Tony Funderburk Posted on by

“God is in control.” And “God’s got this.” Or how about, “Just gotta remember it’s all part of God’s plan, so wait for His perfect timing.” If you’ve been saying any of those things…or anything that sounds like them, then I gotta say, “Stop saying that.”

You gotta stop saying that because it’s not true.

And when you keep saying things like that, you give all kinds of ammunition to all those billions of people on Earth who hate God. At least all of them whose brains still comprehend any sort of logic and reason.

And when you say the terrible things in this world are part of God’s plan, those people have even more reason to hate Him. Because why would a good, holy, and righteous God plan all these horrible things going on in the world? And that’s a logical question to ask, by the way.

But you know the biggest reason you shouldn’t say God is in control?

Because it puts you in direct conflict and disagreement with Jesus, who…by the way…IS God, the Son. The one who spoke and the whole universe was created. And the one who also spoke and told the people around Him that He’s NOT the ruler of this world.

What?!

And if He’s not the ruler of this world, then He’s not currently in control. Why? Because that would make Him the ruler. And He says He’s NOT the ruler.

Please tell me this is making sense to you. Because it’s crucial for Christians to understand. Or else the world can continue to mock and ridicule us with carte blanche. And I, for one, am sick and tired of other Christians giving ammunition to the enemy.

So, in case I haven’t made myself clear…

God is not currently in control of this world. And the despicable acts of evil humans inflict upon each other is not part of His plan. No way, shape, or form. And since Jesus Himself says He’s not the ruler of this world, every Christian on the planet needs to get their head wrapped around it.

See what God’s ultimate plan truly is.
Focus on that and become a real whiz
At sharing His truth for what is to come.
If you can’t do that, then stay deaf and dumb.

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

In 1986 I had a couple of Roland keyboards, a stand for my home studio, a stand for stage performance, and all the rest of my gear set up in my little apartment in Lakewood, Colorado. And every night I wasn’t playing live somewhere I was on my keys writing lyrics and producing songs. I was a man possessed. Because I was gonna make my move.

When I say I was gonna make my move, I’m not saying what the move was.

Because that’s for me to know and for you to never find out. But let’s just say I was a bit on the fed-up side of some things in life. Not relationships. Something else. But again…that’s classified information.

One of the songs I wrote lyrics to but never produced included some of my, shall we say, passionate thoughts about the events of the time. And that song was called…

Make My Move

Car crashes. News flashes.
I’m sick and tired of watching TV
Deceiving. I’m leaving
Before the worst can happen to me.
So many days and nights I’ve wondered
How long I’m supposed to pay my dues.
No sorrow, tomorrow…today I’m gonna make my move.

I’m gonna make my move,
Stand up and light this fire.
I’m gonna make my move
And go for my one desire.
I’m tired of fighting the fights.
I’m gonna light up the lights.
Today…I’m gonna make my move.

Deciding, there’s no hiding.
I’ll lay my heart and soul on the line.
Persistence, go the distance.
I gotta ease this yearning of mine.
So many days and nights I’ve wondered
How long I have to stay in this groove.
No worry. I’ll hurry. Today, I’m gonna make my move.

© 1986 Tony Funderburk

Stay tuned,

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It’s so common, these days, to just get an updated phone. Or TV. Or even computer. And it only takes a fingertip to listen to music…on any or all of those devices. But imagine, if you will, a time when even radio was new. So new, in fact, that most people in America didn’t even have a way to listen to what was beamed out over the airwaves. And that was true of the very first religious broadcast, too.

By accident, I found out the first religious broadcast, in America, was in 1921.

As it just so happens, it was exactly one hundred years ago today (January 2). And it was a remote broadcast from Calvary Presbyterian Church (or Episcopal, depending on who got the story right) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The radio station was KDKA. And they worked with Westinghouse to test out their remote broadcast gear.

And apparently one of the Westinghouse engineers happened to be a member of the choir at the church. So, that had a little to do with the location choice.

But wouldn’t you know it…the senior pastor (aka “fuddy dud”) wasn’t so sure about that newfangled radio thang. So, a junior pastor, Lewis Whittemore, stepped up to the pulpit duties. And someone decided the technicians should wear choir robes so they wouldn’t distract church members.

And I guess it worked out pretty well. Because they broadcast church services from Calvary Presbyterian (or Episcopal), regularly until 1962. Basically 40 years. And from all accounts, the senior pastor didn’t have to worry about radio’s demonic powers after all.

But…is that still true? (cue the eerie laughter)

Well, America has had more religious broadcast programs than any other nation anywhere. And, a lot of those were great for our country.

But not all of them. Not by a long shot.

It took way less than a hundred years to turn those broadcasts into shadows.

But there are still some great ones. And one of them has music from yours truly. So, it’s gotta be great.  Right? Yeah, I’m watching you from your device’s camera. So, you better be nodding “yes.”

Well, I just thought I’d drop in and say
How I wish you a musical day.
And how I hope your whole year goes by
Just as smooth as a song through hi-fi.

