Delrifkah: Thought FOR TODAY

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Visit the ill out of responsibility, the person out of love.

EZEKIEL'S VISION (Part 1)
Chapter 1 of Ezekiel can be understood as you notice two things: The
words like and likeness are used 16 times in this one chapter, clearly
showing that the passage is a picture or illustration of something; and
that Ezekiel saw a vision of HOLY GOD. This fact is apparent from the
first and last verses, "The heavens opened and I saw visions of
ELOHIYM." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 1. 1 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "...that was the
appearance of the semblance of the PRESENCE OF THE LORD." [Ezekiel
(Yehezke-El) 1. 28 Tanakh, Nevi'im] The Glory of the LORD has been
manifested in many ways: "The WORD became flesh and dwelt among us, and
we beheld HIS glory, the glory as of the ONLY BEGOTTEN OF THE FATHER,
full of grace and truth." [John 1. 14] Ezekiel saw the glory of the
FATHER in the PERSON of HIS SON, JESUS. From this vision, John
described for us the LIFE, PERSON and MINISTRY of the LORD YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH.

TIME & PLACE OF THE VISION — "In the thirtieth year (the 30th year
of captivity), on the fifth day of the fourth month, when I was in the
community of exiles by the Chebar Canal, the heavens opened and I saw
visions of GOD. On the fifth day of the month — it was the fifth
year of the exile of King Jehoiachin — the WORD OF THE LORD came to
Ezekiel the priest, son of Buzi, by the Chebar Canal, in the land of the
Chaldeans. And the hand of the LORD came upon him there." [Ezekiel
(Yehezke-El) 1. 1 - 3 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

These verses introduce Ezekiel the priest. The time is around 593
BC/BCE, seven years before Jerusalem was captured by Babylon. Ezekiel
is in captivity and is standing at the River Chebar where he receives "a
vision of ELOHIYM." {This awe-inspiring vision unfolds for us in verses
4 – 28.}

FIRST COMING — "I looked, and lo, a stormy wind came sweeping out of
the North — a huge cloud and flashing fire, surrounded by a
radiance; and in the center of it, in the center of the fire, a gleam as
of amber." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 1. 4 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Immediately Ezekiel looked and saw ONE coming from the North. The
terminology in this verse has been used before to speak of ELOHIYM and
HIS PRESENCE (KABOD/GLORY) . The ALMIGHTY spoke to Job "out of the
whirlwind." [Job/Iyob 38. 1] During the wilderness wanderings, the
HOLY LORD GOD revealed HIMSELF to the people of Israel through the
Tabernacle worship and HE led them through the movement of a CLOUD upon
the Tabernacle by day and a FIRE by night. [Exodus/Shemot 40. 34 - 38]

Also, the GREAT GOD OF ISRAEL indicated that HIS dwelling place is in
the North part of the universe, "For what lifts a man comes not from the
east, or the west, or from the south for ELOHIYM is HE WHO gives
judgment; HE brings down one man, HE lifts up another." [Psalms
(Tehillym) 75. 6 - 7 Tanakh, Nevi'im] These verses seem to confirm the
truth that our LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH came from the "North" — from
Heaven — when HE became MAN . . . DEITY took on the form of man
clothed in flesh.

...to be continued

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
May our lips ever declare praises to our KING, HELPER, SAVIOUR and
SHIELD for HIS loving-kindness is mighty over 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. . .
Tradition really misses the mark.

GOD: And remember, Moses, in the Laws of keeping kosher, never boil a
kid in its mother's milk. It is cruel.
Moses: So, YOU are saying we should never eat milk and meat together?
GOD: No, what I'm saying is, never cook a young goat in its mother's
milk.
Moses: O LORD, forgive my ignorance! What YOU are really saying is we
should wait six hours after eating meat to eat milk so the two are not
in our stomachs together.
GOD: No, Moses, listen to ME, I am saying, do not cook a kid in its
mother's milk!
Moses: Oy, LORD! Please don't strike me down for my stupidity! What YOU
mean is we should have a separate set of dishes for milk and a separate
set for meat and if we make a mistake we have to bury that dish outside
for 3 days?
GOD: Moses — Whatever!!! . .

KOSHER FOODS
"The LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying to them, speak to the
Israelite people thus: 'These are the creatures you may eat from among
all the land animals: any animal that has true hoofs, with clefts
through the hoofs, and chews the cud - such you may eat. And of those
that live in water: any that has fins and scales you may eat. You shall
not eat any abominable bird. You may not eat anything abhorrent; no
detestable thing." [Leviticus/Vayikra 11. 1 - 23; Deuteronomy/ Devarim
14. 4 - 21]

The ALMIGHTY HOLY GOD gives the children of Israel HIS Laws concerning
their food. They were forbidden to eat the flesh of animals whose hoofs
are not cloven or which do not chew the cud (horse, camel, swine,
rabbits, etc.); the fish that lack fins and scales; birds of prey; all
creeping things and insects except for certain types of locusts. It
should be observed that even of those animals permitted for food,
certain parts were forbidden: The Blood [Deuteronomy/ Devarim 12. 23];
Fat [Leviticus/Vayikra 3. 3 - 5; 7. 23]; and in Jewish custom, the Hind
Quarter, because it contains the sciatic nerve. The hind quarter is
avoided as food because of the occurrence in Genesis, the story of
Jacob's wrestling with the ANGEL OF THE LORD — "the children of
Israel to this day do not eat the thigh muscle that is on the socket of
the hip, since Jacob's hip socket was wrenched at the thigh muscle."
[Genesis (Bereshith) 32. 32 Tanakh, Torah]

These dietary laws were given to the Israelites primarily for hygienic
reasons to bring to their attention the importance of being Clean and
Holy in the sight of the RIGHTEOUS ETERNAL ONE. Their difference from
other peoples was not only to be in their religious worship but also in
their eating habits. The HOLY LORD GOD explained this conclusively and
definitely. . .
The primary reason for giving these food laws to Israel was to sanctify
them, to establish a difference between them and the heathen. "I the
LORD am your GOD; you shall sanctify yourselves and be holy, for I am
holy...you shall not make yourselves unclean." [Leviticus/Vayikra 11.
44; Deuteronomy/ Devarim 14. 2 - 3] They were to be a holy people to
GOD MOST HIGH.

CREATOR GOD called some animals and fish "clean" and some "unclean" to
teach lesson's by the very nature of these animals and fish (for their
meat was good to eat). The "Divided Hoof" depicts separation. An
animal with divided hoofs can climb to high places. The people of GOD
are to be like the clean animal -- separated from the worldly system to
climb the high mountains of spiritual victory!

The "FINS" are for propulsion, to swim against the current, to stay off
the mud below. The people of GOD are to be like the clean fish with
fins; refuse to slide along in the mud or to drift with the tide, but
swim against the current. "Scales" (Hebrew: "qasqeseth" means coat of
mail) on the clean fish are for protection against muddy waters and any
contamination. GOD'S people of are to be like the clean fish with
scales, though in the world, protected against all the filth of the
world, encased in a "coat of mail."

ALMIGHTY GOD commanded HIS people only to eat the meat of those animals
who "chew the cud." The HEBREW TANAKH translates "chewing the cud" as
reflect, think, to muse, to ponder, to meditate. This is a mark of the
sanctified life — "to chew the cud" — the WORD OF GOD, to
meditate upon it day and night.

There is significance also in the command of the ETERNAL ONE which
prohibits fat and blood. However, it is Jewish custom, not GOD'S Law
which forbids the hind quarter of animals which were "clean" for food.
Blood because the life of the flesh is in the blood.
[Deuteronomy/ Devarim 12. 23; Leviticus/Vayikra 7. 26; 17. 10 - 11] Fat
because the fat belonged to the LORD God Almighty. [Numbers/B'Midvar 18.
17; Leviticus/Vayikra 3. 16] The Sinew (that shrank) because
INVINCIBLE GOD touched the human "strength" of Jacob (Israel) while
wrestling with him. [Genesis/Bereshith 32. 32] In all this we see:
Blood is the Life; Fat shows Abundance; Sinew portrays Strength. . . and
all belongs to the LORD GOD!

Consider this also, there was a difference between Clean and Unclean
animals before the Law was given. At the time of the flood, Noah was to
take seven of every Clean animal — male and its female; and two each
of the Unclean animals — male and its female. [Genesis/Bereshith 7]
Even in the foods one eats, the HOLY OMNIPOTENT LORD OF HOSTS wants HIS
children to be set apart, consecrated.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
The sword comes into the world because of justice being delayed, because
of justice being perverted, and because of those who render wrong
decisions. Wisdom belongs to those who seek advise. Keep watching and
praying.

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. . .
It is a poor thing to fear the inevitable.

BLOSSOM & BUD
"If one holds fast to MY strength, MY refuge, he makes ME his friend and
he shall make peace with ME. In days to come Jacob shall strike root,
Israel shall blossom and bud, and the face of the world shall be covered
with fruit." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 27. 5 - 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

The awesome GOD OF ISRAEL promised HIS people the fertile land, as they
obeyed HIS statutes and kept HIS judgments and performed them, safety
was also promised. The ETERNAL ONE desired to set HIS Tabernacle among
them, to walk beside them, to be their GOD, and they to be HIS covenant
people. [Leviticus/Vayikra 26. 4 - 12] This great plan will be
obviously manifested when the LORD YESHUA, the DESIRE OF ALL NATIONS
rules in righteousness and justice.

"The LORD put out HIS hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me
— Herewith I put MY WORDS in your mouth. See, I appoint you this day
over the nations and over the kingdoms: To uproot and to pull down, to
destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah)
1. 9 - 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

"The arid desert shall be glad, the wilderness shall rejoice and shall
blossom like a rose. It shall blossom abundantly it shall also exult and
rejoice with joy and singing. It shall receive the glory of Lebanon, the
excellence and splendor of Karm'El and Sharon. They shall behold the
glory of the LORD, the excellency of our GOD." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 35. 1
- 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

"Though the fig tree does not bud, and no yield is on the vine; though
the olive crop has failed and the fields produce no grain, though sheep
have vanished from the fold and no cattle are in the pen — Yet will
I rejoice in the LORD, exult in the GOD of my salvation. The LORD GOD is
my strength; HE makes my feet like deer's and lets me walk on the
heights." [Habakkuk 3. 17 - 19 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

"For as the earth brings forth her bud and the garden causes the things
that are sown in it to spring forth, so the LORD GOD will make
righteousness and praise, victory and renown spring up in the presence
of all the nations." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 61. 11 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

If all people of the world were to acquaint themselves with the ALMIGHTY
ONE, THE MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE, and be close to HIM wholeheartedly,
accept instructions from HIS mouth and lay up HIS WORDS in their heart.
. . If they fully returned to SHADDAI, we would see the entire earth
restored. It will blossom (Hebrew: tsoots) and bloom (Hebrew:
pa'rach) for HIS glory some day very soon. What is even more
splendid, we will be the people of the MOST HIGH and He will be our GOD.
[Revelation 21. 3]

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
As we bid farewell to Shabbath, we share the blessed hope that, in
YESHUA, every day will be as sweet as Shabbat — a rest of love
freely given in truth and sincerity — a rest in peace and
tranquility, quiet and safety — a perfect rest in which you find
favor of the LORD JESUS! Have a good week, may gladness reign and joy
increase.
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. . .
He that keeps the Law brings offerings enough.

LOVE GOD & MAN
"You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the children of
your people. Love your fellow as yourself; I am the LORD." [Leviticus
(Vayikra) 19. 18 Tanakh, Torah]

The OLD COVENANT is frequently rejected and overlooked by peoples on the
basis that it speaks about a harsh, vengeful GOD OF JUDGMENT; in
contrast to the NEW COVENANT GOD OF LOVE as manifest in the LORD YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH. Definitely, this viewpoint is an obviously wrong concept.

A young lawyer asked the LORD JESUS — "MASTER, which is the greatest
commandment of the Law? YESHUA replied — "You shall love the LORD
your GOD with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your
mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like
it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments
hang all the Law and the Prophets." [Matthew 22. 36 - 40]

Both commandments were first recorded in the OLD COVENANT. The first is
the most revered of all passages to my Jewish people and quoted, at
least, every evening and morning. "Hear, O Israel! The LORD, our GOD,
the LORD is ONE. You shall love the LORD your GOD with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your might." [Deuteronomy (Devarim)
6. 4 - 5 Tanakh, Torah]

The second great commandment is unassuming and hidden in the heart of
the most unlikely Book of Leviticus (opening verse) in the OLD COVENANT.
In the NEW COVENANT, it is called The Royal Law — "If you really
fulfill the royal Law according to the Scripture, 'You shall love your
neighbor as yourself' — you do well." [James 2. 8]

Therefore, the essential doctrine of the OLD COVENANT is "LOVE" —
love for the OMNIPOTENT COMPASSIONATE CREATOR and love for others —
and this truth is emphasized by the LORD JESUS CHRIST throughout the NEW
COVENANT. Even greater is GOD'S eternal love which was ours "from
before the world began" and will never end. "The LORD revealed HIMSELF
to me of old saying: Yes! I have loved you with an everlasting love;
therefore with loving kindness I have draw and lead you. I will build
you again, and you shall be rebuilt, O virgin of Israel!" [Jeremiah
(Yirmeyah) 31. 3 - 4a Tanakh, Nevi'im] The everlasting union of beauty,
perfection and love is obtainable in the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH.
For GOD so loved the world. . . HE offers us HIMSELF. How then shall we
give less then our all to HIM?

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Grant peace, welfare, blessing, grace, loving-kindness and mercy to us
and to all Israel. Bless us, O FATHER, even all of us together, with the
LIGHT of YOUR countenance; for by the LIGHT of YOUR countenance YOU have
given us, O LORD our GOD, the Law of life, loving-kindness and
righteousness, blessing, mercy, life and peace; and may it be good in
YOUR sight to bless YOUR people everywhere at all times and in every
hour with YOUR peace. YOU alone are our HOPE. We thank YOU, praise YOU
and glorify YOUR HOLY NAME; YOU alone are good. Amen!

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


Web Page: http://delrifkahhomestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The older you are the more like yourself you become.

KEEPING CLEAN
"When they enter the Tent of Meeting they shall wash with water, that
they may not die; or when they approach the altar to serve, to turn into
smoke an offering by fire to the LORD, they shall wash their hands and
feet, that they may not die. It shall be a Law for all time for them -
for him and his offspring - throughout the ages." [Exodus (Shemot) 30.
20 - 21 Tanakh, Torah]

The hands and feet represent the "work" and "walk" of the priests.
Their work and walk must be clean when they enter the service of HOLY
GOD or they would die. Even though the Priests had met with the MIGHTY
CREATOR at the Altar of Sacrifice and had been cleansed of their sins;
yet ever afterward, there was daily defilement that must be washed away.

Even after we have been cleansed of our sins on acceptance of the LORD
JESUS as our BLESSED SAVIOUR, we must keep on being cleansed by the
WRITTEN WORD OF GOD daily in order that we may walk with our HOLY GOD
and have fellowship with HIM. YESHUA said, "He who is bathed needs only
to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean." [John 13.
10] MESSIAH YESHUA, the MIGHTY ROCK of our salvation fulfilled the
service of the priest; not in washing HIS OWN feet, but in washing the
feet of others. [John 13. 14]

In our LORD'S time, people returning from the public baths found it
necessary to wash their feet which had become soiled from walking
through miry streets. So the CHRIST-like- one has been cleansed once for
all. But in walking through the world, he often contracts defilement,
and therefore needs daily cleansing. Though once clean, unless he keeps
himself cleansed, can again become dirty.

