Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Why is there so much violence, destruction, and death in the world? And relatively so little joy and peace?

Well, I could tell you I know the reason why, but maybe you wouldn’t believe the answer could be so simple. Maybe you’d rather have a highly complicated solution to this complex mess we earthlings find ourselves having to endure. And maybe you wouldn’t even like my answer.

Nonsense.

Do you realize how simple the answer has been to most of life’s seemingly unanswerable problems? Take the electric light for example. Maybe you’ve heard how many times Edison failed before he succeeded in getting a light bulb to work. Did you know the solution came down to finding what sort of tiny filament could last? Once he solved that problem, bingo! Electric light.

OK, Tony. So, what’s this simple answer you think you have for finding joy and peace in a world full of war and chaos?

Jesus = Joy and Peace.

Hey…remember…I told you it might not be the answer you’d like. And I told you it might not be one you’d believe. But simply refusing to believe the truth doesn’t make it wrong. And simply refusing to acknowledge a Creator God who came to earth to be one of us and take the punishment for our sins doesn’t make Him go away either.

Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” and He also said “the Truth shall make you free“. Why do so many prefer darkness, despair, and going it alone?

If you’re lacking joy and peace in your life today…
If you’re feeling all alone in the world…
If you believe there’s no way out of your despair…
If you think your time on earth is the only time you’ll have…
If you’d like to know that you can know happiness…

…then test the Word of the Bible. It’s the #1 bestselling book of all time for a very good reason. It makes you FREE.

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

I’m sending this with brotherly love

When I talk to you about where you’ll spend eternity, you can either respond with acceptance or rejection. There’s no middle ground. If you accept that I’m talking to you with brotherly love (the way God told me to), you’ll understand that I sincerely care about where you’ll be for eternity. If you want nothing to do with God, your response might be some form of anger or indignation. But you’re wrestling with the conviction in your heart…not me.

As a Christian, I’m supposed to reach out to my fellow man and show you how “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” in order for each of us to be able to live with Him forever in Heaven.

At times, that task hits much closer to home than I’d prefer. Close personal friends, business acquaintances, and even my earthly brothers have all responded with anger and rejection. They didn’t understand that I was sharing vital…in fact, the most vital…information with them they could ever hope to hear. When I tell you that the love of God is good for you…body, soul, and spirit…I mean down-to-the-marrow-of-your-bones good.

In these perilous times, where death and destruction are at the doorstep of every nation on earth, you need more than a “mother earth” or a “president” or even a “god force within you”. You need the living, loving Source of Life. You need Jesus. And I’m sharing this with you…

With Brotherly Love

What would be so wrong
If I didn’t sing my song…with brotherly love?
Would it be unfair
If I didn’t even care…with brotherly love?
No one does these days,
Everyone just stays
In their old, familiar ways.
That’s how it should be.
If we all agree,
It all can be so easy.

What would be so bad
In not sharing what I had…with brotherly love?
Would I be a thug
If I didn’t want to hug…with brotherly love?
Just some silly rules
Taught in Christian schools
By a bunch of simple fools.
That stuff’s not for me.
Can’t you let me be?
Go shake another fruit tree.

Hey there, do you know?
Where did all those people go…with brotherly love?
I can’t find them here.
Did they all just disappear…with brotherly love?
Things don’t seem quite right…
Especially at night
And no one has a bright light.
Hopeless life lines drawn…
Hard to carry on…
Because all the love is gone.

© 2014 Tony Funderburk

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Meet Mister Forty Six Chromosomes

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

“Hi. My name’s Forty Six Chromosomes. What’s yours?”

“What’s that? Your name is forty six chromosomes, too?! You must be kidding me. What? Oh…that’s not your name, but it’s you? I see. Hmm… that’s interesting. Tell me more.”

I hope you don’t mind me starting off this article with a little childlike conversation, but there’s something so important in those little squiggly lines you see in the picture, and I’d like to show you how simple it really is.

Scientists working on the genetic code in humans found out there are two sets of chromosomes. The X set. And the Y set. The X chromosomes determine a human to be male. And the Y chromosomes determine a human to be beautiful…uh…female. Sorry, couldn’t resist. Since each of us received twenty-three chromosomes from each of our parents, our total make-up, everything about us, physically, is found in those forty six chromosomes.

Now, here’s a vitally important part to this information that’s completely ignored and even shunned by so-called “pro choice” advocates.

Forty six chromosomes are all present from the moment of conception.

In other words…the moment a human sperm fertilizes a human egg, you have a brand new human. Everything you need, to be you, is found in those forty six chromosomes at conception. Am I making this clear?

Your chromosomes determine whether you’ll be tall or short, portly or lean, blue eyes and blond hair or green eyes and brown hair, rich or poor.

