Silent Prayer

Posted on March 27, 2014 by billtonnis

Jeremiah 7:23
This rather is what I commanded them: Listen to my voice; then I will be your God and you shall be my people. Walk in all the ways that I command you, so that you may prosper.

The Prophet Jeremiah has a key message for us: Listen to God! As Jesus proclaimed, “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark1:15). Jesus said this so that we would know that “God’s reign”…”God’s dream for you“…is possible in this very moment. Our Loving Creator wants each of us to be a part of building the kingdom of God…using our gifts and talents to make a more compassionate world. This is true prosperity. But it’s not possible if I am only listening to my ego…which will always be searching for ways to build my kingdom. It’s also not possible if I am holding on to past hurts or am constantly looking ahead or worrying about the future. What are the “ways” God is asking us to walk in now so that we truly prosper? Are we listening to God’s voice?

Suggested song of the day– “Turn Off the Noise” 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.
CDs available by clicking “home” and then the “store” tab.
Remember…God loves you!

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Unconditional Love

Posted on March 26, 2014 by billtonnis

Deuteronomy 4:9
“However, take care and be earnestly on your guard not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live, but teach them to your children and to your children’s children.”

God’s constant message to all people from the beginning of the bible to the end is: “I love you.” There are no strings attached. But the people seem to have short memories…easily forgetting God’s fidelity and care…slipping away to worship other idols. Sound familiar? It should because, of course, it’s our story…and everyone’s story. People continue to give their allegiance to other idols today. We all…at least on occasion if not more…give a higher priority to pursuing power, prestige, possessions, wealth…or some craving…than we give to honoring God with our lives. But as we see in the bible, God does not abandon us…no matter how many times we turn away. Just so we can’t miss this message…Jesus allowed Himself to be thoroughly rejected… crucified…and then while hanging on the cross…He forgave us…even when no one had asked to be forgiven! That is unconditional Love. It’s the love God has for you and me. Let us remember this…and pass it on!

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 by clicking on “home” and then the “store” tab.
Remember…God loves you!

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Forgiveness Frees You

Posted on March 25, 2014 by billtonnis

Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter approaching asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.”

Jesus says we must forgive…always. That doesn’t mean to accept being treated unjustly or to accept others being treated unjustly. Jesus confronted all the unjust systems of government and religion and worked at changing them…but he did it with love and compassion…not with hate and violence. Ask God to help you forgive anyone who has wronged you. Release that chain that has you bound. Like Jesus, we will also encounter resistance, persecution and struggles as we work for peace, justice and a more compassionate world. We, too, will have to pick up our cross. But Jesus showed us that we can make it through…if we let Him walk with us. Persevere! Many who witness your walk will then be open to God’s transforming Love. Jesus showed us that in the end…there will be resurrection and new life.

Suggested song of the day– “Pour Me Out” 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.
CDs available by clicking “home” and then the “store” tab.
Remember…God loves you!

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Holy Longing

Posted on March 24, 2014 by billtonnis

Psalm 42:2-3
As the deer longs for streams of water, so my soul longs for you, O God. My being thirsts for God, the living God.

Each of us has a deep yearning inside…a yearning that longs to be satisfied. Why do we often try to numb that yearning, cover it up, or try to satisfy it with material or physical things? The yearning is on the “soul” level. It’s a spiritual longing. The deepest part of you…is yearning for God. It’s a yearning only God can satisfy. How do you experience God? Is it in music, silence, art, nature or something else? Maybe all of those! Seek God in all those places and allow your Loving Creator to nourish you. God yearns to do just that. It’s the path to wholeness and your true self.

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.
CDs available by clicking on “home” and then the “store” tab.
Remember…God loves you!

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Kingdom of God

Posted on March 21, 2014 by billtonnis

Matthew 21:43
“Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.”

The only ones whom Jesus repeatedly reprimanded for “not getting it” were the scribes and Pharisees. They held tight to laws and rituals even when it meant being cold-hearted to those in need. What is the “fruit” of the kingdom of God? Love…mercy…grace…forgiveness and compassion. Are we producing such fruit with our lives? If we did…the kingdom of God would be at hand. For when the kingdom of God is present…there is love, mercy, grace, forgiveness and compassion. Are you using your gifts and talents primarily for you (ego)…or for God? Loving God, open our hearts to be builders of Your kingdom!