In the old country there is a special sidewalk for the Jews to walk on
who were coming home from the Temple. So the priests of GOD MOST HIGH
are to walk in a special way after they are washed for the LORD will not
have fellowship with uncleanness. It is necessary that believer-priests
bathe in the LIFE-CLEANSING WORD every day. "Let us draw near with a
true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from
an evil conscience and having our body washed with pure water." [Hebrews
10. 22]

Aaron's sons died, not only because they offered strange fire in the
Holy Place, but also they neglected to wash at the Laver before their
entrance and service there. They failed to regard the SOVEREIGN
ALMIGHTY GOD as "holy" and also failed to glorify HIM before all the
people.

We criticize those who never avail themselves of the opportunity to wash
their physical bodies, and consider them offensive to our sight and
smell. But what a stench in the very nostrils of the AWESOME GOD are
HIS children who never give themselves a spiritual bath at the Laver!
GOD OMNIPOTENT has provided a beauty bath for HIS royal priests and it
is expected that they wash in the WORD OF GOD before they perform any
service to HIM. The PURE WORD OF GOD is here for us that we might be
able to be cleansed thereby. "If we confess our sins, HE is faithful
and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness. " [1 John 1. 9]

The OLD COVENANT priest was required to wash each time before he could
perform a service. This was "a statute forever." And the NEW COVENANT
priests continually apply the WATER OF THE WORD, which is required for a
state of continual holiness, a continual communion with GOD OF MERCY.
[Philippians 3. 12 - 14; 1 Corinthians 9. 24 - 27; 1 Timothy 6. 17 - 19]

In Revelation 15:2 records the last mention of the Laver in the HOLY
WRIT; it is in Heaven described as "a Sea of Glass." The Redeemed of the
LORD Stand on the Sea and sing of the LAMB. In Heaven, the Altar of
Sacrifice and the Laver never are forgotten. The ALTAR bears witness
that "without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin." The
LAVER testifies that "without holiness, no man shall see the LORD." We
shall behold HIM, our SAVIOUR & LORD, face to face. What a day that
will be!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
When things around you appear dark and terrifying, hold on to the
promises of LORD GOD. HE is in complete control. "The ROCK! - HIS deeds
are perfect; Yea, all HIS ways are just; a FAITHFUL GOD, never false,
true and just is HE." [Deuteronomy/ Devarim 32. 4] Nothing can be
achieved in haste, the spreading tree and the soul of man grows slowly
to perfection. Thus sang King David, "Trust in the LORD, wait patiently
for HIM!"

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

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

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



A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
...Many live life in a rush because it allows us to believe we are going
somewhere. ...[Better yet] Bless the moment and the years will be their
own blessing

APPLE OF THE EYE
"Display YOUR faithfulness in wondrous deeds, YOU WHO delivers with YOUR
right hand those who seek refuge from assailants. Guard me like the
apple of YOUR eye; hide me in the shadow of YOUR wings." [Psalms
(Tehillym) 17. 7 - 8 Tanakh, Kethuvim] The Lord says, "I will instruct
you and show you which way to go; let ME offer counsel; I will guide you
with MY eye." [Psalms (Tehillym) 32. 8 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

The apple of the eye is the phrase used to speak of something as being
highly valuable to the owner. The Hebrew word 'iyshown means "the
little man or pupil of the eye" and 'ayin is the word for the eye
meaning favour, regard or thought. Therefore, to be kept as the Apple
of the Eye would be to say, "keep me as the center of YOUR favour,
affection, choice, or preference; and in YOUR care and constant
consideration. "

The GOD MOST HIGH'S portion is HIS people, Jacob HIS OWN inheritance,
and Israel and Jerusalem as being the apple of HIS eye: "HE (ALMIGHTY
GOD) found him (Israel) in a desert land and in the wasteland, a howling
wilderness; HE encircled him, HE instructed him, HE kept him (Israel) as
the apple of HIS eye. Like an eagle rouses his nestlings, gliding down
to his young, so did HE (the HOLY ONE OF JACOB) spread HIS wings and
take him (Israel), bearing him along on HIS pinions; the LORD alone did
guide him, no alien god at HIS side." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 32. 10 - 12
Tanakh, Torah]

"Jerusalem shall be inhabited a city without walls, so many shall be the
men and cattle it contains. And I MYSELF — declares the LORD —
will be a WALL OF FIRE all around her, and I will be "THE GLORY" in her
midst. For thus said the LORD OF HOSTS — HE WHOSE PRESENCE sent ME
— concerning the nations that have taken you to spoil: "Whoever
touches you touches the APPLE of MY eye." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 2. 4-5,
8 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

"Shout for joy, Fair Zion! For lo, I come; and I will dwell in your
midst — declares the LORD. In that day many nations shall be joined
to the LORD and become MY people, and I will dwell in your midst. Then
you will know that I was sent to you by the LORD OF HOSTS. The LORD will
allot Judah his portion in the Holy Land, and will choose Jerusalem once
more. Be silent, all flesh, before the LORD! For HE is roused from HIS
holy habitation!" [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 2. 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

