Author: londavis@hotmail.com

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.

Today’s Scripture is Psalm 50: verse 21.

“These things you have done, and I kept silent; you thought that I was altogether like you; but I will rebuke you, and set them in order before your eyes.”

Our understanding of God can sometimes mirror a reflection of ourselves. We have heard many people say, “My God would not,” and then finish the sentence with their favorite subject. This is a silly comment. God is God, and it doesn’t change based on our wishes.

In this verse, God addresses the common error of assuming that God shares our thinking or that His silence on our actions is a nod of agreement. This misconception can lead us to think that we know God’s nature based on our own traits and experiences.

Mark Twain humorously noted, “God created man in his own image.” He then finished the saying with, “Man, being a gentleman, returned the favor.” This quote shows our tendency to shape God’s identity around our personal biases.

Psalm 50 cautions against creating a convenient version of a God who perfectly aligns with our wants and justifications.

God is God. He is distinct and not a projection of our thinking. You can read about Him in His book, the Bible.

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

Today’s Scripture is Genesis 2:24.

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cling to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

In Genesis 2:24, we find a profound declaration about marriage that speaks volumes about unity. When a man and woman marry, they are not just signing a contract or making a temporary commitment; they are merging their lives into one seamless entity. This union goes beyond sharing a home or family—it’s about intertwining souls and destinies.

Mignon McLaughlin once said, “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” This idea captures the essence of marital unity. It’s not merely about staying physically together, but about rekindling love day after day. It’s about seeing and appreciating your spouse anew, maintaining a vibrant connection that transcends the routine of daily life.

Unity in marriage, as described in Genesis, is not an automatic state; it’s a deliberate choice. It involves patience, understanding, and, most importantly, a ceaseless effort to nurture the bond that was vowed. As we reflect on this verse, let’s consider how we can foster a deeper unity in our relationships, honoring not just our commitments but the spirit of togetherness that marriage embodies.

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

Today’s Scripture is Proverbs 22: verse 6.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Over the years, I have seen many Christian parents fret about this passage. Their children messed up in life and quit following God. They read this text and say, “It must be my fault.”

Maybe it is, but maybe it is not. We are each free to make our own choices. So are our children. Proverbs is not a book of laws but a book of wisdom.

Adam and Eve knew God personally and still messed up spiritually. For three years, Jesus taught Judas and prayed with him. When Judas failed, it was not Jesus’ fault.

 So, what does this verse really teach? 

The wisdom of this Proverb highlights a profound truth about the impact of childhood training. From a young age, the guidance we provide our children with what we say and with what we do shapes their future. It’s about planting seeds of character and wisdom that grow with them.

Your child, like you, can still make their own choices, but by nurturing their young minds with love, God’s Word, and understanding, we lay a foundation that can help them through the tests of time.

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

 

Our Scripture today is Genesis 2:19.

“Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.”

Here, at the dawn of creation, God entrusts Adam with the significant task of naming the animals. This was not merely an assignment; it was the first act of biology, specifically taxonomy, the science of naming and classifying organisms.

What stands out in this passage is God’s deliberate choice to involve Adam in the creative process. God could have effortlessly named every creature Himself. Yet, He chose not to. Instead, He called upon man to do for himself, what he could do.

God still invites us to use our abilities, to cultivate knowledge, and to contribute meaningfully. Today, as in Eden, God equips us but also expects us to do for ourselves what we are capable of doing.

Adam could not create the animals, so God did it.
Adam could name the animals, so God told Adam to do it.

This partnership with God encourages us to grow, learn, and take responsibility. It calls on us to do what we can, and trust God to do for us what we cannot do.

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

Today’s Scripture is James 1:26.

“If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, he deceives himself, and his religion is worthless.”

Our words carry immense power, much more than we often realize. They have the capacity to heal or to harm, to uplift or to undermine. As believers, the words we speak reflect the state of our hearts and the authenticity of our faith. 

I love the quote from Maya Angelou who said, “When people show you who they are, believe them.” What you do is important, but James tells us that what we say is also important. What we say is an indicator of what is in our heart. Jesus said, “The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” (Luke 6:45).

Here James tells us about the importance of controlling our tongue. If we claim to be followers of Christ but fail to control our tongues, we not only deceive ourselves, but we also render our religion ineffective.

In other words, you can go to church, read your Bible, and take food to a sick person, but if you don’t guard your words, your religion is vain!

I don’t want my religion to be vain, so I resolve to guard my tongue a little better.

Besides, it would also cut down on my “I wish I hadn’t said that,” thoughts.

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

Dawn of Deathless Days

Today’s Scripture 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.” 

I’ve seen grown men cry. I’ve shed more than a few tears myself. Sometimes from pain, but usually through losing someone I love. I’ll bet you have too. If not, just wait a little. Death comes to every door. 

Today’s scripture speaks directly to us during times when we weep. It promises that one day, all causes of sorrow will be permanently removed. We will have a future where death does not loom, where mourning is no more, and tears are wiped from our eyes—not temporarily, but forever. This divine assurance highlights not just an end but a new beginning. 

