Tag: water

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

I am so thirsty

Posted on by William Douthwaite

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” (John 7:37,38)

What a contrast with the nasty stuff Jesus said comes out of the heart:

[Jesus said,] “What comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” (Matthew 15:18, 19)

You don’t know how spiritually thirsty you are until some of that sludge comes out of your mouth. That’s when you realize you could use a nice, long drink of Jesus. When we pray, “Create in me a clean heart, O God,” (Psalm 51:10), it’s like saying, “I am so thirsty.”

Good news. Trusting Jesus is like draining a 64 ounce jug of water in one gulp. More than you can handle. Getting it all over yourself. Plus splashing some on others.

Posted in dogs, Life

Water adventure at the dog park

Posted on by William Douthwaite

While the dogs were delighted, we were horrified when someone opened the gate and two of our three dogs got into the pond.

We usually only have two dogs, but we were also watching my daughter’s older dog. The dog park surrounds a fenced-in pond populated by turtles, snakes, fish, and no doubt a gator or two. A couple of gates provide access, but I’ve never seen a dog in there.

Until that day. A gentleman with an Irish setter and some kind of terrier opened the gate for them, and two of our dogs eagerly followed. My daughter’s dog, an eleven-year old lab mix spotted a tennis ball in the lake, jumped in, and swam to get it. Her hips are a little stiffer, but she could still swim! And then she wanted someone to throw it back in so she could swim some more.

Our Westie is not a swimmer, but ran around the lake, yapping at the swimming dog, turtles, and fish, and lapping at the murky water.

What about our Great Dane? She didn’t get through the gate, but ran around the outside of the fence, woofing at everyone inside.

Once in the pond enclosure, there was no getting them out. In and out of the water and around the lake, they got wet, dirty, and had the time of their lives. A lady grabbed a few dog biscuits from her car, but our dogs weren’t interested.

After about half an hour, I positioned myself on the bank and waited for them to run by. Once they were distracted by water and a ball, I grabbed each by the collar and ended their water play.

The dogs had fun, the van smelled like wet dog for a while, and they all took good naps when we got home.

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Spiritual hydration

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

A “through the bible” devotion from Psalms 42 and 43.

Three times the psalmist asks,

“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?” (Psalm 42:5,11; 43:5)

It’s a great question. Someone else usually asks, “What’s your problem?” “Why are you down in the dumps?” “Are you still moping around?”

In these psalms, though, the writer is in tears. Days of festive worship and celebration are a dim memory. His enemies are relentless. God seems far away.

Three times, the psalmist answers his own question. “Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” It’s like saying, “Duh. Did you forget?” Remember all those times you celebrated God’s presence, power, and provision? What about all those answered prayers and unexpected blessings?

Has God changed? Of course not. He’s the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Is he faithful? Well, he’s got a great track record. He’s kept all his promises so far. Is he distant? Not likely. He’s omnipresent. Everywhere. Most importantly, he’s right here, right now.

What’s your problem? Why are you moping around? You’ve listened an unbelieving world. You’ve lost sight of your future.

And you probably didn’t hydrate. Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, muscle cramps, weakness, irritabilty, feeling cold, dry skin, and no doubt many other conditions.

When your soul is thirsty, you’re anxious, sad, fearful, lonely, lack direction, and are discontent. In the Old Testament, God said, “Come, everyone who thirsts” (Isaiah 55:1). Jesus said, ” If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink” (John 7:37).

If you’re experiencing any of those symptoms, you need some Jesus. You need a shot of grace with a chaser of his steadfast love. You need his word, promises, and assurances. You need his church, worship, and communication (prayer). You need to remember his power, presence, and provision.

A recommended habit I’ve adopted is to drink a glass of water when I wake up each morning. The advocators described it as an “internal shower.”

In a similar way, drink a glass of divine water each day by reading his word, reflecting on his promises, and thanking him for whatever comes to mind. Spiritually hydrate and give your soul a lift.

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Take care of your soul

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on pexels

A “through the bible” devotion from Deuteronomy 4.

The monthly car payment fits into your budget. Sweet! Now, what about the maintenance and upkeep? What? A good rule of thumb is to set aside at least as much as the payment each month for things like oil changes, tires, tire rotations, filters, and cleaning supplies. Yikes. Those things add up quickly.

As he reviewed the law for the people, Moses said, “Only be careful for yourself and watch over your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life” (Deuteronomy 4:9).

I know how to take care of my body. I know how to maintain a car. But how do I care for my soul? Souls get hungry, thirsty, and tired. My soul needs rest and sustenance, too. How do I do that?

Anxiety. Fear. Doubt. Worry. Panic. Restlessness. Impatience. Those could all be signs that my soul needs something. My soul needs to remember what God has done for me, the future he’s secured for me, and his mercies I’m experiencing today. When Jesus calls himself the bread of life, he invites us to come to him and drink, and is described as our Sabbath rest, he’s nothing less than a much-needed buffet for my soul.

Fix your eyes on him.

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Ouch, that hurts

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by ArWeltAtty Attila from pexels

A “through the bible” devotion from Numbers 20.

“I’m so angry I could…” Spit. Scream. Explode. Everyone has a favorite way to finish that sentence. Unfortunately, reacting in anger or frustration rarely serves us well.

I think Moses was perturbed when he had to deal with grumpy people demanding water. Again. “What are we doing out here in the middle of nowhere? We’re all going to die.” I wonder if Moses rolled his eyes? Come on. God provided before. God will provide this time, too. Haven’t you learned anything?

God’s instructions to Moses are simple. Speak to the rock and water will come out. There will be plenty to drink for everyone.

