Delrifkah: HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY.

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
When a man leaves the synagogue, he should not march with hasty steps; but when he goes to the synagogue, it is right to run. [Talmud] 
ENGRAVED IN THE ROCK     
"O that my words were written down; would they were inscribed in a book!  That they were incised (engraved, carved, chiseled, cut into) on a rock forever with iron stylus and lead!" [Job (Iyowb) 19. 23 - 24 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

In the midst of terrible calamities and sufferings, righteous Job expressed a heartfelt longing to write down his experiences and meditations so others coming along later might know and understand.  No doubt, this longing led him to do just that, after the LORD GOD finally restored him to health and prosperity, gave him seven more sons and three beautiful daughters, blessing Job’s latter years of life more than the former.  Afterward, he lived one hundred and forty years to see four generations of sons and grandsons, and died old and contented. 

Job evidently wrote his book.  As the Text mentions, it apparently was not written on some perishable material but, on tablets of stone with a pen of iron so that his testimony might be permanently available to all future generations.  Indeed, GOD in HIS providence has ordained exactly that, by incorporating it in the HOLY SCRIPTURES.  Beyond doubt, Job’s "tongue is the pen of an expert scribe." [Psalms (Tehillym) 45. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

The essence of Job’s testimony is certainly one of the most wonderful statements of faith ever captured and penned, made all the more remarkable in view of his circumstances when he uttered it, and in light of limited knowledge of GOD’S plan of redemption obtainable in Job’s time. 

With all confidence, Job professed — "I know that my REDEEMER lives; in the end He will stand at last on the earth — This, after my skin is destroyed.  Yet I know that in my flesh I shall see GOD, WHOM I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another.  How my heart yearns within me!" [Job (Iyowb) 19. 25 - 27 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  Long before Moses days, Job knew that the ALMIGHTY ONE HIMSELF would become, not just as the world’s REDEEMER from its bondage under the Great Curse, but to be his own personal SAVIOR!  Job even sensed the necessity of GOD’S bodily incarnation, for he said HE would stand on the earth in the latter days.  Job knew that he himself would someday be resurrected from the dead and given a new body, and most important, actually see GOD. 

Other men of GOD came to this same reality.  Isaiah versed this song of salvation, "Your dead shall live; together with my dead body they shall arise!  Awake and shout for joy, you who dwell in the dust — For your dew is like the dew on fresh herbs; and the land shall cast out the dead (come to life)." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 26. 19 Tanakh, Nevi'im]  Daniel was given this prophecy of the End Times: "At that time your people shall be delivered, all who is found inscribed in the Book.  Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to eternal life, others to shame, to everlasting contempt.  Those who are wise will be radiant like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness will be like the stars forever and ever." [Daniel (Danyel) 12. 1b - 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 


From Job’s time throughout the centuries, massive amounts of people have seen what was conscientiously written in Job, Isaiah and Daniel’s testimony for they were written forever in THE BOOK of books, that you may know that there is no one like the LORD our GOD, that you may believe HIM, and trust completely in the LIVING, LOVING REDEEMER. 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  Welcome Sabbath – Queen of the week!  Sabbath of Vayietze – “And He Went Out” [Reading: Genesis 28:10 - 32:2; Hosea 12:12 – 14:9; John 1:41-51]  
  Praised are YOU, YEHOWAH, our GOD, SOVEREIGN of the Universe, WHO makes us holy with YOUR mitzvoth and favours us with the Holy Shabbat, lovingly and graciously given to us.  Remember, HE WHO keeps Israel neither slumbers or sleeps!  
 May a Sabbath of sweetness be yours with family and friends. 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Guard well your thoughts, because they control you. 

SWEET SMELL OF KNOWLEDGE     
"Now thanks be to GOD WHO always leads us in triumph in CHRIST, and through us diffuses the fragrance of HIS knowledge in every place." [2 Corinthians 2. 14] 

There is a special sweet fragrance that is dispersed and spreads throughout the world, which comes from  redeemed ones living a CHRIST-filled life.  "For we are to GOD the aroma of CHRIST among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.  To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life.  And who is equal to such a task?  Unlike so many, we do not peddle the WORD OF GOD for profit. On the contrary, in CHRIST we speak before GOD with sincerity, like men sent from GOD." [2 Corinthians 2. 15 - 17] 

In an acrostic poem, the delightful psalmist encouragingly persuades us to, "Taste and see how good the LORD is...blessed is the man who takes refuge in HIM!  Fear the LORD, you his consecrated ones, for those who fear HIM lack nothing; those who seek the LORD lack no good thing." [Psalms (Tehillym) 34. 9 – 10 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  From Solomon's Song of Songs, the sweet ROSE OF SHARON, the LILY OF THE VALLEYS — "my perfume gave forth its fragrance.  My beloved is to me a sachet of myrrh resting between my breasts.  My beloved to me is a spray of henna blooms from the vineyards of En-Gedi." [Song of Songs (Shir ha'Shirim) 1. 12 – 14 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Like an offering before the LORD, we are to be an offering of pleasing odor to the LORD our GOD.  "When I bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the lands in which you are scattered, I will accept you as a sweet and pleasing aroma and I will be sanctified in you before the Gentiles.  Then, when I have brought you into the land of Israel, to the country for which I lifted MY hand in an oath to give to your fathers, you shall know that I am the LORD.  There you shall remember your ways and all the acts by which you defiled yourselves; and you shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for all the evils that you have committed.  Then, O House of Israel, you shall know that I am the LORD, when I deal with you for MY NAME'S sake — not in accordance with your wicked ways and your corrupt acts — declares the LORD GOD." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 20. 41 – 44 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

"Therefore be followers of GOD as dear children.  And walk in love, as CHRIST also has loved us and given HIMSELF for us, an offering and a sacrifice to GOD for a sweet-smelling aroma." [Ephesians 5. 1 - 2] 

Know that your gifts are fruits to your account, "a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to GOD."  Assuredly, "my GOD shall supply all your need according to HIS riches in glory by MESSIAH Y’SHUA.  Now to our GOD and FATHER be glory forever and ever, Amen" [Philippians 4. 19 - 20]  Daily offer sacrifices of sweet aroma to the precious GOD OF HEAVEN, for HE is praiseworthy. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!  
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  All glory and praise to GOD ALMIGHTY for HE is our SURE HOPE in the days of evil.  HE will not let us be put to shame not allow us to be dismayed.  Beyond doubt, our SAVIOR is worthy of praise and glory without end!  
May the days ahead be filled with worship and praises to our WONDERFUL SAVIOR. 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Fools burn bridges before they come to them. 

PERSECUTED FOR GODLINESS      
"If you race with the foot-runners and they exhaust and wearied you, how then can you compete with horses?  If you are not secure in a tranquil land, how will you fare in the flooding of the Jordan?" [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 12. 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

To rephrase the allegory of this SCRIPTURE verse, one might say, "If a little pain overcomes you, how can you endure the cross?"  The OLD & NEW COVENANTS tell of persecution that would come on those who choose to live for GOD MOST HIGH.  "For even your kinsmen and your father's house, even they are treacherous toward you.  They cry after you as a mob.  Do not believe them when they speak cordially to you." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 12. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

"Yes, and all who desire to live godly in CHRIST JESUS will suffer persecution." [2 Timothy 3. 12]  This prophecy should severely impact and awaken us to know that "perilous times will come in the last days" and "men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despises of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of GOD, having a form of godliness but denying its power.  And from such people turn away!  Evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived." [2 Timothy 3. 1 - 5, 13]   All who are determined to live a GODLY life in the LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA are going to be persecuted! 

Because of HIS great love for us, our BLESSED REDEEMER had already prepared us with the warning or caution, "A servant is not greater than his master.  If they persecuted ME, they will also persecute you.  If they kept MY WORD, they will keep yours also." [John 15. 20]   "For to you it has been granted on behalf of CHRIST, not only to believe in HIM, but also TO SUFFER FOR HIS SAKE." [Philippians 1. 29] 

"Whoever does not bear his cross and come after ME cannot be MY disciple."  We must "FIRST count the cost."  [Luke 14. 27 – 28]  Are we willing to be persecuted to the point of physical suffering, imprisonment, or death?  Most often it appears in a creative, incisively shrewd form — rejection and ridicule, job and social discrimination, slander, family and peer pressures, legal restrictions, and other means of being pressured in order to stop our witnessing. 

One way possible to avoid persecution is to stop giving a clear witness.  It is those who insist on living a holy life and giving a GODly witness who will suffer persecution.  But, like Peter, such compromises deny the ALMIGHTY OMNISCIENT GOD.  Instead, we should follow Moses, "choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of GOD than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of CHRIST greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward." [Hebrews 11. 25 - 26]  

We maintain spiritual stability when the hard times come by knowing that we will finish up in glory having traveled a path of suffering.  There was no resurrection of MESSIAH without a cross — in the same way, there is no eternal glory without some degree of earthly suffering.  The call of the LIVING GOD involves earthly suffering because through it we magnify HIS power to keep us and demonstrate HIS grace in our weakness. 

The Apostle Paul finished his course in martyrdom, thus qualified for the treasures in MESSIAH Y’SHUA, for he kept the faith to the end.  "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Finally, there is laid up for me the Crown of Righteousness, which CHRIST THE LORD, the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved HIS appearing." [2 Timothy 4. 7 - 8]  Then Paul added, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.  For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." [2 Corinthians 4. 17 - 18] 

"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the Crown of Life which the LORD has promised to those who love HIM." [James 1. 12]  As we are truly faithful and obedient, we labor to enter rest, for only in the LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH there is great reward and perfect rest.  Never lose sight of the crown of glory reserved for those who remain faithful to the end.  It will be worth it all, when we see JESUS, our GRACIOUS SHEPHERD. 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  Faith celebrates even before the victory is seen! 
Infinite as YOUR power, even so is YOUR love, O LORD OF HOSTS.  YOU led us into the way of righteousness and brought us to the light of truth.  Therefore, at our lying down and our rising up, we meditate on YOUR TEACHINGS and at all times rejoice in YOUR Laws.  In them are true life and length of days.  O that YOUR love may never depart from our hearts.  Praised are YOU, O LORD, WHO loves YOUR people. 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Love is a river that must be bordered on each side by the banks of truth and discernment. 

HOLY PERFUME      
"And the LORD said to Moses — Take the herbs stacte, onycha, and galbanum — these herbs together with pure frankincense; let there be an equal part of each." [Exodus (Shemot) 30. 34 Tanakh, Torah] 

STACTE is supposed to be the gum of the storax tree found in the East.  It is a "dew drop" like gum that can only be gathered in the morning (almost certainly this is myrrh).   "Dew" always refers to inspiration.  Stacte is mentioned first — inspiration is needed at the beginning. 

ONYCHA comes from a sweet smelling shell found on the shores of the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.  It is said to increase the fragrance of other perfumes, and to be the basis of perfumes made in the East Indies (when burning it emitted an odor resembling musk...very costly).  There are two places where it can be obtained:
*  From an aromic mussel from the sea. . .the shell is removed by a concussion of sound.
*  The nail is removed from certain animals and the cartilage underneath is lifted off.  These are ground up and oil is squeezed out to become a fragrant perfume.  This oil comes only after there has been a death.  There is an aspect in worship that comes only after the death of the flesh.  There are things in us that must die...rendered powerless.  Prophecy works, at times, as a concussion of sound.  It has a message that breaks the hardness without damaging the spirit. Prophecy can release worship from within us. 

GALBANUM is the juice of a shrub growing in Arabia, Persia, India and Africa.  The shrub is slit at night, as you would slit a rubber tree.  It has a pungent, disagreeable odor and was mixed with the other ingredients to increase and retain its fragrance longer.  The gum that oozes out is used for perfume.  This speaks of woundingS and brokenness in us.  Brokenness is essential in true worship.  Brokenness is a process of the SPRIT OF GOD and it comes from deep within us.  Often, we are too hard in our spirit and there is a need to be broken. 

