Category Archives: Tony Funderburk

Tony Funderburk is THE Rhyme and Reason author, singer-songwriter. He’s written and published 30+ books for kids and adults in addition to scores of articles. And he’s composed hundreds of songs (and a couple of books) for businesses and loyal listeners.

Tens of thousands of families have enjoyed and supported his recorded music and live performances for many years. Tony believes our existence is a beautiful gift from God to each of us, including our gifts and talents.

So, we should use them to create and serve others. When you tune in to Tony Funderburk’s The Power of God’s Love Podcast, you’ll get rhymes, reasons, and songs delivered to your inbox for free. AND click here to get free songs and a book right away. And Click here to learn more about Tony’s story.

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My mom was not an evangelist. She wasn’t an apologist. And she was never a missionary or even someone who stayed active in a local church. But if anyone ever asked how she could believe that Jesus is a risen savior, she would just quote Henry. I heard her say, more than once, “Because He lives within my heart.”

Yeah, Henry wrote a song in 1934 that’s still sung in churches.

Now this Henry isn’t to be confused with the Henry who was my mom’s brother-in-law for a while. I guess I should share his full name. Alfred Henry Ackley. He’s the one who wrote that famous hymn…

He Lives

I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today;
I know that He is living, Whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him He’s always near.

He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me, and talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives! He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives: He lives within my heart!

In all the world around me, I see His loving care,
And though my heart grows weary I never will despair;
I know that He is leading Through all the stormy blast,
The day of His appearing will come at last!  (chorus)

Rejoice, rejoice, oh Christian, Lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!
The hope of all who seek Him, The help of all who find,
None other is so loving, So good and kind!  (chorus)

I really like how Henry composed three strong verses.

And all three illustrate how he could see evidence, so he didn’t have to just rely on a feeling. But the evidence he saw gave him such a glorious feeling in his heart he had to sing about it. And my mom couldn’t recall all the lyrics, but she sure remembered, and quoted, the last line of the chorus a lot.

I read an article that talked about how and why Henry wrote the song. Here’s a snippet from that article:

While in California in 1932, Ackley began witnessing a Jewish man who attended some of the evangelistic meetings. This young student kept saying, “Why should I worship a dead Jew?”

This bothered Ackley and it stayed on his mind. After waking early to prepare his Easter Sunday message, he was amazed to hear on the radio a famous liberal preacher in New York say, “Good morning. It’s Easter! You know, folks, it really doesn’t make any difference to me if Christ be risen or not. As far as I am concerned, His body could be as dust in some Palestinian tomb. The main thing is, His truth goes marching on!”

What the liberal preacher said on the radio made Henry so mad that he threw the radio across the room. That’s my kind of songwriter right there. And he popped up on my radar because he died on this day, July 3, back in 1960. So, I’m honored to say that he and I shared some time here on planet Earth. And I’ve sung his song more than a few times.

If you enjoy a good hymn like this, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

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It’s good stuff based on the power of God’s love. And, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.

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Much of the world has gone mad when it comes to genders. Or maybe you’re one of the goofballs who think it’s only beginning to make sense (you’d be wrong, of course). But here’s something you can’t deny. At least not if you’re into science and reality. Men and women have major differences. And because they do you have yet another big dose of evidence against life on planet earth magically popping up from non-life.

So, three cheers for the men and women differences.

It’s amazing when you think about how the sexual reproduction systems in men and women are different. But they appear to be so made for each other. Of course, that’s a little bit tongue-in-cheek. Because they don’t just appear to be made for each other, they’re perfectly made for each other.

But just imagine the earth millions and millions of years ago (and that requires even more imagination than I have, which is ginormous). That’s when some so-called scientists say the separate reproduction systems were said to have been “evolving.” They expect us to believe that two radically different, yet highly compatible, systems could time their evolution so well. Just think about a few off the compatibility issues:

  • Physical
  • Chemical
  • Emotional
  • Environmental
  • Accidental

And not only men and women are different.

The reproduction systems in the male and female of all the other species had to have been simultaneously evolving at the same (or similar) rate and speed, too.

And then there are the plants. Don’t get me started.

You can boil it down to timing. If one or the other, of the reproduction systems in any of the species, had been off only a little, that species would quickly become extinct. The number of miraculous accidents that would require is mind-boggling. So mind-boggling, in fact, it’s impossible to calculate.

Dr. Walt Brown talks about this in more detail. And I recommend you read his book “In The Beginning.” In it you’ll discover lots more amazing and awesome reasons you can know that you know you’re created by the one true, living, loving God of all creation. It can help build your confidence and hope in the Truth.

