Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

A thief in the night

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Some “through the bible” thoughts from 1 Thessalonians 5.

“The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2).

Here’s another example of reading and familiar passage of scripture and discovering new insights.

It can be disconcerting to anticipate the unexpected return of Christ “like a thief in the night.” Will I be ready? What if I’m not ready? How can I be ready?

But when I keep reading, my perspective changes.

“But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day” (5:4,5).

For those in Christ, it’s not nighttime. Jesus is the light. It’s the middle of the day. That’s not when the thief comes to break in and steal. That’s when we get up and go to work. Doing what? Keep reading.

“Admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all…Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances” (5:14; 16-18).

There’s plenty to do in a world that can seem very dark because it fails to see or embrace the light. Part of the good news is that we not only live in the light, but we bring light to the world. Encouragement, joy, gratitude, and grace shine much needed brightness into the lives of others. And isn’t that one of the ways Jesus unexpected comes in the night?

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Words with power

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Polina Tankilevitch on pexels

Some “through the bible” thoughts from 1 Thessalonians 1.

“Our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction” (1 Thessalonians 1:5).

It’s easy to forget that the gospel is more than just words. It is the power of God to change lives, produce hope, and inspire faith. The gospel itself is very simple: Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). But that simple message speaks of profound love, unequaled power, unfailing hope, and an amazing future. It’s a simple message that has changed the lives of young and old for millennia.

I find the power of words fascinating. Words can make me burst out in laughter or well up in tears. They can create images in my mind. Strung together they tell memorable stories. Words stir some to action. They may help others calm down.

We anticipate the first word of a child. We remember the last thing a loved one said to us before their death. We’ll look through dozens of greeting cards in search of the one with just the right words. Some permanently tattoo words on their bodies. Others creatively paint words on the sides of boxcars.

I find the power of the gospel fascinating, too. It’s a story. But Jesus makes it my story. It covers my past and reassures me of the future, giving me two secure handles for today. The same God who spoke creation into existence and called the dead back to life speaks into my life with power, the Holy Spirit, and conviction.

What a blessing!

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Walking Worthy: Exhortation and Growth in Faith

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Kasper Rasmussen on Unsplash

Some “through the bible” thoughts from 1 Thessalonians 2.

“We exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:12).

How much of the Christian faith involves the involvement and encouragement of others? Much more than we realize!

We’ve known for a long time that the most successful evangelism strategy is a simple invitation. Research shows again and again that most people go to a church because someone invited them. It’s not the music, the preacher, the building, the donuts, the children’s program, or the free gift for first-time visitors. It’s the encouragement of friends or family. Of course it’s not a fool-proof strategy. Not everyone will accept the invitation. But it’s the best we’ve got.

A personal relationship with God will always connect us with others who know him, trust him, listen to him, talk about him, and worship him. Sometimes just being with other Christians influences us. It’s like seeing what someone has ordered at a restaurant and saying, “I’ll have what she’s having.” Other times it’s their exhortation and encouragement. The only reason I ever sang in a choir, taught children, wrote devotional material, served on a board of directors, or went on a mission trip is because someone asked me to do those things. I’m glad they did, because with each experience, I grew in my faith and met some great people.

When Paul wrote these words to believers in Thessalonica, he wanted them to know how much he cared about them. He wanted them to experience the kingdom and glory of God. So he exhorted, encouraged, and challenged them to “walk in a manner worthy of God.” He urged them to be the people God had created and saved them to be.

I’m thankful for the many who exhort, encourage, and challenge me, too.

Posted in weather

Baby it’s cold outside (for some of us)

Posted on by William Douthwaite

We had a taste of Florida winter this past weekend. I woke to below-freezing temperatures for the first time in a while. After rooting through my dresser for a hat and some gloves, I went out layered in a t-shirt, hoodie, and coat. Any warmth from the sun was an hour away as the big dog and I set out on our pre-dawn walk.

Most mornings we encounter a few other dog walkers. We were very alone on our neighborhood loop.

Except for one guy. One guy was out scraping a light coating of ice off a windshield. This one guy was in nothing other than boxers. No pants, no shoes, no shirt, no hat, no gloves. Just boxers. He smiled and waved as we walked by, as if it were just another balmy day in the south.

I’ll bet it hasn’t been long since he moved to Florida. Once you spend a few decades here, you break out the coat when it’s in the 50’s. Until then, you wonder why everyone is bundled up!

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.