Month: January 2025

“Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” (Amos 3:3)  

Amos, a shepherd turned prophet, asked this simple question to illustrate a spiritual truth. Walking together implies unity. Two people cannot journey side by side if they are pulling in opposite directions. The same is true of our relationship with God.  

Amos spoke these words to Israel, a nation that had turned from God’s ways. Though they claimed to be His people, their disobedience had created a rift, making it impossible for them to walk in harmony with Him. God’s path was righteousness, but they had chosen rebellion. The distance between them wasn’t because God moved—it was because they did.  

This truth applies to our daily lives as well. Imagine two hikers on a trail, one wanting to take a shortcut while the other insists on following the map. If they refuse to agree, they will eventually part ways. The same is true with God—when we insist on our own way, we create distance from Him.  

In marriage, friendship, or church fellowship, unity is essential. Disagreements are inevitable, but unless we find common ground, our walk together will suffer. Relationships thrive when built on shared values and a commitment to truth.  

The key to walking with God is agreement with His Word—not just in knowledge, but in action. His direction is clear, and His steps are steady. If we find ourselves drifting, the solution isn’t to ask Him to adjust His course—it’s to align ourselves with His way.

So, take a moment to examine your walk. Are there areas where you are resisting God’s direction? In your choices, your relationships, your priorities—are you walking in agreement with Him? If you realize you’ve been moving in your own direction, don’t be discouraged. God invites you back into step with Him. Through prayer and time in His Word, you can realign your steps with His.  

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

Our quote for today comes from Daniel.
“My God sent His angel, and He shut the mouths of the lions.” — Daniel 6:22

Daniel’s night in the lions’ den was more than a miraculous escape—it was a testament to unwavering faith in God’s protection. Though innocent, Daniel faced a pit of peril, surrounded by ravenous lions symbolizing the treachery of those who sought his downfall. Yet by morning, the lions sat silent, their threats undone. Why? Because “My God sent His angel.”

How often do we find ourselves in modern-day dens? Financial stress, health crises, relational fractures, or self-doubt—these are the “lions” that circle us, snarling with anxiety and fear. Like Daniel, we might feel trapped, questioning if relief will ever come. But his story offers a profound truth: God’s faithfulness transcends our circumstances. The same power that hushed the beasts in Babylon still quiets the chaos we face today.

Notice Daniel’s response. He didn’t rely on his political savvy or beg for mercy. He didn’t even pray for escape. Instead, he trusted. His declaration, “My God sent His angel,” shifts the focus from human effort to divine intervention. Our security isn’t found in our ability to outthink, outwork, or outlast our struggles—it’s anchored in God’s promise to stand with us.

Are you facing a situation that feels insurmountable? A conflict at work, a crumbling marriage, or a heart heavy with regret? Take courage. God doesn’t always remove the den, but He will be with you in the den.

Today, if the roar of fear grows loud, remember Daniel. Pray not just for rescue, but for eyes to see God’s presence in the den with you. His help isn’t a distant hope—He’s an ever-present shield.

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

The quote for today is from Isaiah: 

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” (Isaiah 6:8).  

Some questions change everything. They don’t just seek an answer—they seek a heart willing to respond. Today’s verse is one of those questions. 

Imagine a parent calling into a crowd of children, “Who will help me?” A hush falls. One small head turns. Tiny feet race forward. “I will!” No questions about the task. No weighing the cost. Just a heart eager to say yes—not because of what’s asked, but because of who is asking.  

That’s the scene in Isaiah’s vision—heaven’s throne room, fiery angels, a trembling prophet. God doesn’t demand or command; He simply asks, “Whom shall I send?” Unlike Moses, who protested his speech. Unlike Jonah, who ran. Unlike Gideon, who needed signs. Isaiah doesn’t stall or second-guess. He just answers. Raw. Immediate. “Here am I. Send me.” 

God still asks that question today. Not to the angels, but to you. To me. To the single mom exhausted from sleepless nights. To the retiree wondering if their best days are behind them. To the teenager unsure of their place in this world. To the executive drowning in busyness. God calls—not the qualified, but the willing. His call isn’t reserved for the resumé-ready. He doesn’t require ability, just availability. Isaiah didn’t know the where or how of his mission. He just knew the Who.  

Perhaps you’ve felt that nudge—a whisper to serve, forgive, speak up, or step out. Maybe you’ve hesitated, thinking, I’m not ready. Not good enough. Not brave enough. But God’s invitations aren’t about your capacity—they’re about His. Moses had a stutter. David was a shepherd. Esther was an orphan. Yet their “Here am I” changed history.  

