Tony Funderburk

Posted on September 9, 2018 by TonyFebruary 10, 2025

More important things are why my heart sings

How to identify the more important things in life

When you were a kid, did your dad work hard and still come home and play with you? Or spend some other sort of great quality time with you? Mine did. And there was never a moment, during those times with him, where I had to wait for him to check his messages, or text somebody, or watch a silly video. For one thing, there was no such thing as a smartphone back then. But even if there had been, my Dad would have made sure we spent time together on more important things.

The more important things in life aren’t “things”

Ask anybody who truly knows me, and they’ll say, “Yes, he is a techie guy.” In fact, as a pre-teen and teenager, my family called me “technical Tony”. They didn’t always mean it as a term of endearment, but that’s another story for another time. The point is…I enjoy technology. Seeing how the latest, greatest mobile device or laptop works enthralls and intrigues me. I think it’s all so incredibly cool.

But…I don’t place the value of my digital tools even close to the value of my relationships. That’s why I say the more important things in life aren’t things. They’re people. And your relationships with them. You need to place an extremely high value on your relationships. You know why? Because here on Earth they don’t last long.

Every thing here is temporary. Case and point…

Getting back to my Dad. He worked hard. For most of his working life he was a milkman. And this was back in the days when a milkman would deliver dairy products door-to-door. I remember going to work with him on a LOT of Saturdays. So, when I say he worked hard, I know what I’m talking about from personal experience. Getting up around 3 a.m. to be at the dairy plant in time to have his truck loaded and hitting the road by 4:30 or 5:00 a.m. Hauling a dolly into a cold storage area in his milk truck…stacked with cases of gallons, half gallons, and quarts of milk, juice, butter, and more.

Dad worked two routes each week. One was his Monday, Wednesday, Friday route. The other was Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. He delivered milk in some neighborhoods in Texas near NASA. In fact (as a side note) several of his customers were some of the first well-known astronauts.

Another side note (and true story) Dad made sure, on one of those Saturdays I was with him, I got to personally hand deliver a half gallon of ice cream to Neil Armstrong. For those of you born in this century…Neil Armstrong was the first man to set foot on the moon. And little ol’ me handed him a container of Dutch chocolate rocky road ice cream! (I think that’s what it was)

Wow…talk about an astronomical rabbit trail. Anyway. Even on those long Saturdays, when I was helping Dad deliver milk, he spent lots of time with me. Not just telling me what to do, but also having conversations about the more important things in life. Things like what I was learning in math, science, and language classes. Other things like family and where I was going someday when I die. Yeah, even that. Those one-on-one times with my Dad were priceless. And I wouldn’t trade a second of them for all the cool technology in the world.

Dad died when he was only 51.

Don’t get me wrong…there were tough times with my Dad, too. He was a strict disciplinarian. And when I failed to do the right thing once in a while, sometimes there were serious consequences. But those times never overshadowed the times Dad spent with me showing me how to use tools and work on lawnmowers, bicycles, and even my first car. Or the times he spent building (yes, building) go-karts for my brother and I to test drive and blast around the block on.

Dad even showed us how to fly kites using our saltwater fishing rods and reels. He’d throw the football with us, in the street, during football season. He taught us the finer points of throwing a baseball with either hand. I remember even getting him to play tennis with me when I started up that sport in high school. And I remember it was the first sport where I could beat him. Guys might identify more with me on that…how it feels to first beat your dad at anything. Right?

My Dad was only 20 years older than me. That means he’s now been gone longer than he was around during my life. And I still think of him and so many of those special moments almost daily.

I’m not sure if he knows, right now, how important a role he played in my life. But I AM sure he knows, without a doubt, what the more important things in life are. He was (and is) a Christian. So, I know my Dad is “present with the Lord” right now. And Dad has experienced, firsthand for over 32 years, the ultimate relationship. It’s an awesome and incredible HOPE I have…to know I’ll see him again someday. And to know we’ll be eternal brothers in the presence of the one, true, living, loving Creator.

Interrupt temporary with eternal.

As you go through your day today…as you check your texts, instant messages, social media accounts, YouTube and Instagram videos, and even your eCommerce stats…take a pause. Look up. Look around. Pay attention to the ones you love. Talk to them. Embrace. Laugh. Enjoy the time. They won’t be here forever. You won’t either. Be you’ll all be somewhere forever. Talk about that. And be sure where you’re going. It matters more than any other message you’ll receive from any other source.

Are you good to go?

Be sure to jump on the one-of-a-kind The TRUTH today and get my latest words, music, and voice delivered to your inbox instead of having to come looking for them all the time.

And share with your friends, family, and other business owners. Don’t keep this good stuff all to yourself.

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Posted on September 7, 2018 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

Open your mind to infinite possibilities

Open your mind to a train of thought

Have you ever been called close-minded? If you’re a Christian who rightly divides the word of truth, I wouldn’t be surprised, at all, if you have. I can’t tell you how many times an unbeliever has said something like, “You need to open your mind to all the scientific evidence out there instead of your Bible stories.” And that’s ironic, to say the least, because I’ve shared tons of scientific evidence for creation (as opposed to evolution) right here on my website. It’s in living color for all the world to see. I’m not close-minded. Narrow-minded, yes. But I’m consistently jumping on a free-thinking train of thought.

Open your mind to truth that will set you free.

I think the truly close-minded people are the ones who dogmatically stick to the atheistic, evolutionary worldview while insisting Christians are dogmatic. (side note: dogmatic sounds like a canine car to me, but I digress) One dictionary defines dogma like this: “a principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true: the Christian dogma of the Trinity” – Under that description, I have no problem being dogmatic about the Trinity. After all, it’s “laid down” by THE authority. God.

If the Bible isn’t true, then anything you care to believe…anything you choose to do is right. You can live any way you want, do anything you want, say anything you want, and it’s true. As long as it’s true for YOU. But if you believe the Bible isn’t true…and it IS…one day you’re gonna be in another world of hurt. Eternal hurt.

I’d like you to open your mind to a couple of thoughts today. Truly open your mind. Don’t read or listen to what I say with scorn or your mouth ready to blast me for even sharing these thoughts. Just let them enter your mind and simmer and marinate for a day or two. Are you willing to be that open-minded? Good. Here they are.

There IS a God. You’re not Him. And He loves you.

Ok, that’s three, but “a couple of thoughts” was a figure of speech anyway. The point is…if those three things aren’t true, or you don’t believe them, then do, live, and be anything and any way you determine is right for you. Live it up. Eat, drink, and be merry. Because you might die tomorrow…or even today. And you wouldn’t want to go to that infinite black hole without having done everything your little heart desired. Would you?

But keep it mind (you did open your mind didn’t you?) the possibility I’m telling you the actual truth. The Truth can either set you free or send you where you chose to go. To an eternal separation from your Creator…where you’ll exist forever with nothing more than your own train of thought.

Is it really worth the risk?

Be sure to jump on the one-of-a-kind The TRUTH today and get my latest words, music, and voice delivered to your inbox instead of having to come looking for them all the time.

