Author: londavis@hotmail.com

Counsel on Love

John 13:35  

“By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”

You might think people can tell you follow Jesus by the cross around your neck, your church attendance, or the good works you do. That’s not what Jesus said. He declared that the defining mark of His disciples would be the love they show to one another.

But what does it mean to love? 

The greatest act of love was when Jesus gave His life for us. 
The greatest definition of love is found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.

Here’s what it says:

Love is patient and kind. It does not envy or boast. It is humble, not proud. Love is not rude, self-seeking, or easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. Love forgives. It does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails.

This list might feel overwhelming to remember, but here’s the key principle: love is not just a feeling; it’s how you treat someone. True love shows itself through action. When you love someone, you treat them with patience, kindness, and all the qualities this passage describes.

In short: love isn’t about words—it’s about walking the talk. Without action, it’s not truly love.

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

Joshua 1:7.

“Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go.”

Joshua is reminded to follow God’s instructions wholeheartedly. This passage speaks to a deeper truth—life has many rules. The most miserable people are usually those who resist the boundaries that give life order and meaning.

Once, I spoke with someone whose life was spiraling out of control. To help her see clearly, I asked, “Have you seen a car on a hot Texas day with the windows down?”

“Yes,” she answered.

“Why are the windows down?”

“The air conditioning is broken.”

“Why don’t they fix it?”

“They don’t have the money.”

“Why don’t they have the money?”

If the answer is always “bad luck,”  then we see see as selves as victims.  If we always see ourselves as victims, we remain powerless. The real answer is that life runs on rules. If you don’t plan ahead, you will face the consequences. This example is not about money—it’s about learning and respecting life’s principles.

If you are wise, you will remember the rules of life, write them down, and live by them. Success and failure depend on learning and following the rules.

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

Our Scripture for today is Luke 6:23:

“Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven.”

Notice that Jesus does not say to “be happy.” That is because there is a difference between happiness and joy.

Many people say, especially in times of struggle, “God wants me to be happy.” But the Bible never says that. God does want us to have joy, but joy is much deeper than happiness.

Happiness is often the good feeling that comes when life goes our way—when we get a promotion, have a wonderful meal, or spend time with friends. But happiness is fleeting. It shifts with our circumstances, coming and going like the weather.

Joy, on the other hand, is something deeper, something internal that stays with us regardless of what happens. Joy is rooted in faith, and the assurance that God is with us. It’s an enduring sense of peace that remains even in the toughest moments of life.

Think of happiness as a burst of sunshine—it’s light and warm, but temporary. Joy, however, is like an inner fire that keeps burning, giving warmth and light, even on the darkest days.

You may not always feel “happy,” especially during hard days. But through faith, gratitude, and the assurance of God’s promises, joy remains, sustaining you when happiness fades. 

Happiness comes and goes. Joy remains with you during life’s storms, even while happiness fades with each drop of rain.

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

Let’s Talk About Gratitude

For today’s reflection, let’s focus on Ephesians 5:20.

“Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Did Paul really mean everything? What if I lose my job? What if my spouse doesn’t appreciate me? What if my health fails? How can we possibly give thanks in those situations?

The reality is that we can always find a “what if” that makes gratitude seem impossible. But true thankfulness goes beyond our circumstances, whether they are good or bad. Gratitude is not about how life is going; it’s about knowing that God is ultimately in control.

When Paul wrote today’s verse, he was in prison, waiting to defend himself before Nero—a man known for his cruelty. Nero was ruthless, even killing his own mother, his first wife, and his second wife. One historian put it starkly: “It is better to be Nero’s dog than his relative.” Despite all this, Paul still found a way to be thankful.

So, how can Paul—and how can we—have gratitude in all circumstances?

It comes down to what we choose to focus on. When we focus on what we have, rather than what we lack, our perspective changes. One writer said, “When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.”

Even during difficult times, there are blessings to count. Gratitude is what turns complaints about thorny rose bushes into the joy of discovering roses among the thorns.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and this is a thought worth thinking.

In today’s lesson we will look at a Bible verse that gives us great insight on sadness and depression.

