Author: londavis@hotmail.com

Where do we begin to recognize the greatness of Abraham? Perhaps with this thought: Abraham, the father of Isaac and Jacob, holds a special place in the world’s three major religions—Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Other than Jesus, he is revered by more people than any other man in history.

This is a wow thought, but there is one that I like even better: In Isaiah 41:8, God Himself says, “But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham My friend.” 

Abraham is called the friend of God. Wow! But Why? Consider this story:

Abraham was living with his family in his homeland when God suddenly spoke to him, telling him to leave home. If this happened to you, would you feel excited or afraid? This marked the beginning of Abraham’s journey of faith.

From Ur, Abram and his family walked 600 miles to Haran. After his father Terah died there, Abram continued from Haran to Canaan, which added another 400–500 miles.

In total, Abram’s journey from Ur to Canaan spanned about 1,000–1,200 miles. 

But wait! There’s more: This long journey was on foot, with flocks, herds, and family. It likely took several months or even years.  Hebrews 11:8 says this about the journey: “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going.”

Read his story in Genesis 12 through 25.

—Tomorrow we will meet Adam, the first man.

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

Today I am starting a new devotional thought.  

On your first day in heaven, who do you want to meet? Of course, my loved ones from the past 100 years on earth will meet me at the gate. I want to see not just my wife but also my mother, grandmother, and grandfather again. I would love for them to introduce me to their grandparents. What a great day that will be! 

We will find joy in that moment, but who would you want to meet after that? We all want to see Jesus and the Father, but after that, who do you want to meet?  

I want to meet some of the Bible men and women. How curious are you to meet Mary, the mother of Jesus? I want to meet Abraham, Moses, and King David. Wouldn’t you like to talk to Bathsheba? I will sit and talk with Solomon for hours. In heaven, time means nothing, so I know he will have time for me. It will be neat to ask James what it was like growing up with Jesus as his big brother. I wonder if Mary ever told him, “Why can’t you be more like Jesus?” 

There are people you’ve heard about in the Bible all your life, but now you’ll have the chance to truly get to know them. Day by day, we will meet them in the daily moments of this devotional. 

Tomorrow we will meet Abraham.  

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

Our Scripture for today is Romans 2:15:

“The work of the law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them.”

The law written in everyone’s heart is the moral law. Across all cultures, some things are universally recognized as wrong—like murdering an innocent person, harming a baby, or lying. We know these truths instinctively, not because we read them in a rulebook. For instance, the execution of six million Jews during World War II was wrong, regardless of what the laws of that time declared. Those responsible were prosecuted for violating moral law, not man-made rules.

But who placed that moral law within us? The answer points to God. His moral law is etched into the hearts of all people, serving as a guide and a reminder of a divine source of morality.

If someone claims there is no God, they must explain why certain acts, like murdering a child, are inherently wrong. If morality depends solely on society, what happens when societies justify the unjustifiable? Consider the Salem witch trials of 1692-1693, where 20 people were executed under the laws of man. Man’s laws can fail, but God’s law stands firm.

The moral law written on our hearts gives me unwavering faith in the moral lawgiver—God.

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

Our scripture today is Genesis 1:1.

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

This verse introduces one of the most profound truths: everything has a beginning, and God is the source of it all. The cosmological argument for God builds on this idea. The term “cosmos” refers to the universe – the stars, planets, galaxies, and everything in space. This argument suggests that because the universe began to exist, it must have had a cause. That cause, believers affirm, is God.

Scientists agree that the universe had a beginning, often referring to the “Big Bang” as evidence. The cosmological argument invites us to think about beginnings in a simple way: like a ball on a mini-golf course, each movement has a cause. The ball moves because it’s hit by a putter, which is swung by a player, who acts intentionally. But what started everything? We look at the cosmos and ask the same thing. The argument points to God as the First Cause – the One who initiated all creation.

Skeptics often ask, “Who created God?” This question misunderstands the nature of God. God is not a created being. He is eternal, without beginning or end, and the source of all existence. Science shows us that something cannot come from nothing, affirming what Scripture declares: God, who has always been, is the Creator of everything.

