God is Good

The verse for today is from Nahum:

“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.” (Nahum 1:7)

Hard times come when we least expect them. Some days, it’s just little things going wrong. On other days, it feels like everything is falling apart. Nahum reminds us of something we need to hear: “God is our safe place, our refuge!”

A refuge is like a strong shelter in a storm. When life gets hard, God is where we can run. He never changes, never leaves, and never stops loving us. The world may feel uncertain, but He is always steady.

But this verse isn’t just about where to go when we’re in trouble—it’s about who God is. He is good. Not just sometimes, and not just when life is easy. He is good all the time. Even when life feels unfair, God’s goodness never changes. That’s why we can trust Him.

And He cares for us, not in a far-off way, but in a close and loving way. He sees what we go through. He understands when we’re afraid, tired, or overwhelmed. He doesn’t just notice—He helps.

So remember this: when life gets tough, you don’t try to handle it alone. Run to God. He is your safe place, and He is always there for you.

By the way, when you hear someone say, “God is good. God is good always.” You will know that thought came from Nahum 1:7.

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

A Good Fish Story

The Quote for today is from Jonah:  

“In my distress, I called to the LORD, and He answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead, I called for help, and You listened to my cry.” (Jonah 2:2)  

Jonah knew what rock bottom felt like—literally. He had been swallowed by a great fish, trapped in darkness, buried beneath the waves of his own disobedience. He had run from God, but he could not outrun grace. From the depths, he cried out, and God listened.  

We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Maybe not inside a fish, but inside a season of despair. A place where our own choices, our fears, or the storms of life have swallowed us whole. And in that place, we face the same choice Jonah did—stay silent in our misery or cry out to the One who still hears.

What Jonah discovered is what we must remember: God listens even when we don’t deserve it. His mercy isn’t earned; it’s given. And He doesn’t just hear our voices—He answers. It may not always be the answer we expect, but it will always be the one we need.

If you find yourself in distress today, call out. No matter how far you’ve fallen, God is still near. Jonah learned that lesson in the belly of a fish—let’s learn it before we sink that far.

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

Our Unchanging God!

Our Scripture for today is:

“For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.” – Malachi 3:6

In a world where everything seems to shift beneath our feet—where relationships evolve, circumstances change, and our own emotions waver—one truth remains constant: God is unchanging.

When Malachi delivered these words, Israel was in spiritual turmoil. The people had turned from God, questioning His love and justice. Yet they endured, not through their own merit, but through His unwavering faithfulness. This same promise extends to us today. If God’s love depended on our performance, we would all be lost. Instead, His mercy endures because constancy is His nature.

Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites often referred to God as “The God of Abraham” or “The God of Jacob.” —Perhaps this reminded them that the same God who guided their ancestors was still with them. This truth still helps us. The God who parted the Red Sea, who sustained Israel in the wilderness, who guided David, and who spoke through the prophets is the same God who walks with us today.

Take a moment to reflect on your own journey. Remember the storms He’s carried you through, the prayers He’s answered, the grace He’s shown. In your current challenges, rest in this truth: His love hasn’t diminished. His power hasn’t weakened. His promises haven’t expired. He is the same God and He is there for you.

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

Jesus on Love

The Scripture for today is:  

“By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:35  

Love is the mark of a disciple. Not theology degrees, not church attendance, not a list of moral achievements—just love. Jesus made it simple but not easy. He didn’t say, “They will know you by your sermons.” He said they will know you by your love. Sermons and rules and morals are important, but it is by our love that we are known.  

Love is what sets us apart. When people see patience where there could be irritation, kindness where there could be bitterness, and grace where there could be condemnation, they recognize something different. They see Jesus in us.  

The world is watching. They are looking at how Christians treat each other, how we handle disagreements, and how we respond to those who offend us. Jesus didn’t say it’s about loving those who agree with us. He didn’t say we should only love the people who make it easy. He said love one another. That includes the difficult, the frustrating, and the ones who get under our skin.  

Love is not weakness. It’s not soft or passive. Love is the most powerful force on earth. It changes people, heals wounds, and bridges gaps that nothing else can. And when we love the way Jesus calls us to, the world sees the true mark of a disciple.

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

Hosea: On Sowing

The Quote for today is from Hosea: 

“For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind” (Hosea 8:7).

In the quiet corners of our lives, we often find ourselves planting seeds? Not the kind with roots and leaves, but the seeds of our choices, our words, our actions. 

Hosea, with the poetic precision of a prophet, reminds us that the harvest mirrors the sowing. When we plant the wind, chasing after fleeting, empty pursuits, we invite into our lives the chaos of a whirlwind.

Consider this: every decision we make, every step we take, is like a seed dropped into the soil of time. 

If we sow carelessness, we shouldn’t be surprised when we harvest confusion. 

If we indulge in selfishness, we’ll gather a storm of loneliness. 

But here’s the grace in Hosea’s warning: the soil of our lives is forgiving. If we choose to plant seeds of kindness, integrity, and love, we can expect a harvest of peace, joy, and community.

Imagine your life as a garden. What have you been sowing? Perhaps it’s time to pull out the weeds of haste and plant seeds of patience. To replace the thorns of anger with the blossoms of forgiveness. Hosea’s words aren’t just a caution; they’re a call to action. A call to sow wisely, knowing that the whirlwind of consequences is not just a possibility—it’s a promise.

So, let’s tend our gardens with intention. Let’s sow seeds that will grow into the kind of harvest we’d be proud to share. Because in the end, the life we cultivate is the life we live. 

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

King David’s Challenge

The Quote for today is from King David:  

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8)  

Picture a feast spread before you—rich, inviting, full of goodness. The aroma alone stirs your appetite. But instead of tasting, you simply admire, discuss, maybe even take pictures. How foolish! A meal is meant to be savored, not just observed.  

David invites us to a feast of faith. “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Not just look. Not just talk. Taste. Experience His goodness for yourself. Trust isn’t built from a distance; it’s born in the moments when we take refuge in Him.  

David knew this firsthand. He faced giants, enemy armies, and his own failures. Yet every time he turned to God, he found safety—not the absence of danger, but the presence of a faithful God.  

What about you? Will you simply admire from afar, or will you step forward and taste? Don’t let fear or doubt keep you from experiencing Him. His goodness isn’t a theory; it’s a reality waiting to be lived.  

Taste it in prayer. See it in life’s unexpected blessings. And when the storms come, take refuge in Him. His goodness isn’t just a promise—it’s a place to dwell.  

So, come to the table. Taste. See. You’ll find the Lord isn’t just good—He’s everything you’ve been searching for.  

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

A Quote from Jeremiah

The quote for today is from Jeremiah: 

“Ah, Sovereign Lord, I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” (Jeremiah 1:6)

Have you ever felt unqualified for something God placed in your path? Maybe you’ve thought, “I’m not experienced enough,” or “I don’t have the right words.”

 Jeremiah felt the same. When God called him to be a prophet to the nations, his first reaction was to point out his youth and inexperience. He didn’t see himself as ready or capable. But God wasn’t looking for perfection—He was looking for willingness.

Jeremiah’s hesitation is a mirror for many of us. We see our limitations, but God sees our potential. He doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called. Right after Jeremiah’s protest, God assures him, “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you” (Jeremiah 1:8). The focus shifts from Jeremiah’s inability to God’s sufficiency.

It’s comforting to remember that God’s work in us isn’t about our qualifications—it’s about His power through us. So, when you feel too young, too old, too inexperienced, or too broken, remember Jeremiah. God can use anyone who is willing to say “yes,” even when they feel like saying “I can’t.”

What do you need to do today? Trust that God will give you the strength, the courage and the help when the time comes.

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

Samuel Again!

I don’t often circle back to the same scripture. But today, I’d like us to linger a little longer on a verse from Samuel. It says:

“Only fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things He has done for you.” – 1 Samuel 12:24

I love that phrase: “Consider what great things He has done for you.” It’s simple, but it carries the weight of a lifetime.

In nearly fifty years of ministry, I’ve sat through more elders’ meetings than I can count. They involve lots of decisions, plenty of prayers, and yes, plenty of challenges to navigate. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve been knee-deep in some tough situation when I’ve had to say, “Guys, we’ve handled tougher things than this.” Maybe it was a financial struggle, a church conflict, or an unexpected setback. And you know what? That little reminder always seemed to shift the atmosphere. A bit of strength would slip back into the room, and we’d remember—we’ve been here before, and God saw us through.

Life’s like that, isn’t it? You hit a rough patch, and it feels like the hardest thing you’ve ever faced. But if you stop and look back, you’ll see a trail of battles you’ve already won—not because you were strong, but because God was faithful. 

If you’re young, you might not have many of those stories yet—but you’re building them now. Trust me, one day you’ll look back and see the fingerprints of God all over your journey. And if you’ve walked with God for a while, you’ve got a history with Him. You’ve seen Him show up when you needed Him most. And the same God who helped you then is standing in your corner now.

So whatever you’re facing today, pause and reflect. Look back at the battles won, the prayers answered, the doors opened. Then step forward, knowing the same God who carried you before will carry you again. Just take a moment, breathe deep, and “consider what great things He has done for you.”

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

A Word from Samuel

The quote for today is from Samuel: 

“Only fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things He has done for you.” – 1 Samuel 12:24  

There’s something powerful about the word “consider.” It invites us to pause, to reflect, to remember. Samuel wasn’t just offering a suggestion; he was giving a roadmap for living a life rooted in gratitude and faithfulness.  

Imagine Samuel standing before the people of Israel, his voice steady but filled with urgency. They had demanded a king, drifting from their trust in God, yet Samuel reminded them: “Don’t forget who has been with you all along.”

And isn’t that a word we need today? Life pulls us in every direction—work, worries, relationships, ambitions. But Samuel’s wisdom cuts through the noise: “Pause. Look back. Remember.” Hasn’t God carried you through storms you thought would drown you? Hasn’t He opened doors you didn’t even know existed? When you reflect on His faithfulness, it stirs something deep—faith, reverence, love.  

To fear the Lord isn’t about trembling in terror; it’s about standing in awe of His goodness, His power, His mercy. And when that awe takes root in your heart, service becomes a natural response. You want to serve Him—not out of obligation, but from a heart overflowing with gratitude.  

So today, take Samuel’s advice. Consider the great things God has done for you. Let that reflection shape your heart and your actions.  

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

A Quote from Haggai

The quote for today is from Haggai:

“Give careful thought to your ways.” (Haggai 1:5)

Let me paraphrase this verse. Stop and think it through. That is a practical verse!

Sometimes, life moves so fast we barely pause to think about where we’re going or why we’re even on the path we’ve chosen. Maybe it’s rushing from meeting to meeting, juggling family responsibilities, or scrolling endlessly through our phones. Haggai’s words are a gentle but firm nudge from God to hit the brakes and take stock. Imagine God standing beside you, tapping you on the shoulder, saying, “Hey, have you really thought this through?”

We hustle through our days, checking off tasks, chasing success, but sometimes we still feel that nagging sense of emptiness. That’s when we need to hear Haggai’s words echoing in our hearts: “Give careful thought to your ways.”

This isn’t about guilt; it’s about grace. God isn’t pointing fingers; He’s opening doors. Grace means that even when we realize we’ve drifted off course, we have the chance to return. When we pause to reflect—on our priorities, our choices, and our relationship with Him—we find His arms wide open, ready to guide us back to what matters most: His presence, His purpose, and the things and people that really matter.

Take a moment today. Sit quietly. Maybe write down your thoughts or offer a simple prayer: “Lord, show me Your way.” You might be surprised at what He shows you.

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

A Quote from Joshua

Here’s a Scripture from Joshua.

Joshua 3:4  

“Keep a distance of about a thousand yards between you and the ark; do not go near it.”

To understand this, you need the backstory.

Forty years after leaving Egypt, Israel was finally ready to enter the Promised Land. They had crossed the Red Sea, traversed mountains and deserts, and now faced their last physical barrier—the Jordan River. But the river was swollen and dangerous, and two million people needed to cross. As they stood on the brink, God gave them specific instructions: follow the ark, but “keep a distance of about a thousand yards between you and the ark; do not go near it.”

At first glance, this command might seem odd. With urgency to cross, why did God tell them to stay two-thirds of a mile behind the ark?

God answered that question Himself:  

“Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before.”

They needed to see the ark lead the way, to follow a path already walked. It’s always easier to travel a road when someone has gone before you.

This isn’t just a lesson for crossing rivers; it’s a rule for life. Whether you want to be a baker, a banker, or a business owner, find someone who’s been there before. Learn from their steps.

Life is much harder when you try to walk it alone.

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

A Quote from Ezekiel

The Quote for today is from Ezekiel:

“I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 11:19)

Ezekiel spoke these words to a people in exile, far from home and hope. Their hearts had grown cold, as ours sometimes can when life wounds us. 

Disappointment has a way of hardening us. 

Betrayal builds walls. 

Grief makes it easier to withdraw, to protect ourselves from feeling too much. 

A heart of stone feels safe—after all, nothing can break what’s already hardened. But that was never God’s plan for us.

Through Ezekiel, God gives a powerful promise: He will replace what has become unfeeling with something new—something alive. A heart of flesh that beats with hope. It receives love and gives love in return. That’s what God offers when He says, “I will remove from you your heart of stone.”

What area of your heart has turned to stone? Is there a wound you refuse to let go of? A person you can’t forgive? A disappointment that’s made you stop believing things can get better? 

Ask God to remove the stone and replace it with something living, something real. A heart that beats in rhythm with His.

Take a moment today. Bend the knee. Read His word. Follow His plan.

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

A Quote from Amos

“Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” (Amos 3:3)  

Amos, a shepherd turned prophet, asked this simple question to illustrate a spiritual truth. Walking together implies unity. Two people cannot journey side by side if they are pulling in opposite directions. The same is true of our relationship with God.  

Amos spoke these words to Israel, a nation that had turned from God’s ways. Though they claimed to be His people, their disobedience had created a rift, making it impossible for them to walk in harmony with Him. God’s path was righteousness, but they had chosen rebellion. The distance between them wasn’t because God moved—it was because they did.  

This truth applies to our daily lives as well. Imagine two hikers on a trail, one wanting to take a shortcut while the other insists on following the map. If they refuse to agree, they will eventually part ways. The same is true with God—when we insist on our own way, we create distance from Him.  

In marriage, friendship, or church fellowship, unity is essential. Disagreements are inevitable, but unless we find common ground, our walk together will suffer. Relationships thrive when built on shared values and a commitment to truth.  

The key to walking with God is agreement with His Word—not just in knowledge, but in action. His direction is clear, and His steps are steady. If we find ourselves drifting, the solution isn’t to ask Him to adjust His course—it’s to align ourselves with His way.

So, take a moment to examine your walk. Are there areas where you are resisting God’s direction? In your choices, your relationships, your priorities—are you walking in agreement with Him? If you realize you’ve been moving in your own direction, don’t be discouraged. God invites you back into step with Him. Through prayer and time in His Word, you can realign your steps with His.  

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

A Quote from Daniel

Our quote for today comes from Daniel.
“My God sent His angel, and He shut the mouths of the lions.” — Daniel 6:22

Daniel’s night in the lions’ den was more than a miraculous escape—it was a testament to unwavering faith in God’s protection. Though innocent, Daniel faced a pit of peril, surrounded by ravenous lions symbolizing the treachery of those who sought his downfall. Yet by morning, the lions sat silent, their threats undone. Why? Because “My God sent His angel.”

How often do we find ourselves in modern-day dens? Financial stress, health crises, relational fractures, or self-doubt—these are the “lions” that circle us, snarling with anxiety and fear. Like Daniel, we might feel trapped, questioning if relief will ever come. But his story offers a profound truth: God’s faithfulness transcends our circumstances. The same power that hushed the beasts in Babylon still quiets the chaos we face today.

Notice Daniel’s response. He didn’t rely on his political savvy or beg for mercy. He didn’t even pray for escape. Instead, he trusted. His declaration, “My God sent His angel,” shifts the focus from human effort to divine intervention. Our security isn’t found in our ability to outthink, outwork, or outlast our struggles—it’s anchored in God’s promise to stand with us.

Are you facing a situation that feels insurmountable? A conflict at work, a crumbling marriage, or a heart heavy with regret? Take courage. God doesn’t always remove the den, but He will be with you in the den.

Today, if the roar of fear grows loud, remember Daniel. Pray not just for rescue, but for eyes to see God’s presence in the den with you. His help isn’t a distant hope—He’s an ever-present shield.

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

A Quote from Isaiah

The quote for today is from Isaiah: 

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” (Isaiah 6:8).  

Some questions change everything. They don’t just seek an answer—they seek a heart willing to respond. Today’s verse is one of those questions. 

Imagine a parent calling into a crowd of children, “Who will help me?” A hush falls. One small head turns. Tiny feet race forward. “I will!” No questions about the task. No weighing the cost. Just a heart eager to say yes—not because of what’s asked, but because of who is asking.  

That’s the scene in Isaiah’s vision—heaven’s throne room, fiery angels, a trembling prophet. God doesn’t demand or command; He simply asks, “Whom shall I send?” Unlike Moses, who protested his speech. Unlike Jonah, who ran. Unlike Gideon, who needed signs. Isaiah doesn’t stall or second-guess. He just answers. Raw. Immediate. “Here am I. Send me.” 

God still asks that question today. Not to the angels, but to you. To me. To the single mom exhausted from sleepless nights. To the retiree wondering if their best days are behind them. To the teenager unsure of their place in this world. To the executive drowning in busyness. God calls—not the qualified, but the willing. His call isn’t reserved for the resumé-ready. He doesn’t require ability, just availability. Isaiah didn’t know the where or how of his mission. He just knew the Who.  

Perhaps you’ve felt that nudge—a whisper to serve, forgive, speak up, or step out. Maybe you’ve hesitated, thinking, I’m not ready. Not good enough. Not brave enough. But God’s invitations aren’t about your capacity—they’re about His. Moses had a stutter. David was a shepherd. Esther was an orphan. Yet their “Here am I” changed history.  

When you hear His voice—in the quiet, in the chaos—don’t overthink it. Just answer. Because when God calls, He also walks beside you.  

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

A Quote from Joshua

Joshua’s verse for today is: Joshua 24:15
“If it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!”

Joshua’s words remind us that faith is a choice, not an accident. He said, “Choose for yourselves this day.” Every day, we stand at a crossroads, faced with distractions that pull us away from God. But like Joshua, we can boldly declare our allegiance. When he said, “As for me and my house,” he pointed to a truth we often overlook: faith shapes not only our lives but the lives of those around us. It’s a generational decision. When we serve the Lord, our homes become places where faith grows.

As a father with grown children, I can reflect on the blessings God has given me. I have a nice car, a great house, and all I need to enjoy life. But the greatest blessing I have is the love of my children and grandchildren. If I don’t have this, all else will seem empty, because blessings begin at home.

The greatest legacy we can leave is a household that serves the Lord.

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

A Quote from Moses

A Word from Moses

Moses—hero of the faith, deliverer of Israel, and the man who spoke face-to-face with God. To many, he’s the greatest prophet of all. But before he led a nation out of bondage, Moses was a man of doubts, fears, and second-guessing.

Imagine this: forty years in the palace, living like a prince. Then, in a single moment, his attempt to defend a fellow Israelite backfires, and he’s running for his life. Forty more years pass in the wilderness as a humble shepherd. A life far removed from royal courts and grand callings. Then, one day, a bush on fire, but not consumed, captures his attention. God’s voice calls out from the flames, giving Moses a mission he never saw coming—to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery.

And Moses’ first response? Doubt. “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11).

Can you hear it? That familiar voice of self-doubt? I can! Most of us have been there—standing at the edge of something big, feeling unqualified, unworthy, and just plain afraid. Psychologists might call it “imposter syndrome.” We simply call it being human.

But here’s the beauty in Moses’ story: God doesn’t chastise him for his hesitation. He doesn’t shame him or tell him to “get over it.” Instead, God meets Moses in his doubt with patience and assurance. He says, “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12). Those five words change everything. The weight of the task wasn’t on Moses alone—it never was. God promised His presence, His power, and His guidance.

And isn’t that just like our God? Patient, understanding, and steady. He doesn’t call us because we’re strong; He calls us because He is. Our doubts don’t disqualify us—they invite us to lean on Him all the more.

So the next time you feel inadequate for the task ahead, remember Moses. Remember that God doesn’t need perfect people, just willing hearts. And most of all, remember this: You are never alone. The same God who called Moses and walked with him, walks with you too.

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

New Series: Great Quotes

New Series: Great Quotes

One of my favorite things to read is a great quote. In fact, I like to keep them written down in a notepad. Here’s one I came across: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.”

This idea of collecting quotes has inspired a new series of daily thoughts. Over the next few weeks, I’ll share a meaningful quote from each of the individuals who helped author the Bible. The Bible was written by about 40 people over a span of 1,500 years, including Moses, Joshua, Matthew, Mark, and many others. This series will be a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the wisdom of these writers and perhaps even add their words to your own collection.

For today, I want to share a quote from Zechariah, a prophet from around 520 BC. He encouraged God’s people to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. It is found in:

Zechariah 7:13
“Just as I had called and they would not listen, so when they called I would not listen, says the LORD of Hosts.”

I love this thought because it reminds us that God desires a real relationship with us. He isn’t a genie in a bottle that we can summon when it’s convenient and then set aside. When we listen to Him when He calls, He promises to listen to us when we call.

Understanding this truth can transform the way we pray, read the Bible, and worship.

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

More About Jesus #6

More About Jesus #6

He Did Much with a Little

You remember the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 followers. In just a few words: Jesus fed a crowd of over 5,000 with just five loaves and two fish. Moved by compassion, He blessed the food, multiplied it, and provided more than enough for everyone. The miracle revealed His divine power, taught trust in God’s provision, and pointed to Him as the Bread of Life.

No story of the life of Jesus would be complete without a look at this story. Of all the miracles Jesus did, this is the only one that all four of the Gospel writers told. What was so great about it?

First, Jesus fed 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish. We would not even try such. That many people would require thousands of loaves and hundreds of pounds of fish!

Second, because of the great lessons it still teaches us: 

It teaches that God can do much with a little. The disciples doubted how such a small amount of food could feed so many (Mark 6:37). Yet, when they obeyed Jesus and trusted Him, they witnessed the impossible. This should encourage us to rely on God’s power rather than focusing on our limitations.

It teaches that great things begin with gratitude. What did Jesus do before he fed the crowds? He blessed the food. When you don’t have enough, thank God for what you do have. If you call on God in gratitude, he will work wonders.

One last interesting note: Jesus didn’t feed 5,000. It was many more. The Bible says that he fed “About five thousand men were fed, in addition to women and children.” (Matthew 14:21). He fed 5,000 men plus the women and children!Maybe it was 10,000 who were fed. No one knows! 

God always does more than we even know.

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

More About Jesus #5

More About Jesus 

For three years, Jesus ministered to all who wanted to hear God’s Word.  

His ministry was very localized. Most of His teaching took place in the area around the Sea of Galilee, with Jerusalem only 70 miles to the south. Samaria lay between these two places. If you had been in these areas, you might have seen or heard of Jesus. His worldwide fame began only after His death and resurrection, spreading through the teachings of His apostles and disciples.  

Jesus was a master teacher. As such, He often used stories to illustrate His lessons. We call these stories parables. One smart person described parables as earthly stories with heavenly meanings. For people who often could not read or write, these stories made it easier to remember the lessons He taught.  

Jesus willingly taught everyone. He taught Jews and non-Jews, also called Gentiles. He taught men and women, the rich and the poor. In fact, it was often the poor who were first drawn to Him. When He met the Samaritan woman at the well, she was shocked that He spoke to her—a Samaritan—and surprised that He would teach a woman.  

During His ministry, He spoke 30-40 different parables. He performed about 37 miracles. His first miracle was turning water into wine, but he even raised people from the dead. He performed his miracles by the power of the Holy Spirit.

These are just a small part of His story. For a truly meaningful experience, read the first four books of the New Testament. They share His life and teachings in vivid detail.  

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