Author: William Douthwaite

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Renewed perspective in Christ

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Steven Wright on Unsplash

Some “through the bible” thoughts from Colossians 3.

Paul describes a new life in Christ “since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” (Colossians 3:9,10).

What does that mean?

I can make some sense out of it by pulling in a few other phrases from this letter.

  • Paul prayed that these Christians would “be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (1:9).
  • “Christ is the image of the invisible God” (1:15).
  • “In [him] are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (2:3).

In the larger context of this letter, Paul doesn’t want these believers to get deceived or distracted by philosophy, human traditions and teachings, or other spiritual diversions. Instead, an understanding of our new life in Christ comes from him.

Interestingly, the first thing I did when I wondered, “What does this mean?” is ask Google. Of course I went to AI for some insight. As we all do these days. I know, it would have been better to use scripture to interpret scripture. Jesus said, “If you abide in my word…you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31,32). Sometimes all you have to do is ask.

The world certainly looks different with Jesus in the picture. As a second Adam, he helps us understand what God has in mind for our lives. In fact, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him – these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit” (1 Cor. 2:9,10).

The “new self” isn’t just about better behavior. It’s an understanding of what God had in mind all along, or renewed “knowledge in the image of its Creator.”

Before my cataract surgery, I used to reach for my glasses first thing in the morning. Otherwise, I couldn’t see much of anything, much less the time on the clock. A daily dose of scripture works the same way, bringing God’s grace and love into focus so we can live, really live, each day.

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Rooted, built up, strengthened, and overflowing

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Ephraim Mayrena on Unsplash

Some “through the bible” thoughts from Colossians 2.

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:6,7).

In a world full of experts and advice, it’s easy to relegate Jesus to our spiritual bookshelf, only pulling him out as a reference once in a while. There is always another app, program, subscription, or free guide to upgrading our lives. Plenty of influencers promise to guide us through life’s maze of challenges and opportunities. My social media algorithm leads me down paths of better dog behavior, sourdough bread recipes, coffee, and fitness programs.

However, even though Jesus said, “It is finished,” He’s not done yet. Even though his work of salvation is complete, he’s not done with me. Being alive in Christ means a daily chance to grow, get stronger, and experience ever more gratitude.

Do you know why only he can do what others can only promise. First, none of them are really interested in you. They’re all selling something. Can they produce a better version of you? Maybe. Will they profit? Of course. That’s the bottom line.

Christ, on the other hand, is interested (love) and invested (his life) in me. His purpose is not just a better me. It’s a new me, a new creation. Each day he provides me with opportunities to sink my roots, stretch my branches, feel some power, and overflowing with him. Whether in private or with my Christian brothers and sisters, he keeps pouring out grace on me.

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Stronger than you think

Posted on by William Douthwaite

A few “through the bible” thoughts from Ephesians 3.

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:16-19).

We’ve got a big dog. That’s no surprise to my readers. I often write about the adventures I’ve had with our Great Dane. She’s not as big as some of the Great Danes I’ve read about. She’s only about 105 pounds. Some of you are thinking, “only?”

She is all muscle. But she doesn’t realize how strong she can be. She doesn’t always leave a mark, but I remember every whip of the tail, butt of the head, lean of the body, swipe of the paw, and leap onto the love seat next to me. In her mind she’s just a lap dog. In reality, she’s a beast.

Paul’s words remind us that we’re a lot stronger than we think we are. If Christ dwells in our hearts through faith, then we have been strengthened with divine power. Faith – even faith the size of a mustard seed – means you are much stronger than you think. You have the power to grasp the dimensions of his love for you. It that experience, not just knowledge, that changes everything. “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

It’s the original and renewable energy source. It’s the power to believe, not lose heart, persevere, rejoice, and live.

Posted in dreams

Navigating Dreams and Reality: Finding My Way

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Scarbor Siu on Unsplash

One of my recurring dreams is not being able to find a place where I need to be. In my dream, I’m wandering through a school, unable to find the next class on my schedule. Or I can’t find the room where I’m to take a test. Or my locker in halls lined with thousands of them. Sometimes I’m driving through a neighborhood and can’t find the house I’m scheduled to visit. Of course, I’ve only got a minute or two to find the right place. I always wake up before I reach my destination.

I experienced this in real life when I arrived for a bible class at a church on Thursday morning. I parked where other cars were parked and thought it would be easy to find my way to the location. But I only found locked doors and dark hallways.

Was this the right day? Was I at the right location? I brought up an email newsletter on my phone and confirmed the time and place.

Hmm. Let me try another entrance. I walked around checking door after door. No luck.

I drove around the other side of the building, parked in front, and went to the main front entrance. Surely they could help me. And the receptionist did. “Just follow me.” We wound our way through twisting hallways, past many doors and rooms, and finally arrived at the right spot. On my own I’d still be wandering those passageways!

It was just like my dreams. Except in real life, I found the place!

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

The Power of Compassion and Forgiveness in Daily Life

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Adam Nemeroff on Unsplash

A few “through the bible” thoughts from Ephesians 4.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

On the heels of what not to do, it’s so nice to hear some positive encouragement. We probably know more about what the bible says we shouldn’t do rather than the positive we can do. Paul’s words direct us to kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. On any given day, you or I or the world could use a little more of any of those.

Harsh, impatient, demanding, rude, selfish. That’s easy. I’ve mastered those attitudes and behaviors. Kindness? That’s more difficult. Ironically, kindness isn’t hard at all. It’s expressed in small but significant ways. Hold open a door. Grab something at the store for someone. Pick up a trashcan that’s toppled over in a driveway. Bring donuts.

Compassion prevents me from looking down on people or judging them too quickly. I don’t know their story. I don’t know what’s weighing on their minds or burdening their hearts. Compassion makes me want to listen, learn, and give them some slack.

Forgiveness? I’m the poster child for forgiveness. So are you. Without God’s forgiveness, you’re toast. But in Christ, who suffered and died a horrendous death in your place, God forgives. You could extend a little grace to others. Jesus loves them, too. No matter how annoying, irritating, or cruel they are, Jesus died for them too. I know. Incredible.

Kind, compassionate, forgiving. That’s how I (we) make a difference.

Posted in neighbor, neighborhood

That’s a lot of stuff

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Most garage doors are closed when I walk through the neighborhood. Those that are open are typically full, and this one was no exception. It’s hard to see them all, but I count at least thirty yellow-lidded black storage totes balanced along the wall. The opposite wall is just as impressive.

I’m impressed with the labeling, too. But I’m more impressed with all the stuff. Tote after tote of stuff. (Those totes aren’t cheap! Nine or ten bucks a pop.) Holiday decorations? Seasonal clothing? Books? Souvenirs from trips? Picture albums? Collections?

To tell you the truth, I can’t imagine enough content to fill all those boxes. But that accumulation is the rule not the exception. Three-car-garages are standard in new builds in my neighborhood. Few folks park cars in those garages. Cars live in the driveway, while box after box after box occupies the row of garages.

Well, that’s not entirely true. I have a neighbor whose three-car-garage contains a universal gym, multiple tool cabinets, and a grill he wheels out to cook supper. He’s got no clutter in his garage(s). He also has no cars or trucks in there.

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

More or less: a different kind of math

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Valentina Giarre on Unsplash

Some “through the bible” thoughts from Ephesians 3.

“I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge” (Ephesians 3:17-19).

I measure lots of things: the inseam of my pants, 3-1/2 cups of flour for a batch of sugar cookies, 1/3 c. of food for the little dog, the weight of a dumbbell, how much time to drive to a destination, the area of a rug, the brightness of a lightbulb, days until Christmas (lol), how long I slept, and how many steps I took today.

