Category Archives: Jesus’s teachings

From Ashes to New Life

Posted on March 9, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Ashes symbolize death, mourning, and loss—but in God’s hands, they also represent renewal and transformation. Explore how the themes of Ash Wednesday, the phoenix legend, and the resurrection point us to the hope of new life in Christ and remind us that with God, we are made new. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study and Devotion, Biblical insights, Biblical Reflections, Biblical Symbolism & Lessons, Biblical Teachings, Biblical Truths, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Faith, Christian Living, Daily Devotional, Devotional Reflections, Encouragement, Eternal Perspective, Faith, Faith & Salvation, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Grace, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Faith and Spirituality, Faith Reflections, God's love, God's Love & Grace, Hope, Hope & Renewal in Christ, Inspirational, Jesus's teachings, Lent & Ash Wednesday, Life Challenges, Personal Growth, Personal Reflection, Salvation and Grace, Scripture Reflections, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Clothes for the Wedding Feast

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

In “Clothes for the Wedding Feast,” we explore Jesus’ parable in Matthew 22 and the deeper meaning behind the man who was cast out for not wearing the right wedding clothes. This parable isn’t about fashion—it’s about wearing the righteousness of Christ. Many of us want to be part of God’s kingdom, but we try to show up on our own terms, clinging to self-righteousness instead of surrendering fully to Jesus. This post unpacks what the wedding garment represents, why it’s essential, and how to keep it on. Are you wearing the right clothes? Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study and Devotion, Biblical insights, Biblical Reflections, Biblical Teachings, Biblical Truths, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Faith, Christian Living, Daily Devotional, Dependence on God, Devotional Reflections, Encouragement, Faith, Faith & Salvation, Faith and Dependence, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Grace, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Resilience, Faith and Resilliance, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Faith and Spirituality, Faith and Trust, Faith Reflections, God's love, God's Love & Grace, God's provision, Heaven & the Afterlife, Hope, Inspirational, Jesus's teachings, Personal Growth, Personal Reflection, Prayer and faith, Salvation and Grace, Scripture Reflections, Seeking Truth, Self-Improvement, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Let God Out of the Box

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

We serve a limitless God, yet we often box Him in with our doubts and limited expectations. But Scripture tells us nothing is impossible for Him (Luke 1:37). Are you praying small prayers when God wants to do immeasurably more? Let’s break the limits and trust God’s power! Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study and Devotion, Biblical insights, Biblical Reflections, Biblical Teachings, Biblical Truths, C.S. Lewis & Christian Apologetics, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Faith, Christian Living, Daily Devotional, Dependence on God, Devotional Reflections, Encouragement, Eternal Perspective, Faith, Faith & Salvation, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Faith and Spirituality, Faith and Trust, Faith Reflections, God's love, God's provision, Hope, Inspirational, Jesus and the Gospel, Jesus's teachings, Marriage and Faith, Personal Growth, Personal Reflection, Prayer and faith, Prayer and Worship, Scripture Reflections, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection, Trust in God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Did Nicodemus Believe in Jesus?

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

Nicodemus first met Jesus in secret, unsure and searching. But by the time of Jesus’ burial, he openly honored Him. His story is one of transformation—one that mirrors the faith journey of many believers today. Where do you see yourself in his story? Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study and Devotion, Biblical Characters, Biblical insights, Biblical Reflections, Biblical Teachings, Biblical Truths, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Living, Daily Devotional, Devotional Reflections, Encouragement, Faith, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Faith Reflections, Hope, Inspirational, Jesus and His Disciples, Jesus's teachings, Personal Growth, Personal Reflection, Prayer and Worship, Scripture Reflections, Seeking Truth, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection, The Chosen TV Series Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Live or Die

Posted on February 9, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

To live is Christ, and to die is gain.” This verse from Philippians has always unsettled me—until now. Paul wasn’t exaggerating; he was revealing a profound truth: our best day here is nothing compared to our first day in heaven. But until then, we have work to do. Let’s explore what this means for how we live today. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study and Devotion, Biblical insights, Biblical Reflections, Biblical Teachings, Biblical Truths, C.S. Lewis & Christian Apologetics, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Living, Daily Devotional, Devotional Reflections, Encouragement, Eternal Perspective, Faith, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Grace, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Faith and Spirituality, Faith Reflections, Heaven & the Afterlife, Hope, Inspirational, Jesus and the Gospel, Jesus's teachings, Personal Growth, Personal Reflection, Purpose & Calling | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

God Knows Us—and Loves Us Anyway

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

God knows everything about you—your struggles, your failures, even your darkest thoughts—and He loves you anyway. Discover His relentless love through Scripture and the story of Mary Magdalene. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study and Devotion, Biblical insights, Biblical Teachings, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Living, Comfort and Healing, Daily Devotional, Devotional Reflections, Encouragement, Faith, Faith and Dependence, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Grace, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Spirituality, Faith Reflections, God's love, Hope, Inspirational, Jesus and the Gospel, Jesus's teachings, Mental Health and Wellness, Navigating Life's Challenges, Personal Growth, Personal Reflection, Prayer and faith, Scripture Reflections, Self-Improvement, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

How Much Does God Love You?

Posted on January 19, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Feeling lost, forgotten by God? Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep reminds us of God’s relentless, personal love. He leaves the ninety-nine to find us when we wander. Discover the depth of God’s love today. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study and Devotion, Biblical insights, Biblical Teachings, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Living, Daily Devotional, Devotional Reflections, Encouragement, Faith, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Grace, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Faith and Spirituality, Faith and Trust, Faith Reflections, God's love, God's provision, Grace and Redemption, Hope, Inspirational, Jesus's teachings, Personal Reflection, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection, Trust in God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Love of Christmas

Posted on December 22, 2024 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Discover the profound sacrificial love in the Christmas story through Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, and how their examples inspire us to love courageously this season. Continue reading →

Posted in Advent & Christmas, Advent Reflections, Biblical insights, Biblical Teachings, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Living, Christmas, Daily Devotional, Encouragement, Faith, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Joy, Faith Reflections, God's love, Hope, Inspirational, Jesus and the Gospel, Jesus's teachings, Joy, Love and Sacrifice, Personal Reflection, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection, Trust in God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Peace of Christmas

Posted on December 8, 2024 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

As we move through the Advent season, one of the most profound gifts we are invited to reflect on is peace. Yet, if we’re honest, Christmas often feels like anything but peaceful. Between the demands of shopping, family gatherings, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent & Christmas, Advent Reflections, Biblical insights, Biblical Teachings, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Living, Christianity and Mental Health, Christmas, Comfort and Healing, Daily Devotional, Faith, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Resilience, Faith and Resilliance, Faith Reflections, Inspirational, Jesus and the Gospel, Jesus's teachings, Mental Health and Wellness, Nature and spirituality, Navigating Life's Challenges, Overcoming Challenges, Personal Reflection, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vote with Your Heart for Your Heart

Posted on November 3, 2024 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Introduction As you may have noticed, Election Day in the United States is in just a couple of days. But fear not, this will not be a political post. As hard as it is to believe, there won’t even be … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical insights, Biblical Teachings, Christian encouragement, Christian Living, Christianity and Mental Health, Daily Devotional, Encouragement, Faith, Faith and Culture, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Resilience, Faith and Resilliance, Faith and Trust, Inspirational, Jesus and the Gospel, Jesus's teachings, Life Challenges, Living in Uncertain Times, Navigating Life's Challenges, Personal Reflection, Reflections on Current Events, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection, Trust in God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment