Today’s Scripture is Psalms 101:3.

“I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.”

In this verse, we see David’s deep commitment to protecting his heart by carefully choosing what he allows his eyes to behold. It’s a powerful reminder that what we see and dwell on can take root in our hearts. 

David’s decision to avoid “worthless things” tells us that he understood the power of seemingly small influences. He chose to distance himself from anything that could lead him astray. 

Yet, we sometimes try to see how close we can get to the edge without falling over. We tell ourselves we can look but not touch, admire, or indulge. One writer said, “What makes resisting temptation difficult for many people is that they don’t want to discourage it completely.” 

We struggle because, deep down, part of us isn’t ready to let go entirely. 

In 386 AD, Augustine, a Christian teacher said, “Grant me chastity…but not yet.” We too, may keep that harmful influence just within reach, believing we’re strong enough to handle it. But temptation doesn’t announce itself with a trumpet blast; it sneaks in subtly, growing stronger over time until a small compromise becomes a major stumbling block.

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

Today’s Scripture is Psalms 100:5.

“For the LORD is good; His loving devotion endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations.”

Our faith often focuses on our devotion to God—how we worship, follow, and obey Him. Yet, this verse reminds us that God is also devoted to us, reaching down with endless love and faithfulness. His love isn’t temporary or conditional; it’s a love that extends across time, embracing every generation, including ours.

Augustine once said, “God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.” This quote beautifully captures the personal nature of God’s devotion. God doesn’t see us as a distant crowd; He sees each of us individually and loves us with a tender and constant commitment.

When we reflect on this truth, it should fill us with both awe and gratitude. Knowing that the Creator of the universe is devoted to us gives us security and hope. No matter our struggles or doubts, God’s devotion will never fade or falter. He remains with us, faithfully devoted, through every joy and challenge.

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

Today’s Scripture is Psalms 34:8.

“O taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.”

In this verse we’re invited to personally experience the kindness and love of God. This verse calls us to “taste and see” – to go beyond hearing about God’s goodness and to experience it for ourselves. 

Just as a meal can only be fully appreciated when we taste it, God’s love and kindness become real to us when we open ourselves to trust and rely on Him.

Faith in God is not just a belief in the unknown. As the quote says, “Faith is not a leap in the dark; it’s a step into the light.” When we take that step toward God, we step into His love, finding refuge in His presence. This act of trust leads us into a life marked by blessings and a deep assurance of His care.

The promise here is simple: if we draw near to God, we will find that He is good. But if we stand at a distance to God and complain about his ways, then we have not tasted him, and so we cannot know that the Lord is good. Get closer to him, taste for yourself. He IS good.

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

Today’s Scripture is Luke 1:46-49.

Then Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me.”

Why did God choose Mary, a young girl, to be Jesus’ mother? Out of all the wise and noble women, He chose a humble girl from a small town. Today’s Scripture gives us insight into why Mary was the perfect choice.

First, Mary rejoiced in God. We rejoice in many things—houses, cars, careers, and more. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying blessings, but let your first joy be in the Lord. Above all, Mary’s heart was filled with joy for God, and joy is something God can use.

Second, Mary saw herself as a humble servant. She didn’t see herself as special or deserving. She knew her role as God’s servant and embraced it. To be used by God, we need to set aside pride and see ourselves as vessels ready to serve.

Finally, Mary believed God had great plans for her. She didn’t feel insignificant. She recognized God was doing something extraordinary in her life and embraced it with faith. Mary wasn’t self-centered; she focused on God’s blessings and His purpose for her.

Let’s take Mary’s example to heart. No matter where you are in life—young or old, feeling qualified or not—remember, God isn’t looking for perfection. He’s looking for hearts that rejoice in Him, spirits ready to serve, and faith that believes He can do great things through us. You don’t need to be extraordinary; you just need to be willing. When you are, God will use you in ways beyond anything you can imagine.

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

Today’s Scripture is Matthew 8:13.  

“Then Jesus said to the centurion, ‘Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.’ And his servant was healed at that moment.”

To accomplish anything, you must first believe. The story of the centurion shows us that belief is not just an idea in our minds but a powerful force that moves mountains. When the centurion came to Jesus, he already believed that Jesus could heal his servant. His faith was so strong that Jesus only needed to say the word, and healing would take place. The centurion’s belief paved the way for a miracle.

