were like a flame of
fire, and on HIS head were many crowns. HE had a name written that no
one knew except HIMSELF. HE was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and
HIS NAME is called—THE WORD OF GOD. And the armies in heaven,
clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed HIM on white horses.
Now out of HIS mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it HE should strike
the nations. And HE HIMSELF will rule them with a rod of iron. He
Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of ALMIGHTY
GOD. And HE has on HIS robe and on HIS thigh a name written: KING of
kings and LORD of lords." [Revelation 19. 11 - 16]
Our FAITHFUL LOVING GOD is calling for HIS people to seek HIM out and be
prepared for the coming of MESSIAH THE KING. HIS call comes with a
warning of destruction for those who fail to respond. Turn, O turn now
be wise and understand what your latter end will be.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
O KING, HELPER, SAVIOUR & SHIELD, blessed are YOU , O LORD, the SHIELD
of Abraham. YOU, O LORD are mighty forever, YOU quicken the dead; and
YOU are mighty to save and sustain the living with lovingkindness and
cause salvation to spring forth. I love you, LORD and lift up my voice
to YOU in praise and worship!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Pray for a good harvest, but continue to hoe.
WATER & WINE
"When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made
wine…the master of the feast called the bridegroom and he said to
him — Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when
the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good
wine until now!" [John 2. 9 - 10]
The first sign/miracle that YESHUA ha'MASHIACH carried out was turning
the water into wine. It was at a wedding in Cana of Galilee where HE
first manifested HIS glory; and HIS disciples believed in HIM.
Wine most often represents "blood" in HOLY SCRIPTURE. "You drank wine,
foaming grape-blood was your drink." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 32. 14
Tanakh, Torah] "They shall be drunk with their own blood as with sweet
wine." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 49. 26 Tanakh, Nevi'im] And the miracles the
LORD JESUS did were evidence of WHO HE was, or foreshadowed things to
come "that you may continue to believe in the nAME of the SON OF GOD."
[1 John 5. 13]
As at the wedding feast, the MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE, saved the best for
last. When the LORD YESHUA died for our sins on Calvary, "one of the
soldiers pierced HIS side with a spear, and immediately blood and water
came out." [John 19. 34] MESSIAH'S precious life's-blood (WINE OF
LIFE) freely flowed out along with the water (WATER OF LIFE) giving the
sweetest, most important sacrificial offering. Thus confirming what
YESHUA had taught earlier to HIS disciples: "Unless you eat the flesh of
the SON OF MAN and drink HIS blood, you have no life in you. Whoever
eats MY flesh and drinks MY blood has eternal life, and I will raise him
up at the last day. For MY flesh is food indeed, and MY blood is drink
indeed. He who eats MY flesh and drinks MY blood abides in ME, and I in
him." [John 6. 53 - 56]
The LORD JESUS made the connection at the last Passover Seder HE was
celebrating with HIS disciples when "HE took the cup, and gave thanks,
and gave it to them, saying — Drink from it, all of you. For this is
MY blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission
of sins." [Matthew 26. 27 - 28]
MESSIAH YESHUA is the ANOINTED ONE WHO came "by water and blood, not
only by water, but by water and blood...And there are three that bear
witness on earth: the SPIRIT, the water, and the blood; and these three
agree as ONE. It is the SPIRIT WHO bears witness, because the SPIRIT is
TRUTH." [1 John 5. 8]
"Oh, taste and see how good the LORD is; blessed is the man who takes
refuge in HIM!" [Psalms (Tehillym) 34. 8 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Most
assuredly, JESUS OF NAZARETH saved the sweetest for last, and HE did it
for you — HE did it for me.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
As we bid farewell to Shabbat we encourage you to take some of
Sabbath's sweetness with you for a blessed week
"For whatever is born of GOD overcomes the world. And this is the
victory that has overcome the world--our faith. Who is he who overcomes
the world, but he who believes that JESUS is the SON OF GOD?" [1 John
5:4-5] Truly there is Light & Joy, Gladness & Honour for all of GOD'S
people as we celebrate our wonderful LORD & SAVIOUR.
May you know the contentment and pleasure of being in the center of LORD
OF GLORY'S precious hands.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/


A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
In BIBLICAL days prophets were astir while the world was asleep. Today
the world is astir while churches and synagogues are busy with
trivialities. [Abraham Joshua Herschel]
WRITTEN BY GOD'S FINGER
"It shall be a sign for all time between ME and the people of Israel.
For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day
HE ceased from work and was refreshed. When HE finished speaking with
him on Mount Sinai, HE gave Moses the two TABLES OF THE PACT, stone
tablets inscribed with the finger of GOD." [Exodus (Shemot) 31. 17 - 18
Tanakh, Torah]
"All SCRIPTURE is given by inspiration of GOD" [2 Timothy 3. 16], but
this portion of SCRIPTURE was given by direct inscription of SOVEREIGN
GOD HIMSELF! Moses testified, "The LORD gave me the two Tables of Stone
inscribed by the finger of GOD, with the exact words that the LORD had
addressed to you out of the fire on the day of the Assembly."
[Deuteronomy (Devarim) 9. 10 Tanakh, Torah] "HE wrote down on the
Tables the terms of the Covenant, the Ten Commandments. " [Exodus
(Shemot) 34. 28 Tanakh, Torah] Thus, out of all the HOLY SCRIPTURES,
GOD MOST HIGH chose to write this section, not through one of HIS
prophets, but with HIS OWN finger! It should, therefore, be taken
literally and seriously.
It is also significant that these Commandments were structured around a
weekly day of rest, remembering GOD'S creation week — six Days of
creating and establishing everything in heaven and earth, followed by
sanctified day of rest and refreshment. [Genesis/Bereshith 1. 31 - 2. 3;
Exodus/Shemot 20. 8 - 11] Ever since the creation, people have
observed a weekly calendar. The seven-day week (unlike the day, month,
and year) has no solar basis at all. People keep time in weeks simply
because THE MASTER CREATOR did! After each day of creation, GOD declared
that there was "evening and there was morning" — but the seventh day
was blessed and sanctified it, and the phrase "evening and morning" was
not declared. [see Genesis/Bereshith 1] The reason — when we rest
IN HIM, God gives us an unlimited, continual Sabbath.
"The Sabbath was made for man" — the LORD JESUS declared. [Mark 2.
27] Since the Most HOLY ONE considered the truth of the Literal
Creation Week so important that HE inscribed it HIMSELF, we should
believe this portion of HIS WORD first of all. . . then follow through
by believing everything else HE has told us, and obey (do, observe,
follow totally) HIS commands that we might live.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Good Sabbath! Those who keep the Sabbath and call it a delight shall
rejoice in GOD'S Kingdom.
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. Blessed are YOU, our
LORD GOD, WHO sanctifies the Sabbath, Israel and all who love YOUR
PRECIOUS SON, YESHUA the WORD made FLESH.
"And you shall call the Sabbath a delight." [Yeshayah/Isaiah 53.13]
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
There is never an unpropitious (unfavorable) time for prayer.
