Spiritual Warfare

 Spiritual Warfare

A Word on Real Spiritual Warfare.

This is an overview of spiritual warfare. It is not all inclusive. It's just a bit of truth so you can fight the enemy.

Spiritual warfare is what we do as believers. There's no way around it. If you are saved, then the Holy Spirit is leading you to do things that will engage the forces of darkness.

Light drives out darkness. Salt purifies and prevents decay. Love drives out fear. 

If you serve Christ, then you are engaging in spiritual warfare. Satan seeks to kill, steal and destroy. If you feed the poor in Jesus name, you are opposing this, and bringing light.

It starts with prayer. Learn what God's will is, then pray for people according to His will.

God is not willing that any should perish. So, you can confidently pray for people to be saved. (2 Peter 3:9)

The Lord came to set people free, to heal them, to restore them, to reconcile them. This is God's will. (Isa 61:1-3, 2 Cor. 5:18)

We can see in Genesis, that God provided everything we need. That is His will. That we have what we need.

Stand on the Word. 

 

You must know the Word to stand on it. You must be saved and have the Holy Spirit to have authority in Jesus name. Know the promises. Ask God to teach you and help you.

Speak God's promises into the world. Remind yourself, remind the demons, and remind the entire creation of what God has promised. These are facts. They will happen, and are so determined that they actually have already happened. Who can stop it? Who can stop God?

This builds faith, as we see Him working and fulfilling His promises in our lives, the lives of others and the world. This drives out darkness. Trust God.

 

So, when you feel or think that you can't do something you say out loud. "No Satan! Begone in Jesus name. The Word says I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me." or whatever verses come to mind. There are tons of them. "The Word says, Whatsoever you ask in my name I will do. and I trust Him in Jesus name!"  Stand on the Word. Build faith.

Cast out demons.

If you are saved, then you have authority over the enemy. Do not play games with this. Stand on God's promises, and tell the spiritual enemies to be gone in Jesus name. Not by your power, but by His. You are like a police officer. Your power and authority comes from the King.

Learn what you are doing. All humans, are tempted, harassed, and attacked by the enemy in various ways. Even saved humans. (I did not say possessed)

James says, that if we are tempted it's because the enemy is playing on something in our flesh. So, temptation is an attack of the enemy and something we can wage spiritual warfare against. Cast out the demon when temptation comes. 

Listen to what I'm going to say because some preachers will have you spending your life trying to stop sinning. Demons will have you spending your time and mind trying to stop sinning, instead of serving the Lord. 

 

You learn to overcome by serving. The devil loves for Christians to keep struggling with sin. Because it keeps them from waging real war. YOU ARE FORGIVEN AND WASHED. If you are saved. Confess your sins to the Lord, believe he has saved you and get busy doing what He called us to do.

In the world, we wait till we are trained and ready to go out and work. But, in spiritual terms we learn by stepping out. Because it's not us doing it, it;s Him doing it through us. Then we grow and learn and see God working as we step out and serve. When we see God working it grows our faith and our relationship with Him and this helps drive out the flesh. This is the battle between the flesh and spirit. We are over comers through Him. And that happens as we go and serve, in HIS name.

Satan doesn't really care if you sin. He tempts you to sin, in order to keep you from serving God. If he can get you to focus on not sinning, then you are not out there getting people saved. Understand? The battle is to grow in Christ, be in relationship with him, driving back darkness and getting people saved. It's not in quitting sinning. Jesus already overcame sin on the cross. Get it?

 

Take fear as an example. Paul says that God has not given us a spirit of fear.  So, fear is an attack of the enemy. It's a demon. Fear is doubting God's power and love. Anxiety is a spiritual attack. Cast it out. Fear keeps us from doing God's will and serving Him. We overcome fear through spiritual power of prayer and casting out demons, through loving God and others enough to push through and do the work we are called to do, and through our sound mind in what God's Word says, and what is right and good and wise. (2 Tim 1:7)

There are tons of demonic entities who tempt and torment us. When the Holy Spirit reveals it to you, Cast it out in Jesus name.

