Hours of hard down pour; in sheets it fell. The streets were flooded, and water gushed from everywhere. Cars were stranded, while homes, became islands.
The flash flood broke quick; it flowed through the yard. and under the house. Everything washed away, and the cat freaked out.
The deluge was over, as quick as it came. Leaving ruin behind, but the frogs just sang.
They sang, and they sang, all night long, they sang.
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…
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…
Hounds of hell, driving Us to our future. Mankind rising up, Against our dying, Never Surrender. In the jaws of pain, Till we are always Young in Paradise.
(Photograph is by the poet of the Carousel on the Mall in Washington D.C.)
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…
It is available at Barnes and Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, Wal-Mart, and other major outlets. It is only available as an eBook at this time. Purchase HERE
It’s a collection of articles on Bible Prophecy. It speaks of the spirit of antichrist, the ancient past and how it has moved forward to building the New World Order today.
The book also leans toward helping people to get saved and avoid the deceptions that are coming upon the Earth, in these latter days.
Get your copy at most eBook sellers. (Except Amazon)
You can get my other eBooks online as well.
Made Free: Overcoming Addiction is a free ebook for addicts and family members or friends suffering with the addict. It gives new insight into addiction and ways to help overcome it, from someone who has been there. I have an addiction recovery Facebook page as well. Recover Freedom.
The Future is Coming, is a book of dystopian short stories I wrote about about the future and where we are heading. It is a warning in story form.
Against the Man, is a collection of poems that speaks of the plight and slavery of the worker in a beast system that seeks to devour the poor.
You can also support my work and ministry through PayPal, or through the links below.
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…
It was sometime around the winter of 1997 or 1998. It’s all really a daze to me, and I’m too lazy to try and calculate the exact date or time.
I can tell you it was frigidly cold and it was night time. I was trying to live my life right although, like most things I try to do I failed often.
I know that seems negative. It is negative. But, it’s 100% true. I have failed at virtually everything I have set my hand to.
Course, it gives me lots of fodder for writing. Which is my way of turning evil into good, or lemons into lemonade.
But seriously, I know I’m negative. My first inclinations are toward negativity and doom. It just happens before I even think about it.
I have to beat my mind into positive thinking, faith and battling thoughts of anxiety.
This is a story about how I have learned to believe. It’s one of many stories, where God taught me about prayer and faith.
I was driving a semi-truck in order to feed my family. It was a job I did after many former failures from drinking.
I was in a northern state. I do not remember which, but it was bitterly cold and I was delivering a load.
I decided I needed to sleep for a while, before continuing on.
So, I pulled into a rest stop. One of those rest areas that states have along interstates.
I set the trailer parking brake. Which is something you are not supposed to do in freezing temperatures.
But, like most things in my life, I ignored the rules because I need to learn for myself. I’m kind of dumb that way.
I climbed into the sleeper berth behind the seats and went to sleep.
A few hours later I woke up and started to head out driving. Snow was flying. It was cold and dark.
But the truck would not move.
The trailer brakes were frozen.
I got on the CB radio and asked for advice from other truckers. Most of them laughed or made jokes, or gave bad advice, like setting the brakes on fire.
So, I tried to drive again. The truck moved forward but was obviously being held back by the brakes.
Now, remember I am in a parking lot. So, none of this is a safety issue.
I prayed about it and tried again but nothing. It was still frozen and still held the truck back.
I yelled and got upset. I had to get this load delivered. It was my job.
So, I prayed again.
I started driving the truck and it was still held back by the frozen breaks. I began to just give up.
But, something told me, or impressed upon me to “Believe”.
It was strong. Whatever it was. So, I did.
I said out loud in the cab of that truck.
“I trust God, I don’t care if this thing rips apart or catches fire, I believe it’s fixed.”
Then, I stomped on the gas and started shifting gears.
I was determined. I fought everything telling me to stop. I forced myself to believe it was fixed no matter what.
And the brakes broke free.
Now we can say they heated up because of the friction of being pulled, and the heat broke it free.
Ok.
But what I learned was that God was with me, despite my failures and dumb actions. He forgave me, despite any sin. I could trust Him and He would answer and protect me. It built my faith.
I also learned to not set the trailer parking brake on a semi-truck when it’s really cold.
We can trust God.
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,…
Will it work for YOU might be a bit of a bigger question.