THE LORD THAT HEALS
"If you will heed the LORD your GOD diligently, doing what is upright in
HIS sight, giving ear to HIS commandments and keeping all HIS Laws, then
I will not bring upon you any of the diseases that I brought upon the
Egyptians, for I the LORD am your HEALER." [Exodus (Shemot) 15. 26
Tanakh, Torah]
Isaiah, the Jewish prophet asks, "Who can believe what we have heard?
Upon WHOM has the ARM OF THE LORD been revealed?" [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 53.
1 Tanakh, Nevi'im] This question is answered in the NEW COVENANT after
the LORD'S arm was revealed through YESHUA ha'MASHIACH: "But although
HE had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in HIM, that
the word of Esaias (Isaiah) the prophet might be fulfilled, which he
spoke: "LORD, who has believed our report? and to whom has the ARM OF
THE LORD been revealed?" [John 12. 37 - 38]
Isaiah saw the SUFFERING MESSIAH and exclaimed this prophecy: "Yet it
was our SICKNESS that HE was bearing, our SUFFERING that HE endured. We
accounted HIM plagued, smitten and afflicted by GOD, but HE was wounded
because of our sins, crushed because of our iniquities. HE bore the
chastisement that made us whole, and by HIS bruises healing was granted
to us." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 53. 4 - 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Again, we read of the fulfillment of this prophecy in the NEW COVENANT:
"When evening had come, they brought to HIM (YESHUA ha'MASHIACH) many
who were demon-possessed. And HE cast out the spirits with a word, and
healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by
Isaiah the prophet, saying—HE HIMSELF took our infirmities and bore
our sicknesses." [Matthew 8. 16 - 17]
David, the king of Israel, knew the GREAT PHYSICIAN. His heart welled
up in praise to the ALMIGHTY LORD OF GLORY as he spoke to his own soul:
"Bless the LORD, O my soul and do not forget all HIS bounties. HE
forgives all your sins, heals all your diseases." [Psalms (Tehillym)
103. 2 - 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Moses also knew the MIGHTY HEALER.
Moses was commanded by the MOST HIGH GOD to raise a copper serpent upon
a pole so the Israelites, who had been poisoned in their bodies,
"looking upon it" would be healed! As Moses lifted up the serpent in
the wilderness, so must the SON OF MAN be lifted up that those who were
poisoned by sin and disease, "looking upon HIM (believe & obey)" —
would be healed.
At the time of the first Passover, the Israelites were commanded to take
a lamb, kill it, shed its blood, and eat its meat. Not only was the
blood given for redemption of the soul, but the meat of the lamb was to
be eaten for strength and health for the journey to the Promised Land.
The LOVING MASTER expects that every child of HIS who has applied the
blood of the PERFECT SUBSTITUTIONARY LAMB (YESHUA) to their heart's door
in faith for deliverance from soul bondage, also by faith to partake of
the meat of that LAMB for strength and health through this wilderness
(world) journey to the Promised Land! Not only was the blood of the
LAMB shed for remission of our sins, but the body of the LORD JESUS was
bruised and broken for our physical health!
JESUS OF NAZARETH, our blessed PORTION OF JACOB, was made a curse to
redeem us from the curse of the Law. "CHRIST has redeemed us from the
curse of the Law, having become a curse for us (for it is written:
"Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree." Deuteronomy/ Devarim 21. 23),
that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the gentiles in CHRIST
JESUS, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."
[Galatians 3. 13 - 14] HE WHO knew no sin was made sin so we, believing
upon HIM, might be delivered from sin. HE WHO knew no sickness, was
made sick that we, believing on HIM, might be delivered from sickness.
It was for you and me that YESHUA paid the price for our deliverance and
healing. Believe on CHRIST JESUS today and accept HIM, not only as your
MESSIAH WHO has redeemed your soul, but also as "YEHOWAH RAPH'AH (the
LORD that heals)."
"If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes!"
[Mark 9. 23] The ETERNAL GLORIOUS LIVING GOD eagerly extends HIS mercy
to all those who call upon HIM in faith.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
The grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST be with you always!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.


A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Never leave a person in the dark, always leave them searching for the
light.
GOD OMNIPOTENT
"Job said in reply to the LORD — I know that YOU can do everything,
that nothing YOU propose is impossible for YOU." [Job (Iyob) 42. 1 - 2
Tanakh, Kethuvim]
This was the testimony of Job at the end of his sufferings, as GOD
revealed HIMSELF to him and Job acknowledged both the omnipotence and
omniscience of his MAKER, WHOSE NAME is "EL SHADDAI (GOD ALMIGHTY)."
[Genesis (Bereshith) 35. 11 Tanakh, Torah] "Ah LORD GOD! YOU made
heaven and earth by YOUR great might and outstretched arm. Nothing is
too wondrous for YOU!" [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 32. 17 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Furthermore, the MIGHTY CREATOR required neither time nor process to
create, make, and complete the infinite cosmos in all its complexity.
"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] "Because of
HIS great might and vast power, not one fails to appear." [Isaiah
(Yeshayah) 40. 26 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
In light of this truth, all the schemes of man are superficial and
trivial. "The nations are but a drop in a bucket, reckoned as dust on a
balance. The very coastlands the ALMIGHTY lifts like specks." [Isaiah
(Yeshayah) 40. 15 Tanakh, Nevi'im] How foolish man is to boast of
their doings!
The HOLY OMNIPOTENT ONE and HIS WORD are trustworthy — and, "I am
persuaded neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor
powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height, nor depth,
nor any other created thing shall be able to separate us from the love
of GOD which is in CHRIST JESUS our LORD." [Romans 8. 38 - 39] In all
things we are more than conquerors through YESHUA ha'MASHIACH WHO loves
us. Absolute, magnificent and great is HIS faithfulness!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Seek the LORD while HE may be found, call upon HIM while HE is near.
Diligently obey the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL, incline your ear to the MASTER
and you will live.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The reward of virtue is virtue.
WORTHY, O LORD
"Blessed are YOU, LORD, GOD OF ISRAEL our FATHER, from eternity to
eternity. YOURS, LORD, are greatness, might, power, glory, splendor,
triumph, victory, honour and majesty — Yes, all that is in heaven
and on earth; to YOU, LORD, belong kingship and preeminence above all."
[1 Chronicles (Dibre Hayamin Alef) 29. 10 - 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
This is a part of King David's prayer at the time of Solomon's
coronation as his successor. Although David and Solomon were the
greatest kings of Israel, and in the world. David rightly acknowledged
that the LORD GOD HIMSELF was the TRUE KING ETERNAL, not only of Israel,
but of all heaven and earth. HE is the PROMINENT, SUPREME RULER —
OMNIPOTENT, OMNIPRESENT LORD over all.