(or should that be WiFi?)

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Yeah, it only takes 23 chromosomes to create the person you know as “myself.” Well, to be more accurate, it takes 23 from your mother and 23 from your father. But who’s counting. I mean besides DNA specialists, biologists, and other people who dive into such microscopic things. But you know who’s not counting? God.

Why would God count to see if there are 23 chromosomes from each of your parents?

After all…He’s the one who developed the whole process. That’s right. It’s a created process.

Evolution ain’t the solution.

When you figure out how to evolve even one single eyeball, be sure and contact me. Because even if you lived a trillion years, you wouldn’t be able to do it. Not a working eyeball. And certainly not from scratch. I mean, c’mon, have you seen how incredibly complex it is? This ain’t no iPhone camera shutter we’re talkin’ about.

So, when you consider how much information is stored inside just 46 tiny little chromosomes, it boggles the mind. And I mean even the combined mind of every brilliant geneticist alive…or who ever lived.

And little by little more and more of those so-called “scientists,” who profess to know how life originated, are starting to figure out that time is not on their side. Because there has never been enough time…and certainly no chance…of evolving even just an eyeball.

So, thank God we didn’t have to wait for all that nonsense. Because he put all the information it would take to make you and me right there in those tiny strands of DNA.

And that’s why I say…

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,

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Are you still eating Christmas leftovers? If they have anything to do with baked goodies, then, by all means, carry on. Nothing wrong with helping that Christmas spirit linger a little longer. But one thing you definitely should avoid. And that’s a Christmas hangover.

And if you’re wondering what a Christmas hangover is, then you don’t have one.

But apparently a lot of people suffer from it. And since the main age group of sufferers appears to be 8 years old to about 12 or 13, it doesn’t come from drinking too much spiked eggnog.

No, this hangover has to do with not wanting all those “joy to the world” feelings to go away. And not wanting the rush from opening presents to go away. And not wanting all the people who went away to go away.

Sure, I get it. Christmas can be a big bunch of fun.

But if and when you focus on the fun…the feelings…you’re the perfect candidate for a hangover.

And you’ll miss out on the lasting effects of why Christmas even exists.

Because Christmas didn’t start in a fancy department store in New York City. Or any other city. And it didn’t start in an ad agency. And it didn’t even start in Hollywood. Gasp! Can that be true? What would George Bailey or the bishop’s wife say? No, Christmas is based on the most important person who ever lived or ever will live.

And, no, that’s not you. Despite what your mother might have told you.

And it’s not some CEO, mayor, president, or king. Oh, wait a minute. Let’s go back to that last one. King. Yeah, the most important person who ever lived IS a king. No, wait. I should say is THE King.

But, on that first Christmas, that most important person was NOT a king. So, it’s sort of miraculous how wise men traveled long distances just to bring a little baby some gifts. And from what I’ve read about it, if anybody was gonna suffer from a Christmas hangover, it would surely have been them.

Because they experienced the in-person presence of God.

Can you imagine how you’d feel after that? I think I’d want that feeling to go on and on. But maybe that’s just me.

But those feelings associated with opening presents and eating lots of goodies? No, they’re just feelings. And if you’re suffering with that hangover, then you’re either a kid or an adult who hasn’t matured.

Either way, you need the only cure there is for such a hangover.

The King is the cure for this “present” age.
And the answer is clear for a seeker.
Logic, not feelings, can make you a sage.
And with Jesus, you’re stronger, not weaker.

Stay tuned,

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Well, it’s the big day. Christmas is here. And even in a challenging, lousy year like 2020 has been, it’s still awesome. But wouldn’t it be great if people could realize how much more it means? Because, if they could, they might understand how the whole reason for Christmas is the Gift that’s available every single day of every single year.

Christmas is here because God loves us.

And He’s willing to let the world keep spinning another day just in case you’re the one who hasn’t found Him yet. Yeah, YOU. His tender mercies are available to everyone even if only one person is willing to accept them.

Now, that’s an incomprehensible gift of love.

You and I don’t love like that. Oh sure, we might think we love our family and friends. And maybe we think we show them how much with all those presents under the tree. But that’s all rubbish when compared to the love of God.

Because do you even remotely think you could offer up your son to be mocked, ridiculed, and murdered…just so other people could live? Think about that a second. And notice how I didn’t ask if you could offer yourself. Because that would be much easier than offering your son. Right?

Yeah, that would be basically impossible.

And humans only interact with their offspring a few decades…at the most.

But God the Father has always been connected to His Son.

For endless time in the past. And forever in the future. But there were three days when they were separated. And you and I can’t imagine the heart-wrenching anguish that must have caused. Because we can only imagine forever as from now on. How could we possibly comprehend forever in the past?

And if you were connected to someone that long, don’t you think even one day’s separation would be like an eternity? Exactly. And the Bible says that “with the Lord, one day is as a thousand years.” So, those three days of separation between the Father and the Son were like three thousand years to Him.

Whoa!

