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I read a post, from a friend in social media (thanks Allen) about famous last words from some famous atheists. And the despair in their words struck me in such a way I wanted to share some of them with you. It’s chilling.

But first…why do I say famous last words of foolish jaybirds?

Well, back in medieval days, when I was growing up, the term “jaybird” was Southern slang for a scoundrel or rascal. There were other uses for the word. But for the sake of what I’m talkin’ about right now, that’ll do.

Anyway…

In the post I read, there were 14 examples. I’m just gonna share three of the (hopefully) better known ones. First there’s Thomas Payne (or Paine, depending on where you get the info). According to multiple sources his last words went something like this…

“Stay with me, for God’s sake; I cannot bear to be left alone , O Lord, help me! O God, what have I done to suffer so much? What will become of me hereafter? I would give worlds if I had them, that The Age of Reason had never been published. O Lord, help me! Christ, help me! No, don’t leave; stay with me! Send even a child to stay with me; for I am on the edge of hell here alone. If ever the Devil had an agent, I have been that one.”

Wow.

That sounds like a mortal soul filled with the fear of full, oncoming realization. And the knowledge that ideas and choices can have eternal consequences.

Then there was Josef Stalin. Maybe you recall, from history lessons, that he was responsible for somewhere between 20 and 60 million deaths. And those were people from his own country. Yikes. You don’t get much worse than that. Here’s what his daughter, Svetlana, said about Stalin’s death…

“My father died a difficult and terrible death…God grants an easy death only to the just. At what seemed the very last moment, he suddenly opened his eyes and cast a glance over everyone in the room. It was a terrible glance, insane or perhaps angry. His left hand was raised, as though he were pointing to something above and bringing down a curse on us all. The gesture was full of menace. . .the next moment he was dead.”

No words. But the description speaks volumes.

Svetlana understood her father was tormented in his last moments of life. And his torment will go on forever. Because he made choices that put him in direct opposition to the perfect Judge of all souls. But fools will not learn a thing from Stalin’s evil mistakes.

Finally, how about mister peacenik himself, Gandhi? You know, the skinny runt who threw temper tantrums, like a child, when he didn’t get his way. Yeah, that guy. When he died, he said…

“For the first time in 50 years, I find myself in the slough of despond. All about me is darkness…I am praying for light.”

His prayer was unfruitful, unproductive. Because, unless he knew Jesus, Gandhi was most likely praying to a false god. To unhearing ears. And, so, to no one and nothing. And “praying for light” is an exercise in futility when you don’t understand Jesus is the only one who can provide that light.

I love the way the article I read finished with comparisons from the Apostle Paul and Jesus and their perspective on death. And if you wanna know (and understand) their perspective, there’s a great book I can recommend with unending enthusiasm.

If you’d like to read that book,
I can tell you where to look.
You might love the words inside,
If you let them be your guide.
Or you can join those dead jaybirds
And speak your own famous last words.

Stay tuned,

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Eight years ago, today, I shared Episode 15 of my Podcast. Wow, 15. I’m now up to 739 episodes. (Side note: I’m way behind on recording episodes because my voice has been, shall we say, less than smooth. But the plan is to get going again shortly.) Anyway…Episode 15 focused on your understanding. And when I say “your,” I mean mine too. In fact, I mean everybody.

Your understanding is small.

Again…that means mine and everybody else’s, too.

But I don’t want that to discourage you from moving forward in life. Unless you’re someone who hates God and hates anyone who loves God. Then, I want you to realize how small you are. And I want the only forward movement in your life to be movement that takes you toward your Creator.

But for those who love God, here’s what I shared eight years ago. It still applies.

There’s no need to let discouragement rule the day. If you find that happening, you may be leaning on your own understanding. Remember…your understanding is limited to what your senses and intuition can tell you. And those are based on the limitations of this space/time continuum and your personal location.

God doesn’t suffer from those limitations.

He can see the whole world. In fact, He can see the whole universe. He created it and everything in it. So…learn to lean on His understanding. He’ll direct your paths, and you’ll walk in stronger faith hope and love.

In Episode 15 of the podcast (which wasn’t called the The Power of God’s Love Podcast back then) I shared the previous week’s articles about:

 

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“They” called him the “Chairman of the Board.” How he got the title depends on who you ask. But there’s no denying that Frank Sinatra liked being in charge. And I was never a fan even though he sang a couple of songs here and there I actually liked. One of those was about lost love.

But this particular lost love was blown away.

At least, according to the lyrics, there appeared to be no human rival. And that’s what I like most about the song. The lyrics. They were written by Johnny Mercer, and he did a great job of rhyme and rhythm. And fortunately for Frank Sinatra, his voice was a nice match for the melancholy message.