We don't war against flesh and blood. Our true enemies are spiritual demons who attack us and other humans. They use us to serve their goal of building the Kingdom of the Anti-Christ, and keeping us in bandage. The enemy seeks to hurt God, by hurting the humans God loves, and getting us to reject God.

Overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)

We often think that spiritual warfare is all spooky casting out demons, and weird stuff.

But it's not. It's spreading the Gospel. It's using the fruit of the Spirit in the world. love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. The fruit is the Spirit's. not ours. Understand this. He does this through us. Yes, we grow in these things. But, the actual fruit is of the Spirit. Not our works. We develop fruit by serving, and the Spirit grows these things in us and puts them out to the world. We are saved sinners, we cannot develop fruit. The Spirit does it. But, none of it happens if we won't even cross the road to help someone in Jesus name. (Gal 5:22-23, Mark 16:15-20)

It's visiting the sick and imprisoned, it's clothing the naked. It's feeding the hungry and helping the poor, in Jesus name. (Matthew 25:31-46)

It's giving a cool drink of water, it's helping the broken and encouraging the fallen. It's working to change lives and save souls, in Jesus name.

And that's the foundation of spiritual warfare. Building the kingdom in Jesus name. Not our own. Not someone else's. But His. His name. His Kingdom.

Find your gifts, find your ministry, find your place and serve. Do battle, in Jesus name. You do this by going forth and doing. Then, he moves and reveals. Faith grows and more is revealed. Our battle between flesh and spirit, is helped by going forth and serving.

No more games. No more wasting time. The King is coming.

 

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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/

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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Hearing From God

 Hearing From God

A Word on How God Communicates With Us

 

Hearing from God is one of the most simplest, and natural things there is.

He does it. We cannot force it. It's not through our effort that we hear from Him. He's God. He created us. He is all powerful.

But, we have become unnatural. We are fallen. We are depraved, and everything screams this truth.

So we must make an effort to hear. We must understand what is happening. Or we will forget, dismiss or make explanations, and excuses.

At the moment of birth God seeks to connect with us. Often as children we have no trouble believing or knowing God. We remember the one who made us and was with us in the womb. But, as we get older and Sin has grown in us, and Satan has worked on us. It gets harder and harder for us to hear God, until we turn to Him and give our lives to Him, and He saves us.

Then, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us. He starts working on us. He molds us and shapes us into the likeness of His Son. But, even then we are hard of hearing from God. So, we must realize the various methods He might use to reach out.

Gods Word:

The Bible is used by God to speak to His people. It does this in 3 ways. First is the literal word. When God promises something in His Word He means it. We see the verses and learn from them. We use the stories and symbols to understand things in our life.

Second, is personal. You read a verse and God quickens it or brings it to life and it speaks to your need.

3rd, He brings a verse or song to our remembrance that speaks to us. This happens when you are not reading the Word. Some situation pops up in life and then a verse comes to your mind which relates to the event.

Secular movies and books:

A lot of religious people who don't really know God will reject this. But, I have had God speak to me through a movie or book.  Some phrase or sentence just comes to life and is relevant for me or something going on. I have had my heart broken or realize I need to do something or fix something.

Wake up singing: 

I often wake up with a song in my mind. It can be a praise song. Sometimes it's an 80s song or secular song I haven't heard in years. But, I know it's from God. Often it speaks of love or let's me know He is with me. You can turn many secular songs into praise songs by changing a word, or focusing on God.

Deja Vu:

Have you ever had deja vu? That feeling that you've been somewhere before? Often I have prayed and tried to figure out what it means. The answer I get is that God is telling us that He has already been there before us. He is with us. It's also often remembered from a dream.

Revelation:

It is an aha moment. A bolt from the blue that opens up spiritual significance.  I often get revelations when my mind is wandering and it's just random. Then, boom!  I understand the entire situation. Whatever it is. This can happen when reading the Word. But, it can also happen at other times.

Inspiration:

Inspiration is similar to revelation but it is more creative and involves physical worldly type stuff. We suddenly receive the solution to a problem, etc It might come after prayer. I will have a problem, then pray about it, and inevitably I'll figure it out.

His presence:

God speaks to us through His presence. We can feel Him near and it comforts us. We know He is there, and we smile at the fact.

He calls your name:

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night because someone said your name? This happened to Samuel in the scriptures. When this happens, listen and pray.  Sometimes you'll recognize the voice as a person you know. Pray for that person. Sometimes it's a voice you know, but have never physically met. I always remember the verse. "I have called you by name you are mine" (Isa 43:1-3)

It comforts me to know that I am His, and He knows my name.

Memory verses:

God will bring verses to our remembrance when we need them in order to speak to us.

History:

This is referring to your history.

God has done things for us in the past. He often reminds us of this when we need it, in order to strengthen our faith to trust Him.

Also, this speaks of the importance of getting children in church. Because when they are older and in trouble God can use long dead memories from childhood, to draw us to Him.

Preachers:

The Bible says that the primary way God speaks to us and seeks to save us us through his servant's preaching. He gives a word, and an obedient servant preaches on it, and you hear the word, and God brings it to life in your mind.

Donkeys:

In the Bible God used a donkey to speak to Baalam. He used ravens to feed Elijah. God can and does use anything or anyone to speak to us whenever He wants to. And when He does. We know it's God. We can try to weasel out of it but we know. (Numbers 22)

Visions and dreams

Sometimes we might see something or have a dream and it strikes us, and sticks with us. We know it's God.

Similitude of God.

The scriptures speak of the Similitude of God. It refers to similarities. We see things that are similar to something else and it jumps out at us. It's typically involving spiritual things. Analogies. 

Life patterns:

Sometimes things will happen. Like I will read a book about the Brooklyn Bridge. Then, an hour later some random TV show will have a character on the Brooklyn Bridge. Then an hour later a news report will mention the Brooklyn Bridge. Sometimes all these things will happen in one hour. And I would think I'm crazy, except my wife sees them too.  She calls them "God Winks". I take them as God telling us we are right where we are supposed to be. It's often called Synchronicity.

Signs and wonders:

These can come in many different ways. But when it happens you know God is there talking to you.

Often a family member will die. Then you might notice a butterfly or bird, or song, and you know it is speaking of your departed loved one. You know they are there. God is comforting you, and trying to draw you to Himself.

Broken life:

When our life falls apart, God is there. We might not feel Him. But He is there. This is when He is closest. He wants us to turn to Him so He can save us and help us.

Telling the Future:

Often God speaks to me before something happens. For example, I was at church and God started pointing out the peeling paint. Later that day, the church called and asked if I'd be interested in doing some painting.  I didn't need to pray. God had already told me to do the job. It led to many blessings.

Thinking of God:

The Bible teaches that because of our fallen state, humans do not seek God.

So, what that means is that if you are seeking God or spiritual things, it is because He is calling you. Turn to Him. Ask Him to save you and know Him. Confess Jesus as your Lord.

Burden:
Sometimes God will put a burden on our heart. We feel we must pray for someone, or call them or visit them. The burden will bother us until we do the thing.

The Still Small Voice: 

He speaks to us in a voice we must learn to listen for. He speaks to us through His Spirit, and we must know Him to hear and understand. Not that God cannot speak in a booming voice. He can, but He seems to desire for us to focus on Him. He doesn't really try to compete with the noise of life. We can listen for Him, and know.

God is trying to have a relationship with each of us. Turn to Him and ask. He is communicating with you. Trust Him. These are not the only ways God can speak to us. Do not put God in a box. 

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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/

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

 Photos by the Author

Sin Vs. Love

 Sin vs. Love

A Word on our relationship with God.

The Bible plainly shows in Matthew 25, what Christ will ask when He returns.

He doesn't ask, "Did you watch porn?"

He doesn't ask "Did you have sex before marriage, or did you have an abortion"

He doesn't ask "Did you vote right, or did you go to church or did you obey leaders and pay what you owe?"

Nope.

He asks if you visited prisoners? Did help you the poor? Did you clothe the naked? Did you give a cool drink to the thirsty? Did you love your neighbor? Did you love? Show kindness and compassion? Did you reconcile people to God?

I can hear you squirming in your seat dying to say..."yeah...but"

No.

Jesus died for our sins and rose for our justification. If you are saved then you are in Him and are dead to sins.  It is not held against you. Do the dead sin? No. Paul explains this in Romans.

