I remember when I was young. I’d skip school and go to the woods, to become one with the spirit of the wild.
To sit under a tree and just be, without a care In the world. Listening to the birds, and talking with my friends the trees.
Moving slowly down the trails. No place to really be. Except right where I am. And the wildness lived in me.
The joy of the squirrel seeking food or a friend. The deer watching me, as I stop and watch her. Till she stomps her foot and gives a snort. Then, runs with several deer I didn’t see.
I put my bare feet in the small cold brook, and watch a Leopard frog pretending to be invisible. A soul like me, just hanging around the creek.
Dripping sweat in the late summer heat. Maybe I’ll skinny dip in the nearby lake. Pretending to be a shaman, on some spiritual path.
The trail goes on, and I follow it through the trees. Oaks, Maples, Sycamores, and Shag Bark Hickory’s.
Till I see an old hunters stand. I climb it and sit. Not to kill, but to love and be one.
Those days are gone now. As I’ve grown old. Responsibilities loom, and problems come. But those wild friends of mine still remain in my heart and Paradise to come. Some day.
Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ a collection of dystopian short stories.“The Future is Coming” and his latest book “The Latter Days‘ is a book on Bible Prophecy and avoiding the deceptions to come.
He is faithful God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.—1 Cor. 1:9 How is trust built? With anyone, whether it’s parents or friends or enemies or government or neighbors, trust is built or destroyed by relationship, and experience. It is the same with God.…
It will happen in these last days “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day (The Day of The Lord) shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;”— 2 Thess. 2:3 (2 Thess 2:1-15) It seems that this event…
Have You Tested God? “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”—Luke 6: 38 First, I wanna say that this verse and all…
He watched her through the trees as she bathed. Beautiful slave of an evil king. He desire to take her to his mountain cave, to hold her tight and hear her sing.
She loved that he was watching her, forbidden hope making her ache. She looked all around, just to be sure. If caught, they could be burned at the stake.
She swam under the limbs of a willow, where he waited, just to be near. Her head on his chest like a pillow. He watched to make sure it was clear.
Their longing embrace was too short. She had to return to that king’s court.
A poem I wrote about a fictional fantasy world I created. A world of oppression, and control. A place where the rulers are treated as gods, while the common folk are treated as slaves. It’s all been in my head for decades. Perhaps it’s time to tell the tale. Are there stories hiding in your mind? Tales you never had time to get out onto paper?
Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ a collection of dystopian short stories.“The Future is Coming” and his latest book “The Latter Days‘ is a book on Bible Prophecy and avoiding the deceptions to come.
He rewards those who seek him. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 11 If a son shall…
So, we know the seasons. The Bible is 30% prophecy, as some have stated. But, when you consider that the whole thing is about Jesus Christ, and that all the stories and pictures speak of Him, His First Coming and Second Coming, I think its more like 100%. God has called all believers to be…
God works to build the Kingdom through us. James 2:14-26 In this passage. The apostle James, speaks of works being an aspect of our faith. It ends with the famous phrase “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” In the verses James shows that God commanded…
It is a fallacy in reasoning. A False Narrative, a Strawman and an Appeal to Ridicule.
When cruising on social media I often come across this “Cow Farts” phrase. It is used by people who want to keep the destructive status quo moving forward. Defending those who would cast them aside in a heart beat.
“Cow Farts” takes the facts and turns it into a joke. The joke is actually ridicule which attempts to turn anyone who believes the facts into a joke themselves.
“Cow Farts” takes a really large problem and tries to make it minuscule. It creates a false story and a fake image that is easier for people to attack.
The fact is that millions of acres of rain forests have been cut down so farmers can raise cows and other live stock. This devastation works to produce food for Americans who think they need to eat meat three times a day.
The loss of forests, and the run off into the streams from these factory farms is a contributing factor to the destruction of the planet. It is not just “Cow Farts”, it is everything associated with the industry of raising meat globally.
I’m not talking about your little family farm. Again that is a fake picture they paint of the poor farmer just trying to take care of his family and land. What I am referring to are multi-million dollar corporations that run huge factory farms globally. Many of which are in countries with few or no environmental laws or have weak governments.
A lot of this meat is raised for the fast food industry. McDonald’s is one of the biggest land owners on Earth. This industry is not about feeding people. It is about profit and pride. It is the love of money, more than loving people and nature.
I have not even mentioned the terrible cruelty these animals and the natural world around these farms face.
