God is Always Present

The story is told of an atheist who one Sunday morning asked a little boy where he was going. The little boy responded that he was on his way to church. The man had his usual bag of tricks for the naive little boy. He said, “Son, I’ll give you a dollar if you can show me where God is.” The little boy thought about it and said, “Mister, I’ll give you a dollar if you can show me where he ain’t.”

Out of the mouth of babes. Indeed, God is everywhere.

 Our text today is from Psalm 139:7-10.

“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.”

These words tell us that God is present in the highest heavens and the deepest depths of the earth. He is present in the morning and the night, in the north and the south, in the east and the west. There is no place where God is not.

God’s presence is a source of great comfort to us. He is always with us, no matter what we are going through. He knows our thoughts and our feelings, and he cares about us deeply. We can always turn to him for help and guidance.

God is present everywhere at the same time. The fancy word for that is “Omnipresence.” The omnipresence of God is a reminder of our own smallness. We are finite, limited by time and space. God is infinite. He is not bound by any limitations. We do not have to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. 

I leave you with three other verses which speak of God’s omnipresence.

* “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry.” (Psalm 34:15)

* “The Lord is in every place; he hears all that is said.” (1 Kings 8:39)

* “For he is God in heaven above and on the earth below; there is no other.” (Deuteronomy 4:39)

He is always near us and with us. If we understand that, we will find comfort.

Lonnie Davis 

Seeing God – He is Holy

The holiness of God is the predominant theme of His nature and character. It refers to God’s otherness, His absolute perfection, righteousness, and purity. Without seeing his holiness, we will always struggle with a relationship with him.

At the core of God’s holiness is the fact that He is completely set apart from His creation. 

God tells us this in Isiah 55:9, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.”

The prophet Isaiah had a powerful vision where the angels surrounding God’s throne cried out “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty” (Isaiah 6:3). The threefold repetition emphasizes God’s supreme holiness. He transcends His creation and is wholly unique and perfect in every way. 

God’s holiness means He is completely without sin or moral failure of any kind. There is no imperfection, injustice or wrongdoing in Him. He is the standard of moral excellence. 1 John 1:5 proclaims “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” His ways, thoughts, and actions are flawless and pure. As Habakkuk 1:13 says “His eyes are too pure to look upon evil.”

Ultimately, the stunning holiness of God calls us to consecrate ourselves completely to Him. We are invited into a relationship with a Holy God through Christ. As we draw near, we must remember who He is – perfect, righteous and transcendent. In other words, He is Holy.

Lonnie Davis

Seeing God – His Power

God has unlimited power and can do anything he wants.

Our text for this thought is Jeremiah 32:17

“Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.”

God has unlimited power. He created the entire universe with his power, and he can do anything he wants. There is nothing that is too hard for him.

God’s power is evident throughout the Bible. He parted the Red Sea, defeated the armies of Egypt, and raised Jesus from the dead. He can do anything he wants, and he always accomplishes his purposes.

God’s power is also evident in his creation. The universe is vast and complex, and it is all the work of God’s hand. He created the stars, the planets, the oceans, and the mountains. He created all living things, including you and me.

God’s power is a source of comfort and hope for believers. We know that God is in control, and he will always work things out for our good. No matter what challenges we face, we can know and trust that God is able to help us.

If you are ever feeling overwhelmed or afraid, remember that God is all-powerful. He is greater than anything you are facing, and he will never abandon you. He is always with you, and he will help you through whatever you are going through.

Let me leave you with two more verses on this subject.

Psalm 135:6: “Whatever the LORD pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all their depths.”

Romans 1:20: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”

God’s power is a great mystery, but it is also a great comfort. We can always trust that God is in control, and he will always work things out for our good.

Lonnie Davis

The All-Knowing God

Imagine trying to keep a secret from someone who knows everything – not just the details of every event, but also the deepest, most hidden thoughts of every heart. Sounds impossible, right? This is precisely the portrait the Bible paints about the nature of God.