If you don’t already have the hope of eternal life,

Then my hope is you’ll check into the scientific evidence. Yes, I’m a Christian, and I have an agenda. But it’s not to scam you or lure you into one of those churches where you’d better hold onto your wallet. My agenda is simple. I call on my vast expertise in Rhyme and Reason to share the faith, hope, love (and mountains of evidence) that comes from knowing and trusting Jesus. Especially with anyone who’s looking for better answers than evolutionary science fiction.

What does this all mean?
And why should we care
That we didn’t come from slime
And there’s a God out there?   (from my song, Fast Forward)

If this landed somewhere good with you, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

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It’s good stuff based on the power of God’s love. And, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.

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I’ve already lived longer than my Dad, his two brothers, and several other relatives and friends I’ve known. But I don’t believe I would’ve lived this long if it wasn’t for a loving wife and God’s mercy on me. I don’t want to imagine the hopelessness and depression I’d probably feel if I didn’t have my Creator to lean on, trust in, and talk to. Even if I lived to be 100, I’d still know that there’s an end.

And that’s a dark hopelessness and depression I want no part of.

Have you ever thought about why you’ve lived as long as you have? Well, I have. And I know life’s not an accident. Or a set of random processes. Yes, you and I were put here on purpose. But how did it happen? And why? And does it even matter? Should you even care or try to figure it out?

Well, you and I do things we shouldn’t do. If I decided to make a list of the those things, I’d have to dedicate every article I write and every podcast episode I record to those things. And I still wouldn’t have enough time.

But here’s the ultimate cool thing that trumps all those other things on the “bad” list: God’s mercy. He is able and willing to wipe my bad slate clean, and all I gotta do is humble myself, ask Him to, and trust that He will. And knowing that keeps hopelessness and depression from having any control over me.

God doesn’t make you and me do the bad things we do. Even though we’re here on purpose, we’re not robots. And God hasn’t planned our lives for us. He doesn’t work that way.. And most televangelists and churches tend to give the impression, to the world, that He does. But here’s what God does for you…

  • He gives you a brain and a soul.
  • And He wants to see what you’ll do with them.
  • You have freedom to love God.
  • And He even allows you to hate Him.

All that because God knows that true love must be freely given. Not coerced, cajoled, or colluded.

God’s mercy on you and me gives us more time to make a difference.

My mission, in this life, is to use rhyme and reason to share the faith, hope, and love available to anyone who wants it. Anyone who’ll ask for it.

Since I didn’t receive what I actually deserve a long time ago, I’ve been able to grow and learn more about my Creator. That gave me much more knowledge and wisdom to share with anyone and everyone who’ll listen or read. And that word, anyone, is important. Because it’s both plural and singular. Any is synonymous with all. So, you’re one of the any.

You’ll find the spirit of that word in one of the most famous Bible verses. John 3:16. Click that link and read it.

I’ll share this song, lyrics below, about God’s love and mercy in the Rhyme and Reason Podcast .

And, one more time, I avoid hopelessness and depression when I remember God didn’t give me…

Give Me What I Deserve

You gave me life…
Gave me love, and gave me freedom.
You took my sins…
And You nailed “˜em, and You beat “˜em…

“˜Cause this person who you bought never had the nerve.
So I’m glad that you did not…
Give me what I deserve.

You gave me hope,
Gave me bread and living water.
You gave your blood…
When I led you to the slaughter.

But you never even fought or let your focus swerve.
And I’m glad that you did not…
Give me what I deserve.

Lord, don’t give me…what I deserve.
If I stand in the middle of the road,
Nudge me to Your side.
Lord, don’t give me…what I deserve…
“˜Cause I’m the reason and the cause
Why Jesus died…But then He rose again!

You gave me joy…
Gave Your word you’d leave me never.
You gave Your life so that I could live forever.

And on this earthly azure dot I can choose to serve.
So I’m glad that you did not…
Give me what I deserve.

© Copyright Tony Funderburk 2010

If you didn’t get what you actually deserve, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

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It’s good stuff based on the power of God’s love. And, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.

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Truly successful people will live forever.

It doesn’t matter if you can:

  • build empires,
  • become a trillionaire,
  • employ tens of thousands of people, or even
  • change the world for the better

Those things are fine. And if you’ve done, or are doing, any of them, then you’re one of the successful people. By worldly standards. But if you never trust your Creator, you will lose your soul. And that’s the complete opposite of success. That’s failure on a scale you can’t imagine.

Truly successful people also know what success isn’t.

And the main thing it isn’t is temporary.

