A number of years ago I subscribed to your email messages. My husband became gravely ill and I had to stop much mail from arriving to my computer because I could not keep up with it all.
In recent months I have read your articles each day and I have a question about your emphasis on Israel. It is wonderful to read and learn the Hebrew translations of words and phrases, for it brings to Life the true meaning of what has been handed down to us gentiles in the Scriptures. I truly appreciate those studies.
However, your meaning of “Israel” when you say we must all come back to Israel, is something I need clarified.
Thank you! And may God continue to bless you in your internet ministry.
Helen Wolf, read or skim, below the very long letter, I just wrote on Thailand, etc. and read the one I wrote you about your question and more on saying that I was saddened to hear of your husband’s grave illness.—– Then come back and read this # 3 for me today, Sunday. ( and one lost). If you will read the information that I wrote Sat. on Skip’s Sat. Sept. 19 ( LaVaye’s comment) ——————————–
And will follow the web site on http://www.joelrosenberg.com and go to “About Joel” then click “Spiritual Journey”, you will find a very interesting letter from a real Jew with roots all the way back to Russia–or more, then his family=great grandparents and grandparents make it to U.S. His father rebels against his religion, and leaves it. Marries a Gentile, yes, a Methodist but not active in church, then the two of them began a search for a true living God, eventually they find it, have had Joel and his brother. Dragged them to church, and Joel knows that church has changed his parents lives have been changed by the New Testament teachings and a relationship with Jesus. He goes along, becomes a true believer in Jesus. Returns to his family roots of Judaism, and an interest in Jewish teachings of OT, and in Israel.—Now he has written several books, last two are Biblical, first ones were Novels, based on his knowledge after living in Israel, etc. for a period of time.——-Anyway, in my Opinion, it appears to me, that Skip has been called for this period of time of his life, to bring to professing Christians today, that are often, but not all of them by any means, far removed from walking out the Biblical way of living, and get them to examine their lives in light of the Hebrew/ Greek DD he writes. Skip does not in any way push or force anything on anyone. He is one of the intelligentsia in his area of languages, and some that write regular comments are too. Or they certainly have more time to write each day, than the normal regular people that I know about. Perhaps their jobs lend itself to that, I do not know. The past year, and maybe the year before, Skip started writing so much on Genesis, after I got blessed with where the woman’s place was/is from the beginning, I wanted to move on. But he kept hammering away. A few times, I started to stop reading the DD, then I would come back and be blessed. I got out my Harper’s Bible Dictionary, my Hebrew Greek Study- Bible with
# 4 today, — Bible with Numerically coded to Strong’s Exxhaustive Concordance, and a few other books I have to help me, and started learning more than ever.
I do not really think anyone pays any attention to what I write, because # one, I can seldom get anything written on the day it first pops up, all the main group jump in and write that day. By the time I write after thinking and praying and studying on the subject and get it written, another DD is posted, and about the same ones jump in and write, and the way is set up the older ones are removed. It is the way system is set up, and it is Skip’s system, and that is okay. But I have decided if no one learns anything from it, but me. It is valuable. I speak what God has taught me, to others in daily living, and interactions. If I have helped you by any of the information on Joel Rosenberg, I will be thankful. He is a very good example of what I think Skip wants us to learn about Israel today, and our roots in Judaism ( O.T.). He has not tried to push any thing on anyone, and we are ALL at different levels on what he is teaching. I would back off quickly, if he tried to force celebrations, clothing, outer religious signs, etc. He has not. L.B. — I personally think five days of DD would be better, I wrote him that six or seven years ago, he stated, ” God showed him’—–“, so that is that. I do not think the pictures are needed, I have enjoyed many of them, but they are a distraction to me, for the entire format–keep it simple, is my opinion. —-This is enough and probably too much. God has given me a gift to communicate– I work on keeping it under control most of the time!
Hi LaVaye,
Actually, I read all the comments. I just don’t get to all of them one the same day. Also, no comments are ever removed. They are all there. Last count about 1400 of them. So, keep writing. This is a place to share what you learn and ask questions of all.
Thanks.
Oh, and I am sorry that the pictures distract. I started putting them on links for those who want to see them. They are a big part of my creative efforts, so I’ll keep posting them but feel free to disregard them.
LaVaye-Ed Billings
My cousin and her husband have just left Bangkok ( acutally Mia Chaing –about an hour north from B.). That has been their base for the S.Baptist, IMB International Mission Board, the past nine or ten years, going out over the entire SE Asia area in a loop. They have retired after their 35 years on the field, and are now in CA seeing her 94 and 93 year old parents. Then briefly to TX on route to Richmond,VA. Where they will help train new missionaries going out until Christmas break, then after five months will be retired from if officially.
