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?

Wake Up

Posted on January 17, 2013 by billtonnis

Hebrews 3:13 Encourage yourselves daily while it is still “today,” so that none of you may grow hardened by the deceit of sin. “Sin” is basically when we “turn away” from God’s desires…and choose our self-centered…ego-satisfying desires. It is choosing … Continue reading →

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged deceit, ego, encourage, false self, God, Hebrews, how wonderful to me, live to love, moment, present, self-centered, sin, today, true self, unconscious | Leave a comment

The Mystery of Suffering

Posted on January 16, 2013 by billtonnis

Hebrews 2:18 Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested. What test are you suffering through? Whatever it is…may you be comforted in knowing that Jesus has already walked … Continue reading →

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged cross, death, eternal, failure, fear, God, Heal Me, Hebrews, hope, Jesus, life, live to love, loss, love, rejection, resurrection, suffer, suffering, tested, trials, unconditional | Leave a comment

The Healer

Posted on January 15, 2013 by billtonnis

Mark 1:23-25 In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” … Continue reading →

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged anger, attachment, come to Jesus, death, fear, free, God, Jesus, live to love, love, Mark, principalities, spirit, St. Paul, unclean, unconditional, worry | Leave a comment

Awake to the Moment

Posted on January 14, 2013 by billtonnis

Mark 1:15 “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” Jesus’ words tell us that the kingdom of God…begins now. The focus is on the present…not some distant future. … Continue reading →

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged compassion, God, gospel, I want to follow you, Jesus, Listen to Your Heart, love, Mark, mercy, repent, repent egocentric | Leave a comment

Contemplation and Action

Posted on January 11, 2013 by billtonnis

Luke 5:15-16 The report about him spread all the more, and great crowds assembled to listen to him and to be cured of their ailments, but he would withdraw to deserted places to pray. Jesus modeled how to live our … Continue reading →

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged action, compassion, contemplation, cure, deserted, God, Jesus, listen, Listen to Your Heart, Luke, pray, quiet, solitude, turn off the noise, voice | Leave a comment

Commanded to Love

Posted on January 10, 2013 by billtonnis

1 John 4:21 This is the commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. Who is the one person that you just don’t want to have to deal with? Who is that one person that … Continue reading →

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged 1 John, brother, commandment, God, kingdom, live to love, love, Love God, transformation | Leave a comment

Why Fear?

Posted on January 9, 2013 by billtonnis

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love. Only God loves perfectly…because God is Love. … Continue reading →

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged 1 John, afraid, burdened, cross, fear, forgiveness, God, I will give you rest, Jesus, live to love, love, punish, punishment, rest, restoration, retribution | Leave a comment

Way of Life

Posted on January 8, 2013 by billtonnis

1 John 4:9 In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him. The bible tells us that God is Love…an incomprehensible…unconditional Love. … Continue reading →

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged follow, God, Jesus, John, life, Listen to Your Heart, love, model, true self, unconditional, You'll Lead Me | Leave a comment

Path to Wholeness

Posted on January 7, 2013 by billtonnis

Matthew 4:23 He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. What is the “gospel of the kingdom”? Just before this statement…Matthew wrote that … Continue reading →

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged compassion, curing, forgiveness, gospel, heaven, Jesus, kingdom, live to love, love, Matthew, mercy, now, salvation, wholeness | Leave a comment

Come and See

Posted on January 4, 2013 by billtonnis

John 1:38-39 Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” … Continue reading →

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged becoming, Christ, come, ego, follow, God, I want to follow you, Jesus, John, journey, letting go, listen, Listen to Your Heart, looking, moment, silent voice | Leave a comment