As I awoke this very day to expectations of bellowing world news of USA opening the American Embassy in Jerusalem with flag waving Trump support what looks like from my perch a new Trump Tower. Seems we are told the government of the US have flown evangelical leaders there to pray aloud and applaud Trump. I have not a clue why this is needful or why we lose lives. I am left with a few thoughts, “Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem. Psalms 122:6 and “…overcome evil with good.” Romans 12 :21

Do we have some readers that can nicely explain the Biblical why of the importance of a Trump Tower American Embassy relocation that calls for evangelicals showing up to pray on tax payer dollars? Is America the Good Samaritan in this story told by Jesus?

I just read headlines; “16 Palestinians killed in Gaza protests ahead of embassy opening.”

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

25One day an expert in the law stood up to test Him. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

26“What is written in the Law?” Jesus replied. “How do you read it?”

27He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’c and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

28“You have answered correctly,” Jesus said. “Do this and you will live.”

29But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

30Jesus took up this question and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead.

31Now by chance a priest was going down the same road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32So too, when a Levite came to that spot and saw him, he passed by on the other side.

33But when a Samaritan on a journey came upon him, he looked at him and had compassion. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

35The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Take care of him,’ he said, ‘and on my return I will repay you for any additional expense.’

36Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

37“The one who showed him mercy,” replied the expert in the law.

Then Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10

Today, our good friend, MG Henry, was laid to rest in Pea Ridge NC. She was greatly honored as Piney Grove Freewill Baptist Church, Pastor and Mrs Reber lead the service. MG’s special friends Lois Krawczyk and Tammy Holton planned, sang, videod and Lois hosted a grand lunch.

The weather was beautiful and God was truly there.

 

 

 

 

Sometmes I read a scripture and it feels like I just had a refreshing swim on an isolated island where a songbird  delivered a note from their beak. This happened just a few moments again. I think I have discovered these times of refreshing my soul comes from ‘being in the moment.’  I’m infused by The Holy Spirit offering me the opportunity to welcome the presence of Christ into my consciousness. I just need to be there.  This scripture has tripped my engine to restart the joy of being in God’s presence without my agenda. Try it!:

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”

By Rena Oynes © April 3,  2018

The powerful eagle gently calls her chicks to awake, awake, awake.

They will need food to grow into fledglings, and be ready for take off.  

They will need strength, courage, and faith to fly high.

Our powerful, Almighty God calls – Awake, awake, awake.  You sleepy ones, I’m coming soon. Eat of the food of the Word that you may be equipped to fly like the fledging you are to become.  Pray for strength and great faith to fly like the eagle.  Pray and God will be with you.

Are you now ready for take off?  Are you ready to soar?  Jesus is waiting. With confidence and Jesus you begin your flight. Know you may fail to soar in the beginning, but know the Master Lord Jesus Christ is there to take you in His hands to release you again on your adventure with Him. With faith, further training in the Word, encouragement you will fly higher and higher with Jesus.

Oh people of the earth, do not fall into the Fowler’s trap.  He is looking for whom he can entice to eat of His earthly poisons which trap and then kill, steal, and destroy. With glee he says, “You silly fool, you’re trapped forever!

A choice is made.  Flying high with Jesus or caught in the Fowler’s trap.  Which do you choose?

 

   By Rena Oynes © March 25, 2018

Two donkeys walked down the road on Passover Day.

Celebrations abounded in the city of Jerusalem as many people had amassed for the week long celebration. Many either kept their distance or teemed around one called Jesus.  Some were Pharisees who didn’t want others to note their allegiance to King Jesus.  Others boldly proclaimed Jesus was King, the Messiah prophesied in the scrolls given to prophets (Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders.  And He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”)

The priest were astounded by the crowds.  They were much heavier than usual.

They came to see the man they opposed and to see what all the fuss was about.

The path took on a heavenly welcomed glow for Angels surrounded the special one, the chosen one of the most high God who was called to save all.

On the path were thrown cloaks of every hue (2 Kings 1:19 They quickly took their cloaks and spread them under him on the bare steps. Then they blew the trumpet and shouted, “Jehu is king!”). Rich men cloaks and poor man’s cloaks were thrown were intermingled and unrecognizable as with joy they paid homage to Jesus.

Palm branches were thrown across the path (symbolizing submission).)

