Bible study Archives - Page 27 of 32

Posted on March 29, 2020 by TonyAugust 6, 2023

Who could use a little Sunday morning inspiration?

Show of hands…yeah, there’s a few of you. OK, so here it is. You can do it! Now, go out there and get it done! There. How’s that? Are you pumped and ready to take on sickness, sadness, disease, and disaster? What? No?! What do you mean I just used a cliché? Wow, way to look some Sunday morning inspiration in the mouth.

The fact that it’s Sunday morning should be plenty of inspiration for you.

“Golly gee, Tony. That’s a total cop out. What’s that even mean?”

Oh ye of little healthy fats. As I’m writing this, the first pale, orange light of dawn is just peeking over the horizon. Of course, that means the sun is about to rise. Well, it doesn’t actually rise…but let’s not go down that rabbit hole. Anyway, the thing is, it’s the dawn of a new day. Sunday morning, to be exact. And I’m here to see it. I exist. And I’m able to sit up, look at the beautiful colors, and write about it.

That’s an inspirational blessing.

“Big whoo, Tony. Way to under deliver and over promise.”

Seriously? Can’t you see the unbelievable blessing in another Sunday morning? Or any other day of the week, for that matter. Because none of us even deserve one day. Much less a lifetime of mornings, afternoons, and evenings. But God blesses us above and beyond what we deserve. Because He loves us so much.

And why would He love us when we’re so unfaithful, ungrateful, and downright unloveable?

We are His creation.

Yeah, it’s that simple.

Your Creator is (and was) so willing to love you and give you eternal life, He personally made sure it can happen. And your willingness to believe and trust in Him is all that’s required of you in order to get it. And each Sunday morning (and every other morning) is another opportunity to exercise humility and get right with God.

If that doesn’t inspire you, check back next week.
And consider your options before you speak.
I hope you discover you’re wonderfully made
And your ticket to Heaven is already paid.

Stay tuned,

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab some Merch

Or how about some music for kids

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

Posted on March 28, 2020 by TonyApril 1, 2020

Songwriting for hope with a much broader scope

My songwriting for hope has a much broader scope

And when I say, songwriting for hope, I’m not talking about a person’s name. I’m talking about actual hope. Yes, it’s a real thing. In spite of all the negativity media and social media channels are putting out. And it’s always available. But most people don’t have a clue where to look. Because they focus on the temporary, material things. And those things are ultimately hopeless.

You’re on my mind when I’m songwriting for hope.

Yes, YOU.

And except for a small group of people, I’ve probably never even met you. But I’m singing and writing to share the one, true message of hope you can depend on from here through eternity. And I’m especially writing and singing for you if you’ve never heard of, or haven’t yet even started to trust your Creator.

If you’re still trying to find some “thing”, here in this world, to replace a relationship with your Creator, you have no hope. For two reasons. One: only a fool believes there is no God. And Two: in case you haven’t noticed, nothing here on Earth lasts forever. That’s been made painfully obvious by all this Covid-19 weirdness going on.

So, many other songwriters have dedicated their talents and time writing and singing about the here and now. And they follow the materialistic formulas leading nowhere. Certainly not to any lasting hope. And even though it can “feel” like they care, they actually don’t. Because they don’t even care where they end up. So, why should they care where you do?

I care where you end up forever.

And even though you might despise the messages I often share in articles, rhymes, and songs, I want you to know there IS hope. But it isn’t found in things. Not in people. And certainly not in the illusions of sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll.

Those are destructive, false, little gods.

Your Creator is bigger than the whole universe.
He created you to be with Him.
And whether you decide to ignore or trust
Will determine if you sink or swim.

Stay tuned,

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab some Merch

Or how about some music for kids

[mc4wp_form id=”14357″]

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

Posted on September 26, 2019 by TonyMarch 2, 2025

The Lord sustains me in a way anyone can see.

Even in this troubled world the Lord sustains me

I know I’m not alone when it comes to having troubles in this world. In fact, no one on Earth escapes trouble. And there are billions of people who are far worse off than me. Most of them don’t even realize just how much worse off. So, I have a distinct advantage over them. Because I know the Lord sustains me through this life into the next.

The Lord sustains me just like He sustains kings.

One king, in particular, King David wrote a song (aka Psalm) about how God sustained him. He said, “I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.” And just in case you think you’ve got massive troubles, King David’s own son was trying to kill him. I know that’s might be a growing possibility here in America…and the world…but David had to also deal with an army coming after him.

And so, as he faced some serious life challenges, David cried out to God. He knew where his Shield was. Where true Glory lives. And just by using his voice, David’s confidence grew. He was completely sure God heard him from His “holy hill.”