Just kidding on the “rich or poor” part. You get to work on that yourself when you’re old enough.

Since science actually agrees with God on this subject (whether some scientists want to admit it or not), you’d think it would be a no-brainer. Case closed. End of discussion. Verdict reached. A human embryo is a human.

But…sadly…that’s not the case. Too many people, swept up in their own selfishness, ignore the facts. You’re a person, and you are completely who you will be, from the moment of conception. And…please…let’s not get into semantics over when the moment of conception is. If we can’t agree on that moment…can’t we at least agree not to kill IT until after we know what IT is?

Here’s a few lines I’ve been working on to show a little mathematical equation I came up with. Let me know what you think.

23 + 23 = 1

I got a little bit from my mom
I got a little bit from my dad
And I got my DNA from the great Yahweh
And it’s the only life I’ve had

Twenty-three plus twenty-three is one
Chromosomes were a mystery
But that mystery is gone.
Twenty-three plus twenty-three is one.
Until we learn to add it up…
The lesson isn’t quite done.

Stay tuned…

Tony Funderburk signature logo

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)

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

Fullness of Joy

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

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

The fullness of joy most people seek (whether they know it or not) is only found in a relationship with your Creator. And God IS your Creator…even if you don’t believe in Him. David, who was King of Israel, was a songwriter. Many of his lyrics, known as Psalms, are found in the Bible. And he talked all the time about his relationship with God. He wrote, “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.“

You won’t find a world of peace, tranquility, and wealth simply because you place your faith in Jesus. You won’t see the troubles of the world fade away when you look to God for answers. In fact, you may even see troubles increase…at least from time to time.

Gosh, Tony, why would I want to seek your so-called “fullness of joy?”

The joy I’m talking about springs from Living Water and flows through your spirit. By that I mean, your joy won’t be based on the things and people of this world. Your joy will be focused on the only One who can (and will) give you eternal life. Knowing that your “three score and ten” here on planet earth is an infinitesimal fraction of your life puts it in perspective.

I’m urging you, today, to consider your eternal potential. As a Christian, I know, without a doubt, there will be an eternity of existence for every human being. Where you’ll spend it depends on the choice you make in the here and now. You can either exist as a bodiless, spiritless, soul forever tormented by the knowledge of “what could have been”…or you can LIVE! Live in the fullness of a body that will never grow old and die. Live in the presence of the very source of Life, your Creator.

Please, choose Life and experience the eternal fullness of joy.

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Words music pictures…if ever there was a more perfectly matched trio, I certainly don’t know what it would be. I’m no photographer (although I did have a job as a portrait photographer for a short while), but I’ve always been a photo enthusiast. I love to see if I can capture the “feeling” of a moment in a picture. And I wonder if most professional photographers would agree with me that it basically never completely happens. Click pics for larger view…

If you’ve caught my recent articles here on the website, you’ve noticed I inserted some photos and wrote down my poetic notes. Today I’m only sharing the pictures without the notes. There’s an ulterior motive, of sorts, because I’m trying out a new photo gallery addition to see if it works. I’d be grateful if you’d send me an email or leave a comment telling me what browser you used and how the photos showed up on your computer.

OK, I started out this article with “words music pictures” and so far I’ve given you the words and pictures. Well, of course I simply have to give you some music to go with it, so tune in to the The Power of God’s Love Podcast to find the song called “I’m A Traveler.”

Stay tuned…

Tony Funderburk - The Rhyme and Reason of Love and Life

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

On a drive between two small towns on the western slope of Colorado, I stopped and snapped a picture of some sunflowers overlooking a beautiful, expansive view. When I got home and enlarged the photo on my computer, I noticed telephone lines right across my “work of art”. I looked at it again, today, and words started popping into my head about how artists so often feel a need to get something perfect. And it occurred to me that the so-called “perfect” is staying inside the lines. I’m not sure that’s a problem. Are you?

Inside The Lines

Inside the lines the grass is greener.
Outside the box the air is cleaner.
Some days your life runs like a river.
Some nights you only quake and quiver.

And then the sun begins to shine,
And then you draw another line,
And then the box becomes a place to store your things.
And then the flowers start to grow,
And the your words begin to flow,
And then you’re glad to join in when the whole world sings.

Inside the lines the route is shorter.
Outside the box there’s no recorder.
Some days your view is from the summit.
Some nights your dreams will let you plummet.