The beauty and order of the universe point us back to its Creator. 

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

Our Scripture for Today is Psalms 19:1.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”

One of the most compelling arguments for God’s existence is known in philosophical circles as the teleological argument or, more simply, the argument from design. Here is a simple explanation.

Picture this: You’re walking peacefully through a meadow when you spot a watch lying in the grass. Your immediate thought wouldn’t be that it formed naturally—its intricate gears, precise measurements, and purposeful design all point to a watchmaker. Many see our universe in the same light.

Consider our Earth’s remarkable position in space. Its distance from the sun sits in a perfect sweet spot—any closer and we’d burn; any farther and we’d freeze. Zoom in to the microscopic level, and you’ll find cells operating with an efficiency that would make any engineer marvel. This extraordinary precision suggests not random chance but intelligent design.

The Apostle Paul captured this idea beautifully in Romans 1:20, teaching that God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—are clearly seen in what He has created. Each sunset, each snowflake, each spinning galaxy serves as a signature of the Master Artist.

The design argument isn’t just philosophical theory—it’s an invitation to open our eyes to the wonder around us. From the vast canvas of stars above to the intricate choreography of life within our own bodies, we see evidence of a brilliant and loving Creator. This elegant design of our universe stands as one of the most powerful reasons for my faith in God.

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

Our verse for today is Ecclesiastes 3:11.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men.”

This verse reveals a remarkable truth about the human condition: God has “set eternity in the human heart.” 

As a teenager, I heard people talking about how missionaries can go to the most remote places on earth and they find that the concept of God and eternity is already in the hearts of the people there. When explorers first came to North America, they did not bring the concept of God or eternity. It was already in the hearts of the native population. The thought of God and eternity is bound in everyone’s heart. That is the meaning in Ecclesiastes that says, God “set eternity in the human heart.” 

Across cultures and history, even in places untouched by external influences, people have naturally been inclined toward worship, reverence for creation, or acknowledgment of God.

Why do I believe in God? 

In the coming days, we will consider many classic proofs, but the first is that belief in God was put into our hearts. People may worship trees, cows, or the sun, but it is built into man to believe in and worship God. 

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

Why I Believe in God…

Our Scripture for today is John 20:29.

“Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”

It must have been wonderful to see Jesus in the flesh and to believe in him because of the miracles, sermons, and prayers. But Jesus said it is even more blessed to believe in him even though we have never seen him.

Over the years it has been my lot to sit with people who doubted God’s existence. They have asked me why I believe in God. Here is the fact. There is not one answer but many. 

First, regarding belief in God, there is not absolute proof. There usually is not just one answer to the great questions in life. For example, why do you love the love of your life? Prove it! In the end, you only know by the preponderance of evidence. One thing adds to another, and finally, you just know. That is how we know God exists: by the preponderance of evidence.

There are many reasons that add up to make me believe. Over the next few days, I want to share them with you. Tomorrow, I will discuss the proof found in Ecclesiastes 3. 

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

My Scripture for today is First Corinthians 13:8:

“Love never fails.”

There is more to this verse, but those first three words are what resonate with me. Life is filled with disappointments—people let us down, circumstances change, and plans fall apart. Yet, love remains steadfast. Love never, never fails.

Sometimes people ask why God allowed His Son to die on the cross. The answer has two parts. First, God knew His Son was coming home. Second, He did it because of “Love never fail.”

If you live long enough, you’ll hear something so profound that it stays with you forever. A few days ago, I attended the funeral of a dear friend I had known for 30 years. He passed away after a long battle with dementia. By the end, he didn’t recognize his wife, but she never stopped loving him or staying by his side.

In one of their final moments together, she told him, “I love you.” He managed to reply, “I love you.” She asked him gently, “How do you know you love me, if you don’t know who I am?” His answer was unforgettable: “My heart tells me I love you.”

Love never fails. No matter the hardship, no matter the loss, love endures. Let that truth sink deep into your heart and carry it with you always.

