Bill Tonnis Ministries

Let Go and Live

Posted on December 8, 2017 by billtonnis

autumn_leaves_bluesky

Let it be done to me.

(Listen to my song “Let It Be Done to Me” on YouTube by clicking HERE)

(Sample and/or purchase my songs on iTunes by clicking HERE)

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Luke 1:38

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

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This is Mary’s response to the angel’s news that she would conceive by the Holy Spirit and give birth to the Son of God.

Talk about a major twist in life plans!

Mary then gave us the perfect example of saying “yes” to God.

Wouldn’t it be great if God would simply tell each of us what we needed to do to play a perfect part in the unfolding kingdom of God on earth?

Perhaps God is doing exactly that…but we aren’t listening.

For us to hear…we have to actually be present.

We have to open ourselves to the Divine Presence.

And for that to happen…we have to let go of ourselves.

Each of us has to die to self…as in our “ego” self. That is the only way our true self can rise.

A good practice is to set aside quiet time to let go…detach from our non-stop minds which never stop chattering.

We need to create a space to listen for God’s silent voice.

Sit in silence for ten to twenty minutes and simply practice letting go.

What may sound like a waste of time will actually change your life for the better.

I guarantee it.

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Listen to the song of the day “Let It Be Done to Me” on the Mercy Reigns album by clicking HERE.

Sample and/or purchase my songs on iTunes by clicking HERE.

Remember…God loves you!

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged calling, contemplation, happiness, holy Spirit, inspiration, kingdom of God, meditation, mindfulness, peace, presence, religion, spiritual, true self, vocation | 2 Comments

Contemplation and Action

Posted on December 7, 2017 by billtonnis

castle_storm_sea

We are all called to make this a more compassionate and just world.

(Listen to my song “You’ll Lead Me” on YouTube by clicking HERE)

(Sample and/or purchase my songs on iTunes by clicking HERE)

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Matthew 7:24

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.”

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Listening to Jesus’ words means more than just hearing them or believing in them.

That asks nothing of you.

We have to allow his words to settle into our minds and hearts so that they cause us to change.

His words should make a difference in our lives.

Jesus didn’t just leave it at listening to his words.

He said we must act on them.

It would be helpful to make a regular practice of listening to Jesus’ words in scripture.

Then after listening…we need to discern what the words are calling us to do.

What are his words saying to your heart?

When we do this and then take action…Jesus promises that even when the storms of life come…we will be grounded in a solid sense of peace and security.

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Listen to the song of the day “You’ll Lead Me” on the Listen to Your Heart album by clicking HERE.

Sample and/or purchase my songs on iTunes by clicking HERE.

Remember…God loves you!

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged calling, compassion, contemplation, God, happiness, inspiration, Jesus, love, meditation, mindfulness, peace, progressive Christianity, religion, spiritual | Leave a comment

Homeward Bound

Posted on December 6, 2017 by billtonnis

valley_dark_sunset

God’s love never fails…so hold on to faith.

(Listen to my song “Love Will Always Lead You Home” on YouTube by clicking HERE)

(Sample and/or purchase my songs on iTunes by clicking HERE)

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Psalm 23:3-4

You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name. Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side.

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Sooner or later you will realize that you can’t go it alone.

If you think life is about being perfect…you will fail.

The wheels will fall off somewhere along the line.

Something out of your control will derail you.

No one can make it on his or her own without help.

We are all flawed.

But that’s not so we can feel shame or so God can punish us. That would make God a cruel tyrant!

Jesus showed us that God will never abandon us and will do everything to save us. After all…the very name “Jesus” means “Yahweh saves”!

Since God is love (1 John 4:8)…there is nothing to fear. You are loved and chosen by God from the very beginning of time.

It is when we walk in the “dark valley” that we can truly experience the Great Light that will show us the way.

In times of struggle…know that you are being led safely home.

Do not be afraid. Love is leading you.

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Listen to the song of the day “Love Will Always Lead You Home” on the Mercy Reigns album by clicking HERE.

Sample and/or purchase my songs on iTunes by clicking HERE.

Remember…God loves you!

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged compassion, contemplation, faith, happiness, inspiration, Jesus, kingdom of God, love, meditation, mindfulness, peace, progressive Christianity, religion, spiritual | Leave a comment

The Power of Peace

Posted on December 5, 2017 by billtonnis

peace_word

What would Jesus do?

(Please listen to my song “Salvation” on YouTube by clicking HERE)

(Sample and/or purchase my songs on iTunes by clicking HERE)

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Isaiah 11:4

He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked.

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The Christian faith believes that the prophet Isaiah foretold of the coming of Jesus about 700 years before his birth.

Who in Israel would have thought that this longed-awaited Messiah would be a “Prince of Peace” and not a military ruler?

