Free Life Blog

Golden Leaf (Haiku)

Golden leaf alone,
falling through days final light,
to land among friends.

The Monsters Come

By Chris Bunton

Every morn, the monsters come.
They come to attack my day.
Every morn it’s the same,
and every day, they strive away.

The skeletons from closets scream,
while vampires claw from crypts.
They draw and draw until I am spent.
Every day they come. The Monsters come.

Ghosts of words unsaid,
and desires of demons ripping.
Wraiths of past things done;
chasing my peace away.

Giants stomping out hopes and dreams;
while spewing fear, doubt and shame.
The Worm digs and burns through;
everything. They destroy the day.

The darkness hangs like a cloud.
It smothers my hopes today.
I need coffee, and some light,
to stand tall, and live loud.

Let’s drive the monsters away.

Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois.

(Photograph by the author is from Castle Park, in Carbondale Illinois. It’s a park that a father built in memorial to his son who died. It’s an entire fantasy theme. It’s open to the public and maintained with donations.)

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

Christian Environmentalism

I love God’s creation. I believe that He created mankind to “Dress and Keep it” (Gen.2:15) we are to take care of and protect God’s creation. That is one of the first commandments He gave mankind. It is our original purpose on Earth. We are to walk with our Creator, to have a relationship with Him, and take care of the creation He has given us dominion over.

We are not to love the creation more than the Creator. We are not to worship the things of this world, by making them gods in our lives. We are to set our gaze upon Him, and things eternal. While fulfilling our responsibility to do the job He has given us, and building the Kingdom.

Adam and Eve failed in that task, and allowed Satan and his hordes to take dominion of the Earth. This brought Death and the Plague of Sin into our lives and existence. God imposed the Curse, in order to cause us to seek Him, and turn to Him in our toils, and be saved.

So, why do Christians seem to have such a negative view of the environment and our responsibilities in regards to it? Protecting creation is our purpose for being created, along with having a relationship with God. We can see that God tells man to “Be fruitful and multiply, replenish the Earth.” (Gen. 1:28) This is a commandment from God. This is when God gave us our sex drive. But, He also commands us to “Replenish the Earth.”

Many claim this verse refers to a former creation that God destroyed. But, there’s no real evidence of this. I believe that in context of a command for population growth (Be fruitful and multiply), God is giving a conservation lesson. As we grow in population, we are to practice behaviors which restore, or conserves or replenishes the Earth, and the things we use.

God gives us dominion over the Earth. But, this is to be practiced in Love and Compassion, not sinful lust for money and selfish desires.

God cares for His creation and plainly shows it when he drives Israel from the land for refusing to let the land rest. (Lev. 26:32-35, 2 Chron. 36:17-23) They did not trust God to take care of them, and they worshiped money or wealth from the land more than God.

It’s obvious that there is a connection with our spirits and God’s creation; that His commandments upon us are for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It’s throughout the entire Bible. He warns of things, and commands us to do things, because there are consequences, and I’m not just talking about eternity and the Lake of Fire. He sent Jesus Christ to save us from that, but there are still consequences in this world, for the things we do or don’t do. We reap what we sow; there is cause and effect, which comes back upon us. His commands, are efforts, to show us we need Him, we need to be saved, and how to live in His creation, with less trouble.

The Church and many Christians have had a negative view of climate change. I have been the same. I have viewed climate change as a boogie man created by Satan and his minions as a tool to help foster in world government, The New World Order Anti-Christ Kingdom prophesied to come. I still believe this and it seems very plausible, especially when you see who is pushing the agenda, and the other things going on around us.

But, I recently read a book called “Hot, Flat and Crowded” by Thomas L. Friedman, in which the writer gives lots of information about “Climate Change” This got me to thinking some things about these last days we are in.

Is it possible that our sin has brought about the destruction of our world, and that everything described in the scriptures is the result of it? That God has allowed us to heap together destruction unto ourselves, because we refuse to listen to Him, and turn to Him? We have done much evil, but we have not protected our world. Our greed and lust for wealth, and our selfishness, has consumed more and more, which we have not replenished. Our refusal to love God, His creation, and our neighbors, and ourselves has resulted in destruction. Do we care for the sparrow? He does.

Our rampant sexual behaviors have brought population booms that devour everything in the world. We cannot continue to hoard land and live in greed, while having no self –control. That is just a small portion of what we have done and how it could possibly be leading to destruction.

