Rhyme and Reason

Time flows like a river. But not toward the future. It moves FROM the future TO the present, and then the past. So, I’m gonna share the next misconception, about time, that I mentioned in a previous post.

Time’s arrow is almost universally described as pointing from the past to the future such that the current of time flows forward. Of course this is a metaphor, yet this widespread impression is unintentionally exactly wrong. The truth is the reverse.

For to whatever extent way we may speak of time flowing, then to that extent time flows from the future into the past. The current of time brings the future into the present and the present into the past.

Using the metaphor of a river, while docks and anchors resist the flow, other things readily float along with the current. Regarding time, what is it that resists its flow, and what rides in its current? Dates, for example, ride the current of time keeping pace perfectly with its flow. Tomorrow’s date, yielding no resistance, suspended perfectly in time, readily moves with the current and will eventually arrive, not at a point further into the future. But, being carried by time, will eventually arrive at the present, and then recede into the past.

Even entire books written on the topic, like Coveney and Highfield’s atheistic Arrow of Time inaccurately speak of “time’s forward movement.”

That would be moving us toward the future.

But more accurately, the current of time eventually sweeps our entire earthly lives into the past. Time does not carry our birth forward into the future, nor (as it might if time flowed forward) does it forever postpone our physical death nudging it later and later. Rather, “I” am like a floating buoy anchored to the river bed bobbing and resisting the flow of time.

Contrariwise, the “events” that I experience are not similarly anchored and so being vulnerable to the flow of time, as sediment suspended in a river current, they are whisked into the past. So things can resist the flow of time, so to speak, but events cannot.

And like events, pointers, or markers to moments in time, flow perfectly with the current of time. Thus at the time of this writing, the “date” of January 1, 2020 is floating toward the present, caught up as it is perfectly in the current of time, and will eventually reach the present, and then, as age piles on top of age, greatly recede, with the flow of time carrying it forever further and further into the distant past.

I think that sums up the flow of time very nicely. And it all reminds me of a song I wrote called I Can Do.

Outside the lines the grass is greener.

And eventually it’ll deliver me into Heaven.

If you believe time flows, like a river, from the future to the past, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

It’s good stuff based on the power of God’s love. And, 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.

Stay tuned,

The post Time flows like a river and I take what it will deliver appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

For my part, I do not write for children, but for the childlike, whether of five, or fifty, or seventy-five.” I found that quote attributed to writer, George MacDonald, from his book,The Fantastic Imagination.

But apparently he inspired another writer I have heard of. You probably have, too. The guy who wrote the Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis. Apparently, he said that his book might not have been written if not for George MacDonald, and the things he wrote.

So apparently, Mr. MacDonald was a very interesting writer. Because C.S. Lewis was an intelligent guy. And I don’t think he would’ve been reading fluff ‘n stuff. Here’s something I found online about Mr. MacDonald:

He is often regarded as the founding father of modern fantasy writing. His best-known works are Phantastes (1858), The Princess and the Goblin (1872), At the Back of the North Wind (1868–1871), and Lilith (1895), all fantasy novels, and fairy tales such as “The Light Princess”, “The Golden Key”, and “The Wise Woman”. MacDonald claimed that “I write, not for children, but for the child-like, whether they be of five, or fifty, or seventy-five.” MacDonald also published some volumes of sermons, the pulpit not having proved an unreservedly successful venue.

This collection, as I have said, was designed not to revive MacDonald’s literary reputation but to spread his religious teaching. Hence most of my extracts are taken from the three volumes of Unspoken Sermons. My own debt to this book is almost as great as one man can owe to another: and nearly all serious inquirers to whom I have introduced it acknowledge that it has given them great help—sometimes indispensable help toward the very acceptance of the Christian faith. …

I know hardly any other writer who seems to be closer, or more continually close, to the Spirit of Christ Himself. Hence his Christ-like union of tenderness and severity. Nowhere else outside the New Testament have I found terror and comfort so intertwined. …

In making this collection I was discharging a debt of justice. I have never concealed the fact that I regarded him as my master; indeed I fancy I have never written a book in which I did not quote from him. But it has not seemed to me that those who have received my books kindly take even now sufficient notice of the affiliation. Honesty drives me to emphasize it.

OK, the main reason, probably the only reason I shared this with you is because of how generations influence each other. In the case of my own inspiration, one of my favorites is C.S. Lewis. So it’s nice to see he was influenced by someone else pretty much the same way. And the coolest thing about it all is how we all funnel back to Jesus Himself.

So, take from that what you will.

And I hope you have a mighty fine week.

If you like this, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

It’s good stuff based on the power of God’s love. And, 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.

Stay tuned,

The post George MacDonald and C. S. Lewis brought imagination to us appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Is there something you don’t do that you know you should? Or maybe something you do that maybe you shouldn’t? Man, that’s been me too many times in my life. And if you’re like me, I’m gonna encourage us both to not fret too much. Because we ain’t done, yet. And, by the way, we’re in good company. Paul, the “apostle to the Gentiles” struggled with doing what he didn’t want to do and not doing what he DID want to do. Why does this happen?!

Hmm, I can ‘splain it to you. At least if you’re a Christian.

The reason it happens is simple. Not always easy to admit or overcome. But, simply put, it’s this selfish flesh we live in (or, for the grammar guardians, this selfish flesh in which we live).

But I know when I focus only on ME, pretty often I do the things I know I shouldn’t do. And I skip those things I should do. And then there’s the opposite side of the equation. When I focus on helping others (which includes focusing on my own gifts and talents and how they can help), I tend to love my neighbor as myself. Not to mention (although here I am mentioning it) I get a lot more good and right stuff done.

Go figure. Paul told those Romans (and the rest of us) the right stuff again.

Can it be wrong to leave our cares so far behind?

If you appreciate the way Paul thinks, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

It’s good stuff based on the power of God’s love. And, 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.

Stay tuned,

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Psalm 38 has a line that says “But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.” The part about “any good thing” might be a matter of God’s perspective. From your perspective you might feel there are a number of good things you no gots.

All through the Bible you can see how God wants you to have eternal life. He never meant for you to sin, break the connection to Him, and then live your life in a dying body. That’s not a “good thing” to Him. So, when He says you “shall not lack any good thing,” He’s telling the truth because when you seek Him, you find eternal life. Nothing here compares to that.

Yeah, it’s a matter of perspective.

God sees the whole world. You can only see the little part where you are. God sees the potential for you in the Living Water of His Spirit.

So, your view of your world and everything in it is a limited, finite perspective. That means, on your own, you’re not the best one to choose what’s best for your eternal future. No, that would be your Creator.

And with the Spirit of Truth working in you (and access to God’s Word), you can increase in wisdom. And wisdom is “more precious than rubies.” God says finding wisdom will make you happy. I know that’s true.

“Things” and “riches” won’t go with you when you pass away from this world. Trust in your living, loving God who gave you your own will. Choose to love Him. When you can see yourself (and your neighbor) through God’s love, don’t be surprised at any good thing that comes your way.

It’s a crime; it’s an awful crime

If you already knew all this, then share it with someone who doesn’t. Time’s slippin’ away.

And if you don’t trust in things, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

It’s good stuff based on the power of God’s love. And, 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.

Stay tuned,

The post Any good thing has this familiar ring appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Doubt and unbelief put you in a constant state of stress and worry.

I mean, I know you have flaws. Because everybody does. But flaws don’t define you. Unless you let them cause doubt and unbelief to grind into your mind and affect your daily life.

There’s a very reliable way to positively affect your decisions so you can effectively pursue your dreams. But it’s so simple that most people’s doubt and unbelief makes them run the other way. Are you ready for this? Stop putting all your faith in YOU. And put it in the One who made you.

I want you to know it’s not an unforgivable sin to have anxiety and worry in your life. But I think it’s important to know that God says “be anxious for nothing” and “do not worry.” Those are imperatives. Not wishy-washy suggestions. So, He must know they’re do-able.

Doubt is often referred to as fear, or a lack of courage, or unbelief. And whatever way it’s presented, 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 not a visible sword made of brass, iron, or steel. It’s invisible. But it’s sharp enough to be used for the “division of soul and spirit.”

Here’s the thing.

I just want you to know that if you’re filled with doubt and unbelief instead of faith, you’re doing something wrong. Not evil, but wrong. You’re trusting in yourself. And leaning on your own limited understanding. And you’re not trusting in the Lord with all your heart.

There ARE successful people, in this life, who don’t trust in the Lord. But most of them will discover how their profits might’ve helped them gain the whole world. But the cost will be that they lose their soul?

Yeah, here’s an awful thing to think about.

Most millionaires and billionaires go to hell.

That’s not to pick on wealthy people. Because most poor people are going to hell, too. The point is…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, here’s what I suggest. Find a way to crush your unbelief and put your faith in Jesus. Without Him, the most you’ll ever be able to do is make a series 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,

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 your copy today:

https://www.TonyFunderburk.com/retail

Stay tuned,

The post Doubt and unbelief will give you no relief appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Seems like nobody can keep a secret. And when just one person lets the cat out of the bag, so to speak, it’s not long before everybody knows about it. Then, Katie, bar the door.

About 2000 years ago, a man named Paul traveled all around telling the very same secret I’m about to share with you. The big difference was that he shared a secret nobody had ever heard before. In fact, he called it a mystery.

But Paul wanted everybody to know the answer to the mystery. You might wonder how Paul found out about it. Well…Jesus told him.

Yep, Paul heard all about this special secret directly from the Creator of the universe.

So, of course, what he discovered was true? Jesus never lies. And He wanted Paul to go tell everyone the news. At first Paul wasn’t sure if he could believe his eyes and ears. But Jesus proved He was real and that Paul could trust Him. Once that happened Paul was filled with joy and courage. He began to tell anybody who would listen about Jesus.

But Paul didn’t just tell everybody what kind of a person Jesus was. He told everybody why Jesus came to earth. And why He had to be killed and rise from the dead. And the secret was that Jesus did all that so we could all know Him like a personal friend.

God had kept that secret for thousands of years. Before anybody knew about Jesus, the only way to get to Heaven was to keep ALL the rules that God gave Moses to present to His people.

But nobody was ever able to keep all those rules. The Jews tried. But they just couldn’t do it. They were just like you and me. We want to be good all the time, but somehow we just can’t do it.

Well, thanks to God choosing not to keep a secret hidden, you don’t have to be good all the time. And you don’t have to follow all those rules from the Jewish people from thousands of years ago.

No, the good news, the secret, is this: believe in Jesus. He lived here on earth in the same world as the rest of us. And He never did anything wrong. And He kept all the rules. He lived a perfect life. And He showed us perfect love by paying the price for sin so you and I wouldn’t have to.

Here’s a rhyme so simple even kids can remember…

The best secret ever told was just for you

If you can keep a secret, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

It’s good stuff based on the power of God’s love. And, 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.

Stay tuned,

The post Keep a secret or not? Is this what you thought/ appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Because those traits are important, Paul wrote to Christians in Corinth and said: “For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.”

I know those aren’t the buzzwords these days. Most people like to share the words “genuine” and “authenticity.” But I’ve noticed how often, even when they say you should keep it simple, it takes them anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to describe that. But, then again, that’s just there idea of authenticity.

Seth Godin, a well-known marketing “guru” answered an interviewer’s question about authenticity in a way I really appreciated. He said something like, “Forget about authenticity. Instead, focus on consistency.” And then he explained how showing up consistently, by default, reveals your so-called authenticity.

I don’t recall if he ever addressed sincerity. But my guess is, if he did, that would also be included in showing up consistently. Because think of it this way, if you were there for your friends consistently, don’t you think they will take it for granted that you’re doing it with sincerity?

The apostle Paul was able to prove his sincerity with his letters to the different churches in his day. And his message, when you boil it down, was simple. Love your neighbor.

He certainly knew the cause and effect of simplicity and sincerity. That’s why, in His new message of grace, he said all the commandments could be boiled down to two. Love the Lord your God. And love your neighbor as yourself.

I dare you to find anyone, in all of history, who’s even remotely as sincere as Jesus. But don’t accept my dare. Because I’m sure your life is too busy to go chasing futility. Especially when you can keep it this simple…

Would you like to live forever

If you like it simple and sincere, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

It’s good stuff based on the power of God’s love. And, 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.

Stay tuned,

The post Simplicity and sincerity should never be a rarity appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Many times, in sports, you’ll hear an announcer say something like, “Man, he really gave his all.” Or you might hear “Wow, she gave all she had to get to this event.” Well, have you ever said “I give you all” to anyone?

And there’s a place in the New Testament where it says that.  But do you do it?

I don’t.

It brings me no pleasure, in fact, it pains me to say it. But I don’t give my all to God. And that’s in spite of the fact that I love my Creator. I’m blessed and thrilled to know that I have a Risen Savior. Jesus was totally innocent of all crimes. But He was still put to death in a horrible way. For me. And for you. But I know I don’t put all my heart, soul, strength, and mind into loving Him on a full-time basis. I bet you don’t either.