To be kept as the Apple of the Eye of the GREAT ETERNAL LORD GOD
requires our essential trust in HIM and HIS LIFE-GIVING WORD. We must
keep HIS WORD as the APPLE of our eye. "MY son, keep MY WORDS, and
treasure MY commands within you. Keep MY commands and live, and MY Law
as the APPLE of your eye." [Proverbs (Mishle) 7. 1 - 2 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Welcome Shabbat! – Come, let us go out to meet the Sabbath Queen,
Sabbath presence, let us welcome. O FATHER in Heaven, in YOUR great
love YOU appointed for us a day of rest, that in YOUR PRESENCE we may
regain that freedom of the soul which comes through obedience to YOUR
commandments. Quickened by YOUR spirit, may we learn how to ennoble the
things of earth by sanctifying them to YOUR service. We honour and
praise the LORD YESHUA, the BLESSED ONE, WHO separates the sacred from
the mundane and gives true Sabbath peace and rest. 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://delrifkahhomestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
I didn't say it was your faultÂ…I said I was blaming you.
BONE OF MY BONE
"Then Adam said This one at last is bone of my bones and flesh of
my flesh. This one shall be called Woman (Hebrew: `ishshah), for
from man (Hebrew: `ish) she was taken." [Genesis (Bereshit) 2. 23
Tanakh, Torah]
This statement of the first man, Adam, was made when the MIGHTY CREATOR
told him that a suitable helper would be made for himÂ…"The LORD GOD
said — "It is not good for man to be alone; I will make a fitting
helper for him." And the LORD GOD formed out of the earth all the beasts
of the field and all the fowl of the sky, and brought them to Adam to
see what he would call them; and whatever the man called each living
creature, that was its name. So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the
fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was
not found a fitting help meet for him. So the LORD GOD caused a deep
sleep to fall on Adam, and while he slept; and HE took one of his ribs,
and closed up the flesh thereof. Then the LORD GOD made from the rib
which HE had taken from man into a woman; and HE brought her to the
man." [Genesis (Bereshith) 2. 18 - 22 Tanakh, Torah]
Then, out of the ground, GOD formed the beasts and brought them to him.
After their presentation, none was suitable for him. Adam was searching
from among these creatures of the dust one to be his close friend and
partner, but found none to be suitable. CREATOR GOD had not given to
them of HIS life as was the case with the man that HE had made.
Therefore, a helpmate was not found among them to correspond to the
nature of the "GOD-Breathed" one. In mercy, because it was not good for
man to be alone, the MASTER DESIGNER performed a miraculous operation
for his sake. From the side-parts (Hebrew: tsela' — a rib {as
curved} side of the body) of Adam HE built him a woman. Upon seeing
her, the man accepted her as his very own flesh and bone.
The creatures that were formed out of the ground and brought before him,
having no GOD-consciousness, were not suitable. But this time from his
own flesh, she was a part of him, closer and dearer then any other
living creature in the Garden!
What a wonderful spiritual truth we see here. The first time we were
born (physically) , we came from the ground and did not have the BREATH
OF GOD or DIVINE LIFE, and therefore could not possibly become helper or
one who could come along-side and be a part of the MAN of Glory. But,
GOD in HIS mercy and because HE so loved, performed a miraculous
operation upon the "LAST ADAM – MESSIAH YESHUA" — for behold!
there came forth from HIS "side-parts" the precious blood, HIS life,
which made it possible for one to be born again, born of GOD, this time
a very vital, warm, living part of HIM!
"Your body is the temple of the HOLY SPIRIT WHO is in you, whom you have
from GOD, and you are not your own for you were bought at a price;
therefore glorify GOD in your body and in your spirit, which are GOD'S."
[see 1 Corinthians 6. 19] Now all who accept the LORD YESHUA are fit to
be HIS companion, HIS hand extended — closer and dearer to HIM than
when we were but creatures of the dust alone! HalleluYAH!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
How remarkable, it is the redeemed souls the LORD uses to build the
Church, not stones like the Temple was constructed of...fadeless,
endless, indescribable glory — a consummation of all GOD'S
wondrous work —TEMPLE OF THE LIVING GOD.
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. . .
Hidden wisdom or a concealed treasure, what profit is there in either?
BELLS & POMEGRANATES
"On its hem (coat or robe of mail) make pomegranates of blue, purple,
and crimson yarns, all around the hem, with bells of gold between them
all around: a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a
pomegranate, all around the hem of the robe. Aaron shall wear it while
officiating, so that the sound of it is heard when he comes into the
sanctuary before the LORD and when he goes out — that he may not
die." [Exodus (Shemot) 28. 33 - 35 Tanakh, Torah]
Upon the skirts or hem of the seamless robe of blue were alternating
pomegranates and bells. The blue, purple and scarlet which are blended
in this fruit upon breaking, prophesies of the bruising and the crushing
of the LORD JESUS. There is a multitude of seeds in the pomegranate,
which signify "fruitfulness. " The bell, which is pure gold, has a
tongue in it. . . this tells of Testimony (tongue) DIVINE Testimony
(gold). It rings clearly because there is a pomegranate, which acts as
a pad between each bell. The softness prevented the bells from clanging
together and producing discord. YESHUA ha'MASHIACH wore the "spiritual
fruit and bells" all around the hem of HIS seamless garment as HE walked
on the earth. HE had a clear ringing testimony, which was backed up by
the fruit of HIS life. It should be the same with CHRISTians believers
who wear the spiritual robe of blue. It is not by our much speaking,
or by our preaching, neither by the miracles we perform in the "NAME OF
JESUS" — or the gifts of the SPIRIT operating through our life that
we are known. But, the LORD YESHUA said, "by their FRUIT you shall know
them." [Matthew 7. 16, 20]
The JEWISH TALMUD states it this way: "The bells said to the
fruit-bearing tree, 'Why do you not make any noise?' They replied, 'Our
fruits are sufficient advertisement for us.'"
NEW COVENANT priests wear the bell with the pomegranate, not one without
the other; in order to bring a clear ringing testimony with the fruit of
DIVINE love to the world. This is so strikingly portrayed for us in
Paul's first letter to the Corinthians where there are the two Power
Chapters and between them, the Fruit Chapter. Chapter 12 is the Bell,
the Testimony of GOD'S POWER. Chapter 13 is the Pomegranate or Fruit
of DIVINE LOVE. And, chapter 14 is another Bell or Testimony of the
POWER OF GOD. Always together. . . Sound and Fruit, Preaching and
Practice. The GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT must operate with and by DIVINE
Love! [1 Corinthians 13 is the only chapter of the writings of Paul in
which he does not mention the LORD JESUS and yet HE is there. . . HE is
LOVE!]
On the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the high priest would undress
himself of the glorious garments in the Holy Place. To make the
sacrifice, he wore only the "holy" coat of fine-twined linen with the
mitre (hat/skull cap) and the linen undergarments. [Leviticus/Vayikra
16. 4, 23, 32 - 33] The high priest's dress was all white when he
entered the Holy of Holies; whereas, in the Tent of Meeting, it was
blue, purple, scarlet, and gold; but this is only a visible
difference…because white is the sum of the other colours.
All year long, until this day, the bells on the high priest's robe of
blue would tinkle clearly (because of the pomegranate pad between them)
and the children of Israel would know that he was ministering before the
LORD MOST HIGH for them. But, on this solemn day, Yom Kippur (Day of
Atonement) the bells were silent. When the priest would again put on
the garments for glory and beauty after the ritual was completed
[Leviticus/Vayikra 16. 23], the bells would ring out to GOD'S people
that the sacrifice had been accepted by OMNISCIENT GOD on their behalf
and that their high priest was still alive!
There is a old fabled teaching that continues to be spread among
CHRISTian circles that now needs to be addressed. ACCORDING TO THE
FABLE..."So awful was the presence of Holiness in the Holiest Place and
so fearful were the Jews, that the priest who entered into the Holiest
might not be approved of by GOD, that there was a long rope tied to his
ankle which extended into the outer Court as he would walk into the Holy
Room beyond the Veil. After a certain amount of time, if they failed to
hear the bells on the hem of his garment ringing and he failed to
reappear, he was assumed dead and was pulled from the Room by this rope,
since no one dare enter the Holiest Place to secure the dead body of the
priest." This fable is absurd at best! IF a rope was to be tied on the
ankle, the ALMIGHTY ONE would say which ankle, how much time to wait,
and how long the rope would be and what it would be made of.
Furthermore, the Glory Garments were not worn into the Holies to
sprinkle the blood this one-time-a-year ritual.
Our GREAT HIGH PRIEST, the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, laid aside HIS
"glory garments" to make the sacrifice of HIS OWN life. When HE hung
between heaven and earth, unwanted by both, the bells were silent; no
DIVINE voice was heard. After HIS resurrection, JESUS ascended to the
HEAVENLY FATHER, presented the tokens of HIS sacrifice before the Mercy
Seat (in keeping with the ritual) and later poured out the GIFT OF THE
HOLY SPIRIT upon HIS waiting disciples.
Now we can understand the warning JESUS the ANOINTED ONE spoke to Miryam
(Mary) of Magdala the time of CHRIST'S appearance to her after HIS
resurrection. [John 20. 17] Why did MESSIAH tell her not to touch HIM?
Because JESUS is the FULFILLMENT of the high priests in Israel who
performed the ceremonies of the Day of Atonement exactly as the priest
did. Great care was taken to guard against any unclean person entering
the Sanctuary. [Leviticus/Vayikra 16. 17] No one was permitted to
remain there while the high priest officiated in the Holy of Holies on
the "GREAT DAY." No unclean person could touch him and he could not
touch anyone for fear of defilement. When the blood had been applied to
the Mercy Seat, and every detail had been carried out as GOD OMNIPOTENT
had commanded, thus receiving HIS approval and acceptance, the high
priest then could be touched by hands and congratulated for his work
which had been accomplished. [Leviticus/Vayikra 16 w/Hebrews 8. 1 - 6;
9. 6 - 14]
As soon as YESHUA ha'MASHIACH arose from the dead, HE must enter into
the Holy of Holies immediately, that is to ascend straight to GOD THE
FATHER and there present the tokens of HIS sacrifice on Calvary, in
order to complete this important Day's ritual. The LORD JESUS told
Miryam the reason HE wanted her "not to touch, cling to or lay hold" of
HIM. JESUS "had not yet ascended to the FATHER" — HE had NOT
entered the Holy of Holies to complete the ritual. Therefore, HE would
not allow anyone to touch HIM, just as was the case with the earthly
high priest of the Tabernacle service as commanded by HOLY GOD for the
Great Day of Atonement. When the LORD YESHUA entered the Holy of Holies
and concluded the ceremony at the Mercy Seat in Heaven (which could have
taken mere seconds), MESSIAH YESHUA returned and met HIS friends on
earth who then could "touch" HIM (in fact they held HIS feet) and
congratulated HIM (worshipped CHRIST THE LIVING WORD, the KING OF GLORY)
for the work HE had done! [Matthew 28. 9]
After offering the sacrifices, the Israelites waited for the sound of
the bells which indicated their high priest had again put on his
garments for glory and beauty, and that GOD ALMIGHTY had accepted the
sacrifice. Thus, it was with the 120 disciples in the Upper Room in
Jerusalem, they knew the LORD JESUS, their HIGH PRIEST, lived and was in
the presence of the FATHER when they heard the sound from heaven. The
DIVINE Testimony (golden bells) rang clearly through the disciples
showing them their MESSIAH-PRIEST- KING was alive and would continue HIS
life and work through them (pomegranates signify reproduction) by the
operation of the HOLY SPIRIT. How perfect is our WONDERFUL LORD GOD!
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 for HIS loving kindness is mighty
over us. Have a good week — continue serving the BELOVED MASTER with
a clean heart (lev tahor) and bless HIM at all times, for HE perseveres
in blessing HIS people with peace.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomestead.com/
-----
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
By prayer one may achieve part of one's wish.
ASK IN MESSIAH'S NAME
"Whatever you ask in MY NAME, that I will do, that the FATHER may be
glorified in the SON." [John 14. 13] "If you abide in ME, and MY WORDS
abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for
you." [John 15. 7]
Such promises seem almost too extensive and unconditional to be
understood literally. Asking "in HIS NAME" does not mean just beginning
or ending a prayer with those words.
It is only through MESSIAH YESHUA, our MEDIATOR, that we dare enter the
presence of the OMNIPOTENT GOD at all. The LORD JESUS declared —
"No man comes to the FATHER but by ME." [John 14. 6] This being true,
it also implies that our prayer must be in agreement with what the
ALL-WISE MASTER HIMSELF would pray. No follower of CHRIST should ask
for something he knows to be against GOD'S will. "Now this is the
confidence that we have in HIM, that if we ask anything according to HIS
will, HE hears us. And if we know that HE hears us, whatever we ask, we
know that we have the petitions that we have asked of HIM." [1 John 5.
14 - 15]
When we come to the HEAVENLY FATHER in JESUS' MIGHTY NAME, we are in a
very real sense, representing HIM. Therefore, we must come with clean
hands and motives worthy of THE ONE in WHOSE NAME we profess to come.
We must confess and repent of all our sins, or we couldn't even speak in
HIS NAME nor expect HIM to hear and answer our entreaty. As we
acknowledge HIS power and promise, we must come believing, not doubting
HIM, the LIVING, LIFE-GIVING WORD.
Then the LOVING FATHER is glorified as we exalt our GREAT GOD.
"Whatever you ask the FATHER in MY NAME HE will give you. Ask, and you
will receive, that your joy may be full." [John 16. 23 - 24] This
promise is given that GOD THE FATHER may be magnified gloriously in GOD
THE SON, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
We sing sweet praised to YOUR NAME, O LORD for YOU are a gracious and
merciful GOD and KING. We longingly wait for the day when all shall see
and be glad, when the just and upright exult, and the devout
triumphantly rejoice for iniquity shall shut it's mouth and all
wickedness shall be wholly consumed like smoke. For YOU will make the
dominion of arrogance to pass away from the earth and righteousness will
dwell evermore.
You are holy, and awesome is YOUR NAME, there is no god besides YOU.
YOU, LORD GOD OF HOSTS are exalted in judgment and sanctified in
righteousness. Blessed are YOU, MOST HOLY LORD, our KING.
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. . .
"Sometimes people become obsessed with their own agenda to the extent
that they think it is the solution to every problem." [Dr. Efraim
Zuroff]
TRUTH, THE EVIDENCE
"If anyone wants to do HIS will, he shall know concerning the doctrine,
whether it is from GOD or whether I speak on MY OWN authority. He who
speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but HE WHO seeks the glory of
the ONE WHO sent HIM is true, and no unrighteousness is in HIM." [John
7. 17 - 19]
When the LORD JESUS spoke these words, HE was speaking to arrogant
religionists who regarded HIM as nothing but an wandering TEACHER,
rejecting HIS TEACHINGS, even though they knew these precepts were
recorded facts. MESSIAH YESHUA'S rebuke of these hypocrites is a
timeless standard for recognizing GOD'S truth and knowing HIS desire.
In his last epistle, the Apostle Paul wrote about certain academic
philosophers and academic thinkers who would be "always learning and
never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." Then, Paul continues
to make it perfectly clear as to why such corrupt persons, though
educated, are still incapable of accepting real truth, they simply
"resist the truth...but they will progress no further, for their folly
will be manifest to all." [2 Timothy 3. 7 - 9]
It is not that they could not learn the truth, but they would not
because they are not willing to believe or obey the truth when they
learned it. They are basically unwilling to believe doctrine plainly
revealed in the LORD GOD'S WRITTEN PURE WORD OF TRUTH when it is in
conflict with doctrines based exclusively on human reasoning.
For this reason, JESUS the ENDURING SHEPHERD prayed, "I thank YOU,
FATHER, LORD OF HEAVEN & EARTH, that YOU have hidden these things from
the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so, FATHER,
for so it seemed good in YOUR sight." [Matthew 11. 25 - 26]
GOD'S will is always consistent with HIS TEACHING, which is written to
be easily understood by anyone who is willing to believe what HE said
and do it. Hide HIS TREASURED PROMISES in your heart, it is the most
commendable thing you can do for yourself. "YOUR WORD I have hidden in
my heart, that I do not sin against YOU!" [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 11
Tanakh, Kethuvim]
"Be diligent (study) to present yourself approved to GOD, a worker who
does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the WORD OF TRUTH. But
shun (avoid, keep away from) profane and idle babblings, for they will
increase to more ungodliness. " [2 Timothy 2. 15 - 16] May we live to
keep GOD'S WORD and the wisdom of HIS TEACHINGS.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Blessed be our GREAT GOD in WHOSE abode is joy and through WHOSE
goodness we 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. . .
Correct me from the HOLY BIBLE and you'll have a friend for life.
Correct me by your opinion, and you'll have only your opinion.
MESSIAH — AFFLICTED FOR ISRAEL
"I will recount the loving-kindnesses of the LORD and the praises of the
Lord, for all that the Lord has imparted to us, the great goodness to
the House of Israel, that HE has bestowed on them according to HIS
mercies and to the multitude of HIS loving-kindness. In all their
affliction He was afflicted, and the ANGEL OF HIS PRESENCE delivered
them. In HIS love and pity HE HIMSELF redeemed them; HE raised them and
carried them all the days of old." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 63. 7, 9 Tanakh,
Nevi'im]
The very heart of GOD'S MESSAGE is HIS everlasting love to Israel.
In speaking to them HE tells that HIS love is one of suffering and
sacrifice. We find this attitude of the HOLY ONE recorded particularly
in the book of Isaiah which sounds more like a NEW COVENANT writer then
an OLD COVENANT prophet as his MESSIANIC prophecies are clearer and more
explicit than those in any other OLD COVENANT book.
For about fifteen hundred years Israel offered daily sacrifices to GOD
at HIS commands which pointed to the coming of ONE WHO would fulfill
this sacrificial love of the ALMIGHTY. These sacrifices were not
intended by GOD to be an end in themselves, but HE taught HIS ancient
people, Israel — in these types, pictures, and symbols — of HIS
desire to reveal HIS great suffering love for them and that one day HE
would actually do this in a SUPREME SACRIFICE, their
MESSIAH-REDEEMER- KING!
In the TANAKH, the HEBREW SCRIPTURES, we read concerning the MESSIAH OF
ISRAEL, the SAVIOUR of the world. We find there that HE was to come and
express GOD'S love to Israel and to all who would believe on HIM.
Again, in Isaiah's prophecy, GOD is speaking concerning HIS PROMISED
ONE; this UNIQUE ONE WHO would be THE SERVANT OF GOD. "Indeed, MY
SERVANT shall deal prudently; HE shall be exalted and extolled to great
heights." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 52. 13 Tanakh, Nevi'im] The GOD of
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob named the MESSIAH calling HIM "MY SERVANT."
GOD continues HIS description of HIM: "Just as the many were astonished
(Hebrew: shamem – petrified, to stun, stupefy, devastate) at HIM, so
marred was HIS appearance, unlike that of any man, HIS form, beyond
human semblance." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 52. 14 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Here it is recorded concerning the SERVANT — MESSIAH'S
sufferings. So much was HIS suffering that HE was an astonishment. HIS
face and HIS body were twisted in agony because of HIS sacrificial
offering for Israel and all mankind. From words in the HEBREW TEXT we
realize that in HIS agony, the beatings accompanying HIS sacrifice
disfigured HIS face and twisted HIS body to such a degree that HE did
not even look like a man!
Isaiah continues to relate MESSIAH'S suffering: "I gave MY back to
the floggers, and My cheeks to those who tore out the beard; I did not
hide MY face from insult and spitting." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 50. 6 Tanakh,
Nevi'im] Notice as you read this particular chapter that it is the
LORD GOD HIMSELF WHO is speaking. HE is saying, "I gave MY back to the
floggers." So GOD had a back and it was whipped and beaten by man!
Quote again from SCRIPTURE concerning GOD'S sacrificial
suffering-love for Israel: "In all their affliction HE was afflicted."
Yes! MESSIAH entered into the sufferings of Israel even to the agony,
the beatings with shame and spitting, the humiliation and heart-break
which was associated with HIS supreme sacrifice on Calvary!
Why would MESSIAH do this? HE is showing HIS sacrificial suffering-love
to Israel even as it was pictured by GOD in all the sacrifices of the
HOLY WRIT! All Israel who had faith in these sacrifices were redeemed
by the sacrificial blood sprinkled on the Altars and the Ark of the
Covenant's Mercy Seat. It is like a credit arrangement until the
actual SUPREME SACRIFICE on Calvary was accomplished when the debt was
paid in full!
"So will HE sprinkle many nations." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 52. 15] Throughout
the FIRST COVENANT WRITINGS in the sacrificial system, GOD commanded the
Levitical priests to sprinkle the sacrificial blood — "A life for a
life." There was to be an innocent victim offered in the place of the
guilty. The MESSIAH was to give up HIS innocent life so HE could redeem
many who were guilty. It was because YESHUA was marred more than any
man as a sacrifice upon an altar that HE could "sprinkle" many nations.
After this report of MESSIAH'S sacrifice is given we read of a
heart-breaking prophecy from Isaiah: "Who has believed our report? To
whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? For HE shall grow up before
HIM as a tender plant, as a root out of arid ground. HE has no form or
comeliness; that we should look at HIM; no beauty that we should desire
HIM. HE is despised, rejected by men, a MAN of sorrows and acquainted
with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from HIM (as a leper); HE
was despised, and we held HIM of no esteem." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 53. 1 -
3 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
There is a question as to whether or not this report and description of
the MESSIAH will be accepted and believed! It is taught to my Jewish
people that Isaiah 53 represents Israel and not MESSIAH YESHUA, the
RIGHTEOUS, SUFFERING SERVANT OF GOD. My Jewish people were and are
taught to believe that this chapter is merely describing the sufferings
Jews have and are undergoing…that they are the ones despised,
acquainted with grief and rejected of men. This beautiful chapter of
Isaiah is referring to MESSIAH and not the Jewish people. Try
substituting the personal pronouns "HE, HIS, HIM" with the word "Israel"
and you can see for yourself that this thought is ridiculous at best.
Please read it for yourselves and recognize the description of the ONE
WHO was to come as REDEEMER for you and all who will believe on HIM.
What all my Jewish people (and Gentiles) must know is that the SOVEREIGN
GOD OF THE UNIVERSE planned from the foundation of the world that there
would be two comings of their REDEEMER: The First Coming would be that
of the SUFFERING SACRIFICE for the people's sins and at HIS Second
Coming, HE would be KING. First, YESHUA must appear as the LAMB
Sacrifice before that HE could appear as RULER in Israel. And, my
Jewish people, you must first accept HIM as the AFFLICTED SERVANT, the
SAVIOUR-REDEEMER, the SUPREME SACRIFICE for your sins, before you can
receive HIM as your LORD & KING. Won't you do that now?
May the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless each of you and open your
eyes to see JESUS as your MESSIAH, your ATONING SACRIFICE. Accept HIM
into your heart — the ONE WHO died for you and rose again and is
coming back for you to be with HIM forever!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Welcome Sabbath – Queen of the week! May it be YOUR will, our
Great & MIGHTY GOD to give us a life of peace, a life of goodness, a
life of blessing, a life of health, and a life of prosperity serving YOU
faithfully. We thank YOU, for by YOUR mercies and grace teaching the
sanctity of the weekly day of rest, Sabbath as the sign of the tie that
binds us to YOU. Amen
We have a MIGHTY AWESOME GOD, and HE is on the Throne ruling over the
affairs of men. HE is worthy of all our praise and worship, Keep us ever
grateful and grant us YOUR perfect rest.
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. . .
A ravisher (a degenerate or a spoiler) must take the consequences, he
must drink out of the vessel he abused.
WASHING OTHER'S FEET
"He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean."
[John 13. 10]
When Peter heard JESUS, the GALILEAN speak these words to him, he
understood that fellowship with MESSIAH YESHUA is gained by washing. We
must humble ourselves, admit our sinfulness and our desperate need of
the MASTER'S cleansing. Not only our own feet need washing, but we must
also wash our brothers: "If I then, your LORD and TEACHER, have washed
your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given
you an example, that you should do as I have done to you." [John 13. 14
- 15]
GOD ETERNAL established the way for washing. Moses was instructed to
make a Copper Laver for Aaron and his sons to wash from. And he was
also instructed to wash them with water. [Exodus/Shemot 29. 4] They
were "to wash their hands and their feet in water drawn from it, that
they may not die." This ordinance was forever to them — to Aaron
and his descendants throughout their generations. [Exodus/Shemot 30. 18
- 21]
When the woman was scorned and ridiculed for washing the LORD JESUS'
feet "with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head" [Luke 7.
38], her sins were forgiven her. YESHUA said to HIS disciples —
"Her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom
little is forgiven, the same loves little." [Luke 7. 47] Thus implying
that the one for whom much is forgiven, the same LOVES MUCH.
If we apply this thinking to our present situation in life, should we
not be as concerned about others as we are about self and be quick to
wash the feet of others (forgive them), for we have been freely bathed
(forgiven) of our indebtedness (complete inability to pay) to the ONE
WHO is our PERFECT EXAMPLE, the LORD JESUS CHRIST.
"But when the kindness and the love of GOD our SAVIOUR toward man
appeared 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. 4 - 5] The LAVER we have
available to us now is GOD'S HOLY WRITTEN WORD and the PurE WATER is
freely available to wash from for our daily cleansing. In HIS loving
mercy, the MASTER DESIGNER has always been our PERFECT EXAMPLE.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Blessings to all who love Zion!
Today I am causing MY PRESENCE to rest among you; if you sin, MY
PRESENCE will leave you. But when YESHUA comes, MY PRESENCE will remain
with you permanently. Now you see the DIVINE PRESENCE through fire, but
with the advent of the MESSIAH you will see it clearly revealed, as it
is written: "For eye to eye shall they see when GOD returns to Zion."
[Tz'enah Ur'enah]
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. . .
Nothing from some people, is giving all they have.

THE RED HEIFER
"Instruct the Israelite people to bring you a red heifer without
blemish...take cedar wood, hyssop, and crimson wool and throw them into
the fire consuming the heifer; and with some of the ashes make a
cleansing for the unclean person." [Numbers (B'Midvar) 19. 1-17
w/Hebrews 9. 12-14; 10. 10-12]

The "Red Heifer Offering" is different from the five offerings of
Leviticus 1 thru 5. They were sin-offerings for atonement and
salvation. The Red Heifer was not for salvation, but for cleansing from
the daily defilement of the believer. The blood of this offering was
not to be brought into the Holy of Holies and placed on the Mercy Seat
for salvation, but was to be sprinkled OUTSIDE before the congregation.
This was a type of the daily sins of the believer, being confessed and
cleansed by the once-shed blood of the LORD JESUS.

The Red Heifer is brought outside the Camp and slain as was all other
sin-offering. {JESUS the REDEEMER died outside the camp.} Even its
blood was burned, except what is used in the sevenfold sprinkling before
the Tent of Meeting, where the people went to meet with ALMIGHTY GOD.
And, into the midst of the burning of the red heifer, were cast cedar
wood, hyssop (types of all nature, from the highest to the lowest —
1 Kings/Melakhim Alef 4. 33) and scarlet (in type — the glory of the
world).

Cedar represents that which is imperishable.
Hyssop was used for purification from defilement.
Scarlet is the emblem of life.

The "Water of Separation" was made from the ashes of the Red Heifer.
This provision was for the removal of ceremonial defilement which
occurred by contact with the dead. [Numbers/B'Midvar 19. 16-21] The
ashes were laid up for constant use for the Israelites.
[Numbers/B'Midvar 19. 9] The effects of MESSIAH'S blood sacrifice is
Continual (once-for-all) .

The person who had touched a corpse or the dust from the grave was
regarded as being defiled and dared not enter into the presence of the
HOLY ALMIGHTY GOD. Death was a constant reminder of the result of sin.
The conscience of man feels the touch of death. He is afraid even to
die, he must be purified from the touch — "the works of death"
before he can render service to the TRUE & LIVING GOD.

Under the OLD LAW, uncleanness is connected with birth, death, meats and
drinks, garments, and places of dwelling. A man could become unclean
even in his sleep. The Law even tracked him closely in his most secret
places and during his most unguarded hours, it is so with sin and
defilement among men. The ashes of the Red Heifer were collected and
kept in a clean place where any member of the camp could have "easy
access" from which a portion could be taken for their uncleanness. When
the ashes of one Red Heifer was used up, another was put in its place.
The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA is THE CONTINUAL OFFERING, and all (whosoever
will) may have access to the purification that comes from HIS sacrifice
on Calvary!

The Red Heifer is not a new sacrifice. It speaks of a sacrifice already
completed. The ashes alone remained to testify of the consumption of
the victim. In this way, the Red Heifer represents that which has
already been offered "once for all." [Hebrews 9. 12]

Here the sacrifice victim (Red Heifer) is a female. . . a type which
speaks of submissiveness (obedience), dependence (belief), and
willingness (readiness) — also reproduction (imitating), which we
see in the CHRIST JESUS at Gethsemane. YESHUA ha'MASHIACH was subject
to FATHER GOD'S will, not HIS OWN. The LORD JESUS' death became the
means whereby there could be reproduction of "sons born into HIS
KINGDOM!"

The Red Heifer was "without blemish" — with neither defect nor
deformity and "on which no yoke had been laid." Not only sin's yoke,
but any, for a yoke is an instrument to ENFORCE subjection; and the
LORD, KING MESSIAH was not forced to give up HIS life, HE gave it
freely. YESHUA could have called twelve legions of angels to take HIM
off the Cross, but HE did not. . . HIS is the PERFECTION of a WILLING
SACRIFICE.

The HOLY SPIRIT uses the WRITTEN WORD to convict the believer of sin in
their life. Then, when the person is convicted, he remembers that the
guilt of his sin has been met by the PERFECT SACRIFICE of the LORD
JESUS. Instead of despairing hopelessness, the convicted person judges
and confesses the defiling thing that is unworthy of a believer and is
forgiven and cleansed by the blood of our PRECIOUS, PURIFYING SAVIOUR,
the MESSIAH WHO says — "If I do not wash you, you have no part with
ME." [John 13. 3-10; 1 John 1. 7-10; Romans 5. 9]

Allow the LORD JESUS CHRIST WHO, has chosen then called you, to cleanse,
clothe, consecrate and conform you into HIS likeness. Then commit your
life to fulfill HIS commission. What a excellent and select group to
belong to.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
O LORD, pardon the sins, transgressions and iniquities which we have
committed before YOU. Purify us of all our errors and iniquities so that
our life may be worthy of the name we bear and our home become a
sanctuary consecrated to YOUR PRESENCE and dedicated to righteousness.
Humbled by the sense of our weakness and our guilt, we ask YOU, O GOD of
our fathers, to help us to serve YOU in sincerity and in truth; and in
serving YOU, may our example help to lead many to YOU.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
A house is no home unless it contains food for the soul as well as the
body.
WILLING MESSIAH
"And JESUS, moved with compassion, put out HIS hand and touched him, and
said to him, 'I am willing; be cleansed.'" [Mark 1. 41]
When YESHUA ha'MASHIACH makes a promise, it is certain to be
accomplished. As soon as HE spoke to the leper, "immediately the
leprosy left him, and he was cleansed." [Mark 1. 42] GOD'S promises
may not always take place as instantly as this, but they definitely will
be performed.
The LORD JESUS invites, "follow ME, and I will make you fishers of men."
[Matthew 4. 19] This promise is to all HIS true and faithful followers.
But first we must come to HIM, and to those who come HE promises that
"the one who comes to ME I will by no means cast out." [John 6. 37]
"Come to ME, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you
rest." [Matthew 11. 28] CHRIST JESUS' promise is the special, intimate
love to those who obey HIM. "He who has MY commandments and keeps them,
it is he who loves ME. And he who loves ME will be loved by MY FATHER,
and I will love him and manifest MYSELF to him." [John 14. 21] "Those
who love ME I love, and those who seek ME diligently will find ME."
[Proverbs (Mishle) 8. 17 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
"The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, His ears attentive to their
cry." [Psalms (Tehillym) 34. 15 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Therefore, "whatever
you ask in MY NAME, that I will do, that the FATHER may be glorified in
the SON." [John 14. 13] YESHUA then continued, "If you ask anything in
MY NAME, I will do it." [John 14. 14] This is sure to come true to the
fullest magnitude in the Kingdom Age when righteousness prevails and sin
is no longer present.
JESUS, the GOOD SHEPHERD, promised to come back again and we can be
confident that what HE has said, HE will do. "And if I go and prepare a
place for you, I will come again and receive you to MYSELF; that where I
am, there you may be also." [John 14. 3] Without question the greatest
of all GOD'S promises was given in HIS intercessory prayer (the true
LORD'S Prayer), "FATHER, I desire that they also whom YOU gave ME may be
with ME where I am, that they may behold MY glory which YOU have given
ME; for YOU loved ME before the foundation of the world." [John 17. 24]
The promises of our WONDERFUL & FAITHFUL LORD GOD are true, HIS timing
is perfect, HIS ways are correct, and HIS love is steadfast and sure.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
O LORD, WHO'S PRESENCE dwells within us, grant us YOUR wisdom that we
may shut out the noises, disturbances and troubles of this world that we
can find ourselves alone with YOU in peaceful silence. As a child yields
in loving arms, we yield ourselves to YOU asking for nothing,
complaining about nothing. What if our labor is hard, our lot is humble,
our dreams turn into futile tears, if only there is the peace of YOUR
nearness in our hearts. In the stillness with YOU, despite the terror
and tumult of life, there comes a trust, a goodness that nourishes our
souls. How healing and strengthening is this communion with YOU, O GOD!
If only we could always abide in it! But, we must go forth again to the
struggle for our daily bread, yet we are not alone, YOU are ever near.
Abide deep in the solitude of our hearts, that we may trust and depend
on YOU and be unafraid in the face of the inscrutable days ahead, and
see that everything happens for the best. 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. . .
While making a living, be sure to leave room for life.
BREASTPIECE OF DECISION – (Part 2)
"You shall make a Breastpiece of Decision (Judgment), worked into a
design; make it in the style of the ephod; make it of gold, blue,
purple, and crimson yarns, and of fine twisted linen. The stones shall
correspond in number to the names of the sons of Israel: twelve,
corresponding to their names. They shall be engraved like seals, each
with its name, for the twelve tribes. Aaron shall carry the names of the
sons of Israel on the Breastpiece of Decision over his heart, when he
enters the Sanctuary, for remembrance before the LORD at all times."
[Exodus (Shemot) 28. 15, 21, 29 Tanakh, Torah]
Different and various-coloured stones were on the Breastpiece with the
names of Israel according to their tribes. Here we see unity combined
with diversity. Each name had its own particular stone. Each stone had
its own peculiar colour, glory, and beauty. The redeemed of the MESSIAH
YESHUA all are set within "the body" — each one having his own
particular beauty and function, yet each one reflecting some ministry of
the LORD JESUS. The names were engraved on the stones in the same
arrangement as that of the Camps of Israel around the Tabernacle and the
order of the march through the wilderness…according to their tribes.
The names engraved on them were associated with that particular stone as
though descriptive of that tribe. Being engraved tells us of permanency
and faithfulness of our LOVING GOD to all of HIS promises involving each
tribe.
The first gem was Sardis. Its colour is red and engraved on it was the
tribal name "Judah" which means "praise of YEHOWAH." ALMIGHTY GOD
always puts praise first. YESHUA partook of flesh and blood (colour
red) by becoming a MAN. HE came from the tribe of Judah and HE the
personified PRAISE OF GOD. The redeemed of the LORD, first of all come
to GOD with praise because they are born of HIM WHO is from the Tribe of
Judah. Judah's camp was located on the East side of the Tabernacle,
near to the Gate of the Court. The East is where the sun rose toward
which the Tabernacle faced. The redeemed of the LORD enter the Gate
into salvation's court with praise to HIM WHO is "the SUN ("YINNON") WHO
rises with healing in HIS wings." [Malachi (Malakhi) 4. 2 Tanakh,
Nevi'im]
The last stone on the Breastpiece was jasper and on it the name
"Naphtali" written which means "wrestling." {This wrestling was for
certain rest and victory.} The story in this name, as it is associated
with the stone in which it is engraved, is likened to MESSIAH in HiS
wrestling's on the earth to destroy the work of the enemy for the rest
and victory promised to HIS people. It tells of the children of GOD WHO
wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of darkness,
the wickedness of the Devil, and who have overcome him in the glorious
and mighty "NAME OF JESUS."
It is striking to notice that the appearance of the MOST HIGH in
Revelation 4:3 is likened to the first and last stones of the
Breastpiece of Judgment, in reverse. Since names are to be engraved on
each stone telling of permanency as well as describing "the PRECIOUS GEM
of Heaven and HIS people." This reversed order of the gems, as John saw
them, present another glorious truth: "NAPHTALI (engraved on jasper)"
— we have WRESTLED and have the victory because of the LORD JESUS
CHRIST. "Judah (on Sardis)" — we are entered into REST. . . home at
last to PRAISE HIM forevermore!
On Aaron's garments, represented in the stones, we see a double function
of the redeemed people as they served in the priesthood; theirs was a
shoulder as well as a heart ministry. The shoulder, which is the place
of strength, courage and leadership is open. . . public. The breast,
being over the heart, signifies love and affection and is secret. . .
private. This was how YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, our GREAT HIGH PRIEST
served, and how believer-priests should function today. . . with a Heart
& Shoulder Ministry.
The office of the High Priest called for compassion on the ignorant and
on them that are out of "THE WAY." [Hebrews 5. 1 - 6, 10] The
fulfillment of this was in the BELOVED REDEEMER, the LORD JESUS WHO was
"moved with compassion" on innumerable times in HIS earthly ministry.
The LORD MESSIAH is continuing this compassion through HIS sons,
believer-priests, in the NEW COVENANT who minister with HIM in the
priest's office.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
As we bid farewell to Shabbat with the Havdalah (difference) Service, we
use all of our senses: we taste the wine, smell the spices, see the
shadows of candles, hear prayers & songs, and touch family and friends
as we wish them Tov Shavua — Good Week!
Rejoice and honour the wonders of the ALMIGHTY ONE and HIS HOLY WORD.
Remember, HE WHO keeps Israel neither slumbers or sleeps!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The Soul: The story is told of a blind man who carried a lame man into
an orchard where together they stole some fruit. To the question of
which was the guilty party, the rabbi answered: Both! Neither could have
carried out the theft without the other. The two men represent the body
and the soul of man. Together, they constitute an indivisible unity.
[Roland B. Gittelsohn]
THE NEW COVENANT
My Jewish people, the GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob gave promises to
our fathers that will surely come to pass even as HE said. We see in
the BIBLE that all the Covenants were made by GOD with Israel. It is
written in the WORD OF GOD and the WORD OF GOD does not lie! GOD
inspired the Jewish apostle Paul to write the following statements:
"…[Israelites] to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the
covenants, the giving of the law, the service of GOD, and the promises;
of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, CHRIST
came, who is over all, the eternally blessed GOD. Amen" [Romans 9. 4 -
5]
Yes, the news of ONLY LIVING & TRUE GOD WHO made us and all things, was
preached by Jews. The Book they carried with them was really a Jewish
Book, for both OLD & NEW COVENANTS were written by Jews as GOD anointed
them to do. GOD made ALL the Covenants with Israel, just as was
written.
GOD OMNIPOTENT declared that the FIRST COVENANT had grown old, however,
and because it did not meet the needs of Israel, HE promised HE would
make a NEW COVENANT with them. HE said that this NEW COVENANT would not
be the same because the FIRST COVENANT was for the outward man: This NEW
ONE would be with the inward man. The GOD OF JACOB said also that this
NEW COVENANT would give a knowledge of the LORD to every one who would
receive it, as the following SCRIPTURE expresses:
"Behold, the days are coming — declares the LORD — when I will
make a new covenant with the House of Israel and with the House of
Judah. It will not according to the covenant I made with their fathers
when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, MY
covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them — declares
the LORD. But this is the covenant that I will make with the House of
Israel after those days — declares the LORD: I will put My Law in
their minds, and inscribe it on their hearts. Then I will be their GOD,
and they shall be My people. No longer will they need to teach one
another, and every man his brother saying, "Know the LORD" — for all
of them, from the least of them to the greatest, shall know ME —
declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their
sin no more." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 31. 31 - 34 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
From studying SCRIPTURES, we know that there is coming a day when this
NEW COVENANT with Israel will come to pass literally, for GOD keeps HIS
Covenants. Once more, Israel will be a nation knowing the LORD in her
heart. My people do not know HIM this way now, but one day it will be
fulfilled in history. That day will be when the MESSIAH comes and our
Jewish people as a nation will acknowledge their offenses against
GOD'S ANOINTED ONE. This will happen when they see the nail prints
in HIS hands and mourn for HIM as for an only son knowing now it was
JESUS WHO was their MESSIAH-PRIEST- KING all the time, but they had
refused HIM. Zechariah, the Jewish prophet tells of this:
"And I will fill the House of David and on the inhabitants of
Jerusalem with a spirit of grace and compassion; then they will look on
ME WHOM they pierced. Yes, they will lament because of ME for those who
are slain, wailing over them as over a favorite son." [Zechariah
(Zecharyah) 12. 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
"In that day a fountain shall be opened for the House of David and the
inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness. And if one asks of
him, "What are those wounds on YOUR back?" he will answer, "From being
beaten in the house of my friends. Then the LORD will go forth and make
war on those nations, as HE fights in the day of battle. And IN THAT DAY
HIS FEET WILL STAND ON THE MOUNT OF OLIVES, near Jerusalem on the east;
and the Mount of Olives shall split across from east to west, making a
very large gorge; one part of the Mount of Olives shall shift to the
north and the other shall move toward the south." [Zechariah (Zecharyah)
13. 1, 6; 14. 3 - 4 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Now these prophecies and the NEW COVENANT will be fulfilled in history
to Israel as a nation — but to the Jewish person the NEW COVENANT is
fulfilled individually the moment he received YESHUA ha'MASHIACH
into his heart as LORD & SAVIOUR. For YESHUA is the PROMISED ONE OF GOD,
the REDEEMER WHO has already come the first time fulfilling the FIRST
COVENANT and established the NEW COVENANT for everyone, Jew and Gentile,
who will believe on HIS NAME.
The LORD JESUS did not come to bring a new religion but to fulfill the
prophesied SCRIPTURES of the FIRST COVENANT. The NEW COVENANT is not a
new book but is the continuation of the FIRST. What is hidden in the
OLD is revealed in the NEW. When a Jewish person accepts YESHUA as his
MESSIAH and SAVIOUR, he does not renounce the Jewish faith, but accepts
the fulfillment of it and becomes a TRUE JEW! HE comes into his own
faith and is completed in MESSIAH. He becomes a completed Jew. He has
accepted what belongs to him by GOD'S COVENANT with his fathers.
The first CHRISTian church was composed of Jewish believers (at
Peter's preaching, 3,000 believed in one day, Acts 2:41). According
to a record in history, there were 25,000 Jews who recognized YESHUA as
their MESSIAH a short time after Pentecost (Shavuoth) 2,000 years ago.
YESHUA, WHO was a Jew according to GOD'S promise of the
MESSIAH'S genealogy, does not expect any Jew to change the fact that
he is Jewish, but wants every Jew to come into living touch with GOD, to
love HIM with all their heart. We Jews who believe in MESSIAH YESHUA,
do not look upon CHRISTianity as another religion, but we look on it as
the completion of the faith of our forefathers. We are more Jewish now
then ever before we accepted JESUS. We Jewish believers know and love
the SCRIPTURES of the FIRST COVENANT (the TANAKH) more now than ever
before! We know the meaning of the holidays and customs of our Jewish
people in the BIBLE now where before our faith in JESUS we were blind
and uninformed. We have been brought to a greater sympathy and
understanding and also a greater love for Israel. We now have a deep
impression on our hearts, put there by GOD HIMSELF to pray for our own
Jewish people everywhere that they see the LIGHT and come into the NEW
COVENANT as we have We do not deny our heritage, we are the natural
descendants of Abraham through Isaac — not only are we Jewish by
decent — but TRUE Jews, sons of GOD'S promise, for we have come
into HIS NEW COVENANT; we believe in YESHUA as our MESSIAH, our
Soon-Coming KING.
We encourage you, our fellow members of the tribes, to seek the LORD
while HE may still be found. HE is near and waiting for you!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her! Join
in her jubilation, all you who mourned over her, for HE WHO keeps Israel
neither slumbers or sleeps!
Shalom Aleichem b'SHEM YESHUA ha'MASHIACH — Peace be unto you in the
NAME of JESUS THE CHRIST!
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. . .
Extraordinary parents know how to make their children feel they are
special.
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
"Woe! to those who call evil good, and good evil; who present darkness
as light and light as darkness; who present bitter as sweet, and sweet
as bitter! WOE! to those who are so wise — in their own opinion; so
clever — in their own judgment!" [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 5. 20 - 21
Tanakh, Nevi'im]
There is an increasing demand to change the mind-set of entire nations
using "collective reasoning" to call what is actually EVIL, good; and
what is GOOD, evil. There are many in high governmental positions, the
media, and even churches who are deliberately promoting and tolerating
homosexual acceptance, murder of unborn children, rape, debauchery and
desires of every kind including cultic practices and worshiping other
gods. When people insist that one must be loving, and tolerant, and
forced into accepting such abominable practices, they are actually the
threat to survival for those who are passionate in their belief and
worship of the Most High GOD. To tolerate such sinful indulgence is
completely against Almighty GOD and His Righteous Laws. This is not a
new thing, "the inhabitants of Sodom were exceedingly wicked sinners
against the LORD." [Genesis (Bereshith) 13. 13 Tanakh, Torah] The end
result, the Righteous Judge rained down fire and brimstones and
destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.
At the time of the flood, the earth was full of violence. "The earth
became corrupt before GOD; and the earth was filled with violence and
lawlessness. And Elohiym said to Noah — I have decided to put an end
to all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence and lawlessness and
because of them, I am about to destroy them with the earth." [Genesis
(Bereshith) 6. 11, 13 Tanakh, Torah]
Those who mention the name of GOD Most High are considered to be
criminal, right-wingers, dogmatists, bigots, and even called "a threat
to the nation." It is considered intolerant to say the "truth" is the
"TRUTH." Common sense has been pushed aside by what is considered
common courtesy — as we dutifully avoid, at all costs, logically
inferring that others are wrong.
The GREAT OMNIPOTENT CREATOR GOD revels HIMSELF as the unique Measure &
Personification of Absolute Truth. He alone holds the singular role of
being CREATOR & SUSTAINER of the heavens and the earth.
[Genesis/Bereshith 1] The MERCIFUL ONE is intolerant as well as
tolerant. . . HE makes the standards! When we tolerate what HE does
not tolerate or fail to tolerate what HE does tolerate, that is what the
HOLY SCRIPTURES call "SIN" and sin leads to death. "Your iniquities have
been a barrier between you and your GOD, your SINS have made HIM turn
HIS face away and refuse to hear you." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 59. 2 Tanakh,
Nevi'im]
Although the RIGHTEOUS ONE will not tolerate sin, HE is more than
tolerant; HE is compassionate and merciful, jealous and vigilant.
Furthermore, HE is "THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE" and HIS judgment stands. The
prophets all tell of GOD'S righteousness and of HIS wondrous redemption
and renewal for those who will turn away from the things HE absolutely
will not tolerate.
What will it take to wake some people up? The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA
emphatically declared, "HYPOCRITES! You know how to discern the face of
the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times." [Matthew 16. 2
- 3] Are you a part of GOD'S coming wrath and contributing to HIS
righteous judgment that is coming on this world, or are you ready for
HIS Kingdom doing HIS assigned will?
Some things are worth standing up for (truth, righteousness, morals,
integrity); real conviction and concern dictate that we do our best to
present the honest facts. "Sanctify the LORD GOD in your hearts, and
always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for
the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good
conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile
your good conduct in CHRIST may be ashamed." [1 Peter 3. 15 - 16] "But
even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. And
do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled...For it is better,
if it is the will of GOD, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil."
[1 Peter 3. 14, 17]
Even now the AUTHOR & FINISHER of our faith invites us: "Come, let us
reach an understanding — says the LORD. Though your sins are like
crimson, they can turn snow-white; though they are red as dyed wool,
they can become like fleece." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 1. 18 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Earnestly contend (compete, challenge, argue, fight) for the Truth, it
is the only life-giving substance for reconciliation to the MIGHTY
OMNIPOTENT LORD OF HOSTS.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
What ALMIGHTY GOD does to us is based on what HE finds in us.
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. . .
May you have the hind-sight to know where you've been; the for-sight to
know where you're going; and the in-sight to know when you've gone too
far.
LIGHT & TRUTH
"Oh, send out YOUR Light and YOUR Truth! Let them lead me; let them
bring me to YOUR holy hill and to YOUR Tabernacle." [Psalms (Tehillym)
43. 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
This old troubled world we live in certainly is in desperate need of
light to find the only way out of the terrible darkness it is in; and
the truth to rightly exist instead of constant chaos.
The Hebrew word 'emeth means truth — 'owr means light. ALMIGHTY GOD
is the AUTHOR of all truth and light. HE has already sent out HIS light
and HIS truth, but "men loved darkness rather than light, because their
deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does
not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed." [John 3. 19 -
20] Although they profess to be ever learning, they are always learning
but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. In fact, "they
will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to
fables." [2 Timothy 3. 7; 4. 4]
Although we have much more light than in the days of the Psalmist, as
well as access to the truth, because, we have GOD'S complete WRITTEN
WORD —from Genesis to Revelation. As SCRIPTURES promised, "YOUR
WORD is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." [Psalms (Tehillym)
119. 105 Tanakh, Kethuvim] And again the promise, "For the commandment
is a lamp, and the law a light; reproofs of instruction are the way of
life." [Proverbs (Mishle) 6. 23 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
The truth of the LORD GOD OF HOSTS is what we all need for our faith as
we live in a world of woe and the future looks so dark. Times of
tribulation are also revealed in the light of HIS HOLY WORD, both the
inspired WRITTEN WORD and the LORD JESUS, the INCARNATE LIVING WORD OF
TRUTH. "That you may know that I am the LORD." [Exodus (Shemot) 10. 2
Tanakh, Torah] "Be in fear of the sword for yourselves; for wrath is
iniquity worthy of the sword, that you may know there is a judgment."
[Job (Iyob) 19. 29 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "These things I have written to
you who believe in the Name of the SON OF GOD, that you may know that
you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name
of the SON OF GOD." [1 John 5. 13]
The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH not only claimed: "I am the WAY, the TRUTH,
and the LIFE" [John 14. 6], HE also prayed for us saying, "Sanctify them
by YOUR Truth. YOUR WORD is Truth." [John 17. 17]
And as a privileged blessing for all who believe the EVER-LIVING ETERNAL
MASTER revealed truth, "GOD, WHO commanded light to shine out of
darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge
of the glory of GOD in the face of JESUS CHRIST." [2 Corinthians 4. 6]
HalleluYAH! There are many great joys and benefits now in serving the
ETERNAL LOVING LORD OF GLORY.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
The LORD loves truth and peace: "Speak each man the truth to his
neighbour; give judgment in your gates for truth, justice and peace; let
none of you think evil in your heart against your neighbour; and do not
love a false oath. For all these are things that I hate, says YEHOWAH,
the GOD OF HOSTS." [Zechariah/Zecharya h 8. 16 - 17]
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. . .
The task ahead of us is never as great as the POWER behind us.

