Tag: Jesus

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 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 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.

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Yes, thank you, I would appreciate your help

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Kampus https://www.pexels.com

Some “through the bible” thoughts from John 13.

“Then [Jesus] poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him” (John 13:5).

It’s the lowest of all tasks. Only the lowest of servants wash feet. And Jesus is that servant. Jesus humbles himself. Jesus is the least. Jesus isthe servant. Jesus is last in line. Jesus is last in his class.

Peter doesn’t want it. He doesn’t want Jesus to wash his feet. No way, no how. But Jesus says he must do this. This is what God does when he comes to earth. This is his mission.

I’ve learned to always accept an offer of help. Even if I can handle it, or it’s not too heavy, or its within my capabilities, I now say, “Yes, thank you.” Someone carries something, cooks something, builds something, writes something, teaches something, or whatever? Yes, thank you.

It’s good for me. And good for them. I’m not self-sufficient. And others benefit from helping me. It’s a win-win.

Little ones love to help. I always ask the grandkids, “Do you want to help me?” They are thrilled to help me walk a dog, gather sticks for a fire, or prepare a snack. They love being a part of the action.

Jesus told us to love, serve, comfort, and encourage. But if everyone is doing just fine, how can we follow his command? Sometimes we need to let others follow his instructions by being helped, comforted, and encouraged.

Posted in Christmas

A few baby Jesus sightings

Posted on by William Douthwaite

I received seven Christmas cards this year. (Yes, I know one is technically an Epiphany card.) Forty-three percent (three out of seven) include the baby Jesus, an increase from previous years. Two circle around the gift of a Savior, but don’t quite land the plane. And nothing embraces peace like a bundled up snowman, right?

The above photo doesn’t include the two family photo postcards we received. Two of the cards did include lengthy newsletters. One of the cards was from a family I don’t think ever sent one before.

Supposedly, Americans are still sending Christmas cards. Google AI says 1.3 billion cards are sent each year. Wow. Just wow. The average household sends twenty-eight cards. We’re below average in this category. We sent out none this year.

Perhaps the number of cards received is a response to how many cards were sent. Maybe I’ll do some research next year. If I send out my cards right after Thanksgiving, will I receive more in return?

And you know mine will include a baby Jesus.

Posted in Christmas, Jesus, Through the Bible Devotions

It’s that time of year…

Posted on by William Douthwaite

This blue and white display caught my eye as I zipped through my mostly red and green Publix yesterday. Even though Chanukah (Hanukkah?) is almost over, there’s still plenty of holiday merch on these shelves. Must haves include menorahs, games, dreidels, straws, stickers, and potholders.

But my favorite item is the box of eight milk chocolate Macabbees. Not as many as the twenty-four piece chocolate Advent calendar, but more than a typical box of chocolate Santas.

The Maccabees were Jewish freedom fighters before the birth of Jesus Christ. Their revolt against the Seleucid empire secured freedom for the nation. They rededicated the temple in Jerusalem and reestablished Jewish worship in 164 BC. Hanukkah is the eight-day celebration of that event.

Spoiler alert: Most of “Christmas” revolves around fictional characters (Santa, Frosty, the Grinch, Rudolph, Jack Skellington, Buddy the elf, Mickey and Minnie Mouse). Hanukkah is the real deal, honoring those through whom God would send a Savior, who is the real deal of Christmas. (Oh, and yes, you can buy a chocolate nativity.)

When I went to college, many of my friends were Jewish. Cliff taught me this little jingle:

“I had a little dreidel, I made it out of clay; And with my little dreidel, I lost ten bucks today.”

The only Hanukkah light display in my neighborhood.
Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

A few spiritual petitions

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Fa Barboza on Unsplash

Jesus’s approval ratings skyrocket after he feeds the five thousand. Jesus knows it’s because they fed him. They remind him, “Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness…Give us this bread always” (John 6:31,34).

Jesus says, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35). He repeats this truth two more times to emphasize that we need more than a meal. We need him.

How many of our prayers are for physical things, and how many petitions are for spiritual blessings? Surely someone has run the numbers. It’s probably not close. I’ll bet less than one percent of prayer is for spiritual blessing. The rest is for healing, provision, protection, wisdom for decisions, and relationships.

There is nothing wrong with praying for those things. Jesus told us to ask for “daily bread,” that is, everything we need for the support of this body and life. Such prayers help us receive everything with gratitude, acknowledging that every good and perfect gift is from above.

But what about our spiritual needs? Do we pray for those? How do we pray for those?

Somewhere I read these suggested petitions when reading the bible:

  1. Help me learn something new about you, Lord.
  2. Give me knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.
  3. Guide my steps according to your Word.

None are tangible. All have a spiritual flavor to them. An enhanced view of God provides insight to shape our lives from the inside out. It’s a useful outline that lets spiritual needs bubble to the top of my prayer list.

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Prayers that glorify God

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Jack Sharp on Unsplash

Some “through the bible” thoughts from John 17.

“When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you'” (John 17:1).

We know that Jesus went off by himself to pray. In John’s gospel we get to listen in. At the heart of Jesus’s prayer is the desire to glorify his father.

How often do we pray that God would be glorified?

I pray for healing, protection, relationships, faith, and provision. And I ought to pray for all those things. But my prayers are for my personal health and well-being. Sometimes it is for others. Do I pray for God to be glorified?

Not intentionally. To be honest my prayers sound selfish compared to Jesus’s. But God is glorified when he responds to my prayers. He’s the source of healing, provision, faith, and life. Whenever I receive those things, he looks good. That is, he’s glorified.

How would the shape of my prayers change if my motivation was God’s glory? The slices of praise and thanks would be the larger pieces of my prayer pie chart. The bottom line would not be my comfort and happiness, but good publicity for God, that more would know, trust, and glorify him.

What if prayer were a highlighter for all that God is and does? I wouldn’t be able to ignore his power, kindness, grace, justice, and mercy. He would look better and better every time I prayed.

He would be glorified!

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Down but not out

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Some “through the bible” thoughts from Acts 14.

In Acts 14, Jews are on a mission of their own from Antioch and Iconium to hinder Paul’s preaching. “having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead” (Acts 14:19).

However the next day, Paul and Barnabas preached in Derbe. I imagine Paul looked like Rocky after either of his fights with Apollo Creed. Maybe worse. He’s bloody, bruised, and an eye is swollen shut. He’s limping, has one arm in a sling, and is missing a couple of teeth. With a concussion like that he should sit out at least one game, right?

How would you like to visit a church where the preacher looked like that on a Sunday morning? I once preached with some stitches on my forehead from skin cancer surgery. Another time I had a bloody nose a few moments before the sermon. I don’t remember getting many questions.

But if I were in Derbe, I’d have a lot of questions. Like, “Why didn’t anyone stop the mob who came after Paul?” And, “Barnabas, why do you look so good while Paul looks so bad?” Or how about, “Don’t you ever take a day off, Paul?”

I suppose this would have been a good chance for Paul to say, “You should see the other guy.” By the other guy, I mean Jesus. After seeing what happened to him on the cross, the apostles knew what they were in for. And yet, they rejoiced “that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name” (5:41). Prison? Beatings? It was all in the job description.