Category Archives: Christian Articles

Tony Funderburk writes and sings about the rhyme and reason for life so believers and searchers can see some of the millions of reasons to trust Jesus.

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Complex molecules make up every little bit of your body. Your DNA is so complex it boggles the mind. And it’s so unique that you’re the only one exactly like you. Well…aren’t you something?!

But there’s no need to get the “big head” from this revelation.

The same is true of every other person on the planet. So “you” means any person who happens to be reading this at right now. Or even later for that matter.

So, it boggles the mind, even the ones unaffected by age and health problems.

And while you ponder that, eyeball this. Your eye. See if you can wrap your retinas around this: if you tried to simulate, on a computer, just 10 milliseconds of the complete processing of a single nerve cell from one retina, here’s what your computer would have to be able to do.

It would have to be able to solve 500 simultaneous nonlinear differential equations 100 times. Remember…that’s every 10 milliseconds…and it’s only one nerve cell in one retina. That would require a super duper supercomputer. And when you consider that there are “10 million or more such cells interacting with each other in complex ways, it would take a minimum of 100 years of [1985] Cray time to simulate what takes place in your eye many times every second.”

And that’s just one eye. Even though that data boggles the mind, you might have noticed, a lot of people have two.

Here’s a couple more little facts about complex molecules and organs.

Just in case that last tidbit didn’t impress you. An adult human brain contains 1014 electrical connections. That’s a hundred thousand billion, and it’s more than all the soldered electrical connections in the whole world.

And that’s one brain.

OK, now, think about your heart. It’s only about 10 ounces. And it’s a pump that keeps pumping on its own for about 75 years. Dude. That’s complex.

But of course, you can still pass this off as serendipitous fate if you prefer. But as I always say, give me God. I’d much rather take my “chance” with Him than silly chance and circumstance.

All Of Creation

All of creation points to the Savior.
We are all here by design.
All the environment and complex behavior…
The Glory of God makes it shine.

All of creation holds information…
Encoded within every cell…
All of the best minds in each generation
Won’t banish what Christians know well…

That all of creation is here by the Word of God.
All of creation mirrors His mind.
All of creation is saved by the Love of God
All of creation…Jesus defined. © 2016

And here’s something else you shouldn’t leave to chance and circumstance:

Get my Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. Because the flashes of light I share on my website come directly to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading instead of searching. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to books and music, right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies.

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

What if you were the first person on Earth that God ever created? First thing is, you’d be a man. Because God created a man, first. But then, what if He brought you a lot of animals and birds and asked you to name them? Can you even imagine what you might say?

Remember, you’d be the first person on Earth.

And you just arrived. And you wouldn’t even know what all the animals and birds could do. Much less know what to name them. Sounds more like a job for God. Right? Not the first person on Earth.

So, what would YOU do?

My guess (which isn’t a guess at all) is that you’d name all the animals and birds. And I bet you’d have a blast doing it. Because that’s EXACTLY what the first person on Earth, Adam, did. When God brought Adam all the animals and birds He created, to “see what he would call them,” Adam named them.

Period.

And I believe it pleased God, as any loving father would be pleased, to see what Adam could do. God made Adam in His image and likeness. So, that meant He also gave Adam a perfect brain, and He enjoyed watching him use it.

It wouldn’t make any sense at all for God to plan everything Adam could and would do. Because, then why would He need to put animals and birds in front of Adam to “see what he would call them?” If God had already planned it all, He’d already KNOW what Adam would call them.

So, God didn’t know, ahead of time, what Adam would come up with. But I bet He was a proud Father.

And I bet He still loves to see what you and I come up with.

Because I’m sure He loves wonderful surprises, too. And if He already knew everything we’ll do, what a boring, predictable eternity He’d have to sit through.

Thankfully, the living, loving Creator of the universe DID make a plan to save us from ourselves. And He made Himself accessible to anyone who’s willing to take responsibility for his or her own actions. To anyone with enough humility to ask Him for help and wisdom.