And share with your friends, family, business owners, and…well, everybody. Don’t keep this good stuff all to yourself.

Stay tuned,

Posted on September 4, 2018 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

There is no greater love than this….

…that a man be willing to lay down his life for his friends. Do you have a love like that living in your heart? It doesn’t mean that you have to be killed in order to prove you love your friends. It means you’d be willing to do that if things ever got to that point. I pray you never have to face a circumstance like that. But I also pray you’d be able to if and when the time comes. And I pray that for me, too. Because that kind of greater love comes from above.

Imagine if you never committed a crime. Never even sinned. Then imagine being scorned, ridiculed, mocked, and even beaten half to death by people you were trying to help. What would you do? How would you feel? Could you stand having everyone hate you for just being you? And what if they wanted to kill you? Would you be able to forgive them?

It takes a greater love than I have.

I can only imagine what Jesus must have felt in the last days of His life. He became the only person ever to be found innocent of his charges and then sentenced to death. And keep in mind…He didn’t do what He did because He had no other choice. When they came to seize Him and take him to face his charges, He let them know they couldn’t possibly do this without His willingness. He told them He could merely pray and legions of angels would come to His aid. I think I would have prayed that prayer. Wouldn’t you?

But He didn’t do that because He had chosen to become a man in order to be able to give His life for His friends. His eternal life. For eons and eons past He had always been undying Spirit. And yet, His love for and toward us was and is so great, He became a flesh and blood man. Then, He became sin for us. And then, He actually endured a tortuous death so we wouldn’t have to. You won’t find greater love than that anywhere or anytime.

I don’t know about you, but knowing what Jesus went through makes me want to get to know how anyone could love me that much. If God, who created all the heavens and earth and lowered Himself to our level in order to give us eternal life, is FOR us, then…

…It doesn’t matter who’s against us.

They’re inconsequential in comparison.

God says that tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, and sword will not separate us from Him. And the Apostle Paul was convinced that “…neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Do you agree with me now, when I say there’s no greater love than this? Yes or no…let me know

Be sure to jump on the one-of-a-kind The TRUTH today and get my latest words, music, and voice delivered to your inbox instead of having to come looking for them all the time.

And share with your friends, family, and well…everybody. Don’t keep this good stuff all to yourself.

Stay tuned,

Posted on September 1, 2018 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

End of the road doesn't have to be the end of the road

A great young man found the end of the road this week

Imagine you’re sixteen. You’re just beginning to look like the adult you’re becoming. You have your whole life ahead of you. Now, imagine you’ve just been told that your whole life might be only another year. Maybe less. Lots of young people would immediately use it as an excuse to wallow in self-pity. But Jeremiah Thomas kept smiling. He knew there’s a God. A Savior. For anyone who chooses to trust and believe. And when Jeremiah reached the end of the road this week…in his battle with cancer…he went to be face to face with his Savior.

So, is death a scary thing for you?

The Bible says “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” And no matter who you are…man, woman…young, old…rich, poor…Christian, atheist…you will “fall into the hands of the living God” when you die. Am I making it sound scary, yet?

There’s a way to avoid the “fearful” part. Believe. And trust. Not just anyone or anything. And certainly not the universe or some other non-living entity. Trust Jesus. Don’t just do it because I say so. Test my assertions. Open the Bible and actually read and study it. Not to simply attempt to discredit it, but to honestly see what it says. Jeremiah Thomas was raised on the Truth in the Bible. So when he came to end of the road a couple of days ago, he fell into the hands of the living God. But he was received with the eternal love only Jesus can give.

Is your end of the road far off or close?

Most people don’t know the answer to that question. If you’re one of them, ask yourself this: “If I die today or tomorrow, what’s gonna happen to me?” And if you don’t know the answer…it’s a fearful thing.

Be sure to jump on the one-of-a-kind The TRUTH today and get my latest words, music, and voice delivered to your inbox instead of having to come looking for them all the time.

And share with your friends, family, and other business owners. Don’t keep this good stuff all to yourself.

Stay tuned,

Posted on September 1, 2018 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

Living technology should make you say Golly, gee.

Living technology – Yeah, it’s a real thing!

For the past week or two, each morning when I’m waking up with my first cups of coffee, I’ve been watching hummingbirds outside the front windows. They’re one of the smallest, yet one of the most amazing, birds around. It’s so cool how they can fly so fast and yet seem to stop on a dime in midair and hover above a blossom. I call it “cool”. But it’s also known as living technology. Whatever it’s called, it’s a blast to watch those tiny birds darting through the air. How dey do dat?

So, what’s the big deal about living technology?

Thanks for asking. It’s a big deal because it’s all around you. It’s even IN you. And the world’s best designers, research and development teams, and scientists can’t copy it. They spend tons of time and money studying living technology, and the best they can do is come up with clunkier versions of it which need consistent upgrades.

Just imagine, for a minute, millions of microscopic motors inside your cells. Guess what? You don’t have to imagine them because they’re very real, and they’re IN you right now. In every cell. And you’ve probably heard about sonar systems in dolphins and whales, right? Or how about FM radar in bats? And, of course, I gotta add the amazing aerodynamic abilities of those beautiful hovering hummingbirds.

Those highly advanced technologies (and more) have been around for thousands of years before your favorite smartphone. One more I’d like to add is your body’s ability to repair itself. Where do you think you would be if your body couldn’t do that? Hmm…dead comes to mind.

You know what’s really a big deal?

So many people, most in fact, can look at or read about living technology and still say it all happened accidentally. Yeah, right. Hummingbirds just got lucky in the evolutionary process and developed abilities to stop in midair in a split second. Sure, that makes sense. Not. C’mon, how many hummingbirds had to crash and burn as their little systems “evolved” a better way to fly? And how would crashing and burning benefit the little guys? Short answer…it wouldn’t.

For a more logical answer, you should understand life just like you understand your smartphone. You should know, without even having to think about it, how it didn’t happen by accident. Nothing complicated happens accidentally. Chance only creates chaos. Designers create designs. You and I are designs. God is the designer. Any questions?

Moving Like A Hummingbird

Smell the freshness of the morning air.
Hear the morning bird’s sweet song.
Just forget the things you’ve got to do.
Throw them all aside and come along.

Love is moving like a hummingbird”
Never landing in one place.
If you’re quick enough, hold on.
I know you’ll find a place.

Learn all about the strength of gentleness.
You’ve always held the power in your heart.
Don’t let the negatives deter you now.
To let go now would tear your life apart.

Love is moving like a hummingbird.
Drink of the nectar it provides.
If you desire, it will stay awhile.
Try now to softly close your eyes”I know”
You’ll find the secret place it hides.

Love is moving like a hummingbird.
Let me ride upon its back.
Take me to the place of happiness.
I’ll go, and maybe I’ll never come back.

Be sure to jump on the one-of-a-kind The TRUTH today and get my latest words, music, and voice delivered to your inbox instead of having to come looking for them all the time.

And share with your friends, family, and other business owners. Don’t keep this good stuff all to yourself.

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Posted on August 19, 2018 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

Invisible attributes clearly seen. What?

