Category Archives: Encouragement

Wild, Untamable God

Posted on November 23, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

“Wild, Untamable God” explores the deeper message of the book of Job—not as a story about suffering, but as a profound revelation of God’s wildness, power, and goodness. Through Job’s encounter with God, especially the imagery of Leviathan, we are reminded that God cannot be controlled, predicted, or tamed—and that this is actually a gift. When God doesn’t meet our expectations, it doesn’t mean He has failed us; it means His wisdom exceeds our understanding. Drawing from Job, Scripture, and C.S. Lewis’s portrayal of Aslan, this post encourages us to trust a God who is not “safe,” but who is always, always good. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Reflections, Christian Living, Encouragement, Faith & Spiritual Growth, Trusting God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What To Do When God Fails to Meet Your Expectations

Posted on November 16, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

When God doesn’t answer our prayers the way we expect—or when His timing feels painfully slow—we often slip into disappointment, confusion, or even anger. This week’s post explores why our expectations of God can become distorted, how we mistakenly judge God through our own experiences or the stories of others, and why His names (Provider, Healer, Defender) don’t represent promises of predictability, but invitations into deeper trust. We also acknowledge the reality of church hurt and the way people—not Jesus—can push believers away. Ultimately, the path forward isn’t pulling away from God but drawing closer through prayer, worship, and Scripture—the “center rail” that keeps our faith aligned. Even when life doesn’t make sense, God remains good, present, and faithful. Our greatest act of faith is learning to trust Him, even without full understanding. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian encouragement, Christian Living, Encouragement, Faith & Encouragement, Faith & Spiritual Growth, Hope, Hope in Hardship, Spiritual Encouragement | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

On Becoming a Diamond

Posted on November 2, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Diamonds are formed under pressure—and so are we. From the persecution of the early church to Paul’s imprisonment, from history’s turning points to our own seasons of hardship, God uses pressure to refine our faith and reveal His strength. When life feels heavy, we can take heart knowing that He’s not trying to crush us—He’s shaping us into something radiant and strong, reflecting His glory. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Encouragement, Faith Through Trials, Spiritual Growth, Trusting God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Known and Loved: Why We Don’t Have to Hide from God

Posted on October 26, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Psalm 139 reminds us that God knows everything about us—our words, actions, thoughts, and even motives. Though that truth can feel uncomfortable, it’s also deeply freeing: the God who knows us best loves us most. Instead of hiding from Him in guilt or shame, we’re invited to hide in Him for refuge, forgiveness, and strength. This post explores how to run to God—not away from Him—when we fail, fear, or face hard times. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Encouragement, Faith and Forgiveness, God's Love and Grace, Spiritual Growth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Hope as Supreme Confidence

Posted on October 5, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Much of what we call hope is really just wishful thinking—preferences and desires that have little bearing on eternity. But biblical hope is far deeper: it’s supreme confidence in God’s promises, an anchor for the soul that holds steady in every storm. This post explores the difference between wishful thinking and true hope, why we sometimes struggle to place our hope fully in God, and how fixing our eyes on eternity allows us to go “all in” with Him. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Encouragement, Eternal Perspective, Faith in Action, Hope in Christ | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Joy of the Lord Is My Strength

Posted on September 28, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Nehemiah’s words, “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10), remind us that our deepest resilience doesn’t come from grit or determination but from God’s presence and promises. Joy is not the same as happiness—it is the steady confidence that Christ is with us, loves us, and strengthens us. This post explores what that means, how Paul echoed it in Philippians 4:4 and Philippians 4:13, and offers practical ways we can live it out today, even in times of trial or spiritual battle. Continue reading →

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Overcoming Darkness

Posted on September 21, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

When evil seems rampant, it’s tempting to fight darkness with more darkness. But Scripture reminds us that our real battle is spiritual—and the only way to overcome darkness is with light. This post reflects on the tension between righteous anger and Christ’s call to forgiveness, love, and good works, offering seven biblical ways we can shine His light into a dark world. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Encouragement, Faith in Action, Overcoming Darkness, spiritual warfare | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Signs of God

Posted on June 22, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

From Costa Rica to Colorado, this reflection explores how the beauty of nature and the kindness of people point to the fingerprints of a creative and compassionate God. Discover the signs of God in everyday life—if we only take the time to look.

The reflection also incorporates how God works through others (including us) to answer prayers, and how we can become signs of His presence in the lives of those around us. Learn to recognize—and become—signs of God in everyday life. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study and Devotion, Biblical insights, Biblical Reflections, Biblical Truth, Christian encouragement, Christian Faith, Contentment and Gratitude, Daily Devotional, Devotional Reflections, Devotionals, Encouragement, Everyday Theology, Faith, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Faith and Spirituality, Faith Reflections, Gratitude and Thankfulness, Inspirational, Jesus and the Gospel, Jesus's teachings, Nature and spirituality, Personal Growth, Personal Reflection, Purpose & Calling, Reflections, Scripture Reflections, Self-Improvement | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Everybody Needs a Dad

Posted on June 15, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

A heartfelt Father’s Day reflection exploring how God mirrors a perfect dad—encouraging, empowering, and carrying us when we can’t go on—backed by Scripture and a message of hope for everyone. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study and Devotion, Biblical insights, Biblical Reflections, Biblical Teachings, Biblical Truth, Biblical Truths, Christian encouragement, Christian Faith, Daily Devotional, Dependence on God, Devotional Reflections, Devotionals, Encouragement, Faith, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Family, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Faith and Spirituality, Faith Reflections, Family Relationships, Father's Day, Inspirational, Personal Growth, Personal Reflection, Reflections, Scripture Reflections, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Faith Over Fear: What Do We Have to Be Afraid Of?

Posted on June 8, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Discover how Scripture calls us to live with faith over fear. From Jesus calming the storm to the promise of heaven, learn why followers of Christ can face life with boldness, peace, and trust in God’s unfailing love. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study and Devotion, Biblical insights, Biblical Reflections, Biblical Teachings, Biblical Truth, Biblical Truths, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Faith, Christian Living, Daily Devotional, Devotional Reflections, Devotionals, Encouragement, Faith, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and fear, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Resilience, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Faith and Spirituality, Faith and Trust, Faith over fear, Faith Reflections, Inspirational, Life Challenges, Overcoming fear, Overcoming Worry, Personal Growth, Personal Reflection, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment