Delrifkah: HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY.

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
If you don’t know what you’re willing to die for, then you don’t know what you’re living for! 

HAZARDS OF INTENTIONAL SINNING 
"But the person, be he citizen or stranger, who acts defiantly (with upraised hand) reviles the LORD; that person shall be cut off from among his people, because he has despised the WORD OF THE LORD, and violated HIS commandment, that person shall be completely cut off — his guilt shall be upon him." [Numbers (B’Midvar) 15. 30 - 31 Tanakh, Torah] 

Under the Mosaic Law, the first four chapters of Leviticus provides forgiveness of sins committed unintentionally. And again in the book of Numbers, it is recorded how those sins may be atoned for — "And if a person sins unintentionally, then he shall bring a she-goat goat in its first year as a sin offering. So the priest shall make atonement for the person who sins unintentionally, when he sins unintentionally before the LORD, to make atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him." [Numbers (B’Midvar) 15. 27 - 29 Tanakh, Torah; also Leviticus/Vayikra 4. 27 – 31, 35] 

However, it is altogether different for the one who deliberately disobeyed GOD’S Law. The one who so despised GOD’S commandment was to be put to death. "He who despises the WORD will be destroyed, but he who respects a command will be rewarded." [Proverbs (Mishle) 13. 13 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

The GOD of the OLD COVENANT is also the GOD of the NEW COVENANT, "For I am the LORD — I do not change." [Malachi (Malakhi) 3. 6 Tanakh, Nevi’im] The OLD COVENANT contains GOD’S Law, but also HIS love, mercy, and grace is affluently recorded, such as: "Turn us back, O LORD, to YOURSELF, and we will be restored; renew our days as of old." [Lamentations (Eicha) 5. 21 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "O LORD! I have heard YOUR speech and am awed (afraid), O LORD, by YOUR deeds. Renew YOUR work in the midst of the years! In the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy." [Habakkuk 3. 2 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

In this age or dispensation of mercy and grace, many might say that this harshness of GOD’S Law has been replaced by HIS love. There is abundant pardon for all sins, and HE will forgive us. "If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." [1 John 1. 9] But, "if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins...Anyone who has rejected Moses' law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the SON OF GOD underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? — It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the LIVING GOD." [Hebrews 10. 26, 28 - 29, 31] 

If this warning only applied to those who have willfully renounced faith in the LORD YESHUA ha’MASHIACH, the question still remains whether one with true saving faith will willfully sin against the known will of GOD, as revealed in HIS HOLY WORD. 

Whoever says, "I know HIM" and does not keep HIS commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." [1 John 2. 4] And, "whoever does not practice righteousness is not of GOD, nor is he who does not love his brother." [1 John 3. 10] 

Only the ALL-KNOWING HEAVENLY FATHER GOD knows the heart, but those who call themselves "CHRIST-ians" who deliberately reject and disobey HIS LIFE-GIVING WORD should at least examine themselves, whether they be in the faith; test themselves and know of a certainty that JESUS CHRIST, the LORD OF GLORY is in them…lest they be disqualified. [2 Corinthians 13. 5 – 6] 

"Come now, and let us reason together — says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as snow-white; though they are red like crimson, they can become like fleece...If you are willing and obedient." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 1. 18 - 19a Tanakh, Nevi’im] And the SAVIOR, the PRINCE OF PEACE is still bidding…"Return to ME, and I will return to you." 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Be gracious to us ALMIGHTY LORD GOD that we may understand and fulfill the Teaching of YOUR WORD. Enlighten our eyes in YOUR Law that we may cling to YOUR commandments. Unite our hearts to love and revere YOU and to learn YOUR WORDS and wisdom. Keep us ever grateful and grant us YOUR perfect rest. Amen. We are reminded that justice is our duty and a better world our goal. LORD YOU are my PRAISE, my STRENGTH, my FORTRESS, my REFUGE — in days of affliction and at all times. 
the 46th Day of the Omer 

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Unless we remember, we cannot understand. [-Edward Morgan Foster] GOD commanded us to remember because it is only by treasuring the message of the past that we can understand the present and trust HIM for a even more blessed future. 

THROUGH IT ALL 
"But now, thus says the LORD — WHO created you, O Jacob, WHO formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I will redeemed you; I have singled you out by name, YOU ARE MINE. When you pass through water, I will be with you; through streams, they shall not overwhelm you. When you walk through fire, you shall not be scorched; through flame, it shall not burn you." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 43. 1 - 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

This tremendous promise is essentially to be understood in a spiritual connotation — a deliverance through overflowing sorrows and fiery trials. However, the ETERNAL ONE has demonstrated HIS ability to fulfill the spiritual aspects of the promise by HIS miraculous literal fulfillment in the physical realm also. The crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites is one literal example of safely passing through deep waters. 

Those "Three Fiery Israelites — Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach) and Azariah (Abed-nego)" were in Nebuchadnezzar's fiery furnace from where the MOST HIGH GOD delivered them from burning. This, after HE personally joined them in a sizzlingly glorious "triumphant march" through the flames. [Daniel/Danyel 3. 25] As the three emerged untouched from the flames of the "furnace that was heated to excess," the king, the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the royal companions were awe-struck when they "looked at those men, on whose bodies the fire had had no effect, the hair of whose heads had not been singed, whose shirts looked no different, to whom not even the odor of fire clung." [Daniel (Danyel) 3. 22, 27 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

"The world that then existed perished, being flooded with water, but the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same WORD, are reserved for fire until the Day of Judgment and perdition of ungodly men." [2 Peter 3. 6 - 7] The whole world perished once, being flooded with water. But, "a few, that is, eight souls were saved through water." [1 Peter 3. 20] In Noah's Ark, the eight were carried safely away from the violent, sin-filled world. Furthermore, "the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up." [2 Peter 3. 10] However, all who trust in the saving blood of MESSIAH YESHUA will be "saved; yet so as through fire." [1 Corinthians 3. 15] 

In our firmly grounded confidence in the precious LORD JESUS, may we boast as did the psalmist: "YOU have tried us, O GOD, refining us as one refines silver. YOU have caught us in a net, caught us in trammels (restraints, chains) and laid afflictions on our loins. YOU have let men ride over us; we have endured FIRE and WATER, and You have brought us through to prosperity." [Psalms (Tehillym) 66. 10 - 12 Tanakh, Kethuvim] The MIGHTY ETERNAL GOD keeps us through the fires and waters not from them for our refining and HIS glory. 

These recorded accounts of the past and promises of the future assure us that Omnipotent ALL-LOVING GOD is able to deliver us through the deep, difficult waters and painful, burning trials of this immediate life. "That the trial of your faith…though it be tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor and glory at the appearing of MESSIAH YESHUA." [1 Peter 1. 7] Whatever comes our way, whatever trials be our lot, we can trust in our REDEEMER & LORD, through it all. 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Welcoming Rosh Chodesh - the month of Sivan 
The Promised Land and SCRIPTURE in History: 
1 Sivan - Israelites arrive in the wilderness of Sinai. [Exodus/Shemot 19:1] 
2 Sivan – Yom ha’Meyuchas “Day of Distinction”. [Exodus/Shemot 19:4-6] 
6 Sivan - The giving of the TORAH at Sinai (Shavu’ot/Pentecost). [Exodus/Shemot 19:16-25] 
10-16 Sivan - Possible week that Zechariah was visited by Gabriel. [Luke 1:1-23] 
Exalted and hallowed be GOD'S greatness in this world of YOUR creation. May Your will be fulfilled and YOUR sovereignty revealed in the days of our lifetime and the life of the whole House of Israel speedily and in our time, Amen. May YOU be blessed forever, even to all eternity. May YOU, MOST HOLY ONE, be blessed, praised & honored, extolled & glorified, adored & exalted above all else. Blessed are YOU beyond all blessings & hymns, praises & consolations that may be uttered in this world, Amen. May peace abundant descend from heaven with life for us and to all Israel. Amen 
Day 45 of the Omer. 

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Redeem us, O LORD GOD, from the serfdom (slavery) of ignorance and irreverence. 

SINCE THE BEGINNING 
"When YOU did awesome wonders we dared not hope for, YOU came down, the mountains quaked at YOUR PRESENCE. Such things had never been heard or noted since the beginning of the world. No eye has seen them, nor have men heard or perceived them, O GOD, but YOU, WHO act for those who trust and wait for YOU." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 64. 4 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

Paul, drawing from this beautiful OLD COVENANT promise, applied it to believers everywhere of all generations who are guided by the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD. "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which GOD has prepared for those who love HIM." [1 Corinthians 2. 9] We will receive the special rewards especially prepared for us in its proper time. 

We were chosen "in HIM before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before HIM in love." [Ephesians 1. 4] For YESHUA "saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to HIS OWN purpose and grace which was given to us in MESSIAH YESHUA before time began." [2 Timothy 1. 9] The ETERNAL ONE, the HOPE OF ISRAEL even had our redemption from sin planned with the precious blood of CHRIST. The LORD JESUS, GOD'S PRECIOUS BELOVED SON "was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you." [1 Peter 1. 19 - 20] 

Although GOD is infinite and may seem far away, HE is always right by us in everyday life. Such wondrous love is not comprehendible, it is beyond our understanding; but such marvelous things await those who diligently seek God, the MIGHTY ONE OF JACOB. Those who wait for HIM and are found faithful can rejoice, for "your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the MOST HIGH." [Luke 6. 35] 

The LORD YESHUA ha’MASHIACH and the HEAVENLY FATHER are both worthy of abundantly rich blessings: "Worthy is the LAMB WHO was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing! Blessing and honor and glory and power be to HIM WHO sits on the Throne, and to the LAMB, forever and ever! Amen" [Revelation 5. 12 - 13] "Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our GOD forever and ever. Amen" [Revelation 7. 12] Worthy is our LORD GOD MOST HIGH, worthy of all praises, let all who have breath praise the HOLY ONE for HE is praiseworthy, Amen! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
We are called to be heirs of GOD in MESSIAH YESHUA. There is no higher calling in all of creation. Everything happening in our lives is intended to prepare us for this high calling by working in us the nature of the MASTER DESIGNER. CHRIST JESUS is the ANSWER to every human problem, and HE is the ANSWER to every problem we're now facing, and those that are about to come upon us. It is not just that HE has the answers, but HE is the ANSWER. 
If we are living in the knowledge that the ONE we serve is over all rulers and authorities and dominions, why should we fear? Every challenge is an opportunity to grow in faith, so a key to the victorious life is to not waste our trials…let them strengthen us as we continue in our “higher calling.” 
Rosh Chodesh begins this evening. 
Day 44 of the Omer. 

