Tony Funderburk Posted on by

You’re getting a treat. I’m gonna share The Ten Commandments 2.0 for Liberals, Re-publicans, and Legalists with you. And these aren’t written in stone (that I know of), so get a grain of salt handy. These were shared many moons ago on TheologyOnline.com And the co-authors’ names are at the end.

The Ten Commandments 2.0 (for Liberals)

1. You shall have no other gods, besides yourselves, before Me.
2. You shall not engrave the Commandments 1.0 in public.
3. You shall not take the name of God in vain except when excited.
4. Remember the Sabbath day for celebratory drinks at noon.
5. Honor your mother and paternity-tested father.
6. You shall not murder unless your name is Roe, or any other name.
7. You shall not commit adultery except by consent.
8. You shall not steal from anyone in your tax bracket.
9. You shall not bear false witness against anyone except under oath.
10. You shall not covet without meeting the criteria laid forth in 6, 7, & 8.

The Ten Commandments 2.0 (for Re-publicans)

1. You shall have no other gods between campaigns.
2. You shall not imagine for yourself absolutes.
3. You shall not take His name in vain; God bless the USA!
4. Remember Election Day to keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and mother with nursing home subsidies.
6. You shall not murder except by exceptions.
7. You shall not prohibit adultery.
8. You shall not steal except by faith-based initiative.
9. You shall not bear false witness except to rate Re-publicans 100% pro-life.
10. You shall not covet principles over party.

The Ten Commandments 2.0 (for Legalists)

1. You shall have no other gods before Me.
2. You shall not make for yourself a carved image.
3. You shall not take the name of thy God in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness.
10. You shall not covet.

by Tony Funderburk & Bob Enyart

Yeah, I think it’s safe to say this information falls under the “Reason” part of my Rhyme and Reason content. And I hope you enjoy it in the spirit it’s shared.

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 the Tony’s Daily Devotional . And bask in daily, delightful flashes of light from the power of God’s love. Delivered to your inbox for the low, low cost of zip and zilch.

Stay tuned…

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Nope. I’ll never be on one of those New York Times bestseller lists.

But I’m fine with that. And here’s why.

Because it’s the New York Times.

And they don’t wanna associate with the likes of people like me who talk about the power of God’s love so much. They’s rather promote the wimpy, limp-wristed, “tolerance and diversity” nonsense that attempts to pass itself off as love these days.

The New York Times doesn’t acknowledge or care about THE powerful love that makes sure the moon revolves around the Earth. The love that designed the sun to be just the right amount of distance from us to provide light and warmth instead of incineration.

I write articles, books, and songs about the complex, yet logical, reasonable universe that’s also beautiful and magical. I write about how it’s unbelievably huge but understandable.

For that kind of complex universe to exist, there MUST be a Designer even more complex.

I’d be a fool to say otherwise.

And I frequently point out how the scientific evidence points to a Designer. Plus, I say it’s a good idea to see if there’s more we can know about that person. And, as it turns out, there’s a LOT more. Yeah, He wrote a bestselling book. No, that’s wrong. He wrote THE bestselling book of all time. The Bible.

And I’ll never have a New York Times bestseller because I trust that bestseller to be the Truth.

Oh well. I suspect I’ll survive without getting on their radar.

I’ve lived more than a half a century without ’em. But, thankfully, I decided to trust God when I was 13.  And through decades I’ve been able to see love throughout the Bible.

That’s helped me understand how and why the fullness of real love can only be known and experienced when you connect with the source of real love. And this song explains why I’m gonna keep on sharing the cause and effect of it with YOU:

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

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 the Tony’s Daily Devotional . And bask in daily, delightful flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Play

Get The Rhyme and Reason PodcastDelivered to Your Device Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | Podcast Index | TuneIn | Deezer | RSS | More

If you even think evil thoughts, you’ve sinned. How’s that for a cheerful start to your week? I had one main reason why it came up in me to say that. Because of the kinds of things that transpired over the weekend as millions of Americans enjoyed beer and football. Their thoughts and deeds were mostly benign.

But the thoughts and deeds of many others were malevolent.

Would you believe there were even some people with murder in their hearts? (*gasp!*) I know. It’s unthinkable. No, wait. It’s totally thinkable. Because people have been thinking it almost as long as there have been people.

