Path to Peace

Posted on December 2, 2020 by billtonnis
Image by MichaelGaida from Pixabay

“Solitude is a way to defend the spirit against the murderous din of our materialism.” – Thomas Merton

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Listen to my song “Slow Me Down” on YouTube by clicking HERE.

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Psalm 23:1

The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.

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This scripture is also translated: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Either way, the meaning is completely opposite the philosophy our culture espouses: “My ego is my shepherd; I want more and more and am never satisfied.”

This is the driving force of our economy and consumerism.

Jesus counters this philosophy with: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).

In other words, when you let go of your attachments, the kingdom of God, the experience of unconditional love and peace, is yours.

Jesus also said that you can’t serve God and material wealth (Matthew 6:24).

It’s a clear choice but is folly in the eyes of a culture that says, “Get all you can! Live it up! More is better!”

When you get something new, the ego wants to believe it will bring happiness. But the rush we experience from the chemicals spawned in our bodies eventually wanes.

Let’s face it: we’re addicted to this vicious cycle!

In 2010, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that food waste was at between 30-40 percent of the food supply in this country.

Instead of helping to feed hungry people, the food ended up in landfills.

What if we focused on giving more rather than getting more?

It all begins with inner transformation.

Take some time to sit quietly in silence.

Practice letting go through meditation or Centering Prayer.

As you experience the fullness of the Divine Presence, I guarantee that you will know peace.

You will truly lack nothing.

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Listen to the song of the day “Slow Me Down” on the Mercy Reigns album by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on Amazon Music by clicking HERE.

Purchase my new book “Listen to Your Heart: A Daily Devotional of Calling, Purpose and New Life” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Purchase my book “Mercy Reigns: A Daily Devotional of Compassion, Comfort and Healing” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Remember: God loves you!

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God Calling

Posted on December 1, 2020 by billtonnis
Photo by Leah Denbok. Please support her work: humanizingthehomeless.ca

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

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Listen to my song “You’ll Lead Me” on YouTube by clicking HERE.

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Psalm 72:12-13

For he rescues the poor when they cry out, the oppressed who have no one to help. He shows pity to the needy and the poor and saves the lives of the poor.

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How can God reach out to help the poor, the needy and the oppressed, if not for us?

Jesus showed us how to serve those on the margins of society in the way he lived his life.

We are now Christ’s hands and feet.

Unfortunately, many today do not even see the people in need.

And when they do come across someone who is perhaps homeless, many times people look away as though it is not their problem.

We are all one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic and ideological differences.

There is a 20 year old photographer in Canada who for the past five years has been taking photos of the homeless in Toronto to bring attention to their plight.

While Leah Denbok takes their photos with their permission, her father interviews them to find out how they ended up on the streets.

Her books raise funds for homeless charities.

In watching a story done by CBS News about Denbok, I found out how Denbok may never have even existed if not for Mother Teresa.

As it turns out, Denbok’s mother was abandoned as a child and was living on the streets of Calcutta, India.

A police officer spotted the three-year-old and took her to Mother Teresa and her sisters who then took care of her until she was adopted by Canadian parents when she was five.

The ripples of compassion that Mother Teresa started years ago, are still having a transforming effect today.

Every act of kindness creates waves of compassion.

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Listen to the song of the day “You’ll Lead Me” on the Listen to Your Heart album by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on Amazon Music by clicking HERE.

Purchase my new book “Listen to Your Heart: A Daily Devotional of Calling, Purpose and New Life” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Purchase my book “Mercy Reigns: A Daily Devotional of Compassion, Comfort and Healing” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Remember: God loves you!

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Good News

Posted on November 30, 2020 by billtonnis
Image by Marek Studzinski from Pixabay

“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” – Frederick Buechner

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Listen to my song “Make Me a Channel” on YouTube by clicking HERE.

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Matthew 4:18-20

As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

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You don’t have to be someone special for God to call you into action.

You don’t have to have any special degrees.

You don’t have to be perfect.