Even the cherubiym will again repeat David's great prayer: "Give unto
the LORD the glory due HIS NAME; bow down and worship the LORD, majestic
in holiness." [Psalms (Tehillym) 29. 2 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Worthy is the
LAMB WHO was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength
and honor and glory and blessing!" [Revelation 5. 12] "YOU are worthy,
O LORD, to receive glory and honour and power; for YOU created all
things, and for YOUR pleasure they exist and were created." [Revelation
4. 11] "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." [Colossians 1. 16]
Then soon after that, "the twenty-four elders" utter their prayer: "We
give YOU thanks, O LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, the ONE WHO is and WHO was and WHO
is to come, because YOU have taken to YOURSELF YOUR great power and have
reined." [Revelation 11. 17] Alleluia! the LORD GOD OMNIPOTENT reigns!
Someday, every knee will bow and every tongue shall confess that MESSIAH
YESHUA is KING of kings and LORD of lords. "I have established MY KING
on Zion, MY holy mountain! So now, O kings, be prudent; accept
instruction and discipline, you rulers of the earth! Kiss the SON, pay
homage, reverence and honour to HIM in good faith, lest HE be angered,
and your way be doomed in the mere flash of HIS anger. Blessed are all
who take refuge and put their trust in HIM." [Psalms (Tehillym) 2. 6,
10, 12 Tanakh, Kethuvim] This gives added meaning with the proverb that
teaches: "He who gives a straightforward answer is like giving a kiss."
[Proverbs (Mishle) 24. 26 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
In that day, "there shall be no more curse; but the Throne of GOD and of
the LAMB shall be in it; and HIS servants shall serve HIM." [Revelation
22. 3] Hallelu'YAH! Blessed are those who put their trust in the
MASTER.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!!
In YOUR mercy, O LORD, remember us and all YOUR children. O FATHER &
REDEEMER, mindful of YOUR covenant, we pray that YOUR love may never
forsake us. Even as the rainbow recalls this covenant, so may each new
day bring to all men the thought of YOUR gracious promise. Hasten the
time when YOUR Law will be written in every heart, from the smallest to
the greatest. Then shall mankind do YOUR will and the reward of
righteous service shall be peace.
May the ALMIGHTY ONE forgive our sins and draw us closer to HIS
precious side!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Esteem a rabbi for his learning rather then for his eloquence.
[—Emanuel Rackman]

PRAISE FOREVER
"Every day I will bless YOU and praise YOUR NAME forever and ever."
[Psalms (Tehillym) 145. 2 Tanakh, Torah]

In Hebrew, this is an acrostic Psalm called the "ashrei (happy prayer)."
David, in effect, is exuberantly explosive in praising ALMIGHTY GOD for
WHO HE is and what HE has done. It would benefit each born-anew
believer to do the same. . . boast and sing praises of our WONDERFUL
REDEEMER & LORD.

The psalmist determined to praise the LORD MOST HOLY with his whole
being. "My mouth shall utter the praise of the LORD, and all flesh shall
bless HIS HOLY NAME forever and ever" [Psalms (Tehillym) 145. 21 Tanakh,
Torah], and that continually. The fruit of our lips should always give
thanks to HIS GLORIOUS NAME. "Therefore by HIM let us continually offer
the sacrifice of praise to GOD, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving
thanks to HIS NAME." [Hebrews 13. 15]

As we reflect on the truths of the many attributes of our MIGHTY
CREATOR, they become a glorious source of blessings and growth for each
of us. We could never boast enough or extol our FAITHFUL MASTER for HIS
indescribable greatness. "Great is the LORD and much acclaimed; HIS
greatness cannot be fathomed." [Psalms (Tehillym) 145. 3 Tanakh, Torah]

More and more we are grateful for the marvelous goodness of ALMIGHTY GOD
— "They shall celebrate YOUR abundant goodness, and sing joyously of
YOUR righteous beneficence. The LORD is good to all." [Psalms (Tehillym)
145. 7, 9 Tanakh, Torah] YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, the LORD JESUS CHRIST,
shows forth GOD'S greatest goodness to us.

It is amazing how gracious and compassionate the FAITHFUL LORD GOD is,
and David narrates his admiration — "The LORD is gracious and
compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in kindness...HIS mercy is
upon all HIS works." [Psalms (Tehillym) 145. 8 - 9 Tanakh, Torah]
Through his life's experiences, David learned how greatly he needed
GOD'S mercy and compassion. David was extremely thankful for the great
salvation the LORD freely offers. "HE fulfills the desire of those who
fear HIM; HE hears their cry and delivers them." [Psalms (Tehillym) 145.
19 Tanakh, Torah]

"The LORD is near to all who call on HIM, to all who call HIM in truth
and sincerity." [Psalms (Tehillym) 145. 18 Tanakh, Torah] For
"whoever calls on the NAME OF THE LORD shall be saved." [Romans 10. 13]
GOD'S promises are sure and true.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Open your mouth in holiness and purity, with song and psalm, and bless
and praise, glorify and revere, sanctify and ascribe sovereignty to the
NAME of the DIVINE KING, the GREAT, MIGHTY & AWESOME ONE, holy is HE.
Take upon yourself the yoke of the Kingdom of Heaven and give sanction
to one another to bless the CREATOR. In tranquil joy of spirit, with
pure speech and holy melody exclaim: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD OF
HOSTS, the whole earth is full of HIS glory, Amen.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.


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


A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Charity is the sign of a righteous man. [Midrash, Torah]
VIOLENCE & FORCE
"And from the days of John the Baptist until now the Kingdom of Heaven
suffers violence, and the violent take it by force." [Matthew 11. 12]
To clarify (explain and/or simplify) this text of HOLY SCRIPTURE, the
setting is ever important or one might imagine that violence is the
demeanor a believer should demonstrate, which is irrational and absurd
at best. Because of violence, the RIGHTEOUS HOLY ONE destroyed the
earth in the days of Noah with a flood. "The earth became corrupt before
ELOHIYM (GOD); the earth was filled with violence." [Genesis (Bereshith)
6. 11 Tanakh, Torah] "The LORD tests the righteous man, but loathes the
wicked and the one who loves violence." [Psalms (Tehillym) 11. 5 Tanakh,
Torah]
In the NEW COVENANT, the LORD GOD gave those who rejected HIM over to a
reprobate mind and they turned violent. [Romans 1. 28 - 32] Those
seeking to be overseers (bishops) are not to be given to violence, thus
MESSIAH'S followers are to be gentle and harmless as doves. [Matthew 10.
16; Philippians 2. 15; 1 Thessalonians 2. 7; 1 Timothy 3. 3; 2 Timothy
2. 24; Titus 1. 7; 3. 2; Hebrews 7. 26; James 3. 17; 1 Peter 2. 18]
When John the Baptizer first began to preaching repentance as that the
Kingdom of Heaven was at hand. [Matthew 3. 1] The Pharisees and
Sadducees, the nation's leaders, brought immediate resistance, as the
people were flocking to John instead of them. When they came to John's
baptism, he indisputably declared to them — "Brood of vipers! Who
warned you to flee from the wrath to come?" [Matthew 3. 7]
Soon afterwards, MESSIAH YESHUA came preaching the same message, and
encountered the same hostile conflict. [Matthew 4. 17] The LORD YESHUA
also pronounced a woe on this same group saying, "Woe to you, Scribes
and Pharisees, Hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets
and adorn the monuments of the righteous, and say — If we had lived
in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them
in the blood of the prophets.—Therefore you are witnesses against
yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill
up, then, the measure of your fathers' guilt. Serpents, brood of vipers!
How can you escape the condemnation of hell? Therefore, indeed, I send
you prophets, wise men and scribes: some of them you will kill and
crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and
persecute from city to city, that on you may come all the righteous
blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood
of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and
the altar. Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this
generation." [Matthew 23. 29 - 36]
After a short while, John was beheaded and later the LORD JESUS was
crucified. The Kingdom of Heaven in its early development indeed
suffered violence, and it continues throughout the world even now. Most
of the Apostles suffered martyrdom and there are millions of true
followers of YESHUA the LORD GOD that have not only met with similar
opposition and persecution, but were tortured and murdered.
In spite of all the powerful, evil forces of Satan, demons and wicked
men, there is no power that can prevail against the LORD JESUS and HIS
true church, those redeemed by HIS precious blood. The Kingdom of
Heaven will cover the earth, KING JESUS will rule in righteousness. "In
all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor
demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither
height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to
separate us from the love of GOD that is in CHRIST JESUS our LORD."
[Romans 8. 37 - 39]
The more force, pressure and opposition against GOD'S Kingdom, the
greater has been its growth. We don't win by violence, but we are
overcomers by truth and love. The LORD JESUS' promise is an Everlasting
Covenant: "These things I have spoken to you, that in ME you may have
peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I
have overcome the world." [John 16. 33] Not by might, nor by power, but
by MY SPIRIT — says the LORD OF HOSTS.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honour and power and
might, be to the LORD our GOD forever and ever, Amen & Amen
May our blessings be heard and welcomed!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Prayer is the path where there is none; and sincerity is prayer's
vehicle.
DOCTRINE OF SALVATION
"For I am not ashamed of the GOSPEL OF CHRIST; for it is the POWER OF
GOD to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also
for the Greek." [Romans 1. 16]
The great theme of "salvation (Hebrew: yeshuw'ah)" is prominent in both
OLD & NEW COVENANTS. It means deliverance and can be used for local and
specific deliverances from perils, as well as for the eternal
deliverances of one's soul. In the latter sense, it is used for
deliverance from the penalty of sin, from the power of sin in our daily
life, and from the very presence of sin in the future life.
Salvation is found only through the LORD JESUS, the MESSIAH OF ISRAEL,
WHOSE purpose for coming into the world was to "save HIS people from
their sins." [Matthew 1. 21] The name YESHUA (JESUS) is translated
salvation. Simeon, after waiting for many years, took the INFANT YESHUA
in arms exclaiming by the SPIRIT, "My eyes have seen YOUR SALVATION."
[Luke 2. 30]
The theme of salvation is "so great" [Hebrews 2. 3], it embraces many
major doctrines (Doctrine: that which is held to be true) of SCRIPTURE:
Doctrine of Atonement "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I
have assigned it to you for making expiation for your lives upon the
altar; it is the blood, as life, that makes atonement." [Leviticus
(Vayikra) 17. 11 Tanakh, Torah]
Doctrine of Substitution "But HE was wounded because of our sins,
crushed because of our iniquities. HE bore the chastisement that made us
whole, and by HIS bruises, we were healed." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 53. 5
Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Doctrine of Imputation "Blessed is the man to whom GOD imputes
righteousness apart from works. Blessed are those whose lawless deeds
are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man to whom the
LORD shall not impute (charge) sin." [Romans 4. 6 - 8]
Doctrine of Propitiation "And HE HIMSELF is the PROPITIATION
(atonement/payment) for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the
whole world." [1 John 2. 2]
Doctrine of Redemption "Knowing that you were not redeemed with
corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct
received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of
CHRIST, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." [1 Peter 1. 18 -
19]
Doctrine of Remission "To HIM (JESUS) all the prophets witness that,
through HIS NAME, whoever believes in HIM will receive remission of
sins." [Acts 10. 43]
Doctrine of Justification "Man is justified by faith apart from the
deeds of the Law." [Romans 3. 28]
Doctrine of Adoption "Having predestined us to adoption as sons by JESUS
CHRIST to HIMSELF, according to the good pleasure of HIS will."
[Ephesians 1. 5]
Doctrine of Reconciliation "For if when we were enemies we were
reconciled to GOD through the death of HIS SON, much more, having been
reconciled (made acceptable), we shall be saved by HIS life." [Romans 5.
10 - 11]
Doctrine of Regeneration "Not by works of righteousness which we have
done, but according to HIS mercy HE saved us, through the washing of
regeneration and renewing of the HOLY SPIRIT." [Titus 3. 5]
Doctrine of Sanctification "HE (YESHUA) said — Behold, I have come
to do YOUR will, O GOD. — HE takes away the first that HE may
establish the second, by that will we have been sanctified through the
offering of the BODY OF JESUS CHRIST once for all." [Hebrews 10. 9 - 10]
Doctrine of Glorification "Moreover whom HE (YESHUA) predestined, these
HE also called; whom HE called, these HE also justified; and whom HE
justified, these HE also glorified." [Romans 8. 30] From the JEWISH
TALMUD regarding predestination: "Everything is foreseen yet freedom of
choice is granted. Predestination is always conditioned upon GOD'S
foreknowledge; the end of the act is predestinated; but the actors
choose their part."
When a person is saved, the blessings implied in every one of these
great doctrines of salvation become his be they Jew or Gentile; whether
found in OLD COVENANT, Prophecy or NEW COVENANT, Fulfillment. No
wonder Paul boasted, "I am not ashamed of the GOSPEL OF CHRIST, for it
is the POWER OF GOD to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew
first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of GOD is
revealed from faith to faith; as it is written — The just shall live
by faith." [Romans 1. 16 - 17] Truly, Paul was not ashamed of this
GREAT GOSPEL OF SALVATION through the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH; nor
should we be ashamed!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
A Havdallah Blessing to each of you as we bid farewell to Sabbath. When
we bid farewell to Sabbath at the Havdallah ceremony, we use all of our
senses — we taste the wine; smell the spices, see the shadow of the
candle, hear prayers and songs, and touch family and friends; and wish
you a "Tov Shavua — Good Week" go forth in joy and expectation of
blessing others.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
"More than Israel has kept the Sabbath, it is the Sabbath that has kept
Israel." [Ahad Ha'Am - A Hebrew Essayist]
SABBATH REST
"The heavens and the earth were finished and all their array. On the
seventh day ELOHIYM finished HIS work that HE had been doing; and HE
ceased (rested) on the seventh day from all HIS work that HE had done.
And ELOHIYM blessed the seventh day and declared it holy; because on it
GOD rested and ceased from all HIS work of creation that HE had done."