We know that our actions can destroy our lives. Why not our world as well? God kicked Israel out from the land. He kicked Adam out of the Garden. He can drive us out as well. But, where will we go? Caves? Babylon?

The Church should stop being so opposed to efforts to save the environment. We should be leading. We can do right without endorsing the efforts of the enemy. It is not an affront to God for us to make our churches, homes and businesses more environmentally friendly, and to support such things locally. The Church has already let government take over the feeding of the poor. The Church has embraced technology that will directly be used to support the Mark of the Beast. The Church has behaved in all kinds of ways, which has allowed the Enemy place, to destroy people’s lives, and pull them from God. But, yet we balk at protecting the Creation.

Honestly, what good are we doing? We preach the Gospel, and give people hope for eternity, but then preach that it’s ok to make this world miserable for people. Doesn’t God provide a hope and a future? We talk about how women should not abort, but we condemn her for being pregnant out of wedlock, getting welfare, and using drugs to feel better. We condemn the heroin addict, while gorging ourselves on fried chicken and coffee, while women sit listening to the preacher on anti-depressants. We condemn the lazy worker, while supporting bosses who rob them of wages, and refuse to treat them with respect. We demand that people lick the boots, of their corporate masters, and government, but continue to let these entities, create Satan’s global kingdom.

What is the Church doing? We attack each other for the slightest infraction. We destroy any preacher who is not doing exactly what we think he should do. We search high and low to make a person a Christian, and when we have them we make them worse than ourselves, or drive them away from Christ, because they cannot stand to be around us and our self-righteous garbage. We are called to be salt and light, and to spread the Gospel. We are to be hated for Christ’s sake, not because we are worthless jerks.

We need to change. Jesus is going to cleanse the temple.

Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois.

Photograph by the Author, a water fall outside of Pittsburgh, PA in Ohiopyle State Park

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

Our Dirty Feet

By Chris Bunton

As followers of Christ, we live and walk in this filthy world. We see things, we feel things, we think things, and we do things that are sinful. It’s a fact. It says in 1 John 1:10 ” If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” So, if you cannot admit that you sin, then you do not know Christ.

Jesus is the Word. “The Word is not in you.” if you cannot admit your sinfulness.

We still sin as saved people but we are not viewed by God as sinners. He sees Christ, not us. Our sins are never brought back up. That’s what “we do not sin” means. Our sins are not imputed on us. We are righteous. (1 John 3:9)

In the Gospel of John, when Jesus began to wash the disciples feet. Peter was appalled. He could not let the God of the universe. The Holy One of Israel, do this for him. We often feel that way. We cannot bring ourselves to let God take care of us. (John 13)

Jesus said “if I do not wash you. Then you can have no part with me.” (John 13: 8-9)

Jesus is referring to the washing away of sin. He is talking about being washed in His blood and getting saved. When we are saved; our sins, past, present and future are gone.

Peter sort of understood, and told Jesus to wash ALL of him. Peter wanted to make sure he was with Christ. He wanted to show that he was all in.

But Jesus knew that Peter was already washed. He knew Peter was already saved.

Peter had been called, and accepted the call. Peter believed, and had already confessed Jesus as God, and his Lord. He had turned to God. Salvation was not the issue. ( Matt. 16: 13-19)

Next Jesus says, “all you need is for me to wash your feet.” (Verse 10)

As we walk in this world we get dirty, and we need to be washed. Not for salvation, but as a means of removing the filth of this world, so we don’t spread it every where. So, we don’t carry it with us. So, it doesn’t begin to impact our lives. So, we can feel better. Often talking about something with God or another person can help us.

So, how does this happen?

In 1st John it says to confess our sins and He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness. We pray and confess our sins to God, and He forgives. As we do this, we find that He works to help us overcome, more and more. Sometimes, it doesn’t feel like He hears us. But, we must believe that He does. Sometimes, prayers of confession can be a struggle. (1 John 1:9)

In James, it says to confess our sins one to each other, and pray for each other. This can be very difficult when you have no one you can trust or you fear repercussions. This is why it’s fine to simply confess to the Lord. There are some churches where gossip will destroy you. The purpose of confessing, is to heal and get cleansed. It is not to allow humans the chance to destroy your life. (James 5:16)

But, you must do as the Holy Spirit leads you. If you feel that you need to publicly confess, or confess to others, then do it. But, you must weigh the amount of damage you might cause, and do it in a way that does not hurt others. We are called to Love.