I especially like the third verse…

The autumn wind and the winter winds, they have come and gone
And still the days, those lonely days, they go on and on
And guess who sighs his lullabies through nights that never end
My fickle friend, the summer wind.

If you’ve never heard the song, give it a listen. It was a hit for Sinatra way back in the 60’s. I think it made it to #25 on the Billboard Top 100. And it even went to #1 on the Easy Listening chart.

And the reason I thought of Frank Sinatra and “The Summer Wind” is because of something I read about the Sun’s radiation force.

I know. It’s weird to connect the “Chairman of the Board” to creation science. But that’s part of how my brain works. So, there you go.

And here you go. Here’s the connection.

According to Dr. Walt Brown (a PhD from M.I.T.) “The Sun’s radiation applies an outward force on particles orbiting the Sun.”

So…no big deal. Right?

Unless you think about something else that’s no big deal. Like “Particles less than about one 100,000th of a centimeter in diameter…”

Because Dr. Brown says those particles “should have been blown out of the solar system if it were billions of years old. Yet, these particles are still orbiting the Sun.”

Hmm…so I guess that ol’ summer wind’s lullabies only affect human hearts.

Or as Dr. Brown concludes: “the solar system appears young.”

OK, I know you’ll probably forget all about this information once you finish reading it. But “That’s Life.” At least I hope you’ll “Come Fly With Me” again, soon. Because “The Best Is Yet To Come.”

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I’ve heard this from more than one person in literally every place I’ve ever lived. Regardless of whether it was in the South, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, or West. And I’ve heard it from more than one person in literally every place I’ve ever visited. “If you don’t like the weather, wait a little while, and it’ll change.” Or something to that effect.

Like the weather doesn’t change in other places.

But it does. Well, to be fair, I’ve never lived in or visited remote equatorial jungles. And my guess is it’s always hot and muggy. But even there, I wouldn’t be surprised to hear some jungle dweller, in his native tongue say, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait. It’ll change. Eventually.”

I’ve never been one to get all hot and bothered about whether or not the weather would change or not. Except maybe when I’ve been hot and bothered for 2 weeks straight in July or August. No, I figure my days are far more complex than sunny or rainy issues. And I’m grateful to God for that. Because I know, each day, He loves me despite what the thermometer or barometer say.

And on that note, a few years ago, I shared a rhyme about it for an audience of kids. It was a Tuesday, like today, so I wrote…

Tuesday Weather

We’re gonna have Tuesday weather
Whether you like it or not
Because today is Tuesday,
And we’ve got the weather we’ve got.

We’re gonna have Tuesday weather
From the morning till midnight
Because Tuesday is all day…
Between Monday and Wednesday, right?

We’re gonna have Tuesday weather
So go out and soak some in,
Maybe I’ll see you out there.
I’ll be the one with the big grin.

© 2014 Tony Funderburk

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Several years ago I shared some information on suicides. And, sadly, the news about suicides isn’t any better now. Especially with this destructive, viral world we find ourselves in now. Young people, especially, have become mentally, socially, and psychologically tortured souls.

And tortured souls can last forever.

They don’t have to be tortured forever. But far too many, if not most, will. And that’s why I also shared three reasons to stick with life and see it through. Here’s a re-cap of what I said…

  • Your life is real

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

  • Hope

Without it, you can easily become another sad statistic like the one I mentioned above and the countless, nameless others. And the living, loving God of the Bible wants you to know that you’re valuable to Him. He also wants you to know that life in this current space/time continuum won’t last. The Prince of Peace will eradicate torment, torture, and tyrants. And that should bring you hope.

  • Eternity is a long time

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

So, there are my three simple reasons for tortured souls to stick with life and see it through. Because Life comes from God.

I hope you’ll ponder with an open heart and mind. Because I want you to live forever in paradise with your loving Creator. Do you? In case you’re on the fence, here are the words, to a song, to nudge you along…

Drawn To You

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

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

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

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

Chorus

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

Chorus…instrumental…repeat chorus to end

© 1998 Tony Funderburk

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It was one of those weird things. And don’t ask what led me to such odd search engine results. But dream dust is apparently an issue for some people. And when I say “issue,” I mean it’s not good. People apparently dream of dust. And apparently those dreams reveal dark (and dare I say “sinister”) thoughts.

Who’d’ve thunk a search for dream dust would go dark?

Not me.

Because I tend to think of the stuff Mr. Sandman sprinkles in your eyes. You know, the stuff to make you sleep well and enjoy imaginary adventures when you do. And this isn’t just for kids. Even though that’s who I wrote to when I talked about this years ago.

No, I think it’s healthy to have delightful flights of fancy when you sleep. Even if you’ve lived for several decades. Because I believe it exercises your brain in a creative way that daydreams don’t. And I believe that’s part of the design God gave us for sleep.