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

Our verse for Today is Psalms 119: verse 11.

“Your Word have I put in my heart that I might not sin”

I don’t like it when someone asks me, “What is your favorite… whatever?” I rarely know my favorite thing. I prefer the question, “What is one of your favorite.” 

However, Psalms 119: verse 11 is close to being my favorite verse in the Psalms. This verse tells me how to avoid sin. The way to do that is to put the word of God into your heart. Of course, the heart means the mind; that is, what you think about and remember. If you want to avoid a sinful activity, then don’t spend your time thinking about it.

This is also a great truth in psychology. If you want to stay on a diet, don’t think about hot donuts or that second helping of potatoes. If you break this rule, you will break your diet! It is true for any sin.

What you put in your heart, what you think about all the time, is what you will be more likely to do.

So, if there is something you are struggling with, cast the thought from your mind. By the way, the way not to think about something is to think about something else. Nature abhors a vacuum. So does our heart. Fill it with good thoughts. 

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

Excuse me for being late today, but I have a personal thought to share with you.

The Scripture is Ecclesiastes 3:1:  

“To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.”

Yesterday was a memorable day for me.

Around 8:30 in the morning, my son’s son was born. I had the privilege of looking into the face of a little boy named Davis, who will carry my name into the 22nd century. He doesn’t yet realize the responsibility we’ve placed on him. I always thought it was amusing how people bragged about their grandchildren, but now, with five of my own, I completely understand! I love the saying, “If I had known how wonderful grandkids are, I would have had them first.”

That same day, at about 8:00 in the evening, Sherry Rushing went to be with Jesus. She was the wife of my only brother and, in many ways, the closest thing I had to a real sister. Sherry and my wife, Liz, were the two most Godly women I’ve ever known. My brother and I both married above our stations.

“To everything there is a season,” but there will never be another day quite like yesterday. I find myself wishing I could sit with Liz and Sherry tonight and catch up on all we’ve missed. Oh wait! One day, we will get to do just that. My children and grandchildren will be there too, and what a reunion that will be.

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

Pray with a Thankful Heart  

Our Scripture for today is Philippians 4:6:  

“In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”  

“In every situation?” It’s easy to pray when times are hard, but this verse asks us to pray *with thanksgiving* in every circumstance. Does God really expect us to give thanks when life falls apart? When we wake up in a hospital bed or see bills piling up, can we be thankful even then?  

Consider the story of Daniel in Daniel 6:10. Daniel’s enemies conspired to have him executed. A law was passed that anyone caught praying to anyone other than the king would be thrown into a lion’s den. How did Daniel respond?  

“When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.”  

Even under the shadow of the lion’s den, Daniel not only prayed but gave thanks to God! He was arrested and thrown into the lions’ den, but God delivered him.  

How can we be thankful in such trials? Here is the secret: Gratitude in hard times becomes possible when we shift our focus from the pain of our circumstances to the unchanging nature of God. Thankfulness doesn’t deny our struggles; instead, it acknowledges that God is present, faithful, and working for our good, even when life is difficult.  

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

Prayer is an Act of Humility

Our verse for today is 2 Chronicles 7:14.

“If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Humility is essential when approaching God in prayer. It is a posture that acknowledges His sovereignty and our dependence on Him. Today’s verse reminds us that God listens to those who seek Him with humble hearts.

Jesus illustrated this truth in Luke 18. The Pharisee stood in the temple and prayed, saying, “God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.” His prayer was filled with pride and self-righteousness.

In contrast, the tax collector, aware of his unworthiness, stood at a distance. He would not even lift his eyes to heaven but beat his chest and prayed, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”

Jesus concluded the parable by declaring that it was the humble tax collector—despite his despised profession—who went home justified before God.

Prayer is not about impressing others or justifying ourselves. It is about recognizing our need for God and coming before Him in humility. In fact, it is impossible to be proud when you truly understand the majesty of God as you are in his presence.

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

Confession Is a Vital Part of Prayer

Our Scripture for today is First John 1:9.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to purify us from all unrighteousness.”

