Author: londavis@hotmail.com

Today’s Scripture is Proverbs 29:21.  

“If a man pampers his servant from youth, he will bring grief in the end.”

When we spoil someone early on, whether it’s a child, a servant, or anyone under our care, we may think we are being kind. However, Proverbs warns that pampering without correction or discipline leads to long-term problems. People who are spoiled often struggle with responsibility and self-control later in life. They may grow to expect the world to cater to them, which can bring grief to both them and those around them.

Discipline and guidance are necessary for growth. Without it, bad habits can take root, and those habits are hard to break. That’s why it’s important to set boundaries early on. As one writer said, “Indulgence makes the heart grow discontented.”

Proper discipline shapes a person’s character. It teaches them to face challenges and make decisions that benefit not just themselves but those around them.

Obviously this text makes a reference to the truth that we should not pamper another person, but this lesson equally applies to applying discipline to ourselves.

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

Today’s Scripture is Proverbs 23:12.  

“Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.”

This verse reminds us of the importance of being open to learning. It’s not just about listening with our ears but also opening our hearts to instruction. In a world where it’s easy to rely on our own thinking, God calls us to seek instructive actively. Learning is not something that happens by accident. It requires effort and a willingness to learn, that helps us develop our skills and abilities.

The value of seeking knowledge is that it leads to personal growth. We are always learning, and that should never stop. We need to step outside of our comfort zones to truly understand the world around us. We need to seek instruction from others. As a poet said, “If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you’ll learn things, you never knew, you never knew.”

Applying our hearts to instruction means being humble and realizing that we don’t know everything. When we listen carefully, both to God’s Word and to others, we become wiser and more prepared to handle life’s challenges.

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

Today’s Scripture is Proverbs 22:29.

“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.”

Many people want to be really good at something and appreciated by their friends. Today’s verse tells us how to make that happen. The verse highlights a truth we often see in life: those who are diligent and apply themselves rise above others who do not. It’s not just talent that leads to success, but consistent hard work. The person who shows commitment and puts in the effort will be noticed. They won’t be hidden in the background but will be called forward for greater opportunities.

This reminds me of the saying, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” Even if someone has natural abilities, if they don’t apply themselves, they may never reach their full potential. Meanwhile, a person who may not be as naturally gifted, but is diligent in improving their skills, will often surpass the one who relies solely on talent.

God created each of us with different talents and abilities, but it’s our responsibility to develop those gifts and use them well. Diligence and effort bring long-term rewards, and God honors those who faithfully apply themselves.

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

Today’s Scripture is Philippians 4:5:

“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”

At some point, you’ve probably heard someone say, “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” This saying highlights how kindness and gentleness get better results than being harsh or confrontational. It reminds us of the power of patience, kindness, and gentleness in our relationships.

Gentleness isn’t about being passive or weak; it’s about having the strength to stay calm in the heat of the moment. It’s the ability to choose peace over pride. And here’s the beautiful part: when we act with gentleness, His nearness is reflected in our gentle responses. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Think about that for a moment. The thing that could have escalated into conflict is defused by a simple, gentle answer.

This is how we show the world that Christ is near—not by loud proclamations, but by quiet actions that speak louder than any words. Gentleness is a choice. Choose gentleness.

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

Today’s Scripture is Philippians 3:13-14.

“Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal.”

Imagine driving a car, but instead of looking through the windshield at the open road ahead, you’re glued to the rearview mirror. You’re so focused on what’s behind you that you miss the turns, the scenery, and even the path you’re supposed to follow. Life can feel like that sometimes. We get stuck looking back at our past mistakes, regrets hanging over us like a heavy fog. But just like driving, it’s hard to get anywhere if you’re constantly looking behind you.

Paul understood this when he wrote Philippians 3:13. He admitted he hadn’t reached perfection but was determined to keep moving forward. He knew the past couldn’t be changed, but the future was still wide open. He says, “Forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead.” That’s the key—letting go of the past so we can fully embrace what God has in store for us.

Think of it like turning the page of a book. “You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one.” Each day is a new page, a fresh start, and a chance to live in God’s plan for your future. Don’t miss the story He’s writing for you by holding on to old regrets.

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

Today’s Scripture is Proverbs 31:10-12.

“Who can find a wife of noble character? She is far more precious than rubies. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will lack nothing of value. She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life.”

