Delrifkah: Thought FOR TODAY

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
One cannot despair when they know GOD'S loving mercy!
LIFE IN THE SCRIPTURES
"The LAW of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of
the LORD is enduring, making the simple wise. The STATUTES of the LORD
are just, rejoicing the heart. The INSTRUCTION of the LORD is perfect
and pure, making the eyes light up. The FEAR of the LORD is trustworthy,
abiding forever; the JUDGMENTS of the LORD are true, righteous
altogether, more desirable than gold, than much fine gold; sweeter than
honey, than drippings of the comb." [Psalms (Tehillym) 19. 7 - 10
Tanakh, Kethuvim]
What a great tragedy that so little time is spent in the wonderful WORD
OF THE LORD by most who call themselves "CHRISTians or
Christ-like- ones." It is such a necessary food for health and joy in
our spiritual lives, as well as the physical. "The sincere milk of the
WORD" is for newborn babes [1 Peter 2. 2]; and it is the "strong meat"
for those who are "skillful in the WORD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. " [Hebrews 5.
12 – 13] "How pleasing is YOUR WORD to my palate, sweeter than
honey" [Psalms/Tehillym) 119. 103] and "man may live on anything that
the LORD decrees." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 8. 3 Tanakh, Torah] The
ETERNAL RIGHTEOUS ONE is not only the "GIVER OF LIFE'S BREAD" – HE
is "THE BREAD." For every LIFE-GIVING WORD that proceeds out of HIS
mouth is the EXTRAORDINARY BREAD by which man lives.
The HOLY SCRIPTURES are the basis for salvation [2 Timothy 3. 15; 1
Peter 1. 23] but also for sanctification and day-to-day cleansing.
"That HE (MESSIAH YESHUA) might sanctify and cleanse her (the Church)
with the washing of water by the WORD." [Ephesians 5. 26]
For those who will use their directions, the HOLY SCRIPTURES also
provide daily guidance. "YOUR WORD is a LAMP to my feet, a LIGHT for my
path." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 105 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Every
blood-bought saint must be a seed-sowing witness for the LORD JESUS, and
"the SEED is the WORD OF GOD." [Luke 8. 11] The only offensive weapon
in the CHRISTian's armour is "the SWORD of the SPIRIT, which is the WORD
OF GOD" [Ephesians 6. 17], and this assures a victorious life and
testimony for the one who uses it.
"The works of the LORD are great, within reach of all who desire them"
[Psalms/Tehillym 111. 2] — is the wonderful testimony of King David
in the OLD COVENANT. This is comparable to the great declaration of the
Apostle Paul in the NEW COVENANT: "The HOLY SCRIPTURES are able to make
you wise for salvation through faith which is in the LORD MESSIAH
YESHUA." [2 Timothy 3. 15] "All SCRIPTURE is given by inspiration of
GOD. It is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and for
instruction in righteousness. " [2 Timothy 3. 16]
Something better than salvation, is to have fellowship with the
ALL-TOGETHER LOVELY LORD GOD WHO saved us. And fellowship with GOD is
equal with HIS mercy.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
As we bid farewell to Shabbas, our prayer is that GOD, WHO separates the
holy from the secular, forgive our sins. We share the blessed hope that
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 favour of YESHUA, the
BREAD OF LIFE!
Tov Shavua —have a good week! . . . may gladness reign and joy
increase as you continue to grow in the fear and wisdom of the LORD.
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. . .
When you are getting kicked from behind, that means you're in front.
WHEN THE LORD BUILDS UP ZION
"Arise, shine; For your light has dawned; the PRESENCE (KABOD or GLORY)
of the LORD is shone upon you! Behold! darkness shall cover the earth
and deep darkness the peoples; but upon you the LORD will arise and
shine, and HIS glory will be seen over you. The Gentiles shall come to
your light, kings to the brightness of your rising." [Isaiah (Tehillym)
60. 1 - 3 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Prophecies of MESSIAH'S return are being fulfilled around the world
these tremendous and thrilling days — things foretold thousands of
years ago by the Jewish prophets of GOD. We can see by what is now
happening to my own Jewish people what time it is according to GOD'S
calendar…and the return the MESSIAH OF ISRAEL. "For the LORD has
built Zion; HE has appeared in all HIS glory." [Psalms/Tehillym 102. 16]
The LORD HIMSELF is going to do the building, perhaps using man as the
instrument, but it is GOD WHO will accomplish HIS purpose. The LORD
promises that it is HE WHO will build up Zion.
Zion refers not only to the City of Jerusalem, but to those living in
that City. Those who occupied the City of Jerusalem in the days of this
prophecy were Jews. In a spiritual sense, this also refers to both
Gentile and Jewish believers in MESSIAH. However, this verse is
speaking of a literal City and a literal people and HIS literal
appearance. There is a day when the LORD will revive the nation of
Israel and build her up politically and nationally — but even more
so, spiritually. And, HE will come again and appear in "HIS glory."
Zion is being built up and fulfilled today as recorded in Ezekiel where
GOD gave him a vision of a Valley of Dry Bones which were disconnected
and scattered everywhere. Though humanly impossible for the bones to
live, the ALMIGHTY ONE told Ezekiel to preach to them: "Prophesy,
therefore, and say to them: Thus said the LORD GOD: I am going to open
your graves and lift you out of the graves, O MY people, and bring you
to the Land of Israel...I will put MY BREATH ("RUWACH" - SPIRIT) into
you and you shall live again, and I will set you upon your own soil.
Then you shall know that I the LORD have spoken and have acted —
declares the LORD." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 37. 12, 14 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
At the preaching of the WORD OF GOD, the bones came together; GOD put
sinews and flesh on the skeletons making them into bodies but with no
life in them. Then, the BREATH (SPIRIT) came into them and they stood
upright and lived…this is the Whole House of Israel who had been
dead, who HE would cause to come up out of their graves and from every
land where HE had scattered them.
The LIVING FAITHFUL LORD then explained to Ezekiel the meaning of the
Valley of Dry Bones: "I am going to take the Israelite people from among
the nations they have gone to, and gather them from every quarter, and
bring them to THEIR OWN LAND. I will make them a single nation in the
Land, on the hills of Israel, and one KING (MESSIAH YESHUA) shall be
KING of them all…Then they shall be MY people, and I will be their
GOD." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 37. 21 - 23 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Yes! the EVERLASTING GOD, YEHOWAH, the CREATOR of the ends of the earth
will revive Israel and put them back in their own land which HE promised
to Abraham and will set one KING over them in that day. "For the Lord
will pardon and have mercy on Jacob, and will again choose Israel, and
will settle them in their OWN LAND. And strangers will be joined them
and they will cling to the House of Jacob. For peoples will take the
House of Jacob and bring them to their homeland; and the House of Israel
will possess the peoples as slaves and handmaids in the Land of the
LORD. They will take them captive whose captives they were, and rule
over their oppressors." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 14. 1 - 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
For nearly two-thousand years our Jewish people have been scattered over
the face of the earth — scattered like those bones in Ezekiel's
vision. We have been exiled from the Land GOD promised to our
forefathers: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Land had laid desolate and
barren, governed by Gentiles just as GOD said it would be. But no
longer, the Land once barren is blossoming as the rose; our Jewish
people returning and governing it; resources from the Land are being
developed; and through agriculture, the Land is cleared, terraced and
cultivated, deserts and swamps reclaimed and crops are being grown.
"I am bring MY righteousness near; it shall not be far off, and MY
salvation shall not be delayed. I will grant triumph in Zion, to Israel,
in whom I glory." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 46. 13 Tanakh, Nevi'im] There is a
revival of Land as well a of the people of Zion. They are being revived
politically and nationally — but most important — our Jewish
people are being revived spiritually. GOD is giving them the very
breath of spiritual life — that life that can come only through
faith in the PROMISED ONE OF GOD.
Many of our Jewish people are receiving the LORD JESUS as their
long-awaited MESSIAH, their Soon-Coming KING. They are coming out of
their graves of spiritual death and receiving life…becoming
"completed Jews" by accepting the fulfillment of all the prophecies in
their own HEBREW SCRIPTURES concerning their MESSIAH. They are
recognizing that JESUS is THE ONE WHO was promised by GOD to come to
Israel WHO will be their REIGNING KING in Zion. GOD promised that ONE
KING will rule in that Day when Zion would be built up. Will you be one
of HIS people now? Will you let this KING rule in your life now and when
HE comes? HE is coming soon!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Welcome Sabbath! Those who keep the Sabbath and call it a delight shall
rejoice in GOD'S Holy Kingdom. Let us lift up our hearts and our hands
to GOD in heaven for great is the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL in our midst. The
LORD is mighty over us and we are ever thankfully indebted to YOU, O
MERCIFUL GOD. May we examine our ways, test them, and return to YOU, O
MOST HIGH.
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. . .
Make not of the TORAH a crown wherewith to aggrandize yourself, nor a
spade wherewith to dig.
DULL MINDED
"For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of
hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with
their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with
their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them." [Matthew 13. 15]
"Hear, indeed, but do not understand; see, indeed, but do not grasp.
Dull that people's mind, stop its ears, and seal its eyes — lest,
seeing with its eyes and hearing with their ears, it also grasp with
their mind, and repent and be saved." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 6. 9 – 10
Tanakh, Nevi'im]
In HIS early ministry, the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA ran into stubborn
opposition from the Scribes and Pharisees. Therefore, HE told the
people about heavenly truths in parables so only the believers would
understand. "It has been given to you to know the mysteries of the
kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given." [Matthew 13. 11]
Parables also fulfill prophecy, "that it might be fulfilled which was
spoken by the prophet, saying, 'I will open MY mouth in parables; I will
utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world.'" [Matthew
13. 35]
This explains the progressive nature of OMNISCIENT GOD'S revelation to
man, knowledge should be used to grow in grace and apply it in their
life. However, if their hearing grows dull and they turn knowledge off
willfully, it becomes a vehicle of condemnation, their perception is
lost and discernment is gone because "they did not like to retain GOD in
their knowledge, GOD gave them over to a debased mind, to do those
things which are not fitting." [Romans 1. 28]
Our prayers for you are "that the GOD of our LORD JESUS, the FATHER of
Glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the
knowledge of HIM" [Ephesians 1. 17] as HE cleanses your hearts from all
wickedness. Ask of HIM, and the LORD GOD will give you a learned tongue
to speak a word in season to those who are weary. HE will awaken your
ear to learning, and open your ear that you may obey HIS directions for
your life, lest you rebel and turn away from the LOVING AWESOME MASTER
of mercy and truth. [see Isaiah/Yeshayah 50. 4 – 5]
GOD ALMIGHTY and CHRIST JESUS, our LORD & SAVIOUR desires "all men to be
saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." [1 Timothy 2. 4]
"Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are HIS judgments and HIS ways past finding out!"
[Romans 11. 33] "Great is the LORD and much acclaimed; HIS greatness
cannot be fathomed." [Psalms (Tehillym) 145. 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim] To GoD
be the glory forever, Amen.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
O LORD GOD OF JACOB, YOU are my GOD...in the night how my soul desires
and yearns for YOU. I long for YOUR irreproachable judgments in the
earth, for the world to learn of YOUR integrity, YOUR majesty and YOUR
righteousness.
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. . .
Be righteous now and merit Heaven and Glory!
LAKE OF FIRE
"And whosoever was not found written in the BOOK OF LIFE was cast into
the Lake of Fire." [Revelation 20. 15]
OMNIPOTENT HOLY GOD makes it very clear that the Lake of Fire is a
literal place and all "the fearful, the unbelieving and the abominable,
murderers, whoremongers, sorcerers, idolaters and all liars, shall have
their part in the Lake which burns with fire and brimstone." [Revelation
21. 8]
The LORD JESUS spoke more about hell then anyone else in the HOLY
SCRIPTURES. To the unsaved, JESUS, the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE will say,
"Depart from ME, you cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the
devil and his angels." [Matthew 25. 41]
The Antichrist (the Beast) and the false prophet are to be cast into the
Lake of Fire before the binding of Satan for one-thousand years. Then,
the present earth itself is to be removed and finally, the Devil will be
"cast into the Lake of Fire and Brimstone, where the beast and the false
prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night forever and ever."
[Revelation 20. 10; 19. 20; 20. 2, 7, 10 - 11] This Lake of Fire is in
existence both before and after the removal of the present earth, and it
will continue to exist forever.
There are those who say the Lake of Fire is symbolic and should not be
taken literally. If this is so, the reality must be so utterly
indescribable and beyond description that it can only be symbolized by
an Eternal Lake of Fire, which would be even more horrible. For those
"that obey not the GOSPEL of our LORD JESUS CHRIST" they are to be
"punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the LORD."
[2 Thessalonians 1. 8 - 9]
Rather than questioning the reality of Hell and its unquenchable fire,
which is the just destiny of all who reject or ignore the free gift of
salvation provided by the infinite love and sacrificial suffering of
CREATOR GOD by way of YESHUA ha'MASHIACH; men and women should come to
YESHUA the & MASTER REDEEMER now in faith and "be saved from wrath
through HIM." [Roman 5. 9]
Now is the appointed time, tomorrow may be too late. So complete and
perfectly does the blood of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO through the
ETERNAL SPIRIT OF GOD MOST HOLY, offers cleansing of our conscience from
dead works to serve the TRUE & LIVING GOD. [Hebrews 9. 14]
BEWARE! There is a literal New Heaven and New Earth coming to attain;
and a literal burning Lake of Fire to shun (avoid, keep away from).
