Tony Funderburk

Living In The Household of Faith

Posted on October 21, 2014 by TonyJuly 26, 2022

It's a wonderful thing that the Household Of Faith isn't an actual house at all.

Have you ever felt like throwing your hands up in frustration at the lack of response (or even downright obstinance) from unbelievers? I certainly have, and if I only depended on myself, I’m certain I would have retreated into my own personal Christianity long ago. But Christians were admonished by Paul to not “grow weary while doing good especially to those who are of the household of faith“.

It definitely gets tiresome to hear, for the umpteenth time, things like…

“You think you’re better than me.” or
“You just want everybody to believe just like you.” or
“Don’t tell me what’s in the Bible. I’ve read it.”

It’s ironic how often these statements come from people who would benefit from the love and grace of Jesus so much. And it’s sad how bitter and angry they sound as they turn down that message.

But if you’re a member of the household of faith, I’m sure you’re aware of what Jesus meant when He said, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you“. Maybe you don’t feel a threat to your life like Jesus faced, but if you’ve stood up for Him, you’ve no doubt felt some hatred or, at the very least, some disdain coming in your direction.

I’ve experienced a good dose of that this very day. While I don’t enjoy lies about me conjured up by those whose guilt and shame precedes them, I still stand on the love God has for me. So…as I’ve said before…if the whole world, every person in it hates me, but Jesus loves me…then I win.

If you’re feeling hatred and persecution for your faith, hope, and love in your Creator, let me encourage to to remember to hang in there. It’s worth it. When you’re in the household of faith, you’re also…

In The House of the Lord

Father God,
You never leave me You never forsake me.
And Your Word…
Gives me courage to go where you take me.

You are with me through each dire upheaval.
With You in me I will fear no evil.
As I walk through the shadow of death…
I will sing till my very last breath…

Green pastures, still waters…
Goodness and mercy for your sons and daughters…
True love dwells in the House of the LORD.
Each person, each nation…
Can be renewed through Your sweet restoration…
True love dwells in the House of the LORD.

Father God,
You made a Way for my total redemption.
I believe…
Jesus died to provide that exemption.

He”™s my shepherd through thorns and thru clover.
He”™s my new wine, and my cup runs over.
As I walk through the shadow of death…
I will sing till my very last breath…

Chorus

Stay tuned…

Posted on October 20, 2014 by TonySeptember 3, 2022

God's Everlasting Love makes everlasting life available to you. Choose life.

Is there really such a thing as everlasting love? Well, if I tell you there is…do you want any part of it? Or are you afraid you’re not worthy of the whole idea of everlasting love? If so, you’re not alone. No one is worthy of it, but…

…the good news is…no one receives this kind of love based on his or her own worthiness or merit. Thank God. The whole world has been given direct access to the Creator of Heaven and Earth through prayer. You can talk directly to God and tell Him you want His everlasting love, and He’ll give it to you. All He asks is that you believe in…and on…His Son, Jesus, who came to Earth and took on human flesh and died a horrible death in your place.

That’s it. That’s everlasting love.

Can you do that? Or does some part of you still think it’s a fairy tale? Do you think Christians are naive simpletons who haven’t reached a sufficient level of enlightenment? Well, I’d challenge you to actually read the Bible. It doesn’t read like a fairy tale. It reads like a history book. And the manuscript evidence, the archaeological evidence, the prophetic evidence, and the statistical evidence is overwhelmingly true.

But it still comes down to your will. You’ve been given the choice of life or death. The everlasting love of God has made everlasting life available to you…even though you’ve done nothing worthy of it. But you must choose. God said “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live…”

Everlasting Everywhere

I want the Everlasting Work Of Art;
Not just on canvas, but engraved in the heart
I need the Everlasting Scale Of Worth.
That’s the only Way to perfect peace on earth.

Everlasting and everywhere…
He’s Everlasting and everywhere

I look for Everlasting holy clues
To steel myself through all this negative news
I dream the Everlasting wide-eyed stuff,
But I’m still aware that dreaming’s never enough

Chorus

You seek the answers to the mysteries of life
But how much truth can you handle
And as for me, well, there is only One Fire
That lights the flame on my candle

Chorus

I look to the Everlasting Guiding Star
To make my path straight as I travel so far
I sing the Everlasting song of man;
Teach us to understand our place in the plan

Chorus…inst…chorus…bridge…chorus…

modulate up and repeat

2 verses and choruses to end

Stay tuned…

Tomorrow Will Worry About Its Own Things

Posted on October 19, 2014 by TonyFebruary 24, 2025

Don't worry about tomorrow because Tomorrow Will Worry About Its Own

A red letter edition of the Bible is a version where the words in red are the ones spoken by Jesus after He became a man. As far as I know you’ll only find those words in the New Testament. But one verse I always remember, when my soul wants to worry, is Matthew 6:34. You’ll see these words in red: “therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

Notice Jesus doesn’t say something like “do not consider tomorrow”…or…”do not think about tomorrow”. He uses the word “worry”. Do not worry about tomorrow. Then He uses the same word in the very next sentence when He says “for tomorrow will worry about its own things”.

