Surrender and Win

Posted on December 8, 2014 by billtonnis

Luke 1:38
Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

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! But she 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 find fulfillment and happiness? Perhaps God is doing exactly that…but we aren’t listening. For us to hear…we have to empty ourselves so that there is a space for God to fill. A good practice is to set aside quiet time to surrender to a Higher Power and “let go”…detach from the constantly grasping mind. Create a space to listen for God’s unique message for you. Sit in silence for ten to twenty minutes and simply practice letting go. What may sound like a ‘waste of time’ will change your life for the better. I guarantee it.

Suggested song of the day– “Listen to Your Heart” on the Listen to Your Heart album.
Hear free clips of Bill’s songs by clicking on Bill Tonnis’ Music on iTunes to the right.
CD’s available by clicking “home” and then the “store” tab.
Remember…God loves you!

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Transforming Grace

Posted on December 5, 2014 by billtonnis

Matthew 9:28-30
When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they said to him. Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.”

Jesus wants to bring healing to everyone in ways that will bring wholeness to each person. It’s all about redemption and wholeness…not punishment. God has an unending supply of grace to pour out on us all. The goal for each of us is transformation. Notice how Jesus wanted no attention from the healing of the two blind men. The focus is not on His healing ability…but on the personal inner-transformation of the two men. It was about restoring them to wholeness and inclusion to their community. Where in your life do you need Christ’s healing touch? Where are you hurting or feeling unworthy or ‘not-good-enough’? That is precisely the place where the risen Christ wants to embrace you and tell you that you are loved just as you are…unconditionally! It is not a shameful place…but a sacred place where you are able to receive transforming grace. Allow God to be with you there. Receive the Grace that is freely given!

Suggested song of the day– “Changed” on the Give Praise and Thanks album.
Hear free clips of Bill’s songs by clicking on Bill Tonnis’ Music on iTunes to the right.
CD’s available by clicking “home” and then the “store” tab.
Remember…God loves you!

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Grounded In Love

Posted on December 4, 2014 by billtonnis

Matthew 7:24-25
“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.”

What is the foundation on which you build your life? If it is material possessions, prestige, position, reputation or anything else human-made…there will come a time when it will all crumble and come tumbling down. Troubles, struggles and difficulties are part of life. But when Christ is your foundation…your life is built on an Eternal Love. Such a foundation cannot be achieved by going to church once a week, performing rituals and following rules. It happens not by achieving…but by allowing or surrendering to a Love that is unconditional. When you listen to the words of Jesus…ponder them…allow them to speak to your heart and then act on them…you will experience transformation. Then you will have an everlasting inner strength and peace amidst all of life’s storms.

Suggested song of the day– “You’ll Lead Me” on the Listen to Your Heart album.
Hear free clips of Bill’s songs by clicking on Bill Tonnis’ Music on iTunes to the right.
CD’s available by clicking “home” and then the “store” tab.
Remember…God loves you!

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Nothing To Fear

Posted on December 3, 2014 by billtonnis

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.

Sooner or later you will realize that you can’t save yourself. No one can make it on his or her own without help…someone to lift you when you fall. We are all imperfect. God made us this way so that when we fall…God can lift us…not punish us. How else would we discover what unconditional love is? 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”! God is love. There is nothing to fear. This is Good News! Amen. Alleluia!

Suggested song of the day– “God Is” on the Give Praise and Thanks album.
Hear free clips of Bill’s songs by clicking on Bill Tonnis’ Music on iTunes to the right.
CD’s available by clicking on “home” and then the “store” tab.
Have a blessed day!

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The Power of Peace

Posted on December 2, 2014 by billtonnis

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.

By the grace of God…Isaiah the prophet was able to speak of the coming of Jesus about 700 years before His birth. Who would have thought at the time that the longed-for Messiah would not use violence and power to defeat the “ruthless” and the “wicked”…but would instead use words and non-violence. Jesus would respond to persecution with love, mercy, forgiveness and compassion. This is the model the Son of God gave us to deal with adversity and evil. It is radical, courageous and life-changing. It’s the path to the kingdom of God. Ask yourself: How am I reflecting this radical compassion in my life?

Suggested song of the day– “Salvation” on the Live to Love album.
Hear free clips of Bill’s songs by clicking on Bill Tonnis’ Music on iTunes to the right.
CD’s available for purchase by clicking “home” and then the “store” tab.
Remember…God loves you!

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Love Heals

Posted on December 1, 2014 by billtonnis

Matthew 8:8
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.”

A Roman military officer came to Jesus to ask that He heal his servant who was paralyzed. The centurion, who had great military power, was under no duty to do anything to help his servant…but he apparently was a man of compassion. He was also humble…knowing he needed to turn to a Higher Power. A centurion would not have shared any of Jesus’ beliefs. Notice how Jesus did not test the centurion about his beliefs nor did He try to change him in any way. The centurion’s beliefs were not a criterion to determine whether or not Jesus would associate with him. The one thing that the centurion did exhibit…was a simple faith that a mere word from Jesus would be sufficient to heal his servant. For Jesus…that sufficed. How would you like the Living Christ to heal you? Ask…and trust that God will bring you the healing that will lead you to wholeness.

Suggested song of the day– “God’s Love Is All You Need” on the Listen to Your Heart album.
Hear free clips of Bill’s songs by clicking on Bill Tonnis’ Music on iTunes to the right.
CD’s available for purchase by clicking “home” and then the “store” tab.
Remember…God loves you!

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Bring Forth the Kingdom

Posted on November 28, 2014 by billtonnis

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.

Jesus consistently spoke about the “kingdom of God” not as some distant destination…but as being 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 this endeavor by following Him in all His ways. 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, just as when the buds of a tree first burst open, we will experience new life emerging in the present moment. God’s kingdom will truly be near!

Suggested song of the day– “Shall We Sing” on the Listen to Your Heart album.
Hear free clips of Bill’s songs by clicking on Bill Tonnis’ Music on iTunes to the right.
CD’s available for purchase by clicking “home” and then the “store” tab.
Remember…God loves you!

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Thanksgiving

Posted on November 27, 2014 by billtonnis

Luke 17:15-16
And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan.

Jesus had just healed ten lepers and told them to show themselves to the priests. Only one of them, a Samaritan, returned to thank Jesus. Samaritans were shunned by Israelites. Jesus shows us again…that God has no favorites. Or should I say…God has ALL favorites. God accepts all people as one. All are included. Jesus shows us a God who loves, forgives and cares for all without divisions. He asks us to do the same. And whatever it is about you that you think separates you from God…bring it to Jesus. He rejects no one! Forgiveness and new life are freely given…no strings attached. Let us all give thanks!

Suggested song of the day– “Come to Jesus” on the Live to Love album.
Hear free clips of Bill’s songs by clicking on Bill Tonnis’ Music on iTunes to the right.
CDs available for purchase by clicking “home” and then the “store” tab.
Remember…God loves you!

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The True You

Posted on November 26, 2014 by billtonnis

Luke 21:17-19
“You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”

Jesus promised His followers that they would be persecuted. But He also promised that if we persevere in following Him…our lives will be saved. Your true self will emerge from the chaos. Jesus will lead you through struggles to new life. He gave us the ultimate example in his death and resurrection. Any struggle can lead to a deeper and fuller spiritual awareness and experience of God’s love…if we let go of our ego’s desires and cling to the risen Christ. Death and defeat do not have the final say! God’s desire is that each of us has life to the full! We will then have an inner peace and joy even amidst the trials. We will become more fully alive as God lives more fully in us. What could be more important than to discover the true you as a beloved child of God? That is something to be truly thankful!

Suggested song of the day– “Give Praise and Thanks” on the Give Praise and Thanks album.
Hear free clips of Bill’s songs by clicking on Bill Tonnis’ Music on iTunes to the right.
CD’s available for purchase by clicking “home” and then the “store” tab.
Remember…God loves you!

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True Wealth

Posted on November 25, 2014 by billtonnis

Luke 21:5-6
While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, he said, “All that you see here–the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”

All the material things that are very expensive and of “high value” today…will one day wither, decay and be worthless. That beautiful, trendy sports car will one day be a broken-down, rusted piece of junk. God breathes life into all living things. Just as God gives life in the spring and it flourishes in the summer…life begins to slip away during autumn…before ending in the winter. But that is not the final word. Spring returns! New life is ahead! As Jesus showed us…death does not win. There will be resurrection! God’s unconditional Love will bring us through any struggle, suffering or death to new life…if we simply have faith. Ultimately love is the only thing that lasts. Invest your life in that.

Suggested song of the day– “Seasons” on the Listen to Your Heart album.
Hear free clips of Bill’s songs by clicking on Bill Tonnis’ Music on iTunes to the right.
CD’s available by clicking “home” and then the “store” tab.
Remember…God loves you!

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