Make a careful decision and live accordingly!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Consider your latter end; fear GOD THE HOLY CREATOR, take heed to HIS
counsel, seek understanding.
Sit on YOUR Throne of Truth, O LORD, AUTHOR & ALL-WISE CREATOR,
establish mercy, seek justice and hasten righteousness, we pray, 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. . .
Woe! Woe! Woe! to them that call evil good and good evil.
YINNON - THE SUN
"And you, O Bethlehem of Ephrath, least among the clans of Judah, from
you ONE shall come forth to rule Israel for ME — ONE WHOSE origin is
from of old, from ancient times." [Micah (Michah) 5. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
According to the prophet Micah, the MESSIAH was to be born in the city
of Bethlehem. HE was to be KING of the Jews, WHOSE goings forth have
been from of old from everlasting indicating HE existed before HE came
to earth in a human body. "Before the sun was, HIS NAME "YINNON" (a
name of MESSIAH YESHUA) had been prepared and all nations will be
blessed in HIS merits." [Psalms (Tehillym) 72. 17 Tanakh, Kethuvim] This
statement also implies pre-existence. From this passage on YINNON the
word "Shiloh" or "Sheloi" comes to which many Jewish scholars admit as
referring to MESSIAH.
"SHILOH" means the exact image and reflection of GOD. "In HIM dwells
all the FULLNESS of the GODhead BODILY." [Colossians 2. 9] "SHELOI" is
an acrostic meaning "HIS NAME shall be continued as long as the sun."
"Thus says the LORD GOD: 'Remove the turban and take off the crown!
Nothing shall remain the same! Exalt the humble, and disgrace the
exalted. Ruin, an utter ruin I will make it overthrown! It shall be no
longer, until HE COMES TO WHOM IT RIGHTFULLY BELONGS; and I will give it
to HIM.'" [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 21. 26-27 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "The
scepter (a symbol of kingship) shall not depart from Judah, nor the
ruler's staff from between HIS feet; until SHILOH comes, so that tribute
shall come to HIM and the homage of peoples be HIS." [Genesis
(Bereshith) 49. 10 Tanakh, Torah] "In that time, tribute shall be
brought to the LORD OF HOSTS from a people far and remote, from a people
thrust forth and away - a nation of gibber and chatter, whose land is
cut off by streams - at the place where the NAME OF THE LORD OF HOSTS
abides, at Mount Zion." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 18. 7 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Yes, to YINNON, SHILOH, LAWGIVER, MESSIAH, SAVIOUR, REDEEMER, ALMIGHTY
GOD, KING YESHUA "all kings shall bow down to HIM and all nations shall
serve HIM." [Psalms (Tehillym) 72. 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim] How can one
help but serve the LORD JESUS in awe, and rejoice with trembling; all
those who put their trust in HIM are eternally most blessed.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Be submissive to a superior, affable to a suppliant, and receive all men
with cheerfulness. Then, give your problems to the LORD GOD and find
rest in HIM.
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. . .
Power buries those who wield it.
AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
"You shall bring forward your brother Aaron, with his sons, from among
the Israelites, to serve Me as priests: Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar
and Ithamar, the sons of Aaron." [Exodus (Shemot) 28. 1 Tanakh, Torah]
The meaning of the names tell a story: Aaron (very high), Nadab
(willing), Abihu (my father is he), Eleazar (help of GOD), Ithamar (land
of palms). Or. . . MESSIAH is very high and HE is willing to obey HIS
FATHER and GOD helps HIM to be victorious.
ALMIGHTY GOD instructs Moses that his brother, Aaron, one of his own
flesh and blood, is to be the High Priest for the Israelite people.
This is a beautiful prophecy of the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, our HIGHLY
EXALTED ELDER BROTHER. HE was born into the human family, "chosen" and
"called" of the MIGHTY CREATOR GOD to be our GREAT HIGH PRIEST.
The sons of Aaron were also to be taken from among the Israelites that
he might serve in the priest's office. There is an implication here
that Aaron is able to minister only if his sons are with him. Aaron
does not perform his priestly duties without his sons, and they do not
attend to the service of the priesthood without him. They are as one
(Hebrew: echad)!
When an individual receives MESSIAH YESHUA as LORD and SAVIOUR, he is
given the power to become a son of GOD ETERNAL. Being born into the
family he is permitted to minister as a priest with the GREAT HIGH
PRIEST. We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood who do not serve
as priests without HIM; HE does not minister without us. We are HIS
hands, HIS feet, HIS representatives on earth.
"And no man takes this honour to himself, but he who is called by GOD,
just as Aaron was." [Hebrews 5. 4] Only those who are in the "heavenly
family" can be priests, not man-appointed priests, but the called of
GOD. [Ephesians 4. 1-2; 2 Thessalonians 2. 13-15] They must be sons of
HIS OWN flesh and blood. They cannot buy the priesthood, but they must
be born-anew into it.
"That he may minister unto ME" -- not to men but to GOD. [Ephesians 6.
6-7; Colossians 3. 22-24] The LORD JESUS does not minister to please
men, but serves according to GOD'S desire that HE might bring the DIVINE
approval. "This is MY BELOVED SON (we are sons in the SON) in WHOM I am
well pleased." [Matthew 3. 17; 17. 5] How wonderful it will be at the
end of this earthly life to hear those blessed words from THE MASTER. .
."WELL DONE, good and faithful servant...enter into the joy of your
LORD." [Matthew 25. 21]
"They shall approach ME to minister to ME; and they shall stand before
ME to offer to ME the fat and the blood." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 44. 15
Tanakh, Nevi'im] One of the primary duties of the priests was the
offering of sacrifices. Likewise, we as believer-priests are to offer
acceptable, spiritual sacrifices of praise continually to ALMIGHTY GOD
with which HE is well pleased. [see Psalms/Tehillym 27. 6; Hebrews 13.
15; 1 Peter 2. 5]
Let us not be as those who stop in the Outer Court and kneel at the
Cross (Altar of Sacrifice) to accept MESSIAH YESHUA as SAVIOUR, but let
us go on into the Holy of Holies and meet OMNIPOTENT GOD at HIS Throne
(Ark of the Covenant) to gratefully accept HIM as LORD & MASTER of our
lives! IF we gratefully accept HIM as LORD & MASTER of our lives, we
can "come boldly to the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy and
find grace to help in time of need." [Hebrews 4. 16] Those who are wise
are ever blessed with unsurpassed riches of knowing the GREAT OMNISCIENT
GOD personally, intimately!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Open your mouth in holiness and purity, with song and psalm, and bless
and praise, glorify and revere, sanctify and ascribe sovereignty to the
NAME of the DIVINE KING, the GREAT, MIGHTY & AWESOME ONE. . . holy is
HE. Take upon yourself the yoke of the Kingdom of Heaven and give
sanction to one another to bless the CREATOR. In tranquil joy of spirit,
with pure speech and holy melody exclaim: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD
OF HOSTS, the whole earth is full of HIS glory."
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/
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A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
IsraelÂ…"a Bridge of the nations."
PROMISED RESTORATION
"For thus said the LORD: 'As I have brought this great calamity upon
this people, so I will bring upon them all the good which I promised
them." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 32. 42 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
GOD never winked at the sins of Israel, "For she has received from the
hand of the LORD double for all her sins." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 40. 2] But
the IMMUTABLE COVENANTS OF GOD were not altered. The promise to Abraham
and to his seed stands! Our GOD keeps faith with the dead. True,
terrible judgments fell on faithless Israel, but those judgments were
not permitted to destroy her. "For I am with you to deliver you —
declares the LORD, I will make a end of all nations where I have
scattered you, but I will not make a complete end of you! I will not
leave you unpunished, but will chastise you in measure." [Jeremiah
(Yirmeyah) 30. 11 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Like the rejected MESSIAH, the Jew is a man of sorrow and acquainted
with grief. Though the poison venom of the neo-anti-Semitic of the world
has, though in vain, tried to exterminate the Jewish people. However,
though loathed throughout time you can neither curse them, for they are
cursed! You cannot bless them, for they are blessed! You cannot destroy
them for they raise again.
GOD forbid that you, a CHRISTian, become infected with the virus of the
world's most morbid disease — anti-Semitism — as some have
been. If the Jew needs chastisement for offenses, imaginary or
otherwise, bear in mind that your GOD has said: "Vengeance belongs to
ME, I will recompense. And again, the LORD (not you) shall judge HIS
people." [Hebrews 10. 30]
It is not for you to "persecute him whom GOD has smitten.
[Psalms/Tehillym 69. 26] In this age of grace, the HOLY ONE may permit
the rod for their correction to be held in the hand of paganized,
papalized or paranoid persons, but never in the hand of a born-again
child of HIS grace. Don't forget, the RIGHTEOUS ONE emphasizing,
"Salvation" — not destruction — "is of the Jews." [John 4. 22]
Though much tribulation and anguish has been heaped upon the Jewish
people, GOD promises them: "Behold, the days are coming — says the
LORD — when I will sow the House of Israel and the House of Judah
with seed of men and the seed of cattle. And just as I was watchful over
them to uproot and to pull down, to over throw and to destroy and to
bring disaster, so I will watch over them to build and to plant —
declares the LORD." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 31. 27 - 28 Tanakh,
Nevi'im]
The plan of GOD will never perish in the course of time; the holy fire
cannot be suppressed nor extinguished by the many storms which rage
against us, but it has been kindled all the more shinning brighter and
more clearly, filled with the most ennobling thoughts, and ever
extending HIS rule with the forward movements of time. What GOD has
determined, will be done and HIS amazing grace will fill the whole world
for HE is the ALMIGHTY GOD of the Jew and the Gentile alike!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to GOD in heaven for HIS
loving-kindness. The LORD is mighty over us and we are ever thankfully
indebted to YOU, O MERCIFUL GOD. May we examine our ways, test them, and
return to YOU, O MOST HIGH.
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. . .
Wisdom should not make you feel full, but rather fill you with hunger.
GENERAL & SPECIFIC WILL OF GOD
"Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the LORD
is." [Ephesians 5. 17]
There is no more exalted theme in the world than the will of GOD, nor is
there a more important practical question than how to know the will of
ETERNAL HOLY ONE. Of greatest significance is the recognition that it
is HIS will, not man's will, that is important.
ALMIGHTY GOD desires for us to know HIS will -- both HIS will in
general, as revealed in HOLY SCRIPTURES; and HIS specific will for our
life. This in view of the fact that HE is glorified in our personal
relationship with HIM. The latter must, in every instance, be in
complete agreement with the former as the HOLY SPIRIT, WHO leads us,
will never contradict the WRITTEN WORD which HE inspired. Thus, an
essential requirement to finding the personal will of GOD is knowing HIS
general will.
The general or universal will of the LORD GOD is expressed in the fact
of HIS special creation. "YOU are worthy, O LORD, to receive glory and
honour and power; for YOU created all things, and by YOUR will they
exist and were created." [Revelation 4. 11] Then "THE WORD" became
flesh – GOD SUPREME came down and was born in the form of a MAN that
HE could accomplish GOD'S perfect will, "Behold, I have come - in the
volume of the BOOK it is written of ME - to do YOUR will, O GOD."
[Hebrews 10. 7] "To do what pleases YOU, my GOD, is my desire; YOUR
TEACHING is in my inmost parts." [Psalms (Tehillym) 40. 8 Tanakh,
Kethuvim]
Being the PERFECT MAN, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH became our SIN-BEARING
SUBSTITUTE; "by the which will we are sanctified through the offering of
the body of the LORD JESUS once for all." [Hebrews 10. 10] It is HIS
will that this should provide salvation to all who believe: "This is the
will of HIM that sent ME, that everyone who sees the SON and believes in
HIM may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day."
[John 6. 40] This, in turn, entails individual regeneration of all who
receive the LORD YESHUA, "who were born, not of blood, nor of the will
of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of GOD." [John 1. 13]
OMNIPOTENT GOD'S will is:
Absolute Security: "This is the will of the FATHER WHO sent ME, that of
all HE has given ME I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the
last day." [John 6. 39]
Our Sanctification: "For this is the will of GOD, your sanctification:
that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should
know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honour." [1
Thessalonians 4. 3] We glorify our HEAVENLY FATHER when we abstain from
fleshly lusts which war against the soul.
Ultimate Glorification: "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 MESSIAH LORD YESHUA is the believer's EXAMPLE and
LIVING HOPE. We are assured that when HE appears, those who know HIM
will be glorified.
Thankful in all Things: "In everything give thanks; for this is the
will of GOD in CHRIST JESUS for you." [1 Thessalonians 5. 18]
"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]
Virtuous Life: "For this is the will of GOD, that by doing good you may
put to silence the ignorance of foolish men." [1 Peter 2. 15] Beloved,
whoever does what is good is of GOD, the BELOVED MASTER and commendable
before HIM. [1 Peter 2. 20; 3 John 11]
The believer who understands, believes, and obeys SOVEREIGN GOD'S
general will is then prepared to recognize, know, follow and diligently
practice (perform & accomplish) HIS specific PERSONAL will.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
As we bid farewell to Shabbas, our prayer is that GOD, WHO'S PRESENCE
dwells within us, bless you abundantly and guard you, our dear ones in
the coming week. May some of the sweetness of Sabbath be present
throughout each day so they are filled with love and unselfishness -
that happiness and contentment may abide in our homes.
