Author Archives: billtonnis

About billtonnis

Child of God, Pastoral Minister, Chaplain, Music Minister, Jail Minister, singer-songwriter, author, activist, former radio news anchor, imperfect follower of Jesus inspired by God's unconditional love, proud uncle... what else is there?

Gratitude

Posted on August 15, 2013 by billtonnis

Luke 1:46-47 “And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” Mary is the great example of listening to God and saying “yes.” When asked if she would be the mother … Continue reading →

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged discernment, Give Praise and Thanks, God, Gratitude, listen, Luke 1, Mary, meditation, prayer, rejoices, savior, scripture, soul | Leave a comment

Divine Relationship

Posted on August 14, 2013 by billtonnis

Matthew 18:19-20 Again, (amen,) I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered … Continue reading →

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged Breathe On Me, communal, Divine Relationship, God, Jesus, Listen to Your Heart, Matthew 18, pray, present, salvation, true self | Leave a comment

Childlike Trust

Posted on August 13, 2013 by billtonnis

Matthew 18:1-4 At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn … Continue reading →

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged childlike trust, exult, God, greatest, humble, Jesus, kingdom of heaven, Listen to Your Heart, Matthew 18, possessions, win, You'll Lead Me | Leave a comment

Love Poured Out

Posted on August 12, 2013 by billtonnis

Matthew 17:22-23 As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were … Continue reading →

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged cross, execution, Give Praise and Thanks, Jesus, Love Poured Out, Matthew 17, persecution, Pour Me Out, power, resurrection, salvation, serve | Leave a comment

Die to Live

Posted on August 9, 2013 by billtonnis

Matthew 16:24-26 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for … Continue reading →

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged cross, die, Die to Live, Discern, ego, find, God, I want to follow you, Jesus, listen, Listen to Your Heart, lose, Matthew 16, possessions, power, prestige, true self | Leave a comment

Game Changer

Posted on August 8, 2013 by billtonnis

Matthew 16:15 Jesus said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Ah…that is the question…isn’t it? Jesus asked His followers the question point blank. Now…He asks the question of you and me. The existence of a historical … Continue reading →

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged game changer, Give Praise and Thanks, Jesus, Matthew 16, Pour Me Out, salvation, savior, true self, who do you say that I am | Leave a comment

Big Picture

Posted on August 7, 2013 by billtonnis

Matthew 15:27-28 She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you … Continue reading →

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged All Are Welcome, big picture, Canaanite, division, Give Praise and Thanks, heal, Jesus, love, Matthew 15, outcast, scraps, unconditional, unity | Leave a comment

Transfigured by Love

Posted on August 6, 2013 by billtonnis

2 Peter 1:18-19 We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain. Moreover, we possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable. You will do well to be attentive to it, as … Continue reading →

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged 2 Peter, beloved, divine voice, God, James, John, lamp, Listen to Your Heart, love, morning star, Peter, prophetic message, reflection, transfigured, turn off the noise | Leave a comment

Way to Freedom

Posted on August 5, 2013 by billtonnis

Matthew 14:13-14 When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, Jesus withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and … Continue reading →

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged compassion, forgiveness, freedom, God, Jesus, John the Baptist, live to love, love, Matthew 14, mercy, oppression, salvation, sin, way to freedom, wholeness | Leave a comment

Forgiven

Posted on July 29, 2013 by billtonnis

Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our sins from us. Are you refusing to let go of your baggage? Are you still clinging to old hurts…old resentments…old wrong-doings (whether committed … Continue reading →

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged adultery, baggage, cross, forgiven, Give Praise and Thanks, God Is, grace, Jesus, Prodigal Son, Psalm 103, resentment, sins, wrongdoing | Leave a comment