And then the sun begins to shine,
And then you draw another line,
And then the box becomes a place to store your things.
And then the flowers start to grow,
And the your words begin to flow,
And then you’re glad to join in when the whole world sings. © 2014

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

The Old House

The old house talks to no one,
And no one pays attention.
It tells the story of its life…
The sad parts get no mention.
It once had shining windows
And cedar, wooden shingles.
And folks who lived inside its walls
Would sing their Christmas jingles.
Well, now the wind and sunshine
Have withered all the siding.
The floors, inside, have fallen through.
The yard has started sliding.
But still the house is standing.
The fireplace is still sturdy.
Who knows how many years it has?
It might be one or thirty.
No need to think about it.
A lifespan doesn’t matter.
Unless you’re glad for every day,
Then moments only scatter.
We all will be the old house,
If time and tide keep turning.
But keep the faith and hope and love,
And keep the embers burning.
Then you won’t talk to “no one.”
There’s One who always hears you.
And your foundation will withstand,
If you go where He steers you.

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

This is something I haven’t done much of…or in a long time. But I’d like to share some music recommendations.

The following songs and musical artists are people I’ve…

  • Worked with before or
  • Shared a stage with or
  • Connected with on social media or
  • Discussed music and shared road stories with

The first act I’d like to mention is a duo.

I remember meeting them in the Houston, Texas area back in the early 80’s when they and my brother and I played quite a few of the same establishments. I guess both acts being duos had a little something to do with it. They call themselves “Trout Fishing In America”. Yep, that’s the name of the act…not a song or album. They always had a folksy and wry wit. And it seems they’ve done something similar to me. They’ve stayed connected in the music business and have written children’s songs. So, without further ado, here is the first of my music recommendations…

It’s a Puzzle – Trout Fishing In America

Next is a young woman I’ve been following on YouTube.

Her mom follows me on Facebook, and she pointed her out to me a few years ago. I’m really glad because Sara Niemietz is the sort of singer I wish other “stars” would be. She’s real, polished, and she puts music out front…not sex and vice. Check out the following EP, and my personal favorite on it is “Dangerous Outside”.

Push Play – EP – Sara Niemietz

The last of my music recommendations (this time around) is by a very nice singer songwriter, Michael Johnson. I think his biggest hit was probably “Bluer Than Blue”, and that song got me listening to more of his offerings. One night, back when I was on the road full time, I happened to be playing a nice little room in a hotel in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Michael was staying in the same hotel, and, by chance, he came down and caught my act before he went to sound check for a concert. He was touring with Eddie Rabbitt, and they were in town for a couple of nights. On my break he came over and talked to me about one of my originals I had played. He said he really liked it, and that I ought to consider going to Nashville as a songwriter. That was really cool, and I never forgot it. Did I go to Nashville? Hmm…

Anyway…check out Michael Johnson’s hits, and I’ll see you soon.

Classic Masters: Michael Johnson – Michael Johnson

You should subscribe to The TRUTH and be part of the growing body of believers who enjoy daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Reason For The Hope Within

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Do you have hope? I do. But not for cliché things like “world peace” or “random acts of kindness” or how we can all “coexist”. No, my hope is for the Creator God of the universe to one day return to earth and put an end to our human selfishness and stupidity. This hope flows to and from my soul and spirit, and the reason for the hope within me is the Truth.

If there is no absolute Truth you can depend on, then any hope you muster is likely to fade at the first sign of trouble. You may feel empowered by a mantra or meditation or mentor, but without the strength of absolute Truth, it’s basically just an opinion. And you know what they say about those…

I know, in this day and age, most people don’t like to hear something so bold as “absolute Truth”. Does it make you uncomfortable or irritable to hear it or read it? It shouldn’t. It should help you to know there just might be something out there you can depend on, rely on, and trust in no matter what this world dishes out. The Word of God is that Truth. And guess what? I’m talking about the Bible, of course…but the Bible calls Jesus “The Word”. It also calls Him “The Truth”. And He is God. And He really did become a man to take the punishment for your sin…and mine.

So…it only makes sense to say Jesus is the reason for the hope within me. I know I don’t win any “cool” points in this world anymore for saying that. But I have the big picture in mind. Eternity. The picture doesn’t get any bigger than that. If there’s a possible eternal life waiting for me, I want it. Jesus died a horrible death (and rose from the dead) to show me it’s there. I want it.

I will never lose the reason for the hope within me because I’m bought and paid for. I am God’s and He is mine. I’m absolutely certain eternal life in Heaven with Him awaits me. I want that. Do you?

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Do you pursue peace with all people? If so, I’m sure you’ve found out how difficult it is…impossible, in fact.

Just because something is impossible doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pursue or attempt it. Remember…you aren’t in this life alone. You have God on your side, and with Him “all things are possible“.

You DO have God on your side, don’t you?