Tov Shavua (Have a good week)! Continue to learn about the MAGNIFICENT
PLANNER, for the more we know of HIM, the more we can trust HIS plans.
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. . .
An illiterate wise man isn't nearly as dangerous as an educated fool!
MESSIAH, ADAM & ABRAHAM
"So the LORD GOD cast a deep sleep upon the man (Adam); and, while he
slept, HE took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that spot."
[Genesis (Bereshith) 2. 21 Tanakh, Torah]
The Hebrew word for deep sleep is "tardema" which refers to a special
state induced by the MOST HOLY LORD HIMSELF in order to express an
important revelation to or through the person experiencing it. The
ALMIGHTY CREATOR made a help-mate (wife) for Adam during his "deep
sleep" from whose "seed" all the nations of the earth would be born.
"And the LORD GOD fashioned the rib that HE had taken from the man into
a woman; and HE brought her to the man." [Genesis (Bereshith) 2. 22
Tanakh, Torah] The covenant GOD made with Adam and his wife, Chavvah
(Eve) delegated dominion over the earth to their descendants.
Abram also experienced a deep sleep [Genesis/Bereshith 15. 12] when the
MIGHTY ONE passed between the sacrificial animals and established HIS
Great Covenant with Abram, promising that from his seed the "chosen
nation" would be born. "I will make of you a great nation, and I will
bless you; I will make your name great, and you shall be a blessing, a
standard by which blessings are invoked." [Genesis (Bereshith) 12. 2
Tanakh, Torah]
The ABRAHAMIC COVENANT also delegated the central land of the earth to
Isaac's descendants [Genesis/Bereshith 15. 18-21] and promised that "all
the families of the earth shall bless themselves by you." [Genesis
(Bereshith) 12. 3 Tanakh, Torah] Abram did not pass between the
animals, only the COVENANT-KEEPER could, for only the LORD OF GLORY can
keep "the covenant" and the ALMIGHTY ONE knew it.
Adam and Abraham were types of the LORD JESUS, and their deep sleep
pre-figured YESHUA'S own deep sleep of death on the cross. YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH was the "LAST ADAM" and the "PROMISED SEED" died to give
life to HIS friends -- the Church; and is living again to establish a
holy nation of the redeemed. Thereby fulfilling all of GOD'S ancient
covenants, and instituting the everlasting NEW COVENANT in HIS OWN
precious blood.
When Adam fell into a deep sleep his help-mate (other half) was created;
when Abraham fell into his deep sleep a nation was born. Much more
important was the "deep sleep of death" of MESSIAH THE REDEEMER for
death and hell were judged, and a new creation or kingdom of priests was
born.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
"Come, let us go out to meet the Sabbath Queen! Come, O Bride, the
Sabbath presence is eagerly awaited, and joyously welcomed!" Let us
exalt YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, the HOLY ONE WHO gives true Sabbath peace and
rest.
We prayerfully ask YOU, LORD JESUS to also give us kindness to hear
with compassion, to offer support, loving comfort, and care. Give us the
courage to do what is needed, the wisdom to choose what is right and
most fair. Give us the vision to see what is possible. Give us the faith
that will help pave the way for a present that's hopeful, a future
that's peaceful - give us the heart to bring joy to each day. Thank
YOU for YOUR faithfulness to us! 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. . .
Wisdom should not make you feel full, but fill you with hunger.
WARNING!!!
"HE (YESHUA, the SON OF MAN) will say to those on HIS left hand, 'Depart
from ME, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil
and his angels.'" [Matthew 25. 41]
The REDEEMER of all ages, MESSIAH YESHUA, WHO taught the importance of
love and forgiveness, spoke these words. In fact, the LORD JESUS had
more to say about hell and eternal punishment than any other speaker or
writer in the HOLY SCRIPTURES. This JESUS, WHO is the PRECIOUS CREATOR
GOD [Colossians 1. 16], the Soon-Coming JUDGE [John 5. 22], and the only
MAN WHO died and is risen from the dead [2 Corinthians 5. 14-15], we
would do well to believe HIS warnings.
CHRIST JESUS THE SAVIOUR, has marked and noted the warnings well.
Consider a few of the prophecies: "So it will be at the end of the age.
The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and
cast the wicked into the furnace of fire. THERE WILL BE WAILING AND
GNASHING OF TEETH." [Matthew 13. 49 - 50] "If your eye makes you sin,
pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the KINGDOM OF GOD with one
eye, than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire - where their WORM
DOES NOT DIE AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED." [Mark 9. 47 - 48] And,
there are so many more words of warning. But, how can we reconcile such
threats of doom with CHRIST'S OWN character of love?
The answer: Hell was prepared for Satan and his angels, not for people.
The devil is a hostile rebel and has been against ALMIGHTY GOD since the
beginning, wanting to be like GOD MOST HIGH [Isaiah/Yeshayah 14. 12 -
15] -- and worshipped as such. When people follow Satan in this same
rebellious path, rejecting GOD'S WRITTEN HOLY WORD, they are showing
that they would prefer to be with the devil rather than with the LOVING
MESSIAH YESHUA throughout eternity. JESUS THE SAVIOUR loves us all the
way to hell. However, HIS great love will not keep us out of hell if we
do not come to GOD HIS WAY, which is through MESSIAH YESHUA, our only
REDEEMER. Therefore, the ETERNAL ONE , blessed be HE, has repeatedly
warned of what is coming. . . and we must heed that warning.
"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the KINGDOM OF
GOD? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor
adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, not thieves, not covetous,
nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the KINGDOM
OF GOD." [1 Corinthians 6. 9 - 10] "The cowardly, unbelieving,
sinners, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters,
and all liars shall have their part in the Lake which burns with fire
and brimstone, which is the second death." [Revelation 21. 8] "Outside
are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters,
and whoever loves and practices a lie." [Revelation 22. 15]
May we exemplify our love to the LORD OF GLORY and thank HIM for what HE
has done to redeem us by obeying all that HE has commanded us to do for
our good, and HIS glory. Obedience is the fruit of praise and the key
to our relationship with the OMNIPOTENT MAJESTIC CREATOR, our ETERNAL
HOPE & EXCEEDINGLY GREAT REWARD.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh, (Holy, Holy, Holy)
ADONAI ELOHIYM SHADDAI (LORD GOD ALMIGHTY)
Asher Hayah Vahoveh Vay'vo (WHO was and is and is to come!)
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
In prayer, always associate yourself with others and say, "Our GOD, lead
us."
URIM & THUMMIM
"Inside the Breastpiece of Decision you shall place the Urim and
Thummim, so that they are over Aaron's heart when he comes before the
LORD. Thus Aaron shall carry the instrument of decision for the
Israelites over his heart before the LORD at all times." [Exodus
(Shemot) 28. 30 Tanakh, Torah]
There is no command of the HOLY LORD GOD to make the Urim and the
Thummim, only to place them in the breastpiece. They indicate a kind of
oracle, "Eleazar the priest, shall seek the Decision of the Urim before
the LORD." [Numbers (B'Midvar) 27. 21 Tanakh, Torah] In Hebrew,
"Nathan" is the word meaning "put in" which is the same word used for
the law to be IN the Ark of the Covenant, with the idea that it is to be
covered completely. Therefore, it informs us that the Urim and Thummim
were to be put inside the doubled-over pouch of the breastpiece and
covered -- even as the Law was inside the Ark.
No one knows for certain what these were and there is much speculation
concerning them. Some translators give these two Hebrew words as "Light
& Perfection" others as "Manifestation & Truth." The first time the
word "perfect" is found in the HEBREW SCRIPTURES, it is used to speak of
a walk or life. [Genesis/Bereshith 6. 9] The word is "tamiym" meaning
complete, entire, without blemish, perfect, integrity, truth. The last
occurrence of "perfect" plainly refers to the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA, HE is
the ROCK, HIS work is perfect. ["The ROCK! – HIS deeds are perfect;
Yea, all HIS ways are just; a faithful GOD, never false, true and
upright is HE." Deuteronomy/ Devarim 32.4] The first and last
occurrences of words or subjects in HOLY WRIT are always important
indicating a richer meaning that is otherwise overlooked. In this
connection, the words "without blemish" - with references to the
Passover lamb and the sacrifices in Leviticus/Vayikra and
Numbers/B'Midvar, is the word also translated "PERFECT" and is very
similar to the word "THUMMIM (Tamiym)!"
The first word of this combination (Urim-Thummim) is the plural of UR
which means "Light." GOD OMNIPOTENT is the CREATOR OF LIGHT. The LORD
YESHUA is the LIGHT OF THE WORLD WHO manifests the FATHER OF LIGHTS.
[James 1. 17] YESHUA THE ANOINTED ONE makes the counsels and purposes
of GOD known. The mind and will of the HOLY ONE can be perfectly
revealed by HIM and communicated by HIM to HIS people.
These two words are considered to be plurals of MAJESTY (the singular
light) and PERFECTION. [Majesty is a metaphor for what is brought to
light -- GUILT…Ephesians 5. 13 - whatever makes manifest is light.
Perfection is the metaphor for moral perfection -- INNOCENCE.] A black
stone was given to the guilty at trials in ancient times. [1
Samuel/Shemuel Alef 14. 41 - "gives a perfect lot."] Urim gives clear
evidence. Thummim gives or shows the innocent.
Only the LORD JESUS is the PERFECT WALK, the PERFECT WORK, the LIGHT,
the TRUTH, the INNOCENT ONE WHO was made as the GUILTY that the guilty
might be declared innocent by believing on HIS NAME!
URIM begins with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet (Alef). The
first letter of THUMMIM, is the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet (Tav)
and each of these words is preceded by the combination of the first and
last of the Hebrew alphabet. This is the Name of the MESSIAH written
many times but hidden in the OLD COVENANT and carried forward into the
Greek as "Alpha-Omega. " The LORD YESHUA calls HIMSELF by this Name.
[Revelation 1. 8, 11; 21. 6] YESHUA the MESSIAH & SAVIOUR is the FIRST
and the LAST; HE is the URIM and the THUMMIM. Urim first, the DIVINITY
of our LORD. HE is the CREATOR of light which reveals. Thummim equals
PERFECTION, the HUMANITY of our LORD. JESUS is the PERFECT HUMAN; HE is
the UNBLEMISHED LAMB and the UNDEFILED HIGH PRIEST.
The MASTER DESIGNER commanded that these items were to be put into the
breastpiece. This implies the doubled pouch of the breastpiece since
the word for "put in" indicates that it is covered by material of some
kind. We find this same implication in Proverbs: "Lots are cast into
the lap; the decision depends on the LORD." [Proverbs (Mishle) 16. 33
Tanakh, Kethuvim] Here, bosom is used for the clothing or covering
over it. In this same verse, the word for "lot" is "goral (a stone)"
-- and "the decision (or judgment) is of the LORD" . . . from which
comes the name "BREASTPIECE OF JUDGMENT."
The lots or stones of the breastpiece pouch were used or cast as dice;
and by their fall somehow revealed the Divine will or judgment. The
book by Samuel Midvar supports this, where casting of lots is referred
to twice in close association with seeking revelation through Urim and
Thummim. [1 Samuel (Shemuel Alef) 10. 19 - 22; 14. 37 – 42]
Casting of lots was known among the Hebrews and other people of
antiquity. [see Esther/Ester] It was common practice to use black and
white stones, casting them on the ground to decide matters and as a form
of gambling (dice - black dots on white). This, no doubt was taken from
the sacred lots, the custom of standing before Urim and Thummim to
determine the mind of the ALMIGHTY LORD GOD in important matters. Also,
in ancient times it was the custom for a white stone to be given to one
returning from battle having won a victory and given to a man as a token
that he was a free man of the city.
The Prophecy of the Stones is fulfilled in heaven! The names of the
twelve apostles are in the foundation gems of the wall of the New
Jerusalem. [Revelation 21. 19] Yes, the sacred lots will be there too.
A white stone with a new name will be given to the redeemed. [Revelation
2. 17] We will be fully acquitted, declared "innocent" before all the
HOSTS OF HEAVEN. The victory was won through the Testimony of the LAMB
and we each will be a "free man" of the Holy City! O what absolute
overwhelming joys await us!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
We bless and praise YOU, LORD JESUS, the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL and ask YOU
to purify our spirits that in our daily tasks we may be conscious of
YOUR PRESENCE. Turn our daily thoughts to YOU and help us to see that no
work truly prospers unless it brings blessings to other lives, and no
gain truly enriches if it does not add happiness to others. Help us so
to live that when we have gathered our final harvest, many shall rise up
that we have told or shown the way to YOUR Kingdom. Continue to give
YOUR blessings upon us. Teach us to seek YOU evermore within the
sanctuary of our souls, within the shelter of YOUR mighty wings.
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. . .
Everyone fallsÂ…it's getting up afterwards that matters.
UNSPEAKABLE – INEXPRESSIBLE - INDESCRIBABLE
"And I know such a man — whether in the body or out of the body I do
not know, God knows — how he was caught up into Paradise and heard
inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter." [2
Corinthians 12. 3 - 4]
The NEW COVENANT calls three things unspeakable, inexpressible or
indescribable; all conveying the idea of a thing which is so marvelous
it cannot be articulated (expressed, put into words). Unspeakable words
is mentioned above in 2 Corinthians; inexpressible joy is emphasized in
1 Peter 1:8; and an indescribable gift is the topic of 2 Corinthians
9:15
The unspeakable gift which Paul is referring to is obviously the LORD
YESHUA ha'MASHIACH. This MATCHLESS GIFT is what each of us are
inadequate at being most thankful for every day of our lives when we
come to know our LOVING SAVIOUR. "The GIFT of GOD is eternal life in
CHRIST JESUS our LORD." [Romans 6. 23] "GOD demonstrates HIS own love
toward us, in that while we were still sinners, CHRIST died for us."