As the philosopher Seneca once remarked, “The day which we fear as our last is but the birthday of eternity.” Listen to that again, “The day which we fear as our last is but the birthday of eternity.” That is really what Revelation 21:4 is saying, what awaits us beyond this life is not an ending but an eternal continuation free from all earthly burdens.

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

Our Scripture for today is James 1: verses 9 through 11.

“The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position. But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits.”

These verses seem counterintuitive. He seems to be saying that we ought to rejoice when we are poor, or as he says, “in humble circumstances.” How can this be possible? The country singer said, “I’ve been rich and I’ve been poor. Rich is better.” 

That is not what this verse seems to say. 

James is saying that you will be disappointed if you trust in wealth. Wealth passes away. I love the story of the man who asked about a friend who had died. He asked, “How much money did he leave his wife?” The answer? He left it all.

In the end, all we have is what we have in eternity. So, what we have here is nice, but what we really have is what God gives us in eternity. 

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

Today’s Scripture is Matthew 6:34:

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

In this verse, Jesus teaches us about the importance of focusing on the present. He reminds us that each day carries its own set of challenges and opportunities. Worrying about the future only diminishes our strength to handle today. Corrie Ten Boom wisely said, “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” This profound statement highlights the essence of Jesus’ message: to live fully today, embracing the moments as they come without being burdened by future uncertainties.

By concentrating on today, we allow ourselves to give our best to the tasks and relationships at hand. Each day is a gift, complete with its own provisions and joys, and when we trust in this daily sufficiency, we find peace and contentment. Jesus’ teaching encourages us not only to live more fully but to trust more deeply in the provision of each day as it comes, without borrowing trouble from tomorrow. 

When we get to tomorrow, we will find that God is already there and waiting for us.

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

Today’s Scripture is Matthew 6:34

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

In this verse, Jesus teaches us about the importance of focusing on the present. He reminds us that each day carries its own set of challenges and opportunities. Worrying about the future only diminishes our strength to handle today. Corrie Ten Boom wisely said, “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” This profound statement highlights the essence of Jesus’ message: to live fully today, embracing the moments as they come without being burdened by future uncertainties.

By concentrating on today, we allow ourselves to give our best to the tasks and relationships at hand. Each day is a gift, complete with its own provisions and joys, and when we trust in this daily sufficiency, we find peace and contentment. Jesus’ teaching encourages us not only to live more fully but to trust more deeply in the provision of each day as it comes without borrowing trouble from tomorrow.

When we get to tomorrow, we will find that God is already there and waiting for us.

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

Our Scripture today is Genesis 1: verse 1.

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

Every now and then, I stumble upon a thought so captivating that I must share it. Today, that thought is Genesis 1: verse 0. Yes, you read that correctly—Genesis 1:0. Have you ever considered the verse before Genesis 1:1?

It exists, but it requires the eyes of faith to see it. Here it is: Genesis 1: verse 0, “In the beginning, God was already there!”

This is evident because God created the heavens and the earth, so naturally, He existed before the beginning.

Skeptics might argue that this isn’t scientific. However, it is. As Christians, we might have debated the “Big Bang Theory,” but even that theory acknowledges a beginning—a start to time and matter. Genesis 1:1 states that God created time and matter. Therefore, it is logical to conclude that before Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning, God was already there.”

God does not begin when the beginning begins. He began the beginning!

There is a verse zero. You just need the eyes of faith to see it. 

Don’t make the mistake of locking God into the Bible. God is bigger than the beginning. In fact, the beginning came out of him.

Thanks to this unknown fellow who showed me Genesis 1:0.

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

Today’s Scripture is Isaiah 41:10.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

In this verse, God reassures us of His constant presence and support. One of the main takeaways is the promise of “Divine Strength.” This means that no matter what challenges we face, God is there to give us the strength we need to overcome them.

Life can be tough! Sometimes we feel weak and overwhelmed. But God promises to be our strength. As Psalm 73:26 says, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” This reminds us that even when we feel like we can’t go on, God is there to lift us up and give us the power to keep moving forward.

If we rely on God’s strength, we can face any situation with confidence. We don’t have to be afraid or discouraged because we know that God is with us, to help us every step of the way. Let’s trust in His promise and lean on His strength in our daily lives.

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

Today’s Scripture is Romans 12:2.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”

Renewing the mind is a vital part of living a Christian life. In Romans 12:2, Paul encourages us to avoid conforming to the patterns of this world. Instead, we should focus on transforming our thoughts and attitudes. This transformation allows us to understand God’s will better, which is good, acceptable, and perfect.

The quote, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he,” reminds us that our thoughts shape who we are. If we fill our minds with negativity or worldly ideas, our actions will reflect that. However, when we renew our minds with God’s truth, we can live in a way that honors Him.

To renew our minds, we can pray, read the Bible, and surround ourselves with uplifting influences. These practices help us think in ways that align with God’s desires for our lives. Doing so allows us to experience true transformation and live out our faith more fully.

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