Saint Augustine once said, “Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.” This captures the heart of Matthew 8:13. Before any change happens, we need to have faith in what we cannot yet see. Faith is the beginning of every significant accomplishment—whether it’s personal growth, helping others, or overcoming life’s challenges. Without that first step of belief, nothing else can follow.

Today, let’s remember that faith is more than just a feeling; it’s a decision to trust in God’s power and promises, even when we cannot see the outcome.

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

Today’s Scripture is Matthew 7: verse 21.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.”

This verse reminds us that true discipleship is not about words alone. It’s not enough to simply acknowledge God; true discipleship means living in obedience to His will. Jesus warns that many will call Him “Lord” without truly following His ways. Discipleship requires a faithful heart that seeks to align with God’s purpose, making choices that reflect His commands.

C.S. Lewis once said, “Obedience is the key that opens every door.” This means that genuine faith naturally leads to action. Through obedience, we show our love for God, and it’s this commitment that marks us as true followers. Our words of faith are proven by how we live—by doing the will of our Heavenly Father.

God is looking for hearts committed to His purpose, not just voices saying His name. True discipleship means allowing His guidance to shape our lives and living out our faith in all that we do.

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

Today’s Scripture is Psalms 37:1-2.

“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.”

In these verses we are reminded not to worry about those who do wrong and seem to succeed. Sometimes it feels unfair when people who do bad things appear to prosper while those who try to do good struggle. But God tells us not to fret or be envious. Their success is like grass that withers—it is only temporary. Our call is to remain patient, to trust in God, and to stay focused on doing what is right.

This takes patience and faith. God sees the bigger picture and knows the right time to make things right. Our job is to keep living righteously, even when it’s hard or seems to go unnoticed. The reward for patience isn’t just peace of mind—it’s knowing that God’s will ultimately prevails.

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

Today’s Scripture is Exodus 20:4.

“You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.”

God knows the human heart tends to find security in what it can see and touch. In Exodus 20:4, God warns His people about the danger of idolatry. The truth is, anything that takes God’s rightful place in our lives becomes an idol. We might not shape idols out of gold or wood today, but we can certainly make them in other ways. Our careers, our possessions, even our relationships can become idols when they hold a place in our hearts that belongs only to God.

As the quote says, “The danger of loving something more than God is that it becomes your god.” It’s easy to let our devotion shift from God to things that promise comfort or status. But those things, no matter how valuable, can’t truly fulfill us. God alone deserves our highest love and devotion.

This command is a call to examine our hearts honestly. Are we giving more love, attention, or devotion to anything other than God? If we are, it’s time to put God back in His rightful place in our lives.

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

Today’s Scripture is Psalms 27:10.

“Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.”

There are times when those we depend on may let us down. Even the people closest to us, like family and friends, may not always be there. But this verse reminds us of something amazing: God will never leave us. His love for us goes beyond the limitations of human relationships. When everyone else seems to have turned away, God remains our solid foundation.

Dependence on God over people is not always easy. We naturally look to those around us for support, but God calls us to a deeper trust—one that rests in Him, above all else. As one quote says, “When God is all you have, you have all you need.” This captures the heart of Psalms 27:10. No matter what we face or who might abandon us, God is enough. He is our steady rock when everything else changes.

Learning to lean on God instead of people helps us find true peace. People, even with the best intentions, can fail us. God, however, is faithful and will be there for us in the end. If this doesn’t seem true, then it is not yet the end.

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

Today’s Scripture is Genesis 18:14.

“Is anything too difficult for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you—in about a year—and Sarah will have a son.”

In this verse, God speaks to Abraham and Sarah, reminding them that His power has no limits. Sarah was 90 years old, past the age of having children, and yet God promised her a son. For us, it’s a reminder that no situation is ever too hard for God. He can do things beyond our imagination, even when our circumstances look impossible.

The takeaway here is simple: God’s power is limitless. Whenever we face challenges that seem like mountains, it’s important to remember, “For every mountain, God has a plan.” God’s power can move mountains, open doors, and make a way where there seems to be no way. Our task is to trust Him fully, even when we don’t see how things will work out.

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

Today’s Scripture is Genesis 8:22.

“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.”

Everything in life changes. Seasons shift, days turn into nights, and the cycle continues. This has always been the way of the world, and it will always be so. As we navigate our lives, we must remain prepared for what comes next.

