Day: January 5, 2025

Our text today is John 1:40-42:  

“Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John’s testimony and followed Jesus. He first found his brother Simon and told him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated as Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas’ (which is translated as Peter).”  

When Simon first met Jesus, he received a new name: Peter, meaning “rock.” Jesus saw strength and stability in Peter, even though Peter didn’t always see it in himself. That’s how Jesus sees us too—He knows the good we may not yet recognize.  

Before following Jesus, Peter was a fisherman, working alongside his brother Andrew. When Jesus called him, Peter left his nets behind to become a “fisher of men.”  

Peter was among the first disciples chosen by Jesus. Once, when Jesus walked on water, Peter asked to join Him. Stepping out of the boat, Peter walked on water too—until he took his eyes off Jesus and noticed the waves. As he began to sink, Peter cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out and saved him. Jesus was right on time, as He always is. 

Despite his love for Jesus, Peter made mistakes. On the night Jesus was arrested, Peter denied knowing Him three times. Later, filled with regret, Peter was heartbroken. After His resurrection, Jesus forgave Peter and gave him another chance.  

Peter went on to boldly preach about Jesus. His life reminds us that God can use imperfect people to do extraordinary things.  

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

Our text today is John 1:40-42:  

“Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John’s testimony and followed Jesus. He first found his brother Simon and told him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated as Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas’ (which is translated as Peter).”  

When Simon first met Jesus, he received a new name: Peter, meaning “rock.” Jesus saw strength and stability in Peter, even though Peter didn’t always see it in himself. That’s how Jesus sees us too—He knows the good we may not yet recognize.  

Before following Jesus, Peter was a fisherman, working alongside his brother Andrew. When Jesus called him, Peter left his nets behind to become a “fisher of men.”  

Peter was among the first disciples chosen by Jesus. Once, when Jesus walked on water, Peter asked to join Him. Stepping out of the boat, Peter walked on water too—until he took his eyes off Jesus and noticed the waves. As he began to sink, Peter cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out and saved him. Jesus was right on time, as He always is. 

Despite his love for Jesus, Peter made mistakes. On the night Jesus was arrested, Peter denied knowing Him three times. Later, filled with regret, Peter was heartbroken. After His resurrection, Jesus forgave Peter and gave him another chance.  

Peter went on to boldly preach about Jesus. His life reminds us that God can use imperfect people to do extraordinary things.  

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

Our verse today is 1 Samuel 10:21–24, which recounts the fascinating and humorous story of Saul becoming king.

“Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected to be king. But when they looked for him, they could not find him. So again they inquired of the LORD, ‘Has the man come here yet?’ And the LORD replied, ‘Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.’ So they ran and brought Saul, and when he stood among the people, he was a head taller than any of the others. Samuel said to all the people, ‘Do you see the one the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.’ And all the people shouted, ‘Long live the king!’”

Saul’s story is one of great beginnings but a tragic end. His early humility made him likable, but that changed with time. 

One of his major mistakes was offering an unlawful sacrifice. Instead of waiting for Samuel, Saul took matters into his own hands, showing a lack of trust in God’s timing. Later, when commanded to destroy an enemy and their possessions, he disobeyed, sparing the enemy king and keeping the best livestock. This act of defiance led God to reject him as king.

Saul’s jealousy of David consumed him. David’s successes angered and unsettled Saul, driving him to repeatedly try to kill David. In his rage, Saul even attempted to kill his own son, who supported David. 

Saul’s life reminds us that whether king or commoner, rich or poor, we must value obedience, trust, and humility before God.

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

(Explore 1 Samuel 8 through 31) to read more about his life.