Author: londavis@hotmail.com

John 11:21-24 tells us the story of Lazarus’ death and the response of his two sisters. Devastated by her brother’s death, Martha told Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.” Hearing this, she replied, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

Do you see it? She had enough faith for yesterday. She said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” She had enough faith for tomorrow, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection.” But where was her faith for today? 

Her pain revealed what she was missing. She lacked faith for today. It is not enough to have faith for yesterday and tomorrow; we need faith for today.

One of the reasons we all love the “good old days” is because they do not require faith—they are done! But to also make today one of the good old days, we need faith for now. Faith gives us hope and strength. It allows us to trust in God’s plan even when we cannot see the outcome. 

When Martha and Mary saw their risen brother, they realized that Jesus was worthy of their faith for today! Like Martha and Mary, we all need faith for today.

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

Today’s Scripture is Romans 15:13.  

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

God does not intend for us to just have a little bit of hope; He wants us to overflow with it. This hope comes from trusting in Him and allowing the Him to work within us. When our hope overflows, it is not just for our benefit—it touches the lives of others, inspiring them and lifting them up. Hope becomes a powerful force, stronger than any obstacle we face.

If you’ve ever faced a serious health issue and needed to see a doctor, there’s one word you long to hear above all else: “hope.” It brings comfort and strength. On the other hand, the most difficult word to hear is “hopeless.” It drains the spirit and leaves us fearful.

 Hope gives us strength when things are tough. It allows us to keep moving forward, even when the path is unclear. God’s hope fills us so completely that it cannot help but spill over, affecting those around us in positive ways.

Living with overflowing hope is a choice, one that comes from trusting God’s promises and knowing He is in control. Let your life be a beacon of that hope today.

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

Our Scripture today is Mark 9: verse 23.

“If You can?” echoed Jesus. “All things are possible to him who believes!”

In Mark 9, we see a desperate father seeking help for his son. He explains to Jesus that his son has been tormented by an evil spirit since childhood, which has often tried to harm him by throwing him into fire or water. In his plea for help, the father says, “If You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”

Jesus’ response is powerful and almost incredulous: “‘If You can?’ echoed Jesus. ‘All things are possible to him who believes.'” It’s as though Jesus is asking, “What do you mean, ‘if I can?’ Of course, I can!” 

Jesus wants the Father—and us—to understand that there is no room for doubt when it comes to His power. Our fears or uncertainties do not limit his abilities.

Too often, people doubt the power of Jesus. Like the father in this story, we can come to Him with a mix of hope and hesitation, wondering if He can really help us. But Jesus makes it clear: He has the power to do anything. 

We are called not to doubt, but to trust in Him fully. All we need to do is come to Him with genuine faith and believe that He is more than able to meet our needs.

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

Our Scripture is 2 Corinthians 10:5.

“We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

This passage contains a teaching that, when understood, will help you live a righteous life. Paul tells us to “take captive every thought.”

The phrase “take captive every thought” is a call to be intentional about what we allow to dwell in our minds. You may think you can’t help what you think about, but that is not true. When you find bad thoughts coming into your mind, think about something else—something good. The good thoughts will drive out the negative thoughts.

It’s not just about letting thoughts passively come and go but rather capturing them, evaluating whether they align with righteousness, and if not, letting your mind focus on other things.

In a world full of distractions, doubts, and negative influences, our minds can easily be pulled in directions that distance us from living as we should. Unchecked, these thoughts—whether they be worries, temptations, or false beliefs—can grow and take root in our hearts, affecting our decisions and actions.

To take a thought captive means to hold it up against the teachings of Jesus and ask, “Does this thought align with who Christ is? Is it loving, truthful, and filled with faith? Or is it fearful, prideful, or self-centered?”

Turn your thought of worry into a prayer of trust. Turn your self-condemnation into a reminder of God’s grace.

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

Today Scripture is Exodus 14:14,

“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

There are times in life when anxiety seems to take over. Perhaps you’ve faced a situation where you didn’t know how things would turn out—maybe it was a health scare, financial trouble, or a family crisis. In these moments, it can feel like the walls are closing in, and no matter how hard you try, there’s no clear way forward.

Our verse today offers us two great thoughts for such times.

First, it reminds us of divine support. Life can be full of challenges, and sometimes we feel like we’re carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders. But this verse shows us that we are never alone. When we go through hard times, God is with us, ready to help. His presence offers strength and comfort when we feel overwhelmed.

The second is the call to “be still.” To be still means to stop worrying and trust that God is in control. Often, we think we need to act immediately or fix everything ourselves, but sometimes the best thing to do is remember that God is our helper. He will “fight for you.” So, let go and let God.

When life feels chaotic, remember that stillness that invites God to work on our behalf. He has our backs! We don’t have to face our struggles alone.

