Tony Funderburk

Abounding Grace

Posted on November 29, 2014 by TonyAugust 15, 2022

You don’t know which day or hour will be your last. So every day is an opportunity for you to seek the wisdom that ensures eternal life. You’re a created being, and through God’s abounding Grace you’ve been given the freedom to choose…life…or death. And I’m not talking about this brief life and death scenario we see played out here on earth every day. I mean eternity.

God wrote eternity on your heart. You know, even if it’s hidden way down deep inside you, you’re an eternal creation. But what you may not realize is the location you’ll spend eternity depends entirely on your choice. Location, location, location. That’s a mantra for realtors. And it’s so much more important for your soul. Would you rather be king of your own universe of one? Or would you rather worship and love and live in the presence of the One True King? One means eternal life. The other, eternal death.

Choose life, please. And here is my petition…

Abounding Grace

If this was the last day of my life…
If this was the last sunrise I’d see…
I’d still thank the Lord for my days
And His abounding Grace to me.

If this was the last thing that I write…
If this was my final poetry…
I’d still thank the Lord for His word
And His abounding Grace to me.

If this was the last time I could pray…
If this had to be my closing plea…
I’d hope you could say, “I love the Lord
And His abounding Grace to me”.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on November 28, 2014 by TonyOctober 11, 2021

When it comes to desserts, I’m often dismayed when I see raisins included. Don’t get me wrong…I actually like raisins. Just not in my dessert. If you’re gonna bake cookies for me (and I’ll certainly let you know where to send them), include nuts…but, please…no raisins. I’m not a fan of raisin cookies, raisin pudding, raisin oatmeal, and especially not raisin cakes.

There’s a place in the Bible, Hosea 3:1 to be exact, where God tells Israel that they’ve “loved other gods” and eaten the “raisin cakes of the pagans”.

Now, I’m guessing the Israelites must have liked raisin cakes.

In fact, so much so they were distracted away from their one true God by them. There might have been other things that attracted Israel to the pagans, but God only mentioned the cakes.

Would you ever turn your back on God for other gods or pagans and their raisin cakes? I sure hope not. But there’s probably some other distraction or attractions that could lure you away from Him. No one is immune to temptation. That’s why you have to “guard your heart“…not you, but the “peace of God”.

In life, you’ll find many seemingly sweet, tempting desserts. And believe me, I can empathize. I love dessert. But I’m talking about those desserts that come in different forms. They bring on much more damage than simple cavities. They erode your soul, and the only way to gain back what you lose is to renew your mind “day by day” in God’s word.

I hope my words encourage you to look to your Creator for faith, hope, and love. I’m just an encourager, but God is an everlasting energizer.

Stay tuned…

Thanksgiving Day 2014 – Thank Who?

Posted on November 27, 2014 by TonyNovember 27, 2014

Be sure you thank the one true, living, loving God this Thanksgiving Day 2014.

It’s Thanksgiving Day 2014, and I’m thankful for so many blessings I don’t have time to list them all here in one little article.

There’s an older Christian hymn called “Count Your Blessings”, and it reminds us to think about all the wonderful things in life instead of focusing on our troubles. And in America, we set aside a special day each year for giving thanks. Today is that day, and we call it Thanksgiving Day. But just who or what are we thankful to?

I hope you realize there’s a living, loving God you can thank for all your blessings. You can’t thank a “universe”. It has no soul, no spirit, no personality. You shouldn’t merely thank other people. After all…how did they get here? And thanking a pantheistic god is an exercise in futility. You’ll never know if you’re reaching your mark…in spite of believing you can’t possibly miss your mark.

On this Thanksgiving Day 2014, I’d like you re-commit yourself to your Creator, if you’re a Christian. And I’d like you to set aside your negative bias if you’re not. Take a day to examine your own mortality. See if maybe deep down somewhere inside your heart you sense or feel or detect a connection to immortality. If so, I’d like to suggest you take a new look at the Bible with an open mind and heart. You’ll discover that God put that feeling in your heart. He wants you to know you’re an eternal being. Not in the body you currently inhabit…but in either a glorified body in Heaven, or in a formless soul forever separated from the source of life, your Creator.

