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.

Honest to God

Ecclesiastes 5:6

“Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, and do not tell the messenger that your vow was a mistake. Why should God be angry with your words and destroy the work of your hands?”

Verses four and five make it plain that this verse refers to keeping our word to God.

Years ago, I heard the story of a rich man riding on an airplane caught in turbulence. It grew so rough that the rich man finally prayed, “Lord, if you let me land safely, I will give you half of everything I have.”

In time, the plane landed. A preacher who had been behind him said to him, “I heard your prayer. As a preacher, I am here to collect.”

The rich man responded, “I guess you didn’t hear the rest of what I promised. I told Him that if He ever caught me on another plane, He could have it all.”

You could call that a promise to God that wasn’t kept, but that triviliazes the real meaning of this text.

The real meaning is that we ought to be honest with God. When we pledge to Him, we should keep it.

We pledge our hearts to God.

We pledge to serve Him.

We pledge to live as an example.

We pledge to trust Him.

We pledge to pray faithfully.

We pledge to worship faithfully.

Whenever, whatever, we pledge to God, — be honest to God.

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

Today’s Scripture is Ecclesiastes 5: verse 3.
“For a dream comes through much activity, and a fool’s voice through many words.”

This verse provides insight into the nature of achieving dreams and the pitfalls of idle chatter. Dreams do not materialize out of thin air; they are the result of sustained effort and hard work. This is what Thomas Edison meant when he said, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.”

Behind every seemingly effortless achievement lies a vast amount of unseen effort. Another old saying is, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

In contrast, the second part of the verse warns us about the emptiness of speaking without action. It is easy to talk about big dreams and plans, but without the diligence to act upon those words, they remain just that—words. This teaches us a valuable lesson about the importance of backing our words with actions.

Whether we’re pursuing personal goals, career advancements, or spiritual growth, the principle of diligence applies. We must put forth genuine effort in all we do. Remember, dreams are realized not merely by what we say, but through our persistent actions.

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

Our Scripture for today is Proverbs 29:3.

“Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.”

If I were to give a title to this verse, it would be “Wisdom’s Family Ties.” Anyone who says, “It’s my life and I will do what I want,” is certainly not wise. A wise person blesses all who love him or her. Wisdom is a heartfelt commitment to living rightly, and it brings joy and pride to the hearts of those who love us.

According to this verse, when we embrace wisdom, we build a legacy of integrity and honor that our families will be proud of. This is especially significant for parents, who often carry hopes and dreams for their children’s success and moral standing.

A wise child reflects the values instilled in them, bringing joy and fulfillment to their parents’ hearts. Conversely, rejecting wisdom for momentary pleasures can lead to loss and disappointment, casting a shadow over the family’s legacy.

Therefore, embracing wisdom is also about honoring our loved ones by living a life that upholds and reflects the values they cherish. Romans 14:7 makes this clear: “No man lives to himself, and no man dies to himself.”

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

Our reading today is Psalms 14:1.

“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.'”

Actually it is only the first sentence of the verse, but as important as all of the verse is, I did not want you to get lost in more than these words.

This opening line from Psalms 14 confronts us with a stark reality: the denial of God is not rooted in intellect but in a heart disconnected from truth.

When we disregard God’s presence, we cut ourselves off from his wisdom, purpose, and the moral foundation that guides our lives. It’s easy to overlook God in the busyness of life, but this verse urges us to pause and reflect—are we that fool?

Some say out loud that there is no God. Others won’t say it out loud but live as if God doesn’t exist.

The truth of this sentence challenges us to examine our own hearts and align them with the reality of God’s existence.

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

Our text today is Proverbs 28:11.

 “A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him.”

We’ve all encountered that person at work or on social media – the one flaunting their success, convinced their bank account is a measure of how smart they are. Maybe they’ve crushed it in tech, real estate, or scored big in the corporate world. Often, they’re quick to hand out life advice, certain their financial wins equal universal wisdom.

Here’s the thing: true insight often comes from unexpected places. Maybe it comes from a coworker who’s not climbing the corporate ladder but always has the most perceptive take on things. Perhaps it is found in a friend who has little of this earth’s goods, but gives the best life advice. They’ve got something money can’t buy – genuine wisdom.

This proverb is a reminder in our achievement-oriented world that net worth and self-worth aren’t the same thing. Real wisdom isn’t about crushing quarterly goals or having the biggest house. It’s about seeing through the noise, understanding people, and grasping what truly matters in life.

Wisdom is still relevant, even in today’s hustle culture.

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

Our text for today is Proverbs 28:27.

“Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.”

This verse reveals that blessings follow those who extend their hands to the needy. The act of giving is not merely about alleviating someone else’s suffering; it also brings a sense of fulfillment and divine favor to the giver.

When we choose to help the poor, we align ourselves with God’s heart, who is deeply concerned with the welfare of the less fortunate.

The promise of “not wanting” emphasizes that our needs will be met, perhaps not always in material wealth, but in contentment, peace, and spiritual richness. Conversely, ignoring the plight of the poor not only deprives them of help but also brings a curse upon ourselves.
The teaching of this verse is clear: our well-being is intertwined with how we treat others. In giving, we receive, not just from those we help, but from God Himself, who sees and rewards our compassion. Perhaps this is part of the meaning of Jesus’ statement, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Here’s a great quote: “You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.” – Amy Carmichael

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

Our Text is Psalms 46:10

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth,” 

Perhaps you know this from the songs that challenge us to “be still and know that I am God. But do you know the deeper insight?

The call to “Be still” is an invitation to release our grip on control and trust in God’s sovereignty. In a world where activity and busyness often dominate, this call to stillness is a reminder that true peace and clarity come when we step back and allow God to work. Letting go of control is not a sign of weakness but of faith, acknowledging that God’s wisdom far surpasses our own. By surrendering our anxieties and plans to Him, we make room for His perfect will to unfold.

The verse also emphasizes God’s authority over all creation. In recognizing His sovereignty, we are reminded that nothing in our lives escapes His notice or power. Trusting in God’s sovereignty means believing that, even when things seem uncertain, His purposes will prevail. The comfort and strength that come from this trust are invaluable. “Let go and let God” becomes more than just a saying; it becomes a way of life.

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

Our text today is Psalms 23:1.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

The story is told of a five-year-old girl in a Sunday school class when the class was challenged by the teacher to go home that week and memorize Psalms 23. Even casual Bible readers know some of that text. It is short, only six verses, and begins with the familiar words, “The Lord is my shepherd.”

The next week, as Bible class started, the teacher asked the children how many of them had memorized the Psalm. No one raised their hand except the little girl. The teacher asked her to come to the front of the class and recite the chapter. Slowly, she walked to the front of the class, took a deep breath, and started. “The Lord is my shepherd.”

After what must have seemed like an eternity to her, she finally said, “And that is all I know.” If I had been there, I would have added, “Honey, that is enough. Many people don’t know that wonderful thought. The Lord IS our shepherd.”

The passage teaches us other things the Lord does for us: He restores our souls, leads us in the path of righteousness, and protects us. These are all wonderful things, but it all begins with knowing: “The Lord is my shepherd.”

If you know nothing else from that great scripture, be sure you know the same thing the little girl knew.

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