Not far from the end of his rope, Moses says,  “Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?” Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock (Numbers 20:10,11).

It sounds like another happy ending until God says, “Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.” (20:12).

No one saw that coming. But when Moses takes control of that moment, he robs God of his glory. The consequences are severe. At the end of the journey, Moses will not be entering the promised land with everyone else. He loses that ultimate reward for one brief moment in the spotlight.

Today I heard a pastor say, “Don’t give up something you want for something that feels good.” In the moment, though, it’s easy to take our eye off the prize.

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Tap water

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Swanky Fella on Unsplash

A “through the bible” devotion from Exodus 15.

“I fill my cup with tap water.”

To me, that seemed like a benign comment. However, I’ll bet I offended those in the car with me. Everyone had brought along their favorite bottled water. One passenger suggested we stop to buy a six-pack of water with added electrolytes. There was a moment of silence when I threw out, “I filled up my cup with tap water.”

It’s not quiet when the grandchildren get thirsty. They demand, “Where’s my drink?” And if we do not provide water at the right temperature in the right container, they turn up the volume, “Where’s my drink?”

I never did that. It’s a generational thing. If I had said that to my parents, in our non-air-conditioned, AM radio, crank down the windows by hand, bump-in-the-middle-seat station wagon, my parents would have threatened corporal punishment.

I chuckle when I read about the nation of Israel’s thirst in the wilderness. It’s been three days since God parted the Red Sea for them so they could escape the Egyptian armies. But it’s been three days since they’ve found any drinkable water. “What are we going to drink, Moses?” (Exodus 15:24)

I’m thinking, “Oh, boy. You’re going to get it now.” But God provides drinkable water. He’s a lot more patient and slow to anger than I am.

I take my water for granted. Too many people in this world do not have drinkable water. When I Googled this, I learned that twenty-five percent of people on planet Earth do not have access to clean water. I don’t even think about it, so I rarely thank God for the gift of water.

But I should be grateful every morning when I get up and drink a glass of water, start up the coffee maker, wash my face, and flush the toilet. It’s all a gift of God.

Posted in neighbor

A river runs through it

Posted on by William Douthwaite

I’ve been walking by this house every Sunday morning for the past year, watching the river flow from the irrigation system out into the street, filling up the neighbors’ drainage swales.

Along with you, I’ve wondered, “Does anyone live there?” Answer: no. A German woman who used to wander up and down the street in her housecoat died a couple of years ago. I haven’t seen anyone go in or out since then. I haven’t ever seen a car in the driveway, either. But someone cuts the lawn.

Aren’t the neighbors concerned about the weekly flood that runs past their house? Some have called city code enforcement for lesser things. Why not this? It’s never bothered me enough to call.

This woman’s twin sister still lives a few houses up the street. She never drives by? She’s never noticed the water?

I’m assuming they have a well. I could be wrong, but I doubt anyone who pay for city water to run down the street. It’s not cheap.

So it’s a mystery. It has become part of the landscape, along with gaudy lawn ornaments, security system signs, and flags of various nationalities.

Posted in waste

A wonderful (misdirected) stream of water

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Twice in two weeks I’ve come across a water sprinkler doing nothing more than spouting water onto a driveway in my neighborhood.

The first time was in the predawn hours of a Sunday morning. On those days I take the dogs out before sunrise and getting ready for church. I heard the sound before I saw it. The dogs’ ears perked up as we came around the corner and heard water pounding on a driveway. Since the outside lights were on, I got a good shot of the stream arching onto concrete.

The second time was tonight, on our pre-sunset tour of the neighborhood. It’s a different house, but the scene is the same. Irrigation water arches across the driveway, completely missing anything that might grow.

I know it’s not that big a deal. Each probably has a well, so we aren’t wasting city water. I’m just amazed no one notices – except me and the dogs.

First of all, it’s loud. I can hear the sound of water splashing across the driveway about fifty yards away. No one hears that from inside the house?

Also, nothing in that zone is being watered. No one notices the sad spots in the lawn?

And doesn’t anyone notice the puddles in the driveway?

I don’t have an irrigation system, so I’ve never experienced the challenge of maintaining sprinklers. When the grass looks thirsty, I pray for rain. From what I’ve heard, the sandy Florida soil constantly clogs irrigation systems. This upkeep battle never ends.

Having written this, I feel guilty. I should be the one who lets my neighbor know that his sprinkler heads need attention. If I can, I promise I will.

Posted in Devotions, Lent

2020 Lent devotion #21 – Blood on the water

Posted on by William Douthwaite

When all the Moabites heard that the kings had come up to fight against them, all who were able to put on armor, from the youngest to the oldest, were called out and were drawn up at the border. And when they rose early in the morning and the sun shone on the water, the Moabites saw the water opposite them as red as blood. And they said, “This is blood; the kings have surely fought together and struck one another down. Now then, Moab, to the spoil!” But when they came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose and struck the Moabites, till they fled before them. And they went forward, striking the Moabites as they went. (2 Kings 3:21-24)

What a great story! All of Moab, every available soldier, is ready to fight against Israel. Then get up in the morning and the water they see before them looks like blood. What could have happened? Obviously their enemies have turned against each other. This is our chance. Let’s go in and plunder whatever is left. 

Nope. It’s just an illusion. It’s a trap to draw Moab in. Israel is ready, waiting for them. God’s people win a great victory!

Here’s the thing. God said he would do this. He said he would give them both water and victory. And he did! 

So what do you and I have? We’ve got the water of baptism. We’ve got his blood in the sacrament. We’ve got the victory. So when the odds seem against us, we should be confident. We are more than conquerors through him who him who loved us!

Thank you, Lord, for the water, the blood and the victory!