[Genesis (Bereshith) 2. 1 - 3 Tanakh, Torah]
There are three words for GOD'S Holy Sabbath: The first is shabbat
meaning to rest, to cease, to repose, to complete. CREATOR GOD
"sabbathed (rested)" from HIS work of creation. HE could sabbath
because the (first) creation was completed.
The second word is nuach meaning rested, to be comforted, consoled, to
settle down. OMNIPOTENT GOD could Sabbath because HE was content and
satisfied with the work HE had done.
The third word is shabbat-naphash translated means rested, refreshed,
re-spirited, restored. The ALMIGHTY AUTHOR & FINISHER of all creation
could Sabbath because HE was refreshed in the perfect work of HIS
creation!
For man, Sabbath was always a special day set apart by the HOLY ONE; and
it was given to Israel as a commandment at Mount Sinai, "Tomorrow is a
day of rest, a Holy Sabbath of the LORD...Six days you shall gather it
(manna); on the seventh day, Sabbath — there will be none. Mark that
the LORD has given you the Sabbath. So the people Sabbathed on the
seventh day." [Exodus (Shemot) 16. 23 - 30 Tanakh, Torah] Realize, it
is the people of GOD who rested — they had been delivered from
bondage of sin and death and could now rest!
"The seventh day is a Sabbath of the LORD your GOD; you shall not do any
work — you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave,
your ox or your ass, or any of your cattle, or the stranger in your
settlements, so that your male and female slave may REST as you do.
Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt and the LORD your
GOD freed you and brought you out from there with HIS MIGHTY HAND and
OUTSTRETCHED ARM; therefore the LORD your GOD has commanded you to
observe the Sabbath Day." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 5. 14 - 15 Tanakh,
Torah]
Sabbath is a shadow of things to come. . ."Come to ME, all you who labor
and are heavy laden, and I will give you Sabbath (rest). Take MY yoke
upon you and learn from ME, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you
will find Rest (Sabbath) for your souls." [Matthew 11. 28 - 29] "There
remains therefore a rest for the people of GOD. For he who has entered
his rest has himself also ceased from his works as GOD did from HIS."
[Hebrews 4. 9 - 10]
The Sabbath is a reminder of the two worlds — this one and the world
to come. And Sabbath is an example of both worlds; for the Sabbath is
joy, holiness, and rest. Joy is part of this world; Holiness and Rest
are something of the world to come.
What an overflowing- abundance of wealth there is in Sabbath (Day of
Rest) for those who have entered into the NEW COVENANT and found their
freedom, their delight, their rest in the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA —
"LORD OF THE SABBATH" . . . those who are now leaning upon the
everlasting arms of JESUS their BELOVED REDEEMER and are kept by the
DOVE OF HEAVEN, the HOLY SPIRIT WHO dwells in them .
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Welcome Sabbath! Come, my dear friend, let us go out to meet the
Sabbath, the Queen! Come, O Bride, the Sabbath presence is eagerly
awaited, and joyously welcomed!
Be pleased, O LORD our GOD, to fortify us by YOUR commandments, and
especially by the commandment of the seventh day, this great and holy
Sabbath, given for our rest and repose in love in accordance with the
teaching of YOUR will. In YOUR favor, O LORD our GOD, grant us such
repose that there be no trouble, grief or lamenting on the day of our
rest. Let us, O LORD, behold the consolation of Zion and the rebuilding
of Jerusalem, YOUR Holy City, for YOU are the GOD of our salvation and
consolation in WHOM we delight.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
A person's age can be measured by the degree of pain one feels as one
comes in contact with a new idea.
WISDOM'S GLORY
"For MY plans are not your plans, nor are MY ways and words yours —
declares the LORD. But as the heavens are high above the earth, so are
MY ways, plans and words above yours." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 55. 8 - 9
Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Our human standards of value are vastly different from those of the
ALMIGHTY OMNIPOTENT CREATOR GOD. The decisive factors that men use are
far from being righteous or just. Thus, man's wisdom can only generate
pride which is condemned: "Pride goes before ruin; arrogance, before
failure." [Proverbs (Mishle) 16. 18 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "When pride
appears, disgrace follows; but wisdom is with those who are humble."
[Proverbs (Mishle) 11. 2 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
HOLY SCRIPTURE reminds us that there are "not many wise according to the
flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called...that no flesh
should glory in HIS PRESENCE." [1 Corinthians 1. 26, 29] For the
"beginning of wisdom is fear of the LORD, and knowledge of the HOLY ONE
is understanding. " [Proverbs (Mishle) 9. 10 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
We should strive for wisdom, might and riches…but not that of the
worlds for they will perish. Rather, in all things we should "commend
ourselves as ministers of GOD: In much patience, in tribulations, in
needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in
labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; by purity, by knowledge, by
longsuffering, by kindness, by the HOLY SPIRIT, by sincere love, by the
WORD OF TRUTH, by the POWER OF GOD, by the ARMOR OF RIGHTEOUSNESS on the
right hand and on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil report and
good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known;
as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; as
sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as
having nothing, and yet possessing all things." [2 Corinthians 6. 4 -
10] Know that GOD'S strength is made perfect in our weakness, HIS grace
is sufficient for us. [2 Corinthians 12. 9]
Our true wisdom is manifest in loving-kindness, and justice is the
measure of real power; and righteousness our measure of riches. All
these are found only in understanding and following our LORD MESSIAH
YESHUA. "But GOD forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our
LORD JESUS CHRIST, by WHOM the world has been crucified to me, and I to
the world." [Galatians 6. 14] "Thus says the LORD — Let not the
wise man glory in his wisdom; let not the strong man glory in his
strength; let not the rich man glory in his riches. But only in this
should one glory: In his earnest devotion to ME. For I the LORD act with
lovingkindness, justice, and righteous equity in the world; for in these
I delight — declares the LORD." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 9. 23 - 24
Tanakh, Nevi'im] If we glory in anything, it should be in the CHRIST of
the cross and personally knowing our wonderful LORD & KING, YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!!
O GOD, WHO alone is all good, WHOSE mercies fail not; WHOSE
loving-kindnesses never cease, we have all our hope and trust in YOU.
We bless YOU, our SALVATION and our HELP, our GOD to WHOM thanksgiving
is due. We are ever grateful that YOU dwell in us!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.
Let your policy be quality!
ALONE in the Gardens
"The LORD GOD planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there HE put the
man whom HE had formed." [Genesis (Bereshith) 2. 8 Tanakh, Torah] "Then
the LORD GOD took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and
keep it." [Genesis (Bereshith) 2. 15 Tanakh, Torah]
Adam was the first gardener, tending the most beautiful garden that the
SOVEREIGN LORD GOD HIMSELF planted. Every tree was pleasant to the
sight; there was a lovely river to water it, and ALMIGHTY PRESENCE was
there.
One day when the OMNIPRESENT CREATOR was "walking in the garden" —
HE found Adam and Eve hiding from HIS PRESENCE because sin had entered,
thus Adam and his wife had to be cast out of the garden leaving THE
VOICE (Hebrew: qowl — "SOUND" OF THE LORD GOD) alone.