PURE FRANKINCENSE  {Frankincense means "to be white"} is the most important of the aromatic gums and is regarded by itself as a precious perfume.  It comes from a tree that grows abundantly in India.  The whitish juice hardens in forms of tears or irregular lumps.  The word pure used here refers to the free flowing and liberal giving forth of its odors.  It is useful as a medicine and an antidote to poison.  Very striking indeed is the prominence of the number five in this spice.  {Five is the number showing GOD'S GRACE, which reflects HIS GLORY in this world.} 

The frankincense flower has five petals and stamens.  The fruit is five-sided, and there are five species of the plant.  It is a preservative; this in the realm of the spiritual is GOD'S part, the preserving. . . HE HIMSELF is the life that preserves.  HIS life in us is part of true worship. 

All three spices were for the holy perfume of the Incense Altar; all were obtained from a form of life of some kind which gave of itself.  The stacte oozed forth spontaneously from a growing tree; the onycha came from a crab in the depths of the Red Sea which gave up its life; the galbanum spice came from crushed leaves; the frankincense came from a tree which was pierced.  How like the HOLY SPIRIT'S work through the GREAT HIGH PRIEST and our EXAMPLE in serving GOD MOST HIGH.  For Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH was the STACTE, spontaneous in worship; HE is the ONYCHA, sincere in the depths of HIS heart; as the GALBANUM, broken and contrite; as the FRANKINCENSE, the ONE WHO was pierced!  All worship must be through HIM WHO gave up HIS life that we might come into the Holiest Place with the GREAT GOD OF ISRAEL! 

All the ingredients were of equal weight and measure (perfect balance).  The work of the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD is equally given, all of it is important.  HE does not do one kind of work above another. 

"When you make this incense, you must not make any in the same proportions for yourselves; it shall be held by you sacred to the LORD." [Exodus (Shemot) 30. 37 Tanakh, Torah]   This perfume was not to be made by man for himself or for gratification of the flesh to use extravagantly.  But, it was holy...therefore, ONLY for the worship of our HOLY LORD GOD OF HOSTS. 

It is by the GREAT COMFORTER, the "COMPOSITION MOST HOLY" that is made for the LORD by which we come into HIS ABIDING PRESENCE.  We do not enter GOD'S PRESENCE through carnal means or use methods concocted by man; neither do we worship GOD in a manner that pleases the flesh, for GOD is SPIRIT and seeks those to worship HIM in SPIRIT & TRUTH.  There is only one way of worship; it is GOD'S WAY.  Man's efforts are ineffective and vain for "It is not by might, nor by power, but by MY SPIRIT — says the LORD OF HOSTS." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 4. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im]   How very perfect is our INCREDIBLY WONDERFUL GOD, such amazing love. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  HOLY LORD GOD be gracious to us that we may understand and fulfill the Teachings of YOUR WORD.  Enlighten our eyes in YOUR law that we may cling to YOUR commandments, for freedom of the soul reigns when we observe YOUR commandments.  Unite our hearts to love and revere YOU.  Praised are YOU, O GOD, WHO in YOUR love has called YOUR people to serve YOU in sincerity and truth. 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Every obstacle is an experience waiting for a person whose faith will bridge his doubts. 

LIVING SAVIOR      
"If you confess with your mouth the LORD JESUS and believe in your heart that GOD has raised HIM from the dead, you shall be saved." [Romans 10. 9] 

It is not a mystery that Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH, the BREAD OF LIFE, came that we might have life and that more abundantly.  We are saved because of the objective fact that the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL died for our sins and then rose bodily from the tomb, triumphant over sin, death, the curse, and the Devil; alive in HIS glorified body forevermore.  It is this which we must believe in our hearts and confess with our lips.  For the LORD Y’SHUA to rise bodily from the grave proves that HE is nothing less than GOD, the ETERNAL CREATOR. 

It is only because of WHO HE is that MESSIAH Y’SHUA could do what HE did, and this is what we must believe in our hearts and affirm HIM with our lips.  "I will speak of YOUR Testimonies and will not be ashamed in the presence of kings.  I will delight myself in YOUR commandments, which I love." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 46 – 47 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

The GOSPEL of our salvation does not rest on our feelings nor on someone's teachings, but on the objective, proven and certain essential facts of history.  The LORD JESUS CHRIST is alive, whether anyone feels HIM living in their hearts or not; and HE is, at this moment, bodily in heaven seated at the right hand of GOD THE FATHER.  "CHRIST — WHO died, and furthermore is also risen, WHO is even at the right hand of GOD, WHO also makes intercession for us." [Romans 8. 34]  We know that the LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH is the LIVING SAVIOR because HE "showed HIMSELF alive after HIS passion 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]  "HE (Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH) appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country.  And they went and told it to the rest [of the disciples], but they did not believe them either.  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 16. 12 - 14]  

"Therefore, HE is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to GOD through HIM, since HE ever lives to make intercession for them." [Hebrews 7. 25]  The LION OF JUDAH, KING Y’SHUA entered heaven itself on our behalf.  "For CHRIST has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the Presence of GOD for us." [Hebrews 9. 24]  Our BLESSED LOVING REDEEMER, the LORD JESUS CHRIST, always goes beyond our ability and does so much greater, doing all things well! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
   May GOD'S PRECIOUS WRITTEN WORD be the center of your life.  In it, you will find sweet honey in the ROCK.  Have a blessed day as you saturate yourself in the sweetness of the MIGHTY LORD, the SOURCE OF LIFE.  
   A special “thank you” to all veterans for your service, may your lives be greatly blessed and the ALMIGHTY LORD GOD’S amazing mercies and grace be found by you. 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Love blinds the eyes to faults and hatred blinds them to virtues. [Moses ben-Ezra] 

DAYSPRING FROM DARK SHADOW    11/11/18  
"May darkness and deep gloom reclaim it (the day of Job's birth); may a gloom-darkened cloud lie over it; may what blackens the day terrify it." [Job (Iyowb) 3. 5 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

After sitting for months in awful misery, Job uttered this doleful, dismal damnation.  Total misery was the principal ingredient of the sad wailing of the confused patriarch as he finally let go and cursed the day he was born. [Job/Iyowb 3. 3]  Job had been living a long while in the grim "shadow of death" — but could not die.  This cry of Job contains the first of several reference to "the shadow of death" in HOLY SCRIPTURE.  In the OLD COVENANT there are eighteen such references, of which ten are in the Book of Job. 

The HOLY ONE HIMSELF asked, "Have the gates of death been disclosed to you?  Have you seen the gates of deep darkness or the shadow of death?" [Job (Iyowb) 38. 17 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  These are well-spoken expressive questions, for no one in Job's day had ever returned from death. 

No one has personal knowledge of what really lies beyond those terrifyingly depressing doors.  No one, that is, except the Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH.   HE said, "I am HE that lives and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen!  And I have the keys of Hades and of Death." [Revelation 1. 18]   When the LORD JESUS conquered death, HE destroyed its sting (not its sorrow).   In confident assurance as was King David, we can say — "Though I walk through a valley of deepest darkness in the shadow of death, I fear no harm, for YOU are with me; YOUR rod and YOUR staff — they comfort me." [Psalms (Tehillym) 23. 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 


The last reference in the OLD COVENANT to the dark shadow of death is. . . "Seek the LORD, WHO turns the deep darkness and the shadow of death into dawn; and darkens day into night." [Amos (Amus) 5. 8 Tanakh, Nevi'im]  The last reference in the HOLY SCRIPTURES is when Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, thanked GOD OMNIPOTENT that "the DAYSPRING from on high has visited us; to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." [Luke 1. 78 - 79]  When we have a personal relationship with the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA, the sting of death is gone. . . and beyond the Veil of Death is seen — the Dawn. 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  Praised are YOU, O LORD our GOD, RULER of the world, by whose law the shadows of evening fall and the gates of the morning are opened.  Infinite as is YOUR power, so is YOUR love.  By YOUR laws and commandments, by statutes and ordinances YOU have led us in the way of righteousness and brought us to the light of truth.  Therefore at our lying down and our rising up, let us meditate on YOUR teachings and find in YOUR laws true life and length of days.  O that YOUR love may never depart from our hearts.  Praised are YOU, O LORD, WHO has revealed YOUR love through MESSIAH Y’SHUA. 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The way to learn is to begin. 

KING OF THE JEWS      
"Then ELOHIYM said — Let US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness.  They shall rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the cattle, the whole earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on earth." [Genesis (Bereshith) 1. 26 Tanakh, Torah] 

The whole history of mankind since the Garden of Eden is a struggle to gain dominion — that dominion which was lost when our first parents sinned and brought a curse upon themselves, their posterity, and upon the very earth itself.  Man has been seeking that dominion.  However, apart from and independent of ALMIGHTY GOD — through science, commerce, industry and in politics — it ends in failure.   Great Empires are built in blood. . . they rise gloriously, but they weaken and tumble rapidly. 


The Books of Samuel, covering 120 years of Hebrew history, recounts how our Jewish people desired a king to rule over them; they wanted to be like the surrounding nations:  "And the LORD replied to Samuel — Heed the demand of the people in everything they say to you.  For it is not you they have rejected; it is ME they have rejected as their KING." [1 Samuel (Shemuel Alef) 8. 7 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 


The ALMIGHTY LORD GOD OF HOSTS granted our forefathers their request to prove to them the weakness of humanity and to reveal to them their sin in rejection of their TRUE KING.  Saul was chosen as the first king of the Jews and was publicly introduced by the "SPIRIT OF PROPHECY" coming upon him.  But Saul disobeyed the SOVEREIGN LORD GOD and so was rejected.  Then David was anointed king — he was not only a great ruler, but was a warrior, singer and poet.  He was a humble man, aware of his human weaknesses.  However, David committed adultery and murder, proving again man's failure and limitations. 

The HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL, however, promised to David a RIGHTEOUS KING.  This BLAMELESS ONE would not fall!  HE would be beyond human weaknesses and sin.  HE would be an ETERNAL KING WHO would be called "The SON OF David" — WHO would be sinless, WHO would rule in righteousness, WHO would conquer all HIS enemies.  HIS Kingdom would be an Everlasting Kingdom which would culminate in a PERSON WHO lives forever! 

The ALMIGHTY LORD OF GLORY said:  "I have sworn by MY holiness; I will not lie to David.  His line shall continue forever, his throne as the sun before ME, as the moon, established forever, an enduring, faithful witness in the sky. Selah" [Psalms (Tehillym) 89. 35 - 37 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

In Matthew's Gospel, in the very beginning of the book, in the very first verse, the genealogy of this COMING KING is listed:  HE is described as the SON OF DAVID, the SON OF ABRAHAM, the SON OF GOD.  In Luke's GOSPEL, we read the announcement concerning this PROMISED KING to the virgin Miryam (Mary):  "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a SON, and shall call HIS NAME JESUS.  HE will be great, and will be called the SON OF THE HIGHEST and the LORD GOD will give HIM the throne of HIS father David.  And HE will reign over the House of Jacob forever, and of HIS Kingdom there will be no end." [Luke 1. 31 - 33] 

When the wise men of the East came to Jerusalem following the STAR mentioned in Balaam's prophesy (Numbers/B'Midvar 24. 15-19); they inquired of Herod, who asked the priests and scribes, "Where is HE that is born KING of the Jews?" [Matthew 2. 2]   They spoke of the BABE as "KING of the Jews" for by this title (RULER in Israel) was HE called in the prophecy of Micah, the Jewish prophet and quoted in Matthew 2:6 — "And you, O Bethlehem (House of Bread) of Ephrathah (fruitfulness [as in wine]), least among the clans of Judah, from you ONE shall come forth to be RULER (or KING) of Israel for ME — ONE WHOSE origin is from of old, from everlasting." [Micah (Michah) 5. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im]  

It was the custom for a man, ever since the first king of Israel, when he would be publicly acclaimed as king, to ride into the City of Jerusalem on a donkey.   Zechariah, another Jewish prophet foretold:  "Rejoice greatly, Fair Zion! Shout, Fair Jerusalem! Behold, your KING is coming to you; HE is victorious, triumphant and just and having salvation, yet humble, riding on an ass, on a donkey foaled by a she-ass." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 9. 9 Tanakh, Nevi'im]  

O, my dear Jewish people, there was a GREAT ONE WHO rode into the City of Jerusalem on the exact day prophesied by Daniel, on this lowly animal and was hailed by our Jewish forefathers "Ho'Sannah to THE SON of David!"   This HOLY ONE later was rejected, crucified, and the inscription upon the cross declared HE was KING of the Jews, and also the KING of kings.  But our people who had demanded a king (as a nation) rejected their TRUE KING when HE came, saying:  "We will not have this MAN rule over us."  This KING'S diadem was a crown of thorns.  HIS throne, a blood-splotched cross.  HIS robe was a crimson flow of blood coming from HIS thorn-crowned brow, HIS beaten face and bleeding back.  HIS coronation companions were two thieves on either side of HIM.  HIS inaugural speech was a lonely cry — "MY GOD, MY GOD, why have YOU forsaken ME?" 