I’m confident the Lord sustains me, too. I believe it’s plain for anyone to see. I’m still here. And I’m still able to think up new ways to write about my Creator. I haven’t lived a life worthy of God’s grace. No one has. In spite of that, He’s seen fit to give me time and tools to write and sing about Him. He doesn’t force me to use those tools and my time to write about Him. And that’s one of the many reasons I hope to continue for a long time to come.

I know, since the Lord sustains me, He’ll sustain you, too. Why not go ahead and take Him up on His offer of eternal life. What have you got to lose? Besides your soul forever…

Stay tuned,

Discover my ebooks on Amazon.com or Smashwords
Get my Podcast on iTunes – OR Google Play OR Player.fm
Follow me on Twitter
Watch my videos on YouTube
Find me on Facebook

Posted on September 4, 2019 by TonyApril 18, 2024

Walk Stand Sit

When I was 13 years old, I prayed with my Grandmother and chose eternal life with God. And from that moment on, my life has been one perfect day after another. That’s how it is when you choose to walk stand sit in the way of the righteous. And turn your back on the ungodly. Are you still with me? Some of the people who’ve known me through the years since my 13th birthday would probably beg to differ. Here’s why…

I didn’t always walk stand sit in the way of the righteous.

“Gasp! Can that be true?!”

Yes. In my many years as a professional musician I didn’t always lead the righteous life. I never did drugs, not even marijuana, and I’m grateful to God for that. But I did things I shouldn’t have done. That’s right…I was the musician who made bad decisions. Fortunately for me, I had chosen Jesus as my savior when I was young. Because He never let go of me even when I was stupid.

Yeah, choosing eternal life with God doesn’t immediately transform you into a sinless, perfect person. In fact, sometimes things get more difficult. And sometimes even the ones who love Jesus…sin. Of course, by “sometimes” I mean…a lot of times. Humans are so broken and selfish. So much so many don’t even realize how broken and selfish they are. That’s where being a Christian helps. At least we have a guidebook and a standard we can depend on. And we have HOPE.

I can’t even imagine how difficult this world is for people who don’t have the hope of eternal life.

So, you might be wondering why I say “walk stand sit” and why I don’t use commas. It’s for effect. To emphasize physical positions. And to illustrate what King David wrote about in Psalm 1 in the Bible. He said…

“Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful”

And here’s how I put it…

Where do you walk stand sit?
There’s a righteous way to see it.
It can save your soul and free it.
Where do you walk stand sit?

You can be like a tree.
Rivers of water flowing free,
Nurturing fruit for all to see.
You can be like a tree.

Just know that it’s your choice.
You can choose life and rejoice,
Or a place you’ll have no voice.
Just know that it’s your choice.

Stay tuned,

Posted on August 18, 2019 by TonyMarch 2, 2025

With my simple words I say
I’m thankful for another day

I hope you woke up this morning thankful for another day. I did. And no matter what your circumstances are, you have many reasons to be thankful. Not the least of which is another day of life. Another day to recognize (or discover) how much your Creator loves you. And guess what? You didn’t earn that love. Someone else did.

I’m thankful for another day to be able to share God’s love.

Most of the world doesn’t want to hear people like me talk about God. After all, it’s us pesky Christians who keep talking about “one way” to Heaven. We’re so judgmental. So narrow-minded. And we’ve got all these rules and regulations to follow in order to join our “exclusive club”.

But here’s the truth about those “rules and regulations”. There’s only one rule you need to follow in order to be included in Heaven. Believe and trust in Jesus. That’s it. You should follow the Ten Commandments. But even if you don’t, and yet you still believe and trust in Jesus, you can live forever with Him. Does that sound like a lot of rules and regulations to you?

When you dip your toes into the Word of God (the Bible) and discover what it actually says, you’ll be amazed at the depth of God’s love. There’s no bottom or end to His love. And you haven’t lived a life worthy of that love. Only one person ever lived a life worthy of that love. Jesus. And He loved you so much (in spite of all the ways you’ve hurt yourself and others) He became a man and died for you. And me.

Like I said…do yourself a favor and take a sneak peek into God’s Word. Don’t take the word of anyone else. I don’t care how much they appear to be righteous. Don’t take their word for it. And don’t take my word for it. It’s only God’s word that counts. Open your heart and soak it in. Start today. Then, maybe you’ll say you’re thankful for another day, too.

I’m Thankful For

A wonder-filled life,
A beautiful wife,
And for another day.

A musical brain,
And each new refrain,
And for another day.

A sky full of birds,
A page full of words,
And for another day.

A mountain to climb,
A line I can rhyme,
And for another day.

A friend I can trust,
A healthy pie crust,
And for another day.

A breath I can take,
A pardoned mistake,
And for another day.

A life I can live,
And the One who can give
Me another day.

Stay tuned,

Discover my ebooks on Amazon.com or Smashwords
Get my Podcast on iTunes – OR Google Play OR Player.fm
Follow me on Twitter
Watch my videos on YouTube
Find me on Facebook

Posted on August 18, 2019 by TonyMarch 2, 2025

Jesus is the one way

I see social media posts and internet articles talking about the forgiving nature of God. And His immense love. Of course, God forgives and loves. Certainly He does. But, unlike most Christians will tell you, it’s not unconditional forgiveness and love. God has one, single condition, one requirement, for His forgiveness and eternal love. You gotta humble yourself and ask for it. And you gotta trust and believe Jesus is the one way of forgiveness of your sins. But before you jump in and ask, make sure you understand the whole Jesus. Not only the forgiving, loving Creator of Heaven and Earth. Discover His eternal commitment to justice and righteousness.

Jesus is the one way – THE key to Heaven

He took the form of a baby who grew into a man when He came to Earth 2000 years ago. But even so, He’s not like you and me. You and I were born into sin through sinful parents, and we still sin. Jesus was and IS the son of God. His Father never sinned. And fortunately for all of us, Jesus never sinned either. That kept His eternal soul and spirit worthy of covering every sin ever committed by every person who ever lived.

But remember…it’s not automatic. And that’s the key to understanding the whole Jesus. Not just the miracle worker, or the water-into-wine maker, or even the forgiving, merciful Son of God. The whole Jesus requires our love freely given to Him. And He won’t force that choice on anyone. And He knows most people will reject Him. So, He’s made a place where they can go exist forever and never, ever have to be bothered with Him (or those of us who love Him) again.

I hope you’ll believe me when I tell you…it’s not somewhere to be taken lightly. It’s not somewhere you wanna go. And I’ve read enough of God’s word to know most people who read what I say or listen to what I sing will hate me for even repeating it. But I’m still repeating it…if only for one other person who understands Jesus is the one Way. Listen to the podcast and sing with me…

Give Me The Whole Jesus

Oh give me love…give me justice…
Give me Grace and the strength to endure.
When the world comes against me,
Give me Your Spirit steadfast and sure.

Give me words…give me courage…
Give me time and a powerful voice.
And when many still may hate me,
Give me Your love and I’ll always rejoice.

Give me the whole Jesus;
The whole Good Lord…
The One who shields the child…
The One who wields the sword.
Give me the whole Jesus
Son of God and man…
“˜Cause only Jesus saves…
And only Jesus can! Only Jesus can! Only Jesus can!

Then give me dreams…give me wisdom…
Give me peace at the end of my days.
And give me life…everlasting…
In Your world and in Your higher ways.

Chorus

Stay tuned,

Discover my ebooks on Amazon.com or Smashwords
Get my Podcast on iTunes – OR Google Play OR Player.fm
Follow me on Twitter
Watch my videos on YouTube
Find me on Facebook

Posted on May 31, 2019 by TonyMay 25, 2024

No one lives on
Disappointment Island.

And yet, at one time or another everyone has lived on disappointment island. Let me explain. One is an actual island near New Zealand. The other is a metaphor I’m gonna use to describe a place where even your friends will ship you. Sometimes when you least expect it.

It’s a consistent consternation to me how even the people who call you friend will mentally sail away. Sometimes right in the middle of a conversation. And they leave you on an island talking to yourself.

You might say, “Well, Tony…maybe you’re just that boring.”

That would be a good point, except for one thing…

I’ve seen others left on disappointment island, too.

Lots of others. I’ve seen them talking to someone…and I’ve watched that other person mentally get up, walk to their boat, untie the ropes from the dock, and sail away. And I can remember the looks on the faces of the stranded people left talking to themselves.

Mostly sad looks on confused faces.

Not ALL those people were boring. I’ll admit some might have been. But not ALL. I believe I know what’s going on. And I’m gonna share this secret with those of you who haven’t mentally drifted away. Here’s the problem…

Lots of people are too darn selfish.

Ok, I said it. And lightning didn’t strike me down.

Look…I get it. There’s a lot going on in the world these days. Distractions are all around us. Devices take up as much of our time as (maybe more than) people. While I don’t say that’s inherently wrong, I DO say it’s a recipe for disappointment island syndrome. We’ll call it DIS for short.

If you don’t wanna DIS your friends, remember the golden rule and the two commandments Jesus gave us. You DO remember those, right?

Hello? (*snap *snap)

Hello?

Now, jump on the The TRUTH. And be part of the growing band of believers who wanna show the world that life has Rhyme and Reason because God is Real.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk

Your Life Has Rhyme And Reason Because God Made You

Category Archives: Bible study