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


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Don't seek to be seen; but seek to shine that others may see. 

CHASTISEMENT of OUR PEACE 
"HE (YESHUA ha’MASHIACH) was wounded because of our sins (transgressions), HE was bruised because of our iniquities (sin, wickedness). HE bore the chastisement (punishment) for our peace that made us whole, and with HIS stripes healing was granted to us." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 53. 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

Isaiah 52:13 thru 53:12 contain the clearest and fullest exposition of the substitutionary sacrifice of the LORD YESHUA ha’MASHIACH for our sins found in the HOLY SCRIPTURES. The PRECIOUS LAMB that was slain in our place. 

The two most important themes focused on in Isaiah are Law & Judgment and Grace & Salvation paralleling all the other books of both the OLD & NEW COVENANTS. The prophecies of John the Baptist's coming to prepare the way of MESSIAH are there along with the prophecies of things to happen before the second coming of the LORD JESUS CHRIST along with the New Heavens and the New Earth. 

The central theme of Isaiah records MESSIAH YESHUA'S chastisement upon HIMSELF for our peace. Salvation is the very heart of the GOSPEL. YESHUA ha'MASHIACH was "wounded...pierced through" as with great spikes and "bruised — crushed to death" for our sins that we could receive peace and reconciliation of being restored with GOD ALMIGHTY because the LORD JESUS was "chastised" {Hebrew: "musar" means discipline, punishment, correction, chastening, a shameful humbling} in our place. YESHUA, the CRUCIFIED ONE "was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification." [Romans 4. 25] 

The WONDERFUL SHEPHERD & OVERSEER of our soul, "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] And, we are forever "healed" of our malignant, lethal sin-sickness because HE received the harsh blows of the Roman whip that caused the "stripes" that should have been unleashed upon us. 

Oh! the unfathomable, immeasurably wondrous love the HOLY OMNISCIENT CREATOR has for us! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Grant us peace, YOUR most precious gift, O ETERNAL SOURCE OF PEACE. Flood blessings on YOUR people that we may be a stronghold of peace and proclaim YOUR salvation. May contentment reign with each heart, health and happiness in the homes of those YOU redeemed. Strengthen the bonds of friendship and fellowship and plant virtue in every soul, and may the love of YOUR HOLY NAME permeate every heart. Praised are YOU, O LORD, GIVER of peace. 
Celebrating Yom Yerusalayim—Jerusalem Day "If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget her skill. If I do not remember you, let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth — If I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy." Psalms/Tehillym 137:5-6 GOD has put HIS NAME in Jerusalem: "In this House, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all tribes of Israel, will I put MY NAME forever." 2 Kings/Melakhim Bet 21:7b As it goes for Jerusalem, so it will go for the rest of the world...do not be deceive into thinking anything less. 
Through the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA, Israel will be renowned, joyous, famous and glorious above all the nations on earth. Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 33.9 You are the watchmen GOD has placed on the walls of Jerusalem. "I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; They shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the LORD, do not keep silent, and give HIM no rest till HE establishes and till HE makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth." Isaiah/Yeshayah 62:6-7 Those who mourn over Jerusalem will witness her joy! 
Day 43 of the Omer. 

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


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Pray, don't complain! 

FIGHT OF FAITH 
"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." [1 Timothy 6. 12] 

Genuine saving faith in the LORD JESUS CHRIST is not characterized by a single act of belief, but by a life lived in faith. This fact is depicted and expressed throughout HOLY SCRIPTURE. 

FAITH IS A DOOR by which we may enter into the family of the redeemed. Paul reported how OMNISCIENT GOD "had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles" [Acts 14. 27] it then becomes a "household of faith" [Galatians 6. 10] to all who have entered. "The just shall live by faith." [Galatians 3. 11] 

FAITH IS WORK "Remembering without ceasing your work of faith" [1 Thessalonians 1. 3] is crucially imperative, because "faith without works is dead." [James 2. 20] Love is done in deed and truth, "By grace you are saved through faith…not of works" but we are "created in MESSIAH YESHUA unto good works." [Ephesians 2. 8 - 10] It is work to keep the faith, it is a labor of love done in patience of hope that is before us in the power and strength of the TRUE & FAITHFUL ONE, the LORD JESUS. 

FAITH IS A FIGHT We are to fight a good fight of faith. "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." [1 Timothy 6. 12] CHRISTians are constantly under attack by Satan, and it is only through faith that we can stand. "Let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love." [1 Thessalonians 5. 8] Our faith becomes an invincible shield "able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one." [Ephesians 6. 16] When we actively take and use it, "this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith." [1 John 5. 4] MESSIAH YESHUA comforts, strengthens and encourages us with HIS words, "These things I have spoken to you, that in ME you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." [John 16. 33] 

Therefore, like the patriarch Abraham, we should not waver at the promise of GOD through unbelief. We should be "strong in faith, giving glory to GOD." [Romans 4. 20] Our faith is well placed, for it centers on the LORD YESHUA, the MIGHTY CREATOR, the LIVING SAVIOR & SOON-COMING KING. There is a door of faith, then a household of faith, followed by the work of faith, and the fight of faith, with the shield of faith, and all of this is in the wonderful "WORD of faith, which we preach." [Romans 10. 8] 

When we dwell with GOD MOST HIGH, our sure place of defense is our REFUGE, the MIGHTY FORTRESS. And, our faith is firmly established in the LORD YESHUA ha’MASHIACH — the SOLID ROCK, the FOUNTAIN OF LIVING WATERS. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
As we bid farewell to Sabbath, we share the blessed hope that, in YESHUA, every day will be as sweet as Shabbat — a rest of love freely given in truth and sincerity — a rest in peace and tranquility, quiet and safety — a perfect rest in which you find favor of the LORD JESUS! Have a good week, may gladness reign and joy increase. May peace abundant descend from heaven with life for us and to all Israel, Amen. 
Have a perfect week celebrating in the LORD. 
Yom Yerushalayim begins this evening. Those who mourn over Jerusalem will witness her joy! 
Day 42 of the Omer. 

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

SavedbyFaith.info - Daily Mail
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Life’s purposes are greater than our imaginations.. 

GOD OUR SAVIOR 
"For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of GOD our SAVIOR toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to HIS mercy HE saved us." [Titus 2. 3 - 5] 

Six times in the Apostle Paul’s epistles he refers to GOD THE FATHER as our SAVIOR: 1 Timothy 1. 1; 2:3; 4:10; Titus 1:3; 2:10; 3:4. However, he and other writers of the NEW COVENANT identify MESSIAH YESHUA as the SAVIOR. For instance: "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. To HIM be the glory both now and forever. Amen." [2 Peter 3. 18] Paul is decisively letting all know with full certainty that his commission to preach the Gospel came from both "GOD our SAVIOR" [Titus 1. 3], and by "revelation of JESUS CHRIST." [Galatians 1. 12] 

This is definitely not a contradiction, in fact the references to GOD as our SAVIOR should not surprise us, for it is found several times in the OLD COVENANT as well. "For I the LORD am your GOD, the HOLY ONE OF Israel, your SAVIOR." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 43. 3 Tanakh, Nevi’im] "YOU are indeed GOD, WHO hides YOURSELF, O GOD of Israel, the SAVIOR!" [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 45. 15 Tanakh, Nevi’im] "There is no other god besides ME, a JUST GOD and a SAVIOR; there is none besides ME." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 45. 21 Tanakh, Nevi’im] "Only I am the LORD am your GOD ever since the land of Egypt; and you shall know no true god but ME; you have never had a savior other than ME." [Hosea (Hoshea) 13. 4 Tanakh, Nevi’im] "They forgot GOD their SAVIOR." [Psalms (Tehillym) 106. 21 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Furthermore, our understanding of the TRINITY insists that all THREE PERSONS of the GODhead are ONE GOD. MESSIAH made many references to the fact that HE was not acting on HIS OWN, but came to do "the will of HIM WHO sent ME." [John 6. 38] Again, the Apostle Paul was quite comfortable to make the statement concerning the FATHER and the SON as SAVIOR when he wrote, "GOD our SAVIOR...Grace, mercy, and peace from GOD THE FATHER and the LORD Jesus CHRIST our SAVIOR." [Titus 1. 3 - 4] This only confirms, without a doubt, that YESHUA ha’MASHIACH is GOD. 

While the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA was the PRIMARY INSTRUMENT of salvation being the PERFECT SACRIFICE for sin, GOD THE FATHER is the SOURCE of all human salvation, and in application of the title SAVIOR to HIM is most appropriate. Indeed, we secure great comfort as we see the role of all THREE PERSONS of the GODhead involved in our salvation. 