That’s why I say the key to success can be found in 13 letters. It’s not like the DaVinci code using 13 special letters in an obscure alphabet. Far from it. In fact, no letters could be less obscure than these. You’ll find them in the bestselling book of all time.

I’m talking about the 13 letters Paul wrote to the Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians, and Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. Over and over in those letters Paul shares the key to success. And it’s clearly trusting in Jesus to change you and give you eternal life. Not temporary wealth and influence.

Without eternal life all your efforts and influence lead to failure.

So, what are you doing to make a difference for now and forever? Do you think a new computer software, or so-called artificial intelligence, or self-driving car is gonna be a lasting legacy? Will you be able to create something so powerful the world will never forget your name? If so, I say…think again. But feel free to leave me a comment or send me a message showing me where I miss the point.

A word to the confounded,
Pour light into your eyes.
If you expect more than neglect,
Get wisdom; yeah get wise.

If you appreciate Paul’s letters, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

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It’s good stuff based on the power of God’s love. And, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.

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It’s all your fault. And I mean every bit of it. And it’s probably because you got up on the wrong side of the bed, or you opened your big mouth again, or you just didn’t pay attention.

OK, now that I’ve got you feeling all good about yourself, let’s get real. Maybe you did get up on the wrong side of the bed. And maybe you couldn’t bite your tongue when that certain someone said that certain thing. Or maybe you didn’t get enough sleep so you keep bumping into things or people. What does all that prove?

Well, it proves it’s all your fault.

And it’s mine, too. And the other people around the world. Even the ones who think their essence is what makes the world turn. Life ain’t fair. Because you live in a world that humans broke. A long time ago. Before you say it wasn’t you who ate the fruit from the wrong tree, I gotta say this…

“You would’ve done the same thing!” You would’ve fallen for the deceptive lie. How do I know?

I know you would have done the same thing Adam and Eve did because you have. Admit it. You’ve wanted everyone to realize you’re the cat’s meow, the bee’s knees, and the bag of chips. You’ve chosen to do things you know you shouldn’t have. Right?

And if you’re gonna be truly honest (I hope you already are), you’ve made more bad decisions in your life than good. Can I get an amen? I’m right there with you dude…or dudette.

Life ain’t fair. But that’s not something that should ever hold you back.

Keep working hard to be better than you’ve been. Say this with me, “I’m better than I was yesterday, but not as good as I’ll be tomorrow.” There. Don’t you feel better? And ain’t that all that matters? Feelings?

NO! Your feelings will keep telling you life ain’t fair.

And before you know it, you’ll give in to those knucklehead feelings and start to go back to those knucklehead bad decisions. So, you gotta decide (and the power to decide is totally in you) to change bad feelings into better ones. Use the logic and reason God gave you, and your life will get at least a little more fair. Not perfect, but it WILL make sense. Then you’ll be more sensible.

And being sensible (using wisdom and discernment) will take you on a righteous road. Where fairness won’t matter a fraction as much as Truth. What do you think? Is your life good? Or do you still think it’s…

Not Fair

You’re born to parents you don’t get to choose,
And you just have to trust that they care.
They pick your clothes and your food and your stuff,
And you learn fast that life is not fair.

As you grow up you discover some things
About water and mountains and air.
You think your big brain should earn you rewards,
And you find out that life is not fair.

One day you wake in a place of your own,
Watch the news, and see pain everywhere.
You decide you can’t ignore it away,
And you’ll help because life is not fair.

Then, when you serve others, you one day find
A real joy that, before, wasn’t there.
And living will glow in a whole new light
Even though this old life isn’t fair.   © 2017 TF

If you wanna help make life better, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

Get my Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotionaldelivered to your inbox for free.

It’s good stuff based on the power of God’s love. And, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.

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It doesn’t help you evolve. And I don’t mean metaphorically. And it doesn’t build up your muscles. So you don’t become one of the strong who survive. And many say it doesn’t actually provide any tangible benefits. So, why love anything at all?

That’s the glaring question. Why love anything at all?

Especially when you can’t even put your finger on what love is. And I don’t think most people can anymore. But have you ever thought about the source of love? I sure have.

Since it isn’t anything you can detect with any of your five senses, it’s hard to think about how it starts or where it is inside of you.

As a little kid, your first experiences with love begin with your parents or grandparents. Of course, you don’t have a clue why you love them, you just know you do. But how that happen? How do those feelings come up inside you when you’re not even old enough to understand them?

Well, I’ve got kind of a silly one word answer for that. Because.

