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Do you know the story of Carrie C. White? Carrie was a Florida resident who died in 1991 at the ripe old age of 116. Just think of all you could do with a life span of 116 years.  

She was a resident of a Florida nursing home. At 116, it is not surprising that she lived in a nursing home. The sad thing is that she entered the nursing home 82 years before she died! I don’t think I will mind living in a nursing home from ages 110 to 116, but I do not want to live in a nursing home for the last 82 years of my life. 

  Once a group of young people were discussing old age when the age of 95 came up. One of them asked, “Who in the world would want to live to 95?” Someone else answered, “Well, I guess anyone who is 94.” After thinking about Carrie White, we can’t help but add, “Yes, but only if it really is living.” Just breathing is not living. Living means doing something with life. 

  A first-grade teacher was going through the grief of losing her mother. Children pick up on things and one of the students noticed that the teacher was not doing well. She came up to the teacher and asked what was wrong. When the teacher shared the loss with the child, the little girl answered, “Well, I hope you live until you die.” Maybe the little girl did not fully understand it, but she said something profound. Too many people do not live until they die. 

  

For many years Dean Martin was part of the Hollywood scene. After he died, one of his close friends noted that Dean Martin had lost his will to live when his son died several years before him. “He never was the same,” the friend said. Sometimes some things take your life before they take your heartbeat. 

  It must not be that way for us. 10,000 years from now, we will all be living somewhere. A million years from now, we will all be alive. Nothing should happen here to make us lose the will to live the plan that God has for us. 

It is not the number of years you live here that matters. It is the kind of life you live. A million years from now the life you live then will be a reflection of the life you live now. Life here is just a preparation for the life that is to come. 

Lonnie Davis 

Our text for today is 2 Corinthians 5:10

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,

that each one may receive the things done in the body,

according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”

I don’t like to think of negative things. In fact, Philippians 4:8 tells us to think about the good things. So let me ask you, why does the text for today seem like a negative one? That great day for us will be when we finally get to meet Jesus. Wow! What a happy day that will be. 

The prospect of meeting Jesus ought to bring us joy. The prospect of meeting Jesus ought to help us live righteously now.

I read the story of a little boy who was going to bed for the night. As he kneeled beside his bed he prayed, “Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake…” At this point he stopped his prayer and ran out of the room. In a little while he came back. As his father was watching him, the father asked, “Where did you go?”

The little boy said, “I got to thinking about ‘if I should die before I wake’ and remembered that I turned all of my sister’s toys upside down. I thought if I should die before I wake, I wouldn’t want her to see them that way, so I went and fixed them.”

This little story ought to remind us that we might not be here tomorrow. If I should die before I wake, what would I want to do before that time? If you should die before you wake, what might you want to do before that time?

Whatever it is, do it!

Lonnie Davis

Our text today is from Habakkuk 3:17-18

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

Habakkuk is saying, I am happy God is my God no matter what happens. 

When I was a child, my mother warned me against “fair-weather friends.” You know the kind, those that are your friend only when it is advantageous to them. While we all encountered those types of “friends,” most of us have a real friend who is your friend, come what may. For that friend we would do anything.

When I consider our text for today, I see Habakkuk as one who had that kind of friend in God. I too want to be a friend of God, but not just a fair-weather friend. 

Our relationship with God must not depend upon the circumstances of life. No matter what happens in life, whether rich or poor, sick or well, a friend of God will keep allegiance to God.

It is said of Abraham that he was the “friend of God.” “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. And he was called the friend of God.” – James 2:23

You might play basketball like Michael Jordan or swim like Michael Phelps, but more important than anything else is to be a friend of God like Abraham, to enjoy God like Habakkuk, no matter the circumstances.

By the way, when you are a true friend of God, you get to talk to him and he listens. That is one of the benefits to having a true friend in God.

Lonnie Davis

He was blind, but Jesus gave him sight. He went from a beggar on the side of the road to a man who could see. Surely this was the happiest day of his life. Jesus healed him and then told him to “Go.” (Mark 10:52). If you were that blind man what would you do?

Go home and see you family.

Go walk around town and see what before you had only heard.

Go see the people who had given to you and thank them.

Jesus said “Go,” but left the choice of where to go to the beggar. His choice would define him. 

I loved the blind beggars “next.” He didn’t go hunt family. He didn’t go to town. His “next” was to immediately follow Jesus. 

Our next choice defines us too. The blind beggar made the right choice, but sometimes we get it right and sometimes we don’t. 