"In this is love, not that we loved GOD, but that HE loved us and sent HIS SON to be the PROPITIATION for our sins." [1 John 4. 10] There is salvation in no other! 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Welcome Sabbath! – Queen of the week! Praised are YOU, YEHOWAH, our GOD, SOVEREIGN of the Universe, WHO makes us holy with YOUR mitzvoth and favors us with the Holy Shabbat, lovingly and graciously given to us, a memorial of the act of creation, first of the holy assemblies. We thank YOU, Great & MIGHTY GOD for by YOUR mercies and grace we were taught the sanctity of the weekly day of rest, keep us ever grateful and grant us perfect rest in YOU. Amen 
Enjoy the peace and harmony of Shabbat as it is a gift of time in which we can put things in order and allow the ALMIGHTY to be GOD in our lives. 
Day 41 of the Omer. 

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Pride is the reservoir of sin. Wicked depravity results in permissiveness (tolerance) when righteousness is disregarded; permissiveness leads to rationalization (validation) when holiness is ignored; and rationalization encourages rebellion (repulsive insurrection, defiance) when repentance is ignored. 

WICKED IMAGINATIONS 
"Once you thought in your heart — I will climb to the sky; higher than the stars of GOD I will set my throne. I will sit in the mount of assembly, on the farthest sides of the north on the summit of Zaphon — I will be like the MOST HIGH." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 14. 13 - 14 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

These are four of the I wills of Lucifer (Satan) as this wicked one aspired to usurp the throne of the MOST HIGH GOD as ruler of the universe. [Isaiah/Yeshayah 14. 12 - 15; Ezekiel/Yehezke-El 28. 11 - 17] Lucifer was not content to be "the anointed cherub" the highest of the archangels, he wanted to be GOD. . . and this horrendous, hideously monstrous pride became "the condemnation of the devil" [1 Timothy 3. 6], so that he is now "fallen from heaven" and will soon be "brought down to Sheol, to the bottom of the Pit." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 14. 12 - 15 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

The Old Dragon, Satan the Devil, certainly is not the Omnipotent GREAT Creator, he was a created creature. "You (the king of Tyre— Lucifer) were blameless in your ways from the day you were created until wickedness and wrongdoing was found in you." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 28. 15 Tanakh, Nevi'im] The Devil is a brutal Thief and a vicious Liar and, at best, can only counterfeit. Therefore, for him to rationalize his ambition to be like the MOST HOLY ONE, he must somehow convince himself that he is like GOD ALMIGHTY — that is to say, that ETERNAL LORD OF HOSTS was a created being like himself, and thus can be defeated. How arrogant! 

Instead of giving the glory and honor to the COMPASSIONATE MIGHTY CREATOR, many men and women today view the EVER-LIVING ONE as one of many and even think they will become gods with their own planets to control, or believe that they are little gods already. Even the Devil didn't go that far, he only desired to be like ALMIGHTY GOD. 

Lucifer, that evil beast, was the first deceiving evolutionist and this great lie by which he deceived himself became the basis of all other lies which are found in various religions and philosophies in modern new-age cults. However, the ANCIENT OF DAYS is still on HIS Throne and "the LAMB will overcome; for HE is LORD of lords, and KING of kings." [Revelation 17. 14] HalleluYAH!!! May we know and serve the LORD OF GLORY as HE alone is worthy of all praise and adoration. 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Blessed be the name of the LORD GOD for ever and ever for wisdom and might are HIS. We ask YOU, MOST HOLY SAVIOR, to quicken our understanding in the fear of the LORD, and we praise YOU for being our SOURCE of overflowing joy! 
Day 40 of the Omer. 

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


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
It is possible to evade a multitude of sorrows by the cultivation of an insignificant life. 

TERRIBLY SHAKEN 
"Men shall go into the caverns in the rock and into the caves of the earth — from the terror of the LORD and the glory of HIS majesty, when HE arises to overawe and shake the earth mightily." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 2. 19 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

From the time of the Great Flood when the whole world was greatly convulsed and trembled, the earth has been in a state of instability resulting in various earthquakes. And as of late, there are more and more reported nearly daily somewhere around the world. 

In spite of the destruction and wreckage some quakes have already caused, there is some coming that will exceed anything ever yet experienced. The earthquake prophesied to be even more devastating there in the prophesy of Isaiah and from Haggai, "For thus says the LORD OF HOSTS: — In just a little while, I will once more shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; I will shake all nations. And they shall come to the DESIRE all nations, and I will fill this Temple with glory — says the LORD OF HOSTS." [Haggai (Chagai) 2. 6 - 7 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

This tremendously dreadful earthquake is also predicted in the Book of Revelation. "I looked when HE opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of HIM WHO sits on the Throne and from the wrath of the LAMB! For the Great Day of HIS wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" [Revelation 6. 12 - 17] 

The LORD YESHUA will come in flaming fire "taking vengeance on those who do not know GOD, and on those who do not obey the Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the LORD and from the glory of HIS power, when HE comes in that Day, to be glorified in HIS saints and to be admired among all those who believe." [2 Thessalonians 1. 8 - 10] 

When these judgments of ALMIGHTY GOD are in the earth, those who have rejected the love of the only sin-bearing SAVIOR will still remain unrepentant and will simply be trying to flee HIS anger, trying to hide from fierce anger of the AWESOME GOD OF WRATH. 

Our LOVING GOD is long-suffering, but "the great day of HIS wrath" will surely come. "The earth is ferociously breaking, violently broken, the earth is crumbling, split open, the earth is shaken exceedingly. The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, tottering to and fro like a hut. Its iniquity shall weigh it down, and it will fall, and not rise again." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 24. 19 – 20 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

Finally there will come "noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed GOD because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great." [Revelation 16. 18, 20 - 21] 

However, to those who belong to the PRINCE OF PEACE, MESSIAH YESHUA, there will be deliverance from the wrath to come. We are promised, "that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a Kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve GOD acceptably with reverence and godly fear." [Hebrews 12. 27 - 29] 

Pray that you may be found worthy to escape the things that will come to pass. 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
We gratefully acknowledge, O LORD, our GOD, that YOU are our CREATOR & PRESERVER, the ROCK of our life and the SHIELD of our help. We render thanks to YOU for our lives which are in YOUR hand, for our souls which are ever in YOUR keeping, for YOUR wondrous providence and for YOUR continuous goodness, which YOU bestow upon us day by day. Truly, YOUR mercies never fail and YOUR loving-kindness never ceases. Therefore, we confidently, and most gratefully put our trust in YOU. 
Day 39 of the Omer. 

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


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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Freedom is having morals to do what we should do, freedom is not just doing what we want to do. 

THOSE RESPONSIBLE — EVERYONE! (Conclusion) 
The crucifixion of the MESSIAH YESHUA OF NAZARETH is an event in which the whole world took part. HIS Jewish disciples and well-wishers forsook HIM and fled; Gentiles spat on HIM and mocked the LORD OF GLORY. Jews delivered HIM to Pontius Pilate; Gentiles nailed YESHUA to Golgotha's Cross. Jews cried, "Crucify HIM! Crucify HIM!" Gentiles gambled for HIS seamless garment. Believing Jews wept at the foot of the cross; Gentiles crushed the crown of thorns on His brow. Completed Jews brought costly spices; Gentiles offered Him vinegar and gall. MESSIANIC Jews were HIS pallbearers; Gentiles pierced HIS side. Thus, both the Jews and Gentiles are ALL responsible for crucifying our LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, GOD'S PRECIOUS oNLY-BEGOTTEN SON. 

No one is exempt from responsibility in the death of MESSIAH YESHUA! The Jewish prophet Isaiah wrote — "It was our sickness that HE was bearing, our suffering that HE endured. We accounted HIM plagued, smitten and afflicted by GOD; but HE was wounded because of our sins, crushed because of our iniquities; HE bore the chastisement that made us whole, and by HIS bruises we were healed...through the sins of MY people, who deserved the punishment, HE was cut off from the land of the living, it is their punishment that HE bore...and HE bore the guilt of the many and made intercession for sinners." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 53. 4 - 5, 8, 12 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

Before OMNIPOTENT GOD, the entire world is guilty of the crucifixion of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. HIS suffering and death was necessary for our salvation. According to the DIVINE PLAN, the INNOCENT ONE must die in order that we might live. The SON OF RIGHTEOUSNESS must be made sin in order that we might be made righteous in HIM. The MESSIAH must suffer the wrath and judgment of the RIGHTEOUS MOST HOLY LORD GOD so that we might be reconciled to our HEAVENLY MAKER, the LION OF JUDAH, the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL. This ONE WHO was the PERFECT SUBSTITUTE, the PERFECT SACRIFICE, PERFECT RANSOM and PERFECT DELIVERER for our souls is YESHUA ha'MASHIACH (TREASURED LORD — THE WORD — GOD INCARNATE — IMMANU'EL). And we, Jew or Gentile, believing upon HIM and accepting MESSIAH as the MASTER & LORD of our life are pardoned from our sins, are covered over by the blood of the PIERCED LAMB; and we receive HIS life and righteousness! 

With love comes an obligation, if we love the LORD JESUS, we will keep HIS Commandments. Go, therefore, into all the world and tell this "GOOD NEWS"...wholeness (holiness) is available for the asking! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
The Amidah (Judaism's most central prayer, recited 3 times daily) — "Sound the great Shofar to announce our freedom, raise the banner to gather our exiles, and gather us together from the four corners of the earth. Praised are YOU, LORD, WHO gathers the dispersed of HIS people, Israel. And to Jerusalem, YOUR City, may YOU return in mercy. May YOU dwell there as YOU have promised. Build it now in our day and forever, and speedily reestablish the throne of David in her midst. Praised are YOU, Lord, WHO builds Jerusalem. Amen!" 
Day 38 of the Omer. 