When you hear His voice—in the quiet, in the chaos—don’t overthink it. Just answer. Because when God calls, He also walks beside you.  

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

Joshua’s verse for today is: Joshua 24:15
“If it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!”

Joshua’s words remind us that faith is a choice, not an accident. He said, “Choose for yourselves this day.” Every day, we stand at a crossroads, faced with distractions that pull us away from God. But like Joshua, we can boldly declare our allegiance. When he said, “As for me and my house,” he pointed to a truth we often overlook: faith shapes not only our lives but the lives of those around us. It’s a generational decision. When we serve the Lord, our homes become places where faith grows.

As a father with grown children, I can reflect on the blessings God has given me. I have a nice car, a great house, and all I need to enjoy life. But the greatest blessing I have is the love of my children and grandchildren. If I don’t have this, all else will seem empty, because blessings begin at home.

The greatest legacy we can leave is a household that serves the Lord.

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

A Word from Moses

Moses—hero of the faith, deliverer of Israel, and the man who spoke face-to-face with God. To many, he’s the greatest prophet of all. But before he led a nation out of bondage, Moses was a man of doubts, fears, and second-guessing.

Imagine this: forty years in the palace, living like a prince. Then, in a single moment, his attempt to defend a fellow Israelite backfires, and he’s running for his life. Forty more years pass in the wilderness as a humble shepherd. A life far removed from royal courts and grand callings. Then, one day, a bush on fire, but not consumed, captures his attention. God’s voice calls out from the flames, giving Moses a mission he never saw coming—to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery.

And Moses’ first response? Doubt. “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11).

Can you hear it? That familiar voice of self-doubt? I can! Most of us have been there—standing at the edge of something big, feeling unqualified, unworthy, and just plain afraid. Psychologists might call it “imposter syndrome.” We simply call it being human.

But here’s the beauty in Moses’ story: God doesn’t chastise him for his hesitation. He doesn’t shame him or tell him to “get over it.” Instead, God meets Moses in his doubt with patience and assurance. He says, “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12). Those five words change everything. The weight of the task wasn’t on Moses alone—it never was. God promised His presence, His power, and His guidance.

And isn’t that just like our God? Patient, understanding, and steady. He doesn’t call us because we’re strong; He calls us because He is. Our doubts don’t disqualify us—they invite us to lean on Him all the more.

So the next time you feel inadequate for the task ahead, remember Moses. Remember that God doesn’t need perfect people, just willing hearts. And most of all, remember this: You are never alone. The same God who called Moses and walked with him, walks with you too.

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

New Series: Great Quotes

One of my favorite things to read is a great quote. In fact, I like to keep them written down in a notepad. Here’s one I came across: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.”

This idea of collecting quotes has inspired a new series of daily thoughts. Over the next few weeks, I’ll share a meaningful quote from each of the individuals who helped author the Bible. The Bible was written by about 40 people over a span of 1,500 years, including Moses, Joshua, Matthew, Mark, and many others. This series will be a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the wisdom of these writers and perhaps even add their words to your own collection.

For today, I want to share a quote from Zechariah, a prophet from around 520 BC. He encouraged God’s people to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. It is found in:

Zechariah 7:13
“Just as I had called and they would not listen, so when they called I would not listen, says the LORD of Hosts.”

I love this thought because it reminds us that God desires a real relationship with us. He isn’t a genie in a bottle that we can summon when it’s convenient and then set aside. When we listen to Him when He calls, He promises to listen to us when we call.

Understanding this truth can transform the way we pray, read the Bible, and worship.

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

More About Jesus #6

He Did Much with a Little

You remember the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 followers. In just a few words: Jesus fed a crowd of over 5,000 with just five loaves and two fish. Moved by compassion, He blessed the food, multiplied it, and provided more than enough for everyone. The miracle revealed His divine power, taught trust in God’s provision, and pointed to Him as the Bread of Life.

No story of the life of Jesus would be complete without a look at this story. Of all the miracles Jesus did, this is the only one that all four of the Gospel writers told. What was so great about it?

First, Jesus fed 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish. We would not even try such. That many people would require thousands of loaves and hundreds of pounds of fish!

Second, because of the great lessons it still teaches us: 

It teaches that God can do much with a little. The disciples doubted how such a small amount of food could feed so many (Mark 6:37). Yet, when they obeyed Jesus and trusted Him, they witnessed the impossible. This should encourage us to rely on God’s power rather than focusing on our limitations.

