Bill Tonnis Ministries

Acts 1:3
He presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

In Luke’s account of what happened after the resurrection, he says the risen Jesus met with His followers many times over the next forty days. But what was His topic of discussion? The “kingdom of God.” Jesus’ ministry was all about showing His followers how to bring about this peaceable and just kingdom in the here and now. It was not a kingdom of power and domination but of peace and equality. Jesus showed us the way to the kingdom…by living a life of love, mercy, forgiveness and compassion. In His final statement in today’s gospel (Matthew 28:20) Jesus tells His followers to go and teach others to observe all that He has commanded. We are called to be love, mercy, forgiveness and compassion to the world. And have courage for Jesus adds, “I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

Suggested song of the day—“Salvation” on the Live to Love album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click the link under blogroll to the right.
Have a blessed day!

Acts 17:24-25
“The God who made the world and all that is in it, the Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in sanctuaries made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands because he needs anything. Rather it is he who gives to everyone life and breath and everything.”

God is so beyond any concept our minds can construct…mystery within mystery within mystery. Just by saying the word “God” I diminish our Creator…boxing up the infinite in a three-letter word. And yet that same infinite Mystery loves you and me as a beloved son or daughter! Whatever might be your struggle today…allow this Loving Source to embrace you and simply be with you. God’s love conquers all pain and hardships. It is a Love that is unconditional and never-ending!

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.
Have a blessed day!

Luke 1:45
“Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

Mary’s example is amazing. She is totally open to the plans God has for her…plans that were profoundly different from the ones she had in mind for her life! But she said, “May it be done according to your word.” God became flesh through her. How does God want to become flesh through you? How is the manifestation of God to uniquely come into the world through you? God wants to do great things with you but it will never happen if you don’t first listen to your heart…and then say “yes.”

Suggested song of the day—“Singing My Song” on the Live to Love album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click on the link under blogroll to the right.
Have a blessed day!

John 15:12-13
“This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

There are all kinds of rules humans make up that we say are necessary to be a “good” follower of Christ. Jesus basically boils it down to one thing: love. And He defines what love is with his very life. He shows God’s mercy and compassion to everyone. No one is left out. He loves even those who persecute Him and refuses to respond to violence with violence. He shows us the ultimate unconditional love…laying down His life and forgiving His killers from the cross. The command (not suggestion) from Jesus is to do the same. Are we doing this as a Church? Are we doing this as a nation? Are we doing this as a community? Each of us has to ask, “Am I doing this?” It starts with you and me…and forgiveness is the key.

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.
Have a blessed day!

Psalm 96:1-2
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; announce his salvation day after day.

The Maker of the universe made you. The God of all creation wanted you to be a part of it. We know from looking at the life of Jesus that God’s love for each of us is unconditional. No matter what we do…we can’t make God love us any more…or any less. So…what is there to fear? Salvation is freely given. How can you keep from singing?

Suggested song of the day—“Sing a New Song” on the Live to Love album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click on the link under blogroll to the right.
Have a blessed day!

John 15:5
“I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.”

Sometimes our egos can get carried away and believe it is all about us. Power, fame, and wealth can intoxicate us to the point that we don’t give a thought to God. At some point there will be a great setback or suffering. It’s part of life. And when power, fame and wealth crumble or can’t bring us through a personal tragedy…we fall back into the loving arms of God. By nurturing our connection with God we will bear the fruit that God always intended. Each of us will be the true manifestation of God that only each of us can be. We will be the unique us…the branch unlike any other. Stay connected to Christ who said He was the vine. Be a part of God’s unfolding love story.

Suggested song of the day—“May I Be Light” on the Listen to Your Heart album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click on the link under blogroll to the right.
Have a blessed day!

Acts 14:22
They strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying, “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”

For the peaceable kingdom of God to start coming into being in the present there will be hardships. St. Paul endured a stoning and other persecutions before he was eventually put to death. Those working to dismantle unfair power structures will meet resistance from those holding the power. We are called to return love when we are persecuted…but not to back down. We are called to stand up for the poor and vulnerable, to stand for the dignity of each person, to work for the solidarity of one human family and to be good stewards of all God’s creation. This is carrying out several of the themes of Catholic Social Teaching. But put more simply…it’s following Jesus. Being Christian means more than going to church and believing doctrines. It means being Christ to the world.

Suggested song of the day—“You’ll Lead Me” on the Listen to Your Heart album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click on the link under blogroll to the right.
Have a blessed day!

John 14:26
“The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.”

Have you ever experienced receiving a positive thought or urge to do something positive out of the blue…or have a thought that is like an “a-ha” moment of enlightenment? The Holy Spirit is alive and well! The Spirit blows where it wills…and is as close to you as your very breath. Take a moment to simply be present to what is in this moment. Take a deep breath…acknowledge the Holy Spirit…and give thanks.

Suggested song of the day—“Breathe On Me” on the Listen to Your Heart album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click on the link under blogroll to the right.
Have a blessed day!

John 14:1-3
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.”

If we know Jesus…then we know God. That’s what Jesus told us. Jesus knew his followers would be shaken by what would happen to Him…so He spoke words of comfort to them. Life does not end…but is transformed! Jesus promised that He would come back again and take us to Himself. So whatever you are struggling with now…remember that Christ is with you…and will never let you go! Transformation and New Life are assured!

Suggested song of the day—“I Will Give You Rest” on the Live to Love album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click on the link under blogroll to the right.
Have a blessed day!

John 13:20
“Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”

The mystery of the Trinity speaks to an on-going relationship of giving and receiving between Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This loving relationship is shared with all of creation. We are all called to share God with others and to receive God from others. In this way God fills all creation. The Eucharist is the most intimate sharing of God with us. We are called to then go out and to be Christ to others. This will require letting go of our self-centered programs for happiness from our childhood. Instead of being so concerned over who is right (ego)…it would seem that Jesus was much more concerned about being in right relationship with all things.

Suggested song of the day—“Shall We Sing” on the Listen to Your Heart album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click on the link under blogroll to the right.
Have a blessed day!