Many years later, GOD THE CREATOR entered another garden with HIS loved
ones. The LORD JESUS went out "with HIS disciples over the Brook
Kidron, where there was a garden, which HE and HIS disciples entered."
[John 18. 1] There in the Garden of Gethsemane, the disciples fell
asleep, and once again YESHUA ha'MASHIACH was left alone. "And HE was
withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and HE knelt down and
prayed." [Luke 22. 41] There the LORD YESHUA "offered up prayers and
supplications, with vehement cries and tears" [Hebrews 5. 7] as HE faced
the death that HE pronounced on HIS first loved ones long before in the
first garden.
There was still another garden where ALMIGHTY MERCIFUL ONE was left
alone again— "in the place where HE was crucified there was a
garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid.
There they laid JESUS." [John 19. 41 - 42]
In that same garden, after raising from the dead, MESSIAH YESHUA, the
SECOND ADAM, was thought to be a GARDENER, "JESUS said to her —
Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking? — She, supposing
HIM to be the gardener, said to HIM—SIR, if YOU have carried HIM
away, tell me where YOU have laid HIM, and I will take HIM away." [John
20. 15]
MESSIAH YESHUA, the INCARNATE LIVING WORD OF GOD, walked alone in the
first garden where HE was seeking HIS OWN. The LORD JESUS knelt alone
in the second garden, praying for HIS Own. HE was buried alone in the
third garden, dying for HIS OWN. Therefore, in the new "Paradise of
GOD" where the Pure River of Life flows and the Tree of Life grows
eternally, HIS servants shall serve HIM and reign with HIM "forever and
ever" never to be alone again. That will be such a magnificently
glorious time!
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, Amen. MOST HOLY
ONE, YOU are blessed, praised & honoured, extolled & glorified, adored &
exalted forever, even to all eternity. YOU are 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 all Israel,
Amen.
Stay alert for such a time as this. . . keep watching and praying.
Blessings on all who love Zion!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Since the number of those who claim that evil is good and good is evil
has grown — numerous troubles have increased in the world. [TALMUD,
Sotah 47b]
CROWNED WITH BLESSINGS
"YOU crown the year with YOUR bountiful goodness, fatness is distilled
in YOUR paths." [Psalms (Tehillym) 65. 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
At the end of each day, CHRIST-like- ones should stop and count their
blessings. If done fairly and fully, no matter what problems may have
occurred, one would have to confess that GOD OMNIPOTENT, as always, had
crowned it with goodness.
There are many SCRIPTURES to speak of GOD'S abundant blessings in the
CHRISTian life: Bless GOD MOST HIGH, "HE redeems your life from the
Pit, HE crowns you with steadfast love and tender mercy." [Psalms
(Tehillym) 103. 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Even our tests, trials, and
persecutions are always in the framework of ALMIGHTY GOD'S great grace
and love. The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA wore a crown of thorns so we might be
crowned with mercy and salvation.
Consider the following verses also: "For YOU surely bless the righteous
man, O LORD, encompassing him with favour like a shield." [Psalms
(Tehillym) 5. 12 Tanakh, Kethuvim] The word encompassing is the same
Hebrew word ('atar) as crown meaning to surround or protect. Also in
the believers crown are the MASTER'S grace and glory. "She (wisdom)
will adorn your head with a wreath of grace; crown you with a glorious
diadem." [Proverbs (Mishle) 4. 9 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
Believers also have the wonderful testimony that "YOU (HEAVENLY FATHER)
have made HIM (JESUS, THE ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD) a little less than
the angels, and crowned HIM with glory, majesty and honor." [Psalms
(Tehillym) 8. 5 Tanakh, Kethuvim] For the redeemed one's MOST-TREASURED
crown is the LORD YESHUA HIMSELF. "In that day the LORD OF HOSTS, shall
become a CROWN OF GLORY and a DIADEM OF GLORY for the remnant of HIS
people." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 28. 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Nearly all CHRISTians have an abundant amount of material blessings to
be thankful for. If not in substance, INVINCIBLE GOD has crowned with
us goodness and favour, with lovingkindness and tender mercies, with
grace and glory and honour — best of all — with HIS OWN
PRESENCE. "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget HIS bounties.
Bless the LORD, O my soul, all my being, bless HIS HOLY NAME!" [Psalms
(Tehillym) 103. 2, 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "The LORD has established HIS
Throne in heaven, and HIS sovereign rule is over all." [Psalms
(Tehillym) 103. 19 Tanakh, Kethuvim] HalleluYAH! Praise the GLORIOUS
ONE for HIS constantly abiding peace and contentment.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Our GOD and GOD of our fathers, bless us with the three-fold blessings
of YOUR Law written by the hand of Moses YOUR servant, which was spoken
by Aaron and his sons, the priests, YOUR holy people, as it is said:
"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make HIS face to shine upon
you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn HIS face to you and give you
Shalom!"
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Challenges can be stepping stones or stumbling blocks. It's just a
matter of how you view them.
FATHER'S INSTRUCTIONS
"My son, heed the discipline of your father, and do not forsake the
instruction of your mother." [Proverbs (Mishle) 1. 8 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
Proverbs is the best book "for learning wisdom and discipline; for
understanding words of discernment; for acquiring the discipline for
success, righteousness, justice, and equity for endowing the simple with
shrewdness, the young with knowledge and foresight." [Proverbs (Mishle)
1. 2 - 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Then there are the Proverbs that are laid
out in the form of lessons. David, in all probability, compiled these
lessons for each of them begins with the loving words "my son" or
"sons." [Proverbs/Mishle 1. 8; 2. 1; 3. 1, 11, 21; 4. 1, 10, 20; 5. 1,
7; 6. 20; 7. 1, 24; 8. 32]
The first one urges the importance of children being willing to heed the
counsel of their parents. One of the main characteristics of the "last
days" is predicted to be the fact that children will be "disobedient to
parents." [2 Timothy 3. 1 - 2] "Children, obey your parents in the
LORD; for this is right. Honor your father and mother; which is the
first commandment with promise." [Ephesians 6. 1-2] This applies
especially to children with GOD-fearing parents as we teach obedience to
all the commands of our LOVING HEAVENLY FATHER through the LORD JESUS,
the BLESSED MESSIAH REDEEMER.
It is extremely important that each lesson emphasizes the immediate
significance for young people to obey the WORD OF GOD as taught them by
their parents. "Wise counsel, learning, discretion, instruction,
knowledge, understanding and wisdom" are promised over and over to those
who know, love and obey GOD'S HOLY WRITTEN WORD.
"My son, IF you accept My Words and treasure up My commandments; IF you
make your ear attentive to wisdom and your mind open to discernment; IF
you call to understanding and cry aloud to discernment, IF you seek her
as you do silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; THEN you
will understand the fear of the LORD and attain knowledge of GOD."
[Proverbs (Mishle) 2. 1 - 5 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
As we bid farewell to Sabbath at the Havdallah Ceremony, we use all of
our senses: We taste the wine, smell the spices, see the shadow of
candles, hear prayers and songs, touch family and friends as we wish
them a Good Week.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
There is never a wrong time to do the right thing.