What do invisible attributes
have to do with God’s wrath?

How can you see something invisible ? I mean, after all, it’s invisible. Right? So, what in the world did the apostle Paul mean when he said God’s “invisible attributes are clearly seen“? And if we can’t see invisible things, why would God’s wrath come down on anybody who doesn’t see them? It’s all so confusing. Except…

It’s not confusing when you open your eyes to Truth.

I know millions of eyes just rolled up in millions of heads at the mention of Truth. But it’s a self-affirming statement to say truth exists. It’s even self-affirming to say absolute truth exists. (Gasp!) Think about just a couple of things for a minute and see if you agree.

DNA is complicated. True or false?

The sun emits light. True or false?

The earth contains the exact type of oxygen humans need in order to breathe. True or false?

If you’re honest, you answered “true” to all three questions. I could come up with literally thousands more. But I don’t have time nor the inclination to do so. Just know (and learn to be comfortable knowing) there are millions of things you can say are true. And just about as many you can say are absolutely true.

So what does this have to do with invisible attributes and God’s wrath?

God inspired Paul to write how “His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made.” Hmm…the things that are made? Those things include you and me. And everybody else. But the vast majority of people, on this beautiful planet God made, would rather thumb their noses at the thought of a Creator God. They’d rather say things like “We created God in our own image in order to feel more secure”. Or “You Christians created a God because you need a crutch.”

Most people would rather believe in aliens from another planet in a galaxy far, far away than the One who created the whole universe using only His words.

Imagine you created a beautiful gift for someone you love. Now imagine you give it to them, smiling…eager to see the look of appreciation on their face. And now imagine they give it back to you saying, “You didn’t make this. I don’t want it.”

Can you imagine how hurt you’d be? OK, let’s take it a couple of steps further. Now, let’s say you give your loved one all kinds of proof that you DID make the gift. You even show them the style of workmanship you always use. But the more evidence you show them, the more they don’t want it. You might eventually even get mad. Right? Well, that’s exactly what most people have done, and are doing, when it comes to God.

Rejecting God and His Truth will only get you His wrath.

God won’t force you to see his invisible attributes in the creation. But don’t become a fool by worshiping the creation instead of the Creator. He’ll let you come up with your own gods and create images for them like a man’s body with the head of a ram. But don’t do it unless you’re prepared to defend yourself when, one day, you’re face to face with God. And if you’re gonna be honest, you gotta admit at least the remotest possibility of that happening.

After all…isn’t it true that you might be wrong? Because if you’re never wrong, then you might be God. And then your claim that He doesn’t exist goes out the window. Oh, it’s all so confusing. Except…it’s not.

Be sure to jump on the one-of-a-kind The TRUTH today and get my latest words, music, and voice delivered to your inbox instead of having to come looking for them all the time.

And share with your friends, family, and other business owners. Don’t keep this good stuff all to yourself.

Stay tuned,

Posted on August 5, 2018 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

The highest price ever paid for anything was paid for you

What was the highest price ever paid for anything?

It wasn’t that nearly billion dollar airplane or that $4.5 billion luxury yacht. And it wasn’t even that $15 billion building in Saudi Arabia. None of those even come close to being a tiny fraction of the highest price ever paid for anything. No, the most expensive thing ever purchased was your eternal life. And get this…it was paid for by one man. But he wasn’t the billionaire du jour. (You can listen to this on the The Power of God’s Love Podcast right here)

You’re supposed to pay your own way in this world…right?

All religions (and worldviews) require your good deeds in order to “go to a better place” when you die. Or reach a higher plane of enlightenment. All religions, that is, but one. You’ve no doubt heard, when so-and-so died, how he or she was “a good person” so naturally he or she is in a better place. Right? Well, there’s one religion that says no one is good except God. That must be the intolerant, mean religion. Right?

What if I told you that was the religion where God was willing to pay the highest price ever paid for anything? And what if I told you that price was His life? His eternal life. And He paid it for YOU and ME.

You and I don’t have that much to give.

God saw how awful we humans were and are…over and over again. So, He almost destroyed the whole planet and everyone on it with a worldwide flood. But He didn’t completely destroy it because of one man, Noah. God decided to start all over again with Noah and his family. And things have been peachy keen ever since.

Yeah, right.

About 2000 years ago, your Creator decided to take matters into His own hands. His physical hands. But He didn’t have physical hands because, from eternity past, He was always the life-giving, Holy Spirit God. However, He designed a way to get the hands, feet, and body He needed to save us from ourselves. He became a man and dwelled among us. For about 33 years. And He is now, forever, the Man, Jesus. In other words, He is now fully a man, and will be fully a man forever into the future.

Giving up what He had always known and been, in order to save you and me from ourselves, Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice and paid the highest price ever paid for anything. Are you willing to show Him how much you appreciate it?

Here are the lyrics to a song I wrote about that price. Listen to the song on this episode of the The Power of God’s Love Podcast. Or get a higher quality recording of it on the Raise The Praise CD.

Your Body Your Blood

Lord, I let You down,
So Lord I’m awfully glad
You loved me anyway”
You gave up all You had.
I fail here in the flesh”
This flesh that pulls me down,
And yet You say I’ll have
An imperishable crown.

I’m so relieved”my spirit has received
The only One who saves my sinful soul.
You died for me”and did so willingly.
Your body”Your blood has made me whole.
(repeat)

Lord, You lift me up,
And Lord You make me fly
Above this fallen world
Into Your Grace on high.
Forever in Your debt,
You paid the highest price.
I know I don’t deserve
How I get to be born twice.

repeat chorus 4 times to end

You can also jump on the one-of-a-kind The TRUTH today and get my latest words, music, and voice delivered to your inbox instead of having to come looking for them all the time. (including free music and a book)

And share with your friends, family, business owners, and everybody. Don’t keep this good stuff all to yourself.

Stay tuned,

Posted on August 4, 2018 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

Music makes me happy and I promise this ain't sappy.

Music makes me happy. How ’bout you?

Like the picture says, I promise this ain’t gonna be sappy. But it’s true. Music makes me happy. I don’t mean it forces me to be happy. And I don’t mean ALL music. Some music, of course, is written from a sad or troubled heart and it can take you there, too. But even hearing that kind of music and sharing the emotions it elicits ends up making me happy. How? Why? I’m glad you asked. (And if you’d like to listen to the rest of this, check out this episode of the The Power of God’s Love Podcast)

You and I were designed to be relational and emotional. Now guys, bear with me a minute. I don’t mean emotional like the fairer sex gets simply by watching a cat video. I’m talkin’ ’bout not being robotic. Having more than one feeling. Experiencing highs and lows. Happy, sad, grief, anger, and all the rest. It’s OK to feel those feelings because you were designed to be emotional. And because you can experience emotions, you can relate to other humans.

Human connection is a huge part of how music makes me happy.

I know, that no matter what I’m going through, there’s a song either “out there” or in my brain to express it. And even better than that, it’s most likely millions of others can identify with that same song. Now, that’s connection! But so what. Big deal…right?