But these days, you and I live in a diluted system and a deluded society. Where cheating, stealing, and murdering are slap-on-the-wrist incidents. So, it’s no wonder the thoughts and deeds of so many turn to whatever devious plans their selfish minds and wicked hearts can devise.

Yeah, if you think the owner of a store has too much, and you have too little, then you should be able to go grab a thousand dollars worth of his products and walk out. No questions asked. Because, no harm no foul. So foul.

And if you disagree with a political candidate’s views, kill him. Because YOUR view is superior and supreme.

Of course, it’s not surprising (to anyone who’s been paying attention for decades) that our world has gotten to this point. Because, for decades, governments (through schools and politics) have taught kids it’s OK to do whatever YOU think is right.

“If it’s right for YOU, then it’s right.”

And that even includes destroying anyone who inconveniences you. Regardless of age or stage of life.

As I read some articles and blurbs about another assassination attempt against Donald Trump, I thought about a news story I read in the Atlanta Journal way back in 1981-82. It was so sad. A young boy had been missing for days. And someone finally found his beaten body next to the Chattahoochee River.

Imagine the immeasurable anguish a mom or dad would have to deal with in that situation. But, on the flip side, millions of moms and dads are responsible for a crime even worse. They destroyed their own unborn children. And only because those children were inconvenient.

Every person on Earth (and that includes YOU) is guilty enough to receive the death penalty. And every person on Earth will receive it, even if no government carries it out. But, never fear. You know (or should know by now) that I’m a silver lining kind of guy. And the silver lining is that your death sentence CAN be temporary. In fact, you might even be fortunate enough to experience it in the twinkling of an eye.

But there’s only one Way to make sure. If you don’t know what that is, find out. If you do, share it today.

Because this world is hellbent for destruction. That’s why we’ve had generations of this…

Killin’ Spree

Way down along the river,
Beneath a willow tree,
An awful sight in the damp twilight,
They found the boy named Lee.
His mother can’t believe it.
His father can’t be found.
There’s his battered face, and his dying place
On that muddy Georgia ground.

Been forty years in this killin’ spree…
It’ll lead to ruin, the undoin’ of you and me.
If it weren’t for Jesus’ Grace and Mercy,
We’d all be found guilty…in this killin’ spree!

Inside a broken promise
There lives a shattered dream.
A young girl stands with cradled hands.
Her tears become a stream.
With no one there beside her
She walks in through the door.
She cannot smile or reconcile
Why her heart can feel no more. (chorus)

Where we gonna go?
What we gonna do?
Who can we depend on?
Can you tell me who?
Random thoughts and deeds,
Random source of life,
And random is the bride we take

Who becomes a cheating wife.

© Tony Funderburk 2002

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

There are definitely some awesome digital tools nowadays. Especially for people who’d like to create and sell things like words and music. (hmm, can’t think of anybody like that right now…)

And even “real job” people can create and sell with digital tools.

Yeah, I recently learned how some farmers can program big machinery to work the fields without human drivers. Whoa! That’s almost sacrilege. I mean, how’s anybody gonna get credit for a “green thumb” cheating like that? But I guess it had happen. Because manual labor is so, well, laborious. And manual.

But, as someone who makes most of his moolah using digital tools to create and sell, I can tell you this with sincere commitment. Working with your hands has always been, is now, and always will be, the most rewarding thing you can do. So, it’s sad how many Americans would rather give that all away to people who hate us.

The truly essential things, to sustain life, still require manual labor of some kind. Amazing things like:

  • Farming
  • Ranching
  • Homebuilding
  • Sewing
  • Fixing things that go with all forms of work

But why get all dirty and sweaty out in some field when you can make six figures a month as a Youtube “influencer?” Or be in your early twenties and buy your third house with cash you got for showing your body. Yeah, spreading manure over a field to prepare it for next year’s crop ain’t never gonna compete wit dat.

And even big money guys who love to create and sell high-ticket how-to courses to show you how to do what they did, advocate for passing off manual labor.

But I say when Americans did the dirty work, American ingenuity rocked!

