Author Archives: billtonnis

Psalm 51:3 Have mercy on me, God, in your goodness; in your abundant compassion blot out my offense. We tend to beat ourselves up over mistakes and transgressions. But when we turn back to God…instead of punishment and chastisement…we receive … Continue reading →

2 Timothy 1:8 For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; … Continue reading →

Mark 16:15 Jesus said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” Jesus is sending each of us to proclaim the gospel…but what gospel are you proclaiming? The Good News of Jesus was that … Continue reading →

Mark 3:33-34 But Jesus said to them in reply, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers.” Our dualistic, “either-or” minds like to … Continue reading →

Psalm 89:21 “I have chosen David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him.” David became a great king and also had a beautiful heart to care for God’s people. But he also had some rather dark flaws…and … Continue reading →

Psalm 56:3 O Most High, when I am afraid, in you I place my trust. God is always there for you even when it feels otherwise. Feelings of God’s presence are nice but a deeper, more mature spiritual level will … Continue reading →

Mark 3:4-5 Then Jesus said to them, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent. Looking round at them with anger and … Continue reading →

Mark 2:23-24 As he was passing through a field of grain on the sabbath, his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain. At this the Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what … Continue reading →

1 Samuel 8:6-7 Samuel was displeased when they asked for a king to judge them. He prayed to the Lord, however, who said in answer: “Grant the people’s every request. It is not you they reject, they are rejecting me … Continue reading →

Mark 1:40-41 A leper came to him [and kneeling down] begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, “I do will it. … Continue reading →