Delrifkah: HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY.

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Saichel (Hebrew for common sense) is a gift; intelligence is an acquisition (achieved possession). 

PRIEST’S ARMOR     
"I clothed myself in righteousness, and it clothed me; justice was my robe and turban." [Job (Iyowb) 29. 14 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  "Righteousness shall be the girdle of HIS loins, and faithfulness the belt of HIS waist." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 11. 5 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

Wearing the Breastplate of Righteousness is always in agreement with the nature of ALMIGHTY GOD’S righteousness which is selflessness.  "For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself." [Romans 14. 7]  HOLY SCRIPTURE never speaks of the BELOVED MESSIAH taking authority, because HE was AUTHORITY — the power and supremacy of the FATHER dwelt in HIM.  Y’SHUA demonstrated authority by HIS complete obedience, "I have kept MY FATHER'S commandments and abide in HIS love." [John 15. 10]  Demons either came and bowed at HIS feet or acknowledged HIS authority.  The LORD Y’SHUA did not have to do anything — they had no choice but to acquiesce to the authority abiding in HIM.  There was no fighting, no wrestling, no scolding or argument. . . HE cast them out, and they left. 

The body armor of the priesthood is designed by the MOST HOLY to protect HIS priests from those forces of the flesh which would cause them to become an “accuser of the brethren” — Satan.  Those who would be priests alongside MESSIAH are commanded to, "Put on the whole armor of GOD, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore take up the whole armor of GOD, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." [Ephesians 6. 11 - 13] 

The Hebrew views and opinions of armor is centered from the foundation of the TORAH, being that of the priestly wardrobe described in Exodus/Shemot 28, rather then the Christian concept of the soldier’s attire.  The word "priest" is translated from the Hebrew kohen, always denoting one who offers sacrifices.  Both 1 Peter 2:9 and Revelation 1:6 tell that those who actively embrace the life of Y’SHUA by keeping the WORDS of the FATHER continually offering sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving (Hebrews 7:1 – 10 portrays a nation of priests).  While the priesthood of the Levite could only be attained through birth, the apostle was comparing the clothing worn by those priests of what is to be put on by those who stand before HIM today. 

The Belt of Truth can be seen in the Ephod of Exodus/Shemot 28:5-14 depicting an apron-like garment worn from the waist and covering the loins.  
— "Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth..." [Ephesians 6. 14a] 


The Breastplate of Righteousness/Judgment is described in Exodus/Shemot 28:15–30 and Isaiah/Yeshayah 59:17..."For HE put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on HIS head; HE put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak." 

— "Having put on the breastplate of righteousness." [Ephesians 6. 14b] 

Feet of Shalom.  Priests were always barefoot before the HOLY PRESENCE because they were on holy ground. [Exodus/Shemot 3:5 -"Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground."; Isaiah/Yeshayah 52:7]  In the LORD GOD is there Perfect Shalom (Peace).  
— "Having shod your feet with the preparation of the GOSPEL OF PEACE." [Ephesians 6. 15] 

The Shield of Trust.  Faith, ‘aman, in Hebrew means "to trust". [Deuteronomy/Devarim 7. 9; Psalms/Tehillym 115. 10; Proverbs/Mishle 30. 5]  
— "Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one." [Ephesians 6. 16] 

The Helmet of Salvation (in Hebrew, teshuw`ah, salvation and deliverance mean the same) is found in Exodus 28:36-39, and is made of white fine linen, signifying righteous deeds. [Revelation 19. 8] This Turban carried an engraved plate attached to it that said "Holy to the Lord [YEHOWAH]" — Here, the emphasis is on the covering of thought processes, "taking every thought captive unto the obedience of the CHRIST JESUS." [2 Corinthians 10. 5]  
— "And take the helmet of salvation." [Ephesians 6. 17a] 

The Sword of the SPIRIT is the WORD OF GOD. [Exodus/Shemot 20. 1; Isaiah/Yeshayah 55. 11; John 17. 17]  Priests carried no weapons of war, so the MIGHTY WORD OF THE LORD, as with all of these descriptions about armor is used defensively, to protect what is within — not offensively against someone or something outwardly.  "For the WORD OF GOD is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." [Hebrews 4. 12]  
— "And the sword of the SPIRIT which is the WORD OF GOD." [Ephesians 6. 17b] 

The Sacrifice of Prayer is found in Exodus/Shemot 30:7-8. The burning of incense signifies the supplications continually offered up to the MOST HOLY LORD GOD by HIS Priests. [Psalms/Tehillym 141. 2; Revelation 5. 8; 1 Peter 2. 5]  
— "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the SPIRIT, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints." [Ephesians 6. 18]

"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." [1 Timothy 6. 12 - 13]  The ALL-WISE LOVING LORD GOD has given us everything we need to stand strong in HIM and in the power of HIS might. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  Bidding farewell to Shabbat — Welcoming the new month of Elul.  This begins the 40 Days of Repentance (Yemei Ratzon – Days of Favor) — a time to make confession of our sins that we will not experience the fruits of an unrepentant heart.  
  [The four Hebrew letters of the word Elul (aleph-lamed-vav-lamed) are the first letters of the four words Ani l'dodi v'dodi lee – "I am to my BELOVED and my BELOVED is to me." Song of Songs 6:3 These words sum up the relationship between ALMIGHTY GOD and HIS people.]  
  1st Day of Repentance. Repentance has always been crucial to maintaining a right stand with ALMIGHTY GOD.  HE warned the Hebrews to follow HIS instructions and warned them what would happen if they rejected HIM and did not repent.  Deuteronomy 28:15-68 is a long list of what HE warned would be the consequences of disobedience to their shame.  HE specifically mentioned the condition of the heart — "you will find no rest, nor shall the sole of your foot find a resting place; but YEHOWAH will give you trembling and anguish of heart, dimness of eyes and coldness of spirit." [Deuteronomy 28:65]  
  Unrepentance will result in a torment of heart, blindness to the eyes, and indifference of spirit.  Is this something you wish to experience?  Make this your sincere, intense prayer:  "Create in me a clean heart, O GOD; renew in me a determined spirit." [Psalm 51:10]  
  Have a terrific week as you draw closer to the MASTER! 

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 best preparation for tomorrow is the proper use of today. 

GOD WHO BECAME MAN     
The MESSIAH OF ISRAEL was promised by COVENANT GOD to come to Israel, first as the lowly Nazarene to suffer and die for the people's sins, then to come the second time as the GLORIOUS RULER and LORD over all the earth.  GOD foretold through the prophets of old that this DELIVERER would be born into the Human family through the Tribe of Judah and that HE would also be DIVINE.  HE was not to be "a son of GOD" as each Israelite was; but HE was to be "THE SON OF GOD" in a unique sense.  HE would be "GOD manifested in the flesh."  The LIVING ONE had promised Israel that HE would come to dwell in their midst.  One of HIS names declares the same truth, for that name is "IMMANU'EL" or "GOD-with-us."

In Hebrew, the term "son of" indicates a relationship and an active part of someone or something.   For example, if you would be called a son of peace — you would be a person possessing a peaceful disposition or one who engages in peaceful activities.  You might be called "a son of Abraham" — meaning you are of direct descent, or you belong to the people who have the faith of Abraham.  The expression, "son of man" — means one who shares human nature and human qualities as well as one who is subject to human weaknesses or infirmities.  The term "son of man" can be applied to every human being, but there is only ONE WHO is called "THE SON OF MAN."  HE is the MESSIAH OF ISRAEL, the SAVIOR OF THE WORLD. 

The LORD JESUS is not called "a son of GOD" as is everyone who believes in the ALMIGHTY, neither is HE called "a Son of man" as is everyone born into this world — but HE is called "THE SON OF GOD, THE SON OF MAN."  Y’SHUA is human, yet divine.  HE is DIVINE, yet HUMAN.  This is a mystery and we cannot understand it, but this does not make it impossible to believe and accept.  There are mysteries all around us which we cannot understand or explain; yet we accept them.  We do not understand how a brown cow can eat green grass and give white milk which, when churned, becomes yellow butter, but we accept it and we partake of it.  No one can explain the connection between thought and speech, yet we use thought and speech.  So we should not be surprised if we cannot understand incarnation.  But though we cannot understand it, we are safe to believe it because GOD HIMSELF declared it would be so; "WHO has ascended heaven or come down? WHO has established all the extremities of the earth?  What is HIS NAME or HIS SON'S NAME, if you know it?" [Proverbs (Mishle) 30. 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

ELOHIYM created the uttermost extremities of the earth and the heavens.  We know also that GOD'S SON is the ONE WHO came down to this earth from heaven, the ONE WHO ascended back up into heaven!  And HE was foretold by GOD through HIS prophets as coming again.   We read of this ONE, THE SON OF GOD as returning from heaven in a prophecy found in the book of Daniel, "As I looked on, in the night vision, ONE like the SON OF MAN came with the clouds of heaven; — and to HIM was given dominion — that all peoples and nations of every language must serve HIM.  HIS dominion is an everlasting kingdom that shall not pass away." [Daniel (Danyel) 7. 13 - 14 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Here the EVERLASTING KING, MESSIAH Y’SHUA is called "THE SON OF MAN."  HE had been on earth as a part of humanity, yet here HE is in heaven and returning to earth to receive an Everlasting Kingdom! 

Two thousand years ago there was an announcement by the angel to the shepherds keeping watch over their flock at night.  The great and wonderful day had arrived for fulfillment of THE INCARNATION as GOD ALMIGHTY had foretold through HIS prophets.  Luke's GOSPEL tells, "Then the angel said to them — there is born to you this day in the City of David a SAVIOR, WHO is CHRIST (MESSIAH) the LORD (YEHOWAH)." [Luke 2. 10 - 11]

Thus, the angel was saying that this CHILD WHO was born in Bethlehem (the City of David) is the PROMISED SON OF GOD, the SON OF MAN, IMMANU'EL, GOD-with-us, GOD manifest in the flesh!  This CHILD was born as a human being, yet HE is called "THE MESSIAH" and "THE LORD (YEHOWAH)" by the angel who announced it to the shepherds.  The MIGHTY CREATOR GOD did come to earth and was manifested in flesh to dwell among HIS people, Israel, exactly as HE had promised! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  In MESSIAH Y’SHUA, we have the capacity to endure much more than we can imagine, and to prevail under the most trying of circumstances.  Commit yourself to the LORD and HE will supply the needed will-power and determination to be victorious.  GOD has to test us to bring forth those treasures that are buried deep within ourselves and make us unique.  If we only knew the depths of our potential, we would never want to sleep.  If we could only imagine the treasures within us, we would search ceaselessly for them.  But GOD does see the greatness within us and in HIS infinite kindness, HE orchestrates our lives so that we will be forced to use the strengths we cannot see for ourselves.  "Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in HIM, and HE shall bring it to pass.  HE shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday." Psalms/Tehillym 37:5-6  "GOD shall supply all your need according to HIS riches in glory by CHRIST JESUS." Philippians 4:19 

  May protecting wings arch over each of you as we daily commit our lives into the mighty hands of the LORD JESUS.  Thanks be to GOD WHO loved us so much HE gave HIS PRECIOUS SON to take our sins away! 

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. . .
Truth: The only thing people don’t believe.

MANIFEST LIFE     
The GREAT OMNIPOTENT CREATOR GOD anointed holy men of Israel to write down HIS promises.  There are many pictures of the only ONE SUPREME PERSON WHO was to come, Y’SHUA, the MESSIAH OF ISRAEL, the SAVIOR of the world.  We can see HIM on every page of the TORAH — the LAW OF GOD.  Every incident or person which is mentioned in the OLD COVENANT points to the HOLY & TRUE ONE and in some way brings out a greater revelation of HIM. 

Also in the NEW COVENANT we read how Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH referred to the TANAKH (OLD COVENANT) many times as pictures of HIMSELF.  After the LORD JESUS had been resurrected from the grave and was walking with two of HIS disciples on the road to Emmaus, HE lovingly rebuked them for their sadness over HIS crucifixion.  "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!  Ought not the CHRIST to have suffered these things and to enter into HIS glory?" [Luke 24. 25 - 26]  The risen LORD said to them — "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the LAW OF MOSES (TORAH) and the PROPHETS (Nevi'im) and the PSALMS (Kethuvim —WRITINGS) concerning ME." [Luke 24. 44] 

The LORD JESUS rebuked them for not believing all the prophetic pictures of HIMSELF.  Then HE continued speaking to them repeating what the prophets said — "And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, HE expounded to them in all the SCRIPTURES the things concerning HIMSELF." [Luke 24. 27] 

"All SCRIPTURE" referred to the TANAKH (OLD COVENANT), as there was no NEW COVENANT written until about twenty years after the BELOVED SAVIOUR was crucified and resurrected.  Over and over again we find the words — "it is written" or "that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets" or "as the SCRIPTURE says" or "according to the SCRIPTURE." 

