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.

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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.

Today Scripture is Exodus 14:14,

“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

There are times in life when anxiety seems to take over. Perhaps you’ve faced a situation where you didn’t know how things would turn out—maybe it was a health scare, financial trouble, or a family crisis. In these moments, it can feel like the walls are closing in, and no matter how hard you try, there’s no clear way forward.

Our verse today offers us two great thoughts for such times.

First, it reminds us of divine support. Life can be full of challenges, and sometimes we feel like we’re carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders. But this verse shows us that we are never alone. When we go through hard times, God is with us, ready to help. His presence offers strength and comfort when we feel overwhelmed.

The second is the call to “be still.” To be still means to stop worrying and trust that God is in control. Often, we think we need to act immediately or fix everything ourselves, but sometimes the best thing to do is remember that God is our helper. He will “fight for you.” So, let go and let God.

When life feels chaotic, remember that stillness that invites God to work on our behalf. He has our backs! We don’t have to face our struggles alone.

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

The Great Promise

Our Scripture today 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.”

Over the years, I’ve been part of many groups and classes where people are asked, “What is your favorite Bible verse?” It’s always interesting to hear which verses have captured people’s hearts. Often, you’ll hear familiar ones like “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” from Philippians or John 3:16, “For God so loved the world.”

Yet, in 50 years of preaching and teaching, I’ve never heard anyone choose Revelation 21:4.

One writer beautifully said, “The beauty of Scripture is that it speaks to our hearts at the very moment we need it most.” This verse, in particular, offers a deep well of comfort. When we’re young, life often feels full of health and promise, but as we grow older, grief inevitably becomes part of our journey. We face sickness, and eventually, we all say goodbye to someone we love. In those moments, this verse shines brightest.

Revelation 21:4 reminds us of the hope we have in Christ: a day is coming when God Himself will wipe away every tear, and death, pain, and sorrow will be no more. This is our Great Promise, made possible through Jesus.

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

Today’s Scripture is Mark 3: verse 35.

“For whoever does the will of God is My brother and sister and mother.”

In this verse, Jesus explains that His true family is made up of those who do God’s will. It’s not about blood relations, but about obedience. When we choose to follow God’s plan, we enter into a spiritual family with Christ. This shows that obedience to God’s will is a foundation of our relationship with Him. It’s a choice that leads us closer to Jesus, connecting us as His brothers and sisters.

Obeying God’s will isn’t always easy. It requires trust, patience, and sometimes giving up our own desires. As one writer said, “We are all pencils in the hand of God, doing His will.” When we surrender to His guidance, He uses us for His greater purpose. Just like a pencil in the hand of a writer, we are part of God’s work, even if we don’t always see the big picture.

Being in God’s family means aligning our lives with His will. In doing so, we experience His love and guidance more fully. This is what Jesus invites us to when He calls us His family.

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

Our verse today is Titus 2:7

“In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works.”

One of my earliest memories of going to church was when I was five years old. My family attended the South Park Church of Christ in Beaumont, TX. There was a man who always sat in a big chair on the platform. I wasn’t quite sure what his role was—perhaps he led prayers. When you’re five, you don’t always understand everything. He had white hair and a long white beard, and to my young mind, there was no doubt: this man was Jesus. 

Later on, we started attending a different church, and that man wasn’t there. It bothered me, even as a child, to go to church where “Jesus” didn’t seem to be. Of course, I was confused, but I was only five. Still, the principle holds true—never go to church where Jesus isn’t present.

We can’t determine who is with Jesus based on someone’s appearance, like their white hair or long beard. I once went into a restaurant with a deacon who had a long white beard. A little kid saw us, pointed, and said, “Santa Claus!” You might recognize Santa by his beard, but we see godly people by their actions and beliefs.

