Love, peace, and music. I wish those for you. And now, let’s get down to business. No, I’m not smokin’ any halo tobacco. It doesn’t take a dope-smokin’, long-haired, hippy freak to talk about the finer parts of life. And, while we’re on the subject, that leads me into some of the benefits of Christian music.

First, there’s no cursing.

Second, there’s no sex.

Third, there’s no cursing.

And did I mention there’s no sex?

But then, another HUGE benefit of Christian music is that it’s an indicator of your NEW character. What’s that you say? You’re curious about the NEW character stuff? Good. Because I was just getting to that.

Paul (that guy who claimed his own Gospel) wrote a letter to the Colossians. And he described what you can see when a man (or woman) has a new character. No, not a part in a movie. An actual compilation of who they/you/he/she are/is. (Sorry, I got too inclusive for a second there.)

Anyway…

Paul said the “new man” should and would follow this outline:

“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”

See? Love and peace. Yes, thankfulness is in there, too. But then Paul went and spinned the tables when it came to music. Because he had the audacity to say you should use music to instruct others and even get on to them. What? With music? Uh-huh.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

That’s not exactly what you’ll find in churches these days. So, I don’t think churches truly receive the true benefits of true Christian music. And, yes, that’s a lotta true-based stuff. But for a reason. Because what’s trying to pass for praise and worship music these days are actually repetitious, cotton candy choruses.

But when you try to give churches, and the “pewple” inside, more meaty music, they turn a deaf ear. Mostly.

I speak from experience.

I’m not bitter about it. I AM sad about it. But I also won’t be spinning any cotton candy. So, I pray the music I’ve composed and compiled over the years will be an indication of the treasures I’ve stored up in Heaven. And if that IS how it turns out, then I’ll rejoice at the eternal benefits of my Christian music. And I’ll do my best not to admonish anyone who turned a deaf ear.

And then I can behold the inner man

(from my song Consequential Servitude)

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Have you ever noticed how easy it is to be selfish? And how difficult it is to be merciful, kind, patient, and humble? And it all starts when you’re a little kid. Don’t believe me? Then, I’d say you either don’t have kids or you’ve never seen them together in a room full of toys. You’re more likely to see them pitch a fit than put on love. And that’s because selfishness is the most natural thing in the world.

In fact, I saw yet another example, in an almost endless parade of examples, of childish selfishness in a store yesterday. See if this sounds familiar…

Little kid, maybe 3 or 4, a young mom, and a shopping cart. Mom rolls the cart and the kid around the store. And there’s almost constant complaining and whining. And it the volume increases every few minutes. But the mom keeps quietly pleading with or bargaining with the little kid to stop.

Promises of treats. Promises of the fun things the kid will be able to do when they leave. But all the promises seem to make the little kid more determined to get his way.

And I’ll leave out the rest of the story. Because I’ll bet you can fill in the blanks since you’ve probably seen the same scene play out many times. Right? And yeah, it didn’t end well. For the mom or the kid.

Weird, right? But as awesome as love is, it doesn’t come to you naturally.

No, love has to be earned and learned. Because it’s like any other emotional gift. It goes against the grain of your flesh. Because your flesh wants what it wants. And it never gets enough.

So…thank God you’re not in this world alone. Or at least you don’t have to be. And even if you didn’t earn and learn love from your parents or other guardians, you can still put on love. You can still show mercy, kindness, humility, and forgiveness.

And you can learn how to do all that with wisdom, which you’ll need, in order to love without hypocrisy.

I know most of the people who read my articles and/or listen to my FunderCast already know most of this. But I also know some people tune in who never heard of Jesus. And His name just sounds like something “Bible thumpers” spout off to make people feel guilty.

But here’s the thing about guilt.

It can do wonders for your future when you acknowledge it. Because your future happiness can extend forever when you ask God to help you put on love and throw off selfishness. Don’t delay. Start today.

And I know most people don’t want this kind of love

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When I was a kid, there was a saying…you might even call it sort of a motto. Cheaters Never Win and Winners Never Cheat. And if you got caught cheating, whether it was in sports, academics, or even snagging somebody’s #2 pencil, there was punishment. And even ridicule in front of the class sometimes.

But, for some reason, that’s never stopped humans from cheating. And these days, adults do it in broad daylight. And they practically dare others to call them out on it. How did it get so bad?

Because these days, there’s no punishment. And certainly no shaming in public. Of course, even if a little public ridicule happens, cheaters don’t care. Because they know most of the public won’t care one way or the other.

For example, just this week, a man returned to a local grocery store, after he’d just left. And he reported to a manager that someone had busted out the window of his car. And it was parked right in front of the store. During the noon hour lunch time. Broad daylight.

(Side note: has anyone ever seen narrow daylight? And if so, could that ever be used for any examples?)

Anyway…

Of course, cheating is like a giant video game now. Because adults, especially adults in so-called positions of authority, play politics (to act for political or personal gain rather than from principle) in life. And they know if and when they’re caught, they know there’s a get out of jail free card waiting somewhere. Or a “new life” to help them start the game over.

And the scorekeeper won’t be some other cheater or committee of cheaters. Plus, the scorekeeper won’t be bribed, fooled, or manipulated in any way, shape, or form.

Because the scorekeeper will be the Creator of the game board.

And He’s able to see every move you make. Every breath you take. Yeah, He’s watching you.

So, whether you’re a worker bee in a small, local business…or even a so-called presidential candidate in America…you won’t win by cheating. In fact, you could lose much more than a popularity contest.

I know I don’t have to tell YOU this. But maybe you know somebody you should tell. Here’s a rhyme for them.

Well, if you’re fine with cheating, go ahead.

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Did you see the movie “Ghost”with Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore? The silly plot to the movie was that Patrick’s character was murdered but he didn’t immediately leave the planet. And he didn’t go to Heaven or hell. Because, according to the plot, he had to make sure his true love, Demi’s character, would be safe. But one thing that stood out, to me, was how when someone died, and Patrick’s character could see shadowy figures carrying them off to some place of torment. Reminded me of a shadow of things to come.  

But he wasn’t talking about some silly, ghostly, spooky shadow. His description was more of a foreshadowing and focus. And he wrote it like this…

“So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.”

The foreshadowing is the minor point. And the major point is focus. I really like the part where Paul says “let no one cheat you of your reward.”And that includes YOU, by the way. Because YOU are the only person who ultimately make the decision. For…or against God.

Because this world is getting meaner and meaner. And those who would love to see Christians wiped from the face of the Earth are growing in numbers, almost exponentially.

So, make a choice to be on the winning side.

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The post Shadow of things to come not so good for some appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Some say the way you write says a lot about you. And I don’t mean the words you choose. I’m talking about the way you push your pen. I recently read an article that said if you write with an irregular style, you’re dealing with chaos in your life. And if you use a lot of circles, you’re feeling defensive. But I didn’t find anything in the analysis charts that talked about handwriting without tears.  

Well, except maybe for all those teenage girls who believe the guy who just dumped “˜em has left an everlasting empty void in their hearts. Of course, they rightfully have tears all over the pages they write in their diaries and journals.

But you, my intrepid fellow human being, have no excuses.

Because you have access to information that even kings and emperors from olden days didn’t have. And you can tap into that well of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding with the tap of your pointer finger.

And when you do, you can see how the handwriting of requirements for the vast majority of the world don’t have to apply to you forever. Ain’t that awesome?

“Aw, c’mon, Tony. Stop beatin’ around the bush. What are you talkin’ about?”

Well, let’s see. What other words fit? Hmm.

OK, you know what I mean when I say “laws.”Right? How about those? Wouldn’t it be great to know that even though you messed up and broke the laws, you don’t have to pay for them? And especially if the jail time is forever.

But I’ll let you in on a little secret. There’s no judge, lawyer, or bail bondsman who’s ever gonna be able to help you clean your slate like that.

And you’re not gonna be able to bribe your way out of it.

But you CAN repent your way out of it.

“Oh man…honey, bring me another beer and change the channel. Tony’s done started talkin’ church talk again.”

Now hang on a minute. Because this has to do with more than what’s on TV the rest of the night. (and that includes all those campaign commercials)

Yeah, if you get this handwriting issue resolved, and you could be looking at an eternity of good news. Even without a big screen with 1000 channels.

Be sure yours is handwriting without tears

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The post Handwriting without tears through the everlasting years appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

There’s a reason food tastes better when it’s seasoned with salt. Because salt is tasty. And it’s the most versatile seasoning on the planet. And it doesn’t hurt that it’s essential to your health. Wow, is anybody else getting a hankering for some sea-salted snacks right about now?  

“Oh brother, Tony. Why you gotta make everything be difficult. Salt is salt.”

Hmm…is it?

I only ask because I’ve seen a lot of evidence to the contrary. Apparently the regular table salt you find on…well…tables…can’t hold a seasonal candle to sea salt. And there are other choices out there, too. Like: Himalayan pink salt, kosher salt, and Celtic salt.

But I don’t wanna shake you up too much (ha! I crack myself up) on which one to use. After all, I’m not a health coach. And I don’t play one on TV…or the internet.

No, I’m just casually bringing up salt in the conversation as one of my subtle techniques for connecting it to something your Creator wants you to do.

“Oh no, hon. Cover Timmy’s ears. Tony’s doin’ that Bible thing again.”

Now, don’t be that way.

I’m only trying to help you avoid a saltless, eternal fate worse than death.

But, hey, if you’re good with that, then read no further.

But if that sounds about as appealing as listening to political ads 24 hours a day, then here’s my short take on it.

Consider talking to others like Paul suggested in Colossians 4:6.

“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

Imagine how much more you would be heard

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I remember, when I graduated high school, how quickly the “real world” loomed on the horizon. You know what I’m talking about. Figuring out what to do so the parents don’t have to support you anymore. And, for me, college wasn’t a preferred choice. At least, not right away. So, the second choice was…say it with me…go to work. But I soon found out I wasn’t “qualified for the job” after just about every application.  

That’s the age old question for young people just starting out in the world. And it was much more of a legitimate question back before the internet and all it has to offer. But it’s still important to build up qualifications for a vocation. And if you know what that is nowadays, you have lots of opportunities to “pursue your passion” without the need for college.

Now, as you might expect, if you’ve been following me for a while, I don’t bring this up to help you find a job or career.

No, my focus is the “qualified” part.

Because your life should go on forever. And I mean forever in a place far better than any dream job or career could ever compare to. But you’ll need to be qualified to be there. It’s the most exclusive AND the most inclusive residence you’ll ever occupy.

“OK, Tony. So, what are the qualifications? And how can I be qualified?”

Just get yourself  plenty of “wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy…”

“Wow, that sounds like a lot of work, dude. Not sure I can do all that.”

Well, then I suggest trust and give “thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.”

Because…

“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love…”

And that’t the only place you’ll be qualified and

“have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”

In other words, every single bit of the hard work has been done for you. So, even if you’re a newbie Christian, you’re hired for the higher life in Heaven.

How cool is that?

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The post Qualified for the job instead of just another poor slob appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

OK, you might as well know up front. I’m gonna preach a little bit here. But I’m gonna go easy on you (sort of) and connect it to music. And the subject for the day is about your new man characteristics. So, ladies…don’t read any more of this. Or even try to sneak a peak over your man’s shoulder. This ain’t for you. Because, well, you’re not a man. So, how could you ever hope to be a new one. Right?

Wrong. That was a test. Because even though it doesn’t use an all-inclusive noun (whatever that would be) it includes everybody. And people used to understand that. But language is so discombobulated these days, even most college grajits don’t know what words mean anymore.

But I digress.