Thank you for reading my words. Thank you for allowing me to come into your world, your computer, your mind for a few minutes. My prayer for you is to know the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. And whether you’re a Christian or someone still seeking the Truth, I’m thankful to God for your life. Not just this Thanksgiving Day 2014, but every day you live.

Stay tuned…

Thanksgiving Day 2014 Plus One

Posted on November 26, 2014 by TonyNovember 25, 2014

Yesterday, I shared with you how I’m counting down the final three days until Thanksgiving Day 2014. This is day two of the three, so you know what that means…tomorrow is THE day.

Today I’d like you to ponder something King David wrote in one of his Psalms. In Psalm 30:12 he said, “O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever“. Wow…forever. That sort of makes my little 3 day countdown seem almost irrelevant. I wonder if you feel that thankful to God. I believe I do. I can’t imagine a life that didn’t include the faith, hope, and love found in my relationship with my Creator.

You and I are created beings. We owe our very existence to a living, loving, and creative God. We aren’t merely walking, talking dirt born out of a pool of slime sparked by a coincidental spark that materialized from nothing.

No…we were created. Created by a supernatural being who is (and never was) subject to the same constraints of materialism we are. God…and I’m talking about the only true, living, loving God of all creation…always existed and always will. Here’s the cool part. He decided to create a universe, this solar system, and our planet earth in such a way as to dazzle and sustain us forever. Then, He made the first two human beings and gave them eternal spirits. They (like any of us would have) messed it up. But God didn’t give up.

He took it upon Himself, literally, to make up for human frailty and failure. He sent His Son Jesus, in the form of a man, to live a sinless life, take the punishment for all sin, and pay once and for all to regain that eternal spirit for anyone who asks. Have you asked? I have, and that’s why…

…this Thanksgiving Day 2014 I urge everyone to consider giving thanks to God for all good things. Start now, and keep it going forever.

Yesterday, today, and then tomorrow…
Grab a smile and give away your sorrow.
There’s a God who loves you ’cause He made you.
He, alone, is worthy to be prayed to.
Tell Him thank you for the life He gave you
And for how He made a way to save you.
Every day’s another day of living…
And each day you live should be Thanksgiving.

Stay tuned…

Thanksgiving Day 2014 Plus Two

Posted on November 25, 2014 by TonyNovember 25, 2014

Don't be a turkey this Thanksgiving Day 2014

If you’ve lived past the age of about 30 or 40, you may be like me and saying “wow, I can’t believe it’s almost Thanksgiving Day 2014 already”. Yep, in just two days millions of Americans will join together at the table and indulge in some of the year’s best food and eating.

Are you counting your blessings, yet? If you’re a Christian, you no doubt realize how blessed you are to live in a country where family and friends can still get together for a special day of Thanksgiving. And you no doubt realize that no matter how this year has gone for you, you are blessed beyond measure to be loved by Jesus…the Creator of Heaven and Earth.

If you’re not a Christian, you may be finding it a bit more difficult to smile and count your blessings. Then again…maybe you think you’re just as blessed as any ol’ Christian. Guess again. Yes, you may have a successful career, a loving family, and all your earthly needs met. But if you haven’t trusted Jesus as your Savior, your blessings in this life will only haunt you for eternity.

I’d like to urge anyone who hasn’t weighed the overwhelming evidence for the existence and truth of the Grace of Jesus to take this Thanksgiving Day 2014 to do so. I’m convinced that when you do, you’ll be counting a whole new immeasurable amount of blessings this time next year.

And don’t wait till next year to look into it. Next year, in this life, isn’t guaranteed to anyone. So, don’t be a turkey…get yourself saved now, and the peace of eternal life (that’s better than pecan pie) will guard your heart.

Thank God I’m not alone on any day.
Thank God He gave His Son to be The Way
For me to live a life that never ends.
Thank God that He and I are best of friends.

Thank God for every moment you’re alive.
Thank God because, in Him, you can survive
The trials and tribulations when you say…
“Thank God for love,” on this Thanksgiving Day.