[Romans 5. 8] "For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS ONLY-BEGOTTEN
SON, that whoever believes in HIM should not perish but have everlasting
life." [John 3. 16]
When the Apostle Paul received MESSIAH YESHUA as his SAVIOUR & LORD, he
considered himself as "crucified with CHRIST" — yet he could also
say that "the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the
SON OF GOD WHO loved me and gave HIMSELF for me." [Galatians 2. 20]
It was Paul who had been chosen on a unique occasion to be "caught up
into Paradise" where he "heard the inexpressible words." Whatever he
was privileged to see and hear convinced him irreversibly - for all time
– that once a person decides that "to live is CHRIST" — then "to
die is gain (or favorably promoted)." [Philippians 1. 21]
Thus it will be for all who received by faith the ULTIMATE,
INDESCRIBABLE GIFT ...the RISEN LORD, the ROCK of our salvation. Now we
can join with another great apostle, Simon Peter, and say that we too
"rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory" and await "the end of
your faith — the salvation of your souls." [1 Peter 1. 8 - 9] That
is an unspeakable, inexpressible, indescribable gift of great joy that
awaits all true believers!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!!
The LORD reigns; HE is the KING robed in grandeur; the LORD has girded
HIMSELF with strength. The world also is set firm, that it cannot be
moved. YOUR Throne is set firm from of old; from eternity YOU have
existed. The streams sound, O LORD, the ocean sounds it thunder, the
ocean sounds it pounding. Above the thunder of the mighty waters, more
majestic than the breakers of the sea is the LORD, majestic on high.
YOUR decrees are indeed enduring; holiness befits YOUR House, O LORD,
for evermore. [Psalm 93]
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. . .
A miracle is often the willingness to see the uncommon in an uncommon
way.
TRUTH OR WIND
"Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, remain loyal and
feed on HIS faithfulness. " [Psalms (Tehillym) 37. 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
This is one of many blessed promises in HOLY SCRIPTURE that the LORD GOD
will provide our every need. [Matthew 6. 33] The last part of the verse
could best be stated, "you shall be fed on the truth." The spiritual
life of the person who trusts in the LORD YESHUA will be fed and
sustained by TRUTH.
The unbeliever who feeds on fantasy, figments and fragments of their own
imagination, the ones "who would fashion a god or cast a graven image
that can do no good (he) will soon taste bitterness on his tongue. He
feeds on ashes; a deluded mind and deceived heart has led him astray,
and he cannot deliver his soul to save himself. He never says to
himself, 'the thing in my hand is a fraud!'" [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 44. 10,
20 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Those who trust in human deliverance will be like Israel depending on
Egypt and Assyria. "Ephraim surrounds ME with deceit and feeds on wind,
the House of Israel with guile and follows after the east wind; they
daily increase lies and desolation which is constantly noted by the
LORD." [Hosea (Hoshea) 12. 1 Tanakh, Nevi'im] The diet of false
prophets is more bitter still, "Assuredly, thus said the LORD OF HOSTS
concerning the prophets: I am going to make them eat wormwood and drink
the water of bitter gall; for from the prophets of Jerusalem GODlessness
has gone forth to the whole land." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 23. 15 Tanakh,
Nevi'im] Wind and ashes, wormwood and gall, such is the spiritual food
of those who reject the TRUTH of the WORD OF GOD.
For the believer, the GOOD NEWS of the WRITTEN WORD is as essential a
daily need as bread is for the body. Long ago, Job set precedence when
he said, "I have treasured HIS WORDS more than my daily bread." [Job
(Iyob) 23. 12 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "How pleasing are YOUR words to my
taste, sweeter than honey. Through pondering YOUR precepts I get
understanding; therefore I hate every false way." [Psalms (Tehillym)
119. 103-104 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
Moses declared, "The LORD GOD subjected you to the hardship of hunger
and then gave you manna to eat, which neither you nor your fathers had
ever know, in order to teach you that man does not live on bread alone,
but that man may live on anything that the LORD decrees." [Deuteronomy
(Devarim) 8. 3 Tanakh, Torah]
The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH said, "If anyone keeps MY WORD, he shall
never taste death." [John 8. 52] "I have come that you may have
life…more abundantly." [John 10. 10] "I am the WAY, the TRUTH and
the LIFE." [John 14. 6] When we know the TRUTH, we will know the
MERCIFUL, ETERNAL, LOVING MASTER!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Grace, peace and mercy to each of you, our beloved friends, our adored
extended family.
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. . .
Time is not a locked room but an endless hallway. . . in every moment
there is a door.
NAILS & CORDS
"All the utensils of the Tabernacle, for all its service, as well as all
its pegs and all the pegs of the court, shall be of copper." [Exodus
(Shemot) 27. 19 Tanakh, Torah]
The Tabernacle was held together by copper pegs. Our WONDERFUL INFINITE
CREATOR GOD planned even the little things and they were to be made
perfectly and "according to the pattern." ALMIGHTY GOD is interested in
the smallest detail of our lives and is concerned that these details
coincide with HIS Great Plan for us.
Another word to be used for these pegs is "nails." The Hebrew word,
"yathed" is translated "tent pin, nail, stake." [Judges/Shofetim 4. 21;
5. 26; Isaiah/Yeshayah 33. 20; 54. 2] These nails were hammered down
into the sand and cords [Exodus/Shemot 35. 18] were tied to them and
attached to the Tabernacle Curtain and the Linen Fence. The curtains
and pillars were pegged down to the sand because of the cords and copper
pins.
The LORD JESUS is described as "a nail in a sure place." [Isaiah
(Yeshayah) 22. 22 - 23 Tanakh, Torah w/Revelation 3. 7] THE AUTHOR &
FINISHER of our faith holds us in righteousness and HE is our ANCHOR.
"This HOPE we have as an ANCHOR of the soul, both sure and steadfast,
and which enters the PRESENCE behind the veil." [Hebrews 6. 19]
YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, the PIERCED ONE, has been judged for our sins, as
symbolized in the copper (copper represents judgment). With the cords
of love, HE holds us straight in the desert. Our feet are in the copper
sockets (picturing our sins having been judged). We are held by the
ropes of GOD'S promises and crowned with HIS salvation.
These pins, in order to hold the Tabernacle, Tent and Court Fence, had
to be hammered down deep in the sand. The LORD YESHUA sunk down into
death; HE descended, or was hammered down below the earth. We are
identified with HIM in HIS death, "I am crucified with CHRIST."
[Galatians 2. 20] The LORD JESUS was buried and we are identified with
HIM in HIS burial. {Baptism in water symbolizes this to the world.}
HE was judged for our sins, we are judged in HIM; MESSIAH was made sin
for us that we might be cleansed. YESHUA was identified with us in our
sins that we might be identified with HIM in HIS righteousness.
In order for the cord to be tied to the head of the nail, it must extend
above the ground. YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, GOD'S BELOVED SON, not only
died, but HE arose from the dead. We are identified with HIM in HIS
resurrection, for we rise with HIM and walk in newness of life. The
nail that is seen above the earth, as it were, is looking up into
Heaven. The believer is identified in MESSIAH YESHUA (the NAIL)
"looking for that blessed hope and glorious appearing of our GREAT GOD
and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST" [Titus 2. 13] ever with his face toward heaven
and the return of his REDEEMER & LORD.
"Bind the festal sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar."
[Psalms (Tehillym) 118. 27 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Just as the burnt
offerings were held in place, JESUS the SUBSTITUTE for our sins, was
bound to the horns of HIS alter, the Cross of Calvary with the cords of:
LOVE (Power) - "…having loved HIS OWN who were in the world, HE
loved them to the end." [John 13. 1]
OBEDIENCE (Protection) - "Fulfill MY joy by being like-minded, having
the same love, being of one accord, of one mind...This command I have
received from MY FATHER." [Philippians 2. 8; John 10. 18]
GODLY ZEAL (Help) - "MY zeal for YOUR House has been MY undoing; the
reproaches of those who revile YOU have fallen upon ME."
[Psalms/Tehillym 69. 9; John 2. 17]
JOY SET BEFORE HIM (Strength) - "JESUS, the AUTHOR & FINISHER of our
faith, WHO for the joy that was set before HIM endured the cross,
despising the shame." [Hebrews 12. 2]
The cords, fastened to the nails, had the power of holding and had the
power of drawing. GOD'S love binds us with cords to the "PIN" that is
in a Sure Place. "I drew them with human ties, with cords of love."
[Hosea (Hoshea) 11. 4 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Through JESUS THE MESSIAH, the
MOST HIGH GOD has drawn us to HIMSELF and HE had the power to hold us,
"to keep us from stumbling, and to present us faultless before the
PRESENCE OF HIS GLORY with exceeding joy!" [Jude 24] "Cast your burden
on the LORD and HE will sustain you; HE will never let the righteous man
be moved (fall, be shaken, collapse)." [Psalms (Tehillym) 55. 22 Tanakh,
Kethuvim] Because our WONDERFUL SAVIOUR loves us, HE will hold us
fast! "To GOD our SAVIOUR, WHO alone is wise, be glory and majesty,
dominion and power, both now and forever, Amen" [Jude 25]
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
We give thanks to YOU for YOU are the LORD our GOD and the GOD of our
fathers; YOU are the ROCK of our lives, the SHIELD of our salvation
through every generation. We give YOU praise for our lives which are
committed into YOUR hands, and for our souls which are in YOUR charge,
and for YOUR miracles, which are daily; for YOUR wonders and YOUR
benefits, which are wrought at all times, evening, morning, and noon. O
YOU WHO are all-good, whose mercies fail not; YOU, MERCIFUL ONE, whose
loving-kindnesses never cease, we have ever hoped in YOU. For all these
things YOUR NAME, O our KING we continually bless and exalt for ever and
ever.
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. . .
Life is not a matter of chance, it's a matter of choice - "Choose
Wisely."
NEW YEARS MEDITATION
O ETERNAL ONE, WHO gives meaning to the strivings of men, attune our
hearts for communion with YOU. Open my lips, and my mouth shall declare
YOUR praises. YOU are Holy, and YOUR NAME is holy and YOUR worshipers
proclaim YOUR holiness. Praised are YOU, O LORD GOD.
O LIVING GOD, YOU are blessed, my KING, my HELPER, my SAVIOUR & SHIELD.
YOU, O LORD, are mighty forever; YOU quicken the dead, YOU are mighty to
save. YOU sustain the living with lovingkindness, quicken the dead with
great mercy, support the falling, heal the sick, loose the bound and
keep YOUR faith to them that sleep in the dust.
How often, when everything else fails us, do we yearn for YOU, our
MIGHTY CREATOR. In the stillness of the night, in the press of the
crowd, in the agony of inner conflict, we bow our heads, and at that
moment, YOU are in our hearts and we are at peace. We do not know, O
MERCIFUL LORD, whether the gifts for which we ask are for our good,
whether our trials and tribulations may not be blessings in disguise,
whether even the fragments of our shattered hopes and dreams may not
minister to the up-building of other lives and the fulfillment of YOUR
unfathomable plan. So we do not pray that YOU make our lives easy, to
give us happiness without adversity. Rather we pray that YOU continue
to help us to be uncomplaining and unafraid. Teach us to face life with
faith and courage that we may see the blessings hidden away even in its
conflicts and struggles. Help us to find victory in the discipline of
pain transforming all things into loving obedience. May we seek the
face of GOD because HE is GOD.
May we realize that life calls us, not merely to enjoy the fatness of
the earth, but to rejoice in heights attained after the toil of
climbing. Then, our darkness will be illumined by YOUR GLORIOUS LIGHT
and our weakness made strong by YOUR strength, lifting us above fear and
defeat, and sustaining our steps with an immortal hope.
The ALMIGHTY ONE is HOPE to them that wait for HIM, JOY to the Land of
Israel, and GLADNESS to the City of Jerusalem; and a FLOURISHING HORN to
HIS servants. The SON OF JESSE, HIS ANOINTED, is a CLEAR SHINING LIGHT
to those who fear HIM. O, give glory and praise to the LORD GOD
OMNIPOTENT!
Then shall the just also see and be glad, and the upright shall exult,
and the pious triumphantly rejoice, while iniquity shall close her
mouth, and all wickedness shall be wholly consumed like smoke, when YOU
LORD my GOD make the dominion of arrogance to pass away from the earth.
And YOU, O ALMIGHTY LORD, shall reign, YOU alone over all YOUR works on
Mount Zion, the dwelling place of YOUR glory, and in Jerusalem, YOUR
Holy City, as it is recorded in YOUR WRITTEN HOLY WORD, "The LORD shall
reign forever, your GOD, O Zion, for all generations. HalleluYAH."
[Psalms (Tehillym) 146. 10 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
Highly exalted and praised are YOU, O LORD our ETERNAL GOD, the STAY &
TRUST of the righteous. Amen!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Good Sabbath! Come my dear friend, to meet the Bride, the Sabbath
presence, let us welcome. We honour & praise the LORD YESHUA, THE ONE,
WHO gives true Sabbath peace and rest and separates the sacred from the
ordinary.
