Category Archives: Spiritual Encouragement

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

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

Represent

Posted on June 1, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

When you accept the gift of grace, you also take on the uniform of a Christ-follower—but it’s not about outward appearance. It’s about living with love, humility, and intention. This post unpacks what it means to truly represent Jesus in the world, why our actions matter, and how Christ in us is the hope we carry. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study and Devotion, Biblical insights, Biblical Reflections, Biblical Teachings, Biblical Truths, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Faith, Christian Living, Contentment and Gratitude, Daily Devotional, Devotional Reflections, Devotionals, Discipleship, Encouragement, Faith, Faith & Culture, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Grace, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Faith and Spirituality, Faith in Action, Faith Reflections, God's Love & Grace, Inspirational, Jesus and the Gospel, Jesus's teachings, Love and Sacrifice, Personal Growth, Personal Reflection, Reflections, Scripture Reflections, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Grateful for Those Who Have Gone Before Us

Posted on May 25, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

This Memorial Day weekend, I reflect with gratitude on the sacrifices made by those who came before me—brave American service members who gave their lives for freedom, and faithful believers who carried the gospel across time and distance so it could reach me. Their legacy challenges us to live with courage, purpose, and a deep sense of thankfulness. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study and Devotion, Biblical insights, Biblical Reflections, Biblical Truth, Christian Faith, Contentment and Gratitude, Daily Devotional, Devotional Reflections, Encouragement, Faith, Faith and Encouragement, Faith Reflections, Gratitude and Thankfulness, Holidays and Reflections, Inspirational, Love and Sacrifice, Personal Reflection, Scripture Reflections, Serving Others, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection, The Way of Jesus | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Eternal Life AND Abundant Life

Posted on May 18, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Jesus didn’t come just to offer eternal life after death—He came to give us abundant life right now. Discover how peace, gratitude, and perspective in Christ transform your life today, not just in eternity. 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, Contentment and Gratitude, Daily Devotional, Devotional Reflections, Encouragement, Eternal Perspective, Faith, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Faith and Spirituality, Faith Reflections, Following Jesus, God's provision, Gratitude and Thankfulness, Heaven & the Afterlife, Inspirational, Jesus's teachings, Life Challenges, Overcoming Challenges, Overcoming Worry, Personal Growth, Personal Reflection, Reflections, Scripture Reflections, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection, Trust in God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Remembering Mom

Posted on May 11, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

A poem and reflection honoring mothers—their fierce love, quiet strength, and how they reveal God’s heart in the way they shape lives. Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical Reflections, Christian encouragement, Christian Living, Devotional Reflections, Encouragement, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Family, Faith and Inspiration, Faith Reflections, Family Relationships, God's love, Gratitude and Thankfulness, Holidays and Reflections, Inspirational, Love and Sacrifice, Mother's Love, Personal Reflection, Poetry, Reflections, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Making Sense of Biblical Nonsense

Posted on May 4, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Why did Jesus vanish the moment His followers recognized Him on the road to Emmaus? In this episode of Making Sense of Biblical Nonsense, we unpack this mysterious moment in Luke 24 to discover what it reveals about faith, the presence of Christ, and seeing with the eyes of our hearts. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study and Devotion, Biblical Characters, Biblical insights, Biblical Reflections, Biblical Symbolism & Lessons, Biblical Teachings, Biblical Truth, Biblical Truths, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Faith, Christian Living, Daily Devotional, Devotional Reflections, Easter Reflections, Encouragement, Faith, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith Reflections, Following Jesus, Gospel of Luke, Holy Week, Holy Week Reflections, Inspirational, Jesus's teachings, Making Sense of Biblical Nonsense, Personal Reflection, Reflections, Scripture Reflections, Seeking Truth, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection, The Way of Jesus | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Making Sense of Biblical Nonsense

Posted on April 27, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Making Sense of Biblical Nonsense is a new blog series exploring confusing or misunderstood passages of Scripture with faith, humility, and fresh insight. In this first episode, we dive into Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus about being “born again” (John 3:1–21). What does it really mean to be born again, and why did Jesus use this powerful metaphor? Join us as we unpack this life-changing concept — and rediscover the beauty and depth behind these familiar but often misunderstood words. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study and Devotion, Biblical insights, Biblical Reflections, Biblical Symbolism & Lessons, Biblical Teachings, Biblical Truth, Biblical Truths, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Faith, Daily Devotional, Devotional Reflections, Discipleship, Encouragement, Faith, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Faith and Spirituality, Faith Reflections, Following Jesus, Hope, Hope & Renewal in Christ, Inspirational, Jesus and His Disciples, Jesus and the Gospel, Jesus's teachings, Making Sense of Biblical Nonsense, Personal Growth, Personal Reflection, Reflections, Scripture Reflections, Seeking Truth, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Celebration, Part 3 – Resurrection

Posted on April 20, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

In Part 3 of the “Celebration” Easter poetry trilogy, we move from grief to glory, from confusion to…confusion, but infused with resurrection. Jesus’ victory over death changes everything—including us. Come and celebrate the risen Savior, even when it doesn’t make sense. Continue reading →

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