THE LAVER (Part Two)
"The LORD spoke to Moses saying — Make a laver of copper and a stand
of copper for it, for washing; and place it between the Tent of Meeting
and the altar. Put water in it." [Exodus (Shemot) 30. 17 - 18 Tanakh,
Torah]

The Foot is the foundation upon which the Laver stands. All the
foundations of the Tabernacle furniture picture the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA
(seen in Matthew as the KING, Mark as the SERVANT, Luke as the MAN, John
as the EAGLE), there is no other foundation! Time and again, it is
written as "the laver and his foot." The WORD OF GOD stands upon CHRIST
JESUS and is upheld by HIM. These are inseparable, not one without the
other.

The Laver was located at the Door of the Tabernacle. It was highly
polished so to reflect the Door and the Copper Altar, for it stood
between them. The WORD OF GOD, like a mirror, reveals the Cross
(Sacrifice Altar) and the Door (MESSIAH YESHUA) which we enter in to
fellowship with the MOST HOLY GOD ETERNAL.

The Copper Basin situated before the Tabernacle of the Congregation
(Holy Place) which housed the Table of Shewbread, shows that there is an
experience of Cleansing before Feasting. Children are not to be dirty
when they come to the table, they are commanded to "wash first." No
believer is entitled to come to the Breaking of Bread at the Table in
the Holy Place without self-examination. "Let a man examine himself,
and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup; for if we judge
ourselves, we would not be judged." [1 Corinthians 11. 28-31]

The priests could not wash themselves with the Laver, there was to be
water put in it. This points to a great spiritual truth that cleansed
them and made them ready for their tasks. The only water the sons of
Israel had in the desert was that which gushed forth from the SMITTEN
ROCK. [Exodus/Shemot 17. 6] Moses was commanded of the SOVEREIGN
ALMIGHTY ONE to STRIKE the rock (which Moses did) and water came forth
for the thirsty Israelites. [Numbers/B'Midvar 20. 8, 11] For water the
second time, Moses was to SPEAK to the ROCK; but instead he struck it
twice. For this sin of disobedience Moses was not permitted to enter
the Promised Land with the Children of Israel.

MESSIAH YESHUA, THE ROCK, was struck once and ever after we need but
speak to HIM for our supply of spiritual drink! "Our fathersÂ…all
drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that SPIRITUAL ROCK
that followed them (went with them), and that ROCK was CHRIST." [1
Corinthians 10. 4] The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA is the ROCK OF AGES. It
was only after this PRIZED ROCK was struck (on the Cross, then raised
from the dead, and ascended up into Heaven) that there was poured out
"SPIRITUAL DRINK (the HOLY SPIRIT)" for HIS people.

To be effective, the WATER OF THE WORD MUST BE APPLIED. Not only are
we to believe GOD'S WORD by receiving it, but we are to serve GOD'S WORD
by observing (obeying) it. We are to be DOERS of the WORD — not
only HEARERS only. [James 1. 21–27; Romans 2. 13]

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
As we bid farewell to Sabbath with 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. Our prayer is that GOD, WHO separates the holy from
the secular, forgive our sins, guide our life, and fill the coming days
with HIS DIVINE PRESENCE. May the sweetness of Sabbath be your daily
fragrance.