He made the ultimate sacrifice for us. And all He asks for in return is love. But all of us puny humans focus more on ourselves and the things of this world. Wouldn’t it be great to know why that is?

Well, Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles (that’s you unless you’re a Jew), gave us clear insight into this problem. He used himself as an example. He talked about how the right things he wanted to do, he didn’t do. And the wrong things he didn’t want to do…those he did. Then he explained that “…in my flesh, nothing good dwells“.

If something is truly good…not merely good according to the low standards of this world…then it should lead to eternal life. Your flesh doesn’t do that. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but there’s a 1:1 ratio of births to deaths in the world. No one escapes the “wages of sin“. But you can escape having to pay for them forever. That’s gonna require some humility. But if you want eternal life you can look forward to with complete assurance, just tell Him…

You gave my heart

You gave me words,

You gave me dawn,

I give you all…my worries and my fear.

You gave me nights…

That song is one of eleven original songs I recorded and produced when I was the praise and worship leader at a small Denver church. Download the whole collection with a link in the handy, useful songbook journal you’ll find here: https://www.TonyFunderburk.com/rtpsongbook (paperback available, too)

Stay tuned,

The post I give you all in these lyrics ya’ll appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Why is there so much violence, destruction, and death in the world? And relatively so little peace and quiet time? Here’s the short answer. People.

But you probably wouldn’t believe the answer could be so simple. Maybe you’d rather have a highly complicated solution to this complex mess we earthlings find ourselves having to endure. And maybe you wouldn’t even like my answer.

Did you know that most of life’s seemingly unanswerable problems had simple solutions? Take the electric light for example. Maybe you’ve heard how many times Edison failed before he succeeded in getting a light bulb to work. Did you know the solution came down to finding what sort of tiny filament could last? Once he solved that problem, bingo! EMF’s everywhere. Uh, I mean, electric light everywhere.

Anyway…

So, what’s this simple solution to finding peace and quiet time in a world full of war and chaos?

Hey, don’t roll your eyes at me. I’ll roll ’em right back. Because I told you it might not be the answer you’d like. And I told you it might not be one you’d believe. And you can refuse to believe the truth. But that doesn’t make it wrong. And you can refuse to acknowledge a Creator God who came to earth to be one of us and take the punishment for our sins. But that doesn’t mean the story isn’t true.

Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” and He also said “the Truth shall make you free”. Why do so many prefer darkness, despair, and going it alone? If you…

…then test the Word of the Bible. It’s the #1 bestselling book of all time for a very good reason. It makes you FREE.

Judge me; I need to be judged.

Show me what I need to see.

And I have to trust that my God is just.

Search me for the deeper things.

Listen to my fervent prayer.

Make me to always understand

If you enjoy God’s joy and peace, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

It’s good stuff based on the power of God’s love. And, 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.

Stay tuned,

The post Peace and quiet time puts reason in the rhyme appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

The fullness of joy most people seek (whether they know it or not) can only be found in a relationship with your Creator. And God IS your Creator even if you don’t believe in Him.

But back to the reason I’m sharing this with you today.

First, a little backstory.

David, who was King of Israel, was a songwriter. Many of his lyrics, known as Psalms, are found in the Bible. And he talked and sang, a lot, about his relationship with God. He wrote, “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.“

You won’t find a world of peace, tranquility, and wealth simply because you place your faith in Jesus. You won’t see the troubles of the world fade away when you look to God for answers. In fact, you might even see troubles increase. Well, at least from time to time.

Yeah, but the joy I’m talking about springs from Living Water. And it flows through your spirit. In other words, your joy won’t be based on the things and people of this world. Your joy will be focused on the only One who can (and will) give you eternal life. Your “three score and ten” here on planet earth is a tiny fraction of eternity. And that puts it in perspective.

I’m urging you, today, to consider your eternal potential. As a Christian, I know, without a doubt, there will be an eternity of existence for every human being. Where you’ll spend it depends on the choice you make in the here and now. Choose the Life your Creator wants to give you.

Because you can exist as a bodiless, spiritless, soul forever tormented by the knowledge of “what could have been.” Or you can live in the fullness God has prepared. In a body that won’t grow old and die since you’ll be tapped directly into life.

Please, choose Life and experience the eternal fullness of joy.

I’ll be swallowed up by life

If you prefer that  kind of Life, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

It’s good stuff based on the power of God’s love. And, 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.

Stay tuned,

The post Your Creator that you will see later appeared first on Tony Funderburk.