ENTERING GOD'S SABBATH
The GREAT ETERNAL ALMIGHTY GOD has a Sabbath for all believers, HE is
our precious MESSIAH JESUS. The LORD YESHUA HIMSELF declared that HE was
the SABBATH and all who come to HIM are no longer bound, but can have
rest. "Come to ME! all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will
give you REST. Take MY yoke upon you and learn from ME, for I am gentle,
meek and lowly in heart, you will find REST for your souls." [Matthew
11. 28 - 29]
There are different words for GOD'S Sabbath (Hebrew: "nuach" —
comforted, to settle down) where CREATOR GOD was "comforted" in HIS work
of creation. "For in six days the LORD made the heavens and earth and
sea, and all that was in them, and HE rested the seventh day; therefore
the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it." [Exodus (Shemot) 20.
11 Tanakh, Torah] The HOLY SUPREME ONE was "refreshed" (Hebrew:
"shabbat-naphash" — rested, refreshed) in the work of the creation
HE had done. "HE ceased from work and was refreshed." [Exodus (Shemot)
31. 17 Tanakh, Torah]
MESSIANIC Jews dedicate Sabbath to reading Kiddush (sanctification) over
wine, besides the lighting of candles. Similarly, it is concluded in
synagogues and home by making the Havdalah (separation) benediction.
The family gathers around the father, one child holding a twisted candle
while another holds the Besamim (spice box). The father places his
hands upon the heads of his children and blesses them; and he sings a
hymn of praise to his faithful wife. Even as the priest ministered in
the Holy Place, so does the Jewish father minister in his home. He
raises the goblet of wine to proclaim the holiness of Sabbath; thanks
CREATOR GOD for this holy day and for the days of work and asks for
light and joy and gladness and honour — inhales the fragrance of the
spices and recites a blessing for the good things of life; — brings
his hands close to the light, bending his fingers to make a shadow, so
as to distinguish between light and darkness and he offers thanks to the
HOLY ONE for creating light. Then, with the greeting, "Gut woch (happy
or good week)" —the ceremony is concluded. The Sabbath spirit,
however, lingers on as the family sing several melodies, the favorites
being about MESSIAH YESHUA and Elijah.
The cup of Wine (which is allowed to overflow into a saucer) represents
the unbounded grace of SOVEREIGN GOD. The Spices indicate the PLEASURE
in the Sabbath and are a substitute for the incense used in the ancient
Temple at the time of prayer, while the Light is a reminder of GOD'S
CREATION of the First Day, to which the approaching days of the week
correspond. The placing of the hands over the candles when reciting the
words "between light and darkness" is to illustrate the words by showing
the light inside the hands, and the shadow outside them.
To the believer in the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA, the Light is symbolical of
THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD (JESUS) WHO does separate from the darkness of
sin and translates into the Kingdom of the Sun (YINNON – the SON)!
The Wine pictures the GRACE OF GOD through the blood of the EVERLASTING
COVENANT which belongs to all who believe. The Incense expresses the
words of the Psalmist: "In YOUR PRESENCE is fullness of perfect joy;
delights and pleasures are ever in YOUR right hand." [Psalms (Tehillym)
16. 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
What a wealth of meaning the Day of Rest (Sabbath) has for those who
have entered into the NEW COVENANT, who have found their freedom, their
delight, their rest in the LORD OF THE SABBATH, who have ceased from
their own labors for salvation and now are leaning upon the "EVERLASTING
ARMS!"
"Therefore, let us be diligent to make every effort to enter that REST,
lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. "
[Hebrews 4. 11] "For he who has entered GOD'S REST also rests from his
own work as GOD did from HIS." [Hebrews 4. 10] We trust in the work
already done; we rest in the finished work of CHRIST JESUS on Calvary's
Altar which fulfilled the OLD COVENANT prophesies! We will fully
experience the ultimate of GOD'S SABBATH REST in the Kingdom Age when we
behold our LORD & KING face to face.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Welcome Sabbath — Queen of the week! HEAVENLY FATHER accept our rest
and on this Sabbath Day renew us for YOUR good and bless us with YOUR
joy and gladness. Blessed are YOU, our LORD GOD, WHO sanctifies the
Sabbath, Israel and all who love YOUR PRECIOUS SON, YESHUA our ANOINTED
SAVIOUR, the GLORIOUS COMFORTER, WHO gives true Sabbath peace and rest.
To you we bow the head and bend the knee and magnify the KING of kings,
the HOLY ONE, praised be HE.
The book of Leviticus entreats us — "Keep Sabbath and reverence the
Sanctuary of the LORD your GOD."
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The fuller the vessel, the more one can add to it! [Simon Greenberg] .
. .(or), Intellect hungers for knowledge!
This is man's effective defense against the ever-present onslaught of
boredom, as seeking knowledge comprises one of the great pillars of the
good life.
ONE-WAY OF ESCAPE
"She let them down by a rope through the window — for her dwelling
was on the outer side of the city wall and she lived in the actual
wall...She sent them on their way, and they departed; and she tied the
scarlet cord to the window." [Joshua (Yehoshua) 2. 15, 21 Tanakh,
Nevi'im]
When the spies came into Jericho to search out the land, it was only
Rahab the harlot and her household who alone was saved when the rest of
the city was destroyed. Rahab had rescued the two spies by hiding them
on her rooftop under the stalks of flax, when the men of Jericho came
searching for them. When the gates of the city were closed, Rahab
helped them escape through her window, which was on the wall of the
city. Then, according to their word, she hung a scarlet cord from the
window through which she let them down as a sign of their vow.
[Joshua/Yehoshua 2]
The window, was the only way of escape for the Hebrew spies, and the
window held the "sign of the oath" which was required for the protection
of all within that home.
Noah was commanded to build an ark, and did so specifically according to
the specifications from ELOHIYM. "Make an opening for daylight in the
ark, and finish it a cubit from the top. Put the door to the ark in its
side." [Genesis (Bereshith) 6. 16 Tanakh, Torah]
This window in the ark was the only source of light; and its door in the
side was the only way into safety. "At the end of forty days, Noah
opened the window of the ark that he had made." [Genesis/Bereshith 8. 6]
It was the only way Noah had of opening up and receiving news of new
life and restoration, for it was through this one window that the dove
was sent forth and returned with the sign, the freshly plucked olive
leaf by which Noah knew the waters had receded from the earth.
[Genesis/Bereshith 6 - 8]
When all flesh that was to be saved on the ark was in, the LORD GOD shut
the door. When the time for the closing of the age and the day of
grace, GOD will again close the door. Likewise, HE WHO opens the way to
salvation, knows when it will be shut and not opened again. There will
be no other opportunity to be saved.