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

The Great Promise

Our Scripture today is Revelation 21:4

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Over the years, I’ve been part of many groups and classes where people are asked, “What is your favorite Bible verse?” It’s always interesting to hear which verses have captured people’s hearts. Often, you’ll hear familiar ones like “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” from Philippians or John 3:16, “For God so loved the world.”

Yet, in 50 years of preaching and teaching, I’ve never heard anyone choose Revelation 21:4.

One writer beautifully said, “The beauty of Scripture is that it speaks to our hearts at the very moment we need it most.” This verse, in particular, offers a deep well of comfort. When we’re young, life often feels full of health and promise, but as we grow older, grief inevitably becomes part of our journey. We face sickness, and eventually, we all say goodbye to someone we love. In those moments, this verse shines brightest.

Revelation 21:4 reminds us of the hope we have in Christ: a day is coming when God Himself will wipe away every tear, and death, pain, and sorrow will be no more. This is our Great Promise, made possible through Jesus.

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

Today’s Scripture is Mark 3: verse 35.

“For whoever does the will of God is My brother and sister and mother.”

In this verse, Jesus explains that His true family is made up of those who do God’s will. It’s not about blood relations, but about obedience. When we choose to follow God’s plan, we enter into a spiritual family with Christ. This shows that obedience to God’s will is a foundation of our relationship with Him. It’s a choice that leads us closer to Jesus, connecting us as His brothers and sisters.

Obeying God’s will isn’t always easy. It requires trust, patience, and sometimes giving up our own desires. As one writer said, “We are all pencils in the hand of God, doing His will.” When we surrender to His guidance, He uses us for His greater purpose. Just like a pencil in the hand of a writer, we are part of God’s work, even if we don’t always see the big picture.

Being in God’s family means aligning our lives with His will. In doing so, we experience His love and guidance more fully. This is what Jesus invites us to when He calls us His family.

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

Our verse today is Titus 2:7

“In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works.”

One of my earliest memories of going to church was when I was five years old. My family attended the South Park Church of Christ in Beaumont, TX. There was a man who always sat in a big chair on the platform. I wasn’t quite sure what his role was—perhaps he led prayers. When you’re five, you don’t always understand everything. He had white hair and a long white beard, and to my young mind, there was no doubt: this man was Jesus. 

Later on, we started attending a different church, and that man wasn’t there. It bothered me, even as a child, to go to church where “Jesus” didn’t seem to be. Of course, I was confused, but I was only five. Still, the principle holds true—never go to church where Jesus isn’t present.

We can’t determine who is with Jesus based on someone’s appearance, like their white hair or long beard. I once went into a restaurant with a deacon who had a long white beard. A little kid saw us, pointed, and said, “Santa Claus!” You might recognize Santa by his beard, but we see godly people by their actions and beliefs.

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

Our text today is Matthew 22: verses 17 and 21:  

“So tell us what you think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” Jesus replied, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” 

If you had the chance to pose a question to Jesus, would taxes be at the top of your list? It seems that disdain for taxes has been a timeless sentiment, echoing through the ages and still resonating strongly in America today. We’re faced with a dizzying array of taxes: income tax, sales tax, property tax, payroll tax, self-employment tax, capital gains tax, excise tax—and let’s not forget the estate tax that comes up after death.

While these taxes can feel overwhelming, there’s an even more insidious tax we pay—one that doesn’t come with a receipt. I call it the “Gotta Have It Now Tax.” This is perhaps the most foolish tax we incur. It’s an invisible fee we willingly pay when we prioritize instant gratification over thoughtful spending.

Think about it: whether it’s shelling out extra for expedited shipping, succumbing to impulse buys, or opting for convenience at the expense of cost, this tax quietly siphons away our hard-earned money every time we let impatience take the wheel.

The symptoms of this tax are glaringly obvious: empty bank accounts and mounting credit card debt. But fear not! There’s a remedy rooted in wisdom. Here it is: Save a little for a rainy day!

Proverbs 21:20 reminds us:  

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

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

Today’s scripture is Deuteronomy 6: verse 7. 

“And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

The them this verse is clear—God’s Word. This verse calls us to ensure that our children, and our families, know God’s Word and make it the foundation of their lives.

Teaching children can sometimes be a challenge, but it must be done. Dads, if you aren’t sure how to reach your child, ask their mom. Not all dads have to, but I surely did.

Our kids, Janet, Ginger and Jeremy, were so engaged with the Word that they would weaponize it for their arguments. Ginger, at 13, would lash out at her 8-year-old brother with Ephesians 6:1: “Children, obey your parents.” 

Jeremy would respond with Proverbs 6:16: “God hates a lying tongue.” Neither of them was especially disobedient or dishonest, they just used scripture as their defense!

Over time, I was able to teach them the deeper, true application of these verses. Now, years later, though they no longer live in my house, I’m still committed to guiding them in God’s Word. That is my calling from Deuteronomy 6. And it’s your calling too.

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

It was Thursday night and Jesus knew that this time tomorrow he would be dead, at least, as we think of death. So, he told his disciples, “I am going away to prepare a better place for you.”

That Scripture is John 14:2-3.

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

He went to prepare a place for you and me too, but do you really want to go? 

I’m reminded of the street preacher who always used the line, “Do you want to go to heaven?” Of course, people always said yes. One day he stopped a man and asked, “Do you want to go to heaven?” The man immediately said, “No!” 

He never heard that answer before so he responded, “you don’t want to go to heaven when you die?” The man said, “When I die? Yes. I thought you were getting up a load to go right now.”

I get it. We like where we are. 

The first lines of a poem say, 

“If God hath made this world so fair,
Where sin and death abound,
How beautiful, beyond compare,

Will Paradise be found!”

God made our world wonderful, but have you ever stopped to consider how much better paradise will be? Jesus went to prepare it as our eternal home. Where we’ll never grow old.

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

Today’s Scripture is Psalm 32:8.  

“I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

This verse reminds us of the intimate care God offers as He guides us through life. His counsel is not distant or cold, but full of love and attention. He doesn’t just tell us what to do; He watches over us with tenderness, making sure we stay on the right path. This is the meaning of “I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” He doesn’t counsel us and then turn his back on us.

It’s easy to feel lost or uncertain, but this verse assures us that God is personally invested in our journey. His loving nature means that we are never forgotten or abandoned. God loves each of us as if we were the only one.  This is the heart of His guidance—it’s personal, kind, and constant.

When we trust in God’s counsel, we find peace, knowing that He sees more than we do. He knows what’s ahead, and His love ensures that He will lead us safely. The question we must ask ourselves is, are we willing to trust His love and follow where He leads?

Today, whatever happens, remember God is watching. Not to find your faults, but to see your needs.

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

Today’s Scripture is Matthew 1:5-6:  

“Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king.”

When reading the Bible, have you ever skimmed over genealogies, assuming they have little relevance? It’s easy to overlook their significance, but if you slow down, you’ll see powerful stories hidden in the names. Take this passage, for example. 

King David’s grandmother was Ruth, a Moabite, someone who wasn’t even Jewish. Her loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi is one of the Bible’s most moving moments. Ruth told her, “Wherever you go, I will go; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.”.

Even more astonishing is King David’s great-grandmother, Rahab. Once a prostitute in Jericho, she showed great faith by protecting Israel’s spies, securing her place in God’s unfolding story. 

Two women from different backgrounds, one who ate from charity and one a prostitute in Jericho, both considered outsiders, became the grandmother and great-grandmother of the great King. By the way, we don’t know the name of his mother, just his grandmother and great-grandmother. 

These two women teach us that God works through the unexpected to accomplish His purposes.

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

Turning Gifts into Blessings

Our Scripture today is First Peter 4: verse 10
As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.

“Whatever gift he has received,” is an interesting phrase. It means that we don’t all have the same gift. Peter says that plainly in the following verses.

“If anyone speaks, he should speak…
If anyone serves, he should serve…

If you have the gift of speaking, then be a speaker. If you are a gifted server, then serve. Use the gift God has given you. If you have a special talent for singing, then sing. If you are a great cook, then use that gift too. If you are whatever, then use that whatever you have been gifted.

Notice that he says of the gift you have, that you are a “steward.” That means that God has given you that gift to hold for him.

Use your talent because you were made for that purpose.
Use your talent because God is lending it to you to use.
Use your talent because you will not reach your full potential until you do.
Use your blessing to bless.

As a wise man said, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” Our gifts have greater value when we use them for the good of others.

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

Today’s Scripture is 1 Corinthians 13:13: “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love.”

In Luke 15, we read the beautiful story of the Prodigal Son. This young man took his inheritance, journeyed to a distant land, and wasted it all. Broke, hungry, and living in a pig pen, he longed to return home but believed he had ruined his chance. His faith in himself was shattered. He had no hope for anything more than being accepted as a servant in his father’s household.

But something greater than faith or hope remained. As he approached, still a long way off, his father saw him, ran to him, and embraced him. Not as a servant, but as his son. What caused this amazing welcome? The answer is found in today’s verse. Love—the greatest of all.

When faith falters and hope seems lost, love stands strong. In this parable, we are the prodigal, and God is the father. No matter how far we wander, when we turn back to Him, He greets us with love beyond measure.

There is no mistake, no failure, and no pig-pen that can keep us from the Father’s love.

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

Today’s Scripture is Nehemiah 8:10.

“Then Nehemiah told them, ‘Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.'”

I love the story of the little mouse that climbed up on the back of an elephant as they walked along a road. When they crossed a bridge, the entire structure shook under their weight. As they reached the other side, the mouse said to the elephant, “Boy, we really shook that bridge, didn’t we?”

Maybe you’re facing a tough day, or perhaps things are going well.

Regardless of what lies ahead, we’re all riding with God. Like the mouse on the elephant, we often feel small and overwhelmed by the challenges we face. Yet, it’s not our own strength that carries us through, but God’s. His joy is our strength, just as Nehemiah reminded the people of Israel.

In life, we may not be the ones shaking the bridges, but with God by our side, we have the strength to cross them. So, don’t be afraid—rejoice in the Lord’s strength today.

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

Today’s Scripture is Ephesians 5:21.

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”

This verse lies at the core of Paul’s teachings on relationships, particularly emphasizing the bond between husbands and wives. This verse calls for mutual submission—a deep expression of respect that is crucial for any loving marriage. It advocates for a balance where each partner honors the other, not out of duty but driven by their reverence for Christ and each other.

John Gray’s insights resonate with this Scripture. He notes, “When men and women are able to respect and accept their differences, then love has a chance to blossom.” This statement highlights that genuine respect within a marriage stems from acknowledging and valuing each other’s unique contributions and perspectives. Such respect is not just an ideal but a practical pathway to deeper love and understanding.

In this light, Ephesians 5 is not merely instructive; it deepens marital bonds. Through practicing mutual submission, husbands and wives actively demonstrate their love and respect for one another, reflecting the selfless love Christ has for the church. This shared commitment fosters a partnership rooted in mutual respect, where both individuals support and uplift each other in their spiritual journey. Such a relationship not only fortifies the marital bond but also serves as a compelling testament to God’s design for marriage.

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

Today’s Scripture is Proverbs 22:3:

“The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences.”

As I read this verse, I’m reminded of a time when my son was in first grade. He got it into his head that he wanted to jump out of a plane with a parachute. Now, when you’re six, that’s not going to happen. So, being Jeremy, he grabbed the biggest trash bag he could find and climbed up onto the roof of the house. Holding the bag over his head, he jumped. You can guess how that turned out. Sitting on the ground afterward, he wondered why his makeshift parachute didn’t work.

The following week, his class played the parachute game at school—where the kids grab part of a large parachute and bounce a ball around. It was the first time he saw a real parachute up close, and he noticed that it had a hole in the middle. In his mind, the problem was solved. When he got home, he grabbed another trash bag, cut a hole in it, and jumped again. You can guess how that ended.

Now, back to today’s verse. “The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going.” I’ll give my son a pass—he was only six. But how many times have we adults been guilty of the same thing, ignoring the warning signs and charging ahead, thinking we know better? 

This verse reminds us of the importance of being alert and cautious. As George Santayana once said, “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.” If we ignore the lessons around us or fail to recognize danger, we only bring trouble upon ourselves. 

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

Our Scripture today is Ephesians 6:4  

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

I remember this verse from my teenage years. It was the first Bible verse that I ever abused. My Dad did something that made me upset, and I remember thinking, “He is violating the Bible. Ephesians 6:4 says, ‘Fathers, provoke not your children unto wrath.’”  

I’m not making that up. I took solace in thinking that he would have to answer for upsetting me. It was a classic case of going to the Bible to find a proof text for what I wanted it to say.  

So what is the point? Here it is: Before you make a teaching out of a verse, even a personal teaching, you should take the time to understand what it means.  

Today’s verse is not a call to make sure that fathers never do anything that upsets their children. The verse tells fathers to bring up their children to know and follow the instructions of the Lord.  

Before we try to use any verse of the Bible as a “proof text” for what we believe, we must make sure that we know what the verse is teaching.  

That great thought is a call to be daily students of the Bible.

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

Today’s Scripture is Psalms 32:8-9.

“I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding; they must be controlled with bit and bridle to make them come to you.”

In these verses, we find a comforting promise from God, paired with a strong warning. God pledges to guide us, offering not only instruction but also vigilant oversight. This promise encapsulates His readiness to lead us through life’s complexities, provided we are willing to listen and follow His counsel.

Yet, the following verse presents a hard alternative: if we choose not to heed His guidance, we risk being treated like unthinking animals, needing bits and bridles for direction.

This imagery is powerful and clear—without understanding and willingness, we relinquish the gentle guidance of God’s hand, only to face harsher measures to bring us back to the path.

This dynamic mirrors the truth of the saying, “Fools do eventually, what wise men do immediately.” God’s invitation is to wisdom—to respond to His guidance promptly, and avoid the painful lessons reserved for those who delay obedience.

Choosing to listen to God’s direction can spare us much hardship and will align us more closely with His will and peace.

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