Stay tuned…

Posted on November 24, 2014 by TonyMarch 11, 2025

Always remember...God gives you dreams and dreamers dream things into reality.

Plumbers stop leaks and keep the water running. Carpenters build cabinets and fix the roof. Electricians wire the house and keep the lights on. And dreamers dream.

If it sounds like the dreamer’s job isn’t very important, you’re forgetting that plumbers, carpenters, and electricians can all be dreamers. In fact, the best ones…the most successful ones…are the best dreamers. After all…no carpenter ever built a successful career without first nailing down his ideas in his head. (pun intended)

No plumber ever got his first wrench, drain snake, and flashlight without first unclogging his own thoughts about where to start.

And no electrician ever plugged into a community of customers without a light first going off in his head.

Yeah, even average, every day, dreamers dream.

Each successful person’s journey started with a dream. An idea. Thoughts. You’re thinking about it right now, aren’t you? As you read the descriptions above you could “see” each of those workers. Couldn’t you? My words turned into your thoughts. And your thoughts created pictures. And those pictures are what dreams are made of.

So…no matter what you plan to do with your life…

No matter where you plan to go…

No matter how you plan to start and finish, remember to thank God for the dreams into your head and your heart. And remember…

Dreamers Dream

Dream a little dream a lot
And dream away your frown.
Dream up stardust Christmas lights
To sparkle every town.
Dream at night and in the day
And never let dreams end…
Because they come from Jesus,
A dreamer’s truest friend.

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Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Posted on November 23, 2014 by TonyFebruary 18, 2024

If you’ve been around a few decades, and you’ve gone to a Bible believing church, I feel pretty certain you’ve heard the old hymn, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”. And if you’re young and think it might be too corny or old-fashioned to sing such an old hymn with a bunch of thee’s, thy’s, and thou’s, it might interest you to know…Elvis Presley even sang this song.

You read that right. Elvis Presley sang Great Is Thy Faithfulness.

The lyrics talk about a living, loving Father who shows compassion to all who ask for it. In this song you’ll discover a hope for each new morning which can only come from this God. He provides, and has always provided, everything we need.

Everything in nature, the seasons, the sun and moon and stars, provides evidence of the Great Designer. And they show His endless faithfulness, mercy, and love.

Your Creator has made an everlasting pardon for your many terrible mistakes available to anyone who asks Him. Anyone who asks with genuine repentance that is. And when you do, you’ll receive the peace that endures forever because you’ll receive the spirit of everlasting life from Jesus.

Remember this…God doesn’t give you a spirit of fear. He gave you a “spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind“. If you’re not experiencing the strength and hope for a bright tomorrow, it’s most likely because you’re still depending on yourself or your things or something worse.

Here are the words and music to this old hymn. And I hope they bring you to a loving relationship with your Creator…or deepen the one you already have.

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Stay tuned…

I Am A Stranger in the Earth

Posted on November 22, 2014 by TonyNovember 22, 2014

Daily this “earthen vessel” challenges me to a duel. And daily it reminds me why I am a stranger in this earth. But that’s OK because I’m not alone in this journey. And I’m not without power.

Do you sometimes (or often) feel the temptation to simply give up and give in? I think it’s almost a rhetorical question because I’m sure everyone does at one time or another. The gravity of this world is maybe even stronger than the gravity of this planet. And it pulls on you like lead boots, doesn’t it?

Well, I’d like to suggest that when you feel pulled in two different directions, it’s an indicator that your Creator is working to lift you back up…lead boots and all. It means He hasn’t left you nor forsaken you.

God can lift you back up every time you fall. It only requires humility. Admit you’re unable to overcome the desires of “self” without Him, and let His Word live in you. Then, your trials and tribulations won’t overwhelm you beyond recovery. What an awesome truth to know the one, true, living, loving God of all creation loves you enough to be with you even where you are right now.

As I think about how I am a stranger in the earth, in this life, I take comfort that it’s also the creation of God. He made a world that has everything I need to survive. Oxygen, water, food, sunshine. And He also made a Way I can live forever. That way is Jesus. One day, when I go to live with Him, I’ll be a stranger no more. Do you have that confident assurance? If not, let’s talk.