Change is unavoidable, and God emphasizes this through the constant rhythms of nature. Just as there are seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, our lives follow a similar pattern. Each season has its own significance and blessings.

It is crucial to learn to appreciate the season you are in, whether it’s a time of growth, rest, or challenge. Embrace the current season and look forward to the next, trusting in God’s plan for every phase of your life.

By accepting that everything changes, we can find peace in the steadfastness of God’s promises. Be prepared for the changes ahead and value the present moment.

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

Today’s Scripture is Genesis 22:8.

“Abraham answered, ‘God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.’ And the two of them went on together.”

There are moments when we face uncertainties and wonder how our needs will be met. Abraham found himself in such a situation when asked to offer his son Isaac. Yet, he told his son, “God himself will provide the lamb.” This shows a deep trust that God’s provision comes in His timing, not ours.

We often want quick answers and immediate solutions. But faith means trusting even when we can’t see the whole picture. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” Abraham took that step, believing that God would provide at the right moment.

This verse reminds us that God’s timing is perfect. He knows our needs and will provide for them, even if it’s not when we expect. Our part is to keep moving forward in faith, trusting that He will meet our needs at just the right time.

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

Today’s Scripture is Genesis 1:1.

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

Genesis 1:1 opens the Bible with a simple yet profound statement: God created everything. From the very start, we see God’s hand crafting three main things—creation, creatures, and creators.

First, God created the Creation: the heavens, the earth, and all that fills them. This includes the sun, the moon, and the stars. When we look at the sky or marvel at the vastness of space, we witness a piece of His grand design.

Next, God created the Creatures: the animals that fill the skies, the seas, and the earth. Cats, canaries, crocodiles, and countless other animals all came into existence by His word.

Finally, God created Creators. When He said, “Let us make man in our image,” He gave us a share in His creativity. Just as God is the ultimate creator, we, too, have been given the ability to create. Humans can imagine and teach. We build cities, write songs, and explore the mysteries of the universe. No group of animals gathers to learn or to appreciate the vastness of creation, but humans do because we carry a part of God’s nature.

Genesis 1 reminds us of the creative power and purpose in God’s creation. As those made in His image, we are called to reflect that creativity in our own lives, building, learning, and honoring the One who created us.

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

Today’s Scripture is Psalm 4: verse 4.  

“Be angry, yet do not sin; on your bed, search your heart and be still.”

Anger is a powerful emotion, one that can quickly lead us down a path we might later regret. But Psalm 4: verse 4 reminds us that while anger itself isn’t necessarily wrong, what we do with it matters. God encourages us to take time and reflect rather than act out in haste. Self-control in the midst of anger is a mark of wisdom and maturity.

There is an old adage, when you are angry, count to ten. One smart person added, when very angry, count to 100. There is some truth to this.

The world often tells us to speak up when we feel wronged, but experience teaches us that words spoken in anger often hurt the most. Ambrose Bierce once said, “Speak when you are angry, and you will make the best speech you will ever regret.” This insight aligns perfectly with the message in our verse today, urging us to pause and consider our words carefully. Reflecting in moments of anger not only prevents damage to our relationships but also honors God, who values peace and understanding.

So next time anger stirs, take a step back, search your heart, and let the moment of stillness guide your response.

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

Today’s Scripture is Psalm 4:3:

“Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself; the Lord hears when I call to Him.”

As you read this verse, pay attention to those first two words: “Know that.” What follows are truths that God wants you to hold onto.

First, “The Lord has set apart the godly for Himself.” God has a special relationship with those who seek Him. Even if you sometimes feel alone, remember you’re never truly alone, for He has set you apart as part of His purpose. Think of when Jesus told His disciples that they would abandon Him, yet He would not be alone: “For my Father is with me” (John 16:32). Just like Jesus, you are never outside of God’s care or plans.

Second, David says, “The Lord hears when I call to Him.” God listens and responds to the prayers of His people. A big reason for a weak prayer life is doubting that God actually hears. If you don’t believe He is listening, it’s hard to keep praying. For David, prayer wasn’t just a ritual; it was real communication. He prayed with conviction, knowing that God was listening—and that kind of trust leads to a life of prayer.

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

Today’s Scripture is Jonah 1:9.  

“I am a Hebrew,” replied Jonah. “I worship the LORD, the God of the heavens, who made the sea and the dry land.”