Anyway…

Are you ready to dive in? Good. Here goes…  

Well, let’s say a guy tells you, “I’ve turned over a new leaf. I’m a new man.” OK, fine. But just saying those words doesn’t make it true. And how many people have fallen for that line from behind false lips? A pastor I used to know said, “Truer words were never spoken through falser teeth.”

But what if there were a set of identifiers you could use to determine if you (or someone else) is a genuine “new man?” Wouldn’t that be handy?

Guess what?

There IS a set of identifiers like that. If you wanna know if someone is truly a “new man,” look for characteristics like:

And also watch that “new man” to see if he (or she) is “bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another.”

But most importantly, be sure you can tell that he (or she) has “put on love, which is the bond of perfection.”

That love thing I’m always talking about. As much as it’s mentioned in Paul’s writings, you might get the impression it ranks high in God’s standards. And it does. In fact, it’s numero uno. (That’s Mexican for Tip Top)

Just in case you haven’t clicked any of the links I’ve already shared, I’ll tell you that this info comes straight from Colossians in the New Testament. And after all those identifiers and characteristics, Paul wrote what I call the musician’s commission. It goes a little something like this…actually just like this…

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

So, consider me singing to you today.

Stay tuned,

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The post New man characteristics and a couple of statistics appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I’m sure there are a lot of people who couldn’t care less about the heart of God. After all, they don’t even believe He exists. Much less has a heart. And on a physical level, that’s sorta true. Because God is Spirit. So, He doesn’t have a physical heart. Wait…unless you count Jesus, too.

I think, sometimes, even Christians forget how Jesus is God, the Son, who became a man. And that, from now on, He’ll be a man. That’s forever, by the way. Can you see how amazing and significant that is? You and I can only begin to understand what it means.

Each day you get up, I encourage you to take at least a few seconds to remember how blessed you are. Every breath and every beat of your heart were bought and paid for. You and I are only here because of the unimaginable love flowing from our Creator. And I don’t know about you, but as I look back on my life, I can find plenty of reasons for God to turn His back on me. But He says He never will.

So, I know I’m blessed beyond my ability to comprehend, deserve, or measure. And that lifts my spirit and places my hands on the keyboard of my computer each day. Just so I can offer my inadequate words of gratitude. Like this…

The day begins while night remains

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The post The heart of God renews the flawed appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Look up admonish in the dictionary, and you might come to the conclusion it’s something harsh. For example, here’s how one dictionary defines it: “warn or reprimand someone firmly…warn (someone) of something to be avoided: he admonished the people against the evil of such practices.” Wow, Christians shouldn’t be like that to one another. Should they? Actually, God inspired Paul to write to the Colossians and tell them to admonish one another. So, if Christians shouldn’t be that way, why did Paul urge the Colossians to be that way? Hmm…

Does that sound like what typical songs in your church do these days? Do pastors urge their congregations to teach and admonish one another in spiritual songs? Or do they spend more time talking about tithing and raising money for the latest cause, outreach, or new church building?

Praise and worship time in many, if not most, Christian churches, these days, seems to be more of a mini concert. Or a time to repeat a mantra, a sound bite, for entrancing the flock. There’s not much admonishing going on. But maybe it’s just an old-fashioned idea. Maybe it’s not appropriate for today’s modern and more enlightened churches.

Or maybe it IS.

There’s an internet marketing phrase used a lot these days…evergreen content. It means content that’s just as relevant years ago or years from now as it is today. And I’d like to suggest there’s no content more evergreen than what you’ll find in the Bible. God’s word doesn’t age any more than God Himself. What was written to the Colossians two thousand years ago is completely relevant for us today.

Admonishing isn’t supposed to be a way of showing how much you know. In fact, Paul told the Colossians to sing “with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” That’s vitally important to remember. Jesus knows you. And yet He still offers His grace to you. So, pass it on. With grace in your heart, you can admonish one another when it’s appropriate, never forgetting the one who needs and wants it most is YOU.

Alright. Who’s ready for some serious praise and worship?

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