We visited Bangkok in 1962 on our way over to live in an Islamic country with USEF, for one year. Our son was stationed during the last part of Viet Nam, in the very area that they have been living. He is an avionics engineer and along with two others; they own a AES service out of Tucson . They have done their “job” on the King of Thailand’s planes, first two or three were to update all the equipment in some of the King’s 17 sons airplanes. The last plane his Co. contracted with Boeing out of Seattle, to do their “part”, for a new plane similar to U.S. Air Force 1 plane ( of course there are more than one of Air Force 1 planes). This was to be the King of Thailands private plane. Our son, D. Scott says you can not imagine the luxury of any of these planes!! He usually flies to Seattle- Boeing, then later some of them go on to Bangkok for beginning business, and then at the end of the job–usually about a year or so later, he returns to Bangkok. In the meetings there, only the King’s Chief and asst. one, meet with them.
——- This last trip in Feb. 2009, he took time off and spent a few days visiting with my cousin, ( his second cousin, whom he knows-but did not know her husband). The Buddhist Monks marched by in front of their apt. building, for a few hours, when they were protesting. It seems like it was 7,000 monks.— This was the same area where he was in the Air Force in Nam Conflict -or end of it, about 1974 ?. He thought the entire domain was still under much “spiritual conflict”, and dangerous.-
——————-I am not one that watches movies/ DVD, TV. etc. !!! Now with that said, I will state if the children give us one, or have one at their home when we visit, a movie/DVD, video, that they think we should watch for different reasons, I will watch it. My theory on that is: we gave the four children, the best possible education formal and private that we could possible give them in all areas within our boundaries with God’s help. They all walk with the Lord in a serious relationship, and although we do not agree with them in all their doctrinal beliefs now, but God is still on His throne and He is not finished with them or us yet! So therefore; we should listen to what they have to say, pray about it, and EVALUATE IT. Also they certainly know about current cultural ways in the Hi-Tech areas where we are extremely limited. I have taught the older children especially about the love of good literature, and importance of reading ——SO I AM RECOMMENDING IF IT IS YOUR INTEREST, TO WATCH THE DVD, THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING– with Sean Connery and Michael Caine, BASED ON A RUDYARD KIPLING STORY —
It gives you the most magnificent picture scenery and overview of the life of the people in Pakistan, where we lived for one year ( without the odors, I might add). Before 1947 the entire areas was all India; the scenes are from Nepal, Burman– now Myanmar, Mts of Northern areas: Himalayas, Tibet, across the Northern borders of China – AWESOME– the story is Kipling’s great adventure stories, with humor, and sadness, and causes any true Christian to grieve over these dear people that God loves, too.
Be blessed, back to the baby quilt that I wrote about last night on Skip’s, TT Word, ” Now Things Have Changed” Sept. 18. I think that is right, one of last two days before Sun. the 20th.–L.B.
I read your comments and now I can say I also watch your movies 🙂
Thailand must have been fantastic in 1962, I was there in the early 80’s and it was still great then.
I think Thailand has the best food in the world and it used to be very cheap.
Probably too many cars and polution in Bangkok now.
My brother Brian Patrick has lived in Thailand for the last twenty years.
He was living in Phuket when the tidal wave hit a few years ago.
Have you ever seen those strange rock formations known as James Bond’s islands, which are off the coast of Phuket?
Speaking of THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING, I loved that movie and named my named my son Sean Cieran based on my fondness for the actor named Sean who played James Bond 007 🙂
Bless you.
Mike
LaVaye-Ed Billings
Helen Wolf, I am sorry your husband has been so ill, and will pray that he is recovering, and will be restored to good health. I certainly understand illness: I cared from my parents the last six and half years of their very long lives, dad lived to be 99 yrs. and 8 mo.— With my husband of 57 years, 80, and me 76, we are beginning to experience the end-of-life illnesses. I believe the Lord is showing me that more & more each day, I need HIS wisdom, His Heatlh, His strength and to experience His many Holy Names in their fullness. And to remember in Ecc. 3, the great chapter on “A Time and Place” that we will die, not to dwell on that, but what we can do that the Lord shows us to do, and dwell on thanks and praise, and joy and peace in Him.—— Okay, I am going to write as laywoman that has been studying Skips DD almost from the beginning, and say in my opinion and how I view your question on Skip’s interest on Israel. I am not one of the intelligentsia, so if I am wrong, Skip can correct me, it is his web site. ( I just lost a very log letter I had started, and lost it, so I am going to submit, and start another one. L.B.
