You have enough to think about today. So, don’t add tomorrow’s worries to today. And that’s not just some anecdotal thing I came up with. It’s advice that can also be found in red letters in the Bible. (for those of you unfamiliar with the Bible, red letters are used when it’s Jesus talking)

But think about tomorrow for a second or two. It never really gets here. Right? It’s always “out there.” Somewhere beyond the next sunrise. Somewhere in the future. The future is coming. Always getting here. But it never actually gets here either. Because that slippery tomorrow always manages to fade away from your grasp the second the clock strikes midnight.

So, today is the only day you can actually do anything about. Tomorrow isn’t here yet, and yesterday is over and done with. And, since today is the only time you actually live in, shouldn’t your focus be on what you can do today? Of course, that should be a rhetorical question. But sadly too many people are so fearful of what the future holds they let today slip away.

And when today slips away, what does it become? Tomorrow? Nope. It immediately becomes yesterday. A saying I coined many years ago is this: “Today is yesterday’s tomorrow and tomorrow’s yesterday.” I’ve seen a lot of people use some version of it. But I never see any royalties.

Anyway…

Time is really a weird thing, isn’t it? When Jesus said “do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things“, it was to illustrate how futile it is to worry about tomorrow. So futile, in fact, that we should let tomorrow worry about itself. Hmm…can a tomorrow do that? Well, I’ve certainly got enough to think about today. So, I’m not gonna worry about it. How about you?

The things you want to do

(from a mournful song I wrote in 1978: Tomorrow Never Came To Me)

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

Stay tuned…

The post Enough to think about so leave the rest of it out appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Biblical knowledge is available to anyone who’s interested in finding out more. And the key points, and truth, of the Bible are easy enough to understand that even a child can learn about the love of our Creator. And that’s more important to know and understand than anything else anyone will ever learn.

Thankfully, Biblical knowledge is still boldly shared all over the internet. At least it is here in America. I’m sure other places in the world still “allow/tolerate” it. But, as an example of what’s shared here in America, I saw some interesting comments on social media today. Like this one:

“One of the biggest lies in society and unfortunately even in much of the church, is that everyone is basically good, rather than the biblical truth that there is NONE who are good except Jesus. That everyone is deserving of hell. That’s why a lot of what the Bible calls sin is justified, because people think – ‘well he’s a good person, why shouldn’t he be happy and allowed to be gay’ etc. This thinking leads to a lack of fear of the Lord, as well as a lukewarm passion for Jesus and a lack of absolute thankfulness that He saved us!!”

And that guy shared that post in response to a quote, by Jonathan Edwards, another guy shared. The quote is, “Almost every natural man that hears of hell flatters himself that he shall escape it.” And the guy who shared the quote added, “Don’t flatter yourself.”

Another post I saw showed wisdom and discernment you only get with Biblical knowledge. A young woman shared this, “Parents in Canyon, Texas call it a win after the Bible is allowed back in the school’s library. But if the school spends 7-8 hours every day teaching an anti-biblical worldview, what did they win? Christians should take their CHILDREN out of the secular, Marxist government schools. That’s how you win.”

Yes, it is.

And then, you’ll get plenty of the convoluted Biblical knowledge, too. Like this post from someone who uses the handle, Biblical and Reformed (red flag alert). This person simply quoted from scripture in order to justify an incorrect predestination position. He posted, “For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom He predestined, He also called. And those whom He called, He also justified, and those whom He justified, He also glorified.”

I remember having a discussion with my mom, many moons ago, about how her idea that everything that happens was pre-ordained by God. And she found that very scripture and read it to me. So, I asked her one simple question.

“Mom, who did God NOT foreknow?”

And then I asked her to apply the implications of the answer to that question to her predestination position. I saw the light flicker in the eyes of her understanding. But then, just as quickly, I saw the regurgitation of all those years of flawed Biblical knowledge flood back into her head.

I saw a post that dared to say the TV series, “Yellowstone isn’t just a show it’s a blueprint for what it means to be a real man. This modern Western dives deep into masculinity, responsibility, and legacy. Let’s break it down through a biblical lens and see what every man can learn from the Duttons.” Ay yi yi!

I’ve never watched that show, but video snippets pop up all over the place. And they almost alway include a LOT of profanity and sexualized content. But the guy who posted that followed up with what he considers supportive info. Like this post, “If you’re a Christ follower, you can spot Christ in the series and movies get ready for some powerful lessons.”  (his writing, not mine)

And that just ain’t so. Because it’s not Biblical or Christ-like to do so many anti Christ things but add a “redemptive” twist and call it good.

I know my Biblical knowledge doesn’t have the mass appeal of what passes for knowledge in the pop culture. But I’m totally confident that Jesus doesn’t think Yellowstone is a good show for Christians to watch.

Look, I get it. It’s good to see strong (even “white”) men portrayed in this day and age when soy boys rule so much. But I recommend your role models be Jesus, Paul, and the other patriarchs of the Bible.

So, maybe you don’t need any of this info. If that’s the case, then, as they say in Poland, Nessun problema. Continua con la tua giornata, ci sentiamo più tardi.

Everything is for a reason.

(from my song, A Thousand Times, NO)

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

Stay tuned…

The post Biblical knowledge don’t need no college appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Kris and Themum woke up to a thunderstorm filled with bright flashes of lightning. Thank goodness they had taken extra time to secure their tents and position them for protection. Because the thunderstorm turned into what Uncle Paulo would describe as “a real frog drowner.” But they weren’t gonna let a little rain put a damper on reaching the goal for the day.

The summit. The peak. A couple more vertical miles, and they’d see the tip-top of the goal they’d talked about for a long time. And they both thought about that as they fired up the little backpack grill to make breakfast and coffee.

Neither one said anything. Kris had pointed out, before they even started their climb, that he wasn’t a morning talker. And Themum said he just wasn’t a morning person, period. So, that worked out. Even though it sounds funny to say it, they could just enjoy the mountain sounds in silence.

After breakfast, and a jolt of adrenaline thanks to their Italian roast coffee, the guys gathered up their gear to get ready to press on.

And as most climbers (the honest ones at least) might tell you, they didn’t even fully understand WHY they pressed on. Because the thin air increased the challenge with each step up in elevation. So, it wasn’t like it was just a walk in the park.

Otherwise your mind, and aching muscles, can conjure up all kinds of reasons to turn back. And Kris and Themum certainly faced those distractions way up there above the tree line. But the awesome beauty of the summit, bathed in the orange-red-yellow glow of the morning sun, urged them forward.

After a few more switchbacks, the trail turned considerably narrower. And rockier.

As they approached a sharp turn, next to a wind-worn tree trunk, Themum felt a pebble in his hiking boot. So, he stopped to lean on the tree trunk for support and remove it. But just as he started to lift his foot to unlace the boot his other foot twisted slightly on another rock. And his hand slipped off the tree trunk. And he tumbled off the edge of the trail.

Kris had just made the sharp turn when he looked back to see Themum disappear over the edge. And, as you can well imagine, he dashed back down the trail to where his friend had fallen out of sight. He was afraid of what he might find. Or not find. But he quickly calmed that fear with faith.

“Themum!” he called out.

And thankfully Themum replied, “I’m right down here. Good thing there was a shrub to break my fall. But it’s pretty small. And I don’t know if it can hold me for long.”

So, Kris answered back, “OK, don’t worry. I’ll help you get back up here.”

And with that promise, Kris quickly looked around for something to hand down to his friend. There wasn’t much to choose from. But he DID find one solid limb, about 4 feet long, that looked like it had fallen off that wind-worn tree.

“Ok, buddy. I’m gonna hand you a branch to grab on to. Can you do that without falling?” he asked.

Themum answered, “Yeah, I think so. But I think we’d better hurry. The roots of this shrub seem to be shifting around a little bit.”

