Delrifkah: HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY.

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Your mind is not old — keep developing it. Humor keeps you young, make a point of enjoying life. Keep you mind strong, protect it by using it. Opportunities are not vanished, keep pursuing. GOD is not dead, seek and serve HIM while HE yet may be found! 

GIVING OF NAMES 
"ELOHIYM called the light Day, and the darkness HE called Night." [Genesis (Bereshith) 1. 5 Tanakh, Torah] "ELOHIYM called the expanse Sky." [Genesis (Bereshith) 1. 8 Tanakh, Torah] "ELOHIYM called the dry land Earth, and the gathering of waters HE called Seas." [Genesis (Bereshith) 1. 10 Tanakh, Torah] "Male and female HE created them. And when they were created, HE blessed them and called them Man." [Genesis (Bereshith) 5. 2 Tanakh, Torah] 

The MIGHTY CREATOR gave names to things and beings of HIS OWN creation which would not only recall the occasion but be descriptive of certain compositions and functions belonging to them. 

This "calling" ability and authority was transferred by the ALMIGHTY ONE to Adam (means "red earth") who began to make use of it by giving appropriate names to every beast and the creeping things of the field and fowl of the air. Adam also names his wife when she was presented to him, saying: "This one shall be called 'ishshah (woman) for from 'ish (man) was she taken." [Genesis (Bereshith) 2. 23 Tanakh, Torah] 

Adam renames her after the MASTER CREATOR informs them concerning the coming DELIVERER. This new name, Chavvah or Eve is taken from the Hebrew word "chayyah" which is translated living — "Because [said Adam] she is the mother of all the living (more literally "the LIVING ONE")." [Genesis (Bereshith) 3. 20 Tanakh, Torah] In this name we see Adam's faith and hope for HIM WHO was GOD'S PROMISED REDEEMER. 

The custom of "naming" suitable to the occasion, or having special significance as to the hoped-for characteristics and future work of the child, as well as holding the "key" to prophecy in some instances, continued to be practiced from Adam throughout the years to the closing of the NEW COVENANT days. 

GOD ETERNAL, in the OLD & NEW COVENANTS, declared HIS NAME and the name of HIS ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON. "WHO has ascended heaven and come down? WHO has gathered up the wind in the hollow of HIS hand? WHO has wrapped the waters in HIS garment? WHO has established all the extremities of the earth? What is HIS NAME or HIS SON'S NAME, if you know?" [Proverbs (Mishle) 30. 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Therefore GOD also has highly exalted HIM and given HIM the NAME which is above every name, that at the NAME of JESUS every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth." [Philippians 2. 9 - 10] "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." [Acts 4. 12] 

Oh, how wonderful is the great plan of ALL-WISE GOD! How carefully, in every minute detail of HIS HOLY WORD does HE emphasize over and over again the characteristics, the nature, work, and future of the GREATEST CHILD and most GLORIOUS SON of them all! For GOD OMNIPOTENT offers this privilege as one more step on the path of prophecy which would lead to fulfillment in the greatest honor to be bestowed upon man. For, wonder of wonders, one day it would come to pass that HE would even give the name "YEHOWAH" for HIMSELF! "Look, the virgin (almah, an engaged virgin) is with CHILD and about to give birth to a SON. Let her name HIM IMMANU'EL (with us is GOD)." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 7. 14 Tanakh, Nevi'im] And again, "For a CHILD has been born to us, a SON has been given us. And authority has settled on HIS shoulders. HE has been named WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, the MIGHTY GOD, the ETERNAL FATHER, the RULER OF PEACE." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 9. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

And finally, the NAME above all names: When the angel of the LORD appeared to Joseph, husband of Miryam (Mary), he said: "she will bring forth a SON, and you shall CALL HIS NAME JESUS (OLD COVENANT: "YEHOSHUA or YESHUA" — Hebrew for salvation, "YEHOWAH Saves or YEHOWAH is the SAVIOR" ); for HE will save HIS people from their sins." [Matthew 1. 21] HalleluYAH, what a SAVIOR. . . IMMANU'EL, GOD with us! 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
As we bid farewell to Sabbath with the Havdallah Ceremony, we use all of our senses: We taste the wine, smell the spices, see the shadow of candles, hear prayers and songs, touch family and friends as we wish them a "Good Week." 
Our prayer is that GOD, WHO separates the holy from the secular, forgive our sins, guide our life, and fill the coming days with HIS DIVINE PRESENCE. May some of the sweetness of Sabbath be your daily fragrance. 


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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Make GOD‘S will, your will. Cherish your times with the ALMIGHTY ONE! Seek HIM, observe HIM, find HIM, get to know who HE really is. 

ADDING TO SCRIPTURE 
"You shall not add anything to what I command you nor take anything away from it, but keep the commandments of the LORD your GOD that I enjoin upon you." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 4. 2 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it." [Deuteronomy/ Devarim 12. 32] 

There is a sober warning similar to this spoken by the glorified LORD YESHUA HIMSELF that is to be taken very seriously, "For I testify to everyone who hears the WORDS of the prophecy of this Book: If anyone adds to these things, GOD will add to him the plagues that are written in this Book; and if anyone 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. HE WHO testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." [Revelation 22. 18 - 20] 

GOD’S HOLY WRITTEN WORD is not just a good book, it is THE ONLY BOOK OF LIFE and its content has been "forever. ..settled in heaven." [Psalms/Tehillym 119. 89] "Heaven and earth will pass away, but MY WORDS will by no means pass away." [Matthew 24. 35] 

"GOD, WHO at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by HIS SON." [Hebrews 1. 1 - 2] The MASTER CREATOR inspired—literally "GOD-breathed& quot; through HIS chosen prophets, the writings and the WRITTEN WORD therefore, "all SCRIPTURE is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of GOD may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." [2 Timothy 3. 16 - 17] 

The ALMIGHTY expressed HIS message down to mankind in various ways — sometimes direct diction, more often thru the SPIRIT-guided research and meditation using man’s individual personality and abilities. The NEW COVENANT was given through the Apostle Paul and others "by inspiration of GOD" [2 Timothy 3. 16]; "by revelation HE made known" that "when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of CHRIST...which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the SPIRIT to HIS holy apostles and prophets." [Ephesians 3. 3, 5] 

John, the last of the apostles and prophets, wrote the Book of Revelation, and MESSIAH indicated that nothing more could be added, not just to the finishing Book (Revelation) , but to the fully, now-complete body of INSPIRED SCRIPTURE from Genesis/Bereshith to Revelation. Those false prophets who tried to add some new revelation to the SACRED WRITTEN TEXT (such as Mohammed, Joseph Smith, Joseph Rutherford, Buddha, etc.) urgently need to go back to the WORD OF GOD alone. 

We do not need any new revelation—there is nothing that can be added to the complete work of the LORD YESHUA or the WORD OF GOD whereby we find ANOINTED ONE, WHO is the only WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Dear PRECIOUS & EVER-LIVING GOD, YOUR majesty is proclaimed by the marvels of the earth and sky and all proclaim YOUR power and wisdom. Day follows day in endless succession and the years vanish, but YOUR SOVEREIGNTY endures. Though all things pass, let not YOUR glory depart from us. Help us to discern YOUR justice and to understand YOUR will. In adversity and in prosperity, let YOUR Law be a LAMP to our feet to illumine our path. May we so labor in YOUR service that our lives become a hymn of praise to YOU. Amen! 


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

Web Page: http://www.delrifkah.com/ 

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
The foolishness of GOD is DiVINE wisdom, demanding faith. 

DILUTING SCRIPTURE 
"Be careful to observe only that which I enjoin (direct, command, instruct) upon you; neither add to it nor take away from it." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 12. 32 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

There are many people in a large variety of cults think their leader has a new revelation some new inspired word from GOD. They have not receive any new commands, but have obviously failed to look into what is written and believed what the WORD says. This is heresy, and extremely foolish. Though it seems to also be a practice of some denominations who presumptuously cut out and/or explain away every BIBLE verses they consider offensive in some way. This is an exceedingly danger practice since "anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire." [Revelation 20. 15] 

Paul too spoke words of diligent caution to the Galatians — "I marvel that you are turning away so soon from HIM WHO called you in the grace of CHRIST, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the Gospel of CHRIST. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other Gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other Gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed." [Galatians 1. 6 - 9] 

The warning is confirmed throughout HOLY SCRIPTURE. "I know that whatever ELOHIYM has brought to pass shall be forever: Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it—ELOHIYM does it, that men should fear (revere, respect, be in awe of) HIM." [Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) 3. 14 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Thus says the LORD: 'Stand in the court of the LORD'S House, and speak...all the words that I command you to speak. Do not omit a word. Perhaps they will listen and turn back from his evil way, that I may relent concerning the calamity (punishment) which I am planning to bring on them because of the wicked and evil acts they are doings.’" [Jeremiah (Tehillym) 26. 2 - 3 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

The final testimony of the LORD YESHUA ha’MASHIACH to those who were to be HIS followers comes the clear command not to add to or dilute the INSPIRED LIFE-GIVING WORD: "If anyone 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] 

If men believe it or not, the HOLY SCRIPTURE is the exact, infallible, unerring, fixed, established, absolutely precise and true WORD OF GOD. The HIGH & LOFTY ONE says what HE means, and means what HE says. Authors of the BIBLE occasionally used figurative language, in which case the symbols are usually explained in context. When the writer clearly intends to be understood literally, such as in the first chapter of Genesis, it is dangerous to impose some metaphorical meaning on the passage to take in outside considerations. This appears to be what Paul meant when he said, "We have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the WORD OF GOD deceitfully, but by manifestation of the TRUTH commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of GOD. But even if our Gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the Gospel of the glory of CHRIST, WHO is the IMAGE OF GOD, should shine on them. " [2 Corinthians 4. 2 - 5] 

Changing or diluting what "is written" is completely unforgivable and is a treacherous path for those who choose the broad and easy way. It will be easier at MESSIAH’S Judgment Seat to explain why we believed GOD than why we believed men who questioned the ALMIGHTY ONE. 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Welcome Sabbath! Come, let us welcome the Sabbath. May its radiance illumined our hearts as we kindle the candles. 
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. 


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:http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Where people love you, go rarely; where you are hated, go not at all. 

TRIBES OF ISRAEL (Part 5 - Conclusion) 
"Jacob called his sons and said— Come together that I may tell you what is to befall you in days to come: Assemble and hearken, O sons of Jacob; hearken to Israel your father." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 1 – 2 Tanakh, Torah] 

"Joseph is a wild ass, a wild ass by a spring — wild colts on a hillside. {Other translations say: "Joseph is a fruitful vine by a fountain. Its branches run over the wall."} Archers bitterly assailed him; they shot at him and harried him. Yet his bow stayed taut, and the arms of his hands were made firm by the hands of the MIGHTY ONE OF JACOB— There, the SHEPHERD, the ROCK OF Israel — EL of your father WHO helps you, and SHADDAI WHO blesses you with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that couches below, blessings of the breast and womb. The blessings of your father surpass the blessings of my ancestors, to the utmost bounds of the eternal hills. May they rest on the head of Joseph, on the brow of the elect of his brothers." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 22 – 26 Tanakh, Torah] 

Jacob reserved his softest and his most loving tone of voice for Joseph, who was united with whatever was best, most gracious and noblest in both Reuben and Judah. Joseph was the man of vision, the man of dreams. But to this he joined moral and spiritual strength in all circumstances of his life. He was the ideal son, the ideal brother, the ideal servant, the ideal administrator. His character and story have from the beginning of time been held to be typical of the desired character of the people in the story of Israel . 

Israel said to Joseph, "Behold, I die, but GOD will be with you, and HE will bring you back unto the land of your fathers." [Genesis (Bereshith) 48. 21 Tanakh, Torah] Do not be afraid to stand on the PRECIOUS WORD OF THE LORD. The ALMIGHTY ONE had told Abram, "Know well that your offspring shall be strangers in a land not theirs, and they shall be enslaved and oppressed four hundred years; but I will execute judgment on the nation they shall serve, and in the end they shall go free with great wealth." [Genesis (Bereshith) 15. 13 – 14 Tanakh, Torah] 

As Jacob blessed Joseph, he said that there was a period of exile coming, and like Joseph in that period of exile, the people of Israel were going to be subjected to great temptations to be disloyal to the God of their fathers. But Joseph always remained loyal to the LIVING GOD, to the true GOD OF ABRAHAM, ISAAC & JACOB. This was a reminder to the people of Israel to remain loyal despite great temptations even to the point of death. 

Israel was reminding Joseph that the God OF ISRAEL would never leave or forsake him and would bring him back to the land of his fathers. Then he added, "And now, I assign you one portion (Hebrew: shekem) more than your brothers, which I wrested from the Amorites with my sword and bow." [Genesis (Bereshith) 48. 22 Tanakh, Torah] The double-portion was referring to the fact that Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, were counted by Israel (Jacob) as "son' s of Jacob" for tribal inheritance when the Promised Land was divided. 

Joseph's bones were buried in Shechem (when the Israelites came out of Egypt , they brought his bones as he had requested, see Joshua/Yehoshua 24. 32). This is the portion of land Jacob bought from the Hivites for 100 pieces of silver. This piece of land was given to Joseph for his burial place. Jacob was still showing that extra bit of favoritism to Joseph, the son whom he loved who reminded him so much of his beloved Rachael. 

The BLESSED LORD said, "In the end days, I shall pour out MY SPIRIT on all flesh." [Joel (Yoel) 2. 28 Tanakh, Nevi’im] Some of us are going to dream dreams, and see visions — because we trust in the AWESOME YEHOWAH. 

"Benjamin is a wolf that ravens — that tears; in the morning he consumes the foe (or booty), and in the evening he divides the spoil." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 27 Tanakh, Torah] The tribe of Benjamin was wolf-like. Saul of Tarsus would come from the tribe of Benjamin. He would walk meekly into a synagogue, and begin preaching the GOSPEL. When they took out a whip and began beating him to death, he could say, "I count it a joy." [Acts 20. 24] The Apostle Paul (Saul) was as unrelenting as a persistent wolf, who goes back again-and-again preaching the GOSPEL, bringing the MESSAGE OF SALVATION, until he won them to the MESSIAH LORD YESHUA. 

Jacob also blessed Ephraim & Manasseh saying, "By you shall Israel invoke blessings, saying— GOD make you like Ephraim and as Manasseh." [Genesis (Bereshith) 48. 20 Tanakh, Torah] This is still practice today, every pious Orthodox Jewish father, on Sabbath Eve places his hand on the head of his son and blesses him with the very same words that the HOLY SPIRIT just stated: "May GOD make you as Ephraim & Manasseh." 

Ephraim & Manasseh would never trade away their Jewishness for the most exalted social position. They voluntarily gave up their place in the higher Egyptian aristocracy, and they openly identified themselves with their alien kinsmen, the despised shepherd immigrants. It is fitting that every mother and father who know the LORD GOD MOST HIGH should pray that their children will show the same loyalty to their father and their father’s ETERNAL LORD GOD, as did Ephraim and Manasseh. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel ! 
May grace and peace be multiplied to you, our dear friends! 
Let all those that seek the LORD GOD rejoice and be glad in HIM; let such as love HIS salvation say continually: “The LORD be magnified.” 

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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
What does not kill us, will make us stronger. 

TRIBES OF ISRAEL (Part 2 of 5) 
"Jacob called his sons and said— Come together that I may tell you what is to befall you in days to come: Assemble and hearken, O sons of Jacob; hearken to Israel your father." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 1 – 2 Tanakh, Torah] 

Jacob continued, "Simeon & Levi are brothers; their weapons are tools of cruelty and lawlessness. Let not my person be included in their council; let not my honour be counted in their assembly. For when angry, they slay men, and when pleased they maim oxen. Cursed be their anger so fierce, and their wrath so relentless. I will divide them in Jacob, scatter them in Israel." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 5 – 7 Tanakh, Torah] This was the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD speaking of them. 

And Israel was saying, "In the past they formed a secret confederacy together when they went out and slaughtered the men of Shechem. They profaned the LORD GOD when they took the Lord'S Everlasting Covenant, the circumcision, and profaned it by having every man be circumcised after Dinah, their sister, was raped, and on the third day, they killed every man in the city." 

"My soul, my glory, shall not be united with them." Jacob was speaking about ALMIGHTY GOD'S glory. The ALL-WISE CREATOR breathed HIS HOLY SPIRIT into man and man became a living soul. Jacob said his soul should not be united together with theirs. 

Jacob also stated that Simeon and Levi were so cruel they had even hewed the oxen. They were not content with just getting revenge for the rape of their sister, Dinah, but they killed the men, took women and children and livestock; then they plundered the houses in the city. [Genesis/Bereshith 34. 25 - 29] This tendency of men taking vengeance, becomes the basis for GOD'S declaration, "Vengeance and recompense belongs to ME {I will vindicate MY people and take revenge for MY servants.}." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 32. 35 Tanakh, Torah] 

"Cursed be their anger." Jacob did not curse them, but their sin. The MERCIFUL ETERNAL ONE curses our sin, HE hates our sin, but HE still loves the sinner. Otherwise, none of us would be here. 

"I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel." We see this prophecy being fulfilled by the intermingling of the tribe of Simeon in the inheritance of Judah. [Joshua/Yehoshua 19. 1, 9 Tanakh, Nevi’im] The tribe of Judah swallowed them up. You cannot find anyone of the tribe of Simeon any more. And Simeon did not receive a blessing in Deuteronomy/ Devarim 33. The tribe of Levi was dispersed among all the tribes of Israel causing this prophecy of the Holy Spirit to be fulfilled to the fullest. 

...to be continued! 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
HEAVENLY FATHER, teach us to emulate YOUR OWN grace and mercy. Cause YOUR truth to fall upon our hearts like seed upon fertile ground. And, may we learn to love Your Law ever more deeply and to find in it the beauty of holiness. Amen 


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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/ 
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Better to loose with a wise man then to win with a fool. 

TRIBES OF ISRAEL (Part 3 of 5) 
"Jacob called his sons and said— Come together that I may tell you what is to befall you in days to come: Assemble and hearken, O sons of Jacob; hearken to Israel your father." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 1 – 2 Tanakh, Torah] 

Judah was the forth born son to Jacob. Through the lips of his mother, Leah, the HOLY SPIRIT said— "This time I will praise (thank) the LORD" [Genesis/Bereshith 29. 8 – 12] as she gave birth to Judah. Speaking thru Israel (Jacob) the HOLY SPIRIT exclaimed, "You, O Judah, your brothers shall praise; your hand shall be on the nape of your foes; your father’s sons shall bow low to you. Judah is a lion’s whelp; on prey, my son, have you grown. He crouches, lies down like a lion, like the king of beasts — who dare rouse him? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet; until Shiloh comes (here the MIDRASH adds "so that tribute shall come to him") and the homage of peoples be his. He tethers his ass to a vine, his ass’s foal to a choice vine; he washes his garment in wine, his robe in blood of grapes. His eyes are darker than wine and his teeth are white from milk." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 8 – 12 Tanakh, Torah] 

Unlike Reuben, Judah had neither the birthright, the dignity, nor the opportunity of the firstborn. But, he did have strength and he was consistent in his purpose. Whatever he started, he would follow through with. He knew his enemy; and whether it was a person, an evil, or a cause, his hand was upon that enemy’s neck. The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH defeated Satan upon the cross. . . JESUS knew HIS enemy; HE took the sting out of death. Praise GOD! HalleluYAH! 

Judah was capable of falling into grievous error and sin, yet he was true at heart to himself and to the LORD GOD ETERNAL. Judah’s character fitted him to take the lead and the rule. He was the father of the royal tribe, the ancestor of David and the Lion of Judah came from Judah. The LORD JESUS would be called the LION OF DAVID and the LION OF JUDAH. JESUS was never called the SON OF ABRAHAM, the SON OF ISAAC, or the SON OF JACOB; but HE was called the SON OF DAVID. That is what made David's fame great. 

"All your brothers will praise you." Jacob was foretelling Judah’s military glory, as he would be the leader of all the tribes of Israel in subduing the enemies of the ALMIGHTY ONE, namely the Philistines and the Edomites. 

Then Jacob said a strange thing: “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes." In Hebrew, the word Shiloh means, the exact image and reflection of GOD. Not until the LORD JESUS comes into the world will the scepter and the ruler’s staff depart from the tribe of Judah. And MESSIAH YESHUA did come into the world, being the exact image and reflection of ALMIGHTY GOD, as HE HIMSELF said, “If you have seen ME, you have seen the FATHER, I and MY FATHER are ONE." [John 14. 9; 10. 30] 

Jacob, still speaking by the HOLY SPIRIT, said, "And unto HIM shall all the obedience (homage, honor, respect, worship) of the people be." Through the HOPE of all ISRAEL — the SAVIOR — the LION OF JUDAH, the world would be made right as HE would take all sin, all transgression and all iniquity of the world on HIMSELF as HE went to the cross. The eyes of MESSIAH YESHUA would be "as if sparkling with wine" — and yet HE would not be drunk. . . the LORD YESHUA would always have a sparkle (joy) in HIS eye. HIS teeth would be whiter than milk, and altogether lovely. These verses are a description of the LORD JESUS the LIFE-GIVER, my PRAISE. 

. . . to be continued! 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Life's challenges work out for the best, when we recognize what appear to be obstacles, are actually opportunities to develop ourselves for the better and recognize that all things come from OMNIPOTENT GOD'S invisible hand that guides our lives. 
The glory of the LORD 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, the people HE brought near to HIMSELF. HalleluYAH! 

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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/ 

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Better to pray for yourself then to curse another. We must hang on, as long as possible, to our sense of astonishment. Let us not be misled by labels, as if calling someone a terrorist gives sense to madness. 

TRIBES of ISRAEL (Part 4 of 5) 
"Jacob called his sons and said— Come together that I may tell you what is to befall you in days to come: Assemble and hearken, O sons of Jacob; hearken to Israel your father." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 1 – 2 Tanakh, Torah] 

The HOLY SPIRIT spoke through Jacob saying, "Zebulun shall dwell by the seashore; he shall be a haven for ships, and his flank shall rest on Sidon." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 13 Tanakh, Torah] Zebulun settled in the favorable geographical position described here, and his tribe became mariners. The actual territory of Zebulun is uncertain, but their "Tribal Standard (banner)" bears the picture of a ship. 

"Issachar is a strong-boned ass, crouching down among the sheepfolds. When he saw how good was security, and how pleasant was the country, he bent his shoulder to bear the burden, and became a toiling serf (a servant under task-work of forced labor)." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 14 – 15 Tanakh, Torah] 

As a strong-boned ass, the people of Issachar would have great physical power. However, the minute they found a resting place, they would stay right there. They would not become nomads like the rest of the people of Israel living in tents. They did not like the life of a wandering Jew. If Issachar found a place where he wanted to rest, he would much prefer to pay tribute and to submit to any enemy that came upon him then to leave his plowshare and take up a sword. He would never go to battle. All this was fulfilled. Along with Simeon, Issachar did not receive a blessing from Moses along with the other tribes in Deuteronomy/ Devarim 33. 

"Dan shall govern his people, as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan shall be a serpent by the road, a viper by the path, that bites the horse’s heels so that his rider is thrown backward. I wait for Your deliverance, O LORD!" [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 16 – 18 Tanakh, Torah] 

Samson came from the tribe of Dan to be one of the judges of Israel. Dan would also be a serpent in the way, a horned snake in the way that bites the horse’s heels so that his rider falls backward. Judas Iscariot would be coming from the tribe of Dan. The HOLY SPIRIT knew who would betray MESSIAH YESHUA with a kiss. This is why the tribe of Dan is not mentioned in the Book of Revelation 7. {The 144,000 Witnesses are witnesses — not judges. Ephraim‘s name is also missing because his name means first-fruit and this company is a fixed number.} And then Jacob said, "LORD, I am waiting for YOUR SALVATION. I can hardly wait to come home and be with YOU, LORD. I am waiting for YOUR SON, YESHUA, I’m waiting for YOUR SALVATION, O LORD." 

"Gad shall be raided by raiders, but he shall raid at their heels." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 19 Tanakh, Torah] There is a play on words here, the translation should be. . ."a raiding band raids him, but he will now band himself against their heel." He would always know where to attack, in their rear position. OMNIPOTENT GOD succeeded in expelling the Ammonites, Moabites and the Armenian who were constantly raiding his border. Jephthah, one of the judges of Israel, came from the tribe of Gad. The LORD used him as an instrument to bring forth HIS victory. Victory is always the LORD’S. 

"Asher’s bread shall be rich, and he shall yield royal dainties." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 20 Tanakh, Torah] Asher's territory stretched from the Sea of Galilee to Mount Karem’El. The name, Asher, means "happy" — and this meaning is reflected in the blessing that is bestowed upon him. The land of Asher was prosperous and happy, where they went in business making delicacies fit for the tables of kings. {In Deuteronomy/ Devarim 33, Moses blesses the tribes and of Asher he spoke of him "dipping his heel in oil." The olive tree grow prevalent in the area allotted to him and the olive oil is indeed used for making of dainties.} The HOLY SPIRIT is never wrong, always true. 

"Naphtali is a hind let loose; which yields lovely fawns (or "gives lovely words") ." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 21 Tanakh, Torah] This gives us an image of swiftness and grace in movement. "Yields lovely fawns" refers to the tribe’s reputation for persistence and eloquence. The great victory of Barak [Judges/Shofetym 4. 15 - 16], who was of the tribe of Naphtali, was followed by the glorious song of Devorah, also of the tribe of Naphtali who "gives goodly words." [Judges/Shofetym 5. 12] They would not only follow through where the LORD led them, they would also bring forth words of praise and thanksgiving unto the ALMIGHTY LORD OF HOSTS, the HOPE OF ISRAEL.. 

. . . to be continued! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Sometimes GOD, WHO’S PRESENCE dwells within us, will allow a calamity to come to see just where our faith lies. Glorify the LORD OF HOSTS by your steadfast commitment to HIM and trust your life completely in the merciful hands of the ULTIMATELY TRIUMPHANT LORD GOD 

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

Web Page:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Faults are thick where love is thin. 

TRIBES of ISRAEL (Part 1 of 5) 
"Jacob called his sons and said— Come together that I may tell you what is to befall you in days to come: Assemble and hearken, O sons of Jacob; hearken to Israel your father." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 1 – 2 Tanakh, Torah] 

"Reuben, you are my first-born, my might and the first fruit of my strength, exceeding in rank (dignity) and the exceeding in honor. Unstable as water, you shall excel no longer; for when you mounted your father's bed, you defiled it and brought disgrace — my couch he mounted!" [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 3 – 4 Tanakh, Torah] 

Israel was saying, "Reuben, you have forfeited your natural right of the firstborn. Through being the first-born, you had dignity and opportunity, but you did not have strength of character." Reuben appeared to be a man who began good actions, but he did not complete them. He planned to save Joseph and he actually prevented the murder of Joseph. [Genesis/Bereshith 37. 21] Nevertheless, Joseph was sold in spite of Reuben. 