This is Foot Washing, as it pertains to spiritual matters. Of course, there’s the act of washing others feet in reality. This is a very humbling experience, the Lord can use it to grow us.

Turn to God. He is with us.

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/

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

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

God’s Economy

By Chris Bunton

There’s been much debate on what God’s will is in regards to our economic system. Some say God is a capitalist, and that capitalism is the only way to go. Others say that Jesus was a socialist. But what if it’s a mixture of both?

There are several times in the Bible, when God has set up the system He desires. All of these systems have similar characteristics. I think we can assume that when God does something the same way every time, that it’s probably how He thinks it should be done. So, let’s look at the first point in time; the Garden of Eden. Now when I point these things out, I want you to compare it to the world system we live in today.

God created Adam and placed him in the Garden.( Gen. 2:15) “To dress and keep it”. So, He gave Adam a purpose. He gave Adam work to do. He did not give him a job. Do not confuse today’s system with God’s system. He gave Adam dominion. Adam had control of his purpose, and his work and his life. Dominion means Adam was in complete control. He ruled. He ruled the Earth, and himself, with love, peace and joy. He took care of the creation.

A job, in today’s standard is where a person enslaves themselves to another person or corporation in order to get what they need to survive or get ahead. That is not what God did to Adam. He did not say, “go get a job”. God gave Adam a purpose and work based upon what Adam was uniquely created to do. It was a peaceful, loving exchange not an adversarial compromise akin to slavery. And yes, the term slavery is biblical in this case. In the Bible times you could sell yourself into slavery in order to pay debts, or if you had no way of taking care of yourself. That’s what we do when we get a job. Adam was a co-owner.

All of Adam’s needs were met in the Garden. God said he could freely eat of every fruit in the Garden. Adam had a healthy diet, and he had no needs. His food, water, shelter, and medical were safe, healthy and taken care of. He had to go pick the fruit or get the water; which he did during the course of his work. He did it as he fulfilled his purpose. But, he did not need to slave away just to make ends meet. His needs were met, and he could focus on his purpose. His purpose was what God gave him to do. God is not a slave driver, exploiting Adam.

Adam had his spiritual needs met through a relationship with God, and he had his companionship needs met, with a spouse and his animal friends. (They did not eat meat at this time, and they seemed to be able to communicate with nature.)

God gave Adam

A purpose.
Work to do, with complete authority.
All his needs were met
There was no time table.
He had only one rule.
He was free.

Adam lived in the Garden. He loved his work. He did it at his own pace. He was in control. All his needs were met, and he was free. He had only one law. This was the system God gave him. He lived in it until Satan stole it, and he was driven out into a world of death, labor and pain. Where he had to scrape and scrape for everything he needed. The same world we live in today.

He listened to the Enemy, instead of God his friend. And we also are often pulled away by the enemy speaking into our minds, giving us doubt, and fear, instead of trusting God, and knowing He is on our side.

There are great spiritual lessons here, and that’s its purpose. But, let’s focus on the system God set up. Because by knowing this, we can safely say whether something is really God’s will.

Let’s look at the Exodus story.

God sent Moses to deliver His people from the slavery of Pharaoh. Egypt is a picture of the world system. Pharaoh is a picture of Satan who rules it. Moses is a picture of Christ. This is the spiritual lesson. But, again let’s focus on what God provides.

There are two places in this story where God provides; in the wilderness, and in the Promised Land. But, what God provides is very similar. He gives them manna from heaven and water from the rock. He heals their ailments. He places them in their families, clans and tribes, and He is among them. They have a purpose, of following God as He moves them to the Promised Land.

In the wilderness, He provides

All their needs were met.
They had a purpose, to follow God to the promise land.
He gave them laws that were sensible.

This lasted until they failed to go into the Promised Land because they listened to the voices of fear and doubt. Then, they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years until a new generation was ready to go in. BUT! Even during this period of wandering, God was with them, and provided all their needs, and took care of them. He was with them.

So, they came to the Promised Land and entered. After many battles, they settled into the system God provided. It follows the same pattern.

Every family had an inheritance that they ruled over and that took care of their needs. They were free to buy and sell and conquer more land as they saw fit. But, their basic needs were met. God was with them, and had a relationship with them. They had laws that were sensible.

So, what’s the final answer to all of this? Well, it’s obvious that the system we are in today is not from God. God would set up a system that took care of us, physically, mentally and spiritually. This current system of poverty, failure, corruption and death is from the enemy. It is designed to cause us to remain slaves, and to ultimately accept a future false system of lies.

We can also see that the millennium and eternity will be a place where those who are with God will have a purpose, they were specifically created for. They will have their needs met, and be able to achieve greater things if they wish. We will have a relationship with God, and there will be spiritual laws that are not contrary to us. We will be among our people and the beings of heaven living in love.

Remember, God is on our side. He is trying to save us and help us, despite our corrupt nature.

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Me

Truth Poetry by Chris Bunton

I have failed at everything.
Everything I try to do.

I have failed in school.
I was never well behaved.

I have failed at work.
I was never a very good slave.

I have failed at family.
Where are they now?

I have failed at life.
I’m barely making it somehow.

I’m not a famous person.
I’m not a wealthy man.
I’m not a holy guru;
Nor wanted by any friend.

I’m just good at being me;
and maybe that’s all I’m supposed 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“ 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/

Read His Spiritual Writings on Blogspot: 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

The Spirit of Anti-Christ

By Chris Bunton

The spirit of antichrist has been working in the world since before the Flood of Noah, even till today.

It has one job. To create the Anti-Christ system in preparation for the appearance of Satan’s messiah, the Anti-Christ.

When you see the world being taken over before the Flood. That was the spirit of antichrist. When you see Nimrod building the Tower of Babel and uniting the world against God. That was the spirit of antichrist.

When you look at history and see all the world conquerors. That’s the spirit of antichrist. When you see the idol of Daniel, showing the kingdoms of history. That is the spirit of antichrist.

When you see the 20th century and the struggles between capitalism and communism and fascism for global control, and control of the mind. That is the spirit of antichrist.

As you see the uniting of the world through torment and destruction, and fear. That is the spirit of antichrist.

The word antichrist, does not mean against Christ. It means “instead of” Christ. Its job is to unite the world under the Anti-Christ, and get them to worship, another god. That god being Satan who desires to be the most high.

The spirit of antichrist does not care about our politics. It uses all sides to push its agenda. It works through individuals, groups, religions and governments to gain more control and build the infrastructure for the Beast system.

There are humans who rule this world, and have submitted to the antichrist spirit and other demonic forces. These humans from top to bottom are deceived slaves.

Even good Christian people can and are used by this spirit to help push the agenda.

The Holy Spirit and God’s Word, helps us to fight these things if we are Saved and Spirit led. Remember, Satan can quote scripture and use it to oppress people. It is the Holy Spirit that leads us into all Truth. It is the power of the Holy Spirit that quickens, the Sword of the Spirit.

We are called to fight the good fight of faith against the enemy in all its forms. But, we know we have already won, and the final victory must be Christ’s.

When they say Christ has come, do not be deceived, you will know when your Lord comes.

When they say you are an extremist. Rejoice for so persecuted they the prophets before you.

When they threaten you, and strip everything from you, and beat on the door to come in, fear not for He is with you.

Remember, all these things must happen but the end is not yet…..for He is coming…quickly.

Bio: Chris Bunton is a Writer, Poet and Blogger from Southern Illinois.

Photo taken by the Author in Washington D.C.

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

Justice

By Chris Bunton

Justice is always achieved through violence.

When a nation wants justice they carpet bomb the enemy, and drop nukes on their head.

When a government wants justice, they drag you from your car or home, lock you in a cage, put you before a joke of a court, and lock you in a bigger cage.

When an employer wants justice, they fire you and destroy the lives of you and your children.

Justice is always achieved through violence.

Unless, you’re poor, and beaten down. Then, you gotta wait. You gotta follow the rules they create. You gotta file the form, and follow the script. You gotta sit in your seat and keep a soft voice, and use those pretty words they taught you in that prison of a school.

And maybe, just maybe you’ll get justice.

When God wanted justice, He killed His Son for you.

Justice always comes through violence.

Then, maybe peace can come.

Chris Bunton is a Writer, Poet and Blogger from Southern Illinois.

It Fits

By Chris Bunton

It fits.
It just simply does.

My arm fits behind your head,
as we lie on the bed, in the glow.

Your head on my shoulder,
comfortable and light.

It fits.
It just does.

Staring at the ceiling;
at the cobweb on the fan.

Nobody cares. There are no thoughts,
just reverie, and peace. Just to be.