As a matter of fact, if you look at who Jesus personally selected, you can forget about that whole worthiness game.

Jesus picked run-of-the-mill folks.

In today’s scripture, he picked two simple fishermen.

He called them to a new way of life.

That’s what God is calling each of us to each and every day.

This way of life is not about possessions, power or prestige.

It is about extending love and compassion to all people – especially those on the margins.

Jesus called these two fishermen to be fishers of people.

We, too, are called to reach out to the people around us with the gospel message that all people are loved unconditionally.

Then, we are called to empower those people to spread that message in words and actions.

You are loved!

Share that message!

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Listen to the song of the day “Make Me a Channel” on the Listen to Your Heart album by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on Amazon Music by clicking HERE.

Purchase my new book “Listen to Your Heart: A Daily Devotional of Calling, Purpose and New Life” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Purchase my book “Mercy Reigns: A Daily Devotional of Compassion, Comfort and Healing” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Remember: God loves you!

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Happy Thanksgiving

Posted on November 26, 2020 by billtonnis
Image by FelixMittermeier from Pixabay

“By virtue of Creation, and still more the Incarnation, nothing here below is profane for those who know how to see.” – Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

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Listen to my song “How Magnificent, Wondrous and Glorious by clicking HERE.

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Sirach 50:22-23

And now, bless the God of all, who has done wonders on earth; Who fosters growth from the womb, fashioning it according to his will! May he grant you joy of heart and may peace abide among you.

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Life is a gift that we cannot hold on to.

Dying is a part of life.

Life is meant to change.

As new things blossom, old things wither.

It’s all included in God’s creative outpouring.

The good news is that death is not the end, but a new beginning.

Our souls move on to a more joyous realm.

We are here on this earthly plain for such a short time.

We are meant to take part in the ongoing transformation of this realm for the good.

All possessions, power and prestige will dissolve into meaninglessness.

Love is all that truly matters.

Be a channel of joy and peace.

And be thankful!

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Listen to the song of the day “How Magnificent, Wondrous and Glorious” on the Mercy Reigns album by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on Amazon Music by clicking HERE.

Purchase my new book “Listen to Your Heart: A Daily Devotional of Calling, Purpose and New Life” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Purchase my book “Mercy Reigns: A Daily Devotional of Compassion, Comfort and Healing” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Remember: God loves you!

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Mercy Reigns

Posted on November 25, 2020 by billtonnis
Image by truthseeker08 from Pixabay

“God’s dream is that you and I and all of us will realize that we are family, that we are made for togetherness, for goodness, and for compassion.” – Desmond Tutu

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Listen to my song “Mercy Reigns” on YouTube by clicking HERE.

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Luke 21:16-19

“You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 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.”

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Jesus assured his followers that they would be persecuted.

Why?

Because following Jesus requires that you carry out and live what he taught.

You must reflect the Beatitudes as in, “Blessed are the merciful” (Matthew 5:7) and “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9).

See what happens when you stand up for mercy and peace.

We must also reflect the actions Jesus lays out in Matthew 25: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me” (Matthew 25:35-36).

By the way, this is a directive without qualifications as to judging whether the other is deserving of help.

Try doing all these things and see how those in power respond.

This takes perseverance and courage!

And while you may be subjected to violence and in some cases even death, Jesus lets you know that you, the real you, the soul or spirit you, cannot be destroyed!

God’s love will carry you with great care.

So fear not!

The kingdom of God is spreading covertly like mustard seeds in a field (Matthew 13:31-32).

Our mission is to be a part of this effort.

Love is winning and will forever win!

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Listen to the song of the day “Mercy Reigns” on the Mercy Reigns album by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on Amazon Music by clicking HERE.

Purchase my new book “Listen to Your Heart: A Daily Devotional of Calling, Purpose and New Life” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Purchase my book “Mercy Reigns: A Daily Devotional of Compassion, Comfort and Healing” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Remember: God loves you!

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Glory Be

Posted on November 24, 2020 by billtonnis
Image by Henning Sørby from Pixabay

“Let the beauty we love be what we do. There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.” – Rumi

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Listen to my song “How Magnificent, Wondrous and Glorious” on YouTube by clicking HERE.

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Psalm 96:11-12

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and what fills it resound; let the plains be joyful and all that is in them. Then let all the trees of the forest rejoice.

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What brings more joy than when you experience awe and wonder?

You suddenly come upon a breathtaking sunset.

You look into the eyes of a baby who is smiling at you.

You are singing the words of your favorite song.

You are deeply immersed in your favorite activity.

These are the times when you experience no time.

You are simply in the flow of the present moment.

There is a oneness and unity.

It’s as if all of creation is harmonizing as one majestic masterpiece.

You and I are a part of it.

As Thomas Merton said, “What we have to be is what we are.”

And as Merton wrote in Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander:

“There is no way of telling people that they are all walking around shining like the sun.”

This is the glory of God!

Give thanks!

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Listen to the song of the day “How Magnificent, Wondrous and Glorious” on the Mercy Reigns album by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on Amazon Music by clicking HERE.

Purchase my new book “Listen to Your Heart: A Daily Devotional of Calling, Purpose and New Life” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Purchase my book “Mercy Reigns: A Daily Devotional of Compassion, Comfort and Healing” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Remember: God loves you!

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Have Faith

Posted on November 23, 2020 by billtonnis
Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay

“Only a life lived in the service to others is worth living.”  – Albert Einstein

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Listen to my song “Pour Me Out” on YouTube by clicking HERE.

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Luke 21:1-3

When he looked up he 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.”

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How much are we expected to give?

How much is too much?

Jesus sees this poor widow putting in two small coins and realizes that that is all she has.

Others give out of their surplus – what they really won’t miss.

She gives everything.

So, what is expected of us?

Each of us must wrestle with this question.

And it’s not just a matter of money, but also of time and talent.

When we give, are we expecting something in return, or are we giving freely out of pure generosity?

These questions put a spotlight on our fears and our sense of security.

It’s a matter of ego which is always looking out for itself.

Jesus wants us to let go of fear.

He wants us to let go of ego.

You have to lose your life in order to find it (Matthew 10:39).

He tells us to have faith (Matthew 14:31)!

This requires trust in a Higher Power.

Scripture tells us that perfect love drives out fear (1 John 4:18).

The poor widow has faith in a Great Love that will not abandon her.

This requires being focused on each moment and living fully here.

How can I respond fully in love to what is presented to me right now?

When we give all, we find all – life to the full.

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Listen to my song “Pour Me Out” on the Give Praise and Thanks album by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on Amazon Music by clicking HERE.

Purchase my new book “Listen to Your Heart: A Daily Devotional of Calling, Purpose and New Life” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Purchase my book “Mercy Reigns: A Daily Devotional of Compassion, Comfort and Healing” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Remember: God loves you!

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Come Together

Posted on November 19, 2020 by billtonnis
Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay

“We are one, after all, you and I, together we suffer, together exist, and forever will recreate each other.” – Teilhard de Chardin

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Listen to my song “Breathe On Me” on YouTube by clicking HERE.

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Luke 19:41-42

As Jesus drew near Jerusalem, he saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If this day you only knew what makes for peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.”

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In my opinion, Jesus would look at our world today and would again weep.

We still seem blind as to what it takes to make peace.

Many remain obsessed with seeing everything in dualities of “either–or.”

They separate everything and everyone into two categories: in or out.

You are either with me or against me.

Many remain in the delusion of disunity when the divine reality is that we are all one.

There is one Love from which we all have life.

Jesus spoke of this when he told his followers: “In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you” (John 14:19-20).

The famous monk, Thomas Merton, had a mystical experience of this oneness which he wrote about in Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander:

“In Louisville, at the corner of Fourth and Walnut, in the center of the shopping district, I was suddenly overwhelmed with the realization that I loved all these people, that they were mine and I theirs, that we could not be alien to one another even though we were total strangers. It was like waking from a dream of separateness, of spurious self-isolation in a special world.”