Helen Wolf
Hello, LaVaye
Thank you for your numerous posts in regard to my question to Skip concerning Israel. To L.B., thank you for your sentiments concerning my husband’s illness. He went to be with the Lord on January 6, 2008. His suffering is over and he rejoices at the feet of his Redeemer/Savior, worshiping Him and singing praises to His glorious Name!!
I really only needed a brief reply from Skip to my inquiry, and that inquiry was this: Are you teaching that we believers and followers of Christ must come back to the “nation of Israel”? Is that a statement concerning the spiritual, or are you referring to the state of Israel as it has existed since 1947-48?
Ro 9:8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
Ga 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
Ga 3:29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Skip I believe and hope that you are saying that we Christians should be observing and obeying the spiritual laws first given to Israel…….and not that we should be embracing Judaism as it was and now is.
Hi Helen,
I responded to many of your concerns on another thread, and I didn’t want you to miss it. Please go to the thread of comments on “Return To Me.”
Helen Wolf
Dear Skip,
I attempted to find the messages to which you referred me, but it appears I would have to spend much time and energy to put it all together. So I’ll close with this:
Ga 3:19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator
Ga 3:16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
Ga 3:19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator
Thank you for your graciousness.
In Jesus’ Love,
Helen
LaVaye-Ed Billings
Helen, For some reason, I am committed to writing you, to try and help you find the answer you are looking for! Sounds crazy, me minding your business, but I know it may be some time before you find an answer, as stated above not enought TIME–
Well, Skip posted under, HIS DAILY DEVotional, entitled, ” Return to Me” Sunday Sept. 20. ( not the Picture of the Day)– and many others wrote comments about Skip’s DD, & then Skip writes three points to consider, on some of his beliefs, that may help you with answers you are looking for.
Nothing is simple, is it ? But really you can find the above fairly easy. — I have to work at all of this, and that is why I stated to you, that the ” Picture of the Day”, ( for people that are not familiar with blogs of all kinds–hi tech stuff–periodl–like me) it is a distraction . But he defended it above, I think it is above.– ” Part of his creativity”— Then Skip said in another place today, I think today, that he likes to stir it up or something to that effect. I do not like any unnecessary stirring, there is plenty without it. —– Keep smiling– thank God for a sense of humor for anyone, and especially the older you are allowed to be, and still have one, is a true gift from God! How I praise Him for allowing me to be amused at trivials– and to know the difference!
Helen I hope you find this post and read the three points Skip wrote. I was glad to see them too. L.B.
Thank you for your concern!! I did read that post by Skip………but my questions have not been answered. What do you/he do with the scriptures I quoted concerning the Seed of Abraham being our Lord Jesus Christ! And if we are IN HIM, then we too are Abraham’s seed?
Thanks again.
In Jesus’ Love,
Helen
LaVaye-Ed Billings
Helen, I just wrote two very long comments on “Return to Me” that were not really related to your questions. But that information in reply to a question another wote, tell you about where I am coming from in God’s Word. And I must get to the sewing room, trying to get a baby quilt done, I am not ignoring your questions, but Skip is the one to answer for himself.
It has been such a long process of teaching on Israel, Hebrew/Greek meanings of certain words in the scripture. I am not sure if he actually taught on those verses. ——
I think what I was trying to do, was just to encourage you to continue reading DD, and seek this for yourself. Knowing that after a death and lengthy illness of a spouse, the time period of recovering enough to even function much at all, can be long. I have taken some courses on counseling for that.—— Above I stated that this group appears to be diverse as they write, one said she had been in a Messanic group for 13 years, I have noticed that others appear to have been in much longer than that from what they write. I would not consider myself a Messanic Jew at all, but I was raised so many years ago in churches & later colleges, that took God’s council from Old & New testaments. It never occured that the two did not go together as one.
I had been taught later in life much on the Blood Covenant of O.T., and such. After the beginning years, and especially the last year or two, I realized that Skip was teaching some of the O.T. much more in depth , as I said, “Skip kept hammering away on certain teachings.” At times I was annoyed and wanted him to move on. I kept my mouth closed, as I really do not like to stir things up. But I grabbed my study books, and began to study. I have lived with my husband of 57 years, and with our children, their spouses ,( now 8 grand plus three spouse, & three little greats) among us, we have great diversity in some of God’s Word.— I think that I am not to leave him, or reject my children, but to love them, as the scripture teachs in all God’s Word, therefore I can take people’s teachings, listen, disagree, go on and be peaceful in God’s Spirit in me. Later, the Lord may or may not change my mind on some non-essential things.
