Poop Happens

Posted on March 24, 2024 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

My apologies in advance for such a crude title–how’s that for the name of a Christian blog? I’m not trying to be sensationalistic, but I try to be real, so I thought I’d say it like it is.

Basking in the Glow

On my morning walk last Monday, I was basking in the glow of my collaboration with God—rather, God’s working through me—for last week’s blog on Sunday night. I was reliving how much I had enjoyed writing a post about enjoying God. Traces of God’s pleasure during the act of writing still lingered in my mind.

But Then, Life Happens

But then my dog pooped on the sidewalk.

Trying to avoid sharing just how disgusting it was, let me simply say it was quite challenging to clean up. So much for basking in the glow of God’s pleasure.

Valleys and Peaks

Life, in its unpredictable rhythm, often juxtaposes our moments of spiritual highs with the immediate and sometimes jarring realities of the mundane, or even the unpleasant. It can even slap us in the face.

This unexpected encounter with my dog’s mess on the sidewalk, though trivial in the grand scheme, reminded me of a deeper, more profound truth that resonates especially as we begin Holy Week.

Holy Week itself is a journey from the highest of highs—Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, celebrated with palm branches and shouts of “Hosanna!”—to the lowest of lows, culminating in His crucifixion. In a matter of days, Jesus went from being hailed as a king to being mocked, tortured, and nailed to a cross.

Yet, He walked that path knowingly, willingly, and with a love so profound that it sought to save not just me, not just you, but all of humanity. Jesus endured the ultimate “poop on the sidewalk” because He knew He needed to in order to storm the gates of hell to rescue you and me from the punishment we deserved: eternal suffering in the form of separation from Him and all that is good.

Jesus trudged through the pain and suffering because He knew what lay on the other side: new life, resurrection, a forever party on the new earth with all of His best friends. Thankfully, that includes you and me, and everyone who has received His gift of grace.

Good news, indeed. That’s the gospel.

Jesus’s Holy Week

In light of Jesus’s terrible Holy Week, my minor inconvenience on a Monday morning walk pales. Yet, it serves as a metaphor for the trials and “messes” we encounter daily.

While it’s true that life seems to scatter more challenges and hardships along our path than blessings, these trials are not without purpose. Just as Jesus’s suffering was imbued with the ultimate purpose of redemption, our struggles, too, can lead us to a deeper understanding and closer relationship with God. Or, in 5 minutes or 50 years, they can prepare us to walk with a brother or sister in Christ who is just beginning the same struggles God helped us endure.

God’s ways are often strange and baffling to us, and I’m learning to be OK with that, even if I don’t always like it.

Our Holy Week

The message of Holy Week is not just about enduring suffering, but it’s about the transformative power of love and sacrifice. It’s a reminder that beyond the “poop” lies the promise of resurrection, of new life, and of paradise. This perspective doesn’t diminish the reality of our trials, but it does offer a hope that is both sustaining and empowering.

As we walk through our days, let’s remember that while the sidewalk of life may occasionally be messy, our journey doesn’t end there. The messes we encounter, both big and small, are part of a larger narrative—one that ends in victory.

Because of Jesus’s sacrifice, we can endure the challenges of today with our eyes fixed on the eternal tomorrow. We are not alone in our struggles; we walk with a Savior who has gone before us, enduring the unimaginable out of love for us.

Beyond the Struggle

So, when life throws its inevitable messes onto our path, let’s face them with grace, knowing that our current trials are but a momentary inconvenience when compared to the glory that awaits us. Let’s push through the pain and misery, not because we enjoy the struggle, but because we are assured of what comes after—an eternity in paradise, secured for us through the most selfless act of love and sacrifice.

Poop happens on the sidewalk of life, but so does resurrection. And it is in this hope that we find the strength to persevere, the courage to push forward, and the joy of knowing that the best is yet to come.

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Enjoying God

Posted on March 17, 2024 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

On the heels of last week’s thoughts around conversational intimacy with God, this past week I felt God impressing upon my heart how much I enjoy my relationship with Him, and that I should tell you about that.

Enjoy God? you may wonder. How is that possible? What does that even look like?