Jesus would not use violence and power to defeat the “ruthless” and the “wicked” but would instead use non-violent methods.

Jesus would respond to persecution by standing up to it with words of truth.

His actions would be ones of love, mercy, forgiveness and compassion.

This is the model that Jesus gave us to deal with adversity and evil.

It is radical, courageous and life-changing.

It’s the path to the kingdom of God.

Each of us must ask ourselves: How well am I following this model in my life?

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Listen to the song of the day “Salvation” on the Live to Love album by clicking HERE.

Sample and/or purchase my songs on iTunes by clicking HERE.

Remember….God loves you!

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged compassion, contemplation, forgiveness, inspiration, Jesus, kingdom of God, love, meditation, non-violence, peace, progressive Christianity, religion, salvation, spiritual | Leave a comment

Let It Be Done to Me

Posted on December 4, 2017 by billtonnis

open_handsraised

When we empty ourselves…new life rises.

(Listen to my song “Let It Be Done to Me” on YouTube by clicking HERE)

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Matthew 8:5-8

When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” He said to him, “I will come and cure him.” The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.”

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Jesus goes on to say about the centurion…that “in no one in Israel have I found such faith.”

This was a centurion…a professional officer in the Roman army…and definitely not someone who believed in the God of Israel.

To call this encounter unexpected would be a dramatic understatement.

The centurion, a man who had power and position, was humbling himself and seeking mercy for someone who didn’t.

This required that he “die to himself”…and surrender to a Higher Power.

When we do that…God transforms our “little deaths” to resurrections.

It’s the path to new life.

Perhaps one lesson is that we should not judge anyone who is different from us.

It would appear that God doesn’t reject people because of their beliefs or qualifications.

God is quite willing to help anyone who humbly asks.

What else would Love do?

God loves each of us unconditionally and works relentlessly to transform us and lead us to wholeness (“holiness”).

So do not fear…but have faith.

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Listen to the song of the day “Let It Be Done to Me” on the Mercy Reigns album by clicking HERE.

Sample and/or purchase my songs on iTunes by clicking HERE.

Remember…God loves you!

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged compassion, contemplation, faith, God, inspiration, Jesus, let go, love, meditation, progressive Christianity, religion, resurrection, spiritual, wholeness | Leave a comment

Cultivate Love

Posted on December 1, 2017 by billtonnis

fig_tree_budding

May all our actions be life-giving.

(Listen to the song of the day “Shall We Sing” on YouTube by clicking HERE)

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Luke 21:29-31

Jesus told his disciples a parable. “Consider the fig tree and all the other trees. When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.

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Jesus consistently spoke about the “kingdom of God” not as some distant destination…but as something very near.

Everything that Jesus did was aimed at bringing this “kingdom of God” alive in the present.

In the prayer that he taught his followers he instructed them to pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

Please note the words, “on earth.”

Jesus wants our cooperation in continuing this process of bringing God’s kingdom alive on earth.

We do it by following his example.

Reach out to those on the fringes.

Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, comfort the sick and visit those who are imprisoned.

When we do this…it will be as though the buds of trees are bursting open.

We will experience new life emerging in the present moment…life full of compassion.

God’s kingdom will truly be near!

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Listen to the song of the day “Shall We Sing” on the Listen to Your Heart album by clicking HERE.

Sample and/or purchase my songs on iTunes by clicking HERE.

Remember…God loves you!

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged Beatitudes, compassion, contemplation, inspiration, Jesus, kingdom of God, love, meditation, mindfulness, music, presence, progressive Christianity, religion, spiritual | Leave a comment

Shine the Light of Love

Posted on November 30, 2017 by billtonnis

lake_sun_reflection_bluesky

May each of us be a reflection of Good News.

(Listen to my song “May I Be Light” on YouTube by clicking HERE)

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Romans 10:14-15

How can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent?

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Jesus gives us the model for living our lives.

He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6).

When we follow him…we are assured of finding our true selves.

Each of us would live as the beloved child of God that we are.

Isn’t this what you would want for everyone?

Jesus also said that if you knew him…you would know God (John 8:19).

So get to know him. You can do that by reading the gospels. See how he lived and listen to what he said.

Jesus was the living expression of who God is.

And what we see is not some punishing tyrant…but a compassionate, forgiving, accepting, merciful Lover who is also passionate for the rights of the ones on the margins.

This world needs to meet Jesus and get to know him.

How will it happen…if not through you and me?

Who will tell and live the Good News…if not us?

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Listen to the song of the day “May I Be Light” on the Listen to Your Heart album by clicking HERE.

Sample and/or purchase my songs on iTunes by clicking HERE.

Remember…God loves you!

