Author: londavis@hotmail.com

Our Scripture for today is Luke 8:1–2:

“The Twelve were with Jesus, as well as some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out.”

If you ever hear someone say, “People don’t change,” tell them the story of Mary Magdalene. We remember her for all the good she did, not for how she used to be. The fact that seven demons were cast out of her tells us that at one time she had lived a troubled and dark life. Demons didn’t enter Moses, Mary, or Matthew. Demons entered the hearts of those who, by their choices, opened themselves to their influence. Such was Mary Magdalene.

Isn’t it wonderful that we don’t know the details of Mary’s past sins? Instead, we know her as a woman who traveled with Jesus and the apostles, supporting His ministry with her time, resources, and love.

When Jesus was on the cross, Mary was there.  
When Jesus was laid in the tomb, Mary was there.  
When Jesus rose from the grave, Mary was the first to see Him.  
When the story of His resurrection needed to be told, Mary was the first to tell it.

Mary Magdalene’s life—from being healed of demons to proclaiming the resurrection—shows us God’s power to transform lives. Her story reminds us that no matter our past, we can be part of God’s work in the world. Like Mary, we shouldn’t dwell on old sins. Instead, we should move forward with faith and hope, trusting God to use us for His purposes.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking. 

Who was Rizpah? Here is her story:

During a three-year drought in Israel, King David sought the Lord for the reason for the drought. God revealed that it was punishment for Saul’s slaughter of the Gibeonites. To make amends, the Gibeonites demanded they be allowed to execute seven of Saul’s sons. David handed over seven of Saul’s sons, including Rizpah’s two sons.

The Gibeonites hanged the men and left their bodies exposed to the elements. Rizpah’s response to this tragedy speaks volumes about her character. Verse 10 tells us:

“Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it out for herself on a rock. From the beginning of the harvest until the rain from heaven poured down on the bodies, she did not allow the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night.”

Rizpah was powerless to stop the execution of her sons, but she did what she could. For six months, she camped under the stars near her son’s bodies to protect them from being eaten by wild animals.

Finally, King David learned of her story and remembered that he had allowed the bodies of King Saul and his son Jonathan to remain publicly hanging in shame. He retrieved their bodies and those of Rizpah’s sons and gave them a fitting burial.

When we think of this story, we ought to realize the power of doing what we can, even when it seems hopeless. God will decide the outcome.

May God give us all hearts like Rizpah.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our text for today is Acts 18: verses 1 through 3.

“Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to visit them, and he stayed and worked with them because they were tentmakers by trade, just as he was.”

Aquila and Priscilla were a sharing couple in every sense of the word. They shared a home with each other. They shared the work of tentmaking, supporting themselves and the ministry of Christ. When Paul came to Corinth, they opened their home to him, sharing their space, their meals, and their lives in a gesture of selfless hospitality.

Their spirit of selflessness extended beyond practical needs. They shared the gospel together, teaching others about Christ. Their names are mentioned six times in Acts. Three times, his name is first, and three times, her name is first. She was his partner in life and in teaching others about God.

Later in Acts 18, they encounter Apollos, a gifted preacher who needed teaching. Together, Aquila and Priscilla took Apollos aside and explained “the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26). Their shared efforts helped Apollos become an even more effective minister of the Word.

This couple also shared in the work of the church. Their home became a meeting place for believers, a sanctuary where the early church gathered for worship and fellowship (Romans 16:5).  

If it is true that “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle,” then Aquila and Priscilla were candles in the early church. They remind us that sharing is at the heart of Christian living.

I’m Lonnie Davis and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Sometimes, you encounter stories of people who truly amaze you. Shiphrah and Puah are two such individuals. Their story unfolds during the time when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt under the rule of a paranoid Pharaoh. Fearing the growing population of Israelite slaves, Pharaoh perceived their numbers as a threat. In his desperation, he issued a chilling command:

Exodus 1:15-16:
The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, “When you help the Hebrew women give birth, observe them on the delivery stool. If it is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.”

Shiphrah and Puah, midwives tasked with assisting Israelite women during childbirth, were given this horrific order to kill all male infants at birth—Pharaoh’s decree aimed to weaken the Hebrew people and prevent any potential uprising against Egyptian authority.

Yet these courageous women defied Pharaoh, choosing instead to obey God. They spared the male babies, risking their lives to preserve the future of God’s people. Their faith and bravery played a critical role in safeguarding the early generations of Israelites, setting the stage for their eventual deliverance from Egypt.

Their story is a powerful reminder of faith and the courage to stand for what is right, even in the face of grave danger. Shiphrah and Puah demonstrate that true heroism isn’t confined to generals or kings—ordinary people can also change the world by doing the right thing.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our verse for today is Exodus 3:1.

“Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian.”

I really like this Jethro. While Moses is a towering figure in the Bible, his father-in-law deserves attention too. Jethro’s story, though brief, is compelling. We first meet him in Exodus 2:16:

“Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock.”

Who was Jethro? He was the man who became Moses’ father-in-law. After Moses helped Jethro’s seven daughters at the well, Jethro invited him to share a meal with the family. Grateful for Moses’ kindness, Jethro gave him one of his daughters, Zipporah, as a wife. This raises some questions—did Jethro have the right to give his daughter away like that? Perhaps so, but in doing so, he blessed both Moses and Zipporah.

What stands out most about Jethro, though, is his wisdom. In Exodus 18, we find Jethro visiting Moses, who was then leading the Hebrews through the wilderness. With up to three million people following him, Moses was overwhelmed with the task of settling disputes from morning until night. Jethro, observing this, offered sage advice. He told Moses, “What you are doing is not good. You will surely wear out.” Jethro then suggested a plan to delegate responsibilities by appointing capable men to help lead and judge smaller groups. Moses listened, and it transformed the way he managed the people. Read Exodus 18—you’ll likely side with Jethro too.

I hope to meet this wise man in heaven someday. What a conversation that will be!

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.

You probably haven’t heard of Huldah. She was a prophetess in 666 BC during the reign of King Josiah, who became king at just 8 years old and was now 26. At that time, God’s temple was in ruins, and His written Law had been lost. The story unfolds in 2 Kings 22.

Here’s some background: Josiah commanded repairs on the temple. During the work, the priests discovered God’s Word. When the Law was read to Josiah, his reaction was immediate and heartfelt. In verse 13, he declared:

“Go and inquire of the LORD for me, for the people, and for all Judah concerning the words in this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that burns against us because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book by doing all that is written about us.”

Among all the people in Judah, they chose Huldah to interpret God’s Word. Her response inspired Josiah to lead a national revival.

What makes Huldah remarkable?
In an era when women rarely held leadership roles, Huldah stood out. She knew God’s Word and boldly spoke it, becoming a pivotal figure in sparking revival.

We don’t know much else about her, but Huldah made no excuses. She didn’t let her lack of status or wealth hold her back. She simply shared what she knew of God’s truth.

When I get to heaven, I want to meet her. If we follow her example, we, too, can do what we can—with no excuses.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.

When I think of prophets, Elijah is always the first name that comes to mind. In the Bible, he bursts onto the scene during a severe drought. Everyone was wondering, “When will it rain again?” Then suddenly, there he is. Elijah stands before King Ahab and declares, “As surely as the LORD lives—the God of Israel before whom I stand—there will be neither dew nor rain in these years except at my word!” (1 Kings 17:1).

He doesn’t offer the king a solution or an explanation. He simply delivers the prophecy and leaves. It’s a fitting introduction to a prophet whose ministry was marked by dramatic and unexpected events.

Some of the most striking stories from Elijah’s life include:

In 1 Kings 17, Elijah raises a widow’s dead son to life through prayer, marking the first recorded resurrection in Scripture.

In 1 Kings 18, we see the famous showdown on Mount Carmel. Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to a contest to reveal the true God. God answers Elijah’s prayer with fire from heaven, consuming the altar and offering.

In 1 Kings 19, Elijah flees into the wilderness after Queen Jezebel threatens his life.

In 1 Kings 21, Elijah boldly confronts King Ahab over the murder of Naboth and the theft of his vineyard.

Later, Elijah strikes the Jordan River with his cloak, parting the waters so he and Elisha can cross on dry ground.

Finally, Elijah is taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire—a miraculous and unforgettable departure from earth.

These are just a few of the stories that show why Elijah is remembered as one of the greatest prophets. His life was full of powerful moments that reveal God’s presence and purpose. I look forward to meeting him in heaven one day.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.

John the Apostle began as a fisherman, a tough and unglamorous job. Picture him and his brother James rising before dawn, hauling heavy nets, and reeking of fish. Alongside their father, Zebedee, they worked tirelessly on the unpredictable Sea of Galilee.  

When Jesus called John, he left everything—his boat, his nets, and his family—without hesitation. This immediate obedience reveals the depth of his trust in Jesus. John gave up the life he knew for a calling he didn’t fully understand but believed was worth everything.  

John’s relationship with Jesus was uniquely close. The Bible calls him “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” At the Last Supper, John leaned on Jesus, a quiet gesture reflecting their deep bond and trust.  

John witnessed some of the most pivotal moments in Jesus’ ministry. He was there at the Transfiguration and stayed with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane during Jesus’ darkest hours. At the crucifixion, John stood faithfully at the foot of the cross beside Mary.  

Unlike the other apostles, who faced violent deaths for their faith, John lived to an impressive old age. He spent his final years encouraging believers and writing the Book of Revelation around 95 AD. This means he did his most famous work in his nineties.  

John’s life also gave us one of the most quoted verses in history: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.” From a hardworking fisherman to the last surviving apostle, John’s journey reminds us of the transformative power of love, faith, and surrendering to God’s call.  

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our text for today is Exodus 2:10:  

“When the child had grown older, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses and explained, ‘I drew him out of the water.'”

And so we meet Moses, a child named not by his Hebrew mother but by an Egyptian princess. Who was this baby drawn from the river? He would grow into the man who would stand before Pharaoh and deliver God’s command: “Let my people go.” He would stretch his staff over the Red Sea, parting its waters so the Israelites could escape. Those same waters would later drown the pursuing Egyptian army. He would ascend Mount Sinai to meet with God and return with the stone tablets bearing the Ten Commandments. Moses even saw a glimpse of God’s presence.

One day, Moses encountered a burning bush on a mountain, a moment that changed everything. At that bush, God gave him an assignment: to go back to Egypt and demand the release of His people. Moses hesitated, offering one excuse after another. “Who am I to do this?” he asked. “I don’t even know Your name.” God responded, “I Am Who I Am.” Moses continued with objections until he finally said, “Lord, please send someone else.” But God insisted, “Go.” Eventually, Moses obeyed. No more excuses.

Like Moses, I often find myself full of excuses for not doing what I know I should. Perhaps you can relate. But in the end, excuses only delay the inevitable. The good news is we don’t have to face our tasks alone. When we remember that God is with us, we can find the courage to act. Like Moses, we should just do it.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Meeting Esther

There is a great quote on courage that says, “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”

Esther’s story is one of courage, faith, and trust in God’s plan. She was an orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai.

Esther’s life changed when King Xerxes of Persia chose her to be queen. After Queen Vashti was removed, the king searched for a new queen, and Esther, with her kindness and beauty, won his favor. Even though she was Jewish, she kept her background a secret.

For a long time, Esther’s true identity remained hidden. But when Haman, a powerful official, devised a plan to destroy all the Jews, Esther knew she couldn’t stay silent. Mordecai urged her to speak to the king, even though approaching him uninvited could mean death. Esther knew she had to act.

Before going to the king, Esther asked Mordecai and the Jews in the city to join her in a three-day fast, seeking God’s help. This action showed her great faith and trust in God’s guidance.

