Where’s the Blue Jay?

Where did he go?


Where’s the Blue Jay?
I don’t see him much any more.

That pretty bird of blue
was a common sight
in my youth.

But where is the Blue Jay?
He stays in the deep deep woods
Away from trouble it seems

I saw him the other day 
Fighting with a friend
But he flew away.

I wonder where he goes
That crazy bird of old.
What’s happened to him?

It’s not a silent spring I see,
But it definitely has less Blue.
Something is wrong.

Is it the factory farm,
poisoning the fields,
killing him?

Is it the poisoned soil and air,
where he flies to live
and see the world below.

Where does he go?
To escape the eyes of man.
To be free if he can.

I would like to go.
To a place of my youth,
where the poison is no more.

A place of life,
without greed
for profit and pay.

A place where,
beauty lives,
and we find the Blue Jay.


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.

Follow Him on Medium: https://chris-bunton.medium.com/

Follow Him on Free Life Blog: https://myfreelifeblog.com/

Read His Spiritual Writings on Blogger: https://chrisbunton.blogspot.com/

Support the work for the cost of a Coffee

Support the work through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13514235&fan_landing=true&view_as=public

image from pexels

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What is Hell?

What do the scriptures say? When we study the scriptures on a subject, we go by what the entire Word says, based upon the guiding of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will lead us into ALL truth. That’s how it works. (John 16:13, Jas 1:5) We are surrounded by lots of false teachings, and…

Evil Is With Me

We have a corrupted nature “I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.”—Rom. 7:21 Romans chapter 7 explains to us the purpose of God’s Law. It’s purpose is to reveal sin in us, so that it can be dealt with. Paul describes the struggle between law and…

Our Peace

Our Peace Comes Through Knowing Him “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”—Phil. 4:6-7 You’ve seen the slogan “Know Jesus. Know Peace.No…

Spiritual Abuse

It’s not from God

I’ve been involved with Churches and ministries for at least 20 years. I’ve seen things. Things that are not from God. 

But first let’s define spiritual abuse. WebMD says, it’s “any attempt to exert power and control over someone using religion, faith or beliefs.”

Here’s my definition; because let’s be honest. If someone is mistreating me, I don’t need an experts definition. I know it when I feel it.

Spiritual abuse is when a person in a perceived position of authority uses spiritual things in order to hurt, control, steal, suppress or destroy another person.

This is not just Christian. It can be any religion, cult or guru. It can even be in para religious groups, such as Bible studies, AA meetings, rehab centers, shelters, and family situations.

The location is less the issue. It centers on the person doing the abusing. No matter where they lurk.

These abusers are often charismatic or have some influence. They are highly deceptive. They are in positions that God probably did not put them in.

What’s that mean? 

Well, some people go into ministry not because of a call from God but because it is the family business. Or they saw a way to earn a living and get respect. Or even they wanted to help people.

But, they were not called by God. It’s possible they don’t even know God. They are doing the ministry work in their own power, probably for money only.

Now there’s more to it than this. Jesus said, “By their fruits you shall know them.” These abusers, do not know God, so they cannot truly exhibit the fruits of the Spirit.

Sure, they can obey rules. A chimpanzee can obey rules. But, having love, joy, peace, patience, wisdom ….. is something that really can’t be faked.

Now understand that no one is perfect. We fail. Also understand that God wants to save the abuser as well, and might be trying to draw them to Himself. People make mistakes.

It takes a while to grow fruit. Good or bad. They didn’t become abusers over night. Things have happened to them and Satan has worked to destroy them. Pray for them.

But, these folks should not be in positions of power, just because they can take a few college classes and get their dad to ordain them.

Ok?

It’s hard because the Bible teaches that we should support authority and believe that it is put in place by God. Since God is all powerful, it is believed then that all leaders are in power because of God. An abuser will make sure you remember this. His or her victim followers will make sure you remember this. This is what leads to the Hitlers, and the Stalins and the Jim Joneses.

But, no where in God’s Word are we led to support evil. We are not forced to abide with with false teachers or false brethren, or false leaders. There is no fellowship with the children of Belial.

Did David stay with Saul? No. He left, and confronted and exposed him every chance he got. He did not kill God’s anointed. But, he did not hang out with him or let Saul kill him either.

There will be a pattern of abuse. There will be others who have tasted it or sensed it. People driven from the church. Employees leaving oddly. God will often give signs and point things out if you’ll notice.

Remember, Jesus came to set us free. Anything that seeks to hold you hostage is probably not good.

The abusers will probably twist scriptures to say that the freedom is only spiritual and it comes through obeying and following the abuser, or some other twisting.

The abuser doesn’t want you free. The abuser needs to control you, and keep you silent, and obeying. A wolf in sheep’s clothing who fleeces and devours the sheep.