These are natural questions, especially in light of the mental image of God we probably all grew up with: a mean old man sitting behind a judge’s bench, frowning, grumbling, keeping track of every bad thing we’ve ever done, and eagerly anticipating His chance to condemn us to hell forever. Certainly, this can’t be far removed from the notion of God commonly accepted in our secular culture today.

So, how could you possibly enjoy someone like that?

My answer is, I don’t know, so I’m glad that my faith journey has brought me down the path of truth, enabling me to see God for who He really is.

Yes, judgment is involved, but only because a perfect and holy God cannot allow sin into His presence. But the thing is, He offered us (and still offers us) Jesus as a covering for our sins. Jesus took the punishment we deserve for all the bad things we’ve ever done and ever will do. By His suffering and execution, we are cleansed, made holy and right in God’s eyes, as long as we accept the gift of grace He has offered us.

That doesn’t sound like a mean old man to me. It sounds like a Father who loves us so much there isn’t anything He won’t do to enable us to be with Him.

So this week I want to spend a few minutes unpacking what it means to enjoy God and how we can get there.

The Heidelberg Catechism

In the 16th century, a leader in the Reformed Church in Germany named Frederick III commissioned the creation of a document called the Heidelberg Catechism, which emerged as a beacon of clarity and comfort during a tumultuous time during the Reformation. This catechism, with its profound simplicity, directs us toward the essence of our existence and purpose:

“The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”

The Heidelberg Catechism

This statement is not just a theological axiom; it is a pathway to a life imbued with meaning and joy, highlighting the dual call to honor God and take delight in His presence perpetually.

The Joyful Pursuit

To enjoy God signifies an invitation to a journey of deep satisfaction and delight in His presence, underpinned by a relationship marked by both speaking and listening. This journey is affirmed and guided by the truths of Scripture.

Finding Delight in His Presence

David expresses this sentiment in Psalm 16:11: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” To enjoy God is to actively seek and savor His omnipresence in every facet of our lives, recognizing His nearness in moments both serene and challenging.

No mean old man in David’s eyes–just the fullness of joy and eternal pleasures.

The Multifaceted Joy of God

The Jewish leader Nehemiah articulated how we can gain strength from joy in the Lord:

Borrowed from YouVersion

This joy encompasses a peace that surpasses understanding, strength from His eternal faithfulness, and comfort in His unchanging nature.

Other Verses about Enjoying God

During His scandalous conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus invites her (and us) to authentic worship of God, thereby enabling us to experience the profound joy of communion with Him:

“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

Jesus, in John 4:23-24 (NIV)

How can we worship what we do not enjoy?

Along those lines, and returning to King David, in Psalm 19, he points out that the heavens’ declaration of God’s glory invites us to marvel at His creation, experiencing joy in the intricate beauty and vastness of His work:

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Jesus also lets us know that we can enjoy God through Christian fellowship, where we can see reflections of God’s joy in one another:

Borrowed from YouVersion

    Eric Liddell’s Legacy

    The renowned English Olympian and missionary Eric Liddell (made famous in the movie “Chariots of Fire”) once said, “When God made me, He made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure.” Liddell’s words capture the essence of enjoying God through our unique gifts and passions.

    Just as Liddell felt God’s pleasure in his running, we are invited to discover and embrace the activities and pursuits through which we can feel God’s pleasure. Whether through art, music, being in nature, serving our family or friends, or countless other pursuits, any endeavor that aligns with our God-given talents can pull us effortlessly into the place of enjoying God.

    Enjoying God Forever

    The call to enjoy God is an invitation to an ongoing discovery of His character, an exploration that enriches our lives and deepens our joy. This eternal enjoyment is at the heart of the abundant life Jesus promises in John 10:10, marking a journey filled with the joy that sustains, renews, and empowers us:

    Borrowed from YouVersion

    In striving to enjoy God, let us immerse ourselves in the joy of knowing and truly experiencing Him. This joy not only shapes our lives but also serves as a testament to the depth of God’s love for us—a love that invites us to delight in His presence now and forevermore.

    Enjoying God is worship, and worship is a space where we express our gratitude to the Giver of all good things.

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    Conversational Intimacy with God

    Posted on March 10, 2024 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

    In the journey of faith, cultivating a relationship with God is most important. It reigns supreme over religious-looking actions or religious-sounding words. God beckons us, calling us deeper into His depths, into the realms of conversational intimacy with Him, where dialogue with the Divine is not just about voicing our needs or desires but about fostering two-way communication. This week, I am drawn to reflect on the profound beauty of conversational intimacy with God, an aspect of spiritual life that mirrors the deepest human relationships, including the cherished bond of marriage.

    Listening as Much as Speaking

    Imagine, if you will, a marriage where communication is one-sided. I’ve been married for more than 30 years, and I cherish my relationship with my wife. But how good do you think our relationship would be if all I ever did was talk and never listened? Or if all she ever did was talk? (I am resisting the urge to make a joke about that…).

    Of course, it wouldn’t be much of a relationship at all.

    So, I talk and I listen. Really listen. Sometimes to the point where I do something different than what I had in mind if her idea seems better than mine–and sometimes even when it doesn’t. That’s part of being in a deeply committed relationship. The essence of our relationship’s depth comes from this mutual exchange, this dance of dialogue where each voice is heard and valued.

    Similarly, our relationship with God flourishes not when we monopolize the conversation, but when we also pause to listen. It’s not merely about talking to God but talking with God.

    The Truth That Sets Us Free

    Jesus told us that we would know the truth:

    Borrowed from YouVersion

    Jesus’s invitation to know the truth—and the promise of the freedom it brings—is pivotal. Listening to God, we can be freed from the cultural bondage and sin and garbage that so easily ensnare us.

    Another time, Jesus points out that He is the truth:

    Borrowed from YouVersion

    This statement is not just a declaration of His identity but an invitation to a relationship grounded in dialogue. How can we know the truth that sets us free if we don’t listen to His words, if we don’t engage in a conversation that involves both speaking and listening?

    Hearing God’s Voice

    So how are we to hear God’s voice? It’s not as easy as hearing the voice of a loved one or a friend, is it?

    Well, not exactly, but it’s not impossible, either. For example, in my faith journey, it has been rare that I hear God’s voice directly and audibly. However, there have nonetheless been several ways that I hear from Him regularly–His responses in our ongoing conversation:

    • Being in His Word Regularly: The Bible is, to me, God’s love letter to humanity. It’s where He speaks to us, offering wisdom, comfort, guidance, and love. The more I immerse myself in Scripture, the more I find it speaking to the current preoccupations of my mind, providing answers or offering new perspectives. This is one of the things I love about the Daily Audio Bible, which I’ve mentioned on several occasions–it’s a very accessible way to engage with God’s word each day. To say this has been life-altering for me would be an understatement.
    • Through Others: Often, it’s through the words or actions of others that I sense God’s voice—sometimes from fellow believers, but not exclusively. There’s a divine orchestration in how the right word or deed from someone else can be the exact message we need to hear from God at that moment.
    • Reflecting on Life’s Events: Taking time to reflect on what has happened in my life and seeking God’s perspective on those events often reveals His hand at work. This reflection leads to moments of realization, where it becomes clear that things turned out not as I had insisted in my prayers, but in a way that was ultimately better. It’s in these moments that I feel I truly “hear” from God, reminding me of His sovereignty and care. And reminding me that He speaks to me even when I’m not listening very well.

    The Dance of Dialogue

    This conversational intimacy with God is akin to a dance—a step forward, a step back, a moment of pause—all in rhythm with the Divine. It requires our full participation, our willingness to engage, to listen, and to respond. It’s in this sacred dialogue that we find the heart of our relationship with God, a relationship where every word spoken and every silence shared is a thread weaving us closer to the fabric of His love.

    In embracing this dance of dialogue with God, let us remember the importance of balance—of speaking our hearts to Him and opening our spirits to listen. For in the give and take of this heavenly conversation, we find the truth that liberates, the guidance that directs, and the love that sustains.

    This made me think of a poem I published on this site several years back. I’m including it here, in case you’d like to give it a quick read:

    Pas de Trois
    (Invitation)

    I wander down
    The street, accepted by
    Few, but mostly
    Not.

    There is noise in one big
    House, noise and
    Light, laughter.
    Music that makes me think of
    Something I lost a long time ago.
    Outside, I can’t help
    Looking in.

    The door swings
    Open, I glance away
    Embarrassed for being
    Caught peeking.

    “Come join us,” calls
    A Voice to anyone
    But me.
    But there is nobody else around.
    “Yes, you!”

    I shuffle toward the
    Open door, the Light,
    Stumbling toward what,
    I do not know.

    Three figures dance a
    Random dance, or
    So it first seems.
    I stand at the edge, drawn
    By warmth of Light, by
    Laughter and Love.

    A pattern emerges, complex and
    Choreographed, yet elegant with
    Undying beauty.
    No one leads, each defers to
    The Other Two, fluid grace.
    I’ve no idea how it works but
    It does, the music plucking at my
    Soul–yearnings, long-forgotten dreams.
    Life was meant to be like this.

    I laugh, a childish sound, and they
    See me,
    Know me,
    Love me anyway.

    “We’ve been waiting for you to dance your part,”
    They tell me.

    “I don’t know this dance,” I say, and yet I
    Find myself joining in.
    Clumsy, I fall and ruin
    The dance but they
    Catch me like it’s part of
    The routine, and
    Still we dance.

    There are no rules to this dance, only
    Love and Light and laughter and
    Music that is no longer haunting.
    A divine dance, a celebration.
    You come in too, there’s
    Always room for one more.

    David K. Carpenter
    Copyright © 2016 by David K. Carpenter

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    Seeing Clearly, Above the Clouds

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

    Life has a way of unfolding in seasons, some filled with sunshine and others shrouded in the dreariness of cloud-covered days. It’s during these gray moments that our spirits can feel weighed down, as if the very light that guides us has dimmed. Yet, an experience this week reminded me of a profound truth, one that mirrors the steadfast presence of Jesus in our lives, even when obscured by life’s trials.

    The Sun Was Always There

    On my daily walk, which began under a blanket of dreary clouds, I witnessed a beautiful transformation. As I tread the familiar path, the clouds began to dissipate, gradually revealing the sun that had been there all along. The landscape around me, once muted, was suddenly aglow, bathed in morning light. This moment was a powerful reminder that, despite the overcast skies that occasionally loom over us, the sun—ever constant and warm—remains.

    Above the Clouds

    This revelation brought to mind numerous takeoffs from Denver International Airport, particularly on days when snow and gloom seemed unyielding.

    On some of the grayest of gray days, we allow ourselves to wonder if the sun is really there. Had our previous sparkling glimpses been just a figment of our imagination, fueled by our emotions?

    And yet, as we continue our tumultuous ascent through the layers of clouds, we finally reach that breathtaking moment when the plane emerges above the cloud cover into the brilliance of unobstructed sunlight. It’s a vivid illustration of how, beyond the temporary veil of clouds, the sun shines as brightly as ever. It was there, I just couldn’t see it.

    An Analogy for Our Journey with Jesus

    Both of these experiences serve as poignant analogies for the presence of Jesus in our lives. Much like the obscured sun, there are times when Jesus may seem distant or hidden from our sight, veiled by the clouds of our circumstances, doubts, or pain. But the truth remains—He is always there, His love and light constant and unwavering, even when our vision is clouded.

    The clouds in our lives can take many forms: grief, disappointment, uncertainty, anxiety, fear. These are the layers that can momentarily hide the face of Jesus from us. Yet, just as the sun continues to shine above the clouds, so too does Jesus remain present, His light piercing through the darkest of skies, awaiting the moment we break through the clouds to see clearly once again.

    The Breakthrough

    Breaking through these clouds often requires faith—a belief in what we cannot see but know to be true, as the author of Hebrews points out:

    It’s a faith that says, even on the dreariest of days, the Son is still there, His warmth and guidance a constant force in our lives. It’s in these moments of faith that we experience our own “takeoff,” rising above the doubts and fears to bask in the radiant truth of Jesus’ love for us.

    The Invitation

    Let this be an invitation to look up, even when the clouds seem impenetrable. Remember the sun that shines above and the Son who is always with us. May we find comfort in the knowledge that the clouds are temporary, but the light of Jesus is eternal. Just as the sun waits patiently to greet us beyond the clouds, so too does Jesus wait, ready to illuminate our lives with His grace and love.

    In every cloud-covered walk, in every ascent through the gray, let us hold fast to the promise that the Son is always there, working for our good. And in this truth, find the strength to keep moving forward, knowing that clarity and sparkling sunshine await us, just above the clouds.

    P.S. At church this morning, I met new friends, Reverend Tim and Reverend Cheri, who are striving to plant a new church nearby. They requested prayers for this new journey for them, so please join me in lifting them up in prayer for this important work for God’s Kingdom.

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    Don’t Miss It!

    Posted on February 25, 2024 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

    In the unfolding story of our lives, there are moments that shimmer briefly before fading into the backdrop of our daily routines. These are the moments that, unless we pause to observe and appreciate them, slip quietly by, unnoticed. For example, February 29th stands out as a quadrennial curiosity. Once out of every four years, we get an extra day! But do we make the most of that leap day? This special day challenges us, asking us not only about this one 24-hour period but also more generally regarding how we are spending our most precious resource–time. Yet, even rarer than a leap day is the passage of Halley’s Comet, a celestial event that graces our skies just once in a lifetime, if that. If you missed it, you may not have another chance.

    The Rarity of Time

    February 29th serves as a gentle reminder of time’s precious nature, offering us an extra 24 hours to reflect, act, and appreciate the world around us. It’s a day that begs not to be wasted, for it won’t return for another four years. In the grand scheme of things, it’s a nudge to cherish every moment, every day, because time, once passed, is something we can never reclaim.

    A Celestial Spectacle

    Then there’s Halley’s Comet, a rare visitor from the depths of space that swings by Earth only once every 76 years. Its last appearance in 1986 captivated millions, and it won’t return until 2061. The comet’s journey through our solar system is a testament to the universe’s grandeur and the fleeting nature of our own experiences. Witnessing Halley’s Comet is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most, a chance to connect with the cosmos in a direct, personal way. To miss it is to miss a rare spectacle of nature, a reminder of our place in the broader universe.

    An Allegory for God’s Work in Our Lives

    This infrequency and the anticipation of celestial events like Halley’s Comet serve as a poignant allegory for recognizing God’s work in our lives. It’s not that these divine interventions are rare, but rather that our attention to them can be fleeting. God’s handiwork is evident in the everyday miracles that sustain us, from the complex mechanisms that keep our bodies functioning to the natural processes like photosynthesis that are essential for life. These are constant reminders of God’s presence, His creativity, and how much He cares for His creation, which includes us.

    Missing Out on Gratitude

    In overlooking these daily wonders, we also miss the chance to express our gratitude to God, the most extravagant Father. Each heartbeat, each breath, each green leaf soaking up the sun, is a gift from Him, an expression of His boundless love for us. Failing to notice, to appreciate, and to thank God for these blessings is to overlook the vastness of His generosity. And if we miss those everyday blessings, we are probably missing the bigger things He is doing or has done in our lives. If you have loved ones, friends, a church family, a job, a place to live, hope for the future, then you have many reasons to express your gratitude to God.

    The Call to Attention

    Let us, therefore, be vigilant. Let us attune our senses to the divine presence in the ordinary and the extraordinary alike. As we await the next appearance of Halley’s Comet, let us also cultivate a mindfulness of the miracles that unfold around us every day. For in the grand design of the universe, as in the minute details of our existence, there is evidence of God’s provision and His desire to connect with us.

    In recognizing these moments, in giving thanks for them, we acknowledge the profound relationship we have with our Creator. We affirm that every day is a gift, every moment a chance to experience the wonder of God’s creation. So, don’t miss it! Let’s embrace each opportunity to witness the divine in the world around us and to live our lives as a continuous act of gratitude towards the most extravagant and generous Father who ever lived. Let’s thank Him every day, and not wait another four years!