You have two chances of success without God. Zero…and none. Without the hope of an absolute standard of truth, love, and peace you’ll be wandering in the wilderness your entire life. And it will all have been in vain when it comes to an end. Even if you became the conquering king of the whole world…but forfeited your soul…you gained nothing. And your conquests devoured peace like a ravenous buzzard.

I’d like you to take special notice of the word “pursue”. God tells us to “pursue peace with all people”. He doesn’t say “attain” or “accomplish” or “establish”. He is fully aware that many people want nothing to do with your childish notions of peace. God isn’t looking to you (or me) to make sure peace with all people occurs in our lifetime. He’s trying to establish an attitude…a heart condition for us. He wants us to WANT peace.

The desire of your heart should be for peace with all.

This doesn’t mean you have to be a doormat for those who would seek to destroy you and your “peace”. Quite the contrary. You can stand fast and be strong. It’s OK to be powerful and courageous. As a matter of fact, it’s the only way you should be operating in this mean ol’ world.

I hope you’ll start and/or finish your day, today, with an attitude of pursuit. While you’re busy taking care of your family, or helping your neighbor, or running your business…think of ways you can pursue peace. You may not achieve it with all people, but you may surprise yourself at how successful you can be with a little peaceful practice.

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

I just heard some statistics about suicide this past week that were very disturbing. Of course, I’m sure the topic is fresh on minds since Robin Williams decided to take his own life. Suicide is more than three times as likely to be the cause of death as murder by gun. It’s almost twenty times as likely to be the cause of death as malnutrition. I could go on and on. But, instead I’d like to give you three short reasons to be drawn to life…not death.

  1. Your life is real,

And it’s the only one you’re ever gonna get. You’re not living in a dream world. When you hear Christians talk about being reborn, they’re talking about your spirit. And your spirit is the only place where true and everlasting life can reside. If you’ve ever felt a pulling on you from within…a sort of longing to know there’s more to life than what your five senses can tell you…that’s your spirit’s sense of connection to your Creator. He has put eternity in your heart. He IS life, and He wants you to be drawn to life…the kind that lasts forever.

  1. Hope.

Without it, you can easily become another sad statistic like the one I mentioned above and the countless, nameless others. The living, loving God of the Bible wants you to know that you’re valuable to Him. He also wants you to know that life in this current space/time continuum won’t last. Torment, torture, and tyrants will be done away with by the Prince of Peace. Knowing that He’ll do this AND give you eternal life brings Hope.

  1. Eternity is a long time.

Like I mentioned in a previous post, forever is forever. It isn’t the absence of time…that’s an impossible paradigm. It’s time without end. Since time will go on and never, ever end…it’s important to give some thought and consideration to where you’ll be during that time. My Christian worldview says you can live forever in paradise with the one, true, living, loving God who created you. Or you can exist apart from Him (and therefore apart from life) forever somewhere else. It won’t be paradise. And it won’t be enjoyable. But the choice is yours.

So, there are my three simple reasons to be drawn to life.

And I mean the Life of God.

I hope you’ll ponder them with an open heart and mind. And I hope you’ll take my words, music, and pictures in the spirit of love they’re given. I wanna live forever in paradise with my Creator. Do you? In case you’re on the fence, here are the words and music to a free song to nudge you along…

Drawn To You

Maybe it’s Your grace.  I don’t know.
It could be Your Word.  I’m not sure.
But You have a way of refining my thoughts.
Your Will is my strength. Your Will is my cure.

Anytime it’s me making it up
Show me I’m wrong to just forget You.
You barely lift a finger, and You change my whole direction.
What else can I say?  What more can I do?

I’m drawn to You
Like a June-bug to the light.
I’m drawn to You
Like a boxer to the fight.
I’m drawn to You
Like a sweet tooth and ice cream,
And it may all sound extreme,
But I’m drawn to You.

Maybe I’ll wake up…maybe soon
And find You take me home…Who can say?
‘Til then I’ll live it out…’til then I’ll follow through
And see how many more might feel the same way.

Chorus

Jesus, help me, won’t You take me to my heart’s desire?
Nothing could mean more than having You to be my fire!
Take me higher…draw me near.

Chorus…instrumental…repeat chorus to end

© 1998 Tony Funderburk

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Before my wife and I were married we experienced one of those “long distance relationships.” She was living in Florida (where I met her), and I was living in Colorado. I had written to her, from different places while I was “on the road” full time, for about 3 years before she even gave me the time of day. Once she responded, we started talking on the phone. A lot. And this was before smartphones and unlimited long distance. On one phone call she told me how things were hitting her from all sides. As she put it “life is screaming at me.” And I thought to myself, “Hmm…now, there’s a song.”