The Power of His love created you.

And the sovereignty of His life can sustain you forever.

But He didn’t build you to be a robot or mindless machine to do His bidding.

Nope. He made you so you know you exist. And you can choose to love or even hate. He even gives you the choice of eternal life or death. He said, and I highly recommend you choose Life. Make love be…

The Last Word

Keep a bolt of lightning in your brain
And a jar of honey in your heart.
Let love be the last word from your lips
Whether you’re together or apart.

Lightning is your passion over pain.
Honey is your holy hope within.
Send those feelings through your fingertips
And remember, always let love win.  © 2020

Your email address is all it takes to get encouraging, regular issues of my Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. It comes directly to your inbox so you spend your valuable time reading instead of searching. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to 2 of my Christian books for kids and 2 songs, right away, that grownups AND kids can enjoy.

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Oh brother. I found an article on the latest trends in books for kids. And if it’s accurate, and from what I’ve seen it is, Houston, we have a problem (and every other city, town, and village).

Don’t take my word for it. See if you agree with these latest trends:

1. Diversity and Inclusivity:

There’s a significant push towards representation in Christian children’s books. Including characters from various ethnic backgrounds, family structures, and those with disabilities. And the inclusion is more natural and less forced than in previous years, aiming to reflect a diverse Christian community.

2. Emotional Intelligence:

Books that focus on emotional intelligence are on the rise. They address mental health, empathy, and try to understand emotions from a Christian perspective. This trend helps nurture compassionate and emotionally aware young Christians.

3. Interactive Storytelling:

With technology’s influence, interactive elements like Augmented Reality (AR) become more common. And books now often invite participation. They offer choose-your-own-adventure styles or interactive activities that engage readers in the narrative experience.

4. STEM Integration:

Christian children’s books increasingly integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) themes into narratives. This trend aims to insert fun into learning and still align with Christian teachings.

5. Graphic Novels and Comics:

The popularity of graphic novels and comics in children’s literature has spilled over into Christian themes. These formats are used to tell stories of faith through Bible narratives or Christian life lessons to visually engage readers.

6. Focus on Modern Issues:

Books are tackling contemporary issues like environmental stewardship, social justice, and even the implications of technology from a Christian viewpoint. And this reflects a broader societal conversation but through a faith-based lens.

7. Classic Adaptations and New Interpretations:

Timeless Christian stories like “Pilgrim’s Progress” are being adapted for modern audiences, often with updated language or illustrations to connect with today’s children. New interpretations of biblical stories or Christian allegories are also popular.

8. Rhyming and Poetic Styles:

There’s a notable trend for books that use rhyme or poetry to teach theology, moral lessons, or even basic prayers. This approach makes complex ideas more accessible and memorable for young readers.

9. Non-Fiction Growth:

The juvenile non-fiction segment within Christian literature is seeing growth, focusing on educational content that aligns with Christian teachings, like history, science, and biographies of influential Christians.

10. Digital Influence:

The influence of digital media is unmistakable, with books often mimicking digital styles in illustrations or structure, and some even incorporating digital components for an enhanced reading experience.

The article finished off with this summary:

“These trends indicate a dynamic evolution in Christian children’s literature, aiming to resonate with contemporary children while maintaining the core messages of Christian faith. However, individual preferences among Christian families can vary, so these trends might be more pronounced in some communities or regions than others.”

Notice how SO much information and SO many writers and content producers LUV to use some form of evolution? Yeah, it’s ubiquitous. And another awful trend is how many articles use the ing forms of words. I replaced some of them in the article because there were so many. But so many phrases are structured this way:

Books are tackling…
are being adapted…
literature is seeing growth, focusing on (double hit)…
books often mimicking…
aiming to resonate…
while maintaining the core…

So, I’m much more old-fashioned (or should I say olde-fashioned?).

But some of the latest trends are mighty cool, too. I’m a big fan of digital tools like computers, tablets, and smartphones. Because they help you do amazing things our ancestors could only dream about.