This KING of the Jews is the LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH, the SON OF THE LIVING GOD!  There is coming a day when every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess HE is LORD of lords and KING of kings!  Instead of the crown-of-thorns, HE will wear a crown of gold and precious jewels.  In place of an old rugged cross, HE will sit upon a glorious throne, the Throne of David.   The LORD Y’SHUA will wear the garments of royalty, replacing the robe of blood.  HIS coronation companions will be, instead of the thieves on either side, the redeemed and overcomers of all the ages who will sit with HIM on HIS throne and rule and reign with HIM forever!  That time is soon-coming when this will be literally experienced, are you ready? 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  As we bid farewell to Sabbath, our prayer is that GOD, WHO'S PRESENCE dwells within us, bless you abundantly.  There is none like YOU among the mighty, O LORD, and there are no works like YOURS.  YOUR Kingdom is an Everlasting Kingdom and YOUR dominion endures throughout all generations.  YOU are KING ETERNAL; YOU have reigned and shall reign for evermore.  The LORD will give strength to HIS people; the LORD will bless HIS people with shalom.  Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH is the ONE WHO gives true peace and rest; WHOSE Law keeps us holy.  
 Shalom U'Vrakah (Peace & Blessings). The Lord be with you this day and always!  May some of the sweetness of Sabbath be present throughout the 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:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
If you're offered an inch — take it. 

OUR HIDING PLACE      
"For in the time of trouble HE will shelter me in HIS pavilion; in the protection of HIS tabernacle shall HE hide me; HE shall raise me high upon a ROCK." [Psalms (Tehillym) 27. 5 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

There come times in the life of each believer when the trials become overwhelming and the whole world seems to be falling apart.  Without the LORD GOD ETERNAL, it is impossible to escape, but with the LOVING MASTER there is safety and restoration, for HE alone is our "BELOVED HIDING PLACE." 

There are many tender promises in HIS LIFE-GIVING WORD to explicitly verify this declaration.  The "pavilion" is best understood as the well-protected Tent of the COMMANDING OFFICER.   "How abundant is the good that YOU have in store for those who fear YOU, that YOU do in the full view of men for those who take refuge in YOU.  YOU grant them the protection of YOUR PRESENCE from prideful scheming man; YOU shelter them secretly in YOUR pavilion from contentious tongues." [Psalms (Tehillym) 31. 19 - 20 Tanakh, Kethuvim]   Here is a wonderful MESSIANIC PROMISE:  "A KING (MESSIAH Y’SHUA) shall be as a HIDING PLACE from the wind, and a SHELTER from the rainstorms; as BROOKS OF WATER in a desert, as the SHADE OF A MASSIVE ROCK in a weary land." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 32. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im]  

There, sheltered from the storm, our GRACIOUS FAITHFUL LORD gives comfort and sweet counsel, until we are able to face the violent storm victoriously.   "O you who dwell in the SECRET PLACE (SHELTER) OF THE MOST HIGH and abide in the shadowed protection of SHADDAI — I say of the LORD, my REFUGE and STRONGHOLD, my GOD in WHOM I trust." [Psalms (Tehillym) 91. 1 - 2 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

One of the most beautiful of these promises introduces David's great "Song of Redemption" — "O LORD, my ROCK, my FORTRESS, my DELIVERER! O GOD, the ROCK wherein I take shelter; my SHIELD, my MIGHTY CHAMPION, my HORN OF RESCUE, my STRONGHOLD and my REFUGE! My SAVIOR, YOU WHO rescues me from violence." [2 Samuel (Shemuel Bet) 22. 2 - 3 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

Our hope is for that wonderful day when "GOD will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." [Revelation 21. 4]  How magnificently glorious that will be for all eternity! 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  Come, my dear friend, let us go out to meet the Sabbath, the Queen!  Come, O Bride, the Sabbath presence is eagerly awaited, and joyously welcome the Sabbath of Toldot – “Generations” [Reading: Genesis 25:19 - 28:9; Malachi 1:1 – 2:7; Matthew 10:21-38]  
  With great love YOU have loved us, O LORD our GOD, and with exceeding compassion YOU have borne with us.  Our fathers believed and trusted in YOU; therefore you taught them the laws of life, and showed them the ways of wisdom.  We implore YOU, O MERCIFUL FATHER, to grant us discernment, that we may understand and fulfill all the TEACHINGS of YOUR WORD.  Make us gladly obedient to YOUR commandments and fill our hearts with love and reverence for YOU.  In YOU we put our trust; we rejoice and delight in YOUR help, for with YOU alone is salvation, and peace in the soul of man.  YOU have called us as teachers of YOUR Law; YOU have chosen us for a holy mission to mankind; therefore do we joyfully lift up our voices and proclaim YOUR magnificence.  Praised are YOU, O GOD, WHO has chosen us in love.  We give praise to YOUR HOLY NAME and thank YOU for Y’SHUA, our REDEEMER. 
  May your life be a witness and sacrosanct (holy, sacred, revered) witness of the care, love and presence of GOD MOST HIGH.  Assuredly, HIS grace is greater then all our needs!  We are secure knowing that we are wrapped in GOD’S loving embrace.  May the HOLY ONE OF HEAVEN, blessed be HE, ever be praised.  Sweet blessings to you this day and always! 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there! 

LACKING KNOWLEDGE 
"MY people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, destroyed because of your disobedience! Because you have rejected knowledge and spurned the Law (teachings) of your GOD, I reject you as MY priest. I, in turn, will spurn your children." [Hosea (Hoshea) 4. 6 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

This grievous bewailing lament applies to all nations nowadays. Though they once knew the MAGNIFICENT GOD OF ISRAEL, apostasy and humanism has taken over and has hardened the hearts of the masses. Therefore, the supporting principle of reaping what one sows is well-founded and appropriate. Parents and grandparents in today's world are seeing the awful scourge of moral debauchery (wickedness, dishonesty, betrayal) among their children and the young people. And, the shackles of wickedness are tightening because "you have forgotten the Law of your GOD." 

GODly knowledge is rejected throughout the human race, therefore people are being "destroyed for lack of knowledge" and their willful disobedience. This ignorance exists despite an abundance of supposed actual knowledge (science) in our educational institutions, for the ALMIGHTY CREATOR has been outlawed. The intellectuals (?) of the day have forgotten that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning (best part) of knowledge, they are fools who despise wisdom and instruction." [Proverbs (Mishle) 1. 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the LORD, and knowledge of QADOSHYM (the HOLY ONE) is understanding." [Proverbs (Mishle) 9. 10 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Even in the churches, to our mortifying and embarrassing shame, there is very little emphasis on knowledge. Instead, the enthusiasm that is endorsed and promoted is for an experience and/or entertainment. True CHRIST-following faith is not a feeling, it is a committed desire to be of one mind and purpose with GOD SUPREME. To have an intellectual understanding of the PERSON and work of the LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA, the BREAD OF DELIVERANCE, one must first have a reverential fear of the LORD, that is the beginning of knowledge. [Proverbs/Mishle 1. 7] HE taught imperatively — "unless you repent you will all likewise perish." [Luke 13. 5] 

To believe right, one must first think right, and this requires finding GODly knowledge, discretion and discernment. "All who separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to follow the Law of GOD, everyone who had knowledge to understand, joined with their noble brothers, and took an oath with sanctions to follow GOD'S Law, given through Moses the servant of GOD, and to observe carefully all the commandments of the LORD our LORD, HIS rules (ordinances) and laws (statutes)." [Nehemiah (Nechemah) 10. 28 - 29 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

"Hear the WORD OF THE LORD, O people of Israel! For the LORD has a case against the inhabitants of this land, because there is no truth or mercy, no knowledge or obedience to GOD in the land." [Hosea (Hoshea) 4. 1 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "They sow wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind." [Hosea (Hoshea) 8. 7 Tanakh, Nevi'im] The people and the land are bewildered, entirely consumed; like an unwanted vessel in which there is no pleasure. 

"You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. To HIM be the glory both now and forever, Amen" [2 Peter 3.. 17 - 18] All who know HIM will serve and obey the MASTER — they are truly rich for the ALL-KNOWING ONE lives within; how very blessed they are. 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Renew my strength and draw me nearer to YOU, GLORIOUS GOD OF TRUTH — allow me to serve YOU and be YOUR friend, be my GOD and I will not be afraid; I will sing with a contented heart and be joyously blessed with salvation. 
We remember and celebrate the HOLY ONE WHO is the GREATEST GIFT to the world, the TRUE LIGHT that was given to all who will receive HIM. Such a great blessing the day MESSIAH Y’SHUA came into this dark world, though the world did not understand; those who do, rejoice in HIS PRESENCE still. 

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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
No man sins except for his own advantage; but on the other hand, the advantage is in this life only. 

WAIT ON THE LORD      
"Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not grow weary, they shall march and not grow faint." [Isaiah/Yeshayah) 40. 31]  Bless the LORD…Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s." [Psalms (Tehillym) 103. 1, 5 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

To say this another way, "The ALMIGHTY satisfies you with good things in the prime of life, so that your youth is renewed like the eagles."  This is such a lovely promise from GOD'S HOLY WORD, as it is easy to grow weary and faint in our mortal bodies, even when doing the work of the GREAT & MIGHTY LORD GOD.  The answer: Wait upon the LORD! 

The Hebrew word "kavah" means wait for or look for.  It is translated "waited for" the second time it is used in the HOLY BIBLE when the dying patriarch, Jacob cried out: "I waited for YOUR deliverance (salvation), O LORD." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 18 Tanakh, Torah] 

The first time it is used, amazingly, is in connection with the Third Day of Creation when the OMNIPOTENT CREATOR said — "Let the water below the sky be gathered into one area, that the dry land may appear." [Genesis (Bereshith) 1. 9 Tanakh, Torah]  That is, the all-encompassing waters of the original creation, divided on the Second Day of Creation, now are told to wait patiently, perhaps stated, until GOD formed the various heavens (atmosphere, outer-space) before dealing again with the waters. 

In Psalm 40, we can get a clearer insight as to the meaning of "kavah" where it is used to picture the foreshadowed MESSIAH YESHUA, "I waited patiently for (put my hope in) YEHOWAH; and HE inclined toward (listened to) me and heeded my cry." [Psalms (Tehillym) 40. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

"The ETERNAL GOD OF HEAVEN, the HIGH & LOFTY LORD, the CREATOR of the earth from end to end, HE never grows faint or weary, HIS wisdom cannot be fathomed." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 40. 28 Tanakh, Nevi'im]  HIS gracious promise is that we can "renew our strength" (rather to exchange our weakness for HIS strength) by "waiting on HIM."  We wait patiently for the LORD Y’SHUA, draw nearer to HIM, look for HIM, cry to HIM and trust HIM with remarkable confidence.  In turn, our WONDERFUL LORD renews our strength!  HalleluYAH! 