Finally, Esther went to the king, saying, “If I perish, I perish.” Her words showed her courage and willingness to risk everything to save her people. Her bravery and faith led to the salvation of the Jewish people.

Esther’s story reminds us that one person, with faith and courage, can make a difference.

I’m Lonnie Davis and these are thoughts worth thinking.

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Our text today is John 1:40-42:  

“Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John’s testimony and followed Jesus. He first found his brother Simon and told him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated as Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas’ (which is translated as Peter).”  

When Simon first met Jesus, he received a new name: Peter, meaning “rock.” Jesus saw strength and stability in Peter, even though Peter didn’t always see it in himself. That’s how Jesus sees us too—He knows the good we may not yet recognize.  

Before following Jesus, Peter was a fisherman, working alongside his brother Andrew. When Jesus called him, Peter left his nets behind to become a “fisher of men.”  

Peter was among the first disciples chosen by Jesus. Once, when Jesus walked on water, Peter asked to join Him. Stepping out of the boat, Peter walked on water too—until he took his eyes off Jesus and noticed the waves. As he began to sink, Peter cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out and saved him. Jesus was right on time, as He always is. 

Despite his love for Jesus, Peter made mistakes. On the night Jesus was arrested, Peter denied knowing Him three times. Later, filled with regret, Peter was heartbroken. After His resurrection, Jesus forgave Peter and gave him another chance.  

Peter went on to boldly preach about Jesus. His life reminds us that God can use imperfect people to do extraordinary things.  

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.  

Our text today is John 1:40-42:  

“Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John’s testimony and followed Jesus. He first found his brother Simon and told him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated as Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas’ (which is translated as Peter).”  

When Simon first met Jesus, he received a new name: Peter, meaning “rock.” Jesus saw strength and stability in Peter, even though Peter didn’t always see it in himself. That’s how Jesus sees us too—He knows the good we may not yet recognize.  

Before following Jesus, Peter was a fisherman, working alongside his brother Andrew. When Jesus called him, Peter left his nets behind to become a “fisher of men.”  

Peter was among the first disciples chosen by Jesus. Once, when Jesus walked on water, Peter asked to join Him. Stepping out of the boat, Peter walked on water too—until he took his eyes off Jesus and noticed the waves. As he began to sink, Peter cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out and saved him. Jesus was right on time, as He always is. 

Despite his love for Jesus, Peter made mistakes. On the night Jesus was arrested, Peter denied knowing Him three times. Later, filled with regret, Peter was heartbroken. After His resurrection, Jesus forgave Peter and gave him another chance.  

Peter went on to boldly preach about Jesus. His life reminds us that God can use imperfect people to do extraordinary things.  

I’m Lonnie Davis and these are thoughts worth thinking.  

Our verse today is 1 Samuel 10:21–24, which recounts the fascinating and humorous story of Saul becoming king.

“Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected to be king. But when they looked for him, they could not find him. So again they inquired of the LORD, ‘Has the man come here yet?’ And the LORD replied, ‘Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.’ So they ran and brought Saul, and when he stood among the people, he was a head taller than any of the others. Samuel said to all the people, ‘Do you see the one the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.’ And all the people shouted, ‘Long live the king!’”

Saul’s story is one of great beginnings but a tragic end. His early humility made him likable, but that changed with time. 

One of his major mistakes was offering an unlawful sacrifice. Instead of waiting for Samuel, Saul took matters into his own hands, showing a lack of trust in God’s timing. Later, when commanded to destroy an enemy and their possessions, he disobeyed, sparing the enemy king and keeping the best livestock. This act of defiance led God to reject him as king.

Saul’s jealousy of David consumed him. David’s successes angered and unsettled Saul, driving him to repeatedly try to kill David. In his rage, Saul even attempted to kill his own son, who supported David. 

Saul’s life reminds us that whether king or commoner, rich or poor, we must value obedience, trust, and humility before God.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking. 

(Explore 1 Samuel 8 through 31) to read more about his life.

Our Scripture for today is Isaiah 7:14:

“The Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.”

These words prophesy the birth of Jesus. Mary was a virgin, yet she would have a son. One cannot summarize Mary’s life in a few words, but here are things you may not know about Mary, the mother of Jesus:

1. Mary’s Hebrew name was Miriam, which means “beloved” or “exalted one.”
2. When Mary became the mother of Jesus, she was likely a young teenager, perhaps only 14–16 years old. This was a typical age for marriage in her culture, and she must have been extraordinary for God to choose her at such a young age.
3. Mary was a great student of the Bible, even as a young person. Her song of praise, recorded in Luke 1:46-55, reflects her deep knowledge of Scripture and trust in God’s promises.
4. One of the most unimaginable moments in Mary’s life was standing near the cross as Jesus was crucified (see John 19:25-27)
   
   Mary’s true character shines in her words to the angel: “I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). In other words, she was saying, “Let the Lord’s will be done. I don’t matter.”

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our text for today is Acts 8:3.

“Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.”

This man, Saul, is the one whom we know as Paul, the Apostle. We first meet Saul only two verses earlier when he consents to the death of the first Christian martyr. But verse three shows us the character of his life at that time. He persecuted and tried to destroy the church. He dragged Christian men and women off to prison. Little could we have guessed that the end of his anti-Christian journey was about to come. He left to go to nearby cities to persecute Christians. In Acts 9, Jesus meets him on the trip, and his life is changed. He goes from Saul, the persecutor, to Paul, the Apostle.

Here are five great truths about him:

1. Paul became the great missionary to the Gentile people, even though he was a Jew.

2. Paul was a Roman citizen. On one occasion, he allowed himself to be beaten so that the soldiers might leave Christians alone. (See Acts 16).

3. Paul was a great scholar who trained under Gamaliel, one of the Jews’ most respected teachers.

4. Paul was a tentmaker by trade. He supported his ministry by making tents as his day job. 

5. Paul wrote more books of the New Testament than anyone else. He wrote at least 13 and maybe 14. Many of his books were written while he was in prison.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Meeting John the Baptist

Our text for today is Matthew 11:11.

In this verse Jesus tells us his opinion of John. “Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist.”

That ought to tell you why we should want to meet John in heaven. Jesus said he is the greatest of all the prophets.

Enough said! But here are five more facts about John.

1. His name is John. 

His name is not ‘The Baptist.” He is called John the Baptist because he was one who baptized. He had the high honor of baptizing Jesus.

2. He was a prophet.

We don’t usually don’t think of John as a prophet. We say, Elijah, Elisha, and Isaiah. Jesus called him a prophet and even more. In Matthew 11:9, Jesus asked, “What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.”

3. John the Baptist and Jesus were cousins, likely through their mothers. In Luke 1:36, the angel Gabriel tells Mary about Elizabeth’s miraculous pregnancy:

“Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.”

Most Bible scholars hold that this means they were cousins.

4. John told his followers that Jesus was greater than him. See John 3:30.

5. John recognized Jesus before he was born! When Mary, pregnant with Jesus, visited Elizabeth, John leaped in his mother’s womb, filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:41).

I’m Lonnie Davis and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our text for today is Colossians 4:14. 

“Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas send you greetings.”

Why should we make a big deal about Luke? At first glance, we might focus on the fact that he wrote a book of the Bible—but there are 40 to 50 different writers in the Bible. So why highlight Luke? There are other compelling reasons. In today’s reflection, we’ll take a closer look at this remarkable man.

Why are we focusing on him?  

Luke wrote more of the New Testament than anyone else, even Paul. While Paul authored more individual books, his writings were shorter. In fact, Paul’s work makes up about 23% of the New Testament, but the combined length of Luke’s writings in the Gospel of Luke and Acts amounts to about 27%. That’s significant!

What else did Luke do?  

Paul describes Luke as a physician. In addition to being a doctor, Luke was also a historian, as evidenced by his detailed accounts in Luke and Acts. Moreover, he accompanied Paul on many of his journeys, as seen in the book of Acts.

What else is of special interest? 

Luke was likely not Jewish. He is widely believed to be the only Gentile author of the New Testament. 

Luke was also not an apostle. Unlike Matthew or John, he was not an eyewitness to Jesus’ ministry. Instead, he relied on careful research and the testimonies of those who were there, crafting a faithful record of events.

Imagine meeting him on our first day in heaven! What a joy it will be to speak with the man whose work has taught us so much about Jesus and the early church.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our text for today is Daniel 7:10: 

“A river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence. Thousands upon thousands attended Him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him.”

This number represents 100 million. While it may be a poetic way of describing an innumerable host, the point is clear—heaven is not a place with just a few angels. Yet, of all these angels, only three are known by name: Satan, Michael, and Gabriel.

One of our readers shared that her favorite Bible character is Gabriel. Michael is described as the archangel, meaning “chief angel” or “highest-ranking angel.” Interestingly, Jude 1:9 suggests that Satan may have held an even higher position at one time. So, what makes Gabriel so special?

Perhaps it’s because God chose Gabriel to deliver the most important messages in history. It was Gabriel who told Mary about God’s plan to send Jesus to save the world (Luke 1:26-28). I especially admire Gabriel for what he said to Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist: 

“I am Gabriel,” replied the angel. “I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news” (Luke 1:19). 

Gabriel stands in the presence of God! When I get to heaven, I want to meet him.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.

The story of Ruth is a tale of loyalty, love, and redemption set during a time of famine. A Jewish family from Bethlehem fled to Moab, where, over a period of ten years, their lives unfolded. As Ruth 1:4 states:

“The sons of Elimelech took Moabite wives. One was named Orpah, and the other was named Ruth, and they lived there about ten years.”

Ruth stands at the heart of the Book of Ruth and occupies an important place in Jewish history. Her faith and determination ultimately placed her in the lineage of Jesus.

Here are key facts about her life:

1. Though a Moabite—from a nation often in opposition to Israel—Ruth chose to follow Naomi, her Jewish mother-in-law, and embrace Israel’s God.
2. She became a widow at a young age, likely in her late teens or early twenties, when her husband Mahlon died. This loss sparked her journey of faith. Sometimes in life, great adventures come from hard times.
3. Her famous declaration in Ruth 1:16, “Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay,” showed her complete devotion as she abandoned her former life to follow Naomi, her mother-in-law.
4. Through humble grain-gleaning in the fields to support Naomi, Ruth caught the attention of Boaz, a wealthy landowner who later married her.
5. As one of the few women in Jesus’ genealogy and the great-grandmother of King David, Ruth secured a vital place in biblical history.

Her story shows how faith and loyalty can bring unexpected blessings amid hardship, demonstrating God’s habit of working through unlikely individuals to fulfill His purpose.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Our text for today is Genesis 2:7:  

“Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being.”  

Let’s take a closer look at five things about Adam, the first man.  

1. Adam’s Name 

The name Adam holds deep significance. It comes from the Hebrew word “adam” (man) and “adamah” (ground or earth). Since Adam was formed from the dust of the ground, his name is a reminder of his earthly origin.  

2. The World’s Oldest Profession  

Did you know the world’s oldest profession is gardening? In Genesis 2:15, we read, “The LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it.” Adam’s first role was to care for the beautiful world God created.  

3. Man was not meant to be alone  

In the midst of a perfect creation, God said something was “not good.” In Genesis 2:18, He declared, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.” This marks the beginning of human companionship and community, showing that relationships are central to God’s design.  

4. Adam’s Origin  

Adam is one of only two men in history with no human father—the other being Jesus. Adam’s existence was entirely the result of God’s creative power.  

5. Adam’s Role in the Fall  

When Eve was tempted by the serpent, Adam was right there with her (Genesis 3:6). Yet, the text records no effort on Adam’s part to intervene. His silent complicity made him equally responsible for humanity’s first sin.  

There is much more to consider about Adam’s life. You’ll find his story in Genesis chapters 1 through 5.  

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.