Yeah, it IS a big deal. Because you and I are not supposed to disconnect and disappear from each other.

Whether you choose to believe in God (the real one found in the Bible) or not, you have a mandate to love others as you love yourself. Don’t believe that nonsense that says our strength is found in diversity. Baloney! Our strength is found in our common connection. And that connection, common to every single person on earth, is the inventor of music.

Even though you can’t find verses in the Bible to back me up on this, I’m confident I’m right when I say God invented music to keep us connected. And I believe music is a way to HEAR love. You can disagree with me if you’re OK with being wrong on this. But I recommend you listen to some Beethoven tonight and experience love for your fellow man welling up inside you. When you do, you’ll get a glimpse of why I say music makes me happy.

Are you the kind of person who loves music on a level like that? Wanna work on your happy face? Then, I suggest you jump on the one-of-a-kind The TRUTH today and get my latest words, music, and voice delivered to your inbox instead of having to come looking for them all the time.

Then, share with your friends, family, and other business owners. Don’t keep this good stuff all to yourself.

Here’s some happy rhythmic rhyming to make you smile.

A Lot In Store

When you’re really in the middle
And you’re feeling like a riddle,
And you start to get a little bit down…
Take your eyes off all your troubles.
Let ’em float away like bubbles.
When they pop, then I bet you can’t frown.

When you think your life is rotten…
All the good things have been gotten,
And the world’s takin’ more than it gives…
Start to laugh and start to winkin’.
You can stop that stinkin’ thinkin’.
That’s the way that a happy kid lives.

Yeah, your face might get all flappy
When you walk around so happy,
But your life is gonna mean much more.
Now go be a sparkling fountain
Or a bright light on a mountain
‘Cause your Maker’s got a lot in store.

Stay tuned,

Posted on July 28, 2018 by TonyOctober 29, 2024

Drawn to You - how one song became two completely different love songs

Drawn to You – the story behind the song

In late 1986 I wrote the lyrics to a song about a girl I hoped to meet. I called it “Drawn to You”. After working and reworking the music a few times, I finally decided to record the song in 1989. And I was in a tiny motel room near the beach in Corpus Christi, Texas. Fortunately I had my trusty Yahama 4-track recorder, and I got busy laying down tracks. (When you listen to the rest of this story on the The Power of God’s Love Podcast, you’ll be able to hear the old recording of this song)

Drawn to You was, at first, a love song for no one in particular.

I used to carry around an image of the woman I wanted to be with, for good, in my head. And it became so vivid I started to “see it” musically. So, I set up my motel room studio with my 4-track, my Yamaha keyboard, drum machine, and percussion machine, and my headphones.

It was a rainy, South Texas day, so being indoors all day was just the ticket to getting the song recorded with all the parts I wanted in it. If you ever recorded on tape, with only 4 tracks to work with, you’ll know what I mean when I say there was a lot of dubbing and ping-ponging. But, by the end of that day…just as it was getting dark…I had the song out of my head and on tape for posterity. Here are the lyrics. If you want to hear it, you’ll have to tune in to the podcast episode. (see the player above)

Drawn to You (1st version)

Maybe it’s your eyes. I don’t know.
It could be your walk. I’m not sure.
But you have a way of distracting my thoughts.
Would you be my drug? Would you be my cure.

Maybe it’s just me making it up
Maybe I’m wrong to even tell you.
But you didn’t lift a finger, and now I’m wrapped around it.
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 I made it up…Who can say?
“˜Til then I’ll live it out…’til then I’ll follow through
And see if maybe you might feel the same way.

Chorus

Heaven, help me, won’t you take me to my heart’s desire?
Nothing could mean more than having her to share my fire!
Take me higher…draw me near.

Chorus…instrumental…repeat chorus to end

Jumping forward from 1989 to 2000, my songwriting had taken quite a different turn. I had already written, produced, and distributed my first Christian CD called “Do Right”. And I was working on my latest project which became “Amen“. For some reason I decided to change my Drawn to You song from a love song for an imaginary girl to a love song for my real Creator.

Using most of the same or similar instrumentation I came up with the 3rd song in the collection. And I’ve enjoyed this version of it ever since. I hope you will, too. Here are the lyrics to the newer version. And again, if you want to hear it, you’ll have to tune in to the podcast episode. (see the player above)

Drawn to You (2nd version)

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?

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

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Posted on July 26, 2018 by TonyMarch 2, 2025

You Are the Morningstar - from the song by singer songwriter Tony Funderburk

Morning Star…is that what you are?

Yeah, before you get all puffed up thinking I must be talking about you, I’ll just say I’m not. I’m sure you are a nice person. But Morning Star?! Come on. That title can only truly fit one person. And He earned that description by being the brightest light there is. By being the “firstborn from the dead.” You and I can’t lay claim to those unique credentials. Right?
(If you’d rather listen to the rest, here’s this episode of the The Power of God’s Love Podcast)

You are important to the morning star.

If you believe your life doesn’t matter, or if you think you don’t make a difference to anyone, think again. Remember, you don’t have to be “all that”. You don’t need to conquer the world. At least you don’t have to go it alone. You might choose to. But you don’t HAVE to.

When you make the decision to “hitch your wagon” to the Morning Star, you are more than a conqueror from then on. That’s so much better than being some puny guardian of the galaxy. And the realization of how you transformed should give you humility. Enough to admit you are nothing without your one, true, living, loving Creator.

It’s why I wrote the song featured in this episode of the The Power of God’s Love Podcast. When you read the lyrics or listen to the song, can you see yourself and your Maker in them?

You Are

I’m not amazing. I’m no king.
No, I’m not the God of anything…
Oh but You are. Jesus…You are.
I’m not a savior. I’m not pure.
No, I’m not the One who has the cure…
Oh but You are. Jesus…You are.

You are…the start and finish
You are…the Morning Star.
Your love will not diminish.
You’re the Life Everlasting.
You’re the Rock of offense.
You’re the Only Source of Truth
Who makes it all make sense.
If they ask who’s gonna mend
This broken world, I’ll commence
To saying You are. Jesus…You are.

I’m not perfection. I’m not near.
No, I’m not the One anyone should fear.
Oh, but You are. Jesus…You are.
I’m not the True Vine nor The Word.
No, I’m not the Amen that we’ve heard.
Oh, but You are. Jesus…You are.

Chorus 3 times

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Posted on July 22, 2018 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

Admonishing one another - when it's done in Christian love, it can change lives.

Hey Christians –
Are you admonishing one another?

And not only that, but are you doing it with a song? A little while back I wrote about how singing with grace in my heart is part of my “job description”. And I shared the Bible verse that backs me up on that. In that section of the Bible it also says we should be “teaching and admonishing one another” in those songs. Whoa! Admonish. Isn’t that a bad thing? Doesn’t it mean to be mean to someone? Well, to someone who doesn’t want to be admonished, it certainly can sound mean. But that’s not truly what it means. (If you’d prefer to listen rather than read, check out this episode of the The Power of God’s Love Podcast)

When we’re admonishing one another the right way, it shows love.