This may be the most overlooked element of prayer. We pray for rain, we pray for jobs, we pray for friends, but prayer is more than a wish list. Prayer also involves confession.

In prayer we go to God with honest confession and it helps open the door to God’s forgiveness and restoration. By admitting our sins and weaknesses, we acknowledge our dependence on His mercy and grace. 

Confession isn’t just about listing our mistakes; it’s a heartfelt recognition of how we’ve fallen short of God’s laws. Such confession is a way to experience spiritual growth as we allow God to transform our hearts. Through confession, we find freedom from guilt and a renewed sense of peace, enabling us to approach God with greater confidence and intimacy.

As you reflect on today’s Scripture, take a moment to examine your heart. What burdens or sins have you been holding back from God? Bring them to Him in prayer, trusting in His promise to forgive and. Confession is not about condemnation but about restoration—a chance to experience the fullness of God’s grace and move forward with a cleansed spirit.

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

Our Scripture for today is Matthew 7:7.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 

No list of Bible verses on prayer could be complete without this scripture. At its heart it seems to say, just ask and he will grant your request. However, I want to introduce you to a new thought. Here it is: There are times when you ought not to ask God for something in prayer. When might that be? When he has already spoken on the subject.

Consider Mark 10, Jesus told the rich, young ruler “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor…Then come, follow me.” – Should the young ruler have said to Jesus, “Well, let me pray about it?’ Of course not! He already had a word from Jesus about what he should do. 

When Jesus told the lame man, “Arise, take up your bed and walk,” then prayer for a decision was not needed.

When God told Joshua to march around the walls of Jericho, then there was only one thing to do. March! One might pray for strength, but not for a decision.

The lesson is simple but powerful: prayer is vital, but when God has already made his will known, obedience is essential.

In other words, — do not pray for guidance about getting drunk, stealing, committing adultery, lying, or any other clearly wrong actions. When God has already spoken on these subjects, prayer is unnecessary—just obey.

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

Our verse for today is Psalm 55:17

“Evening, morning, and noon, I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice.” 

I was a teenager when I first heard the story of the little girl with an umbrella that showed faith. Let me tell it to you:

There was a little west Texas farming community that was going through a great drought. Their fields were drying up and their crops were dying. As a last ditch effort the little community decided to get together at 8 PM at the local church and  prayer for rain. 

At 8 o’clock the church was full.  

The last person to enter the building was a little 7-year-old girl. As she walked down the aisle she was carrying an umbrella. As she walked past some of the older folks, someone said, “Isn’t she cute? She thinks it is going to rain.”

I love her umbrella. It showed her great faith. She believed that prayer brought results. After all, Jesus said, “Ask and you will receive. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7) 

The lesson is, when you pray, bring your umbrella. 

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

Pray with Confidence

Our verse for today is John 11:41.

So they took away the stone. Then Jesus lifted His eyes upward and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.

At a graveside near Jerusalem, Jesus prays, calling someone to rise from the dead. Our verse is the beginning of that event. I want you to notice the tense of the verb. As he prays for something to happen, he prays as though it is already done!

After that prayer, he cries out, “Lazarus, come forth.”

The Bible says that he cried out “with a loud voice.” He didn’t say things quietly or mumble. He made sure that everyone heard his prayer!

Now, that is confidence. Effective prayer must be prayed with confidence and boldness. Pray with confidence not just in public but also in the quiet place in your house. Believe that God hears your prayer. When you have done this, your prayers will become more regular, faithful, and comforting.

Like a hungry child to his rich father, we welcome the chance to ask for our needs. That is the way to pray. Pray to ask and then know that God will do what was asked.

A lack of confidence will make prayer life weak and infrequent. Jesus said, “Ask and you will receive. Seek and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you.” 

Faith in Jesus is equal to your faith in prayer.

The answer might sometimes be “No,” or “Not yet” or maybe “Here is something even better.” But the answer is often a simple “Yes.” 

Pray believing, but have enough faith to accept his answer.

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

Lonnie Davis

What is prayer good for?

Our text today is Luke 18:1:  

“Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart.”

