Delrifkah: HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY.

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

DOLPHIN SKIN COVERING      
"Make for the tent a covering of tanned rams' skins dyed red and a Covering of Dolphin (sea cow) Skins above." [Exodus (Shemot) 26. 14 Tanakh, Torah] 

This is the fourth and last covering for the Tabernacle.  There is no description or measurements for the dolphin skins, only that it is the "covering above." It represents the humiliation of the LORD KING MESSIAH which cannot be measured.  We do not know the height from which the LORD JESUS came; therefore, we cannot know the depth to which HE stooped.  HE emptied HIMSELF! [Philippians 2. 5 - 10]   The MOST HIGH SERVANT was in the Highest Heaven, came down to the lowest earth, down to where we are so that we could go UP to where HE is! 

According to some translators, the outside skin is that of either the dolphin, porpoise, seal, antelope or goat; but, it is a strong, enduring leather.  Some translators call it badger skins.  However, the badger is not a native animal of the East.  Whatever the animal, it was an unclean animal which shows GOD'S great grace.  No matter how unclean or defiled we were, we can be used by ALMIGHTY GOD in HIS "Holy Habitation." When we are set apart for HIS use, HE takes the unclean and defiled and cleanses us by the blood of MESSIAH Y’SHUA for HIS purpose.  The SEPTUAGINT BIBLE states it thus, "an upper covering of skins dyed blue." The Jewish text leaves the word un-translated, calling it "tachash" skins meaning "unknown." 

How like our LOVING LORD WHO was unknown by men!   HE made HIMSELF of no reputation. [Matthew 13. 55 - 57; Philippians 2. 5 - 8]  The world cannot see the GREAT GOD OF ISRAEL, JESUS, as HE is in HIS glory until there is an entrance inside, for the glory is within, even as with the CHRISTian; beauty is withIN.  The believer in MESSIAH Y’SHUA is "dark as the tents of Kedar" in the eyes of the world; but is comely, graceful, and handsome as "the pavilions of Solomon" in the eyes of the MIGHTY GOD OF JACOB. [Psalm/Tehillym 45. 13; Song of Songs/Shir ha'Shirim 1. 5; 1 Peter 3. 3 - 4] 

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

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

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

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

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

Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
As we welcome Sabbath, let us adore HIM, the LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA — KING of kings & LORD of lords! All goodness and truth are YOURS, O LORD. 
Shabbos of NASSO – “Make An Accounting” [Reading: Numbers 4:21 - 7:89; Judges 13:2:25; Luke 1:11-20] 
 May no evil estrange us from YOU, nor error darken our vision of YOUR purposes. Help us to discern YOUR justice and to understand YOUR will. In adversity and in prosperity, let YOUR Law be a Lamp to our feet to illumine our path. May we so labor in YOUR service that our lives become a hymn of praise to YOU.
 LORD GOD, direct our steps, correct us with judgments not in anger lest YOU bring us to nothing. We have an AWESOME GOD, and HE is on the throne ruling over the affairs of men. HE is worthy of all our praise and worship, even in these difficult times. We thank, adore and praise YOU with all our being! 

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 day is short, the work is plentiful, the laborers are slothful, the reward is much, and the MASTER is urgent. 

COUNTED WORTHY      
"Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the SON OF MAN." [Luke 21. 36] 

The LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA spoke these words as HE taught of HIS second coming, thus directing us to prepare our minds and hearts to "bear fruits worthy of repentance" [Matthew 3. 8] that we might escape the wrath that ALMIGHTY GOD will soon bring upon this corrupt and sinful world.  The SOVEREIGN LORD is coming for those "who have not defiled their garments" and who walk daily with the RIGHTEOUS ONE in obedience of HIS commands; they too shall walk with HIM "in white, for they are worthy." [Revelation 3. 4] 

Although some may preach and profess that man can never be worthy, the LORD Y’SHUA would not have commanded the impossible, for with HIM, all things are possible.  "He who does not take his cross and follow after ME is not worthy of ME." [Matthew 10. 38] 

The Apostle Paul continued to instruct and admonish us to walk worthy: "I, therefore, the prisoner of the LORD, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called." [Ephesians 4. 1]  "We exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, that you would walk worthy of GOD WHO calls you into HIS OWN Kingdom and glory." [1 Thessalonians 2. 11 - 12] 

May you be filled with the "knowledge of HIS will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may have a walk worthy of the LORD, fully pleasing HIM, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of GOD." [Colossians 1. 9 - 10]   "In all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of GOD, that you may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of GOD, for which you also suffer." [2 Thessalonians 1. 4 - 5] 

When Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH gloriously returns, those found worthy will be raptured (caught up).  "For the LORD HIMSELF will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of GOD. And the dead in CHRIST will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the LORD in the air. And thus we shall always be with the LORD." [1 Thessalonians 4. 16 - 17] 

Those not worthy will be left behind.  "It is a righteous thing with GOD to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the LORD JESUS is revealed from heaven with HIS mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know GOD, and on those who do not obey the GOSPEL of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. These shall be punished with EVERLASTING DESTRUCTION from the PRESENCE OF THE LORD and from the glory of HIS power, when HE comes, in that Day, to be glorified in HIS saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed. Therefore we also pray always for you that our GOD would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of HIS goodness and the work of faith with power." [2 Thessalonians 1. 6 – 11; Psalms/Tehillym 50. 1 - 6] 

If you ask why GOD does not do something about sin; the answer is that HE is definitely working out all things for our good. Beyond a doubt, the hand of the LORD GOD is working in the glove of human events. 

As saints of the MOST HIGH GOD we are called to be worthy to escape, worthy to walk in the white garments, worthy of the calling, worthy of YESHUA OF NAZARETH and worthy of the Kingdom of GOD; just as the LAMB OF GOD proves to be worthy of all worship, adoration and praise with GOD THE FATHER: "Worthy is the LAMB WHO was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing! Amen" [Revelation 5. 12]   Yes and Amen! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Oh, that men would give thanks to the MASTER OF MERCY & TRUTH for HIS steadfast love; that they would consider their latter end and return to the WONDROUS CREATOR. The LORD remembers HIS own, so when I call to mind, I have hope. GOD is merciful, gracious and slow to anger therefore we are not consumed. HIS compassions do not fail, they are new every morning. HE shows compassion according to the multitude of HIS mercies, HIS faithfulness is great. For those who wait on HIM, the LORD is good; and souls that hunger after HIM shall be satisfied, fully contented in HIS PRESENCE. 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
When GOD wants to break a man’s heart, HE gives him a lot of sense. 

PRAISE & THANKS      
"She (Leah) conceived again and bore a son, and declared — This time I will praise the LORD. — Therefore she named him Judah." [Genesis (Bereshith) 29. 35 Tanakh, Torah] 

Judah, the fourth son of Jacob born from his first wife, Leah.  The Hebrew word for Judah, "yadah" — is most often translated "praise, celebrate" — but even more frequently, it is translated "thank or thanks." 

Although Ruben, Simeon and Levi were all older brothers of Judah, the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL chose Judah to be the father of the tribe through which MESSIAH Y’SHUA would come into the world.  Whenever Leah spoke to her son, she would actually be saying, "Thanks! For this gift of a special son." 

We also continually give thanks every day for that SPECIAL SON OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH, the LORD Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH.  And as Judah later was willing to offer his own life for his brother, Benjamin [Genesis/Bereshith 43. 4], out of love for both his brothers and his father, so this distant GRANDSON of Judah was willing to lay down HIS OWN life to save those whom HE was glad to call HIS brothers. [Hebrews 2. 11 - 12] 

In the last reference to Judah in HOLY SCRIPTURES, this SON of Judah is called the "LION of the Tribe of Judah" WHO will one day be acknowledged as KING over all the earth. [Revelation 5. 5]  The last mention of "thanks" in the HOLY WORD is when the elders of the church in heaven cry out saying: "We give You thanks, O LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, the ONE WHO is and WHO was and WHO is to come, because YOU have taken YOUR great power and reigned. The nations were angry, and YOUR wrath has come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that YOU should reward YOUR servants the prophets and the saints, and those who fear YOUR NAME, small and great, and should destroy those who destroy the earth." [Revelation 11. 17 - 18] 

We have so much to be thankful for, but mostly we are thankful for the SON OF GOD, our BLESSED CREATOR, LOVING SAVIOR & 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!
 All goodness and truth are YOURS, YEHOWAH, O LORD, SOVEREIGN of the Universe. May no evil alienate us from YOU , nor error darken our vision of YOUR purposes. Help us to discern YOUR justice and to understand YOUR will. In adversity and in prosperity, let YOUR Law be a lamp to our feet to illumine our path. May we so labor in YOUR service that our lives become a hymn of praise to YOU.  Amen 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Inevitably, whoever attempts to delude (deceives) the MASTER CREATOR, deludes (lies to) himself.  For greater, and more exalted, and majestic is GOD MOST HIGH. 
 
ONE DAY AS A THOUSAND YEARS      
"For in YOUR sight a thousand years are like yesterday that has past, like a watch of the night."[Psalms (Tehillym) 90. 4Tanakh, Kethuvim] 
 
This is confirmed in the NEW COVENANT, for the Apostle Peter also writes of the thousand years to the LORD as being but a day — "Beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the LORD one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." [2 Peter 3. 8] 
 
Here Peter is informing us that the DESIGNER OF THE UNIVERSE can do in one day what might, by natural processes, take a thousand years.  Thus, condemning those who teach divisive evolutionary progression(science) that imagine the earth is billions of years old.  However, GOD, the ONE WHO did the creating made it perfectly clear — "in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that are in them, and rested the seventh day." [Exodus (Shemot) 20. 11 Tanakh, Torah] 
 
The HOLY SCRIPTURES warn against those who are willingly ignorant, for there is tremendous significance of the historical facts of creation and the flood.  Peter again records that there will be mockery in the last days before the return of the LORD JESUS, "scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying — Where is the promise of HIS coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation. — For this they willfully forget: that by the WORD OF GOD the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men." [2 Peter 3. 3 – 7] 
 
Man’s records only go back a few thousand years, and to attempt to calculate any date before that requires use of a premise which, in context, the SCRIPTURES have just condemned!  GOD foretold the willingness of wicked and willingly ignorant men then urges those who believe HIS WRITTEN WORD not to be ignorant, butbelieve what was written for our understanding. 
 
Truthfully, the only way we can know the timing and duration of creation is for the MASTER OF THEUNIVERSE to tell us, and HE says HE made all of Heaven and Earth in six days, and that not so many years ago!  "One thing GOD has spoken; twice I have heard this — that power and might belongs to GOD, and faithfulness is YOURS, O LORD." [Psalm (Tehillym) 62. 11 – 12a Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Indeed, let GOD be true but every man a liar." [Romans 3. 4]  So, who will you believe: GOD — the AUTHOR & FINISHER, or man?
 
 
Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Open your mouth in holiness and purity, with song and psalm, and bless and praise, glorify and revere, sanctify and ascribe sovereignty to the NAME of the DIVINE KING, the GREAT, MIGHTY & AWESOME ONE. . . holy is HE. Take upon yourself the yoke of the Kingdom of Heaven and give sanction to one another to bless the CREATOR. In tranquil joy of spirit, with pure speech and holy melody exclaim: Holy, holy, holy is the LORD OF HOSTS, the whole earth is full of HIS glory. 
 
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes.  Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. 
 
Email:  delrifkah@gmail.com
Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
 The world stands on three pillars: On TORAH, on worship, and on acts of loving-kindness.  Throughout the Festival of Shavu’ot, the Season of the Giving of the TORAH, we are reminded of the centrality of TORAH; which teaches us the third pillar, to worship ALMIGHTY GOD through our compassionate (kind) and coherent (fair) dealings with all.  

When GOD'S PRESENCE filled the Tabernacle, HE said — "Today I am causing MY PRESENCE to rest among you; if you sin, MY PRESENCE will leave you. But when MESSIAH comes, MY PRESENCE will remain with you permanently. Now you see the DIVINE PRESENCE through fire, but with the coming of the MESSIAH you will see ME clearly revealed, as it is written: For eye to eye shall they see when GOD returns to Zion."  [Tz’enah Ur’enah] 

FULFILLED LAW      
"HE (the risen LORD Y’SHUA) said to them (the 11 frightened disciples) — 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 (Torah) of Moses and the Prophets (Nevi'im) and the Psalms (Kethuvim) concerning ME." [Luke 24. 44] 

After HIS death and resurrection, the LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH appeared to HIS disciples and ate broiled fish and honeycomb with them to prove HE was not a spirit as they supposed.  Then, the GLORIOUS RISEN ONE opened their minds so they could understand the SCRIPTURES saying to them: "This is what is Written — The MESSIAH will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in HIS NAME to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what MY FATHER has promised; but stay in the City until you have been clothed with POWER from on high." [Luke 24. 46 - 49] 

The LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH alone perfectly completed all three offices (Prophet — Priest — King): "JESUS OF NAZARETH, WHO was a PROPHET mighty in deed and word before GOD and all the people." [Luke 24. 19] 

"We have a GREAT HIGH PRIEST WHO has passed through the heavens, JESUS THE SON OF GOD, let us hold fast our confession." [Hebrews 4. 14]  And, "HE lives continually to make intercession for us, our GREAT HIGH PRIEST was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens." [Hebrews 7. 25b - 26] 

"All who survive of all those nations that came up against Jerusalem shall come up year by year to worship and bow low to the KING, the LORD OF HOSTS and to observe the Feast of Booths (Succoth)." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 14. 16 Tanakh, Nevi'im]  "Even as I will pour water on thirsty soil, and rain upon dry ground, so I will pour MY SPIRIT on your offspring, MY blessing upon your posterity." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 44. 3 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

"And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out MY SPIRIT on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also on MY menservants and on MY maidservants I will pour out MY SPIRIT in those days. And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: blood and fire and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD. And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the NAME OF THE LORD shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, as the LORD has said, among the remnant whom the LORD calls." [Joel/Yoel 2. 28 - 32] 

This began to be fulfilled when Shavu’ot (Pentecost) came, ten days after MESSIAH, the BELOVED SON, returned to the FATHER in Heaven.  "And they were all filled with the HOLY SPIRIT and began to speak with other tongues, as the SPIRIT gave them utterance." [Acts 2. 4]  Now we can come boldly into the Throne Room of Grace...how marvelous! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Chag Samayach — Joyous Holiday, this is Yizkor Shavu’ot!"  Blessings to all who love Zion! The Talmud says Jerusalem was named by the ALMIGHTY ONE, blessed be HE. The name has two parts: Yira, which means "to see"  and salem, which means "peace."

 We were greatly blessed when the HOLY ONE brought us out of slavery from Egypt (Passover) and took HIS people directly to Mt. Sinai (freedom). There HE gave us the Law (Shavu'ot) to keep us free from slavery (to sin). Then, gave us Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH to keep us free and give us true peace and rest (Sukkoth/Booths). 

 Without TORAH we would not have a GUIDE BOOK for living, so one of the many kindnesses the ALMIGHTY ONE has done for us as a people was to give us this SPECIAL GIFT. Without TORAH we wouldn’t know how to function; we wouldn’t know the best way to serve our CREATOR; we wouldn’t have the tools to distinguish between reality and illusion, between light and dark; we would not have moral clarity; we wouldn’t have a GUIDE BOOK FOR LIVING; nor would we know how to confront life’s greatest challenges or answer life’s difficult questions; we would still be wandering in the desert — if not literally, certainly spiritually. 

Shavu’ot is a time to appreciate, to say thanks to the LORD GOD, to imagine the void of a life without TORAH and to experience as if for the first time how it lights up our lives and fills our souls. So we thank YOU, GREAT & MIGHTY GOD for YOUR love, so rich and pure, and for HIS wisdom in giving us HIS Precious Law. HalleluYAH...what a WONDERFUL SAVIOR! 

 POINT OF INTEREST:  In Exodus 32:28 - 3,000 were slain at Mt. Sinai on Shavu’ot (Pentecost) when Moses brought the Law (10 Commandments) down from the Mount.  On Pentecost (Shavu’ot) in Acts 2:41 - 3,000 gladly received the WORD spoken by Peter and were baptized and added to the body of MESSIAH.
This is day #2 of Shavo’ut (Pentecost) – [Jewish custom double Festival Days outside of Israel] 

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 if it were not sufficient enough that the SOVEREIGN MIGHTY GOD answers prayer, HE always exceeds our expectations. 

THE OMER       
"On the day of the First Fruits, your Feast of Weeks, when you bring an offering of new grain to the LORD, you shall observe a sacred occasion: You shall not work at your occupations." [Numbers (B'Midvar) 28. 26 Tanakh, Torah] 

Shavuot is connected to the season of grain harvest in Israel.  In ancient times, the grain harvest lasted seven weeks and was a season of gladness. [Jeremiah 5. 24; Deuteronomy 15. 9-11; Isaiah 9.2]  It began with the harvesting of barley during Passover and ended with the harvesting of the wheat at Shavuot. 

On the morning after the first day of Passover (the morning after the Sabbath) the High Priest was commanded to bring a "sheaf (omer) of firstfruits" and wave it "to and fro" in the Temple before the LORD GOD. The Hebrew word for "wave" is newpah denoting a violent shaking. 

Fifty days after the second morning of the Passover Feast, the Jewish people were commanded to celebrate this Feast.  A new offering was to be brought to the LORD ALMIGHTY on that day and waved before HIM by the High Priest.  This offering consisted of "two wave loaves as a wave offering; each shall be made of two-tenths of an ephah of choice flour, baked after leavening, as firstfruits to YEHOWAH." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 23. 17 Tanakh, Torah] 

The JEWISH MISHNA tells that the sheaf of barley harvest was marked out by three men after the sunset on Nisan 14 which was the beginning of Nisan 15.  They cut down a sheaf and brought it to the Temple to lay it before the LORD ETERNAL after they had dried it by fire.  There it rested on the Sabbath day and the "morrow after the Sabbath (the morning hour is implied)" the priest would wave the sheaf before the HOLY ONE and begin to count the days to Shavuoth/Pentecost. 

Here we see the SHEAF cut down is Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH, the PROMISED REDEEMER WHO was cut down in human life in the field of this world.  The SHEAF laid up before the LORD GOD after the testing of fire and resting in the Temple on the Sabbath is MESSIAH WHO, after being cut down was prepared for burial and WHOSE body rested on the Sabbath in the tomb.  The SHEAF that was waved on high "to and fro" before the LORD ALMIGHTY on the Sabbath is MESSIAH Y’SHUA WHO arose from death on the first day of the week!  JESUS is the FIRST-FRUITS of the resurrection! [1 Corinthians 15. 23] 

On the evening of the second day of Passover (early morning), three days after the Passover Lamb was slain, when the priest violently shook the single sheaf (omer) before GOD, there was an earthquake; by DIVINE POWER the tomb which held the BODY of the PASSOVER LAMB (MESSIAH Y’SHUA) was torn open!  "On the morrow after the Sabbath" — even as the HOLY ONE had been shown symbolically in the omer. . . JESUS, the PIERCED ONE arose! 

After the LORD JESUS' resurrection, HE remained forty days with HIS disciples before ascending into heaven.  This testimony was established by more than 500 Jews who lived in and around Jerusalem, who saw the events that transpired and testified concerning them. [1 Corinthians 15. 6] 

It was Fifty Days after the Passover Lamb of Exodus was slain and the Israelites had crossed the Red Sea when the LORD manifested HIS power and glory on Mount Sinai. [Exodus/Shemot 19. 16 - 18]  Fifty days after the TRUE PASSOVER LAMB was slain outside the gates of Jerusalem and had risen from the dead when the HOLY SPIRIT manifested HIS POWER & GLORY. [Acts 2. 1 - 4] 

On the 50th Day after the LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH had been crucified as the TRUE PASSOVER LAMB and had risen from the dead, GOD, the HOLY SPIRIT visited a group of waiting disciples in the Upper Room.  This was pre-figured in HIS visitation with Moses on Mount Sinai fifty days after the lamb of Egypt was slain and they left for the Promised Land!  At Mount Sinai, there was trembling of the mountain at the PRESENCE OF THE MIGHTY GOD.  In Jerusalem, fifty days after the LAMB OF GOD gave HIS life and had wrested (torn) open the tomb, thunderings were heard; at Jerusalem there was the sound of the rushing wind.  At Sinai, GOD'S VOICE was heard by Israel as a trumpet — "exceeding loud" — at Jerusalem, the notes of the Gospel were heard through the disciples as they spoke with power the wonderful works of CREATOR GOD. 

On Shavuoth/Pentecost the priest waved two loves before the LORD.  Generally it was forbidden that leaven be brought with a sacrifice:  "No meal offering that you offer to the LORD shall be made with leaven...no leaven may be turned into smoke as an offering by fire to the LORD." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 2. 12 Tanakh, Torah]  But on this occasion there was a hidden meaning to the leaven.  The OLD COVENANT saints wrote about this great secret, looked into and inquired concerning its meaning.  From Genesis to Malachi (in the TANAKH, the order is from  Genesis/Bereshith thru 2 Chronicles/Dibre Hayamin Bet) it lay hid, like a golden thread, appearing in prophecy and prediction, in type, parable, offerings, and feasts.  But it never was fully known until the time of Paul in the NEW COVENANT. [Ephesians 3. 1 - 6]  The HOLY SPIRIT revealed to this Jewish apostle that GOD'S eternal purpose was to take from both Jews and Gentiles a people for HIS NAME, that they would be made a joint-body in MESSIAH Y’SHUA. 

Faith in the LORD JESUS makes every man equal in GOD'S sight.  The Two Loaves "baked with leaven" represent Jew & Gentile — the leaven, a symbol of sin in them both.  As the wave offering was lifted up to a high plane, so the HOLY SPIRIT leads both Jew and Gentile to the holy faith in the LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA to the highest position near to the very heart of ALMIGHTY GOD.  Jews and Gentiles, fulfilling the (two loaves baked with leaven) stand before the LORD GOD in MESSIAH Y’SHUA as candidates for the promise of the HEAVENLY FATHER.  Together we are built for a habitation of GOD OMNIPOTENT through the SPIRIT. [Ephesians 2. 16 - 22]  What a marvelous plan! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Welcoming Sabbath! A day of perfect rest in worshipping our BELOVED LORD GOD. Sabbath of Bamidbar – “In The Wilderness” [Reading: Numbers 1:1 - 4:20; Hosea 1:10 -2:20; Matthew 4:1-17] 
REDEMPTION & TORAH Then GOD spoke all these words, saying — "I am the LORD your GOD, WHO brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery." [Exodus/Shemot 20. 1-2] 

 The Festival of Shavuot (Pentecost) is the anniversary of the giving of the TORAH and the giving of the HOLY SPIRIT. As part of the commemoration, the Ten Commandments are read publicly in the Assembly on the Feast of Shavuot. 

 The first commandment is to believe in the LORD GOD and to accept HIS claim of ownership over us. Unless we accept the basic premise of GOD'S existence, no number of commandments will have any authority or meaning for us. The need for such a command demonstrates the incongruity of ascribing to morality without believing in a moral authority. If we accept the premise of objective morality, we must accept that there is a higher authority issuing that objective standard.

 We also learn from this that redemption must precede commandments. Before we can receive the TORAH, we must already be saved.  Israel’s salvation from Egypt was not accorded to her on the basis of her obedience to the commandments. She was already redeemed (on no merit of her own) before the Laws at Sinai were given to her. Thus the first declaration at Mt. Sinai is a reminder of their redeemed status. Only because the Israelites were already saved are they able to receive the commands of ALMIGHTY GOD. 

 True legalism continually attempts to reverse this process by claiming that one’s obedience to certain commandments (or all the commandments) is the mechanism by which salvation is earned. The first of the Ten Commandments directly contradicts this notion. Salvation and relationship with GOD OMNISCIENT precedes the TORAH. 

"Chag Shavu’ot Samayach — Joyous Holiday!" The holiday of Shavuot, from the Hebrew word sova, means satiated. Love and close relationships, especially for GOD and HIS TORAH, leave us saturated with abundance,  fully satiated, and complete. 
Day 48 of the Omer 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com 


A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
When asked why Shavu’ot is called the time of the "Giving of the TORAH"  rather than the "Receiving of the TORAH" — the Kotzker Rebbe responded, "The TORAH was given but once on Mount Sinai, but the receiving of the TORAH is everyday." 
The Law is a hidden treasure. . ."Dresh (Hebrew: search it out)!" 

FEAST OF WEEKS      
"Three times a year you shall hold a festival for ME: You shall observe the FEAST OF UNLEAVENED BREAD — eating unleavened bread for seven days as I have commanded you — at the set time in the month of Abib (translates: ear, green ears of corn), for in it you went forth from Egypt; and none shall appear before ME empty handed; and the FEAST OF HARVEST, of the first fruits of your labors, of what you sow in the field; and the FEAST OF INGATHERING at the end of the year, when you have gathered in the fruit of your labors from the field." [Exodus (Shemot) 23. 14 - 16 Tanakh, Torah] 

Chag ha’Shavu’ot is the Hebrew word for the FEAST OF Weeks, because it is celebrated seven weeks after Passover. The Hebrew words seven (sheva) and week (shavua) are derived from the same root word.  However it is also known by many names, reflecting its historical and agricultural significance: Chag ha'Katzir — Feast of the Wheat Harvest.  Chag ha'Bikkuriym — Festival of First Fruits, which were harvested and offered at the Temple.  Zman Matan Toratenu — time of giving of the TORAH. And, Atzeret — the closing festival as some regard Shavuot as the conclusion of Passover, because the Exodus from Egypt was for the purpose of receiving the TORAH.  

Shavuot is the culmination of the seven-week-long counting of the Omer that occurs following Passover. The Festival of Shavuot is the anniversary of the giving of the TORAH and the giving of the HOLY SPIRIT, it is also known as Pentecost.  This year it begins on the eve of May 30 and lasts thru sundown June 1 (Hebrew Date: Sivan 5 — 7), the event taking place 50 days after Passover.  A new grain offering that the ETERNAL LORD GOD required included two loaves of leavened bread which the priest waved before the LOVING MASTER.  "You shall bring from your settlements two loaves of bread as a wave offering; each shall be made of two-tenths of an ephah of choice fine flour, baked after leavening, as first fruits to the LORD." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 23. 17 Tanakh, Torah]

On this Feast, the Book of Ruth is read in Synagogues around the world.  It tells of a poor Moabitess and her Jewish mother-in-law who return to Bethlehem from Moab at harvest time.  Under the Law, the GREAT & MIGHTY GOD OF ISRAEL instructed, "When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap all the way to the edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger — I the LORD am your GOD." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 23. 22 Tanakh, Torah]   Ruth (friend) is directed by the hand of the HOLY ONE to glean in the field of Boaz (fleetness; it is strength), the man she will marry and who father's Obed (serving), the grandfather of Jesse (I possess) — the father of David (beloved). [Ruth/Roos 4. 21 - 22]  The Moabitess, Ruth is the great-grandmother of King David.  Since tradition alleged that King David was born and died on Shavuot, the Book of Ruth is read in his honor. 

Also, Shavuoth is the day King David was to have written his most famous songs, Psalm 119, which highly praises and extols the WORD OF THE MOST HIGH.  David, the greatest king of Israel and a man after GOD'S OWN heart, is remembered on this Festival for his unique and intimate relationship with the HOLY GOD OF HEAVEN & EARTH. 

Shavuoth  is a time to re-commit oneself to the MAGNIFICENT GOD OF THE UNIVERSE and to HIS LIFE-GIVING WORD.  Now is the time for harvest of souls.  The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA exhorted us to "lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together." [John 4. 35 - 36] "Blessed is that servant whom his MASTER, when he comes, will find so doing." [Matthew 24. 46] "Observe what is right and do what is just; for soon MY SALVATION shall come, and MY DELIVERANCE be revealed." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 56. 1 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

"May the LORD reward your deeds. May you have a full recompense from the LORD, the GOD OF ISRAEL, under WHOSE wings you have come for refuge." [Ruth (Roos) 2. 12 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  Come...let us worship and bow down before our BLESSED CREATOR! 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Welcoming Erev Shavu’ot – Eve of Pentecost!
The Torah’s Three Elements: Fire symbolizes hard work. We see this explicitly in the Yiddish word "farbrent" (literally, "on fire"), which is used to describe intense effort in TORAH learning. As we mentioned above, the idea of hard work corresponds to the blessing, "to be involved in the study of TORAH."
Water symbolizes happiness. In the Land of Israel, rain is considered a blessing and a benefit. We should all be happy when it rains, since almost every aspect of our lives depends on water. This idea corresponds to the blessing, "make the words of TORAH sweet in our mouths."
The Desert represents humility. It is low and flat, and people walk all over it. This corresponds to the blessing, "the ONE WHO gives TORAH " - since, as we mentioned, it takes humility to recognize that our own efforts are not the ultimate cause of our success.
 Now we can finally understand why Parshat Bamidbar [Numbers 1:1 - 4:20; Hosea 2:1 (1:10) – 22 (20); Luke 16:1 - 17:10] is read right before Shavu’ot. On Shavu’ot, we do not simply commemorate the original acceptance of TORAH, but we accept the TORAH upon ourselves anew. In order to prepare ourselves to truly receive TORAH on this day, Parshat Bamidbar gives us the keys that will enable our TORAH learning to succeed.
 May we all be triply blessed: to work hard in learning the TORAH that was given at Mount Sinai in fire, with sweet happiness that feels as good as cool water, so that this Shavu’ot will be a humble, down-to-earth acceptance of GOD'S extraordinary gift.
 "Chag Sameyach — a joyous Shavu’ot!"  Celebrating the ALMIGHTY ONE'S joyous Seasons of the Giving of the Law.  We are greatly blessed for the HOLY ONE, blessed be HE and blessed be HIS HOLY NAME, has brought us out of slavery from Egypt (Passover) and took HIS people directly to Mt. Sinai. There HE gave us the Law (Shavu’ot) to keep us free from slavery (to sin). 
 O MERCIFUL FATHER, make us gladly obedient to YOUR commandments and fill our hearts with love and reverence for YOU. In YOU alone we put our trust; we rejoice and delight in YOU, O GOD of our salvation.  Infinite as YOUR power, LORD, even so is YOUR love, O LORD OF HOSTS. YOU led us into the way of righteousness and brought us to the light of truth. Therefore, at our lying down and our rising up, we meditate on YOUR TEACHINGS and at all times rejoice in YOUR Laws. In them are true life and length of days. O that YOUR love may never depart from our hearts. Praised are YOU, O LORD, WHO has made us YOUR people.
Four essential traits to being a leader: l. Courage 2. Humility 3. Never Give Up 4. Optimism. Shavu’ot is not only the anniversary of the revelation of TORAH at Sinai, it is the birthday of Jewish royalty as well, the day King David was born and died. To mark the event the Book of Ruth, which traces David’s ancestry, is read in synagogues and homes on Shavu’ot.
 This is the 49th Day of the Omer.  
Our uniqueness comes from the ALMIGHTY ONE.  We are a holy people to the LORD our GOD, for HE has chosen us to be a people for HIMSELF, a special treasure above all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. [see Deuteronomy/Devarim 14.2] 

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. . . 
Tolerance eliminates justice. 