Oftentimes in the life of a writer or songwriter the “good ideas” pop up in front of you even without spending any time thinking about them. But I try to make it a purpose of mine. In other words, I try to keep a keen ear open to things people say. Internet marketers and copywriting coaches call this “getting in tune with your target market.”

I just call it listening.

Just as “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word,” ideas come by listening. Listen to the following song and see if it describes you in any way. If you find yourself also saying “life is screaming at me”, maybe you need to tune out a few things and tune in to that “still small voice.” The voice you can only hear when you trust God.

Or you could just keep plodding along wishing your life away. The choice is yours, and as I always say “choose life.”

Life Is Screaming At Me

Life is screaming at me, “Give me your best shot!
Don’t dream it all away;
You gotta give back what you got!
It’s no big deal to gain the world
‘Cause you can’t take it with you.
But work to keep your soul, and give it your best shot.”

Oh, life is screaming at me, “Listen to your heart.
It can guide you through the dark, abysmal part.
Don’t let somebody else decide
Or tell you what you’re feeling.
Just keep your mind at work,
And listen to your heart!”

Now, open the window…the morning sun is gleaming
Now, turn up the volume
Listen, listen to life screaming at me!

Life is screaming at me, “Do it while you can!
Try to bridge the gap between a woman and a man.
Remember how it was the day
You first became attracted,
And strive to keep the love,
And do it while you can.”

Now, open the window
The noise can stop the dreaming
Hear the voice of angels
Listen; listen to life screaming at me!

repeat 1st chorus…

© 1996 Tony Funderburk

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

It’s a word that seals two words together and conjures up hazy images for most people. It’s a word used in countless songs to describe how long love will last…or how long thoughts will linger. We don’t know exactly how long it is. We only know forever is forever…a very, very long time.

As for me…I can barely fathom the hopeless feeling a person must get when they ponder the extent of endless time apart from a living, loving God. Can you imagine what sort of aching in the heart must exist for the person who believes eternal blackness awaits them? While I know, with all my being, that life came from life, there are billions of people who believe life arose from non-living matter. They don’t bother to explain where that matter came from in the first place. It’s as if the matter doesn’t matter.

And they believe that all that matters is the here and now. What we can know with our five senses. Well, my emotions and my thoughts and my logic and my reason don’t emerge from my five senses.

Life came from life. God, the only sovereign, eternal being, created us. And He’s made a way for us to live and be with Him through endless time. It doesn’t matter that we don’t know the extent of that time. We can know it’s basically time without end. Knowing that, I’m hope-filled and hopeful. How about you? Do you have that kind of confidence in your heart? Or do you feel helpless and hopeless like the person in this poem?

Forever Is Forever

Silence hanged over the night
Like an English fog over the bay.
The moon was a million silver candles
Shining through a black velvet curtain.
I heard the wind sing through the grass
And a coyote howl on a hill.
“Forever is probably like this, I thought,
And if it is, I won’t be around to know it;
So what of it?
That must be why there are questions.
If they all had answers
That we knew of,
We wouldn’t ask them.
Yes, forever is a night,
But a night passes on
While forever is forever.
Will there always be the foggy silence?
The million silver candles?
The black velvet curtain?
Will there always be the singing wind?
And coyote’s howl?
These things we can only ponder,
And we may ponder…

Forever.

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Do you ever feel the need to be by yourself in this noisy world? Have you noticed how sometimes it seems impossible? Why do you suppose there’s such a desire to find a place you can be all alone?

You really shouldn’t be alone all the time, but there are times when it’s a very good thing for you. It can help you sort out your thoughts. Solitude is where you understand yourself. And you need to be able to understand yourself before you can understand anyone else.

Even Jesus made time to be all alone.

well, in the physical sense anyway. He wanted private conversations with the Father. He said He could do nothing apart from the Father. I believe that’s because as one place in the Bible says…God IS life”. I mean, think about it. If there was no God, there would be no you. No me. No anyone. God is the source of Life. And even though you may find yourself alone, you’re never really alone…unless you prefer a universe of one. I don’t care who you are, that wouldn’t be much of a place to be.

Back in 1978 I wrote about a person who had no where to turn…no one to turn to…no place to be all alone. And yet this person felt constantly alone. Imagine that dilemma. Are you experiencing anything like that? If so, get in touch with me. I’d love to talk to you about how you can change it.

Unknown

I looked at his painting
And wept like a child.
So many things brought to mind.
I thought of a house,
And I thought of a drive,
And a place that’s so hard to find.
Where do you go when you want to be alone
And throw all your sorrows away?
Is there really a place you can be all alone?
Is there anyone here who can say?
I looked at the ocean
And sighed like the wind.
Too many goals to achieve.
Just like the waves
I can’t end or begin,
But still I’m too wise to deceive.
Who do you call for to lend you a hand
And take all your burdens away?
Some turn to drinking, some turn to thinking,
And I always just turn away.

© 1978 Tony Funderburk (July 27)

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

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

 

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Now, don’t let this spook you, but I’m gonna show you the main ingredients you need so you’ll know how to control the universe. And don’t let those scientists who say the universe is expanding deter you from taking on this task. It’s do-able if you have the right stuff. Are you ready? Good, let’s go…

First off, you’re gonna need to know how to get the universe going in the first place. And you’ll need a rough idea of how long your materials can last and what they’ll be made of.

Next…get yourself some awesome light sources, water, oxygen, and as many of the elements as you can. You’ll need them to build the right kinds of planets, moons, suns, and other heavenly bodies to form a functioning and cohesive universe. After all…we don’t want it to just splatter all over the place, do we?

Now…if you have all those ingredients, here’s something to ponder…at least for a few minutes or so. You need to have what marketers call an “end game.”

In other words, you must answer these two questions…

  1. What do you want the final product to look like? and…
  2. Why do you want to bring it into existence?

OK…got that stuff figured out? Good.

I’m sure you must have figured out that the universe would be no fun to control if there weren’t some fairly intelligent creatures you could rule over. I mean…who wants to tell a bunch of planets, moons, and stars what to do?

So…it would probably be a good idea to take some of those elements and see if you could stir them together and make some interactive beings. Personally I think this would be the hardest part of the whole thing, but maybe you’ve already got some good ideas on how to do this.

Next…once you have a couple of those “beings” formed, see if you can devise a way for them to procreate. You certainly don’t want to have to go make new ones every time you turn around or get bored. Am I right? And if they make new ones, that just means you’ll have even more to control.

Yippee.

Now, when you get a bunch of these creatures making things and starting their own ideas and building houses and such…that’s when you move in and show them how it’s all done. After all…they wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for you. And they’ll probably just bend over backwards trying to find ways to thank you for controlling their lives.

Once that all begins to happen, you’ll really thank me for sharing how to control the universe.

Of course…if it all sounds like too much work, you could just leave the whole universe in the hands of someone who really knows what He’s doing. That’s the option I’ve chosen, and I gotta tell you…it’s such a relief to know I’m not in charge of things like…

  • Gravity
  • Oxygen
  • Water
  • Sunlight
  • Moon dimensions…etc…etc…etc

Anytime you feel like you’re ready to give up the idea of how to control the universe…or even just the world around you…pray.

Pray to the God of Creation and thank Him that He made you, the world, the universe, and everything in it. Thank God He didn’t leave it up to you, and here’s the lyrics to and a song download about that very thing…

Thank God

In the best of times, where’s the challenge?
In the worst of times, where’s your choice?
And in the fevered pitch, where’s the silence?
When the love is breached, where’s the voice?
Could you have your very life taken from you
While the world stood at your feet?
Wouldn’t that completely stop and numb you?
Wouldn’t you admit defeat?
Well, thank God He didn’t leave it up to you…
Thank God He didn’t leave it up to you. (repeat)

In the darkest hours, who’s your Father?
In the scheme of things, who’s the One?
And in the best laid plans, who’s the Spirit?
When your heart is healed, who’s the Son?
Could you let your very blood be taken
For your friends who’d run away?
Wouldn’t all your faith and hope be shaken?
Would you even think to pray?

Thank God He didn’t leave it up to you…
(repeat twice)

© 2009 Tony Funderburk

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

I don’t know how many times I’ve heard someone say (usually a parent) something like…”You sure don’t have to teach a kid how to be bad”. Yeah, the do seem to come by it naturally. But I’m not talking about being “bad” today. I’m gonna share with you how to be cruel in 3 easy steps. Ready?

Step 1. OK, get ready for this rude awakening because you’ve already completed step one. You didn’t really have much to do with it…and that’s part of why I say there are three EASY steps. Step 1 is “be born”. You’ve simply got to be born in order to begin your mastery of how to be cruel. Let’s move on to the next step. It’s a bit more difficult but still very easy.

Step 2. Ignore God. The reason I say it’s a bit more difficult is because just about everywhere you go there’s someone spouting off about God. Or else you’ll find countless websites about creationism and Christianity. Or tons of churches in every town across America.  Maybe even those pesky Gideon Bibles in hotel rooms for crying out loud.

But it’s still easy to ignore God if you just arm yourself with the right tools.

Good news is…they’re everywhere. And thanks to our trade deficit with China, they’re extremely affordable. Just get yourself a big screen TV (or two or three) and sign up for as many TV, game, and sports channels as possible. Or stock up on booze, bottles, and bongs. Or sign up for as many social media channels as possible and spend all your free time posting.