Others waved their palms to exult Jesus.  Many among them had gathered to hear Jesus. Like sheep they followed their shepherd.

The masses formed as they had heard Jesus was coming on the path soon. They had already planned the words in their hearts to sing as soon as He appeared: “Hosanna!” Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord – the King of Israel!!”  They could hardly wait to hear His voice of Hope once again.  Others gathered out of curiosity.  Still others were like vultures waiting to catch  some word or wrong doing of the law.  They were in their attack mode.  

Those who followed their King from place to place hearts began racing, they only hoped they could catch a glimpse of Him this day.  Thank goodness it was a sunny day with sunbeams filtering through the palm trees.  Having arrived early, people started stripping palms leaves from the the trees and throwing them on the path along with their cloaks.  Anything for their King.  Some palm leaves were retained to wave when Jesus past by.   Joy was mounting and songs arose among the people.  Tears rolled down the cheeks of many as they stood and waited.  

Straining their necks, they saw a mature donkey leading the way. What, no Jesus.  Their King should be riding this donkey who had held many kings and royalty before.  

Eyes searching, they saw Jesus riding on a foal. (Ezekiel 9:9 …See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a foal of a donkey.)

The mature donkey walked ahead with no one on his back.  Some people thought the Lord in the scrolls would be a warrior king to destroy the enemy, their enemy, Rome. .  That type of king would have ridden the mature donkey as many had ridden in times past.

Jesus, was a different type of king, who touched the sick and healed everyone who believed.  Jesus who performed the miraculous.  One example was multiplication  of five loaves and two fish to feed thousands.  Jesus who turned around lives who were outcast due to their sin.  Jesus who forgave their sins.  People who had had no hope, now filled with hope.  They became like their master, Jesus, always serving God, always giving Him the praise.  One example was the woman at the well, a woman of ill repute.  She believed in what Jesus spoke and He forgave all her sins.  She ran back to her village and told everyone about Jesus.  She a women who no one wanted to have anything to do with became one of the first evangelist.  Forgiven! Forgiven!

People who were forgiven were anxious to tell everyone around about Jesus, the one who saves people from their sins!  The one who gives life and life eternally.  “Go tell everyone you know about Jesus” became their calling.    

That day the many who had had their lives changed by Him and were forgiven  their sins were at the the celebration to honor their King.  No longer was an animal, a spotless animal needed to carry the sins of the people and be killed.  Before the people stood Jesus who would bear their sins on the cross in a few days.

Are you the ones who are forgiven and “Tell people everywhere you go about  Jesus” or are you the ones who yet need to be forgiven by Jesus?  He’s waiting!  Are you ready to hear the word, “Forgiven”.

By Rena Oynes © March 25, 2018

The rustling in the trees

The birds excitement mounts

The plants lift up their leaves to announce

The coming of the King

       King Jesus,

       King Jesus

       Is HERE!

The white clouds cushion each step

As the King comes for those who heard the shepherd’s CALL

In His Presence love falls

In excitement they shout, King Jesus, King Jesus is HERE!

     They bow to the one who cared enough

To come from heaven to earth to save

and pay a debt they couldn’t repay

A whispered silence crescendos to majestic heights

        King Jesus, King Jesus Is HERE!

   Now heaven’s hall was finally complete

With ALL who had called Jesus Lord of Lords

Each person took their rightful place

As King Jesus walked through that majestic hall

welcoming each one

They then cried King Jesus, King Jesus Came for Us!

🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️💟💟💟🎺🎺🎺

By Rena Oynes – (c)3/23/2018

As I sat with Jesus in my old rocking chair

The pain of brokenness was unbearable

Tears flowed as I bent in prayer

Your love gave me hope to get through another day.

As I sat with Jesus in my old rocking chair

You promised you’d never abandon me

Your hand reached down and strengthened me

Your love gave me hope to get through another day.

As I sat with Jesus in my old rocking chair

You hide me in your arms

And reminded me you would guide me.

Your love gave me hope to get through another day.

As I sat with Jesus in my old rocking chair

You bent down and heard my pleas

That you would never turn away from me.

Your love gave me hope to get through another day.

As I sit with Jesus in my old rocking chair

I give you all the praise Jesus

For your love has brought healing to my brokenness

Your love will always get me through all my days.