Only Y’SHUA fits into all the details of prophecy of the MESSIAH.  HIS conception and birth would be like no other because it would be of a miraculous nature.  Isaiah and Jeremiah both write that the MESSIAH was to have a HUMAN and DIVINE nature.  Isaiah states that the ANOINTED ONE would be a CHILD born to Israel and would be called "THE MIGHTY GOD, THE PRINCE OF UNLIMITED PEACE." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 9. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im]  Jeremiah says HE would be righteous and be called by the name "YEHOWAH TSIDQENUW (the LORD our VINDICATOR/RIGHTEOUSNESS)." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 23. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

In the Psalms, David writes of MESSIAH'S death, resurrection, and coming again.  Daniel, Isaiah and others prophesied that YESHUA was to come to atone for the iniquities of the people and to bring in everlasting righteousness.  "HE was despised, shunned by men, as ONE WHO hid HIS face from us, as a leper; HE was despised, we held HIM of no account.  Yet it was our sickness that HE was bearing...our suffering that HE endured.  We accounted Him plagued, smitten and afflicted by GOD; but HE was wounded because of our sins, HE was bruised and crushed because of our iniquities.  HE bore the chastisement that made us whole and gives us peace...and by HIS stripes and bruises we were healed.  Out of HIS anguish and labor HE shall see the arm of the LORD, HIS vindication; HE shall be satisfied enjoying it to the full through HIS devotion.  MY RIGHTEOUS SERVANT makes the many righteous, it is their punishment, their iniquities that HE bears." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 53. 4 - 5, 11 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

There are many, many other SCRIPTURES we haven't space to quote but will end by quoting Peter's message to his Jewish brethren as it is still a message to my Jewish people today and all my Gentile friends:  
   "The GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the GOD of our fathers, glorified HIS SERVANT JESUS, WHOM you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let HIM go. 
  But you denied the HOLY ONE and the JUST, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and killed the PRINCE OF LIFE, WHOM GOD raised from the dead, for which we are witnesses.  
   And HIS NAME, through faith in HIS NAME, has made this man strong, whom you see and know.  Yes! the faith which comes through HIM has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.  
   Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers, but those things which GOD foretold by the mouth of all HIS prophets, that the MESSIAH would suffer, HE has thus fulfilled.  
   Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the PRESENCE (Hebrew: paniym — faces) of the LORD, and that HE may send YESHUA ha’MASHIACH, WHO was preached to you before, WHOM heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which GOD has spoken by the mouth of all HIS holy prophets since the world began.  
   For Moses truly said to the fathers — The LORD your GOD will raise up for you a PROPHET like me from your brethren.  HIM you shall hear in all things, whatever HE says to you.  And it shall be that every soul who will not hear THAT PROPHET shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.  Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days.  You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which GOD made with our fathers, saying to Abraham — And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.  
  To you first, GOD, having raised up HIS SERVANT JESUS, sent HIM to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities." [Acts 3. 13 - 26] 

To believe the words of the Jewish prophets of old and accept Y’SHUA as your REDEEMING MESSIAH will assure you of Eternal Life — to refuse or deny HIM will justify eternal damnation.  Choose now! It's time to seek the LORD! 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  Welcome Sabbath – Queen of the week!  Praised are YOU, YEHOWAH, our GOD, SOVEREIGN of the Universe, WHO makes us holy with YOUR mitzvoth and favors us with the Holy Shabbat, lovingly and graciously given to us, a memorial of the act of creation, first of the holy assemblies.  
Sabbath of Re’eh – “Behold” [Reading: Deuteronomy 11:26 - 16:17; Isaiah 66:1-24; Mark 9:40-50]
  Shabbat: One day a week we unplug from the never-ending noise and hard work of doing to refocus on just being.  Shabbat brings an inner peace within oneself, and provides a weekly opportunity to connect and relate to family, friends, and even more so, to GOD.  Jewish life is built around the family coming together – to eat, to learn, to celebrate, to mourn, and most importantly to transmit the torch of our shared heritage to the next generation.  Judaism nurtures the awareness that GOD is actively involved in everything.  There are no accidents; everything that happens to us is purposeful and for the best.  We can feel secure knowing that we are wrapped in GOD’S loving embrace.  
  “More than Jews have kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept the Jews.”  Enjoy the peace and harmony of Shabbat! 

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. . .
History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely only after they have exhausted all other alternatives. [Abba Eban] 

MOUNT OF OLIVES EVENTS    
"So David went up by the Ascent of the Mount of Olives (Hebrew: Har Zayith), weeping as he went; his head was covered and he walked barefoot.  And all the people who were with him covered their heads and wept as they went up." [2 Samuel (Shemuel Bet) 15. 30 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

This sad occasion is the first mention of the Mount of Olives when King David fled Jerusalem for his life, escaping the conspiracy of his estranged son, Absalom.  And just as David wept over Jerusalem as he left it.  A thousand years later, so would his GREATER SON, Y’SHUA.  MESSIAH wept over the city as HE drew near the descent of the Mount of Olives and the multitude of disciples began rejoicing and praising GOD.  The LORD Y’SHUA, however wept when HE saw the City knowing the things that would be taking place in it. [ Luke 19. 37 - 41] 

It was there on the Mount of Olives that MESSIAH Y’SHUA gave the great prophecy of HIS second coming.  "And HE will send HIS angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together HIS elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." [Matthew 24. 31]  The Mount is also the place the LORD Y’SHUA went with HIS disciples after the last Passover, and there HE agonized alone in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. [Mark 14. 26, 32]  Then, after HIS death and resurrection, it was from the Mount of Olives that HE ascended back into heaven.  "And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as HE went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said — "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven?  This same JESUS, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven. — Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey." [Acts 1. 10 - 12] 

According to the prophecy of Zechariah — this Mount of Olives has an amazing role yet to be played out as it is the location of the world’s future event, "Behold, the Day of the LORD is coming, when your spoil will be divided in your very midst...On that Day HIS feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west, and one part of the Mount shall shift to the north and the other to the south, making a very large gorge." [Zechariah (Zechryah) 14. 1, 4 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

Instead of a mountain, there will be a valley, and "Living Waters shall flow from Jerusalem." [Zechariah (Zechryah) 14. 8 Tanakh, Nevi’im]  Instead of it being a mountain for weeping, there will be a stream of rejoicing, and "the LORD shall be KING over all the earth.  In that Day the LORD alone shall be worshiped and shall be invoked by HIS TRUE NAME." [Zechariah (Zechryah) 14. 9 Tanakh, Nevi’im]  Jerusalem shall be raised up and inhabited, and GOD’S people shall dwell safely. 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!
  There is a place for believers in the midst of a pagan society — a challenging position of change and conflict overwhelmed with problems and full of difficulties.  For the fainthearted, this is threatening; for the audacious, courageous and noble-minded — Exciting!. . .try a little exhilarating excitement! 
  The day is short and the work is great; but the laborers are idle, though the reward be great, and the MASTER of the work presses.  It is not incumbent upon you to complete the work; but you must not therefore cease from it.  If you have worked much, great shall be your reward — for the MASTER WHO employed you is faithful in HIS payment.  But know that the true reward is not of this world. 

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Since the number of those who claim that evil is good and good is evil has grown — numerous troubles have increased in the world. [TALMUD, Sotah 47b] 

CROWNED WITH BLESSINGS     
"YOU crown the year with YOUR bountiful goodness, fatness is distilled in YOUR paths." [Psalms (Tehillym) 65. 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

At the end of each day, CHRIST-like-ones should stop and count their blessings.  If done fairly and fully, no matter what problems may have occurred, one would have to confess that GOD OMNIPOTENT, as always, had crowned it with goodness. 

There are many SCRIPTURES to speak of GOD'S abundant blessings in the CHRISTians life:  Bless GOD MOST HIGH, "HE redeems your life from the Pit, HE crowns you with steadfast love and tender mercy." [Psalms (Tehillym) 103. 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  Even our tests, trials, and persecutions are always in the framework of ALMIGHTY GOD'S great grace and love.  The LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA wore a crown of thorns so we might be crowned with mercy and salvation. 

Consider the following verses also:  "For YOU surely bless the righteous man, O LORD, encompassing him with favor like a shield." [Psalms (Tehillym) 5. 12 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  The word encompassing is the same Hebrew word ('atar) as crown meaning to surround or protect.  Also in the believers crown are the MASTER'S grace and glory.  "She (wisdom) will adorn your head with a wreath of grace; crown you with a glorious diadem." [Proverbs (Mishle) 4. 9 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Believers also have the wonderful testimony that "YOU (HEAVENLY FATHER) have made HIM (JESUS, THE ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD) a little less than the angels, and crowned HIM with glory, majesty and honor." [Psalms (Tehillym) 8. 5 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  For the redeemed one's MOST-TREASURED CROWN is the LORD Y’SHUA HIMSELF.  "In that day the LORD OF HOSTS, shall become a CROWN OF GLORY and a DIADEM OF GLORY for the remnant of HIS people." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 28. 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

Nearly all believers in the ANOINTED ONE have an abundant amount of material blessings to be thankful for.  If not in substance, INVINCIBLE GOD has crowned us with goodness and favor, with lovingkindness and tender mercies, with grace and glory and honor — best of all — with HIS OWN PRESENCE.  "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget HIS bounties.  Bless the LORD, O my soul, all my being, bless HIS HOLY NAME!" [Psalms (Tehillym) 103. 2, 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  "The LORD has established HIS Throne in heaven, and HIS sovereign rule is over all." [Psalms (Tehillym) 103. 19 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

HalleluYAH! Praise the GLORIOUS ONE for HIS constant abiding peace and contentment. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  Our GOD and GOD of our fathers, bless us with the three-fold blessings of YOUR Law written by the hand of Moses YOUR servant, which was spoken by Aaron and his sons, the priests, YOUR holy people, as it is said: "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make HIS face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn HIS face to you and give you Shalom!"  
  Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of MESSIAH Y’SHUA and HIS Kingdom.    

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 in Heaven there are walls, gates, and rules to get in. 

BRING FORTH FRUIT     
"You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you." [John 15. 16] 

To be a fruit-bearing follower of MESSIAH Y’SHUA is the most desirable, and not be one who is barren and unfruitful.  "But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.  For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our LORD JESUS CHRIST." [2 Peter 1. 5 - 8] 

Our earnest desire is that we show forth "the fruit of the SPIRIT is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" [Galatians 5:22 - 23], that we might win others to CHRIST. [see Romans 1. 13] 

The promise made by the LORD Y’SHUA is that our fruit will remain, if HE has chosen us and we continue to pray in HIS NAME and seek sincerely to bear fruit for HIS NAME’S sake.  To "remain" can also mean to abide or continue.  These terms occur at least twelve times in John 15:4-15.

To "abide in CHRIST" simply means that we are to continue believing HIS WORD and serving HIM.  YESHUA powerfully encourages us — "abide in MY love." [John 15. 9]  To accomplish that, HE directed, "If you keep MY commandments, you will abide in MY love, just as I have kept MY FATHER'S commandments and abide in HIS love." [John 15. 10] 

Also, Y’SHUA affirmed, "If you abide in MY WORD, you are MY disciples indeed.  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." [John 8. 31 - 32]  "If you abide in ME, and MY WORDS abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.  By this MY FATHER is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be MY disciples." [John 15. 7 - 8] 

There is a definite progression here:  MESSIAH said, "Abide in ME, and I in you." [John 15. 4]  Signifying we are to let HIS WORDS abide in us, and also that we continue in HIS love which implies that we keep HIS commandments.  So, as we continue in HIS WORD, we shall "bring forth fruit" which will remain. 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
If I forget you, O Yerushalayim, let my right hand wither.”  Psalms 137:5
  We are overwhelmingly grateful for ALMIGHTY GOD’S goodness and grace to us, truly HIS mercies endure forever.  In YOUR mercy, O LORD, remember us and all YOUR children.  O FATHER & MASTER, mindful of YOUR covenant, we pray that YOUR love may never forsake us.  Even as the rainbow recalls this covenant, so may each new day bring to all men the thought of YOUR gracious promise.  Hasten the time when YOUR Perfect Law will be written in our very hearts, from the smallest to the greatest.  Then shall mankind do YOUR will and the reward of righteous service shall be peace.  
  Go forth and proclaim the GOOD NEWS as the BELOVED ONE commissioned while it is still 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. . .
As long as I do not speak a word, I am its master; but once I say it, I am its slave. 

ROYAL GARMENTS OF THE PRIESTS     
"You shall make the robe of the ephod of pure blue.  The opening for the head shall be in the middle of it; the opening shall have a binding of woven work round about — it shall be like the opening of a coat of mail — so that it does not tear." [Exodus (Shemot) 28. 4 - 5 Tanakh, Torah] 

The High Priest wore a special robe over the fine-twined linen breeches and coat.  This robe could only be put upon a person already wearing the fine linen garments.  It was put on from above and always worn as a symbol of office, authority and dignity.  The LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH is the very righteousness of GOD ETERNAL, as symbolized in the coat of linen; and HE is the KING.  Therefore, HE could wear the robe!  We who are the sons of the MOST HIGH GOD, wear the garments of salvation, dressed up in MESSIAH'S righteousness.  So, we can be clothed from above with HIS heavenly dignity.  JESUS THE BELOVED is the KING/PRIEST; we are the Children of the KING, a royal priesthood. 

It is not stated of what material this robe was to be made, only that it was blue — heaven's color, representing the LORD JESUS WHO came from heaven; it tells of HIS heavenly origin and destiny and of ours!  We are GOD'S people who have been born from above. 

There was no seam in this robe, no beginning and no ending.  Our LORD YESHUA is from "everlasting to everlasting." [Psalms/Tehillym 90. 2]  HE has the "power of an endless life." [Hebrews 7. 16]  Those who are in MESSIAH wear this "spiritual dress" of Eternity for HE promises HIS sons, "because I live, you will live also" [John 14:19], and "he that lives and believes in ME shall never die." [John 11. 26] 

Around the neck of this garment was a linen corset ("tacharah" is the Hebrew word meaning binding of woven work — it implies "white or linen") which made it impossible to tear, for the rending of it was forbidden. [Leviticus/Vayikra 10. 6]  Notice in the fulfillment of this commandment and prophecy [Psalms/Tehillym 22:18], the Roman soldiers did not divide the robe of the MAN OF SORROWS among themselves, as was the custom, but gambled for the whole garment instead. [Mark 15. 14; John 19. 24]  The HOLY ETERNAL ONE also had commanded that the people of Israel rend their hearts and not their garments. [Joel/Yoel 2. 13]  The LORD JESUS' robe was not torn, but HIS heart was [Psalms/Tehillym 22:14] — broken for the sins of the world.  Caiphas did tear his garment, however, when Y’SHUA  stood before him.  The penalty, under the Law, for disobedience of defiling the priestly garment, was death.  Unconsciously Caiaphas testified, by this tearing of his robe, that he "died" and was no longer the High Priest in Israel — that Y’SHUA is the TRUE HIGH PRIEST! [Leviticus/Vayikra 21. 10] 

No man could take MESSIAH'S life from HIM, Y’SHUA deliberately laid it down of HIMSELF.  HIS robe was kept whole; it could not be torn.  And, no one can take our life in the LORD JESUS from us!  For all eternity, those who remain faithful, can rest in assurance that they belong to the MASTER CREATOR, the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL. 