Helen Wolf
Although your post is headed as by Ed Billings, you must be L.B., because I doubt that Ed would be going to the sewing room to work on a baby quilt. : )
Anyway, thank you so much for your kind reply! I do enjoy reading these posts, even though I disagree with some of what is written. For example: “It never occurred to me that the two did not go together as one.” where you are referring to the Old and New Testaments (covenants). If they do not “go together”, then why is so much of the Old quoted in the New?? And why is there much in the Old that refers (points to Jesus) to the New??
Perhaps I have misunderstood………I often do that! : )
You said you have been married to your husband for 57 years. John and I almost made it to our 63rd anniversary!!
He left in January and our anniversary would have been celebrated on April 21st……..that was 2008. I will always miss him (although God is healing me of experiencing the grief so often), and his deep love for the Lord and his interest in the Jewish roots of our Christianity. His study of the Hebrew language was a blessing to me, too.
Thank you again, L.B. May God’s blessings touch you in every area of your life as you live for Him.
In His Love,
Helen
LaVaye-Ed Billings
Helen, thanks for honest open information or questions. Actually the post is LaVaye-Ed Billings, I am, LaVaye,– the computer person, but you will understand this more than most people, I seldom write my name alone when it is for others to read. I want them to know as a woman that I am very much married, and my husband is very much a part of what ever we do. Again you will understand that today, so many children, young people, have never heard of people being married as long as you were, and I am. When I was still in the classroom, with children, young adults, I spoke regularly of however many years we had been married at that time. The comments I heard would break your heart about their own parents, much less grandparents, and greats.
Because of the length of my first name, especially, after computer came into our home, I often sign off as L.B.
Of course, the Old and New Testaments ( Covenants), go side by side, they are one. Jesus- our Lord and The Son of God himself, and Paul, the one who wrote more of the New Testament than any other single person– and others in the new convenant, refer constantly to the Mosaic Laws, and other references. To me, that is what Skip was doing in Daily Devotionals, teacing Hebrew and Greek words, to help people realize the importance of The Torah, and the mis-translation of words that Skip openly states were often done on purpose through out 1800 years or so of Bible translation. Most serious Bible Christians for any period of time, have learned some of that information. It appears though, that many do not know the relationship between the two. On the other side of the coin though, we do not want to leave our New Testamnet teachings, and return to Judaism! So balance and wisdom is needed. I have appreciated writing to you and hearing from you. — I live in Central TX, where do you live? L.B. ( for LaVaye Billings)
Helen Wolf
Dear L.B.
I replied to your post yesterday, but it isn’t here. Perhaps I failed to hit the “submit” button.
You asked me where I live. I live in southeast New Hampshire not too far from Portsmouth.
And that is all that I can recall of my post to you. Sorry.
Helen
LaVaye-Ed Billings
Helen, I doubt that you did not submit it. Computers have a Mind of their own. At times others help them be independent, too.
Actually yesterday, I did not get Skip’s DD, although others did. I did get it today, and it is excellent.
I understand about memory in older years, but I think it is wonderful after the grief of your husband’s grave illness, and 63 years of marriage, that you are now trying to even enter the “computer era”. I hope you will continue to do so. I learn so much each day ; and it is wonderful things. I had never written on any blog, before Skip’s –starting in Jan. 2009– because I did not want to write vain and empty things. This has been such a blessing for me and all that have participated, although as our culture has allowed people to be so diverese in opinions—I am speaking of even in the Judeo-Christian studies.
I have thought so many times how independent I am & have been, and yet in reality as an educated woman of this culture, I really have not been at all, as stated yesterday, my husband has always been “beside me”, even when he was traveling miles away in athletic and for athletics. I have never knowingly done things that he did not approve of me doing. At times, I may have been wrong in not doing more. But from the scriptures, that is what I thought I should do at the time. I had a desire to walk out what I saw in the Word of God.
New Hampshire, Wow, that is far east U.S., we have traveled extensively, and lived numerous places because of my husband’s work, but Indiana is as far east as we have lived. One of our granddaughters has recently moved to Long Island to work on her Master’s degree there. She has thoroughly enjoyed going into NYC, two hours from her house with five other young women. It is interesting to read her posts on those things she does there. This granddaughter at 22 has lived & studied in Oxford, Rome, and out into much of Italy, and graduated from U of TX, and now is in Long Island. What a lot to accomplish and or to see in only 22 years!
But we pray for her life regularly, that she will continue to walk in the Biblical roots she was raised in. I had to laugh when she wrote three weeks ago, that in her one of her classes, she was studying the Fall in the book of Genesis, and translating it from Old English into Modern English. This is a state University, not a Christian one. That is why it was so refreshing to hear. I asked her to record what her Professor said about the over all portion of the scripture. So far she has not replied.