The ultimate renewal of our strength will be when we receive our new bodies and we rise "like the eagles" when the ALMIGHTY ONE catches away those who are found worthy.  "For the LORD HIMSELF will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an arch-angel, and with the trumpet of GOD.  And the dead in CHRIST will rise first.  Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the LORD in the air.  And thus we shall always be with the LORD." [1 Thessalonians 4. 16 - 17] 

"Behold, I tell you a mystery — We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed — in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.  For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written — Death is swallowed up in victory." [1 Corinthians 15. 51 - 54]  This will happen at our SOVEREIGN LORD'S appointed time.  Meanwhile, wait on the LORD for it will surely come, and HE is definitely worth waiting for.  HalleluYAH, what blessed hope! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  Firm confidence in GOD’S eternal commitment does much to banish all fears to such an extent that it is extremely difficult to imagine how a believer who believes the HOLY SCRIPTURES can be easily moved.  
  Welcoming the 1st day of Rosh Chodesh – the month of Kislev. May the days ahead be filled with worship and praises the our WONDERFUL SAVIOR. 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
There are free men with the spirit of a slave; and slaves whose spirit is full of freedom.  Whoever trusts in the MOST HIGH GOD are free indeed; while those who trust in themselves alone are slaves. 

GO FORTH & LEARN      
"Gather the people to ME that I may let them hear MY words, in order that they may learn to revere ME as long as they live on earth, and may so teach their children." [Deuteronomy (Bereshith) 4. 10 Tanakh, Torah] 

The LORD GOD spoke these words to Moses on Mount Horeb.  GOD intends for HIS people to learn (Hebrew: lamad — diligently teach, expert, instruct, skilful) to both hear HIS voice and to obey HIS instructions.  "But take utmost care and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things you saw with your own eyes, lest they depart from your mind as long as you live.  And make them known to your children and your children’s children." [Deuteronomy (Bereshith) 4. 9 Tanakh, Torah]  

The most important thing we can learn in every society is to learn (receive instructions) and understand the WORD OF GOD, and then obey what is written.  "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope...that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST." [Romans 15. 4, 6]  Obedience to what we learn in SCRIPTURE is a incredible method of learning many other things from the HOLY TEXT. 

Don’t be like the world, "always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" [2 Timothy 3. 7], but come out from among them and be separate unto the MOST HOLY ONE.  "Learn to fear the LORD your GOD." [Deuteronomy/Devarim 31. 13]  "Learn to do good." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 1. 17]  "Learn doctrine (what you believe and hold to be true)." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 29. 24]  "Learn carefully the ways of MY people, to swear by MY NAME." [Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 12. 16] 

Learn "not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other." [1 Corinthians 4. 6]  "Learn not to blaspheme." [1 Timothy 1. 20]  "Learn to show piety (faithfulness, goodness, holiness) at home and to repay their parents" [1 Timothy 5. 4] also "Learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful." [Titus 3. 14]  These things do not come naturally, they are learned. 

Paul learned and taught us another essentially important lesson: "I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound.  Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  I can do all things through CHRIST WHO strengthens me." [Philippines 4. 11 - 13] 

MESSIAH Y’SHUA, the GREAT CREATOR, could only learn some things by becoming a MAN, "HE learned obedience by the things which HE suffered. And having been perfected, HE became the AUTHOR of eternal salvation to all who obey HIM." [Hebrews 5. 8 - 10]  Thus, we in turn must learn from HIM.  "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." [Matthew 11. 29]  "For this is the love of GOD, that we keep HIS commandments. And HIS commandments are not burdensome." [1 John 5. 3] 


Learning to serve the MASTER of the Universe and obey HIS commands will lead us to a better understanding, a marvelous life in MESSIAH, and into the presence of the glory and grace of our BELOVED where we, with a glorious element of surprise and adoration, will see HIS wonderful, all-together lovely face.  Such treasures the CHRIST-like-ones have, for we are incorrigibly (eternally, insuppressibly, inherently) confident in the ONE we adore. 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  Consider your latter end; fear GOD THE HOLY CREATOR, take heed to HIS counsel, seek to understand.  
Please LORD, give us the kindness to hear with compassion, to offer support, loving comfort, and care; give us the courage to do what is needed, the wisdom to choose what is right and most fair; give us the vision to see what is possible; give us the faith that will help pave the way for a present that’s hopeful, a future that’s peaceful — give us the heart to bring joy to each day.   
  We need to love…adore, worship, and follow the HOLY GOD of Heaven with our entire being.  We need to seek HIM, not upon the setting sun but from the first glimmer of dawn.  And we need to know that if we seek HIM with all our heart, we will find HIM. [Jeremiah 29:13]  Don’t miss the RISING SON. 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Great men are not always wise. 

WISDOM'S HOUSE OF SEVEN PILLARS     
"Wisdom (Hebrew: hokhmah) has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars." [Proverbs (Mishle) 9. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

These Seven Pillars are:
Purity — "To the pure, all things are pure." [Titus 1. 15] 
Peace — "Fruits of righteousness are sown in peace by those who make peace." [James 4. 18]
Gentleness — "Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with gentleness and long-suffering, bearing with one another in love." [Ephesians 4. 1 - 2]
Reasonable — "Come, let us reason together and reach an understanding, says the LORD." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 1. 18 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 
Helpful — "Behold, GOD is my HELPER; the LORD is my SUPPORT." [Psalms (Tehillym) 54. 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 
Humility — "Humble yourselves in the sight of the LORD, and HE will lift you up." [James 4. 10]
Sincerity — "Let love be without hypocrisy." [Romans 12. 9] 

"The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." [James 3. 17]   "For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is JESUS CHRIST." [1 Corinthians 3. 11] 

"Happy (blessed) is the man who finds wisdom, the man who attains understanding.  Her value in trade is better than silver; her yield, greater than gold.  She is more precious than rubies; all of your goods cannot equal or compare with her.  In her right hand is length of days, in her left, riches and honour.  Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths, peaceful.  She is a TREE OF LIFE to those who grasp her, and whoever holds on to her is happy." [Proverbs (Mishle) 3. 13 - 18 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning and best part of knowledge; fools despise wisdom, instructions, and discipline." [Proverbs (Mishle) 1. 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim]   EL SHADDAI said to man, "See! To fear the LORD is wisdom; to shun evil is understanding." [Job (Iyob) 28. 28 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

The individual who allows the ALMIGHTY HOLY ONE to build the "House of Wisdom" in his life will know the greatest of all joys, even here on this earth! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!  
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  Praised are YOU, O LORD GOD, for great is YOUR love for us and YOUR compassion boundless.  Be gracious to us that we may understand and fulfill the teachings of YOUR REVERED WORD.  Enlighten our eyes in YOUR Law that we may cling to YOUR commandments.  Thank YOU for YOUR saving power, for from YOU comes our help.  Draw us nearer to YOU to serve YOU in faithfulness.  Joyfully, we lift our voices and proclaim YOUR PRECIOUS NAME. 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Belief cannot be commanded, but unbelief will be dealt with. 

FIRST ADAM — LAST ADAM     
"The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the SECOND MAN is the LORD from heaven.  As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the HEAVENLY MAN, so also are those who are heavenly." [1 Corinthians 15. 47 - 48] 

Death reigned because of the transgression of the first Adam and sin was passed down through mankind.  The LAST ADAM, WHO would conquer death, was sinless.  "Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of HIM (MESSIAH Y’SHUA) WHO was to come." [Romans 5. 14] 

Adam named the creatures.  "The LORD GOD formed out of the earth all wild beasts and all birds of the sky, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that would be its name." [Genesis (Bereshith) 2. 19 Tanakh, Torah] 

The LAST ADAM created all things.  "GOD created the great sea monsters and all the living creatures of every kind...according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind...all living creatures according to its kind: cattle and creeping things and beasts of the earth.  Then ELOHIYM said — Let US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness. — And GOD created man in HIS IMAGE; in the image of ELOHIYM HE created him; male and female HE created them." [Genesis (Bereshith) 1. 21 - 27 Tanakh, Torah] 

Adam was put to sleep.  "And from his side, the LORD GOD took a rib and created woman."  Then the MASTER CREATOR brought her to the man and he (Adam) said:  "This time it is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh." [Genesis (Bereshith) 2. 21 - 23] This time a "help-meet" was "out of him" — a part of him, closer and dearer than any other living creature in Eden's Garden. 

Y’SHUA'S side was pierced.  "But when they came to JESUS and saw that HE was already dead, they did not break HIS legs.  But one of the soldiers pierced HIS side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out." [John 19. 33 - 34]  The LAST ADAM gave of HIMSELF that the Church may be redeemed through the blood and water that flows out of HIM.  ALMIGHTY GOD, in HIS mercy performed a miraculous operation upon the LAST ADAM — for there came forth from HIS side- the precious blood, HIS life, which made it possible for one to be born-anew, born of GOD.  This time a very vital, warm, living part of HIM!  Now we who are believers in MESSIAH Y’SHUA can be closer and dearer to HIM than when we were mere creatures of the dust alone. 

Adam was a gardener. "The CREATOR took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to till it and tend it." [Genesis (Bereshith) 2. 15 Tanakh, Torah] 

The LAST ADAM was mistaken for a gardener.  "Miryam (Mary) stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb.  And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Y’SHUA had lain."  When asked why she was weeping, she replied that her LORD had been taken away and she didn't know where they laid HIM.  Then, "JESUS said to her — Woman, why are you weeping?  Whom are you seeking? — She, supposing HIM to be the gardener, said to HIM — SIR, if you have carried HIM away, tell me where you have laid HIM, and I will take HIM away." [John 20. 11 - 15] 

"The first man, Adam, became a living being; the LAST ADAM became a LIFE-GIVING SPIRIT.  However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual.  And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the HEAVENLY MAN." [1 Corinthians 15. 42 - 46, 49] 

John said, regarding the image of the HEAVENLY MAN:  "Beloved, now we are children of GOD; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when HE is revealed, we shall be like HIM, for we shall see HIM as HE is." [1 John 3. 2] 

Paul confirmed the same concept by saying, "Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed — in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.  For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality." [1 Corinthians 15. 51 - 53]  This is the change we look forward to at the coming of the LORD JESUS for HIS OWN. HalleluYAH! 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  May our HEAVENLY FATHER hear our prayers, that our long-awaited MESSIAH Y’SHUA, the SON OF DAVID, KING of kings comes quickly.  And, may HIS Holy Temple be rebuilt speedily, even in our day, Amen!  May you be blessed with love, hope, health, wisdom and GOD’S incredibly amazing grace as you seek HIM. 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
"Sin is not an unfortunate slip or a regrettable act; it is a posture of defiance against a HOLY GOD." [Max Lacado]  It is time to repent and ask forgiveness of those we have wronged. 

PRESENCE OF THE LORD      
"They heard the sound of the YEHOWAH ELOHIYM moving about in the garden in the cool of the day; and the man, Adam and his wife, Eve, hid from the LORD GOD among the trees of the garden." [Genesis (Bereshith) 3. 8 Tanakh, Torah] 

The PRESENCE OF THE LORD can either be a cause to fear or a source of blessing.  Adam and Eve were greatly afraid of HIS PRESENCE because of their sin.  Later, their son, Cain "left the PRESENCE OF THE LORD" [Genesis/Bereshith 4. 16] because of his sin.  Yet for many, it will be a time of great joy. "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing?  Is it not even you in the PRESENCE of our LORD JESUS CHRIST at HIS coming?" [1 Thessalonians 2. 19] 

The presence or absence of "unforgiven sin" is the difference.  Those who reject the offer of forgiveness of Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH, through repentance, obedience, and faith in HIS death and resurrection for our sins, will be banned forever from HIS GLORIOUS PRESENCE.  "When the LORD JESUS shall be revealed from heaven with HIS mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them who do not know GOD, and on those who do not obey the GOSPEL of our LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA.  They shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the LORD and from the glory of HIS POWER." [2 Thessalonians 1. 7 - 9]  "Transgressors, rebels and sinners together shall be crushed, and those who forsake the LORD shall perish." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 1. 28 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 


But, for those who have repented of their sins and trusted in the redemptive power of the LORD JESUS for salvation and have put on HIS righteousness, the prospect of the coming-and-personal PRESENCE of the HOLY LORD GOD OF ISRAEL is one of joyful anticipation.  "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the PRESENCE OF THE LORD." [Acts 3. 19] 


We are assured, certain and confident that "in HIS PRESENCE is perfect joy; at HIS right hand are pleasures and joys forevermore." [Psalms (Tehillym) 16. 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  "Glory, honor and majesty are before HIM; strength, gladness and joy are in HIS place." [1 Chronicles (Dibre Hayamin Alef) 16. 27 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 


"Be silent before my LORD GOD, for the DAY OF THE LORD is approaching; for the LORD has prepared a sacrificial feast, a slaughter of sinners; has bidden HIS guests purify themselves." [Zephaniah (Tsefanyah) 1. 7 Tanakh, Nevi'im]  When the ANOINTED ONE, Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH comes again, those who have been purified with HIS precious blood shall be presented "faultless before the PRESENCE OF HIS GLORY with exceeding joy" [Jude 24] and shall thereafter "ever be with the LORD." [1 Thessalonians 4. 17]  What a glorious Day that will be!! 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  While politics have no place in a house of God, the Almighty One belongs front and center in the lives of those who rule.  It is the CHRISTian’s duty to pray, the Lord will raise up and take down leaders according to HIS sovereignty – HE works all things together for good and all things will be put in place according to prophecy.  Believers in Y’SHUA dare not be insensitive to the reality of the role of governmental leadership, however.  A Mishnah in Ethics of the Fathers [3:2] teaches the words of Rabbi Hanina, identified as the assistant to the high priests of his time: "Pray for the well-being of the government, for were it not for the fear of its authority a man would swallow his neighbor alive." 

  The prophet Jeremiah encouraged us to, "Seek the welfare of our government and to pray for it." [Jeremiah 29:7]  We do not pray only on behalf of the very best leader; we pray because we value leadership, and we pray for GOD’S assistance to inspire those we have chosen to fulfill heavenly ideals.  We pray not because we are certain we have found the perfect government, but because we know it is only GOD WHO can help to perfect it and/or bring about the things that “are written”.  
  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:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
As a rule, men love one another — from a distance. [Shalom Aleichem] 

SIMPLICITY OR KNOWLEDGE     
"How long will you simple ones love simplicity?  you scoffers delight in scoffing?  and you fools hate knowledge?" [Proverbs (Mishle) 1. 22 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

It is recorded that this question, "How long will men continue to scoff at true knowledge?" — was being asked since early times; and it is still a most relevant question today.  HOLY SCRIPTURE gives the answer, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning and best part of knowledge; fools despise wisdom, discipline and instruction." [Proverbs (Mishle) 1. 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

The Apostle Peter prophesied, "scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts saying — Where is the promise of HIS coming?" [2 Peter 3. 3 – 4]  And Paul the Apostle warned, "in the last days perilous times will come.  Men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers...unthankful, unholy...always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." [2 Timothy 3. 1, 2, 7] 

Throughout history, men have scorned the true knowledge of GOD ETERNAL and HIS creation.  Peter revealed that they are "willingly forgetful and ignorant." [2 Peter 3. 5]  Paul again divulges, "they are without excuse" [Romans 1. 20], but they "delight in their scorning" anyway.  As Zophar the Naamathite replied to Job, "An empty-headed man will be wise (get understanding), when a wild ass is born a man." [Job (Iyob) 11. 12 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

It is remarkable that their hatred of GOD'S true knowledge is cloaked in a robe of "assumed knowledge  — science" that even deceives many professing to be followers of MESSIAH.  "Professing themselves to be wise, they become fools" [Romans 1. 22] despising the true wisdom and instructions of GOD'S WRITTEN TRUTH.  Through deceit they have turned many from the LIVING GOD, their tongue is like a bent bow shooting arrows of treachery, denying and blaspheming the GREAT & MIGHTY LORD OF CREATION. 

"To the Law (instruction) and to the testimony (message)!  If they do not speak according to this WORD, it is because there is no light in them (thus there shall be no dawn)." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 8. 20]  Therefore, the need to "take heed what you hear.  With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given." [Mark 4. 24]  Those who scorn GOD'S PRECIOUS WORD have no wisdom or understand at all despite their certificates, degrees, airs, pretensions or selfish superior egotism.  "The wise store up knowledge; the mouth of the fool is near destruction, is an imminent ruin (nearing destruction)." [Proverbs (Mishle) 10. 14 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

"Oh, that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!" [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 32. 29 Tanakh, Nevi'im]  The HOLY ONE OF OLD would that HE could bless them, HE gives special emphasis in HIS LIFE-GIVING INSTRUCTIONS that HE might bless those who hear and obey all that HE says. 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  As we bid farewell to Shabbos, our prayer is that GOD, WHO separates the holy from the secular, forgive our sins.  We share the blessed hope that every day will be as sweet as Shabbat...a rest of love freely given in truth and sincerity – a rest in peace and tranquility, quiet and safety — a perfect rest in which you find favor of the LORD Y’SHUA!  
Tov Shavua — have a good week! ...may gladness reign and joy increase as you enter a new week and delight in and share the LORD GOD ETERNAL with 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:  www.delrifkah.com 

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
"You only live once, but if you work it right, once is enough. 

ETERNAL, IMMORTAL, INVISIBLE, ALL-WISE KING     
"Now to the King ETERNAL, IMMORTAL, INVISIBLE, to GOD alone WHO is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen" [1 Timothy 1. 17] 

Paul is using several majestic descriptive terms here in this devotion of transcendent wonder to ALMIGHTY GOD, the ONE WHO faithfully enabled him to be in the ministry (v. 12 - 13); whose grace was "exceedingly abundant, with faith and love" (v. 14); WHO "came into the world to save sinners" (v. 15); WHO shows mercy, loving kindness, longsuffering, and WHO grants "life everlasting (v. 16)."  Each stanza is worthy of our deliberate consideration. 

The KING ETERNAL —  GOD’S Sovereign Kingship is shown here.  The term literally translates, the "KING OF THE AGES."  "The LORD is the TRUE GOD; HE is the LIVING GOD, the EVERLASTING KING." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 10. 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im]  "The LORD is KING for ever and ever." [Psalms (Tehillym) 10. 16 Tanakh, Kethuvim] HE is the KING of all ages, and we must humble ourselves and be in continual submission to HIM. 

The KING IMMORTAL —  A more vibrant, intense meaning of this Greek word (aphthartos) means more then an exemption from death, as it would include total incorruptibility — the inability to be stained by either decay or death, a continuance.  What a comfort to realize that the believer’s crown in glory will be equally imperishable [1 Corinthians 9. 25; also see James 1. 12]; as will their resurrection body.  "The dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." [1 Corinthians 15. 52]  "The LORD HIMSELF will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of GOD. And the dead in CHRIST will rise first.  Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the LORD in the air.  And thus we shall always be with the LORD." [1 Thessalonians 4. 16 - 17] 

The KING INVISIBLE —  GOD is SPIRIT, and as such HE cannot be seen by mortal eye.  However, HE has chosen to appear on numerous occasions, most notably as the MESSIAH, but is usually unseen.  YESHUA "is the IMAGE of the INVISIBLE GOD, the FIRSTBORN over all creation." [Colossians 1. 15]  "MY FIRSTBORN, the highest of the kings of the earth." [Psalms (Tehillym) 89. 27 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  Visible or invisible, GOD merits our praise, worship, honor and thanks. 

The ONLY WISE GOD —  GOD is exclusive and unique in HIS existence and wisdom, "GOD, alone wise, be glory through Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH forever.  Amen" [Romans 16. 27]  "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 24 - 25]  Beyond a doubt, the LORD GOD stands alone, completely different from all others. 


To this ETERNAL, INCORRUPTIBLE, UNSEEN, UNIQUE, WISE, SOVEREIGN KING belongs honor and glory ceaselessly for all eternity.  Amen! 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  Welcome Sabbath! Shabbas of Chayei Sarah — “Life of Sarah!” [Reading: Genesis 23:1 - 25:18; 1 Kings 1:1-31; John 4:3-14]    
  There is none like YOU among the mighty, O LORD, and there are no works like YOURS.  YOUR Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom and YOUR dominion endures throughout all generations.  YOU are KING ETERNAL; YOU have reigned and shall reign for evermore.  
  The LORD will give strength to HIS people; the LORD will bless HIS people with shalom (peace).  Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH is the ONE WHO gives true peace and rest; WHOSE Law keeps us holy.  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.  
  May Y’SHUA bless you with HIS great love that all may see it and know the ONE from WHOM it came.  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. 

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


Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
"Yeshuat ha’SHEM k’heref ayin. . . The salvation of GOD is like the blink of an eye."  Regardless of how bleak something may look, salvation is near.  ALMIGHTY GOD can change everything in the blink of an eye, so we know that in HIM there is hope and redemption. 

FREEDOM’S VALUE & RESPONSIBILITY     
"The chief commander answered — "With a large sum I obtained this citizenship."  And Paul said — "But I was born a citizen (free)." [Acts 22. 28] 

The privilege of being born a free Roman citizen was a life-saving circumstance for Paul in his defense before the Jewish mob trying to kill him in Jerusalem,  "The next day, because he (the commander) wanted to know for certain why he (Paul) was accused by the Jews, he released him from his bonds, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down and set him before them." [Acts 22. 30]  This happened after Paul had returned from his third missionary journey. 

The Apostle Paul used his citizenship status at least once before to get out of prison in Philippi — "But Paul said to them, "They have beaten us openly, uncondemned Romans, and have thrown us into prison.  And now do they put us out secretly?  No indeed! Let them come themselves and get us out."  And the officers told these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans.  Then they came and pleaded with them and brought them out, and asked them to depart from the city." [Acts 16. 37 - 39]  Obviously, his Roman citizenship was a great asset at that time also. 

This is a type of the wondrous position we have as citizens of Heaven.  When Paul later wrote to the followers of CHRIST at Philippi, he reminded them that "our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the SAVIOR, the LORD Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH, WHO will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to HIS glorious body, according to the working by which HE is able even to subdue all things to HIMSELF." [Philippians 3. 20 - 21] 

And that status is one of true freedom from the power of sin in our lives as well as the fear of death and judgment when we meet face-to-face with the RIGHTEOUS ONE.  "But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of GOD, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life." [Romans 2. 22 - 23]  "And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness." [Romans 6. 18 - 19]  "For the Law of the SPIRIT OF LIFE in CHRIST JESUS has made me free from the Law of sin and death." [Romans 8. 2] 

We thank GOD for the freedom of religion, at least at this present time, our freedom to believe and teach all the great truths of HOLY SCRIPTURE, a liberty which we must cherish and guard, for it is under constant attack by unbelievers.  Also, we must remember to "not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." [Galatians 5. 13]  Liberty is not a license. 

As citizens of Heaven, "we are ambassadors for CHRIST" here on earth, with our fundamental duty being that of urging men everywhere on Y’SHUA’S behalf to "be reconciled to GOD.  For HE made HIM WHO knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of GOD in HIM.  We then, as workers together with HIM also plead with you not to receive the grace of GOD in vain." [2 Corinthians 5. 20 - 6. 1] 

By the SPIRIT OF MESSIAH, we are free — Y’SHUA paid the full price and we can stand fast in the liberty HE has given us. Praise HIM evermore! 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!  
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  Let us always remember that we need to stay humbly dependent of ALMIGHTY GOD instead of being disgusting, offensive, and degenerate as the new product society is now embracing; expressing new found freedom and ethics that engages in debased wickedness, every act of depravity, evil. corruption, viciousness and violence all with government sanctions.  
  The LORD warned that such would be practiced with approval in the last times:  "In the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of GOD, having a form of godliness but denying its power.  And from such people turn away!" [1 Timothy 3:1-6]  
  We thank YOU, GREAT & MIGHTY GOD for by YOUR mercies and grace that binds us to YOU.  Keep us ever grateful and grant us YOUR perfect rest.  We meditate on YOUR Teachings at all times rejoicing in them, for in them are true life and length of days.  O that YOUR love may never depart from our hearts.  Praised are YOU, O LORD, WHO made us YOUR people. 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:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there! 

LACKING KNOWLEDGE     
"MY people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, destroyed because of your disobedience!  Because you have rejected knowledge and spurned the Law (teachings) of your GOD, I reject you as MY priest.  I, in turn, will spurn your children." [Hosea (Hoshea) 4. 6 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

This grievous bewailing lament applies to all nations nowadays.  Though they once knew the MAGNIFICENT GOD OF ISRAEL, apostasy and humanism has taken over and has hardened the hearts of the masses.  Therefore, the supporting principle of reaping what one sows is well-founded and appropriate.  Parents and grandparents in today's world are seeing the awful scourge of moral debauchery (wickedness, dishonesty, betrayal) among their children and the young people.  And, the shackles of wickedness are tightening because "you have forgotten the Law of your GOD." 

GODly knowledge is rejected throughout the human race, therefore people are being "destroyed for lack of knowledge" and their willful disobedience.  This ignorance exists despite an abundance of supposed actual knowledge (science) in our educational institutions, for the ALMIGHTY CREATOR has been outlawed.  The intellectuals (?) of the day have forgotten that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning (best part) of knowledge, they are fools who despise wisdom and instruction." [Proverbs (Mishle) 1. 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  "The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the LORD, and knowledge of QADOSHYM (the HOLY ONE) is understanding." [Proverbs (Mishle) 9. 10 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Even in the churches, to our mortifying and embarrassing shame, there is very little emphasis on knowledge.  Instead, the enthusiasm that is endorsed and promoted is for an experience and/or entertainment.  True CHRIST-following faith is not a feeling, it is a committed desire to be of one mind and purpose with GOD SUPREME.  To have an intellectual understanding of the PERSON and work of the LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA, the BREAD OF DELIVERANCE, one must first have a reverential fear of the LORD, that is the beginning of knowledge. [Proverbs/Mishle 1. 7]  HE taught imperatively — "unless you repent you will all likewise perish." [Luke 13. 5] 

To believe right, one must first think right, and this requires finding GODly knowledge, discretion and discernment.  "All who separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to follow the Law of GOD, everyone who had knowledge to understand, joined with their noble brothers, and took an oath with sanctions to follow GOD'S Law, given through Moses the servant of GOD, and to observe carefully all the commandments of the LORD our LORD, HIS rules (ordinances) and laws (statutes)." [Nehemiah (Nechemah) 10. 28 - 29 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

"Hear the WORD OF THE LORD, O people of Israel! For the LORD has a case against the inhabitants of this land, because there is no truth or mercy, no knowledge or obedience to GOD in the land." [Hosea (Hoshea) 4. 1 Tanakh, Nevi'im]  "They sow wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind." [Hosea (Hoshea) 8. 7 Tanakh, Nevi'im]  The people and the land are bewildered, entirely consumed; like an unwanted vessel in which there is no pleasure. 

 "You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.  To HIM be the glory both now and forever, Amen" [2 Peter 3. 17 - 18]  All who know HIM will serve and obey the MASTER — they are truly rich for the ALL-KNOWING ONE lives within; how very blessed they are. 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  Renew my strength and draw me nearer to YOU, GLORIOUS GOD OF TRUTH — allow me to serve YOU and be YOUR friend, be my GOD and I will not be afraid; I will sing with a contented heart and be joyously blessed with salvation.  
  We remember and celebrate the HOLY ONE WHO is the GREATEST GIFT to the world, the TRUE LIGHT that was given to all who will receive HIM.  Such a great blessing the day MESSIAH Y’SHUA came into this dark world, though the world did not understand; those who do, rejoice in HIS PRESENCE still. 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
There are three crowns to which people aspire: The Crown of TORAH — scholarship comes with a quick mind and a sound memory. The Crown of Priesthood comes with birth into the tribe of Levi. The Crown of Royalty comes with royal birth or the seizing of power. But a good name transcends them all, for it is open to all. 

HOLY ANOINTING OIL (Conclusion, Part 2) 
"Make a sacred anointing oil, a compound of ingredients expertly blended, to serve as sacred anointing oil." [Exodus (Shemot) 30. 25 Tanakh, Torah] 

The Holy Anointing Oil was different oil than that which was used for the lamps. Though these lamps were filled with the pure olive oil for light, yet the holy ointment must be applied as ALMIGHTY GOD directed. After MESSIAH Y’SHUA was baptized of the SPIRIT at the Jordan River, this anointing upon HIM became evident for special services by the "GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT" working through HIM on behalf of the people. It was prophesied by Isaiah concerning this unction (act of anointing in consecration and dedication) from on High, "The SPIRIT OF THE LORD GOD (Pure Olive Oil) is upon ME because the LORD has anointed ME (Anointing Oil); HE has sent ME as a herald of joy to the humble, to bind up the wounded of heart to proclaim release to the captives, freedom to the imprisoned, to proclaim a year of the LORD'S favor and a day of vindication by our GOD; to comfort all who mourn." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 61. 1 - 2; Luke 4. 18] 

Believers are baptized with the HOLY SPIRIT (Pure Olive Oil) and through the GIFTS & FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT (Anointing Oil) works for GOD in specific and special occasions on behalf of the people are accomplished. [1 John 2. 20; 2 Corinthians 1. 21] As we abide in CHRIST JESUS, this will become operational as the appointment demands. [1 John 2. 27] 

The ointment was to be a compound after the art of the apothecary, the manufacture of perfumes by such a man talented to do so. Only the HOLY SPIRIT can combine "HOLY SPICES" with "DIVINE OIL" in proper proportion and make the spiritual application to our lives. HE is the HEAVENLY APOTHECARY WHO compounds the Holy Ointment. 

In studying the ingredients for the Holy Anointing Oil, we can see several similarities which speak to us symbolically of the PERSON and WORK of the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD: 
1. All four spices, Myrrh, Cinnamon, Calamus, and Cassia, were imported from another country. This other country is Heaven. The HOLY SPIRIT was sent from heaven. 
2. They were not only fragrant, but were also used as a medicine. The ANOINTING breaks every yoke of bondage. 
3. They brought forth fragrance upon bruising or crushing. Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH was crushed, the fragrance of the HOLY SPIRIT came from HIM...and so it is with us. 
4. They grew in great heights and were erect plants standing upright. The HOLY SPIRIT is from above. 
5. They were all mixed with the oil. The work of the HOLY SPIRIT comes from the HOLY SPIRIT. 
6. They were to be mixed by an apothecary, an artist in the manufacturing of perfumes. The spices are the works or acts of the HOLY SPIRIT; the APOTHECARY is the HOLY SPIRIT HIMSELF. 
7. The mixture was all called holy. GOD, the HOLY SPIRIT, compounds this mixture. 
8. They all were combined into one measure of oil. The Gifts and Fruits come from ONE HOLY SPIRIT. 
9. All are called "principal spices." All the works, fruits and gifts of the SPIRIT are "PRINCIPAL SPICES." 

Moses was to use this Anointing Oil on the Wilderness Tabernacle and all that pertained to it. Moses is a type of MESSIAH WHO sends the DIVINE COMFORTER to us. [Deuteronomy/Devarim 18. 15] 

Only the LOVING CREATOR GOD could compound a Holy Anointing Oil for HIS people. It was not manufactured through the brilliance of man's mind. Human intelligence had nothing to do with the enablement of DIVINE POWER. This anointing oil is holy, even as OMNIPOTENT ETERNAL ONE is holy, and is only to be poured upon HIS people to whom HE has given HIS holiness. It is not to be imitated by any man, neither to be poured upon one who was a stranger to ALMIGHTY GOD. The EVER-LIVING HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL alone has made it and HE only is able to anoint HIS OWN special, and distinctively unique people. 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
O FATHER, give us light and joy, gladness and honor, as in the happiest of Israel’s past. Keep us ever mindful of YOUR Covenant, as YOUR faithful love reassures us that YOU will never leave nor forsake us. Even as the rainbow recalls this Covenant, so may each new day bring to all men the thought of YOUR gracious promises. Hasten the time when YOUR Law will be written in every heart, from the smallest to the greatest. Then shall mankind do YOUR will and the reward of righteous service shall be peace. 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: www.delrifkah.com 

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
With every problem, there is an opportunity. 

LORD & SAVIOR     
"Only I the LORD (YEHOWAH) have been your GOD (ELOHEYK) ever since the land of Egypt; you have never known a true GOD (ELOHIYM) but ME; for there is no SAVIOR (YASHA’) other than ME." [Hosea (Hoshea) 13. 4 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

This verse sounds very much like the first of the TEN COMMANDMENTS, "I (YEHOWAH ELOHEYKA) the LORD am your GOD WHO brought you out of the land of Egypt, the house of bondage; you shall have no other gods besides ME." [Exodus (Shemot) 20. 2 - 3 Tanakh, Torah] 

EL ELYON (GOD MOST HIGH) did not command us to "have no other gods" besides HIM because HE is apprehensive or afraid of competition, but because of the truth in HIS statement, "I YEHOWAH (the LORD) am your GOD, the HOLY ONE (QADOWSH) OF ISRAEL, your SAVIOR...beside ME there is no REDEEMER (GA’AL) that can grant triumph." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 43. 11, 14 Tanakh, Nevi'im]  "The LORD (YEHOWAH), WHOSE NAME is JEALOUS (QANNA’), is an IMPASSIONED GOD." [Exodus (Shemot) 34. 14 Tanakh, Torah] 

Man may devise other pretentious gods, but they are figments of fantasy out of their own imagination, "but in their hour of calamity they cry — Arise and save us! — Where are those gods you made for yourself?  Let them arise and save you, if they can, in your hour of calamity." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 2. 27 - 28 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

Man's superficial, so-called gods (money, drugs, fame, sports, alcohol, self, etc.)  can only bring temporary forgetfulness, if that; as the "whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs" under sin's curse and the creature has been made "subject to futility." [Romans 8. 20, 22]  The only true help for us or the world is the SAVIOR, the LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA. 

King David knew this: "YOU are great indeed, O LORD GOD (ADONEY YEHOWAH)! There is none like YOU and there is no other GOD but YOU." [2 Samuel (Shemuel Bet) 7. 22 Tanakh, Nevi'im]  Samuel’s mother, Hannah, knew it also:  "My heart exults in the LORD; my horn is high in the LORD; my mouth is wide over my enemies; I rejoice in YOUR deliverance. There is no holy one like the LORD.  Truly there is none beside YOU, there is no ROCK (TSUR) like our GOD." [1 Samuel (Shemuel Alef) 2. 1 - 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

"Happy (blessed) are the people who have it so; blessed are the people whose GOD is the LORD!" [Psalms (Tehillym) 144. 15 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  "Whom else have I in heaven?  And having YOU, I want no one on earth, I desire only YOU." [Psalms (Tehillym) 73. 25 Tanakh, Kethuvim]   Thus, I count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of KING Y’SHUA my LORD and my GOD. 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  The more we know about THE MAGNIFICENT PLANNER, the more we can trust HIS plans.  Miracles are part of GOD'S architectural plan.  HE does not have to overturn the laws of nature or create something that never before existed.  On the contrary, miracles are part of GOD'S architectural plan.  On the sixth day, as CREATOR GOD was about to complete HIS creation, HE added supernatural events, making miracles part of nature.  Nature itself is a miracle in which GOD'S hand is constantly manifest. 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The wicked are slaves to their desires; the righteous are masters of them. 

WISDOM, UNDERSTANDING & DISCERNMENT    
"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore acquire wisdom; with all your acquisitions, gain understanding and discernment." [Proverbs (Mishle) 4. 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Knowledge is awareness of facts.   Understanding is comprehension of the meaning and interrelation of facts.   Wisdom is true character — the ability to use one's knowledge and understanding.  GODly wisdom and true understanding are far more valuable than anything else in life.   "For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not equal to her." [Proverbs (Mishle) 8. 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim]   "The fear of the LORD is the best part of beginning knowledge; and knowledge of the HOLY ONE is understanding.  Fools despise wisdom and discipline." [Proverbs (Mishle) 1. 7; 9. 10 Tanakh, Kethuvim]   No one can acquire knowledge or understanding apart from MESSIAH Y’SHUA, "in WHOM are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." [Colossians 2. 3]   Furthermore, wisdom and knowledge must come from the HOLY SCRIPTURES, for they are uniquely "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instructions in righteousness; that the man of GOD may be perfect." [2 Timothy 3. 16 - 17] 

True Wisdom does not come easily or instinctively.  Each one must receive and keep, listen and study, ask and pray, seek and search GOD'S WRITTEN WORD, the HOLY BIBLE, and develop a moment-by-moment communication with the ALMIGHTY SOVEREIGN GOD.  "MY son, IF you accept MY WORDS and treasure up MY commandments; IF you make your ear attentive to wisdom and your heart and mind open to discernment; IF you call to understanding and cry aloud to discernment, IF you seek it as you do silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, THEN you will understand the fear of the LORD and attain knowledge of GOD.  For the LORD grants wisdom; knowledge and discernment are by HIS decree." [Proverbs (Mishle) 2. 1 - 6 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

"Blessed is the man whom YOU instruct and discipline, O LORD, the man YOU instruct in YOUR teaching, to give him rest and tranquility in times of misfortune, until the Pit is dug for the wicked.  For the LORD will not forsake HIS people; HE will not abandon HIS very own.  Judgment shall again return to justice, and all the upright will assemble to it." [Psalms (Tehillym) 94. 12 - 15 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  There is no greater blessings then having a personal relationship with the REDEEMING LORD GOD OF HEAVEN. 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  May our lips ever declare praises to our KING, HELPER, SAVIOR & SHIELD for HIS loving kindness is mighty over us.  Let us offer sacrifices of sweet aroma to the GOD OF HEAVEN continually, for HE is worthy of praise, adoration, honor and glory without end!  O LOVING ALMIGHTY GOD, I thank YOU for being available to everyone in search of guidance for graciously accepting our humble prayers. 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:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Where the repentant sinners stand, the haughty and self-righteous may not. 

TOUCH NOT MY ANOINTED      
"He (David) said to his men — The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my lord (King Saul), the LORD'S anointed, that I should raise my hand against him; for he is the LORD'S anointed." [1 Samuel (Shemuel Alef) 24. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

These words have been widely misused, distorted and misappropriated as warnings to any who would presume to question or rebuke an erring pastor or other CHRISTian leader.   In Israel's government there were three groups of men specially chosen by the ALMIGHTY SUPREME ONE and then anointed for their specific office — prophet, priest or king.   And indeed, the LORD GOD OF HOSTS did not permit anyone to do them wrong;  "HE allowed no one to oppress them and reproved kings on their account.  Do not touch MY anointed ones; do not harm MY prophets." [Psalms (Tehillym) 105. 14 - 15 Tanakh, Kethuvim]   King David first delivered this psalm into the hands of Asaph on the day they brought the Ark of GOD into Jerusalem and put it in the Tabernacle that David had erected. [1 Chronicles/Dibre Hayamin Alef 16] 

Moreover, all three offices were completely fulfilled in Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH.   The Levitical Priesthood has been abolished as Y’SHUA OF NAZARETH is now our ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST.  The Prophetic office ceased as an official office with the completion of the HOLY SCRIPTURES; and the LORD JESUS has inherited David's throne to reign as KING throughout eternity. 


Anointing in the NEW COVENANT is now accomplished in every true believer — "Now HE WHO establishes us with you in CHRIST and has anointed us is GOD, WHO also has sealed us and given us the SPIRIT in our hearts as a guarantee." [2 Corinthians 1. 21 - 22]   No longer are we dependent on special instructions and guidance from priests and prophets, for we have the WRITTEN WORD OF GOD, and the anointing of the HOLY SPIRIT.   "The anointing which you have received from HIM abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in HIM." [1 John 2. 27] 


CHRIST-like-ones can and should learn and grow spiritually from godly teachers of the PRECIOUS SCRIPTURES and faithful pastors of the flock.   But all, leaders as well as learners, must continually be subject to correction from GOD'S HOLY WRITTEN WORD, not as being lords over ETERNAL ONE'S heritage (those entrusted to you), but by "being examples to the flock." [1 Peter 5. 3]  "I make your priesthood a service of dedication" — says the LORD GOD OF ISRAEL. [Numbers (B'Midvar) 18. 7 Tanakh, Torah] 


It is a privilege and great honor to serve the ETERNAL KING OF CREATION!  Without a doubt, the LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA is altogether lovely. 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  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.  Remind us that YOU are the CENTER of our joy; thank YOU again for YOUR great love and kindness to us. 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:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The purpose of prayer is not to get us out of troubles, but to get us into prayer. 

FAITHFUL AFFLICTION     
"I know, O LORD, that YOUR judgments are right, and in faithfulness YOU have afflicted me." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 75 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Trying to understand the purposes of the MAJESTIC CREATOR when defeat or afflictions come into our life is one of the most bewildering and confusing features of the CHRISTian, as it hinders or even stops our ministry and testimony for HIM.  There have been many servants of GOD who were sincerely working for the LORD Y’SHUA, trying to obey HIS will and HIS WORD as best as they understood, but then suddenly were laid aside by sickness, or had their ministries stopped completely by the enemies of GOD, and sometimes even by fellow-CHRISTians, or for other reasons and could not discern why ALMIGHTY GOD would and did allow it to happen. 

So, when afflictions do come, we must simply trust our SOVEREIGN LORD, knowing that whatever HE does is right and that our affliction is invested with HIS faithfulness.  HE is the MASTER DESIGNER and, through MESSIAH Y’SHUA, has also become our HEAVENLY FATHER..."Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect.  Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the FATHER of spirits and live?  For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but HE for our profit, that we may be partakers of HIS holiness." [Hebrews 12. 9 - 10] 


The LORD GOD knows what we don’t know "for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY WORDS and plans above yours, and MY thoughts greater than your thoughts." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 55. 9 Tanakh, Nevi’im]  Therefore, we are assured "that all things work together for good to those who love GOD, to those who are the called according to HIS purpose." [Romans 8. 28]  This verse is one of the most well-known and renowned of the many wonderful promises in the WRITTEN WORD.  But at the same time, it is also difficult to consider during times of afflictions, troubles, or loss.  Nevertheless, it is GOD’S promise and "all the promises of GOD in HIM are "Yes" and in HIM "Amen" to the glory of GOD through us.  Now HE WHO establishes us with you in CHRIST and has anointed us is GOD, WHO also has sealed us and given us the SPIRIT in our hearts as a guarantee." [2 Corinthians 1. 20 - 22] 


The EVERLASTING ONE knows the end from the beginning and in that wonderful Day when MESSIAH returns for HIS saints, all things will be revealed.  "Then I, justified, will behold Your face in righteousness; when I awake in YOUR likeness, I shall be satisfied." [Psalms (Tehillym) 17. 15 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  Until then, we wittingly trust HIM and are confident that it is GOD that works all things out for our good! 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!  
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  As we bid farewell to Sabbath, we pray that your week is filled with love, mercy and great joy from the BELOVED MASTER.  ALMIGHTY HOLY LORD GOD, grant us the privilege to be messengers of YOUR GOOD TIDINGS to all around us.  And, if it be YOUR perfect will, bestow on us a life of health and peace, of sustenance and contentment.  Help us to love YOU steadfastly and above all, then to serve our fellow man, and to order our way that it may be pleasing in YOUR DIVINE sight.  Blessed are YOU, LORD, the SHIELD of David, WHO is ever faithful to YOUR LIFE-GIVING WORD.  
 Magnified and sanctified be the name of the GREAT & MIGHTY KING in all the world which HE created according to HIS will.  May HE establish HIS Kingdom during our life and during our days, and during the life of all the House of Israel, even speedily and at a near time, Amen!  
 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:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
In life we often discover what we did not know we were seeking. 

HOLY ANOINTING OIL  (Part 1 of 2)      
"The LORD spoke to Moses saying — Take choice spices: five hundred weight of flowing myrrh, half as much — two hundred and fifty — of fragrant Cinnamon, two hundred and fifty of aromatic Calamus cane, five hundred — by the sanctuary weight — of Cassia, and a hin (about a gallon) of Olive Oil.  Make of this a sacred anointing oil, a compound of ingredients expertly blended, to serve as sacred anointing oil." [Exodus (Shemot) 30. 22 - 23 Tanakh, Torah] 

[In most cases BIBLICAL spices are uncertain as to what they really were.  But, they are concluded to be comparable to many of the spices of today with different names.  A Shekel is a weight and also the name of a coin.  The Shekel in this passage, according to medical language equals 9 drops.  Thus, 500 shekels would be 4,500 drops.] 

The Tabernacle study began with ALMIGHTY GOD'S desire to dwell withIN HIS people by the filling of the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD and now ends with the anointing oil and the GLORY CLOUD filling the finished Sanctuary. 

The LORD MOST HOLY instructed that the Tabernacle, with all its features, be built and every detail of the services, as well as the clothing of the priests be made "according to the pattern" Moses saw on the mountain.  And this was done as the LOVING MASTER commanded.  Nevertheless nothing supernatural occurred until the directions for the anointing oil were carried out and everything received this ointment.  Only then did the HOLY SPIRIT begin to move in HIS HOLY HABITATION! 

MYRRH, the first spice, a bitter plant, but from which sweetness was obtained after it was bruised.  The word is taken from the Hebrew "mor" which means "to drop on from a container above" or in other words, it is distilled.  It was to be pure, the best of the myrrh which exudes spontaneously from the bark.  The inferior myrrh comes out more abundantly by splitting the bark.  Myrrh was used as a perfume, as a medicine for deadening pain [Mark 15. 23], for preparing the dead for burial [John 19. 39 - 40], as a modifier of other medicines, and for purification.  Through the power of the ETERNAL SPIRIT, MESSIAH Y’SHUA gave HIMSELF freely.  HE was made "sin or bitter."  But, from HIS bruising, comes forth the sweetness of the HOLY SPIRIT.  JESUS the BELOVED SON was dead, HIS body was anointed with the myrrh.  Y’SHUA is our purification. [Hebrews 9. 13 - 14]   HIS life that HE gave was sweet to GOD THE FATHER, sweet to the saints, and HIS life is a healing medicine for those who are sick in spirit, soul or body. 