Jonah’s confession of who he is and who he worships seems strong. He declares his faith in God, the Creator of all things. Yet, Jonah’s actions tell a different story. He is running from God’s call, trying to escape the very One he claims to fear and serve. There’s a clear tension between Jonah’s belief and his behavior. How often do we find ourselves in a similar situation—professing one thing but doing another?

This verse reminds us that true faith is reflected in our actions, not just in our words. Jonah knew the truth, but his disobedience showed the struggle within. As Jane Austen wisely said, “It’s not what we say or think that defines us, but what we do.” Our behavior, especially when tested, reveals the depth of our faith. Jonah’s journey teaches us that acknowledging God is not enough; we must align our lives with what we believe.

God’s grace pursued Jonah, just as it does with us. May we learn to live out our faith in both word and deed, trusting that God’s call is always for our good.

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

Walking Away from God

Today’s Scripture is Genesis 3:8  

“Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.”

When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, their immediate reaction was to hide. This moment reflects a deep truth about our own hearts. Disobedience to God creates a separation between us and Him. It isn’t that God turns away from us, but rather, we withdraw from His presence, much like Adam and Eve did. Sin brings guilt and shame, making us feel unworthy of standing before a holy God. In our hearts, we know when we’ve stepped away from His path.

The takeaway here is simple but profound: disobedience always puts distance between us and God. The more we stray, the harder it becomes to return. As the quote says, “When we choose to disobey God, we choose to walk away from His presence.” But even in our hiding, God seeks after us, calling us to return to Him.

This verse reminds us to be mindful of our choices. When we walk in obedience, we walk in close relationship with God. When we disobey, that closeness fades.

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

It may amaze you to think there are any unimportant or throwaway verses in the Bible. Of course, there are not, but we have treated them as such. For example, those who desire to read the Bible through in a year do well until they come to the “and so and so begat so and so” verses. These verses don’t take long to read because people often skip over them. 

Unfortunately, we often do this with parts of Matthew 1 and Luke 3. These verses give us Jesus’ genealogy. As Americans, we are not concerned with who begat whom, but we must not ignore the lessons from these great verses.

First lesson: God works through imperfect people.

Jesus’ genealogy includes people with flawed histories, such as Rahab, the prostitute, and King David, who committed adultery and murder. But God still used them in His plan. This reminds us that no one is beyond redemption, and God can use anyone for His purpose.

Second lesson: God values all people. 

The genealogy of Jesus includes Tamar, a woman who deceived Judah into sleeping with her; Ruth, a Moabite woman; Bathsheba, an adulterous woman; and King David. 

Whether an adulterer or a King, God cares about you.

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

Our Scripture for today is First Corinthians 16: verse 14.

“Let all that you do be done in love.”

Sometimes God’s teaching seems easy. For example, in the 10 Commandments we are told, “Do not murder” and “You shall not covet your neighbors ox or donkey.” (Exodus 20:17). But today’s verse is hard—Do everything in love. The only way to keep that is by having great faith because love isn’t just a warm feeling—love demands action, often requiring deep faith. 

For example, think of forgiveness: When we choose to forgive someone who has wounded us deeply, we’re not just expressing love; we’re exercising faith. We trust that God will heal our broken places and that the act of forgiveness with love is best. 

This truth becomes especially clear when we encounter difficult people in our lives—that coworker who consistently undermines us, the family member who knows exactly which buttons to push—loving them requires more than good intentions. It requires faith that God works in their lives just as He works in ours. It’s a profound reminder that while love isn’t always the easy choice, it’s always the right choice.

Remember that every act of love, especially the difficult ones, is a testament to our faith. Have faith and do everything in love.

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

Today’s Scripture is Luke 8:18.  

“Take care, then, how you listen. For whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away.”

The context of this verse is about being wise. Jesus warns us to be careful listeners. Why does he warn this in the context of getting wisdom? It is because wisdom comes with listening and paying attention. Mark Twain put it well when he said, “Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you would rather have talked.”

Those who truly seek spiritual wisdom and apply what they learn will receive even more. That is the promise of this verse. However, those who ignore or neglect God’s truth risk losing the little understanding they have. Spiritual wisdom is not something that happens by accident. It’s a gift God gives to those who seek it earnestly.

If we value the wisdom we receive from God and live by it, He promises to give us even more. But if we neglect it, even what we think we have may be lost. The pursuit of wisdom is ongoing, and it requires both listening and doing.

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