Stay tuned…

The One Who Lifts Up My Head

Posted on November 21, 2014 by TonyNovember 21, 2014

Remember those very special days, back in school, when you’d get a brand new pair of shoes? Remember how you’d walk to school looking down at those shiny dress shoes or those sparkling sneakers? It was nearly impossible to not look down. You had to make sure no scuff marks were there…or wipe off any dirt on your pants. I thought about those “looking down” days and ironically it made me think of the One who lifts up my head.

New shoes are a blessing. A blessing we take for granted, and they can certainly get your eyes pointing down. But the blessing of new shoes (like a hundred other blessings in everyday life) should help you to look up…up to the One who created the whole universe. The One who created all the natural products and creatures we use to make shoes. Now imagine…

Imagine how tough it would be to go through a typical day without the protection of shoes. And imagine how almost impossible it would be to go through a harsh winter without shoes protecting your feet from frostbite.

As bad as that sounds, I can’t imagine going through life without the protection from God that brings me eternal life. Surely by now you’ve come to understand God truly does exist. I hope you can see, by all the incredible and irreducibly complex design found in our world and the universe, there must be a designer.

That Designer, in all eons past, was always a spirit being. But about 2000 years ago He took on human flesh and lived with us right here on good ol’ planet Earth. He did that to provide The Way out of the eternal consequences of our sins…the shortcomings of our flesh. He became flesh, and then God made “Him who knew no sin to be sin for us” to provide protection for our souls.

So the next time I get new shoes…while I’m looking down to admire them…I hope to remember the One who lifts up my head and gives me life.

Stay tuned…

Posted on November 20, 2014 by TonyNovember 15, 2022

You'll be wise when you start Walking With The Wise men of the Bible.

Have you ever read a book and gotten so involved you felt like you were right there with one or more of the characters? You could almost smell the new-mown grass they smelled. Or taste the full-bodied espresso in that bistro with the colorful, unframed paintings of sunsets by a local artist. In other words your mind filled up with word pictures. Imagine, if you took a walk with Jesus. Or Paul, Peter, or Luke. The invaluable insight you might get from a single stroll down a sandy path could change your life forever. Well, reading their written words is a lot like walking with the wise.

The books in the Bible were literally written by men. It’s no mystery to say that’s the way every book is written…by men, or women. The greater truth, though, is that the Bible was spiritually written by God. You can deny that at your own eternal peril, but the evidence is overwhelmingly bountiful and beautiful. And there’s a consistent message God shares in His word.

How you can BE wise when you’re walking with the wise.

In my last article I wrote about getting wisdom (I shared a free song, too), and how it’s more precious than riches of any kind. Maybe you’re wondering how you’ll know a wise person to learn from. Well, there are all sorts of indicators and valuable teaching tools found in the book of Proverbs. It isn’t just a collection of “sayings”. It’s health down to your bones.

You’ll find where seeking and getting wisdom can take you. And you’ll discover some fairly drastic consequences of not getting it. For example, in Proverbs 13:20 it says “But the companion of fools will be destroyed”. Yikes. That’s getting right to the point, don’t you think?

The writers, whose words you read in the Bible, don’t simply give you an ongoing list of how to prosper, thrive, and have a “purpose-filled life”. They also show you the grit, the failures, the destruction of those who choose to deny their own Creator…a destruction brought about by their own choices, not the Creator.

Just so you know…you’re not destined or predestined to hell. You’re also not destined or predestined to Heaven. Read the writings of Paul, the “apostle to the Gentiles”. Take a walk with this wise man who called himself “chief among sinners”. You’ll discover how your good deeds will not win everlasting life…and your sins will not condemn you to everlasting torment. You were created by God, and He’s made His love abundantly available. I urge you to start drinking from that Living Water and eating that Bread of Life. It’s not too late while you still have breath in your body.

Stay tuned…

Posted on November 19, 2014 by TonyNovember 15, 2022

The best thing I could ask from the Lord is to give me wisdom.