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

If I forget you, O Yerushalayim, let my right hand wither.”  Psalms 137:5
  We lift up our hearts and our hands to YOU, GREAT GOD in Heaven for YOUR loving-kindness, O LORD, is mighty over us and we are ever thankfully indebted to YOU, MOST MERCIFUL GOD.  We will examine our ways and test them, and return to YOU, O MOST HIGH.  May each day be entered with joy in our hearts and confidence that ALMIGHTY GOD, in HIS mercy, will continue to use us as HIS messengers of the GOOD NEWS to the perplexed and depraved world around us! 

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. . .
Experience is what you get when you don’t get what you expect. 

IN SEARCH OF MESSIAH     
The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is not a man that HE could lie and when HE makes a promise, HE will keep it.  The RIGHTEOUS ONE says what HE means and means what HE says!  In the TORAH (OLD COVENANT) we read many prophecies concerning the coming MESSIAH.  OMNIPOTENT GOD anointed holy men of Israel to write these promises and there is much said of this ONE SUPREME PERSON WHO was to come.  The "CENTRAL FIGURE" of the HOLY SCRIPTURES is the MESSIAH OF ISRAEL, the SAVIOR OF THE WORLD.  We see HIM on every page of GOD'S Law.   Every incident or person that is mentioned in the OLD TESTAMENT points to the PIERCED ONE in some way to bring out a greater revelation of HIM. 

In the NEW COVENANT also we read how Y’SHUA THE MESSIAH, referred to the TORAH many times as picturing HIMSELF.  After HE had resurrected from the grave and was walking with two of HIS disciples on the road to Emmaus, HE lovingly rebuked them for their sadness over HIS crucifixion:  "Then HE said to them — O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in ALL THAT THE PROPHETS HAVE SPOKEN!  Ought not the CHRIST to have suffered these things and to enter into HIS glory?" [Luke 24. 25 - 26]  The LORD JESUS rebuked them for not believing all the prophetic pictures of HIMSELF.  Then HE continues speaking to them repeating what the prophets said, "And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, HE expounded to them in all the SCRIPTURES the things concerning HIMSELF." [Luke 24. 27] 

Take note:  The MESSIAH state publicly that — ALL the SCRIPTURES  speaks of HIM.  The "SCRIPTURES" to which HE referred was the TANAKH (the entire OLD COVENANT).  There was no NEW TESTAMENT at that time, it didn't appear until some years after YESHUA was crucified and was resurrected. 

Studying the NEW COVENANT, you would find there are 190 references to the TORAH (Five Books of Moses); 101 references to the KETHUVIM (WRITINGS); and 104 references to the book of Isaiah and 30 references to the Minor Prophets.  In all, there are 639 references or quotes from the TANAKH in the NEW COVENANT.  Over and over again, you will find the words — "it is Written" or "that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Prophets" or "as the SCRIPTURE says" or "according to the SCRIPTURES." 

Any open-minded, unbiased Jew (or Gentile) will be convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is only ONE PERSON in all the Universe who can possibly fit into all the details of prophecy of the MESSIAH found in the HOLY BIBLE, GOD'S INFALLIBLE WRITTEN WORD. 

Daniel tells of MESSIAH'S coming before the second destruction of Jerusalem.  Moses declared that the MESSIAH was to appear while Judah "held the Scepter" as the royal tribe of Israel.  The Sanhedrin was the law-making body of Judah before they were dispersed.  Micah, the Jewish prophet, writes that MESSIAH was to come from the line of David.  Moses writes HE must be a descendant of Abraham.  The Jewish prophet, Isaiah, declares that the LORD would give a supernatural sign concerning the conception of the ANOINTED ONE.  HIS conception and birth would be like no other as it would be of a miraculous nature.  Jeremiah and Isaiah both write that the MESSIAH was to have a Human and a Divine nature.  Jeremiah says HE would be righteous and would be identified as, "THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 23. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im]  Isaiah declares that the COMING SAVIOR would be a "CHILD" born to Israel and would be called "WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD, ETERNAL FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE" [Isaiah/Yeshayah 9:6], and that authority was settled on HIS shoulders. 

If you object to the fact that MESSIAH will be both "HUMAN" and "DIVINE" — study again the OLD COVENANT and discover that OMNIPOTENT CREATOR GOD appeared in HUMAN form to Abraham, to Jacob, to Manoah, to Joshua and others.  Many SCRIPTURE portions relate this fact of the HUMAN and the DIVINE in the PERSON of Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH.

Daniel, Isaiah, and others prophesied that the ANOINTED ONE was to come to atone for the iniquities of the people and to bring in everlasting righteousness.  In the Psalms, David writes of MESSIAH'S death, resurrection and coming again.  And there are many more portions of the TANAKH, which speak of HIM.  However, one must conclude that Peter's message of 2,000 years ago to his own Jewish brethren is still a message to our Jewish people today:
   "But those things which GOD foretold by the mouth of all HIS prophets, that the CHRIST would suffer, HE has thus fulfilled.  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, and that HE may send JESUS CHRIST, WHO was preached to you before, WHOM heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which GOD has spoken by the mouth of all HIS holy prophets since the world began.  For Moses truly said to the fathers — The LORD your GOD will raise up for you a PROPHET like me from your brethren.  HIM you shall hear in all things, whatever HE says to you.  And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that PROPHET shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.  Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days. You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant that GOD made with our fathers, saying to Abraham — And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.  To you first, GOD, having raised up HIS SERVANT JESUS, sent HIM to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities." [Acts 3. 18 - 26]  

Today, will you believe the words of the Jewish prophets and accept the LORD Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH as your SOON-COMING KING? 

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 Ekev – “Because” [Reading: Deuteronomy 7:12 - 11:25; Isaiah 49:14 – 51:3; Matthew 16:13-20] 
  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! 
  Enjoy this special day with family and/or 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. . .
It is not enough to hope for redemption, we must be catalyst for it. 

WHOM TO OBEY, GOD OR MAN     
"Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from GOD, and the authorities that exist are appointed by GOD.  Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of GOD, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil.  Do you want to be unafraid of the authority?  Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.  For he is GOD'S minister to you for good.  But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is GOD'S minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil." [Romans 13. 1 - 4] 

As Paul was writing these words, the monstrous Emperor Nero, who eventually had Paul executed, was at the height of his power, yet Paul said that whoever "resists the authority, resists the ordinance of GOD, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves." [Romans 13. 
 

     The general function of human government, the gift instituted by ALMIGHTY GOD may be said to be threefold: To Protect, Punish, and Promote.  
The Function of Protection:  The moment Adam sinned, it was obvious that civilization would need some form of restraint and rule to protect citizens that do good (Godliness) and punish those who do wrong (perversions, dishonesty, corruptions).  An example of this function is where Roman soldiers step in and save Paul from being murdered by his own enraged countrymen in Jerusalem. [see Acts 21. 27 - 37] 

The Function of Punishment:  Both Paul and Peter bring this out.  Paul writes that properly appointed human officials are to be regarded as GOD’S servants to "bear the sword."  That is, to impose punishment upon criminals. [Romans 13. 4]  Peter tells us that we are to "submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the LORD'S sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.  For this is the will of GOD." [1 Peter 2. 13 - 15] 

The Function of Promotion:  Human government is to promote the general welfare of the community where its laws are in effect.  Paul commanded us to pray for human leaders "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." [1 Timothy 2. 1] 

However, our present government has reversed GOD’S righteous Law by redefining good and evil to appease the wicked elements of our society and now they call evil "Good" and good "Evil, Discrimination, Bullying, or a Hate-Crime".  When a government changes GOD'S Laws and calls evil good and good evil — they are not doing what GOD appointed for them to do.  "WOE to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!  WOE to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!  WOE to men mighty at drinking wine, WOE to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink, who justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away justice from the righteous man!" [Isahiah/Yeshayah 5. 20 - 23] 

They do not fear the SOVEREIGN LORD, therefore they have the impudent audacity to challenge and change HIS Laws.  They are fulfilling the prophesies that say in the End Times "He (The Anti-Christ) shall speak pompous words against the MOST HIGH, shall persecute the saints of the MOST HIGH, and shall intend to change times and law." [Daniel/Danyel 2. 25] 

"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!" [2 Timothy 3. 1 - 6] 

A follower of MESSIAH Y’SHUA is only subject to government when it functions properly and maintains law and order.  But not when the government commits moral wrong and persecutes the believer by passing laws they cannot follow.  CHRISTanity has come under heavy persecution these last few years; though this is not new, as there has been a war between CREATOR GOD and Satan since Lucifer fell from his heavenly position. [see Isaiah/Yeshayah 14. 12 - 17]  We must "obey GOD rather than men" [Acts 5:29], whenever there is a conflict between the ordinances of men and the Righteous Laws of the MASTER DESIGNER.  When man’s [government] laws disagree with GOD’S Laws, those who follow HIM must take a stand against evil, especially when sin becomes the approved and dictated law of the land. 

The wicked are emboldened as the government continues to pass laws that promote abortions on demand (murder of the unborn), homosexual perversions — every kind of sexual abominations, and drugs.  Sexual abominations degrade an individual and bring GOD'S Wrath against the nation. [Romans 1. 18 - 32]  Now the homosexuals can sue any business, including churches that refuses to condone and accept their perverted lifestyle.  Thus, GOD’S wrath is justified — whoever commits any of these abominations and defiles themselves brings the Wrath of GOD against the nation. [see Leviticus/Vayikra 18:1-30] 

In times past, the Apostles were condemned and threatened for the stand they took for righteousness sake.  The people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon Peter and John demanding that their message "spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this NAME.  So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the NAME of JESUS.  But Peter and John answered and said to them — "Whether it is right in the sight of GOD to listen to you more than to GOD, you judge.  For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." [Acts 4. 17 - 20] 

"Let the LORD be a TRUE and FAITHFUL WITNESS between us, if we do not do according to everything which the LORD your GOD sends us by you.  Whether it is pleasing or displeasing, we will obey the VOICE of the LORD our GOD to WHOM we send you, that it may be well with us when we obey the VOICE of the YEHOWAH ELOHIYM." [Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 42. 5 - 6] 


"I am the LORD, I do not change." [Malachi/Malakhi 3. 6]  We must obey the Laws of GOD MOST HIGH, and thru the power of the HOLY SPIRIT speak the TRUTH OF GOD with boldness and take a stand for righteousness whatever the cost, honoring and zealously obeying the ONE WHO never changes; loving the sinner; hating the sin. 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
If I forget you, O Yerushalayim, let my right hand wither.”  Psalms 137:5
  May our HEAVENLY FATHER hear our prayers, that our long-awaited MESSIAH YESHUA, 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. . .
Believing is having faith in advance for what only makes sense afterwards. 

BONE OF MY BONES     
"Then Adam said — This one at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.  This one shall be called woman (Hebrew: ‘ishshah), for from man (Hebrew: ‘ish) she was taken." [Genesis (Bereshit) 2. 23 Tanakh, Torah] 

This statement of the first man, Adam, was made when the MIGHTY CREATOR told him that a suitable helper would be made for him, "The LORD GOD said — "It is not good for man to be alone; I will make a fitting helper for him."  And the LORD GOD formed out of the earth all the beasts of the field and all the fowl of the sky, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.  So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field.  But for Adam there was not found a fitting help meet for him.  So the LORD GOD caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and while he slept; HE took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh thereof.  Then the LORD GOD made from the rib which HE had taken from man into a woman; and HE brought her to the man." [Genesis (Bereshith) 2. 18 - 22 Tanakh, Torah] 

Then, out of the ground, GOD formed the beasts and brought them to him.  After their presentation, none was suitable for him.  Adam was searching from among these creatures of the dust one to be his close friend and partner, but found none to be suitable.  CREATOR GOD had not given to them of HIS life as was the case with the man that HE had made.  Therefore, a helpmate was not found among them to correspond to the nature of the "GOD-Breathed" one.  In mercy, because it was not good for man to be alone, the MASTER DESIGNER performed a miraculous operation for his sake.  From the side-parts (Hebrew: tsela’ — a rib {as curved} side of the body) of Adam HE built him a woman.  Upon seeing her, the man accepted her as his very own flesh and bone. 

The creatures that were formed out of the ground and brought before him, having no GOD-consciousness, were not suitable.  But this time from his own flesh, she was a part of him, closer and dearer then any other living creature in the Garden! 

What a wonderful spiritual truth we see here.  The first time we were born (physically), we came from the ground and did not have the BREATH OF GOD or DIVINE LIFE, and therefore could not possibly become helper or one who could come along-side and be a part of the MAN OF GLORY.  But GOD, in HIS mercy and because HE so loved, performed a miraculous operation upon the LAST ADAM, MESSIAH YESHUA — for behold! there came forth from HIS "side-parts" the precious blood, HIS life, which made it possible for one to be born again, born of GOD, this time a very vital, warm, living part of HIM! 

"Your body is the temple of the HOLY SPIRIT WHO is in you, whom you have from GOD, and you are not your own for you were bought at a price; therefore glorify GOD in your body and in your spirit, which are GOD'S." [see 1 Corinthians 6. 19]  Now all who accept the LORD Y’SHUA are fit to be HIS companion, HIS hand extended — closer and dearer to HIM than when we were but creatures of the dust alone!  HalleluYAH!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
If I forget you, O Yerushalayim, let my right hand wither.”  Psalms 137:5
 Sin by any other name is still SIN:

     It is not an affair, it is adultery.

     It is not premarital sex, it is fornication.

     It is not one’s deviated selection of a partner, it is sodomy.

     It is not obsession, it is idolatry.

     It is not fibbing, it is lying.

     It is not abortion, it is murder.

Don’t white-wash sin, REPENT of it!!!  

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 no wise speak against the truth; but be ashamed of the error of your ignorance.

MESSIAH REVEALED TO ISRAEL     
"For I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem for war; the City shall be captured, the houses plundered, and the women violated; and a part of the City shall go into exile.  But the rest of the population shall not be uprooted from the City...
..On that Day, the LORD will set HIS feet on the Mount of Olives, near Jerusalem on the East, and the Mount of Olives shall split across from the East to West, and one part of the Mount shall shift to the North and the other to the South, a huge valley.  You shall flee to the Valley in the Hills (Hebrew: Har-Gay'ee), for Har-Gay'ee shall reach only to Azal... 
..You shall flee as you fled because of the earthquake.  And the LORD my GOD, with all the holy beings, will come to you and the LORD shall be KING over all the earth.  In that Day there shall there be one LORD, and HIS NAME ONE.  The LORD alone shall be worshiped and shall be invoked by HIS TRUE NAME." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 14. 2, 4, 5, 9 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

"And I will fill the House of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem with the SPIRIT OF GRACE & COMPASSION; and they shall look upon ME WHOM they have pierced, and they shall mourn because of HIM as one mourns for a favorite son, and show bitter grief because of HIM as one in bitterness for his first-born.  In that day, the great wailing in Jerusalem shall be as great as the wailing at Hadad-Rimmon in the plain of Megiddon." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 12. 9 - 11 Tanakh, Nevi'im]  

"In that day a fountain shall be open to the House of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem for purging and cleansing.  And when HE is asked — What are these wounds on YOUR back? — HE will reply, From being beaten in the homes of MY friends." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 13. 1, 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im]  

From the preceding preliminary verses of HOLY SCRIPTURE, we see that when the nations of the world center their attack on the Jewish people in Jerusalem, Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH will return to earth to defend Israel against her enemies for the last time, to reveal HIMSELF to these Jews who had been blinded as to HIS true identity as MESSIAH.  The LORD JESUS will identify HIMSELF as the "LORD OF GLORY" through the marks of the wounds in HIS hands and HIS feet.  HE WHO is the FAITHFUL & RIGHTEOUS ONE will forgive those who repent of their sin, judge the nations who mistreated Israel, establish HIS Kingdom on the earth with all HIS saints (Jew & Gentile) and rule and reign forever!  "In abundant authority and peace without limit, upon David's throne and kingdom, that it may be firmly established in justice and in equity now and evermore.  The zeal of the LORD OF HOSTS will bring this to pass." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 9. 7 Tanakh, Nevi'im]   Even so, come quickly, LORD JESUS! 

 
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
If I forget you, O Yerushalayim, let my right hand wither.”  Psalms 137:5
  O FATHER & REDEEMER, mindful of YOUR covenant, we pray that YOUR love may never forsake us.  Even as the rainbow recalls this covenant, so may each new day bring to all men the thought of YOUR gracious promise.  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.  

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. . .
Man shows his true relationship to GOD by his actions. 

THE INVISIBLE GOD     
"No one has seen GOD at any time.  The ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, WHO is in the bosom of the FATHER, HE has declared HIM." [John 1. 18] 

The GLORIOUS LORD GOD is present everywhere in HIS creation, so HE is necessarily invisible anywhere.  HE is "the KING eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise GOD." [1 Timothy 1. 17]  ALMIGHTY GOD is omnipresent and omnipotent and HE can manifest HIMSELF in tangible, visible form when HE so chooses.  And at various times throughout the ages, GOD has made HIMSELF known.  Pointing out just a few times the ETERNAL ONE appeared to men:  The LORD GOD was with the two angels who appeared to Abraham, in the form of men, before continuing on to Sodom and Gomorrah. [Genesis/Bereshith 18]  Then in Mount Sinai — "Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu and seventy elders of Israel saw the GOD OF ISRAEL: Under HIS feet there was the likeness of a pavement of sapphire, like the very sky for purity.  Yet HE did not raise HIS hand against the leaders of Israel; they beheld GOD, and they ate and drank." [Exodus (Shemot) 24. 9 - 11 Tanakh, Torah] 

Obviously, the PERSON they saw was GOD'S ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON WHO was manifest visibly. The LORD Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH is "the IMAGE of the INVISIBLE GOD, the FIRSTBORN of every creature." [Colossians 1. 15]  In some marvelous way beyond human comprehension, the OMNIPRESENT, INFINITE GOD has on occasion taken on the appearance of a human being with the intended purpose of conveying a specific revelation or to accomplish some divine purpose.  Such manifestations are called theophany and each has been implemented by the SON OF GOD, the WORD, in Pre-Incarnate Form.  "And the WORD became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld HIS glory, the glory as of the ONLY BEGOTTEN of the FATHER, full of grace and truth." [John 1. 14] 

 Then, the ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD became the ETERNAL SON OF MAN.  "Concerning the WORD OF LIFE — the LIFE was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that ETERNAL LIFE which was with the FATHER and was manifested to us — that which we have seen and heard we declare to you." [John 1. 2] 

The BELOVED Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH became as we are so HE could save us, as befitting a PERFECT SAVIOR!  The LORD JESUS is our KINSMAN WHO fulfilled the Law that declares, "if one of your kinsman being in straits, sells himself to the stranger (we sold ourselves to sin), after he is sold he may be redeemed again — ONE OF HIS KINSMEN shall redeem him." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 25. 47 - 48 Tanakh, Torah]  How very much our COMPASSIONATE, DEVOTED REDEEMER loves us and became our BELOVED KINSMAN giving HIMSELF as a RANSOM that we might be free.  Thank YOU, HEAVENLY FATHER for JESUS, YOUR PERFECT GIFT!  

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  O ROCK OF ISRAEL, redeem those who are oppressed and deliver those who are persecuted.  Praised and adored are YOU, our REDEEMER, the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL. Eternal is YOUR power, O LORD, YOU are mighty to save.  

  May GOD bless and keep you!  May GOD watch over you in kindness!  May GOD grant you a life of good health, joy and peace.  

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. . .
Power buries those who wield it. 

AARONIC PRIESTHOOD     
"You shall bring forward your brother Aaron, with his sons, from among the Israelites, to serve ME as priests: Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, the sons of Aaron." [Exodus (Shemot) 28. 1 Tanakh, Torah] 

The meaning of the names tell a story:  Aaron (very high), Nadab (willing), Abihu (my father is HE), Eleazar (help of GOD), Ithamar (land of palms).  Or. . . MESSIAH is very high and HE is willing to obey HIS FATHER and GOD helps HIM to be victorious. 

The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY instructs Moses that his brother, Aaron, one of his own flesh and blood, is to be the High Priest for the Israelite people.  This is a beautiful prophecy of the LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH, the HIGHLY EXALTED SON OF MAN.  HE was born into the human family, "chosen" and "called" of the MIGHTY CREATOR GOD to be our GREAT HIGH PRIEST. 

The sons of Aaron were also to be taken from among the Israelites that he might serve in the priest's office.  There is an implication here that Aaron is able to minister only if his sons are with him.  Aaron does not perform his priestly duties without his sons, and they do not attend to the service of the priesthood without him.  They are as one (Hebrew: echad)! 

When an individual receives MESSIAH Y’SHUA as LORD and SAVIOR, he is given the power to become a son of GOD ETERNAL.  Being born into the family he is permitted to minister as a priest with the GREAT HIGH PRIEST.  We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood who do not serve as priests without HIM; HE does not minister without us.  We are HIS hands, HIS feet, HIS representatives on earth. 

"And no man takes this honour to himself, but he who is called by GOD, just as Aaron was." [Hebrews 5. 4]  Only those who are in the heavenly family can be priests, not man-appointed priests, but the Called of GOD. [Ephesians 4. 1 - 2; 2 Thessalonians 2. 13 - 15]  They must be sons of HIS OWN flesh and blood.  They cannot buy the priesthood, but they must be born-anew into it. 

"That he may minister unto ME" — not to men but to GOD. [Ephesians 6. 6 - 7; Colossians 3. 22 - 24]  The LORD JESUS does not minister to please men, but serves according to GOD'S desire that HE might bring the DIVINE approval.  "This is MY BELOVED SON (we are sons in the SON) in WHOM I am well pleased." [Matthew 3. 17; 17. 5]  How wonderful it will be at the end of this earthly life to hear those blessed words from THE MASTER. . ."WELL DONE, good and faithful servant...enter into the joy of your LORD." [Matthew 25. 21] 

"They shall approach ME to minister to ME; and they shall stand before ME to offer to ME the fat and the blood." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 44. 15 Tanakh, Nevi'im]  One of the primary duties of the priests was the offering of sacrifices.  Likewise, we as believer-priests are to offer acceptable, spiritual sacrifices of praise continually to ALMIGHTY GOD with which HE is well pleased. [see Psalms/Tehillym 27. 6; Hebrews 13. 15; 1 Peter 2. 5]

Let us not be as those who stop in the Outer Court and kneel at the Cross (Altar of Sacrifice) to accept MESSIAH Y’SHUA as SAVIOR, but let us go on into the Holy of Holies and meet OMNIPOTENT GOD at HIS Throne (Ark of the Covenant) to gratefully accept HIM as LORD & MASTER of our lives!  If we gratefully accept HIM as LORD & MASTER of our lives, we can "come boldly to the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." [Hebrews 4. 16]  Those who are wise are ever blessed with unsurpassed riches of knowing the GREAT OMNISCIENT GOD personally, intimately!

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
If I forget you, O Yerushalayim, let my right hand wither.”  Psalms 137:5  
  As we bid farewell to Shabbat with the Havdallah Ceremony, we use all of our senses: We taste the wine, smell the spices, see the shadow of candles, hear prayers and songs, touch family and friends as we wish them a Good Week.  Our prayer is that GOD, WHO separates the holy from the secular, forgive our sins, guide our life, and fill the coming days with HIS DIVINE PRESENCE.  
  Open your mouth in holiness and purity, with song and psalm, and bless and praise, glorify and revere, sanctify and ascribe sovereignty to the NAME of the DIVINE KING, the GREAT, MIGHTY & AWESOME ONE. . . holy is HE.  Take upon yourself the yoke of the Kingdom of Heaven and give sanction to one another to bless the CREATOR.  In tranquil joy of spirit, with pure speech and holy melody exclaim: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD OF HOSTS, the whole earth is full of HIS glory." 
  May some of the sweetness of Sabbath be your daily fragrance. 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
No secret causes GOD concern, HE knows all. 

NAARAH — BETHULAH — ALMAH 
"He (Abraham's servant) had scarcely finished speaking (to the LORD GOD), when Rivkah (Rebekkah), who was born to Bethuel, the son of Milcah the wife of Abraham's brother, Nahor, came out with her pitcher on her shoulder. The young woman (Hebrew: naarah) was very beautiful, a virgin (Hebrew: bethulah) whom no man had known." [Genesis (Bereshith) 24. 16 Tanakh, Torah] 

Rivkah (Rebekkah) is called a virgin (bethulah); later, in Genesis 24:55, she is called an engaged virgin (Hebrew: almah). The RIGHTEOUS SOVEREIGN LORD, speaking by the HOLY SPIRIT through the prophet Isaiah said — "The LORD HIMSELF shall give you a sign: Behold, a virgin (almah – engaged virgin) shall conceive and shall bear a SON and shall call HIS NAME "IMMANU'EL (with us is GOD or GOD with us)." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 7. 14] 

"Naarah" simply means young woman. But, what is the difference between an almah and a bethulah?? Two thousand years after MESSIAH was born to the virgin Miryam (Mary), people would say that almah does not mean virgin — it simply means a young woman, but not necessarily a virgin. However, the MASTER OMNISCIENT CREATOR had already set a precedent (standard), a witness and a testimony for HIMSELF, for Yeshua, and for Miryam (Mary) from the beginning of recorded history in the Book of Genesis/Bereshith: 
When Rivkah (Rebekkah) appeared at the well in the afternoon, before she drew the water for Abraham's servant, she was called a bethulah (un-engaged virgin). A few hours later, still a virgin, she was now called an "almah." The only difference being that she was now an "engaged virgin (almah – engaged virgin)" having consented to marry Isaac, who was still in the Land of Promise. Rivkah is now betrothed or engaged and has never even seen her husband to be. 

Speaking through Isaiah, the LORD GOD OF ISRAEL, had specified that the woman who would conceive and bear a SON, IMMANU'EL, would be an virgin (almah)...an espoused, engaged, betrothed virgin (almah). Thus, the Hebrew words used in the account of Rivkah's engagement to Isaac makes it absolutely, undeniably and unquestionably clear. All three descriptions are used to describe the wife of Isaac, long before the couple even met. 

In Deuteronomy regarding the "Law of Marriage" you can see the differences also. "If a young woman (naarah) who is a virgin who is engaged (almah) to a husband for whom a bride-price had been paid — if a man comes upon her in a city and lies with her then you shall bring them both out to the gate of that city, and stone them to death with stones; the girl because she did not cry for help in the town, and the man because he violated another man's wife... But if the man comes upon the engaged woman (almah) in the open country, and the man lies with her by force, only the man who lay with her shall die, but you shall do nothing to the woman." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 22. 23, 25 Tanakh, Torah] However, "If a man finds a young woman (naarah) who is a virgin, who is not engaged (bethulah), and he seizes her and lies with her, and they are discovered, the man who lay with her shall pay the young woman's father fifty shekels of silver, and she shall be his wife. Because he has violated her, he can never have the right to divorce her." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 22. 28 - 29 Tanakh, Torah] 

We know that Miryam (Mary) was engaged to Joseph, and was the chosen almah who would bring forth a SON, MESSIAH Y’SHUA. [Luke 1] Joseph, a most honorable man, "did not know her (Miryam) until she had brought forth her firstborn SON." [Matthew 1. 25] 

The GREAT, MIGHTY & HOLY GOD OF HOSTS not only sets the stage, but brings about all that HE says HE will do. "For with GOD, nothing is impossible." [Luke 1. 37] O LORD GOD, my HOPE and my PRAISE, "Nothing is too wondrous (extraordinary) for YOU!" [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 32. 18 Tanakh, Nevi'im] HalleluYAH! 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
If I forget you, O Yerushalayim, let my right hand wither.” Psalms 137:5 
JESUS! . . . Greetings in HIS SWEET & LOVELY NAME. May the flame of YESHUA ha'MASHIACH burn brightly in your heart as you share HIS light with others. May GOD, WHO is ALMIGHTY, prosper you in HIS purpose and grant you mercy, sustain you in HIS power, grace, and peace as you surrender your whole being to HIS perfecting will. 
Blessings and shalom – Shalom a rich word as it means so much more then "peace" – it includes "safety, rest, prosperity, wholeness, welfare, completion, fullness, soundness, and well-being." That is our prayer for each of you, our beloved and cherished 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. . .
The voice of rejoicing and salvation are in the tents of the righteous. 

KOSHER KID     
"The choice first-fruits of your soil you shall bring to the HOUSE OF YEHOWAH ELOHEY.  You shall not boil a kid in its mother's milk.  For you are a people consecrated to the LORD your GOD." [Exodus (Shemot) 23. 19; 34. 26; Deuteronomy/Devarim 14. 21 Tanakh, Torah] 

ALMIGHTY GOD does not say anything about eating meat and milk together, only the kid was not to be boiled in its mother's milk.  CHRIST-like-ones are not to follow the practices of the heathen nor do at all as they do.  "Do not worship the LORD your GOD in like manner." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 12. 4 Tanakh, Torah] 

History teaches that at the time of harvest, the heathen would seethe (boil) a kid in its mother's milk and sprinkle the broth in a peculiar mystical way over their trees and gardens to make them more fruitful for the next year.  This offering, on the part of the idolaters, shows the faith they placed in their gods and of the feasts which were observed in their honour.  In the RAS SHAMRA TABLETS it is stated that "if one desired favor with a deity he should boil a kid in its mother's milk and present it to the deity!"  [Joseph R. Free’s —Archeology & the BIBLE.] 

We are commanded against worshipping other gods (false—misleading as they be), we are not even to mention their names.  "Be on guard concerning all that I have told you.  Make no mention of the names of other gods; they shall not be heard on your lips." [Exodus (Shemot) 23. 13 Tanakh, Torah]  We are to keep the commands of the ONLY TRUE ALL-POWERFUL GOD, and nothing is to enter into our observances that would even hint at idolatry. 

The SOVEREIGN ONE repeatedly, over-and-over, and time-after-time commands HIS people— "You shall have no other gods besides ME." [Exodus (Shemot) 20. 3 Tanakh, Torah]  All faith and obedience is to be directed to the GREAT & MIGHTY GOD OF HEAVEN.  Now, as in times past, GOD'S people who are saved through MESSIAH Y’SHUA, our BLESSED REDEEMER & SAVIOUR, are not to follow the ways of the heathen or gods of the world. 

Man's traditions must be avoided entirely.  ALMIGHTY GOD'S HOLY WORD must be followed completely, then we will have an abundant life now and receive treasures of eternal joy with HIM and ever rejoice in the blessings of our LORD GOD. 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
If I forget you, O Yerushalayim, let my right hand wither.”  Psalms 137:5
  For all of us, daily life sometimes seems to be an obstacle course filled with rocks and thorns.  But, do not fear, nor be afraid, boldly declare the wonders of our GOD we are HIS witnesses,  HE will go before us, HE is our MIGHTY ROCK.  HE will sustain us with HIS right hand of justice and victoriously overcome in righteousness.  And when GOD'S PRECIOUS WRITTEN WORD is in the center of our life, we find sweet honey in the ROCK.  Have a blessed day as you saturate yourself in the sweetness of the LOVING LORD, the SOURCE OF LIFE. 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
A rabbi once said: "We are closer to GOD when we are asking questions than when we think we have the answers." 

FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT  [Part 10 – Conclusion]     
Love Is An Effect  
The First Epistle of John tells us — "We love HIM (the LORD GOD OF HEAVEN) because HE first loved us." [1 John 4. 19]  If we truly love the LORD JESUS, we must be like HIM.  This is not a command but a statement!   Because, love generates love!  When we remain beside our wonderful REDEEMING LIVING GOD, we become like HIM, this is the inevitable effect of Love.  It is not a mystery!   We love others, even our enemies, because the PRECIOUS MESSIAH first loved us. 

Whoever, through the pure love of Y’SHUA, the ANOINTED ONE, cares for the orphan and widows, feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, and visits the sick, belongs to JESUS, the DESIRE OF ALL NATIONS.  "Pure and undefiled religion before GOD and the FATHER is this — To visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." [James 1. 27]   Whoever receives a little child in the MASTER'S NAME, receives HIM.  And, everyone that loves is born of the INVINCIBLE GOD. 

"The fruit of the SPIRIT is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." [Galatians 5. 22 - 23]  "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things; in fact, LOVE NEVER FAILS!" [1 Corinthians 13. 4 - 8]  

Simply put: Follow whatever is just.  "Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are honest, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.  The things which you learned and received and heard and saw...Do! — and the GOD OF PEACE will be with you." [Philippians 4. 8 - 9] 

Remember! ...your fruits are showing! Go and grow in our AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL OMNIPOTENT GOD. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
If I forget you, O Yerushalayim, let my right hand wither.”  Psalms 137:5
  Come Sabbath, and the rest it brings; last in creation, first in thought.  May it be YOUR will, LOVING MASTER, that this day of rest bring us a life of peace, a life of goodness, a life of blessing, a life of health, and a life of prosperity. 

  Sabbath of Devarim – “Words” [Reading: Deuteronomy 1:1 - 3:22; Isaiah 1:1-27 {The hafTorah portion is Isaiah’s foretelling of the destruction of the Temple}; Matthew 24:1-22]   
  Since this is the Sabbath preceding Tisha b’Av it is also called Sabbath of Chazon (Sabbath of Prophecy)!   Traditional Jews observe this as a day of mourning with a fast and the reading of the BIBLICAL BOOK of Lamentations. 

  May our HEAVENLY FATHER hear our prayers. . . that our long-awaited MESSIAH Y’SHUA, THE SON OF DAVID, KING of kings comes quickly.  And LORD, may YOUR Holy Temple be rebuilt speedily, even in our day.  Amen & Amen!  
  On this eve of Tisha b’Av, we pray that you find time each day of the coming week to remember…”unless we remember, we cannot understand.” 

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 I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither; let my tongue stick to my palate if I cease to think of you, if I do not keep Jerusalem in memory even at my happiest hour." [Psalms (Tehillym) 137. 5 – 6 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

THE NINE DAYS     
  "When you have begotten children and children's children and are long established in the land, should you act wickedly and make for yourselves a sculptured image in any likeness, causing the LORD your GOD displeasure and vexation, I call heaven and earth this day to witness against you, that you shall soon utterly perish from the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess; you shall not long endure in it, but shall be utterly destroyed.  The LORD will scatter you among the peoples, and only a scant few of you will be left among the nations to which the LORD will drive you.  There you will serve man-made gods of wood and stone, that cannot see or hear or eat or smell.  
  But if you search there for the LORD your GOD, you will find HIM, if only you seek HIM with all your heart and soul — when you are in distress because all these things have befallen you and, in the end, return to the LORD your GOD and obey HIM.  For the LORD your GOD is a MERCIFUL GOD, HE will not forsake you nor will HE let you perish; HE will not forget the covenant which HE made on oath with your fathers.  
  You have but to ask about bygone ages that came before you, ever since GOD created man on the earth, from one end of heaven to the other, has anything as grand as this ever happened, or has its like ever been known?  Has any people ever heard the VOICE OF GOD speaking out of a fire, as you have heard, and live?  Or has any god ventured to go and take for himself one nation from the midst of another by prodigious acts, by signs, by wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, and awesome power, as the LORD your GOD did for you in Egypt before your very eyes?  
  You have been shown to know that the LORD alone is GOD; there is none beside HIM.  Out of heaven HE let you hear HIS VOICE, that HE might instruct you; on earth HE let you see HIS great fire, and from amidst that fire you heard HIS WORDS.  And because HE loved your fathers, HE chose their descendants after them; HE HIMSELF brought you out of Egypt with HIS PRESENCE, in HIS great might, to drive from your path nations greater and mightier than you, to take you into their land and assign it to you as a heritage, as it is this day.  
  Know therefore this day and consider it in your heart that the LORD alone is GOD in heaven above and on earth below; there is no other.  You shall therefore keep HIS statutes and HIS commandments which I enjoin upon you this day, that it may go well with you and with your children after you, and that you may long remain in the land that the LORD your GOD is giving you for all time." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 4. 25 - 40 Tanakh, Torah] 

The period known as "The Nine Days" begins — the days from Rosh Chodesh (head of the month), the month of Av to the fast of the ninth of Av (Tisha b'Av).  In Jewish communities worldwide, prohibitions intended to decrease joy are implemented.  All these reach a climax on the Fast of the Ninth of Av, a fast similar to Yom Kippur.  During this time, we increase our solemn attitudes toward the Temple and of its loss.  We are especially careful to keep our thoughts upon the destruction of the Holy Place and of the lifestyle that was lost with its destruction.  There are no celebrations, no weddings, and no haircuts!  Among the Orthodox, even bathing is kept to a minimum and freshly laundered clothes are not worn. These prohibitions are not intended to be overwhelming, but to turn our minds toward the seriousness of sin and its consequences. 

Yet, even in destruction there is consolation.  After Jeremiah prophesied judgment, he delivered a message of deliverance to the nation of Judah.  "For I am with you to deliver you — declares the LORD.  I will make an end of all the nations among which I have dispersed you; but I will not make an end of you!  I will not leave you unpunished, but will chastise you in measure." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 30. 11 Tanakh, Nevi'im; see also 46. 28] 

The discipline of GOD OMNIPOTENT is a means to an end; that is, a restored relationship through repentance.  "Let us search and examine our ways, and turn back to the LORD.  Let us lift up our heart rather than our hands to GOD in heaven...I have called on YOUR NAME, O LORD, from the depths of the Pit.  Hear my plea — Do not shut your ear to my groan, to my cry! — YOU have ever drawn nigh when I called YOU; YOU said — Do not fear! — YOU championed my cause, O LORD, YOU have redeemed my life." [Lamentations (Ekhah) 3. 40 – 41, 55 – 58 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Through judgment, we are reminded of our need for GOD’S mercy.  The month of Av reminds us that we are sustained by the mercy of the MOST HIGH GOD.  When properly grasped, this consolation of Av naturally leads us to the next step…the repentance of the month, Elul (late August/September). 

We encourage everyone to light a candle in their homes this evening in memory of the Israelis who have died in past and present wars and read Psalm 83 aloud.  I encourage parents to gather their children and do this as a family prayer time.  Let us take this day to join hearts with our Israeli and Jewish brethren around the world and offer united and fervent prayer to our HEAVENLY FATHER. 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  Today, so many years after the destruction of our Holy Temple, it's difficult to comprehend, let alone mourn the enormity of the loss.  We've never seen its splendor, nor experienced the feeling of closeness to God it engendered.  Yet Tisha b'Av has remained a day of tragedy throughout the generations, a potent reminder of where we are and were we belong, a time of communal mourning in memory of the Jewish past, both recent and ancient, throughout the years of exile.  
  O LORD, WHO'S PRESENCE dwells within us, grant us YOUR wisdom that we may shut out the noises, disturbances and troubles of this world that we can find ourselves alone with YOU in peaceful silence.  As a child yields in loving arms, we yield ourselves to YOU asking for nothing, complaining about nothing.  What if our labor is hard, our lot is humble, our dreams turn into futile tears, if only there is the peace of YOUR nearness in our hearts.  In the stillness with YOU, despite the terror and tumult of life, there comes a trust, a goodness that nourishes our souls.  How healing and strengthening is this communion with YOU, O GOD!  If only we could always abide in it!  But, we must go forth again to the struggle for our daily bread, yet we are not alone, YOU are ever near.  Abide deep in the solitude of our hearts, that we may trust and depend on YOU and be unafraid in the face of the inscrutable days ahead, and see that everything happens for the best. Amen  
  The Fast of Tisha B'Av, the 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av begins this evening, August 10, 2019. 
Tisha B'Av commemorates the historic destruction of both the first and second Holy Temples in Jerusalem - a time of unprecedented hunger and starvation among the Jews.  
  We fast on this day not only to mourn the destruction and absence of the Holy Temples but also to remind ourselves that this tragedy occurred because our ancestors did not love and help one another as they should have.  
  Indeed, the Redemption will come when we learn this lesson. 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
A small coin before one's eyes hides everything from sight. 

FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT  [Part 9 of 10]     
Love Is Righteousness!  
"Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth." [1 Corinthians 13. 6] 

Righteousness (Hebrew: tsedaqah) is a type of strict, self-restraint which refuses to make capital of another's fault; the charity which does not delight in exposing the weakness of others, but covers all things.  The Righteousness of purpose tries to see things as they are and rejoices to find them better than suspicion feared or rumor accused. 

The main goal of our lives should be to have these nine "LOVE" ingredients fitted into our characters; and to accomplish this, we need to look at the life of the LORD Y’SHUA, our BELOVED MESSIAH.  Even though HE was perfect, we read that HE learned obedience, and grew in wisdom, and in favor with GOD and man. [Luke 2. 52] 

"Now therefore, fear the LORD, revere and serve HIM in sincerity and in truth!" [Joshua (Yehoshua) 24. 14 Tanakh, Nevi'im]  Rejoice before the LORD Y’SHUA with undivided loyalty.  Do not quarrel with your circumstances in life, but rather practice love in all that the LIVING, WONDROUS, OMNIPOTENT GOD appoints you.  HIS love is at work to make you patient, humble, generous, unselfish, kind, and courteous.  Do not resent that which is molding the still-too-shapeless-image within you.  You are growing more beautiful with every touch of the MASTER'S hand manifesting gentleness, which is strength under control. 

A few of Love's ingredients have been named, but these are only elements.  Love itself cannot be clearly defined. . . it is a living obvious and unmistakable manifestation of godliness!  