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 smallest deed is better than the grandest intention.
THE LAVER (Part One)
"The LORD spoke to Moses saying — Make a laver of copper and a stand
of copper for it, for washing; and place it between the Tent of Meeting
and the altar. Put water in it." [Exodus (Shemot) 30. 17 - 18 Tanakh,
Torah]
This article of furniture, the Laver, is mentioned in connection with
another, the Altar of Incense. [Exodus/Shemot 30. 1] However, not one
without the other. The Laver is for cleansing, it must be appropriated
before the Golden Altar of Prayer & Praise can be approached. The
priests must be clean before there could be any Fragrance of Worship to
OMNIPOTENT HOLY GOD.
The copper of the Laver was obtained from the Jewish women who donated
their looking-glasses to the service of the LORD MOST HIGH. They were
willing to give up their prized possession which they had taken for a
spoil from the Egyptians before they left the land of bondage. These
looking-glasses revealed to them their natural beauty. How they
delighted to see their reflection in these highly polished copper
mirrors!
Copper is a symbol of judgment for sin; they judged their outward
appearance here. Yet, they gave up that outward judging for the
spiritual judging when they turned over these mirrors for the work of
the Tabernacle. Now, they were used in the construction of the Laver
for the washing of the priests. In other words, they gave up the desire
for natural beauty, the outward adorning, in preference for that beauty
which comes from within. [1 Peter 3. 3-5] Man's mirror shows and judges
spots on the outward appearance, but GOD'S Mirror reveals and judges the
blemishes of the heart.
The looking glasses of Egypt tell us of the intense desire of mankind to
appear beautiful outwardly to impress others and attract attention to
self. But, this is all changed when redemption is applied to the soul.
Then, the primary, highest and most important desire is the adorning of
the inner-man and the beauty of the LORD OF HOSTS to shine forth from
the life which will attract the attention of on-lookers to HIM WHO is
altogether lovely.
Twice in the NEW COVENANT the Laver is referred to for a spiritual
washing or cleansing. Paul speaks of the LORD JESUS having cleansed the
Church "by the Laver of water by the WORD." [Ephesians 5. 26] Then
again of ALMIGHTY GOD having "saved us through the Laver of regeneration
and renewing of the HOLY SPIRIT." [Titus 3. 5] We are born-anew
(regenerated) by the INCORRUPTIBLE SEED, the WORD OF GOD (the LAVER)
through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT (the WATER in the LAVER).
The Copper Altar has already been built and is for the Sinner. The
Laver is for the Saint. We meet the SOVEREIGN LORD GOD first at the
Cross and are cleansed by the blood of the LAMB OF CALVARY. Then, we
must come daily for cleansing by the WATER OF THE WORD. The Altar is
for saving us and shows us what the ANOINTED MESSIAH is. The Laver is
for keeping us saved and shows us what we are. At the Altar, we learn
that what YESHUA ha'MASHIACH has done meets the need of the sinner. At
the Laver we learn that what the LORD JESUS is meets the needs of the
CHRIST-like- one.
. . . to be continued
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Good Sabbath! We praise and bless you O GOD, Almighty Creator & SAVIOUR
for lovingly and graciously giving YOUR Holy Shabbat to all peoples.
May you receive blessings in abundance as you rest and fellowship with
the LORD GOD. Enjoy tranquility and harmony as you come together this
Sabbath!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