I’ve had a number of brand new cars in my life. And I’ve enjoyed the luxury of a large house with plenty of nice furnishings. At times you could see I was not denying myself the pleasures of multiple performance tools like keyboards, computers, sound systems, and various accoutrements. (I always wanted to use that word somewhere) But all the “stuff” pales in comparison to a lifelong relationship with God. And I’ve learned when it comes to knowing what I need, I say…give me wisdom.

It’s key to note I didn’t say “more intelligence”. No, when I pray to the Lord and ask Him to give me wisdom, I know (because He knows) I need consistent growth in understanding of what to do with knowledge. I once coined a phrase…I don’t know if I was the first, but I haven’t heard it elsewhere…”education without application leads to a continuation of frustration”.

In other words, mere knowledge can die when the brain does.

If you learn things simply for the purpose of knowing a lot of things, you could actually be wasting your time. In fact, you could gain the whole world and lose your soul. No, your time would be better spent getting to know your Creator. By the way, Jesus is your Creator. In fact, the whole world, the sun, the moon, the stars, and all the creatures were made by Him. And He did it by speaking them into existence from nothing.

Since He can do that, you can certainly trust Him to give you wisdom. Wisdom helps you to see things more from God’s perspective. You’ll never exhaust His well of Living Water. And if you’re seeking to find Him and know Him, you will find Him eager to be found and known. Get to know the whole Jesus…the all-powerful God and the infinitely loving friend. In doing so you’ll gain wisdom that overcomes the world.

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.

And 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

Stay tuned…

Posted on November 18, 2014 by TonyNovember 1, 2022

National Adoption Day reminds us we all can be adopted...if we choose.

This coming Saturday, November 22 2014, is National Adoption Day. And November is National Adoption Month. You may not realize there are over 100,000 kids in foster homes waiting for a permanent home. And the “National Adoption Day” organization has already helped over 50,000 kids find homes. There’s a very important reason I think this is so meaningful…

…think of all the countless human beings who have been adopted without even stepping into an orphanage or foster care system. That includes me. And it includes you if you’ve become “an heir of God through Christ“.

Paul wrote, in Galatians, “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”

That special adoption didn’t require anyone to meet any special financial criteria or background check. After all…your Creator God already knows your background. And He’s willing to adopt you into His home forever in spite of it.

If you haven’t asked Jesus into your heart…if you haven’t asked for His redemptive forgiveness for all the hurt you’ve caused yourself and others…if you haven’t trusted that the one, true, living, loving God of all Creation loves you…then you’re still a “slave“.

Don’t wait until National Adoption Day to experience the joy of adoption. Jump into the everlasting joy right this minute. Humble yourself and God will lift you up. Tell Him you’re sorry for your pitfalls and mistakes and maybe even your rebellious ways. He’ll adopt you in the twinkling of an eye if you truly mean it. And you’ll be His forever. And there’s no place like that home.

Stay tuned…

Posted on November 17, 2014 by TonyNovember 15, 2022

When you really sleepy and can't sleep, you truly understand the saying "No Rest For The Weary".

Sometimes you might feel like you couldn’t possibly feel more tired. Then you realize you have to keep going a little longer. That’s when the old saying “no rest for the weary” truly dawns on you.

I’ve got a couple of Labrador retrievers, and they’re almost 12 years old. If you’ve ever had any interaction with a Lab, you know how much they love people. They’re one of the best people dogs there is. And we love our little dudes, too.

However, they make sure there’s no rest for the weary.

Because, as they get older they don’t tend to sleep through the night like they did. Instead, they lie around during the day a lot more. And they typically conk out for only about 4 hours once we turn out the lights to go to sleep.

As fate would have it, I’ve had more trouble sleeping past 4 hours myself for quite sometime. So, when the dogs wake me up, very often I come to my computer and write my website article for the day. Wouldn’t you know it?

Once I start typing the rest of the household goes back to sound and restful sleep. And they leave me to wrestle with drooping eyelids and massive yawns. I know, I know. Boo-hoo, Tony. Waa waa. Stop being such a crybaby and just go back to bed. Oh, if only it were that easy.

Once I get up and do a little writing I find I’ve done the one thing that always inhibits sleep. I’ve fired up my thoughts, and now I can’t shut off my brain so I can drift off to sleep. That’s when I totally agree with “no rest for the weary”. That’s when I AM the weary.

Maybe I should stop writing right now, go lie down, and let my eyelids droop shut. Maybe I should simply give in and see if my brain will turn off and let me catch some winks.

What would you do if you were in my predicament? * yawn *

Stay tuned…

Posted on November 16, 2014 by TonyNovember 15, 2022

Be of good courage...God will never leave you nor forsake you.

I use an app on my iPhone to read the news from around the world. The app divides stories into categories like news, technology, music, photography, business, social media, and a variety of others. I enjoy just about all the categories except for “news”. Almost every story is about the evil mankind commits on a daily basis. If you’ve also found this to be true, maybe you’re also finding it more difficult to be of good courage these days.

And what does it take to be of good courage?

When it seems like your enemies surround you…when you feel the hatred of others like a thick, humid fog around your heart…when you think there’s no end to the challenges…what should you do? What if I told you to…

…wait?

It doesn’t sound very proactive, does it? Well, notice I didn’t say “wait and do nothing”. And I don’t mean to simply lie down and wait and see what happens. I’m talking about the same kind of waiting King David wrote about in one of his Psalms. He said to “Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!”

What kind of waiting is that? It’s faith-filled waiting. How can you tell? It says “be of good courage” followed by the word “And”. Then it says “He SHALL strengthen your heart”. Not might. Not can. No if’s, and’s or but’s. David’s faith knew that God would strengthen his heart so that he could truly be of good courage and “be lifted above my enemies all around me”.

If you find yourself up against fools who reject you and your message of love from God, talk to the Lord. Trust Him to hear you and help you lean on Him for strength. Trust Him to give you the words to speak to those who despise, disdain, and hate you. Maybe some of them will be confounded and perplexed to the point of reaching out to God themselves. And it’s very likely most of them will harden their hearts even further and they just won’t get it.

But here’s the fact of the matter.

You will exercise your faith. You will find refuge and joy in your relationship with your Creator. And the troubles of the world won’t keep you down.

Remember, love…the undying, unwavering, unending love of God will strengthen your heart. Then, in the twinkling of an eye…maybe without you even noticing…you will be of good courage in spite of these dark days.

Here’s a song for those who “Just Don’t Get It”

Stay tuned…

Posted on November 15, 2014 by TonyNovember 15, 2022

If you have to suffer fools, remember Jesus did long before you.

There’s no getting around it. In this life you will have to suffer fools. To have no contact with fools you’d need to leave the planet. And sorry to say…that would make you a fool, and then your plan would self-explode. 🙂

Now, just because you have to suffer fools and their willful ignorance doesn’t mean you have to do it gladly. In fact, you should remove yourself from their presence if they refuse to listen to and acknowledge truth. And guess what…

…Truth does truly exist.

The Truth came to live here on Earth about 2000 years ago. Maybe you’ve heard of Him. His name is Jesus. He was welcomed and loved by many. But He was hated, scorned, and persecuted by many more. Why? Because He told them the truth. And truth is hate to those who hate the truth.

Have you found yourself having to suffer fools more viciously and maliciously recently? I certainly have. It’s incredulous to me how often I’ve reached out to others, in love…only to suffer their hatred in return. But it’s not really too surprising if you’ve ever read what Jesus said about that: “I chose you out of this world therefore the world hates you“.

I’m not saying I’m a good man, free from foolish decisions and untouched by sin. I’ve been a fool. So has everyone else at one time or another. The only good Christian who ever lived was THE Christ…Jesus. And, in His wisdom and understanding of how to suffer fools, even He said “why do you call me good? No one is good but one, that is, God“. He was making a point.

If you’ve ever listened to my Christian songs, you may have noticed a common thread or theme. In the lyrics I consistently acknowledge my own need for a Savior. My own stupidity. My own shortcomings and failures. I’ve told people I need a Savior more than most. And the awesome news is…

…there IS a Savior. And even though He created the whole universe and everything in it from nothing…using only words…He thinks I’m worthy of saving. He loves little ol’ me enough to take my punishment. Knowing that enables me to suffer fools till the day I breathe my last breath…or until the Lord comes in the clouds and calls me into the air.

Stay tuned…

Posted on November 14, 2014 by TonyNovember 14, 2022

God thinks Thoughts Of Peace and Not of Evil toward you to give you a future and a hope.

Everyday I have lots of thoughts of peace and not of evil. So, why don’t my thoughts ever manifest themselves into reality in my world?

Some religions and worldviews would have you believe you can change your reality simply by thinking better thoughts. I’ve been told “Well, if you choose to see the evil in the world, that will be what you’ll see…but if you choose to see the good, that’s what you’ll see”.

Balderdash.

I have no mind or physical control over what others choose to do in this world. My personal reality is NOT a worldwide reality. And I can choose to “see the good in others” all I want, but evil will still exist. Evil isn’t merely a concept either. It exists because humans choose to do evil things. No one is forcing them to do these things. They’re choosing. And check this out…

…are you ready? I’m gonna “drop a bomb” on you now…

Even God’s thoughts don’t overcome the evil in this world.

Told you it was gonna be a bomb. Yep…God says, in His Word, that He knows the thoughts He thinks toward you. He says they are “thoughts of peace and not of evil“. So what does that tell you? You’ve seen evil in this world haven’t you? Well, it doesn’t come from the thoughts of God. He isn’t doing it. And His “thoughts of peace” don’t currently squelch evil.

Make no mistake…God will squelch evil. In fact, He’ll squash it and destroy it once and for all one day in the not-too-distant future. But for now He’s given us free reign over all the earth. And mankind’s disregard for the sanctity of human life has flourished so profoundly that not even unborn babies are safe in this world. When you can destroy the tiniest of little babies and simply call it a “life choice”, there is no bottom to that evil abyss.

When God says He has “thoughts of peace and not of evil” toward you, He has a great purpose in mind. He wants to “give you a future and a hope”. And His idea of a future and a hope is eternal. Everlasting. Life without end.

But you need to choose to trust, love, and follow Him. Jesus said “take up the cross and follow me“. Do that, and He will lead you away from evil to peace.

Stay tuned…

Your Worst Enemy

Posted on November 13, 2014 by TonyNovember 13, 2022

When you know who your worst enemy is, you’re better equipped to handle what he or she might toss in your direction. So, tell me…do you know who your worst enemy is?

What if I tell you it’s you? Would you be surprised? Or would you slowly nod your head in quiet, understanding agreement? If you’ve lived more than a couple of decades, you’ve very likely come to the conclusion that you are, indeed, your own worst enemy.

How many times have you allowed your emotions to sabotage your actions? And how many times have you made decisions you knew were wrong but went through with them anyway?

It’s OK. So have I. So has everyone else…whether they admit it or not. Living in this fallen world in your own flawed flesh you’re going to make mistakes and bad choices. The silver lining to this dark, gray cloud is that it should point you to your Creator. It should help you realize how much you need a Savior. The best news you could possibly receive is the knowledge that your sins don’t condemn you to hell. But your choice can.

therefore choose life and stop being your own worst enemy.

And what is life? Where does it originate? Is it tangible in any way? Does it have a recognizable beginning? Does it end when the body dies?

Life IS tangible. It is the self-realization force originating in the Source of Life. God, the uncaused “first cause” breathed His life into the first man and woman and gave them the power to procreate…to be “fruitful and multiply”. His loving words created a world that would sustain us all forever. And He made a way we could also live forever in spite of our physical shortcomings.

That kind of living, loving God would never (and does not) make you do the terrible things you do in order to somehow glorify or magnify Himself. So, where does the responsibility lie? It’s you. But you have (or can have) the best friend in the universe to help you deal with your worst enemy. Jesus.

Turn to Him when you mess up. Talk to Him when your wisdom, intelligence, and knowledge aren’t enough. And if you don’t already know Him as your Savior…and would like to know how you can, contact me. I’ll be glad to show you just how easy it is.

Stay tuned…

We Shall Be Saved

Posted on November 12, 2014 by TonyNovember 16, 2014

We may have to endure trials and tribulations in this life, but I guarantee we shall be saved from eternal death and darkness. That is…if we believe.

The belief I’m talking about, of course, is in a Creator and Savior. And believing must be accompanied by trust. Do you actually trust there is a God? Do you actually trust that He sent His Son to take the punishment for your sins? Do you trust and believe with hopeful conviction that we SHALL be saved? I hope you do because regardless of your good deeds, you sin.

There’s a place in the book of the Revelation (for non-believers, that’s the book at the end of the Bible) where it says “the Lord God gives us light”. So there won’t even be need of the sun in His presence. I like to tie that in with Psalm 80:3 where it says “Cause your face to shine, and we shall be saved“.

Just think…the one true, living, loving God of creation shines his face on you and you can live forever. No more decay, dying, and death. What part of that immense love do you not want? And that love is available to you in spite of yourself…not because of your good deeds or good works. It’s available to you because “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” and He suffered a horrible death so you won’t have to. That makes me eager to know Him better. Do you feel that way?

There’s a “we” you can be part of. It’s the “we” who have chosen to believe in and trust the God of Creation. The “we” who have humbled ourselves so He could lift us up. The “we” who acknowledge our inability to save ourselves. If you’re not already part of that “we”, I’d like to invite you in. I promise, it’s not a cult. You’re free to choose. You’re free to accept a Savior or reject God on your own terms. You’re free to accept or reject His love. And I also promise you this…if you choose to join in, you won’t regret it. In fact, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see you one day joyfully say, “We shall be saved!”

Stay tuned…

I Have Hidden Your Word In My Heart

Posted on November 11, 2014 by TonyNovember 18, 2014

I Have Hidden Your Words In My Heart and they save me.

The Psalmist sang “I have hidden your word in my heart” to cleanse his heart. To an unbeliever it’s virtually incomprehensible to think hiding words in one’s heart could ever cleanse it. But these are mere words we’re talking about. These are THE Word of God. And remember…with His words the whole universe and everything in it sprang into existence.

Take God’s Word into your heart and keep it there. It will never let you down. Because the Word of God is life to those who seek it. And the Word is all about a Savior. You need Him whether you admit it or not. And He’s ready to come into your heart and give you everlasting life. Here’s my little ode to that powerful and awesome gift…

I Have Hidden Your Word In My Heart

There’s a place
Where the sun doesn’t shine
But the darkness does not have a part.
And that’s why
I have chosen that place.
I have hidden Your Word in my heart.
There’s a way
I can go there alone,
And I won’t be alone or apart.
You are there
And Your life is in me.
I have hidden Your Word in my heart.

Stay tuned…

Posted on November 10, 2014 by TonyNovember 10, 2022

By doing good you can put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.

I’ve made music for most of my life. I’ve made a living making music for most of my life. I tell you this because even though I like my quiet times I’ve spent a majority of my life in an atmosphere of sound and fury. So, why would I title this article “Put To Silence”? I’m so glad you asked…

A guy named Peter wrote, about 2000 years ago, what can happen when you do good.

You can “put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.”

Of course, Peter wasn’t saying that doing good changes anyone’s eternal destination. Only their choice to love God and His Grace can do that. But the point is…when you do good to those who are ignorant of the love and Grace of God…when you share with them the message of this eternal redemptive love…they are no longer ignorant. They are without excuse.

And sharing this message, doing this good also does something for you. It builds up your own faith, hope, and love. Then, each subsequent time you speak up, or sing up, or write up you’re erasing ignorance.

No doubt willful ignorance will never be completely erased by any of us. But I do know that no one will go to Heaven or hell without knowing why they are there. Wherever you spend eternity you’ll get there by choice.

I hope you’ll use your gifts and talents, today, to do what you can to put to silence someone’s ignorance of God’s love toward them. And I hope you’ll share your experiences with me. Now, go to it, and…

Stay tuned…