FUND DRIVE FOR CONNIE CHESNEY

COLLECTING LOVE OFFERING FOR CONNIE CHESNEY

   We are doing a fund drive to assist Connie Chesney with expenses related to her medical treatment for cancer.  This has been a battle for many years and she continues to be a warrior against this devastating disease.

This is my beautiful sister, Connie.

In August of 2011, she had undergone a double surgery to remove the cancer and ended up in ICU.

Here is a recent picture of her.  She continues with chemotherapy.  Her strong will to live and conquer this disease is mind boggling!  Many are praying for her complete cure.

   Your challenge is to hold a bake sale, a garage sale, etc. and donate the proceeds.  Explain to your neighbors that you are raising funds for her and see if they will donate to you for mowing their yard, running errands, babysitting for a date night, etc.  Be creative and share with us how you are getting involved.  You could simply donate an hour's pay.  Then, tag 5 of your friends to get involved.  And pray for her while you are helping, that our God will cure her and restore her to perfect health.

   I think I will run a bake sale every week in October and donate the proceeds to Connie.  We have recipes of mini cheesecakes and triple chocolate overload Oreo cupcakes at http://omaslife.blogspot.com.  These are always winners!

   Won't you help her?  The funds donated to this site from now until the end of October, 2016 will be hand delivered to her.  The names and amount of the donations will be posted here. 

   Thank you to everyone who makes this happen. 

Your Sister in Christ,

Kit Allen

  

You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com, http://omaslife.blogspot.com, and http://omashealth.blogspot.com

September 29, 2016

Susan D.      $50.00

Deborah K.  $50.00

October 8, 2016

$100.00 cash was delivered to Connie Chesney.  Thank you two for your support.

October 18, 2016

Robert W. K.   $100.00

October 19, 2016

Susan D.   $100.00

$193.42 was delivered to Connie's daughter for deposit into Connie's account.  That was $200.00 donated via credit cards minus PalPay's fees.  Thank you to Robert and Susan for your gifts.

November 1, 2016

   This post has been seen 679 times.  Three people cared enough to donate.  May the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob bless you abundantly for helping His child as she fights for her life. This fund drive is now closed, but if you want your future gifts to go to help Connie, please leave a comment after you donate.  Thank you

THE CHURCH IN PHILADELPHIA REVELATION 3: 7 - 13 PART 2 of 3

THE CHURCH OF THE OPEN DOOR

REVELATION 3: 7 - 13

PART 2 of 3

   7) And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write;  These things saith He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

   8) I know thy works:  behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it:  for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My word, and hast not denied My Name.

   9) Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

   10) Because thou hast kept the word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

   11) Behold, I come quickly:  hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

   12)  Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go no more out:  and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from My God:  and I will write upon him my new name.

   13) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
(King James Version, public domain)

COMMENTARY

    We have  past the reformation period in church history, and embarked on the revival period.  Please note, that the "letters" may have been delivered to the churches, but churches are comprised of individuals.  Take each of these letters and examine your own heart.  Be bold in making changes to self as God shows you areas that could be improved; but also, rejoice in those areas that you have nailed it, ever praising Him for His mercy!

   The church of Philadelphia loved as brethren of Christ, as The Holy Spirit had given them.  They called sinners to repent and saints to awaken to their privileges in Christ.  They were aroused to a deeper sense of the value of His Word, and its all-sufficiency for their guidance.

   They separated themselves from evil in life and error in doctrine, thus He said, "These things saith He that is holy, He that is true."  Sound doctrine always generated Godly practice.

   "The key of David" is referenced back to Eliakim in Isaiah:  "And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open." (Isaiah 22: 22  KJV)  (see also, Isaiah 9: 6,7)   We have seen where Jesus now has the keys to hell and death, and here, He says He has the key to the kingdom of the earth as well.  So, He has full prerogative to open or shut any door He chooses.  But there's more:  the key is also the key to the treasure-house!  He dispenses knowledge, wisdom, and so much more to His children!  He opens doors to witness and spread The Gospel!  We were #bornforgreatness!  What a privilege to be entrusted to labor for my Lord!

   Keep in mind, that Christ also IS the Key.  He opens up understanding and the divine Truth of His Word.  In understanding The Bible, all you need is The Holy Spirit.

   Important characteristics of Philadelphia:  His Word is kept; His Name is confessed; His will is obeyed.

  They had "a little strength", which refers to true believers not depending on their own strength, but leaning on The Lord to carry them through whatever task He had for them.  He will not give us something to do and not provide the means to accomplish His goal.

   (10) As children of the Living God, we are promised that when we keep His Word, and confess His Name and obey His will, we will not be left upon this earth when the hour of temptation arrives!

   (11) The believers at Philadelphia were secured in salvation but were warned to let no man take their crown.   There are said to be 5 Heavenly Crowns:  the Crown of Life, the Incorruptible Crown, The Crown of Righteousness, the Crown of Glory, and the Crown of Exultation.  We will surely learn more about the crowns as we continue our study of the Book of Revelation.

   12) This verse speaks to the believer of stability, security, of fellowship, and of intimacy with the Lord, Himself.  It doesn't get any better than this!

If this ministry is a blessing to you, we encourage you to leave your thoughts in a comment.  We would love to hear from you.  And don't forget that you are always welcome to share our posts on your favorite social media.....surely you know of someone who could benefit from it.  Thank you.

 You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com, http://omaslife.blogspot.com, and http://omashealth.blogspot.com

THE CHURCH OF SARDIS REVELATION 3: 1 - 6

THE CHURCH OF THE DEAD ORTHODOXY

REVELATION 3: 3 - 6
PART 1 of 3

   1) And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith He that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

   2)  Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die:  for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

   3) Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent.  If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

   4)  Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white:  for they are worthy.

   5) He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels.

   6) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.   (King James Version, public domain)

COMMENTARY

   The word "sardis" means "a remnant" or "those who have escaped".  Prophetically, it speaks of those who escaped Rome and who went through the reformation period to later get caught up in rules and tradition.  This church represents the Reformation Age.

   Can you imagine facing The Lord and Him telling you that you are dead; that your works are not recognized as good before God?  After the reformation period, with Holy Ghost revivals, the people received The Perfect Word.  Alas, where is there to go after reaching the top of the mountain except down?  We have doctors, insurance, good paying jobs, etc.  What do we need?  We surely don't need God: we have everything we need!  We decide to attend church and give God lip service but our hearts are of stone.  We are not watching for The Lord's return.  We don't pray or read our Bibles; most of all, we don't believe on God and trust Him to care for our every need.

   We attend church on Sunday as if it were a social event.  We feed the hungry and do other good works to impress our neighbors.  We (the church) have a name but we are dead.  Without the love of God, all is but a clanging gong! 

   But there are a few who come in searching for a church to belong to; a church where they can build on what they already know; a church where they can fellowship with other believers; a church where they are not expected to be perfect, but forgiven and empowered to glorify God; a church where they can witness to others and help lead others to the saving faith in Our Lord.

   Let me ask you a question:  When do you start preparing for celebrating birthdays?  anniversaries?  Do you begin preparations an hour before the event?  a day?  months before?  When you KNOW an event is imminent, you prepare!  The one theme the commentaries share about Sardis is that Jesus is telling them to watch for His return; not next year, or months from now, but His imminent return.  Brother, I am here to assure you that His return IS imminent!

   I recently saw a photo of a sign outside of a church which said something like, "Watching for the return of The Lord....hopefully before the November elections".  I don't know about that, but I assure you, it is closer than you may realize.  Are you ready?  Are you watching for His return today?

   Please, if you haven't accepted Jesus as your personal savior, please visit our page at http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html.
 

    If this ministry is a blessing to you, we encourage you to leave your thoughts in a comment.  We would love to hear from you. You are also invited to share this post on your favorite social media. It won't cost you anything and it takes very little effort.  Thank you.

 You are invited to visit Oma at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com, http://omaslife.blogspot.com, and http://omashealth.blogspot.com

THE CHURCH IN THYATIRA REVELATIONS 2: 18 - 29 PART 4 of 4

THE ADULTEROUS CHURCH
REVELATIONS 2: 18 - 29
PART 4 of 4

Façade of the Archbasilica of St. John in Lateran

 photo courtesy of Wikipedia

   18) And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, Who hath His eyes like unto a flame of fire, and His feet are like fine brass;

   19) I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.

   20) Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

   21) And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

   22) Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

   23) And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am He which searcheth the reins and hearts:  and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

   24) But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.

   25) But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.

   26) And he that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

   27) And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers:  even as I received of My Father.

   28) And I will give him the Morning Star.

   29) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.    (King James Version  Public Domain)

COMMENTARY

   We have looked at the first three churches, which are supposed to be gone by the rapture.  Beginning with the Church in Thyatira, the remaining churches will still be in operation at The Lord's return  (note verse 25, which was not mentioned in the first 3 letters).  I just have to say, though, that I can see some of the first three churches in my own spiritual life.

The church of Thyatira represents the "age of papacy".  Papacy is defined by Britannica.com as "the office and jurisdiction of the bishop of Rome, the pope who presides over the central government of the Roman Catholic Church.         

    The word "thyatira" comes from two words: one word meaning "sacrifice", or "an incense-offering"; the other meaning "continually".  This church sets forth the period which was the result of the union of the church and state, as set up by the Pergamos Church.  It was in the 7th century when the Bishop of Rome, whom Constantine had elevated to a position equal to nobles,  became the visible head of the church and was recognized as Christ's vicegerent.   However, according to www.dictionary.com, a vicegerent is "an officer appointed as deputy BY AND TO a sovereign or supreme chief!  There is no record of God appointing the Bishop or the Pope.

   Verse 18 identifies the Speaker as "The Son of God", not the son of Mary, or a saint or anyone but The Only Begotten Son Of The One True God.  When you offer a sacrifice for sins, something or someone has to die.  When He agreed to be our sacrificial Lamb, He pronounced, "It is finished."  He does not need to be continually killed and sacrificed by the bishop or pope.  His work was finished over 2000 years ago.

   Understand, that Jesus gave His life for our sins.  He loves us that much!  Since He loves us that much, why would we need to go to His mother or one of His disciples to put in a good word on our behalf?  How could He demonstrate His love for us any more than He has?  We petition The Father in The Name of Jesus.

   I did a double take when I read verse 19.  The Apostle John was to tell the angel of the Church in Thyatira that God knows of their works, and charity, and service, and faith, and their patience, and their works; and the last to be more than the first. Why did God know their works---twice?  The first "works" include the sisters and monks; the hospitals and orphanages, which were run by the Church.  Their last "works" will be greater than the first in that the more the church practiced the charity, service, faith, and patience, the more their "works" became true heart-felt works and multiplied.  I find this to be consistent in my own life, don't you?

   But "Jezebel" tried to attract more pagans to the church, so she transformed the church to the likeness of the world.  She ended up with a mixture of heathenism, Christianity, and Judaism.  Today's churches also try to influence pagans into attending church by the same methods, like trick or treating sponsored by the church.   The two things He holds against Rome is spiritual fornication and idolatry.  Spiritual fornication is the union of the church and the world; idolatry is the worship of images.  Can they not just read the Ten Commandments and know they have set themselves against God?

   But He gave her space to repent.  The reformation period produced many Christians who clearly pronounced the error of her ways.  Power is a heady thing.  Once you have it, you will do anything to keep it (just look at our elected officials).  The people of the church are no different.  If they have a hardened heart, they are not in it to give God the glory, but to promote their own self interest.

   The Catholic Church has promoted the Mother of Jesus to a position of diety, saying she was sinless.  They have promoted their Popes to a position of infallibility, yet they are known to reverse themselves on issues.  He who has eyes, let him see!

   The time will come, after the calling away of the Church, when Rome will be recognized as Spiritual Babylon the Great!   Yet, God sees those who do not subscribe to the false teachings.  He recognizes those who belong to Him, may He be forever praised!

If this ministry is a blessing to you, we encourage you to leave your thoughts in a comment.  We would love to hear from you.  You are also invited to share this post with your friends your favorite social media.  It costs you nothing and does not require a lot of effort to click the "share" button.

 You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com, http://omaslife.blogspot.com, and http://omashealth.blogspot.com