Does that mean tomorrow is a thinking, feeling entity? No. It means the only day you can do anything about is today. And today has enough of its own trouble to keep you busy. Wouldn’t you agree?

If you’re a Christian, maybe it’ll help you to realize worry as a sin. Worry means you’re not trusting God to help you through…to be there with you tomorrow. Or maybe you don’t even trust Him to help you through today. But I’d like you to consider this…which of your problems is the Grace of God not sufficient enough for?

And if you’re not a Christian, maybe you think you’re the ONE who Jesus forgot to die for. Or maybe you feel that you’re the ONE for whom the hope of salvation and eternal life in the Bible doesn’t apply?

Put those kinds of thoughts as far away from as the East is from the West.

If you’re dealing with worry and/or doubt, here’s what I suggest. Turn your focus outward. Stop thinking so much about yourself and your problems. Instead…think about others. Think about ways you can serve your fellow man. What are your gifts and talents? How could you put them to use to help ease the pain of worry in someone else?

Wouldn’t you love someone to do that for you when you’re worried? Well, another thing Jesus said…and you’ve probably heard this one called the “Golden Rule”…is this: “Therefore, iwhatever you want men to do to you, do also to them…” This is a moral and ethical rule of thumb. Of course, there are many who would take your good deed and never return the favor. But your Heavenly Father sees what you’ve done, so your focus will not go unrewarded and unappreciated.

As you turn your focus outward, you’ll probably find many (maybe even most) people hurting and worrying much more than you. You can help alleviate some of that pain and suffering by sharing this same sort of message with them. Just start with one. Surely you know one person who could use your caring, your nurturing, your gentle hand on their shoulder.

Start today. Don’t put it off till tomorrow. Remember…tomorrow will worry about its own things.

Stay tuned…

Friends Tell The Truth

Posted on October 18, 2014 by TonyOctober 19, 2014

One of the Proverbs in the Bible says “faithful are the wounds of a friend“. On the surface that can almost sound brutal, but it simply means friends tell the truth…even if we don’t always like it.

When I toured the United States, playing music with my brother, sometimes we’d find ourselves dealing with someone who could smile to your face and virtually stab you in the back at the same time. A person like that is NOT your friend. That sort of person is full of deceit and not to be trusted.

You certainly don’t want your friends treating you that way. Right? You’d rather have them tell you the truth instead of talking behind your back. Well, sometimes that truth cuts like a knife. And for a while it can leave mental and emotional wounds. But once you pick yourself up and recognize what it took to tell you that, you’ll heal quickly.

You’ll heal quickly, that is, if you’re growing in wisdom and the knowledge of God’s grace to you. That wisdom and knowledge gives you the maturity to accept “open rebuke” when it’s given in love. If a friend tells you something you need to hear, and not merely something sweet for your ears, your friend is openly showing love…not just criticizing.

You’re valuable to God. So valuable, in fact, that He sent His only Son to take on human flesh and die in order to give you the Way out of your fallen, broken human nature. And sometimes His words may come to you from a friend’s mouth. When that happens, be grateful that someone cares enough about you to share Truth.

In this chaotic world full of hatred, deceit, and violence it’s truly a good thing to find someone who cares. When you do, I hope it’ll inspire you to also be one of those friends who tells the truth.

Stay tuned…

The True Light

Posted on October 17, 2014 by TonyFebruary 24, 2025

If you’re in a room that’s so dark all you can see is the darkness, what’s the one thing you’re gonna be looking for all the time? Right…light. Gotta find that light switch. At best it’s a clumsy feeling to walk around in the dark. At worst, it can take your mind in terrible directions. That’s one of the reasons John, a guy in the Bible, described Jesus as “the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world“.

Imagine if you could create the whole world…the planet, the skies, the seas, the sea creatures, the birds, every animal on the land, and even humans. Then imagine walking among your creations, and they didn’t even know who you were. An unknown artist feels a tiny fraction of this when he has a showing and no one knows his name or who he is. But…

…the Creator of the universe and everything in it came to earth in the flesh and became one of us in order to provide a way for us to be lifted out of our fallen nature. And…

…His own people “did not receive Him“.

You probably can’t even begin to feel what Jesus must have felt knowing His own creation…those He loved so much…rejected Him and His true Light. I know I can’t.

However…Jesus, being a doer and an overcomer didn’t let the doubts, worries, and fears of the people of that time sway Him from His mission. He came here to fulfill the law, and He fulfilled it. And to this day, anyone who receives Him as their Creator and Savior, to them He offers and freely gives eternal life.

I hope you don’t mind that I share the true Light of God’s word with you here on my little website. And I hope it helps to bring you faith, hope, and love. If so, write to me and let me know.

Stay tuned…

Posted on October 16, 2014 by TonyJanuary 14, 2025

Do you ever feel like life is a battle? Do you find yourself asking “where is my shield from all this chaos?” Well, believe me…you’re not alone.

You could get yourself a good set of noise-cancelling headphones from one of those high-end electronics manufacturers and tune out the world. But you’d only be shutting out the sounds…not the actual problems. They’re much deeper and more firmly rooted in the human condition.

For thousands of years men and women have written, sung, and lamented about their troubles, their fears, their trepidations in life. The vast majority of the world’s population seeks hope and relief in things and feelings. But a few understand that Jesus is THE Life. And they have hope in the midst of their troubles and fears…because they can say,

“My shield is God, and His way is perfect“.

Who are these people? Are they privy to some deep, mystical secrets found only after an intense search throughout the caverns of the world? Or do they live high on mountain tops with legs crossed and palms facing outward…in a trance…seeking knowledge found only in the depths of the human mind?

Nope.

These people are the ones who have humbled themselves and recognized the sovereignty of God and His eternal salvation found only in accepting His Son, Jesus, as Savior.

“Wow, Tony…you have such old-fashioned ideas about things. When did you lose your coolness and become such a fuddy-dud?”

Guess what. Everyone’s ideas are old-fashioned. “New age” isn’t new. It’s the original sin. The metaphysical proponents have been here almost as long as all of human existence. There truly is “nothing new under the sun“. But…

…there is something very new under the SON.

You.

All you gotta do is ask, and He will come into your heart. Then you’ll put on the “new man” and live into the “newness of life”. And it will last forever.

What are you waiting for? It’s a limited time offer. It’s more important than what clothes you’ll wear today…or what food you’ll eat…or what car you’ll drive. And it’s your choice. Life or death. As for me…I’m choosing life so I can stand behind my shield and live forever. I’d love to see you there.

Stay tuned…

Rivers of Living Water

Posted on October 15, 2014 by TonyFebruary 24, 2025

Over the course of your life you’ll speak, read, and hear possibly millions of words. The words flowing from the mouths and minds of men and women will last for a time and then fade further away with each passing generation. But the Word of God is alive. And when you speak it, read it, hear it, or write it through faith in the One who gave it to you, it’s like having rivers of living water flowing out of your heart.

I used to think as long as I was writing “positive” songs and singing with joy, people would see it and wonder what kept me upbeat and happy. And maybe once upon a time that might have worked a bit. But in this day and age, when people all over the world are getting more and more violent and bolder in their selfish sins, I think Christians need to take things up a notch…or 10.

So…my happy-go-lucky persona can still be there, but I feel an urgent need to express the seriousness of the situation in this world, too. In many Christian circles and ministries you may notice more talk about the “soon return” of Jesus. Many of the signs Jesus talked about have occurred and are occurring now. And He said when these signs come, “see that you are not troubled for all these things must come to pass“.

You’ve probably heard of the “Second Coming”. That’s when Jesus comes back to rule and reign over the Earth. The “signs” point to this. But before that is a day when Jesus comes to take his church into the air. Christians call this the Rapture. If I’m still on the planet when that happens, I want to be caught up in the air with Him…in the twinkling of an eye. Don’t you?

Here’s a song I wrote about “living water” and the “bread of life”. It’s called “The Master’s Knife”. Enjoy it and may God richly bless you.

Stay tuned…

The Strength of My Heart

Posted on October 14, 2014 by TonyAugust 25, 2022

Several years back I was in a hospital testing room getting a physical when I learned I have a “bicuspid aortic valve” in my heart. In regular English, that means my heart only has two parts to the aortic valve, and it’s supposed to have three. What that translates into is that my aortic valve has to work harder and is prone to more problems than a “normal” heart. And that also means the strength of my heart is compromised from the git-go.

But I also know who loves me even with my “abnormal” heart.

And Jesus is the Creator of the universe, heavens, and Earth. And He lives in me. So, I can speak to you “in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in (my) heart to the Lord“. That’s a quote from Paul, in Ephesians. And if ever a guy could’ve complained instead of sing, it was him. But he had a big-picture view of life. He knew that this life we live here and now is not worthy to even be compared to what is yet to come.

You can also look at life from this perspective…every person on the planet has a faulty heart condition. You might not live with a physically congenital problem. But from the moment you were born your heart needed repair. The kind of repair I’m talking about could only come from the ultimate physician. You needed (or might still need) a transfusion of new blood. And Jesus went through unimaginable torment and suffering to provide His for you.

There’s a Psalm in the Bible that says “my flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever“. It sounds like it contradicts itself. But there are actually two hearts represented here…your physical heart, which eventually gives out, and the very core of your being. God strengthens your core so that you live forever…if you ask Him to.

The song I’m sharing with you today is called “Your Body Your Blood.” I wrote it as part of the praise and worship music I had the privilege to lead in church for three years. Get my iTunes podcast (or if you have iTunes) and you’ll have access to the lyrics.

Now…get up and move around more.

Eat a healthy diet. Get plenty of sunshine, fresh air, and good water. The strength of your physical heart depends on you taking care of yourself. Then, dive into the living, loving Word of God, and I suspect in no time at all you’ll be saying…

“Wow, Tony. You’re right! God IS the strength of my heart!”

Stay tuned…

Posted on October 13, 2014 by TonyOctober 12, 2021

Have you noticed how confusion and chaos are literally almost everywhere in the world? That’s because from nations, to countries, to states, to cities, to towns, and all the way down to small groups and individuals…human beings are looking for power, money, sex, and drugs. It boils down to the original sin…selfishness. When you have a need to be your own king, bam! You’ve just put the Creator of the universe on the back burner. And that won’t work.

Maybe it’ll help you to think of it this way…

Since you didn’t invent the universe…and it didn’t invent itself…

You don’t get to make the rules, even though you can be your own king.

But here’s the good news…

The One who DOES get to make the rules is the only King who ever was, is, or will be who isn’t arbitrary and capricious. That’s good news for you and me because it means you can depend on Him. And it gets even better. He loves you. Want proof? How about the fact that He laid down His life for you so you could live forever with Him in Heaven? Sound like a fairy tale? Well, it isn’t. The evidence for this reality is enormous and overwhelming.

Look…you will never be able to do enough good deeds to give yourself eternal life. You will never say enough good words, think enough good thoughts, or give away enough good things. On your own you’re doomed. But you’re not on your own, and you never will be…if…you trust that the One who laid down His life for the sins of the world…included you in His kingdom.

So, if you’re still trying to be your own king, I hope you’ll reconsider. Give up the responsibility for the universe…or even your own private universe. Give it over to the only One who can handle the heavy load. And give in to Jesus. Otherwise…

You Just Don’t Get It

You want to live the way you want to live
And you want to be your own king
You think you’re wise enough to rule your world
And handle everything
But how much happiness is in your life
How many friends do you know
Who would give up their lives to give you yours
Do you think any would show

Well you idolize with your idle eyes
Your body wants what it wants, and you let it
You identify what you deify
You’ll see the kingdom, but you just don’t get it

You can’t submit to any higher will
You’d rather live in the dark
Well, you can have exactly what you say
Look where you’re making your mark

Chorus

Don’t you think you should think about it
Do you know all there is to know
There’s a choice; you can’t live without it
You can be sure where you’re gonna go…

inst…chorus…repeat to end

Stay tuned…

A Little Understanding Goes A Long Way

Posted on October 12, 2014 by TonyFebruary 24, 2025

A Little Understanding can be a wellspring of life.

Have you ever been in a situation where you just wished you could get a little understanding from someone and you weren’t getting it? If you’re a human being living on planet earth, I’m guessing you have.

You’re certainly not alone in that situation. I know I could use a little understanding more times than I’d like to mention. And many times I didn’t get what I was hoping for.

If you truly care about your neighbor, your fellow human being, you focus on understanding them. You realize they’re in a broken world, too. They need to find faith, hope, and love they can depend on. They need the Spirit of God just as much as you. It isn’t always easy to focus on someone else’s needs, especially when their selfishness brings out the worst in them. But, if you’re to be as God would have you be, you keep working at it.

In Proverbs 16:22 you’ll see that God says “understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it”. So, you see…a little understanding is just as good for you as it is for the person you’re giving it to. Today I’d like to urge you to show a little more restraint when that other person’s selfishness pushes you to the edge. Before you lash back out at them…see if you can find out what’s hurting them. If they’re willing to open up, you’ll gain a little more understanding and you might just open up your wellspring as you do.

Understanding

It isn’t always easy.
It isn’t always hard.
The choice is yours to play
The winning or losing card.

It isn’t always visible.
It isn’t always hidden.
There is a light so beautiful,
You’ll think that it’s forbidden.

Oh, I believe in understanding
In understanding each other.
Sooner or later we’l find the key
The key to the heart of our brother.

It isn’t always peaceful.
It isn’t always loud.
Sometimes you find yourself alone.
Sometimes you’re in a crowd.

It isn’t always happy.
It isn’t always sad,
And with a little understanding”
It isn’t always bad.

Now…enjoy this song about the One who understands you best…

Stay tuned…

Posted on October 11, 2014 by TonyOctober 11, 2021

Mercy in the morning means there are no in-betweens

Start your day with mercy in the morning.
Walk in joy and love and peace.
Live your life in ardent adoration
Of the Lamb with perfect fleece.

In the Psalms you might discover what’s called a “michtam”. I’ve seen that defined as either a “special song” or even “golden”. Either way, it’s used to describe something very precious. This morning I read Psalm 56 because of a certain verse-of-the-day application I use. I found something interesting…

…a combination of justice and mercy in the morning.

Psalm 56, like most of the Psalms, is attributed to King David of Israel. And according to the subhead just before the verses, it’s written about the “assured judgment of the wicked”. So, for an unbeliever there might seem to be some contradiction between judgment and mercy. But they’re two sides of the same coin, and they both come from a living, loving God.

It’s like this…an earthly parent might punish a child for doing something wrong, and yet reward that same child the same day for a job well done. But both acts originate in love. And if you love your children, your husbands and wives, your neighbor, you must balance rewards and punishments. So, you gotta be willing to show mercy in the morning…just as your Creator shows you.

A living, loving God shows great “mercy in the morning” to those who love Him, when He judges and punishes the wicked. Don’t be mislead. Wickedness and evil are real. They’re not merely concepts dreamt up by “Bible thumpers” to get others to follow their rules.

I want you to know the great and eternal love I know.

I’m talking about the love that can only exist in a relationship with your Creator. If you haven’t checked into it yet, don’t wait another day. Today is the only day you have. Yesterday is gone forever, and tomorrow might be too late. All you need to do is ask God to come into your heart and change you. He says “ask and it will be given to you“. Then you’ll experience the great mercy of never-ending mornings…never-ending life.

Stay tuned…

Posted on October 10, 2014 by TonyOctober 12, 2021

Can you keep a secret? If you can’t, stop reading right now. But if you can, I’ll share a couple of secrets with you. You good to go?

OK, if you can keep a secret, here ya go…

…well…I’m not really telling secrets of my own today. But I am gonna share a couple of secrets with you that you can easily find in the Bible. These are mysteries of God. One of the mysteries He kept for 4,000 years and then revealed it to a man named Saul. The other mystery, or secret, hasn’t been revealed yet. But many Christians think it will be soon.

The first mystery is also known as “The Dispensation of the Mystery”. And you might also recognize it as the “Gospel given to the Gentiles”. Maybe the best description of all is “Amazing Grace“. God kept this mystery “since the world began”, and He found a man He knew would give his all to spread the message to the unbelieving Gentiles. It was (and is) a message of the sacrificial gift of salvation to eternal life. It’s freely offered to you, if you’re willing to humble yourself and say you trust in Jesus to save you.

Yeah, I know it sounds like the same ol’ “Bible-thumping-holy-roller” nonsense to most people. But to those who thirst and hunger for truth, the Living Water and the Bread of Life are more valuable than oxygen. And that leads me to the second secret.

Jesus promised He’d come back some day. He also said no one knows when that will happen…not even Him. He said “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father“. Yep, God can keep a secret. We mere mortals have a hard time with 5 minutes, but He can wait for millennia until just the right time.

But here’s a suggestion…

Since none of us know when just that right time is…it’s a good idea to be prepared. All you need to do, like I’ve mentioned many times here in my articles, is humble yourself and ask for forgiveness. You’ll receive a gift you could never in a million years pay for yourself. And when you do…don’t keep it a secret.

Stay tuned…

A Matter of Perspective

Posted on October 9, 2014 by TonyOctober 10, 2014

Psalm 38 has a line that says “But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.” The part about “any good thing” might be a matter of perspective…God’s perspective. From your perspective you might feel there are a number of good things you lack. But what makes up a “good thing”?

Throughout the Bible you can see how God wants us all to have eternal life. He never meant for us to sin, break the connection to Him, and then live out lives in dying bodies. That’s not a “good thing” to Him. So, when He says you “shall not lack any good thing”, He’s telling the truth because when you seek Him, you find eternal life. Nothing here compares at all.

That’s the reason I say it’s a matter of perspective. God sees the whole world. You can only see the little part where you are. God sees the potential for you in the Living Water of His Spirit. You can only see the physical you.

With only a limited, finite perspective from which to view your world and everything in it, what sort of ability do you think you’ll have to choose what’s best for you in the potentially, eternal future? I’m gonna go out on a limb and say…hmm…a limited and finite ability. But…

…with the Spirit of Truth working in you and access to God’s Word, you’ll increase in wisdom. And wisdom is “more precious than rubies“. God says finding wisdom will make you happy. I know that’s true.

So, don’t trust in your “things” and “riches”. They won’t go with you when you pass away from this world. Trust in your living, loving God who gave you your own will so you could choose to love Him…or not. When you can see yourself through God’s love, you’ll see joy truly is a matter of perspective.

Stay tuned…

Will There Be Horses In Heaven?

Posted on October 8, 2014 by TonySeptember 1, 2019

I believe there will be horses in Heaven, and here's a horse from planet Tony.

Who doesn’t love the majestic strength and beauty of horses? Let’s see a show of hands. Anybody? Hello? Yeah, that’s what I thought. Those creatures are amazing, aren’t they. No surprise they’re so popular in Bible verses. Even though they’re mentioned a lot in the Bible, have you ever wondered if there’ll be horses in heaven?

My guess is…it would be pretty hard for “the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean” to actually follow “Him on white horses” if there were no horses in heaven. Sounds logical to me. How about you?

Did you know that before the invention of steam engines (and other types of engines) horses were the fastest form of transportation on the planet? It’s true. They’ve played important roles in farming, ranching, business, and even war. And here’s a very interesting fact I didn’t realize before today…the immune system of horses provides the anti-toxin, tetanus. Have you ever gotten a tetanus shot after cutting or injuring yourself on something rusty? Well, quit horsing around and thank a horse today.

Yes, I believe there will be horses in heaven. In fact, I believe they are there now. Can I prove it? Nope. But if people are gonna be riding them out of heaven into this world to put an end to the evil…they must be there. Until we all know for sure, here are the words and music to…

My Horse

Heaven holds a place for my horse
Standin’ straight and strong and tall.
All the trails we’ve taken; even when her legs were achin
She never lets me down at all.

God was great when He made my horse…
Perfect since she was a foal.
Ranchin’ skills to master; no horse learned “˜em faster
There’s a bonfire in her soul.

So, Lord don’t take my horse too early
We’ve got lots of work to do.
Chasin’ cattle, lots of ropin’, and it’s silly but I’m hopin’
I can ride her all the way to You.

I’m at home when I’m on my horse.
Across the prairies we will fly.
With her nostrils flarin’ and the people starin’
We could race into the sky.

Chorus…instrumental…chorus twice to end

Stay tuned…

Take A Stand

Posted on October 7, 2014 by TonyJanuary 1, 2025

If you’re an American who’s been alive for more than a few years, I’m sure you’ve seen people take a stand for what they believe. Our Constitution provides for things like free speech and freedom of assembly. So, if we feel strongly about something, Americans can even stand on the Capitol steps and proclaim it. That’s a great example of freedom at work. Unfortunately, there are less and less Americans willing to take a stand for Jesus.

Maybe you’ve seen one of those movies where a guy saves another guy’s life…and then the guy whose life was saved feels an obligation to serve and payback the first guy. Well, the story in the Bible is sort of like that.

There was a man about 2,000 years ago who took a stand and sacrificed His own life for his friends. His name was Jesus. I know it sounds corny and old-fashioned these days to talk or write like this, but if it’s the truth (and it is), it’s unimportant whether it fits in with the current trends or not.

I became a Christian at the age of 13 when I listened to my Grandmother tell me the story of salvation for the umpteenth time. It was awesome to me to know that I’d have everlasting life…and that I would meet my Creator face to face one day. But I didn’t always take a stand for Him. I spent many years of my life being what I thought was a “nice guy”. And I went about my business with my own salvation assured…not too concerned about anyone else’s.

About 20 years ago I began to be very concerned about my fellow man, though, and I started to connect with others I saw taking a stand for Jesus. It was the best and simplest (and most difficult) choice I’ve made in life.