That means that you have power over it. But, it also means that it is irrelevant to your eternity. You are washed. You are hid in Christ.  (Col. 3:1-3)

You confess your sins and God forgives you, and works to help you overcome. But, it's dead. (1 John 1:1-10)

Those sins can open doors to the enemy to destroy us and ruin our lives. 

Yes!

But, all things work together for our good. God will use that destruction to help us. God will use it to grow us. He is not trying to hurt us but gives a hope and a future. (Romans 8: 28)

And we still are saved forever.

BUT...

Our willingness to have a relationship with Christ and let the Holy Spirit, love through us is what we are called to do. (Eph 2:8-10)

Our service and our love is a reflection of our relationship with God.

When you read Matthew 25. It's obvious that the people thought they were saved. But, they never knew the King, so they never did the compassionate loving things God desired.

They never knew Him.

It's not about works. It's about who you know and who you have a relationship with.

Let God take care of your sins. Focus on serving and loving others. Focus on the relationship with God.

And you will find that those sins you worry about, get less and less. We grow. We build faith. We build our relationship with God. We overcome the sin that so easily besets us. By following the Holy Spirit and doing the service God calls us to do. Not by works, but by His power.

Love covers a multitude of sins. God is love, and He works to drive those things out of us through Love. (1 Peter 4:7-8)

 

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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/

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. Cool door in New Harmony, Indiana.

Read more from Chris. HERE.

The God Who Answers

 The God Who Answers

A Word on God's Movement in our Life.

We live our lives in this world, where we seem to have no control. Where we look every where for answers.

We seek answers from gods, idols and wisemen. We seek answers from deep within ourselves. We seek solutions from sorcerors and alchemists. We seek to join pop culture and the knowledge of our world. But we continue to flounder in the dark.

In the Bible, there's a story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. (1 Kings Chapter 18)

Evil had taken over the land. The government was corrupt. The religion had become corrupt and wicked. There was drought and famine in the land and all the people were corrupted as well.

But God called Elijah to challenge the enemy. And Elijah went. He told the prophets of Baal.

"Let us pray over the alter of sacrifice and the God who sends fire is the real true God."

The prophets of Baal cried out to their god. They tried everything they could but nothing happened.

Then Elijah told them to pour water on the altar. Then more water. Then Elijah prayed, and fire fell from heaven consuming the sacrifice, altar and even the water.

The Lord, is the one true God, and he is the one who answers.

Our lives are broken and we've tried everything. And nothing has helped. Everything has failed.

God is calling you to turn to Him and ask Him. You've tried everything else.

It doesn't matter how evil, how corrupt, or how much water you have poured on it. God will come as a consuming fire and save you. Then, He will change your life, if you give yourself to Him. (Acts 2:21 KJV)

Just call on Him. He is waiting. He is seeking you. Just ask Him to save you and confess that Jesus is the Lord, and you want Him to be your Lord. (Romans 10:9-10 KJV)

Believe in Him. Learn of Him, and trust Him and His promises.

 

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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/

Buy a cup of Coffee

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

Read more from Chris here on Blogger. 

Photo by the author

Be Ye Holy

 Be Ye Holy

A Word on True Holiness.

 

God tells us in His Word "Be Ye Holy for I am Holy" (1 Peter 1:16, Lev. 11:45)

So, let's rightly divide this verse so that we are interpreting it correctly, Because often times we get told that this verse is about our behavior or not sinning. So, we fight and struggle to try to please God. We fail and fail, then finally give up. Because let's be real. What human can be as Holy as God is?

What human, born with a corrupted nature, surrounded by sin and full of sinfulness can even understand what holiness is let alone do it?

We can't. And that's why God commands us to be Holy. To get us to turn to Him.

Holiness means to be set apart. In the Temple there were tools made of gold. They were set apart for the Temple use. That's all they were for. But, they were just tools. Their holiness came from God and the dedication for their use.

So, how does that apply to us?