To admonish someone, in love, means you want to help them avoid something that can harm them or take them somewhere they shouldn’t go. Another dictionary definition says it can mean to “advise or urge earnestly”. Like when you tell a drunk friend he’s not gonna drive home. You admonish him or her to hand over the keys. And if you truly love your friend, you admonish him or her to never get drunk again.

Have you ever admonished someone? Or have you ever been admonished? I’ve been on both sides of it. And it was actually good from both perspectives. It’s an opportunity to grow. And isn’t every looking for and opportunity to grow and expand these days?

Christians should have no problem admonishing one another.

And the more like Jesus we are, the less admonishing needs to be done. It’s a pretty simple formula. Be like the One who made you. Love Him, and you’re probably gonna love your neighbor. And loving your neighbor means some things are not OK.

That’s all I’m gonna say about it right now because I like to keep simple things simple. I hope you’ll take it in the spirit it’s given and get out there and start admonishing one another. Only when needed. Sound good?

By the way, while you’re here, jump on the one-of-a-kind The TRUTH today and get my latest words, music, and voice delivered to your inbox instead of having to come looking for them all the time.

And share with your friends, family, and other business owners…anyone you care about. Don’t keep this good stuff all to yourself.

Stay tuned,

Posted on July 15, 2018 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

Think no evil - it's good for soul retrieval

Can you think no evil?

Have you ever tried to think about nothing? You can’t do it. Go ahead and try. I’ll wait. See? You just can’t do it. But how about this…can you think no evil? Hmm…that might be do-able. But you sure wouldn’t think it was possible if you only got your news and information from social media. Every day I see F-bombs and nasty, mean comments being tossed around on just about every social media platform there is. Even by otherwise seemingly decent people. (If you’d rather listen than read the rest, check out this episode of the The Power of God’s Love Podcast)

To think no evil might actually take some effort for a lot of people.

Here’s part of my point today. If you can’t take someone to task, for their expressed opinion, without dropping some form of the “F word”, you’re a loser. Yeah, that’s right I said it. Loser! You’ve either lost the knowledge of vocabulary you acquired in school (or never had that knowledge in the first place)…or you’ve lost your ability to think intelligent thoughts without letting profanity dilute and pollute your point.

Every single day I hear or skim over F-bombs and other foul language from people online and in the real world. Every. Single. Day. It’s beyond stupid. If you think your point needs one or more forms of the “F word”, then your point is weak. Or at least your ability to make a point is. Either way, like I said…loser.

Get a dictionary. Read it. Or look up words you don’t know and find out what they mean. You can even look up synonyms for words you’re already using and see if maybe you can expand your horizons in the world of words. It’s an awesome world. And the more words you can use, the more you’ll be able to think no evil.

Why is it important to think no evil?

After saying all I’ve said so far, the most important reason for thinking no evil is…it’s one of the ways love is clearly seen in you. True love and evil can’t exist in your mind at the same time. They’re mutually exclusive. That’s why God used Paul to show the most important characteristics of love. If you’ve never read 1 Corinthians, even if you’re not a Christian, you should read it. You’ll discover the awesomeness of love. The power of love. And how God values love above all other qualities.

Why would anyone prefer to think and do evil or use vile language rather than love? Because they hate God and prefer to be their own god. And like the words to the song say, “where that leads, you will always long for water.”

You can also jump on the one-of-a-kind The TRUTH today and get my latest words, music, and voice delivered to your inbox instead of having to come looking for them all the time.

And share with your friends, family, and other business owners. Don’t keep this good stuff all to yourself.

Here are the words to the song featured in this episode of the The Power of God’s Love Podcast:

Do Right

There”™s a blue streak like a paintbrush stroke through my heart
It”™s a cool light and it tears the darkness apart
I”™m so near it; though it pierces me I don”™t fear it
Like a needle; the Word sews into my spirit

There”™s a rumble; like a three-day hunger or thirst
Deep inside me, and I think that maybe I”™ll burst
Like a freight train on a one-way track through the canyon
Payin”™ no mind to the walls of worldly opinion

Do right…and risk the consequences
And do right…whatever you do
Do right…and don”™t you stand on fences
Now whatever you do with all of your might…Do Right!

There are choices that we”™re given freedom to choose
But use wisdom; with your choices you could abuse
Simple words could lead little lambs to slaughter
And where that ends; you will always long for water

Chorus

I”™m not willing to just let it slide
No, I just want you to get the point
And if it boils up inside you and you feel that you”™re all out of joint,
And you might….
You”™d better….you”™d better do right

inst…repeat chorus to end

Stay tuned,

Posted on July 13, 2018 by TonyAugust 31, 2018

Jeremiah Thomas – abolitionist, fighter, teenager

As far as I can tell, Jeremiah Thomas is about 16 as I write and record this. During those few years, he has been a courageous voice for unborn children. He has understood that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God. And so every human being, from the moment of conception, has the God-given right to life. Jeremiah has been on the front lines of standing up for that right. But now Jeremiah finds himself in the ultimate battle for his own life. (If you prefer to listen rather than read, check out this episode of the The Power of God’s Love Podcast)

Up until a couple of weeks ago I had never heard of Jeremiah Thomas, his family, or his battle with cancer. But a friend of mine on Facebook sent me a message with a link to their story. My friend wondered if I might be able to write some sort of battle song for Jeremiah. I told him I’d look into the story and see what I could come up with. Of course, once I read about the Thomas’ and how Jeremiah was such an UP young guy, I decided I had to try. It didn’t come to me right away, but finally I wrote

Jeremiah’s Prayer – based on a prayer Jeremiah shared online.

I’ll share the lyrics here, along with the link where you can donate to the Thomas family fund. Every dollar you’re able to give will help them overcome the mountain of expenses they incurred in Jeremiah’s battle with cancer.

Jeremiah’s Prayer

I don’t deserve your healing Lord.
But you deserve my praise.
Your great name and your Word
Will lift me up and fill my days.

Oh Lord, please give me strength
So I can fight this battle well”
And courage even satan will
Remember down in hell.

You’re the breath in my lungs.
An you’re the song upon my tongue.
You’re the source of life no doubters can erase.
And through sickness and health,
Lord I consecrate myself
And I just can’t wait to see you face to face.

No one deserves your healing Lord.
But you deserve our praise.
Your great name and your Word
Will lift us up and fill our days,

If we will look to you for strength
And courage to declare
The love and Truth about You
Found in Jeremiah’s prayer.

Lyrics: Jeremiah Thomas & Tony Funderburk
Music: Tony Funderburk

Stay tuned,

Posted on July 9, 2018 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

Bugs and drugs – this ain’t gonna be pretty

Yeah, you know when the headline mentions bugs and drugs, the story is gonna be a little creepy. And toss in some foul-mouthed thugs, and you’ve got a story only a criminal could love. But I’m just makin’ a quick observation of what I saw in the news lineup today. It’s basically there every day. But today it really stood out. (If you prefer to read rather than listen, tune into this episode of the The Power of God’s Love Podcast)

Flying spiders and flying high

Apparently spiders have figured out ways to fly on electrical currents. And some weird wasps have figured out how to lay eggs inside spiders. So, maybe it’s no wonder so many humans are choosing to leave reality behind in a cloud of opioid dust. What an amazing and creepy world we live in…right?

