Galatians - discover the rhyme and reason for your life in this letter.

“Gotta pay your dues if you wanna sing the blues. And you know it don’t come easy.” If you’re old enough, you might remember those lyrics from a song that Ringo Starr made famous. And another verse said,

Those lyrics popped up in my brain this week when I thought about how God tells us to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Because I see Islamist people doing despicable Islamist things. And I see illegal aliens, also known as illegal immigrants, doing other despicable illegal things. Then I see black Americans doing despicable things to white Americans. And white Americans doing despicable things to black Americans.

And I used the word despicable because it’s a very effective word to emphatically inflect audible disdain. Another great word is contemptible. So, I might use that as I continue. Because human beings seem hell-bent on making it impossible to love your neighbor these days.

So, it’s more important than ever to know how.

Love doesn’t mean you have to be a doormat, always turn the other cheek, or simply keep your mouth shut. In fact, most of the time, doing those things can show how you don’t love your neighbor as yourself as much as you think you do. Yeah, like I said, it don’t come easy.

The main thing to focus on, when it comes to loving someone you don’t feel like loving is how your words, deeds, and actions will affect them. And you do that by keeping an eternal perspective first. Everything else is secondary to that. After all, what’s more important? 80 years of living here on earth, with all its chaos and confusion? Or an eternity of perfection with the one true, living, loving Creator of Heaven and life? (here’s a hint…go with the second choice)

When you have an eternal perspective, you’ll understand how important it is to make sure your neighbor understands there IS a God, there IS a Heaven, and there IS a choice to be made here and now. If God wishes that “none should perish”, we should too. But to love your neighbor as yourself means you’re willing to share the whole Truth. Not just the peace, love, joy, and forgiveness.

Not when he doesn’t even show remorse or ask for forgiveness. Remember, if Jesus doesn’t do it that way, you and I shouldn’t either.

You don’t truly love your neighbor, when you watch him drink himself to death. don’t be selfish. Speak up when you get the opportunity.

And you don’t truly care about your neighbor if you never say anything to him (or her)about Jesus?

If you truly want to do what God asks you to do, you have to truly love your neighbor as yourself. You don’t want your self to go to hell. So you shouldn’t want that for them. But, as I said, it don’t come easy. Because there are so many, let’s call them people for now, who could not care less what the one true, living, loving God of creation says or requires.

So, you can fully expect to stir up the demon soup when you tell them there is only one way to live forever in paradise with God. Just say the name, Jesus, and it will be like you just dumped a box of hot coals on their head. But here’s the thing. When they stand before God one day, and they will, they will be fully aware that someone showed them compassionate love and they despised and rejected it.

And you might hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

The truth is worth the risk.

So go ahead and pay your dues. One day you won’t have to sing the blues.

Every time you see the morning news

I share it with believers who want to focus on the power of God’s love and rightly divide the word of truth. Spend your time reading, listening, and watching good stuff based on the power of God’s love instead of looking for it. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.

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It’s truly your lucky day! Because, even though I didn’t think I’d ever share this secret again, I’m gonna show you the main ingredients you need in order to be master of the universe. And despite what you might have thought, up until this moment…

But I’m here for you. You’re my digital neighbor. And the Bible says to love your neighbor as yourself. So, keep reading. And in almost no time at all your master of the universe status will change. Oh, and by the way, don’t let those scientists who say the universe is expanding throw you off course. It’s do-able if you have the right stuff and never give up.

So, are you ready? Good, let’s get to it.

First off, you gotta gather up the ingredients to get the universe going in the first place. And you’ll need a rough idea of how long your materials can last and what they’ll be made of. No worries. You can do all the calculations on the handy device of your choice.

(note to self: build a master of the universe ingredients calculator app. money in the bank)

So, go get yourself some awesome light sources, water, oxygen, and as many of the elements as you can. Remember, you’re gonna build the right kinds of planets, moons, suns, and other heavenly bodies to form a functioning and cohesive universe. This ain’t gonna be some lean-to chicken hut for crying out loud. And you don’t want it to just splatter all over the place. Right?

OK, once you have all those ingredients, it’s a good time to pause, at least for a few minutes or so, to ponder your “end game.”

Alright. Great! You’ve got the ingredients. And you’ve answered the two questions for your end game.

I’m sure you’re probably like most people who want to be master of the universe. Your WHY is already answered in your goal. And your target audience is made up of the fairly intelligent creatures you’ll control. All those so-called “people” who’ll tend to the planets, moons, and stars so you can relax.

So, it would probably be a good idea to take some of those ingredients you gathered up and see if you could stir them together and make some interactive beings. Personally I think this would be the hardest part of the whole thing. But maybe you’ve already got some good ideas on how you’ll do it.

And once you have a couple of those “beings” formed, see if you can devise a way for them to procreate. You certainly don’t want to have to go make new ones every time you turn around or get bored. Am I right? And if they make new ones, that just means you’ll have even more of them to control.

OK, now you’ve got a bunch of  self-replicating creatures building stuff and working on “their own ideas.” So, move in and show them how it’s all done. After all, they wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for you. And they’ll probably just bend over backwards trying to find ways to thank you for controlling their lives.

And that’s when you’ll have an irresistible urge to send me thank you gifts. Not necessary. Seriously.

I’ve gotta be transparent and tell you something. For the vast majority of people I’ve shared al this information with, it all sounds like too much work. Yeah, I get it. If you’ve gotten this far, you might be at that crossroads, too. If so, there’s another option.

You could just leave the whole universe in the hands of someone who really knows what He’s doing. That’s the option I’ve chosen. And I gotta tell you, it’s the only option you’re most likely gonna be able to commit to long term. And long term is much longer with this option. Plus, it’s such a relief to know you’re not in charge of things like…

So, if you decide to take a pass on the whole master of the universe thing, consider the prayer option.

Pray to the God of Creation and thank Him that He made you, the world, the universe, and everything in it. Thank God He didn’t leave it up to men and women. Because we haven’t even mastered which clothes go in which cycle of the washing machine.

In the best of times, where’s the challenge?

In the darkest hours, who’s your Father?

Thank God He didn’t leave it up to you…

Lyrics © 2009 (me)

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If you’re old enough to remember back to the 60’s, or maybe even 50’s, you know full well that life is short. Right? I mean, how could it already have been this many years since then? If your memory goes back that far, you probably remember life being a lot simpler. And nicer. And sensibler (I know that’s not a word, but I wanted to make it fit in. So there.)

But if you’ve grown up in more recent decades, you probably have a whole ‘nother perspective. And you might even think older people don’t recall things so well because they’re…well…old.

Yeah, I remember thinking similar thoughts about my Grandmother. Because she’d talk about how one day I’d be grown and people I had loved wouldn’t be around anymore. And she’d say something like, “Love them while you can. Because one day you’ll wish you could see them, but they’ll be gone for good.”

Because her words came to pass a long time ago. And with each passing year or decade more of those people are gone.

OK, that’s nostalgic and all. But it only skims the surface on why each day is a precious gift. And that’s what makes the incredibly screwed up condition of our world so important.

I remember a phone conversation with my Mom (who has since become one of those people who’s gone for good) about how messed up America is. And she said, “I’m scared for my grandkids and great-grandkids. I hate to think about what they’re gonna face in this world as they turn into adults.”

I saw several videos, this morning as I sipped my coffee, that showed real life violence in what used to be ordinary daily experiences. And I mean violence where people hit each other in the face. Repeatedly. And even a video where one guy calmly pulled out a pistol from his sweatshirt and shot another guy in the head. Point blank. And then walked past the guy he shot and calmly shot him again. Then, robbed him.

So, Mom was right. Her grandkids and great-grandkids are growing up in a horrible time. Innocence is lost. Common sense is lost. And “Love Your Neighbor” is definitely lost.

Yes. That IS right. If your definition of hope is based on a feeling. And if you’re just hoping the bad stuff will go away. But real hope is NOT lost. And I mean the kind of hope that propels you forward. Gives you strength. Energizes your love. Fuels your dreams. That hope is still here. Available 24/7/365.

But it WILL disappear when the whole world turns its back on God.

Thankfully, that hasn’t happened yet. But it sure seems imminent now.

And the clock is ticking. Time is running out. You can laugh and say, “Not me. I’m still young.” But in a few short moments (and it will seem like that), you’ll face your own mortality. And don’t be surprised when you hear yourself say, “Life is short.” Especially if you’re a person who ponders truth and its implications.

It’s crucial to your long-term health to choose hope. And choose life. The Life your Creator provides.

If you’ve already done that, share that with those you love before they’re gone for good. Because that time is coming at us all, like a rocket ship in zero gravity.

I got dreams like the sand on the shore.

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Huey shared the news back in the 80’s. Jennifer Rush wrote about it back in 1984. And Céline Dion repeated Jennifer’s message in 1994. That message was about the power of love. And people evidently were open to the idea. Because they all had big hits with their songs.

And, of course, I don’t mean the power of love two people experience when they meet and get to know each other. Yeah, that can be (or at least feel like) a powerful force. But it pales in comparison to the power of God’s love.

I recently led a small group through a look at Paul’s letters to everyone from the Galatians to Philemon. And I told my listeners that it wouldn’t be a Bible study on the history of any of those people. And it wouldn’t be an apologetic, hermeneutic, eschatological, or critically interpretive Bible study. Because I’ve found the thread that runs through Paul’s letters to be love. And how love’s power provides us Grace.

Each week, when I’d mention the power of love, I’d say how “I’m not talking about the Huey Lewis kind of power.” And everyone would laugh and laugh. (oops, sorry. I must have drifted off there a second.)

Anyway…

When you read through Paul’s letters to the churches he ministered to, it’s easy to see how much he cared about, and for, them. If you’ve never read his letters, do yourself a favor. And pay close attention to how many times Paul mentions love and grace. I don’t know the exact number. But it’s a lot.

And here’s the reason I took those listeners through his letters with love as the focus.

And when you zoom out and see the big picture, it should become clear that it’s a love letter, to you and me, from God. He loves His human creations so much that He’s worked, the entire time we’ve existed, to be sure we could be with Him forever in paradise.

But you know us humans. We just gotta do it “My Way.” But my way, and your way, ain’t THE Way. And THE Way is the only way to get to Heaven and stay. Of course, THE Way is Jesus. But I know the mere mention of His name shows how out of touch with the times I am.

So, I guess I’ll just leave it at that. Do with it what you will. As for me? Well, Huey sang, “The power of love is a curious thing. Make one man weep. Make another man sing.”

I’m the singing one.

You can be strong in Grace.

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What if joy were against the law? Sounds crazy, I know. But play along for just a bit. And let’s pretend that somehow that kind of law was pushed through congress. What would you do?

The law that is. Would you break it? Could you break it?

I believe, and I hope I’m not alone in this belief, that there are plenty of people, right here in “the land of the free and the home of the brave” who’d obey that law. And mostly because they wouldn’t be able to not obey that law.

Because you can’t remove the only source of true joy from your daily life without dire consequences. At best, your ability to press on is compromised. And, at worst, you can’t even find a good reason to press on. And that’s because your spirit is practically null and void.

There are lots of sad examples in the world of music. Stories of pain and heartache. Reports of too much drinking, drugs, and a total disregard for what’s good, healthy, and productive. And it doesn’t matter what music you prefer. Rock-n-roll, country, classical, jazz, hip-hop, blues, etc. etc. etc. They all have their (un)fair share of despair.

Because they turned their backs on, and souls away from, the comforting Spirit of God.

Just look at the evidence Paul shared for the fruit of the Spirit. He wrote this to the people of Galatia…

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”

And when you have that Spirit in you, that fruit can be unstoppable. In fact, it’s the only way you’ll be able to cope with, and overcome, the world that wants to rob you of your joy. And when they outlaw everything good (and they will), you’ll be able to righteously break those sordid, stupid “laws.”

Love leads into joy…

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Almost 6 years ago I shared a story about a bad experience I had in Erie, Pennsylvania. (Check out that story) And I talked about how it made me mad and how that inspired a song, Never Neverland. One of the lines says, “I wonder why can’t we all be friends…live and let live and share the dream.” But I didn’t pose that question because I didn’t know the answer. I wanted to make a point that’s so blatantly obvious that billions of people don’t see it.

Yeah. Selfishness.

I’ve mentioned before (many times) how every single person on Earth would benefit by following two commands. Love God. And love your neighbor as yourself. And notice how neither command focuses on YOU?

