Author Archives: billtonnis

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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?

Open Hands

Luke 11:9, 11, 13 “Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? If … Continue reading

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Prayer

Luke 11:1-2 Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: … Continue reading

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Contemplative Living

Luke 10:40-42 Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” The Lord said to her in … Continue reading

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Mercy Required

Luke 10:36-37 [Jesus asked,] “Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” Today’s Gospel reading is about the … Continue reading

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Radical Acceptance

Psalm 139:1-2, 7, 13-14 O LORD, you have probed me, you know me: you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. Where can I hide from your spirit? From your presence, where can I flee? … Continue reading

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Aspiring for Less

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

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In the Now

Luke 9:61-62 Another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home.” Jesus answered him, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is … Continue reading

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A Better Way

Luke 9:52-55 Jesus sent messengers ahead of him. On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem. When the disciples James … Continue reading

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God-Centered

John 1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him.” Jesus could read people very well. Sure…He was God…but He was also fully Man. But since He … Continue reading

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Transforming Question

Luke 9:18-20 Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the … Continue reading

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