To be holy we must first be saved, by turning to God (repent) and asking Him to save us and Confessing Jesus as our Lord. (Romans 10:9-10, Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16)

Holiness means to maintain the relationship with the Lord and abide in Him. It means that when the devil attacks us or life gets hard, we don't just throw God away and go our own way. This implies that we never knew Him. Build that relationship. People sin. But when we sin we run back to God. Not run away from Him.

We wash our feet  by confessing our sins to Him. ( 1 John 1:8-10) This is part of Walking in the Spirit. (Gal. 5:22-25)

We grow in Him. We listen to Him as He grows us.

We are totally devoted to His work. This doesn't mean all of us are in the ministry professionally. But, in our lives we respond when God leads us to do something. In our jobs, in our families we always seek to do what God wants and acknowledge Him  in all our ways.

Holiness does not mean being a perfect goody two shoes. We are perfect in Him. We are holy in Him. We are set apart for Him. We are golden, because He is refining us. Holiness like God is peace. Not worry about whether you are obeying the rules. 

Be ye Holy as I am Holy means that we turn to Him. Because he is the only one who can clean us and teach us.

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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/

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.

Confess Our Sins

 Confess Our Sins

A Word on Confession

It says in First John chapter one, to confess our sins and he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

So what does this mean? 

It means don't hide anything from God. You sin. It's a fact. ” If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (1 John 1:10) So, if you cannot admit that you sin, then you do not know Christ.

 

If you honestly cannot think of any sins, then ask God to show you. But, you better hang on. Because God will let you see how bad you really are.

Confess it all to him. Tell him about your addiction, your adultery, your hate, your violence. Tell him about all your filth. Your pride, your unkindness, your false beliefs, your rebellion. Sins of commission and sins of omission. Remember that homeless guy, God wanted you to help but you were too busy?

Confess it.

Because He will forgive you.

But...think about it.

He already forgave us and washed us in His blood when we were saved.

Do we need further washing?

Of course not. He is not referring to that.

He is telling us He will forgive us, because the devil is telling us He won't. 

 

The enemy whispers into our mind that we have fallen too far. Or that we are not worth it. or that we should be ashamed or fear God. Those are lies.

God loves us and is on our side.

Not only that, but God is telling us that He will wash our feet and make us whole; despite the lies the enemy tells us. (John 13:6-10)

But not only that..God will clean up our life. Meaning that as we keep confessing, and praying. He is working to help us overcome these sins that keep us down.

He is helping us to overcome them, as we give them to him to defeat.

 

There are things I have prayed over and confessed to Him for years. And I have seen Him molding me, and changing me.

Praise Jesus

 

He does not leave us. He is with us and works in our lives, as we walk in the Spirit, confessing to Him.

 

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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/

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 Author

Read more from Chris on Blogger

Our Suffering In Christ

 Our Suffering In Christ

A Word on Suffering and Abiding

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 and grow us.

But, times of trouble do come.

There are many reasons, and we can debate each one. But the end answer is always the same.

Draw closer to the Lord. Lean on Him. Trust his goodness and His promises. Believe and abide.

I can tell you that when trouble comes, the first thing the devil does is whisper into my mind that God is far from me. That He is not listening. That He doesn't care. That He has made up His mind.

The devil says that God is all powerful, and would take the trouble away in a heart beat. That God is punishing me. That God is going to destroy me.

This is what happened with Eve. The enemy got her to doubt God's goodness and promises.

We see in Job, that he lost everything, even his own health. All to get him to blame God and cast Him aside. Satan even used Job's wife to torment him.

Job questioned. But he did not curse God.

Even Jesus when He was taken by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted, like we are. He refused to turn in to himself. He continued to rely on the father and trust the father.

When Eve turned from God, destruction came. When the Israelites turned from God, the enemy had reign to destroy them.

There is suffering in Christ, but joy comes in the morning, when we abide.

I'm not talking about sinning. Our sins are forgiven and washed. We are dead to sins. I'm talking about abiding through suffering.

The devil tempts us to turn away, back to our old life. Back to our old way of doing things. He tempts us to get angry at God and cast Him aside.

We do not lose our salvation, if we ever had it. But, if we turn from God, things will not get better. We have opened ourselves up for worse. And have rejected the only real friend we have.

But God is faithful. He will keep trying to draw us to Him, regardless of our rejection. Like Peter, He comes to see if we will confess Him and turn to Him.