That’s how the expression, live and let live, should work. Because when you’re not focused on what you can get from others or how to force others to do what you want, that’s sowing the seeds of love.

But most people, on our beautiful blue planet, are tuned in to the world systems. And they believe (and perpetuate) selfish lies and affirmations. Like, “I am indestructible.” And “My ability to conquer my challenges is limitless; my potential to succeed is infinite.” Or how about “My efforts are being supported by the universe; my dreams manifest into reality before my eyes.”

No, No, and No. You are NOT indestructible. Death is still a 1:1 ratio for every human being. You are also a finite person with limitations. And dreams do not simply “manifest into reality.”

And it’s painful to listen to or read the nonsense humans come up with to avoid (or at least try to avoid) God. Like this, “What is most important is to establish a profound communication with the universe.”

Seriously? Do you seriously believe you can communicate with the universe?! Because the universe is also finite. And it’s filled with stars and plants and debris. But it doesn’t have much life-giving oxygen anywhere but right here on our beautiful blue planet.

So, I predict you’ll never hear back from that universe. Never in a humongazillion years. And if you spend your whole life trying to, instead of connecting with your Creator, you’ll create your own tiny universe in a dark corner of your very own…

Sometimes this world brings my bad side out

And it’s just like the drifting of the sand

Sometimes I need just to air things out

Repeat chorus…inst…ad lib chorus to end

© 1989

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It’s another form of the age old question. “Why am I here?” And I think it’s more than mildly ironic how logic is so coveted in a world filled with feelers. Because if whatever is right in your own mind is right, then there might not be a reason for being. You might just be happy, little cosmic accident. But if you’re NOT the ultimate source for what’s right, then that’s a thought from a different rainbow.  

But before I tell you (for those of you who don’t already know the answer), I’d like to say, up front, your future is NOT set in stone. And it’s not written in God’s handwriting on a spiritual tablet of time.

And that’s good news and bad news.

It’s good news because it means you get to choose your actions each day of your life. And you get to see where those actions will take you. But it’s bad news because it means you get to choose your actions each day of your life. And if you’re gonna make bad choices. And your choices are gonna lead to bad things happening.

But don’t worry. It’s not like that has to be how it goes ALL the time. Remember, I said your future is NOT set in stone. And no one’s keeping score. There’s no scorecard that shows how many bad choices versus good choices you made.

Unless…

Unless there IS a scorecard on you. And if there is, how do you think your life’s scorecard adds up? Mostly good? Mostly bad? Do you even have a clue? And does it even matter to you?

What if there was only one bad mark on your scorecard? And what if you discovered, when you died, that you’d spend eternity in torment for that one bad mark? On top of that, what if you discovered that other people who had a lot more bad marks on their scorecards were nowhere to be found in that place of torment?

And here’s one more fly in the ointment. What if you found out people with only one GOOD mark on their scorecards would never have to enter that place of torment? Talk about unfair!

So, what’s going on here? Why am I talking about all this torment stuff when it wasn’t even the original question?

Because, your reason for being includes only one key ingredient. And you put that ingredient in three places. And it’s summed up like this. Love your Creator. And. Love your neighbor as yourself.

If you can’t do that, then your reason for being

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First, with a show of hands, how many of you even need some Tuesday morning motivation? How about afternoon? Or evening? Well, that’s too bad. I ain’t got none for you. Aw, just kidding. You know I wouldn’t dis you like dat.

If you’re not one of those, you can still get some good out of it. But it won’t mean as much. Because it’ll be FOR you and not TO you. And that’s because if you haven’t already decided to trust your Creator, you’re not in good standing with God. And if you’re not in good standing with God, you and I can’t have as meaningful a relationship as we could otherwise.

But anyway…

Back to the motivation stuff.

And by the way…you can use this on other days too. It’s not specifically designed to be any more powerful or relevant on Tuesdays. By now, you’re probably saying, “Yumpin’ Yiminy, Tony. Get to the good stuff already!”

My, my…aren’t we the impatient, persnickety Polly? Or Pete? Side note: Did you know the word persnickety dates back to the 19th century? And it might have originated from a little kid saying the word particular. And somehow knick knack might also come into play. But according to Merriam-Webster, nobody knows for sure.