When Moses killed an Egyptian, he ran. (Exodus 2)

When Abraham lied to the Pharaoh, he fled the country. (Gen 12-13)

They were there when Jesus was arrested, but the Apostles ran. (Matt 26)

These were all great men, but if they had it to do all over again, all of these men would have made different choices. What makes the story of Moses, Abraham, and the Apostles great is not because of what they did “next,” but because of their second next. After running, Moses came back to confront the Pharaoh. After Abraham fled the country, he went back to a Bethel and worshipped God. After the Apostles ran, they later went to the temple and preached the word of God (Acts 2).

Everyday, you get to make a choice. Everyday you are confronted with your “next.” What will you do next? Today’s challenge is to realize that even though you made some bad choices in the past, you still have another next, another choice to make.

Like the blind beggar, choose wisely.

Lonnie Davis

Our text today is an unusual one. It is from Genesis 27:4 

“Make me savory meat, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat; that my soul may bless thee before I die.” 

The background of this verse is that Isaac was old and thought he was about to die. He called his outdoors type of son, Esau, and told him to get him some of that meat that you know I love to eat. It seems that men have always loved to eat meat. It is normal. It is the first time in the KJV that a man ever said that he loved anything, and it is about men loving to eat meat. Wow! 

There is another first time in the Bible worth noting. In Genesis, after God made each thing, he saw that it was good. The first time in the Bible that God ever said something was not good is Genesis 2:18: 

“And the LORD God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone.’ “ 

No matter how tough or strong men (or women) feel they are, God said “It is not good for man to be alone.” 

From the beginning, we are not made to be loners. A little later in the Bible, God explains why this is so. 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.” 

We are not made to be loners, not because you don’t ever need some alone time, but because there will come a time when you need someone. Sometimes we all need a little help. 

Lonnie Davis

A Stinky Place 

My father-in-law was a pig farmer. I learned a lot about pigs from him. I learned that pigs are not just plant eaters. They will eat anything. That may be why we call them pigs. I learned that pigs can get angry with you. When they do, don’t go near them. Since my only experience with pigs these days is around ham and bacon, I don’t need those lessons anymore. 

Today, I want to tell you about a young man who needed to know more about pigs and pigpens Jesus tells the story in Luke 15. It is about a boy who got his inheritance, left home, lost his money, came to his senses, and went home to his dad. It is a story familiar to many of us, but do you know the essential place in the story? It is the pig pen. After he spent his money the only job he could find was feeding pigs. It was in that pig pen that his starvation led him to go home. Jesus said: 

“He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.  When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!’” (Luke 15:16-17). 

His story is a common one. When folks leave God and head out into the world, sooner or later, they too will come face-to-face with the pig pen. Here are three lessons from this story. 

1. There is always a pig pen. 

No one leaves God thinking “I am heading to the pain and humiliation of the pig pen. The backslider always thinks he is headed to something better, but not a pig pen. 

2. The pig pen stinks. 

Life in the pig pen is never good. It is a stinky place. At first, the Devil makes you think it’s good, but this is merely a deception.  

3. The pig pen changes you. 

Thank God for the pig pen. The pig pen brought the prodigal to his senses. It still brings wayward folks to their senses. 

The only way out of the pig pen is the way the prodigal son got out. He came to his senses and ran home to the Father. Any of us in the pig pen should do the same. 

Lonnie Davis 

Our text for today is Proverbs 6:6-8

“Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise,

Which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler, Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest.”

There are four great lessons to learn from this brief text. 

1. Learn from Ants:

The statement, “Go to the ant,” means look at the ant and learn. 

There are approximately eight billion PEOPLE on earth. That seems like a lot until you realize how many ants there are. Ultimately no one knows how many there are, but some who study them have concluded that there be as many as 100,000 ants for each man, woman, and child on the earth. It is amazing to realize that God uses such a common creature to teach the one creature who is made in his image – mankind. What is the lesson we learn from trillions of ants? The lesson is this “Be prepared.”

Be Prepared, is the official motto of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. From our text, it is obviously the motto of trillions of ants.

Go to the ant.

2. Plan ahead. 

Actually, if you plan at all, you plan ahead. Those who do not prepare for the future, simply do not plan at all. “Go to the ant,” Solomon said, because ants are known for their ability to plan ahead. They gather food during times of abundance to prepare for times of scarcity. 

“Go to the ant.” 

3. Self-Motivation: 

One comedian commented that some employees nick-name ought to be ZEUS, Z.E.U.S. Which means, Zero Effort Unless Supervised.