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    God Gives Us Faith to Trust that He Will Provide

    Posted on February 18, 2024 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

    As the pages of our lives turn, each chapter filled with its own set of triumphs and trials, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of the moment. Just a few weeks ago, I shared reflections on how God is in the business of making all things new, drawing from personal experiences and the timeless truths of scripture. Today, I stand in awe of the ways in which this renewal has manifested in my life since then—securing a new job, the removal of my cast following a fractured wrist, and the gradual (ongoing) journey of shedding my extra weight. Each of these milestones, though varied in their nature, speak to a common thread: God’s unwavering provision.

    However, embracing God’s provision requires a faith that is both nurtured and revisited daily. It’s not enough to simply acknowledge His ability to provide; we must actively trust in it, drawing from the well of faith with a heart that is both thirsty for reassurance and overflowing with gratitude.

    A Testament of Provision

    The Bible is replete with examples of God’s provision, each story a testament to His attentiveness to our needs and His power to meet them, often in ways we least expect. Here are just a few examples.

    • Jehovah Jireh and Abraham: In a moment of profound faith and obedience, Abraham was tested to sacrifice his son, Isaac, only to be stopped by God at the last moment. God then provided a ram as a substitute for the sacrifice on Mount Moriah. Abraham named that place Jehovah Jireh, meaning “The Lord Will Provide” (Genesis 22:14). This story not only illustrates God’s provision but also His foresight and faithfulness in meeting our deepest needs. It also shows us Abraham’s unwavering faith and dedication to God, since it appears that he was willing (although reluctantly) to sacrifice the son of God’s promise to him since it seemed to him that that was what God was expecting from him. Interestingly, God would not have been able to show Himself as the Lord Who Will Provide if Abraham had not demonstrated his absolute trust in God.
    • Manna, Quail, and Water in the Desert: When the Israelites found themselves wandering in the desert, their futures uncertain and their stomachs empty, they cried out to God. He responded by raining down manna from heaven (Exodus 16:4), providing quail for meat (Exodus 16:13), and bringing forth water from a rock (Exodus 17:6). This miraculous provision was not just about satisfying physical hunger; it was a lesson in daily dependence on God’s provision. Not only that, but since the manna would turn rotten the next day if too much was collected (except when preparing for the sabbath), it also taught us that we need to trust God today that He will provide for us tomorrow.
    • The Gift of Jesus: In a time of political turmoil and spiritual longing, the people yearned for a leader to free them from Roman oppression. God provided Jesus—His Son—to do just that. But not in the way they expected. They wanted a political revolutionary, but what God gave them (and us) is a way to bring heaven to Earth day by day, enabling us to live above our circumstances even as we endure them. In the same way, the Jewish people of Jesus’s time wanted to know the magical formula that would enable them to be accepted by God, but what He gave us is a path to God Himself, the ultimate sacrifice for our sins that allows us to come into His presence. This act of provision went so far beyond immediate expectations or understanding that many people missed it. Sadly, many still miss it today. But God still offers it again and again, trying lovingly and desperately to address the deepest need of humanity: reconciliation with God, to be fully known and yet still be fully loved.

    Drawing from the Well of Faith

    As we reflect on these stories, and as I ponder my own recent experiences, it’s clear that God’s provision is not always about granting us our desires on our timeline. Rather, it’s about meeting our deepest needs in His perfect timing. The journey from a fractured wrist to healing, from joblessness to employment, and from weight gain to health is not just a series of personal victories. It’s a narrative of faith, a reminder that when we draw near to God, trusting in His provision, He meets us where we are.

    Returning daily—or even more frequently—to the well of faith is not an admission of weakness; it’s an act of strength. It’s acknowledging that our understanding is limited, but our trust in God is limitless, bound only by our own weakness and lack of trust. In moments of doubt or when the path ahead seems unclear and/or overwhelming, let’s return our attention to Jehovah Jireh, the Lord Who Will Provide. Just as He provided for the Israelites in the desert, offered salvation through Jesus, and intervened in Abraham’s test of faith, He continues to provide for us in ways both seen and unseen. God may not always make sense to us, but as the pastor at church this morning pointed out, that’s why they call it faith.