That’s why Christmas is here every day of the year. Because Christmas is the gift of the Light of the world. The gift of eternal life to anyone who’s willing to accept it.

And that’s a present I unwrapped when I was thirteen. And I’ve been unwrapping it ever since.

I hope you find this gift this Christmas day
And you begin to understand the Way.
God’s gift is so complete, no other gifts compete.
So, open up your present…don’t delay.

Stay tuned,

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A Vist From Saint Nicholas is definitely a famous poem. Almost everybody can remember at least the first four lines. ‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through house…not a creature was stirring. Not even a mouse. Remember? Yeah, it makes for rhythmic poetry. And it presents a great description of Santa Claus. But it’s as far removed from what Christmas is about as the East is from the West.

Because when it comes to Christmas, ’twas the night itself that holds the wonder.

And the night before that first Christmas was part of a struggle for some newlyweds. They had made a hard journey to a crowded town to obey some census rules of that time. And when they arrived, there were no available rooms. So, they actually slept in the same outbuilding where livestock were kept.

And on top of all that…the woman was pregnant. And when I say pregnant, I mean about to give birth. Matter of fact, the night they spent with the livestock was the night she gave birth.

Can you imagine?

Basically nine months pregnant, and you travel, by donkey, across harsh land. And you get to your destination only to find there’s no comfortable bed ready…much less a chocolate mint on your pillow.

Then, your husband tells you he’s arranged for you to sleep on a bed of hay. In a barn. With smelly animals.

And then…you go into labor.

Yeah, that’s an interesting way for a baby to be born, to say the least.

But we’re not talking about an ordinary baby. And we’re not talking about an ordinary night. Because ’twas the night when the Light of the world would be born. And no one would ever be the same again.

Sadly, many love the darkness
Instead of the loving Light.
But to those who choose to follow,
Jesus gives them His birthright.

Stay tuned,

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Imagine you’re a sheepherder. I know it’s a stretch. But go with me on this for a couple of minutes. OK, you’re a sheepherder out in a field at night. And all is calm. All is bright…clear sky, big stars. And you start to get a little sleepy and your mind starts to wander. Somewhere deep inside your thoughts is some sort of memory about something to do with shepherds and angels. But then you lean back on a tree and conk out.

Then, you start to dream about shepherds and angels.

And a deep voice…like a movie narrator’s voice…maybe it’s Liam Neeson or James Earl Jones…speaks these words:

“Now there were, in the same country, shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Then, your head drops to your chest. And you wake up as your whole body jerks. And you take a quick look around. All the sheep are fine. Just an occasional baa baa. Nothing to worry about. No sign of coyotes or other predators. But…

Over your shoulder you notice a bright light.
And that’s strange because this is a moonless night.
So, you turn and you stare, and there’s no bright light there.
But the words in your dream help you feel alright.

Stay tuned,

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DNA extraction. Sounds like something straight outta Jurassic Park, right? But it’s not science fiction anymore. And it’s another one of the millions of examples of how we’re not just carbon based lifeforms.

DNA extraction has been done in impossible places.

But before I share a few of those, I’d like to share some steps to the extraction process. Because it’s important to know this isn’t a simple process with just a hypodermic needle and a microscope. Despite what you might have seen in the movies.

First, cells have to be “broken” in order to release DNA. Then the DNA has to be separated from proteins and other “cellular debris.” And I read how, after that, the DNA is “precipitated” with some type of alcohol. According to the dictionary, “precipitated” just means “cause (a substance) to be deposited in solid form from a solution.”

Of course, when you pour alcohol on a substance (in this case, DNA) you gotta clean it up. And once that’s done, then it’s a matter of confirming the presence and quality of DNA.

But there’s a catch.

You can’t extract DNA from anything older than 10,000 years. And that’s because so-called “scientists” measured the DNA disintegration rates in well-preserved specimens (like Egyptian mummies) and came up with this limit.

But…wait a second…is that true?

Because DNA has been extracted from a 400,000-year-old hominin femur from Spain.

Not impressed?

OK, what if I told you DNA has also been found in magnolia leaves, salt crystals, and fish scales that are all claimed to be millions of years old? And what would you say if I told you DNA has been found in dinosaur bones? Lots of them.

They’ve even found DNA inside plants and insects that are inside amber (a hard, translucent, fossilized resin produced by extinct coniferous trees of the Tertiary period, typically yellowish in color). And the amber is supposed to be somewhere between 25 and 120 million years old.

So, what’s an evolutionist to do about that 10,000 years limit?

Well, come up with another silly claim to add to their almost never-ending list of mostly debunked claims, of course. So, they now say that DNA can be preserved longer under the right “conditions.” Like if the surroundings were colder and dryer. And if there was less oxygen and bacteria and radiation.

But according to a distinguished Ph.D. from M.I.T. (and former evolutionist) “measured disintegration rates of DNA, under these more ideal conditions, do not support this claim.”

You don’t have to believe this is true.
You can believe in the accidental you.
But I hope you really think it through
And do what your Creator wants you to do.

Stay tuned,

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