It fits.
It just fits.

This life with you,
and who we are.

This growth together,
to become, more than one.

It fits.
It has fallen into place.

I can’t explain why,
but here we are again.

Another time, when a smile came,
and we knew it was right to be.

It fits.
Again and again it fits.

All our concerns drift away.
All our days become one.

Our hopes become shared,
and our dreams spring alive.

It fits.
This life together fits.

Bio: Chris Bunton is a poet, writer and blogger from Southern Illinois

(Photo from Giant City State Park, Makanda Illinois.)

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

A Lesson in Giving

By Chris Bunton

I was in prison.

Most stories end that way, but not this one. It was actually the beginning of my life. A new life. A new start.

In prison we can go to the commissary and buy things. When I say “go to the commissary, I mean we can stand in line while someone behind a cage fills an order you gave them on a sheet of paper. The types things you can purchase includes hygiene items, clothes, snacks, and some basic electronics. It’s just basic stuff, but if you don’t have it, things get miserable pretty fast.

For example, a fan. If you do not have a fan, then you are in a world of hurt when summer comes, and you are sweltering in a cinder block building with no AC.

Extra food, like ramen noodles are a necessity. They only feed you enough calories to be legal. It’s probably around 1200 calories a day. They even know how much toilet paper to give you to match the food they give you. One roll a week. So, you must supplement your diet with food from the store, such as noodles. If not, then you go to bed hungry every night, and get up before dark to go eat farina and scrambled eggs. I had never even heard of farina, till prison. And I had never dreamed of eating cooked cabbage. Especially, three times a week. But, now I love both.

Anyway, there were lots of guys in the cells around me who did not have the things they needed because their families did not send them money or they had alienated everyone. So, I would obtain things and give them away to help these people. God provided and I gave.

It was illegal in prison to give things away. We had to keep it hid. Because the guards would assume you were paying for something like, Gambling debts, drugs, or some other activity.

Jesus said “Give to any who ask, and from him, who seeks to borrow, turn not away.” So, I tried to do that. I gave and helped, and it was never a problem. God always had what was needed for me to give. Sometimes, it was quite specific. I would obtain an item, and within a few days someone would need it and I would give it. It was like a river flowing.

One time I had helped some people out, and it was a few days till we could go to the store. I was running very low on supplies, when a guy I knew asked for a couple of packages of noodles. If I gave it to him then I would be without for days. That means I’d be hungry every night. I was about to tell him no. Then the Lord brought the verse “Give to any who ask, and from him who seeks to borrow, turn not away;” to my mind.

So, I argued.

“Lord, if I give it to him, then I’ll have nothing, and I will be hungry.”

To which I felt the answer was.

“Then, you won’t have to worry about giving anything any more.”

This was true.

You don’t have to worry about giving, when you have nothing to give. It’s a freedom of sorts. Beside’s I felt a distinct impression that God would take care of me.

So, I gave it.

This was in the afternoon.

When it came time to go to chow for dinner, I went to the chow hall. It’s a big room full of round metal picnic tables bolted to the floor. They will seat 4 people per table.

You eat your food fast, because when they say it’s time to go, you go. So, I’m eating my meal when the man next to me says,

“You want this?’ he pointed at his tray.

“Sure.” So I took it and ate,

Then, the other two guys at the table said the same thing.

So, that evening, I got 4 meals. I was not hungry when I went to bed.

For 3 days, this happened. Every evening I would get 4 meals from different people who for whatever reason were not hungry. And I went to bed full. I did not need to eat anything extra.

After 3 days, we went to the store and I purchased my stuff. That evening, the extra meals ended, because I had the items I needed.

God took care of me. And I learned something about giving.

You can never out give God. He will take care of you. If you give, God will give back. You can trust Him. If someone is asking you for something; then God has sent them to you for a reason. It’s not an accident. If you have it or can help get it, then give it.

I had a lawyer friend tell me, “But, if you give to everyone who asks, you will go broke.”

That has not been my experience. God stops sending people, or He provides.

And if you have given everything away, then you don’t have to worry about giving anymore, you can honestly say.

“I don’t have it.”

But, God will bring it back. Ten times over. Fear not. Just trust God.

Golden Leaf (Haiku)

The Monsters Come

Our Dirty Feet

Read More From Chris

The Great Falling Away

Give And It Shall Be Given Unto You

He Is Real

Me

It Fits

A Lesson in Giving