I am not an environmental scientist. I am not an expert. But, I’m not dumb and I have eyes. I am a writer and a blogger. I use my skills to spread information, and make it easy for people to understand. I’m a poet. I want you to feel the truth.
Saving the environment needs all kinds of people. The scientist who can give facts to sway leaders, and creative folks who can turn facts into bite sized portions for busy people.
Do not be deceived by the talking points seen on social media, or out of the mouths of comedians.
People will literally kill themselves for a steak, or a Big Mac.
Would it kill them to eat a salad once in a while? Or perhaps try Meatless Mondays?
Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ a collection of dystopian short stories.“The Future is Coming” and his latest book “The Latter Days‘ is a book on Bible Prophecy and avoiding the deceptions to come.
Why does God let us struggle? When we get saved, we might notice that there are things that change in us immediately. But, there are other things that do not. It’s like God saves us and removes some things but leaves other things in our lives for us to struggle with. I mean if God…
We are corrupt at the very core. What I am going to present to you today is something different. A different way to look at the world, and humanity. Something different than the legalism around us. As Christians we are taught and have come to understand a view of God, Scripture and the World based…
We are tempted to reject Him. When we get saved, we confess Jesus as our Lord, and believe in Him alone for salvation. We are called to Walk in the Spirit, and to abide in Him. We get great joy in the Lord. Prayers answered. Life changing experiences, and we see Him working to protect…
This sweet boy always comes to say “Hi” anytime I return home.
He runs around, like I’m the greatest thing in the world.
He brings a smile. And that smile is power.
His excitement is Positive Puppy Power.
He doesn’t ask for much.
Food, water and belly rubs.
He loves to play tug of war and fetch with his toys.
He jumps on my lap and will not let me look at my phone until I take him for his walk.
So we go outside, where he can say “hello” to all the stray cats he calls friends. Some love him. Some do not. But, it doesn’t stop him from trying to sniff them anyway.
He just wants friends and to love.
It’s his greatest desire, that no one would ever leave without him.
He can raise my spirits in a moment, just by being near.
He brings joy and life.
This little guy has power.
Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ a collection of dystopian short stories.“The Future is Coming” and his latest book “The Latter Days‘ is a book on Bible Prophecy and avoiding the deceptions to come.
It’s hard sometimes This time of year, around Christmas is a very hard time of year for many people. It is not a joyful festive time, no matter how much we try to dress it up with religious zeal, and bright lights. This is the time of year we often miss those who have gone…
A Look at Matthew 24 “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive…
It’s important to understand. In order to resist temptation, we must understand what is going on. If we miss an aspect of it, we cannot really resist it. We just shift it around or suffer through. “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with…
I wanna help. I wanna be nice But Sometimes, You gotta stop.
Stop Caring
You wanna give. Just give it all. But. It’s trouble, Once again.
Stop caring.
It seems harsh. And maybe it is But to protect Yourself.
Stop Caring.
All the pain Can go away, In a moment If you just
Stop Caring.
Not a soul. Would blame you. Nobody will. Judge you if you
Stop Caring.
You can be sly. No one will know. Just give a smile, And let it go.
Stop Caring.
Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ a collection of dystopian short stories.“The Future is Coming” and his latest book “The Latter Days‘ is a book on Bible Prophecy and avoiding the deceptions to come.
What does that look like? It’s so simple anyone can do it. That is how God designed it. I’m going to avoid magical theological words and just give it straight. As we go through life things happen to us. Good things and bad. We have excitement over good things. We celebrate victories and enjoy time…
A Deeper Meaning “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”—1 Tim. 6:10 People often misquote it as “money” is the root of all evil. But it’s not. Money is a tool. Like a…
What is it? Let us rightly divide 2 Thessalonians 2, and come to some conclusions about the near future. This book was written by the Apostle Paul. He is speaking of the last days, which we are in. I’m using the KJV. “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,…
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.”—Hosea 4:6
When you read this verse in context, you will find that the people of ancient Israel at this time did not know God.
They had all kinds of information about God. They had priests and prophets. They had God’s Law. But, they did not know God.
God is not concerned about whether we have knowledge of Him, or His laws. He wants us to know HIM. When we know HIM. We grow in our ability to Walk in the Spirit. Which means we grow in our ability to obey His laws. Because like Jesus said,
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”— Matt. 22:37-40
When you love. You are obeying. When we know God and are taught by the Spirit, we are in relationship with God. This is Walking in the Spirit.