In Jewish history, Reuben’s descendants remained true to their ancestral type, unstable as water. When Deborah unfurled the banner of Israel’s independence in the days of the judges, all the other tribes rallied around her. But in the camp of Reuben, there was great intention, a mighty searching of the heart, but no real action. Instead, they appointed half a dozen committees to study whether they should take action. [Judges/Shofetym 5. 15] Subsequently, the tribe of Reuben is very rarely mentioned in Israel’s history. They begin, but they never finish. They open their mouth, but they never move any further than that. 

"You are my might." As the firstborn, Reuben was endowed with a super-abundant vitality, the cause of both his preeminence and his undoing. He did not know how to use what he had wisely with the wisdom of the ALMIGHTY LORD GOD. And Jacob said, "you have had the excellency of dignity" which in the Hebrew means: "You have been superior in dignity. You have had this given to you, because it belongs to the firstborn. Reuben, it was provided for you to receive three portions above your brothers." The three portions are the right of the firstborn, the priesthood, and the kingdom. Reuben, you should have had all three, but now you are not going to get anything. 

The right of the firstborn was given to Joseph, the priesthood was given to Levi, the kingly power and headship were given to Judah. Judah would be the king of Israel. Through Judah's loins would come the LION OF JUDAH, the KING of the Universe, YESHUA ha’MASHIACH. 

Israel further said to Reuben, "you are unstable as water." My son, any breeze can ruffle your surface. You bubble over like water in an uncontrolled vehemence of passion. You are a very emotional person with weakness of will, lack of self-control and hardness of purpose. You have also had a spirit of lust within you that you never overcame. You had the excellency, but now you will relinquish all your privileges of the firstborn. 

The HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD was speaking through Jacob because none of the descendants of Reuben ever became judges, prophets or leaders in Israel. SCRIPTURE very clearly stresses that moral character is more essential than hereditary right. The LORD GOD, the RIGHTEOUS ONE, wants us to be moral and to be ethical one with another. We are to "love your fellow man as yourself." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 19. 18 Tanakh, Torah] 

. . . to be continued! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
As we bid farewell to Shabbat, we are praying for you our dear friends. May you have a heart to know YEHOWAH, that HE is the LORD of your life. O, return to HIM now, and HE will abundantly pardon. May each of you be delivered from trouble and harm, or strengthened and purified through it. Heal us O LORD, make us righteous in YOUR sight. May the message of GOD’S WORD and the love of YESHUA ha’MASHIACH, the BELOVED SAVIOR bless you and fill your life with overflowing joy. Amen 
Go forth victoriously into the week and take some of Sabbath’s sweetness with 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: http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
What we are will always speak louder than what we say. 

YOKE, STAFF, ROD 
"For the yoke of his burden and the staff of his back — the rod of his oppressor — You have broken, as in the day of Midian." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 9. 4 Tanakh, Nevi'im] {Referring to the time of Gideon. Judges/Shofetim 7-8} 

MESSIAH YESHUA is the ONE this text is speaking of. Only THE GALILEAN, the SAVIOR of the world could be all this and so much more, words and imagination could never fully describe our WONDROUS LORD; such amazing qualities and resemblances and analogies. 

Yoke of Burden: Speaking about the Assyrians yoke of oppression, Isaiah said: "It shall come to pass in that day that HIS burden will be taken away from your shoulder, and HIS yoke from your neck; the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil...Then HIS yoke shall be removed from them, and HIS burden removed from their backs. This is the plan that is planned against the whole earth; and this is the hand that is stretched out over all the nations. For the LORD OF HOSTS has purposed it, who then can annul it? HIS arm is stretched out, and who can stop it?" [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 10. 25; 14. 25 - 27 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Whereas, MESSIAH YESHUA encourages us by saying — "Take MY yoke upon you and learn from ME, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For MY yoke is easy and MY burden is light." [Matthew 11. 29 - 30] 

Staff of HIS Shoulder (Strength): "YOUR rod and YOUR staff— they comfort me" [Psalms/Tehillym 23. 4], for through the voice of the LORD, the enemy will be beaten down as HE strikes with the rod. "And in every place where the grounded staff shall pass, which the LORD shall lay upon him, it will be with tabrets and harps; and in battles of shaking will HE fight with it." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 30. 32 Tanakh, Nevi'im] GOD will forgive Israel, "Oh, Shepherd YOUR people with YOUR staff, the flock of YOUR heritage. May they who dwell isolated in a woodland, in the midst of Carmel; let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in days of old." [Micah (Michah) 7. 14 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

The Rod: "I will be a FATHER to him, and he shall be a son to ME. When he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the affliction of mortals {the same as a human father would}." [2 Samuel (Shemuel Bet) 7. 14 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

In arguing his case Job’s reply to Bildad the Shuhite was, "If HE would only take HIS rod away from me and do not let dread of HIM terrify me, then I would speak out without fear of HIM." [Job (Iyob) 9. 34 - 35 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Regarding rulers and nations who took counseled together against the ANOINTED ONE, YEHOWAH asserted— "YOU (YESHUA) shall break them (the nations) with a rod of iron; shatter them to pieces like potter's ware." [Psalms (Tehillym) 2. 9 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Though I walk through the Valley of deepest darkness, I will fear no harm, for YOU are with me; YOUR rod and YOUR staff— they comfort me." [Psalms (Tehillym) 23. 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Remembering the Covenant with David, and sorrow for lost blessings David reiterates what the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL promised, "If his sons forsake MY Teaching and do not walk in MY judgments; if they violate MY Laws, and do not keep MY commandments, I will punish their transgression with the rod, their iniquity with plagues. Nevertheless MY lovingkindness I will not utterly take from him, nor allow MY faithfulness to fail. I will not break MY covenant, or change the WORD that has gone out of MY lips." [Psalms (Tehillym) 89. 30 – 34 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "The LORD said to my LORD — Sit at MY right hand, while I make YOUR enemies YOUR footstool. The LORD will send forth from Zion the rod of YOUR mighty strength. Rule in the midst of YOUR enemies!" [Psalms (Tehillym) 110. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

The Reign of Jesse's OFFSPRING, "A ROD shall grow out from the stem of Jesse, and a BRANCH will grow out of his roots. The SPIRIT OF THE LORD shall rest upon HIM, the SPIRIT of wisdom and understanding, the SPIRIT of counsel and valor, the SPIRIT of devotion and reverence for the LORD." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 11. 1 – 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Punishment of Israel's injustice, "The LORD'S voice cries unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see YOUR NAME: Hear the ROD, and WHO has appointed it." [Micah (Michah) 6. 9 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

"Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?" [1 Corinthians 4. 21] The judgment we will receive is in accordance to our choice. The rod of HIS anger and the staff of HIS indignation are for those who love wickedness and remain under the yoke of sin and lawlessness. But the yoke of righteousness by which we are guided to everlasting peace and joy is available to who-so-ever will come to YESHUA , the ROCK OF SALVATION, for forgiveness. In HIM we are made perfect through obedience by HIS Rod of guidance, and our names engraved into the Staff of righteousness as our rich inheritance. 

This WONDERFUL JESUS we serve, is the ONE WHO will to rule all nations with a rod of iron. So, "hold fast what you have till I come. And he who overcomes, and keeps MY works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations — HE shall rule them with a rod of iron; they shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels — as I also have received from MY FATHER; and I will give him the MORNING STAR. "He who has an ear, let him hear what the SPIRIT says to the churches." [Revelation 2. 26 - 29] What a day that will be, for HE is coming soon to judge the earth in truth, and righteousness will reign through all eternity. 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Good Sabbath! O FATHER in heaven, in YOUR love YOU appointed for us a day of rest, that in YOUR PRESENCE we may regain that freedom of the soul which comes through obedience to YOUR commandments. Quicken us by YOUR SPIRIT, may we learn how to ennoble the things of earth by sanctifying them to YOUR service. May the blessings of the day gladden our hearts and inspire us to holier resolves and purer motives. Strengthen us, O GOD, and grant that new courage, new faith, new power descend upon us and upon all who strive to do YOUR will and to fulfill YOUR benevolent purposes. Amen 
Delight in the Sabbath! 


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: http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Great is repentance; it turns sins into incentives for correct conduct. 

HALLELUYAH! 
"Sing to GOD, chant hymns of praise to HIS NAME; extol HIM WHO rides on the clouds; YAH is HIS NAME. Exult in HIS PRESENCE." [Psalms (Tehillym) 68. 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

By joining "hallel" — the Hebrew word for "praise" — with the PRECIOUS NAME "YAH" — it becomes "HalleluYAH&qu ot; meaning "praise the LORD." Thus exhorting and compelling us to praise the LORD OF CREATION, the self-existing, self-revealing ONLY LIVING & TRUE GOD. 

There are 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet. "HalleluYAH&qu ot; occurs exactly 22 times in the book of Psalms (Praises of Israel), and Hebrew is the language that the ALMIGHTY ONE used to reveal HIS TIMELESS WORD [Psalms/Tehillym 119. 89] to man. Thus, we are reminded that the very purpose of language is to "praise the Lord" WHO created us and died to redeem us. 

Praise occurs more in the Book of Psalms than in all the rest of the HOLY SCRIPTURES, so it is appropriate that the Psalms conclude with a glorious and eternal doxology: 
"HalleluYAH! Praise GOD in HIS sanctuary; praise HIM in HIS mighty firmament, HIS stronghold! 
Praise HIM for HIS mighty acts; praise HIM as befits HIS exceedingly excellent greatness! 
Praise HIM with blasts of the horn; praise HIM with the harp and lyre! 
Praise HIM with the timbrel and dance; praise HIM with lute and pipe! 
Praise HIM with resounding cymbals; praise HIM with loud-alarming cymbals! 
Let everything that breathes praise the LORD. HalleluYAH!" [Psalms (Tehillym) 150. 1 - 6 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

To praise GOD is to acknowledge the glories of HIS excellent PERSON. It differs somewhat from thanksgiving which describes what GOD has done, rather than what HE is.
GOD alone is worthy of our praise. [Psalms/Tehillym 18. 3; 113. 3] 
It is HIS will that we praise HIM. [Psalms/Tehillym 50. 23; Isaiah/Yeshayah 43. 21] 
Praise to HIM should be continuous. [Psalms/Tehillym 34. 1; 71. 6] and in public. [Psalms/Tehillym 22. 25] 
We should praise GOD for HIS holiness [2 Chronicles/Dibre Hayamin Bet 20. 21], grace [Ephesians 5. 6], goodness [Psalms/Tehillym 135. 3], and kindness. [Psalms/Tehillym 138. 2] 
All of nature praises GOD. [Psalms/Tehillym 148. 7 - 10] 
The sun, moon, and stars all praise HIM. [Psalms/Tehillym 19. 1; 143. 3] 
The angels praise HIM. [Psalms/Tehillym 148. 2] 
And, on occasions, the LOVING CREATOR uses even the wrath of men to praise HIM. [Psalms/Tehillym 76. 10] An example of this is seen in the selling of Joseph by his brothers into slavery. [Genesis/Bereshith 37. 28] GOD later uses this cruel act to promote Joseph as second ruler over all Egypt. As Joseph would remind his brothers: "Although you intended me harm, GOD intended it for good, so as to bring about the present result — the survival of many people." [Genesis/Bereshith 50. 20] 

Holy and enhanced may HE be throughout the world of HIS creation—may GOD be praised throughout all time—glorified and celebrated, lauded, honored and praised; acclaimed and esteemed, extolled and exalted—may the prayers and pleas of the whole House of Israel be accepted by our FATHER in Heaven. Selah [Selah: a pause, a time to meditate and lift up your soul to GOD and sing; a longing cry of the soul to the GLORIOUS ETERNAL ONE.] 

POSSESSOR of heaven and earth, all YOUR faithful ones, together with the children of Israel — praise, glorify, worship and adore YOU our RIGHTEOUS KING! Let all creation. . . "praise the LORD! HalleluYAH!" 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Happy Tu b’Shevat! For now the winter is past, the rains are over and gone. The blossoms appear in the land; the time of singing has come, the song of the turtledove is heard in our land. The green figs form on the fig tree, the vines in blossom give off fragrance. Arise, my love, my darling, my fair one, come away! [Song of Songs (Shir ha’Shirim) 2. 11-13 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 


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: http://www.delrifkah.com/ 

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Like the trees in the depth of winter, through God we have the power to emerge from darkness and blossom. 

GARDEN OF RENOWN 
"I shall establish for them a GARDEN OF RENOWN (YESHUA, the ANOINTED ONE); they shall no more be consumed by famine in the land, nor bear again the shame and taunts of the Gentiles." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 34. 29 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "Shem" is the Hebrew rendering for "renown (more frequently translated name which implies honor, fame, glory)." Shem was also the name of Noah's faithful son. It was from him (Shem), that the "PLANT OF RENOWN" came forth. "Blessed be the LORD, the GOD of Shem." [Genesis (Bereshith) 9. 26 Tanakh, Torah] 

This "GARDEN OF RENOWN " is the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL, and this promise is the climax of one of the great MESSIANIC prophecies of the OLD COVENANT assuring Israel that her MESSIAH would deliver them some day from their long exile and bondage. ALMIGHTY GOD'S servant David would again be their single shepherd to tend them; there would be "rains that bring blessings" and they would again be the people of the MIGHTY GOD OF JACOB. [Ezekiel/Yehezke- El 34. 23, 26, 30] 

Nevertheless, the primary meaning centers, as it should, on this "PLANT OF THE NAME" — the MOST HIGH ONE WHOSE NAME would be implanted firmly and permanently in the very land HE had created. Israel, the place of HIS choosing. JESUS CHRIST THE LORD is the "TRUE VINE" [John 15. 1] WHO will provide the true nourishment for all HIS people forever. 