And speaking of dope (one dope in particular), another so-called “musical artist” was in the news today for his behavior. Gasp! He was booked on assault charges. I know, I know. That hardly ever happens, right? I’m not gonna mention his name because I don’t wanna give him any extra personalized coverage. Guys like that use bad publicity as a tool to continue their bad behavior without accountability.

So…like I said, bugs and drugs and foul-mouthed thugs. Just another day of life on planet earth. Lots of people say we humans are “basically good”. Of course, nothing could be further from the Truth.

But the bad news doesn’t trump the good news.

Never will. (pun not intended by the way) The good news is, all these bugs and drugs and foul-mouthed thugs have an expiration date with destiny. Bugs have no control over their destiny. Drugs aren’t living beings, so they couldn’t care less. But the foul-mouthed thugs…now, that’s a totally different story. They can choose to change directions and look to their Creator for forgiveness, life, and love. But since most of them would rather try to rule the world than worship the world Maker, it’s not likely they’ll change.

It’s too bad, too. Because eternal life with God in Heaven beats ruling this bug-infested world any day.

Here are the lyrics to the song featured in this episode of the The Power of God’s Love Podcast:

Nothin’s Gonna Happen To You

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Stay tuned,

Posted on July 8, 2018 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

Envy and greed – evil twins out to get you

When I think about envy and greed, I can’t help but remember a uniquely special man. He wasn’t envious or greedy. But those evil twins ultimately killed him. And the thing about envy and greed is…they can’t even exist without a helpful host. They need a place to live, and that place is in the hearts of human beings. That’s where they plot and scheme. (If you prefer to listen rather than read, check out this episode of the The Power of God’s Love Podcast)

Envy and greed don’t care who they take down.

Back to that special man. In the eyes of envious and greedy people he did unforgivable things. Like telling everyone who would listen how important their life was. And would you believe he had the audacity to talk about how to love others?! And he even saved a bunch of lives. It’s true. Unbelievable that any man would dare to live that way.

But there were men who didn’t like that unique man’s message. They didn’t appreciate how he started building a massive audience. He was even making what they said were outlandish claims. And they envied how he could back up those claims with action. In other words, he didn’t just talk the talk…he walked the walk. And, as a result, his enemies were so full of envy and greed they decided to have him silenced. Rubbed out. Snuffed. Killed.

Think about it. This wasn’t a drug deal gone bad. In fact, this guy didn’t commit a single crime. Not one. Unless you consider his most outlandish claim of all a crime. “And what was that?” you ask. Well, he did claim to be God.

But like I said, he backed up his claim. How? Remember how I said he saved a bunch of lives? Several of those were people who had already died. He brought them back to life. And he helped other people walk who had never walked before. He helped blind people see. And deaf people hear. What an awful guy…right? Here’s the point…

Jesus was killed by the envy and greed in men’s hearts.

Massive contempt was built up for a man who never committed a crime or a sin in His whole life. And they never stopped or even paused to think about how he was there to help and save them. All they could see was Jesus getting all the attention with His message. And so they ended up yelling, “Crucify him!”

A few years back I wrote about how America is being pillaged by the green-eyed monster of envy. Time has passed, and I see the monster has grown. How? By gaining strength and power in the hearts of more and more men and women. Please, don’t be one of them. Envy and greed destroy your heart and eventually your only hope of happiness. Eternal life in Heaven with your Creator.

America is still a free enough country you can totally disagree with me and we can go on about our lives. But are you willing to risk your potential eternal happiness for your worldview? I am.

Here are the lyrics to the song shared in this The Power of God’s Love Podcast episode:

The Pure Place

I clamor for the clean life, and I never quite succeed
I’m hunting for the high ground that’s higher than the sky
And I’m looking for the love-life…the kind that we all need
I’m wishing for the wonder that lives in my mind’s eye

I want to find the Pure Place…that glitters like gold
I need to find the Pure Place…never hot or cold
I’d love to find the Pure Place…
Let the Light shine on my face…
No dreams I’d ever have to chase…
No bad that we could not erase…
I’d love to find…the Pure Place!

I’m searching for the sanctity that I never do quite find
I’m longing for the living days that never, ever end
And I’m thinking so theatrically, but at least I use my mind
To quest for the quintessence of my Forever Friend

repeat chorus…inst…repeat chorus and end

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Stay tuned,

Posted on July 2, 2018 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

Getting what you deserve - this might be hitting a nerve

Are you getting what you deserve? I hope not.

Sometimes getting what you deserve is not a good thing. For example, when I was a kid, I remember getting some spankings I deserved. But I wasn’t glad about it. Quite the opposite. I’m sure you can think of a time in your life when you got what you deserved and it left you feeling empty. Right? (If you prefer to listen rather than read, here’s the The Power of God’s Love Podcast episode 237) And click the pic, below, to get your own “Cool With That” t-shirt…

Imagine getting what you deserve and it lasts forever.

I’ve got some good news and some bad news for you. First the bad news: you’re not a good person. I’m not being arrogant or self-righteous because I’m not a good person either. But here’s the good news: being a good person might only get you what you deserve. And the end results are forever. Maybe I should explain.

What you and I deserve is an eternity of selfish loneliness. If you’re like me (and chances are you are), you’ve spent more than a little time focusing on why others should recognize you as king of the world…at least metaphorically speaking. And during that self-focused time, you justified the things you did or said or demanded from others. Right? It’s a good idea to humble yourself and admit it. Remember, admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery.

That tendency you have to be your own king and handle everything will get you what you deserve. And I guarantee you won’t like it. You were designed to be eternal…by an eternal Creator. Choices you make in your life can have eternal consequences. The most important consequence will be where you spend eternity.

If you get what you deserve, your eternity will be a universe of one.

You will exist alone forever. And like I said…I guarantee you won’t like it. Most people aren’t good at spending a day with their own thoughts…never mind eternity. See, here’s the point…you sin. I sin. We all sin. Sin is a real thing, and it exists because human beings rebel against the God who made ’em and loves ’em. It’s terrible, but it’s true. So, I hope you join me in being sorry for all the bad things you’ve done to others and yourself.

I hope you realize it’s only too late to decide once you’ve died. While you’re still breathing, you can choose to love the One who made you and wants you to live forever. You can still avoid getting what you deserve. Who’s with me?

If you’ve already decided to trust Jesus…or if you’re making that choice today, click on the picture above and get your “Not Getting What I Deserve” t-shirt. Trust me, you’ll be much cooler than you might imagine.

Jump on the one-of-a-kind The TRUTH today and get my words, music, and voice delivered to your inbox. Make it easy on yourself.

Stay tuned,

Posted on July 1, 2018 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

Liberty and freedom - What kind of people need 'em?

Who doesn’t love liberty and freedom?

