Perfect Yes

Posted on December 10, 2012 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 plans for her life! 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 listen for God’s unique message to each of us.

Suggested song of the day–“Listen to Your Heart” on the Listen to Your Heart album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click on the link under blogroll to the right.
CDs available by clicking on “home” then the “store” tab.
Have a blessed day!

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Blind Faith

Posted on December 7, 2012 by billtonnis

Matthew 9:28-29
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.”

The healing Jesus performed was always connected to the person-in-need’s faith. These two blind men were healed…but they first sought Jesus out and called to Him…then they believed they would be healed. But we also pray in the “Our Father” for God’s will to be done. If healing in the way we want it isn’t God’s will…we have to be willing to accept it. Perhaps there is something greater we can achieve to build God’s Kingdom on earth…if we continue to shine God’s light…while dealing with some affliction. That’s faith!

Suggested song of the day–“Come to Jesus” on the Live to Love album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click on the link under blogroll to the right.
CDs available by clicking on “home” and then the “store” tab.
Have a blessed day!

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Contemplation and Action

Posted on December 6, 2012 by billtonnis

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.”

Listening to Jesus’ words means more than just hearing them. Listening implies we are letting His words settle into our minds and hearts. Are you making it a regular practice to listen to Jesus’ words in scripture? Then…after listening…are you acting on the messages He gives you in your heart? If you do…Jesus promises that you will have a sense of peace and security deep inside…even amidst the storms that life will inevitably bring.

Suggested song of the day–“Turn Off the Noise” on the Listen to Your Heart album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click on the link under blogroll to the right.
CDs available by clicking on “home” and then the “store” tab.
Have a blessed day!

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The Healer

Posted on December 5, 2012 by billtonnis

Matthew 15:29-30
Moving on from there Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there. Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them.

What in your life needs healing? It may be a physical healing that you need…or it may be an emotional, psychological or spiritual healing. Do you carry resentments or deep wounds from something that has been done to you in the past? Go to Jesus in prayer and ask for His healing…then see what happens. Be patient…for the healing that will come may take time and might not be exactly what you want…but it will be exactly what you need.

Suggested song of the day–“Heal Me” on the Live to Love album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click on the link under blogroll to the right.
CDs available by clicking on “home” and then the “store” tab.
Have a blessed day!

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The Way to Justice and Peace

Posted on December 4, 2012 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 Christ’s birth. Who would have thought at the time that the coming Messiah would not use violence and power to defeat the “ruthless” and the “wicked”? Jesus would use words and non-violent methods. He would use love, mercy, forgiveness and compassion. This is the model the Son of God gave us to deal with adversity and evil. Do we follow it?

Suggested song of the day–“Salvation” on the Live to Love album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click on the link under blogroll to the right.
CDs available by clicking on “home” and then the “store” tab.
Have a blessed day!

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Do Not Judge

Posted on December 3, 2012 by billtonnis

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.”

Jesus goes on to say that “in no one in Israel have I found such faith.” This was a centurion…a professional officer in the Roman army. To call this encounter unexpected would be a dramatic understatement. God would later choose a persecutor of Christians named Saul to be one of the greatest promoters of Christ…a man who would go on to be known as St. Paul. Perhaps one lesson is that we should not prejudge anyone. God loves each person no matter what they’ve done and works relentlessly for everyone’s conversion and wholeness (“holiness”). We are called to do the same.

Suggested song of the day–“God’s Love Is All You Need” on the Listen to Your Heart album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click on the link under blogroll to the right.
CDs available by clicking on “home” and then the “store” tab.
Have a blessed day!

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The Way to Life

Posted on November 30, 2012 by billtonnis

Matthew 4:21-22
He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.

What an amazing occurrence…two brothers leave their livelihood and their father…immediately…upon hearing the call of Jesus. Notice that they “followed” Him. Following Jesus is each of our callings. How that plays out in each of us will be totally unique. How can you best be the light of Christ…the giver of love, mercy, forgiveness and compassion…by using your unique gifts and talents?

Suggested song of the day–“I Want to Follow You” on the Listen to Your Heart album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click on the link under blogroll to the right.
CDs available by clicking “home” and then the “store” tab.
Have a blessed day!

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Persevere

Posted on November 28, 2012 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…we will be saved. I believe that means we will have some pain and suffering in this world but if we follow the Way that Jesus showed us…we will also have inner peace and joy. We will be on the path to wholeness and the discovery of our true selves. We will become fully alive as God lives fully in us. That is something to truly be thankful for!

Suggested song of the day–“Take the Road Less Traveled” on the Live to Love album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click the link under blogroll to the right.
CDs available by clicking “home” and then the “store” tab.
Have a blessed day!

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Eternal Love

Posted on November 27, 2012 by billtonnis

Luke 21:6
“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.”

Jesus’ words predicting the destruction of the temple are just as true about any material thing we have…or will ever have. That beautiful, trendy sports car will one day be a broken-down, rusted piece of junk! Love is the only thing that matters. What does your heart truly treasure?

Suggested song of the day–“Love God” on the Live to Love album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click on the link under blogroll to the right.
CDs available by clicking on “home” and then the “store” tab.
Have a blessed day!

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Self-Giving

Posted on November 26, 2012 by billtonnis

Luke 21:1-4
Jesus 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; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”

Jesus gave all of Himself to us showing us true, unconditional love even unto death. His love didn’t change despite being persecuted. He is our example of how to love. We are called to give of ourselves to others even when it’s not convenient or easy. Even though we fail…it’s good to know that God continues to love us regardless. Take a few moments to contemplate such a love for you!

Suggested song of the day–“How Wonderful to Me” on the Live to Love album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click on the link under blogroll to the right.
CDs available by clicking “home” and then the “store” tab.
Have a blessed day!

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