I had a similar awakening in a hospital bed over 20 years ago while very sick following a ruptured appendix.

To me, it seems that many people are blinded to our oneness by their egos’ preoccupation with fear and the need to be right.

Merton’s final sentence from the previous passage is this: “But this cannot be seen, only believed and ‘understood’ by a peculiar gift.”

Take some time to contemplate God’s deep and abiding unconditional love for you to open the eyes of your heart.

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Listen to the song of the day “Breathe On Me” on the Listen to Your Heart album by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on Amazon Music by clicking HERE.

Purchase my new book “Listen to Your Heart: A Daily Devotional of Calling, Purpose and New Life” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Purchase my book “Mercy Reigns: A Daily Devotional of Compassion, Comfort and Healing” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Remember: God loves you!

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Express Yourself

Posted on November 18, 2020 by billtonnis
Image by Sofie Zbořilová from Pixabay

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” – Thomas Merton, No Man Is an Island

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Listen to my song “Shall We Sing” on YouTube by clicking HERE.

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Revelation 4:11

“Worthy are you, Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things; because of your will they came to be and were created.”

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Everything that is — is being animated by a Creative Force.

God is in the beingness of everything.

When Moses asked for God’s name, God is quoted as stating, “I AM” (Exodus 3:14).

God’s very nature is Existence itself.

Science tells us that around 13.8 billion years ago, there was a big bang.

From one small point there was an explosion from which the entire material world began.

The universe continues to expand today as God’s creativity goes on and on.

Each of us is a part of this creative-masterpiece-in-progress.

Since God is love (1 John 4:8), the creative spark igniting it all is Love itself.

We are invited to take part in this on-going-creative-flow of love.

That is our mission now…and now…and now, etc.

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Listen to the song of the day “Shall We Sing” on the “Listen to Your Heart” album by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on Amazon Music by clicking HERE.

Purchase my new book “Listen to Your Heart: A Daily Devotional of Calling, Purpose and New Life” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Purchase my book “Mercy Reigns: A Daily Devotional of Compassion, Comfort and Healing” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Remember: God loves you!

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Transition

Posted on November 17, 2020 by billtonnis
Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay

“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” – Lao Tzu

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Listen to my song “Changed” on YouTube by clicking HERE.

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Luke 19:2-3

Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature.

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The Jews would have greatly disliked Zacchaeus.

That’s because he was a “chief tax collector” – a Jew working for the Romans.

He was also a “wealthy man” – meaning he was getting rich off of the taxes the Jews had to pay to the foreigners who ruled over them.

But note that Zacchaeus, even though he knew he was a sinner, was “seeking to see who Jesus was.”

Something in his heart knew he had to see Jesus.

Due to his short stature, Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see Jesus pass by. That’s how Jesus spotted him.

Jesus must have sensed that Zacchaeus was in need of restoration.

So he invited himself to Zacchaeus’ home.

Note that Zacchaeus had done nothing to merit a visit from Jesus.

He had done pretty much the opposite!

That caused many to grumble and say of Jesus: “He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner” (Luke 19:7).

Jesus knew that Zacchaeus also carried the light of God in his heart.

Through Jesus recognizing that, Zacchaeus was moved to change.

He proclaimed: “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything form anyone I shall repay it four times over” (Luke 19:8).

There was a time when I knew in my heart that I needed to know Jesus more deeply.

I committed myself to a search which has brought me great joy – but also great change!

Because once you experience the unmerited and unconditional love of God through Christ, you will have lots of changing to do.

But fear not!

The changes will lead you to abundant life!

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Listen to the song of the day “Changed” on the “Give Praise and Thanks” album by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on Amazon Music by clicking HERE.

Purchase my new book “Listen to Your Heart: A Daily Devotional of Calling, Purpose and New Life” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Purchase my book “Mercy Reigns: A Daily Devotional of Compassion, Comfort and Healing” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Remember: God loves you!

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