But I believe it’s important and crucial to temper the digital tools with wisdom. And that means, we’re doomed. Because I just don’t see wisdom as a principal player in technological development.

That’s why I and (and will be, eternally) grateful to be tapped into the Life of the ultimate source of information. Because that ultimate source is the one who loves me (and you) enough to pay the price for the consequences of our lack of wisdom.

Anyway…

Tell me what you think about the latest trends in books for kids in Christian families.

Also, once you see the benefit, join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. And I’ll send you daily flashes of light so we can stay focused on faith, hope, and the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

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He showed up with a servitude heart. And that was no small detail. Because he was actually a king. No, that’s not quite accurate. He was THE king. Of the whole universe, in fact. But He showed up here in our dirty, little world with a mission to make things right. And His actions, over and over, proved He came here to serve, not BE served.

The ultimate model of a servitude heart.

And it makes perfect sense to say He’s the ultimate model. Because He even says that you and I were made in His image and likeness. It’s kinda like He’s the mold (defined: a distinctive and typical style, form, or character AND form or shape, especially the features or physique of a person). And you and I were copies made from that mold.

So, here’s what I think (and you can take what I think PLUS a smartphone and make a call to just about anywhere in the world). God knew, when He made us, and even more now, that us copies would never live up to the original. And He planned out actions He could and/or would take to compensate for, and even wipe out, our stupid decisions AND the consequences for them.

That information about His character inspired me to write a song about how a servitude heart should be our response to His love. You have the freedom to disagree. But I bet you don’t.

Consequential Servitude

God looked down on me. He knew I was wrong;
Usurped my position I’d 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.
And 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 Ist verse and 2nd chorus…end

© 2001

Join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. And I’ll send you daily flashes of light so we can stay focused on faith, hope, and the power of God’s love.

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Too many people thumb their nose at God and say (actually say out loud or say metaphorically) “You are cruel. And I hate you.” I know it’s harsh. But that’s what they say. In one way or another. And that’s even if they say they don’t believe God is real. So, here’s the thing about that.

You are NOT worthy of hate or criticism if you don’t exist.

It’s one of them thar conundrums.

But thankfully the one, true, living, loving, creator God IS real. And when you intelligently and thoughtfully consider what all He’s done for you so far, you’re not likely to hate Him for it.

At least that’s always my hope. Sadly, most people still find a way to hate God.

It’s as if they couldn’t care less about the first two laws of thermodynamics. Ain’t that crazy? I mean, c’mon! Those two laws basically say you can’t get something from nothing and a fire can’t burn forever. And those two laws have been observable from the git-go of time.

You don’t believe that our natural world, solar system, galaxy, and universe just “banged” into existence. Right? I sure don’t. Because that requires mind-boggling blind faith I just don’t possess.

It makes so much more sense (and it just so happens to be true) that a supernatural Creator designed it all. Everything works far too well for it to have been a happy accident. From the ginormosity (my own word for very big) of the universe to the irreducible complexity found in one teenyncy (my own word for very tiny) cell. So, we should be able to acknowledge that someone even larger and more complex made it.

Well, there are many who DO acknowledge. But there are so many more who just can’t go where the evidence leads. I know you’re not one of them. But if you know someone who is, help them learn to say something like this…

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
And 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.

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

Chorus 3 times

© 2010

Once you see the benefit, join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. And I’ll send you daily flashes of light so we can stay focused on faith, hope, and love.

Stay tuned…

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Truth sets you free. It just does. It can also get you in a world of hurt. And even tossed into prison. Yes, even in this day and age. And even right here in the good ol’ U S of A.

But it’s still awesome how the truth sets you free.

Because it can free up your mind. Yeah, truth is SO much easier than remembering a bunch of lies. Especially if you don’t remember which one you told who which person. Yikes, that was a tangled, woven, worldwide web long before the digital world wide web.

Anyway…

The reason I brought up this truth revelation is because of how lying has gone on this year, here in America, during the so-called “election season.” From. Every. Single. Main. Candidate.