The LORD YESHUA "has grown up, by HIS (YEHOWAH’S) favor, as a TENDER PLANT, like a TREE TRUNK out of arid ground." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 53. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im] MESSIAH would appear first as a HUMBLE SPROUT out of a dead stump. "A ROD shall grow out of the stem of Jesse, and a BRANCH…out of his roots" for our iniquities. But then, HE shall "see HIS offspring, and prolong HIS days, that through HIM the LORD'S purpose might prosper" [Isaiah/Yeshayah) 11. 1; 53. 10] and become our GARDEN OF RENOWN forever. "HE shall be like a TREE planted beside streams of water, which yields its fruit in season; WHOSE foliage never withers or fades; and whatever HE produces thrives, and prospers forevermore. " [Psalms (Tehillym) 1. 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Without a doubt, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH is the TREE OF LIFE, the TRUE VINE the STEADFAST PLANT, our CELEBRATED MAGNIFICENT GARDEN OF RENOWN, in fact, HE is EVERYTHING wonderful. 


Shal’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Today, Thursday, January 16, 2014, is "Tu B'Shevat {Tu (15) B' (of) Shevat (Jewish month)}" — the Jewish Holiday of the Trees established for calculating the age of the tree for the purpose of tithing fruit. [Leviticus/Vayikra 19. 23-25 states that fruit from trees may not be eaten during the first three years; the fourth year's fruit is for GOD and the fruit can be eaten after that.] The Festival of Trees, the Jewish Arbor Day, connects us to Israel because it is the day when the sap begins to run in Israel’s tree, promising spring. 

It is a time to recall our responsibility toward the environment — our sacred obligation to future generations to safeguard and protect the gifts of the MOST HIGH GOD'S creation. It is traditional to eat fruit native to the Land of Israel on Tu B'Shevat. It is a time to celebrate new life and new beginnings — cultural and physical. The almond tree (shkediyah), with lush white flowers, is the first to bloom each spring and this popular holiday heralding the coming of new year for trees. Some people plant trees on this day, and many Jewish children collect money for planting trees for Israel at this time of year. The MIDRASH teaches, “Trees were created for man’s companionship.” “I will set junipers in the wasteland, the fir and the cypress together.” Isaiah 41:19 

Tu B'Shevat is a festival that recalls the praise to the MOST HOLY LORD GOD for the Land of Israel, for on this day the strength of the soil of the land is renewed. With reference to the fruits of the trees and the produce of the soil, the TORAH praises the Land of Israel: "For the LORD your GoD is bringing you into a good land, a land of streams and springs and fountains issuing from plain and hill; a land of wheat and barley, of vines, figs, and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey; a land where you may eat food without scarcity, where you will lack nothing; a land whose rocks are iron and from whose hills you can mine copper. When you have eaten your fill, give thanks to the LORD your GoD for the good land which HE has given you. Take care lest you forget the LORD your GOD and fail to keep HIS Commandments, HIS Rules, and HIS Laws, which I enjoin upon you today." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 8. 7-11 Tanakh, Torah] The TORAH has compared man to a tree of the field [Isaiah 65:22] — therefore, this day also recalls the DIVINE Judgment upon man. 


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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Keep in mind that not every physical sensation is a symptom of a terminal illness. 

WARNINGS AGAINST DISOBEDIENCE 
"If you do not obey ME and do not observe all these commandments, if you despise MY Laws and abhor MY judgments, so that you do not observe all MY commandments, and you break MY covenant...Then I will punish you sevenfold for your sins. I will break the pride of your strength." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 26. 14 - 15, 18b – 19a Tanakh, Torah] 
GOD'S repeated warnings for disobedience was declared in a "sevenfold&quo t; punishment [Leviticus/Vayikra 26. 18, 21, 24, 28] if Israel continually walks contrary to HIM, that HE would also walk contrary to them. "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" [Amos (Amus) 3. 3 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 
Take notice, the RIGHTEOUS ONE is capable of doing exceedingly abundantly above all which HE declares. Those punishments HE warned of range from the Land of Promise not producing its yield of produce or fruit [Leviticus/Vayikra 26. 20] to being chastened by eating the flesh of one's own children [Leviticus/Vayikra 26. 29] and perishing away in the enemies' land after being scattered there. [Leviticus/Vayikra 31. 39] 
However, there is a promise of restoration, if Israel would confess their iniquity and circumcise their hearts, humble themselves and accept their guilt; then the LORD would remember HIS covenant with Jacob, HIS covenant with Isaac, HIS covenant with Abraham; and remember the Land. "Yet for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, nor shall I abhor them, to utterly destroy them and break MY covenant with them; for I am the LORD their GOD. But for their sake I will remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the nations, that I might be their GOD: I am the LORD." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 26. 44 – 45 Tanakh, Torah] 
The GREAT & MIGHTY LORD GOD OF ISRAEL has promised, and what HE promised, HE will perform. Israel will always be HIS people. "No longer will they need to teach one another and say to his brother — Heed the LORD — for they all shall know ME, from the least of them to the greatest— declares YEHOWAH. For I will forgive their iniquity and remember their sin no more. Thus says the LORD WHO established the sun for light by day, the laws of the moon and stars for light by night, WHO stirs up the sea into roaring waves, WHOSE NAME is LORD OF HOSTS: If these laws depart from before ME — declares YEHOWAH — Only then would the offspring of Israel cease to be a nation before ME forever." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 31. 34 – 36 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 
The LORD'S return is imminent, it will happen! HE anxiously awaits us to come to HIM, to obey and walk with HIM. Seek HIM while HE may be found, turn from your wicked ways that you may be cleansed and refreshed and have friendship with the ETERNAL KING. Life is worth living because HE lives. 


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

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of 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: http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Smooth seas don’t make skillful sailors. 

TEN LOST TRIBES OF ISRAEL 
"In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria. He carried the Israelites to Assyria and settled them in Halah, at the River Habor, at the River Gozan, and in the towns of Media." [2 Kings (Melakhim Bet) 17. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im; also see 18. 9-12] 
Ever since the ten tribes of the Northern Kingdom of Israel were taken to Assyria in captivity by the Assyrian king, there has been wide-spread speculations and various clans of people claiming to be the lost tribes of Israel. However, if one would diligently read the WRITTEN WORD OF GOD, they would see clearly the coming together of all Twelve Israelite Tribes forming one Jewish Nation. 
The other two tribes, Judah and Benjamin, were later taken captive to Babylon, but eventually they returned to rebuild Jerusalem and establish their nation in the Land of Promised once again. "Then he (Asa) assembled all the people of Judah and Benjamin and those of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon who sojourned among them, for many in Israel came over to him when they saw that the LORD GOD was with him. They assembled together in Jerusalem... and brought sacrifices to the LORD that day. They entered into a covenant to worship the LORD GOD of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul." [2 Chronicles (Dibre Hayamin Bet) 15. 9 - 12 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 
{An interesting thought regarding Judah and Benjamin: Ever since Judah stood as surety for Benjamin — Genesis/Bereshith 43. 9, they have been together. . . their boarders in the Land of Israel, even in captivity. Ezra 4.1;10. 9; Nehemiah/Nechemah 11. 4} 
There were many GOD-fearing Israelites within the ten tribes who decidedly chose to stay with Jerusalem, after Jeroboam led the ten tribes away from Rehoboam to establish his Northern Kingdom. "The priests and the Levites, from all their territories throughout Israel, took their stand with him (Rehoboam).. .for Jeroboam and his sons had prevented them from serving the LORD...From all the tribes of Israel, those who set their heart to seek the LORD GOD OF ISRAEL followed the Levites to Jerusalem to sacrifice to the LORD GOD of their fathers." [2 Chronicles (Dibre Hayamin Bet) 11. 13, 15 - 16 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 
GOD'S RECORD OF EVIDENCE gives numerous accounts, even in the NEW COVENANT, that most of the deported ten tribes, or their descendants, eventually came back to the Land of Promise and were all called Jews (from the name Judah) in the time of MESSIAH YESHUA. Such as, the prophetess Hannah (Anna), Phanuel' s daughter, of the tribe of Asher [Luke 2. 36]; and the Apostle Paul of the tribe of Benjamin. [Philippians 3. 5]
Though most Jews cannot trace their lineage since the time the Temple was destroyed and all records burned. However, the ALL-WISE, OMNISCIENT MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE, still has a people who are called according to HIS will. HE knows those who are HIS and of what tribe they are from. As recorded in the last book of HOLY SCRIPTURE— "And I heard the number of those who were sealed; and there were sealed one hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel." [Revelation 7. 4] Although Dan and Ephraim are not shown in this numbering (deliberately for a specific reason), the tribes are accounted for, the ten tribes were never lost at all. Our GREAT & MIGHTY GOD is still in control, and HIS WORD is accurate, faithful, perfect, exact and completely reliable. . . Believe It! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
"Return, O LORD, to the ten thousands of the families of Israel." [Numbers/B&# 39;Midvar 10. 36] 
O LORD GOD, keep my tongue from evil and my lips from speaking guile. Be my SUPPORT when grief silences my voice, and my COMFORT when anguish bends my spirit. Plant humility in my soul, and strengthen my heart with perfect faith in YOU. Guide me by the light of YOUR counsel, and let me ever find rest in YOU, my ROCK, my REDEEMER and my PORTION. All praise, thanks and glory belong to YOU, ALMIGHTY KING of all ages. 


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: http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing. 

HEAVEN'S PURPOSE 
"A season is set for everything, a time for every experience under the heaven. All human experiences are preordained by GOD, HE brings everything to pass precisely at its time...HE preoccupies man with the ATTEMPT to discover the times of future events. But without man ever guessing, from first to last, all the things that GOD brings to pass — Indeed, man cannot guess the events that occur under the sun. For man tries strenuously, but fails to guess them; and even if a sage should think to discover them he would not be able to guess them." [Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) 3. 1, 11; 8. 17 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

We are strangers before ALMIGHTY GOD, and sojourners; our days on earth vanish like shadows. The speedy flight of life and the gloom of the grave should not dismay us, but instead it should teach us wisdom. It should persuade us to put our trust in the SUPREME HOLY ONE OF HEAVEN, WHO will not suffer HIS children to see destruction. For only the dust returns to the dust; the spirit of man, which the RIGHTEOUS CREATOR has breathed into us, returns to HIM, its EVER-LIVING SOURCE. Whoever walks in the presence of HIS LIGHT, who holds fast to their testimony, and endures to the end will be given their reward. When YESHUA ha'MASHIACH comes back, HE has declared, "I am coming quickly, and MY reward is with ME, to give to every one according to his work." [Revelation 22. 12] 

O, that we might die the death of the righteous and our end be like theirs. [Numbers/B&# 39;Midvar 23. 10] Suffer us not to pass away in our sins, LORD. [Numbers/B&# 39;Midvar 18. 22] "Teach us to count our days rightly, that we may obtain a wise heart." [Psalms (Tehillym) 90. 12 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Bestow YOUR strength and understanding to all, small and great, young and old that we may ever do what is right and honorable in YOUR sight; and through unwavering faith be reconciled to YOU, O LORD GOD, our LOVING REDEEMER & RIGHTEOUS KING. 

"For GOD has committed them (Jews & Gentiles) all to disobedience, that HE might have mercy on all (Jews & Gentiles who believe!). Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of GOD! How unsearchable are HIS judgments and HIS ways past finding out!" [Romans 11. 32 - 33] 

The sum of the matter— "Fear and revere GOD and keep HIS commandments! For this applies to all mankind, it is their whole duty." [Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) 12. 13 Tanakh, Kethuvim] May we be found faithfully doing our assigned task, revering the MOST HOLY ONE each day of our lives. 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
LORD, help us to break down the barriers which keep us from YOU— falsehood & faithlessness, callousness & selfishness, injustice & hard-heartedness. 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 PRESENCE.


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: http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Deep, soulful prayer, prayer worth staking your life on, prayer that makes life worth living, is rooted on two things that every one of us can access: Heartache and an overflow of joy and gratitude.! 

PRAYING IN HIS NAME 
"Until now you have asked nothing in MY NAME. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." [John 16. 24] 

"Whatever you ask the FATHER in MY NAME HE will give you." [John 16. 23] The LORD YESHUA ha’MASHIACH made this promise as a condition for answered prayer and its resulting fullness of joy is not just a formula to end one’s prayers. "In MY NAME" implies representing MESSIAH and what HE stands for, so our prayers would actually be HIS prayer as well. 

Our prayers must be in HIS will — "Now this is the confidence that we have in HIM, that if we ask anything according to HIS will, HE hears us. And if we know that HE hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of HIM." [1 John 5. 14 - 15] "And whatever we ask we receive from HIM, because we keep HIS commandments and do those things that are pleasing in HIS sight." [1 John 3. 22 - 23] 

Also, we need to recognize that ALMIGHTY GOD’S great purpose in creation is of higher priority than our own personal desires, so this should be of first order in our prayers. YESHUA taught, "When you pray, say: Our FATHER in heaven, Hallowed be YOUR NAME. YOUR Kingdom come. YOUR will be done on earth as it is in heaven." [Luke 11. 2] Obviously, we should pray for our own needs, especially for GOD to "Forgive us our sins…and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" [Luke 11. 4], the concluding request in MESSIAH’S model prayer. 

It is always in complete order to seek GOD’S wisdom in all our decisions and undertakings, so that we can be confident we are indeed in HIS will, but our request for such guidance must be sincere and in willingness to act on HIS answer. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of GOD, WHO gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting." [James 1. 5 - 6] 

Your request must also be made with a clear conscience before the HOLY ONE. Remember, "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous." [Psalms/Tehillym 34. 15] So, if I "regard iniquity in my heart, the LORD will not hear" [Psalms/Tehillym 66. 18], "when you lift up your hands, I will turn MY eyes away from you; though you pray at length, I will not listen." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 1. 15 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

But, when we are truly confident that we are praying "in HIS NAME" with all that this implies, then we should pray earnestly, since "the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" [James 5. 16], and when the answer comes — and it certainly will in GOD's perfect timing — then our joy will be rich and completely overflowing. 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Come…let us welcome Shabbat! Those who keep the Sabbath and call it a delight shall rejoice in GOD'S Holy Kingdom; the people that make the seventh day holy, even all of them shall be satiated and delighted with GOD'S goodness, seeing that they did find pleasure in holiness and called it the desirable of days, in remembrance of the ALMIGHTY' S creation. 
May your Sabbath Day be for good and for blessing, for joy and for gladness, for salvation and comfort, for sustenance and maintenance, for life and peace, for pardon of sin and forgiveness of iniquity. Blessed are YOU, O LORD, WHO sanctifies the Sabbath for Israel and all YOUR children from every nation, tribe and tongue. Good Sabbath! 


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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Life is often heavy...only because we attempt to carry it. 

MY REDEEMER, MY ROCK & MY SALVATION 
"You were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of JESUS, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." [1 Peter 1. 18 - 19] 

The LORD YESHUA ha’MASHIACH was "without blemish and without spot" and is the SUSTAINER of the entire universe. [Colossians 1. 17-b] HE died so we unfit sinners would have hope and life through HIM. CHRIST'S love and eternal plan leaps out of the pages of HOLY SCRIPTURE reaching out to the blind, lame, and dumb. HE, the COMPASSIONATE ONE cares for those who are marred, blemished and blotted with spots of sin on them. GOD THE WORD, the ONE WHO stopped a funeral procession and raised the dead. May we ever bow our hearts and praise such a LOVING SAVIOR! 

MESSIAH YESHUA offered HIS "precious blood" to redeem unfit people like me. HE took death upon HIMSELF so unworthy sinners might survive and experience eternal life with HIM. Even death was unable to hold this HOLY ONE in its grip. The PIERCED REDEEMER proved to be the LORD GOD ETERNAL even over death itself. "The LORD lives! Blessed is my ROCK! Exalted be GOD, my SALVATION, my DELIVERER." [Psalms (Tehillym) 18. 46 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

We who were unfit and unacceptable — warped and twisted with sin, yet now, washed spotlessly clean in HIS precious blood, follow the leading of our BLESSED REDEEMER by extending our hearts and hands to those who are dead in their sins. We must share the "GOOD NEWS" that the MESSIAH, JESUS OF NAZARETH, came into this world to buy us back to the HEAVENLY FATHER, which HE paid for with HIS shed blood. The LORD JESUS said, "Come unto ME, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (shalom, perfect peace). Take MY yoke upon you and learn from ME, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For MY yoke is easy (yoke of service) and MY burden (yoke of obedience) is light." [Matthew 11. 28 - 30] 

The wondrous LORD MESSIAH YESHUA should no longer be the ROCK OF OFFENSE to either Jew or Gentile. May you accept YESHUA (JESUS) as your LIVING MESSIAH, your SALVATION, your only REDEEMER. He is the ROCK OF ISRAEL and the world. HE is waiting to receive you now. 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel ! 
Exalted and hallowed be GOD'S greatness in this world of YOUR creation. May YOUR will be fulfilled and YOUR sovereignty revealed in the days of our lifetime and the life of the whole House of Israel, Amen. May YOU, MOST HOLY ONE, be blessed, praised & honoured, extolled & glorified, adored & exalted above all else throughout eternity. Blessed are YOU beyond all blessings & hymns, praises & consolations that may be uttered in this world, Amen. 


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: http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
He who gives a coin to a poor man is rewarded with six blessings. But, he who encourages him with friendly words is rewarded with eleven. [Saying of the Ancient Sages] 

IN REMEMBRANCE OF YOU 
"I thank my GOD upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy." [Philippians 1. 4] 

"Grace to you and peace from GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST." [Philemon 1. 3] We humbly and graciously thank the MOST HIGH GOD for allowing us to have such wonderful, personal CHRIST-like friends all over the world. Our special, faithful, dedicated friends, family — who have held us up in prayer, encouraged us, laughed with us and at us, lightened burdens, cheered us, refreshed and supported us and our ministry in the service of MESSIAH YESHUA. We are truly richly blessed and owe such a debt to the ALMIGHTY ONE for the treasured gifts HE has given us in each of you. 

This is devoted to our beloved family of friends in the LORD OF ALL, the KING OF ISRAEL: "To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ...Grace to you and peace from GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. We give thanks to the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, praying always for you...for your faith in JESUS CHRIST and of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the GOSPEL, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of GOD in truth." [Colossians 1. 2-6] 

And this we pray, "that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of CHRIST, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by JESUS CHRIST, to the glory and praise of GOD." [Philippians 1. 9 - 11] 

"Brethren, your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other." [2 Thessalonians 1. 3] We personally know "of your love and faith which you have toward the LORD JESUS and toward all the saints…and every good thing which is in you in MESSIAH YESHUA." [Philemon 1. 4 - 6] "For this reason we also thank GOD without ceasing, because when you received the WORD OF GOD which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the WORD OF GOD, which also effectively works in you who believe." [1 Thessalonians 2. 13] 

May the MIGHTY GOD OF HOSTS keep each of you "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the LORD." [1 Corinthians 15. 58] "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love." [1 Corinthians 16. 13 - 14] 

Precious one, know always that you are cherished, appreciated and loved. We thank YOU LORD, our MIGHTY & GREAT GOD and praise YOUR GLORIOUS NAME, for each treasured individual YOU have blessed us to share in their lives. We prayerfully ask YOU, OMNIPRESENT LOVING MASTER, to bless, enrich and strengthen each one as only YOU can. Watch over each life and bring them closer to YOU as only YOU can. With thanks and praise. . . Amen, Amen! 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel ! 
All goodness and truth are YOURS, YEHOWAH, O LORD, SOVEREIGN of the Universe. May no evil estrange us from YOU , nor error darken our vision of YOUR purposes. Help us to discern YOUR justice and to understand YOUR will. In adversity and in prosperity, let YOUR Law be a lamp to our feet to illumine our path. May we so labour in YOUR service that our lives become a hymn of praise to YOU. Amen 


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

Web Page:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
When things go wrong, don’t go wrong with them. 

SUBMISSION 
"Submit to one another in the fear of GOD and CHRIST." [Ephesians 5. 21] "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." [Philippians 2. 3 - 4] 

When we are truly in a right relationship with the GREAT GOD OF HEAVEN, we will be submissive, patient, long-suffering, receptive and honest with one another. YESHUA ha'MASHIACH taught that serving others was of much greater value in the eyes of ALMIGHTY GOD than mastering over them. 

Selfishness, self-indulgence or an unwillingness to serve among believers brings about many conflicts. "Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?" [James 4. 1] A SPIRIT-filled CHRISTian, one whose thoughts and actions are moment-by-moment controlled by the MASTER, desires to submit and serve, rather than to assert and rule. 

"Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for GOD resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." [1 Peter 5. 5] "Thus says the HIGH & LOFTY ONE WHO forever dwells on high in holiness with him who has a contrite and lowly spirit." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 57. 15 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "At scoffers HE scoffs, but to the lowly HE shows grace." [Proverbs (Mishle) 3. 34 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account." [Hebrews 13. 17] "Recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the LORD and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves." [1 Thessalonians 5. 12 - 13] "Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the LORD'S sake, whether to the kings as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by HIM for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good." [1 Peter 2. 13; also see Ezekiel/Yehezke- El 3. 17 - 19] 

The Hebrew word "raphac" — translated submit, clearly means to prostrate, humble, to line up under, to rank lower than. Our objective, therefore, should be to place others above ourselves and be in submission to and in service of them. 

This was the attitude of the LORD JESUS. HE left the splendor of HIS HEAVENLY HOME to come and be under the Law, to serve mankind, then die in our place. The MESSIAH YESHUA "made HIMSELF of no reputation, taking the form of a SERVANT, 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. 7 - 8] "JESUS, the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith, WHO for the joy that was set before HIM endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the Throne of GOD." [Hebrews 12. 2] We should cheerfully, eagerly submit to GOD, our HEAVENLY FATHER, just as YESHUA, the ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON, joyfully submitted to HIS FATHER'S will. 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Our souls thirst for YOU, O FATHER GOD, as the hart after the refreshing water brook. When we would escape from the storms of earthly life, where can we find refuge but in YOU? As one week swiftly follows week and man gives no heed, so pass the years away, and the end of our works draws near. Help us so to live that our souls may look upon these transient scenes with calmness and contentment, assured that at last we shall rest in the light of YOUR countenance and rejoice in YOUR goodness forever. Truly, freedom of the soul comes through obedience to YOUR commandments. 

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:http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Ignorance is a bliss. . . until stupidity sets in. 

Teach Me Your Way 
"Let me know YOUR paths, O LORD; teach me YOUR ways. The secret of the LORD is for those who fear HIM; to them HE makes known HIS covenant." [Psalms (Tehillym) 25. 4, 14 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

"Indeed, the LORD GOD does nothing unless HE reveals HIS secret to HIS servants the prophets." [Amos (Amus) 3. 7 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Without a doubt, the HOLY ONE loves us and has shown it by giving HIS OWN SON, MESSIAH YESHUA, to pay our penalty, a price we could never satisfy. "Times for judgment are not hidden from the ALMIGHTY." [Job (Iyob) 24. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

"The concealed acts belong to the LORD our GOD, but those things which are revealed is for us and our children ever to apply, that we may do all the words of this TEACHING." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 29. 29 Tanakh, Torah] "HIS secret counsel is with the upright." [Proverbs (Mishle) 3. 32 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "HE reveals deep and secret things; HE knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with HIM." [Daniel (Danyel) 2. 22 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

The STRENGTH OF ISRAEL spoke in parables to fulfill that which was spoken of the prophets, "I will open MY mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world." [Matthew 13. 35] 

"It is the glory of GOD to conceal a matter, and the credit of kings to search out a matter." [Proverbs (Mishle) 25. 2 Tanakh, Kethuvim] The WORD OF GOD was given as a "mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to HIS saints. To them GOD willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles— which is CHRIST in you, the Hope of Glory." [Colossians 1. 26 - 27] The things which the ALMIGHTY ONE has prepared for those who love HIM has been "revealed to us through HIS SPIRIT. For the SPIRIT searches all things, yes, the deep things of GOD." [1 Corinthians 2. 9 - 10] And, it is the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD WHO teaches us the things of our FAITHFUL & TRUE CREATOR. 

The CHOSEN SERVANT, the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA, with great authority has commissioned us to "Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them — and teaching them to observe (obey) all things that I have commanded you." [Matthew 28. 19 - 20] 

Those who belong to the ALMIGHTY LORD GOD OF HEAVEN can thank and praise HIM for HE has given us wisdom, knowledge, discernment and the ability to understand and personally know HIM in SPIRIT and in TRUTH intimately. How can one help but love, adore and obey HIM! 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Gemach is an acronym for the Hebrew words gemilut chasadim —“acts of kindness”. . .be sure to do your share of “Gemach” every day. [The traditional Gemach was a free loan society.] 
Grant us clearness of vision, O LORD GOD, to see life as a whole — from youth to old age, and be comforted in confident-faith that with YOU, the best is yet to be. 


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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Gentle words work better then hard ones. 

DETERMINED 
"I have chosen the way of faithfulness and truth; I have set YOUR judgments before me." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 30 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

As we who are called by the MASTER’S NAME, "CHRIST- like-ones"— we should examine our weaknesses and failures (sins) daily and determine to do better daily with the help of the LORD GOD, the MIGHTY ENABLER. It is helpful to remember some of the affirmative declarations made by the stylist of Psalm 119 — an acrostic praise of the SCRIPTURES — and determine to make these our desires as well. 

We are compelled to deliberately choose the WAY OF TRUTH, by being careful and honest in all our words and relationships. "Turn my heart to YOUR decrees and not to love of gain." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 36 Tanakh, Kethuvim], and we should make this our prayer; since covetousness is sin which easily overwhelms and plagues us. 

We must never be ashamed of the TRUE & LIVING GOD nor of HIS SACRED WORD, then we can, like the psalmist say: "I will speak of YOUR testimonies, and not be ashamed in the presence of kings" for "YOU are just when YOU speak and blameless in YOUR judgment." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 46; 52. 6 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Furthermore, we need to have fellowship with all true believers who earnestly seek to keep HIS LIFE-GIVING WORD. "I am a companion to all who fear YOU, to those who keep YOUR precepts." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 63 Tanakh, Kethuvim] When the RIGHTEOUS ONE is chastising, testing and purifying us we should not complain. "I know, O LORD, that YOUR rulings are just; rightly have YOU humbled me." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 75 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

No matter what happens, we should resolve to trust GOD ALMIGHTY, just as Job did— "Though HE slay me, yet will I trust in HIM." [Job (Iyob) 13. 15 Tanakh, Kethuvim] We can even echo the sweet term of the psalmist, "YOU are my HIDING PLACE, my PROTECTION and my SHIELD; I hope in YOUR WORD." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 114 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

We can believe implicitly in the WRITTEN WORD of the ALL-WISE AUTHOR OF CREATION, for we are convinced that "GOD be true but every man a liar" [Romans 3. 4], and we are justified in HIS WORD as overcomers. "Truly by all Your precepts I walk straight; I hate every false way." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 128 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

We can fully trust the LORD GOD and knowingly choose to believe HIS Holy Word for they are life. "This is my comfort in my affliction, that YOUR WORD has preserved me." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 50 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears MY WORD and believes in HIM WHO sent ME has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life." [John 5. 24] "Let YOUR hand help me, for I have chosen YOUR precepts." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 173 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Like Paul, may we say: "I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of GOD which is in CHRIST JESUS our LORD." [Romans 8. 38 - 39] Our AMAZING REDEEMER is faithful and I am determined to follow HIM. Live holy that your name will be inscribed in the LAMB'S BOOK OF LIFE! 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
May you be a witnesses of the MOST HOLY ONE'S care, love, and indwelling presence. Our prayer is that you are faithfully dedicated to THE ONE WHO is the LIGHT of the world 


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


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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Those who forsake the Law of GOD praise the wicked. 