It teaches that great things begin with gratitude. What did Jesus do before he fed the crowds? He blessed the food. When you don’t have enough, thank God for what you do have. If you call on God in gratitude, he will work wonders.

One last interesting note: Jesus didn’t feed 5,000. It was many more. The Bible says that he fed “About five thousand men were fed, in addition to women and children.” (Matthew 14:21). He fed 5,000 men plus the women and children!Maybe it was 10,000 who were fed. No one knows! 

God always does more than we even know.

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

More About Jesus 

For three years, Jesus ministered to all who wanted to hear God’s Word.  

His ministry was very localized. Most of His teaching took place in the area around the Sea of Galilee, with Jerusalem only 70 miles to the south. Samaria lay between these two places. If you had been in these areas, you might have seen or heard of Jesus. His worldwide fame began only after His death and resurrection, spreading through the teachings of His apostles and disciples.  

Jesus was a master teacher. As such, He often used stories to illustrate His lessons. We call these stories parables. One smart person described parables as earthly stories with heavenly meanings. For people who often could not read or write, these stories made it easier to remember the lessons He taught.  

Jesus willingly taught everyone. He taught Jews and non-Jews, also called Gentiles. He taught men and women, the rich and the poor. In fact, it was often the poor who were first drawn to Him. When He met the Samaritan woman at the well, she was shocked that He spoke to her—a Samaritan—and surprised that He would teach a woman.  

During His ministry, He spoke 30-40 different parables. He performed about 37 miracles. His first miracle was turning water into wine, but he even raised people from the dead. He performed his miracles by the power of the Holy Spirit.

These are just a small part of His story. For a truly meaningful experience, read the first four books of the New Testament. They share His life and teachings in vivid detail.  

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

Young Jesus

You probably know the familiar details about the youth of Jesus—born in a manger, visited by shepherds and Magi. But the most significant glimpse we have of His young years happens when He is twelve. Luke 2:41 tells us, “Every year His parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover.”

Picture Mary, Joseph, and Jesus walk 15 miles a day for the 70 miles. They were with extended family and neighbors, sharing stories, singing psalms, and anticipating the worship and celebration in Jerusalem. It was more than a journey; it was a spiritual pilgrimage, full of reverence and joy.

The trip to Jerusalem must have been exciting, but the return took an unexpected twist. While traveling in a caravan, Mary and Joseph assume Jesus is with them. By evening, probably as they set up camp, they realized He was missing. After walking back another day to Jerusalem, they spent a third day searching through the 225 acres of the city and the 35 acres of the temple. Finally, they found Him in the temple, sitting with the teachers, listening and asking questions (Luke 2:46). Jesus wasn’t just listening—He was actively engaging in deep discussions. Verse 47 says, “Everyone who heard Him was amazed at His understanding and His answers.” Of course, they were. He was only twelve years old. 

Then comes one more striking detail: Luke 2:52 says, “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” This means He was well-liked by His neighbors, giving us a glimpse of the kind of young man He was—wise, kind, and deeply respected.

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

Have you ever wondered what Jesus really looked like? While we can easily find statues of Julius Caesar, Jesus remains a visual unknown. This isn’t by accident. During his time, Jesus wasn’t a celebrity like Caesar, and even if he were, Jewish cultural practices strictly forbade creating human images, rooted in the commandment against “graven images.”

Our modern curiosity about Jesus’s appearance reached a fascinating peak in 2001 when the BBC produced a groundbreaking documentary. Experts analyzed a first-century Jewish skull and archaeological data using forensic reconstruction techniques to create a remarkably human portrait. The result? A broad-faced, large-nosed man who looked distinctly different from Hollywood’s romanticized depictions.

The Bible itself offers tantalizingly little information. The prophet Isaiah provides the most telling description, suggesting Jesus was remarkably ordinary: “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him.”

Archaeological and cultural evidence paints a more nuanced picture. Jesus was likely a Mediterranean man with olive-toned skin, dark hair, and a beard—standard for Jewish men of his era. Contrary to popular artistic representations, he probably wore his hair shorter, as longer locks were considered unusual for men at the time. He was probably about 5 foot, 5 inches, average for the time. He likely weighed about 130-150 pounds.

Jesus’s true significance lay not in how he looked, but in what he represented—a divine presence that transformed hearts and challenged societal norms.

In the end, Jesus’s appearance reminds us that his true impact comes from character, not physical beauty.

—Lonnie Davis