That verse is Philippians 4:8.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

The feelings of sadness and depression come from what we think about. If you think of sad things and dwell on negative events in life, you will become sad. If you are sad long enough, you may become depressed.

Philippians 4:8 offers a powerful reminder of the importance of our thoughts. Our thoughts shape how we see the world, respond to challenges, and even how we feel about ourselves and others. 

It is a clear call to take control of our thoughts and intentionally dwell on what is good, noble, and worthy of praise.

It’s easy to fall into negative thought patterns. The stresses of work, strained relationships, or unexpected setbacks can send our minds spiraling into worry and despair. But when we allow negativity to control our thoughts, we risk falling into a cycle of discouragement and even depression. Paul is urging us to break that cycle by choosing to focus on the positive—the truth, purity, beauty, and goodness that exist all around us.

This isn’t simply about ignoring difficulties or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about choosing to see the blessings amid the struggles and recognizing the good that God places in our lives. By making a conscious effort to dwell on the good, we protect our minds from the darkness that unchecked thoughts can bring.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and this is a thought worth thinking.

Our text for today is Exodus 3:4:

When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from within the bush, “Moses, Moses!” “Here I am,” he answered.

You may recognize this as the moment Moses encountered the burning bush. He drew near, and God called out to him. Moses responded simply, “Here I am.”

In my years of counseling, I’ve come to realize that this is the kind of moment most people long for. When life becomes overwhelming and we don’t know what to do, we often wish for a burning bush—a clear sign, a direct conversation with God to tell us what steps to take.

Though God may not speak to us through a literal burning bush today, He does still speak. He speaks through His Word, the Bible.

If you haven’t spent time as a counselor, you might think that every life problem is unique. The truth is, most struggles are not. Just as a successful person learns from those who have succeeded before them, those facing challenges often follow similar patterns of others who have struggled before.

Through our own “burning bush”—the Bible—God provides us with wisdom and guidance for what to do. In the coming days, I will discuss specific issues that many of us struggle with, and I will share verses from the Bible that offer insight and comfort for each one.

We will explore topics like love, loneliness, self-esteem, and more. Tomorrow, we will begin with the subject of depression, focusing on a powerful verse that brings comfort in tough times.

I’m Lonnie Davis. I look forward to continuing this journey with you tomorrow.

Mark 3:5

“Jesus looked around at them with anger and sorrow at their hardness of heart. Then He said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ So he stretched it out, and it was restored.”

This verse might seem an unusual choice for an essay on anger. However, this is the only instance in Scripture where Jesus is described as being angry. Many would point to the story in Matthew 21, where Jesus drove the moneylenders out of the temple. Yet, nowhere in that passage does it say He was angry. In fact, the Bible emphasizes that He paused, made a whip of cords, and then drove the moneylenders out. Jesus was deliberate and purposeful in His actions. He did what was necessary to cleanse the temple. Think of it like driving a stray dog out of your yard—it doesn’t mean you’re angry, just determined.

Mark 3 this is the only time the Bible explicitly links Jesus with anger. Even here, He doesn’t “lose it” or lash out. Instead, He collects Himself and proceeds to do what must be done. His anger is directed at the hardness of the people’s hearts, but He channels it calmly and purposefully.

Anger itself is not a sin. In Ephesians 4:26, we are told, “Be angry, and do not sin.” The sin lies not in the feeling of anger but in how we respond to it. Jesus gives us the example: when anger arises, remain calm and choose to do what is right.

That’s what the Bible teaches about anger. It’s not about losing control or a whip of cords. It’s about handling our emotions in a righteous way.

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

Today’s Scripture is Matthew 7:3.

“Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own eye?”

It’s easy for us to see what is wrong with others. We notice their mistakes, their bad habits, and their flaws. But we often overlook our own faults. Why? Because we judge others by what they do, but we judge ourselves by what we mean to do. 

This is what Stephen Covey meant when he wrote, “We judge ourselves by our intentions and others by their actions.” This creates a blind spot in our understanding. We think we are better because we know our hearts, while we only see the outside of others.