Our text is Hebrews 4:13: 

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

This verse shows the breathtaking scope of God’s knowledge. It tells us that every grain of sand, every thought, every emotion, and even every hidden deed is under His watchful gaze. He’s not merely a distant observer; He understands the depth, the reasons, and the implications of everything. God’s knowledge is intimate and close, much like an artist who is familiar with every brushstroke of their creation. 

Yet, there’s an aspect of accountability in this omniscience. The idea that we are “laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” might initially sound intimidating. But let’s remember something crucial: this all-knowing God is also a God who loves us. Being fully seen by Him is less about inducing fear and more about prompting us to live authentically. It becomes a call to embrace truth and integrity, knowing we are deeply loved by the One who knows us best.

Amid our daily hustle and distractions, the realization that God sees and knows all is a source of comfort. Rather than being a looming judgment, His omniscience is an invitation. It beckons us closer, urging us to live transparently and cultivate a deep, meaningful connection with the All-Knowing God.

Lonnie Davis

Today, Hold to His Hand

Our verse for today is 1 John 5:4

“Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.”

It’s so easy to become discouraged trying to live as a Christian today. We’re constantly faced with temptations and opposing worldviews that can overwhelm us. Social media, entertainment, and even friends often promote beliefs contrary to biblical truth. Struggling to find time for spiritual discipline in the middle of life’s busyness can leave us feeling defeated in our faith. Finance, health, and relationship problems only add to the challenges. 

In the face of all this, John’s words give us great hope. Our victory doesn’t come from trying harder in our own strength, which will eventually fail us. True victory comes when we put our faith in Christ which links us to God’s limitless power at work within us. 

This faith stabilizes us like a toddler gripping their parent’s hand. The young child lacks the strength to walk alone, but by holding mom or dad’s hand, they’re supported step-by-step. Through faith, we grip Christ’s mighty hand. Our victory stems not from self, but from the Savior living in us.

As we walk through life anchored to Jesus, His strength leads us to overcome darkness. Even when we feel drained and defeated, His power in us is greater than any challenge faced. The key isn’t trying harder alone, but continually relying on Christ’s strength through faith.

No matter what you face, hold tightly to Jesus’ hand today. Draw deeply from His endless love and power. The victory has already been won by Christ! Staying connected to Him by faith, He will lead you to overcome.

Lonnie Davis

Joseph and Mary

Why did God choose Joseph and Mary?

Many years ago, I ate lunch with a Jewish man who told me that he had an aunt that still hoped that she would be the one to give birth to the Christ child. What? Doesn’t she know that Jesus has already been born? Apparently not. In today’s message, I want to enlighten us all as to why God chose Mary and Joseph.

Our scripture is Luke 1:30-33:

The angel said to Mary, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

In this great story, we see that both Both Mary and Joseph display profound faith, accepting and embracing God’s unexpected plans for their lives. Their trust in God, despite potential repercussions by society, sets the tone for the broader narrative of Jesus’ life and mission.

God called on both of them to do something hard, something inconvenient, something with no models, they just did it. They did it immediately.

Look at the story of Mary. The angel told her she was going to give birth to the Christ. She said, How can I? I’ve never been with a man. Once the angels told her it was God’s will. She just said, “Behold, the handmaiden of the Lord.” This does seem impossible, but Mary just said yes.

Look at Joseph. He was told to ignore the fact that Mary was already pregnant and marry her anyway. It was all a part of God’s doing. He just did it immediately. One night he went to sleep in his normal place. An angel spoke to him in a dream and told him to gather his family and walk miles and miles to Egypt. He woke up and did it immediately.

They did not need to run it by a friend. They did not have to check the weather. They didn’t even have to pray about it. God said it and they just did it.

Now you know why God choose them for this great task. They were a man and a woman of “now” faith. Once they knew what God wanted them to do, They did it now!

Lonnie Davis

Needless Worry

Our text today is Matthew 6:25-30

Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 

Worry is a tempting yet unhelpful habit. Worry is paying interest on a debt you may never owe. Worrying is also like building a bridge over a river that may not exist. Worry is the habit of incessant overthinking.

What drives such unnecessary fretting? Underneath worry lies fear – fear of future unknowns, failures, and catastrophes. When we get caught up in “what if” thinking, worry breeds anxiety and robs us of our peace. We exhaust ourselves carrying burdens that exist only in our minds.

