Tony Funderburk Posted on by

God will call you through His grace.
Will you take the call?

Just about everybody I know has a smartphone. Or two or three. We have a couple of them in our house. And they’re awesome tools. You can use them to check your email, keep up with friends and family on social media, take some snapshots, watch videos, listen to podcasts, and even make or take phone calls. But as great as they are, smartphones can’t hold a candle to God’s communication methods. He makes trillions of calls, through His grace, to anyone who will answer, and just in case you don’t answer…He leaves messages.

I answered a call from God when I was only 13. And 13 was a very “lucky” number for me. Because when I answered that call…

God gave me eternal life through His grace.

It’s not some magical or mystical parlor trick. God is eternal, and He created you and me to be eternal. Trouble is…most people would rather figure out eternity for themselves. They’d rather skip that whole “Jesus thing”. After all, who wants some guy from 2000 years ago telling you what to do…right?

But here’s the thing…that guy from 2000 years ago is the only reason (and the only way) grace is available to you and me. Because He is eternal. He is, and was, God in the flesh. And He came to earth as a man to take the punishment for all the bad things you and I have ever done or ever will do. He was the only one who could because He was the only one who ever lived a sinless life. Can you imagine never doing anything to hurt anyone else or even yourself?

Grace is the most expensive free gift.

When you come to realize how much it cost Jesus to provide you with grace, you’ll understand it’s not about anything you can do or say. It’s not about some set of old-fashioned rules. All the “rules” were fulfilled by Jesus. You and I could never keep them all anyway. In fact, we’d die trying. And we’d exist in a universe of one forever. I hope you realize how brutal and bleak that would be.

If you’ve never considered eternity from that perspective, I hope you’ll consider it today. Since you’re able to read this, it’s not too late. You can still make the decision where you’ll be forever. Through His grace, God is calling you to eternal life. In fact, He’s already left you a message…the Bible. What are you waiting for? Will you take the call?

Stay tuned,

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This Present Evil Age Won’t Last Forever

Around 2000 years ago a very intelligent man wrote about grace. One of the things he said was “Grace to you and peace from our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory forever and ever.” He wrote that, in a letter, directly TO the people of Galatia. That’s an area in the country we now call Turkey. But he also wrote it FOR you. And me…and anyone who wasn’t or isn’t a Jew but still wants to have eternal life. Do you think all that evil he was talking about has faded away in the past 2000 years?

Just read the news. Or tune in to it on the radio, TV, or podcasts. Not a day goes by without another murder story. Worse yet, multiple murder stories. And murder, while it’s the worst crime, isn’t the only evil going on in the world on a daily basis. Daily? I should say minute by minute. In fact, each second you’re reading this some human being is doing something horrible to another human being. Every second, every minute, every hour, every day. It can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to believe it might never end. But it will. Wanna know how?

We just finished celebrating Christmas, also known as the celebration of the birth of Jesus, a little over two weeks ago…as I write this. He came to earth and became a human being in order to make a way out of this present evil age. He was born as a human baby to human parents, and He grew up to be a man…just like all baby boys do. Unfortunately, as He began to fulfill His mission here on earth, He offended the wrong people, and they decided they needed to shut Him up. So, they had Him crucified. And they believed they had solved their problem. The didn’t.

The giver of Grace rose from the dead.

And here’s the kicker. Jesus still gave His people another chance. And they still rejected His gift of grace. So, He made another plan. He called on (and that’s putting it mildly) a man named Saul to take a special message to all the other people of the earth…not the ones Jesus had been working with for a long time. That’s good news for you and me because it meant anyone…anyone at all, who would put his faith and trust in Jesus could be saved and live forever.

Saul’s name was changed to Paul, and he began writing letters to the Gentiles who began putting their faith in Jesus. And we have those letters available to us in the Bible. Pick one up sometime and read the many places where Paul talks about Jesus coming back one day to end this present evil age. He’s gonna take you to Heaven with Him, if you wanna go. Then, He’s gonna put a stop to all this madness.

But Grace is a limited time offer.

So don’t miss out. Don’t just trust in feelings. They can change. But your Creator won’t change. He will always be the one true, living, loving God who made you. He will always be the One you can depend on…the only One who can give you eternal life. But you have to choose Him. He won’t force you to love Him. When you choose to put your faith and trust in Him, His grace will sustain you forever. And you only get to choose while you’re alive on planet earth. Will you pass up this limited time offer? Did I mention it’s a free gift? Why would you pass up grace and eternal life?