But I don’t wanna provide any proof for my hypothesis. I’ll just re-share this rhyme…

Once Upon A Starless Night

Once upon a starless night
I read, by the campfire light,
How a comet with its tail
Spied a nova and set sail.

You might think a comet flies
Aimlessly through endless skies,
But this one was really rare,
No more like it anywhere.
It could hear and think and see
Just as well as you or me.

“What?” you say. “That can’t be true.”
If it’s not, would I tell you?
Wait for any starless night
And turn out your bedroom light.
Then look up into the sky
With a wish inside each eye.

It might take a little while.
Then you’ll see a glowing smile
Followed by a sparkling tail
Leaving dream dust in its trail.
That’s the comet, silver gray,
Zooming through the Milky Way.

If, at first, you cannot see,
Just keep trying that’s the key,
And sometime you’ll get it right,
Once upon a starless night.

© 2014 Tony Funderburk

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Several years I wrote a post about the lazy days of summer in eastern Kansas. Not because I thought Kansas was different from the rest of the country. But because that’s where I spent the summers of my formative school years.

And now I don’t see those lazy days of summer anywhere.

They’re long gone.

Because, these days, most kids aren’t interested in sitting on a remote creek bank waiting for the fish to bite. And they don’t seem to care about what kinds of trees are in the forest closest to where they live. And they certainly don’t seem to care about picnics, lying in the grass on a blanket, or watching nature.

But, when I was a kid, we sure did!

We even caught our own bait for fishing. I already shared how we did that. But, in a nutshell, here’s what we did. Two people would grab separate ends of a net. And we’d gently move it up the creek until we had some bait. Mostly minnows and crawdads. Then, we’d find our spot, where the creek was deeper, and we’d cast out our lines. Then we’d talk and wait.

THAT is the epitome of those lazy days of summer.

When we caught a few fish, we took them home for mom to fry up in a pan. And she’d serve ’em up with some vegetables we picked right out of the garden “out back” just before dinnertime.

Regardless of what you do for a living, that’s a healthy lifestyle. And it sure beats a trip ’round the drive-through under those golden arches. Or crunching something, trying to pass itself off as beef, under some bell. But if you can’t get out and enjoy the waning days of summer, relax. I’ve got you covered…for now.

Close your eyes (well don’t actually close your eyes or you won’t be able to read this). Relax your mind, find your happy place, and I’ll take you…

Down by the creek bank…
Sittin’ on a tree stump…
Listenin’ to the birds sing…
Lookin’ at a frog jump…
Thinkin’ lots of nice thoughts…
Sippin’ on a sweet tea…
Writin’ down a few words…
When they come and greet me…
Watchin’ little squirrels run…
Climbin’ up the oak trees…
Lyin’ in the green grass…
Waitin’ for a cool breeze…
Stayin’ till it’s twilight…
Catchin’ me a firefly…
Down by the creek bank…
Life is passin’ by.

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Jupiter, you’ve got it goin’ on. Yeah. And Saturn, you’re lookin’ mighty sassy. Oh, and Neptune! Mighty nice. Yeah, you’re some hot planets, for sure. Hope you don’t mind me sayin’ so.

Uh-oh. Tony’s got sunstroke. He’s talkin’ about hot planets.

Hey Huey Lewis sang a song that said “sometimes bad is bad.” Well, sometimes “hot” means heat. And so, that ‘splains all my hot planets slang talk.

But seriously, those planets are putting off some serious heat energy. In fact, my go-to source (a PhD. from M.I.T.), Dr. Walt Brown, says “Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune each radiate away more than twice the heat energy they receive from the Sun. Uranus and Venus also radiate too much heat.”

And before you get the big idea that all that heat energy comes from nuclear fusion, I’ll tell you “NO.” Dr. Brown says that, according to calculations “…it is very unlikely that this energy comes from nuclear fusion, radioactive decay, gravitational contraction, or phase changes within those planets.”

So! Who cares?!

Well, anybody who’s into health and self-care should care. Because your long-term health and wellness could be deeply affected by how long you believe those planets (and our little, blue Earth) have existed.

And planets that still radiate a lot of heat are good evidence that our solar system (and universe) are fairly young. Yep, I done said it. Young.

Because hot planets have not existed long enough to cool off.

Plain and simple.

Planets and stars couldn’t have existed for millions and billions of years. Because they would have cooled off at least way more than they have. And they couldn’t have been here forever. Because they’d have reached the Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation temperature of outer space. Approximately 2.73 Kelvin.

That’s cold. And basically dead.

And while planets that radiate as much heat as those in our solar system are basically uninhabitable, they’re not dead.

But if you don’t believe in and trust God, forget I even mentioned any of this. You definitely won’t have to worry about cold temperatures where you’re headed.

There’s a choice between Heaven and hell.
It’s YOUR choice, so you better choose well.