I’m kind of an old guy now. But, a few years back, I installed new spark plugs, O2 sensors, Camshaft positioning sensor, crankshaft positioning sensor, windshield washer motor, ball joints, radiator, the A/C condensor, the water pump, and more on our Jeep Wrangler. I also changed my own oil (which I personally do every 3,000 – 6,000 miles or so). I’ve also done lots of that kind of work on the classic vehicles in our garage right now.

And I’ve repaired plumbing, built all the cabinets and furniture we have in our house, installed windows, replaced carpet with hardwood flooring, and a ton of other dirty jobs.

It’s important to be able to do the dirty jobs even when you’re doing well enough to pay someone else to do them. Don’t think of them as dirty work. Think of them as the exercise you didn’t have to spend money on in stupid gyms where you smell (and come in contact with) other people’s sweat and germs. Gross.

Before you decide to take me to task because you think digital work is still work, I’ll just say I couldn’t agree more. As I mentioned, most of the money I make is done that way. But the digital world will never fulfill your senses the way the real world can. And why give the pleasure of that connection away to criminals who come to America illegally?

Why help people who are quite willing to use your tools against you. And why give in to the willing accomplices of the “angel of light?” It would be much better to use your head AND your hands to…

Take A Stand

If you take a stand and you stand for the Way,
You might never be rich.
But no gold here beats the treasure in Heaven,
And you’ll know which is which.

Angels are gonna rejoice,
And we’re gonna get to see how
The Lord will judge the ones who wait.
So better take a stand right now.

If you take a stand and you stand for the Truth,
You could lose a good friend.
But if you lose the whole wide world
And keep your soul, you win in the end.

All eyes are gonna look up.
All knees are gonna bow,
And when that time comes it’s too late.
You gotta take a stand right now.

If you take a stand and you stand for Life,
People might laugh and make fun.
And Jesus didn’t say it was gonna be easy,
But you’ll be with Him when this life is done.

No more livin’ like this;
By the sweat of your brow,
And if you want God’s paradise,
You better take a stand right now.

© 2008 Tony Funderburk

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Play

Get The Rhyme and Reason PodcastDelivered to Your Device Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | Podcast Index | TuneIn | Deezer | RSS | More

Another painful day of anxiety. And the effects, of it, range from silent crying to freaked-out scenes in public places to even assaults.

Day after painful day after day.

Oh, maybe I should clarify. I’m not talkin’ about me. Good heavens, no! I trust that Jesus Christ loves me and that He’ll never leave me nor forsake me. So, I’m covered by the Creator and source of Life. No anxiety here in Funderland. Well, I might get a little anxious if the power goes out while I’m writing this. But even then, I have a backup.

The anxiety I described is posted thousands, maybe even millions, of times a day on social media. For example, I’m gonna copy and paste 6 posts off X (formerly Twitter). And there are so many more I couldn’t go through them all if I spent my whole day scrolling.

But here’s the 6 samples:

~ I wonder if I’m the same. I had a kind of psychotic breakdown from anxiety and have been on drugs for eight years and feel worse not better

~ Some members of this generation will film themselves crying in the car over social anxiety. It’s all in their heads. Reopen the asylums.

~ Are we too soft on our kids? What’s happening with teen anxiety? Why are so many boys taking medication for ADHD?

~ I don’t like this. I feel like I’m overwhelming her with my anxiety, my unexplainable fear of her doing indecent things behind my back. And I’m fighting my own thoughts. She’s truly a good girl. And I’m the crazy one. I’m afraid that i might push her away with my neediness.

~ A man in the video posted a flag on a facebook post and the UK police showed up to arrest him for causing “gross offense with a menacing character which caused someone anxiety.”

~ Intelligence without courage leads to anxiety because you will spend your time overthinking instead of acting, taking risks, improving your life.

The 6th one mentioned an interesting cause.

There were also lots of people who showed their concern that most anxiety happens because people are self-focused instead of nurturing a relationship with God. Yeah, I’ve mentioned that right here on my humble, little website, too.

And I found another hashtag post that simply stated a cure: Action Alleviates Anxiety

I like that one. A lot. In fact, it reminds me of a time, back in 1990, when a particularly tough migraine hit me. I can take a lot of pain. But that painful day was more challenging than usual. So, I wrote a song about it. And I used some indignantly angry personification. Your results might vary…

Mister Pain

He’ll come and jump into your arms.
He’ll stay and try to steal your heart.
And he’ll push and make you say his name.
He’ll shove ’cause he makes force an art.