Churches measure lots of things, too. Leaders track worship attendance, offerings, membership numbers to track progress, plan programs, and strategize ministry.

One of Paul’s prayers for the believers in Ephesus is that they would have the power to grasp the dimensions of Christ’s love, a measurement that goes far beyond mere knowledge (numbers).

We miscalculate those dimensions. Someone has wandered too far away from God’s care. The bar to please God is as low as our best efforts. He doesn’t have time to care about our down days, so we have to pull ourselves out of a funk. His promises are out of reach.

The truth is much different. No one is beyond God’s reach. The bar of righteousness is way over our heads. He’s really close, right there with us on our worst days. His promises aren’t far away at all, lodged in our hearts. We underestimate our sinfulness. We underestimate his grace, too.

Posted in construction

Try not to spill anything

Posted on by William Douthwaite

While building permit boxes on poles are at every construction site, this was the first Emergency Spill Kit I’ve seen in front of a new house going up in the neighborhood. Environmentally it’s a good idea, but what kind of spills are we talking about here?

When a dumpster shows up in a front yard, people throw in every sort of trash imaginable. Typical construction waste includes scrap wood, boxes, bags, insulation, wire, broken cinder blocks, bent nails, concrete bags, and shingles. Add to that food wrappers, empty water bottles, bags of trash, and a mattress (there’s always a mattress).

But nothing hazardous. No oil or toxic chemicals or nuclear waste or old moldy food, or a dead animal. At least, I don’t think any of those things would appear on property. It’s better to be safe than sorry, but the need for it seems remote.

I couldn’t find any local statutes requiring an emergency spill kit. Yet here it is, along with a no trespassing sign, a few old tires (there’s always a few old tires), and some discarded rebar.

Oh, and a bag of Taco Bell trash. Not that might be a problem…

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Far above

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Tolu Olarewaju on Unsplash

Some “through the bible” thoughts from Ephesians 1.

Paul ends a long, long sentence describing Christ as “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come” (Ephesians 1:21).

When I worked for Bell Labs forty-five years ago, I found myself in a sea of engineers far smarter than me. They had developed transistors, long distance networks, and digital communication for trips to the moon. It was a privilege to be out of my league for a few years.

From there I found myself at the seminary, surrounded by theologians far smarter than me. As I struggled to parse a Greek word, they read, taught, and preached from the Greek New Testament as if it were their native language. They explained eras of church history as if they had lived back then. It was a privilege to be out of my league for a few years.

Years later I worked out at a CrossFit box, surrounded by athletes older, younger, and in far better shape than me. As I struggled through box jumps and burpees, they flew through thrusters and muscle ups. They flew up and down ropes before carrying crazy heavy dumbbells over their heads the length of the floor. And back. It was a privilege to be out of my league with them.

On the one hand, it’s humbling to be in the presence of those whose abilities are far beyond mind. On the other hand, it’s a great opportunity to learn and be inspired.

It’s good to appreciate the humility of Jesus. He humbled himself and became the lowest of servants. But that’s not the end of the story. He was also exalted to the highest place, to a place of authority far above any other. And not just for a moment. All day today. And tomorrow. And forever.

Plus, he has authority over every other authority, rule, power, and dominion. That includes every dictator, billionaire, influencer, writer, entrepreneur, spiritual leader, venture capitalist, scientist, or AI. This includes those who exist now and those who will exist in the future.

When you think about it, what kind of a God wouldn’t have that kind of authority? Such a God wouldn’t be much of a God.

And yet, we quickly forget that he’s got a handle on things. He has a handle on everything. Nothing – from your health to the stock market to an election – happens outside the realm of his control. Which begs the question, “What are you worried about?”

Are you worried about your health? The country? Your freedoms? Your portfolio? That mole on your back? Your church? Your children (or grandchildren or great-grandchildren)? Your garden? Your neighbor? Your bloodwork? Your schools?

He’s got a handle on it.