I’ve been watching America decline into self-loathing and self-induced slavery for the past couple of decades. And I’m amazed at how quickly so many people are willing to sell their liberty and freedom to the highest bidder. (translate that into sleazy politician) – If you prefer to listen rather than read, check out this episode of the Rhyme & Reason Podcast:

This Independence Day think about what a gift your liberty and freedom are.

Consider how high a price many Americans have paid in order for you to gripe about not getting enough benefits from your employers. Or complain about how the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Brave men and women have given their lives so you can drink beer, drop f-bombs, and drag reputations through the mud.

How about taking a right turn off that superhighway to nowhere. And how about giving up your envy of someone else’s success. Focus on your own God-given abilities and see where you can go. You might be amazed at how high your dreams can lift you off that dunghill of doubt and depression you’ve allowed yourself to live on. Your success might never equal that elusive billionaire status. But keep in mind, most billionaires are not going to Heaven.

Liberty and freedom give you a head start over tyrannical governments.

We humans are funny creatures. Especially those of us who’ve had the good fortune to be born into a “free” society.
Yet…Americans tend to be very image-bound and sound-byte-gagged.

First, we see what seems to be the definition of success, and we measure ourselves against it. When the dollar amounts are staggering, or the beauty is beyond fantasy, or the “stuff” is piled up on TV, we feel pitifully inadequate.

But we are not the sum total of our dollars, beauty, or “stuff”. We’re not the sum total of the labels we wear through this life. We’re not the sum total of the varied opinions about us. Those don’t make us, and they shouldn’t break us. Here’s what I recommend…

Work to produce…not for the money.
Play to relax…not to escape.
Laugh to enjoy…not to cover up.
Love to give…not to acquire.
And live to be thankful…not to compare.

You are the sum total of where you position yourself for eternity.

And whether you like it or not, you’re one of those kind of people who urgently need liberty and freedom.

Here are the lyrics to the song featured in this episode of the The Power of God’s Love Podcast:

Freedom

Faith working through love…
Let’s praise God for our liberty…
Christ paid off our debt…
Only in Him are we truly free.

Love leads into joy…
Law leads back into slavery…
God gave us The Way.
Just believe, and we’re truly free.

Freedom from the law that kills, Freedom with our own free wills,
Freedom from the world of sin…Just let Jesus in, let the joy begin
Share a hopeful grin, with the Lord “We Win”!
Praise God for what we can become
With our freedom.

What law couldn’t do
Jesus did with finality.
He rose up from the dead
And promised the same life for you and me.

So we have…

Chorus…instrumental…chorus twice

Jump on the one-of-a-kind The TRUTH today and get my words, music, and voice delivered to your inbox. Make it easy on yourself.

Stay tuned,

Posted on June 24, 2018 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

Is Christian Cool…cool?

I’ve been thinking over some “real” stuff lately. As cool as I think the digital world is (or can be), it doesn’t hold a candle to the real world. And by that I mean people. And by people, I especially mean Christian people. But not the ones who focus on being Christian cool.

There’s a place in the Bible where it actually tells Christians not to be “conformed to this world“. The dictionary says to conform to something means to behave according to socially acceptable standards. And, I don’t know if you’ve noticed how low the “acceptable standards” haven’t gotten on social media platforms, but it’s snake belly low. That’s not where we need to be if we want to represent the Body of Christ.

Making church a “cool” place to go is not the purpose of church. It’s not supposed to look or feel like other places. Your church should be a place where believers go to be (or get) equipped to spread the message of the saving Grace of Jesus. It’s not a place where unbelievers should feel comfortable.

Unbelievers should want to go to your church to seek God. Not watch a concert.

I know that sounds completely opposite of what you’re probably hearing from most churches these days. But guess what? Most churches are doing more harm to the Body of Christ than good. They’re preaching feel-good messages that don’t challenge atheists, agnostics, pagans, and the typical garden-variety unbelievers. Most churches are so busy being Christian cool, they’re clueless about “rightly dividing the word of Truth.”

I’d like you to think about this as you check your Facebook updates, Twitter posts, Google pluses, and YouTube videos today. We’re not gravatars. Not profiles. We’re not usernames and passwords. We are humans. And we really need to focus on being real again. Don’t get me wrong…the social media tools are excellent means of communication.

But c’mon people! They should never be a replacement for real-live-face-to-face communication. Otherwise the pasteurization, homogenization, and sterilization of society leads even the Christian remnant to believe in self…in a skewed Christian cool. And that ain’t never gonna do anybody any good.

Stay tuned,

For more messages like this, be sure to tune into the weekly The Power of God’s Love Podcast on many popular channels.

Here are the lyrics to the song included in this episode of the podcast:

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

Posted on June 20, 2018 by TonyDecember 24, 2022

Frankincense and myrrh for things that might occur in your body

Frankincense and Myrrh – not just token gifts

Quite a few years ago, my wife and I enjoyed a special Christmas presentation put on by some little kids in our church. Our favorite part was when one of the kids, dressed as a wise man, made his gift-giving speech for the baby, Jesus. He talked about how they had travelled far bearing gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. But what made it memorable was how he said it. Gold and fwankincense and muh. He had a bit of a pwoblem with R’s. And just so you know…he grew up to be quite a public speaker…no more problems with R’s. (if you prefer to listen instead of read, check out this episode of the The Power of God’s Love Podcast)

Frankincense and myrrh should be in your health and wellness playbook.

What do you think of when you hear terms like: pain reliever, or anti-fungal, or hormonal balance? I hope your first thought isn’t, “Where’s the closest Walgreen’s?” You’re much better off to change your mindset from treating symptoms to treating and getting rid of causes.

For example, did you know frankincense has been used for thousands of years as a pain reliever? In fact, it has some amazing healing properties. Like its ability to inhibit certain enzymes that cause inflammation in your body. And inflammation is why you experience pain. Frankincense also helps balance your hormones, digest food better, and even keep your skin healthy. Pretty important things, wouldn’t you agree?

Myrrh has some of the same benefits as frankincense. And it’s also anti-fungal. So, start thinking about what’s gonna help you get rid of health problems instead of just what’s gonna make the pain go away the quickest. Skip the drug stores (the middle men) and go straight to the sources found in plants and food.

You’re a complex design and you deserve the best.

Drugs are not the best. I’m not saying to never take any drugs. I’m saying they’re generally not the best solution. A well-balanced lifestyle including real foods, fresh air, exercise, and plenty of good, filtered water…that’s the best solution. And when you include essential oils like frankincense and myrrh, you’re giving yourself the best shot at good health.

The best grade essential oils aren’t cheap. But they’re still cheaper than going to the doctor every time your arthritis flairs up. Or your hormones are out of balance. Or you feel depressed. Doctors ensure their job security by prescribing drugs. Not healing patients. I know that’s harsh. But it’s true. The ones who truly care about your health are much fewer and farther between than they ever were.

What that means is you absolutely MUST take responsibility for your health. I heard one guy say, “Self-care is the very best healthcare.” It doesn’t mean you’ll take essential oils, eat real foods, and never get sick again. But it does mean you’ll be giving your body the best shot at protecting itself from germs, bacteria, and viruses.