He’s tough. he turns you inside out.
He’s mean; he means to have it all.
And he’ll push and make you scream his name.
He’ll shove, but don’t you ever fall…

For Mister Pain…he can be seen through.
Mister Pain…you can be mean to
Mister Pain…leave me alone.
Oh, oh, oh Mister Pain…he can be lied to.
Mister Pain…least that’s what I’d do.
Mister Pain…leave me alone.

He’ll smile and stab you in the back.
He’ll pound when he’s inside your head.
And he’ll grab and pull you to your knees.
He’ll yell, but you yell back instead.
Yell back at…

Repeat chorus

(bridge) You’ve got a reason to live,
A reason to be in this place.
Take all the pain he can give,
And throw it right back in his face

Instrumental…repeat chorus to end

© 1990 Tony Funderburk

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional and get my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

I read a clip from an article about Billy Joel talking about his song, “Only The Good Die Young.” And it showed how your perspective can change as you get older. But, for way too many, even the new perspective doesn’t help ’em wise up. Here’s that clip:

~ In 2023, when he was 74, Joel said of the song “It’s occurred to me recently that I’m trying to talk some poor innocent woman into losing her virginity because of my lust. It’s kind of a selfish song. Like, who cares what happens to you? What about what I want? But on the other hand, it was of its time. This was written in the mid-’70s, and I was trying to seduce girls. ~

Yeah, age gave Billy a new perspective. But no added wisdom.

Somewhat to his credit, Billy also pointed out that “the boy in the song failed to get anywhere with the girl, and she kept her chastity.” But obviously, no thanks to the boy.

I’m picking on Mr. Joel a little bit. But not because I don’t like his music. I’ve enjoyed a lot of his songs over the years. And several of them were in my repertoire during my live performance days (not Piano Man, nor will it ever be).

Yeah, Billy had a knack for finding a hook and a melody and turning them into hit songs. But I wish he’d gained some wisdom over the years. Because that’s the only way you can get a new perspective on eternity. And, yes, that’s crucial. Because eternity is a long time to deal with the consequences of a bad decision/perspective.

And that’s part of the catch-22 of fame.

It can help provide a life where all your needs, wants, and desires are covered. But having everything covered, lavishly, can also lead to greediness and sorrow. That’s not a rule. But it DOES happen more often than not.

It’s not too late for Billy to get a new perspective that isn’t subject to his own self-righteousness. He’s obviously still very much alive. And still kicking things up on stages all over the place. But time is running out for him. And the rest of us, too.

So, I hope he realizes, sooner rather than later, that he needs to sail on the river of Life instead of the River of Dreams.

There’s another life in the land of everything.
There’s another life, but with different expectations.
We could push real hard from a new perspective.
And we could end the stress and regain a lot of patience.
(from my song, Freewheel) © 1988

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

I write, with sincere care, about how much I want you to live in paradise forever. Because your Creator wants me to do that because HE wants you there. But my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love aren’t seen as care or love by most people.

Because most people don’t even recognize sincere care anymore.

That shouldn’t come as any surprise since most people grow up without sincere care.

As Jim Gaffigan might say,

“He keeps using that ‘sincere care’ thing like it’s a mystery no one understands.”

Well, that’s kinda true. One dictionary defines sincere as: “free from pretense or deceit; proceeding from genuine feelings.” And it defines care as: “the provision of what is necessary for the health, welfare, maintenance, and protection of someone or something.”

OK, let’s say, for the sake of this example, that I’m right about there being an actual forever. An actual passing of time without end. If that’s correct then I only sincerely care about someone if I don’t deceive them into thinking this short life on Earth is all there is. And I let them know that their Creator has provided a place for their eternal health, welfare, maintenance, and protection.

Bingo. Voila. Shazam.

Who wouldn’t be glad for a friend or relative who’d take the time to do that? Um. Everybody.

Here’s something I wrote, ten years ago after I shared some sincerity.

(At times, the effects hit much closer to home than I’d prefer.)

Close personal friends, business acquaintances, and even my earthly brothers have all responded with anger and rejection. They didn’t understand that I was sharing the most vital information they could ever hope to hear. And that I did it because I sincerely care.

