Bible study Archives - Page 26 of 32

Posted on May 7, 2020 by TonyMay 16, 2020

Wisdom comes with age said the somber sage.

Thank goodness wisdom comes with age

Because I’ve got some of that, for sure. “Which one is he talking about, Marge?” Well both, of course. Since wisdom comes with age…and I’m not getting any younger…well, you get it. Right?

“If wisdom comes with age, why aren’t there more wise old people, Tony?”

A-ha! You see the problem. Yeah, there are a lot of old people who don’t act or even seem all that wise. So, that might just be an old saying that doesn’t hold up so well. And it might mean that “wise”, for some…

I’ve written almost 120 articles on the topic of wisdom. So, some might think I know a thing or two (or 120) about it. And I do. But not because I’m so amazingly wise. Because I have something else going for me.

Humility.

I’ve been able to deflate my own ego enough to recognize I’m wretched, poor, naked, and blind without the love and grace of God. Sure, I’m an amazing specimen. But only because God gave me everything I have that’s worth having.

And yes, I can say I’m an amazing specimen (Does the mean Italian astronaut?) and still be humble. Because I’m acknowledging the wonderful handiwork of the One who created me. That same handiwork shines in you, too, by the way. Yeah, you’re also an Italian astronaut…er…amazing specimen.

But here’s a key point.

As you and I grow older…and in spite of some wild claims on the internet, there’s no reversing of the age process…wisdom can be a beneficial byproduct of life. But it’s not guaranteed. You don’t just get wisdom by getting older. It’s gotta be gotten. Get it? Good. Then, get it.

Open up your eyes and be wise.
Everybody dies, so be wise.
To anyone who tries, there’s not a better prize.
So, open up your eyes and be wise.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on May 6, 2020 by TonyMay 7, 2020

Have you noticed how fears mount?

Especially nowadays with so many more media sources. I was just making my usual trip through a couple of my news apps. And I already saw multiple headlines or subheads that included something like, “Fears mount as…” or “…amid rising fears.” Seems like lots more people are more scareder than ever.

Should fears mount? Or do I even need to be worried about it?

See what I did there? But really…is fear the right response when things get tough? Or even a little out of control?

I guess it depends on who you trust to tell you the truth.

And it’s probably more than a little important to get enough wisdom to know when you’re being lied to. But where do you go for wisdom?

I remember Aesop’s Fables from when I was kid. You might recall the story of the tortoise and the hare (turtle and rabbit for you younger types). It was a story of speed and agility versus steady efforts. And, like in all Aesop’s Fables, there was the “moral of the story.” Which, in that case, was…slow and steady wins the race.

So, maybe Aesop would be a good source for wisdom. Hmm…maybe not. At least not on a level for keeping your wits when everyone else around you is losing theirs. Of course, that would only be half as harmful to a lot of them.

Anyway…

Instead of me going through a lot of potential sources of wisdom, I’d like to recommend my first choice.

And if you’ve followed my writings and podcast for any length of time, I’m sure you know where I’m headed. Yep, the Bible. But before you dismiss my suggestion I dare you to find fault with these words…

“Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you. Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will place on your head ian ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you.”

I’ve written quite a bit about the importance of wisdom. Because it’s way more valuable than just a bunch of head knowledge. Wisdom is the only way to sort through information and relieve fear. And you can’t find a better source for it than your Creator.

But trusting in your Maker is up to you.
It’s not something He’ll ever make you do.
Just know, if you don’t, then one day real soon
You might sing the words to a different tune.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on April 26, 2020 by TonyMay 5, 2020

Beware the Back Stabbers

“They smile in your face…All the time they want to take your place…The back stabbers.” Yeah, the Ojays song was telling guys to watch out. Because there are other guys out there who wanna take your woman. And they’ll act like your friend. But they’ve got sinister plans. So, you best beware.

And there a lots of different kinds of back stabbers out there.

In case you haven’t noticed (and if you haven’t, what planet have you been on?) there’s no end to human beings hate and contempt for one another. As a friend of mine likes to say, “there’s no bottom to that abyss.”

And back when the Ojays sang that song, it was mostly men doing all the worst things in life. But these days you gotta watch out for the women. In the name of “feminism” a lot of the so-called “weaker sex” have proved they can back stab with the best (um…worst) of ’em. All while smiling in your face.

So, what’s the answer to all this hating your neighbor stuff?

Hmm…there oughta be a law. Wait! There are literally already so many “laws” you’re probably breaking one or more just by reading (or listening to) this. And those “lawmakers” are some of the most prolific back stabbers. Because they’re not truly looking out for your best interest. They don’t love their neighbor. They’re too busy reaching into their neighbor’s pocket for money to buy votes from other neighbors.

And, by the way, that’s evil.

But what’s a little evil among friends, right? What does it matter? It’s just how the game is played. Right?

Well, only if you don’t care about (or believe in) what happens after you leave planet Earth.

Because your Creator won’t tolerate bad behavior indefinitely. And He’s very “black and white” when it comes to love and justice. And there won’t be appeals and plea bargains in His court.

So, it’s a good idea (translate: eternally consequential) to focus on what’s truly important in life. And it ain’t your stuff, your neighbor’s stuff, or anything that eventually turns to dust. The important stuff lasts forever. And that includes you. You’re gonna live, or merely exist, forever. And where that will be is up to you. Now.

Don’t be smilin’ in my face
With a knife in your hand
Ready to take my place.
You don’t understand…
How your sealin’ your fate
Unless you change your mind
Before it’s too late.

And you’re one breath away from too late.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on April 25, 2020 by TonyMay 2, 2020

Stir it up, buttercup - that gift in your grace cup

Maybe it’s time to stir it up

Back in days of musicians getting paid like they were actually providing a good service, I used to sing that song. A Bob Marley song called, Stir It Up. And it was real crowd pleaser. Other songs of his were, too. Jammin’ – Is This Love – No Woman No Cry – and the list goes on. The cool reggae beats, the easy lyrics. What’s not to like? Unless you don’t like reggae, of course. (say it isn’t so) And I can still belt ’em out by the way. If and when I’m stirred up enough. (slight pun intended)

But the Stir It Up song isn’t what I’m talking about right now.

I’m talking about your gift. You know, that special something you have. And don’t tell me you don’t know what it is. Because you do, right? And I know you do because that gift comes from God. He wants you and me to be able to do wonderful things. Especially if we remember Him and mention Him when we do. And that’s not too much to ask, is it?

A lot of Christians, me included, like to spread the message found in 2 Timothy 1:7. And it’s a great message. Because it reminds you how God gave you a powerful brain and love. Plus, it helps you see any fear you might have didn’t come from Him. Great thought tools.

But just one verse before 2 Timothy 1:7 is another reminder. And it’s Paul reminding Timothy (and us) to take action. Paul says “to stir up the gift of God which is in you.” Yeah, you gotta stir it up.

Stir up your gift or it’ll stagnate.

And the Bible is replete with verses and chapters where God encourages and even requires us to take action. He created us with wonderful, powerful brains. And He loves to see what we can do with them and His help.

But God didn’t build automaton robots. You and I are sentient beings with one amazing gift in common. An independent will. In other words, you can choose to use your brain. And you can choose to love. Or you can choose to ignore it all. But God didn’t predetermine whether you would or wouldn’t. He took a risk.

Because you and I can choose…and because we live in a broken, fallen world…we make a lot of bad choices. I know I have. And, if you’re honest, you know you have, too.

So, it’s crucial to lean on the infinite wisdom of your Creator instead of your own. And that choice will help you “stir up the gift of God” in you. But what if you don’t know what your gift is? And how do you stir it up?

Well, if you’re a Christian, I encourage you to go through Paul’s writings in the New Testament. Just in case you didn’t already know this…Paul is the only apostle to the gentiles. In other words, everyone who isn’t a Jew. And that probably describes you. Right?

I dare you to read Paul’s writings and not feel something stirred up inside you. See what he went through just to share the incredible message, and gift of Grace, paid for by Jesus. Read Paul’s letters with your powerful brain open to amazing grace and love.

I believe you’ll be stirred up.

Power and love and a well built brain
Can help you avoid a lot of pain.
But you’ve got to stir it up each day
To push all those doubts and fears away.
Trust in the One who can set you free.
You’ll be glad you did. Just wait and see.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on April 24, 2020 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

“There is no God”

Says the fool. Only a fool could or would dare to make the claim that there is no God. Because it’s a self-refuting assertion. In order to say it so absolutely, you’d have to know everything there is to know about everything in and around the universe. And in order to know all that, you’d have to BE God. Which would mean your argument would sound foolish.

If you believe there is no God, I’ll bet I know something else about you.

You either went to public school, or you were raised in a household of narrow-minded so-called intellectuals.

“Ouch, Tony. That’s harsh.”

Yeah, it is a little harsh. But it’s also just about guaranteed to be true. And I know how those “intellectuals” like to think only Christians can be narrow-minded (which is fundamentally true, by the way). But there’s nothing more narrow-minded than believing your worldview doesn’t even have to be defended.

Yeah, I remember, quite a few years back, a discussion I had with an atheist friend of mine. (He chose to end our friendship because of my Christian worldview…not narrow-minded at all.) Anyway, he said my assertion, that God exists, is the argument the one that requires proof.

He said a negative position, like God does not exist, doesn’t have to be defended. Of course, it’s been a long time, so I know I’m not quoting him verbatim. But that was the gist of it.

According to an atheistic perspective, the fact that “no one has seen God” is proof He doesn’t exist. Since He’s invisible, not in control of the world, and showing no signs of omnipotence, He must be imaginary.

And I can’t imagine how that provides any comfort.

Yes, I’m narrow-minded enough to believe there’s only one way to eternal life with God. And I’m narrow-minded enough to believe that one way is found only in the Christian faith. But I don’t believe it simply because it was force-fed to me by family or school or even church.

I’ve examined a lot of evidence. And I’ve seen how the whole world is full of evidence for the existence of my Creator. And it brings me an enormous amount of comfort to know life in this filthy, fallen world is not the end.