I first tried a doggie door when I met my wife, and we installed a doggie door for her three Schnauzers. It transformed all of our lives. The boys were free to potty or go out whenever they needed and we were free to go about our day without concern for needing to take out the dogs.
Hopefully, through this writing I can alleviate any concerns you might have while thinking about your own doggie door.
There are many kinds of doggie doors, to fit your needs.
The first door we got was a fancy thing that locked and the boys had a transmitter on their collar that locked and unlocked the doors for them when they approached the opening.
We were concerned that coons, skunks, and other critters might come in the door. But, in 8 years of having doggie doors (knocks on wood) the only thing to come in were live Cicadas our boys brought in to play with, and maybe a bird. We aren’t sure how the bird got in.
Our first door required some knowledge and skill with tools and saws to install. But, our second door did not. It’s not a fancy door. It’s cheap and it’s just a magnetic flap that has worked perfectly for years. (Knocks on wood)
We installed it into a window, with ramps, steps and a dog pen.
The boys have tore through the house and in and out for years. They love it.
These doggie doors come in all sizes, and styles. A neighbor installed one for her cat.
Our older dogs eventually had trouble going up and down ramps and steps. So if I had the chance I might put it on a ground level. But, many homes are not designed for that, ours included.
I will tell you a story. We had a battle with skunks getting under our house one year. It was a real struggle. I refused to hurt them. But, we figured it out.
One evening a storm came and our cameras were going off in the dog pen. But, we could not see what was going on.
We went outside and looked and saw 4 skunks walking around inside the dog pen. Since the boys hated storms and getting wet, they had not gone outside. Could you imagine the mess?
The skunks never figured out how to climb a ramp. They went under it. I think God protected us for sure.
Doggie doors are great in my opinion and as long as I have a dog, I will do what I can to have one.
The dogs love it, and it’s wonderful watching them charge through the house to go see whats outside or say “Hi” to us when we get home.
I definitely recommend them. With the technology today, there’s all kinds of things available. Just find one that fits your needs.
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“ His newest book is called “The Future is Coming” and is a collection of dystopian short stories.
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…
The old man’s dock, on a cold Scottish loch, when the cock crows, he stands in a warm frock, Taking stock of life’s secrets to unlock. He stands firm to mock, death’s calling tick tock. Hard as a rock, he leans against the shock, as waves of fear knock, upon his old crock.
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“ His newest book is called “The Future is Coming” and is a collection of dystopian short stories.
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…
Things that impact our walk with God and our future and service.
I want you to recall the story of the Exodus. (Book of Exodus)
The Israelites were in bondage to Pharaoh in Egypt. They did not know God at the time. They had forgotten. But, God had not forgotten them or the promise He made to Abraham.
God made a promise to Moses and the Israelites about a promised land. A home.
God delivered them out of slavery with a mighty hand. He showed himself to them. He proved He was with them and they could trust Him. He proved it.
He brought them through tough times and battles. This was not a love fest. This was war. He loved them, and was with them.
He brought them to the land He had promised them. To the very banks. They sent spies out into the land to see what was there. That’s what a leader does in a military conquest.
God already knew what was there and had already given it to them. It was all done except the dirty work.
Do you think God sat on His throne and said, “Boy I sure hope we can defeat these bad dudes?”
No.
All the spies except for Caleb and Joshua brought back a report filled with fear and doubt that ignored how God had delivered them so many times. They had no faith in God. They did not know him.
The people listened to the faithless report and believed it. They feared. They refused to take the promised land, God had given them because they did not know Him or trust Him.
God could not take them into the Promised land with that lack of faith. They needed to trust Him to get through.
So, He sent them to wander until they learned to have faith. Till the old generation died off and the new was ready. To strip off that old flesh and bring out the spirit full of faith and trust in God.
Then, they went and conquered.
God fought beside them and before them, with His might hand and put them in the promised land.
They did not go there to farm. That was later. They went there for battle.
We find ourselves in situations where we must trust God. We come to places in our lives when it’s a choice of faith in God and His promises, or to run away in fear.
Understand that God is with you, no matter which way you go. You cannot escape God.
But, it’s better to trust God to deliver his promises.
I’m not telling you to let your kid die from some easily curable disease because you’re praying for God to heal. Remember, the Israelites drew swords and went to battle. Yes, God went before them. Yes, God fought among them. He even stopped the sun in the sky.