Yeah, I’ve been told, commanded, to love my neighbor as I love myself. But “neighbors” would much rather I just shut up about it. Go figure.

But here’s the thing. In these perilous times, death and destruction are at the doorstep of every nation on earth. And no “mother earth” or “god force within you” or so-called “leader of the free world” can save you from the consequences.

You need the living, loving Source of Life. You need Jesus.

And I’m sharing this out of sincere care and…

With Brotherly Love

What would be so wrong
If I didn’t sing my song…with brotherly love?
Would it be unfair
If I didn’t even care…with brotherly love?
No one does these days,
Everyone just stays
In their old, familiar ways.
That’s how it should be.
If we all agree,
It all can be so easy.

What would be so bad
In not sharing what I had…with brotherly love?
Would I be a thug
If I didn’t want to hug…with brotherly love?
Just some silly rules
Taught in Christian schools
By a bunch of simple fools.
That stuff’s not for me.
Can’t you let me be?
Go shake another fruit tree.

Hey there, do you know?
Where did all those people go…with brotherly love?
I can’t find them here.
Did they all just disappear…with brotherly love?
Things don’t seem quite right…
Especially at night
And no one has a bright light.
Hopeless life lines drawn…
Hard to carry on…
Because all the love is gone.

© 2014 Tony Funderburk

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Play

Get The Rhyme and Reason PodcastDelivered to Your Device Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | Podcast Index | TuneIn | Deezer | RSS | More

I gotta share this story I just saw again today. Maybe you’ve seen some version of it. But it’s about what happened when a young cashier told an older woman “you should bring your grocery bags next time. Because plastic bags aren’t good for the environment.”

And the older woman shared some actual good for the environment facts.

Here’s the story version I saw:

The  woman apologized, “We didn’t have this green thing back in my day.” 

The young clerk said, “Your generation didn’t care enough to save the environment for future generations.”

So, the woman gave him a firm stare and a hard grin and said…

“Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles, and beer bottles. And the store sent them back to the plant to be washed sterilized and refilled. So they could use the same bottles over. They were recycled. 

Grocery stores bagged our groceries in brown paper bags which we reused for numerous things. We walked upstairs because we didn’t have an escalator in every store and office building. And we walked to the grocery and didn’t climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks. 

Back then, we washed the baby’s diapers. Because we didn’t have the throwaway kind. And we dried clothes on a line. Not in an energy-gobbling machine burning up 220 volts. Wind and solar power did dry our clothes back in our day. And kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters. Not always brand-new clothing. 

Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house.

Not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief. Not an energy draining screen the size of the state of Montana. In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand. Because we didn’t have electric machines to do everything for us.

When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used wadded-up old newspapers to cushion it. Not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.

And back then, we didn’t fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We exercised by working. So we didn’t need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity. 

And we drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water. We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen. And we replaced the razor blades with a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull. 

Back then, people took a bus and kids rode their bikes instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service. We had one electrical outlet in a room. Not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances.

And we didn’t need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 23,000 miles in space to find the nearest burger joint. But the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn’t have the green thing.”

The cashier stood there still and quiet as the old lady found her wallet to pay.

Then, the lady turned to leave. But she stepped back and turned toward the cashier.

And she said “You have a world of knowledge in that little device in your hand. Pity you just use it to gossip, take pictures, and waste time. It would do you good to search a bit of history before you embarrass yourself like this again.

I love that story. I don’t know if I’m as old as the old lady. But I can relate to every example she shared. And, in fact, I can remember living in a house where the cooking was done entirely with a wood-burning stove. For a long time there was an ice box instead of a refrigerator. And we ate food that came from a chicken, cow, pig, or garden just outside the farmhouse doors.

But today younger people think THEY know what’s good for the environment because of the regurgitated nonsense they soak up in schools, from TV, and online.

That’s why I wrote, a long time ago:

We want to live in a fat-free environment, and
We want to make sure the ozone is intact.
And so we watch all those service commercials, and
It’s just so easy to sit back and react.
Is it just melodrama for me to feel this way?
I wonder. Is it just me? Or does it all sound so cliché?

Stay tuned…

Before you go, sign up for The TRUTH emails. And join the growing body of believers who get my daily Flash of light from the power of God’s love.

