Category: Uncategorized

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today’s Scripture is Psalms 100:3.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Scripture today is Jeremiah 31:3:  

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

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

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

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

But here’s the thing—so what?  

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

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

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

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

Our verse today is Genesis 9:24-25:  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Scripture for today is 2 Kings 5:11:  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today’s Scripture is Luke 12:19.  

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

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

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

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

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

Our Scripture today is 1 Peter 4:8.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today’s Scripture is Matthew 25:27. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today’s Scripture is James 3:13.  

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

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

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

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

___  

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

Today’s Scripture is Revelation 21:5.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today’s Scripture is Numbers 23:19.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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

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

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

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

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

Today’s Scripture is Joshua 1: verse 9.  

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

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

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

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

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

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.