Be thankful and rejoice for today is the day the Lord has given us.! I am getting ready to put the binding on the baby boy’s quilt today–hopefully– L.B.
Dear Skip,
A number of years ago I subscribed to your email messages. My husband became gravely ill and I had to stop much mail from arriving to my computer because I could not keep up with it all.
In recent months I have read your articles each day and I have a question about your emphasis on Israel. It is wonderful to read and learn the Hebrew translations of words and phrases, for it brings to Life the true meaning of what has been handed down to us gentiles in the Scriptures. I truly appreciate those studies.
However, your meaning of “Israel” when you say we must all come back to Israel, is something I need clarified.
Thank you! And may God continue to bless you in your internet ministry.
Helen
Helen Wolf, read or skim, below the very long letter, I just wrote on Thailand, etc. and read the one I wrote you about your question and more on saying that I was saddened to hear of your husband’s grave illness.—– Then come back and read this # 3 for me today, Sunday. ( and one lost). If you will read the information that I wrote Sat. on Skip’s Sat. Sept. 19 ( LaVaye’s comment) ——————————–
And will follow the web site on http://www.joelrosenberg.com and go to “About Joel” then click “Spiritual Journey”, you will find a very interesting letter from a real Jew with roots all the way back to Russia–or more, then his family=great grandparents and grandparents make it to U.S. His father rebels against his religion, and leaves it. Marries a Gentile, yes, a Methodist but not active in church, then the two of them began a search for a true living God, eventually they find it, have had Joel and his brother. Dragged them to church, and Joel knows that church has changed his parents lives have been changed by the New Testament teachings and a relationship with Jesus. He goes along, becomes a true believer in Jesus. Returns to his family roots of Judaism, and an interest in Jewish teachings of OT, and in Israel.—Now he has written several books, last two are Biblical, first ones were Novels, based on his knowledge after living in Israel, etc. for a period of time.——-Anyway, in my Opinion, it appears to me, that Skip has been called for this period of time of his life, to bring to professing Christians today, that are often, but not all of them by any means, far removed from walking out the Biblical way of living, and get them to examine their lives in light of the Hebrew/ Greek DD he writes. Skip does not in any way push or force anything on anyone. He is one of the intelligentsia in his area of languages, and some that write regular comments are too. Or they certainly have more time to write each day, than the normal regular people that I know about. Perhaps their jobs lend itself to that, I do not know. The past year, and maybe the year before, Skip started writing so much on Genesis, after I got blessed with where the woman’s place was/is from the beginning, I wanted to move on. But he kept hammering away. A few times, I started to stop reading the DD, then I would come back and be blessed. I got out my Harper’s Bible Dictionary, my Hebrew Greek Study- Bible with
# 4 today, — Bible with Numerically coded to Strong’s Exxhaustive Concordance, and a few other books I have to help me, and started learning more than ever.
I do not really think anyone pays any attention to what I write, because # one, I can seldom get anything written on the day it first pops up, all the main group jump in and write that day. By the time I write after thinking and praying and studying on the subject and get it written, another DD is posted, and about the same ones jump in and write, and the way is set up the older ones are removed. It is the way system is set up, and it is Skip’s system, and that is okay. But I have decided if no one learns anything from it, but me. It is valuable. I speak what God has taught me, to others in daily living, and interactions. If I have helped you by any of the information on Joel Rosenberg, I will be thankful. He is a very good example of what I think Skip wants us to learn about Israel today, and our roots in Judaism ( O.T.). He has not tried to push any thing on anyone, and we are ALL at different levels on what he is teaching. I would back off quickly, if he tried to force celebrations, clothing, outer religious signs, etc. He has not. L.B. — I personally think five days of DD would be better, I wrote him that six or seven years ago, he stated, ” God showed him’—–“, so that is that. I do not think the pictures are needed, I have enjoyed many of them, but they are a distraction to me, for the entire format–keep it simple, is my opinion. —-This is enough and probably too much. God has given me a gift to communicate– I work on keeping it under control most of the time!
Hi LaVaye,
Actually, I read all the comments. I just don’t get to all of them one the same day. Also, no comments are ever removed. They are all there. Last count about 1400 of them. So, keep writing. This is a place to share what you learn and ask questions of all.
Thanks.
Oh, and I am sorry that the pictures distract. I started putting them on links for those who want to see them. They are a big part of my creative efforts, so I’ll keep posting them but feel free to disregard them.
My cousin and her husband have just left Bangkok ( acutally Mia Chaing –about an hour north from B.). That has been their base for the S.Baptist, IMB International Mission Board, the past nine or ten years, going out over the entire SE Asia area in a loop. They have retired after their 35 years on the field, and are now in CA seeing her 94 and 93 year old parents. Then briefly to TX on route to Richmond,VA. Where they will help train new missionaries going out until Christmas break, then after five months will be retired from if officially.
We visited Bangkok in 1962 on our way over to live in an Islamic country with USEF, for one year. Our son was stationed during the last part of Viet Nam, in the very area that they have been living. He is an avionics engineer and along with two others; they own a AES service out of Tucson . They have done their “job” on the King of Thailand’s planes, first two or three were to update all the equipment in some of the King’s 17 sons airplanes. The last plane his Co. contracted with Boeing out of Seattle, to do their “part”, for a new plane similar to U.S. Air Force 1 plane ( of course there are more than one of Air Force 1 planes). This was to be the King of Thailands private plane. Our son, D. Scott says you can not imagine the luxury of any of these planes!! He usually flies to Seattle- Boeing, then later some of them go on to Bangkok for beginning business, and then at the end of the job–usually about a year or so later, he returns to Bangkok. In the meetings there, only the King’s Chief and asst. one, meet with them.
——- This last trip in Feb. 2009, he took time off and spent a few days visiting with my cousin, ( his second cousin, whom he knows-but did not know her husband). The Buddhist Monks marched by in front of their apt. building, for a few hours, when they were protesting. It seems like it was 7,000 monks.— This was the same area where he was in the Air Force in Nam Conflict -or end of it, about 1974 ?. He thought the entire domain was still under much “spiritual conflict”, and dangerous.-
——————-I am not one that watches movies/ DVD, TV. etc. !!! Now with that said, I will state if the children give us one, or have one at their home when we visit, a movie/DVD, video, that they think we should watch for different reasons, I will watch it. My theory on that is: we gave the four children, the best possible education formal and private that we could possible give them in all areas within our boundaries with God’s help. They all walk with the Lord in a serious relationship, and although we do not agree with them in all their doctrinal beliefs now, but God is still on His throne and He is not finished with them or us yet! So therefore; we should listen to what they have to say, pray about it, and EVALUATE IT. Also they certainly know about current cultural ways in the Hi-Tech areas where we are extremely limited. I have taught the older children especially about the love of good literature, and importance of reading ——SO I AM RECOMMENDING IF IT IS YOUR INTEREST, TO WATCH THE DVD, THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING– with Sean Connery and Michael Caine, BASED ON A RUDYARD KIPLING STORY —
It gives you the most magnificent picture scenery and overview of the life of the people in Pakistan, where we lived for one year ( without the odors, I might add). Before 1947 the entire areas was all India; the scenes are from Nepal, Burman– now Myanmar, Mts of Northern areas: Himalayas, Tibet, across the Northern borders of China – AWESOME– the story is Kipling’s great adventure stories, with humor, and sadness, and causes any true Christian to grieve over these dear people that God loves, too.
Be blessed, back to the baby quilt that I wrote about last night on Skip’s, TT Word, ” Now Things Have Changed” Sept. 18. I think that is right, one of last two days before Sun. the 20th.–L.B.
Hi LaVaye,
I read your comments and now I can say I also watch your movies 🙂
Thailand must have been fantastic in 1962, I was there in the early 80’s and it was still great then.
I think Thailand has the best food in the world and it used to be very cheap.
Probably too many cars and polution in Bangkok now.
My brother Brian Patrick has lived in Thailand for the last twenty years.
He was living in Phuket when the tidal wave hit a few years ago.
Have you ever seen those strange rock formations known as James Bond’s islands, which are off the coast of Phuket?
Speaking of THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING, I loved that movie and named my named my son Sean Cieran based on my fondness for the actor named Sean who played James Bond 007 🙂
Bless you.
Mike
Helen Wolf, I am sorry your husband has been so ill, and will pray that he is recovering, and will be restored to good health. I certainly understand illness: I cared from my parents the last six and half years of their very long lives, dad lived to be 99 yrs. and 8 mo.— With my husband of 57 years, 80, and me 76, we are beginning to experience the end-of-life illnesses. I believe the Lord is showing me that more & more each day, I need HIS wisdom, His Heatlh, His strength and to experience His many Holy Names in their fullness. And to remember in Ecc. 3, the great chapter on “A Time and Place” that we will die, not to dwell on that, but what we can do that the Lord shows us to do, and dwell on thanks and praise, and joy and peace in Him.—— Okay, I am going to write as laywoman that has been studying Skips DD almost from the beginning, and say in my opinion and how I view your question on Skip’s interest on Israel. I am not one of the intelligentsia, so if I am wrong, Skip can correct me, it is his web site. ( I just lost a very log letter I had started, and lost it, so I am going to submit, and start another one. L.B.