When we suffer, and abide in Christ. He is with us and comes with us through the other side. Then we can see the truth. That He was with us the whole time, and our faith in Him grows.

As these last days get closer, things will get worse. The temptation will be to reject Him and join the Apostate Church.

But, stay with Him. He will see you through. It might be as if by fire, or by the skin of your teeth, but He is there. Trust Him

Like Job said "though He slay me, still will I trust in Him." (Job 13:15)

 

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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/

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, an old train tunnel in Southern Illinois. Tunnel Hill Trail.

God's Contract

 God's Contract

A Word on Service

 

God has moved in my life many times. He has moved to bless me. He has moved to correct me. He has moved to save me, and He has moved to protect me. He has also moved in ways that I have not understood, and still don’t understand. He is God, and we can trust Him.

In my life God often moves because I ask Him. Just simply because I ask. He loves me.

Other times, it’s based upon faith. I trust Him, and step out, believing His Word.

But, other times, it’s based upon sincere brokenness.

I am done.

I am spent.

I can’t do it anymore.

I give myself totally to Him, and I’m willing to take whatever comes.

God knows our heart. He knows if we are being real with Him. He knows when we offer ourselves, unleavened, to Him. He knows.

In the early days of walking with God, I was not living a life I’m proud of. God was working on me, but I was far from where I am today. Not that I’m Mr. Perfect. But, I was pretty jacked up at the time.

Regardless of that fact, Jesus saved me, and was working on me. He was calling me to serve Him, and to draw closer and have a relationship with Him.

I didn’t know what to do, but I knew He was calling. Just like He is calling you.

So, I spoke to a pastor friend of mine and told him what I was feeling from God.

The pastor told me, to pray to the Lord, and imagine in my mind a contract. Just a blank contract. Then, to imagine signing it and giving it to God. Allowing God, the freedom to fill it out as He saw fit. So I did.

This was not my salvation, I was saved long before this. But I do believe this was the beginning of my ministry. The beginning of my service to Him. I became His servant.

After that prayer, great movement occurred in my life. Things started to change, and shift.

I do not want to go into details, but there is no doubt it was Him.

So, if you are saved and confused about what direction God has for you. Try praying this prayer.

Be real with God and surrender totally to whatever He might have.

But, understand that He might remove people from your life. He might do things to make you totally dependent upon Him. He might remove a job. Or give you a different job. He might take your home, and cause you to move. He might shake things so bad that people just abandon you. You might meet new people, or have your life rocked, in order to remove problems, or make you a better person.

When you give yourself totally to God, He must mold you. He must burn off the dross to purify the Gold. He must shake you to get rid of the chaff. He might break you to reshape you, and make you more useful for His kingdom.

It doesn’t have to be all bad. It can be full of joy as well, as you spend more time with Him. But, often we see changes as bad, even when they are not.

God has a purpose beyond our own purposes. He cares for us, but ultimately our eternal security, and blessings are far more important than our current life. Our kingdom work, and helping to save others is what matters most.

So, no matter how God moves. The final purpose is to draw us closer to Him. Every thing that happens, works together for our good. Because drawing closer to Him, and having that relationship is the best thing we can imagine.

God knows you. He loves you. He has what’s best for you. Trust Him.

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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/

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,  an old train tunnel in Southern Illinois. Tunnel Hill Trail

Your Testimony

 Your Testimony

A Word on Spiritual Warfare and Knowing God.

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”—Revelation 12:11.

The enemy cannot take our salvation, nor our testimony.

Our salvation is held in God’s hand and no created thing can touch it.

Our testimony is our experiences with God. When Jesus healed the Gadarene Demoniac he said “Go and tell your friends and family the great things God has done for you”

That’s testimony. Testimony is saying “All I know is that once I was lost but now I am found. I was once blind…but now I see.”. It is like Paul said, “I came unto you preaching nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”

When we are saved, we have an encounter with God. This moment cannot be taken from you. YOU KNOW there is a God and He rewards those who seek Him. Because if you seek Him, it’s because He first called you, and you responded.