Thank you for being a part of our life! As we enter another year, we
prayerfully urge each of you to walk worthy of the calling with which
you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering,
bearing with one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the
HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD in the bond of peace. What we can accomplish on our
own is hardly noteworthy. But, in the hand of the MASTER, our life's
work can be truly beautiful. May the grace of our precious LORD YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH be with your spirit every moment of each new day.
Our prayerful desire for you: Comfort on difficult days, Smiles when
sadness intrudes, Rainbows to follow the cloud, Laughter to kiss your
lips, Sunsets to warm your heart, Gentle hugs when spirits sag,
Friendships to brighten your being, Beauty for your eyes to see,
Confidence for when you doubt, Faith so you can believe, Courage to be
bold, Patience to accept the truth, and Love. We asked GOD to bless
you when we prayed for you today, to guide you and protect you on your
way…HIS love is always with you, HIS promises are sure. No matter
what tribulation comes, HE is faithful to see us through. So when the
road you're traveling on seems difficult at best, give your problems to
the LORD and our MIGHTY GOD will do the rest.
Love, in MESSIAH'S service – Rabbi Del & Rifkah
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

Thought FOR TODAY
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
If your life is a reed, you can be music if you allow the BREATH OF GOD
to blow through you.
HEARING THE MASTER'S VOICE
"But if the slave declares - "I love my master, and my wife and
children; I do not wish to go free." Then his master shall take him
before the judges. He shall be brought to the door or the doorpost, and
his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall then remain
his slave for life." [Exodus (Shemot) 21. 5 - 6 Tanakh, Torah]
This unique decree in the Mosaic Law is significant being the first one
given after the Ten Commandments. It, and those following, centers
first on the most humble members of society, the slaves, then on other
people, then on property -- thus establishing OMNIPOTENT GOD'S
priorities. This was a foreshadowing of the voluntary submission of
MESSIAH YESHUA, "WHO made HIMSELF of no reputation, and took upon HIM
the form of a servant." [Philippians 2. 7] For YESHUA was sold for
thirty pieces of silver, the price of a slave [Exodus/Shemot 21. 32;
Matthew 26. 15] in order to identify with the church "in bringing many
sons to glory, to make the AUTHOR of their salvation perfect through
sufferings." [Hebrews 2. 10]
The Hebrew servant was obligated to serve his master for six years, with
full right to be set free in the Sabbatical Year. If the master
obtained a wife for him and then children followed, the law permitted
the master to keep the wife and children in servitude while the man left
with his freedom. However, if the servant chooses to remain with his
wife and children, his ear is pierced choosing rather to do the will of
his master forever, listening to his voice only. This commitment is
illustrated and sealed by the "opening in his ear."
Just so, the coming SAVIOUR, MESSIAH YESHUA, would say, "MY ears YOU
have opened (pierced)... Then I said, 'Behold, I come; in the SCROLL OF
THE BOOK it is written of ME, 'To do what pleases YOU, my GOD, is my
desire; YOUR Law is in MY heart." [Psalms (Tehillym) 40. 6 - 8 Tanakh,
Kethuvim] The fulfillment of this prophecy by YESHUA ha'MASHIACH is
found in the book of Hebrews. [Hebrews 10. 5 - 10] There, the "opening
of the ear" of the SERVANT is seen and understood as the enthusiastic
zeal of HIS human body "to do YOUR will, O GOD. By that will we have
been sanctified through the offering of the body of JESUS CHRIST once
for all." [Hebrews 10. 7, 10]
The LORD YESHUA could have "gone out free" - but, out of love for the
FATHER and for those who would share HIS FATHER'S HOUSE with HIM, HE
offered HIS body as a "FREE-WILL SACRIFICE" to accomplish the saving
will of GOD ALMIGHTY.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
As we bid farewell to Shabbat, may the ALMIGHTY ONE, WHO separates the
holy from the secular, forgive our sins, guide our life, and fill our
upcoming week with HIS DIVINE PRESENCE. Refresh yourself and others
through HIS wisdom & discernment, love & kindness - that you continue to
experience some of the sweetness of Sabbath daily.
"Tov Shavua (Have a good week)!" You are in our daily prayers!
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. . .
Life is not a matter of chance, it's a matter of choice - "Choose
Wisely."
NEW YEARS MEDITATION
O ETERNAL ONE, WHO gives meaning to the strivings of men, attune our
hearts for communion with YOU. Open my lips, and my mouth shall declare
YOUR praises. YOU are Holy, and YOUR NAME is holy and YOUR worshipers
proclaim YOUR holiness. Praised are YOU, O LORD GOD.
O LIVING GOD, YOU are blessed, my KING, my HELPER, my SAVIOUR & SHIELD.
YOU, O LORD, are mighty forever; YOU quicken the dead, YOU are mighty to
save. YOU sustain the living with lovingkindness, quicken the dead with
great mercy, support the falling, heal the sick, loose the bound and
keep YOUR faith to them that sleep in the dust.
How often, when everything else fails us, do we yearn for YOU, our
MIGHTY CREATOR. In the stillness of the night, in the press of the
crowd, in the agony of inner conflict, we bow our heads, and at that
moment, YOU are in our hearts and we are at peace. We do not know, O
MERCIFUL LORD, whether the gifts for which we ask are for our good,
whether our trials and tribulations may not be blessings in disguise,
whether even the fragments of our shattered hopes and dreams may not
minister to the up-building of other lives and the fulfillment of YOUR
unfathomable plan. So we do not pray that YOU make our lives easy, to
give us happiness without adversity. Rather we pray that YOU continue
to help us to be uncomplaining and unafraid. Teach us to face life with
faith and courage that we may see the blessings hidden away even in its
conflicts and struggles. Help us to find victory in the discipline of
pain transforming all things into loving obedience. May we seek the
face of GOD because HE is GOD.
May we realize that life calls us, not merely to enjoy the fatness of
the earth, but to rejoice in heights attained after the toil of
climbing. Then, our darkness will be illumined by YOUR GLORIOUS LIGHT
and our weakness made strong by YOUR strength, lifting us above fear and
defeat, and sustaining our steps with an immortal hope.
The ALMIGHTY ONE is HOPE to them that wait for HIM, JOY to the Land of
Israel, and GLADNESS to the City of Jerusalem; and a FLOURISHING HORN to
HIS servants. The SON OF JESSE, HIS ANOINTED, is a CLEAR SHINING LIGHT
to those who fear HIM. O, give glory and praise to the LORD GOD
OMNIPOTENT!
Then shall the just also see and be glad, and the upright shall exult,
and the pious triumphantly rejoice, while iniquity shall close her
mouth, and all wickedness shall be wholly consumed like smoke, when YOU
LORD my GOD make the dominion of arrogance to pass away from the earth.
And YOU, O ALMIGHTY LORD, shall reign, YOU alone over all YOUR works on
Mount Zion, the dwelling place of YOUR glory, and in Jerusalem, YOUR
Holy City, as it is recorded in YOUR WRITTEN HOLY WORD, "The LORD shall
reign forever, your GOD, O Zion, for all generations. HalleluYAH."
[Psalms (Tehillym) 146. 10 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
Highly exalted and praised are YOU, O LORD our ETERNAL GOD, the STAY &
TRUST of the righteous. Amen!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Good Sabbath! Come my dear friend, to meet the Bride, the Sabbath
presence, let us welcome. We honour & praise the LORD YESHUA, THE ONE,
WHO gives true Sabbath peace and rest and separates the sacred from the
ordinary.
Thank you for being a part of our life! As we enter another year, we
prayerfully urge each of you to walk worthy of the calling with which
you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering,
bearing with one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the
HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD in the bond of peace. What we can accomplish on our
own is hardly noteworthy. But, in the hand of the MASTER, our life's
work can be truly beautiful. May the grace of our precious LORD YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH be with your spirit every moment of each new day.
Our prayerful desire for you: Comfort on difficult days, Smiles when
sadness intrudes, Rainbows to follow the cloud, Laughter to kiss your
lips, Sunsets to warm your heart, Gentle hugs when spirits sag,
Friendships to brighten your being, Beauty for your eyes to see,
Confidence for when you doubt, Faith so you can believe, Courage to be
bold, Patience to accept the truth, and Love. We asked GOD to bless
you when we prayed for you today, to guide you and protect you on your
way…HIS love is always with you, HIS promises are sure. No matter
what tribulation comes, HE is faithful to see us through. So when the
road you're traveling on seems difficult at best, give your problems to
the LORD and our MIGHTY GOD will do the rest.
Love, in MESSIAH'S service – Rabbi Del & Rifkah
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
If you want people to like you, agree with them.
WISDOM AT CREATION
"I (DIVINE WISDOM) was there when HE (ALMIGHTY WORD) set the heavens
into place; when HE fixed the horizon upon the deep; when HE made the
heavens above firm, and the fountains of the deep gushed forth."
[Proverbs (Mishle) 8. 27 - 28 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
DIVINE WISDOM, is speaking here. This is an awe-inspiring description
of some of CREATOR GOD'S handiworks when, through YESHUA the SECOND
PERSON in the TRINITY, HE was creating and making all things.
Proverbs 8:27 speaks of the pre-existence of JESUS before the creation
of the space, time, and universe itself. The earth was "without form"
with only a great mass of water, rock and mud. Then GOD OMNIPOTENT "set
a compass" on the face of the deep, began the gravitational forces which
brought it into a sphere form. The Hebrew word "chuwg" means compass,
sphere. It is the same word where it is said that the HOLY ONE
"enthroned above the circle (sphere, vault) of the earth." [Isaiah
(Yeshayah) 40. 22 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Then the MIGHTY CREATOR "established the clouds above." This cloud,
thin mists or vapor would refer to the great water canopy "above the
expanse." [Genesis (Bereshith) 1. 7 Tanakh, Torah] Finally, the MASTER
DESIGNER strengthened the fountains of the deep, locking them under the
"foundations of the earth." [Proverbs (Mishle) 8. 29 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
The same strong fountains of the deep would later be broken up at the
time of the Great Flood. When the earth was completed, ALMIGHTY GOD
"rejoiced in HIS inhabited world." [Proverbs (Mishle) 8. 31 Tanakh,
Kethuvim]
"Now sons, listen to me (Wisdom & Understanding) ; 'Happy are they who
keep my ways. Heed discipline and become wise; do not spurn it. Blessed
is the man who listens to me, coming early to my gates each day, waiting
outside my doors. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favour
from the LORD, but he who misses me destroys himself; all who hate me
love death." [Proverbs (Mishle) 8. 32 - 36 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Wisdom
comes as we incline our ear to our MASTER'S VOICE, apply HIS LIFE-GIVING
WORD to our lives for understanding, revere the LORD GOD OF HOSTS and
keep HIS commandments. GREAT is the GOD OF CREATION! GREAT is HIS
wisdom! GREAT is HIS love regarding the sons of man expressed in the
beloved LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH our REDEEMER & SAVIOUR.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Praised are YOU, O LORD GOD, for great is YOUR love for us and YOUR
compassion boundless. Be gracious to us that we may understand and
fulfill the teachings of YOUR REVERED WORD. Enlighten our eyes in YOUR
Law that we may cling to YOUR commandments. Thank YOU for YOUR saving
power, for from YOU comes our help. Draw us nearer to YOU to serve YOU
in faithfulness. Joyfully, we lift our voices and proclaim YOUR PRECIOUS
NAME.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Wisdom is like gold ore in the ground mixed with sand and rock; Logic is
the mercury used to extract the gold.
STONES OF REMEMBRANCE
"Take two lazuli stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of
Israel: Six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the
remaining six on the other stone, in the order of their birth. On the
two stones you shall make seal engravings - the work of a lapidary - of
the names of the sons of Israel. Having bordered them with frames of
gold, attach the two stones to the shoulder-pieces of the ephod, as
Stones for Remembrance of the Israelite people, whose names Aaron shall
carry upon his two shoulder-pieces for remembrance before the LORD."
[Exodus (Shemot) 28. 9 - 12 Tanakh, Torah]
Just as the stones were secured on the shoulders of the HIGH PRIEST,
MESSIAH YESHUA bears those HE has redeemed upon HIS shoulders
[Isaiah/Yeshayah 9. 6] which is the place of courage and strength. HE
promises, "I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with MY
victorious right hand." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 41. 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im] The
ministry of NEW COVENANT priests is to bear one another's burdens
[Galatians 6. 2] -- the strong bearing the infirmities of the weak.
[Romans 15. 1] We are commanded to pray for one another and to
strengthen one another in the LORD. [Luke 22. 32; James 5. 16]
Not only does the shoulder signify "courage" and "strength" but it is
the place representing leadership of government and is in open or public
view. The LORD JESUS leads HIS people, they are DIVINELY governed;
HIS ministry is to HIS people, open and public.
There was a certain arrangement and a certain stone to be placed on the
High Priest's shoulders. Six names of the sons of Israel were engraved
in an onyx (lazuli) stone on one shoulder, and six names of the sons of
Israel were engraved in another onyx (lazuli) stone on the other
"according to birth."