Stay tuned,

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Just sharing a little drifting off music with you today.
Don’t listen to it if you’re driving or operating heavy machinery.  🙂

(video no longer available)

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Have you ever heard there’s only one gospel?

And does it matter to you? I hope it matters to you because…it matters. Your life matters. It matters to God, to your loved ones, and even to me. That’s why I spend time sharing THE Truth found in Bible. Yeah, I said “the” in capital letters, and I said it that way with good reason. Because there’s only one gospel. Let me explain…

Only One Gospel - and the right one is enough

Not every worldview or perspective or even so-called “gospel” can be true. The word “gospel” comes from an old English word, “godspell” which simply means good news or glad tidings. And that word comes from a Greek word that means “good message”. When the apostle Paul wrote about there being only one gospel, he was referring to the “gospel of Christ“. There can only be one “good news” of Christ. That good news is simply this…that Jesus came to die for his people, the Jews…they rejected Him, and so He took His message of eternal life to the Gentiles through His Apostle Paul.

Now…if that isn’t true, I’ve spent a lot of my life believing a lie, and that would make me a pretty big fool. However, there’s an overwhelming body of evidence for the authenticity and truth of this “good news” I’m talking about. You can read my rhymes and reasons about it all over this website.

But never take my word for it.

Read the Bible itself. You can find one in almost anyplace…even motel rooms all across America. After all, it’s the bestselling book of all time…for good reasons. It’s the Truth. It can be trusted. And the historical stories are tremendous. If I’m wrong about how only one gospel can be true, then maybe someday you can laugh at me in a galaxy far, far away. But if I’m right, and you’re wrong, I won’t be laughing on judgment day…and neither will you.

If you’re reading this, it’s not too late to go back over the information. It’s not too late to turn around and head toward eternal life. But one day it will be too late…or just the right time. The choice is yours. Therefore choose life. Why not?

Stay tuned,

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No matter what – prayer is powerful

When you pray to the one true, living, loving Creator of all the heavens and the earth, you’re talking to the only one in existence who can make something from nothing. You’re communicating directly with the source of life…God. His power becomes your hope. His strength becomes your support. His love and sacrifice become your redemption. And that’s why prayer is powerful.

Many people think (or feel) when they don’t get the answer to their prayer they want, God must not be listening…or certainly not answering. But praying is about asking God for things and getting them. It’s about having a real, ongoing relationship with your Creator. Jesus (who IS God, by the way) calls you His friend…if you trust in Him. And like any good friend, He loves to hear from you. That’s why prayer is powerful. It gives you an open line to the only One in existence who can give you eternal life. How cool is that?!

Hearing your own prayer builds a better you.

The Bible says ” So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word.” So when you pray, think of something you can remember from the Bible and add that to your prayer. Your faith will be strengthened as you say it because that’s how God’s Word works. If you’re not a Christian, you might think I’m bonkers to go on like this. And you’d be right…if it weren’t true. But it IS.

It’s vitally important to me that you understand there IS truth, and it exists because God exists. And because God exists, and because He came to earth as a man to suffer and die for your sake and mine…you can now talk directly to Him without some high priest or other go-between.

Prayer is a conversation with the one true, living, loving God who created everything from nothing. Start talking to Him today. I promise…He listens. And even though His answer isn’t always what you’d want or when you want it, prayer is powerful. What would you like to say to God or ask Him today?

Stay tuned,

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What if it was very late, and you were very tired,
and there was no room at the inn for you?

What would you do if this happened to you. You make a long trip with a pregnant wife. And you reach your destination. But you discover that no matter where you go, there’s no room at the inn for you. Can you imagine yourself in that predicament? But let’s make matters worse. What if you didn’t have a car to sleep in, no mobile phone or any other device, and no all night cafés?

Well, a couple thousand years ago that’s exactly the situation a couple ended up in. The man’s plan was to protect his family and obey the law and trust God. Yet each time he tried to get his family a place to stay, he got the same answer. There was no room at the inn. Knowing they’d have to rest somewhere, he took refuge in a stall with live animals all around.

And wouldn’t you know it, his wife gave birth…right there in that smelly place.

“And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

It all happened for YOU.

Maybe you’ve heard the story before. And maybe someone told you about Jesus. But have you turned Him away? Have you kept your eyes and ears closed and your heart shut? Are you like those others who had no room at the inn for the Creator of the universe? If so, I hope you’ll change your mind this Christmas and give yourself the best gift imaginable. The gift of trusting in the only one who can give you eternal life. I promise…you won’t regret it.

Merry Christmas!

Stay tuned,

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No-cost, low-cost, and premium ways you can help me spread the Word…

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Lavender – it even sounds like a color

Lavender is more than just a color. It’s a beautiful plant, a homeopathic essential oil, and a popular ingredient in perfumes. And even though it’s more than just a color, it’s a color that came to mind and inspired a song more than forty years ago.

I had just finished a year in college, and I was working in the Kansas City, Missouri area. Being young and full of imagination, almost everything I saw or heard or smelled became inspiration for poetry or lyrics. And that’s how the following lyrics came to be.

A young woman who, for some reason, found me to be attractive and interesting. The feeling was mutual. It was a brief relationship…but full of words and ideas and, like I mentioned, imagination. She introduced me to an album by a well-known female singer from the 60’s and 70’s. I’d heard other songs by this singer, but I hadn’t seen or heard this particular album. And one thing stood out more than any of the songs…the singer’s eyes on the album cover.

They were lavender…

…or seemed so to me. I don’t mean deep, rich, lush lavender like the picture I shared. Her eyes in the picture were a light, luminous lavender. They just sort of captivated me, and I couldn’t explain why. When things like that happened I almost always broke out my trusty Bic pen and notebook and wrote my thoughts down. To this day I can see the singer’s eyes as I recall my lyrics. And I couldn’t tell you one song on the album…without looking.

If you can tell me which singer’s eyes the words are about, I’ll send you a free song. Any guesses?

Lavender Eyes

I know not where they came from
I know not where they’ve gone,
But I remember lavender
Eyes.
I can’t expect the world to see
Or know of the tranquility
I have recalling lavender
Eyes.

They shone like sparklers
On the fourth of July.
They made me think of loving”
Like I’ll never, ever die.
They kept a beam of sunshine
Gleaming down into my heart.
Their peace was never-ending,
Yet it never seemed to start.

I know not what they’re made of.
I know not who or why,
But I remember lavender
Eyes.
I can’t expect the world to see,
For after all…it could be me
Recalling my own lavender
Eyes.

© Tony Funderburk 1975

Stay tuned,

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Grace and truth – great ingredients

If you own or run a business or service, there are a couple of things you need that you won’t find at the office or home improvements stores. Grace and truth. Yep, they’re more important than that five handle, lumbar supporting desk chair. More important than the latest tools, treasures, and trinkets you might be eyeballing. And even more important than your iPhone or Android device. (gasp!) Without grace and truth, all the rest of those things are just rust and dust. Do I have your attention? Read on…

Yes, I’m a Christian…in fact, if you look real close at the picture above, you’ll see a Bible reference in the lower right hand corner of the blue square. But, if you’re not a Christian, this all still applies. That’s because it’s true. And truth always applies…regardless of how anyone feels about it. So, why do I say you need grace and truth for success?

First, I’ll talk about grace…

I’m not talking about ballerina grace. Or the graceful flight of an eagle. Those are nice, but the kind of grace you need, to be successful, is what I call “allowance grace”. In other words, you allow others their faults or shortcomings. And you even allow them to show you things you didn’t already know. Even if you don’t always agree. That kind of grace takes stress off you. It allows you to focus on what you’re good at and quit trying to fix everything and everybody. Don’t get me wrong. Sometimes other people need fixing, and they might even need your help. But having a deep and abiding grace means you won’t be butting your nose in where it isn’t wanted or needed.

Now…what about truth?

I’m sure you’ve heard someone say something like, “Well, if it’s true for you, then it’s true.” Or maybe you’ve even heard someone say, “There is no absolute truth.” When they say that, ask them if it’s absolutely true? The main point to remember about truth is that it DOES exist. There are some things that simply ARE true. Knowing truth exists…I mean knowing without a single doubt in your mind…is powerful. It gives you a firm foundation for life. Even if you’re not a Christian, I know you’ve heard this phrase: “the truth will make (or set) you free“. Nothing could be truer.

Knowing there are truths you can depend on gives you an advantage over a moral relativist. It makes you someone others can depend on. They’ll know your word is your bond. You won’t be some fly-by-night shyster who says whatever needs to be said to separate “a fool from his money”.

Here’s where the “magic” happens.

Combine grace and truth, and you’ve got the one-two punch over your competitors. The embodiment of grace and truth is Jesus. Again…you don’t have to agree with my worldview or theology, but you won’t find anyone else in history who so perfectly portrayed grace and truth. And He said if you trust in Him, you’ll live forever. If you don’t, you’ll merely exist forever…in a place you’ll always regret. That’s when, like I said before, all your things are just rust and dust.