Notice, that all the scriptures they use will be twisted to a form of control, and that control will then be twisted to the church, employer, or government. They will claim that you must find God only at church. Then, they will claim that that means THEIR church.

Understand that Jesus set us free and turns us to a relationship with God. Is that what your abuser tells you?

A real leader from the Lord, will follow God. He will be led of the Spirit and seek to do God’s Will. He will teach from the Word and try to walk in the Spirit. This doesn’t mean he won’t sin. We all sin. But, he will be so focused on serving God, that he doesn’t have time to play games like trying to manipulate people or trick them into following him. He will let God guide you to where He wants you to be.

It doesn’t have to be sexual or physical abuse. Or abuse through neglect or preventing healthcare, or anything.

It can simply be a constant effort of making you feel, guilt, fear and shame. This is not love. 

It’s a feeling of being worthless. It’s a feeling of ostracism, if you don’t obey. They won’t kick you out totally because that would be a loss of control. They want you to crawl back and obey. They want you to be a second class citizen and sit under their footstool as it says in James.

If you are saved, then you are free in Christ, and it’s between you and God, how He defines your freedom. He’ll tell you.

Spiritual abuse is very sneaky. It can appear to be the tenets of a religion. But, there’s no real love. Not really. There’s no real peace. No joy. It’s just rules and fear.

Satan uses these abusers to keep people away from God. To keep the real Saints confused and too busy to fight. And to kill, steal and destroy. To hurt people.

You know what’s happening to you. Pray about it. Take steps to escape. Ask God to lead you.

I’m not saying we always run away from trouble. Sometimes, God has you there to serve Him. Sometimes, He might be using you to expose the abuser, so God can correct them.

You must have a relationship with God and listen to Him. Anger, bitterness, and resentment can lead to revenge. Then, you can become just the same as your abuser.

Abusers do not have to act alone. Sometimes it can be a group. Abusers tend to find each other. They can be like vampires, where the head vampire creates and promotes the vampires under him or her as reward or to keep control.

They can work together to destroy people who might oppose them. When you try to complain, they will say that “All churches are like this.” Which is really not a good selling point. If all churches abuse their members then that’s a problem.

Remember, Jesus brings liberty. Control is the opposite of that. 

In everything, turn to God and let Him save you, guide you and heal you. He will lead you to where he wants you to be.


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.

Follow Him on Medium: https://chris-bunton.medium.com/

Follow Him on Free Life Blog: https://myfreelifeblog.com/

Read His Spiritual Writings on Blogger: https://chrisbunton.blogspot.com/

Support the work for the cost of a Coffee

Support the work through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13514235&fan_landing=true&view_as=public

Photos by the author

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The Coming Storm

The signs of the times Meteorologists warn us about coming storms. Whether it’s a freezing rain and snow or a summer tornado. Folks believe them. They stock up on bread and milk. They buy icy melt. They break out the snow gear and the shovels or flash lights. They check on family. They stay home…

Thanking God

We owe Him everything God gave us life. He gives us the things we need and the joys of this world. When we get saved and know Him, we see that He gives us so much more. We realize that everything comes from Him and all of it works together for our good. Our thankfulness…

The Demons Come Back

Spiritual warfare and repentance When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. 25 And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. 26 Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other…

Sunshine

A Tail-Rhyme

Sunshine through the window,
lifts my heart when I’m low.
It makes me smile.

There’s a happiness that comes;
and through my heart it runs,
then sits a while.


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.

Follow Him on Medium: https://chris-bunton.medium.com/

Follow Him on Free Life Blog: https://myfreelifeblog.com/

Read His Spiritual Writings on Blogger: https://chrisbunton.blogspot.com/

Buy a cup of Coffee

Support the work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13514235&fan_landing=true&view_as=public

Photos by the author. A pot in the backyard.

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Do Not Be Like Them

Do We Follow Evil Authority? There’s a Christian concept that I have struggled with over the years. It is the idea that believers are supposed to bow down to Authority. No matter how evil it is. The concept comes from this verse, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no…

On Father’s Day

Father’s are under attack It’s Fathers Day and probably the sermons you will hear today, and the things posted on social media, will be attacks on Father’s. Little jabs talking about how they need to do better, and are the leaders of the household or some other form of guilt and shame. And we wonder…

Not As The World Gives

God Doesn’t Do Like The World Does. Jesus said. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”—John 14:27  (John 14:1-31–in context) When God calls us, and we turn to Him, confessing Jesus…

Fasting for Health

It could change your life

Fasting is a powerful tool for health. It has been mentioned in spiritual and alternative health circles for quite some time, but in our modern world we tend to forget about it, or find it difficult to perform.

You must realize that the concept of eating 3 square meals a day, at specific times set down by other people, is not a natural way of living. Eating when you are hungry is actually far more healthy. As a matter of fact, most of the world for thousands of years, and even today live a “Feast or Fast” life. Meaning that they “feast” when food is available, and “fast” or go without when it’s not. Animals in the wild, live the same way.