OK, enough with the word origin already. Let’s get down to brass tacks. Wait, did you know brass tacks were used to date coffins way back when? And that’s probably how we got the expression, “down to brass tacks.”

Uh-oh, I did it again, didn’t i? OK, I promise this time.

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Alright. Are you motivated now? Great. Go out and take that message of motivation as far as you can. I’m pullin’ for you.

Do good and do well.

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Recently I told you about the “one Gospel” found in the Bible…in Paul’s writings. But I wasn’t being completely truthful with you. Paul was, but I wasn’t. So, I’ve got double trouble for you today. Especially if you think the one Gospel Paul talked about in Galatians is the only one. I’m about to burst that bubble. (If you prefer to listen, here’s the Rhyme and Reason Podcastepisode 223…

Here’s what I said in my “one Gospel” article: “Not every worldview or perspective or even so-called ‘gospel’ can be true. The word ‘gospel’ comes from an old English word, ‘godspell’ which simply means good news or glad tidings. And that word comes from a Greek word that means ‘good message’. When the apostle Paul wrote about there being only one gospel, he was referring to the ‘gospel of Christ’ There can only be one ‘good news’ of Christ. That good news is simply this”that Jesus came to die for his people, the Jews. They rejected Him, and so He took His message of eternal life to the Gentiles through His Apostle Paul.”

There’s another Gospel found in the New Testament. Gasp! And it’s also the “one Gospel.” Uh…what? Yeah, there are two Gospels in the New Testament…and they’re each the “one Gospel.” Sort of depends on who you are.

I’ll let you in on a not-so-well-kept secret. I’m not a Jew. I’ve never been one, and I never even played one on TV. So, the other “one Gospel” found in the New Testament isn’t for me. Because it’s for Jews. You can start to sort this out once you know who’s writing to whom. Here’s a hint: if you’re not a Jew, the Apostle Paul’s writings are to YOU. If you ARE a Jew (at least one who wants to trust and believe in Jesus as savior), then all those other books in the New Testament are to YOU.

Peter, James, John, and the other nine apostles (excluding Paul) wrote letters (those books) to Jews who wanted to trust Jesus to be the Messiah…but…who just couldn’t seem to give up following the Law of Moses.

Paul wrote letters (those other books in the New Testament) to anyone who wanted to believe in Jesus based on faith alone. Mostly those people were known as Gentiles. Anyone not a Jew. Like me. And you? So, almost by necessity (unfortunately) two Gospels rose up. Peter (and the twelve) took what Paul called a “circumcision” message to the people of Israel. And Paul took what he called the “uncircumcision” message to the Gentiles.

You can doubt me or disagree with me, but you’ll be doubting and disagreeing with the Bible, too, if you do. That’s entirely up to you. But again…don’t take my word for it. Go read the Bible. I promise…the proof is found in one of Paul’s letters. But you gotta be ready to have your bubble burst. Are you ready to roll the rock?

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,

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Have you ever felt like throwing your hands up in frustration at the lack of response (or even downright obstinance) from unbelievers? I certainly have, and if I only depended on myself, I’m certain I would have retreated into my own personal Christianity long ago. But Christians were admonished by Paul to not “grow weary while doing good especially to those who are of the household of faith“.

It definitely gets tiresome to hear, for the umpteenth time, things like…

It’s ironic how often these statements come from people who would benefit from the love and grace of Jesus so much. And it’s sad how bitter and angry they sound as they turn down that message.

But if you’re a member of the household of faith, I’m sure you’re aware of what Jesus meant when He said, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you“. Maybe you don’t feel a threat to your life like Jesus faced, but if you’ve stood up for Him, you’ve no doubt felt some hatred or, at the very least, some disdain coming in your direction.

I’ve experienced a good dose of that this very day. While I don’t enjoy lies about me conjured up by those whose guilt and shame precedes them, I still stand on the love God has for me. So…as I’ve said before…if the whole world, every person in it hates me, but Jesus loves me…then I win.

If you’re feeling hatred and persecution for your faith, hope, and love in your Creator, let me encourage to to remember to hang in there. It’s worth it. When you’re in the household of faith, you’re also…

Father God,

You are with me through each dire upheaval.

Green pastures, still waters…

Father God,

He”s my shepherd through thorns and thru clover.

Chorus

© 2010 Tony Funderburk

Stay tuned…

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