And now…I’m asking you to consider the same choice. Your Creator (yes, even if you don’t believe, you have the same Creator as me) wants you to know and feel His everlasting, hopeful and faithful love. All He asks is that you’re not ashamed to tell others about Him. Join me, and let’s…

Take A Stand

If you take a stand and you stand for the Way,
You might never be rich.
But no gold here beats the treasure in Heaven,
And you’ll know which is which.
Angels are gonna rejoice,
And we’re gonna get to see how
The Lord will judge the ones who wait.
So better take a stand right now.

If you take a stand and you stand for the Truth,
You could lose a good friend.
But if you lose the whole wide world
And keep your soul, you win in the end.
All eyes are gonna look up.
All knees are gonna bow,
And when that time comes it’s too late.
You gotta take a stand right now.

If you take a stand and you stand for Life,
People might laugh and make fun.
And Jesus didn’t say it was gonna be easy,
But you’ll be with Him when this life is done.
No more livin’ like this;
By the sweat of your brow,
And if you want God’s paradise,
You better take a stand right now.

Stay tuned…

Into The Love

Posted on October 6, 2014 by TonyJanuary 26, 2025

Two Doors Into The Love

Imagine yourself walking up to two big doors one cool, crisp morning in October. The door on the left is finely crafted out of oak. It’s a rich, cobalt blue with pure silver handles and hinges. There’s a leaded crystal, mirrored window just high enough that you can only see the top of your head. The door on the right appears to be made of old barn wood, cracked and peeling. The hardware is rusted, including large, bent nails protruding next to the edges. There’s a clear window next to the top crosspiece with a fascinating red and white light glowing from within. You’re unsure which door to open to go inside and warm yourself, when suddenly a voice like a professional radio announcer says…

“Open the left door and come inside and warm yourself. Everything your heart desires will be yours. Many servants are waiting to bring you whatever you need to be comfortable and happy all the days of your life.”

You start to turn the knob, but another voice quietly whispers…

“Please, at least look inside the door on the right before you make your choice. There are no servants inside, but you’ll find someone who will walk with you and talk with you and listen to your problems day and night. He’ll ask you to work with him, but he’ll also bring you bread and wine, and you’ll never be hungry or thirsty again.”

OK…so your choices are to work or be served. Which would you choose?

What if I told you the door on the left opens into the love of self?

This is a world where you’re more important than anyone else. Your needs will be attended to before anyone else’s. You will be a king…or queen. There will be none like you. Interested? Come on, be honest…it sounds tempting, right?

And what if I told you the door on the right opens into the love of God? This is a place where you’ll have to work if you want to eat. Sometimes you might have to work so hard you feel you can’t go on. But it’s also a place where you’ll find rest. The kind of rest that brings you life…eternal life, and that cannot be found anywhere else in the universe.

How do you decide which door to open and go inside? Think big picture. Or as a lot of people like to say nowadays, “think outside the box”. In this case, the box is your life here on planet Earth. The years you spend inside your aging, dying body are but vapor when compared to eternity. Yes, eternity is the big picture. Where do you want to be in the time known as Forever?

Choosing to walk into the love of God means choosing life…eternal life. And God loves you so much He gives you your own will. You get to choose. He knows you might not choose Him. But He also knows that if He didn’t give you the freedom to choose, it wouldn’t be true love. So what do you choose?

Like the whispering voice said, “please, at least look inside the door on the right”. It’s the right choice…if entering into the love of God and living forever sounds good to you. Don’t love your “self” so much that you miss out.

Stay tuned…

All of Heaven

Posted on October 5, 2014 by TonyOctober 11, 2014

“Music, the greatest good that mortals know,
And all of heaven we have below.” – Joseph Addison

Having been a professional musician for more than half my life, now, I’m always glad to see music receive such a high place in the grand scheme of things. I love to sing. I’m very thankful to God for this incredible gift.

But I don’t believe music is “all of Heaven” we have here on Earth. At least not those of us who have discovered that Jesus “became flesh and dwelt among us” in order to save us from our sins. He gave us His Holy Spirit to live in us if we ask Him to. That Spirit is here on Earth, in believers, right now. As I’ve said before, it’s a limited time offer…but…you’ll never get a better offer in any way, shape, or form. So, if you haven’t taken advantage, do it today.

OK…there are two things of Heaven you can enjoy on Earth right now. And I have a third free bonus. That’s a huge marketing tactic…offer a free bonus. Anyway…the bonus is God’s Word. In America you can find a copy of God’s Word in just about every hotel room. And if you don’t ever spend time in a hotel, you can find it for free right here on the world wide web.

As I mentioned in yesterday’s article, heaven and earth pass away, but God’s words will by no means pass away. His Word is more solid than any matter in existence…and more life-changing than any esoteric, experiential so-called “higher consciousness” exercise.