. . . 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!
If I forget you, O Yerushalayim, let my right hand wither.”  Psalms 137:5
  May GOD bless you with eyes that see, ears that hear, and a heart that knows faith that is sure of what is hoped for and certain of what is not seen. [see Hebrews 11:1]  MESSIAH Y’SHUA is the AUTHENTIC FIRST GIFT, WHO gave of HIMSELF deliberately!  By dying and victoriously resurrecting, the HOLY ONE OF GOD came into this world to save it, to reach the lost, heal the sick, befriend those without a friend in the world, and be our PERFECT EXAMPLE that we might follow 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. . .
What fear really is:  False Evidence Appearing Real. 

FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT  [Part 7 of 10]     
Love is Good Tempered!  
A very remarkable attribute. . .it is love that is not easily provoked.  We might look upon a bad temper as a very harmless weakness, something only to be ignored.  However, the HOLY SCRIPTURES condemn a bad temper as one of the most destructive elements in human nature. 

An ill temper is often a blot on an otherwise noble character.  Some men may be near perfect, and women might be entirely perfect, except for their easily ruffled, quick-tempered, or touchy disposition.  This combination of ill-temper and high moral character is one of the strangest and saddest problems of ethics (moral values).  The truth is, there are two great classes of sins — sins of the body and sins of disposition. 

The younger prodigal son shows the sin of the body; the elder brother, the sin of disposition. [Luke 15. 11 - 32]  The elder brother had virtues the younger boy did not, but that type of an attitude has kept many out of the Kingdom of GOD due to an unloving character.  The elder brother's sinister, loveless soul contained the ingredients of jealousy, anger, pride, un-charitable, cruelty, self-righteousness, irritability, doggedness, spitefulness and easily irritated. 

Are such sins of the negative disposition not worse to live in, and for others to live with, than sins of the body?  Our LORD Y’SHUA, the GOD/MAN answered this question HIMSELF when HE said, "I say unto you, that the tax collectors and harlots will enter the Kingdom of GOD before you." [Matthew 21. 31]  Anyone with such a despicable mood and decadent attitude cannot enter Heaven unless he is born anew. 

We must go to "THE SOURCE — THE BREATH OF ALL FLESH" WHO alone can change our inmost nature.  A soul is made sweet by putting in a great love, and a new spirit. . . the SPIRIT OF MESSIAH Y’SHUA.  The ALL-TOGETHER LOVELY SPIRIT OF THE HOLY ONE penetrating ours sweetens, purifies, and transforms us.  Nothing can change men like our MAJESTIC LOVING GOD does.  Therefore, "Let this mind be in you which was also in CHRIST JESUS." [Philippians 2. 5] 

Remember, this is a matter of life or death.  "Whoever offends one of these little ones, which believe in ME, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea." [Matthew 18. 6]  In other words, it is better not to live than not to love! 

. . . 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!
If I forget you, O Yerushalayim, let my right hand wither.”  Psalms 137:5
  I trust in YOU, O SOVEREIGN LORD GOD. . . my time is in YOUR hand.  Therefore, I sing praises to YOU endlessly.  May peace abundant descend from heaven with life for us and to all Israel, Amen! 

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of 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. . .
Improvement begins with "I".

FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT  [Part 5 of 10]     

Love is Courtesy!
This is Courtesy in society, love in relation to social graces.  Courteous love does not behave itself unseemly.  Politeness has been defined as "love in little droplets."  Courtesy is said to be "love in little things."  The one secret of politeness is to love. 

 

Courteous Love cannot behave itself unseemly.  You can put the most uneducated person into the highest society, and if they have a spring of Courteous Love in their heart, they will behave themselves properly.  It is because they love everything, great and small, that the HEAVENLY CREATOR has made.  So, the one who truly loves can mingle with any society, and enter courts and palaces, or little cottages.  Whatever you do, do it with "the gentle spirit of love." 

 

To love abundantly is to live abundantly, and to love forever is to live forever.  Therefore, eternal life is completely bound up with love.   Eternal life is abundant and free, but only through this GREAT GOD OF PEACE. . . GOD is Love!  This is life eternal, that they might know HIM, the only TRUE & LIVING GOD, and the LORD JESUS CHRIST.  Love is the supreme thing, because it is going to last and is Eternal Life.  "GOD has given us eternal life, and this life is in HIS SON.  I have written these things to you who believe in the Name of the SON OF GOD, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the SON OF GOD." [1 John 5. 11, 13] 

 

Our prayer for you is that you get to know and love GOD MOST HOLY better every day.  We pray for GOD'S richest and best in your life.  We wish you an abundant life in love which comes only from Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH the BLESSED REDEEMER.  HIS PRECIOUS WORD, the HOLY BIBLE, offers life abundantly.  Read it! and find the MASTER COMFORTER for yourself.  Eternal Life begins the moment you accept & find a personal, intimate relationship with MESSIAH Y’SHUA and HE becomes your LORD & KING! 

 

   . . . 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!
If I forget you, O Yerushalayim, let my right hand wither.”  Psalms 137:5
  YOURS, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, the glory, and the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in the earth belongs to YOU; YOURS is the kingdom, O LORD, and YOU are exalted as head above all.  
  May the LIVING ETERNAL GOD, blessed be HE, hold you close, may HE hold you ever so close in the palm of HIS mighty hand and watch over you.  Have a great week honoring the HOLY ONE WHOM we celebrate and adore! 


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. . .
Happiness keeps you sweet; Trials keep you strong; Sorrows keep you human; Failures keep you humble. 

FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT  [Part 4 of 10]     
Generosity & Humility — Love's Charity!
"The generous person enjoys prosperity; he who satisfies others shall himself be sated."  And, "The generous man is blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor." [Proverbs (Mishle) 11. 25; 22. 9 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  So, "Do not harden your heart and shut your hand against your needy kinsman.  Rather, you must open your hand and lend him sufficient for whatever he needs." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 15. 7 - 8 Tanakh, Torah]  

The integrity of a CHRISTian's soul should be graciously courteous, rich, forgiving and fortified with the grace of generosity (Hebrew: nadiyb).  Generosity is also a giving heart that gives with no expectation of anything in return.  In other words, any motivation towards generosity other than love alone cancels its value.  The generous soul devises generous things; and by his generosity, he stands.  The finest, most generous gift is of yourself!!! 

Now learn this further thing, humility (Hebrew: ‘anavah), which is loves fourth ingredient.  Humility is putting a seal on your lips and then forgetting what you have done.  "GOD opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" — therefore — "Submit yourselves, then, to GOD.  Come near to GOD and HE will come near to you.  Humble yourselves before the LORD, and HE will lift you up." [James 4. 6 - 8, 10]  Without fail, the ALMIGHTY KING will save the downcast! 

Honour, riches and life follow humility.  "O MIGHTY ONE, in YOUR glory, YOUR majesty and prosperously, ride with YOUR sword girded upon YOUR thigh; ride on in the cause of truth, humility, and righteousness; let YOUR right hand teach awesome deeds." [Psalms (Tehillym) 45. 3 - 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  After you have been kind, after love has gone forth into the world and done its beautiful work, it goes back into the shade again and says nothing about it.  Love hides even from itself.  Love waives even self-satisfaction. 

"Therefore, as the elect of GOD, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as MESSIAH forgave you, so you also must do.  But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection." [Colossians 3. 12 - 14]   "Seek the LORD, all you meek of the land who have fulfilled HIS Law; seek righteousness, seek humility.  Perhaps you will find shelter and be hidden on the day of the LORD'S anger." [Zephaniah (Tsefanyah) 2. 3 Tanakh, Nevi'im]  "The effect of humility is fear of the LORD, riches and honor and life." [Proverbs (Mishle) 22. 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Love boasts not about itself, it is not puffed up.  Generosity and Humility can be two of the more pleasant gifts you can give daily all year through.  Try it! 

   . . . 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!
If I forget you, O Yerushalayim, let my right hand wither.”  Psalms 137:5
  As we bid farewell to Sabbath, our prayer is that the HOLY LORD GOD, blessed be HE, WHO separates the holy from the secular, forgive our sins, guide our life, and fill our up-coming week with HIS DIVINE PRESENCE.  
  We are overwhelmingly grateful for ALMIGHTY GOD’S goodness and grace to us, truly HIS mercies endure forever.  In YOUR mercy, O LORD, remember us and all YOUR children as we enter a new week.  O FATHER & MASTER, mindful of YOUR covenant, we pray that YOUR love may never forsake us.  Even as the rainbow recalls this covenant, so may each new day bring to all men the thought of YOUR gracious promise.  Hasten the time when YOUR Perfect Law will be written in our very heart, from the smallest to the greatest.  Then shall mankind do YOUR will and the reward of righteous service shall be peace.  
  Have a blessed week as we remember the price our MESSIAH paid to redeem us, then arose victoriously!  HalleluYAH!  Now, go forth and proclaim the GOOD NEWS as the BELOVED ONE commissioned while it is still day. 
Tova Shavua!  Have a terrific week We honor and praise the LORD Y’SHUA, the ONE WHO gives true peace and rest and hope. 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Every act of kindness that the EVER-LIVING MASTER DESIGNER performs should make man feel, not proud, but more humble and unworthy. 

FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT  [Part 3 of 10]     
Love is Kindness — Love Active!

Have you ever noticed how much of MESSIAH'S life was spent simply in doing kind things, showing compassion, and meeting needs?  Just doing good for others, brings contentment.  There is only one thing greater than kindness in the world, and that is Holiness (Hebrew: qodesh).  Our gracious ALMIGHTY GOD has put in our power the ability to be kind to those about us. 

The greatest thing one can do for our HEAVENLY FATHER is to be kind.  I wonder why it is that we are not all more kind than we are?  How very much the world needs it!  How easy it is to do!  How quickly it acts!   How warm is the memory of it!   How super abundantly it pays itself back — for there is no debtor in the world so excellent and honorable as love.  "Love never fails!" [1 Corinthians 13. 8]  Love is the energy of life. 

Where love is, GOD is.  Whoever dwells in love dwells in the OMNIPOTENT EVERLASTING LORD.  GOD is love!  So, love without discrimination, without measure, or hesitation. . . Love!  Lavish it upon the poor, where it is very easy; and upon the rich who often need it most; and upon our equals, where it is very difficult, and for whom perhaps, we each do least of all. 

There is a difference between trying to please and showing kindness.  Loose no chance of showing kindness, for that is the constant and anonymous triumph of a truly loving spirit.  I shall pass through this world but once.  Any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now.  Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. 

As you practice (do, achieve, implement, perform) showing kindness, you will grow more like our wonderful LORD Y’SHUA, the BLESSED REDEEMER!  "The LORD your GOD is gracious, compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in kindness." [Joel (Yoel) 2. 13 Tanakh, Nevi'im]  "For great is HIS merciful kindness and steadfast love toward us; the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.  HalleluYAH!" [Psalms (Tehillym) 117. 2 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  Because of the magnificent mercies of the LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA, we can face tomorrow and be comforted now.  Victory is ahead and unlimited joys before us! 

. . . 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!
If I forget you, O Yerushalayim, let my right hand wither.”  Psalms 137:5
  Welcome Sabbath!  Come, my dear friend, let us go out to meet the Sabbath, the Queen! Come, O Bride, the Sabbath presence is eagerly awaited, and joyously welcomed!  
  Sabbath of Mattot/Massei – “Tribes/Journeys” [Reading: Numbers 30:1 - 36:13; Jeremiah 2:4-28. 3:4; Luke 13:1-9; Mark 11:12-23]
  Be pleased, O LORD our GOD, to fortify us by YOUR commandments, and especially by the commandment of the seventh day, this great and holy Sabbath, given for our rest and repose in love in accordance with the teaching of YOUR will.  In YOUR favor, O LORD our GOD, grant us such repose that there be no trouble, grief or lamenting on the day of our rest.  Let us, O LORD, behold the consolation of Zion and the rebuilding of Jerusalem, YOUR Holy City, for YOU are the GOD of our salvation and consolation in WHOM we find great joy and pleasure.  It is a mitzvah to take delight in Shabbat observance, as Isaiah said, "You shall call Shabbat a delight". 


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. . . 
Nothing reduces misfortune like patience. 

FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT [Part 2 of 10] 
Love is Patient — Long Suffering! 
Patience (Hebrew: ‘arek) is the normal attitude of love: Love passive; waiting to begin; not in a hurry; calm, ready to do its work when the summons comes. But in the meantime, Patience wears the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. Love suffers long — bears all things — believes all things — hopes all things. Love understands, therefore, in Patience wait. 
Therefore, "the supreme thing is love." In short, it is not a thing at all, but is the giving of a bright finish to our many words and our actions that make up every common day. Truly, love is a supreme possession. . . it lasts! 

This world is the great testing ground for us to practice patience. Our LORD & KING, MESSIAH Y’SHUA is with you always, hence HE sees every effort you make, and knows the very intent of your heart. Practice patience!! 

"For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the SCRIPTURES might have hope. Now may the GOD of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to CHRIST JESUS, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST." [Romans 15. 4 - 6] 

Be patient, establish your heart to stand strong and be of good courage, because the coming of the LORD is in sight. Our prayer is that each of you grow stronger in the love of our GREAT ETERNAL LORD GOD, and that you study to know HIS heart and mind. 

. . . 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! 
If I forget you, O Yerushalayim, let my right hand wither.” Psalms 137:5 
MOST HOLY LORD, continue to impart YOUR blessing upon us. Teach us to seek YOU evermore within the sanctuary of our souls, within the tabernacle of YOUR world, and in the congregation of YOUR worshipers." May the grace of our LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH be with you always, Amen! I praise and thank YOU, ALMIGHTY ONE, for YOU comfort and delight my soul. YOU are my ROCK and my REFUGE, in YOU I have hope and place my trust. 
Be submissive to a superior, affable (pleasant, friendly) to a suppliant (beggar), and receive all men with cheerfulness; then, give your problems to the LORD GOD and find rest in HIM. 

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of 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. . . 
Fruit does not exist for the benefit of the tree, but to nourish others. 

FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT  [Part 1 of 10]     
Love (Hebrew: ‘ahav) is the Supreme Gift, you can give nothing greater, you need take nothing less.  You have life before you, once and only once you can live it.  1 Corinthians 13 describes and identifies it:

LOVE is made up of nine ingredients, let us learn how to give this Supreme Gift:
PATIENCE — "Love suffers long."
KINDNESS — "Love is kind."
GENEROSITY — "Is Love's charity."
HUMILITY — "Love does not value itself, it is not puffed up."
COURTESY — "Love does not behave improper."
UNSELFISHNESS — "Love is not seeking her own way." 
GOOD TEMPER — "Love is not easily irritated."
GUILELESSNESS — "Love thinks no evil." 
RIGHTEOUSNESS — "Love rejoices not in iniquity, but in truth."

We are instructed to "Walk as children of light for the Fruit of the SPIRIT is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth, finding out what is acceptable to the LORD." [Ephesians 5. 8 - 11]  When we have faith in the ALL-MERCIFUL GOD, our soul is in touch with GOD HIMSELF; and the object of our relationship with the ALMIGHTY COMPASSIONATE GOD is that we may become like HIM. . . and GOD IS LOVE.   To obtain these virtues, we simply need to Practice! ...Practice! ...Practice! until it becomes a lifestyle.  Our actions determine our eternal destination.  Whosoever loves the GREAT GOD ETERNAL has the avenue to love — and Everlasting Life.  The ALMIGHTY HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL wants you to know the virtues of love and how to use those virtues for your "supreme good."  Oh, to be like our LORD & KING, MESSIAH Y’SHUA. . . how very sweet is HIS PRECIOUS NAME. . . JESUS! 

. . . 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!
If I forget you, O Yerushalayim, let my right hand wither.”  Psalms 137:5
  Far from faith excluding questions, questions testify to faith – that history is not random, that the universe is not impervious to our understanding, that what happens to us is not blind chance.  We ask, not because we doubt, but because we believe!  
  May your joys increase as you draw nearer to our GREAT ETERNAL GOD, the LORD OF GLORY; and our lips will ever declare praises to our KING, HELPER, SAVIOUR and SHIELD for HIS loving-kindness is mighty over us. 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
GOD is the GOD of history WHO maintains a special relationship with every one of us created in HIS image.  History has a meaning and a purpose, it is not chaotic, it has Seder (means: Order).  The Talmud [Berachot 12a] teaches us that "every blessing requires two elements and any blessing that does not include in it GOD’S NAME as well as reference to HIS rulership as KING is not a blessing."  Clearly, HE is Elokenu Melech Ha’olam – our GOD WHO continues to rule over the world as KING.  The HOLY ONE WHO is completely involved, concerned, and personally connected to us. 

URIM & THUMMIM     
"Inside the Breastpiece of Decision you shall place the Urim and Thummim, so that they are over Aaron's heart when he comes before the LORD.  Thus Aaron shall carry the Instrument of Decision for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD at all times." [Exodus (Shemot) 28. 30 Tanakh, Torah] 

There is no command of the HOLY LORD GOD to make the Urim and the Thummim, only to place them in the Breastpiece.  They indicate a kind of oracle, "Eleazar the priest, shall seek the decision of the Urim before the LORD." [Numbers (B'Midvar) 27. 21 Tanakh, Torah]  In Hebrew, "Nathan" is the word meaning "put in" which is the same word used for the law to be IN the Ark of the Covenant, with the idea that it is to be covered completely.  Therefore, it informs us that the Urim and Thummim were to be put inside the doubled-over pouch of the Breastpiece and covered — even as the Law was inside the Ark. 

No one knows for certain what these were and there is much speculation concerning them.  Some translators give these two Hebrew words as "Light & Perfection" others as "Manifestation & Truth."  The first time the word "perfect" is found in the HEBREW SCRIPTURES, it is used to speak of a walk or life. [Genesis/Bereshith 6. 9]  The word is "tamiym" meaning complete, entire, without blemish, perfect, integrity, truth.  The last occurrence of "perfect" plainly refers to the LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA, HE is the ROCK, HIS work is perfect.  ["The ROCK! — HIS deeds are perfect; Yea, all HIS ways are just; a faithful GOD, never false, true and upright is HE." Deuteronomy/Devarim 32.4]   The first and last occurrences of words or subjects in HOLY WRIT are always important indicating a richer meaning that is otherwise overlooked.  In this connection, the words "without blemish/Thummim" — with references to the Passover lamb and the sacrifices in Leviticus/Vayikra  and Numbers/B'Midvar, tamiym is the word also translated "perfect" and is very similar to the word "Thummim!" 

The first word of this combination (Urim-Thummim) is the plural of UR which means "Light".  GOD OMNIPOTENT is the CREATOR OF LIGHT.   The LORD Y’SHUA is the LIGHT OF THE WORLD WHO manifests the FATHER OF LIGHTS. [James 1. 17]  Y’SHUA, the ANOINTED ONE makes the counsels and purposes of GOD known.  The mind and will of the HOLY ONE can be perfectly revealed by HIM and communicated by HIM to HIS people. 

These two words are considered to be plurals of MAJESTY (the singular light) and PERFECTION. [Majesty is a metaphor for what is brought to light — GUILT, Ephesians 5. 13 — whatever makes manifest is light.  Perfection is the metaphor for moral perfection — INNOCENCE.]  A black stone was given to the guilty at trials in ancient times. [1 Samuel/Shemuel Alef 14. 41 — "Give a perfect lot."]  Urim gives clear evidence.  Thummim gives or shows the innocent. 

Only the LORD Y’SHUA is the PERFECT WALK, the PERFECT WORK, the LIGHT, the TRUTH, the INNOCENT ONE WHO was made as the guilty that the guilty might be declared innocent by believing on HIS NAME! 

URIM begins with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet (Alef).  The first letter of THUMMIM, is the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet (Tav) and each of these words is preceded by the combination of the first and last of the Hebrew alphabet.  This is the Name of the MESSIAH written many times but hidden in the OLD COVENANT and carried forward into the Greek as "Alpha-Omega."  The LORD Y’SHUA calls HIMSELF by this Name. [Revelation 1. 8, 11; 21. 6]  Y’SHUA, the MESSIAH & SAVIOR is the FIRST and the LAST; HE is the URIM and the THUMMIM.  Urim first, the DIVINITY of our LORD.  HE is the CREATOR of light which reveals.   Thummim equals  PERFECTION, the HUMANITY of our LORD.  JESUS is the PERFECT HUMAN; HE is the UNBLEMISHED LAMB and the UNDEFILED HIGH PRIEST. 

The MASTER DESIGNER commanded that these items were to be put into the breastpiece.  This implies the doubled pouch of the breastpiece since the word for "put in" indicates that it is covered by material of some kind.  We find this same implication in Proverbs:  "Lots are cast into the lap; the decision depends on the LORD." [Proverbs (Mishle) 16. 33 Tanakh, Kethuvim]   Here, bosom is used for the clothing or covering over it.  In this same verse, the word for "lot" is "goral (a stone)" — and "the decision (or judgment) is of the LORD". . . from which comes the name "BREASTPIECE OF JUDGMENT." 

The lots or stones of the breastpiece pouch were used or cast as dice; and by their fall somehow revealed the Divine will or judgment.  The book by Samuel Midvar supports this, where casting of lots is referred to twice in close association with seeking revelation through Urim and Thummim. [1 Samuel (Shemuel Alef) 10. 19 - 22; 14. 37 – 42]  Casting of lots was known among the Hebrews and other people of antiquity. [see Esther/Ester]  It was common practice to use black and white stones, casting them on the ground to decide matters and as a form of gambling (dice — black dots on white).  This, no doubt was taken from the sacred lots, the custom of standing before Urim and Thummim to determine the mind of the ALMIGHTY LORD GOD in important matters.  Also, in ancient times it was the custom for a white stone to be given to one returning from battle having won a victory and given to a man as a token that he was a free man of the city. 

The Prophecy of the Stones is fulfilled in heaven!  The names of the twelve apostles are in the foundation gems of the wall of the New Jerusalem. [Revelation 21. 19]  Yes, the sacred lots will be there too.  A white stone with a new name will be given to the redeemed. [Revelation 2. 17]  We will be fully acquitted, declared "innocent" before all the HOSTS OF HEAVEN.  The victory was won through the Testimony of the LAMB and we each will be a "free man" of the Holy City!  O what absolute overwhelming joys await us! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!  
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
If I forget you, O Yerushalayim, let my right hand wither.”  Psalms 137:5
  We bless and praise YOU, LORD Y’SHUA, the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL and ask YOU to purify our spirits that in our daily tasks we may be conscious of YOUR PRESENCE.  Turn our daily thoughts to YOU and help us to see that no work truly prospers unless it brings blessings to other lives, and no gain truly enriches if it does not add happiness to others.  Help us so to live that when we have gathered our final harvest, many shall rise up that we have told or shown the way to YOUR Kingdom.  Continue to give YOUR blessings upon us.  Teach us to seek YOU evermore within the sanctuary of our souls, within the shelter of YOUR mighty wings. 

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of 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. . .
Sometimes the easiest way to solve a problem is to stop participating in it. 

FEAR OF THE LORD     
"Fear the LORD, you HIS consecrated ones, for those who fear HIM lack nothing.  Lions have been reduced to starvation, but those who turn to the LORD shall not lack any good.  Come, my sons, listen to ME; I will teach you what it is to fear the LORD." [Psalms (Tehillym) 34. 9 - 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

This acrostic psalm is a source for great comfort and encouragement.  The first section [Psalms/Tehillym 34. 1 - 7] consists of the testimony of one who fears the LORD GOD; and the last section [Psalms/Tehillym 34. 16 - 22] describes the deliverance promised those who do fear HIM.  It is contrasted with the destinies of those who do not.  In the center section, David explains what it means to fear the LORD and invites all to join him in obedience to this command. 

The "fear of the LORD" is not so much an attitude as it is a life commitment.  "Who is the man who is eager for life, who desires years, that he may see good?" [Psalms (Tehillym) 34. 12 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  A man who has an awesome fear of HOLY ETERNAL GOD has a hunger and zeal for a long-life of ministry to others.  "To die is gain." [Philippians 1. 21]  Yes!...nevertheless we should ask for length of days that we may have abundant opportunities to "see and do good." 

"Guard your tongue from evil, your lips from deceitful speech." [Psalms (Tehillym) 34. 13 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  We know that the tongue is capable of incredible harm.  The one who fears the FAITHFUL & TRUE WITNESS should be characterized by a lifestyle of guarded speech.  Not only is our speech to be free from evil, but we are to "shun evil, and do good, seek peace and integrity and pursue them" [Psalms/Tehillym 34. 14] in every area of life.  This should be our life's motive.  Attaining peace may not be easy, but we should strive in every attempt for it. 

The results of such a lifestyle should be reward enough, but our GRACIOUS & MAGNIFICENT HOLY LORD promises even more: "The ANGEL OF THE LORD encamps around those that fear HIM, and rescues them." [Psalms (Tehillym) 34. 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  "Oh, how abundant is the great good that YOU, O LORD, have in store for those who fear YOU, that YOU have prepared to do in the full view of the sons of men for those who take refuge in YOU." [Psalms (Tehillym) 31. 19 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  We encourage you to seek the LORD and obey HIS ways. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
If I forget you, O Yerushalayim, let my right hand wither.”  Psalms 137:5
  We bless, praise and glorify, exalt, extol and honour, magnify and laud the NAME of the HOLY ONE. Blessed are YOU, LORD GOD, high above all the blessings and hymns, praises and consolations, which are uttered in the world.  The grace of our LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH be with your spirit.
  Yarim ha’Am Veyokhiakh Shedvaro Vetorato Omdim. This Hebrew decree with the hidden name of MESSIAH reads — "HE will lift the people and prove that HIS WORD and Law are valid." 

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

 Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
A great use of your time is to accomplish something that will out-last it. 

THE LOVE LETTER  (Part 2 – Conclusion)     
This great subject of atonement is the central theme of HOLY SCRIPTURE, from the promises in the first chapters of the OLD COVENANT through types and symbols, such as the blood on the door posts when the Passover was instituted, the Tabernacle with its priesthood and offerings, the Copper Serpent set up in the wilderness, etc.  Down through the prophecies, OMNIPOTENT GOD'S dealings with a fallen race are seen until we come to the consummation in the redemptive work of the MESSIAH Y’SHUA.  Then, on through this present Age of Grace and the wonderful happenings just ahead of us, the rapture of the Church, the tribulation, the return of our SOVEREIGN LORD Y’SHUA to reign and so on through the eons to come. 

Stupendous and fascinating beyond words is this "LETTER" which the GREAT LOVER of our souls has written us!  Can anyone study it and remain unchanged?  It is practical, sensible and orderly with explicit, sure and clear directions for our daily walk.  There is no circumstance which GOD'S PRECIOUS WRITTEN WORD cannot meet.  There is wisdom and guidance, strength and security for you within these pages; and there is hope and complete peace.  This INCALCULABLY PRECIOUS LIVING SCRIPTURE is the BREAD OF LIFE to the hungry soul; the LIVING WATER to them that thirst; a LAMP to the feet of the living; and a PILLOW for the head of the dying.  There are five kinds of crowns to be won and this LIFE-GIVING WORD also describes our future Home in heaven. 

Beloved child of the MOST HIGH GOD, you who have been redeemed by the precious blood of MESSIAH Y’SHUA, how much time do you spend daily with this wonderful "Love Letter" from our HEAVENLY FATHER?  Can you expect spiritual growth without spiritual food?  Some day you will look upon the blessed face of our glorious Lord Y’SHUA in the home HE is preparing for you; and you will gaze upon the wounds in HIS hands and HIS feet.  Oh, what shame to admit you seldom read "HIS Love Letter" to you! 

And to you, our other precious friends who are still unsaved, will you not read this WRITTEN WORD and in it find the "LIVING WORD" WHO was made flesh and dwelt among us; the ONLY ONE WHO is your HOPE OF SALVATION?  Can you be indifferent to HIS matchless love and sacrifice?  Can you possibly be indifferent to your own fate? 