It’s not about trying to beat yourself up to obey a set of laws because God is going to get mad at you or get His heart broke. That’s what knowing ABOUT God does to you.
But, when you know God, and have a relationship with Him. It’s not about obeying a set of laws. It’s about Him working in your life to grow you, so that you are just walking in the Spirit with Him.
The people of Israel at this time did not know God, and this allowed terrible trouble to come into their lives. Israel had made a commitment to be God’s people. They were supposed to be a shining light on a hill, designed to draw all people in the world to know God.
Every person in Israel was supposed to be so learned of God, and know Him so intimately that they were ALL considered priests, in essence. But, the fact that they did not know God, opened doors for destruction into their lives.
Basically, since the parents didn’t know God. The children would suffer from it. Drunken parents who don’t know God, lead to drunken kids, who do not know God. And when the kids hit rock bottom, they do not know who to cry out to because they were never led to know God.
As Christians we are grafted in to Israel. That means that on a spiritual level; in the eyes of God, we are adopted children. We are in the covenant. We are treated as equals and joint heirs. (Romans 11)
So as believers we look at what happened in the past and we learn truth from it. Paul said,
“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” —Rom 15:4
So, we can apply this verse in Hosea to ourselves, and what we see in our churches and our own households, and nation.
We are destroyed because we do not know God. We know about Him. We have heaped to ourselves teachers. We go to Church, Bible Studies, and read the latest fad book, from the best Christian authors. But, do we know Him? We sit in our church or car and clap to our favorite Christian music, but do we know Him?
If you knew Him, you could not help but tell others. You could not stop telling about the good things God has done for you. You could not help but want to grow closer to Him.
Do you tell people about Jesus? Have you read the entire Bible, or is all your Bible knowledge from what your Church told you?
You cannot know Him, unless you are born again and let the Holy Spirit teach you.
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Is not about more information. It’s about knowing Him.
Are you saved? Ask God to save you and grow you. (Acts 2:21)
Turn to God and confess to Him that you believe Jesus is the Lord, and you want Him to be your Lord. Believe that He rose from the dead. This is believing God. It is believing what God has told you in His Word. (Romans 10:9-10, Romans 4:3)
Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit and teach you. (Luke 11:11-13, John 16:13)
The Bible says, “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.”—1 John 2:27
This means that God himself is perfectly capable of teaching you. Believe this. Trust this, and let Him. This is the relationship.
Just talk with God. Just be real in prayer. Do you believe He is real? Do you believe He is with you always? Then, talk to Him like He is. Do you believe He is your father and friend? Then, talk to Him like He is. Be real with Him.
Do you really believe He can teach you? Then treat him like your teacher.
When you read your Bible. If you do not understand something. Or get confused. Instead of running to the preacher, or a friend or the commentaries. ASK GOD.
Pray about it. This is part of the relationship and growth. Ask Him. Then trust that He hears you and will open the scriptures to you. Then, move on. Keep reading and living and praying.
It might take time. This is part of learning patience, and learning to trust God. But, as you read and study, one day you will come across a verse that will jump out at you. This is called “Quickening”. The Word comes to life.
Then, the question you asked will be opened up to you, and this new verse, will make connections to the verse you asked about and it will make perfect sense. It will be an “Aha!” moment. This is God teaching you. Not only does this teach you. But, it builds your relationship with God, and strengthens your faith.
But if you run to the pastor, and ask them about the verse or question. You miss the chance to know God. It becomes head knowledge about the author of the Word, instead of knowing the Author. When you take time and care to know the writer, a transfer of relationship occurs. God will teach you. Trust Him.
You must remember that on Judgement day. The worst thing to hear is “Depart from me I never KNEW you.” (Matt. 7:21-23)
What I am telling you is how you come to know Him. Did you really get saved? Or is it just words you spoke and words you hear every Sunday? Our salvation, opens the door to knowing Him. If you never got saved, then you can’t know Him. If you don’t care to know him. Then, you probably did not get saved.
Jesus said, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.”
If you won’t tell people about Jesus, then you gotta ask if you really know Him? Are you really saved?
Look at the story of the Gadarene demoniac. (Luke 8)
Jesus cast demons out of a man and saved his life. Jesus then told Him “Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee.”