The names are associated with the stones as a very part of them for they
were engraved permanently there. Each of the names had the same kind of
stone . . . no difference. Each of us who are sons of the MOST HOLY
LORD GOD, born into GOD'S Kingdom of Priests, are the same; we are
equally recognized in YESHUA ha'MASHIACH according to our New Birth. We
are each engraved on the same kind of stone, encased in gold, brilliant,
flashing with the luster of the fiery HOLY SPIRIT, lifted high upon the
shoulders of our great HIGH PRIEST, borne up above the earthly ties and
boundaries to a place in the heavenlies! There is a precious truth told
in the meaning of these names. {Note: We will draw attention to just
the first and last names, which are all-inclusive. }
"According to birth" tells us that since Reuben was the firstborn of
Israel (Jacob), his name engraved first in order on the shoulder stone.
Reuben means "behold (see) a son." This directs our attention to the
GREATER SON, the PRECIOUS LORD JESUS. The angels announced HIS birth in
Beit'Lehem; the prophet Isaiah declared of HIM, "A CHILD is born, a SON
is given." The ALMIGHTY OMNIPOTENT ONE informed the disciples
concerning CHRIST, "This is MY BELOVED SON, in whom I am well pleased.
Hear HIM!" [Matthew 17. 5] And who of GOD'S people can forget that most
precious verse, "GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN
SON." [John 3. 16] "Reuben! Behold, a SON!"
The last name on the shoulder stones was Benjamin. Remember the story
of his birth? Rachel, because she was dying, named him "Benoni" -- "son
of my sorrow." But Jacob (Israel) named him "Benjamin" - "son of my
right hand." JESUS OF NAZARETH was born into this world and fulfilled
the first name, BENONI, for HE was a MAN of sorrows, acquainted with
grief. MESSIAH YESHUA was despised and rejected of men; HE suffered,
bled and died, the SON OF SORROW. Benjamin was the only son named by
his father, Israel. "Son of my right hand" signifies an exalted and
honoured place -- in an equal position. The LORD YESHUA gave HIS life
(ONE PERFECT SACRIFICE for sins forever) and is now seated at the right
hand of the ETERNAL & TRUE SUPREME GOD in an exalted, honoured place.
The HEAVENLY FATHER says of JESUS THE ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON, "BENJAMIN! SON
OF MY RIGHT HAND!"
Through the regenerating power of the HOLY SPIRIT, we are born of the
MOST HIGH & LOFTY EVER-LIVING ONE and given the right to be the sons of
GOD. The GREATER SON, our LORD & MESSIAH, rejoices in the presence of
the angels when a sinner receives HIM. And, it is as though all heaven
rejoices with CHRIST JESUS when they see this take place. Now it can be
said of this sinner, "Reuben! Behold, a son!"
After this new birth, there is joy and yet there is sorrow for the dying
soul of men as we enter into "the fellowship of HIS sufferings." But,
if we suffer with our WONDERFUL REDEEMING LORD JESUS, we shall also
reign with HIM in glory. We can only wear the "golden crown" at last IF
we were able to wear the "thorny one" first. As sons in The SON will be
exalted to the position that JESUS assured: Blessed is the man who
endures to the END. . . he shall receive a Crown of Life. [James 1. 12]
"To him that overcomes I will grant to sit with ME on MY Throne."
[Revelation 3. 21] Then, in that day, the LORD GOD OF HOST will say to
us, "Benjamin! son of MY right hand!" May we all be richly blessed by
hearing those words spoken to us.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
May the HOLY CREATOR, the GREAT GOD OF HEAVEN ever be praised for HIS
mercy and loving-kindness to 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. . .
When the time comes for you to live, there aren't enough years.
MOSES & THE SERPENT
"The LORD sent fiery serpents (Hebrew: "seraph") against the people.
They bit the people and many of the Israelites died. The people came to
Moses and said, 'We sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you.
Intercede with the LORD to take away the seraph serpents from us!' And
Moses interceded for the people." [Numbers (B'Midvar) 21. 6 - 7 Tanakh,
Torah]
These serpents ("seraph" - fiery) were RIGHTEOUS GOD's judgment on the
Israelites because of their sin. Moses was the mediator who interceded
before the Holy ONE for help. Only GOD had the remedy for the
serpent's bite when they turned and confessed that they had sinned.
"Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Make a seraph figure and mount it on a
standard. And if anyone who is bitten LOOKS at it, he shall
recover.' Moses made a copper (nechosheth) serpent and mounted it on
a standard; and when anyone was bitten by a serpent, he would look at
the copper serpent and recover." [Numbers (B'Midvar) 21. 8 - 9 Tanakh,
Torah] The Hebrew word, "nechosheth" means COPPER not brass. The
ALMIGHTY CREATOR deals with PURE metals, and brass is an alloy, a
mixture of zinc and copper -- therefore brass would be a wrong
translation here.
GOD OMNISCIENT provided a substitute, the serpent of copper, for Israel
so they would not die from the poison of the serpent's bite. "Moses
made a copper serpent and mounted it on a standard; and when anyone was
bitten by a serpent, he would look at the copper serpent and recover."
[Numbers (B'Midvar) 21. 9 Tanakh, Torah] GOD gave the instructions in
order that by means of the copper serpent, Israel would be saved. GOD'S
WAY is the only plan that must be obeyed in order to be saved.
The Israelites were simply to look upon the serpent to be healed. This
"LOOK" required faith to believe. Their faith prompted them to obey
Omnipotent GOD'S instructions and were delivered, forgiven, healed and
saved.
YESHUA ha'MASHIACH is the wonderful provision for the people of the
world. HOLY SCRIPTURES declare that every person is a sinner and needs
salvation, deliverance, and healing. Before the foundations of the
world, GOD ordained the "ANSWER-SOLUTION- CURE-REMEDY" which HE would
provide. It was not man's plan, for man's way is not GOD'S Way.
The standard upon which the copper form of a serpent hung, prophesies of
Golgotha's Slaughter Place. "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the
wilderness, even so must the SON OF MAN be lifted up." [John 3. 14] The
serpent is symbolic of sin. In this instance, it pointed to MESSIAH
YESHUA WHO was the SIN-OFFERING, the PERFECT REMEDY for sin. GOD'S
righteous judgment for sin (represented in the copper), was received by
the LORD JESUS...that judgment should have been ours! "WHO HIMSELF
bore our sins in HIS OWN BODY on the tree, that we, having died to sins,
might live for righteousness- -by WHOSE stripes you were healed." [1
Peter 2. 24] GOD made YESHUA ha'MASHIACH to be sin for us.
[Isaiah/Yeshayah 50. 5 - 6; John 3. 14 - 16; Galatians 3. 13] JESUS
CHRIST OF NAZARETH bore our sins in HIS OWN BODY on the cross, "HE (GOD
THE FATHER) made HIM (GOD THE SON) WHO knew no sin to be sin for us,
that we might become the righteousness of GOD in HIM (MESSIAH YESHUA)."
[2 Corinthians 5. 21]
"As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the SON
OF MAN be lifted up; that whoever believes in HIM should not perish but
have eternal life." [John 3. 14 - 15] The "REDEEMER OF ISRAEL" is the
"SON OF MAN" -- the "SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD." As the fiery serpents were
a judgment on Israel because of her sin - so ALL people are under
judgment of death because of sin. Just as there was no human help
against the serpent's bite, so there is no human remedy for sin.
When our forefathers looked to the LORD GOD OF HEAVEN and confessed
their sin, they received deliverance. When we confess that we are
sinners, admitting our sinfulness and turn to the LORD JESUS for help,
we receive forgiveness for salvation unto righteousness. As Moses was
commanded to substitute a serpent of copper lifting it up on a standard,
so JESUS, Israel's MESSIAH & SAVIOUR of all mankind, was lifted up on
Golgotha's Cross as a Substitute, the Antidote for the poison of sin's
venom (the serpent's bite). The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA is GOD'S HOLY
REMEDY, GOD'S DELIVERANCE, GOD'S SALVATION & HEALING for us.
The Israelites only had to look and live. All who look to our LORD
YESHUA will live eternally (be delivered and healed from sin's venom)!
The KEEPER OF THE VINEYARD, the LORD JESUS said, "And I, if I am lifted
up from the earth, will draw all peoples to MYSELF." [John 12. 32] Look
and Live! Behold the KING OF GLORY!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
O LORD be a SHELTER for YOUR people, and the STRENGTH of the children of
Israel, that they shall all know YOU. Be gracious to us; we have waited
for YOU. Be our secure arm each morning and our Salvation in the times
of trouble. Keep us ever mindful of YOU that we serve YOU with all our
being. Humbly, we thank YOU for being our GREAT & MIGHTY 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. . .
"Saichel (Hebrew for common sense)" is a gift; "chakam (Hebrew for
intelligence) " is an acquisition.

DECEITFUL USE OF HOLY SCRIPTURE
"As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which
are some things hard to be understood, which those who are untaught and
unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the
SCRIPTURES." [2 Peter 3. 16]

It is essentially necessary and critically vital, that every
CHRIST-minded- person study and use the Holy Scriptures, for they
establish our only real authority, the very WORD OF ALMIGHTY GOD
HIMSELF. [Matthew 5. 18; John 10. 35; 14. 26; 2 Timothy 3. 15-17; 2
Peter 1. 19-21] It is just as important, however, that we not use the
SCRIPTURE deceitfully, for this can be even more dangerous then ignoring
them altogether.

Many cults and self-centered people twist the SCRIPTURES, trying to make
them fit their own opinion or hoping thereby to give authority to their
peculiar opinion, instead of allowing the LORD GOD to say what HE means,
which HE does, in HIS WRITTEN WORD. Such distortion and mutilated
twisting of HOLY WRIT has generated numerous cults and heresies,
numerous both in the past and all too prevalent today. In essence, this
was the YESHUA'S position of the Pharisees: "In vain they worship ME,
teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." [Matthew 15. 9]
"Because that people has approached ME with their mouth and honoured ME
with their lips, but has kept their heart far from ME, and their worship
of ME has been a commandment of men, learned by ritual. Truly, I shall
further baffle that people and the wisdom of its wise shall fail, and
the understanding of their prudent men shall vanish." [Isaiah (Yeshayah)
29. 13 - 14 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

In the same way, perhaps even worse, is claiming to receive new
(additional, latest, changed, another) SCRIPTURE or new (additional,
latest, changed, another) authoritative insight on existing SCRIPTURES
that the ALMIGHTY OMNIPOTENT ONE warned: "You shall not add anything to
what I command you or take anything away from it." [Deuteronomy
(Devarim) 4. 2 Tanakh, Torah] "Do not add to His Words, lest He accuse
you and you be proved a liar." [Proverbs (Mishle) 30. 6 Tanakh,
Kethuvim]

Cults and heretics twist, distort, add to and take from the Word of God,
but just as deadly are the ones who try to explain away the SCRIPTURES,
THE WORD OF LIFE. "If any one takes away from the words of THE BOOK of
this prophecy, GOD shall take away his part from the BOOK OF LIFE, from
the Holy City, and from the things which are written in this BOOK."
[Revelation 22. 19]

This act of distorting, twisting and denying GOD'S HOLY WORD was the
very lie of the Devil which brought sin into the world . . . "Did GOD
really say??...you are NOT going to die!" [Genesis (Bereshith) 3. 1, 4
Tanakh, Torah] No wonder the HOLY BIBLE has a very severe warning
against distorting, twisting and corrupting HIS HOLY WORD! "I know
that whatever ELOHIYM has brought to pass will recur evermore: NOTHING
can be added to it and NOTHING taken from it. ELOHIYM has brought it to
pass that men revere and fear HIM." [Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) 3. 14
Tanakh, Kethuvim]

"You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, BEWARE lest you
also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of
the wicked." [2 Peter 3. 17] As believers, we emphatically must be
aware of and on guard against such deceivers that change or simply
ignore SCRIPTURE, as it is our very life that is at stake.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
O that they were wise, that they would consider their latter end! "Why
do the nations conspire and the peoples plot vain things; kings of the
earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD
and against HIS ANOINTED? The ONE enthroned in heaven laughs; the LORD
mocks them rebuking them in HIS anger and terrifies them in HIS wrath,
saying, "I have installed MY KING on Zion, MY holy mountain." So now,
you kings, be prudent; be warned, you rulers of the earth! Serve the
LORD in fear; rejoice with trembling, Kiss the SON, lest HE be angry and
you be destroyed in your way, when HIS wrath is kindled but a little.
Blessed are all who take refuge in HIM." [Psalms/Tehillym 2. 1-2, 4-6,
10-12] May the grace of our LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH be with your
spirit.

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 time for the LORD to work when man makes void HIS Law!
GOD IN HUMAN FORM
The true MESSIAH must be the MESSENGER and MEDIATOR of a NEW &
EVERLASTING COVENANT which includes Gentiles as well as Jews. "For HE
(GOD THE FATHER) said, 'It is too little a thing that YOU should be MY
SERVANT in that I raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the survivors
of Israel: I will also make YOU a LIGHT to the nations, that MY
SALVATION may reach the ends of the earth.'" [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 49. 5
Tanakh, Nevi'im; also Deuteronomy/ Devarim 18. 17-19; Jeremiah/Yirmeyah
31. 31-32; 33. 14-15; Zechariah/Zecharyah 3. 8; 9. 9-12; Malachi/Malakhi
3. 1] HE must also unite in HIMSELF all the GOD-ordained offices that
exist in Israel; being the PROPHET (LAWGIVER & LEADER) like Moses, a
HIGH PRIEST & MEDIATOR like Melchizedek, and a KING like David, besides
being the SAVIOUR & LORD of all that ever will be saved.