It’s not a belief. YOU KNOW. Then, as you walk with God, you encounter Him again and again. And YOU KNOW. This cannot be taken from you, like your salvation.

They can take your bible, they can take your church, they can take your friends and family, they can cancel you, they can take your income, but they cannot take your salvation or your testimony, because YOU KNOW. If you really KNOW.

In these last days, as things get worse, it is our job to use our salvation, and our testimony to overcome the enemy. Tell people the great things God has done for you. People need it.

Regardless, of what the future holds, people are suffering today. The peace and hope God has given you can help others. Not judging. Just giving them your testimony.

It doesn’t matter if you know the Bible, or if you can’t speak well. It doesn’t matter if you are the perfect little church boy. or a sinner barely getting through.

Just tell what has happened to you, with God. Just open your mouth and you will be surprised what comes out. God will give you the words, if you are willing, and honest.

Just ask Him. He will come running. He will help. He will save. He will show Himself to you. You will KNOW.

And that could be the end of the message. But, I want to go further.

The verse quoted at the top of the page was part of a larger verse. In context, it gives us important information. So here is the entire section:

“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

⁸ And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.

⁹ And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

¹⁰ And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

¹¹ And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

¹² Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” —-Revelation 12:7-12

Ok, it is my belief, that at some point in the future there will be war in heaven and Satan along with his demonic cohorts, will be cast down to Earth, and every thing that we think is bad will get a thousand times worse.

I do not believe in a pre-tribulation rapture. So, I think believers will be here until God pours out His wrath. Which means that all the persecution spoken of in Revelation will be coming upon believers.

Just like the first church was persecuted under the Romans and Religious Leaders, the future or present church will face the same tribulations. It’s not wrath, it’s cleansing.

Just like Jesus purified the Temple at the beginning of His ministry, and again, at the end of His ministry. His earthly temple, the church will be purified at the beginning, and the end.

That’s my view.

I don’t want to get into all of that.

My point is that, our testimony has power.

Regardless of your individual views on prophecy, we can agree that things are going to get worse.

And as they get worse, we might lose our churches, we might not be able to own bibles, we might have to meet in secret basements, like so many believers around the world already do today.

We might get thrown in prison and beat. But, our testimony and our salvation will overcome the devil and his slaves.

Our salvation will take us from this world and his grasp. Our testimony will allow us to take others with us. That’s how the devil is overcome.

Remember that, as the day approaches.

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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/

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 Author, A sunrise in Southern Illinois.

Sharing Burdens

 Sharing Burdens

A Word on Charity

As believers we are called to share each other’s burdens. (Romans 12:1-21) Yet, I have seen where churches fail miserably in this department. They will search high and low for someone to save, and then once they are “saved”, they will leave them to their own devices.        

      Often times, we will blanket an area that is low income with flyers, asking them to come to church, or to some event. But, churches are really not prepared or often willing to help with the needs of the people they are reaching out to.
      
     People of lower income, who are not “Well Churched” will often come to a church and get saved or start attending regularly. Then the members of the church start finding out the vast amount of needs the person or family has. They see the huge differences between someone who has never been to church, and some who grew up in the church. This often causes church going people to judge, and drive people away, because they cannot figure out why the person or family can’t get right, or do what church people think they should do.
      
     Poor folks often don’t have cars, or they have broken down vehicles. They don’t have licenses. They can’t pay bills. They have been to jail, or prison. They have no child care. They often have no real income, or they work jobs that are considered servile. They do not always have internet or cable. They don’t have access to things we take for granted. When people fall on tough times, or are the products of generational poverty, the hurdles that must be overcome are often beyond the understanding of your average church member.
      
     It’s not always so easy to just pull yourself up by the boot straps. There are things that must be overcome. There are rules that must be followed, that often lead to more rules and more hurdles. There are generational curses, and personal curses. There are mental issues, and demonic entities to overcome. There is often sin that a person must conquer before they can start advancing. Not to mention addictions. Just saying “Go get a job” is not always as simple as we might think, nor is it the easy answer. I have lived through this mess, and it takes time, and God to overcome. It also takes help from people who are willing to share the burdens.
    