But, they had to go to battle, and not just on their knees in prayer.
That brings us to the spies. The spies are fear.
We face something, and our mind starts spinning. We start thinking scary thoughts. We lay in our bed agonizing. We struggle with what is happening.
But, God has promised us. He has been with us. He will lead us through. It might not look the way we think. But, He has given us a vision. He has given us a dream. He has promised, and He is with us where ever we go.
Those spies in our head keep beating us. Do we quit? Do we turn away from the promised land? Those spies in our head make a lot of sense.
But, are we listening to the still small voice of God? Are we listening to the Spirit and the love and the peace that defies all understanding? (1 Kings 19:11-14, John 16:13, Phil. 4:6-7)
Then like Job, things start happening around us. Great friends come and give us faithless council full of fear. They give us wise advise that excludes our Lord. (Book of Job)
Problems come. The car breaks down. A family member gets sick. We lose a job.
And the spies in our head, with those “friends” by our side tell us, we can’t trust God. All the troubles scream that we can’t trust God.
But, this is battle.
The chaos rolls around you as you struggle and see God fighting beside you and delivering you through even more of the devil’s attacks.
God has promised you and He is bringing you there with a mighty hand.
Unless you quit. Unless you let fear control you.
Pray to God. Talk to Him. He is not a slave driver. Remember Lot? God told Him to go to the mountain to escape the destruction of Sodom. (Genesis 19:15-30)
But, Lot said, “I’ll never make it! Can’t I just go to this little city Zoar?”
The spies in his mind had calculated all the angles and he was not strong enough, they told him.
And God said “Ok”
It got Lot moving. It got his family moving.
Lot watched the destruction of Sodom from Zoar.
Then the very next scene, we see Lot on the mountain.
The Bible doesn’t say this, but I will bet you that by the time Lot reached Zoar. God had filled him with strength, courage and faith to reach that mountain.
Just pray and get moving. Do what you know to do and trust God. He has promised things to you. He will do it. Whether it looks like what you envisioned or not. He has promised.
I have faced things in my life many times. I have come to the very edge and listened to the spies and turned back. I failed instead of trusting God. And I lost everything. I was sent to wander where God broke me and taught me and showed me who He was and let me know Him. He taught me to trust Him.
Not all situations are as clean and clear cut as this makes it seem. Sometimes there are very hard choices. Things that make us sick. Learn to listen to God. Then do the best we can and stand in the promises of God. ( Eph 6:10-18)
These times of trouble, come into our life. I’m facing one now.
The spies are screaming. The battle is swirling. But, my God is moving and He is with me.
He is with you too.
Do not let fear keep you from what God has promised.
Listen to Him.
Trust Him.
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“ His newest book is called “The Future is Coming” and is a collection of dystopian short stories.
After we get saved, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us. He then starts to lead us into all truth. He starts to sanctify us and mold us and shape us into the likeness of Jesus. (John 14:16, John 16:13. 1 John 4:4, Romans 12:1-2, Phil. 2:5)
He shows us when we sin, and leads us to confess it to the Lord. Then, we are cleansed of all unrighteousness. This confessing and cleansing and growing is part of the relationship. (1 John 1:9)
But, that’s not all He does. He hears our prayers and He translates them into heaven and we see answers around us. We see our lives changing as He works in us and around us. (Romans 8:26)
He also works through us. The fact is that our works of righteousness are as filthy rags, because we are sinners with a corrupted nature. This doesn’t change. We are just saved. Even as the Holy Spirit works on us we still have things that corrupt us. (Isa. 64:6, Romans 7:14-25)
So, the Holy Spirit works THROUGH us as well, and we get credit for it.
What does that mean?
Well according to the scripture, on judgement day, our works will be judged. It will pass through the fire. Hay, wheat and stubble will burn. All that will remain will be gems and gold. (1 Cor. 3:1-15)
What does that mean?
Well, the works that I do in the flesh, no matter how great are stubble. Because I had wrong motivations, I had fear, I had doubt, I had lust and flesh. Because I’m a sinner with a corrupt nature.
But, if I listen to the Holy Spirit, and follow His guidance, then the works I’m doing are from the Lord, and are pure. It’s not me. It’s Him, and the works that I do under His guidance are gems. See?
You will hear preachers say “Do Do Do”. Their doctrine is all about works. (Eph. 2:1-10)
But the real works, are to wait upon the Lord, and follow the Holy Spirit as he guides. (Isa 40:31, Proverbs 3:5-6, I John 2:27, Romans 8:14, Gal. 5:18)
We are called to abide in Him. (John 15, 1 John 2:28)
Jesus said, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt. 11:30)
Does it feel easy and light?
It is easy and light. It’s a fact. The reason we don’t feel it is because we don’t believe it and we are trying to do the works ourselves. This is not a condemnation. It’s what our flesh does. It’s what the enemy tries to do to us.
But, Jesus has already done it. He has already saved us. Quit trying to save yourself. Quit trying to please God by following rules. You cannot please God. Jesus Christ has already done it. The Holy Spirit in us does it. Our faith does it. When we try to do it in our flesh it cannot please Him. Only by faith, which means following Him. (Heb.11:6)
He wants a relationship. He wants to work through us, while we follow the Spirit.
So, how does this work?
Well, let’s say the preacher asks for a love offering to help a missionary.
Did you feel led to help? Did a number jump into your head? 10 bucks? 20 bucks? God knows what’s in your wallet.
That’s probably the Holy Spirit guiding you.
Then the very next thought was fear, doubt and concern? You wanted to take the kids to McDonalds. You needed to buy a new plant for the garden, or even pay a bill.
The Holy Spirit led you, and then a demonic entity tried to stop you. A spirit of fear. (2 Tim. 1:7)
Have you ever seen the old cartoon image of the angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other? That’s far more accurate than you realize.
Let’s say, you see a homeless person and they have a sign asking for help, and you feel led to help.
But, fear jumps up and says, “He might be a bad guy.” or “I see him here every week. I heard he drives a Lexus.”
So what?
A thought or a friend says “Well, other people who really need it, could be getting help and this guy is taking it”
Are you helping those other people? Why not help both? Why not divide the measly 5 bucks you were going to give and help the whole world?
Listen, just follow the Spirit as He guides. Do not second guess. Do not let the left hand know what the right hand is doing. Do not count the cost. Just follow and do as He leads.(Matt. 6:3)
Paul says, ” When I seek to do good, evil is with me.” We get led by the Spirit to serve, but the enemy pops up to keep us from it. We get distracted, we have fear. We have false thoughts. Our flesh listens to the enemy tempting us and we have doubt. We don’t trust that God can provide or protect.( Romans 7:21)
Here’s the deal. God wants us to do what is right.
Let’s say a man asks for money and you give it to him and he goes and buys booze.
You followed the Holy Spirit and showed love to this person. You followed.
God can use that. When that person is struggling and telling God, ” I’m in this mess because of you! You never helped me!” God can bring you to their remembrance.
God did send help, and kindness. He sent YOU.
If you do the works of God with your flesh, you will do works of the flesh. Your motivations will be flesh, your plans will be flesh. Your fears and your love will be flesh. It will all be filthy rags because it is not God working through you.
Learn to hear His voice and guidance. Learn to follow the Spirit.
It gets easier over time as you hear and follow. When you feed faith it grows, instead of fear.
I have watched God bring a chance to serve to a group of people, and saw them talk themselves totally out of doing anything to help the person in need. Over and over again.
I’m not saying that we should abandon wisdom. But, turn to God in this as well, and He will give you a word of wisdom.
Let’s say a friend pops into your head and you want to call them and say “Hi”.
Do it.
The Lord might be working on them and you could have helped. But, don’t let the enemy distract you. I learned years ago, that when God calls, you drop everything immediately and go do it. If you wait, at all. The enemy will work to distract and bring in fear or other things. Do not give him a chance.
Let’s say you are thinking about going on a mission trip somewhere. The idea just popped into your head. Then, low and behold, a friend says “Hey we are going to Africa for a week to hand out blankets.” That’s the Holy Spirit, leading you. Calling you.
Here’s an example from my own life.
I had a trip planned. I took the time off and was ready to go. But, my plans fell apart. So, I prayed, “Lord, what should I do now.?” Then, I started thinking about maybe doing a mission trip. And I prayed “Lord. I really don’t know anything about that. What would you want me to do?” And it wasn’t a week later when a friend invited me to go on a mission trip. It was during the exact time I had set for my original trip.
God leads us if we listen.
I really had no excuse now. So, I went and it was one of the best things I’ve done. God teaches us and builds the relationship through our listening and following His guidance.
Let’s say you are driving in your car alone, and a Bible verse jumps into your head, and you spend the rest of the morning thinking about the verse. That’s the Holy Spirit teaching you. Then later on that day, something happens that has a direct correlation with the verse you chewed on all morning. The Holy Spirit again.
Like sheep following the Master, we chew the cud of His Word, while standing on the cloven feet of Spirit and Truth. He leads us into all truth. He leads us in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
We are to be Spirit led. The Spirit brings to life. He is life.
The Breath of Life.
Our entire walk with Christ, is to abide in Him and have a relationship with Him. That comes by hearing His Spirit and following Him.
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“ His newest book is called “The Future is Coming” and is a collection of dystopian short stories.
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…
If you followed me around everyday with a camera. You’d be like,
“What’s wrong with this guy?”
God saves us despite our sinfulness. He works to change us.
Trust me. I’m better than I used to be.
I say this because I don’t want you to think I’m some perfect person. I’m not.
No one is. But, God uses us in our sin and failure anyway.
I say this again because I want you to realize that if we wait till we are perfect, we will never get busy serving God.
We are perfect because God washed us in the Blood of Christ, if you are saved. Not because we act perfect.
We grow in the Lord by serving Him. By working with Him. By confessing our sins to Him and building the relationship with Him.
Henry Blackaby used to say, “Find where God is working and join Him.”
A burden is a call from God to join Him.
So, what is a “burden”?
A burden is when you can’t get rid of a feeling or thought. It has weight. It burdens you. You perceive that there’s more to it than just some passing thought. Because it doesn’t pass. It stays with you. It keeps coming to your mind.
Now, a burden can be for anything, but let’s start with simple things.
You’re laying in bed and you wake up and someone is on your mind.
Pray for them.
Usually a burden will not leave you alone. It just keeps bugging you until you take care of it. Keep praying. As your mind runs wild, keep praying for what comes, or about what comes.
Sometimes, it’s a burden to pray. Sometimes it’s a burden to contact this person and just say “hi” and see what’s up. (Of course not at 2am)
You’ve been thinking about Uncle Joe all day. That’s a burden. Pray for him. Reach out.
You saw the woman sitting by the road with a sign. You’ve thought about her the whole time you’re in the store. That’s a burden. Pray for her and help her.
Sometimes a burden can be something you know about. You have no excuse.
Your friend’s spouse just died, and you feel a burden to reach out.
Do it.
You hear someone in need and feel a burden to help.
Do it.
Let’s get back to prayer, because no matter what the burden is, it needs to be answered firstly, by talking with God.
Nehemiah used to say short quick prayers under his breath when needed. (The Book of Nehemiah)
It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate. Just pray until the burden is lifted or you know what to do. Just talk to God.
I will often whisper prayers to God that no one sees. Even while I’m surrounded by people. God hears. You do not need to make a big show of prayer. Actually it’s best you don’t.
Sometimes, you won’t know what the burden is about. Just go. God will be there.
Sometimes you won’t know what to pray for. Pray what I call “Blanket Prayers”
You are throwing a blanket of prayer power over a person, place or situation.
Pray for salvation. Pray for protection. Pray that the people will draw closer to God. Pray for healing. Pray for help.
You are covering them in prayer.
You don’t need to know specifics. God will reveal those as He sees fit. Sometimes, it comes by contacting the person to see how they are doing.
The Holy Spirit guides us, and He can take our generic prayer and translate it into something specific. Even if we have no clue and are in agony, groaning for someone or ourselves, the Holy Spirit can understand. (Romans 8:26-27)
That brings us back to trying to be perfect. You can’t be. You already are perfect, in Christ.
The devil will get you to wallow in your own doubt and fear in order to keep you from serving. Just get up and do it.
Go, and let God guide you. it’s hard. You might fail. But, you went. And that’s really all we are called to do. (Eze. 3:17-22)
As we go, we listen for God’s guidance. The more we do it, the better we are at hearing Him.
As Saints, we are called to fight the enemy, help people, and spread the Gospel. We gather together in churches to do that work and help each other. This life is hard and we are often under attack. Our fellow Christians are supposed to pray for us and help us with our burdens and our troubles so we can fight the good fight of faith, and help them as well.
It all starts with prayer and often a burden to pray.
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