The Amazing Quest of The Treasure Bible

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Just exactly what is The Treasure? Simple answer…a solar-powered, field-tested audio Bible. More complex answer…it’s a tried and true way of getting God’s word into the ears and hearts of people who might not get it any other way. The Treasure is already available in over 200 languages, and it has proved to withstand the heat of the desert, the humidity of the jungle, and even the cold of the mountains. Here’s a picture of it, front and back…

The Treasure - a solar powered audio Bible in many languages

 

I’ll be sharing some videos that show it in action. It’s really a cool way to be sure “faith comes by hearing and hearing by God’s word“…even to those people in all “the ends of the earth”.

As you can see in the picture, the version of “The Treasure” I have to use as a live demo when people ask, is Hindi combo. I also have an English version, and there’s background music, extra explanations, and readings with sound effects. Lives are being changed by these tough, little devices.

A $38 gift sends one of these units out into the field. And each one can last up to 2,000 hours. Estimates, so far, are that 100 to 2,000 people can be reached by each device. Prayerfully consider clicking on the picture (or the other picture of me holding one) and donating one or more of these Treasures. Believe it or not, even in this day of such far-reaching modern technology…billions of people still haven’t heard God’s word. You can help change that.

Stay tuned…
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P.S. In the spirit of full disclosure…I’m an affiliate for “The Treasure” and World Mission. So, yes, I do receive compensation for recommending it. But I assure you I wouldn’t recommend it if I didn’t believe it’s an effective tool of evangelism for God’s word. And my compensation doesn’t add a single penny to your cost.

OK…join me in this amazing quest for The Treasure Bible.

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

New Thought. It’s an ironic moniker for such an old way of thinking. At its core, it’s simply another way of getting the Biblical God out of the way. And making room for “self” to BE god. That’s what Christians know as the original sin, and that happened about 6,000 years ago. So…”new thought”? Nope. It’s still the same ol’ worshiping “self” idea. Just more modern special effects.

I’ve had an ongoing debate with a guy for years and years now. He insists I’m “stuck in the Matrix” for thinking a loving God would “dare send anyone to hell” for any reason. After all, if that God created those people, then He must be responsible for their bad behavior. So, why would He send them to hell for doing something He designed them to be?

Yeesh.

If I’ve heard that sort of talk once, I’ve heard it a thousand times. And it comes from people who inherently realize they’re free will beings. You make your decisions. They’re not thought up and laid out for you by some higher power who gets a kick out of seeing you squirm. You’re created in the image and likeness of God…and God is not a robot.

He’s a living, loving, personal, and relational supernatural Creator full of goodness, mercy, and…wait for it…justice.

Oh no! There’s that harsh word. Justice.

Just when it seemed like I was gonna make God out to be some sort of gentle, touchy-feely being everyone could cuddle up to, I had to toss that in. Sorry, but I can’t leave out parts just because they might make someone uneasy. At least, not if they’re true.

And why wouldn’t we want God to be just? Could it be that might mean we’d be held accountable for our choices? And wouldn’t that mean God gets to decide who’s right and who’s wrong? And would’t that just be plain unfair?

Well, let’s put it this way…

…if you were able to create the whole universe…and every living thing in it… with the words you spoke…don’t you think you might also know, better than anyone else, what makes it all function at optimum performance? The designer of the universe must be infinitely smarter than you or me. But, of course if you believe we’re all a part of this “source”, then I guess we all had some part in the design.

If that’s the case, how come I can’t design a speck of dust? Much less a field, or a continent. You’d think after all these “billions of years” of evolution, we could have figured out how to make something from nothing by now. And if someone could do that, I’d say that was a genuine “new thought”.

But here’s the deal…

Why would you want to BE god when you could trust that the job is already filled by the only being in existence who is able and worthy to perform it? If you’re willing to suffer the eternal slings and arrows of contradictory religion, then by all means…continue through your life full of “new thought”. If you’d rather be able to relax with the knowledge that your best will never be good enough and will never have to be…then here’s a thought…

Trust Jesus. That god of “self” is leading you down a path where the Matrix will seem like an Etch-a-Sketch by comparison.

If you don’t want to trust Jesus, tell me how you came to your “new thought”.

Stay tuned…
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P.S. Have you seen how easy it is to get free music and more? Just jump on the The TRUTH.

