Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Are you spending any time today worrying about what might happen tomorrow or next week or next month or next year? Do you realize you’re living in a future that may not even exist. I’m not saying THE future doesn’t exist. I’m saying a future you’re seeing in your worried mind’s eye may not exist. And yesterday? Well, it’s gone forever. A phrase I coined some time ago is this: “Today is tomorrow’s yesterday and yesterday’s tomorrow”. Translated that simply means now is good. Future time depends on now.

Think about it. Is there anything…anything at all in the world, in the whole universe, you can do about yesterday? And is there anything in the whole world you can do living in the future? So, what does that leave?

Today. Yeah, now is good.

Are you alive? Are you breathing? Is your brain working? Then, you can still do something about today. And that will help take your future on a brighter path. But you have to want to. Do you? Or does it seem too hard to even get up off the couch, chair, or bed and put one foot in front of the other?

If life seems too difficult for you right now, I’d encourage you to take a close look at where your focus is. It might be too much on you and your problems. Jesus said, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble“. And…

…if you’ve never heard of a guy known as the “Apostle Paul”, please look for him in the Bible starting about halfway through a book called “Acts” and going through another book called “Philemon”. (that’s pronounced Fy lee mon by the way). He made it a crystal clear point when he said, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus“. In other words, keep looking up where the prize is, not here in your problems.

One more thing…focus outward. Yes, even right there in the middle of your problems see who you can reach out to and help. With that simple gesture you’ll be fulfilling one of the two commandments Jesus listed. You’ll show you can “love your neighbor as yourself”. When should you start?

Now is good.

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.

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Fear IS an option. Of course it is. If fear wasn’t an option, to be fearless would be sort of a moot point wouldn’t it. After all, if you didn’t have the option to fear, no one would fear. Then what would you have? A world full of heroes? No…because there wouldn’t be any other kind of people. Everyone would simply be fearless. Whew! I think I’ve exhausted that point.

So, we agree. Right? Fear IS an option.

Anyway…I’d like to share a story with you. A story about someone having fear as an option, but choosing not to give in to it.

Imagine you’re a nice-looking young woman and you’ve just gotten off work at your late-night job. You go outside to your car and find a blizzard waiting for you. You’re already tired from 9 hours on your feet, serving belligerent patrons, and now you have a 40 mile drive in a blinding blizzard to look forward to. But that’s not all…

You find out the canyon road you typically drive has had an accident that has closed off that route. You’re left with two other options. One takes you over a route higher in the mountains where you know it’s gonna be slick and treacherous. The other route is mostly downhill, through another canyon, but you’ve never driven home that way. Which route would you take?

Well, this woman chose the downhill, winding, canyon road. She was terrified of the circumstances, but she knew she had to get home to her family. So, she began to drive down the dark, unlit, snowy, slick road. Her hands were practically leaving imprints in the steering wheel.

She tossed up a desperate prayer,

“God, please don’t let me slide off into the ditch or the creek. Please help me to make it home.”

The visibility was barely 10 feet in front of the headlights, and they were beginning to dim from layers of freezing snow. Every so often the tires would slide a little bit, and the young woman’s whole body would jerk as she gasped and panicked a little. But she kept gently easing the car forward, careful to look for the white and yellow lines in the road. They only appeared intermittently.

This drive, which would normally take about thirty minutes ended up taking two hours. And by the time the exhausted young woman reached the end of the canyon and turned onto the highway, she could hardly breathe. But she’d made it through the worst…at least that’s what she thought.

To her dismay, the well-lit highway was covered in about 4 or 5 inches of snow, and it too was dangerously slick. And now she had to deal with multiple other “crazies” who didn’t seem to be slowing down for the conditions at all. She still had 15 miles to go.

As she slogged along at only about 20 miles an hour, other cars would whiz by and flop magnesium chloride-filled slush all over her windshield. But now she was determined and undaunted.

She vowed to make it home no matter what.

She did. But her accomplishment wasn’t achieved as a result of the absence of fear. It came about as a result of her not giving into the fear. Yes, fear IS an option. And because it is, we can have heroes. But even more important than that, it should highlight your need for a living, loving Savior who wants you to have everlasting Life. This life isn’t going to last forever. But this life isn’t all you’ll have if you trust Jesus. I hope you will.

You may have a blizzard going on in your life right now. And you may be tempted to give up and give in to fear. I urge you to resist that temptation and instead hold onto the promise that God gave you a “spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind“.

That won’t magically make the “blizzard” go away. But it WILL give you the courage and strength to keep driving toward home.

The keys are in your hand. It’s up to you. Ready to drive toward home?

Your email address is all it takes to get encouraging, regular issues of my Tony’s Daily Devotional . It comes directly to your inbox so you 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 2 of my Christian books for kids and 2 songs, right away, that grownups AND kids can enjoy.

The TRUTH

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

You’re about to see something very cool. A video that only takes 90 seconds to watch. But it captures an enormous amount of joy that developed in nine months. It’s a time-lapse video, and you can tell the creators of the video took great care to create the look and feel of an impromptu video. I found myself smiling as I watched it, and I think you might, too.

(Update: I just discovered that the “YouTube account associated with this video has been terminated.”)

Here’s something I noticed in the 90 seconds of joy video:

It was the same woman throughout. She wears the same outfit. She wears her hair the same way. The background is the same. And most importantly…the person developing inside her is the same person from the first frame to the last.

The moment this young woman found out she was pregnant, she knew she’d be giving birth to a human baby. That little person was so real to her from the very beginning that she could start the video before the baby was even ready to appear in it. Mom knew all she had to do was feed and water and nurture her baby, and in nine months, Bingo! So, they filmed the process.

If you’re reading and watching this, it means someone loved you enough to give you that same gift. They knew all you needed was food, water, and care and in nine months (or close) you’d be ready to make your entrance.

Do you believe every human being deserves an opportunity to live? I do.

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Certain groups of atheists have decided they need their own “gathering day” to celebrate and be with “other like-minded individuals”. One person said “it gets people together focused on something bigger than the individual”. Ironically, that’s what God is…but I’ll continue. They also call this day they want to “celebrate” their “Sunday assembly”. The hypocrisy of their movement is clearly seen in their “ten non-commandments“. I’ll list them below and illustrate with my comments in blue…

1. Be open-minded and be willing to alter your beliefs with new evidence.
Mountains of evidence, old and new, bear out the story of God. But their minds are certainly not open to that.

2. Strive to understand what is most likely to be true, not to believe what you wish to be true.
And they’re betting their eternal existence that’s true. But why does truth even play into the equation. Doesn’t each one of them make their own?

3. The scientific method is the most reliable way of understanding the natural world.
This is an absolute statement. Once you say any method is “THE” most reliable, you’ve just stated your religion. And the natural world includes thoughts and emotions. How does science explain those?

4. Every person has the right to control of their body.
Grammatical error notwithstanding, this is basically true. But I’m sure this is a feeble attempt at defending abortion. However, it fails to even remotely consider that a baby has its own body…even while it’s inside the mother. I’m sure that’s just a minor technicality they can gloss over. By the way, this “non-commandment” violates numbers 1, 2, 6, 7, and 10.

5. God is not necessary to be a good person or to live a full and meaningful life.

Irony in full bloom again. Without a sovereign, loving, and just God, who determines what is a “good person”? Good simply becomes an arbitrary concept and therefore gets increasingly corrupted. When everyone is doing whatever is right in his or her own mind, we quickly see moral anarchy. So this “non-commandment” violates number 1.

6. Be mindful of the consequences of all your actions and recognize that you must take responsibility for them.
If you’re doing what’s right in your own mind, what’s “right for you”, what does it matter how others are affected? Maybe they just haven’t reached your level of enlightenment yet and the consequences of your actions might further open their eyes to what is “most likely to be true”.

7. Treat others as you would want them to treat you, and can reasonably expect them to want to be treated. Think about their perspective.
Unless “new evidence” shows this isn’t necessary or it proves to be something you only “wish to be true”.

8. We have the responsibility to consider others, including future generations.
The hypocrisy of this “non-commandment” is clearly seen in number 4. After all, future generations start inside the bodies of current generations. Or is it that we only need to “consider others”, then it’s OK to stop their hearts?

9. There is no one right way to live.

It depends on how long you wish to live. Eternal life has a requirement of only one Way. Of course, that information isn’t new to atheists. They’ve been ignoring it for millennia. And I suppose it doesn’t matter that the design in creation pointing to a Designer is “most likely to be true”.

10. Leave the world a better place than you found it.
Again with the abstract concepts. Who gets to determine what’s a “better place”? And if you don’t leave it better, so what! Who cares? What does it matter when everyone is fatalistically heading toward blackness?

And here is the fullness of the hypocrisy. These are called “non-commandments”. Why even write ’em down? I mean…you don’t have to pay any attention to them at all if you don’t want to…because…well…they’re NON-commandments.

Do you get that? Talk about a muddy worldview. And I suspect there is no real joy in Mudville.*

Stay tuned…

Tony

*Borrowed a snippet from the poem “Casey At The Bat”
by Ernest Lawrence Thayer

Happiest Place on Earth drained out all the happy

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

If you’ve been alive a couple of decades or more, I’m sure you’ve heard the description Disneyland has for itself: “the happiest place on earth”. Well, if you’ve been reading some of the headlines lately, you may have also heard there’s no joy there for some people. As I write this, it appears there have been over 70 people infected with measles.

They’re discovering cases of measles in places outside California, and that proves it’s a small world after all. Sorry…couldn’t resist. But it does show how we humans are more connected than we’d often care to admit.

Of course, I see that as an opportunity to “love your neighbor as yourself“, but maybe you think since your neighbor might have a disease it’s better to steer clear. Let’s think about that for a minute. If you were the one with the disease, would you want your “neighbor” to steer clear? Or would you prefer that someone, anyone, could care enough about his neighbor to nurture you back to health?

A sick bed might not be the happiest place on Earth, but…

I know when I’m sick, it gives me great joy to have someone bring me soup and juice and a blanket. My wife brings me smoothies, hot tea or coffee, and essential oils for easier breathing and pain relief. What a blessing it is to receive that T.L.C.

When something like that measles outbreak happens, that’s a time people should rise to the occasion. Each person, using his or her talents and skills, can bring comfort to the sick and hurting. Some can even develop cures and preventions for the diseases. Others may simply be the loving touch a sick person needs. The point is, looking to blame, prosecute, and persecute are selfish acts.

Looking for ways to nurture, nourish, and love your neighbor can bring joy back to even the “happiest place on earth”.

What talents, gifts, or skills will you share?

Take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . When you do, I’ll send you some music and a book for kids right away. Then, I’ll send you daily flashes of light from the faith, hope, and the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

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Knowing Details Dreaming Opinions: Podcast 92

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

In this episode of the Rhyme and Reason podcast I talk about:

The Power of God's Love Podcast 92: Knowing Details Dreaming Opinions

If you prefer text over audio, click any one of the links and read the articles. Either way, I hope you’ll join me for some uplifting and encouraging time. My goal is always to sow Christian joy into your life. Why do I say “Christian” joy? Because it comes from a trusting relationship with your eternal Creator.

Remember…

  • Trust in God, not your circumstances.
  • Trust in God, not your wealth.
  • Trust in God, not your things.

Are you dreaming dreams based on God’s love and promises? If so, I hope it brings you the joy and gladness He wants you to have. A.S.A.P.

Stay tuned…

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Joy And Gladness

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

A lot of people think the Bible has no joy and gladness.

They think it’s a “stuffy old book” full of “rules and regulations” nobody can keep. Young people are turned off by the very idea of what’s in the Bible, rather than actually open it and discover what it says for themselves. And that’s a shame because it talks so much about things like joy and gladness.

Sure, if you read the Old Testament, you can find a huge list of so-called rules and regulations. The Jews knew this as “The Torah” or “The Word” or “The Scriptures” and even as “The Law”.

God gave commandments to them through Moses. And then there were lots more laws added in Leviticus. Many were moral. Some were symbolic. But, yes, there were quite a few. And yes, they were difficult, impossible in fact, to keep. But that’s where joy and gladness come in. Huh? Read on…

Thousands of years of working and trying to keep “the law” proved that no one could do it. And so, their lamb sacrifices for sins continued…year after year, decade after decade, century after century. Until…

Emmanuel.

That word means “God with us”. And a little over 2000 years ago He was with us. God came to earth, took on human flesh, and “dwelt among us“. Maybe you’ve heard of the name He was given…Jesus. Yes? Well, do you know what He did? I mean, do you REALLY know what He did?

He, being God from eternity past and eternity forever, took on human flesh in order that perfect Spirit in human flesh could pay for sin, once and for all. And He did that for YOU! And me. In fact, for everyone who wants the freedom of eternal life. Jesus fulfilled the law, perfectly, because we couldn’t do it. And yet, committing no sin, no crime, no wrong…He was sentenced to death. First, horrible beatings and ridicule. Then, death on a splintery wooden cross with nails in His hands and feet.

So…what did this accomplish? I’m glad you asked.

The Law that the Jews had been attempting to keep all those centuries was finally kept and “fulfilled” in one, perfect man. And so…Jesus became the final sacrificial Lamb. Now, not only do the Jews receive a full pardon for sin if they’ll simply put their belief and trust in Him…so do all the rest of us. Every person gets to freely choose…eternal life with God in Heaven…or…eternal existence apart from Him.

Knowing you can live forever in paradise should bring great joy AND gladness to your heart, soul, body, and mind. Does it? If not, please let me know what’s going on. I’d like to help if I can.

Once you see the benefit, join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . And I’ll send you daily flashes of light so we can stay focused on faith, hope, and love.

Stay tuned…

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

When I Was A Child

I’d like to put the first part of a sentence “out there”, and I’d like you to consider how you’d end the statement. Here it is: “When I was a child…”

If you’re up for it, leave your thoughts in the comment section below. If not, you can think it or write a note to yourself. No pressure to visibly answer at all. What did you come up with? Any thoughts like…

  • things were so much better?
  • I had a lot more fun?
  • people were nicer?
  • grownups took better care of our world?
  • life was easier?

Hmm..when I was a child, were any of those things more true?

Or could it be they’re only true for you and your memories? After all, isn’t it safe to imagine or figure the people who were grownups when you were a child also had those “when I was a child” memories? I believe every generation, from the second one on down, might have at least some memories or thoughts like that.

Well, fondly remembering childhood…or even remembering it with disdain and regrets…it’s all nothing more than a potentially negative distraction. You can’t go back and change things. And it doesn’t make sense to hold anyone from the past (including yourself) responsible for it.

So…what makes more sense? How about realizing those thoughts from your childhood were childish thoughts. Those memories were childish, even if they’re cherished. Now is the time you actually live in, and now it’s time to put away those childish things.

When I was a child, “Howdy Doody” was still on TV. So was “The Andy Griffith Show”, “I Love Lucy”, and “Davey and Goliath”. If you’ve ever seen the movie “Stand By Me”, you’ve gotten a look at what things were like when other grownups were in control.

It was a much simpler time in America.

Much more innocent. But I can still remember hearing my Grandparents lament, “What’s this world coming to?”

Yep, it’s a matter of perspective. But it’s also a matter of putting on your grownup clothes and doing something about here and now. Do something to bring joy to someone’s life so they might have at least a glimmer of hope to be able to say “life was so much nicer, when I was a child”.

Once you see the benefit, join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . And I’ll send you daily flashes of light so we can stay focused on faith, hope, and the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

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Your Own Opinion

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

I read in a few places, lately, where the writers said things like, “your own opinion is the only one that matters”

They also said  “how you see yourself is all that counts”  or  “you’re the ultimate judge of who and how you are”. These statements are all wrong. If your own opinion is the only one that matters, then don’t read the rest of this…

Your Own Opinion isn't the most important.

Whoa, Tony! That’s pretty harsh.

Aren’t these people just trying to help people with their self-esteem? Don’t they mean well?

I suppose some of them may be doing just that. However, they miss a very important point. You’re not the ultimate judge of anything. That job is God’s. And it’s much more important how He sees you than how you see yourself. And His opinion is the one that rules eternally and eternity.

Sure, it’s sort of a Heaven-versus-earth debate. But I want you to realize how words really mean things. They’re not simply something to bandy about with no regard as to how they’ll affect lives. When you put words together in such a way to lift up humans as ultimate authorities, you’re walking on spiritually thin ice.

It’s much more beneficial, dependable, and secure to walk in the Word of God. He created you. He knows you down to the marrow of your bones. Down to your DNA. For crying out loud…He put that DNA inside your cells. So, it stands to reason He knows what’s best for you. And that means His is more than a mere opinion. His is solid, real-world application knowledge.

God’s wisdom works. Yours can, too, if it relies on His. So be smart and humble and trust Him. He’ll lift you much higher than your own opinion. And that’s much higher than any of those other so-called “experts” can or will lift you.

Stay tuned…

I Have A Dream From Heaven

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

I’m sure you’ll find a lot of websites sharing the famous “I Have A Dream” speech by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. today.

And that’s a good thing. It was a great speech given by a man dedicated to freedom and justice for all. I encourage you to use the link I’ve provided and read and/or download his speech. One of the best parts of the speech was when he said, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” That’s a good dream and a good message. However, does that message mean Dr. King was a Christian?

No.

There’s only one thing that determines a person’s Christianity…belief in Jesus Christ as the Risen Savior of the world. Nothing else saves you. Nothing. No good deeds. No good intentions. No messages of freedom and justice for all people of all color.

Here’s the loving dichotomy found in the love available to everyone from God. I want you to truly get this and let it sink in…

Your bad deeds, bad intentions, and overall selfishness don’t keep you out of Heaven. And your good deeds, good intentions, and generosity don’t get you into Heaven. There is one key, and one key only, that will unlock the door to Heaven…belief in Jesus as your risen Savior. Don’t be mad at me for being so exclusive. I didn’t make this rule. Your Creator, who became flesh so that He could suffer the punishment for your sins, is the One who says this is the requirement.

I’ve found no evidence that Dr. King professed Jesus as his Savior.

In fact, I’ve found evidence to the contrary. And I wasn’t looking for it with that bias. I very much wanted this man to be a Christian. After all, what a message and legacy he left behind. If it could be shown he was also a Christian, his legacy would mean so much more…not only to the black people, but to everyone who seeks liberty and justice for all.

Whether Dr. King was a Christian or not is now between him and God. Either way his fate has already been determined. But you are still here. You’re still breathing. If you haven’t looked into the saving Grace of Jesus, I hope I can encourage you to do so. You’ll discover a love so immense and life-giving you’ll be glad to live forever in it.

If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, I encourage you to tell someone about Him today. Or to speak up in whatever pulpit or soapbox or medium you have. Be bold. Don’t worry too much about what you’ll say. Trust that He’ll never leave you nor forsake you. He’ll help you have the words you need when you need them.

I have a dream where every Christian speaks up for Jesus. Even if my dream never comes true, I know we’re on the winning team. Thank God.

Stay tuned…

I Sweat The Details – but not every moment or every day

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

It doesn’t happen every moment,
or every hour, or even every day.

But I sweat the details when I’m working on projects. So whether I’m working for me, or helping someone else, I have a tendency to zoom in my focus on some of the smallest tasks. Even though I know I shouldn’t do it, I do.

Don't sweat the details and strive for perfection.

OK…note to self:

There’s no such thing as perfection in this world. I know that all too well. But that doesn’t stop me from trying to wiggle my way up as close to it as possible. And the funny thing is…I can think I’ve gotten as close as I possibly can. But when I come back to the work at a later date, bam! Then, I see all the places where “it” can be improved.

Do you ever feel this way? Do you sweat the details about anything in your life? And do you worry there’s something better “out there” and you may never find it? I hear you.

But I’d like to encourage you today with something that IS perfect. Something you can hold on to and trust. Something that will help alleviate your feelings of imperfections and allow you to rest. Are you interested? Well, here it is…the Word of God.

Now wait…don’t click or tap off this page yet. I’m not trying to tell you that by simply reading the Bible all your perfection problems will magically go away. They won’t. But that’s not the point. Trusting in the Word of God isn’t about asking Him to wave His hand and make your life worry free. He wants you to have your own will. And your own choices. And your own life to work, discover, and improve.

God’s Word is not simply a wishing well or a genie or fairy godmother.

It’s a blueprint for success. And what does a builder have to do with a blueprint? Can he simply possess it and a house is built? Nay nay. He has to read it. Study it. Implement it. Because the house only gets built when the right tools are used.

You’re the same way. When you study the blueprint for your life, found in God’s Word, you actually hear from your Creator. His Word can truly come to life for you. And your life can be extended to eternity. It’s not magical. It’s design. God’s design. It’s complex. Also…it’s written into the code in every cell in your body. And it’s written on the tablet of your heart. But He doesn’t force it on you. You get to choose.

I urge you not to sweat the details. Jesus already did that. In fact, He sweat blood for you. But He’s got the ultimate scenario all worked out. So, reach out to Him. Because it’s the only way to reach perfection.

Stay tuned…

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Has anyone ever said this to you? “You know me better than I know myself.” Or have you ever felt that way about someone else? That they know you better than you know yourself?

Sometimes, oftentimes in fact, we’re blind to who and how we are. We get so caught up in who or how we WANT to be that we forget who we ARE. We forget how God sees us. If you’re a Child of the Living God, then your identity is sealed until the day of redemption. And forever.

And the God who created you knows even your “sitting down and your rising up”. He knows your far off thoughts, whatever path you’re on or if you’re lying down, your words, your deeds. But get this…

…He loves you with the greatest love anyway!

God gives power, love, and a sound mind to anyone who asks for it. Not power like the Hollywood and the world think of power. But the power to change lives, to live through whatever the rulers of darkness throw your way, to think through and solve complex problems.

In your head lies a brain so complex that even after decades of study, doctors and scientists still only know a glimpse…a glimmer of what it can do. There will never be a computer or any form of artificial intelligence to ever compare with what God has designed.

When you consider the complexity of the code written into every cell of your body…and when you consider the infinitely more complex mind who developed it, I think you should also come to the conclusion that “God knows me better than I know myself”. And He loves us better than we love ourselves.

The proof is all right there in black and white and red in His Word.

Stay tuned,

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

Tell everybody you know to subscribe to Tony’s Daily Devotional
(emails with good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

Get digital Bible stuff from the same company I do.

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for believers, dreamers, and thinkers

Spooky Weeping Hungry Poverty Poetry & Science: Rhyme And Reason Podcast 91

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

How in the world can anything to do with spooky, weeping, hungry poverty bring you any encouragement?

That’s a fair question. But in this The Power of God’s Love Podcast I share the fuller message behind why I’m using these words. It’s a message full of hope, and with everything going on in this world, maybe you could use some more hope.

Play

Get The The Power of God's Love Podcast Delivered to Your Device Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | Podcast Index | TuneIn | Deezer | RSS | More

If you look around you and see a world where there’s a lot of weeping…Or a word full of spooky, unexplainable things going on and on. Or you see the news (or read it online) where there are so many hungry, poverty-stricken people…you may find yourself doubting there will ever be relief.

The sad truth is, for most, there won’t be much relief in this life.

AND, they won’t experience any relief for all of eternity. But that doesn’t have to happen for anyone. It’s a matter of choice. I know I harp on this a lot, but it’s a distinction no one can afford to miss. Your final, and eternal, destination rides on your choice.

Here’s the hope I’d like to share with you. If you choose LIFE…if you choose to believe that Jesus is the source of eternal life for you…your eternal destination will be Heaven. And all the spooky, weepy, hungry, poverty, and countless troubles of this world will turn to glory, laughing, fullness. You’ll never experience those again because you’ll be in the house of the Lord forever.

I talk about more of this on today’s podcast episode. Tune in today. I hope it encourages you. If it does, please leave me a review on iTunes and share it with everyone you know. That’ll help me get the message out to more.

Go forward today with the encouraging knowledge that there is a Rhyme and Reason to life. And it’s found right there in God’s Word, in black and white and red. And remember: He gave you a Spirit “of power and of love and of a sound mind“.

Stay tuned…

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Today I’d like to share with you why I love poetry AND science. And why I believe they both show the awesome love of God toward us.

You may have heard me talk about or you read where I wrote about how poetic the Bible is. If you don’t believe me, take a stroll through the Psalms and Proverbs for starters. Psalms is another name for songs. And the Proverbs are short tidbits of wisdom that read like insightful prose. You can see the love of God pouring out of these books and the rest of the Bible.

Poetry and science reveal God’s love.

After all…that’s really what the story of the whole Bible is about…God’s love. His love was and is so great that He created each of us with our own will. We can choose to love Him…or not. And whether we do or not, we still have a universe that’s far more immense than we’d ever need to survive. So, He must have made it that big to give us something magnificent to gaze into and ponder. Countless poems, stories, and songs have been written just about the sun, moon, and stars. Not to mention the galaxies, supernovas, and comets.

That leads me to the science part of God’s love. Did you know our sun is approximately 400 times farther away from us than the moon? And did you also know the sun is approximately 400 times larger than the moon? And did you know that is precisely why we can so easily see a total eclipse of the sun every once in a while?

Why? Does it really serve some metaphysical purpose? Or could it be that it just pleased God to share this brilliant spectacle with us?

Have you ever considered how dead our planet would be if the moon was just a little farther away? Or how tumultuous our oceans would be if it was closer? That’s not a happy accident. That’s by God’s design, and He did it so the seas would be filled with life and provide for us abundantly.

I could go on and on about how beautiful the design of life truly is. But I hope you’ll look into it for yourself. I’ll be glad to talk with you about it, if you like. One great resource for the science part I highly recommend is a book called “In The Beginning” by Dr. Walt Brown. And try out this poetry inspired by God’s word: “The Ballad of the White Horse” by G.K. Chesterton.

Well, I pray you find the rhyme and reason to your life in God’s word.

Stay tuned…

Tony

This Sounds Spooky But Nice

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I’d like to share something with you
that’s a little spooky but nice.

Read this quote and see if sounds like one of those apocalyptic movies. “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”

The Last days of this age will be spooky but nice...if

Just imagine James Earl Jones’ voice reading that while the camera zooms in on giant, massive ocean waves. And as one of the waves is about to engulf the scene, the sky goes totally dark…no sun, moon, or stars.

Yikes!

If you’ve ever been to a place where city lights don’t obscure the view of the night sky, you know how beautifully dark the night sky can seem. And that’s with the multitude of stars still shining. But imagine if you couldn’t see a single star or the moon. Imagine how dark that would be. I suspect that would be more like a visit into a deep, dark cave where you can’t even see your hand in front of your face.

When the time comes (yes I said when…not if), that the powers of the heavens will be shaken”, people will look up and see really odd things happening in the sky. Virtually no one will know what it means. If you think there’s some sort of climate change going on now, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet. At that time, the oceans will be doing some crazy things. No place will be safe. To say the least, it’ll be very spooky…but nice if you happen to be a Christian. Why? Well…

…it’ll mean we can “look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near“. Redemption? From what?

The troubles and hysteria of this world. If you don’t know why looking up and lifting up your head will be a good idea, ask me. I’ll be glad to tell you.

Stay tuned…

When They Revile You

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How can someone hating you be a blessing? It seems counterintuitive, but it’s a truth that comes directly from the mouth of Jesus. In Luke 6:22 He said, “Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man’s sake“.

Jesus said, Blessed are you When They Revile You.

Simply put…if it seems like people hate you just because you’re a Christian…then you just might be doing something right. Jesus said “they hated me…they’ll hate you“. So, declaring your faith in Him boils up hatred. It’s basically a job hazard. It’s not fun, and it’s not right, but it’s a truth that’s been happening since the first century. Nothing new under the sun.

But let me encourage you to make trust a consistent buzzword in your brain. When you find yourself being reviled because you spoke up for Jesus, remember to trust Him. Sing a song. Tell a funny story and laugh. Say a prayer of thanksgiving right away.

Yep, I said “thanksgiving”. Trusting in the Lord means you believe He’ll never leave you nor forsake you. It doesn’t mean your problems will magically disappear. But it does mean you’ll have the strength and wisdom to see ’em through.

This world is full…overflowing in fact…with people who hate even the name of Jesus. And they’ll hate anyone who dares bring up that name in public. But remember, when they revile you and make fun and do their best to silence you, that’s the time to raise up your voice and sing a new song. Smile in the face of adversity and count it all joy when they persecute you for your faith…

…your Creator’s love is greater than all the hatred of the world.

Stay tuned…

Blessed Are You Who Weep Now

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There have been quite a few times
when I’ve heard someone say,

“I had a good cry, and I feel better now”. Have you ever felt that way? I’ll admit I’m not the crying kind of “sensitive 90’s man”. I guess it stems from my upbringing of “big boys don’t cry”. But it doesn’t mean I’m immune to the troubles of this world. I don’t stick my head in the sand. And I have nothing against crying. In fact, it brings to mind where Jesus (in His beatitudes) said, “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh“.

Blessed Are You Who Weep Now for you shall laugh

Like the other beatitudes this one illustrates a most hopeful contrast. Not only will your weeping end…but you’ll actually laugh. Imagine living a life full of trials and tribulations…a life so full of pain it causes you to weep on a regular basis. You can’t see an end to it. Each day is so utterly full of challenges, you’re not sure you can rise up to meet them. So…you weep.

Now, imagine standing in the presence of your living, loving Creator

with the full knowledge you’ll never experience those challenges and aches and pains again. He greets you with a smile and fills you with His eternal life and love. And as the weeping of this world leaves you, laughter spills over your heart like a roaring creek during the spring snowmelt.

Laughter becomes your consistent companion because the joy you once only knew in part you now know in its embracing fullness.

Why would He mention weeping? And why would He say, “Blessed are you who weep now…“? Could it be He’s recognizing those who are troubled AND those who care about the heart and soul condition of their fellow man?

I’m only positing the question because we Christians are called to “love your neighbor as yourself”. And oftentimes we see our neighbors’ fate more clearly than they do. And when you see someone headed to eternal torment, it’s a natural reaction to even weep for them.

If that describes you, your laughter that’s to come will be such a magnificent gift, I can hardly wait to see the look on your face. So…if you’re weeping today, it’s yet another reason to count your blessings.

Stay tuned…

Blessed Are You Who Hunger Now

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The Creator of the universe and everything in it said this: “blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled.” Imagine how good that must sound to someone who truly knows the gut-wrenching pains of hunger.

Blessed are you who hunger now. And later.

A couple of days ago I shared another beatitude with you. And I mentioned there are four “positive” and four not-so-positive. Well, that’s if you’re reading from the book of Luke. There are more of these beatitudes found in Matthew’s writings. But for the sake of simplicity I wanted to share from Luke’s. There’s a method to my madness…so bear with me.

Anyway…if you’ve ever known hunger, the kind of hunger that comes from days without food…not hours, then you can probably see much more clearly the fullness of the blessing of being filled. I can’t say I’ve ever been that hungry. But I have gone all day without food before. And I know how challenging that can be. Plus, I remember how wonderful a home-cooked meal tasted after that day.

When Jesus said “blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled“, I think He implied a bit of a double meaning, too. Especially when you consider how He talked to “the woman at the well” and the kinds of things He said to His own disciples. (that’s another story for another article)

It isn’t a stretch to imagine He could have referred to “hunger” and “be filled” from a spiritual perspective. Your soul/spirit hungers for life. And when you ask Jesus into your heart, that’s when you’ll be filled with His eternal life through His Holy Spirit.

If you haven’t already done this, can I ask you a couple of questions?

Why don’t you want it? What is it about eternal life in Heaven with your Creator that repels you? I mean it. I truly don’t understand anyone actively rejecting the love of God. But if that’s you, I hope you’ll “fill me in”.

Once you see the benefit, join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . And I’ll send you daily flashes of light so we can stay focused on faith, hope, and love.

Stay tuned…

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Internet marketers use an acronym to remind themselves (and their audience) to “keep it super simple” or “keep it simple, silly”. They call this KISS marketing. And today I’d like to apply this approach to why you should believe and trust in Jesus.

One of the most famous verses in the Bible covers it. Even if you’ve only seen a sign at a football game, you’ve probably heard of John 3:16. In case you haven’t actually read it or heard it or for some reason the link I just inserted doesn’t work, it goes like this…

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

That’s it. That’s the ultimate KISS marketing for Christians.

Believe in and trust in the one known as Jesus Christ. It’s all summed up in God’s love for you. He loves you so much that He made a super simple Way for you to have eternal life. Believe.

What is it that He wants you to believe? That His Son, Jesus, paid for every wrong thing you’ve done, are doing now, or ever will do. And He offers you His life…His eternal life…as a free gift if you’ll simply believe it’s true. I’d like to make a suggestion. Take some time to look into the evidence of this claim. I’ll tell you there’s a mountain of evidence. But don’t take my word for it. Look into it yourself.

I’m convinced you’ll find a love so strong, so deep, and so eternal you won’t be able to resist its life-giving powers. And if you need any help with the information, I’ll be glad to assist you in any way I can. Keep it super simple.

Jesus saves!

Stay tuned…

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

There is a very poetic set of blessings Jesus delivered that many Christians know as “The Beatitudes”. The first four are more on the positive side of the equation, and the second four describe more negative effects. The first positive beatitude says, “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God“. Now, that’s what I call going from one extreme to the other. Don’t you?

Imagine living your life, here on Earth, struggling just to get enough food in the house. Barely meeting the most basic of needs. Never seeing the inside of anything larger than a boarding house room. Imagine yourself wearing the same clothes day after day. Imagine washing those clothes in the shower as you bathe. Every day presents itself as a challenge, but you never let your faith in Jesus falter.

Now, imagine finishing out your life…taking your last breath alone in your tiny room. Your eyes close, and your body expires. But at that very moment your eyes also open, and you find yourself in the presence of the Creator of all Heaven and Earth. You look into the face of the Lord you trusted, and He smiles and welcomes you into your new glorious home in His kingdom.

That “blessed are you poor” verse just got real. Right?

Imagine a joy so powerful in that moment that completely erases any bad memories of a life of poverty and struggle. You’ve just received your reward of eternal life. You’ve just gone from the very worst place to the very best. In the twinkling blink of an eye.

I’d like you to understand something, though, and that’s how Jesus doesn’t make anyone poor. He doesn’t create poor people or rich people. And He loves both. When He said, “blessed are you poor”, He wasn’t saying poverty is a blessed condition. He was giving hope. In this beatitude and in many other places He illustrated how a person’s broken spirit often leads to humility. And from that position they’re more likely to lean on and trust their Creator. And that’s when He can lift them up to the newness of eternal life.

If you’re rich…in worldly finances…it’s your human (flesh) nature to at least begin to believe more in yourself than an unseen Lord. Jesus knows that. And it’s why He said, “it’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God“.

Sounds harsh on the surface. The truth often does.

But the truth of God’s Word always leads to something better. Something glorious. Something eternal. It leads to life. The lies of this world…don’t.

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ‘em to jump on the The TRUTH AND get some music and other fun stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

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