I encourage you to focus instead, during this Christmas “season,” on THE Truth that sets you free. The One who is the reason for the season. And the One who is the reason you even exist. I hope you already do. And if not, I hope you will. As for me? Well, I wrote a song where I simply said…

I Have To Believe

I can hear my heart, but I just can’t feel my life.
I can feel You cut, but I just can’t see the knife.
You slip Yourself inside of me
To show me what I’m meant to be;
Unlock me with Your golden key;
Protect me from the wizardry
Of this world far below.

I can feel Your love; though I never see Your face,
And whenever I’m alone, You still fill the empty space.
I never have to reach for You.
You always seem to pull me through.
You do the things that I can’t do;
Not even if I wanted to…not even if I tried.

And I have to believe…You did everything for me.
‘Cause what I have to believe
Is the truth that sets me free (repeat)

You must know my dreams
Because you’re making them all come true.
I know that You’re the One
Because no one could but You.
Your steady hand is always near.
With perfect love You conquer fear.
You brush away the dark veneer,
And suddenly it’s all so clear which way I should go.

© 1989

Join the growing body of believers who signed up for the Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional, if you haven’t already. And I’ll send you good stuff so you can focus on faith, hope, and love with me.

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We live in a world gone mad. Mad, I tell you! A world where people will say, with a straight face (inverted pun intended) that there are more than only two genders. And some will go so far as to say there’s really no way to know just how many genders there are.

If you say there are only two genders, you’re a hater.

Don’t you just hate that?

I know YOU wouldn’t argue against there being only two genders, but I have some info THEY can’t argue against, if or when they’re willing to face facts and not just feelings.

Men and women are different. And that difference is another huge dose of evidence against life on planet earth magically appearing from non-life.

Yeah, the sexual reproduction systems in men and women are incredibly different. But they’re ideally made for each other. And the combined reproductive system has been the only mechanism to produce other human beings.

But just imagine millions and millions of years ago (and imagination is the only way you go back that far) when those reproduction systems were “evolving.” Now, consider how two radically different, yet highly compatible, systems could time their evolution so well. Because that evolutionary (random) process would have to deal with a few compatibility issues, like:

  • Physical
  • Chemical
  • Emotional
  • Environmental
  • Accidental

But we’re just getting warmed up. You’re gonna really see the hate spew out of me, now. Because I’m about to lay some macro truth on ya. Ready? Here goes.

Not only men and women are different.

Bam! Slamma Jamma.

The reproduction systems in the male and female of all the other species had to have been simultaneously evolving at the same (or similar) rate and speed, too. And then there are the plants. Don’t get me started (oops, too late).

It all boils down to timing.

If one or the other, male or female, of the reproduction systems had been off only a little, that species would have quickly become extinct. The number of miraculous accidents that would have had to happen is mind-boggling. Well, impossible to calculate, actually.

Dr. Walt Brown, a PhD from M.I.T., has a LOT more to say about it. And I recommend you read his book “In The Beginning” to discover lots more amazing and awesome evidence for creation. And tons of this evidence shows there are only two genders.

Or share the link with someone you know who could benefit from it.

Because it could help them build confidence in the Truth and give them hope for their life.

And I know some people’s hope requires scientific evidence.

Sure, I’m a Christian. And, yes, I have an agenda.

But it’s not to scam you or lure anyone into one of those churches where you’d better hold onto your wallet. My goal, my mission, is to share the faith, hope, love (and mountains of evidence) I experience, knowing Jesus. And I want, and work, to share it with anyone who’s looking for better answers than evolutionary science fiction.

Because if I’m right about this, and I am, the only thing you have to lose is eternal life?

A word to the confounded…
Pour light into your eyes.
If you expect more than neglect,
Get wisdom; yeah get wise.

Hey, while you’re here, join the growing body of believers who signed up for the Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional, if you haven’t already. And I’ll send you good stuff so you can focus on faith, hope, and love with me.

Stay tuned…

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