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Wild animals and other creatures breathe. But the breath of the wild things isn’t the same as the breath that goes in and out of you and me.

And by “breath of the wild things” I don’t mean plain ol’ oxygen. 

I noticed how God created the Earth, separated the water from dry land, put “lights” into the heavens, and blessed the ground with all the plants that could reproduce “according to its kind.” Then He created all the land, sea, and air creatures and gave them the ability to reproduce “according to its kind.”

And finally He created Man.

But here’s the difference between Man and all the rest of the creatures and creation. The Bible says “And then the Lord God formed man of the dust of the earth, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.” He didn’t do that to any other creature.

Only humans received life directly from God’s life. His life entered into us. And us alone. And only humans were made in the “image and likeness of God.” No other creatures.

We’re unique. Don’t let anyone tell you you’re just another animal on the planet. You’re not.

If you’re unsure if you have the breath of life from God in you, do this.

Look in the mirror. Do you see a human being? Then you have it. If you see some sort of freak with turquoise hair on one side of your head, while the other side is bald, and you’re a man who prefers she/her pronouns, all bets are off.

But, either way, keep this in mind. If you’ve never made the decision to trust God and trust that His Son, Jesus, died for your sins, then that breath of life will exhale from you forever when you breathe your last breath here on Earth. And then you might as well have had the breath of the wild creatures in you. Because your hope of glory is gone.

Are you gonna let that happen? It’s a complicated problem with a simple answer. Either the God and Savior of the Bible is real or He isn’t. Either you can prove He doesn’t exist, or you can’t. When I considered the mountain of evidence FOR the existence of Jesus, I chose to trust Him. And I chose life.

I recommend you choose life, too. Don’t let torment choose you. While there is still the breath of life in you, it’s not too late to choose.

Stay tuned…

Before you go, sign up for The TRUTH emails. And join the growing body of believers who get my daily Flash of light from the power of God’s love.

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Over ten years ago I wrote about what it takes to be a healthy, happy human. And I said, “First, you have to be a human. Next, you need to be healthy and happy.” Sounds sensible enough. Right? And I added some suggestions for getting outside to soak in some fresh air and sunshine. Doesn’t take much but consistency.

And fresh air and sunshine have some incredible side benefits.

Without even realizing it you’re liable to crave a sensible diet with a good balance of protein, carbs, fats, and water. And you might find yourself craving a walk around the neighborhood or park. Who knows? You might even discover an appreciation of activities like bike rides, swimming, or tennis.

But beware!

You might also find that you prefer to create art, play music, or work on projects around the house instead of sitting on the couch watching TV or video games. Yeah, fresh air and sunshine can do crazy things to you.

But fresh air and sunshine won’t make you crazy and stupid. And they also won’t make you:

  • Advocate for the murder of babies
  • Murder people you disagree with
  • Shoot presidential candidates
  • Support worldly stuff God hates
  • Take drugs and sleep in your own filth on sidewalks in business districts
  • Vote for people who tolerate any of the above

No. Healthy happy humans know better. And do better.

Be healthy. Get outside. Move around. And more than all that, learn to love your neighbor as yourself. Do you realize that if everyone would do just that ONE. SIMPLE. THING, America (and the world) would have no need for so-called “laws” and people who call themselves “lawmakers.”

I shared a meme on social media yesterday that said “That whole antichrist thing could be avoided if everyone would just love your neighbor as yourself. Darn! Why does the solution have to be so easy nobody believes it?”

It’s more proof of how God uses the simple to confound the “wise.”

OK, read this rhyme and then get outside for a little fresh air and sunshine. If it’s raining, then wait. But don’t let that keep you from gettin’ healthy and happy.

Hey, I’m talkin’ to you man…
Be a healthy happy human.
It’s not so hard to do man,
But don’t wait one more day.

Think about what you’re eatin’…
Those brain cells you’re mistreatin’…
Bad habits will keep repeatin’
Unless you stop and say…

“I’m a healthy happy human
‘Cause I know what to do man.
I’m changin’ through and through man,
I’m goin’ outside and play.”

Before you go,

Sign up for my new (and hopefully even more enjoyable) newsletter, The TRUTH. And join the growing band of believers who get a daily Flash of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo