Articles that reference the book of Proverbs: Recent Episodes
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.
No, this is about Christian faith. And doubt in yourself or your future.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…
False MovesI seem to make so many false moves.
So many have misunderstood.
I guess I must expect the worst results,
And I’d deal with them, if I could.
False moves, like shadows, fall behind.
You might go look for them, but they’re difficult to find.
False moves, like liquor, bring a sense of doubt.
So hard to live with, and so easy to live without.
I always seem to see the empty spots
And fill them up with simple words,
But when I think I’ve got the right idea,
It disappears like Autumn birds.
I sit and dream of traveling so far,
And then I end up standing still.
Part of me says that I will make it.
Part of me says I never will.
False moves”
© 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.
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?
What do you mean I left you hanging with the God hates you comment?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.
So, if you don’t fit into the categories, don’t worry.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
Than a cup of fire and brimstone.
And I’d rather enjoy God’s love
Than burning winds from up above.
So, I say “yes” to all His word,
The parts I’ve read, the parts I’ve heard.
I know someday I’ll leave this place
And live forever in His grace.
© 2020
It certainly will be much better than fire and brimstone when you jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. So, don’t put it off another second. Get some complimentary goodies now: https://www.TonyFunderburk,com
Stay tuned,
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Here in America, we still enjoy a certain amount of “free speech.” During the 20th century this country participated in two world wars. And many men and women fought and died to get rid of evil dictators and despicable governments. The ultimate sacrifice for God-given rights.
Thomas Jefferson sort of acknowledged where our rights originate when he composed the Declaration of Independence. He said “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness certainly covers it. But, unfortunately, it’s becoming less and less self-evident to so many people these days. Especially the part about rights coming from “their Creator.”
Free speech doesn’t mean truth is freely spoken.And I’m amazed, but not surprised, at how many American citizens would rather censor speech and give up rights than admit they have a Creator. Plus, so many would rather use their so-called “free speech” as a reason to burn flags, defecate in public, and stand up for murdering babies.
OK, at this point, you might be thinking, “Geez Louise, Tony. I thought you were the guy who writes poems and entertains people of all ages with your pleasant wit and wisdom.”
Yeah, I understand how you might wonder why I’d wrangle my rhymes and reasons into such serious stuff. Especially that whole murdering babies part. After all, abortion conversations are almost always so confoundedly confrontational. But here’s the thing.
Free speech and a right to life can all disappear when caring people say nothing to defend those rights. And I believe I’m compelled, by my Creator, to use my decades of writing experience to call out horrible injustice. So, if that means writing rhymes to show the reasons, then that’s what I’ll do.
And I thank you, from the top of my big ol’ black heart, for your willingness to either share my rhymes and reasons with others or share your own. Because there’s a gigantic, hurting world out there that needs to know hope is available. And they need to know it’s a limited time offer.
OK, I’ll leave you with this royal rhyme…
Talk DelightTalk is not as cheap as it used to be.
It can cost so much when the world can see.
But you still should say what is right.
It might even bring kings delight.
Think before you speak is still good advice.
Keep in mind the ultimate sacrifice
Many others made for your right.
And speak up for one King’s delight.
© 2020 Tony Funderburk
Jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon and get really refreshing rhymes and reasons delivered right to your inbox with no muss, no fuss. mhttps://www.TonyFunderburk.com
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The post Free speech, and other rights, sinking into darker nights appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
I know you’ve been there done this. Try to sit still and feign interest while the person across from you seems to ramble on and on into the apocalyptic future. And you wonder if you locked the door at home. … Read the rest
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OK, let’s be positive and assume the worst That sounds like a good plan. Right? “Uh, no, Tony. It sounds negative. Not positive. And why would anybody automatically assume the worst?” Well, I’m glad you asked. Because I’m gonna toss … Read the rest
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Since talk is cheap, I’m goin’ back to sleep It’s the wee hours of the morning. So, if I can’t make sense of this, I’m going back to sleep. Unless you’re a recent public school graduate, you probably know what … Read the rest
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