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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.

Today’s Scripture is Exodus 20:12.

“Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”

In talking to people, you will find some who do not “honor” their parents because, “They don’t deserve being honored.” Perhaps not! Maybe they were terrible parents and you deserved better. However, we must remember that it is hard to live with someone for 15 or so years and not find some fault with them.

Even then, there are three reasons you should honor your parents.

1. Because of those times when they took you to the doctor, then they paid the bill. When you needed lunch money in the third grade, they gave it to you. When you needed shoes, they got them for you. You can finish this list, and it will go on and on.
2. Because God told you to honor them. Surely, you don’t think He got this wrong.
3. Because, even if they messed up when you were young, now it is not about them. It is about you!

One more reason to honor your parents. As one poet said, “Honor your parents and your children will honor you.” You should not doubt that we show our children how children should treat their parents.

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

Have you ever known someone who just would not be at peace with you? No matter what you did, it was always wrong! Romans 12:18 gives us instruction for such a time.

Romans 12:18 says,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

This verse offers two responses to these no-win relationships.

First, it challenges you to live at peace with everyone.
Do you live near a Muslim, a Buddhist, an atheist, or a grumpy old man?
Do you live near a Democrat, and you are a Republican? Or a Republican, and you are a Democrat?
Do you live near someone who mows their yard at 7:30 on Saturday morning when you like to sleep in?
As a Christian, you are not called to merely tolerate them, but to live at peace with them.

This means striving for harmony and understanding, regardless of differences. Peaceful living involves kindness, patience, and forgiveness, fostering a positive environment.

But what if you can’t? Then Paul says, do it anyway, “as much as it depends on you.” While we can’t control others’ actions, we can control our responses, efforts, and attitudes. This verse calls us to take the initiative in resolving conflicts and promoting peace, even when it’s challenging.

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

Today’s verse may be the most overlooked verse in the Bible. It is profound, but it is often overshadowed because the verse right before it may be the most quoted verse in the New Testament. That overlooked verse is…

John 3:17
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”

Here we see God’s intention for humanity, deeply rooted in love and compassion.

This verse tells us that Jesus was sent not to condemn us, but to save us. It reveals the nature of God and His relationship with us. God’s desire is not to find our every fault or punish us for our shortcomings, but rather to provide a way out of the darkness that sin creates.

Jesus is God’s grace, extending a hand to those who feel lost, broken, or unworthy. His mission was to bring hope and redemption, not to point out every flaw. This understanding of God’s heart should change our view of Him—from a distant judge to a loving Father eager to reconcile with His children. It challenges us to embrace God’s grace fully and share it with others, knowing that God’s purpose is always to restore, not to condemn.

We are invited to see the world and others through God’s eyes of compassion and mercy.

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

Our text is Mark 16:17-18

“These signs will accompany those who believe: In My name, they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well.”

People often read this Scripture and focus on the miracles, but they miss the deeper point. Whether we live in an age where picking up snakes is relevant or not, signs still follow Christians! They have simply changed.

The Bible mentions many other signs that accompany believers. One of these signs is inner peace. Philippians 4:7 speaks of a peace that surpasses all understanding—a peace that can only come from trusting in God, even in difficult situations.

Another sign is love for others. Jesus taught in John 13:35, “By this, everyone will know that you are My disciples if you love one another.”

Generosity is also a hallmark of a believer. In the judgment scene of Matthew 25, God tells His followers, “I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you took Me in.”
Here he is saying that Christians are people who show charity to those in need.

There is a story of a young man who chose to work as a lumberjack for the summer. Before he left, his friend advised the young man to be cautious because the other lumberjacks might pick on him if they found out he was a Christian. When he returned in the fall, the young man said, “I had a great time! Nobody bothered me because I didn’t let them know I was a Christian.”

The young man thought he kept his faith a secret, but the true test of faith is not in hiding it, but in allowing the signs of faith to shine through in our lives.

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

Today’s Scripture is James 4: verse 8.  

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

In this verse, we see a beautiful reminder of the reciprocal nature of our relationship with God. When we take steps toward God, He promises to come closer to us. This isn’t just about physical proximity; it’s about a deep, spiritual connection that grows stronger as we seek Him earnestly.

God doesn’t force Himself on us. Instead, He waits for us to make the first move. But the moment we turn to Him, we find that He has already been reaching out to us, longing for us to come near. As C.S. Lewis said, “When we pursue God, we find that He has been pursuing us all along.”

Our journey toward God begins with a sincere heart and a desire to leave behind what separates us from Him. By cleansing our hands and purifying our hearts, we open ourselves to the fullness of His presence. And as we draw near to Him, we experience the profound truth that God is always closer than we think.

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

Today’s Scripture is Proverbs 28: verse 6.

 “Better a poor man who walks in integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.”

In life, we often measure success by how much wealth a person has. But Proverbs 28 challenges us to think differently. It tells us that integrity, the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, is far more valuable than any amount of money. A person who lives with integrity, even if they have little in terms of worldly wealth, is richer in the eyes of God. 

The verse contrasts the poor man who walks in integrity with the rich man whose ways are perverse. This suggests that wealth gained through dishonesty or corrupt practices is ultimately worthless. As Sophocles wisely said, “It is better to fail with honor than to succeed by fraud.” This reminds us that our character, not our bank account, defines our true worth.

In a world that often tempts us to compromise our values for material gain, this verse encourages us to stand firm in our integrity. After all, the peace that comes from living a life of honesty is a treasure that no amount of money can buy.

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

Today’s Scripture is Psalm 30: verse 5.

“Weeping may last the night, but joy comes in the morning.”

Life is full of ups and downs. We all go through times when things seem dark, when the weight of sorrow feels almost too much to bear. This verse reminds us that these moments of sorrow are temporary. No matter how tough things get, there is always hope on the horizon.

Sorrow and pain might last for a time, but God promises that joy will follow. It’s like the night and the day. Night may seem long and dark, but eventually, the sun will rise, bringing light and warmth. One writer once said, “Even the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise.” This quote captures the hope that Psalm 30 offers us.

God’s joy is like the sunrise after a long, dark night. It’s a promise that the sadness we feel now will give way to happiness and peace. Even if the night endures all your life, God still assures us that joy will be our final reward. A million years from now we will hardly feel our old sorrow.

So, hold on to this hope. When life feels overwhelming, remember that God’s joy is coming.

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

Our Scripture today is Acts 27:23-25

Standing on a ship, in the middle of a storm, Paul spoke to scared sailors. He said, “Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.” 

In 1939, the Nazis were invading the Netherlands. The first people to be affected were the Jews who lived in the Netherlands. A group of Christians came to the Dutch theologian, Henry Cramer, and told him, “Our Jewish neighbors are missing from their homes.” They then asked, “What must we do?”

 Cramer answered, “I cannot tell you what to do. I can tell you who you are. If you know who you are then you will know what to do.”

Listen to those words again, “If you know who you are, then you will know what to do.” 

When Satan sends temptations, you do not need to ask what to do. You only need to remember who you are.

Paul said, “I know who I am and whose I am.” Since he knew these things, he knew what to do. So should we, always!

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

Today’s Scripture is Ecclesiastes 4: verses 9 and 10.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.”

Life is often filled with challenges, and it is during these moments that the importance of companionship becomes clear. This verse from Ecclesiastes reminds us that having someone by our side can make all the difference. When we stumble or face difficulties, a true friend is there to help us get back on our feet. 

Walter Winchell said it well, ”A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” A real friend or companion doesn’t abandon us when times get tough; instead, they step in to offer support and encouragement. They help us do what we can’t do alone. This kind of companionship is a gift from God and a reflection of His love for us.

God created us to live in a community where we can support and uplift each other. In doing so, we fulfill a deep need for connection and reflect the love of Christ in our lives.

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

Today’s Scripture is Ecclesiastes 11:4.

“He who watches the wind will fail to sow, and he who observes the clouds will fail to reap.”

In this verse, we find a caution against procrastination. The imagery of watching the wind and observing the clouds speaks to those who are constantly waiting for the perfect conditions to act. However, waiting for the “right” moment often leads to missed opportunities. If we delay too long, we may never take the necessary steps to sow and reap the rewards that God has in store for us.

Procrastination is a subtle thief. It convinces us that tomorrow will be a better day to start, but tomorrow often never comes. Walt Disney wisely said, “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” This quote reminds us that action is the key to progress. We must not let fear of the unknown or the desire for perfect conditions keep us from moving forward. God calls us to act in faith, trusting that He will guide our steps even when the path isn’t entirely clear.

So, let us be people of action, sowing and reaping in God’s timing, not our own. 

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

Today’s Scripture is Ecclesiastes 7:10.
“Do not say, ‘Why were the old days better than these?’ For it is unwise of you to ask about this.”

This verse reminds us not to fall into the trap of thinking that the past is better than the present. It’s easy to look back with rose-colored glasses, especially when we face challenges today. But God calls us to find contentment in every season of life. Each moment we live has its purpose, and comparing it to the past can rob us of the peace and joy we can experience right now.

Contentment isn’t about having everything we want. It’s about appreciating what we have been given and trusting that God’s plan for us is good, even when the days are tough. As Socrates wisely said, “He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.” If we can learn to be satisfied with what we have today, we can live in the fullness of God’s blessings.

God is with us in every moment, past, present, and future.

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

Our text today is Ecclesiastes 5:20:

“For a man seldom considers the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart.”

As I reflect on this verse, it becomes clear that it carries a profound truth that touches us all: God, in His mercy, shields us from knowing too much about the future. If we were aware of the tragedies that might come tomorrow, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy today. God keeps us focused on the joys of the present, so we won’t be consumed with anxiety about what might happen tomorrow.

As one author wrote, “The hand that veils the future is the hand of mercy.”

We often think we want to know what tomorrow holds, but do we really? It’s comforting to anticipate joyful events—a birthday, a family gathering, or a weekend with friends. But would we want to know if heartache or disaster awaited us next week? Probably not. God, in His wisdom, keeps us busy with today’s blessings, sparing us from the burden of foreseeing all our tomorrows. Indeed, “The hand that veils the future is the hand of mercy.”

As Psalm 118:24 reminds us, “This is the day that the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

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