[Deuteronomy/ Devarim 18. 15; Isaiah/Yeshayah 55. 4; 33. 22;
Psalms/Tehillym 110. 1, 4; Zechariah/Zecharyah 6. 12-13;
Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 33. 1, 4-18] The TRUE MESSIAH must be the REDEEMER of
man's sprit, soul (mind) and body. [Job/Iyob 19. 25-26; Psalms/Tehillym
16. 9-11; 17. 15; 31. 5, 19; 72. 13-14; Isaiah/Yeshayah 26. 19]
"Jacob was left alone. And a MAN wrestled with him until the break of
dawn...Then HE said, 'Let ME go, for dawn is breaking.' But Jacob
answered, 'I will not let YOU go unless YOU bless me.' Said the OTHER,
'What is your name?' He replied, 'Jacob.' Said HE, 'Your name shall no
longer be Jacob, but Israel; for as a prince, you have striven with
ELOHIYM and with man and have prevailed." [Genesis (Bereshith) 32. 24-28
Tanakh, Torah]
Here we see that Jacob wrestled with a MAN, WHO was none other than the
LORD GOD ALMIGHTY. To commemorate this wonderful experience, Jacob
calls this place Peniel (face of GOD) "For, he said, 'I have SEEN GOD
face to face, yet my life has been preserved.'" [Genesis (Bereshith) 32.
30 Tanakh, Torah] Jacob recognized the fact that this "MAN" with whom he
wrestled was CREATOR GOD HIMSELF!
Most people, especially Jews, cringe at the mention of the fact that one
can see GOD and live. Nevertheless it was the experience of Jacob.
Also Moses, the great Lawgiver of the Jews relates a similar instance in
his own life and others: "Then Moses, Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and
seventy elders of Israel ascended; and they SAW the GOD OF ISRAEL: under
HIS feet there was the likeness of a pavement of sapphire, like the very
sky for purity. Yet HE did not raise HIS hand against the leaders of the
Israelites; they BEHELD GOD, and they ate and drank." [Exodus (Shemot)
24. 9-11 Tanakh, Torah] Moses declares that the nobles of the children
of Israel saw the GOD OF ISRAEL and after seeing HIM they were able to
eat and drink -- which testifies to the fact they were still alive, not
fantasizing, in a trance, or dreaming.
Note: "THE ANGEL OF THE LORD" WHO is GOD OMNISCIENT, appeared
frequently in the OLD COVENANT times as a MAN. That being the case, it
should not be difficult for a Jew or Gentile who has studied SCRIPTURES,
to believe that the MESSIAH YESHUA was indeed YEHOWAH GOD manifested in
the flesh! "Behold, I am sending MY MESSENGER to clear the way before
ME, and the LORD WHOM you seek shall come to HIS Temple suddenly. As for
the ANGEL OF THE COVENANT that you desire, HE is already coming says the
LORD OF HOSTS." [Malachi (Malakhi) 3. 1 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Here the MESSIAH YESHUA is called "LORD, THE MESSENGER, and THE ANGEL OF
THE COVENANT." HE is the ANGEL WHO "saves" and "redeems" spoken of in
Isaiah. [64. 9] It is true, the LORD JESUS came to save and redeem.
HE is "THE MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT" -- the NEW COVENANT, prophesied
and promised by GOD in Jeremiah. [31. 31-32]
But, why must the HOLY GOD OF HEAVEN appear as a MAN? Because sin
requires the death penalty. Man, who is a sinner, could not redeem
himself. ALMIGHTY GOD, in HIS OWN PERSON, must be a substitute to pay
the ransom price in man's place. But GOD OMNIPOTENT cannot die; HE is
"forever and ever." [Exodus/Shemot 3. 14; Psalms/Tehillym 90. 2]
Therefore, THE REDEEMER of mankind must become MAN in order that HE
could be made sin and die. [Hebrews 2. 9; 1 Peter 1. 18-19] THE
REDEEMER could not be a mere mortal MAN either for if HE was, HE would
have been involved in sin HIMSELF through Adam. [Romans 5. 12] Also, if
JESUS were simply a man, there would be no sacrifice that would be
appropriate for all humanity. To meet all the requirements, there had to
be a GOD/MAN, "THE GOD\MAN" to meet both man's need and ETERNAL GOD'S
requirements of a SAVIOUR. YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, the LORD JESUS is "THE
ANSWER" and HE is the GREATEST LOVER of our soul. Thank YOU, LORD!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
"Nahamu, Nahamu Ami" ...timeless words that are translated, "Comfort, oh
comfort, mY people." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 40.1]
We cover you with ceaseless prayers desiring that you might be filled
with the knowledge of GOD'S perfect will in all wisdom and spiritual
understanding. We encourage you to walk pleasing and be fruitful in
every good work and increase in the knowledge of YESHUA THE BELOVED KING
and be strengthened with HIS glorious power. In all things may GOD be
glorified through the LORD JESUS, to WHOM belongs the glory and the
dominion forever and ever. Amen
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

Thought FOR TODAY
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Time will, ever so slowly, reveal on the outside what GOD has been
working on, on the inside.
BEHOLD, I COME!
"Then I said, "Behold, I come! In the MEGILLAH CEPHER (Scroll of the
Book) it is written of ME. I delight and desire to do YOUR will, O MY
GOD; YOUR Law is within MY heart." [Psalms (Tehillym) 40. 7 - 8 Tanakh,
Torah]
These words were written by David by DIVINE inspiration foretelling the
coming of MESSIAH. This was written and recorded hundreds of years
before the event of HIS coming into the world as the LIVING WORD. Later
this message was quoted by the writer of Hebrews, "Therefore, when HE
came into the world, HE said: "Sacrifice and offering YOU did not
desire, but a body YOU have prepared for ME. In burnt offerings and
sacrifices for sin YOU had no pleasure. Then I said, 'Behold, I have
come — in the volume of THE BOOK it is written of ME — to do
YOUR will, O GOD.'" [Hebrews 10. 5 - 7]
This was the main purpose that INFINITE GOD became a MAN, to fully and
completely due the will of the TRIUNE GOD which was planned before the
foundation of the world. "You were not redeemed with corruptible things,
like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition
from your fathers, but with the precious blood of CHRIST, as of a lamb
without blemish and without spot. HE indeed was foreordained before the
foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you
who through HIM believe in GOD, WHO raised HIM from the dead and gave
HIM glory, so that your faith and hope are in GOD." [1 Peter 1. 18 - 21]
The LORD JESUS told us the reasons for HIS coming: "The SON OF MAN has
come to seek and to save that which was lost." [Luke 19. 10]
All mankind are sinners deserving GOD'S wrath and punishment, but
MESSIAH also came to save us from our sins and iniquities. HIS
salvation includes everything we desperately need for forgiveness of sin
. . . then HE freely gives us the wondrous gift of eternal life. "I am
the LIVING BREAD which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this
BREAD, he will live forever; and the BREAD that I shall give is MY
flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world." [John 6. 51]
This free gift of everlasting life begins the moment we partake of that
LIFE-GIVING BREAD by faith believing in HIS NAME and receiving HIS GIFT.
This transaction results in a changed life, our life now lived for HIS
service in full obedience. YESHUA declared, "I am come that they may
have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." [John 10. 10]
"For GOD did not send HIS SON into the world to condemn the world, but
that the world through HIM might be saved." [John 3. 17] The wonders
YOU, O LORD my GOD have done . . . YOUR desires for us are more then we
can comprehend . . . none can equal YOU!
O saints of the MOST HIGH GOD, aren't you ecstatically thankful JESUS,
the PRINCE OF PEACE, came!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
JESUS...Greetings in HIS INIMITABLE NAME! H A P P Y C H R I S T M A
S !
"When the time had fully come, GOD send HIS ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON, born of a
woman, born under the Law, to redeem those who were under the Law, that
we might receive the adoption as sons." [Galatians 4:4-5] The SAVIOUR,
the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL came . . . blessed be HE!
As the bright glow of the candles causes us to remember the wonders
reflected upon the SERVANT WHO bent down to bring light to those whom HE
served…we wish you every happiness as the flame of YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH burns brightly in your heart as you share HIS light with
others.
Our love, Rabbi Del & Rifkah
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. . .
Draw me nearer to YOU, LORD JESUS with the breath of love. Swiftly shall
I come to stand within YOUR radiance that I may attain that sweetness of
all intimacies!
BETHLEHEM'S BABE
"And you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, least among the clans of Judah, from you
ONE shall come forth to be the RULER in Israel for ME – ONE WHOSE
origin is from old, from ancient times." [Micah (Michah) 5. 2 Tanakh,
Nevi'im]
This explicit prophecy of the birth of the future KING OF ISRAEL in the
little village of Bethlehem was nearly 700 years before JESUS, the
PROMISED ANOINTED ONE ultimately and remarkably came to earth. Then
the ALMIGHTY WONDROUS LORD of all grace used the illustrious Emperor
Augustus in Rome to make a decree for a census and taxation, compelling
Joseph to take his espoused wife Miryam (Mary) to the little town of
Bethlehem for her cHILD to be born there.
An actual birth is incredibly clear as the text uses the verbiage "come
forth" along with the warning that GOD would "leave them helpless,
until she who is to bear has given birth." [Micah (Michah) 5. 3 Tanakh,
Nevi'im] SCRIPTURE also reveals: "they will strike the RULER OF
ISRAEL (this SOON-COMING RIGHTEOUS JUDGE) on the cheek with a staff"
[Micah/Michah 5. 1], speaking of the rejection and execution of MESSIAH
YESHUA.
Furthermore, the prophecy not only foresees YESHUA'S birth in
Bethlehem, HIS rejection and denial by HIS OWN people, and HIS eventual
rule as SOVEREIGN KING over Israel and the whole world; but also that
this same remarkable PERSON HIMSELF was GOD OMNIPOTENT! YESHUA had been
"from everlasting. " HE is eternal proceeding from GOD THE FATHER.
JESUS, the ANOINTED ONE, did not become GOD'S SON when HE was born in
Bethlehem; HE had been coming forth eternally revealing the HEAVENLY
FATHER. "No one has seen GOD at any time. The ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, WHO is
in the bosom of the FATHER, HE has declared HIM." [John 1. 18]
Another truth is obscurely disguised in the affirmation of "goings
forth" which is also used for the flowing of water from a fountain or
spring, the radiation from the sun, an issue, an export, a source.
Thus, the never-ending flowing forth of power from the MAJESTIC CREATOR
through the SON is nothing less than the sustaining energy for the whole
of HIS creation as HE is "upholding all things by the WORD OF HIS
POWER." [Hebrews 1. 3] Yes, this is THE BABE of Bethlehem... the
GLORIOUS KING of the whole world.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Merry CHRISTmas! Let us celebrate the day our BELOVED LORD JESUS came by
entering into HIS PRESENCE & LIGHT with thanksgiving and praise to the
KING OF GLORY.
"Have a Joyous CHRISTmas Season! - Our SAVIOUR, the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL
reigns!" Our prayer for each of you is to have firsthand knowledge of
our living salvation through our GREAT MESSIAH, KING YESHUA Who'S coming
to earth we celebrate this time of year. May you share wonderful
holy-days together with friends and family.
Our love to each of you. . . Rabbi Del & Rifkah
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. . .
This world is like an Inn; the world-to-come, like Home!
A CHRISTMAS MEDITATION
WHO was this who was born on that far-off CHRISTmas Day? What manner of
CHILD was this whose first bed was a rude, dusty manger? Did anyone
know?
Yes! Miryam (Mary) knew. Scarcely more than a child though she was,
her soul was exalted beyond our imagining as she listened to the
announcement of the angel, "That HOLY CHILD which shall be born of you
shall be called the SON OF GOD!"
Joseph also knew, direct from an angel. The wise men knew. . . drawn
from the far corners of the earth as by a magnet. The angels knew, and
all the wide golden streets of heaven were crowded with them, their
faces shining with joy, and their chorus of rejoicing rising again and
again, "Glory to GOD in the highest, and on earth peace, good will
toward men!" Even the living stars knew. And, one of their number was
appointed to hang in luminous beauty over the spot where the YOUNG CHILD
lay.
The world, the one most concerned, the world - - then as now before HIS
second coming, went blindly on its way. But, thanks to ETERNAL GOD, you
and I not only know, but incredible wonder of wonders, we have a
personal relationship with that PERFECT ONE WHO left HIS ivory palaces
and the glory which HE had with ALMIGHTY GOD before the earth was, and
walked here awhile in humiliation.
We know that ALMIGHTY GOD HIMSELF spoke from heaven saying, "This is MY
BELOVED SON, in WHOM I am well pleased!" SON OF GOD, KING of kings and
LORD of lords! The GREAT DESIGNER and CREATOR of the Universe, for
without HIM was nothing made that was made. Our GREAT HIGH PRIEST, ever
living to make intercession for us. SIN-BEARER, and yet future JUDGE,
for all judgment is committed unto the BELOVED ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON; the
CAPTAIN of our salvation, the AUTHOR & FINISHER of our faith, the BRIGHT
& MORNING STAR, the RESURRECTION & LIFE!