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Objective Morality Without God

OK, Christians…here’s what we’re up against. When you take God out of the equation, the question of “right and wrong” is a moot point. It isn’t objective morality at the point. It’s opinion. And guess what? If your opinion differs from mine, all you have to do to win the day is be the stronger one. That’s the beauty of natural selection in process. Watch this short video of a courteous debate between Sean McDowell (a Christian) and Michael Shermer.

It’s interesting how often those who reject God have no problem using the word “absolute”. By whose authority would anything be absolutely true or right or acceptable…if not God? Well, the god of “self” of course. Trouble with that notion is…

…there are over 7 billion “selfs” on the planet.

That’s a lot of potential for differences of opinion. So whose opinion wins? The more educated? The more enlightened? The stronger, more visually appealing of the races?

It’s a rabbit hole with no bottom when you erase the one true, living loving God from the equation. He doesn’t wish that any person should perish (exist apart from Him) forever, but He’s fully aware of the vast majority of humans who want no part of Him and His “rewards and punishments” system.

So, there’s a place where you can go and exist forever without having to listen to, watch, or read any words from us pesky Christians ever again. Just think…you’ll never have to debate anyone ever again on ideas like objective morality, natural selection, or creationism. What a relief…right? Well, it’ll only be a relief if you’re right in your atheist worldview. If not…well…

You should jump on the The TRUTH and be part of the growing band of ne’er-do-wells who understand that life has Rhyme and Reason because God made us.

Stay tuned…
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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Recently I released Volume 1 of my “Raise The Praise” collection of praise and worship songs. (already have the songs for Volume 2, by the way) And the last song of the first group is called “Give Me The Whole Jesus“. Someone asked me what I meant by “whole Jesus”. So, I’d like to share a breakdown of the lyrics, and what I mean by them, if that’s OK with you.

I’ll go through the words a little at a time and put the explanation in blue.

Give Me The Whole Jesus

Oh give me love…give me justice…
Right there in the first line I talk about the “whole Jesus”. I hear and read so many people (Christians and non-believers alike) who say God is love. While this is true…He’s so much more. Something He strongly represents is justice.
Give me Grace and the strength to endure.
When the world comes against me,
Give me Your Spirit steadfast and sure.
There again is a clearer definition of the Lord’s qualities. He can impute Grace AND strength to endure the trials and tribulations of this world.

Give me words…give me courage…
Give me time and a powerful voice.
The Lord is also called “The Word”. So, He knows, better than I, that my words alone aren’t enough. I also need the courage to write or speak them.
And when many still may hate me,
Give me Your love and I’ll always rejoice.
Jesus told believers the world would hate us…and persecute us…because they hated Him and persecuted Him. But His love was unimaginably revealed in His tortured death on a cross.

For that, I’ll always rejoice.

Give me the whole Jesus;
The whole Good Lord…
The One who shields the child…
The One who wields the sword.
Jesus, and His word is more powerful than a two-edged sword. Yet His compassion for the tiniest, most helpless humans is unmatched.
Give me the whole Jesus
Son of God and man…
Jesus is the only being who is both God and man. He is the second person of the Trinity…God, the Son. He also was born through a virgin woman, a human being, and became a man in the flesh. And one of His favorite titles for Himself was “Son of Man”.
“˜Cause only Jesus saves…
And only Jesus can! Only Jesus can! Only Jesus can!
This is a message I believe with all my heart…especially since Jesus said this very thing about Himself. Here’s a quote from His very own lips, “No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Seems pretty obvious to me.

Then give me dreams…give me wisdom…
The apostle Peter quoted the prophet Joel where Joel said, “Your old men shall dream dreams”. I figure I qualify now. And the book of the Proverbs mention, over and over, how important wisdom is. So I thought, “what good are dreams without wisdom to pursue them?”
Give me peace at the end of my days.
Whether I’m taken in a flash or twinkling of an eye…or I lived out my life and die here on earth…the only true and lasting peace will come at the end of my days here in this flesh.
And give me life…everlasting…
In Your world and in Your higher ways.
When I live in the presence of the Lord, it will be life without end. And that will be true because I’ll be in the presence of the very source of Life. Now, that’s the life described as “have it more abundantly” in the book of John.

So, there you have it…the breakdown of “Give Me The Whole Jesus“, the 12th song on my “Raise The Praise Volume 1” collection of praise and worship songs. You can listen to the song for free. Just click/tap the title.