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged compassion, contemplation, evangelize, God, gospel, happiness, inspiration, Jesus, love, meditation, mindfulness, progressive Christianity, religion, spiritual | Leave a comment

Blessings Abound

Posted on November 29, 2017 by billtonnis

night_sky_stars_lake

When you are yourself…the universe rejoices.

(Listen to my song “Glorify You with Me” on YouTube by clicking HERE)

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Daniel 3:62-65

Sun and moon, bless the Lord;

Stars of heaven, bless the Lord;

Every shower and dew, bless the Lord;

All you winds, bless the Lord;

praise and exalt him above all forever.

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Everything in its “is-ness” proclaims the glory of its Creator.

By its very being it glorifies God.

All creation is a testimony to the Artisan that fashioned it.

From the dew on the ground, to the winds that blow, to the sunshine, to the astounding galaxies of the vast universe, we are immersed in the grand artistry of a Benevolence beyond measure.

You and I are part of this on-going creative masterpiece.

How awesome and wonderful!

Immerse yourself in this awareness.

Be you.

Be.

Be thankful.

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Listen to the song of the day “Glorify You with Me” on the Give Praise and Thanks album by clicking HERE.

Sample and/or purchase my songs on iTunes by clicking HERE.

Remember…God loves you!

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged blessings, compassion, contemplation, creation, Creator, God, inspiration, love, meditation, mindfulness, progressive Christianity, religion, spiritual, thankful | Leave a comment

Glory to God

Posted on November 28, 2017 by billtonnis

mountains_autumn_bluesky

Eternal Love is making all things new.

(Listen to my song “How Magnificent, Wondrous and Glorious” on YouTube by clicking HERE)

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Daniel 3:57

Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.

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We are swimming in blessings.

I know we all have troubles…but the blessings far outnumber the troubles.

It seems we have a choice to either focus our attention on the blessings or the troubles.

Every sunrise, every delicious flavor, every aroma, every smile, every beautiful song, every-next-breath is a gift from God.

Even when negative things happen…God will transform them into something positive with time and faith.

All deaths lead to resurrections.

All the little deaths we must endure along life’s journey lead to new life when we trust and go with the flow of God’s mercy and grace.

And when we are open to that grace…we can also be God’s instrument in turning a curse into a blessing by being a conduit of God’s love.

All of creation is involved in this process of dying and rising as God transforms death to life.

As St. Paul said, “We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now” (Romans 8:22).

May we all join in a universal song of thanks and praise!

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Listen to the song of the day “How Magnificent, Wondrous and Glorious” on the Mercy Reigns album by clicking HERE.

Sample and/or purchase my songs on iTunes by clicking HERE.

Remember…God loves you!

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged blessings, compassion, contemplation, faith, God, grace, inspiration, Jesus, love, meditation, mindfulness, progressive Christianity, resurrection, spiritual | Leave a comment

Pour Me Out

Posted on November 27, 2017 by billtonnis

water_drop_ripples

Letting go is the key to an abundant life.

(Listen to the song of the day “Pour Me Out” on YouTube by clicking HERE)

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Luke 21:1-3

When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest.”

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How attached are we to our stuff?

How preoccupied are we with our money?

The “poor widow” was apparently able to let go of the little she had for the better of others.

She was willing to make a true sacrifice for the sake of mercy.

In God’s economy…the more you give…the more you receive.

When you pour love into the world…it creates ripples of goodness that will return to you in waves.

Do you yearn to give of yourself to something bigger than yourself…to use your life to make a difference?

What do you need to let go…so your true self is free to take flight?

If you give a little to God…you will get back a little.

But if you give all that you are…you will get back more than words can describe.

Are you ready to start?

No better time than now!

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Listen to the song of the day “Pour Me Out” on the Give Praise and Thanks album by clicking HERE.

Sample and/or purchase my songs on iTunes by clicking HERE.

Remember…God loves you!

Posted in Today's Contemplation | Tagged attachment, compassion, contemplation, God, inspiration, Jesus, love, meditation, mercy, mindfulness, progressive Christianity, religion, spiritual, true self | Leave a comment

Let it be done to me.

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Luke 1:38

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We are all called to make this a more compassionate and just world.

+++

Matthew 7:24

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God’s love never fails…so hold on to faith.

+++

Psalm 23:3-4

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What would Jesus do?

+++

Isaiah 11:4

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When we empty ourselves…new life rises.

+++

Matthew 8:5-8

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May all our actions be life-giving.

+++

Luke 21:29-31

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May each of us be a reflection of Good News.

+++

Romans 10:14-15

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When you are yourself…the universe rejoices.

+++

Daniel 3:62-65

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Eternal Love is making all things new.

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Daniel 3:57

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Letting go is the key to an abundant life.

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Luke 21:1-3

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