That VOICE OF AUTHORITY speaks very plain indeed about you, "All have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD." [Romans 3. 23]  The wages of sin is "death" — yet "HE WHO knew no sin was made sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of GOD in HIM." [2 Corinthians 5. 21]   Was ever a bargain so wondrous as this?  My guilt for HIS GLORY, my pain for HIS PEACE, my night for the LIGHT OF HIS FACE!  "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears MY WORD and believes in HIM WHO sent ME has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life." [John 5. 24]  "But as many as received HIM, to them HE gave the right to become children of GOD, to those who believe in HIS NAME." [John 1. 12] 

This LOVE LETTER contains the heart thoughts of GOD ALMIGHTY, the state of man, THE WAY of salvation, the doom of sinners and the happiness of believers.  It's doctrines are holy, it's precepts binding, it's histories are true and it's decisions are unending and unchangeable.  Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be whole and holy.  This LETTER includes the light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you and fill you with HIS great joy that is everlasting. 

The Heavens are opened here and the gates of hell disclosed.  Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH, the LORD GOD is the MAGNIFICENT SUBJECT, our good its design, and the glory of the ALMIGHTY ONE its end.  This LETTER should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.  Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully.  It is given to you in life, will be opened at the Judgment Seat of MESSIAH, and be remembered forever.  "O, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of GOD!  How unsearchable are HIS judgments and HIS ways past finding out!" [Romans 11. 33] 

My dear friend, as I close this message to you, I make one last plea:  GOD has written to you, HIS WORD is true and unchangeable.  HE plainly says there are two courses open to you, on one hand enmity and eternal separation from HIM if you reject HIS BLESSED ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON, JESUS.  On the other hand, acceptance of MESSIAH Y’SHUA, makes you a child of GOD ETERNAL, "and if children, then heirs — heirs of GOD and joint heirs with CHRIST, if indeed we suffer with HIM, that we may also be glorified together." [Romans 8. 17]  And having offered you these riches which are far beyond our feeble imagining, our LORD JESUS says — "Whosoever will may come... now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." [2 Corinthians 6. 2] 

We write this that you may see life as a moment-by-moment time to celebrate life, but even more important — to know, honor, cherish and adore the LIFE-GIVER.  In sickness or in health, all comes from HIS hands. . . Choose Life!  The BELOVED LORD JESUS CHRIST, Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH, is knocking at your heart's door.  Will you not open it to HIM and receive Y’SHUA as your LORD and MASTER, REDEEMER and FRIEND and trust HIM as your only SAVIOR? 

We cover you with our prayers and our love.  To GOD our FATHER and to the PIERCED LAMB forever and ever be blessing, and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might and dominion. Amen

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

If I forget you, O Yerushalayim, let my right hand wither.”  Psalms 137:5
  We bid farewell to Sabbath by singing the song in the Havdallah ritual that states, “the Prophet Elijah, the Tishbite from Gilead, may he come to us soon with the SON OF DAVID, the MESSIAH” — the GREATEST ONE that we fix our gaze on.  We also pray that GOD, WHO separates the holy from the secular, forgive our sins, guide our life and open our mouth to declare HIS praises continually.  
  May the ALL-PRESENT ONE fill our upcoming week with HIS DIVINE PRESENCE that HE may be glorified; and may some of the sweetness of Sabbath be present throughout your week days. 

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. . .
Man was created with two eyes, so that with one he may see GOD'S greatness, and with the other his own lowliness. 

MY BELOVED     
"His mouth is deliciously sweet and all of him is delightful.  Such is my beloved (Hebrew: tovu), such is my darling (Hebrew: ray-ah), O maidens of Jerusalem!" [Song of Songs (Shir ha'Shirim) 5. 16 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Only of the LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA can it truly be said that "all of HIM is delightful."  Of all human lips and tongues, "HIS mouth is most sweet" for "no man ever spoke like this MAN!" [John 7. 46]  Even those who simply heard JESUS' words "marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of HIS mouth." [Luke 4. 22]  For "YOU are fairer than all men; YOUR speech is endowed with grace; rightly has GOD given YOU an eternal blessing." [Psalms (Tehillym) 45. 2 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  "How sweet is YOUR WORD to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 103 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH is the BELOVED ONE, "clear-skinned and ruddy, preeminent among ten thousand." [Song of Songs (Shir ha'Shirim) 5. 10 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  Such a description must apply in the fullest sense only to the TRUE & LIVING  LORD OF HOSTS, the impregnable, invincible LIGHT OF LIFE WHO became the SACRIFICIAL LAMB OF GOD and will come again as "LORD of lords and KING of kings." [Revelation 17. 14]  JESUS is the OMNIPOTENT CREATOR, the WONDERFUL SAVIOR, the IMPECCABLE, MATCHLESS, IRREPLACEABLE & LOVING FRIEND to those who are HIS called, chosen and faithful.  JESUS CHRIST, the LORD GOD ETERNAL, has redeemed us by HIS precious blood which was shed for our covering of guilt. 

"MY BELOVED is mine, and I am HIS (Hebrew: Dodi-Li-Va-Ani Lo)." [Song of Songs (Shir ha'Shirim) 2. 16 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  "Where has your BELOVED gone?  Let us seek HIM!" [Song of Songs (Shir ha'Shirim) 6. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  The RISEN LORD, our LIVING HOPE, has promised that "IF you will search for ME, you will find ME, IF only you seek ME wholeheartedly." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 29. 13 Tanakh, Nevi'im]   Such a PRIZED TREASURE, the SEED of Israel, in HIM we are justified and shall glory forevermore.  "Y’SHUA...O how sweet HIS NAME!" 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
If I forget you, O Yerushalayim, let my right hand wither.”  Psalms 137:5.
  With great love YOU have loved us, O our GOD, and with exceeding compassion YOU have borne with us.  Our fathers believed and trusted in YOU; therefore you taught them the laws of life, and showed them the ways of wisdom. 

  We implore YOU, O MERCIFUL FATHER, to grant us discernment, that we may understand and fulfill all the TEACHINGS of YOUR WORD.  Make us gladly obedient to YOUR commandments and fill our hearts with love and reverence for YOU.  In YOU we put our trust; we rejoice and delight in YOUR help, for with YOU alone is salvation, and peace in the soul of man.  YOU have called us as teachers of YOUR Law; YOU have chosen us for a holy mission to mankind; therefore do we joyfully lift up our voices and proclaim YOUR magnificence.  Praised are YOU, O GOD, WHO has chosen us in love.  We give praise to YOUR HOLY NAME and thank YOU for Y’SHUA, our BELOVED REDEEMER.    

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 where you are going, any path will take you there. 

THE LOVE LETTER  (Part 1 of 2)     
Would it not be terribly unfair of the GOD OF HEAVEN to put us here to stumble in the dark, and then have a Day of Judgment when we would learn, to our horror, that certain things were required of us and that we should be punished forever because we had not fulfilled these obligations?  Certain things are required of us, and we shall be separated forever from this LOVING GOD if we do not accept THE WAY of escape HE has provided.  But, HE has been just and more then fair with us, HE has told us plainly. 

Beside me is a LOVE LETTER from the ETERNAL ONE, written on fine white paper edged with gold, bound in a volume called "THE HOLY BIBLE" — in it the ALMIGHTY CREATOR tells me how much HE loves me and shows me how to be righteous. 

Marvelous, wonderful beyond imagination, that the GREAT GOD OF HEAVEN would so condescend that HE would have it all put down in black and white in our own language, so clearly that we need have no uncertainty about it.  We can, by careful study, understand GOD'S SPIRITUAL LAWS, which are as unchangeable and orderly as HIS Laws governing the physical world. 

OMNIPOTENT GOD tells us of the past — facts that the great scientists are still endeavoring to discover.  HE tells us of the present, of mighty world movements which are confounding the intellectuals, and making their hearts fail them for fear.  MESSIAH Y’SHUA tells us of a future, unveiling to us mysteries undreamed of by the man ignorant of HIS WORD.  Philosophy and science give us only a record of human reasoning and discovery.  They can only go so far; but, the HOLY SCRIPTURES are the VOICE OF AUTHORITY! 

I need not speak here of its matchless beauty and perfect diction.  That it is the revealed WORD OF GOD is the fact which most concerns us.  Let no one tell you that man wrote the BIBLE, "prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of GOD spoke as they were moved by the HOLY SPIRIT." [2 Peter 1. 21] 

If you will really study the HOLY WORD, you will be convinced that man could not have written it; it harmonizes too well.  The BLESSED CREATOR OF HEAVEN & EARTH, blessed be HE, is THE MASTER DESIGNER of order and distinctly clear of thought.  There is no confusion nor contradiction when rightly understood.  Each part slips into place "precept upon precept, line upon line, now here a little, now there a little." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 28. 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

In HIS WRITTEN WORD, the plan of the ages unrolls before us, beginning with the "account of the Creation" in the Book of Genesis/Bereshith and continues down through the drama of human history to the final culmination in the last Book of Revelation. 

The ETERNAL ONE tells us how man, created in GOD'S OWN IMAGE, sinned and the whole after-existence of the human race and the physical world as well, was changed.  Looking ahead through the ages, GOD ALMIGHTY planned THE ONLY WAY out for man.  INFINITE JUSTICE would demand the punishment of the sinner, yet INFINITE LOVE longed for man's redemption.  Our TREMENDOUS, LIMITLESS, INFINITE HOLY GOD is both of these.  Do you see the dilemma?  Of course, you know what HE did.  YESHUA ha'MASHIACH our REDEEMER, the SECOND PERSON of the TRINITY took on the form of human flesh and dwelt among us.  Upon HIM, WHO was sinless, GOD THE FATHER placed the sins of all mankind.

The LORD JESUS suffered upon Golgotha's Cross indescribable tortures under the weight of the sins of the whole world, individually and collectively, for your sins and mine, as well as the agony of being separated from HIS FATHER.  Y’SHUA died in our place!  And all who, by faith, accept HIS precious shed-blood atonement for their sins and receive HIM as their LORD & SAVIOUR are "born anew" into the Family of GOD, to be presented faultless before the Throne of GOD.  Thus, ETERNAL GOD'S love and justice met together at the Cross of Y’SHUA, the MESSIAH, LORD & KING. 

...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!
If I forget you, O Yerushalayim, let my right hand wither.”  Psalms 137:5
  Good Sabbath — Come, let us go out to meet the Sabbath Queen, the Bride of the week…Sabbath, eagerly awaited and joyously welcomed!  
  Sabbath of Pinchas – “Phinehas” [Reading: Numbers 25:10 – 29-40; Jeremiah 1:1-23; John 2:13-22]
  I greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul exults in my GOD.  For HE clothed me with garments of salvation, wrapped me in a robe of righteousness; thus shouts of victory and praise spring forth in HIS PRESENCE.  I love YOU, LORD and I lift my voice to worship YOU.  
  MOST HOLY LORD, continue to impart YOUR blessing upon us.  Teach us to seek YOU evermore within the sanctuary of our souls, within the tabernacle of YOUR world, and in the congregation of YOUR worshipers."  The grace of our LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH be with you this Sabbath 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. . .
If you are not happy with what you have, you will not be happy with what you get. 

CHOSEN FEW     
"Those who revere the LORD talked to one another.  The LORD heard and noted it, and a SCROLL OF REMEMBRANCE has been written at HIS order concerning those who revere the LORD and esteem HIS NAME." [Malachi (Malakhi) 3. 16 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

The truly faithful followers of the MIGHTY CREATOR GOD have usually been only a "remnant whom the LORD calls" [Joel/Yoel 2. 32] the "little flock" to whom is the "FATHER'S good pleasure to give the Kingdom." [Luke 12. 32] 

Before the Great Flood — "while the ark was being prepared" there were "few, that is eight souls, saved through water." [1 Peter 3. 20]  Regarding the children of Israel:  "The LORD your GOD chose you to be HIS TREASURED PEOPLE.  It was not because you are the most numerous of people that the LORD set HIS heart on you and chose you — indeed, you are the smallest of all peoples." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 7. 7 Tanakh, Torah]  Gideon's army had to be reduced from 32,000 to 300 before the ALMIGHTY ONE would let them fight the 135,000 Midianites. [Judges/Shofetim 7. 3 - 6; 8. 10]  In Elijah's day, there were only 7,000 out of the millions of Israelites who had "not knelt to Baal or kissed him with their mouth." [1 Kings (Melakhim Alef) 19. 18 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

Y’SHUA, the MESSIAH LORD & KING said — "Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." [Matthew 7. 14]  "For many are called, but few are chosen." [Matthew 22. 14]  Even among the few who are saved, "the laborers are few." [Luke 10. 2] 

Thanks be to GOD ALMIGHTY, there are a few!  In Malachi's day almost all the people and priests deserted the MAKER; but there was a small, faithful, believing remnant as was Levi who "feared the LORD and was reverent to HIS NAME." [Malachi (Malakhi) 2. 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im]  Concerning these few, "They shall be MINE, says the LORD OF HOSTS, on that Day that I am preparing, they shall be MY treasured possession...you shall come to see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between him who has served the LORD and him who has not served HIM." [Malachi (Malakhi) 3. 17 - 18 Tanakh, Nevi'im]  We may be strangers and pilgrims here, but we will be the GREAT KING'S OWN treasured possession there!  HalleluYAH!!  What a day that will be as we enter the joy of our BELOVED REDEEMER! 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
If I forget you, O Yerushalayim, let my right hand wither.”  Psalms 137:5
  My soul blesses the MOST HOLY LORD GOD for HE alone is worthy of all praise, reverence and exaltation.  May you be a witnesses of GOD'S care, love, and glorious presence through the days ahead.  
  Have many warm, richly blessed days as we celebrate the ties of love and faith that bind us through MESSIAH Y’SHUA, the GOD of our Salvation.  May the GLORIOUS HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL ever be praised for HIS continuing mercy and loving kindness. 

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