Be sure and let me know if you enjoyed it.

Stay tuned…

Tony signs his name

 

 

 

41,892,128 Memorial Day Blessings

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Don’t worry, I’m not gonna individually list all 41,892,128 Memorial Day blessings. That would take a lot more space and time than either you or I have. But I AM gonna share with you how much I believe we take that number for granted. And how many, if not most, Americans don’t even appear to have any respect for what that number means. It means simply this…

…Freedom.

41,892,128 people have served in the armed forces since 1775. Because they served we still have the freest nation on earth. Those people worked, fought, suffered injury, and many even died so that we could live as free men and women. That freedom means we can use our technology to write (as I am right now) about how much we value it. Yet, many use their freedom to throw away precious things like: free enterprise, Christian worship, the right to self-protection, and a litany of others.

What a dreadful, hypocritical irony.

Americans burn the American flag that represents one of a handful of countries where you can do that without fear of imprisonment or death. Irony.

Americans disdain American service members who are willing to put themselves in harm’s way to protect those rights to free speech. Irony

Americans ridicule, mock, and prosecute, in the name of “intolerance” Americans who would dare exercise their right to worship God. Irony

Thankfully there are still millions of Americans who realize and respect the value of all those many service members protecting our freedoms. And thankfully there are still millions of Americans who believe in the God of the Bible, the sanctity of human life, and the right to freely believe those things.

If you’re one of those Americans, I’m sure you’re also one who will remember, with solemn respect, our 41,892,128 Memorial Day blessings.

Stay tuned…
Tony signs his name

 

 

 

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

The internet has a seductive allure for people (and even businesses) to work anonymously.

If you’re one of those who wants to work anonymously, that’s a mistake.

Don’t get me wrong. I understand wanting or even needing to be or feel anonymous…sometimes. However…online success is so much more difficult when you’re invisible. You just won’t be all that relevant…simply because no one will know who you are even if you’re sharing great stuff.

Nowadays (like always) you gotta be real. You can truly be real, online, and see wonderful results. In fact, not being real can get even your mobile ready website clicked off or tapped off faster than just about anything. And that’s “really” not good.

Of course, if you’re goal with your website is to quietly toil at your daily tasks and eventually fade way…then by all means, work anonymously. Maybe there’s a justifiable reason for doing that, but I’ll be darned if I get it. After all, why would you go to the trouble of finding, buying, registering, and publishing a website, if you just plan to keep it a secret. You certainly don’t need a website to collect your thoughts, ideas, and pictures. Old fashioned notebooks and photo boxes work great for that.

I’m guessing you didn’t decide to be online so you could be invisible. But you may be a little dazed and confused as to how you can build something worthwhile and stay true to your ideas or products or services. Here’s the thing…

…just be real.

If you found yourself a market before you built your website and launched your business (and I hope you did)…then you simply need to put your story out in front of that market on a regular basis. Show them you know what you’re talking about and that you really care about helping them.

That builds credibility. It builds authority. It builds “REAL”.

If you think you might not be putting your best “real side” forward, I may just be the guy you should talk to. Especially if your focus is the Christian market. I write and produce words and music with a Christian focus, and I can probably help you with yours, too. I can’t guarantee I’ll mesh with everyone…no one can. But I can guarantee this…

I’m a real guy who really wants you to succeed. I have some great skills and services to help you.
Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Thinking about being a minister of God? Well, here’s a checklist you might wanna run through to see if you’re willing to endure the marks of the ministry. See if you can truly say you are…

1. in much patience
2. in tribulations
3. in needs
4. in distresses
5. in stripes
6. in imprisonments
7. in tumults
8. in labors
9. in sleeplessness
10. in fastings
11. by purity
12. by knowledge
13. by longsuffering
14. by kindness
15. by the Holy Spirit
16. by sincere love
17. by the word of truth
18. by the power of God
19. by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left
20. by honor and dishonor
21. by evil report and good report
22. as deceivers, and yet true
23. as unknown, and yet well known
24. as dying, and behold we live
25. as chastened, and yet not killed
26. as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing
27. as poor, yet making many rich
28. as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

Those 28 “marks of the ministry” were spelled out by a man named Paul.

He had all 28…and possibly more. Yet, he had so much love and assurance for his Savior that he could still sing joyful songs in the midst of it all.

What about you? Are you able to think up a song of joy to sing or whistle or hum when things don’t go well? Do you point your eyes upward, keeping them on the Prize? Or do you let your circumstances dictate your actions? Is your joy based on you and your physical possessions? Say no, please.

You have a Creator who loves you so much He made a way for you to live forever with Him. But He didn’t make “many ways”. Jesus is the all-inclusive Way to eternal life. He is also the “stumbling block” to anyone who believes they can make their own way to Heaven. So, if you’re considering becoming (or you already are) a minister for God, remember the 28 marks of the ministry and the 1 “narrow gate” you must go through. Are you willing?

Stay tuned,

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Share this link with everybody you know, so they can jump on the The TRUTH
(My regular emails about the essentials of life, AND some music and other good stuff, for Fa-Ree)

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

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So, how do you understand the inexplicable? You can’t. Or can you? Or is there really such a thing as understanding the inexplicable universe?

Pondering the mysteries of the universe without the “site map” can lead to brain melt-down. Or total brain freeze. You’ll either find the thoughts blending together into one abstract blur, or they’ll just get stuck; like your tongue on a metal flagpole in January.

What are we supposed to do, then? Throw our hands up in despair? Curse the universe? Scream at the moon? Certainly not! If you have to get from Sacramento, California to China, Maine, and you need to get there in one week…and you don’t like to fly or ride buses or walk, are you out of options?

Again certainly not! What makes it more real in your mind? I mean; I’ve never been to Sacramento or China, Maine so neither one of them is “real in my mind”.

However; I can make them “real” by studying everything I can get my hands on about the towns. And I can get a map to show me the possible routes between the two cities. Then I can look at the U.S. as a whole and begin to see the reality of the trip. It’ll be quite an excursion, but it’s do-able. And it can be done within the time constraints, if I keep my efforts focused on the goal.

What’s the key ingredient to the success of this effort? My focus? No. My tenacity? No.

My ability to think positive? No. The success depends on the map or the vision or the defined goal. “What do you mean, Tony?” I’m glad you asked. The map, the vision, the defined goal gives me something to focus on…to actively pursue…to think positive about.

You see; if you can “see” it, you know you can get there. If you can “see” it, you can focus your efforts in one direction and accomplish your goal. And one other vitally key ingredient to this is…what you see must be true. If the map is a lie, it may be an excellent map, but you won’t get to your destination. You will get somewhere, but anybody can get somewhere. And most times just “ending up” somewhere isn’t a great prize.

No, you want to get to a specific place…China, Maine. And you’re starting from a specific place…Sacramento, California. So, if the map isn’t giving you the true facts about your starting point or your ending point, it really doesn’t matter how much of the in between is correct, you probably won’t get there. No…you need the true facts, the true map.

How in the world does all this apply to pondering the mysteries of the universe? Well, if the universe is totally inexplicable, it really doesn’t matter what you make of it. It doesn’t matter if you’re right or wrong in your determinations and opinions because yours will be just as good or valid as anyone else’s. After all, you’re just as valid as anyone else. Right?

What are we supposed to do or think about “true” or “truth”, then? Is it a matter of determination and opinion, too? If so, then anything you or I determine to be true can be just as valid as what anyone else determines. If I say the source of truth is the vast oneness of the universe or the inner force inside the good hearts of people who love their fellow man, then I’m right. And if you say the source of truth is the cumulative efforts of “wise men” meeting together in a room of ornate wood carvings and stoic books, then you’re right. And even if we totally disagree, we’re both right.

Pretty cool, right? We can both be right and no one has to experience the humiliation of being wrong. Whew…thank goodness. Now, let’s all go out for some ice cream and relax.

(buzzer sound) Wrong! (gasp among the crowd…hushed voices ask “did he say wrong?”)

Yes, wrong. Look. We can all be wrong. Or some can be right and some wrong, but we can’t all be right. And I say the inexplicable universe makes sense because it’s designed by a Creator who is greater than all the ingredients in the universe. You agree with me…right?

Stay tuned,

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P.S. Get my Tony’s Daily Devotional . Because the flashes of light I share on my website come directly to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading instead of searching. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to books and music, right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies.

The TRUTH

God’s Love Is Greater Than The Hatred of the World

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

The hatred of the world is
virtually palpable these days.

It grows from ignorance and selfishness. It abounds in the minds of many who claim that hatred only exists in others. That’s the definition of hypocrisy. Unfortunately hypocrisy tends to be invisible to the hypocrite. And that’s partly how the hatred of this world grows. OK…now that I’ve opened this article with so much peace, love, and joy…

…let me give you the positive part of the news. God’s love is greater than all the hatred of the world. His love overcomes and endures forever. His love made a way for you to live forever, too. Now that’s awesome news!

Here’s an example of God’s love toward you…He made you a person with your own will. You’re not one of His robots who can do nothing except His bidding. This is important to realize because it means you get to choose whether or not you want to live with God forever. He loves you and wants to show you eternal paradise. But He won’t force you there if you don’t want to go…another glimpse into His love.

If you succumb to the hatred of the world…

…you may find yourself doubting God even exists. Your worldview becomes biased according to what only your five senses can tell you. But which of your five senses contain love or hate? Which of your five senses contain your thoughts?

I encourage you to re-think your decision to turn your back on God if you have. As long as you have breath in you (and your mental faculties) it’s not too late to change your mind and accept His love. He’s made it easily available. All you gotta do is…ask…and you WILL receive it.

Do it before the dark and dreary hatred of the world chews you up and spits you into hell.

Give Me The Whole Jesus

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

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

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

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

Chorus

© 2010 Tony Funderburk

It would be wise to follow this link (and share it with everybody you know) and jump on the The TRUTH. Because you’ll get my really refreshing rhymes and reasons delivered right to your inbox. See? You feel wiser just knowing that, right?

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Ransom: a sum of money or other payment demanded or paid for the release of a prisoner – That’s a pretty good description of the ransom that was paid for your release. And mine. And everyone else’s. Your life is held prisoner in this fallen world. Your body is held prisoner to sin, and sin demands a ransom. And if the ransom isn’t paid, you’ll be killed and delivered into an eternal torment. Sounds just awful, doesn’t it? Well, you don’t need to despair.

Because the King of all creation already paid a ransom for many.

In fact, it’s been paid for all who want to be saved from that torment.

God has given every one of us the complete freedom to choose life with Him…or an eternal existence apart from Him. Here’s the kicker…you have to choose before your last breath here on earth. After that it’s too late. And don’t think you can remain neutral. Not choosing IS choosing…it means a choice that doesn’t include God.

Please don’t let that happen. If you feel like my Christian perspective is the fairy tale of simpletons, I implore you to dig deeper…deeper beneath your presuppositions about what the story of Jesus is all about. Go deeper and find faith, hope, and love you might never have known existed. Go deeper and discover The Love so great that the King of all creation was willing to take on human flesh, suffer indescribable torture, and die to pay a ransom for many who would love, believe, and trust in Him.

Find yourself in Jesus.

Excerpt from “The Way”

(listen to the song here)

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

Stay tuned,

Tony

Drink From The Cup of Life

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Why would you ever prefer death? I mean living out your life here on planet earth with a skull and crossbones attitude. Why would you do that? Why wouldn’t you rather find, fill, and drink from the cup of life? Could it be…

Drink From The Cup Of Life

…that the source of Life, Jesus (your Creator btw) is a stumbling block?

His story, His book (the Bible) says this is true. He’s a stumbling block to anyone who’d rather be his own king…or her own queen. In other words, if you simply prefer to serve self and seek to have everyone else serve your “self”, then the story of Jesus will be only that. A story. A fairy tale. And it won’t be a story you’ll enjoy. In fact, it’ll be a story that will annoy or even anger you. The Truth has a way of doing that.

But hey…feel free to go it your own way. Be your own king. We all have to choose something or someone to believe in. I wouldn’t dare to even try to force you to accept my choice in the matter. Hopefully you’ll give me the same courtesy. Still…when push comes to shove comes to eternity…where do you suppose you’ll be? In a cool bar with all your best drinkin’ buddies? Maybe on some other world in another part of the galaxy playin’ golf on a neon turf? Or maybe you just figure it’s all gonna be a black hole of nothingness. Well, like I said…everybody has to believe something.

As for me…

I want a good, long drink from the cup of life.

“You wanna live the way you wanna live.
You wanna be your own king.
You think you’re wise enough to rule your world
And handle everything.”       (excerpt from my song, “Worldliness“)

Stay tuned…

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God Is Not Responsible For Evil

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

When you can latch onto the idea that God is not responsible for evil…and when you know not to say, “the devil made me do it”…that only leaves one source for evil. Look out. This is gonna sting…human beings. Yep, you and I are the (potential) source for all the bad stuff going on in the world. And there’s only one thing between us and complete destruction…

…the love of Jesus.

Your life, your troubles, your challenges…they’re all very important to Jesus. I don’t know if you know this or not, but He created you. He has a vested interest in your soul. He wants you to live forever with Him in a paradise He’s created for those who love Him. And what’s more…

…He’s paid for every inch of it with His own life and blood. Every nook and cranny of Heaven exists because He exists. Every thing in our universe is here because Jesus spoke it all into existence.

You aren’t required to believe this in order to have a life, here on earth, full of everything your heart desires. In fact, many “rich” people despise any notion of God or Jesus. But here’s the catch…this earthly life only lasts for a short while. 60, 70, 80, maybe 90 years. Then…poof! You’re gone. But your existence continues. And what do real estate professionals say? Location…location…location. That’s the key.

Yep, WHERE you’ll exist forever depends on a single, solitary choice you make here and now. You can either merely exist as a bodiless, spiritless soul forever apart from God and His Life. Or you can live forever in a glorified, incorruptible body…in the presence of the Source of Life. Jesus.

So…you can say…”yeesh, is this guy serious? What a fairy tale!”

Or…

…you can look into it more deeply than you ever have. See if the “mountain of evidence” I’ve written about over and over really pans out. After all…your eternal existence depends on your choice. Are you willing to give up your need to serve “self” and admit you need and want a loving relationship with your Creator? Are you willing to risk being king of a universe of 1 for all of eternity? Or…

…are you willing to take responsibility for your actions and choices? And are you willing to say bad stuff happens because of bad people and their bad decisions? When you can admit these things, and when you can know that God is not responsible for evil…you can begin a life filled with light. Filled with the knowledge that this short time here on earth is only the beginning of something awesome.

I pray that you do. And if you already have…write to me and tell me.

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

When you say you’ll accept nothing less than perfect, it means you’ll accept nothing. Unless, of course, you’re willing to accept there’s a perfect Creator who made you and loves you. It behooves you to look deeply into the subject. Not merely how you “feel” about it…look into the whole story. Not what someone would have you believe…but what the story actually says. I think you’ll find what your heart and soul are yearning for. But looking for perfect in this life is an exercise in futility. Having a loving relationship with your Creator is…

Perfect

I gotta stop all this daydreaming stuff
‘Cause I just get visions, and that’s never enough.
I wanna catch hold of something peaceful and true
With a permanent feel and a wonderful hue.
I wanna find blue skies and whispering winds
And beautiful pathways where love never ends.
But I feel quite sure if I found it today,
That it wouldn’t be right. I wouldn’t know what to say.

Perfect.
I want perfect.
Nothing less than best, nothing like the rest.
I want perfect.
Perfect.
I’d love perfect.
Who could ask for more, and what I’m looking for
Is just perfect.

I gotta get both my feet back on the ground.
I gotta get hold of my head and turn it around.
But I close my eyes and I see it again…
It’s such a paradox that I lose when I win.

© 1988

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If you’re a dreamer…if you dream up things and then make them happen, that’s awesome. But living on dreams is not a good strategy. Dreams require action. And action requires faith, determination, and commitment. Are your dreams good enough to put those things behind them?

What I Wish

There are people of the past
And people of today…
They’re standing in lines,
And they’re passing away.
But let’s not talk about that.
Let’s go and find some fun…
Burn our candles at both ends…
Let our wild sides run.

We don’t wanna hear it.
We don’t wanna know why…
‘Cause then maybe we’ll feel near it,
And we’ll break down and cry.

Oh, I wish our world was better.
I wish our world was fair.
I wish we’d get together
And end the grief out there.
I wish our world was perfect.
And I wish our world was sane.
I wish there was no hatred
Or quest for earthly gain…
That’s what I wish.

There are innocent children
Who were living on dreams.
Now their dreams have exploded
Blown apart at the seams.
And they look to their mothers
And their fathers for help.
But their parents can’t help them
‘Cause they can’t help themselves.

We don’t want to hear it.
We don’t want to know where…
Just as long as it’s not us…
Who are we to care?

Oh, I wish our world was better.
I wish our world was fair.
I wish we’d get together
And end the grief out there.
I wish our world was perfect.
And I wish our world was sane.
I wish there was no hatred
Or quest for earthly gain…
That’s what I wish.

© 1988

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Knowing Why Is Divine

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Asking “why?” about something is usually done with anxiety…tension…or a general disbelief. Knowing “why” is a much better position to be in. In fact, you might say knowing why is divine. But is “knowing” something actually attainable? Yes. And as difficult as it might be to believe, some people say you can’t actually “know” anything. I wonder how they know that. Hmm…

Knowing Why Is Divine

If you can’t actually know anything, how can you trust anything? And if you can’t trust anything, how can you be anything? And if you can’t be anything, how can you justify even entering the debate?

See how silly it all is? Do you doubt your own existence? That’s where not knowing takes you. I suggest you don’t head in that direction. Follow a path that’s tried and true. And enter through the narrow gate “which leads to life“. It ain’t always easy, but it’ll help keep you from a life of only asking…

Why?

I pause. I wonder.
I see myself through a magnifying glass.
I ask a question.
I give myself a test I may never pass.
I yearn for freedom.
I don’t belong in a complicated life.
My needs are simple…
A mountain home and perhaps a loving wife.

So why can’t I make this happen?
Why don’t my dreams come true?
Why is the picture always fading?
Why can’t I change my view?
Why don’t things change no matter how I try?
And why do I constantly ask myself why?

I sit. I listen.
I try to hear all the music in my head.
A song…a feeling.
I need someone to understand what I’ve said.

When I’m being optimistic,
I know I’ll be fine.
Asking why is realistic…
Knowing why is divine.

© Copyright 1987 Tony Funderburk

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

If you knew with absolute certainty that you’d be living forever in paradise after you die, don’t you think you’d share a shout of joy with anyone who would listen? Well, that’s what being a Christian is like.

I know we Christians annoy people who would rather not be reminded of the God who judges the world. We’re a thorn in the side of anyone who’d rather be his own king…or her own queen. Believe me when I say it doesn’t thrill us to know you can’t stand the sight or sound of us. But we’re called, by God, to share His message of Grace with the whole world.

If what I believe isn’t true, then there’s no good reason for a shout of joy in this life.

Because it’s full of cruelty, hatred, and death. And if that’s all there is, then let the time I have pass quickly.

But I know, beyond a shadow of any doubt God’s Word, found in the bestselling book of all time is true. That’s why I’m here day after day sharing it. I hope you find it changing your heart. If not, I have more work to do.

Your Word Is True

With a shout of joy
Let’s sing a brand new song
Praising God as we stand here in awe
And we worship Him.
He is our help and shield
Giving Grace where we once had the law.

With our instruments And overflowing joy
Send the words to the heavens above”
God forever stands…And He forever lives
And He promised us forever love.

Lord, we hope in You. We trust in You.
And we live in You. ‘Cause Your word is true.
Lord, we sing to you. We cling to you.
And we pray to you, ‘Cause Your word is true.

With our waiting souls
And optimistic words
Let’s remember that Jesus is right
All His work is done.
It’s done in perfect Truth,
And we’ll live, if we walk in His light.

© 2010

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When it comes to living a full life, we have to believe in something, begin to live it, and keep going. Or we can simply give up. That’s always an option, too. When you keep going after life knocks you down, you might get knocked down again. But you get up and go again. That’s not failure. But giving up…yes…that’s failure.

I’m not talking about leaving one idea for another as giving up. Sometimes that’s the best way to keep going. I’m talking about simply giving up. Saying, “that’s it…I just can’t go on.” That’s failure.

A successful relationship requires you to keep going even when it strains you to the breaking point. You don’t give up on it because it’s difficult. You don’t quit because it’s uncomfortable. You don’t abandon it even if it seems hopeless. It may abandon you, but you can’t control that. You can only control you. And that’s why you must…

Believe And Begin

Summer in those eyes; I know they hide no lies
That gaze behind the lace
Takes me to a faraway place
Where day is never done;
We chase the midnight sun
And raise the golden chalice
To toast the Aurora Borealis

Oh I know that it’s not quite so
But we have to believe and begin
Yes it’s true; it’s just me and you
But we have to believe and begin

Those Paris green delights
That warm me through the nights
That down vanilla voice
Talks me out of a foolhardy choice
Let’s ride the western wind
To just beyond the bend
It could be an illusion
But that’s not such a foregone conclusion

So let’s go…make the small plans grow
‘Cause we have to believe and begin
Me and you and the Spirit too
But we have to believe and begin

© 1992 Tony Funderburk

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Tony

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The very first six days earth existed were full of the creativity of God. All the abundance of life we see on our blue planet were created during that time. From the sea creatures to birds to dinosaurs to man and woman…it all took place in only 6 days. That’s not so hard to imagine. Because God is infinitely able, brilliant, and creative.

If you have kids, or you know someone who does, I have a rhyming book all about the first six days of creation.

And, coincidentally, it’s called “The Very First 6 Days”. Catchy, huh? That’s the book cover up at the top. You can grab a paperback copy for only $16 on Amazon. Or get a free digital download of it just by adding your email address in the form at https://www.TonyFunderburk.com

And here’s an excerpt from the book. The very first day:

Before there were created things, and darkness filled the air,
No world or human beings were existing anywhere.
Then God created earth and sea and all the heavens too.
There was no sun, no moon, no stars, and only God shone through.

You can also get the word out about how God created the whole world in only 6 days with special gifts you can only find HERE. Show the world you believe in the one, true, living, loving God who made everything…in only six days.

OK…I suppose that’s enough shameless self-promotion for one day. Share this info with everyone you know so I can keep eating for another week. You don’t wanna see me waste away, do you? Well, you can make sure that doesn’t happen by getting my book, or a t-shirt or even by sending me cookies.  🙂

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A Singer Songwriter’s Feeble Note To God

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If you could send a note to God and know He’d receive it, what would you say? Or ask? Or wonder?

Have you ever sat down to write something and had no idea what you were gonna say…or why? I have a theory about that. I believe it’s your subconscious desiring to speak to God. Even if you don’t believe He exists, He still created you. And He wants to have a relationship with you. And I believe the knowledge of this is written on the tablet of your heart.

Of course…this is just a theory of mine. You can make fun or ridicule me for being another one of those Christian simpletons. But I believe you’d be missing out on the best your life has to offer. Why not, instead, write a note to God today. Say or ask Him whatever is on your mind. Not in anger or with self-righteous attitude. Just simple curiosity. Ask Him to speak to you. I believe He will.

Justice

(a note to God)

I put the pen to paper to pay homage to
One I can’t possibly do justice to
I want to say words I don’t know…
Somehow express the inexpressible…
Let emotions carry the ink into the patterns
That form the words that say what I feel.
I think to myself, “This will be the time.
This time I’ll release the hidden thoughts
To convey to You what I feel deep inside.”
But each time I begin a valve shuts off…
A nerve is blocked, or the atmosphere increases
To weigh down the process.
All the good intentions don’t translate or migrate to paper.
One fragile word does not inspire the next,
But I will continue to try…
To try to do You justice with mere words.
Who knows? Maybe someday I’ll overcome this void
And write You a masterpiece…
Who knows?

© 1986  (August 1)

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It mostly doesn’t make the news. In fact, you have to listen to particular channels on TV and radio to even catch a line or two of this dreadful message. It’s dark. Too dark for prime time. But there’s a killing spree going on right here in America (and around the world), and the vast majority of human beings couldn’t care less.

If someone could manage to kill over 1000 people a day, don’t you think they’d be front page news? They’d be top story on every TV news channel. Their face would be plastered on every media around the world. And rightfully so. But…

…that sort of killing spree is taking place every day here in America. And only odd people like me seem to be interested in telling the story.

And let me tell you…I Hate, with a capital “H”, telling this story. It exposes the awful truth about my country. I love America. But America has gone the way of every other powerful nation or empire in history. We’re no longer the bright, shining “city upon a hill.”

I wrote a song about this back in 2002. It’s not an upbeat song. It’s not an anthem. It’s not a song that’ll ever get any “airplay” or streaming time. But I wanted to write a song about this dark side of our culture in a way that maybe gave the story some humanity. You can let me know if you think it does that.

Wouldn’t it be awesome to end this killing spree?

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?
And who can we depend on?
Can you tell me who?
Random thoughts and deeds…
And random source of life…
Random is the bride we take
Who becomes a cheating wife.

© Copyright 2002 Tony Funderburk

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