      First off, is the person able to fill out an application well enough to get hired? Does the person have a criminal record that could keep them from work? Do they have a valid Driver’s license? Do they have health or mental issues? When you consider these things, the difficult task of living life in this society becomes unreal. How can a poor person take a driver’s test without a decent reliable vehicle to take the test in? Every person they know has a junker car. The DMV refuses such vehicles. What if they can’t read or have no real work history? What if their only real personal reference, that is not family, is Jimmy the crack dealer?
      
     Does the person have an address? Applications of all kinds require an address. Do they have a phone? Do they have internet access? Most applications are online anymore. Can they get to a place where there is internet access? These are things that are needed to “get a job’.
      
     Who will give the rides to interviews? Do they have clean clothes? Can they afford the work clothes required? Do they have child care? Can the person behave in a manner that will help them convince an employer to hire them? Oftentimes people from rough backgrounds have rough manners. It’s often things they do not even see in themselves.
     
      If they get the job, how do they get back and forth to work? How do they get food, clothes, hygiene items, or pay bills until the first pay check comes in? Then, remember that businesses often keep the first paycheck. So, you are talking about 2 weeks to a month before the first payday.
      
     What I have said here does not even begin to cover what a person could need to get up on their feet, or be an average member of society. There might be legal issues, like court dates or fines that must be resolved or paid. There might be health or mental issues. There could be family troubles, like divorce, teen pregnancy, or families practicing “tough love” and refusing to help other members because they are tired of them. But, this person still needs help.
      
     The point is that churches must take these things into consideration with their outreach programs. We bring people to get saved, but do nothing to help their needs, or do just enough to feel good about it. This leads to failure, and driving the person away from Christ even more.
      
     The Bible tells us how to do it. We share burdens. The Holy Spirit comes along side us and helps us. He teaches us, and he grows us. We should do the same with those around us in our churches that have needs. There should be no one in your church who has to go around every week begging for assistance. There should be no one in your church who pulls up on Sunday in an old beater car, while the entire church family drives Cadillac’s or new cars. Often, at church we do things we do not realize. We have youth events where all the kids must buy a $25.00 dollar t-shirt. Or we send kids to camp for $300 or more. We go out to eat, and the cost of the meal is $20 a person. To a poor family, these costs are insurmountable, and it’s insulting to them when the church members offer to pay these costs. Why not help these families get on their feet so they can pay it themselves.
      
     Wouldn’t it be better, and more Christian, to talk to people? To get to know the people in our churches, and to come along side them, like the Holy Spirit does us. To help the people get up on their feet, no matter how hard, or how much they fail. Doesn’t God do the same for us? This isn’t charity that is insulting, this is helping people to stand up, and be free. This is showing people real love, not telling them to come kneel at my footstool. (James 2:1-26)
      
     We need to make friends, and tell them about Jesus. We need to be honest with them and get to know them. Not as our latest charity cause, or another notch on our spiritual belt, but as someone of value. Sharing burdens is part of this. Give rides. Pay bills. Watch kids. Over look failures. Be the person they come to when they have a need. We are called to burn ourselves out for Christ. We are to die for others. (John 15:13) We have our jobs and our incomes for the purpose of helping others. Often times, the cost of a meal at the local restaurant would pay bills, for a family in need. Yet, we won’t give it to them. These people come to our churches, and become our brothers and sisters in Christ, while we watch them struggle with things that we could easily help them resolve; if we would just share the burden. 

 

      Jesus plainly states in Matthew 25, " Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." 

 

     Churches are full of people who are not saved.  They tend to run churches and do nothing for the Kingdom. They waste money and efforts on worldly things. When the Lord returns we will be judged on what we did for the poor, and downtrodden, because our efforts of love could lead them to Christ.

     When you read Matthew 25, the Lord says nothing about attending church, or fixing buildings or worship services, or bible studies, or whether you said cuss words, or even committed sexual immorality. 

     He asks what you did for those in need. Because when we show love, we can tell them about Jesus.

     I'm not talking about being saved by works. I'm saying that when we know Jesus and have a relationship with Him, we cannot help but do what we can for the downtrodden.

     Sharing people's burden's is a way to do that.

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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/

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. Doors of the old Mount Olive Church. The building is located at a historic site in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.