That is our testimony. That is how we overcome the enemy. We tell people about Jesus. We tell people about the great things God has done in our lives. (Rev. 12:11)
But if we cannot do this, we gotta ask ourselves, why? Do we really know him? Have we really seen Him doing great things in our lives? Or are we just going to church?
If every Christian told all their friends and family and Facebook friends about the great things God has done in their lives, what would our country look like?
But, you can’t tell others if you don’t know Him.
How else does the Spirit teach us? He teaches us through our lives. If we read scripture and do not understand something, we can ask God. Now, sometimes God might show us in the Word. Or He might bring a teacher to us. Or He might open something else up to teach us from our lives.
For example, we can learn a lot about how God loves us and treats us by looking at how we love our own kids. We are His children. If we love our kids, how much more does he love us?
Does this lead to more questions? Then, ask God and He will show you.
God has gifted people to be teachers of the Word. Teachers of the Spirit. God will lead you to the ones He wants you to learn from. Again, this is something between you and God. HE is teaching you. But, He has led you to someone that is teaching what God wants you to learn. God can lead you to different teachers or many teachers. But, it is God who is teaching, if you let Him guide you to the one He wants you to learn from.
You are not here by accident.
There are times of trouble which can come into our lives. If we turn to God, He will help us and can use it to show us things about Himself. Again, we want to KNOW God. Not know about Him. When we face trouble, and draw closer to God we learn of HIM, when we see Him move in our life.
Our life turns to shambles, when we don’t turn to Him and know Him. This shambles is a call to turn to Him. It’s a chance to know Him.
Do you know Him? Let Him grow you.
Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ a collection of dystopian short stories.“The Future is Coming” and his latest book “The Latter Days‘ is a book on Bible Prophecy and avoiding the deceptions to come.
He is there and will answer. We live our lives in this world, where we seem to have no control. Where we look every where for answers. Everything seems hard and we have sorrow, working our selves to death. We seek answers from gods, idols and wisemen. We seek answers from deep within ourselves. We…
Who really rules? Let’s talk about some conspiracy and spiritual truth for a moment. Because you must understand that there is only ONE conspiracy. And that’s the spiritual battle behind the scenes, that we all can see parts of, and have a feeling about, but cannot completely prove. The people who rule this world are…
It is a demon. Cast it out. Jesus said, “Fear Not” (Matt. 10:31) He said it many times. Actually, it’s a theme throughout scripture. Fear at its most basic level, is a lack of trust in God and His promises. That is a harsh saying, especially when we are dealing with anxiety. Because, often times…
It’s Thanksgiving again, and my thoughts are divided. Like our family, and the culture of this nation.
A day to remember, what God has provided. While waiting, to see the blessings to come.
A day to reflect, on the things we’ve lost. It could have been worse; we are thankful it was not.
It’s time to remember, the arguments at the table. And to let it go; do not hold it forever.
Think of our epic dreams, and the past we shared. The good we can do, and the future we can see.
Being thankful fuels our faith. It sees what we can be. It believes it will be so. In a future day to come.
Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ a collection of dystopian short stories.“The Future is Coming” and his latest book “The Latter Days‘ is a book on Bible Prophecy and avoiding the deceptions to come.
A picture of us all The thief on the cross, spoken of in the Gospels of our Lord Jesus, stands as an extreme view of salvation in the eyes of some. The man who did what appears to be absolutely nothing, yet Jesus himself saved him declaring, “Today you shall be with me in…
Make sure. What does it mean to follow the real Jesus? Well, let’s look and see. Jesus’s ministry was a ministry of healing. This should tell us something about what we believe in regards to the Gospel and how we are to serve God. Because we want to be like Him. That is real godliness.…
You are never too far gone. In the books of Luke, Mark, and Matthew we see the story of the Gadarene Demoniac. (Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:26-39, Matt. 8:28-34) He had an unclean spirit, which called itself “Legion” because there were many of the demons inhabiting this man. He lived in the tombs, crying out and…
I oppose abusers with authority they don’t deserve.
I oppose narcissists with authority.
I oppose nit pickers who use authority to make life hard on people.
I oppose lying authority who deceive those under them.
I oppose authority who don’t obey the laws designed to protect the people.
I oppose authority who do not follow their own laws and rules.
Real authority doesn’t need to prove it has authority.
Real authority uses power to love and help people.
Real authority lifts people up.
Real authority is above reproach and doesn’t need to hide.
Hitler had authority.
Charles Manson had authority.
Priests who molest kids have authority.