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It’s funny (odd, not ha ha) how small comets got me thinking about the old Comet cleanser TV commercials. And you’d have to jump into Professor Peabody’s Wayback machine or hop onto YouTube to see ’em now. (and if you don’t remember Professor Peabody and his Wayback machine, you’re too young to read this). But I’m not talkin’ about those innocent, family friendly commercials right now.

No, this is about small comets filled with ice.

I’m sure you already know how small comets hit Earth’s atmosphere about every three seconds. Right? But no big deal. They probably just bounce off and fly away with their tails between their legs. Right?

Wrong. And…wrong.

It’s actually a pretty big deal when a small comet hits Earth’s atmosphere. Because each one dumps about 20 to 40 tons of water into that big blue sky of ours. But maybe you think that’s no big deal because you think that water would just vaporize or something.

But it IS a big deal. Because even the vapor would add up. It doesn’t just magically disappear. Because, well, there’s no such thing as magic.

Anyway…

Here’s the big reason why small comets dumping water into our atmosphere is a big deal.

Because so-called “scientists” say the Earth evolved.

Then, they build up their fairy tale by saying the evolution of our planet (and eventually us) took place over the course of millions and millions of years. Maybe even billions. (Hey, it’s just numbers, so make ’em big.)

But if small comets would have dumped water into Earth’s atmosphere for all that time, they could have formed all our oceans. Yeah. That much water could have fallen. Maybe even more. Dr. Walt Brown, a PhD from M.I.T. said this about that…

“No doubt past impact rates were even greater, because the planets have swept many of these comets from the solar system. Therefore, small comets would have placed much more water on Earth than is here today. Obviously, this did not happen, so oceans look young.”

But so-called “scientists” don’t want the oceans or Earth or the presence of humans to be be young. Because then Christians, who believe in a young Earth created by God, might have a valid point.

And we can’t have that. After all, that would mean maybe information in the Bible might be true. Gadzooks! We can’t have that.

But we DO have that.

And I thank God how even the stars in the Heavens declare His glory. And His story.

If you see a fiery flame against the midnight sky,
Or just a tiny sparkle in the corner of your eye,
It might be me because I’m sailing through the stars.
I’ll turn and wave when I pass Mars. (excerpt from Perfect Point of View)

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I mentioned, in the past few days, that a friend of mine died. But I don’t think I mentioned how he’s now more alive than he’s ever been. More alive than you or me or anyone else on this planet. Because we’re all born into a broken life on a broken planet. And the only thing that has any possibility of helping me cope with that bleak notion is knowing complete restoration is real.

And I mean complete restoration. Not silly health elixirs.

They say, in those 12 step programs (or however many steps), the first step is to admit you have a problem. And nowhere is that more important than in who you’ll choose to trust for your life. You? Or God? I recommend choosing God.

Because once you realize and acknowledge to God you’re a broken person, you can receive the restoration eternal life brings. And eternal life is gonna be…well…a long time. Forever, you might say. I DID say.

Anyway. Here’s my belief. (And it’s based on so much evidence it would take too long to share it with you in one blog post.) If you’re willing to go wherever Truth takes you, you’ll end up in the saving Grace of Jesus. And, on the other side of that same coin…if you don’t believe you need a savior, then you’ll spend your life trying to save and redeem yourself.

But you’ll fail.

God knew you before you were born.

He wrote eternity on your heart. And He gave you the freedom to choose. Love Him. Or not.

Don’t know about you, but I prefer to know I’m a product of intelligent design. And not some “lifeless lump of coal”wandering this earthly plane toward infinite blackness.

The quotation marks around “lifeless lump of coal” are there because I’m quoting myself. (I know, how vain of me, right?) Those words come from a line in another song in my Raise The Praise collection. The song is “Your Love Restored My Soul.” And it’s about the hope you can only find in your Creator.

All the words to all the songs in the collection are in my book with the same name: Raise The Praise. By the way, in case I haven’t mentioned it in the past 24 hours, it’s also a songbook and journal. And there’s a super secret link, in the book, where you can download all the songs and sing along.

And speaking of links, the link to get your copy of the book, is below. Just like Whataburger, we don’t make your book till you order. So, it’ll still be mouth-watering fresh when it arrives at your doorstep.

Here’s the chorus to this song…

Jesus”Your love restored my soul.
You gave Your life to make me whole.
I’d be a lifeless lump of coal”oh,
But Jesus”Your love restored my soul.

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

A few days ago, I shared a little backstory to some lyrics by a friend of mine. Cristina also wrote more lyrics that she sent me to look over. And I liked how she described some of the glorious, intangible things God gives us.

Yes, God gives us a bountiful world to inhabit.

But that’s not the truly glorious stuff. Not by a long shot.

Much of what makes you who you are came from God. I won’t say it ALL came from God. Because you’re not perfect. Come to think of it…neither am I. So, what you and I do, of our own volition, that goes against what God prefers or designs, is on us. We do the bad stuff.

