Behind the Facade

Posted on January 18, 2016 by billtonnis

faces_masks_wall

1 Samuel 16:7

“Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the Lord looks into the heart.”

How true! And yet appearance continues to be the world’s criterion for determining a person’s worth and identity. Appearances are deceiving. God’s criterion is at the heart level. That is where God sees us as we are…the positives and the negatives together. But the seeing is through the lens of love. Our Loving Creator sees each of us as a beloved daughter or son. As for you and me…let us look at ourselves and ask: Am I trying to uphold an appearance…a false self…instead of my true self as a beloved daughter or son of God? When we become aware of our egos in action…trying to build a false persona and all that goes with it…our egos will finally begin to diminish. It is only then that our true selves can begin to rise.

Stop for a moment and become aware of your inner self.

Become aware of your beating heart.

Become aware that with each beat…you are loved for your innate worth as a child of God.

Rest in that awareness.

Be the Love you are!

Listen to the song of the day “How Wonderful to Me” by clicking HERE.

Sample and/or purchase my songs by clicking HERE.

CD’s available for purchase at BillTonnisMusic.com by clicking HERE.

Remember…God loves you!

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Light Bearer

Posted on January 15, 2016 by billtonnis

lighthouse_darkness

Mark 2:1-2

When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them.

What was it that drew crowds to Jesus? When he came around…people flocked to hear him teach. No one had ever spoken the way he was speaking…words that inspired, healed and touched hearts. Jesus spoke words of comfort to the broken. He brought news of God’s unconditional love. He was a light of hope. All clamored to hear him. The only critical words we ever heard Jesus speak were directed to the Pharisees…the rigid religious leaders who arrogantly believed they had all the answers. They held the people to stringent rules and guidelines without compassion. Which spiritual leaders today remind you of the Pharisees…and which remind you of Jesus? I don’t know about you…but I’m listening to the ones who mirror love, mercy, grace, forgiveness and compassion.

Listen to the song of the day “Salvation” by clicking HERE.

Sample and/or purchase my songs by clicking HERE.

CD’s available for purchase at BillTonnisMusic.com by clicking HERE.

Remember…God loves you!

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Becoming Whole

Posted on January 14, 2016 by billtonnis

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Mark 1:45

The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. Jesus remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.

Jesus never strove for “superstar” status. He didn’t seek the spotlight. The gospels show that Jesus never did anything to show off or call attention to himself. In today’s scripture…Jesus sternly told the man he had just cured of leprosy not to tell anyone…but the man did the opposite. Jesus knew that people would focus on his incredible miracles but would miss the point. It wasn’t about him! It was about people being restored to wholeness through acts of love, mercy, forgiveness, compassion and justice. This was the kingdom of God! Jesus wanted to be a servant…not a superstar. The world’s philosophy tells us to strive for fame and fortune…which props up a false self and leads to inner emptiness. Following Christ means detaching from the enticement of power, prestige and possessions…which allows the true self to rise and leads to inner fullness. Which path will you choose?

Listen to the song of the day “Pour Me Out” by clicking HERE.

Sample and/or purchase my songs by clicking HERE.

CD’s available for purchase at BillTonnisMusic.com by clicking HERE.

Remember…God loves you!

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Be Still

Posted on January 13, 2016 by billtonnis

autumn_bench_quiet

Mark 1:35-38

Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.”

Even Jesus needed to go off to a silent place to commune with God. A “deserted place” would be a place of peace and quiet…a place to simply be in the presence of the Divine Presence. It was after this time of silent prayer that Jesus had clarity of purpose…such clarity that even though everyone was looking for him…despite this popularity…he knew that he had to leave and move on to the nearby villages. “For this purpose have I come.” There are many voices competing for your attention…but what is the Inner Voice telling you to do? If you are not setting aside silent time to commune with the Divine Presence…how will you ever live your Divine purpose?

Listen to the song of the day “Turn Off the Noise” by clicking HERE.

Sample and/or purchase my songs by clicking HERE.

CD’s available for purchase at BillTonnisMusic.com by clicking HERE.

Remember…God loves you!

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Surrender to Grace

Posted on January 12, 2016 by billtonnis

clouds-light

Mark 1:23-26

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!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him.

Each of us is no doubt plagued with an “unclean spirit” of some sort. We struggle with all kinds of addictions, obsessions and compulsions. As St. Paul stated, “What I do, I do not understand. For I do not do what I want, but I do what I hate” (Romans 7:15). We struggle with a “thorn in our sides” that we just can’t seem to get rid of. But Jesus offers us relief and comfort. He did not criticize, scold or shame the man afflicted by the unclean spirit. Instead, Jesus gladly restored him to wholeness. In the Catholic Easter Vigil, sin is called a “happy fault.” It is the place where we can’t save ourselves…only God can! The place of our biggest inner struggle…is exactly the place where Unconditional Love can transform us. God will surely transform whatever affliction we have for our good and even the good of others. Bring your affliction to Jesus without fear!

Listen to the song of the day “Come to Jesus” by clicking HERE.

Sample and/or purchase my songs by clicking HERE.

CD’s available for purchase at BillTonnisMusic.com by clicking HERE.

Remember…God loves you!

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Good News

Posted on January 11, 2016 by billtonnis

foggy_trees_rays_sunshine

Mark 1:14-15

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” 

After John the Baptist was arrested…Jesus began his public ministry. It was time. His message was: “The kingdom of God is here. Change your direction…and believe the Good News that God loves you unconditionally.” Jesus wants each of us to hear that message now. He also invites us to follow him. When we follow Jesus we are on the path to becoming aware and awakened to who we are as beloved daughters and sons of God. Following Jesus will require “repenting” or literally “changing our direction.” For me…it meant leaving a radio news profession that was the only career I had ever known. Changes are never easy…but I can assure you that following Jesus will lead you to more joy, contentment and fulfillment than any other pursuit in this life. The decision to follow is not a one-time deal…but a moment-to-moment…lifelong project. A Great Love is calling you. When you listen to the gentle, loving whisper in your heart…a great adventure will begin.

Listen to the song of the day “Changed” by clicking HERE.

Sample and/or purchase my songs by clicking HERE.

CD’s available for purchase at BillTonnisMusic.com by clicking HERE.

Remember…God loves you!

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Redemption In Progress

Posted on January 8, 2016 by billtonnis

mandala_wholeness_healing

Luke 5:12-13

Now there was a man full of leprosy in one of the towns where he was; and when he saw Jesus, he fell prostrate, pleaded with him, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do will it. Be made clean.” And the leprosy left him immediately.

Notice how Jesus was always trying to restore wholeness. Jesus did not shy away from the man who was considered “unclean” in the eyes of not only the society but also the religious leaders. The man with leprosy had been totally excluded. Notice how Jesus did not seem concerned at all about the man’s religious beliefs. All we know is that the man demonstrated total faith that Jesus could heal him. And with no test of his beliefs…no assurances from the man that he would follow any set of doctrines in the future…Jesus healed him. Jesus demonstrated what St. Paul would later write: “As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. If [one] part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy” (1 Corinthians 12:12, 26). The true reality is that we are all one. If you are not accepting this…you are living in a delusion. Where and how do you feel excluded? Where and how do you feel rejected by others? Jesus wants to be with you in that place…to let you know you are loved and that you do belong in the kingdom of God! You are a beloved daughter or son of God! Who are the ones excluded in today’s world? Who will let them know that they are loved and that they do belong…if not you?

Listen to the song of the day “All Are Welcome” by clicking HERE.

Sample and/or purchase my songs by clicking HERE.

CD’s available to purchase at BillTonnisMusic.com by clicking HERE.

Remember…God loves you!

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Let Love Lead You

Posted on January 7, 2016 by billtonnis

dark_path

Luke 4:22

And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?”

The people who knew Jesus when he was growing up were amazed at his words as an adult…but they quickly turned on him. When you follow your calling…you will be asked to step out of your comfort zone. Sometimes the people closest to you may be the very ones who block your path. They may respond like they did about Jesus, “Isn’t this Joseph’s kid…the one who is a carpenter? Who does he think he is?” We cannot be concerned with what others say when we are trying to follow our callings. Jesus is the perfect model to follow on the path to your true self (“I am the way and the truth and the life” John 14:6). But Jesus warned us that we would be persecuted on this journey to life. Each of us is called to be a unique reflection of Love (God) to the world. By following Jesus…you will find your true self. It will require courage to do it. Others will feel threatened by the changes you make in your life. They may ridicule and make fun of you. Don’t let that stop you! You will be living the life you were meant to live. And if someone close to you is stepping out of his or her comfort zone to follow Jesus or their calling…give that person encouragement!

Listen to the song of the day “Take the Road Less Traveled” click HERE.

Sample and/or purchase my songs by clicking HERE.

CD’s available for purchase at BillTonnisMusic.com by clicking HERE.

Remember…God loves you!

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God Saves

Posted on January 6, 2016 by billtonnis

sunset_sailing_calm

Mark 6:50-51

“Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were completely astounded.

The disciples were already afraid as their boat was being tossed about by heavy winds. That’s when they saw Jesus walking on the sea. The sight terrified them. The storms of life will come. That is a certainty. Perhaps you have already endured some difficult storms. The one constant in life is the fact that God loves us and will not let us go. Jesus is the manifestation of this Unconditional Love in human form. He was with his followers in times of joy, sorrow…and terror. His message was…and still is…that we have nothing to be afraid of. When times get tough and the winds are howling…lean into the Love that made you. The winds will calm. Inner peace is assured.

Listen to the song of the day “I Will Give You Rest” by clicking HERE.

Sample and/or purchase my songs by clicking HERE.

CD’s available for purchase at BillTonnisMusic.com by clicking HERE.

Remember…God loves you!

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Life Changing

Posted on January 5, 2016 by billtonnis

shore_peace

1 John 4:8-9

Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. 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.

I followed many pursuits that I thought would bring me happiness. I was listening to my ego which wanted the rewards the world said would make me happy and fulfilled. The world’s rewards are centered on power, prestige and possessions. All those pursuits were dead ends. They only led me to wanting more and more…building a “false self” that left me in misery. It wasn’t until I was thoroughly miserable that I was able to hear a soft, loving voice in my heart telling me that I was loved…for no other reason than the fact that I was a beloved child of God. It seems that many times it takes becoming miserable before we can actually experience what Unconditional Love is! Jesus showed us this Love in the way he lived his life. Following his example is one path to discovering your true self…and a life abundant in love, peace and joy.

Listen to the song of the day “God Is” by clicking HERE.

Sample and/or purchase my songs by clicking HERE.

CD’s available to purchase at BillTonnisMusic.com by clicking HERE.

Remember…God loves you!

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