Not every political slogan is a winner. Some fizzle out the moment they hit the airwaves, while others stick like glue to the national psyche. Take 1964, for example. The Republican candidate for President proudly rolled out the line, “In Your Heart, You Know He’s Right.” Not to be outdone, the Democrats fired back with a cheeky rebuttal: “In Your Guts, You Know He’s Nuts.” Political sparring at its finest.

But for me, the greatest slogan of all time came not from a political campaign but from my own wife. Somewhere in the 1970s, Liz decided that I should run for President. Never mind the fact that I wasn’t even old enough to run. And the best part? She created a slogan for my campaign: “Davis Will Save Us.”

Now, why do I consider this the best slogan ever? It wasn’t because it made any headlines or swayed the masses. No, it was because it made me feel like admired in my own home. And when a man feels admired by the person who matters most, that kind of approval can make him feel like he could actually save the world.

So, here’s the question: Who in your life needs to feel admired today, and what simple words could make them believe they can move mountains?

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

Today’s Scripture is Psalms 100:3.

“Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.”

Back in the 1800s, a man named Samuel was a rancher in Texas, but he had a peculiar way of doing things. While all the other ranchers carefully branded their cattle to show ownership, Samuel refused. Maybe he thought it was too much trouble, or maybe he just liked being different. Either way, it created some confusion. Eventually, whenever a cowboy found an unbranded cow wandering the prairie, they figured it must belong to Samuel Maverick.  

Before long, Samuel’s last name became more than just a name—it became a word. A “maverick” came to describe anyone who refused to follow the rules, someone who did things their own way.

Now, we might admire that independent streak, and even as Christians, some folks like to think of ourselves as “mavericks”—doing faith on our own terms, walking our own path, and expecting others to adjust. But here’s the thing: as believers, we don’t get to go through life unbranded. We belong to God.  

Following Christ isn’t about independence or doing things our own way—it’s about surrender. It means recognizing that we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. It’s not about expecting others to adapt to us, but about aligning ourselves with Christ and letting His love shape how we live.  

The next time you feel the urge to go your own way and do things on your terms, remember: we’re already branded. We are His, and that makes all the difference.  

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

Our Scripture today is Jeremiah 31:3:  

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.”  

Have you ever felt inferior? If so, this verse is for you.  

Let me start by mentioning Alfred Adler, a renowned psychologist and founder of a well-known branch of psychology. He had countless achievements, too many to list here. But what’s more interesting is something profound he once said: *”To be human means to feel inferior.”*  

If someone as accomplished as Adler admitted to feeling inferior, it’s no wonder that you and I might feel the same at times. There will always be people who seem smarter, wealthier, or better looking.  

But here’s the thing—so what?  

Two thousand years ago, The Son of God Himself carried a cross to a hill and chose to die there. He did it for you. He saw you as worth dying for. Who are you to argue with that?  

Whatever today brings, hold onto this truth: you are deeply loved by a God who has never stopped being faithful to you. Your humanity may make you feel small, but with God on your side, you are never insignificant.  

As He promised, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.”  

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

Our verse today is Genesis 9:24-25:  

“When Noah awoke from his drunkenness and learned what his youngest son had done to him, he said, ‘Cursed be Canaan! A servant of servants shall he be to his brothers.’”  

Why did Noah call down a curse on Canaan? Here is the story.  

One of Noah’s sons, Ham, saw his father drunk and lying inside his tent. Instead of quietly helping, he went and told his brothers. In response, his brothers took a blanket, walked in backward, and covered their father so they wouldn’t see him naked. When Noah woke from his drunken state, he called down a curse on Canaan.  

Canaan was cursed because he was Ham’s son. It saddens me to hear people say, “It’s my life.” No, your actions affect others—often your children or loved ones suffer the consequences of shameful behavior. A drunkard father leaves a poor example for his children. Life already brings enough challenges without having to overcome a bad example.  

There is another lesson we can learn here. When Ham saw his father’s nakedness, he had the opportunity to cover him and stay silent. But instead, he exposed the situation by telling his brothers.  

This story teaches us how to respond when we see someone sin. If you can help, do so. But avoid spreading unnecessary information. If Ham had responded righteously, his brothers would never have known.  

So remember, do what you can—and don’t gossip about it.  

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

Our Scripture for today is 2 Kings 5:11:  

Naaman went away angry and said, “‘I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy.’”

Naaman was a great general, wealthy, and admired. He had everything, but he also had leprosy—a disease with no cure and a painful death. Upon hearing about a prophet who might heal him, Naaman went to see him. However, when God’s servant told him what to do, “Naaman went away angry.”  

He needed God’s help, and God offered it, but Naaman stormed off because the help wasn’t what he expected. People still do that today!  

We ask God for help and then get upset when the help isn’t what we had in mind. Naaman was happy for God to handle his problem but had already decided how God should do it. He wanted a dramatic display—the waving of hands and calling on God’s name—not a simple act like dunking in the Jordan River. He thought he knew better than God how things should be done.

There’s a bit of Naaman in each of us. Sometimes we pray for God’s help, but then we tell Him what needs to be done and how to do it. Even when we don’t say it out loud, we have an idea in our minds of how He should act.

Real trust simply says, “Help,” and leaves the rest to God.

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

Today’s Scripture is Luke 12:19.  

“And I will say to myself, ‘You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and be merry.’”

In this verse, Jesus tells the story of a rich man who thought his wealth would secure his future. He believed that his full barns and stored-up goods meant he could relax and enjoy life without any worries. But the problem is, he was focused only on this life and forgot about eternity. He made the mistake of thinking that his possessions could bring lasting security.

This is a warning to all of us who might be tempted to live only for today and forget about what’s really important. As one writer said, “Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.”

What we do with our time, resources, and lives matters for eternity. Our lives are more than just the years we spend on earth. Let’s remember that there is more beyond this life and live in a way that reflects eternal values.

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

Our Scripture today is 1 Peter 4:8.

“Love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

One of the curses of being the oldest child is having kids before your siblings and listening to them tell you how to raise your child. You hear famous words like, “When I have kids, they will not…” One of the joys of being the oldest child is watching your younger siblings have children and seeing those children do exactly what their parents said they would never do. It is easier to discipline and control other people’s children better than you can your own.

The story is told of one man who was called to bail his son out of jail. As he left for the jail, a nosey neighbor said, “If he were my kid, I’d leave him in jail.” The father answered, “If he were your kid, I’d leave him in jail too.”

To understand the principle behind this, one needs to read 1 Peter 4:8, “Love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” The reason my kid’s sins are not as bad as your kid’s sins is because I love my kids and “love covers a multitude of sins.” It is the way of love to look past faults and imperfections.

All relationships grow or die because of the truth in this verse. We love our kids, our spouse, our parents, or our friends so that we can “cover” their sins, that is, not stare at them too long. 

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

Our Scripture for today is Revelation 19: verses 6 and 7. 

“Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready.”

Can you imagine that incredible wedding? We, the Church, are the bride, and we spend our lives getting ready for that wedding. It will be the most glorious celebration ever, beyond anything we can dream of. And that’s saying a lot because humans have quite the imagination!

Think about some of the most extravagant weddings in history. The royal wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana in 1981 was iconic and lavish. In today’s money, it would have cost about $110 million. The Mittal-Bhatia wedding in 2004 cost $60 million, and in 2011, Prince William and Kate Middleton had a wedding priced at $34 million. These are extravagant, but imagine the wedding described in Revelation 19 – the marriage of the Lamb and His bride.

Those were surely amazing, but we all have a grand wedding to look forward to, the one God prepares for us. When the end comes, and this old world fades away, “the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready!” That bride is you and me!

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

Today’s Scripture is Matthew 25:39-40.

“When did we see You sick or in prison and visit You?’ And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’”

In this passage, Jesus teaches us the value of even the smallest acts of kindness. He tells us that when we care for others, especially those in need, it is as if we are caring for Him. Often, we think that serving God means doing something big or heroic, but Jesus reminds us that our everyday acts of compassion matter immensely in God’s eyes. Whether giving something to eat, something to drink, something to wear, or visiting someone who is sick—these actions are meaningful to God.

As one poet said, “Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day.” This is the heart of what Jesus is saying here. It’s not about waiting for the perfect chance to do something grand; it’s about recognizing the value in the small, simple acts we can do every day.

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

Today’s Scripture is Matthew 25:27. 

“Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received it back with interest.”

Does God care whether we turn dimes into dollars or dollars into dimes? Absolutely. Today’s verse makes that very clear.

As God’s children, we have a responsibility to take the blessings He has given us and help them grow. When God gives you a dime, nurture it until it becomes a dollar. When He gives you people, cultivate those relationships. When He gives you time, turn it into something meaningful.

In this passage, Jesus speaks about “talents,” and for years, I mistakenly read this as a reference to special abilities. But a “talent” was a unit of currency—a measure of wealth. Jesus is speaking directly about those blessed with resources. His message is that we must use and multiply the gifts God entrusts to us.