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

MIGHT SAY. . . 
A simple maidservant saw miracles on the Red Sea which even Ezekiel did not envision. 

THOSE RESPONSIBLE — GOD THE FATHER (Part 3 of 4) 
Without the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of ALMIGHTY GOD, there could have been no crucifixion scene for it was foreordained before the foundation of the world that the ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD would be "cut off." Jews and Gentiles were gathered together against YESHUA , the MAN OF SORROWS, "to do whatever YOUR (GOD'S) hand and YOUR purpose determined before to be done." [Acts 4. 28] The HOLY ONE HIMSELF, blessed be HE, was responsible for the death of the LORD YESHUA, the UNIQUE ANOINTED ONE! In the very beginning it was GOD, the OMNISCIENT PRE-INCARNATE WORD OF GOD WHO slew an animal in the Garden of Eden, shedding its blood to provide coats of the skin to clothe and cover Adam and Eve. This prefigures the "GREATER SACRIFICE" which the HIGH & LOFTY ONE was to give for the redemptive atonement to "whosoever" will accept HIS free gift. Before the creation of the earth it was in the mind of the HEAVENLY FATHER that the SON would come because HE was the ONLY PERFECT SUBSTITUTE to die that those, believing on HIM, could live. This SINLESS LAMB was "slain before the foundation of the earth" by the determinate counsel of ALMIGHTY OMNIPOTENT GOD! 

"The LORD (GOD THE FATHER) has laid on HIM (GOD THE SON) the iniquity and guilt of all of us. But the LORD (FATHER GOD) chose to bruise HIM (MESSIAH YESHUA); HE (GOD THE FATHER) put HIM (GOD THE SON) to grief and crushed HIM. HE (LORD YESHUA) made HIMSELF an "OFFERING" for sin and guilt, that HE might see offspring and have long life, and that by HIS hand the LORD'S purpose might prosper." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 53. 6, 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

Who bruised the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL? WHO put HIM to grief, and made HIS soul an offering for sin? The MAJESTIC LORD GOD ALMIGHTY! MESSIAH YESHUA HIMSELF foretold that, out of HIS great love, GOD would put HIM to death, "YOU (GOD THE FATHER) commit ME (GOD THE SON) to the dust of death." [Psalms (Tehillym) 22. 15 Tanakh, Kethuvim] The LORD GOD ETERNAL could have prevented that awful scene on Golgotha's Cross by sending legions of angels in defense of JESUS, HIS "ONLY BEGOTTEN SON." HE could have, but as it is written, "HE WHO did not spare HIS OWN SON, but delivered HIM up for us all." [Romans 8. 32] "When HE (YESHUA) came into the world, HE said — Sacrifice and offering YOU did not desire, but a body YOU have prepared for ME. — YESHUA continued — "Behold, I have come to do YOUR will, O GOD. — HE takes away the first that HE may establish the second. By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of JESUS CHRIST once for all." [Hebrews 10. 5, 9 - 10] 

At JESUS' trial, Pilate told HIM that he had the power to release or crucify HIM. YESHUA answered, "You could have no power at all against ME unless it had been given you from above." [John 19. 11] "For GOD so loved the world that HE GAVE HIS ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON, that whoever (Jew or Gentile) believes in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life!" [John 3. 16] 

The crucifixion is not a "historical misunderstanding" nor is it a "tragic event which ended in defeat." The Cross of Golgotha is a FULFILLMENT of a DIVINE Decree made before the foundation of the world! The death of the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH is prophesied and we see the manner of that death portrayed in type and symbol throughout the OLD COVENANT; the furniture of the Wilderness Tabernacles was designed by the LOVING CREATOR, then directed by the ALMIGHTY ONE, the LION OF JUDAH, to be placed in the formation of a Cross! 

When the Israelites were commanded to take up the Tabernacle to travel to another place which the LORD would show them, they were to march with the furniture in a Cross formation. When the people of Israel observed that first Passover in Egypt, they were to kill an innocent, blameless, spotless lamb, then take the blood and strike it on the two side posts and the lintel of their houses. Taking the blood from the basin and striking it on the lintel, the upper part of the doorframe and on the two side posts again fashions the "Cross!" [Exodus/Shemot 12. 22] 

The Breast of the Wave Offering which is waved (side-to-side motion), and the Thigh of the Heave Offering which is raised and lowered (up-and-down motion) . . . "their gift to the LORD, their sacrifice offerings of peace" [Exodus/Shemot 29. 27-28], also form the semblance of a Cross. Thus the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA, through HIS death on a Cross became the PEACE OFFERING reconciling us back to our RIGHTEOUS & HOLY GOD. 
"O how I thank YOU, my BLESSED REDEEMER, my LORD and my GOD!" 

. . . to be continued 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Light is the symbol of the DIVINE. The LORD is my LIGHT and my SALVATION. 
Light is the symbol of the DIVINE in man. The spirit of man is the light of the LORD. 
Light is the symbol of the DIVINE Law. For the commandment is a Lamp and the Law is a Light. 
Light is the symbol of Israel's mission. I, the LORD, have set you for a covenant of the people, for a light to the nations. 
Therefore, in the spirit of our ancient tradition that hallows and unites Israel in all lands and all ages, let us go forth with the light of GOD'S WORD to the nations as HE commanded. 
With much gratitude, we again salute the fallen heroes of our country, and our faith in ALMIGHTY GOD – the HOLY ONE of Israel. 
Day 37 of the Omer. 

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
In time of trouble one tends to make vows; in time of comfort to change one's mind. 

THOSE RESPONSIBLE — MESSIAH (Part 2 of 4) 
"I am the GOOD SHEPHERD. The GOOD SHEPHERD gives HIS life for the sheep. Therefore MY FATHER loves ME because I lay down MY life that I may take it again. No one takes it from ME, but I LAY IT DOWN of MYSELF. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from MY FATHER." [John 10. 11, 17 - 18] 

YESHUA, the ANOINTED ONE, was not forced to die. HE consented to it, for HIS FATHER had so commanded. When Peter took a sword and used it to defend his BELOVED MASTER, JESUS rebuked him — "Put up your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which MY FATHER has given ME?" [John 18. 11] Our WONDERFUL LORD drank the full cup of bitterness so we would not have to. 

It was prophesied in the OLD COVENANT that the MESSIAH would give HIMSELF over to suffering and death. "I offered MY back to the floggers, and MY cheeks to them that tore out MY beard, I did not hide MY face from the shame of insult and spittle." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 50. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Yes, the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH gave HIS head to wear the thorns for you; HE gave HIS cheeks to be struck with many blows for you. "Let HIM give HIS cheek to the one who strikes HIM; and be full of reproach and mockery." [Lamentations (Ekhah) 3. 30 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

JESUS, the MAN OF SORROWS, gave HIS eyes to weep over your sins; HE gave HIS tongue to pray for you; HE gave HIS back to be ploughed for you. "Plowmen plowed across MY back; they made long their furrows." [Psalms (Tehillym) 129. 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

YESHUA, the MERCIFUL REDEEMER OF ISRAEL, then gave HIS side for you to be pierced with a spear; HIS hands opened to the cruel nails; and HE gave HIS soul, an offering for you. Yes, HE clothed HIMSELF in a human body that HE might have it to offer sacrificially for you. "Therefore, when HE came into the world, HE said— Sacrifice and offering YOU did not desire, but a body YOU have prepared for ME." Then HE added — "Behold, I have come to do YOUR will, O GOD. —HE takes away the first that HE may establish the second. By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of JESUS CHRIST once for all." [Hebrews 10. 5, 9 - 10] 

YESHUA ha'MASHIACH possessed a human heart that it might be broken and allowed HIS life's blood to be poured out that it might freely flow giving HIS LIFE for the world! Who-so-ever will may freely receive this PRECIOUS ATONEMENT for sin. Now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation. 

. . . to be continued 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Rejoice and magnify the LORD with me and let us exalt HIS NAME together. HIS glory is in the earth and in the heavens. HE is the strength of all HIS servants, the praise of them that truly love HIM, the HOPE of Israel and the whole world. HalleluYAH! 
Chazaq ve'Emats! — Be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the Law which Moses MY servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This BOOK OF THE LAW shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." [Joshua/Yehoshua 1.7-8] 
Day 36 of the Omer. 

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


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Happy are those whose youth has not shamed their old age! 

THOSE RESPONSIBLE — SATAN (Part 1 of 4) 
One of the parties responsible for the death of the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA is Satan. We read of him in the very first promise of the coming MESSIAH, where ALMIGHTY GOD spoke to the Serpent and said, "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her SEED (JESUS, the ANOINTED ONE); HE shall crush your head, and you will bruise HIS heel." [Genesis (Bereshith) 3. 15 Tanakh, Torah] 

The Old Serpent (Satan) would bruise the heel of the BLESSED REDEEMER, and according to the prophecy, this was done. Literally and precisely, in no other death but crucifixion would the heel of an individual actually be bruised! CHRIST JESUS' heel did crush the head of the Old Serpent (defeating him by HIS death, then raising victoriously from the grave); and MESSIAH'S "heel" — in crushing the Serpent's head, was "bruised" as it was DIVINELY foretold! 

It is the Devil who seeks to prevent the plan of our OMNIPOTENT HOLY GOD and to confuse the minds of the people. This Prince of Darkness is the evil one who entered into the heart of Judas, planted hatred and aroused jealousy in the Sadducees and Pharisees. He not only stirred them up, but also promoted the lying scheme of the LORD JESUS' crucifixion. 