Did you ever get into stupid kid arguments when you were a kid? Well, when I was kid, arguing with a brother or sister like most kids do, I was as good as anybody with those goofy kid answers to stupid kid questions. Most of the questions started with “why?” So, of course, most of the answers started with “Because.” I can think of one instance where the question was something like, “Why do you get to use those? Mom said we couldn’t.” And the answer was just, “Because I can.”

OK, back to love.

Because you can love from the earliest age means you’re born with love.

And if you’re born with love, or the ability to love, how did it get there? Through your mother’s umbilical cord? That doesn’t seem likely since love isn’t made of flesh and bones. Maybe it was through the sound of your mother’s voice and the nurturing you received in the womb. Hmm…closer. But, again, I don’t think love, the deepest emotion a human being can express, can simply be transferred through coziness.

Here’s what I’ve found to be true. Love has a starting place. And it’s transferred and transmitted through your soul and spirit. The only way that can happen is through and from the starting place. That place is the person of God.

Your creator made you with a soul/spirit full of His unending and boundless love. It’s because God loves that we can love. So, the next time you’re thinking, why love anything at all, come back to these lyrics. You can hear the song when you listen to the Rhyme and Reason Podcast .

Because I Can Love

What made You think
That I was worth the risk You took?
What made You take the time
To write Your Holy Book?
I don’t believe I’d give myself a second look,
But You did because You love.

You made a world
That was as perfect as could be,
But then I broke it
When You gave it all to me…
By going through the gate
You made to set me free.
This You did because You love…me.

Because You love me so…in spite of all You know…
Because You did the most that You could ever do…
Because I clearly see…evidence of You in me…
Because I can love…I do love…You!

You put a life
And a will inside my soul.
You knew true love
Would be to give me full control.
But knowing You is all that ever makes me whole.
I trust You because You love…me.

I can live because You live!
I can love because You love!    © 2010 TF

If you believe God is why you CAN love, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

Get my Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotionaldelivered to your inbox for free.

It’s good stuff based on the power of God’s love. And, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.

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Don’t you sometimes feel like telling certain worms (aka: anti-God people) to go liquefy themselves? I bet that’s something they’d never expect you to say. And I bet they wouldn’t become a metamorphosis butterfly. Maybe a metamorphosis wooly moth.

I was thinking about how caterpillar can become a metamorphosis butterfly.

It actually creates a cocoon and liquefies itself. Imagine that! Well, you don’t have to. Because God already did.

A creepy crawly caterpillar morphs into a beautiful butterfly. And it’s one of the weirdest and most beautiful transformations in all of creation. Plus, it’s a magnificent piece of evidence against the evolution fairytale.

Now, imagine if you could take a total jerk and stick him in a specially designed cocoon. Then, what if you could liquefy him, and wait a little while for him to solidify. And what if he came back out as a totally unselfish nice guy. Wouldn’t that be awesome?! If only changing somebody’s personality was as easy as changing a creepy crawly caterpillar into a metamorphosis butterfly. But, come to think of it, is that actually an easy process?

I mean, how does a little worm-like creature do all that?

How does it create a cocoon around itself and then liquefy itself? That certainly defies all the silly evolutionary ideas and notions. But it doesn’t defy a pre-programmed process by the one, true, living, loving God of creation. And I believe God designed processes like the metamorphosis butterfly just to show us His amazing creativity. And His attention to intricate details.

Another example of that is how a Monarch butterfly being able to navigate for 3000 miles using only its antennae and tiny, little butterfly brain. Think you could do that well with no GPS, maps app, or climate controlled car?

It might seem like a small thing to talk about caterpillars and butterflies and how they illuminate God’s glory. But it’s actually in the smallest things where that glory looms largest. Are you convinced yet? If not, send me a message or leave me a comment and tell me why. In the meantime, enjoy the lyrics to this song. Or listen to it in the podcast.

Shine In Your Glory

My love for You, Lord,
Is like a river.
Your love is like…the infinite sky.

You guide my steps
Through this worldly desert,
And I will hold your name most high.

So, I will shine in Your glory…
And I will raise my hands to the sky…
Yes, I will shine in Your glory…
And I will praise my Savior on high.

My joy is flowing out into your ocean.
Your grace rains down…in my open heart.

You take my hand
When the road is narrow,
And you’re my Light when things get dark.

So, I will shine in Your glory…
And I will raise my hands to the sky…
Yes, I will shine in Your glory…
And I will praise my Savior on high.

Shine in your glory (repeat 3 times) Lyrics © Cristina Miller 2010

Now, maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, let’s change that. Get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for my Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. And bask in daily, delightful flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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