There are no ZEUS ants. Ants don’t need supervision to work; they are self-driven. 

“Go to the ant.”

4. The Harvest only comes for those who prepare.

Solomon said the ant “Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest.”

The ant knows the secret of reaping – you only reap in the harvest, if you have prepared in the summer.

Go to the ant.

So today, look in the mirror and said, “Go to the ant.” Maybe it will remind you to get prepared.

Look at your children and say, “Go to the ant.” This may cause them to ask, “What do you mean?” and you can teach them about the important life skill of being prepared.

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

Our text for today is Proverbs 29:17

“Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.”

After reading this verse, I want to shout “Don’t stop now. Tell me more about how to do this.

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.”

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.

To understand the principle behind this, 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.

 Without this truth, the imperfections of those with whom we live nearly 24-7 would becomes so glaring that their faults will drown out the good.

 Without this principle of love, the wonder of marriage changes to “I wonder what went wrong.”

 Look one more time at that great text, 1 Peter 4:8, “Love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.” Now read it again and this time stop after the word “covers.” It now reads ““Love each other deeply, because love covers…”

Yes it does. Love covers…whatever. That is the secret of living together in happiness.

Lonnie Davis

Our text for today is Matthew 3:13-15

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. But John would have hindered him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?”

But Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it now, for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.”

I understand the question of John the Baptist. The purpose of John’s baptism didn’t seem to be relevant for Jesus. John’s message was one of repentance. He called people to turn away from their sinful ways, confess their sins, and be baptized as a symbol of their commitment to change their lives. For evidence of this read, Luke 3:3, “He [John] went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”

Jesus had no need for repentance or forgiveness of sin, because, as we know, he never sinned. Surprised at Jesus’ request, John felt he did not need to baptize Jesus. Really, he was right, so then why did Jesus seek baptism.

Jesus’ answer was “to fulfill all righteousness.” Let me suggest an additional answer that might give guidance for all of our lives. By being baptized, Jesus was setting an example for others. Others who look to Jesus needed to know that they too should always do the right thing.

Jesus’ journey to go to his baptism, was a journey of several days – each way. It would have been far easier for Jesus to stay home and not make that difficult journey. He didn’t really need baptism, at least not for himself. But he inconvenienced himself, made a hard journey for those who follow him, for me, and for you.

From this great story we learn, no matter the circumstances, no matter the difficulties, always, always do the right thing.

Lonnie Davis

Our verse for today is James 1:2

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds”

These words from James seems counterintuitive – how can we find joy in the midst of difficulties and pain? Yet God’s Word challenges us to embrace this Kingdom perspective. 

As we read on, James explains that our trials have an intended purpose – “because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (v.3). Hardships, though unpleasant, are allowed by our loving Father to strengthen our trust in Him. Like a refiner’s fire, they burn away impurities in our faith, purifying us to reflect Christ more clearly. 

God uses trials to mold our character, helping us develop godly virtues such as perseverance, or as one man called it, “Stick-to-it-tiveness.” As we learn to cling to the Lord in the midst of struggle, we find our roots growing deeper in Him. Difficulties teach us to rely not on our own strength, which often fails us, but on God’s limitless power and grace to sustain us. 

Though trials can be painful in the moment, God promises to be with us in the pain (Deut 31:6). He enables us to endure and emerge refined, with greater maturity and faith. Our suffering produces in us an eternal weight of glory, as Scripture says (2 Cor 4:17). God ultimately uses pain for our good, making us more like Jesus and sharing in His holiness (Rom 8:28-29).

So next time you face trials, remember God’s great purpose in them. Thank Him for the trials He allows, asking for grace to trust Him more. Draw near to Him in difficulty, confident that He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it (Phil 1:6). Joy comes when we embrace His refining process.

Lonnie Davis

Our Scripture for today is Proverbs 20:7
“The righteous lead blameless lives;
blessed are their children after them.”

The construct of this verse is not by accident. It begins with a simple statement about how people who do the right things, lead blessed lives, but quickly adds how this affects their children – they are blessed because they follow them.
It is sad that people mindlessly say, “It is my life!” The truth is that it has never been my life and mine alone. Each of us have someone who watches us to see what we do. They do not watch to judge us, but rather to emulate us, to do things like we do.
One older Jewish lady made the point that people who have only done things 15 times, ought to listen to people who have done things 150 times. In fact, they do! They always have.
When Moses led Israel, Israel was blessed. There came a time when Moses was no longer available to lead. Who did the people turn to? Of course the obvious choice is to turn to the young man who followed Moses for 40 years. The man who spent his life following in his footsteps. That younger man was Joshua.
When Moses climbed to the mountain to see God, it was Joshua who followed Moses up that mountain. He did not go all the way to the top but accompanied Moses longer than anyone else.
When Moses met with God in the tent, all the people stood at their tents. Joshua did not. He stood at the door of the tent where Moses met with God.
Unfortunately, it works the other way too. We would do well to remember the words of the unknown poet who said:

A careful man I want to be —
a little fellow follows me.
I do not dare to go astray,
for fear he’ll go the self-same way.
I cannot once escape his eyes.
Whatever he sees me do he tries.
Like me he says he’s going to be —
that little chap who follows me…

Today, someone follows your example. That is why we need to be careful. We do not know who is watching and following.
Lonnie Davis

Our text today is Ecclesiastes 3:1

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”

Some years ago, my wife, my daughter, my two little grandkids and I took a short road trip. A short little 275 mile road trip. When I take one of those by myself it is short. When you take them with a wife, a daughter and two young grandkids, it is not so short. I had forgotten what it is like to travel with kids. On our trip there we stopped six times. The first time was for me to get money. The other five times were for kids.

 The next morning I took the kids down for the free continental breakfast. I got food for each kid and then went to cook a waffle. I took it to the table. I went back to cook a second waffle. I got my food and sat down. I had to get up to get syrup. Finally I sat down to eat. I didn’t know about bathroom breaks during breakfast – another interruption. Finally their mom arrived and I could eat.

 What does that have to do with the title “Passages?”

 Gail Sheehy wrote a book called “Passages.” In her work she says that life has many passages. As we grow we change. Life in our twenties is different than life in our thirties. Life in our fifties finds that we have gone through many passages. Life is different.

Here we remember again our text: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” (Ecc. 3:1)

 Life changes. It is okay. It is great. Joy does not come because we are in a great place. Joy comes by enjoying the place wherever we are.

 Coming back it was just Liz and me. Going down we had six stops and lots of laughter. Coming back there were no stops and no laughter. I missed the stops.

 Enjoy wherever you are in life. It is all you have. It is the passage you are in. Savor it.

~Lonnie Davis

Our Bible verse for today is Matthew 10:29

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.”

Have you ever seen anyone pick up a found coin—a quarter, a dime, or a nickel? My guess is that you have, but what about a penny? Few people collect pennies. It is noteworthy that Jesus uses the humble penny to show you God’s attention for you. That which man overlooks, God notices. In fact, he even notices more than the penny. In Jesus’ time, you could buy two birds for a penny. Yet, not one of those birds, sparrows, dies without God noticing it.

Jesus is not merely telling us that God knows about a single bird, but that God always, always knows and notices you. That is an important lesson for each of us to remember because it is so easy to forget. It is even easier to feel unnoticed by anyone.

I remember hearing one thirty-something lady remark about how she sometimes feels invisible to other people. I also remember thinking that was an unusual way of putting it. Upon further reflection, I realize there is a kernel of truth in that expression. There are times when all of us feel invisible.

Matthew 10:29 serves as a profound reminder that though the world may not notice you, God always notices and remembers you. God always cares about you and for you.

So that you do not miss the point of this verse, Jesus added these words, “Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

To further deepen this point, he points out that God does not just know about you; he even knows exactly the number of hairs on your head (Verse 31).

To God, you are important. A world leader or the neighbor next door may not think about you, but the one true God does.

That makes you significant!

Lonnie Davis

Our text for today is 1 Thessalonians 5:18

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

That doesn’t seem possible. Should I give thanks even when my car breaks down on a busy freeway? What about when the doctor tells me I am very sick? Paul wrote, “In everything give thanks.” Yes even when the news isn’t good.

A couple of weeks ago, my daughter was on a vacation in Puerto Rico. On a beautiful beach, a vicious wave knocked her down. At first she feared she broke her wrist. It has been many days and there is still pain. No bones were broken, but there seems to be nerve damage in her left wrist. As we discussed it, she said, “I’m just thankful it wasn’t my right wrist.” 

Now let’s go back to “In everything give thanks.” That is exactly what she was doing, finding something to be thankful about. We discussed it more and realized that some folks don’t damage the nerve in the wrist. They damage the nerves in their back. 

She then said that she was thankful that she can still do her job while healing. In the hard times in your life, you can always find a reason to be thankful. I know I have failed on that point, but I need to remind myself to do better. 

One of my favorite stories about finding thanks in all circumstances was written by a minister of a bygone era.

While out at night he was robbed of his wallet. Knowing he need to be thankful in all things, what could he possibly be thankful for.

In his daily journal he wrote about the thief who robbed him, 

“Let me be thankful, first because he never robbed me before; second, because although he took my purse, he did not take my life; third, because although he took all I possessed, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed and not I who robbed.”

So for today, be thankful when it is easier to complain.

Lonnie Davis

Our text for today is Matthew 7:16

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

There are times when it is easy to follow this verse, but other times when this is just forgotten.

I once read the story of a preacher who overslept on a Sunday morning. He hurried out of bed, threw his clothes on, and grabbed a cup of coffee. When he grabbed for his coffee, he realized that he forgot to plug his coffeemaker in and now there was no coffee. Already behind, he decided he would have to stop for coffee on the way – if there was time. He ran to his car, jumped in and started to back out of his driveway. Thump, thump went his tire. He threw off his jacket and changed the tire on his already late Sunday morning. When this was fixed, he had to wash up and leave. No time for a coffee stop. As he left he overlooked a stop sign and ran it. Of course there was a cop who pulled him over. “License and registration,” the cop said. 

The preacher growled as he reached for his license. The policeman responded, “Yes, I know how you feel. I used to have days like that before I became a Christian.” “Ouch!” 

As a Christian myself, I am not so naive as to believe that days like that don’t happen to me. All of you have had days like that. All of you will have them again. But here is a great truth, it is not whether you have a tough day, but how you respond in it that shows your Christian spirit. That is the point of our Bible verse today. 

Anybody can act happy and kind when things are going great. The one that God is most pleased with is the one who can show himself or herself to be of a good spirit even when he or she has a flat and runs a stop sign.

Today, “Let you light shine” – even when nothing good seems to happening.

Lonnie Davis

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Our text for today is Hebrews 12:1

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

This verse contains a great life lesson for us. It tells us we all need some “Therefore People.” They are the people we look to show us that we too can overcome.

Let me illustrate this with the stories of Roger Bannister and Edmund Hillary.

Stories are told that people tried for over a thousand years run a mile in less than four minutes. Experts said it was impossible.  Finally in 1954 Roger Bannister ran the mile in 3:56. As of June 2022, the “four-minute barrier” has been broken by 1,755 athletes. 

In 1953, Edmund Hillary climbed to the top of Mt. Everest, the tallest mountain on earth. Before him no one was ever able to climb it. After he reached the top, In the same decade, there were four more climbs that reached the top. Since then more than 1,200 people have climbed to the top of Mt. Everest.

Roger Bannister and Edmund Hillary both became “Therefore People.” They were those who inspired others to do what seemed to be impossible.

Look at our text again an you will note that it starts with “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…” This is a reference to the people listed in Hebrews 11 – Abel, Noah, Abraham, Sarah and others. Hebrews 12:1 is using these people to say to us, “See, that did and so can you.” 

The poet said, “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one anyday. I’d rather one would walk with me than merely point the way.” 

We need someone who has walked the path before us to show us that it can be done. We all need “Therefore People.”

Who are your special “Therefore People?”

Lonnie Davis.

Our text for today is John 14:27:

”Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

In a world of push and shove and compete and compete, this verse seems almost impossible. How does one find peace today? How do we fight stress in a stressful world?

Do you even know what stress is? Not like, “Have you ever been stressed?” but more like, “Do you know what’s happening when you’re stressed?” God designed each of us with this incredible response system hardwired into our bodies. 

I once read the story of an electrician who responded to a call at a sketchy house. There was a big man there, but he had to go look at the electrical panel way back in a closet. He turned his back on the man to check out the problem and just as he did, an old ironing board fell against his back. He turned quickly and stabbed the ironing board with his screwdriver. The man said, to him, “Kinda stressed out aren’t you?” 

Our stress system kind of keeps us feeling safe, and the times we experience stress are times when this system temporarily activates. Your heart rate increases, and your breathing pattern might change because your body is looking for help in managing the stress. You might even stab someone with a screwdriver.

During Jesus’ ministry, he met a woman who was also searching for ways to manage her stress. She had a condition where she was bleeding constantly (Matthew 9:22). She was experiencing physical, mental, and emotional stress, but then she touched Jesus or even just his clothes, and she was healed.

In our stress, we too can reach out to Jesus and have  something better — or at least something different. We can learn much from this woman’s story about how to look to God when we need hope. 

From time to time, each of us feel stressed out or anxious. When we do, we’ll need a plan. Thankfully, there are stories like this to remind us when you’re not okay, Jesus offers hope.

Our Text for today is Luke 4:16

“So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.”

What Would Jesus Do? Well, according to this verse, it was his habit to go to the synagogue. When Jesus went home at the start of his ministry, he went to “church” as was his custom or habit. Of course the Scripture says, “synagogue” but that is what we would call today “church.”

Whether we know it or not, our lives are based around our habits. What we eat, how we react to stress, whether or not we snooze the alarm – these are all dictated by the habits we have allowed into our lives. 

Charles Duhigg wrote a best selling book called, “The Power of Habit.” In it he said that approximately 45% of everything we do in a day, every day, is done by habit. If you have good habits, then this is encouraging. But if your habits aren’t what you want them to be, then that means half of the decisions you had the opportunity to make you had already chosen by your habit.

Despite all the mistakes King David made, he kept coming back to God’s Word, readjusting his life according to what God’s word said. Paul grew up a passionate Pharisee who lived and breathed the Scriptures. 

If anyone could have taken a pass at a daily Bible habit, it was Jesus. Yet time and time again we see Jesus going off alone to pray in quiet. In Matthew 4, when Jesus faced his temptations in the wilderness, Jesus used his knowledge of God’s word to defeat Satan.

He understood, better than any of us, how deeply our humanity needs to be fueled by encounters with the divine.

If you want to have a great Bible study in your life, make it a habit to study the Bible regularly. When you do, the great part will come on its own.

Lonnie Davis

Did you ever trust in a car that left you stranded on the side of the road? How about trusting a friend who disappointed you. Today’s article reminds us about what or who we can trust. It is called Trusting Iron Chariots

As Israel entered the Promised Land, the first city, Jericho fell in spectacular fashion. The cities of Ai, Jerusalem, and Hebron were soon to follow. It was not easy but with God on their side, the Israelites conquered the enemy. 

Joshua noted, “One of you routs a thousand because the Lord your God fights for you, just as he promised.” (Joshua 23:10)

With God’s miracles and the leadership of Joshua, nothing could go wrong. At least that is how Israel felt, but Judges 1:18-19 tells us,

 “The men of Judah also took Gaza, Ashkelon and Ekron–each city with its territory. The LORD was with the men of Judah. They took possession of the hill country, but they were unable to drive the people from the plains, because they had iron chariots.”

 Notice the end of that verse, “They were unable to drive the people from the plains because they had iron chariots.” 

Think of “Iron Chariots” as tanks of that time. They were indeed formidable weapons, but it was not really the iron chariots that stopped Israel. The iron chariots made the task harder, but neither iron chariots nor tanks can thwart God.

Years earlier the Israelite soldiers had seen the mighty Egyptian army, along with her “iron chariots” perish in the Red Sea. Now Israel found it easier to leave the plains people alone than to battle against iron chariots. Israel opted for ease rather than obedience.  

Israel saw the iron chariots and decided not to put their full weight on God. Israel should have known that Iron chariots cannot stop God or God’s people. Nothing can stop God’s people as long as they are doing God’s will. Only the desire for ease can do that.

What does God want you to do? Do it.

With God as your partner, neither iron chariots nor tanks can stop you.

 Lonnie Davis

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In Exodus 33, Moses asked God to let him actually see Him. Here was God’s Answer:

And the LORD said, “Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. “So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. “Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.”

Before that, Moses stood before the Pharaoh and told him to let God’s people leave Egypt. Why? Because God told him too. Moses led the people through the parted Red Sea. Why? Because that is what God said to do. Moses feats were amazing, but until Exodus 33, he had never seen God. He heard God’s word and that was enough.

“If I were Moses,” someone might think, “I would do what he did.” Moses had flaws. He killed an Egyptian. In his fear he ran from Egypt and the people of God. He made excuses why he could not lead the Hebrews out of Egypt. 

However, in the end, hearing only the voice of God, knowing his words, he did what God told him to do. He started his obedience to the word long before he ever saw God. He knew only God’s word.

We can be like Moses. He listened when God spoke from a burning bush. We can listen when God speaks through his written word. If we do, then someday we will all see God.

Job foretold that wonderful day in Job 19:26-27. He said, 

“After my skin is destroyed, this I know,
That in my flesh I shall see God,
Whom I shall see for myself,
And my eyes shall behold, and not another.

And then he ended with these words, “How my heart yearns within me!”

Me too.

Lonnie Davis