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Fallen and Restored

Our reading for today is Psalm 23:3. But first verse 1 says, “The Lord is my Shepherd.”

And now, verse 3:

“He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name.”

Do you know what a “Cast” sheep is? When sheep wander or stray they will sometimes find themselves unable to find their way home. If it gets tired and falls down,  because of the way its body is shaped, the center of gravity shifts. The legs can’t reach the ground properly, and the sheep begins to panic, kicking helplessly. The sheep can actually die if the shepherd doesn’t come quickly.

As a shepherd, when David says, “He restores my soul,” he may have had this exact picture in mind. A shepherd who sees a cast sheep doesn’t scold it—he gently rolls it over, massages its legs, and helps it stand again. That is what God does for us. When we’ve fallen, when life has knocked us flat, when we’re stuck and can’t get back up, He comes to us with restoring grace.

I think that’s why this verse feels so personal. We all have moments when we feel “cast down,” as though hope has left us and we’re too weak to rise. Yet our Shepherd doesn’t leave us there. He restores. He lifts. He steadies. And He sets us again on the right path.

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

Our reading today, Psalm 23:2.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.”

This passage assures us that Jesus is our Shepherd and we are his sheep.

But David begins with green pastures. Sheep need grass for food, but also for rest. A barren hillside will not sustain them, nor will rocky ground bring comfort. Each day, the shepherd seeks out a meadow, a soft and nourishing place where his flock can eat and stretch out in safety. That’s what Jesus does for us. He knows we need daily bread—not only for our bodies but for our souls. He leads us to His Word, to His presence, to places where our hearts can be fed and our lives refreshed.

Then David points us to still waters. Sheep fear fast-flowing streams. Their heavy wool can soak quickly, and a slip into rushing water could mean death. So the shepherd does not lead them there. He finds quiet pools, safe places where they can drink without fear. That is what our Shepherd does when life overwhelms us. He does not push us into chaos but guides us to calm. He leads us to peace instead of panic.

Yes, our Shepherd knows our needs. He gives us food for strength, rest for our bodies, and peace for our souls.

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

A Bible school teacher asked the children to go home and memorize the 23rd Psalm. On the following Sunday, she asked the kids for a volunteer to recite the Psalm. No one volunteered until finally one little girl raised her hand. In a small voice she began, “The Lord is my shepherd.” She paused, hesitated, and finally said, “And that’s all I know.” The teacher responded, “When you believe that, that is all you need to know.”

David didn’t say, “The Lord is a shepherd,” or “The Lord is like a shepherd.” He said, my shepherd. Personal. Intimate. The Creator of galaxies stoops low enough to guide sheep—sheep like you and me.

Sheep aren’t known for their brilliance. They wander and get stuck in places they shouldn’t be. Yet the Shepherd doesn’t shame them. He leads them. Feeds them. Fights for them. He knows their names and hears their cries.

To say “I shall not want” isn’t to claim a life without hardship. It’s to declare that in every valley, every shadow, every storm, we are not alone. Provision may not come in the form we expect, but it always comes. 

When fear whispers, “You’re forgotten,” the Shepherd shouts, “You are mine.” When doubt says, “You’re not enough,” He reminds us, “I am.”

Always remember, the Shepherd walks ahead. And behind. And beside. You lack nothing—because you have Him.

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

Our reading today is Luke 11:1.

“One of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray.’”

Simple words. Profound request!

Prayer isn’t instinctive—it’s learned. Like tying shoes or saying “thank you,” someone shows us how. Maybe your first prayer was whispered at bedtime: “Now I lay me down to sleep…” Or maybe it was a nervous grace before Thanksgiving dinner. Either way, someone taught you.

Jesus’ disciple saw something in the way the Master prayed—something worth imitating. He didn’t ask, “Teach us to preach,” or “Teach us to lead.” He asked, “Teach us to pray.”

Why? Because prayer is the language of faith. Let me say that again, “Prayer is the language of faith.” It is what faith does.

Faith doesn’t always shout. Sometimes it simply sighs, “Help me, Lord.”  

I wouldn’t dare say, “If you don’t pray, you don’t have faith.” That feels harsh. But I will say, “If you have faith, you will pray.”  

Not necessarily like Daniel—three times a day, facing Jerusalem. Not always on your knees for an hour. But you’ll pray.  

Because faith talks. And God listens.
God is your Father. You are His child. And children talk to their father.

So go ahead. Speak. Whisper. Cry. 
Just pray. It’s what faith does.

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

Our thoughts for today are based on John 1:43-49.

Jesus was from Nazareth, but Nathanael was unimpressed. He asks, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Nathanael’s question wasn’t born of malice but of doubt. When Philip invited him to meet Jesus, Nathanael didn’t hide behind polite pleasantries. And when Jesus saw him approaching, the Lord’s words rang with approval: “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!”

That word “guile” carries weight. Guile is the art of deception, the practiced smile that masks a scheming heart. Guile whispers sweet lies while harboring bitter intentions. It’s the serpent’s specialty—twisting truth just enough to plant doubt. Judas knew guile well; his kiss of betrayal was filled with guile.

But not Nathanael. What you saw was what you got. His skepticism was genuine, not calculated. His questions were real, not rhetorical weapons. When he met Jesus, he surrendered. No pretense. No games. Just an honest heart.

God treasures such authenticity. He doesn’t demand perfection, but He does desire genuineness. The world applauds image, but Jesus celebrates integrity.

Nathanael’s legacy whispers an invitation: live without guile. Let your words match your heart. Let your private thoughts align with your public proclamations. Speak honesty. Choose transparency over tactics.

In a world drowning in spin and half-truths, be a Nathanael. Let Jesus look at you and smile, saying, “Here stands one in whom there is no guile.”

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

Our reading for today is Luke 2:52.

“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”

Have you ever wondered what Jesus was like as a child? We get glimpses of Him as a baby in Bethlehem and a boy in the temple at twelve, but beyond that, the Bible is quiet. Except for today’s verse. Just one line, yet it carries the weight of His entire growing-up years. It may seem like a passing detail, but look closer—it is more than that.

Luke tells us that Jesus grew in four ways. First, in wisdom. His mind expanded, and He learned how to handle knowledge with care. Second, in stature. He grew taller, stronger, as every child must. Third, in favor with God. His heart reached upward, stretching closer to the Father. And fourth, he grew socially. He wasn’t just heaven’s Son—He was Mary’s boy, Joseph’s helper, a neighbor, and a friend.

Life is the story of growth. To live well is to keep learning, to care for our bodies, to walk with God, and to show kindness to others. Jesus showed us how. He didn’t wait for heaven to live fully—He practiced wholeness here, step by step, year by year.

The question is, will we do the same? We all have strengths, but we also have weaknesses. Some feed the mind but forget the body. Some nurture health but neglect the soul. Others pray well but struggle with people. True growth means facing those weak spots and giving them to God.

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

Our reading for today is Matthew 13:31-32.

“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man planted in his field. Although it is the smallest of all seeds, yet it grows into the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.”

This verse is a Kingdom truth, but it isn’t just a Kingdom truth. It’s a life truth. It colors every part of your life, from finances to relationships and all things in between.

I once sat across from a father drowning in debt. His income was strong, but his savings were nonexistent. “Can you save a dime from every dollar?” I asked. He shook his head no. Too much, too fast.

I changed the question and asked again. “Can you save one penny out of every dollar?” He quickly affirmed that he could. He was wrong! If he could NOT save a penny. He would not be able to save a dime. 

Don’t underestimate the power of small. A whispered prayer. A kind word. A single step in the right direction. God delights in beginnings that seem too small to matter. Zechariah asked, “Who dares despise the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10). The answer? Not us. Not today.

So plant your mustard seed. Save your penny. Speak your encouragement. The birds will come. The branches will grow. And you’ll marvel at what God can do with what you almost didn’t start.

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

(Inspired by Mark 2)

The house was packed. Jesus was teaching, and the crowd pressed in like sheep around a shepherd. But outside, four men carried a friend whose legs had long forgotten how to walk. Their mission? Get him to Jesus.

But the door was blocked. The windows were jammed. The crowd was immovable.

Most would’ve turned back. “We tried,” they’d say. “Maybe next time.” But not these men. Their love wouldn’t let them quit. So they climbed. They tore through the roof. Dust fell. Heads turned. And then—lowered by ropes and hope—a man on a mat descended into the presence of mercy.