So, Kris grabbed on to another shrub with his left hand and lowered the branch down to his friend. And it was a good thing the branch was about 4 feet long. Because they needed every inch of it.

“Now, we’ve gotta sync up just right, buddy,” Kris told Themum. “When I pull, you gotta get the best footing you can and push at the same time. Are you ready?”

Themum dug his right hiking boot into the ground and answered, “Ready!”

“OK,” said Kris. We’re one unit. One force. Keep your eyes up here. On three. One! Two!”

Kris pulled the limb. Themum pushed into the ground and reached up to grab another root. And they repeated those moves a few more times till Themum was safely back on the trail. They both laid there in the warm sunlight, breathing deeply, and saying silent prayers of thanks. Because they had combined their efforts into one force, they got the job done right.

In case you’re wondering, yes, they DID go on to the summit. And they enjoyed reaching the goal they had weeks before. There were selfies. And pats on each other’s backs. Plus, they had a nail-biting adventure story they could share with their kids and grandkids.

Aren’t you glad you don’t have to rescue anybody off a mountainside today? And aren’t you glad you can just share stories with kids and grandkids the easy way? Just by going to the Rhyme and Reason Bookshop.

Yeah, do that today. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

I can see a dip in the mountainside

Stay tuned…

The post The goal, the prize, and where to point your eyes appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Have you ever made a rock? And how about a stick? Have you ever made one of those? Well, what about a drop of water? Surely you’ve at least made a drop of water in your life. And surely, somewhere, there’s a school science class where that has happened. Naturally, I don’t expect anyone to create a river. But surely at least one, single drop of water shouldn’t be that hard to do.

I can almost see the headline: Whiz Kid Invents World’s First Drop Of Water In A Laboratory

Yeah, that whiz kid’s gonna be able to boast about that street cred for a long time.

OK, a rock, a stick, and water seem like simple things. But no whiz kid on earth can make even a grain of sand or a seed. Because only God can make those things.

And I bet you’re fine with that. Right? I’m sure you don’t mope around wishing you could invent dirt and stuff. Because it’s a lot more fun throwing rocks, lying in the sand, and splashing in the water. Especially on hot summer days.

But, if you COULD invent a drop of water, everybody would wanna be your friend. And before you knew it, you could brag about how you have a million friends. And think about how proud that might make you feel.

But you gotta watch out for that proud part.

So, maybe you’re not a science whiz kid. But let’s say win a running race. Or you paint a picture that wins first place at the art chow. Or maybe you write a hit song people love to listen to on the radio. Nothin’ wrong with any of that. But I recommend you don’t get all caught up in being proud of yourself.

It’s a much better idea to thank the Lord that He gave you strong legs to win the race. Or thank Him for giving you the talent and good eyes to paint a beautiful picture. Or good ears and skills to write music.

After all, God was the one who created you. He designed your muscles and bones and eyes and ears. He gave you a brain. And He gave your brain the power to think your own thoughts. Dream your own dreams. And even sing your own songs. No, you wouldn’t have any of those things without Him.

So, God must love you a lot to make so many wonderful things for you to enjoy. Right?

And just so you know, it’s fine for others who love you to be proud of you. They wanna see you do good and awesome things. Because that means you’re growing and getting better and better at what they helped you learn how to do.

But don’t forget. You didn’t invent art and music, or even that one drop of water I mentioned earlier. And you certainly didn’t invent YOU. So, stay humble. Don’t fall into the pride and proud trap.

Remember, there ARE some things God hates. And at the top of His list is “a proud look.”

So, my hope for you, today, is that you’ll go do some great things. AND give thanks to God.

If you’re proud of yourself for the things you do,

Before you go, jump on the The TRUTH. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post Drop of water from the clay not the potter appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Gonna talk about truth and mercy right now. So, get ready to take some mental notes. Yeah, put away those silly tablets and other writing accoutrement. Because I don’t want your brain distracted by an urgent need to jot notes.