Now, it’s important you get these tools because they help drown out all those noisy do-gooders who keep trying to tell you you’re going to hell if you don’t repent. How ridiculous. What’s wrong with havin’ a little fun blowing up people and things? So what if someone finds your language offensive. What about free speech, right? What business is it of anybody else if you wanna watch videos, smoke a little skunk, and talk trash?

Look, that whole business with there being some “righteous God” sitting somewhere up in a place called “heaven” judging all of us just for doing what feels right to us…that’s just punk*** puritan control freaks. Right?!

Somebody needs to teach them a lesson. Somebody ought to round ’em all up and just feed ’em to the lions.

Aw, now Tony…you’re getting carried away.

Am I? Would you believe that happens every day somewhere? And would you believe that sort of thing has happened every century since we humans first inhabited this planet? Look it up. History is rife with accounts of man’s cruelty to his fellow man.

So…you’ve completed Step 1.

And I don’t know if you’ve spent much time on Step 2. (I hope not) There’s only one more step, and you’ll be an expert on how to be cruel…

Step 3. Keep doing whatever’s right in your own mind.

Don’t listen to anyone who would dare tell you to “love your neighbor as yourself“. Pure silliness. Pay no attention to anyone who would dare say “life is a precious gift from God”. Oh man…how unenlightened. And never, ever fall for that old-fashioned idea of “do unto others as you’d have done to you”. Yeesh. Could it get any more cornball than that?

No, just keep on keepin’ on. Build your muscles and your dark and brooding attitude. You da man. (or woman) Before you know it, you’ll be cruel to others, and it won’t even matter…’cause, you know…survival of the fittest.

Echo Rodeo

So much of what you say and do
Will come full circle back at you.
I think no one is born a fool.
You have to learn how to be cruel.
But if you do, you’ll take the falls
And stand and yell at canyon walls.

Fear, buckin’ like a steer, in the echo rodeo”
And the longer you hang on the more you lose.
Hope, just a piece of rope in the echo rodeo.
You could change the course
Or ride the darker horse.
In the echo rodeo you have to choose.

To analyze the spoken word
You should make sure you’ve really heard
‘Cause when your mouth is open wide,
Not too much knowledge goes inside.
Don’t let the sun set on your mind.
Your echoes will leave you behind.

chorus – instrumental – repeat chorus to end

© 1992 Tony Funderburk

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

When it comes to pro life vs pro abortion issues, people on both sides certainly find a lot of creative ways to position their messages. And their passion shines through…often in anger. Anger tends to point to an inner grappling with Truth. And when it comes to Truth, ignorance is not bliss.

I just read an article by a “progressive Christian” where he put up a list of “10 things you can’t do and still call yourself pro life”. As is often the case, he built straw man arguments, regurgitated half-truths, and used Bible passages out of context to build his pretext. The Apostle Paul admonished Christians to be “rightly dividing the Word of Truth“. In other words, don’t take the text of a verse out of context and use it to build your pretext. And that’s when you might argue against immigration restrictions when the issue is illegal immigration. And you might argue against war, when sometimes it’s absolutely necessary to go to war against evil countries and leaders. And you might argue for “higher minimum wages” when you have no clue how that destroys businesses and the lives of business owners who sweat blood to build something of value.

Ignorance is not bliss when it causes you do disagree with God.

It’s easy to let your human compassion override and overstep the boundaries God actually lays out. Especially when you see such a hurting world full of poor, sick, and dying people. However; you should try and see things God’s way…even if sometimes it makes you uncomfortable. Jesus even said “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword“. He also said “For the poor you have with you always…”

If you call yourself a “progressive Christian”, I urge you to consider what voice you’re listening to. It’s been said there are really only 3 voices you can hear inside your head. God’s, satan’s, or yours. The way you can know which one you’re tuning in is to check out how it lines up with the words in the Bible…in full context.

It’s vitally important because the world needs the Truth, the full-on-undiluted-anger-inducing persecuted Truth of Jesus. His complete message is one of love and justice, and ignorance is not bliss.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

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

 

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Is there any way you can know you actually have the breath of life from God in you? Well…check out the first few chapters in Genesis that talk about how God created the whole world and everything in it. Maybe you’ve read this account but possibly missed the nuance between humans and every other living thing. It’s a subtle yet huge difference.

I’ve been going through the Genesis account of the six days of creation for a writing project I’m doing, and for some reason this “breath of life” thing dawned on me this morning.