Jesus paused. He looked up. He saw not just a broken body, but bold faith. And He healed.

The miracle began not with a word, but with a choice: Don’t quit.

Faith doesn’t always walk through open doors. Sometimes it climbs roofs. Sometimes it digs through obstacles. Sometimes it refuses to say, “Let me know if you need anything,” and instead says, “I’m here, and I’m not leaving.”

Because real faith finds a way.

Not an excuse.

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

Our reading today is John 1:35-39, 43

The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus walking by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” And when the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.

Jesus turned and saw them following. “What do you want?” He asked.

They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are You staying?”

“Come and see,” He replied.

The next day Jesus decided to set out for Galilee. Finding Philip, He told him, “Follow Me.”

In this text, two curious disciples trail behind the Lamb of God. Jesus doesn’t ignore the hesitant footsteps. He turns. He sees. He speaks.They don’t know what to say, so they ask, “Where are You staying?” Not a theological question. Not a request for proof. Just a desire to be near Him.

And Jesus? He doesn’t hand them a map or a manual. He simply says, “Come and see.”

That’s how faith begins—not with answers, but with presence. Not with certainty, but with invitation. Jesus notices the seeker, even when the seeking is clumsy. He welcomes the heart that longs to be close.

Then, in verse 43, He finds Philip and says, “Follow Me.” No prerequisites. No resume. Just a call to walk with Him.

This is the rhythm of grace: Jesus sees, invites, and leads. He doesn’t demand perfection—He offers Himself. He calls you to follow Him.

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

Our reading for today is Matthew 4:9-11

Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “All this I will give You,” he said, “if You will fall down and worship me.”

“Away from Me, Satan!” Jesus declared. “For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’” Then the devil left Him, and angels came and ministered to Him.

The devil’s last temptation was bold. He pointed to the kingdoms of the world and whispered, “It can all be Yours—just bow down.” He offered Jesus a crown without the cross and glory without sacrifice. Jesus knew better. There are no shortcuts to greatness!

I love how He handled it. No debate. No bargaining. Just three words: “Away from me.” Temptation doesn’t need a discussion; it needs a dismissal. 

Then came the angels. After the desert, after the hunger, after the struggle, God sent the angels. That’s how God works. Strength comes after resistance. God’s comfort follows faithfulness. He doesn’t leave His children stranded in the wilderness.

So what do we learn? Don’t look for shortcuts. Worship only God. Reject the devil. Speak firmly to temptation. Lean on the Word. And trust that God’s help will come.

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

Our reading for today is Matthew 4:7.

“Jesus replied, ‘It is also written: Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Jesus was reaching back to Deuteronomy 6:16, where Moses reminded Israel, “Do not test the Lord your God as you tested Him at Massah.” Do you remember Massah? The people were thirsty. Their mouths were dry, their hearts were fearful, and instead of remembering the God who parted seas and rained down bread, they looked at their need and doubted His presence. They asked, “Is the Lord among us or not?” (Exodus 17:7).

That is the meaning of testing God—demanding proof when His promises should be enough. It’s like putting God on trial. “Lord, I’ll believe You, but only if You do this for me.”

But real faith doesn’t bargain. Real faith trusts. Jesus understood this when Satan dared Him to jump from the temple roof. He wouldn’t play games with His Father’s love. He didn’t need another sign. He had His Father’s word, and that was enough.

And isn’t that where we struggle too? We whisper, “Lord, if You fix this, then I’ll trust You.” But faith doesn’t wait for conditions to be met. Faith stands on God’s word even when the circumstances are dry.

Trust Him. Don’t test Him.

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

Our Bible reading from Jesus is John 13:34-35

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

A father once received a call no parent wants: his son was in jail. As he headed out the door, a neighbor muttered, “If he were my kid, I’d leave him there.” The father replied, “If he were your kid, I would too.”

Love changes everything.

It’s easy to critique from a distance. Easy to say, “My kids will never…” until your toddler throws a tantrum in aisle five. Love doesn’t make us blind—it makes us merciful. It sees the mess and chooses grace.

Peter knew this. He wrote, “Love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

Love covers. Not ignores. Not excuses. But covers—with patience, with forgiveness, with hope.

Parents thrive when love covers. Spouses endure when love covers. Friendships heal when love covers.

Read that verse again. This time, pause after “covers.”
“Love each other deeply, because love covers…”

Yes, it does. Love covers the broken promises, the sharp words, the long nights. Love covers… whatever.

And that, dear friend, is how we live together in grace.

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

Quoting Jesus: Matthew 5:14.

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.”

This can be hard. The preacher’s Sunday began with a missed alarm and a coffeemaker that forgot its calling. He stumbled into the day, shirt half-buttoned, heart half-ready. Then came the thump-thump of a flat tire, the smear of grease on his collar, and the flashing lights of a patrol car after a missed stop sign.

“License and registration,” the officer said.

The preacher grumbled, fumbling through frustration.

The officer smiled gently. “I know how you feel. I used to have days like that, before I met Jesus.”

Ouch.

It’s easy to shine when the sun is out and the coffee is hot. But what about when the tire’s flat and the patience is thinner than the preacher’s tie? That’s when the verse from Matthew 5, whispers its challenge: “Let your light so shine before men.”

God doesn’t ask for perfection. He asks for presence. He doesn’t expect us to float through life untouched by traffic tickets and tangled mornings. But He does invite us to respond with grace. To let our light flicker, even when the wind howls.

So today, if your coffee’s cold and your plans unravel, remember: your light matters most when the darkness tries hardest.

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

Quoting Jesus – Matthew 4:4

Jesus stepped into the wilderness. Forty days without food. His stomach empty. That’s when Satan showed up. Not with horns and a pitchfork, but with a whisper: “Turn these stones into bread.” A simple fix. A shortcut. A temptation tailored to the moment.

But Jesus didn’t reach for bread. He reached for Scripture.

“It is written,” He said. Not “I feel,” not “I think,” but “It is written.” The Word of God was His weapon. His shield. His sustenance.

“Man shall not live by bread alone.” Bread fills the belly, but not the soul. We need more than carbs; we need God’s Word.

He continued, “But by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” That’s our nourishment. That’s our strength. That’s our hope.

And notice when Satan came: when Jesus was hungry. Weak. Vulnerable. That’s his strategy. He doesn’t tempt us when we’re strong. He waits until we’re vulnerable. Then he whispers.

But don’t let him win. When temptation knocks, answer with truth. When weakness creeps in, lean on the Word. Remember, God’s promises are stronger than Satan’s lies.

You’re not alone in the wilderness. The Word walks with you.

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

Our reading for today is Matthew 6:33-34.

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow…”

We love the verse. We frame it, quote it, underline it. But when the pantry is bare and the bills stack high, it feels more like a distant hope than a present comfort.

Habakkuk knew that feeling. He said, “Though the fig tree does not bud… though the fields produce no food… yet I will rejoice in the Lord.”

That’s not denial. That’s defiance—holy defiance. A soul that says, “I will trust, even when I cannot trace.”

I’m older now. I’ve seen God show up in ways I never expected. But I’ve also felt the silence. The ache. The “My God, why have You forsaken me?” moments.

Even Thomas doubted. Even Jesus cried out. 

So what about you? What storm are you facing? What fig tree refuses to blossom?

You may not choose your storm, but you can choose your stance. Choose joy. Choose trust. Choose to say, “Yet I will rejoice.”

Because the struggle is temporary, the kingdom is eternal. And the King? He’s already working on your tomorrow.

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

In John 11, Jesus stood before the grave of His friend. The stone was still in place. The grief was fresh, the loss still raw. Lazarus had been gone four days. The air was heavy with sorrow and death.

“Take away the stone,” Jesus said.

Martha hesitated. Her words carried both love and doubt: “But, Lord… by this time there is a bad odor.”

Did she think He didn’t know? Or was it just too big to believe? Sometimes we’re like Martha. We long for God to work, but the problem smells too bad, feels too far gone. We remind Him of the impossibility—as if He needs reminding.

Jesus answered, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

Then came the miracle. With a loud voice He called, “Lazarus, come out!” And the dead man came—still wrapped in grave clothes but alive.

We remember that God said he is still “able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). Yet how often do we not ask… or even think?

The world may doubt. Some believers may hesitate. But we serve a God whose compassions never fail, whose faithfulness is new every morning. The stone still moves. The dead still rise. And the glory of God still shines. You can count on it!

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

Our reading today is Matthew 20:28.

“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Ransom is a tender word. To ransom is to redeem, a buying back, a restoring of something precious at a price. The Savior didn’t arrive with royal fanfare or demanding a throne. He came with the gentle hands of a servant, giving all for our redemption.

There is a story told of a little boy and his treasured toy boat. He spent months building, carving, and shaping it. His fingerprints pressed upon every inch. When it was ready, he set it afloat on the river. Delighting in his creation, he would watch, then retrieve the boat and start all over. One day, the waters swept it away. The boat was lost, and the boy’s heart ached.

Days passed. He spotted his boat in the window of a resale store. Joy mixed with longing. “That’s my boat!” he told the shopkeeper. But shopkeeper told him he’d have to pay to get it back. With determined steps, he brought his savings, paid the price, and with boat in hand said, “You are mine twice—once, because I made you; twice, because I bought you back.”

That is our story? Crafted by God, lost, and pursued. Finally, eedeemed, bought back by Jesus. 

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

Our reading for today is about the Prodigal Son.

“Finally he came to his senses and said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have plenty of food, and here I am starving to death! I will get up and go back to my father’… So he got up and went to his father.”

You know his story. A young man with a pocketful of cash and a head full of dreams leaves home, only to find himself knee-deep in regret and empty pockets. But before we shake our heads at his foolishness, let’s pause to see the one thing he did exactly right.

In the midst of his mess, Luke says, “He came to himself.” That’s more than self-awareness—it’s soul-awareness. He realized where he was and where he needed to be. Then came the words, “I will get up and go to my father.” And he did. He didn’t put it on next week’s calendar. He didn’t wait for better weather. He arose and went.

Indecision is the thief of opportunity. Maybe you’ve been circling a choice, knowing deep down what God is calling you to do. Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Don’t stall until the courage comes. At least in this one area, be like the Prodigal son, do it now!

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

Half a century ago, when I first heard the phrase, “Life begins at 80,” it meant less to me than it does now that I am 80. This was the story of Moses and how his real story began when he was an old man. But maybe it began long before. Was it when his mother placed him in the Nile? When he grew up in Pharaoh’s palace? Or when he fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian? No!

Moses’ story began in the heart of God. He looked down on His people—broken, enslaved, crying out—and decided to send a deliverer. Among six hundred thousand Israelites, there were surely strong leaders, gifted speakers, bold warriors. But God chose a shepherd who had been hiding for forty years. A man slow with words, reluctant to lead, and quick with excuses.

Four times, Moses told God why he couldn’t do the job. Four times God answered. Finally, Moses simply said, “Please send someone else” (Exodus 4:13). But God didn’t.

Why? Because God isn’t looking for the most impressive résumé. He’s looking for a willing heart—even if it starts out unwilling.

Moses didn’t choose the task. The task chose him. And somewhere along the way, in the middle of fear and resistance, his life began at 80.

Maybe God is calling you a work. Maybe you’ve been ignoring Him. Maybe you’re waiting until you’re “ready.” Don’t. Whatever your age—30, 50, or 80—your story can begin today. And the best part? You won’t go alone. God will walk with you as he did with Moses.

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

Our reading today is Luke 14:13:

“When you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, and you will be blessed.”

Years ago, Liz and I had a little game. We called it “Who Would You Invite?” The rules were simple: If you could invite anyone from history to dinner, who would it be? There was one catch—no Bible characters. Otherwise, the table would always fill with God, Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. So we left room for George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, maybe and Albert Einstein. It was harmless fun, the kind you play with a smile.

But time has a way of changing the game.

If I played it today, my list would be different. Now, it would be my wife of 55 years, my brother and his wife Sherry, and their son, my dear friend Doug. That would be a wonderful meal, but now they’re all waiting for me in eternity. 

There’s a saying I love: “Every day is a ‘good old day’ when you have enough faith to realize it.” Today counts. So does the dinner you share tonight, no matter who’s at your table.

And as for the feast that awaits us? That one won’t be here. It’ll be when we get Home.

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