Many claim that the persecution and the suffering visited upon the Jews today is because at the hour of crucifixion the people of Israel shouted: "Let HIS blood be upon us and upon our children." [Matthew 27. 25] This was a wicked prayer (if it could be called a prayer) spoken by unbelieving men. The blood of YESHUA ha'MASHIACH does not cry out for vengeance or retaliation! IT WAS SHED FOR CLEANSING US FROM SIN, and the LORD YESHUA willingly laid down HIS life "that the world through HIM might be saved." [John 3. 17] MESSIAH YESHUA, the ANOINTED LORD OF GLORY took no notice of the aforementioned request for it was said in ignorance. Rather, HIS great compassion was expressed when HE cried — "FATHER forgive them, for THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO!" [Luke 23. 34] 

Israel, as a nation, would have been doomed and no Jew could ever be saved had they known HE was the MESSIAH and had rejected HIM. When thousands of Jews were saved on Shavuoth (Day of Pentecost), JESUS our GREAT HIGH PRIEST'S Prayer of Forgiveness from Golgotha's Cross was answered and continues to be answered whenever a Jew or Gentile accepts HIM as their MESSIAH, REDEEMER & LORD! [Acts 2. 1-42] Great is HIS faithfulness. 
. . . to be continued 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Together, let us bid farewell to Shabbat. Now, as we enter a new week let us remember to pray, not only for the peace of Jerusalem and all of the Land of Israel, but model that peace in our own lives. May you be richly blessed daily throughout the week, recognizing your need of the MASTER continually! 
We are praying that your holidays be filled with the joy, love, and peace of our INVINCIBLE HOLY GOD. 
Day 35 of the Omer. 

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


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Choose your friends carefully as you will become what they make you; you become who you learn under. 

TRIUMPHANT FAITH 
"One LORD, one faith, one baptism." [Ephesians 4. 5] 

Everyone has some kind of faith in something, be it a religion, one's self, fate, evolution or in mankind. Even the atheist has faith in his own reason. But, there is only one real faith that works for time and eternity. True faith is confident trust in the ONE TRUE & LIVING GOD, the LOVING Creator WHO made us, WHO will judge us, and WHO has paid the definitive price to save us. 

This faith is an understanding faith, for it is "by faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the WORD OF GOD." [Hebrews 11. 3] It is a saving faith, "for by grace you are saved through faith." [Ephesians 2. 8] Since "the just shall live by faith" [Galatians 3. 11] it is a living faith and a growing faith "because your faith grows exceedingly" [2 Thessalonians 1. 3], and a working faith because "faith without works is dead." [James 2. 20] 

True faith is a justifying faith (what makes us righteous in the sight of the HOLY GOD) because, "being justified by faith, we have peace with GOD through our LORD MESSIAH YESHUA." [Romans 5. 1] It is a protecting faith because, with "the shield of faith…you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." [Ephesians 6. 16] It is a stable faith, "for by faith you stand." [2 Corinthians 1. 24] It is also a purifying faith, "purifying their hearts by faith." [Acts 15. 9] Faith is asking, which receives answers to its prayers "in faith, nothing wavering" [James 1. 6], and a strong faith, like Abraham who "did not waver at the promise of GOD through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to GOD." [Romans 4. 20] 

CHRIST-like-ones confidently possess a triumphant faith. "For whatever is born of GOD overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world — your faith." [1 John 5. 4] This faith, even our faith is an understanding, saving, active, growing, justifying, purifying, effective, protecting, stable, asking, strong, triumphant faith! It is one thing to believe it, and another to know from experience that this is true. May you have the personal joy of knowing from experience. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Come, my dear friend, let us go out to meet the Sabbath, the Queen! Come, O Bride, the Sabbath presence is eagerly awaited, and joyously welcomed! 
One day a week we unplug from the incessant noise and hard work of ‘doing’ to refocus on just ‘being.’ Shabbat brings an inner peace within oneself, and provides a weekly opportunity to connect and relate to family, friends and GOD. A time for the family to come together – to eat, to learn, to celebrate, to mourn, and most importantly to transmit the torch of our shared heritage to the next generation; to nurture the awareness that GOD is actively involved in everything. There are no accidents; everything that happens to us is purposeful and for the best. We can feel secure knowing that we are wrapped in GOD’S loving embrace. May the HOLY ONE OF HEAVEN, blessed be HE, ever be praised. 
Sweet blessings to you this day and always! 
Day 34 of the Omer. 

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
GOD’S answers are wiser than our prayers. 

LAG B’OMER 
"And from the day on which you bring the sheaf of Elevation Offering — the day after the Sabbath — you shall count off seven weeks. They must be complete." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 23. 15 Tanakh, Torah] 

Lag b'Omer means "the 33rd day of the (counting of the) Omer." The Omer (a unit of measure) was a barley offering, which was brought into the Temple on the day we start counting, the second day of Passover, to the day before Shavuoth, seven full weeks. This period is known as the "Counting of the Omer." {Lag b’Omer is May 26, 2016, 18 Iyyar 5776 on the Hebrew Calendar} 

Every night, from the second night of Passover to the night before Shavuot, we recite a mitzvah (blessing) and state the count of the Omer in both weeks and days. The first is the week of Chesed (loving-kindness); the second, Gevurah (justice & discipline); the third, Tiferet (harmony – compassion); the fourth, Netzach (endurance); the fifth, Hod/Malchut (humility, [humility in nobility]); the sixth, Yesod (bonding); and the seventh week, Malchut (Sovereignty, leadership). The counting is intended to remind us of the link between Passover — which commemorates the Exodus —and Shavuoth (Pentecost), which commemorates the giving of the TORAH. It reminds us that the redemption from slavery was not complete until we received the TORAH (The Law). And, hopefully, we learn from the holiday’s profound message that respect is needed to complete love. The first 33 days of the Omer are observed as a period of mourning. We do not take haircuts, perform weddings, or listen to music. Lag b'Omer is the 33rd Day of counting the Omer. The word "lag" means "33" as it is comprised of the Hebrew letters lamud and gimmel corresponding to the numerical values of thirty and three. The Omer Period is a time of heightened spiritual sensitivity and growth. The closer Shavuot (Pentecost) draws, the greater our anticipation grows for the climactic celebration of the "GIVING OF THE TORAH" — the watershed (dividing, defining moment) event of Jewish history. 

However, the greater the potential there is for growth and building, the greater the potential for destruction. Consequently, in eras when the Jewish People have not lived up to their potential, the Omer Period has become one of tragedy: In the time of Rabbi Akiva, who witnessed the destruction of the Second Temple and who was the greatest TORAH Sage of his generation from the era of the MISHNAH; 24,000 of his disciples died in an epidemic. The underlying spiritual cause of the epidemic was the student's lack of respect for each other. This sad event and others took place during the Counting of the Omer. As a result, the Omer Period has become one of semi-mourning in which we don't hold weddings or festivities, nor do we shave or get haircuts. But because the epidemic was suspended on the 33rd day — Lag b'Omer has become a joyous day of celebration, a minor holiday commemorating a break in the plague. 

After all his students died, Rabbi Akiva started over and began teaching other students. One of his foremost students was Rabbi Shimon bar-Yochai, a great sage who lived and taught about half a century after the destruction of the Second Temple. The ZOHAR (translation: The Shining Light, Glow, Luminescence) is a book is so named because its teachings illuminate the darkness and confusion of this world and serve as a beacon of light by which to navigate the vicissitudes (adversity, difficulties, troubles) of life. Rabbi Shimon himself is referred to by the Zohar as "Botzina Kadisha (Sacred Lamp)." Lighting bonfires or candles, symbolic of the light provided by the eternal fire of the TORAH, in memory of Rabbi Shimon bar-Yochai, who revealed the teachings of the ZOHAR to the world on Lag b'Omer. In Israel, there are picnics, feasting, dancing, singing, and bonfires are lit — an unusual memorial but one that the rabbi instructed his students to observe. Many people wait until their son is three before cutting his hair, and on the Lag b'Omer of his third year, they cut the boy's hair. There is also a custom that children play with bows (keshet in Hebrew — the same word as rainbow) on Lag b'Omer. And of recent, it is a national day honoring Israeli Defense Force reserve soldiers, in appreciation for their motivation and willingness to share the load. 

As believers in MESSIAH YESHUA, the LORD GOD ETERNAL, we can celebrate the GREAT KEEPER OF THE VINEYARD, for HE carries all our burdens and has set us free as we release our heavy load of sin to HIM. 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Day 33 of the Omer [Lag b’Omer] Hod Hod― Humility in Humility 
Lag b’Omer is a day characterized as "thankfulness within thankfulness — modeh ani — a day to celebrate gratitude." If you are proud of being humble, you are not! 
Shluchot, a Jewish mazel (good–energetic) prayer: "GOD our FATHER, walk through our home and take away all our worries and illnesses, and please watch over and heal our family and others families as well. Please fill the coming days with YOUR DIVINE PRESENCE, Amen." 
As we celebrate Lag B’Omer, let us not just say modeh ani in the morning and then quickly shift to feelings of entitlement. Let’s remember to say “thank you” to the people who do extraordinary things in our lives; but even more importantly, let us especially express gratitude to the people who do the ordinary things that make our lives so filled with blessings. “Thank you!” 

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
GOD doesn’t ask the impossible of us — only the incredibly difficult. 

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN 
"Hear, O Israel! The LORD our GOD, the LORD is ONE. You shall love the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Take to heart these instructions with which I charge you this day. Impress them upon your children. Recite them when you stay at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them serve as a frontlet symbol on your forehead between your eyes, inscribe them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 6. 4 - 9 Tanakh, Torah] 

It is a great privilege and a great opportunity when a father and mother make a united effort to come together and bring their children to the LORD GOD. IF they would only ask GOD'S holy guidance to be in their home. . .the GREAT & MIGHTY LORD OF HOSTS will not disappoint them. Society may change, but the WORD OF GOD is unchanging and abides forever, HE is our EVERLASTING STRENGTH. As the truth is passed from one generation to the next, a sense of stability is developed within the heart of the child. 