AWAKE TO RIGHTEOUSNESS 
"Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of GOD. I speak this to your shame." [1 Corinthians 15. 34] 

The word “shame” in Greek is "entrope" — meaning turning inward, inversion, turning back, reverse, confusion, confound. This was used one other time by Paul — "I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you, not even one, who will be able to judge between his brethren?" [1 Corinthians 6. 5] Evidently this special variety of shame is associated with taking controversies between CHRISTian brethren to worldly judges and also with failing to witness to the unbelieving community. Instead of bringing the true wisdom of GOD to the ungodly, they were turning to scholarly, world-wise authority to resolve spiritual problems. Instead, put on the LORD Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH "knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep." [Romans 13. 11] Otherwise, this inverted behavior will produce nothing less than spiritual confusion! 

The better known medical term, "entropy" is the same as the Greek word — it is disorder of the body, where the body or system is disintegrating into confusion if left to itself or not attended to properly. This tendency can only be reversed if an orderly energy is applied to it effectively from a source outside the system. 

This gives a striking parallel in the spiritual realm. A person turning inward to draw on his own powers, or seeking power from an ineffective outside source, will inevitably deteriorate eventually into utter spiritual confusion and death. But when LOVING SAVIOR enters the life, that person becomes a new creation in the LORD JESUS. "If anyone is in CHRIST, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." [2 Corinthians 5. 17] 

Through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT and the LIFE-GIVING SCRIPTURES, "HIS divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of HIM who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world." [2 Peter 1. 3 - 4] 

The law of spiritual entropy is transformed into the law of the SPIRIT of life in Messiah Y’shua. "For the Law of the SPIRIT OF LIFE in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the Law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: HE condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." [Romans 8. 2 - 5] 

"Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, and whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame." [Romans 9. 33] May the glory of the LORD GOD in us never be allowed to be put to shame. 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Welcoming Sabbath! Sabbath of Behar / Bechukotai – “On Mt. Sinai / In MY Statutes” [Reading: Leviticus 25:1 - 27:34; Jeremiah 16:19 – 17:14; Luke 4:14-22; Matthew 16:20-28] 
Those who keep the Sabbath and call it a delight shall rejoice in GOD'S Kingdom. Through the common days flow the refreshing waters of GOD'S lovingkindness, yet we forget THE SOURCE. May this hour awaken within us a sense of our dependence upon YOU. Create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us that we may face our daily duty with a firm courage and a tranquil mind. May we learn to know that in loving and serving our fellowmen, we are loving and serving YOU. May the spirit of the Sabbath fill our life with its blessed peace through YOUR PRECIOUS SON, Y’SHUA THE ANOINTED ONE. Amen 
Our prayer to the ALMIGHTY ONE for each of you: Osher (happiness), Briut (health), Ahava (love), Shefa (plenty), Tehilla (glory), Shalom (peace), and Bracha (blessing). May the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL greatly bless you this Sabbath. 
Day 41 of the Omer 

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

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


A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
The most harmful and depraved thief is the one who deceives and steals the minds of people. 

THIS GENERATION 
"Assuredly, I say to you — This generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away." [Luke 21. 32 - 33] 

The LORD Y’SHUA made this exciting prophetic discourse on the Mount of Olives. HE had just given HIS disciples the signs they had requested about the signs of HIS return. Then HE discussed the coming great tribulation and finally HIS glorious return in the clouds of heaven. And "all these things" were to be fulfilled before "this generation would pass away." 

Many question, what generation would that be? Some claim that it is Jewish people, but that would be most redundant, since many other passages had already promised that the nation of Israel would never pass away… "If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, says the LORD." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 31. 37 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

The Hebrew word for generation is "dowr" — meaning age, revolution of time, posterity; and the same word in Greek is "genea" — which also means age, generation, time, nation. And a similar Greek word, "genos" can either means "stock" or "kind" — but never the word genea. The Greek word "houtee" (a normative feminine plural) — can mean "this, that, which, who, the same." 

Therefore, the generation which MESSIAH Y’SHUA was predicting probably meant the generation that would see the events HE had prophesied. "when you see all these things, know that it is near — at the doors!" [Matthew 24. 33] Some of "these things" are: The world wars — nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; accompanied and followed by earthquakes in various (coasts, counties, fields, grounds, regions, lands) places, pestilences, the Gospel of the Kingdom being preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations; many false christs and false prophets are rising up and showing great signs and wonders that are deceiving even the elect, parents murdering their children and children murdering parents, wrong being viewed as right, and right being outlawed completely by officials in high places; the budding of the fig tree — signifying Israel; and widespread wickedness and spiritual indifferences as in the days of Noah. [see Matthew 24. 7, 14, 24, 32, 37 - 39] 

These signs are most accurate and identify the things happening all over the world today warning that the End Times are upon us. "Forever, O LORD, YOUR WORD is settled in heaven." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 89 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Therefore, it is imperative for us to be diligent (attentive, careful) and alert to recognize the signs of our day, since the BELOVED MESSIAH so strongly stressed HIS disapproval of the leaders and elders failure to know and understand the signs of their day. 

The word "this" is a expressive adjective, so the LORD Y’SHUA seems to be referring to "that" generation which sees "these things begin to come to pass." That generation will indeed see "these things begin to come to pass" and this writer believes that "this" is "that" generation. So to us, the LORD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS says — "look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near." [Luke 21. 28] 

"Therefore you also be ready, for the SON OF MAN is coming at an hour you do not expect." [Matthew 24. 44] Take heed! the time of MESSIAH’S return is near! 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
As we bid farewell to Sabbath, our prayer is that GOD, WHO'S PRESENCE dwells within us, bless you abundantly. May some of the sweetness of Sabbath be present throughout the week. 
Help us, O our GOD, to banish from our hearts all pride and vain-glory, all confidence in worldly possessions, all self-sufficient leaning upon our own reason. Fill us with the spirit of meekness and the grace of modesty, that we may become wise in the fear of YOU. May we never forget that all we have and prize is but lent to us, a trust for which we must render account to YOU. O HEAVENLY FATHER , put into our hearts the love and fear of YOU, that we my consecrate our lives to YOUR service and glorify YOUR NAME in the eyes of all men. 
Shavua Tov – Good Week! 
This evening begins Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day) 
Day 42 of the Omer 

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com 



A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
The art of Mothering is to teach your children the art of living. 

WOMAN OF VALOR 
"Strength, splendor, and honor are her clothing; she rejoices cheerfully as she looks to the future." [Proverbs (Mishle) 31. 25 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

This testimony notes a vital aspect of the character of the virtuous woman in the last 22 verses of Proverbs 31. The title in Hebrew is, Aishess Kahyil, Woman of Valor (courage, boldness, heroism), and it is written in an acrostic format. The author evidently is using all the resources possible to describe a truly valuable model a woman can and should be. 

This woman is industrious in providing clothing for her family making "for all her household is dressed in crimson" and her herself "she makes tapestry, her clothing is fine linen and purple" since "she performs her tasks with vigor, she sees that her business thrives; her lamp does not go out by night. She sets with her hand to the distaff (femininity), her fingers work the spindle." [Proverbs 31. 21 – 22 & 18 – 19 Tanakh, Kethuvim] But most important, her spiritual clothing is strength and honor which are even more lovely then the beautiful garments. 

In the NEW COVENANT, the Apostle Paul urged "that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works." [1 Timothy 2. 9 - 10] 

Similarly, the Apostle Peter exhorts CHRISTian wives not to emphasize their outward appearance. "Do not let your adornment be merely outward — arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel — rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of GOD. For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in GOD also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror." [1 Peter 3. 3 - 6] This compliments the believer, as reflected in OLD COVENANT: "For the LORD takes pleasure in HIS people; HE will adorn the humble with salvation." [Psalms (Tehillym) 149. 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Seek the LORD, all you meek of the land, who have upheld HIS justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility." [Zephaniah (Tsefanyah) 2. 3 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

Thus, the incentive encouragement the HOLY SCRIPTURE gives to all women who follow the LORD Y’SHUA is to be concerned primarily with their spiritual clothing — strength of character, honor, quietness of spirit, and good works. "Charm (favor, grace, elegance, refinement) is deceitful, beauty is passing (illusory, deceptive, misleading); but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised." [Proverbs (Mishle) 31. 30 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

The woman of valor is an amazing gift from CREATOR GOD, for they are well equipped with HIS love, equanimity (self-control, composure, level-headed), tolerance (patience, charity, kindness, mercy) and wonder (amazing, sensational, exciting, exhilarating, thrilling), but moreover they fear and honor HIM. 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Happy Mother’s Day! Be sure to honor motherhood and the women who have set an example for you by following the example of Y’SHUA. Love, encourage, care for, and serve those around you, including those who don’t deserve it. Follow Y’SHUA’S steps and give your life away for the welfare of others, just as HE did for you. In humility, build something lasting. . .this will result from bonding and commitment to others, but above all ― to the LORD GOD. 
Secret of marriage: Protect her like a daughter, love her like a wife, and respect her like your Mother. 
Celebrating Yom Yerushalayim - JERUSALEM DAY - Fifty-one years ago, the Six Day War reunited the Jewish people with the Holy City of Jerusalem. 
Day 43 of the Omer 

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com 

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Life is not a sprint, it is a marathon. Run to win! 

DO GOOD 
"Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of GOD, but he who does evil has not seen GOD." [3 John 11] 

Today’s societies morals and ethics have become so confused that actions once considered wrong are now considered quite normal. In fact, many perversions are now protected by the law (abortion, drugs, homosexual partnerships or marriages, and other sexual distorted deviances, etc.). This modern mind-set completely disregards the BELOVED MASTER CREATOR and fulfils HOLY SCRIPTURE WARNING, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil; who present darkness for light, and light as darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 5. 20 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the innocent — both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD." [Proverb (Michle) 17. 15 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Those who try to call people back to righteousness are ridiculed as officious (interfering) pompous do—gooder relics who are unreservedly old fashioned and out of touch. Even calling sensible, wise, and GODly thinking as being a "Hate Crime." 

It should be remembered, however that ALMIGHTY GOD HIMSELF was the first to do good. "HE did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness...HE makes HIS sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." [Acts 14. 17 & Matthew 5. 45] 

The TRUE & LOVING LORD GOD not only created, but HE upholds the world HE created, HE continued to do good deeds when HE became MAN. As YESHUA of Nazareth, "HE went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for GOD was with HIM." [Acts 10. 38] "The SPIRIT OF THE LORD is upon ME, because HE has anointed ME to preach the Gospel to the poor; HE has sent ME to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD." [Luke 4. 18 – 19] And, "JESUS went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people." [Matthew 4. 23] 

All those who are true followers of Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH and know HIM as their SAVIOR, LORD, and KING will be like HIM in their daily lives.. We too must do good. Human standards continually change, but JESUS — Never! HE "is the same yesterday, today, and forever." [Hebrews 13. 8] Likewise our righteous standards are not to change or conform to the world’s. 