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

Our text today is Matthew 22: verses 17 and 21:  

“So tell us what you think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” Jesus replied, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” 

If you had the chance to pose a question to Jesus, would taxes be at the top of your list? It seems that disdain for taxes has been a timeless sentiment, echoing through the ages and still resonating strongly in America today. We’re faced with a dizzying array of taxes: income tax, sales tax, property tax, payroll tax, self-employment tax, capital gains tax, excise tax—and let’s not forget the estate tax that comes up after death.

While these taxes can feel overwhelming, there’s an even more insidious tax we pay—one that doesn’t come with a receipt. I call it the “Gotta Have It Now Tax.” This is perhaps the most foolish tax we incur. It’s an invisible fee we willingly pay when we prioritize instant gratification over thoughtful spending.

Think about it: whether it’s shelling out extra for expedited shipping, succumbing to impulse buys, or opting for convenience at the expense of cost, this tax quietly siphons away our hard-earned money every time we let impatience take the wheel.

The symptoms of this tax are glaringly obvious: empty bank accounts and mounting credit card debt. But fear not! There’s a remedy rooted in wisdom. Here it is: Save a little for a rainy day!

Proverbs 21:20 reminds us:  

“Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them.”

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

Today’s scripture is Deuteronomy 6: verse 7. 

“And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

The them this verse is clear—God’s Word. This verse calls us to ensure that our children, and our families, know God’s Word and make it the foundation of their lives.

Teaching children can sometimes be a challenge, but it must be done. Dads, if you aren’t sure how to reach your child, ask their mom. Not all dads have to, but I surely did.

Our kids, Janet, Ginger and Jeremy, were so engaged with the Word that they would weaponize it for their arguments. Ginger, at 13, would lash out at her 8-year-old brother with Ephesians 6:1: “Children, obey your parents.” 

Jeremy would respond with Proverbs 6:16: “God hates a lying tongue.” Neither of them was especially disobedient or dishonest, they just used scripture as their defense!

Over time, I was able to teach them the deeper, true application of these verses. Now, years later, though they no longer live in my house, I’m still committed to guiding them in God’s Word. That is my calling from Deuteronomy 6. And it’s your calling too.

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

It was Thursday night and Jesus knew that this time tomorrow he would be dead, at least, as we think of death. So, he told his disciples, “I am going away to prepare a better place for you.”

That Scripture is John 14:2-3.

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

He went to prepare a place for you and me too, but do you really want to go? 

I’m reminded of the street preacher who always used the line, “Do you want to go to heaven?” Of course, people always said yes. One day he stopped a man and asked, “Do you want to go to heaven?” The man immediately said, “No!” 

He never heard that answer before so he responded, “you don’t want to go to heaven when you die?” The man said, “When I die? Yes. I thought you were getting up a load to go right now.”

I get it. We like where we are. 

The first lines of a poem say, 

“If God hath made this world so fair,
Where sin and death abound,
How beautiful, beyond compare,

Will Paradise be found!”

God made our world wonderful, but have you ever stopped to consider how much better paradise will be? Jesus went to prepare it as our eternal home. Where we’ll never grow old.

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

Today’s Scripture is Psalm 32:8.  

“I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

This verse reminds us of the intimate care God offers as He guides us through life. His counsel is not distant or cold, but full of love and attention. He doesn’t just tell us what to do; He watches over us with tenderness, making sure we stay on the right path. This is the meaning of “I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” He doesn’t counsel us and then turn his back on us.

It’s easy to feel lost or uncertain, but this verse assures us that God is personally invested in our journey. His loving nature means that we are never forgotten or abandoned. God loves each of us as if we were the only one.  This is the heart of His guidance—it’s personal, kind, and constant.

When we trust in God’s counsel, we find peace, knowing that He sees more than we do. He knows what’s ahead, and His love ensures that He will lead us safely. The question we must ask ourselves is, are we willing to trust His love and follow where He leads?

Today, whatever happens, remember God is watching. Not to find your faults, but to see your needs.

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