I’m on this journey. And I hope you’ll join me. What do you say? Are you up for some fwankincense and muh?

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Posted on June 16, 2018 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

The mind of God – probably not what you think

It’s all part of God’s plan. How many times have I heard that…from Christians? And it makes me cringe. Every. Single. Time. They’ve fallen for the Platonic view of God rather than what God actually says about Himself in the Bible. He reveals His nature over and over, throughout the Bible, and it’s nothing like Plato described. The mind of God contains everything any of us will ever need for life, love, and happiness. But talking about what God does or doesn’t do…or what God knows or doesn’t know…divides Christians faster than lightning divides the night sky. (If you prefer to listen rather than read, here’s the Rhyme & Reason Podcast episode 229)

Before I go any further I’d like to ask you a question. You know Plato wasn’t a Christian…right? Quite the opposite in fact. He was a pagan Greek philosopher. Yet, he influenced one of the biggest Christian influencers, Augustine. And that influence was so strong that Augustine interpreted the Bible based on what Plato said about God…instead of what God said about Himself. That’s a YUGE problem.

The mind of God isn’t revealed in Greek philosophy.

It’s important to know that your one, true, living, loving Creator (aka God) designed you to be an awesome reflection of Him and His nature. But (and this is a big BUT) He didn’t decide, before the foundation of the world, every thought you’d think, every word you’d say, or every action you’d take.

God took a gigantic risk and let you have your own will.

Some would say that didn’t turn out so well. Of course, I’d disagree. Because having your own will means you get to make your own choices. And making your own choices means TRUE love is a distinct possibility. Sadly, it also means true hate is a distinct possibility. But that’s a necessary and possible consequence of free will.

The Greek philosophers, like Plato, said if God is perfect, then He can’t change in any way. According to them, that would take away from His perfection. Their silly claims say God is:

Impassible (He has no passion)
Immutable (He never changes)
Impeccable (He’s unable to sin)

But the mind of God IS revealed in His Word and it’s not like those claims.

If God, Himself, told you He loves, or that He changes, or that He resisted all sin, would you believe Him? Or would you prefer to believe what pagans say about His character? I hope you choose God’s word on the subject instead of Plato’s. When you do, you’ll discover love beyond comprehension. Mercy and care beyond understanding. You’ll discover the Creator who CAN be moved and affected by your cries for help and your prayers of thanksgiving.

The horrible things that happen in this world are absolutely NOT part of God’s plan. He’s not working evil things together toward some “greater good”. In fact, He says don’t do evil that good may come of it. And He’s a good Father. So, He wouldn’t tell us to do as He says and not as He does. Some of the most despicable and vile things we humans have done never even entered God’s mind. That means He certainly didn’t plan them.

The good news is…because God DOES change and love and feel emotions, you can have an awesome relationship with Him. A real relationship. Not make-believe. One that can last forever. He wants that for you. But He won’t force it on you, if you don’t want it. My hope for anyone who doesn’t already trust Jesus to be The Way, The Truth, and The Life is that they’ll change their minds while they’re still breathing here on planet Earth.

If that’s you, I promise you’ll love discovering how you’re here because you came from the mind of God.

Here are the lyrics to the song included in the The Power of God’s Love Podcast 229

Consequential Servitude

God looked down on me…
He knew I was wrong
Usurped my position
I held for so long
Yeah, He just took over…
Where my brain left off
He knew it was risky…
He knew they’d all scoff
Sometimes I’m so stupid,
And so often blind…
Trade reason for feelings;
Mistakes underlined

And so again; I behold the outer man
Through God’s condescending attitude,
And I defer to the perfect Architect
And this consequential servitude

He spirals His thoughts…
Through my barricade
He knows I am feeble…
Yet hands me His blade
He tells me to rise up…
From my Phoenix blight
He builds me a fortress
Of conquering Light
When my clay is brittle…
And crumbles to sand
I long to be putty…
In my Master’s hand…

And then I can behold the inner man
Through God’s condescending attitude
Because He chose me as His dwelling place
I choose this consequential servitude

There were no incantations, no hallelujah chorus
He succumbed to His detractors; withstood an inquisition…
And then commended His spirit, relinquished His position,
And then He died a death that was for us!

Repeat 1st verse and 2nd chorus…end

Stay tuned,

How to identify the more important things in life

The more important things in life aren’t “things”

Every thing here is temporary. Case and point…

Dad died when he was only 51.

Interrupt temporary with eternal.

Open your mind to a train of thought

Open your mind to truth that will set you free.

There IS a God. You’re not Him. And He loves you.

There is no greater love than this….

It takes a greater love than I have.

…It doesn’t matter who’s against us.

A great young man found the end of the road this week

So, is death a scary thing for you?

Living technology – Yeah, it’s a real thing!

So, what’s the big deal about living technology?

You know what’s really a big deal?

Moving Like A Hummingbird

What do invisible attributes have to do with God’s wrath?

So what does this have to do with invisible attributes and God’s wrath?

Rejecting God and His Truth will only get you His wrath.

What was the highest price ever paid for anything?

You’re supposed to pay your own way in this world…right?

You and I don’t have that much to give.

Your Body Your Blood

Music makes me happy. How ’bout you?

Human connection is a huge part of how music makes me happy.

A Lot In Store

Drawn to You – the story behind the song

Drawn to You was, at first, a love song for no one in particular.

Drawn to You (1st version)

Drawn to You (2nd version)

Morning Star…is that what you are?

You are important to the morning star.

You Are

Hey Christians – Are you admonishing one another?

When we’re admonishing one another the right way, it shows love.

Christians should have no problem admonishing one another.

Can you think no evil?

To think no evil might actually take some effort for a lot of people.

Why is it important to think no evil?

Do Right

Jeremiah Thomas – abolitionist, fighter, teenager

Jeremiah’s Prayer – based on a prayer Jeremiah shared online.

Jeremiah’s Prayer

Bugs and drugs – this ain’t gonna be pretty

Flying spiders and flying high

But the bad news doesn’t trump the good news.

Envy and greed – evil twins out to get you

Envy and greed don’t care who they take down.

Jesus was killed by the envy and greed in men’s hearts.

The Pure Place

Are you getting what you deserve? I hope not.

Imagine getting what you deserve and it lasts forever.

If you get what you deserve, your eternity will be a universe of one.

Who doesn’t love liberty and freedom?

This Independence Day think about what a gift your liberty and freedom are.

Liberty and freedom give you a head start over tyrannical governments.

Freedom

Is Christian Cool…cool?

Unbelievers should want to go to your church to seek God. Not watch a concert.

Worldliness

Frankincense and Myrrh – not just token gifts

Frankincense and myrrh should be in your health and wellness playbook.

You’re a complex design and you deserve the best.

The mind of God – probably not what you think

The mind of God isn’t revealed in Greek philosophy.

But the mind of God IS revealed in His Word and it’s not like those claims.

Consequential Servitude

What do invisible attributes
have to do with God’s wrath?

Hey Christians –
Are you admonishing one another?