As instructed, Miryam (Mary) called HIM, "YESHUA (SAVIOUR..." for besides
ME, there is no SAVIOUR, says YEHOWAH" Isaiah/Yeshayah 43.11)" –
HIS NAME is also called: "WONDERFUL (PELE: secret, mysterious, a marvel,
extraordinary, a wonder, something hard to understand), COUNSELOR
(YAH'ATS), MIGHTY GOD (GIBOWR'EL), EVERLASTING FATHER (AD AB), PRINCE OF
PEACE (SAR SHALOWM)." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 9. 6]
"NO ROOM FOR HIM AT THE INN!" Could any inn contain the LORD OF GLORY?
The wonder is that the walls of that small stable did not part and
stretch far, far away to the ends of the universe in a vain effort to
make a dwelling place vast enough to house INFINITY!
Yet this same sinless, INCOMPARABLE, UNSURPASSED ONE suffered
indescribable tortures because of HIS great love for you and me! For
long dreadful hours the LORD JESUS hung upon the cross, bearing the
guilt and shame of my sins and the sins of all the world. HE conquered
death and hell for me. . . HE walks the earth with me. . . HE has given
heaven to me!
It is too much, I cannot grasp such amazing depths of love. I can only
remove the shoes from off my feet and bow in silent adoration at the
door of that little stable in Bethlehem and worship my SAVIOUR, my GOD,
MESSIAH YESHUA, my LORD & KING!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
May our lips ever declare praises the LORD JESUS our KING, HELPER,
SAVIOUR & SHIELD for HIS loving kindness is mighty over us.
Have a joyous & peace-filled CHRISTmas! Remember always the HOLY ONE
WHOM we celebrate and adore this special SeaSON!
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. . .
Thanks be to GOD for HIS INDESCRIBABLE GIFT – YESHUA. . . HE is too
wonderful for words!
MY CHOSEN SERVANT
"For HE has said: 'It is too little a thing that YOU should be MY
SERVANT to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of
Israel; I will also make YOU as a LIGHT to the nations, that YOU should
be MY SALVATION to the ends of the earth.'" [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 49. 6
Tanakh, Nevi'im]
In preparing to send the Promised MESSIAH to the earth bringing
salvation to a world lost in sin, FATHER GOD spoke these words to HIS
ONLY BEGOTTEN SON. Not only Israel would be restored as GOD'S elect
nation, but also the Gentile nations would be reached and the GOOD NEWS
spread throughout the world.
It was the old prophet, Simeon who referred to this prophecy when he
took the infant YESHUA into his arms and declared, "LORD, now YOU are
letting YOUR servant depart in peace, according to YOUR WORD; for my
eyes have seen YOUR SALVATION which YOU have prepared before the face of
all peoples, a LIGHT to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory
of YOUR people Israel." [Luke 2. 29 – 32; see also Isaiah 9. 2 –
YESHUA is that LIGHT.]
The OLD COVENANT is replete with similar prophecies: "I, the LORD, have
called YOU in righteousness, and will hold YOUR hand. I will keep YOU
and give YOU as a COVENANT to the people, as a LIGHT to the Gentiles."
[Isaiah/Yeshayah 42. 6] "Arise, shine; for your LIGHT has come! The
glory of the LORD has shone upon you. Behold! Darkness shall cover the
earth, and deep darkness the people; but the LORD will arise over you,
and HIS PRESENCE will be seen over you. The Gentiles shall come to YOUR
LIGHT, and kings to the brightness of YOUR rising." [Isaiah (Yeshayah)
60. 1 - 3 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Even the Magi who came to worship the CHILD in Bethlehem were prophesied
about. "Kings shall tend your children, and queens shall serve you as
nursing mothers. They shall bow to you, faces to the ground, and lick
the dust of your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD — for
those who wait for and trust in ME shall not be shamed." [Isaiah
(Yeshayah) 49. 23 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Preaching to the Gentiles, Paul boldly shared this truth. "For so the
LORD has commanded us: 'I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, that
you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.'" [Acts 13. 47]
"…this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no
other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come
— that the CHRIST would suffer, that HE would be the first to rise
from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the
Gentiles." [Acts 26. 22 - 23]
The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH not only enlightens both Jew and
Gentile, but HE is the LIGHT OF THE WORLD WHO has come that we might
have life and that more abundantly. That PROMISED ONE is with us, even
to the ends of the world.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Be blessed as we bid farewell to Shabbat! May the ALMIGHTY ONE, WHO
separates the holy from the secular, forgive our sins and grant us a
good week as we continue in HIS service!! Walk boldly in the light and
warmth of GOD'S compelling love. And, may the HOLY ONE fill you with HIS
perfect peace, wonderful joy and indescribable happiness.
Have a joyous CHRIST-filled CHRISTmas Season! -- Oh come, let us adore
HIM, CHRIST the LORD!
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. . .
Sabbath is the "sign of the tie" that binds us to the ALMIGHTY ONE OF
ISRAEL!
GOLDEN LAMPSTAND
"You shall make a lampstand of pure gold; the lampstand shall be made of
hammered work; its base and its shaft, its cups, calyxes and petals
shall be of ONE PIECE. Six branches shall issue from its sides; three
branches from one side of the lampstand, and three branches from the
other side of the lampstand." [Exodus (Shemot) 25. 31 - 32 Tanakh,
Torah]
The seven-branch lampstand is a picture of the Seven-Lamps before the
Throne in heaven. "And from the throne proceeded lightnings,
thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the
throne, which are the SEVEN SPIRITS OF GOD." [Revelation 4. 5] Moses
was told to make the Tabernacle and its furnishings "according to the
pattern" he was shown for they served as copies and shadows of heavenly
things. [Exodus/Shemot 25. 9; Hebrews 8. 5]
The Hebrew word "menorah" means "place of light" -- a lampstand. The
TRUE & LIVING GOD instructed the children of Israel to make it of one
block of pure gold. There was no wood in this Lampstand at all. Gold
is symbolic of DIVINITY and wood of humanity. CREATOR GOD, not man, is
the AUTHOR OF LIGHT. The LORD JESUS is "THE MENORAH." YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH is the LIGHT OF THE WORLD, the LIGHT OF THE JEWS, the LIGHT
OF THE GENTILES [Luke 2. 32; John 1. 9; 8. 12], and the LIGHT in the New
City coming down out of heaven. In the Holy City no light from the sun,
moon or stars are needed because "the LAMB is the LIGHT." [Revelation
21. 23]
The Golden Lampstand, symbolic of spiritual light and understanding,
stood in the Holy Place. One must come into the Holy Place with GOD
EVERLASTING KING and walk by HIS LIGHT in order to enjoy fellowship with
HIM. No service in the natural light is acceptable to the FATHER OF
LIGHT for "the natural man does not receive the things of the SPIRIT OF
GOD, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they
are spiritually discerned." [1 Corinthians 2. 14]
The Menorah was not made in a mold or fashioned in sections then
connected together; but it was beaten into shape outside of the Holy
Place, then brought inside. The LORD JESUS, WHO is the LIGHT OF THE
WORLD, was found "in fashion as a MAN" – HE received the hammer of
ALMIGHTY GOD'S judgment upon HIM for the sins of the world outside of
Heaven. It was outside of the City of Jerusalem that JESUS endured the
suffering on Calvary's Cross. Through HIS sufferings, YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH was "made perfect" [Hebrews 2. 10] and then was received up
into Heaven (the Holy Place). [Hebrews 9. 24] "Ought not the CHRIST to
have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?" [Luke 24. 26]
{Noteworthy Comment: On earth, the LORD JESUS was not permitted to enter
the Holy Place for HE was not a Levite; the MESSIAH was of the tribe of
Judah.}
The pure gold represents a DIVINE nature; beaten gold signifies DIVINE
workmanship. For the children of the LORD GOD OF HOSTS, this would mean
the renewing of our minds, beaten into shape. "The words YOU inscribed
give light and grant understanding to the simple." [Psalms (Tehillym)
119. 130 Tanakh, Kethuvim] We are to be renewed in the spirit of our
mind [Ephesians 4. 23] the way the SPIRIT OF GOD renews our mind to
think like MESSIAH YESHUA in HIS humility. "The SPIRIT OF THE LORD shall
rest upon HIM; the SPIRIT OF WISDOM & INSIGHT, the SPIRIT OF COUNSEL &
VALOUR, the SPIRIT OF KNOWLEDGE, DEVOTION & REVERENCE for the LORD."
[Isaiah (Yeshayah) 11. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
OMNIPOTENT GOD is very specific concerning the form of this article of
furniture even to the bud, knop, flower, and every branch; but HE does
not give any measurement to it. The HOLY ONE has as much purpose in
omitting instructions as HE does including them in HIS INSTRUCTIVE WORD.
There is no measure or dimensions given for the Menorah. There is no
measure to light! Light is limitless, without measure or dimension; so
the LORD JESUS in HIS light, love, truth, grace and mercy is matchless
and limitless.
The six branches were to come "out of the sides" of the Lampstand. It
was on the sixth day that man was created. Six is the number that
signifies man and man's working day, it is an incomplete number. The
six branches coming out of the sides of the Central Shaft are a very
part of the Central Shaft which symbolizes the HOLY & RIGHTEOUS GOD.
Therefore, each branch is a picture of man coming out of GOD, born of
HIM ...from HIS thigh.
The Hebrew word for shaft is "yarek" which literally means "to be soft,
thigh (the fruitful parts), the seat of life." The six branches joined
together with the Central Branch make "seven" which is the perfect
number. We are complete in YESHUA ha'MASHIACH. The six branches
represent the CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD. The LORD JESUS hung upon
Golgotha's Cross and from HIS SIDE there flowed a stream of blood and
water which gives life to those who come to HIM and are a part of HIM.
We, the Church -- HIS people, come "out of the side" of the CENTRAL
BRANCH and from the "thigh" of the CENTRAL SHAFT!
The LORD MESSIAH, JESUS THE REDEEMER said, "I am the VINE, you are the
branches. Whoever abides in ME, and I in him, bears much fruit; for
without ME (severed from ME) you can do nothing." [John 15. 5] Severed
from the CENTRAL FIGURE, we cannot stand in the Holy Place; but, we are
joined to HIM, made possible by HIS wonderful sacrifice and HIS
resurrection from the dead. HalleluYAH!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
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
KING OF GLORY, the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, WHO gives True Sabbath
Peace & Rest. Grace be with you all, Amen
"Therefore GOD also has highly exalted HIM and given HIM the NAME
which is above every name, that at the NAME of JESUS every knee should
bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the
earth, and that every tongue should confess that JESUS CHRIST is LORD,
to the glory of GOD THE FATHER." [Philippians 2. 9-11]
Blessings to each of you this Special Holiday celebrating our WONDERFUL
SAVIOUR coming to earth to bring us to HIMSELF!
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. . .
Believing is a fine thing, but executing those beliefs is a test of
strength.
MESSIAH'S BIRTHPLACE
"And you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, least among the clans of Judah, from
you ONE shall come forth to rule Israel for ME -- ONE WHOSE origin is
from of old, from ancient times." [Micah (Michah) 5. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Micah indicates the birthplace of MESSIAH OF ISRAEL as Bethlehem
Ephrathah (about 6 miles southwest of Jerusalem) was also the birthplace
of King David. Bethlehem means "House of Bread." Ephrathah comes from
the root word meaning "fruitful." Both names convey the fertility of the
region. The YESHUA ha'MASHIACH (ANOINTED ONE) is that BREAD WHO came
down out of heaven, WHO was born in the HOUSE OF BREAD and WHO is the
FRUITFUL ONE as it was prophesied.
In this poor, meager and inconspicuous little town, ONE was to be born
WHO could take the foolish things of this world and confound the wise;
WHO , by HIS coming, could transform the unlovely into a thing of
beauty; WHO could, by HIS very presence, compel the learned to bow in
humility before HIM, and kings to lay their authority at HIS feet!
Though HE was to be RULER (KING) in Israel, the LORD JESUS, GOD'S
ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON was meek and lowly in heart. The OMNIPOTENT LORD GOD
chose a stable in the smallest town in Judah for birth of HIS UNIQUE
SON, rather than a royal palace. But when the SAVIOUR was born there,
the unlovely, unimportant small town was transformed, and the least
became the greatest. Lambs are born in stables, not palaces. GOD'S
PRECIOUS GIFT came as the "LAMB OF GOD" to be sacrificed.
Today, the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH is still searching for a place in
the heart of the insignificant, unlovely least of all the people. HE
desires to take up HIS abode there withIN such hearts. And when the
GREAT & MIGHTY TRANSFORMER does enter, HE will (in a sense) do with our
useless, worthless life as HE did with the little town in which HE was
born! With GOD, we are no longer "just human" for HE transforms us into
"NEW CREATURES" for HIS glory and praise.
We who have opened the door of our hearts and lives to the LORD JESUS
and allowed HIM room to be born there, though poor, needy, lost and
unworthy we can rejoice exceedingly! The reason: We realize that GOD
MOST HIGH, in HIS infinite, great and boundless love has spoken and
fulfilled HIS promise to us touching our individual lives. "But
you...though you are little, yet out of you shall HE come forth to ME
"THE ONE" to be RULER...WHOSE goings forth are from of old, from
everlasting. "
Just as our BLESSED LORD has promised, we are now HIS OWN special
people, zealous for good works, who have been called out of darkness
into HIS MARVELOUS LIGHT!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
LORD our GOD, sit on YOUR Throne of Truth, establish mercy, seek justice
and hasten righteousness! May all men everywhere praise and glorify YOUR
HOLY NAME - Amen!
Blessings to everyone as you celebrate the coming of our SAVIOUR & LORD.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/