Let’s take a closer look at why prayer is so essential. Here are three reasons we need to pray.

1. Prayer Builds Gratitude 

When we pray before meals, it’s often called “giving thanks.” As children, we might have prayed, “Thank you for Mommy and Daddy…” showing appreciation for those who matter most. Similarly, as parents, while we value our children’s requests, hearing their gratitude touches our hearts deeply. Few things sting more than an ungrateful child. We are God’s children, and we must not neglect to thank Him for all He provides.

2. Prayer Gives Us Hope  

We all encounter situations where we’ve done everything we can, yet the problem remains unsolved. Someone once said we should never say we’ve done all we can until we’ve prayed, because prayer is always that “one more thing” we can do. As Peter reminds us, “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Through prayer, we find renewed hope.

3. Prayer Provides Guidance  

“Let prayer be your steering wheel, not your spare tire,” someone wisely said. This challenges us to consider how we use prayer. Is it something reserved for emergencies, or is it a daily guide for our decisions and actions? Prayer shapes our path when we let it lead.

Take a moment to reflect: What is one of your favorite things to pray about?

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

Pray from Anywhere

Our Verse for today is Psalm 139:7-8.

“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there.” These verses emphasize that no matter where we are, God’s presence is with us.

Indeed, one of the most beautiful truths about prayer is that it is not bound by location or circumstance. Whether we are in a church building, under a vast open sky, or confined by the walls of a prison cell, God is always ready to listen.

The Bible gives us vivid examples of this truth. Jonah, swallowed by a great fish, from the bottom of the sea, prayed earnestly to God. Jonah 2:1, says, “From inside the fish, Jonah prayed to the Lord his God.” 

In Acts 16:25, Paul and Silas, imprisoned and chained, chose to pray and sing to God. Their prayer and worship were so powerful that the prison doors flew open, and their chains fell off.

These stories remind us that prayer is not restricted to holy spaces or places. The presence of God is always near. Prayer always connects us to a loving Father who is attentive to every word and every cry.

Whether we are at work, in our car, or in the middle of a sleepless night, we can turn to God in prayer. He is always near, ready to comfort, guide, and respond. Prayer isn’t about the place but the heart that seeks Him. 

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

Effective prayer is persistent prayer.

Our focus today is Luke 18:7.

“Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night?”

In Luke 18, Jesus tells the story of a persistent widow seeking justice from an indifferent, unjust judge. Though the judge neither feared God nor cared about people, he eventually granted her request simply because of her persistence. Jesus uses this parable to teach us about prayer, concluding with the powerful reminder, “Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night?” If even an unkind earthly judge responds to perseverance, how much more will our loving Father hear and answer us?

Persistence in prayer is not about convincing God to act but about deepening our trust in Him. It shapes our faith, teaching us to rely on His wisdom and timing. Persistence in prayer requires faith.

Sometimes seemingly, unanswered prayers can be discouraging. Yet Romans 8:28 assures us that God works all things together for good. When we continue in prayer, even when the answers are delayed, He still hears us.

Persist in prayer, trusting that the One who loves you most hears every cry and knows the right time to answer.

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

Prayer requires faith!  

Ephesians 3:12 says, “Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.”  

What a privilege it is to approach God boldly and confidently in prayer! Imagine coming before His throne, fully assured that He hears us. But how is this possible? The verse makes it clear—the way is through of our faith in Christ. Our boldness and confidence in prayer rest entirely on our trust in Him.  

When we pray with confidence, we draw nearer to God than ever before. It’s as if He leans in, bending His ear to hear every word we speak. That nearness is a beautiful reminder of the relationship God desires to have with us.  

Here’s a thought to carry with you: “The greatest tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but un-offered prayer.” 

Unanswered prayer is a matter of interpretation. Sometimes God’s answer is no, sometimes it is wait, sometimes it is yes. God answers in the way that is best for us.

Un-offered prayer is a matter of lack of faith. We do not ask, because we do not believe there is any point to it.

A great prayer life is a matter of faith. He waits everyday to hear from you. 

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