The ONLY SOURCE OF LIFE, MERCY & TRUTH is JESUS, the PERFECT ONE is the
ONLY-BEGOTTEN, the SON OF THE LIVING GOD. "I am the way, the truth, and
the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." [John 14. 6]
The GOOD SHEPHERD came to earth to give us life, and that we may have
life more abundantly. [John 10. 10]
The unscrupulous principles of the world leads to confusion, offers
multiple directions, and ends in utter destruction. Thankfully, in the
LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, all fear and confusion disappears for HE is the
ONLY WAY OF ESCAPE becoming our PERFECT REFUGE from all sins. HE is the
ONLY SOURCE OF LIGHT EVERLASTING; HE is the ONLY WAY OF SALVATION .
"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but
GOD is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you
are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that
you may be able to bear it." [1 Corinthians 10. 13] The LORD JESUS, the
AMEN, the FAITHFUL & TRUE WITNESS, the BEGINNING OF THE CREATION OF GOD
said, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and
repent." [Revelation 3. 19] GOD's desire is for us to be HIS people,
and HE will be our GOD WHO will give us one heart to fear HIM forever,
throughout all eternity.
The way GOD has provided to escape temptation, is by the knowledge of
what lays ahead. Like MESSIAH YESHUA, the AUTHOR & FINISHER of our
faith, WHO for the joy that was set before HIM endured the cross,
despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the Throne of
GOD." [Hebrews 12. 1 - 2] So, let us run with endurance the race that
is set before us.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Oh that men were wise, that they would consider their latter end; that
peace abundant would descend from heaven with life for us and to all
Israel! Amen
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
I can chew for you, my child, but you must swallow for yourself.
SALVATION WORK OUT
"Therefore my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence
only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with
fear and trembling." [Philippians 2. 12]
Our spiritual duties must be our own hearts actions; thus we must learn
to walk and stand alone instead of leaning on other personal influences.
We are not told to work for our salvation, but "to work it out" —
that is, to demonstrate its reality in our daily lives by obedience.
Our salvation must be received by grace only, and grace is free, through
faith; not of works, or it is not true salvation. "For by grace you
have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the
Gift of GOD, not of works, lest anyone should boast." [Ephesians 2. 8 -
9] Works cannot keep our salvation any more than it can earn it. It
is not faith and works that saves us, but grace through faith.
However, a CHRISTian believer can, by demonstration testify— "I will
show you my faith by my works." [James 2. 18] Good works consisting of
a righteous and gracious life-style, considerate of others and obedient
to the LORD JESUS' commandments are the visible evidences of salvation.
We have been "created in MESSIAH YESHUA unto good works, which GOD has
before ordained that we should walk in them." [Ephesians 2. 10] "Serve
the LORD in awe (reverential, respectful fear); rejoice with trembling."
[Psalms (Tehillym) 2. 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
On the basis of CHRIST JESUS' sacrificial death, glorious resurrection
and exaltation [Philippians 2. 8-11] that "it is GOD WHO works in you
both to will and to do HIS good pleasure." [Philippians 2. 13] CREATOR
GOD is enabling us to "work out" our salvation in visible practice,
through the indwelling COMFORTER, the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD.
It is appropriately striking that the life of a genuinely born-anew
CHRISTian, possessing true salvation, should be "blameless and harmless
sons of GOD…as lights in the world; holding forth the WORD OF LIFE."
[Philippians 2. 15 – 16] Of necessity, we must "examine ourselves
as to whether we be in the faith." [2 Corinthians 13. 5] We are ever
reminded that "we know that we know HIM, IF we keep HIS commandments. "
[1 John 2. 3] And, "whoever does not practice righteousness is not of
GOD, nor is he who does not love his brother." [1 John 3. 10] But,
with the LORD GOD in the center of our lives, the best, most exciting
and joy-filled life is ours . . .even in this troubled world.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
We give thanks and praise to the LORD GOD our GUARDIAN & REDEEMER. May
the love of your HOLY NAME and YOUR Law be rooted deep in our soul and
quicken every heart to draw nearer to YOU. May our knowledge of YOU rise
like the morning dawn as our longings and aspirations reach out toward a
higher goal. May our faith be unshaken and our heart undismayed as we
labor and wait for the fulfillment of YOUR prophets of old. And, may
YOUR Law be established in the hearts of men and that YOUR children
unite in peace and love to serve YOU, our FATHER, our AWESOME GOD. Amen!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
GOD is not mocked: if you seek HIM — inquire of HIM and for HIM as
your first and vital necessity — you will find HIM; but if you
forsake HIM, HE will cast you off forever.
REMEMBER BALAAM
"O MY people, REMEMBER what Balak king of Moab plotted against you, and
how Balaam son of Beor responded to him. Recall your passage from
Shittim to Gilgal — the crossing of the Jordan — and you will
recognize the gracious and righteous acts of the LORD." [Micah (Michah)
6. 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
The NEW COVENANT writers have left us serious reflective warnings in
regards to Balaam. Peter warned against the Way of Balaam; the book of
Jude, against the Error of Balaam; and John, against the Doctrine of
Balaam. CREATOR GOD evidently considers these warnings necessary and
appropriate for CHRISTians today as well.
Balaam was a foreigner from Mesopotamia who used sorcery to receive his
predictions for which he was famous. [Numbers/B'Midvar 22. 7, 12; 24. 1;
Deuteronomy/ Devarim 23. 4] ALMIGHTY GOD used him to bless Israel when
Balak had hired him to curse Israel. He even received direct revelation
from GOD MOST HIGH. Balaam was rebuked by the ALL-KNOWING ONE OF
ISRAEL for his iniquity; GOD used a dumb donkey speaking with a man's
voice to restrain the madness of the prophet. [2 Peter 2. 16]
The Way of Balaam was a readiness to prostitute one's high spiritual
gifts and privileges, for they "loved the wages of unrighteousness. " [2
Peter 2. 15] Many are willing to preach contrary to GOD'S HOLY
INERRANT WORD for personal gain.
The Error of Balaam was evidently his willingness to compromise his own
standards of morality and truth in order run greedily to accommodate
those of his pagan patrons "for profit." [Jude 1. 11]
The Doctrine of Balaam was already penetrating in the church in John's
day, teachers used their own teaching authority to persuade GOD'S people
that it was all right for them to compromise their standards, even "to
commit fornication" with their idol-worshipping enemies. "But I have a
few things against you, because you have there those who hold the
doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the
children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit
sexual immorality." [Revelation 2. 14]
We are faced with similar influences that are shamefully exploiting true
CHRISTian ministry today. Those clear warnings against Balaam-ism are
still compelling and urgently essential. That is why the faithful
prophet Micah, urged GOD'S people to "REMEMBER Balaam" and his fatally
disastrous end — the children of Israel killed him with a sword.
Will you heed OMNIPOTENT GOD'S loving warning, or will you go along with
the crowd by discarding the eternal for the temporal? There is a way
which seems right to a man, but the end is eternal destruction!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Let us renew our commitment to walk in loving obedience to the LOVING
MASTER all the days of our lives. May the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL bless you
abundantly. Magnified and sanctified be the GLORIOUS NAME of the LORD
GOD in the world which HE created according to HIS will. May HE
establish HIS Kingdom during our life and during our days, and during
the life of all the House of Israel, even speedily and at a near time,
Amen.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/