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.
CDs available by clicking “home” and then the “store” tab.
Remember…God loves you!

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Becoming Your True Self

Posted on March 20, 2014 by billtonnis

Jeremiah 17:7-8
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is the Lord. He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream.

God plants seeds in our hearts. They are God’s dreams for us. However, sometimes our egos take control and have more self-centered dreams for us. They can derail God’s dreams. Once we head down that path…we are building a many-layered false self. However, if God’s seeds are watered and nourished…they will grow into a tree with deep roots that stretch to the never-ending stream which is God. Do you know God’s dream for you? Set aside time each day to tap into the stream of God’s desires. Read the words of Jesus. Meditate on them. Turn to your Loving Creator…open your heart…and listen.

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.
CDs available by clicking on “home” and then the “store” tab.
Remember…God loves you!

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Love Wins

Posted on March 19, 2014 by billtonnis

Psalm 31:5-6
Free me from the net they have set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, Lord, faithful God.

Sometimes it feels like everyone and everything is conspiring against us. Jesus felt this in the most extreme way. When the He was thoroughly rejected and hanging on the cross…He quoted Psalm 31: “Into your hands I commend my spirit.” He trusted that death would not have the final say. Resurrection followed. Is God the one we are trying to please first and foremost in our lives no matter what happens? Surrender your ego’s needs. Hand over to God all your struggles. Place them in God’s hands and trust that your Loving Creator will bring you strength, healing, wholeness, redemption and new life. This is salvation. It’s what God wants for you!

Suggested song of the day– “I Surrender” 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 by clicking “home” and then the “store” tab.
Remember…God loves you!

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Servant Leader

Posted on March 18, 2014 by billtonnis

Matthew 23:11-12
“The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

What Jesus is telling us is exactly the opposite of what our culture tells us. It tells us to strive to be first…to beat all the competition…and to win the applause of all. The winner gets the glory. Not so in the kingdom of God. Under the reign of God, the one who serves those in need and lifts up the underdog…is exalted. We have a choice. God gave us free will for a reason. The ball is in your court. Will you side with the culture…or with Jesus?

Suggested song of the day– “I Want to Follow You” 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.
CDs available by clicking “home” and then the “store” tab.
Remember…God loves you!

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Love Unites

Posted on March 17, 2014 by billtonnis

Luke 6:36-37
“Be merciful, just as [also] your Father is merciful. Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven.”

The world has not changed. Humans continue to fight with each other and to kill each other. Jesus says to “love your enemies” (Luke 6:27). This is hard. It also would change the world. Some will never buy it. What about you? Many still live by the Old Testament rule of ‘an eye for an eye.’ Jesus threw out the old rule. Jesus made it quite clear that we are to love all people. To do this your mind has to transition to “non-dualistic” thinking. You have to be able to look at the world and not divide and separate everything into “what I like” and “what I don’t like” or “what’s in and what’s out”…making everything an “either-or” proposition. Your egocentric mind has to transition to seeing the world through a “both-and” lens. Allow today’s scripture verses to sink into your soul and allow Christ to transform you. The kingdom of God is at hand…if we cooperate.

Suggested song of the day– “Make Me a Channel” 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.
CDs available by clicking “home” and then the “store” tab.
Remember…God loves you!

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Contemplative Prayer

Posted on March 14, 2014 by billtonnis

Psalm 130:5-6
I wait with longing for the Lord, my soul waits for his word. My soul looks for the Lord more than sentinels for daybreak.

How attentive are you for God’s word? Is your soul looking for God? Most of us are in the mistaken belief that we are our thinking. Our minds are constantly working. Thoughts are constantly bouncing around in our heads…and we mistakenly believe that we are those thoughts. We are not. Sit and be silent. Observe any thoughts that pop up. Let me ask you: Who is observing those thoughts? The real you of course! Take some quiet time to allow the thoughts to drift away. Cultivate a contemplative mind. As you live each day…practice being present to each moment. Jesus certainly did this as He spent 40 days alone in the desert. And He certainly practiced it regularly when He went off alone to pray. Wait for God’s still, soft voice to speak.

Suggested song of the day– “Turn Off the Noise” 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.
CDs available by clicking “home” and then the “store” tab.
Remember…God loves you!

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