This verse reminds us to take a closer look at ourselves before we criticize someone else. We should deal with our own shortcomings first. Only then can we help others in a loving way. Jesus knew how harmful it could be when we ignore our own faults but quickly point out someone else’s fault. It’s a form of hypocrisy that hurts relationships and keeps us from growing spiritually.

Instead of focusing on the flaws of others, let’s look inward, correct our own mistakes, and then we will be ready to help others.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and this is a thought worth thinking.

Our text for today is Matthew 6:33.

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.”

If you listen to some preachers, it may seem like all you have to do to get more money is send them a contribution, which they often refer to as a “seed.” Interestingly, when it’s time to plant this so-called seed, they always seem to provide you with their own address.

That said, the Bible does provide us with wisdom about how to handle money. Scholars estimate that there are over 2,000 verses about earthly possessions and wealth. Recently, we have explored a few of these biblical principles. For your review, here are the passages and the principles we studied:

Number 1 – Grow Your Wealth Little by Little  
“Go to the ant… consider its ways and be wise.” (Proverbs 6:6)

Number 2 – Be Generous  
“A generous soul will prosper…” (Proverbs 11:24)

Number 3 – Live Within a Budget  
“Sit down and estimate the cost…” (Luke 14:28)

Number 4 – Diversify  
“Divide your portion among seven…” (Ecclesiastes 11:2)

Number 5 – Work Hard  
“Six days you shall labor…” (Exodus 20:8-10)

Number 6 – Borrowing is Slavery  
“The borrower is slave to the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7)

Number 7 – Save Money  
“A foolish man devours all he has.” (Proverbs 21:20)

Number 8 – Leave an Inheritance  

“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” (Proverbs 13:22)

Number 9 – Include God  
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” (Psalm 24:1)

Live by these principles, and your finances will improve. Even in financial matters, Your Father knows best.

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

Money Rule 9.

Always Include God

Psalm 24:1.

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”

It is not possible to have a complete understanding of Christian finances without remembering to include God. In today’s verse we see that everything we have belongs to God. We are not owners but stewards. 

Jesus illustrated this truth in Luke 12 and the parable of the rich man who built bigger barns for his wealth, only to lose it all in a moment. God calls him a fool, saying, “This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” 

The message is clear: earthly possessions are fleeting, and clinging to them is ultimately futile.

We are called to recognize that everything we have is on loan from God, and we should use it for His glory. Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us, “But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” When we remember this, our approach to finances shifts from ownership to stewardship, and from giving to gratitude. 

I leave you with the quote from Churchill, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”

I’m Lonnie Davis, and this is a thought worth thinking.

Money Rule Number 8

Leave an Inheritance.

Proverbs 13:22.

“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.”

This verse teaches us about the importance of planning ahead, particularly in how we care for our family. A financial inheritance is one way we can provide lasting security and opportunity for those we love. It’s not simply about wealth—it’s about creating a foundation that allows our children and grandchildren to build a future free from unnecessary burdens.

Leaving an inheritance isn’t reserved for the wealthy; rather, it’s about being a wise steward of what God has given us, no matter the amount. Whether it’s saving consistently, investing with care, or managing a modest retirement plan, these actions reflect love and foresight for others. 

But there’s more to inheritance than money. True wealth includes the values and wisdom we pass down. As one adage says, “The greatest inheritance you leave for your children is not what you leave for them, but what you leave in them.”

We want our children not just to enjoy comfort but to understand the value of what they receive—so they may use it to bless others. 

I’m Lonnie Davis, and this is a thought worth thinking.

Money Rule Number 7.

Proverbs 21:20.

“Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them.”

This is a good translation of this verse, but I do enjoy the NIV here: “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” Read that again, “Fools gulp theirs down.”

This verse reminds us that true prosperity is not measured by what we have, but by how we manage what we are given. The wise person understands the importance of making thoughtful decisions to ensure resources are preserved and multiplied. In contrast, the foolish person lives impulsively, using up all they have without considering the future.

 The habit of saving and planning builds a foundation for stability, while careless spending leads to a constant cycle of lack and frustration.

Wisdom teaches us to value what we have and use it responsibly. By practicing self-control and resisting the urge for instant gratification, we set ourselves up for long-term blessings. Remember that true prosperity flows from wise choices, not from spending.