BIBLE GEMS HERE
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The beaten path may seem the safest, but the traffic is horrible, and
the destination is eternally dreadful.
PORTRAIT OF MESSIAH'S BIRTH
"Then the LORD spoke to Moses — On the first day of the first month
you shall set up the Tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting." [Exodus
(Shemot) 40. 1 - 2 Tanakh, Torah]
This OLD TESTAMENT Sanctuary pictures the WORD WHO became FLESH and
TABERNACLED among the Israelite people. The ALMIGHTY LORD GOD said that
the month of Nisan (March/April) was the beginning of the months for
you. "This month shall be your beginning of months; it shall be the
first month of the year for you." [Exodus (Shemot) 12. 2Tanakh, Torah]
GOD is always first "Thus says the LORD, the KING OF ISRAEL, their
REDEEMING ONE, the LORD OF HOSTS: 'I am the FIRST and I am the LAST and
there is no god besides ME." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 44. 6 Tanakh,
Nevi'im] "In the beginning GOD…" [Genesis/Bereshith 1. 1] "In
the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was
GOD." [John 1. 1] HE does all things well and always in order. HE was
born into the human family, chosen and called of GOD to be our HIGH
PRIEST.
The Tabernacle of GOD portrays THE MAN, MESSIAH YESHUA filled with the
SHEKINAH GLORY OF GOD, for this Sanctuary at Sinai taught that the TRUE
TEMPLE OF GOD, YESHUA, would personally appear in the flesh.
[Malachi/Malakhi 3. 1-3] YESHUA ha'MASHIACH is the Anti-type of
this sacred building in WHOM was fulfilled the will and desire of GOD to
dwell with HIS people. "And the WORD became flesh and dwelt among us,
and we beheld HIS glory, the glory as of the ONLY-BEGOTTEN of the
FATHER, full of grace and truth." [John 1. 14] Not only was GOD with
HIS people, but HE also was within them!
YESHUA was born the LAMB OF GOD — sheep are seasonal breeders (in
autumn), the young being born in the springtime around March/April. [The
only exception is the Dorset horn breed of sheep which breed anytime of
the year.] And, MESSIAH died as the LAMB OF GOD. "Your lamb shall be
without blemish, a male of the first year." [Exodus/Shemot 12. 5] A
lamb, being born in the spring would be a yearling and available for the
Passover Sacrifice the following year. The MESSIAH died at the
appointed time, the PERFECT PASSOVER SACRIFICE for our sins.
In GOD'S order of things, HE is always first! If YESHUA was born on
the first day of the first month, it would correspond to the setting-up
of the Tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting in the Wilderness. This
characterizes "GOD'S presence among us" and MESSIAH being born into
the human family was definitely "IMMANU'EL – GOD with us."
The promise to Haggai may have been the timing of Elizabeth conceiving
in her old age — "Take note from this day forward, from the
twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, from the day when the foundation
was laid for the LORD'S TEMPLE — consider it..." John the Baptiser
could have been the remarkable one that Haggai spoke of when he stated
that "…from this time forward, you will be blessed." [Haggai
(Chagai) 2. 18 - 19 Tanakh, Nevi'im] John was the forerunner, the
foundation being laid, the Elijah announcing the coming of MESSIAH, the
TEMPLE. Elizabeth was in her sixth month of pregnancy when Miriam
(Mary) went to be with her from Nazareth. Thus, is was around the month
of Tammuz (our June) — the timing was near the Feast of Shavuoth, at
the end of wheat harvest.
Recalling the story of Ruth & Boaz. Ruth was the childless widow and
Boaz became her "ga'al (kinsman-redeemer. ..a ga'al connects
redemption with conception). " Boaz covered Ruth with his mantle (Hebrew:
kanaph – wing, an edge, a garment of bed clothing, skirt) [Ruth/Roos
3 .3-12] equivalent to the SPIRIT OF THE LORD overshadowing (cast a
shadow, envelope in a haze of brilliance, invest with preternatural
(supernatural) influence) Miriam causing her to conceive, her GA'AL.
Through the union of Ruth & Boaz the lineage and household of David
began. Through this line the MESSIAH would come. . .the GA'AL
(GOD'S REDEEMER) for mankind, born in Bethlehem.
"Three times you shall keep a Feast to ME in the year: You shall observe
the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover)…and the Feast of Harvest
(Shavuoth)…and the Feast of Ingathering/ Booths (Sukkot). Three times
a year all your males shall appear before the SOVEREIGN, the LORD."
[Exodus/Shemot) 23. 14 – 17] Joseph was a righteous man and would
have obeyed the Laws of GOD. He could have traveled to Jerusalem for
the Passover as required, as Bethlehem is only about five miles from
there, just a few days after Miriam delivered. Was YESHUA conceived on
Shavuoth and born nine months later, that Spring, the time when lambs
are born?
If Miriam was overshadowed and the CHILD placed in her womb at the time
of the Feast of Harvest, she could have traveled to Bethlehem with the
father, and even perhaps Joseph as they would be traveling to attend the
Feast in Jerusalem; and she chose to stay with Elizabeth instead of
going on with them. She did stay with Elizabeth for three months,
making it Elizabeth's due date sometime in Tishri (our September).
Miriam would now be three months along, the time of the fall Festivals
of the LORD. Again her father and Joseph, along with all the Jewish
males would be traveling to Jerusalem. After the Feasts, they would
return to their home in Nazareth and Miriam once again joining them on
their return trip.
If YESHUA was indeed born on 1st of Nisan, Joseph would have not only
been traveling to Bethlehem for this census, but then onto Jerusalem for
the Passover. He would have had plenty of time to continue on and
attend the Festival in Jerusalem on the 14th of Nisan after caring for
his wife and the CHILD. They probably continued on with Joseph to
Jerusalem where the INFANT YESHUA would have been circumcised on the
eight days — near the time the lambs would have been chosen for the
Passover sacrifice.
Although no one knows for sure when MESSIAH was born, this gives us
something to think about. MESSIAH'S birth was important and
necessary for HIM to come as our KINSMAN-REDEEMER, but HIS death and
resurrection surpass that fact, for it is through HIS substitutionary
death that life is possible for who-so-ever will accept HIS atonement
and partake of the new life we have in HIM.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
May this day lead us to search the hidden recesses of our hearts. May it
arouse us to examine all our thoughts and deeds in the light of YOUR
truth, that we may know wherein we have strayed from YOUR way. And when
we have learned our shortcomings and the burden of our sins weights us
down, grant us the strength and courage to turn from the evil of our
ways and to seek the SHELTER of YOUR FATHERLY love. Amen!
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. . .
Jewish definitions: Pessimist — Things can't get any worse."
Optimist — Yes! they can get worse, absolutely, they can get much
worse.
CONTROLLER OF THE FUTURE
"Thus said King Cyrus of Persia: The LORD GOD OF HEAVEN has given me all
the kingdoms of the earth, and has charged me with building HIM a House
in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Any one of you of all HIS people, the
LORD his GOD be with him and let him go up." [2 Chronicles (Dibre
Hayamin Bet) 36. 23 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
Cyrus the great emperor of Persia had been called, even named by GOD,
150 years before he was born. "I am the same WHO says of Cyrus, 'He is
MY shepherd, the king whom I have designated, he shall fulfill all MY
purposes! He shall say of Jerusalem, `She shall be rebuilt'
— and to the Temple, 'You shall be founded again.'" [Isaiah
(Yeshayah) 44. 28 Tanakh, Nevi'im] This was 175 years before he would
fulfill Isaiah's prophecy by giving Ezra authority to rebuild the
Temple. [Ezra 1. 1 - 2]
When Cyrus conquered Babylon, the prophet Daniel was there.
[Daniel/Danyel 6. 28] The Jewish historian, Josephus, wrote that Daniel
actually became Prime Minister under Cyrus and was able to read Isaiah's
remarkable prophecy to him, thus influencing him to send the Jews back
to Jerusalem.
The GREAT & AWESOME GOD OF ISRAEL is the ETERNAL LORD GOD OF HEAVEN and
HE controls the future and can reveal it if HE chooses, using this very
fact as proof that HE will keep HIS other promises. "Thus said the LORD
to Cyrus, HIS anointed one — whose right hand I have grasped,
treading down nations before him, un-girding the loins of kings, I made
them helpless, opening doors before him and letting no gate stay
shut...For the sake of MY servant Jacob, Israel MY chosen one, I call
you (Cyrus) by name, I hail you by title, though you have not known ME."
[Isaiah (Yeshayah) 45. 1, 4 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
King Josiah was also named before he was born with the specific prophecy
concerning him waiting to be fulfilled for over 300 years after it was
first spoken. "O altar, altar! thus said the LORD: A son shall be born
to the House of David, Josiah by name; and he shall slaughter upon you
the priests of the shrines who bring offerings upon you. And human bones
shall be burned upon you." [1 Kings (Melakhim Alef) 13. 2 Tanakh,
Nevi'im; see 2 Kings/Melakhim Bet 23. 15 - 16 for the fulfillment of
this prophesy.]
"Bear in mind what happened of old; for I am GOD, and there is none
else, I am DIVINE, and there is none like ME. I foretell the end from
the beginning, and from the start, things that had not occurred. I say:
MY plan shall be fulfilled; I will do all I have purposed." [Isaiah
(Yeshayah) 46. 9 - 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Beyond doubt, the LOVING LORD
OMNIPOTENT GOD will do ALL that HE has said.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
"If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither! If I do not
remember you, let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth — if I do
not exalt Jerusalem and keep Jerusalem in memory even at my most joyous
hours." Psalms/Tehillym 137:5-6
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. . .
One man traveling opposite the flow is more clearly noticed than all who
travel together.
JOY & REJOICING
"When YOUR WORDS were offered, I devoured them; YOUR WORD brought me the
delight and joy of knowing YOUR NAME is attached to mine, O LORD, GOD OF
HOSTS." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 15. 16 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
These were the joyous words of Jeremiah, the weeping prophet. Even in
his gloom and misery, he could rejoice and find great joy in the LORD
GOD'S PRECIOUS WORD.
CHRIST-like- ones have a unique life which is the exceptional privilege
of the redeemed...they have heavenly joy! There are many courses
through which this joy can be experienced. Joy comes from knowing for
certain that our sins are forgiven through believing that the blood of
the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA covers them; and that by reading the HOLY WORD,
we can know more about our LORD and SAVIOUR. "I greatly rejoice in the
LORD, my whole being exults with joy in my GOD. For HE has clothed me
with garments of salvation and triumph, wrapped me in a robe of
victory." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 61. 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Wonderful joy is found in the privilege of praying to the GREAT GOD OF
HEAVEN and having our prayers answered, "Ask, and you will receive, that
your joy may be full." [John 16. 24] And, incredibly tremendous joy
comes when one sees the fruits of their service. "Those who sow in
tears shall reap with songs of joy. Though he goes along weeping,
carrying the seed-bag, he shall come back with songs of joy, carrying
his sheaves." [Psalms (Tehillym) 126. 5 - 6 Tanakh, Kethuvim] We will
enjoy the fruit of our labours and they are most sweet.
"Rejoice in the LORD always. Again I will say, Rejoice!" [Philippians 4.
4] After all, we know personally the EVER-LIVING CREATOR of all that
is good. "Though now you do not see HIM, yet believing, you rejoice
with joy inexpressible and full of glory." [1 Peter 1. 8] "YOU will
teach me the path of life. In YOUR PRESENCE ("SHAMMAH") is PERFECT JOY;
delights are ever in YOUR right hand." [Psalms (Tehillym) 16. 11 Tanakh,
Kethuvim]
"Behold, GOD is my SALVATION (YESHUA)! I am confident, unafraid; For YAH
the LORD is my STRENGTH ('OWZ) and SONG (ZIMRATH), and HE has been my
DELIVERANCE (YASHA)." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 12. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Now to
HIM WHO is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless
before the presence of HIS glory with exceeding joy. To GOD our SAVIOUR
(YESHUA), WHO alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power,
both now and forever. Amen" [Jude 24 - 25] What a MIGHTY GOD we serve!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
O LORD, our GUIDE even unto death, grant us, we pray, grace to follow
YOU through out lives. In our daily duties, bow our wills to simple
obedience, grant us patience under pain or frustration, strict
truthfulness of word and deed, humility, kindness; in great acts of duty
or perfection, if YOU should call us to them, uplift us to
self-sacrifice and courage to lay down our life for YOUR truth's
sake, or for our brother. Thank YOU, our HEAVENLY FATHER, for YOUR
righteousness and keeping us under YOUR sheltering wing.
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 that you may never have to endure all that you can learn to bear.
ASK FOR WISDOM
"Now this is the confidence that we have in HIM (the ALL-WISE MASTER),
that if we ask anything according to HIS will, HE hears us. And if we
know that HE hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the
petitions that we have asked of HIM." [1 John 5. 14 - 15]
When we ask in prayer believing, we know that OMNIPOTENT LORD GOD OF
HOSTS not only hears our petition, but also has told us, "Whatever
things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you
will have them." [Mark 11. 24] For those who ask for GODly wisdom,
they first must fear the LORD, then depart from all evil and obey the
commandments of the LORD JESUS and diligently pursue to know and be like
HIM. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of GOD, WHO gives to all
liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him
ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the
sea driven and tossed by the wind." [James 1. 5 - 6]
"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 (wisdom) as you do silver and search for her as for
treasures; then you will understand the fear of the LORD and attain
knowledge of GOD. For the LORD grants wisdom; knowledge and
understanding are by HIS decree." [Proverbs (Mishle) 2. 2 - 6 Tanakh,
Kethuvim] "Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have
confidence toward GOD. And whatever we ask we receive from HIM, because
we keep HIS commandments and do those things that are pleasing in HIS
sight." [1 John 3. 21 - 22]
The promises of ETERNAL GOD are true and they are life. GODly wisdom
says: "Mine are counsel and sound wisdom and resourcefulness; I am
understanding; courage is mine. Those who love me, I love, and those who
seek me diligently will find me." [Proverbs (Mishle) 8. 14, 17 Tanakh,
Kethuvim] If you would, with all your hart and soul, return to the LORD
GOD and obey HIS voice according to all that HE commands you, you will
find HIM. That is a promise and a blessing.
Such incredibly amazing love can only come from our HEAVENLY FATHER! In
HIM are riches and honour forevermore. ..and when we ask, our joy is
complete.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Our AWESOME HOLY GOD is worthy of all our praise and worship, even in
difficult times. Hard times do not erase HIS promises, for GOD'S answers
are wiser than our prayers! Thank YOU, my FATHER!
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. . .
Pride is the reservoir of sin. Wicked depravity results in
permissiveness (tolerance) when righteousness is disregarded;
permissiveness leads to rationalization (validation) when holiness is
ignored; and rationalization encourages rebellion (repulsive
insurrection, defiance) when repentance is ignored.
WICKED IMAGINATIONS
"Once you thought in your heart — I will climb to the sky; higher
than the stars of GOD I will set my throne. I will sit in the mount of
assembly, on the farthest sides of the north on the summit of Zaphon
— I will be like the MOST HIGH." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 14. 13 - 14
Tanakh, Nevi'im]
These are four of the I wills of Lucifer (Satan) as this wicked one
aspired to usurp the throne of the MOST HIGH GOD as ruler of the
universe. [Isaiah/Yeshayah 14. 12 - 15; Ezekiel/Yehezke- El 28. 11 - 17]
Lucifer was not content to be "the anointed cherub" the highest of the
archangels, he wanted to be GOD. . . and this horrendous, hideously
monstrous pride became "the condemnation of the devil" [1 Timothy 3. 6],
so that he is now "fallen from heaven" and will soon be "brought down to
Sheol, to the bottom of the Pit." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 14. 12 - 15 Tanakh,
Nevi'im]
The old Dragon, Satan the Devil, is not the Omnipotent GREAT Creator, he
was a created creature. "You (the king of Tyre - Lucifer) were
blameless in your ways from the day you were created until wickedness
and wrongdoing was found in you." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 28. 15 Tanakh,
Nevi'im] The Devil is a Thief and a Liar and, at best, can only
counterfeit. Therefore, for him to rationalize his ambition to be like
the MOST HOLY ONE, he must somehow convince himself that he is like GOD
ALMIGHTY — that is to say, that ETERNAL LORD OF HOSTS was a created
being like himself, and thus can be defeated. How arrogant!
Instead of giving the glory and honour to the COMPASSIONATE MIGHTY YAH,
many men and women today view the EVER-LIVING ONE as one of many and
even think they will become gods with their own planets to control, or
believe that they "are" little gods already. Even the Devil didn't go
that far, he only desired to be "like" ALMIGHTY GOD.
Lucifer that evil beast, was the first deceiving evolutionist and this
great lie by which he deceived himself became the basis of all other
lies which are found in various religions and philosophies in modern
new-age cults. However, the ANCIENT OF DAYS is still on HIS Throne and
"the LAMB will overcome; for HE is LORD of lords, and KING of kings."
[Revelation 17. 14] HalleluYAH!! ! May we know and serve the LORD OF
GLORY as HE alone is worthy of all praise and adoration.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Blessed be the name of the LORD GOD for ever and ever for wisdom and
might are HIS. We ask YOU, MOST HOLY SAVIOUR, to quicken our
understanding in the fear of the LORD, and we praise YOU for being our
SOURCE of overflowing joy!
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. . .
As long as I do not speak a word, I am its master. But once I say it, I
am its slave.
ROYAL GARMENT'S OF THE PRIESTS
"You shall make the robe of the ephod of pure blue. The opening for the
head shall be in the middle of it; the opening shall have a binding of
woven work round about — it shall be like the opening of a coat of
mail — so that it does not tear." [Exodus (Shemot) 28. 4 - 5 Tanakh,
Torah]
The High Priest wore a special robe over the fine-twined linen breeches
and coat. This robe could only be put upon a person already wearing the
fine linen garments. It was put on from above and always worn as a
symbol of office, authority and dignity. The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH is
the very righteousness of GOD ETERNAL, as symbolized in the coat of
linen; and HE is the KING. Therefore, HE could wear the robe! We who
are the sons of the MOST HIGH GOD, wear the garments of salvation,
dressed up in MESSIAH'S righteousness. So, we can be clothed from above
with HIS heavenly dignity. JESUS THE BELOVED is the KING/PRIEST; we are
the Children of the KING, a royal priesthood.
It is not stated of what material this robe was to be made, only that it
was blue -- heaven's colour, representing the LORD JESUS WHO came from
heaven; it tells of HIS heavenly origin and destiny and of ours! We are
GOD'S people who have been born from above.
There was no seam in this robe, no beginning and no ending. Our LORD
YESHUA is from "everlasting to everlasting. " [Psalms/Tehillym 90. 2]
HE has the "power of an endless life." [Hebrews 7. 16] Those who are
in MESSIAH wear this "spiritual dress" of Eternity for HE promises HIS
sons, "because I live, you will live also" [John 14. 19] and "he that
lives and believes in ME shall never die." [John 11. 26]
Around the neck of this garment was a "linen corset" ("tacharah" is the
Hebrew word meaning binding of woven work — it implies "white or
linen") which made it impossible to tear, for the rending of it was
forbidden. [Leviticus/Vayikra 10. 6] Notice in the fulfillment of this
commandment and prophecy [Psalms/Tehillym 22. 18] the Roman soldiers did
not divide the robe of the MAN OF SORROWS among themselves, as was the
custom, but gambled for the whole garment instead. [Mark 15. 14; John
19. 24] ETERNAL HOLY GOD also had commanded that the people of Israel
rend their hearts and not their garments. [Joel/Yoel 2. 13] The LORD
JESUS' robe was not torn, but HIS heart was [Psalms/Tehillym 22. 14]
— broken for the sins of the world. Caiphas did tear his garment,
however, when YESHUA stood before him. The penalty, under the Law, for
disobedience of defiling the priestly garment, was death. Unconsciously
Caiphas testified, by this tearing of his robe, that he "died" and was
no longer the High Priest in Israel — that YESHUA is the TRUE HIGH
PRIEST! [Leviticus/Vayikra 21. 10]
No man could take MESSIAH'S life from HIM, JESUS deliberately laid it
down of HIMSELF. HIS robe was kept whole; it could not be torn. And,
no one can take our life in the LORD JESUS from us! For all eternity,
those who remain faithful, can rest in assurance that they belong to the
MASTER CREATOR, the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
As we bid farewell to Shabbat with the Havdalah (difference) Service, we
use all of our senses: we taste the wine, smell the spices, see the
shadows of candles, hear prayers & songs, and touch family and friends
as we wish them Tov Shavua — Good Week!
Rejoice and honour the wonders of the ALMIGHTY ONE and HIS HOLY WORD.
Remember, HE WHO keeps Israel neither slumbers or sleeps!
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. . .
Because of pride, filth, rebellion, oppression and treacherous deeds,
knowing no shame this world will receive perpetual desolation. You have
reproached and magnified yourself against the HOLY & RIGHTEOUS LORD GOD.
Therefore, the LORD OF HOSTS will pour our HIS indignation and all HIS
fierce anger and devour the earth with fire of jealousy. Only with
be'esrat ha'Shem (the help of GOD) can we change our ways and
triumph over such a tragic fate.
SPEAK TO THE ROCK
"Moses took the rod from before the LORD as HE had commanded him. Moses
and Aaron assembled the congregation in front of the rock; and he said
to them, "Listen. you rebels! shall we bring water for you out of this
rock?" Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his
rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their
animals drank. Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did
not trust ME, to affirm MY sanctity in the sight of the children of
Israel, therefore you shall not lead this congregation into the Land
that I have given them." [Numbers (Midbar) 20. 9 - 12 Tanakh, Torah]
Throughout the HEBREW SCRIPTURES of the OLD COVENANT, GOD taught HIS
people Israel concerning their MESSIAH. HE showed them by pictures,
symbols, and even by their rituals that ONE was coming WHO would be
their REDEEMER. GOD'S method of teaching our Jewish forefathers was
by similitudes or types. The Hebrew word for "similitudes" means "to
resemble, to liken, types." SCRIPTURE is full of these pictures or
shadows of things to come. Our Jewish ancestors received these
teachings and believed them for they were from GOD HIMSELF.
When we study the OLD COVENANT, we see many types pointing to the
MESSIAH WHO was to come. One outstanding type is THE ROCK at Horeb,
Moses wrote of the ROCK in the Wilderness which he was to strike the
first time so the Israelites could have water. The second time he was
only to speak to the ROCK for water, but in his anger at his own people,
he struck the ROCK twice instead. For this sin of disobedience, Moses
could not enter the Promised Land with his people.
The only way all the types in the OLD COVENANT can be explained is from
the writing found in the NEW COVENANT. Jewish men who were anointed of
the HOLY SPIRIT, who knew the teachings of the WORD OF GOD explained the