So, before I go any further, I know your brain is already distracted by the grammar in my headline, “Truth and mercy for what him and her say.” Right? C’mon, admit it. Your first thought was to call the grammar police and report some noun/verb abuse. But, hopefully you remembered I’m Mister Tony, the Rhyme and Reason Guy. And you thought, “Hey, wait a minute. I bet Tony’s using his poetic license to make his headline rhyme.”

And I’m so glad none of this caused a ruckus we can’t overcome. So, on to the main point(s).

Have you ever been called a loser? I hope not. But if you have, I’m sure you remember how much it hurt. Right? People who call you a loser or some other name have already lost something. I bet you didn’t know that, did you? Yep, people like that have lost 2 things you should never lose. Would you like to know what they are? Keep reading…

There are a lot of things in this life you could lose and it wouldn’t make much difference. Your pencil. Your paper. And your bubble gum. But those are just thingy things. You can almost always get more thingy things. But there are other things much more important.

Truth and Mercy. Did you already guess? If so, you win a big pat on your back. Go tell someone I said to give you one.

And you know what mercy is. Right? It’s kinda like telling someone you’re not mad at them for breaking your toy. In fact, instead of getting mad at them, you tell them they can play with another one of your toys. You should try that sometime. You might be surprised to see what a big smile you could put on your friend’s face. Yeah, mercy is a pretty special thing. You should have a lot of it in you.

And I bet you know what truth is, too. Right? It’s what you say that can stand any test. And it’s the same for everybody. Let’s say I tell you the sun is bigger and hotter than the moon. Am I telling you the truth? Sure am. And isn’t it true for everybody who lives here on Earth. Sure is. Everybody can see the sun is bigger. And they can feel how much hotter it is. So, if I tell someone those things…I’m telling them the truth. It’s good to know some things are true for everybody.

There’s something that ties mercy and truth together. Do you know what that is? It’s love.

When you love somebody, it’s much easier to show mercy and say, “You can play with this toy even though you broke that one.” And when you love, you want to know truth…because you might be curious where love comes from. Don’t you think so?

Here’s the biggest reason why it’s important to know these 2 things you should never lose. Because when you have those things in YOUR heart, you win a place in God’s heart.

And winning a place in God’s heart is the best thing you could ever win because that lasts forever. Go share some Truth and Mercy today. I’m counting on you. And here’s a rhyme to help you remember…

Mercy and truth are lighted lamps

Get some music and a book sent your way real fast. Just jump on the The TRUTH. And join a growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the power of God’s Love.

Stay tuned,

The post Truth and mercy for what him and her see appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Cow secretions and bee vomit. Yum, yum. I don’t know about you, but I’ll be goin’ back for seconds. Oh yeah! But first, here’s my desire as I share a little something with you today:

Let my teaching drop as the rain,

I can’t (and don’t) take credit for that most pleasant prose. Because it was written by Mo very many years ago. And Mo was the one who put the dude in Deuteronomy. He was inspired, by God, to give an account of how the nation of Israel came to be. And how that nation was God’s chosen people who actually betrayed Him repeatedly. The prose I just shared comes from a section in Deuteronomy known as “The Song of Moses.”

What’s that? You didn’t know Moses was a poetic guy? A songwriter? Well, you learn somethin’ new every day.

And now you know he’s the guy I called Mo.

Especially when we’re talkin’ about cow secretions and bee vomit.

Well, imagine you’re in a desert land. And it’s quite the understatement to call it a terrible place. Because you have virtually no hope of getting out. No food or water or shelter. And no idea which way to go. Then, out of the blue, a ghost appears and leads you to food. In fact, you walk into fields of juicy, tasty produce. Not only that, but the ghost shows you how to get honey and good fats from the ground.

If all that happened, you’d probably think you just hit the best lottery ever!

OK, now imagine that the scenario I just shared isn’t make-believe. Because the “ghost” is a real person. And the story I just told is based on a true story found in the Bible. It’s about how God took a man named Jacob and made him into a nation. And that nation is Israel. The story I told you to imagine goes like this:

“He found him in a desert land and in the wasteland, a howling wilderness; He encircled him, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye. As an eagle stirs up its nest, Hovers over its young, Spreading out its wings, taking them up, Carrying them on its wings, So the Lord alone led him, And there was no foreign god with him. He made him ride in the heights of the earth, That he might eat the produce of the fields; He made him draw honey from the rock, And oil from the flinty rock…”

If someone did all that for you, would you betray him?

Because, on some level, we all have. And that’s because of the lowest common denominator we all have. Selfishness. Somewhere inside you is your desire to be your own king. To handle everything YOUR way. And you either fight against that desire or you give in. Most give in. Reminds me of these lyrics from The Who:

Out here in the fields

Don’t cry.

Yeah, that whole selfish concept of “I don’t need to be forgiven.” But, even though Pete Townshend didn’t realize it at the time, it’s actually that kind of selfishness that keeps you in the wasteland. Keeps you in the desert.

But there IS a Way out of that desert and into the land of cow secretions and bee vomit.

That’s their descriptions of milk and honey. Cow secretions and bee vomit. But God inspired Mo (aka: Moses) to call the “promised land” the “land of milk and honey. And that was a description meant to entice. Not repulse. And if God says something is good, it is good.

This is just one of the many reasons why the Bible is the bestselling book of all time.

And I’m convinced that, if you read it with an open mind and heart, it will change your teenage wasteland heart to one full of love, purpose, and focus. Plus, I believe you’ll love the amazing force of life you can feel, when you KNOW you’re gonna live forever in paradise.

And don’t be surprised, once you’ve discovered the truth I’m talking about, how you’ll want to go back for seconds. And thirds, fourths, fifths, etc.

Dig deep and find the treasures for your heart.

Now, jump on the The TRUTH. And be part of the growing band of believers who wanna show the world that life has Rhyme and Reason because God is Real.

Stay tuned,

The post Back for seconds because the bee beckons appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

You’ve probably experienced faith and doubt at the same time. It’s OK to admit it because it’s part of your human flaws. I know. How dare I say you have flaws, right? Easy. Because everybody does.

I talk about the Apostle Paul a lot. And that’s because he’s the best example of where you and I are right now. And he expressed his concerns about his own ways when he wrote to the new Christians in Rome. Check out what he said and see if you detect yourself in his words:

“…we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.”

And a few lines later, you can see those weren’t just idle thoughts. Paul was so deeply affected by that inner conflict that he said, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” Yikes!

Yeah, flaws, like the ones Paul described, can allow doubt seep into your mind. That doubt can affect your day, your decisions, and your dreams. And that’s even if you’ve expressed a true faith in the One who made you. I’m not talking about the skepticism kind of doubt, the kind of uncertainty of how we even got here.

Uncertainty and insecurity can sneak into your life if you don’t watch out. Regardless of that, I want you to know it’s not an unforgivable sin for that to happen in your life. But doubt can grow when you focus on it instead of the solution.

Faith and doubt are mentioned, a lot, in the Bible.

Doubt is often referred to as fear, or a lack of courage, or unbelief. But, no matter what kind of doubt it is, the solution is always presented as faith. God wants you to have courage. He wants you to be powerful and loving. And He gives you the tool to get the job done.

His word.

His word is also called “the sword of the Spirit.” It’s an invisible sword, more powerful than brass, iron, or steel. And yet it’s sharp enough to “divide soul and spirit.” Wow, that’s difficult to even imagine.

Anyway…

Here’s my main point. I just want you to know that if you’re bouncing back and forth between faith and doubt, it means you’re doing something wrong. Not evil, but wrong. And it’s probably that you put most of your trust in yourself. But that’s leaning on limited understanding. And certainly not trusting in the Lord with all your heart.

There are successful people who don’t trust in the Lord. That’s undeniably true.

But what profits will you enjoy if you gain the whole world and lose your soul?

Most millionaires and billionaires go to hell.