It is a fact, that the average human can live 3 weeks or more without food. I realize that there are certain medical conditions, that make this difficult, but even these could benefit from a reduced habit of constant food intake.

So, let’s talk common sense here. If you stop eating food for a period of time, let’s say 24 hours, and only consume clean water with no chemicals. You are allowing your body time to focus on other things such as healing, instead of digesting food. The pure water in the mean time flushes toxins out of the body.

Understand that your sweat, your pee and your poop is your body’s way of eliminating waste or toxins from the body. It is like the exhaust pipe on your car. What happens when it clogs? Fasting gives your body time to flush those systems clean, because you are not bringing anything into your body except pure water. Paul Bragg who has written many great books on Naturopathic medicine, and is the creator of Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar, used to fast one 24 hour day a week.

Fasting allows the body the chance to focus all of its energy on healing. Our body often wants to stop eating when we are sick, and we think this is a bad thing. But, what if it’s not? What if forcing ourselves to eat, is actually taking energy from the healing process? Controlled fasting, while consuming the proper nutrients, and fluids, can aid in healing of ailments that are attacking our body. Fasting is most powerful, when used as a preventative practice. You might not get sick at all, if you fast regularly and let your body clean itself and spend time on other things rather than digesting food.

Consider fasting in relation to weight loss and all the health issues that obesity causes. If you fasted 24 hours one day a week, then that is 3 meals a week you have reduced. That is 156 meals a year. Now add to this, to the fact that you are only eating when you are hungry, and that you are eating healthier smaller meals. You will lose weight, it’s inevitable.

Also, consider that the leading causes of death and disease in America is cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. All of which have links to things we consume. So, fasting as a preventative can greatly reduce the risks of these ailments because you are not consuming them. You are doing even more to fight this if you are eating organic clean foods and drinks and exercising. Exercise, along with all of its other benefits, also causes you to shed toxins through sweat.

Fasting benefits us on a spiritual level as well. Just like how fasting lets the body focus on healing, it can also let our spirit focus on God. We are more than just bodies who eat and make little bodies. We are a soul and a spirit, who happens to have a body. There is more to reality than what we see around us. There is more in existence than what we are suffering right now. Fasting can open the veil to the spiritual, and has done so for thousands of years.

Not only that, but fasting gives us the practice for resisting temptations. If you have trouble with will power, or resisting the urge to do certain things, or you want to be stronger to fight an addiction. Fasting will give you the practice you need to make you stronger, when those times of temptations come. Imagine that you want that chocolate bar or that habit. You cannot resist it. But, through fasting, you have practiced resisting the urge to eat which is a very strong urge. Fasting can make your ability to resist, stronger, and that ability can be applied to anything.

When you are fasting you must remember that you are only consuming fluids. So, if you feel the need to pass gas, you better be careful. Stay near restrooms. If you feel the desire to eat, then drink pure water (or juice) instead. It will reduce the acid in your stomach that makes you feel hungry. Also, realize that the hunger pangs are only temporary. After a few days they will stop, until your body reaches a point of panic mode, and you need to eat to survive. Those initial pangs are based upon your habit of eating at certain times, and always having food available. It’s in your mind, so to speak. Drink water and it will make you feel better.

Fasting is a great addition to anyone’s attempts to live a healthy lifestyle. Like most natural healing practices, it works best as a preventative. Try it. Fasting will not kill you. You will not die if you skip a meal or two. Start small and work your way up. I tend to fast from lunchtime to lunchtime, 24 hours later.

Just realize that our modern way of eating is greatly flawed, and could be killing us. Don’t view this as a punishment, or a diet. View it as a rebellion against the system that is making you and your family sick. View it as a change in lifestyle. Anything less will just make being healthy a struggle. You have to change your mind, and your life will follow. Pray for help. Always pray. Pray for health. Pray to lose weight. It helps.

(I will drink coffee as well as pure water or juice, if needed. Some might reject this. But, many people need coffee to prevent a splitting headache. Drink your coffee, along with pure water or juice during your fast. But, start working on reducing your coffee intake over time. Don’t let coffee or a headache or nay sayers, stop you from benefiting from what fasting can do)


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.

Follow Him on Medium: https://chris-bunton.medium.com/

Follow Him on Free Life Blog: https://myfreelifeblog.com/

Read His Spiritual Writings on Blogger: https://chrisbunton.blogspot.com/

Buy a cup of Coffee

Support the work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13514235&fan_landing=true&view_as=public

Photo by the writer

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Does God Feel Distant?