In Matthew 6, Jesus confronts this tendency to worry and shows us a better way. First, he points out how worry betrays a lack of faith in God our Father and Provider (v. 30). 

Additionally, Jesus highlights the utter pointlessness of worry (v. 27). No amount of anxious thought has ever added a moment to one’s life. Worry only steals joy in the present. 

Furthermore, Jesus argues from nature that if God feeds the birds and clothes the lilies, how much more will He provide for us, His children (vv. 26, 28)? 

Finally, Jesus reminds us to stay focused on today instead of consumed with tomorrow (v. 34). Each day’s troubles are sufficient for the day.

Rather than allowing worry to rob our peace, let Jesus’ words sink deeply into us. May we turn our cares into prayers and trust God to quiet our anxious thoughts. He is faithful – and He cares much more than we know.

Lonnie Davis

God Love me ANYWAY

Our text for today is Romans 8:38-39

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

In these words from Romans, Paul tells us that God’s love for us is unbreakable, unwavering, and utterly unconditional.

Consider a mother’s love for her child. Even when that child makes mistakes, rebels, or takes the wrong path, the mother’s love endures. In the same way, but infinitely greater, God’s love remains constant. He does not love us based on our perfection, achievements, or our ability to reciprocate His love. He loves us simply because he made us.

Think about the Parable of the Prodigal Son. A young man took his inheritance, left home, and squandered everything. Yet, when he returned, broken and repentant, his father ran to him, embraced him, and restored him fully as his son. The father’s love was not based on conditions or the son’s worthiness. It was pure, unfiltered, unconditional love.

In our moments of doubt, fear, or when we feel unworthy, let’s remember that there is no force in the universe powerful enough to separate us from the love of God. He loves us deeply and passionately, without reservation. In His embrace, we find grace, acceptance, and the true meaning of unconditional love.

Lonnie Davis

Splinters and Planks

The Call to Self-Examination

Our text for today is Matthew 7:3-5:

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

After years of studying the Bible, this passage has never lost its profound resonance. At its core, Jesus encourages us to embark on a journey of self-reflection and humility. Before pointing fingers, we ought to examine our own flaws and imperfections.

You see, it’s easy to focus on others’ faults. It’s convenient to critique from the sidelines. However, Jesus paints a vivid picture: imagine trying to help someone with a tiny splinter while you have a massive beam obstructing your vision! Not only is it comical, but it also accentuates the irony and impracticality of judging others while being blind to our own imperfections.

According to this verse, we must;

Be Self-aware: Before we correct or critique, we should look inwardly. Recognizing our shortcomings can breed compassion for others.

Be Humble. Accepting our own flaws puts us in a position of understanding, not superiority.

Since none of us are perfect, we must strive to be understanding and humble. When we acknowledge our planks, we are better equipped to handle the splinters of others with love and grace.

Lonnie Davis

Embracing the Holy Life

Our text for today is 1 Peter 1:15-16

“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’”

What does it mean to live a holy life? Holiness isn’t about wearing a halo or being flawless; it’s about pursuing a heart transformed by God’s love.

Living a holy life starts with our thought life. 

We must fill our minds with things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). This means being careful about what we watch, read, listen to and think about. The old saying about computers, “Garbage in, garbage out” fits perfectly. In our thoughts it truly is garbage in, garbage out.

A holy life also requires taming our tongues. 

We should avoid gossip, lies, and slander. Instead, we must speak words that build others up (Ephesians 4:29). Our speech should be gracious, seasoned with salt and should point others to Christ.

A holy life involves our actions. 

Holyness means to flee from sin and cling to righteousness. This means replacing bad habits with godly disciplines like Bible reading, prayer, fasting, fellowship and service. 

Finally, holiness requires full surrender. 

We must die to self and live wholeheartedly for God, holding nothing back. If Jesus is Lord of our life, He must have full Lordship over every area of our lives. 

The holy life is not easy, but it is incredibly fulfilling. As we fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, His Spirit empowers us to live righteously. Day by day, moment by moment, we can walk in holiness and bring glory to God.

Lonnie Davis