I noticed how God created the Earth, separated the water from dry land, put “lights” into the heavens, and blessed the ground with all the plants that could reproduce “according to its kind”. Then He created all the land, sea, and air creatures and gave them the ability to reproduce “according to its kind”. And lastly He created Man. But here’s the difference between Man and all the rest of the creatures and creation…the Bible says “And then the Lord God formed man of the dust of the earth, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life”. He didn’t do that to any other creature.

Only humans received life directly from God’s life. His very essence entered into us and us alone. And only humans were made in the “image and likeness of God”. No other creatures.

We’re unique. Don’t let anyone tell you you’re just another animal on the planet. You’re not.

If you’re unsure if you have the breath of life from God in you, do this.

just look in the mirror. Do you see a human being? Then you have it.

However…if you’ve never made the decision to trust God and trust that His Son, Jesus, died for your sins, then that breath of life will exhale from you forever when you breathe your last breath here on Earth.

Are you gonna let that happen? It’s a complicated problem with a simple answer. Either the God and Savior of the Bible is real or He isn’t. Either you can prove He doesn’t exist, or you can’t. When I considered the mountain of evidence FOR the existence of Jesus, I chose to trust Him. I chose life.

Will you choose life? Or will you let torment choose you? While there is still the breath of life in you, it’s not too late to choose.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

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

 

Worldliness

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

There’s a term not used so much anymore, even in Christian circles, that describes something we all struggle with. You may be facing it today without realizing it. I’m talking about worldliness.

Sorry if it sounds old-fashioned or too obscure, but since we all have to deal with it from time to time, I think it’s important to talk about.

Worldliness is a subtle and cunning way the first fallen angel, Lucifer (aka “the devil”) lures humans into turning away from God. This clever devil likes to use your own conscience against you, and he’s done a masterful job of this for 6,000 years.

There’s something I’d like you take into your spirit and hold onto with all your might today. Meditate on this verse written by the Apostle Paul: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” 

If God doesn’t want to condemn you, why would you condemn yourself…or let some fallen angel talk you into it? Tell you what I’m gonna do. I’m gonna share the lyrics to my song on the subject, and you can even listen to it or download it for free. Then, if you get in a bind with the things of this world, you can sing the song and overcome. How’s that for a deal? Here it is…

Worldliness

Where is your vision?
Where do you lay your treasure?
Have you been wanton?
And living in earthly pleasure?
Ask and receive not
And trust in your worldly friendship;
Then stand afflicted because of your lustful kinship.

Worldliness; don’t let your joy turn into heaviness!
Worldliness; don’t let it rob you of your righteousness!
Humble yourselves and God will lift you up!
Worldliness won’t put sweet water in your cup!

Have you been tempted?
Have you made greed your mistress?
Your gold is rusted; it’s your accusing witness!
Who is your master?
You can’t serve two forever!
Resist the devil; the Word is your only lever!

Worldliness; don’t let your joy turn into heaviness!
Worldliness;  don’t let it rob you of your righteousness!
Draw near to God and He’ll draw near to you!
Worldliness will never do what He can do!

So be patient; be wary; sing songs, and be merry;
Then focus your attention on more than this world’s dimension!

Chorus…inst…chorus to end

© Copyright Tony Funderburk 1997

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

Stay tuned…

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Last Word In The Bible

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Quick…without looking…do you know what the last word in the Bible is?

I’m sure you probably knew it, but I thought it would be an interesting thing to talk about. If you’re a Christian, maybe you also know that sometimes Jesus is called “The Amen”.

That’s pretty cool because “amen” is usually defined to mean “so be it” or “it is so”. Or to describe it in another way…that’s the way it is, end of story, no arguments, please. I’ve heard many people say, “Jesus said it, I believe it, that’s it”. It’s better to say “Jesus said it…that’s it”.

(Can I get a last word in the Bible?)

Look, I know you may be reading this as a non-believer and thinking to yourself “What is it about Christians? They think they’ve got the market cornered on truth.”

Well, we don’t really think that way, but we do know THE Truth. Jesus called Himself that. And here’s your trilemma. Jesus is one of three things…

  1. liar
  2. lunatic, or
  3. Lord

If you say He’s a liar, you’re gonna need to prove it. And I’ll let you in on a little secret…that’s extremely difficult. If you say He’s a lunatic, you’re gonna need to show some credible evidence because the overwhelming majority of eyewitness accounts say He did what we still say He did.

My suggestion is you get to know Jesus as Lord. Your soul and spirit will be reborn to eternal life, and your body will too, eventually.

There’s a good reason the Bible is the best selling book of all time. It’s history, and it’s His Story. Your Creator wants you to know Him and experience the love you need for eternal life. Now, just like the last word in the Bible…can I get an “Amen”?

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

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