The AUTHOR & FINISHER of our salvation charges us to bring all our children Home to Glory with us. A parents highest responsibility and obligation is to teach their children. Hold your children secure and confidently by the hand and lead them to the MIGHTY ONE OF ISRAEL. Children learn by example — words alone are never heard IF there is no exposure to an example. Remain obedient to the LORD GOD for HE goes before you to prepare the way. HIS love and mercy can change any situation for the good and for HIS glory. 

As we bring our children to righteousness in YESHUA ha'MASHIACH and teach HIS ways as directed, the LORD will bless them. To present an offering to HIM, a clean heart is needed first. It is a parents sacred duty to transmit the CHRISTian heritage to their children so they will walk in the ways of the MOST HIGH, to be holy, righteous, just, and honorable. GOD‘S children of are different from other children, they are set apart and made HIS heirs. "Therefore, if anyone is in CHRIST, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new" [2 Corinthians 6. 17] "…and if children, then heirs — heirs of GOD and joint heirs with CHRIST." [Romans 8. 17] 

"When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things." [1 Corinthians 13. 11] By teaching GOD-given principles to our children and a relationship with the HIGH & EXALTED KING of all ages, then and only then can we be confident that we will receive an imperishable crown. And not to us only, but also to our beloved children who have learned to love HIS appearing, to fight the good fight, and keep the faith. What a great joy children can be, IF parents would only do as the SACRED SCRIPTURES command, teaching and setting the example in holy living. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
O FATHER in Heaven, YOU are our GUIDE even unto death. Grant us, I pray grace to follow YOU wherever YOU go. In little daily duties to which YOU call us, bow down our wills to simple obedience, patience under pain or frustration, strict truthfulness of word and manner, humility, kindness; in great acts of duty or perfection, if YOU should call us to them, uplift us to self-sacrifice, heroic courage, laying down our life for YOUR Truth’s sake, or for a brother. Amen. 
Day 32 of the Omer; Lag’ b’Omer begins this evening. 

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
He is a free man who remembers; and is free because he remembers. 

FIRSTBORN OF EVERY CREATURE 
"HE (MESSIAH YESHUA) is the IMAGE of the invisible GOD, the FIRSTBORN over all creation." [Colossians 1. 15] 

"I will appoint HIM first-born, highest of the kings of the earth." [Psalms (Tehillym) 89. 27 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Let ME tell of the decree; the LORD said to ME — YOU are MY SON, I have FATHERED YOU this day." [Psalms (Tehillym) 2. 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim] This psalm is talking about YESHUA ha’MASHIACH. It could not have been referring to King David, as some have suggested, because David was the eighth born son of Jesse. [1 Samuel/Shemuel Alef 17. 12 - 14] 

The majority, if not all cults claim that the LORD JESUS CHRIST was not eternal, but merely the first created being — perhaps an Angel, before becoming a MAN. However, the verse does not say HE was the "first created of every creature" but "the first-born of every creature (creation)." The next verse says that "by HIM were all things created." [Colossians 1. 16] JESUS was not created (fashioned, bent, shaped, produced, made), for HE HIMSELF, was and is the OMNISCIENT, OMNIPRESENT, OMNIPOTENT CREATOR. "All things were made by HIM; and without HIM was not anything made that was made." [John 1. 3] 

The MESSIAH, YESHUA is born of GOD, HE was not made but was the "ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD." [John 3. 16] The Hebrew word "yachiyd" and the Greek word "monogenes" means the same — only, brought forth, unique, one-of-a-kind, not to be replaced. "No man has seen GOD at any time. The ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, WHO is in the bosom of the FATHER, HE has declared HIM." [John 3. 16; Hebrews 11. 17] The DEVOTED HEAVENLY FATHER is omnipresent - though invisible, inaudible, inaccessible to the physical senses. The ETERNALLY-EXISTING SON is the "iMAGE" of the invisible FATHER, the ONE WHO declares, reveals, and embodies HIS essence and personification. Although HE is always "in the bosom of the FATHER," yet HE is eternally also "the brightness of HIS glory, and the express (precise, exact) IMage of HIS PERSON." [Hebrews 1. 3] The LORD JESUS is the UNCHANGING-LIVING WORD, WHO was "in the beginning with GOD" [John 1. 2], and WHO always "was GOD." [John 1. 1] 

Thus, the phrase, "FIRSTBORN of every creature" can be literally translated as "BEGOTTEN before all creation." The eternal inter-relationship of the PERSONS OF THE GODHEAD is beyond human comprehension in its fullness; the best terminology human language can use to describe it are "SON" and "BEGOTTEN." The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, "the WORD made flesh" — is the ONLY-BEGOTTEN, ETERNAL SON OF THE FATHER, forever shining forth as THE IMAGE of the otherwise INVISIBLE GOD. As the firstborn has preeminence over his siblings, MessiAH, the ROCK OF AGES, has the preeminence over all creation; "and HE is the head of the body, the church, WHO is the beginning, the FIRSTBORN from the dead, that in all things HE may have the preeminence (supremacy, superiority, incomparable, dominion, primary)." [Colossians 1. 18] How wondrous it is to know that we are HIS body. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Rather than listen to the wind of our soul, we should seek the wind of GOD and release control to HIM. [John 3:7-8] Our words will never be enough for us. They will never answer all our questions, provide the best purpose and direction for us, or give us peace from all our mistakes. We need to be born from above by the wind of the UPRIGHT ONE. We must love. adore, worship, follow HIM with our entire being. We need to seek the LORD, not upon the setting sun but from the first glimmer of dawn. And we need to know that if we seek HIM with all our heart, we will find HIM. [Jeremiah 29:13] Don’t miss the RISEN SON. 
Day 31 of the Omer. 

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
A closed mouth gathers no feet. 

MAINTAINING A GOOD NAME "A good name is better than fragrant oil, and the day of death than the day of birth." [Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) 7. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

These subjects seem like a strange combination, however, Solomon penned them together. Having had once enjoyed a good name that was almost synonymous with godliness and great wisdom, Solomon eventually became debased with the excesses of wealth, women, fleshly indulgences and human achievements. Finding only vanity in the cares of this life, he began to long even for death. 

How tragic when one allows their good name to be ruined by careless carnality. As proved by the wisest man on earth, until a man dies, there is always danger that he may forfeit his good name. Solomon had all the luxuries, the costly ointments and comforts one could possess in life, but he lost his good name and he was unable to redeem it. "Your reputation (good name, standing, character) is to be chosen rather than great riches, grace (loving favor) is better than silver and gold. A rich man and the poor man have this is common, the LORD made them both." [Proverbs (Mishle) 22. 1 - 2 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Those redeemed of the LORD have a great responsibility and privilege to maintain a good name for their words and actions inevitably reflect on the precious name of the SAVIOR. When we cause our own names to be damaged, it also gives occasion to the enemies of the MOST HOLY ONE to blaspheme. [see 2 Samuel/Shemuel Bet 12. 14] Many such enemies feverishly are watching for such an opportunity to criticize, curse and blaspheme that gracious name by which you are called "CHRISTIAN" and the HOLY GOD we are to serve with all integrity. 

Life is a daily gift from our EVER-FAITHFUL & LOVING GOD and it should be enjoyed as much as possible. Ultimately, ALMIGHTY GOD will judge all our deeds, thoughts and words, therefore we should fear the LORD our GOD and keep HIS commandments. "The benevolent (compassionate) care of our GOD is upon all who seek HIM, but HIS power and fierce wrath are against all those who forsake HIM." [Ezra 8. 22 Tanakh, Kethuvim] All who maintain a good name now enjoy riches and spiritual good health— "Fear the LORD and shun evil. It will be a cure for your flesh, a tonic for your bones." [Proverbs (Mishle) 3. 7 - 8 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

We joyously serve the ONE WHO'S NAME is above all names. We are awaiting the fulfillment of another promise, to give us a new name and to write HIS name on us. "He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the Temple of MY GOD, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of MY GOD and the name of the City of MY GOD, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from MY GOD. And I will write on him MY new name...I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it." [Revelation 3. 12 & 2. 17] Imagine, HIS LOVELY NAME linked with ours eternally. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
MERCIFUL KING awaken our soul to grateful acknowledgement of YOUR grace which has bestowed upon us the gift of life, and make our pathway come in safety to the coveted goal...YOUR LOVING PRESENCES. LORD, YOUR loving-kindness is mighty over us, and we are ever thankful to YOU. Blessed are YOU and blessed be YOUR HOLY NAME. 
Day 30 of the Omer…Wishing you a joyful day! 

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

Email: delrifkah.kralman@comcast.net mailto:delrifkah.kralman@comcast.net 
Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
In order to be a realist in Israel, you must believe in miracles. [David Ben-Gurion] 

AUTHOR OF PEACE 
"GOD is not the AUTHOR of confusion but of peace." [1 Corinthians 14. 33] 

"The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." [James 3. 17 - 18] The whole world and our personal lives remain in confusion, turmoil, and strife; and the source is that Old Dragon, Satan, "the god of this world." [2 Corinthians 4. 4] 

The only ONE WHO can bring true peace is the ONE WHO is the AUTHOR OF PEACE. HE is "the GOD OF PEACE WHO brought up our LORD JESUS from the dead." [Hebrews 13. 20] Moreover, HE is "the MIGHTY GOD, the EVERLASTING FATHER, the PRINCE OF PEACE." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 9. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Melchizedek ("my King is righteous") was the KING OF SALEM or KING OF PEACE [Hebrews 7. 2], and HE is "the LORD OF PEACE." [2 Thessalonians 3. 16] Melchizedek was, at least a type of the incarnate MESSIAH, if not in fact the obvious pre-incarnate appearance of the LORD YESHUA ha’MASHIACH, the SON OF MAN. 