To do good is the emblem or character of one who is truly born-anew, for "whoever does good is of GOD" — and whoever engages in evil "has not seen GOD." This same truth is replete throughout the WRITTEN WORD: "Let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to GOD, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to HIS NAME. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices GOD is well pleased." [Hebrews 13. 15 - 16] 

The LORD JESUS even commanded us to do good to our enemies, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you." [Luke 21. 27 - 28] "By this we know love, because HE laid down HIS life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." [1 John 3. 16, 18] 

Do not permit the erratic worldly views and ideas to persuade you, keep your integrity, "hold fast what is good." [1 Thessalonians 5. 21] "To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." [James 4. 17] Each of us is given ample opportunities to do good that we will be known by our sweet, refreshing fruit of the Spirit and bring glory to our HEAVENLY FATHER WHO is deserving of all praise! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
LORD our GOD, great, eternal, wonderful in glory, WHO keeps covenant and promises for those that love YOU with their whole heart, WHO is the LIFE of all, the HELP of those that flee to YOU, the HOPE of those who cry to YOU, cleanse us from our sins, secret and open, and from every thought displeasing to YOUR goodness — cleanse our bodies and souls, our hearts and consciences, that with a pure heart, and a clear soul, with perfect love and calm hope, we may venture confidently and fearlessly to pray to YOU. And, we thank YOU in the MAGNIFICENT NAME of Y’SHUA we pray, Amen! 
Day 44 of the Omer 

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


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com 


A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
A real CHRISTian is...preposterously happy, completely fearless, and constantly in trouble. 

VICTORY IN MESSIAH 
"Put on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." [Romans 13. 14] 

To accomplish his goals, the self-made person may pull himself up by the shoe laces while the world looks on him with encouragement. However, the man of GOD clings to MESSIAH to accomplish GOD’S purposes as the LIFE-GIVING WORD works in him through sanctification. This type of double thinking exceeds beyond all dichotomies in significance. Man either makes his own itinerary and produces worldly things that do not satisfy, or abides in MESSIAH Y’SHUA and brings forth much fruit. "I am the VINE, you are the branches. Whoever abides in ME, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without ME you can do nothing." [John 15. 5] 

HOLY SCRIPTURE teaches that GOD’S will for believers is sanctification (dedication, set apart for). "For this is the will of GOD, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust." [1 Thessalonians 4. 3 - 5] We also know that our flesh wars against the SPIRIT: "For the flesh lusts against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another." [Galatians 5. 17] Our flesh has a bent or tendency to be proud and independent. The spirit waits for humility and self-denial before graciously leading the surrendered heart back to allowing MESSIAH to rule. 

As a follower of MESSIAH Y’SHUA, we remember that GOD "gives us the victory through our LORD JESUS CHRIST." [1 Corinthians 15. 57] While the world speaks of many types of victories, we ultimately discover that they are shallow experiences, empty and unfulfilling when the glory is faded from other’s praise. "For whatever is born of GOD overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith." [1 John 5. 4] 

It is only with the LOVING MASTER that we have true victory! We "who worship GOD in the SPIRIT, rejoice in MESSIAH Y’SHUA, and have no confidence in the flesh." [Philippians 3. 3 - 4] Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, though he had everything a man could want by the world’s standards, eventually discovered that it was all vanity without GOD. At the conclusion, he admittedly proclaimed that the whole duty of man is to "Fear GOD and keep HIS commandments, this applies to all mankind." [Ecclesiasts (Kohelet) 12. 13 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

We must stay zealously aware of the intense battle between the flesh and the spirit and determine to put on the new man, made in HIS image — the one GOD created us to be like HIS BELOVED SON. "Be renewed in the spirit of your mind…put on the new man which was created according to GOD, in true righteousness and holiness." [Ephesians 4. 23 - 24] 

It is the LORD WHO will bring about another great victory, for it is "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to HIS mercy." [Titus 3. 5] As we mature in the LORD and make every effort to attain true victory we continue to "press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of GOD in CHRIST JESUS." [Philippians 13. 14] 

"YOURS, O LORD, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty — yes, all that is in heaven and on earth is YOURS; YOURS is the Kingdom, O LORD, and YOU are exalted as head above all." [1 Chronicles (Dibre Hayamin Alef) 29. 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
We give thanks and praise to the LORD GOD our GUARDIAN & REDEEMER. May the love of your HOLY NAME and YOUR Law be rooted deep in our soul and quicken every heart to draw nearer to YOU. May our knowledge of YOU rise like the morning dawn as our longings and aspirations reach out toward a higher goal. May our faith be unshaken and our heart undismayed as we labor and wait for the fulfillment of YOUR prophets of old. And, may YOUR Law be established in the hearts of men and that YOUR children unite in peace and love to serve YOU, our ALMIGHTY AWESOME GOD. Amen! 
Day 47 of the Omer 

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


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com 


A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Life is not a sprint, it is a marathon. Run to win! 

DO GOOD 
"Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of GOD, but he who does evil has not seen GOD." [3 John 11] 

Today’s societies morals and ethics have become so confused that actions once considered wrong are now considered quite normal. In fact, many perversions are now protected by the law (abortion, drugs, homosexual partnerships or marriages, and other sexual distorted deviances, etc.). This modern mind-set completely disregards the BELOVED MASTER CREATOR and fulfils HOLY SCRIPTURE WARNING, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil; who present darkness for light, and light as darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 5. 20 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the innocent — both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD." [Proverb (Michle) 17. 15 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Those who try to call people back to righteousness are ridiculed as officious (interfering) pompous do—gooder relics who are unreservedly old fashioned and out of touch. Even calling sensible, wise, and GODly thinking as being a "Hate Crime." 

It should be remembered, however that ALMIGHTY GOD HIMSELF was the first to do good. "HE did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness...HE makes HIS sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." [Acts 14. 17 & Matthew 5. 45] 

The TRUE & LOVING LORD GOD not only created, but HE upholds the world HE created, HE continued to do good deeds when HE became MAN. As YESHUA of Nazareth, "HE went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for GOD was with HIM." [Acts 10. 38] "The SPIRIT OF THE LORD is upon ME, because HE has anointed ME to preach the Gospel to the poor; HE has sent ME to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD." [Luke 4. 18 – 19] And, "JESUS went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people." [Matthew 4. 23] 

All those who are true followers of Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH and know HIM as their SAVIOR, LORD, and KING will be like HIM in their daily lives.. We too must do good. Human standards continually change, but JESUS — Never! HE "is the same yesterday, today, and forever." [Hebrews 13. 8] Likewise our righteous standards are not to change or conform to the world’s. 

To do good is the emblem or character of one who is truly born-anew, for "whoever does good is of GOD" — and whoever engages in evil "has not seen GOD." This same truth is replete throughout the WRITTEN WORD: "Let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to GOD, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to HIS NAME. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices GOD is well pleased." [Hebrews 13. 15 - 16] 

The LORD JESUS even commanded us to do good to our enemies, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you." [Luke 21. 27 - 28] "By this we know love, because HE laid down HIS life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." [1 John 3. 16, 18] 

Do not permit the erratic worldly views and ideas to persuade you, keep your integrity, "hold fast what is good." [1 Thessalonians 5. 21] "To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." [James 4. 17] Each of us is given ample opportunities to do good that we will be known by our sweet, refreshing fruit of the Spirit and bring glory to our HEAVENLY FATHER WHO is deserving of all praise! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
LORD our GOD, great, eternal, wonderful in glory, WHO keeps covenant and promises for those that love YOU with their whole heart, WHO is the LIFE of all, the HELP of those that flee to YOU, the HOPE of those who cry to YOU, cleanse us from our sins, secret and open, and from every thought displeasing to YOUR goodness — cleanse our bodies and souls, our hearts and consciences, that with a pure heart, and a clear soul, with perfect love and calm hope, we may venture confidently and fearlessly to pray to YOU. And, we thank YOU in the MAGNIFICENT NAME of Y’SHUA we pray, Amen! 
Day 44 of the Omer 

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com 



A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
A real CHRISTian is...preposterously happy, completely fearless, and constantly in trouble. 

VICTORY IN MESSIAH 
"Put on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." [Romans 13. 14] 

To accomplish his goals, the self-made person may pull himself up by the shoe laces while the world looks on him with encouragement. However, the man of GOD clings to MESSIAH to accomplish GOD’S purposes as the LIFE-GIVING WORD works in him through sanctification. This type of double thinking exceeds beyond all dichotomies in significance. Man either makes his own itinerary and produces worldly things that do not satisfy, or abides in MESSIAH Y’SHUA and brings forth much fruit. "I am the VINE, you are the branches. Whoever abides in ME, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without ME you can do nothing." [John 15. 5] 

HOLY SCRIPTURE teaches that GOD’S will for believers is sanctification (dedication, set apart for). "For this is the will of GOD, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust." [1 Thessalonians 4. 3 - 5] We also know that our flesh wars against the SPIRIT: "For the flesh lusts against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another." [Galatians 5. 17] Our flesh has a bent or tendency to be proud and independent. The spirit waits for humility and self-denial before graciously leading the surrendered heart back to allowing MESSIAH to rule. 

As a follower of MESSIAH Y’SHUA, we remember that GOD "gives us the victory through our LORD JESUS CHRIST." [1 Corinthians 15. 57] While the world speaks of many types of victories, we ultimately discover that they are shallow experiences, empty and unfulfilling when the glory is faded from other’s praise. "For whatever is born of GOD overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith." [1 John 5. 4] 

It is only with the LOVING MASTER that we have true victory! We "who worship GOD in the SPIRIT, rejoice in MESSIAH Y’SHUA, and have no confidence in the flesh." [Philippians 3. 3 - 4] Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, though he had everything a man could want by the world’s standards, eventually discovered that it was all vanity without GOD. At the conclusion, he admittedly proclaimed that the whole duty of man is to "Fear GOD and keep HIS commandments, this applies to all mankind." [Ecclesiasts (Kohelet) 12. 13 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

We must stay zealously aware of the intense battle between the flesh and the spirit and determine to put on the new man, made in HIS image — the one GOD created us to be like HIS BELOVED SON. "Be renewed in the spirit of your mind…put on the new man which was created according to GOD, in true righteousness and holiness." [Ephesians 4. 23 - 24] 

It is the LORD WHO will bring about another great victory, for it is "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to HIS mercy." [Titus 3. 5] As we mature in the LORD and make every effort to attain true victory we continue to "press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of GOD in CHRIST JESUS." [Philippians 13. 14] 

"YOURS, O LORD, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty — yes, all that is in heaven and on earth is YOURS; YOURS is the Kingdom, O LORD, and YOU are exalted as head above all." [1 Chronicles (Dibre Hayamin Alef) 29. 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
We give thanks and praise to the LORD GOD our GUARDIAN & REDEEMER. May the love of your HOLY NAME and YOUR Law be rooted deep in our soul and quicken every heart to draw nearer to YOU. May our knowledge of YOU rise like the morning dawn as our longings and aspirations reach out toward a higher goal. May our faith be unshaken and our heart undismayed as we labor and wait for the fulfillment of YOUR prophets of old. And, may YOUR Law be established in the hearts of men and that YOUR children unite in peace and love to serve YOU, our ALMIGHTY AWESOME GOD. Amen! 
Day 47 of the Omer 

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
It is good to be a CHRISTian and know it, but it is better to be CHRIST-like and show it! 

ENDURING FOREVER        
"YEHOWAH abides (Hebrew: yashab — endure, continues, remains) forever; HE has prepared HIS Throne for judgment; it is HE WHO judges the world in righteousness, and rules the peoples in equity (uprightness, justice)." [Psalms (Tehillym) 9. 8 – 9 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

This world will eventually pass away. "YOU, LORD, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of YOUR hands. They will perish, but You remain; and they will all grow old like a garment; like a cloak YOU will fold them up, and they will be changed. But YOU are the same, and YOUR years will not fail." [Hebrews 1. 10 - 12] 

But GOD, the EVERLASTING LIGHT is eternal and shall endure forever and HIS glory will remain. "May the glory of the LORD endure forever." [Psalms (Tehillym) 104. 31 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "YOURS is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen" [Matthew 6. 13] 

The great and marvelous name of YEHOWAH will never change. "HIS NAME shall endure forever; HIS NAME shall continue as long as the sun." [Psalms/Tehillym 72. 17]  Before the sun was, HIS NAME YINNON (the SUN).  And, HIS righteousness never changes. [Psalms/Tehillym 112. 3]  There are blessings in abundance for those who fear GOD. 

Psalms 136 declares in each verse the enduring mercies of YEHOWAH.  GOD'S perfect righteousness will last forever, thus they are ever enduring.  How can we help but continually thank and extol HIM throughout eternity. 

"Forever, O LORD, YOUR WORD is settled in heaven. YOUR faithfulness endures to all generations." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 89 – 90a Tanakh, Kethuvim]  May our eyes be opened by YOUR HOLY SPIRIT to see the wondrous things that are recorded for us in YOUR Law.  For it is by the WORD we are saved enduring to the end. [Matthew 24. 13 - 14] "But the WORD OF THE LORD endures forever...Now this is the WORD which by the GOSPEL was preached to you." [1 Peter 1. 25]  "Heaven and earth will pass away, but MY words will by no means pass away." [Matthew 24. 35] 

Because the HOLY ONE, the AUTHOR & FINISHER of our faith lives forever, so shall we.  "HIS seed shall endure forever." [Psalms/Tehillym 89. 37]  "Raise your eyes to the heavens, and look on the earth beneath. Though the heavens should melt away like smoke, and the earth will wear out like a garment, and its inhabitants die out like gnats; MY salvation will be forever, and MY righteousness will not be abolished." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 51. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im]  "The world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of GOD abides forever." [1 John 2. 17] 

O LORD, be my FORTRESS and my REFUGE, feed me with YOUR knowledge and understanding that I may endure with perseverance and receive YOUR blessing. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
 GOD'S Mercy Remembered: "I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD has bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the House of Israel, which HE has bestowed on them according to HIS mercies, according to the multitude of HIS lovingkindnesses. since the beginning of the world men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen any GOD besides YOU, who acts for the one who waits for HIM.  YOU meet him who rejoices and does righteousness, who remembers YOU in YOUR ways."  [Isaiah/Yeshayah 63.7; 64:4-5]
 We wish to take this opportunity to prayerfully ask a blessing on each of you — may you have firsthand knowledge of our LOVING SAVIOR and a personal relationship with HIM.  
Day 46 of the Omer 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
A man’s service for the LORD GOD is sincere when he wants no publicity for it. 

KNOWN OF GOD      
"O LORD, YOU have examined me and know me." [Psalms (Tehillym) 139. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

The most awesome (frightening, majestic, impressive, imposing, inspiring, convicting) attribute of the ETERNAL ONE is that HE knows everything about us.  The OMNISCIENT CREATOR has searched (penetrated) us and knows (understands) us.  Since ALMIGHTY GOD is both omnipotent (all-powerful) and omniscient (all-knowing), it follows that nothing escapes HIS conscious knowledge about us.  HE observes our ordinary activities and knows our innermost thoughts.  "When I sit down or stand up YOU know it; YOU discern my thoughts from afar." [Psalms (Tehillym) 139. 2 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  "YOU observe my walking and reclining, and are familiar with all my ways." [Psalms (Tehillym) 139. 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

The Hebrew word "yada" is translated familiar and suggests that the HIGH & LOFTY LORD actually sees the formation of the words on our tongue before we begin to speak them.  "There is not a word on my tongue but that YOU, O LORD, know it well." [Psalms (Tehillym) 139. 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  That means we are transparent to HIM; we cannot deceive the MOST HIGH GOD in any way.  The ALMIGHTY ONE knows what I am going to think; I cannot hide anything from HIM.  The BELOVED CREATOR knows more then we know about ourselves, and those things we won't even admit to ourselves. 

Furthermore, the SUPREME LORD GOD OF JACOB is everywhere around each one of us wherever we are or could be. "Where can I escape from YOUR SPIRIT? Where can I flee from YOUR PRESENCE? If I ascend to heaven, YOU are there; if I descend to Sheol, YOU are there too. If I take wing with the dawn to come to rest on the western horizon, even there YOUR hand will be guiding me, YOUR right hand will be holding me fast." [Psalms (Tehillym) 139. 7 - 10 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  There is no escape from the PRESENCE of the ALMIGHTY; HE is wherever we go. 

The Apostle Paul once perceived, "For in HIM we live, and move, and have our being." [Acts 17. 28]   This very intimate and complete knowledge about us is what makes salvation of the LOVING LORD OF HOSTS, the GREAT GOD OF ISRAEL such a marvelous matter, "for when we were still without strength, in due time the LORD JESUS died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare die. But GOD demonstrates HIS OWN love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, MESSIAH died for us." [Romans 5. 6 - 8] 
 
How great the KING OF THE UNIVERSE must have loved us to create us in HIS IMAGE; yet even greater love did the LORD GOD OF JACOB show us in making us conscious that we are created in the DIVINE IMAGE. . . then, by HIMSELF, dying to redeem what HE so loved!  Such wonderful, extravagant, amazing love!

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
May your ever-growing faith in the LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH grant you the privilege to witness and experience the marvelous miracle of being delivered from the yoke of slavery to sin and all snares that entangle you to rob you of your integrity as a child of the KING. For the LORD your GOD will save those found worthy from the hands of the wicked and rescue you from the clutches of the violent as you stay rooted and grounded in HIM.
Day 40 of the Omer 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Make peace with the past so it doesn’t mess up your present. 

WORKS MADE MANIFEST      
"Each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is." [1 Corinthians 3. 13] 

This SCRIPTURE is the key verse that gives the principle by which the SOVEREIGN OF THE UNIVERSE will evaluate our works in that Great Day when all will be assembled before "the Judgment Seat of CHRIST." [Romans 14. 10; 2 Corinthians 5. 10]  This is the time when the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE will separate the good from the bad — the sheep from the goats — the righteous will be invited into the Kingdom, and the unrighteous will be thrown into the Eternal Fire. [Matthew 25. 31 - 46]   "For the SON OF MAN will come in the glory of HIS FATHER with HIS angels, and then HE will reward each according to his works." [Matthew 16. 27]  When the purifying fire tries our works, "if anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." [1 Corinthians 3. 14 - 15] 

Take careful notice of the basis which the  LORD GOD uses to determine the rewards or the loss of rewards…it is not the amount of work done — the number of witnessing contacts or souls won to the BELOVED MASTER, not the number of peoples taught, nor the amount of money given.  Neither are rewards based on the type of work done; mental or physical labor is no less eligible for heavenly rewards than is the ministry of the GOSPEL. 

The criterion of the eternal value of a believer’s work on earth is what sort it is!  Specifically, what is the motivation of the work, the sincerity, the dedication, the obedience?  In other words, the quality, rather then the quantity of results or type of occupation.  It is not the nature of the work or its size, but the sort (quality) that is being judged.  Y’SHUA knows that "he who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much" [Luke 16. 10; Matthew 25. 21], so HE will "give to every one according to his work." [Revelation 22. 12] 

Therefore, "whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the LORD and not to men, knowing that from the LORD you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the LORD CHRIST." [Colossians 3. 23 - 24]  "And behold, I am coming quickly, and MY reward is with ME, to give to every one according to his work." [Revelation 22. 12]   "Yes! — says the SPIRIT — that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them." [Revelation 14. 13]  In all that you do, may your rewards go before you and the LORD your GOD will graciously bless you.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
O FATHER in Heaven, YOU are our GUIDE even unto death. Grant us, I pray grace to follow YOU wherever YOU go.  In little daily duties to which YOU call us, bow down our wills to simple obedience, patience under pain or frustration, strict truthfulness of word and manner, humility, kindness; in great acts of duty or perfection, if YOU should call us to them, uplift us to self-sacrifice, heroic courage, laying down our life for the sake of YOUR Truth for our family, our children, our friends, or for our brother. Amen. 
Day 38 of the Omer 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com  



A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Man's way leads to a hopeless end . . . GOD'S way leads to an Endless Hope. 

RAM'S SKINS DYED RED      
"Make for the tent a covering of Tanned Ram Skins dyed red." [Exodus (Shemot) 26. 14 Tanakh, Torah] 

This is the third covering for the Tabernacle.  The Rams' Skins Dyed Red was to cover the Ohel (the Wilderness Tent), the black goats' hair canvas.  The blood of the LORD JESUS CHRIST (red) covers and blots out the blackness of sin (the goat). 

The ram is the animal representing substitution and provision in HOLY SCRIPTURE.  "YEHOWAH YIREH — The LORD will see and provide" is the name OMNIPOTENT GOD first used in the instance when there was a substitute of a ram for Isaac. [Genesis/Bereshith 22. 13 – 14]  Isaac would live because a ram would die in his place. 

The ram is also the animal used for the consecration of the priesthood.  When Aaron and his sons were set apart for their office, a ram was slain for them and its blood applied. [Leviticus/Vayikra 8. 22- 24]  This skin is a symbol indicating the LORD Y’SHUA  ha'MASHIACH and HIS consecration to the work of the ministry.   CHRIST JESUS, the PERFECT SACRIFICE humbled HIMSELF and became obedient to the FATHER, even to the death on the Cross.  Y’SHUA, the WORD MADE FLESH said, "I delight to do YOUR will, O GOD; not MY will, but YOURS" [Isaiah/Yeshayah 50. 5 - 7; Luke 22. 39 - 46] . . .this was HIS consecration.  Y’SHUA, the HOPE OF ISRAEL, was a SUBSTITUTE for many, for who-so-ever will come and receive of HIS life.   MESSIAH Y’SHUA is the RAM of Consecration, Provision & Substitution. 

The skin of the ram was beautiful, but it could not be seen on the outside or the inside of the building.  It was hidden by the other coverings, and there were no dimensions given for this skin.  Only the HEAVENLY FATHER saw the complete consecration and obedience of MESSIAH Y’SHUA to the DIVINE will.   We cannot fathom the depths of love in the consecration and death of the LORD Y’SHUA; neither can we limit the blood. [Psalm/Tehillym 40. 6 - 9; Hebrews 10. 4 - 9] 

The MAN OF SORROWS was THE LAMB. . . meek, lowly and submissive to the FATHER'S will.  At the same time, Y’SHUA was a RAM; vigorous, strong, and determined to do the FATHER'S will. [John 4. 34; 6. 38; 8. 29; 18. 5, 6, 11; Luke 9. 51]  Those who believe in LORD JESUS CHRIST are the "sheep of HIS pasture" and should be as the RAM in their consecration to follow HIM WHO is the HOLY ONE, the MESSIAH, the HIGH & EXALTED REDEEMER. [Romans 8. 35; 12. 1; 1 Corinthians 6. 19 - 20; 9. 26 - 27; Acts 20. 24; Philippians 3. 8; Hebrews 12. 1]  Our heart's cry should also be, "I delight to do YOUR will, O GOD;  YOUR will,  not mine" — and continually delight in the Law and the HOLY WRITTEN WORD OF GOD. 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our GOD, the LORD is ONE. Praised be HIS NAME WHOSE glorious Kingdom is forever and ever. Eternal truth it is that HE alone is GOD, and there is none else. YOUR love has watched over us in the night of oppression; YOUR mercy has sustained us in the hour of trial. May YOUR Law rule the life of all YOUR children and YOUR truth unite our hearts in fellowship. Praise to YOU, O LORD, our BLESSED REDEEMER.
Day 39 of the Omer 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
May we live as willingly for Y’SHUA as HE joyously laid down HIS life for us!  Oh the love of JESUS — truly there is light & joy, gladness & honour for the people of GOD, our GOD reigns victoriously! Praise HIS Dear Name forever. As one season ends and turns to another comes the dawn of the new day for our LORD is alive and reigning forevermore!  HalleluYAH to the KING of Glory!
Day 37 of the Omer 

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


Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
There is no distance between people of like precious faith. 

GLORY IN TRIBULATION      
"We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." [Romans 5. 3 - 4] 

The ability to endure suffering and loss with joy is one the most powerful proofs of the saving power of the CHRISTian faith.  Paul, the apostle endured such afflictions, but still could "glory" in the many tribulations.  Paul could actually "rejoice in hope of the glory of GOD" [Romans 5. 2] and "rejoice in GOD through our LORD JESUS CHRIST." [Romans 5. 11] 

The remarkable ability to rejoice in tribulation characterized not only great CHRIST-like leaders like Paul, but ordinary believers in every walk of life.  When the early followers of MESSIAH Y’SHUA lost all their possessions in the great wave of persecutions they were encountering, the testimony was that you "joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of GOD, you may receive the promise." [Hebrews 10. 34 - 36] 

These early believers, like countless others throughout the years, "received the WORD in much affliction, with joy of the HOLY SPIRIT, so that you became examples" to all who believe. [1 Thessalonians 1. 6b – 7a]  The suffering and death of the MAN OF SORROWS provided redemption for all who trust in HIM.  The saints are able to endure tribulations with joy since we know to "rejoice to the extent that you partake of CHRIST'S sufferings, that when HIS glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." [1 Peter 4. 13] 

The LORD Y’SHUA, the MASTER OF MERCY, is the believer's EXAMPLE and HOPE in times of suffering.  The LORD JESUS CHRIST is our "LIVING HOPE" and "INCORRUPTIBLE & UNDEFILED INHERITANCE." [1 Peter 4. 13]  And "for the joy that was set before HIM endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the Throne of GOD." [Hebrews 12. 2] 
 
Thus, we can be "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing" [2 Corinthians 6. 10], knowing the joy of the LORD is our STRENGTH, and HE has promised that "your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you." [John 16. 22-b]   When Y’SHUA, the LORD of all ages returns, those who know HIM will be glorified. 

 
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
If you plant honesty, you will reap trust. If you plant goodness, you will reap friends. If you plant humility, you will reap greatness. If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective. If you plant hard work, you will reap success. If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation. If you plant faith in MESSIAH Y’SHUA, you will reap a harvest. So, be careful what you plant now…it will determine what you will reap later. Two thousand years ago the Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Galatia the same story but with fewer words, "What you sow, so shall you reap." [Galatians 6. 7] "We are grass that will wither and die but the incorruptible seed of GOD'S WORD will live forever” [1 Peter 1.23 – 25] —proclaim it daily into the life of your family! 
Day 36 of the Omer 
 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The LORD Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH is not valued at all unless HE is valued above all. 

SING TO THE LORD      
"Sing to the LORD a new song, HIS praise from the ends of the earth." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 42. 10a Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

HOLY SCRIPTURE richly abounds with singing praises to the MAGNIFICENT CREATOR, the first mention of a new song is probably when the angels sang at the time the ALL-WISE MASTER laid the corner stone of the earth, "When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of GOD shouted for joy!" [Job (Iyob) 38. 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

The Psalms extol the WORD OF THE LORD GOD and HIS handiwork, "Sing to HIM a new song...For the WORD OF THE LORD is right; HIS work is done in truth. HE loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD. By the WORD OF THE LORD the heavens were made, by the breath of HIS mouth, all their host." [Psalms (Tehillym) 33. 3 - 6 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  The work of HIS hands were reasons for a new song to be sung, "Sing to the LORD a new song, for HE has done marvelous things; HIS right hand and HIS holy arm have won HIM victory." [Psalms (Tehillym) 98. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

A new song is placed prophetically on the lips of David, regarding salvation Y’SHUA, the ANOINTED ONE bought for us on the Cross of Calvary and HIS sufferings were finished when HE had paid the price for our redemption from all our sins. "HE lifted ME out of a miry pit...HE put a new song into my mouth — even praise to our GOD." [Psalms (Tehillym) 40. 2 - 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  

There is new song mentioning the spreading of the GOOD NEWS: "Sing to the LORD a new song! Sing to the LORD all the earth. Sing to the LORD, bless HIS NAME. Proclaim the GOOD NEWS of HIS salvation from day to day. Declare HIS glory among the nations, HIS wonders among all peoples." [Psalms (Tehillym) 96. 1 – 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  Another text focuses on the RISEN ONE’S soon-coming as KING over the whole earth: "O ELOHIYM, I will sing YOU a new song, sing a hymn to YOU WHO gives victory to kings." [Psalms (Tehillym) 144. 9 – 10a Tanakh, Kethuvim]  

Finally, there are two new songs that all the redeemed of the LORD will sing, "They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth." [Revelation 14. 3] We will all sing, "YOU are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for YOU were slain, and have redeemed us to GOD by YOUR blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us a kingdom of priests to our GOD and we shall reign on the earth." [Revelation 5. 9 - 10] 

Sing and give praises to the LORD GOD MOST HIGH for HIS wondrous deeds, give HIM glory! 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
As we bid farewell to Shabbos, our prayer is that GOD, WHO'S PRESENCE dwells within us, bless you abundantly. Help us, O our GOD, to banish from our hearts all pride and vain-glory, all confidence in worldly possessions, all self-sufficient leaning upon our own reason.  Fill us with the spirit of meekness and the grace of modesty, that we may become wise in the fear of YOU. May we never forget that all we have and prize is but lent to us, a trust for which we must render account to YOU.   O HEAVENLY FATHER , put into our hearts the love and fear of YOU, that we my consecrate our lives to YOUR service and glorify YOUR NAME in the eyes of all men.  
May some of the sweetness of Sabbath be present throughout the week.  Shavua Tov — Good Week!
Day 35 of the Omer 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Smart is when you believe only half of what you hear. Brilliance is when you know which half to believe. Wise is when you believe ALMIGHTY GOD. 

COMPROMISING & TOLERANCE      
"Assuredly, this is the declaration of the SOVEREIGN, the LORD OF HOSTS, the MIGHTY ONE OF ISRAEL: — Ah, I will get satisfaction from MY foes; I will wreak vengeance on MY enemies! I will turn MY hand against you, and purge out your dross as with lye in a crucible, and take away all your alloy and slag." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 1. 24 - 25 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

I am certain that the MIGHTY OMNISCIENT RIGHTEOUS JUDGE of all ages has a special hell for fence-sitters. . . at least HE truly will judge them accordingly.  Compromising (fence-setting) may be a survival technique that people have developed so they do not offend those who's beliefs differ from their own. 

The LORD GOD is good, longsuffering, and HIS mercy endures forever to those who will bring the sacrifice of praise into the HOUSE OF THE LORD. [Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 33. 11]   Although ALMIGHTY GOD is compassionate and merciful, HE will not tolerate one who's mind-set is to sin, "As the LORD once delighted in making you prosperous and many, so the LORD will now delight in causing you to perish and in wiping you out; you shall be torn from the land that you are about to enter and possess." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 28. 64 Tanakh, Torah] 

The LORD GOD ETERNAL alone is the UNIQUE MEASURE and PERSONIFICATION OF ABSOLUTE TRUTH.  HE only is the CREATOR & SUSTAINER of everything in the heavens and the earth; and "in HIS hand, HE controls your life breath and all your ways." [Daniel (Danyel) 5. 23 - 24 Tanakh, Kethuvim; also see Job/Iyob 12. 10] 


Paul the apostle warned against compromising the SACRED SCRIPTURES or tolerating any new concepts or re-defining the WORD OF GOD.  "But there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the GOSPEL OF CHRIST. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed." [Galatians 1. 7 - 9]   "For if he who comes preaches another JESUS whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted — you may well put up with it!" [2 Corinthians 11. 4] 

When we tolerate what the ETERNAL LIVING GOD does not tolerate, what the HOLY BIBLE calls sin or iniquity — or compromise what the LORD SUPREME says is true for the sake of peace, we are falling short of the work we have been responsibly entrusted to do by the LORD YESHUA.  Paul teaches that we are to "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 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...I urge you in the sight of GOD WHO gives life to all things...keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our LORD JESUS CHRIST appears." [1 Timothy 6. 11 - 15] 


"If it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you are going to serve...But I and my household will serve the LORD, ELOHEY OF ISRAEL." [Joshua (Yehoshua) 24. 15 - 16 Tanakh, Nevi'im]   Who are you serving? 

 
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 Emor  – “Say” [Reading: Leviticus 21:1 - 24:23; Ezekiel 44:15-31; Matthew 26:59-66] 
We bless the GRACIOUS GOD of our salvation and our help. Everything that lives shall give thanks to HIM forever and shall praise HIS HOLY NAME in truth. HE is ALL-GOOD, and unto WHOM it is becoming to give thanks. So we thank YOU, GREAT & MIGHTY GOD for YOUR WRITTEN WORD, it is our exceedingly great joy and our life-giving crown. Keep us ever grateful and grant us YOUR perfect peace. 
Day 34 of the Omer 

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


Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

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

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

Lag b'Omer means "the 33rd day of the (counting of the) Omer."  The Omer (a unit of measure) was a barley offering, which was brought into the Temple on the day we start counting, the second day of Passover, to the day before Shavuoth, seven full weeks.  This period is known as the "Counting of the Omer."  {Lag b’Omer is May 3, 2018, 18 Iyyar 5778 on the Hebrew Calendar} 

Every night, from the second night of Passover to the night before Shavuot, we recite a mitzvah (blessing) and state the count of the Omer in both weeks and days.  The first is the week of Chesed (loving-kindness); the second, Gevurah (justice & discipline); the third, Tiferet (harmony – compassion); the fourth, Netzach (endurance); the fifth, Hod/Malchut (humility, [humility in nobility]); the sixth, Yesod (bonding); and the seventh week, Malchut (Sovereignty, leadership).

The counting is intended to remind us of the link between Passover — which commemorates the Exodus — and Shavuoth (Pentecost), which commemorates the giving of the TORAH.   It reminds us that the redemption from slavery was not complete until we received the TORAH (The Law).  And, hopefully, we learn from the holiday’s profound message that respect is needed to complete love.   The first 33 days of the Omer are observed as a period of mourning. We do not take haircuts, perform weddings, or listen to music.  Lag b'Omer is the 33rd Day of counting the Omer.  The word "lag" means "33" as it is comprised of the Hebrew letters lamud and gimmel corresponding to the numerical values of thirty and three. 


The Omer Period is a time of heightened spiritual sensitivity and growth. The closer Shavuot (Pentecost) draws, the greater our anticipation grows for the climactic celebration of the "GIVING OF THE TORAH" — the watershed (dividing, defining moment) event of Jewish history. 

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

After all his students died, Rabbi Akiva started over and began teaching other students.  One of his foremost students was Rabbi Shimon bar-Yochai, a great sage who lived and taught about half a century after the destruction of the Second Temple.  The ZOHAR (translation: The Shining Light, Glow, Luminescence) is a book so named because its teachings illuminate the darkness and confusion of this world and serve as a beacon of light by which to navigate the vicissitudes (adversity, difficulties, troubles) of life.  Rabbi Shimon himself is referred to by the Zohar as "Botzina Kadisha (Sacred Lamp)." 

Lighting bonfires or candles, symbolic of the light provided by the eternal fire of the TORAH, in memory of Rabbi Shimon bar-Yochai, who revealed the teachings of the ZOHAR to the world on Lag b'Omer. In Israel, there are picnics, feasting, dancing, singing, and bonfires are lit — an unusual memorial but one that the rabbi instructed his students to observe. 

Many people wait until their son is three before cutting his hair, and on the Lag b'Omer of his third year, they cut the boy's hair. There is also a custom that children play with bows (keshet in Hebrew — the same word as rainbow) on Lag b'Omer.  And of recent, it is a national day honoring Israeli Defense Force reserve soldiers, in appreciation for their motivation and willingness to share the load. 

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


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

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The Jewish sages teach us that Abraham’s tent was open in all four directions because he wanted to be prepared to lend assistance to anyone who happened to pass by.

ALL DAY LONG
"My tongue shall speak of YOUR righteousness beneficent acts and of YOUR praise all day long." [Psalms (Tehillym) 35. 28 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Each and every day in the CHRISTian life should be devoted and dedicated to praising our WONDERFUL LORD GOD of righteousness, grace, and love all the day long.

All of us have real problems and difficulties daily, but our blessings always outweigh them, so it is a matter of confident choice to praise and be thankful for our many riches in belonging to our Heavenly FATHER. There are many all-embracing, bold uncompromising and stimulating passages for praising the HOLY ONE: "In ELOHIYM we boast all day long, and at all times and praise YOUR NAME forever. Selah" [Psalms (Tehillym) 44. 8 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
"My lips shall be jubilant as I sing a hymn to YOU, with my whole being which YOU have redeemed. All the day long my tongue also shall recite YOUR generous acts of righteousness; how those who sought my ruin were frustrated and disgraced, brought to shame who seek my hurt." [Psalms (Tehillym) 71. 23- 24 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
"Be merciful to me, O ADONEY, for I cry to YOU all day long. Bring joy to YOUR servant’s life, for on YOU, LORD, I set my hope, my soul is lifted up to YOU." [Psalms (Tehillym) 86. 3- 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
"Do not envy sinners in your heart, but be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day; for surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will never fail or be cut off." [Proverbs (Mishle) 23. 17- 18 Tanakh, Kethuvim]


Actually, this phrase or expression "all day long" was the translator’s simple way of interpreting just two words, "all day" — in the earliest manuscript. The Hebrew word for "all" is kol; implies "the whole" and the word for "day" — yom, frequently implies from "sunset to sunset."

That's why, the inspired exhortation of David is appropriate — perhaps today especially. "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all HIS benefits. HE forgives all your iniquities, heals all your diseases. HE redeems your life from destruction in the Pit, surrounds you with steadfast love and tender mercies. HE satisfies you with good things in the prime of life so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." [Psalms (Tehillym) 103. 2- 5 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Our soul does bless the LORD all the day long because HE has promised to show HIS dearly loved children "the exceeding riches of HIS grace in HIS kindness toward us in MESSIAH Y’SHUA" throughout all eternity. [Ephesians 2. 7] Such abundant kindness and love GOD our SAVIOR continually shows to man. How can we help but bless HIS HOLY NAME!


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Exalted and hallowed be GOD'S greatness in this world of YOUR creation. May YOUR will be fulfilled and YOUR sovereignty revealed in the days of our lifetime and the life of the whole House of Israel, Amen. May YOU, MOST HOLY ONE, be blessed, praised & honoured, extolled & glorified, adored & exalted above all else throughout eternity. Blessed are YOU beyond all blessings & hymns, praises & consolations that may be uttered in this world, Amen.
Day 31 of the Omer

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
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 GOD and HIS people. 

POWER OF HIS PRESENCE       
"We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the LORD." [2 Corinthians 5. 8] 

This is a wonderful phrase of hope to those who have lost a loved one in death, if that soul has not spurned the magnificent love of GOD, whose life has produced a good CHRISTian testimony.  Those who remain can be confident "concerning those who have fallen asleep" we do not "sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that JESUS died and rose again, even so GOD will bring with HIM those who sleep in JESUS." [1 Thessalonians 4. 13 - 14]  "The presence of the LORD" and "the glory of HIS power" will be manifest "when HE comes, in that Day, to be glorified in HIS saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed." [2 Thessalonians 1. 9 - 10] 

Sadly however, there are many others who are  "without CHRIST...aliens and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without GOD in the world." [Ephesians 2. 12]  Although the LORD Y’SHUA has paid the full redemption price on the cross to have their sins forgiven and to give them eternal life, they refuse and despise HIS love and free gift of salvation.  MESSIAH was grieved when HE made this statement concerning them, "you are not willing to come to ME that you may have life." [John 5. 40] 

The time of judgment is near at hand when they will unfortunately learn that "anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire." [Revelation 20. 15]  However, all who know the joy of the presence of the BELOVED REDEEMER can know, as did Paul, that "to live is CHRIST, and to die is gain." [Philippians 1. 21]  Then also, King David professed about the LORD — "YOU will teach me the path of life. In YOUR presence is perfect joy; delights are ever in YOUR right hand." [Psalms (Tehillym) 16. 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim; also Acts 2. 28] 

We are confident also that MESSIAH Y’SHUA has risen from the dead "and has become the FIRSTFRUITS of those who have fallen asleep...even so in MESSIAH all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: CHRIST the FIRSTFRUITS, afterward those who are CHRIST’S at HIS coming." [1 Corinthians 15. 20, 22 - 23]  Throughout eternity we will be in the presence of HIS glory for HE will change our old body, whether in the grave or still living when HE comes HE, "will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to HIS glorious body, according to the working by which HE is able even to subdue all things to HIMSELF." [Philippians 3. 21] 

Though it is not fully revealed what we shall be, "we know that when HE is revealed, we shall be like HIM, for we shall see HIM as HE is and everyone who has this hope in HIM purifies himself, just as HE is pure." [1 John 3. 2]   The magnificent power of HIS glorious presence is an anticipated desire worth living and waiting for! 


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 Acharei Mot/Kedoshim – “After the Death/Holy” [Reading: Leviticus 16:1 -20:27; Amos 9:7-15; Matthew 15:10-20; Mark 12:28-34] 
— O FATHER in Heaven, in YOUR great love YOU appointed for us a day of rest, that in YOUR PRESENCE we may regain that freedom of the soul which comes through obedience to YOUR commandments. Quickened by YOUR SPIRIT, may we learn how to ennoble the things of earth by sanctifying them to YOUR service. We honor and praise the LORD Y’SHUA, the BLESSED ANOINTED ONE with our whole heart and all our being. 
 Have a terrific Sabbath with your family as you draw closer to the MASTER!
Day 27 of the Omer 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com