But in spite of that, we have a Creator who cares so much about us that He made a way to overcome even ourselves. Not just A way. THE Way.

And when you get to know Who that is and what it means, you wanna tell the world. And in the case of writers and singers, we wanna write and sing about it.

So, I added “I Give You All” to the Raise The Praise collection of songs. And the lyrics are included in the Raise The Praise book (which is also a songbook and journal) you can get on Amazon. If you’re a Prime member, you can get one delivered for Fa-Ree. And that’s pretty affordable.

PLUS…

In the book, you’ll find a super secret link to download all the songs in the book. That way you can sing along. Again for Fa-Ree. Again…pretty darn affordable.

I know, the $17.99 cost for the book is not exactly Fa-Ree. But c’mon man! It ain’t all that much when you consider you won’t just be getting a book, a songbook, and journal in one. You’ll also get lyrics, written in English, by a woman whose native tongue is Romanian. Are you kidding me?! Why are you still here? Why haven’t you clicked the link, below, and ordered a copy of the book already?

Here’s some teaser lyrics…

I give you all
My worries and my fear.
I give you all.
And I can feel you near.
I give you all.
You dry up every tear.
I give you all”

I give you all.

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A couple of days ago I watched a short TV interview. I found it through a link someone shared on a social media channel. And the interview was between a couple of guys who were talking about the murder rates in many cities in American. Especially in the “minority” communities. So, naturally, the topic got me thinkin’ about home security.

But probably not the home security you might guess.

Because, even though you might need and want to feel secure in your own home, there’s no real and lasting security. Not anywhere on planet Earth.

Now, before you think I’m just being a Donny Downer, consider this. What’s the death ratio of human beings in the town, city, or state where you live? I’ll take a wild guess and say it’s somewhere around 1:1. In other words, every person born ends up dying. Am I close?

And that means, no matter what income range, no matter what social status, and no matter what worldview you have, one day you WILL be booted out of your home. That spells trouble for most people. Because it means they go through life on Earth concerned about home security. And then, they spend eternity with zero security. I shudder to imagine how that would feel.

Guess what? Nobody has to experience that problem. Nobody.

But sadly, most people would rather face forever with doubt. And that’s just weird to me. Because, like I wrote about in my song, “The House of the Lord,” the secure option is beautifully awesome. It’s what your Creator wants for you. But He doesn’t force His choice on you.

By the way, I talk about that, and lots more, in the words you’ll find in the pages of my Raise the Praise book (which is also a songbook and journal). And when you get it, be sure to look for the super secret link to download all the songs to go with the lyrics. Speaking of links, the link to get the book is below.

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

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Get the Raise The Praise book (songbook and journal) here

 

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After talking about my former pastor, yesterday, I thought about how that story ties in nicely with what I’d like to share with you now. And it’s about what happens when things get dark.

Because when things get dark is when THE Light shines bright.

Or at least that Light CAN shine bright. But it’s still your choice. When things get their darkest, you can either choose to dig in deeper. Crawl deeper into that dark crevasse. And try to blend in to the black void.

But that ain’t gonna get you nowhere (as my good buddies down in Texas used to say).

Because your joy should shine in spite of the world. It shouldn’t be dowsed because of the world and circumstances in life. When life tosses you into a dark place, climb out and get back at it. I know it’s easy to say and sometimes so darn difficult to do. But that doesn’t mean you don’t do it. It just means you need help.

A friend of mine wrote a poem a few years ago. And she asked me if I thought I could use the words as lyrics for a praise and worship song. That’s back when I was the praise and worship guy for a church in Denver.

I told her to email them to me. And she did. And I read them and almost immediately heard some music in my head to put with them. It’s so cool when that happens. So, I told her I’d let her know when the song was done.

The song made its debut in the following Sunday praise and worship time. And I could tell she was happy about how it turned out. So was I. The music and the words go together very well, if I do say so myself. It’s upbeat, infectious, and downright nice on the ears.

Hey, like Babe Ruth said, “It ain’t braggin’ if it’s true.”

The song is called “Shine In Your Glory.” And you can read all the words to it in my Raise The Praise book (which is also a songbook and journal). Oh, and by the way, you can get all the songs, too. They’re all in a single download you get when you buy the book. The link is below. Here are some of the lyrics to this song.

My joy is flowing out
Into your ocean.
Your grace rains down”in my open heart.
You take my hand
When the road is narrow,
And you’re my Light when things get dark.

Stay tuned,

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Get the Raise The Praise book (songbook and journal) here

 

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A friend of mine died yesterday, September 12, 2021. But he wasn’t just a friend. He was a guy who taught me (and lots and lots of other people) more of the deep dive information in the Bible. It’s so weird to talk about him in the past tense. Because he had such a powerful presence. And thinking about him moving to his Heavenly home made me remember a Pastor Appreciation Day back in 2010.

On that Pastor Appreciation Day I sang him a song.

But not just any song. Because he wasn’t just any pastor. So, he deserved a song that wouldn’t describe just any pastor. A song that showed appreciation for who he was AND Who he represented.

Because my friend, the pastor, was controversial. To say the least. And if I shared his name, and if you did a search online, you’d find a long list of despicable so-called “news sources” mocking him. Even in death. But, as another friend of mine said, “If the world still hates you when you die, you must’ve done well.”

I have no doubt that, sometime on September 12th, my friend heard words like: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Here are updated lyrics of appreciation for the faithful pastor…

We Appreciate You Doing That

When you chose to serve the Lord,
You didn’t know everything you were in for.
You couldn’t know how long it would last,
Or what your journey through life had in store.

But you didn’t let it stop you.
You found The Way to keep going.
Truth and Life and Persistence…
They’re the seeds you kept sowing.

And we appreciate you doing that.

You didn’t choose the dark, wide path.
You never ran with the “popular people”
Or raise a fortune to build up a church
Made of lies with a high, golden steeple.

But you work to spread the Gospel
And tell the world about Jesus,
And how He’s all that really matters,
And how the world cannot please us.

And we appreciate you doing that.

We know you didn’t prefer the battle.
There must have been times when it got old.
But your life, here, sure made a difference.
You shared His Story as it should be told.  

And we appreciate you doing that.

© 2021 Tony Funderburk

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I used to be an avid runner. And I’ve mentioned before (here on the website and in the podcast) how I ran miles and miles and miles a week. Even entered the famous Peach Tree Road Race in Atlanta, Georgia when I lived there for a year. If you can run, and you live there…and if they still have the race…give it ago. It’s a lot of fun through some nice scenery. Or at least it was back in 1982.

But I’m not here, today, to talk about races you can run in.

Nope. Instead, I’d like you to consider something much smaller. Tiny. In fact, it’s something so tiny, it has no weight or volume whatsoever. But it carries a lot of weight. And the power behind it speaks volumes.

I’ve read blog posts, articles, and stories about it. And I’ve listened to podcasts about it.

But I’ve only read or heard a couple of explanations that properly illustrate this tiny, little “thing.”

And I won’t keep you guessing any longer. I’m talking about the still, small voice mentioned in the Bible. Something that’s actually someone. But have you heard that still, small voice? My assertion is that, if you have, you made up the voice in your head.

But don’t take that to mean I don’t believe you “heard’ God’s voice.

Far from it.

In fact, my assertion is also that, if you’ve studied the Bible for a while, God’s still, small voice will live in your head. Well, actually in your mind. But let’s not quibble.

And it’s awesome how God can talk to you through His written word. He doesn’t need to (and probably doesn’t want to) sit you down and give you a talkin’ to every time you’re on the wrong path. Because His Word is alive. And it’s sharper than a two-edged sword.

It can cut you to the core. And turn you away from your selfish ways. If you’ll just listen.

But that’s (to coin the lyrics from a Kim Carnes song) where the trouble lies. Your self wants what it wants. And so you think you can run and hide. You think you can fill up your head with the noise of the world and drown out God. But you can’t.

And that’s what the character in my song, “Still Small Voice Inside” tried to do. It’s part of the collection of praise and worship songs I’ve been talking about lately. You can get the lyrics to it, and all the other songs, in my Raise The Praise book (which is also a songbook and journal).

PLUS…

You can get all the songs in a single download from a super secret link in the book. That link is below.

“˜Cause I hear a voice all day,
And it just won’t go away.
Ain’t no place I can hide
From that still small voice inside.

Stay tuned,

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I’m a dwelling place. And that’s not a typo. I didn’t mean to say I have a dwelling place. I said what I meant. And I meant what I said.

But when I think of me as a dwelling place, one question comes up.

A one word question. Why? Or it could be a two word question. Why me?

And there’s no mistake. The Bible says I’m a dwelling place for my Creator. That means God, who is the only one in existence who can truly condescend, chose to live in me. And all who believe and trust in Him.

Wow. That’s beyond my power to fully comprehend. And I’m not only humbled at that realization. I’m also grateful. And I also want to use my words and music gifts to serve Him. Not because He orders me to serve Him. But because the love He gives me cries out to be told. And to be sung about.

So, that notion of His “condescending attitude” is included in my song, “Consequential Servitude.” It’s one of the 12 songs in my “Raise The Praise” collection of praise and worship songs. But, be warned. These songs aren’t like the mantra, sugary sweet songs you typically hear in churches these days. And these songs might actually cause you to look up verses in your Bible.

Gasp! Say it ain’t so, Ethel.

Yeah, it’s true. And you can get all the words to “Consequential Servitude” and the other 11 songs in a book (which is also a songbook and journal) by the same name: Raise The Praise. The link is below.

Here’s a clip of some the chorus lyrics to Consequential Servitude.

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.

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Get the Raise The Praise book (songbook and journal) here

 

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What I’m talkin’ about, right now, is a far cry from free love. That’s a whole ‘nother story. And maybe I’ll talk about it some time in the near future. But, for now, I’m talkin’ about love freely given. Because I believe it’s the main reason I’m able to share my thoughts with you…and why you’re able to read or listen.

Love freely given means you’re not a robot.

You’re not an automaton, preassembled to carry out some sort of predetermined, coded instructions. 

But how do I know this is true? (I hope you won’t seriously consider asking that question.)

I know it’s true because you’re able to hate. Yeah. You and I can freely hate. Anyone. And everyone. Of course, I don’t hate everyone. And I’m pretty sure you don’t either. But we could. If we wanted.

And it’s all because God is the ultimate risk taker. He created human beings in His own image and likeness. So, He gave us the same freedom to choose to love Him that He has when He chooses to love us. But that’s also why He’s the ultimate risk taker.

Because, in order for us to be able to freely choose to love, we gotta be able to freely choose to hate. Otherwise, it ain’t a free choice. It’s no choice at all.

So, the ability to choose to love shows we have a Creator who loves.

And that’s why I wrote the song, “Because I Can Love.” It’s part of a praise and worship collection I named “Raise The Praise.” And the words to all the songs in that collection are in a book (which is also a songbook and journal) by the same name. You can get your copy at the link below.

By the way, there’s a super secret link in the book you can use to get a free download of all the songs to go along with the lyrics. So, it’s like getting a book, an album, and a journal all in one. Well, it’s like that because it IS that. Here’s the verse to “Because I Can Love…”

Because You love me so”in spite of all You know”
Because You did the most that You could ever do”
Because I clearly see”evidence of You in me”
Because I can love”I do love”You!

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Get the Raise The Praise book (songbook and journal) here

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“To be, or not to be: that is the question: Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles, and, by opposing, end them? Yeah, ol’  ShakySpear posed an age old question about how to deal with the world. But like Sir William, we still fail to deliver, even in this modern day, when we have so many slings and arrows.

Thank God He loves us in spite of how we fail to deliver.

But I don’t believe He’s particularly impressed by our shortcomings. Especially when you and I (and all believers) have it easier than anybody did two thousand years ago. And by “it” I mean eternal life.

You and I only need to show humility and ask for it. And everlasting (and undeserved) Grace is poured out. The Grace that was first poured out in the actual, human blood of Jesus. He took on human flesh, experienced human suffering, and died a painful human death for sins and crimes you and I committed.

Why would He do that?

Because for 4000 years humans failed to deliver when it came to fully trusting God. Human beings, throughout history, have been (and still are) determined to rule the universe. Everybody wants to be his or her own king or queen. But there is only one King. Only one source of eternal life.

You and I had a beginning. We were created. Thankfully, by the one, true, living, loving God. And He is the only one who never sinned, doesn’t sin, and never will sin.

So, only He…in the form and life of Jesus…could provide the payment required for eternal life. And that’s why I wrote about Him, from that perspective, in a song called “Your Body, Your Blood.”

It’s about our failures.

But it’s also about redemption. And how easy it is to receive. You can hear the song when you get my book, “Raise The Praise” (which is also a songbook and journal). It’s part of the free download you’ll find in a super secret link in the book.

When you buy the book, you help me continue to share words and music of faith, hope, and love with an increasingly hurting world. And I thank you, in advance, for your support. Here’s a clip from the song…

I fail here in the flesh…
This flesh that pulls me down,
And yet You say I’ll have
An imperishable crown.

Stay tuned,

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In 1975 I worked in a disco. Just writing those words sounds crazy to me now. But it’s true. At that time, disco music was big. And if you don’t know what disco was, then you might be too young to be reading this. So, make sure your parents say it’s OK to proceed.

Anyway…disco music was the thang.

Just do a search for disco music. And you can find some of the awesome (and I use that adjective loosely) pictures of what was going on back then. Or you can save your eyes and skip the search. Just kidding. Sort of

But I didn’t bring up the subject of disco music to discuss whether or not it had any redeeming qualities. No, I have something much more fantastic in mind. A certain Captain, to be more precise. And to be even more precise, I’m talking about “Captain Fantastic.”

In case you’re not familiar with Captain Fantastic, that’s the title of a bestselling album, by Elton John, from way back in 1975.

Now, you might be thinking, “Yeah, yeah…whatever. Tell me more about your disco days.”

Well, that’s just it. I AM. Because, believe it or not, Captain Fantastic actually connects to my days as a bartender in a disco.