WONDERFUL PEACE 
"Peace I leave with you, MY peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." [John 14. 27] 

The search for peace in this world is futile, false peace or a pretense of it is the best the world can offer. However, the peace of GOD and HIS CHRIST is not the peace of the world. "MY peace" — the LORD YESHUA said — "is not as the world gives." HIS peace is on the inside, not on the outside. Wars, disputes, contentions and conflicts come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members. [James 4. 1] 

Only in MESSIAH YESHUA is there genuine, true and lasting peace! "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] 

Only JESUS, the ROCK OF ISRAEL can give true peace, for only "HE is our peace." [James 4. 1] HE is exclusively the true "PEACE- MAKER" — the PROMISED CHILD, the SON WHO has the government upon HIS shoulder, WHOSE incredible name is the "PRINCE OF PEACE." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 9. 6] JESUS is the ONE WHO "made peace through the blood of HIS cross" to reconcile all things, whether on earth or in heaven, to HIMSELF. [Colossians 1. 20] Thus, before there can ever be genuine peace between man-and-man, there must first be peace between man-and-GOD. 

Once a person has been "justified by faith" he has eternal "peace with GOD" through our LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH. [Romans 5. 1] Therefore, let us utilize the standard to "be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to GOD; and the peace of GOD, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through the LORD JESUS CHRIST." [Philippians 4. 6 - 7] Therefore, we can rejoice greatly for the GOOD SHEPHERD, the LORD oF PeacE is at hand. May the GREAT GOD oF PEACE be with you always. 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Be blessed as we bid farewell to Shabbat! May the ALMIGHTY ONE, WHO separates the holy from the secular, forgive our sins, guide our life, fill our upcoming week with HIS DIVINE PRESENCE. 
Refresh yourself and others through HIS wisdom & discernment, love & kindness — that some of the sweetness of Sabbath be experienced daily. 
If you perceive something so important to be willing to sacrifice your own life for it, then your life has weight and purpose and direction; because until you know what you are willing to die for, you have not yet begun to live. Study that the LORD will reveal an abundance of peace and true favor to you in HIS PRECIOUS WORD! 
Tov Shavua — Have a good week! 


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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Definition of a Pessimist: Someone who feels bad when they feel good because they are afraid that they will feel worse when they feel better. 

JUSTIFIED: WORKS OF FAITH 
"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in JESUS CHRIST, even we have believed in JESUS CHRIST, that we might be justified by faith in CHRIST and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified." [Galatians 2. 16] 

The Apostle James is emphasizing the importance of believing faith, which is vital. James taught "that faith without works is dead...Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the SCRIPTURE was fulfilled which says— Abraham believed GOD, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. —And he was called the friend of GOD. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." [James 2. 20 – 26] 

Although it may appear that James and Paul have conflicting opinions of justification, both are correct in their teaching; and there is no contradiction. Neither Abraham nor Rahab could have been justified by the works of the law, and James never said they were. Abraham lived before the Law was given to Moses, and Rahab did not know anything about it. Moreover, James himself knew that no one could be saved by the Law, for he made it clear that "whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all." [James 2. 10] Thus we know where that puts each of us: Guilty of stumbling and needing a SAVIOR! 

In fact, both Abraham and Rahab were justified by faith in the GOD OF ISRAEL and HIS provision of salvation since "Abraham believed GOD, and it was accounted to him for righteousness" [James 2. 23]; and "by faith" — Rahab also believed. [Hebrews 11. 31] 

The righteousness of MESSIAH YESHUA, WHO kept the law perfectly, is imputed to believers by faith "to him who does not work but believes on HIM WHO justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness. " [Romans 4. 5] The HOLY LORD GOD sees a person as being "in MESSIAH" and they are justified — made righteous — exclusively and entirely through faith in the BELOVED SAVIOR, YESHUA ha’MASHIACH. 

"GOD has given us eternal life, and this life is in HIS SON. He who has the SON has life; he who does not have the SON OF GOD does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the SON OF GOD, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the SON OF GOD." [1 John 5. 11 - 13] 

Saving faith inevitably will manifest itself in works of righteousness, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the GIFT OF GOD, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are HIS workmanship, created in MESSIAH YESHUA for good works, which GOD prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." [Ephesians 2. 8 - 10] Men cannot see our faith, however, so we must live faithfully before others that we can be justified in their sight by our works. Our righteousness speaks volumes by our actions. 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Good Sabbath — welcoming the Bride of the Week! 
May you be blessed with the rest of love freely given, a rest of truth and sincerity, a rest in peace and tranquility, in quiet and safety, a perfect rest in which you find favor. The grace of our LORD YESHUA the MESSIAH be with you always; be sure to dedicate yourselves today to the LORD GOD MOST HIGH as HE may impart blessings on you. May HE dwell in your heart and keep you rooted and grounded in love. 
How we delight in the LORD’S Sabbath! Have a peaceful, enriching Shabbat with an objective to bless others. 


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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Nobody has a monopoly on regret. 

LIFE LOST, LIFE GAINED 
"When HE (MESSIAH YESHUA) had called the people to HIMSELF, with HIS disciples also, HE said to them— Whoever desires to come after ME, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow ME. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for MY sake and the GOSPEL'S will save it." [Mark 8. 34 - 35] 

This precept was emphasized by the LORD JESUS in various messages as HE tried to communicate its intensely profound importance. "Whoever does not take his cross and follow after ME is not worthy of ME. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for MY sake will find it." [Matthew 10. 38 - 39] 

"If anyone desires to come after ME, let him deny himself, and take up his cross DAILY, and follow ME. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for MY sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?" [Luke 9. 23 - 25] "Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it." [Luke 17. 33] "He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves ME, let him follow ME; and where I am, there MY servant will be also. If anyone serves ME, him MY FATHER will honor." [John 12. 25 – 26 

This amazing and wonderfully extraordinary paradox — "to die means to live" —is also found in the epistles expressed in a different way. Paul said, "I am crucified with CHRIST; nevertheless I live." [Galatians 2. 20] "HE (MESSIAH YESHUA) died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for HIM WHO died for them and rose again." [2 Corinthians 5. 15; 6. 9; Romans 12. 1 - 2; Philippians 1. 21 - 24] "This is a faithful saying: For IF we died with HIM, we shall also live with HIM. IF we endure, we shall also reign with HIM. IF we deny HIM, HE also will deny us. IF we are faithless, HE remains faithful; HE cannot deny HIMSELF." [2 Timothy 2. 11 - 13] 

The HOPE OF ISRAEL, the LORD YESHUA, wants us to live in simple obedience to "HIS perfect will" — as recorded in HIS HOLY WORD, proclaiming in all that we say and do that HE is CREATOR, SAVIOR, REDEEMER, and the soon-coming TRIUMPHANT KING. 

"Oh, how I love YOUR TEACHINGS! It is my meditation all the day long." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 97 Tanakh, Kethuvim] HIS will teaches us righteousness which is the only way to life eternal. 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
O GOD, keep my tongue from evil and my lips from speaking guile. Be my support when grief silences my voice, and my comfort when woe bends my spirit. Plant humility in my soul, and strengthen my heart with perfect faith in YOU. Help me to be strong in trial and temptation and to be patient and forgiving when others wrong me. Guide me by the Light of YOUR counsel, that I may ever find strength in YOU, my ROCK and my REDEEMER. Thank YOU! Amen 


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

Web Page:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
O LORD, deliver us from the pride of life. 

WORLD-WIDE WARNING 
Reasons for the Wrath & Judgment of GOD ETERNAL 
This is a list of things that bring the wrath of our JUST & HOLY GOD on individuals and nations. Compare the reasons listed below and see if any of these apply to the country in which you live. The next time ALMIGHTY GOD pours out HIS wrath in magnitude will be against the entire world in the judgment as recorded in HOLY WRIT regarding the Great Tribulation which appears to be approaching at alarming speed. 


* Deception, being deceived brought original disobedience and judgment. [Genesis/Bereshith 3. 1 - 24] 
* Lack of self-control resulted in murder and judgment. [Genesis/Bereshith 4. 1 - 11] 
* Inappropriate marriage, wickedness of the heart, corruption and violence brought the Great Flood. [Genesis/Bereshith 6. 1 – 12] 
* Idolatry and defiance against the command of GOD brought confusion of languages at the Tower of Babel . [Genesis/Bereshith 11. 1 - 9] 
* YEHOWAH said to Abraham, "I will bless them that bless you, and curse them that curse you." [Genesis/Bereshith 12. 3] 
* Israel was oppressed in Egypt until the sins of the land of Canaan were full. [Genesis/Bereshith 15. 13 – 14] 
* Homosexuality, Sodomy and accompanying violence destroyed Sodom & Gomorrah and all the cities of the plain. [Genesis/Bereshith 18. 20; 19. 1 - 29] 
* Oppression of Israel in Egypt brought the judgments of GOD on Egypt . [Exodus/Shemot 3. 7 – 10] 
* Idolatry, as ALMIGHTY GOD judged all the gods of Egypt . [Exodus/Shemot 12. 12; 32. 1 - 10; 34. 12 - 17] 
* Irreverence toward Holy Things brought the fire of GOD against Nadab and Abihu. [Leviticus/Vayikra 10. 1 - 3] 
* Sexual sins defile the land and witchcraft were the reasons for destroying the Seven Nations of the Promised Land. [Leviticus/Vayikra 18. 1 – 30] 
* Harlotry causes the land to be filled with wickedness. [Leviticus/Vayikra 19. 29] 
* Murder defiles the land beyond atonement. [Numbers/B&# 39;Midvar 35. 33] 
* Idolatry brought wrath on Judah and Jerusalem . [2 Chronicles/Dibre Hayamin Bet 24. 18]
* Words and actions against GOD brought the fall of Judah and Jerusalem . [Isaiah/Yeshayah 3. 8] 
* Refusing knowledge of the LORD, sent GOD'S people into captivity. [Isaiah/Yeshayah 5. 13, 24 
* Harlotry and idolatry caused the fall of Israel and Judah . [Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 3. 9] 
* Murder and idolatry caused fall of Israel . [Ezekiel/Yehezke- El 36. 17 - 18] 
* Disbelief toward GOD'S Plan of Salvation through YESHUA/JESUS brings the Wrath of GOD. [John 3. 36] 
* Rejecting GOD and sexual immorality brings the Wrath of GOD. [Romans 1. 18 - 32] 
* Stubborn disobedience brings the Wrath of GOD. [Romans 2. 5 - 11] 
* Sexual immorality, filthy behavior, idolatry, fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the Wrath of GOD is coming upon the sons of disobedience, put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth, do not lie to one another. [Colossians 3. 1 - 11] 
* Taking the "Mark of the Beast" earns the Lake of Fire . [Revelation 14. 9 - 11] 

Nations were judged because: 
* They despised MY Judgments and abhorred MY Statutes. [Leviticus/Vayikra 26. 43] 
* You turned away from the LORD GOD. [Numbers/B&# 39;Midvar 14. 43] 
* Disobedience against the commandments of GOD. [Deuteronomy/ Devarim 8. 20] 
* Wickedness of the nations. [Deuteronomy/ Devarim 9. 1 – 6] 
* Idolatry, witchcraft, soothsayer, diviners, interpret omens, sorcerer, conjures spells, a medium or spiritist, calling up the dead, etc. [Deuteronomy/ Devarim 18. 9 – 14] 
* They (Ammonites & Moabites) refused to help Israel when they came out of Egypt . [Deuteronomy/ Devarim 23. 3 - 6] 
* They (surrounding nations) took advantage of Israel when Israel was being punished. [Ezekiel/Yehezke- El 25. 1 - 17; 26. 1 - 6; 35. 1 – 15] 
* Their luxurious abundance and self exultation. [Ezekiel/Yehezke- El 26. 1 – 28. 10] 
* They (Palestinians) claimed possession of the Land of Israel when GOD scattered Israel. [Ezekiel/Yehezke- El 36. 1 - 7] 
* They (the nations) "divided MY Land and scattered MY people." [Joel/Yoel 3. 2] 
* Violence against the people of Israel. [Joel/Yoel 3. 19] 
* Syria, because of violence on the Golan Heights. [Amos/Amus 1. 3] 
* Gaza, because of violence against the people of Israel. [Amos/Amus 1. 6] 
* Tyre (Lebanon), because they broke their covenant of brotherhood with Israel . [Amos/Amus 1. 9] 
* Jordan, because of violence against Israel. [Amos/Amus 1. 11, 13] 
* The multitude slain, robbery, harlotry, sorceries, etc. [Nahum/Nachum 3. 1 - 4] 
* Blood of the slain (including abortion, euthanasia, mercy-killing, etc.) and violence. [Habakkuk 2. 8, 17] 
* Shed blood of the saints, sorceries, deception, fornication, abominations, blasphemy. [Revelation 16. 6; 17. 1 - 6; 18. 23 - 24; 19. 2] 