Hello, LaVaye
Thank you for your numerous posts in regard to my question to Skip concerning Israel. To L.B., thank you for your sentiments concerning my husband’s illness. He went to be with the Lord on January 6, 2008. His suffering is over and he rejoices at the feet of his Redeemer/Savior, worshiping Him and singing praises to His glorious Name!!
I really only needed a brief reply from Skip to my inquiry, and that inquiry was this: Are you teaching that we believers and followers of Christ must come back to the “nation of Israel”? Is that a statement concerning the spiritual, or are you referring to the state of Israel as it has existed since 1947-48?
Ro 9:8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
Ga 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
Ga 3:29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Skip I believe and hope that you are saying that we Christians should be observing and obeying the spiritual laws first given to Israel…….and not that we should be embracing Judaism as it was and now is.
Thank you,
In Christ and for His Glory,
Helen
Hi Helen,
I responded to many of your concerns on another thread, and I didn’t want you to miss it. Please go to the thread of comments on “Return To Me.”
Dear Skip,
I attempted to find the messages to which you referred me, but it appears I would have to spend much time and energy to put it all together. So I’ll close with this:
Ga 3:19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator
Ga 3:16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
Ga 3:19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator
Thank you for your graciousness.
In Jesus’ Love,
Helen
Helen, For some reason, I am committed to writing you, to try and help you find the answer you are looking for! Sounds crazy, me minding your business, but I know it may be some time before you find an answer, as stated above not enought TIME–
Well, Skip posted under, HIS DAILY DEVotional, entitled, ” Return to Me” Sunday Sept. 20. ( not the Picture of the Day)– and many others wrote comments about Skip’s DD, & then Skip writes three points to consider, on some of his beliefs, that may help you with answers you are looking for.
Nothing is simple, is it ? But really you can find the above fairly easy. — I have to work at all of this, and that is why I stated to you, that the ” Picture of the Day”, ( for people that are not familiar with blogs of all kinds–hi tech stuff–periodl–like me) it is a distraction . But he defended it above, I think it is above.– ” Part of his creativity”— Then Skip said in another place today, I think today, that he likes to stir it up or something to that effect. I do not like any unnecessary stirring, there is plenty without it. —– Keep smiling– thank God for a sense of humor for anyone, and especially the older you are allowed to be, and still have one, is a true gift from God! How I praise Him for allowing me to be amused at trivials– and to know the difference!
Helen I hope you find this post and read the three points Skip wrote. I was glad to see them too. L.B.
Dear L.B.
Thank you for your concern!! I did read that post by Skip………but my questions have not been answered. What do you/he do with the scriptures I quoted concerning the Seed of Abraham being our Lord Jesus Christ! And if we are IN HIM, then we too are Abraham’s seed?
Thanks again.
In Jesus’ Love,
Helen
Helen, I just wrote two very long comments on “Return to Me” that were not really related to your questions. But that information in reply to a question another wote, tell you about where I am coming from in God’s Word. And I must get to the sewing room, trying to get a baby quilt done, I am not ignoring your questions, but Skip is the one to answer for himself.
It has been such a long process of teaching on Israel, Hebrew/Greek meanings of certain words in the scripture. I am not sure if he actually taught on those verses. ——
I think what I was trying to do, was just to encourage you to continue reading DD, and seek this for yourself. Knowing that after a death and lengthy illness of a spouse, the time period of recovering enough to even function much at all, can be long. I have taken some courses on counseling for that.—— Above I stated that this group appears to be diverse as they write, one said she had been in a Messanic group for 13 years, I have noticed that others appear to have been in much longer than that from what they write. I would not consider myself a Messanic Jew at all, but I was raised so many years ago in churches & later colleges, that took God’s council from Old & New testaments. It never occured that the two did not go together as one.
I had been taught later in life much on the Blood Covenant of O.T., and such. After the beginning years, and especially the last year or two, I realized that Skip was teaching some of the O.T. much more in depth , as I said, “Skip kept hammering away on certain teachings.” At times I was annoyed and wanted him to move on. I kept my mouth closed, as I really do not like to stir things up. But I grabbed my study books, and began to study. I have lived with my husband of 57 years, and with our children, their spouses ,( now 8 grand plus three spouse, & three little greats) among us, we have great diversity in some of God’s Word.— I think that I am not to leave him, or reject my children, but to love them, as the scripture teachs in all God’s Word, therefore I can take people’s teachings, listen, disagree, go on and be peaceful in God’s Spirit in me. Later, the Lord may or may not change my mind on some non-essential things.
Although your post is headed as by Ed Billings, you must be L.B., because I doubt that Ed would be going to the sewing room to work on a baby quilt. : )
Anyway, thank you so much for your kind reply! I do enjoy reading these posts, even though I disagree with some of what is written. For example: “It never occurred to me that the two did not go together as one.” where you are referring to the Old and New Testaments (covenants). If they do not “go together”, then why is so much of the Old quoted in the New?? And why is there much in the Old that refers (points to Jesus) to the New??
Perhaps I have misunderstood………I often do that! : )
You said you have been married to your husband for 57 years. John and I almost made it to our 63rd anniversary!!
He left in January and our anniversary would have been celebrated on April 21st……..that was 2008. I will always miss him (although God is healing me of experiencing the grief so often), and his deep love for the Lord and his interest in the Jewish roots of our Christianity. His study of the Hebrew language was a blessing to me, too.
Thank you again, L.B. May God’s blessings touch you in every area of your life as you live for Him.
In His Love,
Helen
Helen, thanks for honest open information or questions. Actually the post is LaVaye-Ed Billings, I am, LaVaye,– the computer person, but you will understand this more than most people, I seldom write my name alone when it is for others to read. I want them to know as a woman that I am very much married, and my husband is very much a part of what ever we do. Again you will understand that today, so many children, young people, have never heard of people being married as long as you were, and I am. When I was still in the classroom, with children, young adults, I spoke regularly of however many years we had been married at that time. The comments I heard would break your heart about their own parents, much less grandparents, and greats.
Because of the length of my first name, especially, after computer came into our home, I often sign off as L.B.
Of course, the Old and New Testaments ( Covenants), go side by side, they are one. Jesus- our Lord and The Son of God himself, and Paul, the one who wrote more of the New Testament than any other single person– and others in the new convenant, refer constantly to the Mosaic Laws, and other references. To me, that is what Skip was doing in Daily Devotionals, teacing Hebrew and Greek words, to help people realize the importance of The Torah, and the mis-translation of words that Skip openly states were often done on purpose through out 1800 years or so of Bible translation. Most serious Bible Christians for any period of time, have learned some of that information. It appears though, that many do not know the relationship between the two. On the other side of the coin though, we do not want to leave our New Testamnet teachings, and return to Judaism! So balance and wisdom is needed. I have appreciated writing to you and hearing from you. — I live in Central TX, where do you live? L.B. ( for LaVaye Billings)
Dear L.B.
I replied to your post yesterday, but it isn’t here. Perhaps I failed to hit the “submit” button.
You asked me where I live. I live in southeast New Hampshire not too far from Portsmouth.
And that is all that I can recall of my post to you. Sorry.
Helen
Helen, I doubt that you did not submit it. Computers have a Mind of their own. At times others help them be independent, too.
Actually yesterday, I did not get Skip’s DD, although others did. I did get it today, and it is excellent.
I understand about memory in older years, but I think it is wonderful after the grief of your husband’s grave illness, and 63 years of marriage, that you are now trying to even enter the “computer era”. I hope you will continue to do so. I learn so much each day ; and it is wonderful things. I had never written on any blog, before Skip’s –starting in Jan. 2009– because I did not want to write vain and empty things. This has been such a blessing for me and all that have participated, although as our culture has allowed people to be so diverese in opinions—I am speaking of even in the Judeo-Christian studies.
I have thought so many times how independent I am & have been, and yet in reality as an educated woman of this culture, I really have not been at all, as stated yesterday, my husband has always been “beside me”, even when he was traveling miles away in athletic and for athletics. I have never knowingly done things that he did not approve of me doing. At times, I may have been wrong in not doing more. But from the scriptures, that is what I thought I should do at the time. I had a desire to walk out what I saw in the Word of God.
New Hampshire, Wow, that is far east U.S., we have traveled extensively, and lived numerous places because of my husband’s work, but Indiana is as far east as we have lived. One of our granddaughters has recently moved to Long Island to work on her Master’s degree there. She has thoroughly enjoyed going into NYC, two hours from her house with five other young women. It is interesting to read her posts on those things she does there. This granddaughter at 22 has lived & studied in Oxford, Rome, and out into much of Italy, and graduated from U of TX, and now is in Long Island. What a lot to accomplish and or to see in only 22 years!
But we pray for her life regularly, that she will continue to walk in the Biblical roots she was raised in. I had to laugh when she wrote three weeks ago, that in her one of her classes, she was studying the Fall in the book of Genesis, and translating it from Old English into Modern English. This is a state University, not a Christian one. That is why it was so refreshing to hear. I asked her to record what her Professor said about the over all portion of the scripture. So far she has not replied.
Be thankful and rejoice for today is the day the Lord has given us.! I am getting ready to put the binding on the baby boy’s quilt today–hopefully– L.B.