The LORD JESUS CHRIST is all of these, the AUTHOR OF PEACE, the LORD OF PEACE, the PRINCE OF PEACE, the KING OF PEACE and the incredible GOD OF PEACE; and our only SOURCE OF PEACE! 

Some day very soon, "HE shall speak peace to the nations; HIS dominion shall be from sea to sea, from the River to the ends of the earth." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 9. 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im] In that day, we are reminded that, "the GOD of peace will crush Satan under your feet." [Romans 16. 20] "In token of abundant authority and of peace without limit, upon David's throne and over HIS Kingdom, that it may be firmly establish in justice and in equity now and evermore from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD OF HOSTS shall perform this." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 9. 7 Tanakh, Nevi'im] What a glorious day that will be! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
As we bid farewell to Shabbat with the Havdallah Ceremony, we use all of our senses: We taste the wine, smell the spices, see the shadow of candles, hear prayers and songs, touch family and friends as we wish them “Tova Shavua — a Good Week.” Our prayer is that GOD, WHO separates the holy from the secular, forgive our sins, guide our life, and fill the coming days with HIS DIVINE PRESENCE. 
May some of the sweetness of Sabbath be your daily fragrance. 
Day 28 of the Omer. 

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com 

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
"Saichel (Hebrew for common sense)" is a gift; "chakam (intelligence)" is an triumphant achievement. 

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 YESHUA'S position of the Pharisees: "In vain they worship ME, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." [Matthew 15. 9] "Because these people approached ME with their mouth and honoured ME with their lips, but have 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! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
LORD, I stretch forth my hands and lift up my heart to YOU, O FATHER in Heaven. May all living creatures praise and glorify YOUR MATCHLESS NAME, O GOD! 
Truly, the LORD will reign forever and ever. 
Today, Iyyar 14 is Pesach Sheni – the Second Passover, the holiday of second chance – see Numbers/B’Midvar 9:6-14 
Day 29 of the Omer. 

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

 
Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
The sting of death is removed by the power of faith. 

BURIED WITH HIM 
"Therefore we were buried with HIM through baptism into death, that just as MESSIAH YESHUA was raised up from the dead by the glory of the FATHER, even so we also should (shall) walk in newness of life." [Romans 6. 4] 

The burial of the CRUCIFIED MESSIAH, after HIS death, was extremely important for two reasons. First, it assures us that JESUS' death was a physical death and that HIS resurrection was a bodily resurrection. Secondly, like MESSIAH'S death and resurrection — HIS burial has intense doctrinal and practical significance for the believer's individual life. All this is pictured by the ordinance of baptism, displaying symbolically the death of the LORD JESUS for sin and the death of the believer to sin, then the burial of the corruptible body of flesh (which, for all but CHRIST, returns to dust in accordance with GOD'S curse). And finally, the resurrection, demonstrating the RISEN ONE'S eternal victory over sin and death; and, in the case of the believer, the beginning of a new life in the LORD YESHUA. 

The same truth appears again, "Buried with HIM (YESHUA) in baptism, in which you also were raised with HIM through faith in the working of GOD (the FATHER), WHO has raised HIM (YESHUA, GOD’S ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON) from the dead." [Colossians 2. 12] The spiritual truths of the LORD Jesus' burial saturates the SCRIPTURES. If our old bodies of sin are, at least positionally, already in the grave, then it is altogether repulsive for them still to be walking around in sin. "For if we have been united together in the likeness of HIS death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of HIS resurrection." [Roman 6. 5] "GOD both raised up the LORD and will also raise us up by HIS power." [1 Corinthians 6. 14] We shall walk in newness of life triumphant daily over sin through the deep-rooted, unshakable resurrection life of our AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL REDEEMER, LORD & SAVIOR. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Welcome Sabbath! – Queen of the week! Praised are YOU, YEHOWAH, our GOD, SOVEREIGN of the Universe, WHO makes us holy with YOUR mitzvoth and favors us with the Holy Shabbat, lovingly and graciously given to us, a memorial of the act of creation, first of the holy assemblies. We thank YOU, Great & MIGHTY GOD for by YOUR mercies and grace we were taught the sanctity of the weekly day of rest, keep us ever grateful and grant us perfect rest in YOU. Amen 
Enjoy the peace and harmony of Shabbat as it is a gift of time in which we can put things in order and allow the ALMIGHTY to be GOD in our lives. 
Day 27 of the Omer. 

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
"Who is wise? One who learns from every man. Who is strong? One who overpowers his inclinations. Who is rich? One who is satisfied with his lot. Who is honorable? One who honors his fellowman." [–Ben Zoma, Ethics of the Fathers, 4:1] Wisdom shows all four are internal, it’s your attitude…open your eyes, watch people around you, and be strong enough to do the right thing. 

DISPENSATION OF GRACE 
"You have heard of the dispensation of the grace of GOD which was given to me for you." [Ephesians 3. 2] 

Dispensation (stewardship, economy) has had both its advocates and opponents among BIBLE-believing CHRISTians. The number and nature of the various dispensations or economies through which the CREATOR has dealt with HIS human creation during the course of history has been the subject of considerable discussion and variations among the clergy and commentators. 

There are two dispensations specifically called such in HOLY SCRIPTURE. The initial one is the "dispensation of the fullness of the times" when GOD will "gather together in one all things in MESSIAH." [Ephesians 1. 10] This will be the eternal economy of the New Heavens and the New Earth. [Revelation 21 - 22] 

The second specific dispensation is this present "dispensation of the grace of GOD." [Ephesians 3. 2] Like Paul, we have been called "as good stewards of the manifold grace of GOD." [1 Peter 4. 10] "For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion." [Romans 11. 25] Therefore, each of us could say that "I have been entrusted with a stewardship" [1 Corinthians 9. 17] of the GOSPEL, and that "I became a minister (or servant), according to the stewardship from GOD which was given to me for you, to fulfill the WORD OF GOD, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations." [Colossians 1. 25 - 26] 

"Now to HIM WHO is able to establish you according to my GOSPEL and the preaching of JESUS CHRIST, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest, and by the prophetic SCRIPTURES made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the EVERLASTING GOD, for obedience to the faith — to GOD, alone wise, be glory through JESUS CHRIST forever. Amen" [Romans 15. 25 - 27] Without a doubt, the dispensation of grace is real stewardship, a responsibility committed to each who believe. May we be found lovingly and diligently doing the MASTER’S will. 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Whoever walks upright, works righteousness and speaks the truth will abide in the LORD'S Tabernacle and dwell in HIS holy hill. Watch and pray that you may be found worthy. Be encouraged and stand strong, the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA our KING is coming soon! 
"Kumi Ori —Arise & Shine!" Stay alert for such a time as this, keep watching and praying. Blessings to all who love Zion! 
Day 26 of the Omer. 

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

 
Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest and make known our objection. 

SUFFERING FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS 
"But and if you suffer for righteousness sake, happy are you; and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled." [1 Peter 3. 14] 

Few CHRISTians in America have actually suffered physical persecution or martyrdom and tribulation for the cause of the LORD JESUS. However, HOLY SCRIPTURES emphasize that "all who desire to live godly in MESSIAH YESHUA will suffer persecution" of some kind, particularly that "in the last days perilous times will come." [2 Timothy 3. 12, 1] Persecution is not something we look for, but we should understand it, and react appropriately when it comes. As the world descends deeper into humanism and occultism, we may even face physical persecution as many CHRISTians in communist, Muslim and other pagan lands already have. These influences are increasingly flooding into America and the entire world daily, setting us up for the same persecutions and GOD'S just wrath. 

Indeed, the hour of tribulation is here. SCRIPTURES warn that we will suffer tribulation. [1 Thessalonians 3. 4] But, "do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed...you will be tested and you will have tribulation. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the Crown of Life." [Revelation 2. 10] Through it all we are encouraged to "be of good cheer, I (MESSIAH YESHUA) have overcome the world." [John 16. 33] 

Peter, who once was fearful and denied the Lord OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, warns us not to fall into the same reaction. Do not be afraid or troubled, Peter stressed, instead — "REJOICE!" Unusual counsel, but very good advice. "Rejoice to the extent that you are partakers of CHRIST'S sufferings; that when HIS glory is revealed, you may be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the NAME of JESUS, blessed are you; for the SPIRIT OF GLORY and of GOD rests upon you." [1 Peter 4. 13 - 14] 

The only time we are to fear is in reference to failing to enter GOD'S rest. "Therefore, since a promise remains of entering HIS rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it...Looking diligently lest anyone fall short of the grace of GOD; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright." [Hebrews 4. 1; 12. 15 - 16] This warning should only motivate continued obedience. 