I’m living on when I die.
I will live forever in that sweet by and by.
And it brings me joy, that this world cannot destroy,
To know I won’t die when I die.

Be sure to jump on the one-of-a-kind The TRUTH today, and I’ll send you some free rhymes and reasons right away. Music, a book…good stuff.

And share with everyone you know. Don’t keep this good stuff all to yourself.

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Posted on April 14, 2020 by TonyApril 28, 2020

How long? More than just a question

One day, back in 1975, I was driving on a small highway in Kansas with my radio on. I know…what are the odds? And I remember a song started playing, and I liked it before it got past the first couple of measures. Because it started with a simple bass line, added a simple drumbeat, and then added an electric piano. And then, one of my favorite vocalists (didn’t know it at the time), Paul Carrack, started singing with the question, “How long…has this been going on?”

Most people, me included, thought How Long was a song about infidelity.

And, it was that kind of song. But not like most people thought. I just read, recently, where it said the song was written about one of the band members, in the group, Ace, had been secretly working with other bands. A lot of band members consider that a serious no-no.

“You’ve been cheating on us behind our backs.” That’s sort of how bands think of one of their own dividing his time with other bands. And so, pretty much the standard question that pops out is, “How long has this been going on?”

We humans are very concerned with matters of time. Because we have so little of it. Relatively speaking. So, it only stands to reason we wanna know how long something’s gonna take. Or last. Or be.

And a king, from about 2500 years ago had the same question for God.

King David experienced a personal relationship with God in a way almost no one else ever did or ever has. But he committed some serious sins, adultery and murder, and deeply damaged his connection with God.

And King David wondered how long God would “forget” him.

Of course, God didn’t forget David. But He probably decided David should see how it felt to be deeply hurt. After all ideas and actions have consequences. Even for kings.

Your ideas and actions, about God, will have consequences, too. Are you prepared to deal with those? And I mean, are you prepared to deal with them forever? I hope so. Because that’s how long they’ll last.

Time is of the essence.
In fact, it’s running out.
So, read a Bible today.
And see what God’s about.

Stay tuned,

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Don’t forget to tip your RhymeTender on the way out.

Posted on April 12, 2020 by TonyApril 12, 2020

Resurrection Sunday 2020 for more than the cognoscenti

Happy Resurrection Sunday 2020

As I do every year, I’m gonna share my song, The Way, with a link to the video I made way back in 2011. And I’d like to think maybe somebody, who’s not already a Christian, will see it and change their eternal destination. Not because of my song. Or anything to do with me. But because of who it’s talking about. It would be awesome to think I helped even one person celebrate Resurrection Sunday 2020 in a way they never did before.

Resurrection Sunday 2020 isn’t gonna be the same as years past.

But you don’t need a special “Easter Sunrise Service” or some special church presentation to celebrate or remember. In fact, in some ways those might be distractions from the real reason this day means so much.

Here’s an excellent video Sunday service that shows an awesome way to connect our current pandemic with resurrection.

As much as I always enjoyed the chocolates, the colored eggs, and Easter baskets when I was growing up, Easter is so much more. Infinitely more. Because it’s the day the whole world, whether they know it or not, acknowledges Jesus rising from the dead. And that was after suffering unthinkable torture and death. Hung from a wooden cross with nails through his hands and feet.

All that suffering after being found not guilty in a so-called “court of law.”

The Way

And it came to pass one day on a mountain far away
That a soul was taken and a life forsaken
Because someone had to pay
For the heart of all mankind.
There was no untarnished mind.
So one life was spent Who was innocent,
But He left His Word behind…

Forgive them for they know not what they do.
Redeem them and I give My Blood to You.
We can rise up
No matter how much the guilt might weigh.
He said…”I am the Way!”

Now so many years have gone
And we love with blinders on.
How we tolerate is a form of hate.
Where’s the Rock He stood upon?
For the Truth is absolute and it’s foolish to dispute.
It confounds the wise but it opens eyes,
And it saves the destitute

Chorus

Now don’t turn to the left don’t turn to the right.
Just run straight to Him with all your might!

Stay tuned,

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Don’t forget to tip your RhymeTender on the way out.

Tony Funderburk

Your Life Has Rhyme And Reason Because God Made You

Category Archives: Bible study

Thank goodness wisdom comes with age

“If wisdom comes with age, why aren’t there more wise old people, Tony?”

Have you noticed how fears mount?

Should fears mount? Or do I even need to be worried about it?

Anyway…

Beware the Back Stabbers

And there a lots of different kinds of back stabbers out there.

And, by the way, that’s evil.

Maybe it’s time to stir it up

But the Stir It Up song isn’t what I’m talking about right now.

Stir up your gift or it’ll stagnate.

I believe you’ll be stirred up.

“There is no God”

If you believe there is no God, I’ll bet I know something else about you.

And I can’t imagine how that provides any comfort.

How long? More than just a question

Most people, me included, thought How Long was a song about infidelity.

And King David wondered how long God would “forget” him.

Happy Resurrection Sunday 2020

Resurrection Sunday 2020 isn’t gonna be the same as years past.

The Way