Let me close with these wise words from Warren Buffett, “Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.”

I’m Lonnie Davis, and this is a thought worth thinking.

Money Rule Number 6: Borrowing is Slavery

Proverbs 22: verse 7, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”

None of us want to be a slave, yet when we borrow, we bind ourselves to someone else’s terms. The lender gains control over parts of our lives through the debts we owe. This verse doesn’t imply borrowing is a sin. Psalm 37:21 warns, “The wicked borrow and do not repay.” Sometimes borrowing is necessary, but integrity means repaying what we owe. Borrowing isn’t wicked; failing to repay is.

Americans have a love-hate relationship with debt. We must love it because we borrow so much. When the Bank of America introduced its first credit cards in 1958, Americans embraced them. By mid-2024, the average household had $8,689 in credit card debt alone, not to mention other debts.

Yet we also hate debt. We complain about it, strive to be rid of it, but continue buying on credit. This cycle burdens us, stealing our joy and peace.

Romans 13: verse 8 offers wise advice: “Owe no one anything, except to love each other.” Let love be our only debt, one that enriches everyone.

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

Today’s Scripture is Exodus 20: verses 8 through 10.

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work.”

In this verse, many people focus on the idea of rest. Taking a day off is important, but what about the other six days? The answer is clear: “Six days you shall labor and do all your work.” The Sabbath reminds us of rest, but the rest of the week reminds us of our responsibility to work.

Work isn’t a punishment. God created us with a purpose, and that purpose includes work. Even in Genesis, before sin entered the world, Adam was tasked with tending the garden. Work was always part of God’s plan—a way to create, serve, and bring beauty into the world.

While we might grumble about work, let’s remember that it allows us to contribute, provide, and find fulfillment. Work reflects God’s image; He worked in creating the universe, and when we work with gratitude and purpose, it becomes an act of devotion..

One of the blessings of work is its financial reward. As Proverbs 10: verse 4 says, “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” Hard work is key to financial well-being, while laziness leads to lack.

So, work is not just a duty—it’s a rule for managing life and resources well.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and this is a thought worth thinking.

Money Rule #4 – Diversify

Ecclesiastes 11: verse 2

“Divide your portion among seven, or even eight, for you do not know what disaster may befall the land.”

This verse reminds us of the importance of not putting all our eggs in one basket. Life is unpredictable—job loss, health issues, or economic downturns can easily wipe out a single source of income. The solution? Diversify your income streams.

Most people already practice this principle to some extent. Many households rely on two incomes to make ends meet—one from each partner. Though it may feel burdensome, having multiple streams of income is a form of security. Solomon’s wisdom tells us to aim for seven or eight sources, but the main takeaway is clear: don’t rely on just one.

Millionaires know this well. According to the IRS, the average millionaire has seven income sources, such as a salary, rental income, dividends, interest, capital gains, royalties, and business profits. Diversifying income isn’t just about wealth; it’s about protecting yourself against the uncertainties of life.

So, how do you diversify? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It could mean starting a side business, investing, or finding other creative ways to generate extra income. The key is to start thinking beyond just one paycheck.

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

Money Rule #3: Live within a BUDGET

Let’s read Luke 14: verse 28.

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?”  

Most people do not like budgets, and in that verse, you did not hear the word “budget,” but it certainly is there. Look at the words, “Sit down and estimate the cost.” That phrase means BUDGET.

A budget is more than just numbers on paper—it is a roadmap to shared goals. Whether saving for a home, planning a vacation, or preparing for college expenses, a budget helps family members focus on their priorities. It can foster open discussions about needs versus wants, creating a sense of unity around shared financial goals.

Without a budget, families risk falling into debt, missing savings opportunities, and living paycheck to paycheck. I love the quote, “A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.” – Dave Ramsey

You cannot out-earn the need for budgeting. I know a man who lives in a neighborhood where a single lot for houses cost more than a million dollars. When the financial crisis of 2008 hit, foreclosure signs went up all over the area. If you want to have what you need when you need it, you must plan a budget and stick to it.

By the way, everyone does have a budget, either one they set or one the creditor set for them. Wise people set their own budget!

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

Money Rule Number 2: Be Generous.

Generosity is not about how much you have, but about being willing to share what you have, whether little or much.

Let’s read Proverbs 11:24-25.

“One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”

This verse reveals a powerful truth: the path to prosperity is not through hoarding but through giving. Here, we see a mystery that runs counter to common logic: by giving freely, we gain wealth, and by withholding, we lose wealth.

This truth challenges the notion that accumulating wealth requires solely a self-focused drive and ambition. Instead, scripture encourages us to view our resources as blessings meant to be shared, with the promise that in doing so, we too will be blessed. This is the meaning of the saying, “God blesses you so that you can be a blessing to others.”

To put things bluntly.

Never, never be stingy.
Be a good tipper.
Use your finances to assist others.
Sacrifice in your hospitality.
Cover expenses for others.

Generosity, then, is more than just an action—it’s an investment in our own future. By giving, we set a spiritual principle into motion. God’s economy is one of mutual exchange, where our own open hands lead to our abundance. 

I will leave you with the words of Jesus, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.” 

I’m Lonnie Davis, and this is a thought worth thinking.

Rule Number 1 comes from Proverbs 6:6-8.

“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise. It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”

So what do ants teach us about dealing with wealth, finances, or money? Here it is: Take your time. The ant makes a consistent effort. It doesn’t wait for someone to tell it what to do. Instead, it works daily, bit by bit, gathering food and preparing for the future. This tiny creature shows us that big accomplishments often come from steady, consistent effort, not from sudden bursts of hard work.

We can learn from the ant by applying ourselves steadily, even when the task seems small or the results aren’t immediately visible. The power lies in being consistent and faithful in our efforts.

Consistent effort in managing our finances—saving a little at a time and spending wisely—builds a solid foundation for future security. It’s not about sudden windfalls or luck; it’s about the daily decisions we make. As Proverbs 21: verse 5 tells us, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.” Ben Franklin put it this way, “A penny saved is a penny earned.” 

It may not seem like it is, but that is the way of the ant.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and this is a thought worth thinking.

Our text today is Hebrews 13: verse 5.

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'”  

Our verse today urges us to keep our lives free from the love of money. Let’s start by saying there is nothing wrong with money or in asking for a raise, but don’t make money the love of your life. Even with this warning, marriage counselors confirm that finances are one of the main reasons for divorce.

The American dream used to be to own your own home. Sometime in the past decades, that all changed. The American dream now seems to be to win the lottery, to get rich quick!

In America, we live in a land of plenty. Consider this fact: In 84% of the world, the top 1% earns an annual income of between $30,000 and $50,000. In America, a family of four is considered poor if they earn $31,200 a year. Indeed, God has been good to us. We were born into the richest economy and the richest time in the world’s history.

Jesus said, “To whom much is given, much will be required.” Obviously, since you don’t go to church and listen to me preach, I have no motive except to share with you what God said of this important subject.

Over the next ten days, I will share ten Bible teachings on money. 

I’m Lonnie Davis. See you tomorrow with Rule #1

Today’s Scripture is Psalms 103:13-14.  

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He is mindful that we are dust.”

We often think we need to be perfect for God to love us, but that is far from the truth. God knows our weaknesses and flaws. He created us, and He is well aware that we are made of dust—fragile, human, and prone to mistakes. Just as a loving father understands the limits of his child, God understands our limits and shows us compassion.

The takeaway today is that we do not need to be perfect for God to love us. God knows we struggle, and His love isn’t based on our perfection but on His great mercy and grace. 

David committed murder and adultery, but God loved him anyway.
Peter denied Jesus, but God loved him anyway.
Moses murdered and Egyptian, but God loved him anyway
Paul persecuted the church, but God loved him anyway.

Obviously this list could be expanded, but this is enough to remind us that God has compassion on us, because he knows that we are dust.

“God’s mercy is bigger than any mistake you’ve made.” Take heart, knowing God’s love reaches us even in our weakest moments.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and this is a thought worth thinking.