One day, during a shift at the disco, I told a fellow bartender that I knew every word to every Elton John album. And that included the “new” one, Captain Fantastic. For some strange reason, that baffles me to this day, the fellow bartender didn’t believe me. And he started challenging me.

But those challenges were shot down again and again.

Because, if I tell you I can do something, I CAN do it. I won’t even bring it up otherwise.

But every time an Elton John song would come up, the other bartender would expect me to sing along without missing any words. And I’d happily oblige. So, word of my lyrical prowess spread through the staff. And, so did word of my singing ability. And that ability got me out of some work at the end of a long evening shift.

Because, at the end of our shifts, we had to clean up after a thousand patrons (no exaggeration). So, that meant tons of drink cups, tables to be cleaned off, floors to be swept, bars to be wiped down, etc. And while we all worked, the disco DJ would play…uh…good songs. NOT disco.

One of those was a song off the Captain Fantastic album, “Better Off Dead.” The other employees asked the DJ to let me sing along with it when he played it (or basically any Elton John song), and the DJ agreed.

So, while my fellow workers cleaned up the place, I sang along with Better Off Dead. I’d do the main vocal, the second harmony, the third, and back again. It was a blast. Here’s the chorus to that song…

‘Cause the steam’s in the boiler, the coal’s in the fire
If you ask how I am, then I’ll just say inspired
If the thorn of a rose, is the thorn in your side
Then you’re better off dead, if you haven’t yet died

Back then, I was a big Elton John fan. It was because of him that I figured out how to make my way around a keyboard. And I could sing Elton John songs better than Elton John (hey, like Babe Ruth said, “It ain’t braggin’ if it’s true.”)

But now, of course, I’ve found out much more about Elton. And I vehemently oppose his lifestyle choice and his worldview. I wish he would repent and trust his Creator and live forever in Heaven. But that certainly doesn’t seem imminent, to say the least.

So, right now, Mr. John would definitely NOT be better off dead. Quite the opposite. He has an extremely comfortable, lavish life in the here and now. His eternity doesn’t look so bright. So, in that regard…

I’m Better Off

I think we can agree…I’m not better than you.
It isn’t very hard to believe that it’s true.
But let me say this now, and I hope you won’t scoff…
Though I’m not better than…I know I’m better off.

I’m better off…
If you say there is no Jesus and no Truth that ever frees us.
I’m better off…
If you say no bright tomorrow can erase all of your sorrow.
I’m better off…
For a multitude of reasons, an eternity of seasons.
I’m better off…
When I leave this dark theater, I’ll go live with the Creator.

So, I’m not better than any person who sins.
No, that’s an argument where no one ever wins.
But try to understand, and don’t grumble and cough,
When I say “trust the Lord“, and you’ll be better off.

© 2014 Tony Funderburk

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I saw something, on a social media channel, that I’ve seen so many (too many) times. And it sounds so ridiculous. But it’s not surprising. A person, who pretended to impart motivational wisdom, said, “Have faith in yourself, and trust the universe (they capitalized the U in universe) to show you the way.”

Yeesh. Nothing could be further from the Truth.

Years ago I shared a series of 12 posts about some reasons for faith. But not just faith in yourself the rest of the world wants to shout out about. Hardly. No, these were reasons for faith in someone you’ve never seen. And you might not see during your whole life.

There’s nothing wrong with having faith in yourself.

Let me clear that up a little. Because if you don’t have faith in your abilities, your skills, your strengths…you could end up bowing to the will of those who do.

But that kind of faith in yourself can only help you through this life. It can’t, doesn’t, and never will help you into and through eternity. There’s only one faith, in that someone I mentioned earlier, that can do that. And here’s what I said about Him all those years ago…

“Jesus wasn’t simply “a good man”, or ‘a nice teacher’, or ‘a humble prophet”. He was Truth…God with us. He was the manliest of men. And yet He was the gentlest of all. He took on human flesh in order that He could endure, in our place, the death we all deserve. He said, Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth…Yet, the only peace that ever existed on earth was in His body and presence.

He showed us how we need to love one another. And He led by example. Since there is no greater love than to ‘lay down one’s life for his friends’, Jesus is the ultimate reason for faith.”

I wrote and published a book (which is also a songbook and journal) with 12 songs about faith, hope, and love. And the cool thing about the book is, there’s a secret link in it where you can get those 12 songs (for free) and sing along.

Then, you can take notes.

Or scribble. Or doodle. Whatever. It’s your book after all.

One of the songs in the book (which is also a songbook and journal) is “Give Me The Whole Jesus.” Here are some of the lyrics. And the link to get the book is below.

Give me the whole Jesus,
The whole, good Lord…
The one who shields the child,
The one who wields the sword.

Stay tuned,

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Get the Raise The Praise book (songbook and journal) here