The important point isn’t the exact return, but our willingness to use what we have. The parable isn’t about burying our resources in fear or complacency but about stepping out in faith to foster growth, however that looks. God isn’t demanding financial multiplication—He’s asking for active stewardship.

In other words, use what God has given you today to make tomorrow better.

I love this quote: “What God has given you is His gift to you. What you do with it is your gift to God.”

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

Today’s Scripture is James 3:13.  

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”

Wisdom is not just about knowing things. True wisdom is shown through actions. It’s easy to say we are wise, but what really matters is whether we do what a wise person would do. Are our actions showing the wisdom we claim to have? James tells us that wisdom is seen in our good conduct and humility. The way we treat others, the decisions we make, and the way we handle challenges all reflect whether we are truly wise.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.” This reminds us that actions speak louder than words. We can talk about wisdom all day, but if our actions don’t line up with our words, people will notice. It’s not enough to claim wisdom; we must live it out every day.

In a world full of words, let your actions speak for you. Show the wisdom God has given you through humility and good deeds. Let your life be a testimony to the wisdom that comes from Him.

___  

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

Today’s Scripture is Revelation 21:5.

“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Then He said, ‘Write this down, for these words are faithful and true.'”

I read this verse about “all things new” and I remember the poem that says, “I wish there were some wonderful place called the land of beginning again.” 

When I hear those words, I think, “Don’t we all?” At some point in life, we’ve all messed up. We’ve disappointed someone or failed to keep a promise. Somewhere along our journey, there is something we wish we could do over—to get it right this time.

Maybe it wasn’t someone else you let down. Maybe it’s yourself you wish you could have done better for. How many times have you heard, “I wish I knew then what I know now”? If you could go back, what would you change? Many people say they wish they had loved more deeply, forgiven more easily, taken more chances, and prioritized relationships over success.

But sometimes, words like these can just sound like empty clichés. Instead of just dreaming about what you would do differently if you could go to the “land of beginning again,” why not decide what you will do differently right here, right now?

Start doing the things you know you should have done before. The “land of beginning again” isn’t far away—it starts here, it starts today.

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

Today’s Scripture is Numbers 23:19.

“God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?”

The beauty of God’s promises lies in their certainty. Unlike human promises, which often fall through due to forgetfulness or changing circumstances, God’s promises are unbreakable. When God makes a promise, we can be sure that He will fulfill it. He does not change His mind or fail to act on His word. This brings us comfort, especially in times of doubt or difficulty.

Often, we struggle with patience, expecting God’s answers to come immediately. But remember this: “God always keeps His promises. They may not come when you want them, but they will come in His perfect timing.” When we rest in His faithfulness, we find peace knowing that everything is unfolding according to His wise plan.

God’s perfect timing means that He knows when the right moment is to act. What may seem like a delay to us is actually part of His careful plan to bring about the best outcome. Trusting in His timing is a part of trusting in His character—knowing that He loves us and will act at the right time.

In a world full of uncertainties, we can rest assured that God’s promises will never fail.

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

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Today’s Scripture is First Corinthians 16: verse 14.
“Let all that you do be done in love.”

Love is easy when life is smooth, but true love shines in difficult times. The real test of our love is how we respond when things are hard. This is where our verse challenges us. When Paul tells us to do all things in love, he doesn’t mean just when it’s convenient or when people are kind to us. He means all the time—even in moments of frustration, fear, or pain.

It’s in these tough moments that we need to remember: “Love is when you choose to be at your best, even when the other person is not at their best.” This quote reminds us that love gives purpose to the hard parts of life. Without love, we are just going through the motions, but with love, every challenge has meaning.

Imagine a world where love guides our actions in every circumstance. When a friend lets us down, when a coworker frustrates us, or when life feels unfair, love becomes the anchor that steadies us. Choosing to act in love during these times is not only an act of obedience to God, but it also brings peace to our own hearts.

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

Today’s Scripture is Joshua 1: verse 9.  

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Facing fear with faith is easier said than done. Life brings unexpected challenges, and fear often creeps in during those moments of uncertainty. This verse is a powerful reminder that God has not just encouraged us to be brave; He has commanded it. The Lord tells Joshua—and us—to take courage, knowing we are not alone.

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” This quote reflects the heart of Joshua 1: verse 9. When we can’t see how things will work out, when the path ahead seems hidden or even dangerous, God asks us to trust Him anyway. Just like Joshua standing on the edge of the Promised Land, we might not have all the answers, but we can move forward, knowing God goes before us.

 As one writer said, “Faith and fear both demand you believe in something you cannot see. You get to choose.” 

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