Kings who murdered entire cultures had authority.
Abusive parents and spouses have authority.
Abusive pet owners have authority.
Abusive bosses have authority.
We should hate authority when it’s wrongly used or wrongly held.
Any authority figure who doesn’t agree is part of the problem.
Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ a collection of dystopian short stories.“The Future is Coming” and his latest book “The Latter Days‘ is a book on Bible Prophecy and avoiding the deceptions to come.
The saints will be overcome. The scriptures are clear that the Anti-Christ will make war with the saints and overcome them. (Dan. 7:25, Rev. 13:7) I want to point out how this is likely to occur and how it is already started. I am not giving a prophecy here. I’m just pointing out some things.…
What is the truth? I want to start with the ultimate truth, then talk about the current times, and prophecy. If you want to know God’s will on any subject you can probably find it in the Garden at Creation. There was no evil or death present. Nothing killed anything else. The humans and animals…
God is with us “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” –Luke 12:32 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”— 2 Tim. 1:7 “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is…
We are called to forgive others. It is one of the hardest things we can be called to do.
“But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matt. 6:15
We see an example of this in the parable of the servant who owed the King.
He could not pay the debt, so the king forgave him. Then, the servant turned around and refused to forgive a fellow servant, so the king removed his forgiveness and punished the unforgiving servant. —(Matt. 18:23-35)
This is scary business.
So, what do we do?
Well, like everything in life we turn to God. We ask him to teach us wisdom and lead us into all truth. (Prov. 3:5-6, James 1:5 John 16:13)
First we need to see what the ultimate forgiveness is. What forgiveness does the King offer?
Jesus Christ coming and dying on the cross for our sins. Dying to offer forgiveness to those who hate Him and killed Him. He says “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:24)
That is our image of forgiveness. To die, in order to forgive those who hate us and hurt us.
But hold on because God does not offer a general forgiveness. You must come to Him and bow the knee and ask him to save you and forgive you. You must confess Him as Lord. You must turn to Him. (Romans 10:9-10)
Do you remember Judas? Was he forgiven? He was a betrayer?
If he had ran to Jesus and ask for forgiveness, he would have been forgiven. But, we have no record of him doing that.
When you look at what God does, and you look at the parable in Matthew 18:23-35
You will see a pattern. In every case the guilty party asks for forgiveness, and/or offers to make things right. Then, forgiveness is given. Then, mercy is given.
Notice in the parable of the unforgiving servant.
“But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.” (Matt. 18:28-30)
The unforgiving servant, made it a point to go out and find any servant who owed him in a very small matter. Then, demanded payment. He refused to forgive, and sent the man to prison. This is a complete heart issue. This person did not understand the forgiveness offered. This person never knew the King.
Are you hunting down the person who owes you? Is it a petty matter? Are you choking them and demanding repayment for something that you no longer owe? (Remember the king forgave the debt. This is not about getting money to repay. This is strictly revenge.) Did the person ask forgiveness? Did you give it? Did the punishment for the crime outweigh the pettiness of the crime? Are you wrong? Have you really sought God?
These are questions to ask yourself when you wonder if you are really forgiving someone.
So let’s look at a practical example.
Someone does something wrong to you. What should we do as believers?
We turn to God and ask Him to help us. (Prov. 3:5-6, James 1:5 John 16:13)
We settle the matter with God. We say “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:24)
We let them off the hook between us, them and God.
We look at what we’ve done. We try to fix it. If we’ve done wrong, we fix it as best we can.
We offer forgiveness to the offender as best as we can between us and God.
That’s all we can do. Our goal is to be right with God.
We cannot force the person to accept the forgiveness or to reestablish a relationship. All we can do is offer. Just like God offers.
Jesus tells us that we are to go to the person and try to resolve it. (Matt. 18:15-17 (Sometimes we can’t do this. It can cause more harm or damage. Sometimes it is impossible, they are dead or have removed themselves.)
But, remember our goal is to be right with God. You’ll notice that the verses to forgive are in the same chapter as the verse instructing us to go to our brother to solve the problem. Matthew 18. Forgiveness involves a willingness to resolve.
The bottom line is a willingness to forgive and to be right with God. It is about turning to God and asking Him to help with the forgiveness. This is the same with anything. If you were addicted to drugs, would you not turn to God and ask Him to forgive and help? This is the relationship we have with Him. He helps us.
All we can do is to be right between us and God. We cannot force anyone else to do anything. We listen to the Holy Spirit and let Him guide us in what to do. We follow the Word as best we can, with an honest heart with God.
If a chance comes to express forgiveness or to make right, then we do it.
This is what we do between us and God. No matter what.
But, what about Justice?
What about protecting others?
What about fighting evil?
Let’s say you are a member of a church since you were a child, and let’s say that certain members of the church did sinful things to you. Things that impacted your faith. Things that ruined your life. Things that were illegal. Things that hurt others.
Do you just forgive them and let it go and move on?
You can, but what if you hear that they keep damaging other people? They keep driving people from Christ. They allow others to suffer from the illegal things they do? They stand in the pulpit demanding that you forgive while they themselves have refused to forgive and destroyed others? They treat others as less than them?
Let’s say there’s a child molester in the church or neighborhood. Do you just let it go?
Do you forgive them and let them hurt others?
Let’s say you have a bad employer or manager who destroys your life. They have done it to others and continue to do so. They break laws and treat workers terrible. Do you just forgive and move on? Do you let your employer continue to mistreat people and break laws, because they think they are above the law?
Perhaps God allowed this to happen so that you will stand up and do something. Maybe someone prayed 5 years ago for God to help, and you are the help God sent. Maybe?
If a drunk driver kills your daughter do you just let them continue to drive drunk and kill others? You can forgive, but what about others?
Doesn’t the authority bear the sword for the evil doer? Isn’t that from God? (Romans 13:1-8)
This is why we turn to God in all matters, but especially in the matter of forgiveness. We forgive between us and God, then we follow His Spirit as He guides us. We pray, and watch. We do what He leads.
This is part of our relationship with Him. But, these are serious questions.
“Revenge is mine, I will repay, sayeth the Lord.” —Romans 12:19
Does that mean we just pray and wait for God to move, while someone continues to hurt others? We can forgive for what was done to us and let it go, but is it love to just let them do evil to others?
Forgiveness is a hard thing for believers to navigate. This is why we let God direct our paths.
Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ a collection of dystopian short stories.“The Future is Coming” and his latest book “The Latter Days‘ is a book on Bible Prophecy and avoiding the deceptions to come.
It’s important to know. Death on its most basic level means separation. It is not an end, as some suppose. The Bible teaches that we are triune, like God. We are made in His image. We have a body, a soul and a spirit. When God created everything He created it good. Evil was contained…
Are we prepared for His return? Matthew Chapter 25 is a chapter in the New Testament that describes what will happen when Christ returns. It states that He will separate the sheep from the goats. It appears that this judgment is not the Great White Throne judgment, where the lost are judged. This judgment is…
Always more. More, More, More. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”— Heb.…
When I was young, poetry was some weird thing that made no sense.
Something we were forced to read, and equally forced to explain and embrace.
The English teacher telling me to obey the rules and follow the forms or it was wrong.
Poetry was rhyme and contrived to create something that sucked to me.
Poetry was destroyed in me, with the stroke of a red pen.
Until I hung that English teacher out to dry, and drove her from my mind.
Then, I could see clearly to create what was real.
I had to reject those rules; and write what came with the flow.
To not care what anyone thought and just do it, without fear.
To put down what I saw fit; in the way that I chose.
I love forms and use them often.
But like speed limit signs they are a suggestion and a guide,
Unless the cops are around.
Have you seen any poetry police?
My fuzz buster says, No.
Learn to spill your guts on the page,
then shovel up what shouldn’t remain.
Poetry can be a prison, where you learn to trick the guards.
or a vast forest where you can wander free.
Poetry is what you want it to be.
That freedom is in you.
Let it out for everyone to see.
I spent a lot of years stifling creativity and my true self. All because of the opinions of people who do not pay my bills, nor give me the time of day when they see me at Wal-Mart. I love freedom in my life. I no longer listen to people who try to contain me. I listen to God, and He is not the slave-driver some folks want Him to be. I listen to love, and the spirit. I seek what’s good, not what looks good. I want to run free.
Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ a collection of dystopian short stories.“The Future is Coming” and his latest book “The Latter Days‘ is a book on Bible Prophecy and avoiding the deceptions to come.
We Are Being Sanctified “Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s…
You can know for sure. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that…
We need the Holy Spirit “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”—1 Cor. 2:9 This verse in 1 Cor. is a quote from Isaiah, “For since the beginning of the world…
Free Life Blog 