fulfillment of all they types, parables and symbols of the TANAKH. One
of these men was Paul, a Hebrew of the Hebrews, a man who was a Jew, an
Israelite of the tribe of Benjamin. Paul wrote many things concerning
some of these types which were in the OLD COVENANT. He called "the
happenings of Israel" as types.
Moses wrote of THE ROCK; David and Isaiah also wrote of THE ROCK as a
type of MESSIAH. This was GOD'S method of teaching our Jewish
ancestors concerning their REDEEMER. Many Jewish people, in the days of
YESHUA and of Paul, saw these beautiful pictures and believed in this
ONE WHOM GOD was portraying to them. A remnant of Jews down through the
centuries have also believed in JESUS as their MESSIAH. HE is THE ROCK.
HE was struck on the Altar of Calvary that the fountain of living water
could flow to all who will but believe. Will you take a drink from the
ROCK that was struck for you? Will you believe in JESUS as your own
MESSIAH and quench your thirsty soul? HE is patiently waiting and is
ready to receive you now.
WHO is THE ROCK OF ISRAEL? We learn the answer from the TANAKH (OLD
COVENANT): "For the NAME of the LORD I proclaim; Give glory to our GOD!
HE is THE ROCK! — HIS work is perfect, Yea, all HIS ways are just, a
faithful GOD of truth and without injustice, righteous and upright is
HE." [Deuteronomy (Davrim) 32. 3 - 4 Tanakh, Torah] "There is none holy
as the LORD, truly, there is none besides YOU; there is no ROCK like our
GOD." [1 Samuel (Shemuel Alef) 2. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "The GOD OF
ISRAEL has spoken, THE ROCK OF ISRAEL said concerning me: 'He who rules
over men justly, he who rules in the awe of GOD is like the light of
morning at sunrise…" [2 Samuel (Shemuel Bet) 23. 3 Tanakh,
Nevi'im] "O LORD I cry to YOU; my ROCK, do not disregard or be
silent to me…" [Psalms (Tehillym) 28. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "But the
LORD is my HAVEN, my GOD is my SHELTERING ROCK." [Psalms (Tehillym) 94.
22 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Come let us sing joyously to the LORD, raise a
shout for our ROCK and DELIVERER." [Psalms (Tehillym) 95. 1 Tanakh,
Kethuvim]
It was prophesied that this ROCK, the LORD, would be an OFFENSE to
Israel: "None but the LORD OF HOSTS shall you account holy; give
reverence to HIM alone, hold HIM alone in awe. HE will be as a
SANCTUARY, a STONE of stumbling and a ROCK of offense to the two Houses
of Israel, as a TRAP and a SNARE to the inhabitants of Jerusalem."
[Isaiah (Yeshayah) 8. 13 – 14 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
When our Jewish people cried for water in the desert, GOD told Moses to
smite the rock and water gusted out for them. They deserved to be
smitten for their sins but the ROCK was smitten instead! The next time
they were given water, Moses was only to speak to the ROCK, but in his
anger he struck it twice, and for this sin was not allowed to accompany
Israel into the Promised Land.
WHO is the ROCK OF ISRAEL? WHO is the ROCK OF OFFENSE? WHO is the ROCK
OF SALVATION? WHO is the ROCK who was SMITTEN? WHO is the ROCK from
WHOM the Waters of Life flow to all who are thirsty for GOD. The answer
is found in the NEW COVENANT: "Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to
be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through
the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all
ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For
they drank of that SPIRITUAL ROCK that followed them, and that ROCK was
MESSIAH (CHRIST)." [1 Corinthians 10. 1 - 4]
My dear Jewish people and Gentile friends, may HE no longer be the ROCK
OF OFFENSE to you, but may you accept YESHUA (JESUS) as your MESSIAH, as
your SALVATION. HE is the ROCK OF ISRAEL.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Welcome Sabbath, Queen of the Week! May you find a rest of love freely
given, a rest of truth and sincerity, a rest in peace and tranquility,
in quiet and safety; a perfect rest in which you find favour. Exalt
the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, the KING OF GLORY, WHO gives True
Sabbath Peace & Rest.
Praise and gratitude be to our Glorified Lord, GOD OMNIPOTENT for HIS
invisible hand that continually guides our lives and we are greatly
blessed, as we live each moment for HIS glory.
Have A Good Sabbath!
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. . .
Today, Thursday 20, January 2011, is "Tu B'Shevat [Tu (15) B' (of)
Shevat (Jewish month)]" - the Jewish "Holiday of the Trees" established
for calculating the age of the tree for the purpose of tithing fruit.
[Leviticus/Vayikra 19. 23-25 states that fruit from trees may not be
eaten during the first three years; the fourth year's fruit is for GOD
and the fruit can be eaten after that.]
It is a time to recall our responsibility toward the environment —
our sacred obligation to future generations to safeguard and protect the
gifts of the MOST HIGH GOD'S creation. It is traditional to eat fruit
native to the Land of Israel on Tu B'Shevat. It is a time to celebrate
new life and new beginnings - cultural and physical. The almond tree
(shkediyah), with lush white flowers, is the first to bloom each spring
and this popular holiday heralding the coming of new year for trees.
Some people plant trees on this day, and many Jewish children collect
money for planting trees for Israel at this time of year. The MIDRASH
claims, "Trees were created for man's companionship. "
Tu B'Shevat is a festival that recalls the praise to the MOST HOLY LORD
GOD for the Land of Israel, for on this day the strength of the soil of
the land is renewed. With reference to the fruits of the trees and the
produce of the soil, the TORAH praises the Land of Israel: "For the LORD
your GoD is bringing you into a good land, a land of streams and springs
and fountains issuing from plain and hill; a land of wheat and barley,
of vines, figs, and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey; a
land where you may eat food without scarcity, where you will lack
nothing; a land whose rocks are iron and from whose hills you can mine
copper. When you have eaten your fill, give thanks to the LORD your GoD
for the good land which HE has given you. Take care lest you forget the
LORD your GOD and fail to keep HIS Commandments, HIS Rules, and HIS
Laws, which I enjoin upon you today." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 8. 7-11
Tanakh, Torah] The TORAH has compared man to a tree of the field —
therefore this day also recalls the DIVINE judgment upon man.
TREE OF LIFE
"Everyone who is called (the root) to MY NAME, whom I have created
(trunk) for MY glory; I have formed (branch) him, yes, I have made him."
[Isaiah (Yeshayah) 43. 7 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "For thus said the LORD, the
CREATOR OF HEAVEN WHO alone is GOD, WHO formed (branch) the earth and
made (fruit) it, WHO alone established (reproduced) it — HE did not
create it a waste, but formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD, and
there is none else." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 45. 18 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
In the beginning ELOHIYM created and placed within the Garden of Eden a
"Tree of Life." This Tree was literal with roots, trunk, branches,
leaves and fruit. And, it was made available for mans enjoyment of its
essence, but only while he remained innocent. It indicated that ELOHIYM
originally intended for man to live forever in perfect fellowship with
our loving EL SHADDAI. When sin entered the world, however, the Tree
of Life ('etz hayyim) was withheld from mankind as ELOHIYM did not
desire for man to live in this fallen condition eternally. Yet, the
original intention of the Tree of Life was still desired by YEHOWAH and
HE offers us eternal life that is provided in HIS "Plan of Salvation"
secured by YESHUA ha'MASHIACH. This gift is free and made available to
us in HIS COVENANT as recorded in the Law, Prophets, Psalms and Gospel
messages.
In the same sense that mankind was given the mission of passing on to
others the "Plan of Salvation," man entered in to the purpose of the
Tree of Life; and that harmony is seen in the works of the ministry:
The ROOT takes hold when we are called (qura'): "For you are a holy
people to the LORD your GOD; of all the peoples on earth the LORD your
GOD chose you to be HIS treasured people." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 7. 6
Tanakh, Torah] "You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy
nation, HIS OWN special people, that you may proclaim the praises of HIM
WHO called you out of darkness into HIS marvelous light." [1 Peter 2. 9]
The TRUNK establishes the firm foundation and HE WHO created (bara')
determined our purpose: "GOD created man in HIS IMAGE, in the IMAGE OF
GOD HE created him; male and female HE created them." [Genesis
(Bereshith) 1. 27 Tanakh, Torah] "For we are HIS workmanship, created
in CHRIST JESUS for good works, which GOD prepared beforehand that we
should walk in them." [Ephesians 2. 10]
As the BRANCHES form and grow, we are conformed (yatsar) to HIS
likeness: "MY people, MY chosen, this people I have formed for MYSELF;
that they might declare MY praise." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 43. 21 Tanakh,
Nevi'im] "Whom HE foreknew, HE also predestined to be conformed to the
image of HIS SON." [Romans 8. 29] "The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA will
transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to HIS glorious body,
according to the working by which HE is able even to subdue all things
to HIMSELF." [Philippians 3. 21]
The FRUITS in our life are to show forth CREATOR GOD'S goodness for HE
made ('asah) us for HIS glory: "I will look with favour upon you, and
make you fruitful and multiply you; and I will confirm and maintain MY
covenant with you." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 26. 9 Tanakh, Torah] "And I
MYSELF will gather the remnant of MY flock from all the lands...and they
shall be fruitful and increase." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 23. 3 Tanakh,
Nevi'im]
"GOD, WHO is rich in mercy, because of HIS great love with which HE
loved us...made us alive together with CHRIST (by grace you have been
saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the
heavenly places in CHRIST JESUS, that in the ages to come HE might show
the exceeding riches of HIS grace in HIS kindness toward us in CHRIST
JESUS." [Ephesians 2. 4 - 7] "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]
In response to our DEVOTED LORD GOD'S great love, we should willingly
"reproduce" just as the MASTER DESIGNER formed and created and
commissioned us to do — "Go therefore and make disciples of all the
nations, baptizing them in the NAME OF THE FATHER and of the SON and of
the HOLY SPIRIT — teaching them to observe all things that I have
commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the
age.' Amen" [Matthew 28. 19 - 20]
The TREE OF LIFE will again be made available, "to him who overcomes I
will give to eat from the Tree of Life, which is in the midst of the
Paradise of GOD." [Revelation 2. 7] And John describes for us what he
saw in the Holy City. . .the New Jerusalem which is on the New Earth:
"And he showed me a pure river of Water of Life, clear as crystal,
proceeding from the Throne of GOD and of the LAMB. In the middle of its
street, and on either side of the river, was the Tree of Life, which
bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves
of the tree were for the healing of the nations." [Revelation 22. 1 - 2]
The ALPHA and the OMEGA promises, "I will give of the fountain of the
Water of Life freely to him who thirsts." [Revelation 21. 6] Yes,
"There is a river whose streams gladden the City of GOD, the Holy
Dwelling-place of the MOST HIGH." [Psalms (Tehillym) 46. 4 Tanakh,
Kethuvim]
Remember as you sow the seed of faith — "the fruit of the righteous
is a Tree of Life, and a wise man is the one who wins souls." [Proverbs
(Mishle) 11. 30 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Be found faithful in doing your
assigned task, it will be worth it all when we see JESUS, our
long-awaited MESSIAH!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
LORD, help us to break down the barriers which keep us from YOU:
Falsehood & faithlessness, callousness & selfishness, injustice &
hard-heartedness. then we will know personally that the best is yet to
be!
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. . .
Love is like a ladder; it connects us to heaven, and it also brings
heaven to earth.
NAIL IN A SURE PLACE
"I will place the keys of David's palace on his shoulder; what he opens,
and no one shall shut; and he shuts, and no one shall open. I will fix
him as a peg in a secure place on which all the substance of his
father's household shall be hung; and he will become a glorious throne
to his father's house." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 22. 22 – 23 Tanakh,
Nevi'im]
This prophecy was originally applied to Eliakim, the keeper of the
treasuries in the reign of King Hezekiah. The wearing of the key to the
treasuries on his shoulder was symbolic of "authority or power."
Isaiah, had used this same symbol in his great prophecy of the coming
MESSIAH YESHUA, saying that "the authority has settled on HIS
shoulders." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 9. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Therefore, Eliakim is a type of MESSIAH in his capacity to open and shut
doors with his special key (authority, power). The LORD JESUS quoted
from this passage in HIS promise to the church at Philadelphia: "These
things says HE WHO is HOLY, HE WHO is TRUE, HE WHO has the KEY of David,
HE WHO opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens — I know
your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut
it; for you have a little strength, have kept MY WORD and have not
denied MY NAME." [Revelation 3. 7 - 8] YESHUA, the REDEEMER holds us
in righteousness and HE is our "ANCHOR of the soul, both sure and
steadfast" [Hebrews 6. 19], WHO will never fail. The MAN OF SORROWS has
been judged for our sins, and with GOD'S promises as the "cords of love"
around us, we are secure in HIS salvation.
Eliakim was also called "a nail in a sure place" and in this also he is
a wonderful type of MESSIAH YESHUA our BELOVED KINSMAN REDEEMER.
Eliakim was trustworthy in his office, even more so is our LOVING LORD.
The Hebrew word for nail, "yathed" can also be translated "tent pin"
[see Judges/Shofetim 4. 21], or "stake/peg." [see Isaiah/Yeshayah 33.
20; 54. 2] The "nail in a sure place" speaks of stability and constant
endurance in times of trouble. "But now for a short while grace has
been shown from the LORD our GOD...to give us a nail (peg/stake) in HIS
Holy Place" [Ezra 9. 8] "not one of its stakes (nails/pegs) will ever be
removed, and none of whose cords shall break." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 33. 20
Tanakh, Nevi'im]
The ETERNAL CREATOR GOD OF HEAVEN is interested in the smallest detail
of our lives and is concerned that these details coincide with HIS great
plan for us. Through MESSIAH YESHUA, ALMIGHTY GOD has drawn us to
HIMSELF and HE has the power to hold us, to keep us from failing, and to
present us faultless before the presence of HIS glory with exceeding
joy! [Jude 24] "Though he (the righteous man) stumbles, he shall not
be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with HIS hand." [Psalms
(Tehillym) 37. 24 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Our ADORING SAVIOUR holds us fast
and secure in HIS love and tender mercy. O, the joy that fills the
heart from the precious touch of the MASTER'S hand!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Let us adore the EVER-LIVING GOD, and render praise to HIM WHO spread
out the heavens and established the earth, WHOSE glory is revealed in
the heavens above and WHOSE greatness is manifest throughout the world.
HE is our GOD; there is none else. We bow the head and bend the knee
and magnify the KING of kings, the HOLY ONE, praised be HE. Amen!
Just to let you know that we are praying for each of you!
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. . .
Let the honour of your disciple be as dear to you as your own; and the
honour of your associate be like the fear of your Master; and the fear
of your Master like the fear of Heaven.
PIERCED FOR ME
"And I will fill the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem
with the SPIRIT of grace and of compassion; and they shall look upon ME
WHOM they have pierced, and they shall mourn BECAUSE of HIM as one
mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for HIM as one that
is in bitterness for his firstborn." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 12. 10
Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Jewish scholars have pondered the meaning and interpretation of this
verse for centuries, and there have been many varied interpretations.
Since they cannot allow admission that they are the ones who pierced
YEHOWAH GOD, some have applied it to the nation of Israel, with its
persecutions in mind. But, to resolve the issue the question must be
answered, "Who is this "WHO" that has been pierced?"
Interestingly enough, the Hebrew word "'atta" translated "whom" is
simply the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet, "Aleph" and
"Taf" — which denotes completeness and surpassing excellency.
The prominent name for CREATOR GOD in HOLY SCRIPTURE, "YEHOWAH" —
conveys a similar thought, although difficult to translate. Obviously,
the name "YEHOWAH" communicates the all-inclusive, far-reaching, ever
self-existing nature of the only ALMIGHTY GOD OMNIPOTENT, among other
things. Nevertheless HE is so much more wonderful then word can ever
describe.
These two thoughts come together when you see a similar quote in the
Book of Revelation, "Behold, HE is coming with clouds, and every eye
will see HIM, and they also who pierced HIM. And all the tribes of the
earth will mourn BECAUSE of HIM. Even so, Amen. I am the ALPHA and the
OMEGA, the BEGINNING and the END — says the LORD WHO is and WHO was
and WHO is to come, the ALMIGHTY." [Revelation 1. 7 - 8]
It is as if YEHOWAH HIMSELF is asking the question: Do you doubt WHOM
it is you pierced? I am the ALEPH-TAF, the ALPHA-OMEGA, YEHOWAH, the
ALMIGHTY ONE, the BEGINNING and the ENDING of all things. "I am, the
LORD, the FIRST, and will be the LAST as well, I am HE." [Isaiah
(Yeshayah) 41. 4 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Oh the limitless love of GOD, how
rich and measureless! !!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
May GOD OMNISCIENT hold you in the palm of HIS mighty hand and watch
over you. And may HIS PRECIOUS NAME be glorified and praised.
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. . .
Death is also a door.
GATES OF HELL
"And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock (or truth) I
will build MY church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against
it." [Matthew 16. 18]
Many take this verse to teach security, that although the Devil and his
henchmen are attacking, the church and the CHRISTians are safe within
their fortress. In fact, many translators understand Gates
figuratively, feeling that since gates are strong and important, they
can be viewed as synonymous with power. . . implying that the "power of
hell" is assembled against the church of LORD YESHUA, the ANOINTED ONE
OF GOD.
However, it never appears, in any case, to be understood to mean "power"
— it always means "gates" — either literal gates in a literal
wall or a metaphorical entryway. The text is not talking about the
Power of Hell, but the Gates of Hell. It pictures CHRISTians on the
attack, not of the Evil Devourer endeavoring to destroy
CHRIST-like- ones. The forces of evil are the wretched hopeless ones
crouched within their stronghold, while the Church is battering down
their gates!
For the promises in the OLD COVENANT are still true, our HEAVENLY
CONQUEROR unceasingly fights for HIS saints today. "The LORD shall go
forth like a MIGHTY WARRIOR; HE whips up HIS rage like a man of war. HE
shall cry out, yes, roars aloud; HE charges and shall prevail upon HIS
enemies." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 42. 13 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Though the enemy
be as "a fortified bronze wall they shall not overcome you, for I am
with you to deliver and save you — says the LORD. I will save you
from the hands of the wicked and rescue you from the clutches of the
violent" says the LORD OF HOSTS, the GREAT GOD OF ISRAEL. [Jeremiah
(Yirmeyah) 15. 20-21 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
"The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through GOD to
the pulling down of strong holds; casting down imaginations, and every
high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of GOD, and bringing
into captivity every thought to the obedience of CHRIST JESUS." [2
Corinthians 10. 4 - 5] These verses sound the battle cry, and the
battleground is the minds of men. We are commanded to cast down
(Hebrew: shachach - literally meaning demolish) improper reasoning and
arrogant philosophy, capturing every thought (mind) for the LORD YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH, thereby destroying the entrenchment' s of evil.
There is a time for defense, but let us never forget, we as followers
and joint-heirs of LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, the are to be on the
offensive as well. The CONQUERING VICTORIOUS MESSIAH, WHO leads us into
the battle, will certainly lead us to a glorious victory! Exalted
praises to our ETERNALLY MAGNIFICENT KING JESUS forever, the battle is
triumphantly won.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Who is like YOU, FATHER of mercies WHO remembers YOUR children unto
life. Praised are YOU, O LORD, WHO has implanted within us immortal
life. YOU are holy; awe-inspiring is YOUR NAME. YOU alone are GOD. As is
written: The LORD OF HOSTS exalted through justice, and the ALMIGHTY ONE
is sanctified through righteousness. Praised are YOU, O LORD, WHO rules
in holiness.
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. . .
It takes less time to do a thing right than to explain why you did it
wrong.
GOD'S SON
"WHO has ascended heaven or come down? WHO has gathered up the wind in
the hollow of HIS hand? WHO has wrapped the waters in HIS garment? WHO
has established all the extremities of the earth? What is HIS NAME, and
what is HIS SON'S NAME, if you know it?" [Proverbs (Mishle) 30. 4
Tanakh, Kethuvim]
We know the answer to this first question, it is ALMIGHTY GOD, MASTER
CREATOR of everything. But "WHO" has ascended up into heaven or
descended from there? In these verses, HE is called GOD'S SON! There is
only ONE WHO came down to this earth from heaven and WHO has ascended
back into heaven! This was foretold by the ETERNAL LORD GOD through HIS
prophets as coming again. As is written the SON OF GOD is the ONE WHO
will be returning from heaven.
"As I looked on in the night vision, ONE like the SON OF MAN came with
the clouds of heaven!...and to HIM was presented dominion, glory and
kingship; that all peoples, and nations of every language must serve
HIM. HIS dominion is an EVERLASTING DOMINION that shall not pass away,
and HIS Kingdom, one that shall not be destroyed." [Daniel (Danyel) 7.
13 - 14 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
JESUS, the MESSIAH-KING is called "THE SON OF MAN." HE had been on earth
as a part of humanity, yet here HE is in heaven and returning to earth
to receive an Everlasting Kingdom!
Two thousand years ago there was an announcement by the angel to the
shepherds keeping watch over their flock at night. The great and
wonderful day had arrived for fulfillment of THE INCARNATION as the HOLY
ONE of old had foretold through HIS prophets: "For there is born to you
this day in the City of David a SAVIOUR, WHO is CHRIST THE LORD." [Luke
2. 11]
The angel was declaring that this CHILD WHO was born in Bethlehem, the
City of David, is the PROMISED SON OF GOD, THE SON OF MAN, IMMANU'EL,
GOD-with-us, the ALMIGHTY GOD manifest in the flesh! This CHILD was
born as a human being, yet HE is called "THE MESSIAH YEHOWAH" by the
angel who announced HIS birth to the shepherds. OMNIPOTENT CREATOR GOD
came to earth and was manifested in flesh to dwell among HIS people,
Israel, just as HE had promised!
The HOLY ONE, GOD HIMSELF, blessed be HE, declared it and we are saved
if we believe it!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Grace, mercy and shalom be with you from GOD THE FATHER and from the
LORD MESSIAH YESHUA, the BELOVED SON OF THE FATHER, in truth and love.
Thanking and praising YOU, LORD always for supplying this and so much
more. We have an AWESOME GOD, and HE is on HIS Throne ruling over the
affairs of men. HE is worthy of all our praise and worship, even in
difficult times.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/