So which one will you get to work on first? Grace? Or truth? My guess is, when you begin to work on one, the other will seamlessly fall into place. I’m pulling and praying for you.

Stay tuned,

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3 Ways Your Mind is a Great Voice Changer

If you’re a guy, you might have experienced the clumsy voice changer known as puberty. And if you’re a human being, you’ve experienced the changing of your voice through natural growth from baby to adult. Those are interesting subjects, but they have nothing to do with what I wanna share with you today. Read on…

1. Your Mind’s Eye

Yep, you’ve got to see yourself singing. That’s why I asked you to imagine yourself singing years from now”so you could practice seeing it. When you can see yourself, in your mind’s eye, singing confidently in front of a group of listeners, you’re one third of the way to actually doing it. And don’t just see yourself singing”take it to the next level and see yourself in full control of a powerful and stylish voice. Are you starting to get a clear picture?

OK, now see yourself smiling. There’s sheer joy in singing when you keep yourself in the moment. See the troubles of the world fall at your feet. Watch the problems in your life slip off your shoulders like a whispering wind. Marvel at your audience swept away in the moment with you. And see yourself floating weightless through every note, phrase, and inflection. You’re a singer. See it and believe it. Now, practice this kind of visualization in your spare time and before every rehearsal or performance. Your voice will thank you.

2.  Your Mind’s Ear

Can you hear music when no music is playing? I’m not asking if you can recall your favorite song and the way it sounds. I mean actual notes and scales. Can you hear those? You should be able to, if you quiet your mind and listen. Set aside any distractions like your mobile device or your social accounts, and listen. Start by thinking of the the first note in a scale. DO. Got it? Doesn’t matter if it’s a C note or G or E. Just start with DO. Can you hear it? Good. Now move up the scale past RE, MI, FA, SO, LA, TI, and all the way to DO. Listen closely. This is important. Do you hear the sound of each note in your own voice? If you can’t, you might need to find somewhere even more quiet and secluded. And you might need to practice focused listening.

Focused listening starts in your mind’s ear. When you can clearly hear notes in your head and in your voice”and when you combine hearing yourself sing with seeing yourself sing, you’re two thirds of the way to actually doing it. But you’ve got one more area to deal with”

3. Your Mind’s Voice

Most successful singers, or successful people in anything, will probably tell you they’ve had to battle a nagging, negative voice inside their head. Have you ever heard that little voice in your mind”the one that says “you can’t do it”? Have you ever started to sing and thought, “What am I doing?”  or  “Who do I think I am?”If so, you’re not alone. But here’s what will set you apart”what will get you over that hurdle”what will give you a chance at being the singer you want to be”

“don’t be afraid to mess up. And tell that nagging voice in your mind who’s boss. Remember, you’re in control of your thoughts. And if you’ve been practicing your visualization and listening techniques, you should be able to think thoughts like”

  • “I’m gonna sing the notes off this scale!” and
  • “I can sing circles around this song!”
  • “I love singing so much, no one and nothing is gonna stop me!”

You can do it. Start right now. When you change the thoughts in your head, you’ll be well on your way to confidently controlling the three ways your singing voice is all in your mind.

Stay tuned,

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Tell everybody you know to subscribe to Tony’s Daily Devotional
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Get digital Bible stuff from the same company I do.

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

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Easy Powerpoint Setup for your Church

Many, maybe even most, churches are on board with PowerPoint. If you’re one of those churches not using it, or if you’re the person in charge of your church’s sound and media, I’m gonna show you how to make powerful points with an easy PowerPoint setup. The good news is…it doesn’t require a degree in technology. And once you set up the computer and projector you just type, click, cut, and paste…and you’re good to go.

PowerPoint Setup for Churches

First: A Short Note on PowerPoint Setup For Newbies

PowerPoint is linear. That simply means you go from one step to the next, in sequence, to present your message. You can use words only, images only, words and images, or even words, images, sounds, and video. The point is…it’s easy once you learn how.

PowerPoint is an excellent tool for emphasizing the pastor’s message with some key photos or diagrams or scripture. And of course it’s the method of choice for displaying the words to the songs during Praise and Worship…much better than the bulky and

distracting overhead projectors with the loose transparencies. Setup is easy and files are digital. What more could a church media person ask for?

Get Ready To Make Your Point

When you’re ready to present the songs or sermon messages in a PowerPoint presentation, you certainly don’t want to distract the congregation by letting them see the mouse cursor all around the projector screen. In other words, you don’t want everybody seeing your windows (or Mac) desktop.

There’s a couple of ways to keep this from happening. First, if your computer is equipped with a dual video card, you simply connect one output to the computer monitor and the other to the projector. If you have a dual video card and you aren’t seeing this, you’ll just need to re-configure it by following the tutorial “Extend Desktop Mode”.

I’m pleased to say most newer computers are equipped with the dual video card, and you probably won’t have to purchase anything to get set up for dual monitoring.

If you do have to purchase a new video card, though, I recommend a dual card…one with two outputs. Installing a second “mono”card could cause serious compatibility problems, and I don’t recommend it unless you’re a total computer tech.

Check Your PowerPoint Setup

You may be asking what components and/or software you’ll need to make a great PowerPoint presentation. More good news. It doesn’t require the top-of-the-line computer, and if you have a Windows based system, you may even have the software already installed. Many computers come with at least an entry level version of PowerPoint.

All you’ll really need is the computer with dual video card, PowerPoint, a projector, a projector screen, and someone to run the gear from an out-of-the-way spot. Then…

…it’s just a matter of learning how to make the PowerPoint slides to create your presentation. And your software will probably already have templates, themes, and even graphics. With one click of the mouse you’ll be able to setup a look and feel to creatively brand your church and professionally present your message.

Newer versions of PowerPoint are designed to make it as easy to create presentations as it is to create a Word document. You’ll be able to choose formatting options and even preview the results before you save the file. It really is easy. Imagine your church’s logo in each of the Praise and Worship songs and any sermon slides. Visitors will view the message and your church will be etched in their minds.

If you already have lyrics to your Praise and Worship songs, you can simply copy and paste them into PowerPoint slides and easily create your presentation. And if you have recorded messages or songs, you can even get the words transcribed and do the same thing. Like I keep saying…it’s really easy, and your church will love the results.

OK…Now Project Your Best Points

Let’s say, for example, you’ve already created your excellent presentations for songs or sermons. Next, you’ll need to project the images somewhere everyone can see. For this you’ll need a compatible projector and screen. But what kind of projector is best for the job? How do you know which type is right for your church?

Digital projectors can range in price from a few hundred to several thousands of dollars, so you need to consider a few details before you purchase.

  • Size of your room, chapel, auditorium, or building
  • Number of people in congregation and seating arrangements
  • Space for setting up digital gear
  • Access to service and parts
  • Ease of use and durability (or reputation of manufacturer)

I mentioned access to service and parts and durability because those factors are often overlooked. It’s easy to get caught up in the “bright shiny object”syndrome and forget about how difficult it might be to get anyone to send a part or work on your projector.

More often than not your main concern will be the lamp. Replacing these can be expensive, so look for the projector that has a longer “lamp life”expectancy. A little online

research can give you some valuable insight. And lamps come in different levels of

lumens. This is the term for measuring how bright it is. More is better and costs more.

Of course you’ll need a screen for your projector, and these range in price from under $200 to several hundred dollars. Just look for one to fit the space you’ll be using, and make sure it’s a reputable company with a good service record. Most name brands fit that description.

You’re Good To Go

Think about this…one survey found almost 91% of churches using digital technology. And about 56% of those use PowerPoint. There’s no good reason you can’t do the same thing.

Don’t think of it as a difficult transition. An easy PowerPoint setup makes for better presentations. You can share the words to songs with your congregation (you won’t have to keep bulky hymnals around anymore) and share your church’s message with the world.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

P.S.  Your support for my Rhyme and Reason means the world to me. Please share by telling everyone you know to”

Discover my ebooks on Amazon.com or Smashwords
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Find me on Facebook
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Giving thanks – Why it matters

Here in America, we just celebrated our annual holiday known as Thanksgiving this past Thursday. It’s a day where families and friends gather together to eat too much, watch televised sports, and…oh yeah…be thankful. Yeah, unfortunately, the giving thanks part has sort of taken a back seat in too many households. That part seems to have shrunk to even less than the one day President Lincoln proclaimed to be a day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens“.

Giving Thanks - it shouldn't be only one day of the year

It was great that Lincoln proclaimed a day to be set aside in America for giving thanks. And I’d like to suggest setting aside at least a little time every single day for giving thanks. I don’t mean looking up at the sky and telling “the universe” how grateful you are that good things happened to you today. I’m talking about acknowledging, to your Creator, how thankful you are for even being here…regardless of your current circumstances. It matters. Do you know why?

You’re not here by accident.

You are a created human being…created by that “beneficent Father” Lincoln talked about in his Thanksgiving Day proclamation. I don’t understand why so many people would rather believe we’re all just products of a big bang and evolutionary processes. Those things don’t inspire hope or purpose. Knowing you’re “fearfully and wonderfully made” is so much more reassuring. Wouldn’t you rather know you were made on purpose by the living, loving God of all creation? And wouldn’t it be much more reassuring to know there’s a reason why you exist? There is. Because God loves you. He wants you to have life. He wants you to live forever…and ever.

That’s why I know how important it is to be giving thanks and make every day Thanksgiving Day. After all, each day is another opportunity to be a beacon of light in this dark world. And wherever there is light, darkness flees. Will you flip on your switch today?

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

You absolutely, positively cannot get
something from nothing

And if you think you can get something from nothing, I want you to send me video proof. That should be easy enough. Practically everyone on the planet has access to a video camera nowadays. So, even if you don’t have one, get someone to help you as you video your proof. And if you have proof, you’ll make history. Are you prepared to endure all that fame and fortune?

Something From Nothing - you can't do it. But your Creator did.

I’m gonna share an example of the closest thing we humans can get to making something from nothing. As I sat down to write this post, I didn’t have any intent of writing a rhyme. But I’m gonna make something up. It will appear to come from nothing…to me…because this combination of words, written exactly it will be, doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world. And it will only exist once I type the words onto my computer monitor and share them with you.

But…here’s the key thing…

My words might only appear to materialize once I write them down, but they didn’t come from nothing. They came from my brain. And my brain didn’t come from nothing. It developed as a result of the combination of my mom and dad’s DNA. And their DNA didn’t come from nothing. They each came from their parents who came from their parents et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. (hint to public schoolers: et cetera wasn’t a singer in the band Chicago)

This all leads to the question of how an entire universe and all the life in it came into existence. Also me to share this theory: an uncaused first cause. The good news is this uncaused first cause wasn’t and isn’t lifeless and emotionless. The uncaused first cause is a WHO…not a WHAT. God is the uncaused first cause, and He is and was the only one who will ever bring about something from nothing.

What do you think? Too much to wrap your mind around? Well, how about starting with your heart and your needs? Your need for love and life. Start with those. Reach out and ask God to reveal His love and life to you. When you do, He will. And you will be changed forever…for a love and life that never ends.

Now, here’s my impromptu rhyme…

I don’t have a clue what I should say,
But still I have to write this anyway.
The trouble is my brain just missed the outbound train
And left me empty-headed here today.

I don’t have the slightest bright idea.
I think my thoughts just flew to Tanzania.
My brain began to spin, but then a fog rolled in
And glossed across my mental galleria.

I don’t have a notion in my mind
Of just what kind of words I’ll leave behind.
So, as these words flow out, I’ll see what they’re about
And share them with you unrefined and signed…

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Evidence for a Global Flood is All Over The World

It’s uncanny how any scientist could look at our planet, which is currently about 70% covered in water, and say there’s no evidence that a global flood over occurred. Are you kidding me?! Well, if you’re interested in hearing a theory for how all that water got here…a theory that makes more sense than any other you’ve ever heard before, watch this…

That’s some pretty convincing evidence. And I believe you won’t find anyone else coming anywhere close to this much evidence combined with a workable theory. All the explanations for our continents and why there’s so much water on the surface of the planet I ever heard about in school always left me flat. I got a feeling they were making it up as they went along. And there was always something inside me that rejected the notion of “millions of years”. So, I was thrilled when I learned about Dr. Walt Brown.

But what about you? Are you still not convinced there was ever a global flood? If so, what theory do you have against it? If you have a video explanation, I’ll consider posting it here. Just send me the link, and once I verify that it’s not an attempt to spam or post inappropriate material, I’ll embed it here and give you credit for sharing or creating it. But consider it carefully before you submit it to me. It’ll have to be mighty good stuff to compete.

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Hey Christians…Look up!
Our God is THE God.

Have you chosen to follow Jesus? If so, have you noticed how America isn’t quite the place it used to be for Christians? Do you see how many more people want to make fun of us and ridicule our faith? And have you picked up on the trend where people thank the universe rather than the Creator of the universe? It’s sad, but we can still be glad because we know our God is the one, true, living, loving God. And I’d like to share this song to encourage you to remember where your hope is…

Our God Is LPRGL

The world is…obsessed with death and dying.
They’re drowning…in bitterness and crying.
It’s such an awful shame.
They could call upon the name of Jesus.
As followers we say
We know He’s the only Way that frees us
From the sins we hide deep inside. They…can’t please us.

Our bodies…become the dust that scatters.
If that’s it…then nothing really matters.
We may as well give in
When we feel the world begin to seize us.
Who needs all that guilt and blame
You get calling on the name of Jesus?
But it’s not like that. It’s a fact…Jesus sees us.

He’s living and He’s life…He’s personal to talk to…
Relational with every son and daughter.
He’s good and so much more….He’s loving to the core…
Jesus is the Living Water.
And each time a soul is saved all the angels above sing…
Our God is living, personal, relational, good…and loving.

Our souls know…infinity is calling.
But temptation…can keep our spirits falling.
So we need to fix our eyes
On the true eternal prize of Jesus.
When we stand before the throne,
He knows our lives, alone, won’t appease us.
No, we need the blood of the lamb…we need Jesus.

© 2009 Tony Funderburk

Stay tuned,

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Which is more important?
Your interests…or the interests of others?

Notice how I didn’t say the interests of others are all the matter? I’m not suggesting you forget all your own interests, your own needs, wants, and desires. Far from it. You must look out for those. But when you put your own interests above those of others, you risk being conceited or a slave to your own selfish ambition. How do I know…

The interests of others should be more important than your own.

…I know this is true because God inspired Paul to write it. But why do you suppose God wants us to put the interests of others above our own?

You don’t have to look any further than the worlds of entertainment, sports, or politics to discover the answer to that question. You don’t even have to look further than your own family for the answer. It’s simple…

Selfishness

It’s easy to be selfish. I’ve done it. You’ve done it. Everyone on the planet has been selfish at some point or points in life. The reason it’s so easy to be selfish is because you know what YOU need, want, or desire. Without even asking. It’s the most natural thing in the world. Think about something you love…that isn’t good for you…and now try to put that out of your mind. Not so easy, is it? That’s because just thinking about it puts it at the front your mind. And because it’s something you love, it doesn’t take any effort to think about.

Now…think of someone special in your life. And try to think only of something they love. Ah, ah, ah…don’t let your own desires dart in. Just think of what that other person needs, wants, or desires. Got a clear, unobstructed picture of it? I’m guessing you don’t. It’s not so easy to visualize the interests of others because your own interests keep flickering through. So, maybe you give up and just don’t try. But if you do, that’s leaving out the most important ingredient…

God.

Maybe it’s impossible for you to put other people’s interests above your own because you’re relying on your own strength to do it. If that’s the case, I have a suggestion. Read God’s words found in the epistles of Paul. Focus on those before all other parts. And as you do, ask yourself this: “Am I being selfish? Or am I looking out for the interests of others even before I do my own?

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

No matter what you’ve done before,
you can change.

I’m about to embark on a journey, starting tomorrow, that will take me in a direction I never planned on going. Nope…when I was a kid, I didn’t dream of this journey. When I was a young man, I never envisioned myself going this way. And as I got older, I didn’t picture myself in the role I’ll be playing soon. The reason I’m laying it out this way is to encourage you to understand you can change. No matter what age or what stage of life you’re in.

You Can Change

You weren’t created to be one, specific thing. God didn’t plan out each step of your life before the foundation of the world. And He isn’t forcing you to accept the road you’re on right now. As difficult as it might be to accept responsibility for your own shortcomings, it’s necessary in order to move beyond them. And by the way…your shortcomings weren’t designed by God either. Just as a well-known airline commercial says: “you’re free to move around the country”. At least for a while longer if you’re American.

In other words, YOU get to decide for you.

You can change the direction of your life. I’m about to make a serious change in direction. I won’t tell you what that is for now because I have to work on some more details. But maybe I’ll share it with you as I go once I work those out. Suffice it to say…it’s a big change.

Around two thousand years ago another human being went through an even more serious change. A man named Saul was persecuting a new group of people known as “Christians”. Saul was zealous for his Jewish faith. And, as he saw it, these Christians were a threat to that faith. They were saying terrible things about God and The Messiah…deceitful things…lies…things worthy of death.

At least that’s what Saul believed…until…

…he changed.

In fact, Saul was so radically changed he became one of those “Christians”. He became the chief proponent of the new Christian faith and announced “that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief“. His name was even changed to Paul to reflect the awesome, massive change that had taken place in his life.

Like I said before…I’d like to encourage you to realize you CAN change. I’m about to make a serious change that will affect my life for a few years. But I made a decision, when I was 13, to change my eternal future. I’ve never regretted that decision. Have you asked God for help to make that change?

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Ah, look at all the glorious things.

More than once I’ve said I don’t like writing pro life music. That may sound odd coming from a guy who calls himself a pro lifer, but let me explain. See, I’d much rather be writing songs about all the glorious things of God’s creation, love, flowers, whimsy, and everything else that’s good.

But every day it’s easy to look around and see:

  • another Christian who doesn’t even know some of the simplest things God said in His word about the blood of the innocent
  • another politician who waffles on when life begins
  • another celebrity who uses the same ol’ worn out clichés like “life of the mother” or “woman’s right to choose
  • or another blogger who simply doesn’t do the research

It spurs me on to think of another way to sing about it. I’m at a point in my life where I can’t do a lot of other things about personhood for preborn babies, but I can write songs about their plight. And I can post them on iTunes, YouTube, FaceBook, and this blog.

You ne’er-do-wells, who don’t judge…

…despise me for it, or follow your own M.O. and tolerate me and celebrate my diversity. Then, you can put it in your pipe, with your glaucoma medication, and smoke it.

But if you don’t disagree with me, please support musicians, pastors, bloggers, politicians, and anyone else who recognizes the God-given right to life and personhood of everyone from biological beginning to natural end. Show the world you’re pro-life. It’s one of the glorious things anyone can do. Even you. Will you give it a try today? It would sure help me get back to writing more happy-go-lucky songs.

Stay tuned,

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This Week’s Episode Includes…

This podcast episode brings those topics together for those of you who’d rather listen than read. Thanks for tuning in. Use one or more of the links I’ve provided to share with anyone and everyone you know. Oh yeah, when you get a minute, please leave me a review on iTunes. Here’s the easy link. And don’t forget to get your free music and book if you haven’t already. Look over there in the sidebar of my website .

The The Power of God's Love Podcast with Tony Funderburk

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Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Did You Know There’s Always Been A Digital World?

Yep”there are some awesome digital tools nowadays for people who’d like to create and produce things like words and music. Or pictures and videos. Or any combination of media. But even in the past. Way, way back when there wasn’t even any controlled electricity, people lived and worked in a digital world. In fact, if they weren’t using their digits, they probably weren’t working. Because the digits they were using were their fingers. And the average person could do amazing things with their digits. Amazing things like:

  • Grow food
  • Tend to livestock
  • Build houses
  • Sew clothing
  • And even write letters (not type, or dictate, or thumb text – real writing with pens & pencils)

In today’s digital world we’re soft and spoiled with mostly superficial social skills. And forget about actually knowing how to do REAL things”like grow food or sew a shirt. Those are dirty jobs that are “going to the illegal aliens”. I’ve been advocating, for a long time, that we Americans get back to our roots”literally and figuratively.

We gotta get back to when there was good ol’ American ingenuity.

For example, recently I installed new spark plugs, O2 sensors, Camshaft positioning sensor, crankshaft positioning sensor, windshield washer motor, ball joints, and more on my Jeep Wrangler. I also changed my own oil (which I personally do every 3,000 – 6,000 miles or so). In past years I personally replaced the radiator, the A/C condensor, the water pump, and other O2 sensors. I’ve also repaired plumbing in my house, built cabinets, installed windows, removed carpet, and a host of other dirty jobs in the older category digital world.

I think it’s important to be able to do those jobs even when you’re doing well enough to pay someone else to do them. And Mike Rowe, from the old “Dirty Jobs”show on Discovery Channel had some real good reasons why”

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…

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Two Singer Songwriters Sing “King Of Hearts”

Same last name…same initials…same song title. And yet, neither one of us knew about the other one’s song. Can you believe two Funderburks would come up with a song called King of Hearts at two different times and not know about the other one’s version? Well, it happened, and I’d like to share videos of both songs with you today. Pretty cool, huh?

King of Hearts - one song title, two Funderburks

(videos no longer available)

I hope the King of Hearts is your king, too. If not, why not? What are you afraid of? Wouldn’t you love to live forever without fear of dying, hunger, pain, sorrow, and every other negative thing this world holds?

Stay tuned,

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P.S.  Your support for my Rhyme and Reason means the world to me. Please share by telling everyone you know to”

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