If you haven’t already done so, I hope you’ll check into the wonderful promise of eternal life found in the Bible today. May God’s Word richly bless you as you do. And believe me when I say all of Heaven will rejoice for you.

Stay tuned…

Heaven And Earth Will Pass Away

Posted on October 4, 2014 by TonyOctober 1, 2024

In certain Bibles, when you read the words, “Heaven and Earth will pass away“, the letters are in red. That kind of Bible is commonly referred to as a “red letter edition”. Simply put, the red letters represent Jesus speaking. And when He said “Heaven and Earth will pass away”, He also added, “but My words will by no means pass away”. What does that mean for you and me?

You have a choice. Because God loved you so much, He designed you with a will of your own. You’re not a robot. You don’t have to love Him if you don’t want to. In fact, you can even choose to hate Him. Many do. But here’s the thing to keep in mind as you choose.

Heaven and earth will pass away.

So God is the only sovereign being in existence. He is the only one who not only will exist forever…but also always existed in the past. His existence doesn’t depend on yours. But yours DOES depend on His. If you love Him and want to be with Him forever, He’s made a place for you to do that. Maybe you’ve heard of it? It’s typically called “Heaven”.

And in God’s loving wisdom, He’s also made a place for those who hate Him and would rather not spend eternity with Him. Maybe you’ve heard of that place, too? It’s known as “hell”.

Now, referring back to the part where I said “you have a choice”…remember…YOU choose which place you’ll go. God isn’t choosing for you. He’ll simply make sure you reach the destination of YOUR choice. There’s a key passage in the Bible I really love that illustrates this best. It says it in these three words, “therefore choose life“. Read the rest, too.

Do you realize how much love it took for God to give you your own will? Your own ability to choose to love or hate…what an incredible risk it was for God. And it cost Him the life of His Son. A greater loss and a greater love the world has never seen, does not see now, and will never see again.

But God promised this…that if you choose (there’s that word again) to trust Jesus as your personal savior, even though Heaven and Earth will pass away, you will live on forever. Not in your current broken-down condition, but in a glorified, resurrected, eternal reconnection of body, soul, and spirit.

Do you really want to pass up a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity like that?

Stay tuned…

A Peaceable Journey Through Life

Posted on October 3, 2014 by TonyOctober 3, 2014

As much as it depends on you, take a peaceable journey through this life.

In case you haven’t read, heard, or seen any news lately…this world is full of violence and hatred. It seems most people would just as soon murder as to look at you. So…do you think it’s possible anymore to have a peaceable journey through this life?

Notice, I said “peaceable”…not peaceful. Peaceable means being of a mindset to avoid violence and conflict. Peaceful is a state of tranquility. You don’t have control of your community or culture, so if violence rules the day, you can’t magically make it disappear by singing songs, wearing special jewelry, and exuding an air of peace.

But you do have control over your own mindset. And God wants you to avoid violence and conflict with all men. He inspired Paul to write to the Roman Christians and say “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

That’s a very interesting way to put it don’t you think? “As much as it depends on you”. In other words…Paul knew (because God knows) that peace isn’t an attainable goal if it isn’t everyone’s goal…and it isn’t. But YOU can have a peaceable mindset. You can determine to live that way with, and among, all men. And even then, peace may not occur. In fact, it probably won’t. All you have to do is discover the life of Jesus. If ever a man walked a peaceable journey through His days, it was Jesus.

But He came up against men filled with bitterness, envy, and religiosity. They were “lovers of self” and tradition…to the point of enormous violence. Violence they inflicted on the person of Jesus…to His death.

Just because you can’t overcome everyone’s tendency toward violence, hatred, and selfishness doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seek to walk a peaceable journey through your life. In fact, the opposite is true. You should look for every opportunity to love your neighbor as yourself.

And what you love is what you must give. Don’t worry about getting it in return. Your Father in Heaven sees, and He has a beautiful eternity waiting for you…and eternity where everyone will live peaceably with all men.

Stay tuned…

Colorado Rockies

Posted on October 2, 2014 by TonyOctober 8, 2014

Words Music Pictures for the rhyme and reason of love and life

I’m gonna go see the Colorado Rockies today, and I don’t mean the baseball team. I’ll be driving through the heart of the mountains on the way to pick up someone at the airport. But I didn’t want to leave you out in the cold…so to speak…so I figured I’d be sure you saw a taste of the mountains to hold you till I get back. So…Click any picture to see a full-size gallery.

When I get back, I’ll let you know how the trip went and I have a few other things to share with you. So, I hope you’ll be sure to watch for me.

Stay tuned…