I’m not picking on wealthy people because most poor people are going to hell, too. Because most PEOPLE are not going to Heaven. For one stupid reason. They choose not to go. If you have any doubt about where you’ll go if you die today, I suggest putting your faith in Jesus. Without Him, you face a life full of…

I seem to make so many false moves.

False moves, like shadows, fall behind.

I always seem to see the empty spots

I sit and dream of traveling so far,

© 1978 Tony Funderburk

Since I referenced Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, I’m gonna share a link to my own lyrical perspective on that book of the Bible. It’s called “Rhyme and Reason in Ephesians.” Get a digital copy from your choice of stores:

https://books2read.com/u/baEaeP

Stay tuned,

The post Faith and doubt and what you might leave out appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Your life design is unique. No one else who ever lived, is living now, or will ever live will have the same life as you. But your life is also no different from anybody else either. Here’s what I mean. And why it matters.

The DNA found in every cell of your body is incredibly complex and completely yours. The odds that it exists by chance are so small, you’d be more likely to win the powerball AND get struck by lightning on 3 birthdays in a row.

And He put the code inside you that makes sure no one else will be you. So, are you starting to realize how special you are? Great.

But here’s the other side of the coin…

You’re not so special, unique, or one-of-a-kind when it comes to how your life plays out.

Because you’ll experience awesome days and disappointing days. You’ll have to go through pain. And you’ll enjoy great pleasures. You will. And so will about seven billion other people. So did countless other people throughout history. It’s life.

But just because God gave you your life design doesn’t mean He designed how you’d live out your life.

That’s why you’ll find forks in roads where you’ll have to choose a direction, an option, a judgment call. Because, in your life design, God gave you a brain to use. A mind to store data and make options based on using that data well.

So, what’s the best way to make wise choices when you find one of the forks in the road? It depends on who you’re willing to trust for help. Do you think your best friends have the solution? How about mom? Or dad? Those can be good choices. But what if they’re not available when you’re faced with a situation that needs a “right away” answer?

I suggest that same living, loving Creator I mentioned before.

Remember, He designed you. He formed you in your mother’s womb. And He installed that unique code inside you. He knows what makes you tick. And He’s available 24 hours a day. Every day of your life. And He’s as close as your breath. In fact, He’s closer. He’s the Spirit of Life. For you, me, and everyone who wants him to be. Without Him nobody would exist. And His word is how you get to know Him and discover His advice for those forks in your road.

God’s word says you can plan your way. And it says He will direct your steps. That means He won’t make your decisions for you. And He didn’t plan your life for you. But when you trust Him, He won’t lead you the wrong way. He’ll lead you the direct way. That means you’ll get where you need to be.

Here’s a challenge for you.

Give up self-trust today. Read God’s word even more to understand your life design. Especially Paul’s writings, from Romans through Philemon, in the New Testament. Because Paul’s message is the most relevant part of the Bible for what’s going on right now.

OK, here’s a rhyme to share with kids about their life design.

Inside a trillion tiny cells,

That energy is life itself,

Be thankful for your source of life

© 2013

Jump on the The TRUTH and be part of the growing band of believers who wanna show the world that life has Rhyme and Reason because God made us.

Stay tuned,

The post Your life design is not the same as mine appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Slim and None. Those are the probable answers to the question. But, naturally, that begs the question. And at least one version of the question would be, “What are the odds that everything happens for a reason?” And I’d say chances are also slim and none that people who believe everything happens for a reason would agree with Jesus on that.

Uh-oh. I done went and done it that time. So, before I move on, I’d like to know if you agree with this:

My option, on that statement, is NONE. But I’ll play the Lord’s advocate (because I prefer never to advocate for the devil) and assume not everyone agrees with me.

If that’s you, bear with me as I blast out some info that maybe you haven’t considered before. And this doesn’t come from some marketer. It’s not from a metaphysicalized so-called “pastor” or “minister.” This word, that affirms accidental circumstances, comes right out of the Bible in at least three different places. Actually four places. And maybe even five. But I don’t want you to start with the first place it’s found in case you’re the type who’s easily confused.

So. Are you ready for the affirmation word? Are you sure? Because this gets kinda complicated and it triggers people.

OK, if you’re still reading, it means your mind is fortified and you’re ready to hear some truth.

So, here’s the word. Chance.

Bam! Oh yeah, that word IS in the Bible. Four times when you do a search in the New King James version. And are you ready for the high octane Spirit chaser? One of the times the word “chance” is used, it’s in RED. Bam again! (for the initiated, red letters mean those words were spoken by Jesus)

Anyway…

The reason I brought it up is because I see, literally every day, Christians debating whether or not everything happens because God ordained everything. And anyone who says He does has NOT yet comprehended the book He wrote. Because He’s infinitely creative (meaning His creative abilities have no end). And He’s infinitely brilliant (meaning He knows how to create worlds and beings that don’t require Him for day-to-day operations.

So, that means God designed you to be able to think for yourself. And decide for yourself.

Because there seems to be no depth of depravity that human beings aren’t willing to go. People have done things to each other so horribly wicked that it never entered God’s mind they would do them.

Sure, God knows everything knowable. And everything He wants to know. But do you think for a moment, that God, for eternity past, had any thoughts of burning children on altars to sacrifice them to Baal? No, that’s not His nature. It’s ours.

OK, I just had to get that out there for your consideration. And I know chances are slim that everyone will agree with me. But I also know there’s a chance somebody’s mind could be changed. And that notion motivates me to share the info. Here’s a little outro rhyme of chance…

Will the sun rise in the morning?

Will the songbirds all be singing?

Will some words of wisdom visit?

Will the world go on forever?

© 2022

The post Chances are slim that you agree with him appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

The end of April is fast approaching. So, get read for all those May flowers. Of course, that leads to Mother’s Day and then Memorial Day and backyard barbecues. All that wonderful evidence of Spring can help you forget that God hates you.

Anyway…

So, last week I had a nice conversation with some people who walked their Yorkie by the bungalow. We got to talkin’ about how they don’t make houses like the ones in our neighborhood anymore. And…pardon me?

Oh, OK. I just read what I’ve written so far. And you’re right. I did write that “God hates you.” Yeah, I suppose that’s a bit harsh. And maybe I should clear that up a little. I didn’t actually mean He hates YOU. I meant He hates YOU, if and when you hate Him and when you prefer to riff on your own merry way.

But hat’s not YOU. Right?

OK. We’re clear now. So, let’s move on.

Yeah, these bungalows, from over 100 years ago, are certainly a lot more solid than modern houses. Oak flooring. Local stone foundations that surround the basement. It’s cool to see the workmanship and hand-nailed cabinetry, rafters, and trim. And you can tell they cared more because…huh? What’s that?

You don’t want me to talk about this old bungalow? You’d rather I explain what I mean about God’s hate?

OK, I will. But I sure didn’t think you’d be so curious about it. After all, it’s not like it’s a secret. He came right out and said it in His best-selling book of all time. And He made it clear who and what He hates.

God says He hates the wicked. And I believe Him. Because He’s not a man. And He doesn’t lie.

But I also know He’d rather not hate anyone. It’s not His first choice to serve up a cup of fire. Or brimstone. Or burning wind. And that’s why He holds all those things in reserve for only those who hate Him or His children.

I don’t know about you. But I enjoy a good steaming cup of coffee on a brisk, quiet morning. And I’ve been known to partake of some spicy, hot barbecue sauce on my brisket. But I’d rather not even sample any of that hot stuff God will serve up for the wicked. No sir. I’m saving room for dessert (aka: Heaven).

I’d rather have an ice cream cone

© 2020

It certainly will be much better than fire and brimstone when you jump on the The TRUTH. So, don’t put it off another second. Get some complimentary goodies now: https://www.TonyFunderburk.com

Stay tuned,

The post God hates you if you prefer your own riff appeared first on Tony Funderburk.