book of Psalms Archives - Page 2 of 3

Posted on March 21, 2021 by TonyApril 2, 2021

The Joshua Tree sounds like driftwood to me

I remember a young lady telling me about The Joshua Tree when I was in Albuquerque, New Mexico back in 1987. I was booked there for two weeks, and she and couple of other friends asked me if I’d heard of that album by the band U2. And they asked because we’d all been in a friendly conversation about Christian values and principles in the music business. Or lack of them. Plus, they’d heard me sing “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” one of the songs on the album.

They told me The Joshua Tree showed U2’s Christian influences.

Of course, I was surprised by that. And, no, at that time I hadn’t heard The Joshua Tree collection. I’d only heard the “Looking For” single, liked it, and added it to my repertoire.

So, in case you’re thinking, “Well, Tony, did you give the album a listen? And, if so, what did you think?”

I tried to listen. But the songs basically ran together. Before I go any further, it’s important to acknowledge how music is certainly subjective. And there’s no denying the popularity of U2. They’ve sold millions more albums and made millions more than I ever will. But I’m not a fan. Because their music runs together.

And it definitely doesn’t resemble or stand up for Christian principles and values. Despite the fact that Christianity Today said this: “At a glance ” one of the most vital and influential albums in the history of rock””both mainstream and Christian…”

If that’s true, no wonder Christian churches are now dazed, confused, and almost totally compromised.

Thank God I follow Christ and not Christianity Today.

A while back, I took issue with Bono, lead singer for U2, after watching a video of him and Eugene Peterson talking about their views on the state of Christian music and the Psalms. And Bono’s worldview, politics, and propensity for profanity (not in that video) make him one of the least qualified pop musicians to have influence “in the history of rock, both mainstream and Christian.” And I’m Mr. Hewson’s (his real name) opinions of my music would resemble mine of his. At least his honest opinions.

The reason these gentle opinions popped into my head, today, is because March 21 marks the anniversary of The Joshua Tree’s number 1 status on the charts back in 1987. That’s 34 years in case you’re interested. And that means, Bono is gonna be 61 this year. And from what I can tell, he’s still on the wrong side of almost every major issue and topic in the world.

He’s barking up the wrong Joshua tree.

And if he’s truly looking for a relationship with his Creator, it appears he still hasn’t found what he’s looking for.

Climbin’ trees to find the answers in life,
And not lookin’ to the One who made trees,
Is an ideal way to drift through your life
Without knowing Who humility sees.

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Posted on October 27, 2020 by TonyNovember 12, 2020

Sing a Psalm in high school even if it's not cool

Let’s jump into my virtual time machine and zoom back to the third quarter of the twentieth century. As the years zoom past the concave, heat resistant time machine windows, notice the fashion and hairstyle changes. And the cars starting to look bigger, wider, and boxier. And, then we slow down and ease up to our destination. A large, secular high school at the north edge of Pasadena, Texas. Look closely down the sidewalk just to the left of the building, and you’ll see a nerdy looking student with a handful of books briskly walking to his next class. Choir. His favorite. And he’s gonna go sing a Psalm.

“Did you say sing a Psalm, Tony? That’s weird. You also said it’s a secular high school.”

Yeah. You read that right.

And, just in case you haven’t already picked up on it, that nerdy looking student was me. I had just made it through my freshman year in high school. A very rough year for me because I hadn’t determined and defined who I was yet. But I’m sure there were plenty of others who had me pegged as a nerd. Or a geek. Because, from the 7th grade on, the school system had placed me in what they called “accelerated classes.”

But, just like in the movies, being “a brain” doesn’t win you points with the so-called “cool kids.” Not that I minded that all that much. I just didn’t like being looked at as weird simply because I could remember things.

Anyway…

Let’s get back to that choir thing.

Because, in my freshman year, I took classes my Dad suggested in order to prepare my brain for the “real world.” And I skipped out on music…my favorite. Instead, I opted for German extra math classes.

But my friends from junior high, who had been in choir with me there, coaxed me back into music when it came time to pick classes for my sophomore year. So, I tried out for the choir…which you had to do back then. And, when I found out I had made it, I was thrilled. Because I was gonna get back to my lifelong love.

I’ve mentioned, before, how my secular high school was far more conservative than any so-called Christian schools these days. And one example was how my Christian songs were included in our choir repertoire. Plus, when it came time for my first solo performance during vocal competitions, I picked a song based on Psalm 27. In fact, the first 4 lines of the song came directly from the Psalm…

The Lord is my alight and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?

Do you know a government school where that would be included nowadays?

I seriously doubt it.

And I’m in no way suggesting that Christian songs should be included in the government school curriculum. Because I don’t think there should be a government school curriculum. Because I don’t believe there should be government schools.

But I DO believe Christian songs should be included in kids’ lives. Because their lives depend on the promises found in the songs and Psalms. And if that’s important to you, maybe this message brought you some value.

If not, then forget I said anything. I’ll just go sing a Psalm all by myself.

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Posted on September 13, 2020 by TonyOctober 10, 2020

Close your eyes and picture this scene. A long, lush, green meadow gently winds and flows down through a quiet valley. And a herd of sheep, with coats of wool from pure white to chocolate brown, grazing in juicy grass up to their hips. A clear as crystal creek glides peacefully through the meadow. And the vast variety of birds, butterflies, and wildflowers virtually takes your breath away. You, my friend, have left the shadow of death and entered the gates of a whole ‘nother community.

Even Hollywood appreciates this Bible verse.

How many times have you watched a funeral scene, in the movies, where some sort of minister reads the words, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil“?

And, of course, who can deny the poetic, idyllic feel and sound of Psalm 23? Just read it out loud and experience peace in your troubled heart and mind. And who wouldn’t want to lie down and bask in the glow of a meadow like I described earlier? With butterflies and wildflowers and the scents of grasses along the creek.

I’m ready to pack a picnic lunch and go right now.

But notice how King David, the author of Psalm 23, isn’t covering up the cold, hard facts with his lyrics. He acknowledges there IS evil in the world. And he knows, without a doubt, that he has enemies.

David recognizes how the journey through this life is like a “walk through the valley of the shadow of death.” Yeah, this present life, you and I are living, is in death’s shadow. And that shadow eventually overtakes this life entirely.

But just as David’s words explain, that doesn’t have to be the end of the story. Because God restores dead souls. And He’ll lovingly lead you down the path of eternal life. And He’ll help you overcome fear and worry.

Of course, you can ignore and reject the message of hope.

None of Heaven’s blessings will ever be forced on anyone who doesn’t want them. And it amazes me, every day, how most people in the world want nothing to do with them. But I can tell you, if there was even only a slight chance the words in Psalm 23 were true (and there’s no “chance” about it), I’d want that chance.

I’d want my cup to run over. And I’d want “goodness and mercy” to “follow me all the days of my life.” And I’d want to “dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Because I love life. And I want it to go on and on and on. So, I guess I’m part of the crazy minority who asked, “What must I do to be saved?” And I discovered, the hard work’s all been done. I just gotta believe.

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

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Posted on September 9, 2020 by TonyOctober 7, 2020

When I was about 4 years old, my parents split up. And my younger brother and I lived with our Grandparents for a while. And one thing I remember, fondly, about my Grandmother was how she sang hymns while she did her housework. One hymn went like this: I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. Remember that one? And even though I was a young boy, I could tell my Grandmother definitely had joy in the Lord down in her heart.

Someone else who sang about joy in the Lord was King David.

But David’s songs weren’t quite the same as Grandmother’s. In fact, when you read through his lyrics, you get the idea that David’s joy wasn’t just the peace, love, and joy kind of joy.

Like in Psalm 21. Check out these lines…

“Your hand will find all Your enemies;
Your right hand will find those who hate You.
You shall make them as a fiery oven in the time of Your anger;
The Lord shall swallow them up in His wrath,
And the fire shall devour them.”

Somehow I can’t picture my Grandmother singing those words with her apron on.

But that’s part of the awesome difference between men and women. And I’m talking about real men and real women. Women feel the joy on a much deeper, visceral level. And men feel it on more of a mental level. That’s not a hard and fast rule. And I don’t mean women don’t think about it or that men don’t feel it.

We’re just different. Thank God.

I’m sure David felt the joy, joy, joy, joy down in his heart.

But he apparently loved to sing about it using words that accounted for what God had done in his life.

Which one are you? Do you simply feel the joy down in your heart? Or do you have a list of reasons why joy reigns in your heart?

Either way your joy expresses,
In your heart and then progresses,
Share it with somebody else today.
I’m convinced that if they try it,
They’ll be hard-pressed to deny it.
And their life might go another way.

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Posted on August 25, 2020 by TonySeptember 3, 2022

Work done for you. Get this deal I implore you.

Wow, have I got a deal for you?! Just imagine the hardest thing you could possibly do. And now imagine having all that hard work done for you. But I bet you’re not thinking what I’m thinking. And you should be. Because what I’m thinking is way more valuable to you. (Boy, I’m an arrogant so-and-so aren’t I?)

“OK, Tony. I’ll bite. What’s all this hard work done for you stuff?”

I’m glad you asked. Because the fate of the world is resting on your decision. Well, maybe not the whole world. But certainly YOUR whole world.

But what did you think of when I said to imagine the hardest thing you could possibly do? Was it to work 80 hours a week at hard labor in the blazing sun? Or did you think of those fishermen who have to brave the cold arctic waters in search of lobsters?

How about digging down deep in the earth in a coal mine all day? Yeah, that sounds miserable and difficult. Or what about working in crawl spaces under houses to get rid of pests like giant snakes, rats, and other critters?

I could go on and on. And I’d probably leave out lots of extremely difficult jobs.

But none of them even remotely compare to the actual hardest work you could ever possibly do. In fact, if you try to do this work, on your own, you’ll never ever be able to do it. And I don’t care how impressive your six pack or low body fat is.

You’re not physically able to do what a lot of people are gonna end up trying to do.

And it’s a cryin’ shame they (or you) would be stupid enough to try.

Ok. Are you ready for me to reveal this mystery? Are you tired of me beating around the bush about it? And should I ask a few more questions to really get you mad at me?

No, I won’t do that.

The most difficult…in fact impossible…work you’d ever have to do is…pay for your own sin. And I say impossible because your little ol’ self ain’t righteous. So, your little ol’ self ain’t got what it takes to make all the payments.

And if you try to pay for your own sin, you’ll be working, forever, in a miserable, hot, lonely place. And it won’t be some silly 80 hour work week either. It’ll be work without end.

But if you’ve been following my writings for any length of time, you know I’m not all about the doom and gloom. And this time is no different.

You don’t have to do all that hard work. In fact, with one act of humility, and one easy choice, you have all of it done for you. Another fact is…it’s already been done. But only if you choose wisely.

Here’s what I wish for you.

That God would “grant you according to your heart’s desire, And fulfill all your purpose.” And when you choose to skip all the hard work, I’ll “rejoice in your salvation…”

But don’t let another day pass.
Today you could run out of gas.
And your life will run dry as you just wonder why
It was burned up like dried up old grass.

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Posted on August 22, 2020 by TonySeptember 12, 2020

Day and night the truth and light is a beautiful sight

Day and night and truth and light

As I’ve been slowly writing my way through the Psalms, I’ve discovered what a close connection I have to King David. It’s uncanny. And it’s much more than just both of us being songwriters (even though our styles are day and night).

Coincidentally, David uses day and night to show truth and light.

Like in Psalm 19 where David even says “the heavens declare the glory of the Lord.”And how he anthropomorphically describes the sky and the sun. And when you allow yourself to imagine, you can practically see them come to life.

So, I get this strong feeling David could look toward the heavens and get the same feelings as me. A strong desire to write it down. And make the attempt at the impossible. Describe the indescribable.

And so you can clearly see the stark similarity between David and me. Right?

Plus…

He was King of Israel. I’m a Colorado native. He spoke Hebrew, one of God’s prime languages. I speak American English, the other of God’s prime languages. David slew Goliath. And I’ve gone out in public without a mask.

So, you can see, it’s almost like we’re twins, separated at birth. And, for me, it’s like looking in a mirror. I could go on with our identical attributes. But I think you get the point.

Main thing is…

You can tune in to David or me
For descriptions of Divinity.
You can trust that we both wanna show
That there’s only one way you should go.
And that way is the Truth and the Light.
And without those you’ll never be right.
Step outside and look up at the sky.
Soak it in. It can answer your “why.”

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Posted on July 15, 2020 by TonyJuly 23, 2020

Manly Bible study you should share with your buddy

Guess who needs a manly Bible study

Men. Guys. And every person who was born a male. I think that covers it. And why do I say men need a manly Bible study? Because most men, at least most of them in typical churches in America, are getting that.

Wanna know a great source for a quick manly Bible study?

Try Psalm 18. It’s not gonna give you an in-depth look at theology. Or epistemology. Or even eschatology. But what it IS gonna give you, and plenty of it, is a manly look at our super manly God.

Now, before you go off the deep end (or think I’ve gone there), I know God the Father is not a man. But guess who IS a man. God the Son. Jesus. And He is the manliest man who ever lived. And He’s fully God, too. So, when David, “servant of the LORD”, talks about his rock and fortress and deliverer, he’s not talking about some all-forgiving peace hippy.

No, Psalm 18 is full of strong, powerful descriptions of our living, loving Creator. And there’s lots of earth shaking, hills quaking, fire and smoke, and hailstones. Coincidentally, as I’m writing this it’s hailing outside. And even though the hailstones are small, they make some noise. So, imagine hailstones big enough to get mentioned in the Bible.

Anyway…

Psalm 18 also talks about God’s power over brightness and darkness. Foundations of the world are uncovered. And there are “lightnings in abundance.” Does this sound like a peacenik or a pacifist? Hardly. And David even has faith he can jump over walls and face enemy troops alone. Because he knows God will be with him.

But you know what else is manly about God?

His mercy.

It’s not like God takes pleasure in pounding wicked people down. He’d much rather show mercy. But He shows mercy to the merciful. And His love knows no limits for those who love Him.

But just know. If and when you decide to go up against God, you’ll lose. And there will be no avengers or justice league superheroes who will be able to withstand His justice. Because this isn’t a fictitious Thanos we’re talking about. This is the one, true, living, loving Creator of Heaven, Earth, the universe, and all of us. And that’s as manly as it gets.

Manly men love God’s truthful word.
It’s the best news they’ve ever heard.
So, right now is the time to start.
Be a man after God’s own heart.

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Tony Funderburk

Your Life Has Rhyme And Reason Because God Made You

Tag Archives: book of Psalms

They told me The Joshua Tree showed U2’s Christian influences.

He’s barking up the wrong Joshua tree.

“Did you say sing a Psalm, Tony? That’s weird. You also said it’s a secular high school.”

Do you know a government school where that would be included nowadays?

Even Hollywood appreciates this Bible verse.

Of course, you can ignore and reject the message of hope.

Someone else who sang about joy in the Lord was King David.

I’m sure David felt the joy, joy, joy, joy down in his heart.

“OK, Tony. I’ll bite. What’s all this hard work done for you stuff?”

And it’s a cryin’ shame they (or you) would be stupid enough to try.

Here’s what I wish for you.

Day and night and truth and light

Coincidentally, David uses day and night to show truth and light.

Main thing is…

Guess who needs a manly Bible study

Wanna know a great source for a quick manly Bible study?

But you know what else is manly about God?