To be saved, you need to receive the benefit of the TRUE & LIVING GOD'S only Plan of Salvation provided in YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, the LORD JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH. "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." [Mark 16. 16] 

"If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended to heaven but HE WHO came down from heaven, that is, the SON OF MAN WHO is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the SON OF MAN be lifted up, that whoever believes in HIM should not perish but have eternal life. For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON, that whoever believes in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life. For GOD did not send HIS SON into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through HIM might be saved. He who believes in HIM is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the NAME of the ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD." [John 3. 12 - 18] 



"The FATHER loves the SON, and has given all things into HIS hand. He who believes in the SON has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the SON shall not see life, but the Wrath of GOD abides on him." [John 3. 35 - 36] "But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie." [Revelation 22. 15] 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel ! 
O that they were wise, that they would consider their latter end! May the grace of our LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH be with your spirit and bring you into HIS grace and richness. Amen 


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


Web Page:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Old age is like a plane flying through a storm. Once you’re aboard, there’s nothing you can do. [Golda Meir] 

NUMBERING OUR DAYS 
"So teach us to number our days rightly, that we may obtain a heart of wisdom." [Psalm (Tehillym) 90. 12 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

This prayer of counsel is written as a psalm, a great word of advise written by Moses as he was about to finish his long life of service to the SUPREME Lord. He had lived 120 years, although the normal life span is only seventy or eighty. Moses’ first forty years were spent serving the Egyptians; his next forty years were tending sheep for his father-in-law, Jethro in Midian; and then his service to GOD was forty years delivering Israel from Egyptian bondage and shepherding them in the wilderness on the way to the Promised Land. 
Thus, Moses stressed the vital importance of "numbering our days" so that we may determine to wisely use whatever time we have individually. In Deuteronomy Moses also wrote: "Oh, that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!" [Deuteronomy/ Devarim 32. 29] 
The SOVEREIGN ONE counsels throughout HOLY SCRIPTURE to number our days while "redeeming the time." [Colossians 4. 5] We know not when the LORD will return or death will overtake us. "Walk circumspectly (carefully), not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." [Ephesians 5. 15 - 16] "Do not boast of tomorrow, for you do not know what a day will bring forth." [Proverbs (Mishle) 27. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." [James 4. 14] 
Whatever this New Year may bring into your life, be it chaos, prosperity or death, no matter what evil comes on this earth — the days will still afford opportunity to serve the LOVING ETERNAL GOD, our MIGHTY LORD OF HOSTS. "Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us but to YOUR NAME bring glory, because of YOUR love, YOUR faithfulness, and YOUR mercy." [Psalms (Tehillym) 115. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Beloved, "build yourselves up on your most holy faith — keep yourselves in the love of GOD, looking for the mercy of our LORD JESUS CHRIST unto eternal life." [Jude 20 - 21] Whatever time we have, let us make our days count exclusively for the MASTER. 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Thank you for being a part of our life! As we enter another year, we prayerfully urge each of you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD in the bond of peace. What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. But, in the hand of the MASTER, our life's work can be truly beautiful. May the grace of our precious LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH be with your spirit every moment of each new day. 
Our prayerful desire for you: Comfort on difficult days; Smiles when sadness intrudes; Rainbows to follow the clouds; Laughter to kiss your lips; Sunsets to warm your heart; Gentle hugs when spirits sag; Friendships to brighten your being; Beauty for your eyes to see; Confidence for when you doubt; Faith to believe; Courage to be bold; Patience to accept the truth, and tender Love that is eternal. 
We asked GOD to bless you when we prayed for you today, to guide you and protect you on your way — HIS love is always with you, HIS promises are sure. No matter what tribulation comes, HE is faithful to see us through. So when the road you're traveling seems difficult at best, give your problems to the LORD and our MIGHTY & AWESOME GOD will do the rest. 
Love, in MESSIAH’S service — Rabbi Del & Rifkah 
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of 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: http://www.delrifkah.com/ 
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Life is not a matter of chance, it's a matter of choice — "Choose Wisely." 
NEW YEARS MEDITATION 
O ETERNAL ONE, WHO gives meaning to the strivings of men, attune our hearts for communion with YOU. Open my lips, and my mouth shall declare YOUR praises. YOU are Holy, and YOUR NAME is holy and YOUR worshipers proclaim YOUR holiness. Praised are YOU, O LORD GOD. 
O LIVING GOD, YOU are blessed, my KING, my HELPER, my SAVIOR & SHIELD. YOU, O LORD, are mighty forever; YOU quicken the dead, YOU are mighty to save. YOU sustain the living with lovingkindness, quicken the dead with great mercy, support the falling, heal the sick, loose the bound and keep YOUR faith to them that sleep in the dust. 
How often, when everything else fails us, do we yearn for YOU, our MIGHTY CREATOR. In the stillness of the night, in the press of the crowd, in the agony of inner conflict, we bow our heads, and at that moment, YOU are in our hearts and we are at peace. We do not know, O MERCIFUL LORD, whether the gifts for which we ask are for our good, whether our trials and tribulations may not be blessings in disguise, whether even the fragments of our shattered hopes and dreams may not minister to the up-building of other lives and the fulfillment of YOUR unfathomable plan. So we do not pray that YOU make our lives easy, to give us happiness without adversity. Rather we pray that YOU continue to help us to be uncomplaining and unafraid. Teach us to face life with faith and courage that we may see the blessings hidden away even in its conflicts and struggles. Help us to find victory in the discipline of pain transforming all things into loving obedience. May we seek the face of GOD because HE is GOD. 
May we realize that life calls us, not merely to enjoy the fatness of the earth, but to rejoice in heights attained after the toil of climbing. Then, our darkness will be illumined by YOUR GLORIOUS LIGHT and our weakness made strong by YOUR strength, lifting us above fear and defeat, and sustaining our steps with an immortal hope. 
The ALMIGHTY ONE is HOPE to them that wait for HIM, JOY to the Land of Israel, and GLADNESS to the City of Jerusalem; and a FLOURISHING HORN to HIS servants. The SON OF JESSE, HIS ANOINTED, is a CLEAR SHINING LIGHT to those who fear HIM. O, give glory and praise to the LORD GOD OMNIPOTENT! 
Then shall the just also see and be glad, and the upright shall exult, and the pious triumphantly rejoice, while iniquity shall close her mouth, and all wickedness shall be wholly consumed like smoke, when YOU LORD my GOD make the dominion of arrogance to pass away from the earth. 
And YOU, O ALMIGHTY LORD, shall reign, YOU alone over all YOUR works on Mount Zion, the dwelling place of YOUR glory, and in Jerusalem, YOUR Holy City, as it is recorded in YOUR HOLY WRITTEN WORD, "The LORD shall reign forever, your GOD, O Zion, for all generations. HalleluYAH." [Psalms (Tehillym) 146. 10 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 
Highly exalted and praised are YOU, O LORD our ETERNAL GOD, the STAY & TRUST of the righteous. Amen! 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
We cover you continually in our prayers and carry you in our hearts as we enter another year. 
Our prayer: "FATHER, we ask YOU to bless our friends and family as we enter another year of service to YOU, the CHAMPION DEFENDER of our faith. We humbly ask YOU to minister to their spirit. Where there is pain, give them YOUR peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubting, release a renewed confidence in YOUR ability to work through them. Those who are tired and exhausted, we ask YOU to give them understanding, patience and strength as they learn submission to YOUR leading. Where there is spiritual stagnation, we ask YOU, LORD GOD to reveal YOUR nearness, drawing them into a greater intimacy with YOU. Where there is fear, reveal YOUR love and release to them YOUR boldness and courage. Where there is a sin blocking that intimate relationship with YOU, reveal it and break its hold over our loved one's life. Bless their finances, give them greater vision and raise up leaders and more friends to support and encourage them. Give each of our cherished ones discernment to recognize the evil forces around them and reveal to them the mighty power they have in YOU to defeat the foes. This we ask of YOU in the precious name of JESUS, the MESSIAH & KING." 
"Now to HIM WHO is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the PRESENCE OF HIS GLORY with exceeding joy, to GOD our SAVIOR WHO alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever, Amen!" [Jude 25] May the LORD YESHUA dwell in your heart and keep you rooted and grounded in love and fill you with all the glorious blessings from GOD MOST HIGH. 

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 http://www.delrifkah.com/ 
Thoughts Archived: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/delrifkah/ 
End-time Events: http://delrifkah.com/Facepage.html 
Please visit our web page for teachings on Bible texts and subjects. 
Also notice the section showing the disparity between the Holy Bible and the Muslim Koran (Quran). 
The newest section is our thought by thought study through the Bible.
​ Having completed the Torah (books of Moses), and the New Testament, we are now going through the book of; [Ezekiel]. 

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
To be almost saved is to be totally lost. 

DOLPHIN SKIN COVERING 
"Make for the tent a covering of tanned rams' skins dyed red and a Covering of Dolphin (sea cow) Skins above." [Exodus (Shemot) 26. 14 Tanakh, Torah] 
This is the fourth and last covering for the Tabernacle. There is no description or measurements for the dolphin skins, only that it is the "covering above." It represents the humiliation of the LORD KING MESSIAH which cannot be measured. We do not know the height from which the LORD JESUS came; therefore, we cannot know the depth to which HE stooped. HE emptied HIMSELF! [Philippians 2. 5 - 10] The MOST HIGH SERVANT was in the Highest Heaven, came down to the lowest earth, down to where we are so that we could go UP to where HE is! 

According to some translators, the outside skin is that of either the dolphin, porpoise, seal, antelope or goat; but, it is a strong, enduring leather. Some translators call it badger skins. However, the badger is not a native animal of the East. Whatever the animal, it was an unclean animal which shows GOD'S great grace. No matter how unclean or defiled we were, we can be used by ALMIGHTY GOD in HIS "Holy Habitation." When we are set apart for HIS use, HE takes the unclean and defiled and cleanses us by the blood of MESSIAH YESHUA for HIS purpose. The SEPTUAGINT BIBLE states it thus, "an upper covering of skins dyed blue." The Jewish text leaves the word un-translated, calling it "tachash" skins meaning "unknown. " How like our LOVING LORD WHO was unknown by men! HE made HIMSELF of no reputation. [Matthew 13. 55 - 57; Philippians 2. 5 - 8] The world cannot see the GREAT GOD OF ISRAEL, JESUS, as HE is in HIS glory until there is an entrance inside, for the glory is within, even as with the CHRISTian; beauty is withIN. The believer in MESSIAH YESHUA is "dark as the tents of Kedar" in the eyes of the world; but is comely, graceful, and handsome as "the pavilions of Solomon" in the eyes of the MIGHTY GOD OF JACOB. [Psalm/Tehillym 45. 13; Song of Songs/Shir ha'Shirim 1. 5; 1 Peter 3. 3 - 4] 

The outside skin was all that the Israelites could see of the Tabernacle from a distance. When they approached the sacred building they saw the Door in front, and the goats' hair curtain above. This covering above, the dolphin skins, was not very beautiful or attractive to them. They could not see the gold or the silver, nor the articles of furniture that were inside the building. The beautiful curtains, the colours, and the cherubim surrounding on every side were hidden. All they could look upon was the unattractive skin on the outside. Here, in the words of Isaiah is a picture of the BELOVED SAVIOR, "…for HE had no form or beauty that we should look at HIM; no charm, that we should find HIM pleasing. HE was despised, shunned by men, a MAN OF SORROWS, familiar with suffering and grief. We hid, as it were, our faces from HIM as though a leper. HE was despised, we held HIM of no account." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 53. 3 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

Our GLORIOUS YESHUA, the REDEEMER, came to HIS Jewish people. They were expecting their awaited KING to come in pomp and glory, with a royal crown on HIS head, a royal robe about HIS shoulders, sitting on a white horse; and immediately establishing HIS Kingdom. But, the SAVIOR came as other men (our KINSMAN, born of a woman) . . .HIS coming was in fulfillment of the un-enticing outward skin on the Tabernacle! That is all the Jewish people (as a nation) perceived in HIM. Therefore, as they saw MESSIAH YESHUA in this light, they rejected HIM. [John 1. 11 - 12] There are many even today (Jews & Gentiles) whose eyes are blinded to the beauty of the LORD JESUS. They have not come inside the building, all they see is the unknown outside covering of the Tabernacle. 

The outward skin was a protection for the Sanctuary. [Isaiah/Yeshayah 4. 5 - 6; Psalm/Tehillym 27. 5; 61. 3 - 4] It covered the building completely and protected its contents, the under-skin, the curtains, and the priests who ministered there, from all the elements surrounding. Our LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH is this "COVERING" ; which indicated HIM in HIS service, not only to HIS people, but to GOD ALMIGHTY. Through Isaiah, the ETERNALLY LOVING GOD calls HIM, "MY SERVANT." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 52. 13 - 15] The NEW COVENANT emphasizes this title which is applied to MESSIAH YESHUA, "GOD has glorified HIS SERVANT JESUS." [Acts 3. 13] HE came to serve the interests of GOD on earth. "JESUS…being in the FORM OF GOD...emptied HIMSELF, taking the form of a SERVANT." [Philippians 2. 5 - 7] Graciously JESUS protects us from all the wind storms of life, from all the sand of trouble seeping in about us, and from all the strong winds of false doctrine blowing all around us. 

We who believe on MESSIAH YESHUA, were not content to stand on the outside and behold the outward covering only, but we went on beyond it to that Rams' Skins Dyed Red, and we see there the substitution and consecration of our LORD & KING to the ministry of salvation for all those who come to HIM. We were not content to stop here at the Rams' Skin Dyed Red, but we penetrated beyond that to the Goats' Hair Curtain, to see the reason for it all…our LORD JESUS dying upon the cruel execution Cross of Golgotha being made even as sin in order that we, believing upon HIM, might be made as righteousness in HIM. And, we penetrated the Outer Goats' Hair Curtain through to the Fine-Twined Linen Curtain to behold RISEN SAVIOR in HIS beauty, HIS loveliness, HIS majesty, glory and power. When we penetrated beyond the curtains, we saw the colors and the cherubim all around us; we entered the Holy Place and on into the Holy of Holies where we beheld the "SHEKINAH GLORY" between the cherubim. What a privilege of personally being in the presence of the MOST HIGH GOD of all creation throughout eternity. 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
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! May peace abundant descend from heaven with life for us and to all Israel, Amen. 

Seek the LORD while HE may be found, call upon HIM while HE is near. Diligently obey the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL, incline your ear to the MASTER and you will live. 

The grace of our LORD YESHUA the MOST HOLY ANOINTED ONE be with you always. May HE dwell in your heart and keep you rooted and grounded in HIS abounding love. Go with GOD, and have a good week overflowing with blessings, may gladness reign and joy increase. 


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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
The last of the human freedoms is to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances. 

FORTY DAYS 
"To whom HE also presented HIMSELF alive after HIS suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of GOD." [Acts 1. 3] 

Many and various are the times that SCRIPTURE refers to a forty-day period. In a lunar/solar year of 360 days (as seen in Genesis/Bereshith 7:11; 8:3-4; Revelation 11:2-3), a forty day period is one-ninth of a time period; thus a total of nine forty-day periods equal the ideal year. In the Hebrew Gamatra (study of numerology), the number 9 is the number for Gifts (gifts of the HOLY SPIRIT, manifestations of the Fruit of the SPIRIT —Galatians 5:10); 4 is Universal (elements [land, air, water, fire], directions, seasons); 10 is Completeness (10 Commandments, minyan (count or number [10 men required for prayer in Jewish culture], trials, testings); 40 (4 x 10) is Probation or Proving (or universal completeness) . 

Those periods are these beginning with the intense rainfall at the Flood with Noah: "Rain fell on the earth forty days and forty nights...The flood was on the earth forty days, and the waters increased and lifted up the ark so that it rose high above the earth." [Genesis (Bereshith) 7. 12 & 17 Tanakh, Torah] 
The first giving of the Law, "So Moses went into the midst of the cloud and ascended the mountain; and Moses remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights." [Exodus (Shemot) 24. 18 Tanakh, Torah] "I went up into the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the Tablets of the Covenant that the LORD made with you, and I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights...At the end of those forty days and forty nights, the LORD gave me the two tablets of stone, the Tablets of the Covenant." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 9. 9 & 11 Tanakh, Torah] 
The second giving of the Law, "So he (Moses) was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he ate no bread and drank no water. And HE (YEHOWAH) wrote on the tablets the Words of the Covenant, the Ten Commandments. " [Exodus (Shemot) 34. 28 Tanakh, Torah] "And I fell down before the LORD—eating no bread nor drank water forty days and forty nights, as before—because of all your sin which you committed in doing wickedly in the sight of the LORD, to provoke HIM to anger...Thus I prostrated myself before the LORD; forty days and forty nights I laid prostrating myself, because the LORD had said HE would destroy you." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 9. 18 & 25 Tanakh, Torah] 
The searching of the Promised Land (Canaan) by the 12 spies, "At the end of forty days they returned from scouting the land...You shall bear your punishment forty days, corresponding to the number of days — forty days — that you scouted the land, a year for each day." [Numbers (b’Midvar) 13. 25; 14. 34 Tanakh, Torah] 
The audacious impertinence of Goliath against Israel, "The Philistine drew near, morning and evening, to presented himself forty days." [1 Samuel (Shemuel Alef) 17. 16 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 
Elijah’s escape to Horeb, "So he arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as the mountain of GOD at Horeb." [1 Kings (Melakhim Alef) 19. 8 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 
Jonah’s reluctant, uncompassionate preaching in Nineveh, "And Jonah began to enter the city on the first day's walk. Then he cried out and said, "Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!" [Jonah (Yonah) 3. 4 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 
The temptation of the LORD JESUS in the wilderness, "And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward HE was hungry." [Matthew 4. 2] "HE was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to HIM." [Mark 1. 13] "Then JESUS, being filled with the HOLY SPIRIT, returned from the Jordan and was led by the SPIRIT into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil." [Luke 4. 1 – 2] 
The post-resurrection ministry of the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA, "HE also presented HIMSELF alive after HIS suffering…forty days." [Acts 1. 3] " HE appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country...Later HE appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and HE rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen HIM after HE had risen." [Mark 15. 12 & 14] 

Each of these periods was a time of extremely intense testing for one or more of God’s people, except the last. The final forty-day period, encompassing MESSIAH’S ministry to HIS disciples after HIS resurrection, was a time of triumph and great blessings. HE had victoriously come through the most severe time of testing that anyone could ever experience, and now YESHUA could show HIMSELF alive eternally to HIS disciples and promised them victory over suffering and death. After testing and trials, through Messiah, we will come forth as pure gold. 
"The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." [Romans 8. 18] Even a lifetime is more than balanced by an eternity of blessing and being near the LORD OF GLORY. 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Welcome Sabbath, come, let us welcome the Bride of the Week...may its radiance illumine our hearts as we kindle the candles of Sabbath! 
Light is the symbol of the DIVINE, the LORD is my LIGHT and my SALVATION. 
Light is the symbol of the DIVINE in man; the spirit of man is the light of the LORD. 
Light is the symbol of the DIVINE Law, for the commandment is a Lamp and the Law is a Light. 
Light is the symbol of Israel's mission. I, the LORD, have set you for a covenant of the people, for a light to the nations. 
Thus, in the spirit of our ancient tradition that hallows and unites Israel in all lands and all ages, let us go forth with the light of GOD'S WORD to the nations as HE commanded. 


Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of 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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
How greatly ALMIGHTY GOD must have loved us, to create us in HIS IMAGE; yet even greater love did the HOLY ONE, blessed be HE, show us in making us conscious that we are created in the DIVINE IMAGE. Then, by HIMSELF dying to redeem what HE so loved. [The Mishna] 

SON OF MAN 
"Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat ONE like the SON OF MAN, having on HIS head a golden crown, and in HIS hand a sharp sickle." [Revelation 14. 14] 

This is the last of some 87 NEW COVENANT references to MESSIAH as the SON OF MAN. Here we see the SON OF MAN coming in a white cloud from heaven, just as HE had ascended into heaven after HIS resurrection, as the conquering KING of all the earth. 

This is quite a contrast to the first time the SON OF MAN is mentioned in Matthew, the first book of the NEW COVENANT. Here YESHUA is talking to a particular scribe and gave this reply to the question the man had asked of HIM, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the SON OF MAN has nowhere to lay HIS head." [Matthew 8. 20] Ranging from humility and poverty on earth to power and riches in heaven, and for all eternity — this was the ANOINTED ONE’S journey when HE left HIS heavenly glory to join the human family. 

Between poverty and the power lay the whole human experience, for YESHUA, the GREAT & MIGHTY GOD, the REDEEMER of souls "was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." [Hebrews 4. 15] "For HE (FATHER GOD) made HIM (YESHUA) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of GOD in HIM." [2 Corinthians 5. 21] Finally, as SON OF MAN, YESHUA must die for man’s sin, for "the SON OF MAN must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again." [Luke 24. 7] Even in heaven JESUS is still the SON OF MAN, precisely as Stephen gave witness of seeing HIM, "being full of the HOLY SPIRIT, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of GOD, and JESUS standing at the right hand of GOD, and said— Look! I see the heavens opened and the SON OF MAN standing at the right hand of GOD!" [Acts 7. 55 - 56] 

There is a REMARKABLY GREAT MAN in the heavens! JESUS called HIMSELF "the SON OF MAN " more often then HE presented HIMSELF as "the SON OF GOD" — though HE will be both throughout all eternity. HE delights to identify with those whom HE redeemed, for HE "is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: "I will declare YOUR NAME to MY brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to YOU." And again: "I will put MY trust in HIM." And again: "Here am I and the children whom GOD has given ME." [Hebrews 2. 11 - 12] 

The LORD JESUS asked, "Who do men say that I, the SON OF MAN, am?..." Who do you say that I am?" [Matthew 16. 13, 15] With Simon Peter, our reply is, "YOU are the CHRIST, the SON OF THE LIVING GOD." [Matthew 16. 16] HE is our FAITHFUL HIGH PRIEST, the MIGHTY KING. 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
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. 


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: http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
O come let us adore HIM, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, CHRIST THE LORD. 

THE MESSAGE 
CHRISTMAS time is meant to remind us of one of the most profound mysteries of GOD...how the PRINCE OF PEACE came to earth and lived in the flesh, without sin, and finally took our sins upon HIMSELF that we might be healed. 

We as believers should remember the GREATEST GIFT of all is ALMIGHTY GOD'S peace and reconciliation through HIS SON, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH. However one chooses to remember GOD'S ULTIMATE ACT OF GRACE to us, and on whatever day, we can never hold it too dear. Therefore, the greatest gift that we can give during this holy season is to share the "GIFT, the LIVING HOPE" HE has given us with those around us: 

"For a CHILD will be born to us, a SON will be given to us. And authority will rest on HIS shoulders. HE has been named WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD, ETERNAL FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE. In token of abundant authority and of peace without limit upon David's throne and kingdom, that it may be firmly established in justice and in equity now and evermore. The zeal of the LORD OF HOSTS shall bring this to pass." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 9. 6 - 7 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

To Miryam (Mary) it was imparted: "And behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bear a SON, and you shall NamE HIM Jesus. HE will be great, and will be called the SON OF THE MOST HIGH; and the LORD GOD will give HIM the throne of HIS father David; and HE will reign over the House of Jacob forever; and HIS Kingdom will have no end." [Luke 1. 31 - 33] 

Have a warm and blessed CHRISTmas, another day to recognize the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA'S birth and rejoice that He loved us enough to come to earth and give His life that we might be reconciled to HIM for all eternity. May we ever continue to serve, bless and give thanks for the miracle of GOD'S MOST REMARKABLY EXCELLENT GIFT. . . HIS PRECIOUS SON JESUS, our REDEEMER, SAVIOR & SOON-COMING KING! 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel ! 
Merry CHRISTmas! Let us celebrate the day our BELOVED LORD JESUS came by entering into HIS PRESENCE & LIGHT with thanksgiving and praise to the KING OF GLORY. 
"Have a Joyous CHRISTmas Season! — Our SAVIOR, the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL reigns!" Our prayer for each of you is to have firsthand knowledge of our living salvation through our GREAT MESSIAH, KING YESHUA Who'S coming to earth we celebrate this time of year. 
May ALMIGHTY GOD’S love and peace shine out of each of us...as we bow in adoration before the KING OF GLORY. 
...bright enough for all to see 
...clear enough for all to follow 
Our love to each of you. . . Rabbi Del & Rifkah 


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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/ 
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Time will, ever so slowly, reveal on the outside what GOD has been working, on the inside.

BEHOLD, I COME! 
"Then I said, "Behold, I come! In the MEGILLAH CEPHER (SCROLL OF THE BOOK) it is written of ME. I delight and desire to do YOUR will, O MY GOD; YOUR Law is within MY heart." [Psalms (Tehillym) 40. 7 - 8 Tanakh, Torah] 

David wrote these words by DIVINE inspiration foretelling the coming of MESSIAH. This was written and recorded hundreds of years before the event of HIS coming into the world as the LIVING WORD. Later this message was quoted by the writer of Hebrews, "Therefore, when HE came into the world, HE said— Sacrifice and offering YOU did not desire, but a body YOU have prepared for ME. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin YOU had no pleasure. Then I said— Behold, I have come, in the volume of THE BOOK it is written of ME, to do YOUR will O GOD." [Hebrews 10. 5 - 7] 

This was the main purpose that INFINITE GOD became a MAN, to fully and completely do the will of the TRIUNE GOD which was planned before the foundation of the world. "You were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of CHRIST, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. HE indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through HIM believe in GOD, WHO raised HIM from the dead and gave HIM glory, so that your faith and hope are in GOD." [1 Peter 1. 18 - 21] 

The LORD JESUS told us the reasons for HIS coming— "The SON OF MAN has come to seek and to save that which was lost." [Luke 19. 10] 
All mankind are sinners deserving GOD'S wrath and punishment, but MESSIAH also came to save us from our sins and iniquities. HIS salvation includes everything we desperately need for forgiveness of sin . . . then HE freely gives us the wondrous gift of eternal life. "I am the LIVING BREAD which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this BREAD, he will live forever; and the BREAD that I shall give is MY flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world." [John 6. 51] 

This free gift of everlasting life begins the moment we partake of that LIFE-GIVING BREAD by faith believing in HIS NAME and receiving HIS GIFT. This transaction results in a changed life, our life now lived for HIS service in full obedience. YESHUA declared, "I am come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." [John 10. 10] "For GOD did not send HIS SON into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through HIM might be saved." [John 3. 17] The wonders YOU, O LORD my GOD have done... YOUR desires for us are more then we can comprehend.. .none can equal YOU! 

O saints of the MOST HIGH GOD, aren't you ecstatically thankful that YESHUA, the PRINCE OF PEACE, came! 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Walk boldly in the light and warmth of GOD'S compelling love. And, may the HOLY ONE fill you with HIS perfect peace, wonderful joy and indescribable happiness. 
Have a blessed and joyous CHRIST-filled CHRISTmas Season! —Oh come, let us adore HIM, CHRIST the LORD! 
Our love, Rabbi Del & Rifkah 

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:http://www.delrifka h.com/