YESHUA, the GREAT SHEPHERD said, "Blessed are you when they revile you and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for MY sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven." [Matthew 5. 11 - 12] And, "do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward." [Hebrews 10. 35] The Apostle Paul, who suffered great persecution and finally martyrdom, warned that we should be "in no way terrified by your adversaries...for to you it has been granted on behalf of MESSIAH, not only to believe in HIM, but also to suffer for HIS sake." [Philippians 1. 28 - 29] 

"And they overcame him (Satan, the Accuser) by the blood of the LAMB and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death." [Revelation 12. 11] What joy and a glorious honor await those of us who hold-fast and overcome! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Our feet are standing at your gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem, built as a City bound firmly together; where tribes once went up to give thanks unto YEHOWAH, where thrones of justice were once set, thrones of the House of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; may those who love her prosper. May peace be in her walls, tranquility in her towers. May ADONAI bless us from Zion and let us see the good of Jerusalem. Let us see our children's children and peace upon Israel. 
Have a peaceful, enriching day with an objective to bless others. 
Day 25 of the Omer, Iyyar 10 5776 

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


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
He that keeps the Law brings offerings enough. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Grant peace, welfare, blessing, grace, loving-kindness and mercy to us and to all Israel. Bless us, O FATHER, even all of us together, with the LIGHT of YOUR countenance; for by the LIGHT of YOUR countenance YOU have given us, O LORD our GOD, the Law of life, loving-kindness and righteousness, blessing, mercy, life and peace; and may it be good in YOUR sight to bless YOUR people everywhere at all times and in every hour with YOUR peace. YOU alone are our HOPE. We thank YOU, praise YOU and glorify YOUR HOLY NAME; YOU alone are good. Amen! 
May we look beyond the seasonal presents we hold in our hands to the PRESENCE WHO holds us in HIS eternal nail-pierced hands. 

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

 
Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Do not be deceived by the outward appearance of age or youth — an old pitcher may be full of good, old wine; while a new one may be totally empty. 

KNOWN FROM YOUTH 
"Remember your CREATOR in the days of your youth, before those days of sorrow come and those years arrive of which you will say — I have no pleasure in them." [Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) 12. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Young people should listen to these wise words instead of being compelled by the ways of the world. The daily pressures and practices of the world should not cause us to partake in them. We are a special creation of the MOST HIGH GOD and were made with a holy purpose in mind…an intimate relationship with our BLESSED REDEEMER. HE loves us and wants us to love HIM willingly, in response. 

To know this truth as a young person means a life-time of fulfillment. "I have been young and am now old, but I have never seen a righteous forsaken, nor his children abandoned and begging for bread." [Psalms (Tehillym) 37. 25 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

If one forsakes our blessed MIGHTY GOD OF JACOB when they are young, it becomes increasingly difficult to remember HIM, much less honor and live for HIM as we get older. And the bitterness and regrets of old age and death take over our mind and soul. The Book of Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) continues to draw a picture of this life-style in an aging body compared to a run-down, shabby house. . . fading eyesight, trembling hands, buckling knees, sleepless nights, easy irritability, increasing senility, and other aspects of approaching death. . . all joyless because their SAVIOR, the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL, the REDEEMER was forgotten long ago. 

"So appreciate your vigor and remember your CREATOR in the days of your youth, before those days of sorrow come and those years arrive of which you will say — I have no pleasure in them — before sun and light and moon and stars grow dark, and the clouds come back again after the rain. Before the silver cord snaps and the golden bowl crashes, the pitcher shattered at the spring and the wheel is smashed at the cistern (the end of life); and the dust will return to the ground as it was, and the spirit returns to GOD WHO bestowed it." [Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) 12. 1 – 2; 6 - 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Consider what HOLY SCRIPTURE teaches and substantiates, "Now is the accepted time, Now is the day of salvation." [2 Corinthians 6. 2] Therefore, "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. And give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all." [1 Timothy 4. 12 - 13, 15] 

When we have YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, the LORD JESUS as our PERFECT EXAMPLE, CHAMPION & FRIEND. . . it demonstrates that we have wisdom, discretion and DIVINE understanding. And, we have chosen the very best part! 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
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 precious LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH be with your spirit. 
Day 23 of the Omer. 

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Every act of encouragement brings joy not only to the recipient, but to the encourager as well. When we encourage others, we are encouraged by the very encouragement we freely give. How like GOD to lead us into giving so that we might receive through following HIM! 

OFFENSE OF THE CROSS 
"But GOD forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, by WHOM the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." [Galatians 6. 14] 

It was a Roman cross, an unmistakable symbol of Roman justice. Though borrowed from the ancient Persians, a successive reign of Caesar’s perfected crucifixion into the most painful and brutal form of capital punishment. It was am emblem of suffering and shame; a deterrent to would-be criminals publicly witnessing to the wages of greed, insurrection, violence, theft, anarchy, and murder; a symbol of Caesar’s strength and Roman rule. 

The cross was designed for the scum of society to which the sinless SON OF GOD was spiked, suspended between earth and heaven, betrayed by His friends, and forsaken by HIS FATHER. But like everything else MESSIAH YESHUA touched, HE changed its meaning: HE touched water and made it wine; touching wine and bread, HE made it a taste of grace; by touching the lame, they walked; touching the possessed, oppressed, outcast, moral failures—they were made clean; by touching the cross, HE made it a symbol of life — then those two intersecting beans (one horizontal, one vertical) of wrecked wood shouted the salvation’s story. 

"The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of GOD" [1 Corinthians 1. 18], so now the "offense of the cross has ceased." [Galatians 5. 11] The only hope of salvation is a humbling acknowledgment of MESSIAH YESHUA — the ONLY HOPE — as our own personal SAVIOR WHO died for our sins "having made peace through the blood of HIS cross." [Colossians 1. 20] Christ Jesus, Who, "being in the form of GOD, did not consider it robbery to be equal with GOD, but made HIMSELF of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a MAN, HE humbled HIMSELF and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." [Philippians 2. 6 - 8] 

In the cross we see the BELOVED MASTER reaching down and reaching out and reaching into our profane lives. At the cross, GOD has penetrated our negative, sin-plagued lives, HE has, in MESSIAH, reconciled the world to HIMSELF. Now the cross is GOD’S ultimate plus sign to those who believe. We now have life in GOD, plus forgiveness, wholeness, eternity, direction, power and a purpose. "He has made [you] alive together with HIM, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And HE has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, HE made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it." [Colossians 2. 13 - 15] 

The emblem of suffering and shame? Yes! But because YESHUA endured the cross, despising the shame, it is a symbol of life and health, and peace. The “Old Rugged Cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see, for ‘twas on that old cross JESUS suffered and died to pardon and sanctify me.” 
A Persian cross, a Roman cross, now it is my cross. So, I'll ever cherish, not the cross, but the CHRIST of the cross. 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
With great love YOU have loved us, O our GOD, and with exceeding compassion YOU have borne with us. Our fathers believed and trusted in YOU; therefore you taught them the laws of life, and showed them the ways of wisdom. We implore YOU, O MERCIFUL FATHER, to grant us discernment, that we may understand and fulfill all the TEACHINGS of YOUR WORD. Make us gladly obedient to YOUR commandments and fill our hearts with love and reverence for YOU. In YOU we put our trust; we rejoice and delight in YOUR help, for with YOU alone is salvation, and peace in the soul of man. YOU have called us as teachers of YOUR Law; YOU have chosen us for a holy mission to mankind; therefore do we joyfully lift up our voices and proclaim YOUR magnificence. Praised are YOU, O GOD, WHO has chosen us in love. We give praised to YOUR HOLY NAME and thank YOU for YESHUA, our BELOVED REDEEMER. 
Day 22 of the Omer. 

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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Make peace with the past so it does not mess up your present...or your future. 

OLD & NEW 
"Then HE (MESSIAH YESHUA) said to them (disciples), — Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the Kingdom of Heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old." [Matthew 13. 52] 

Scribes were responsible for the careful recopying of the HOLY SCRIPTURES and were recognized as expert interpreters of the SACRED WORD. Furthermore, being considered lawyers, the Scribes applied the "Laws of YEHOWAH (the Laws that were given through Moses — man should never be exalted above YEHOWAH)" to the people's lives. Unfortunately, in JESUS' time, they had become so proud and self-righteous, they claimed their own interpretations and traditions to be equal to that of the HOLY SCRIPTURES. Therefore, the LORD YESHUA frequently had to rebuke them. [Matthew 15. 1 - 3; 23. 1 - 28] 

Nevertheless, they were students of SCRIPTURE, and some of them loved and used GOD'S HOLY WORD reverently and accurately. It was these Scribes to whom YESHUA ha'MASHIACH complimented in Matthew 13:3-50, comparing them to the head of a great house with treasures in it who could bring them out from time to time for the instruction and delight of all. For these were the Scribes who understood the message of the Kingdom of Heaven in the OLD COVENANT and related it to the GOSPEL of the Kingdom of Heaven in the teachings of the LORD JESUS. 

"Things new and old!" In the treasury of GOD’S REVEALED Word, the one who is "instructed" in the Kingdom of Heaven, the OLD & new Covenant finds inexhaustible stores to teach. "Open my eyes, that I may perceive the wonders of YOUR teaching. All YOUR precepts are unfailing and sure" — affirmed the psalmist. "Forever, O LORD, YOUR WORD stands firm in heaven." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 18, 89 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

No exciting new truth in SCRIPTURE is ever really new, for it was there all along, even before the world began. The OLD COVENANT and the NEW COVENANT never contradict, only compliment and explain each other. The OLD establishes the background and the NEW fulfills. "YOUR precepts concerning all things are wondrous, just and right." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 128 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Both the OLD well-known and loved doctrines of Scripture, and the stirring NEW insights which further illuminate are there waiting in the COVENANTS, the OLD through the NEW. Loving the LORD OF HOSTS, the GOD OF ISRAEL and living in HIS WRITTEN WORD will bring an endless delight and priceless treasure to the person who will study it completely. Therefore, go forth and learn! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Bidding farewell to Sabbath! Through the common days flow the refreshing waters of GOD'S loving-kindness, yet we forget the SOURCE. May this hour awaken within us a sense of our dependence upon YOU. Create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us that we may face our daily duty with a firm courage and a tranquil mind. May we learn to know that in loving and serving our fellowmen, we are loving and serving YOU. May YOUR SPIRIT fill our life with blessed peace and reassurance that YOU do all things well. 
Have a blessed week as you walk in YESHUA’S LIGHT. 
Day 21 of the Omer. 

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com