SCRIPTURE records that during six of the twelve months for Esther's preparation and purification to be among the number who were to stand before the king, she was rubbed down daily with this spice. [Esther/Ester 2. 12]   It was Hadassah, the one who gave forth the fragrance of myrrh, who was chosen to be his bride queen.  As we stand before KING Y’SHUA, the holy anointing oil with the sweet smell of myrrh should be upon our garments of salvation.  Freely are we to give ourselves even as MESSIAH freely gave. . . DIE TO SELF for "unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain." [John 12. 24]  We are to apply this anointing oil daily, to purify ourselves even as the LORD Y’SHUA is pure, as we prepare for the Marriage Supper of the LAMB! 

SWEET CINNAMON is the second ingredient.  Cinnamon bark comes as upright rolls.  It is used for flavoring, as a medicine, and it is a stimulant.  The fragrance, no doubt counter-acted the stench of the butchering, burning and cooking of animals in the Tabernacle Court.  Though the Cross of CHRIST JESUS revealed an ugly and awful death, yet there was fulfillment in it of the burning, scorched flesh of all the OLD COVENANT sacrifices which was acceptable to GOD on behalf of the people because of the "cinnamon fragrance" which accompanied it. 

We are instructed to "present our bodies as a living sacrifice upon GOD'S Altar which is our reasonable service." [Romans 12. 1]  Though there is sin, death, and decay included in this offering; yet by the application of the cinnamon this is all counteracted and we become a sweet smelling savor in the nostrils of the HOLY LIVING GOD. [2 Corinthians 13. 14] 

Cinnamon has a warm, sweet, pleasing, and peculiar aroma.  Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH, with the HOLY SPIRIT or "DIVINE CINNAMON" resting upon HIM, gave forth that feeling of warmth which is sweet, pleasing and peculiar.  This is the case with those whose lives have been anointed with the Cinnamon. 

The third ingredient, SWEET CALAMUS grows in Arabia and India; it is a fragrant cane whose root is highly prized as a spice. [Song of Songs (Shir ha'Shirim) 4. 14; Ezekiel/Yehezke-El 27. 19]  The root word means "to stand upright" — hence, a cane or reed.  It usually grows in miry soil.  The more this bark is beaten the sweeter is its fragrance.  How like the LORD MESSIAH WHO grew in the mire of this world UPRIGHT and FRAGRANT to ALMIGHTY GOD.   The MAN OF SORROWS was beaten, humiliated, spit upon and nailed to the Cross of Agony.   Yet, HE prayed on behalf of HIS persecutors, "FATHER, forgive them for they know not what they do." [Luke 23. 34]  We are to do as the BELOVED ONE did:  "Love your enemies, pray for them that spitefully use and persecute you" [Matthew 2. 39] were HIS commands.  The more we are persecuted the sweeter are we to be by the enablement of the COMFORTER, the HEAVENLY CALAMUS. 


CASSIA, the fourth spice, is derived from a root word meaning "to split" and refers to the rolls of bark being split.  It is said to resemble cinnamon and to be of the same family, but to be less fragrant.  It was used for flavoring and as a medicine.  It was a bitter medicine, but one which purges that it may heal.  This aromatic bark comes from a shrub which grows only on great heights of around 8,000 feet.  As this plant flourished, where other plants could not grow, so we see at Calvary's height the perfection of HOLY & TRUE ONE in HIS faithfulness.   In the place of Y’SHUA'S sacrifice for sin, there was yielded a peculiar fragrance such as from no other death.  Coming from the heights of Calvary, is the HOLY COMFORTER WHO elevates the receiver to heavenly places above the elements of the world. 

Four spices were to be combined with a "hin (6 quarts)" of pure olive oil.  The "vehicle" of these four ingredients for their exhibition was the olive oil, a symbol of the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD.  All true witnesses to the graces and excellencies of the LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH must be in and by the HOLY SPIRIT.  The spices are dry apart from the oil.

Oil also is a lubricant which is used to heal and energize as well as to aid in giving light and fire.  This is characteristic of the HEAVENLY ENABLER in the life and ministry of Y’SHUA, the ROCK of our Salvation, and HIS saints. 

There are four principal spices with the oil.  In the four corners of the earth, OMNIPOTENT GOD anoints HIS own with the HOLY SPIRIT.  "The promise is to as many as the LORD our GOD will call." [Acts 2. 39] 

. . . to be continued 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor, and power and might be to the LORD our GOD forever and ever, Amen & Amen  May our blessings be abundant and welcomed!  HEAVENLY FATHER hear our prayers, that our long-awaited MESSIAH Y’SHUA, the SON OF DAVID, KING of kings comes quickly. And, may HIS Holy Temple be rebuilt speedily, even in our day, Amen!  
  May you be blessed with love, hope, health, wisdom and GOD’S incredibly amazing grace as you seek HIM. 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Our past need not determine our future. 

HE HAS COME      
"Seventy weeks of years have been decreed for your people and your Holy City until the measure of transgression is filled and that of sin complete, until iniquity is expiated, and eternal righteousness ushered in; and prophetic vision ratified and sealed, and the Holy of Holies anointed.  You must know and understand: From the issuance of the word to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the time of the MESSIAH NAGIYD (the ANOINTED PRINCE) is seven weeks; and for sixty-two weeks it will be rebuilt, square and moat, but in a time of distress." [Daniel (Danyel) 9. 24 - 25 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Nearly 500 years prior to the date of the coming of MESSIAH, the Angel Gabriel gave this remarkable prophecy to Daniel the prophet, predicting the date of HIS coming.  From the announcement to the coming of MESSIAH THE KING, there would be 69 weeks, literally "sevens" meaning seven-year periods in this context.  Implying that MESSIAH would come as the ANOINTED ONE 483 years after the commandment was given to rebuild Jerusalem.  This date was the timing when MESSIAH Y’SHUA entered Jerusalem to be acknowledged as its PROMISED KING. 

The letter or decree (command, authorization, etc.) for the rebuilding of Jerusalem was during the time of Nehemiah:  "In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes". . . when Nehemiah said to the king — If it pleases, let me have letters to the governors of the provinces beyond the River, directing them to grant me passage until I reach Judah; likewise a letter to Asaph the keeper of the King's Forest, directing him to give me timber to make beams for the gatehouses of the citadel which pertains to the Temple fortress and the City walls and for the house I shall occupy. — The king granted them to me, thanks to my GOD'S benevolent hand upon me." [Nehemiah (Nechemah) 2. 1, 7 - 8 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

The prophecy of Gabriel went on to say, "And after those sixty-two weeks, the ANOINTED ONE will be cut off executed for a capital crime." [Daniel (Danyel) 9. 25 Tanakh, Kethuvim]   Or, to be specific — although MESSIAH would come as promised, HE would be slain instead of being crowned as KING.  Since the 483-year period has long since terminated, it is perfectly clear that Y’SHUA must have already come, and then been put to death at that time. 

The terms of this remarkable prophecy have been precisely fulfilled in Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH, ALMIGHTY GOD'S ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON alone, and no one coming later could have done so.  No wonder the LORD JESUS wept over Jerusalem, pronouncing her coming judgment, "For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation." [Luke 19. 43 - 44] 

As we continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and Israel, we weep also as did our BELOVED REDEEMER.  All the while, we trust GOD'S perfect omniscient planning, for "through their (Jews) fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles.  Now if their (Jews) fall is riches for the world, and their (Jews) failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their (Jews) fullness!" [Romans 11. 11 - 12]  In this, we rejoice significantly. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  The HIGH & LOFTY CREATOR promises a curse upon the nations that come against Jerusalem: "And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem." [Zechariah/Zecharyah 12:9]  ALMIGHTY GOD promises a blessing on those who bless Israel.  Please join us today and bless Israel with your prayers.  
  It is staggeringly incredible to realize that in America today, there are people who will proudly call out “Heil Hitler” as they shoot and murder innocent children – and shocking to realize that there are others who publicly support their repulsive and odious views, legalizing and financially supporting other atrocious atrocities and perversions.  We are ripe for GOD’S righteous judgment, if we do not turn from our wicked ways. 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

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

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

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

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


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

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


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

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


Only the ALL-KNOWING HEAVENLY FATHER GOD knows the heart, but those who call themselves "CHRIST-ians" who deliberately reject and disobey HIS LIFE-GIVING WORD should at least examine themselves, whether they be in the faith; test themselves and know of a certainty that JESUS CHRIST, the LORD OF GLORY is in them…lest they be disqualified. [2 Corinthians 13. 5 – 6] 
"Come now, and let us reason together — says the LORD.  Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as snow-white; though they are red like crimson, they can become like fleece...If you are willing and obedient." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 1. 18 - 19a Tanakh, Nevi’im]   And the SAVIOR, the PRINCE OF PEACE is still bidding…"Return to ME, and I will return to you." 

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

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Life’s purposes are greater than our imaginations..

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!

  As we bid farewell to Shabbos, we thank YOU, GREAT & MIGHTY GOD for YOUR grace, for knowing the sanctity of life, and the perfect rest we find daily in YOU.  Keep us ever grateful and grant us YOUR wondrous salvation. Amen 
  Just as humility brings compassion, compassion can lead one to humility.  So, if you lack humility, be compassionate, which can help bring you to humility.  Compassion enables one to see past himself beyond his own selfish subjectivity and into someone else’s reality without judgment or resistance.  
  Have a Shavuah Tov — Good Week!  May some of the sweetness of Sabbath be present throughout each day. 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
It is part of human nature to think wise things and do extravagantly foolish ones. 

PERFECT REST OR RESTLESSNESS     
"One day when the sons of GOD presented themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came along with them. And the LORD said to the Adversary — Where have you been?  Satan answered the LORD — From roaming to and fro on the earth, walking back and forth on it." [Job (Iyowb) 1. 6 – 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Satanic activity is clearly seen in this remarkable scene in the heavenlies.  Satan, being in complete opposition to GOD and HIS Perfect Plan of Salvation, never rests.   However, unlike the BLESSED OMNIPRESENT GOD OF HEAVEN, the evil one is a finite (restricted, limited), though very powerful and brilliant, created being.  So, to accomplish his goal, he is never at rest, but continues going from place to place and working deception after deception, bringing everyone he can under his diabolical manipulation, influence, and control. 

Thus, the MERCIFUL, ALMIGHTY GOD urgently warns us to "be sober, be vigilant (watchful, on your guard); because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  Resist him, steadfast in the faith." [1 Peter 5. 8 – 9a] 

The same is true of the demonic spirits who have followed Satan in his rebellion against the RIGHTEOUS & HOLY ONE.  They never rest until they can take possession of some person’s body and mind, then control that person’s behavior as they will.  "When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none.  Then he says — I will return to my house from which I came.  — And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order.  Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.  So shall it also be with this wicked generation." [Matthew 12. 43 - 45] 

Those who yield to the pressures of these evil spirits and of the devil himself, are characterized with the same restlessness, and it is the unsaved who usually find themselves in such a state.  They will find a desperate destiny where — "they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name." [Revelation 14. 11] 

True, perfect and peaceful rest is found only in the LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH, with HIS complete forgiveness,  blood-washed cleansing, and gentle guidance.  The MERCIFUL INTERCESSOR bids us — "Come to ME, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take MY yoke upon you and learn from ME, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and MY burden is light." [Matthew 11. 28 - 30]  That yoke is the yoke of instructions for service and obedience.  Wearing the MASTER’S yoke will bring you into perfect peace and rest for your soul. 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  Welcome Sabbath Queen, Bride of the Week!  Sabbath of Lech Lecha – “Go Out!” [Reading: Genesis 12:1 - 17:27; Isaiah 40:27 - 41:16; John 8:51-58]  
  O continue YOUR lovingkindness to them that know YOU, O LORD; and YOUR righteousness to the upright in heart.  Let all those that seek YOU rejoice and be glad in YOU; let such as love YOUR salvation say continually: "the LORD be magnified." 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:  www.delrifkah.com