He is with you. Believe it. There are times in our lives when we feel that God has abandoned us. It seems that He doesn’t hear and we don’t feel His presence or see His movements in our lives. I have experienced the same. God has opened my eyes to the reality of it, and…

The Holy Spirit Vs. The Antichrist Spirit

Both are working in this world. The spirit of antichrist is mentioned in God’s Word ( 1 John 2:18, 22,  1 John 4:1-6, 2 John 7 KJV) but very little is known of it. It is rarely mentioned in sermons or teachings to the saints.  It is important to know what this is, because it is working…

What Is My Purpose?

We are all called by God to serve. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of…

Down Pour

Here Comes The Rain Again

It rained for a week,
then the gullywasher came

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.

Follow Him on Medium: https://chris-bunton.medium.com/

Follow Him on Free Life Blog: https://myfreelifeblog.com/

Read His Spiritual Writings on Blogger: https://chrisbunton.blogspot.com/

Buy a cup of Coffee

Support the work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13514235&fan_landing=true&view_as=public

photo by the poet. Maeystown Bridge.

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Saving Faith

What is it really?  And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had…

The Mother Of All Living

The first mother “And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.”— Gen 3:20 She was created after Adam; to be his helpmate. To be his companion. We do not know how long Adam was alone before God caused him to fall into a deep sleep, and removed a…

Joy Comes In The Morning

God calls us to Him “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”— Psalm 30:5 Things happen in our lives. Terrible things that break us and drag us down. Things that we cannot control and ruin us. Things that…

In Colors

A Kimo Poem

As Oaks standing firm through cold autumn rain,

Our past in leaves flutter down,

Feeding growth; in colors.


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.

Follow Him on Medium: https://chris-bunton.medium.com/

Follow Him on Free Life Blog: https://myfreelifeblog.com/

Read His Spiritual Writings on Blogger: https://chrisbunton.blogspot.com/

Buy a cup of Coffee

Support the work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13514235&fan_landing=true&view_as=public

photo by the poet.

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Go To The Exchangers

A Word on Being Ready For The Lord’s Return “Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the…

Forgive And You Shall Be Forgiven

Walking in the Spirit is tough. Jesus said, For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.— Matt. 6:14-15 Jesus tells us this in explanation of the Lord’s Prayer.  After this manner therefore pray ye:…

He Rose For Our Justification

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Humanity: An Acrostic

HUMANITY: An acrostic


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.

Follow Him on Medium: https://chris-bunton.medium.com/

Follow Him on Free Life Blog: https://myfreelifeblog.com/

Read His Spiritual Writings on Blogger: https://chrisbunton.blogspot.com/

Buy a cup of Coffee

Support the work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13514235&fan_landing=true&view_as=public

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The Lesson Of Job

Abide in the Lord We all face trouble in life. It is something we can all agree upon. No matter who you are, something bad will eventually come to cause you trouble. Something will break your heart. Something will break you down. Something will make you crazy, concerned or confused. When we look at the…

Destroying The Image Of God

Satan’s Insanity If you’ve read the Bible, you know that we have a spiritual enemy. Satan fell sometime after creation. We do not know exactly when, but it was because he desired to be “like the most High”. (Isa. 14: 12-17) He wants to be God. This desire led to his fall and corruption. It…

There Is No Condemnation

When we are walking with the Lord. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, ……… Wait for it Wait let it sink in for a few minutes Pay attention to how much it bothers you to just rest in Christ Hold Hold Hold Ok ……who walk not after the…

My New eBook: The Latter Days

New Prophecy eBook Available


I have released my latest eBook “The Latter Days“.

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.

Buy me a cup of Coffee:

Through Patreon

Thank you for your support.

(photos and covers are created by the author)


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.

Follow Him on Medium: https://chris-bunton.medium.com/

Follow Him on Free Life Blog: https://myfreelifeblog.com/

Read His Spiritual Writings on Blogger: https://chrisbunton.blogspot.com/

Buy a cup of Coffee

Support the work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13514235&fan_landing=true&view_as=public

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The Battle Of Our Souls

The Spirit battles against the flesh This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye…

Trusting God

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.…

The Great Falling Away

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…

A Frozen Lesson

Learning About Faith

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.

Follow Him on Medium: https://chris-bunton.medium.com/

Follow Him on Free Life Blog: https://myfreelifeblog.com/

Read His Spiritual Writings on Blogger: https://chrisbunton.blogspot.com/

Buy a cup of Coffee

Support the work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13514235&fan_landing=true&view_as=public

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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…

Why Do We Study Prophecy?

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…

Are Doggie Doors Worth It?

Can a Doggie Door Help With Your Pets?

Yes.

That’s the quickest answer.

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.

Follow Him on Medium: https://chris-bunton.medium.com/

Follow Him on Free Life Blog: https://myfreelifeblog.com/

Read His Spiritual Writings on Blogger: https://chrisbunton.blogspot.com/

Buy a cup of Coffee

Support the work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13514235&fan_landing=true&view_as=public

Photos by the author

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