    As we journey into the week before us, let us do so with hearts full of faith, eyes open to the ways God is working in our lives, and a spirit ready to declare, just as Abraham did on Mount Moriah, “The Lord will provide.” May we find comfort in the knowledge that our needs are known, our cries are heard, and our faith is rewarded by the One who makes all things new.

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    Emotional Support God

    Posted on February 5, 2024 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

    My son, now grown and living with his wife, recently faced a poignant loss—the passing of his pet ferret, Ollie, who had been his emotional support animal for many years. Despite Ollie’s surprisingly long life for a ferret, his absence left a profound void. Witnessing my son grapple with his grief from afar caused me to reflect on the complex journey of seeking solace and the places and beings we turn to for comfort.

    This experience got me thinking about the true nature of comfort and support. Pets, with their unconditional love and presence, offer a tangible source of comfort. Yet, their inevitable departure often leaves us confronting the impermanence of such sources of emotional support. They take pieces of us with them when they go.

    Timeless Comfort

    This turned my thoughts to the timeless comfort offered by God, a source of solace that transcends the physical world. He promises that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8). Also, as the Apostle Paul points out in his letter to the church at Corinth, God is the God of all comfort:

    Borrowed from YouVersion

    Further, David reminds us about God’s enduring presence and support in Psalm 34:

    Borrowed from YouVersion

    Unlike our earthly comforts, God’s support is unwavering, boundless, and eternal. Peter the Apostle points out that God is fine with us dumping our concerns on Him because He cares about us so deeply:

    Borrowed from YouVersion

    In moments of loss or despair, the realization that we have a divine Source of comfort that will never leave us in any way and that is available at any time offers us a profound sense of peace and hope.

    Reflecting on Jesus’s promise in Matthew 11:28, I see a clear invitation to seek solace in His presence. This invitation extends to you and me, regardless of our past or the depth of our current struggles. He wants to help us, to give us peace and rest.

    Borrowed from YouVersion

    I feel so sorry for my son. I’ve loved all my pets deeply, so I can empathize with his profound sense of loss. However, his situation is even more challenging, I think, because of how much he relied on Ollie to give him emotional support, to help him make sense of the world. What will he do now? He needs Ollie to process the loss of Ollie, but he’s gone.

    This is what concerns me about his current inability to accept the comfort that God offers him. It’s never easy to lose a beloved pet or (worse) a person you love. For me, one of the most important things that has given me strength for a rough journey like that, to find my way to healing, is the solace of God’s comfort, and knowing that He is not subject to the confines of time or life’s circumstances.

    In remembering Ollie and the joy he brought my son, I also want to celebrate the infinite, unchanging comfort provided by our emotional support God. He’s there for us now, and whenever we need Him. He loves us, comforts us, heals us. And He will never leave us.

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    Staying Steadfast on the Solid Rock

    Posted on February 4, 2024 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

    Renewing a Steadfast Spirit

    Last week, I wrote about God making us (and all things) new. An ongoing, continuous process. We’re like old-fashioned wooden pencils — God sharpens us and we write nice and cleanly, crisply, again. But over time, we get dull. We get distracted, we lose our focus. We forget about the miracles of parting the Red Sea and manna, and instead focus on our brief and temporary thirst. We wander in the wilderness, complaining that God has abandoned us.

    But then, when we recognize our wayward ways, we must turn back to our loving and patient Creator and ask Him for His help, to make us new.

    Thankfully, He welcomes us back when we go crawling back to Him. In fact, He runs out to meet us and wraps His arms around us, hugging us like we never left.

    Also thankfully, we’re not alone in this cycle. We all know “real” (i.e., honest) followers of Christ who have gone through the same thing, who have traveled similar circular paths. That’s one of the reasons I shared that part of my journey last week.

    And as I thought about it over this past week, I realized that the Bible is full of stories of people who have followed the same journey of clinging desperately to God, falling away, and then returning to Him begging for forgiveness.

    One such case is David, perhaps Israel’s greatest king. A man after God’s own heart. He had killed Goliath with nothing but a stone and a complete and utter dependence on God. But over time, he became more full of himself than he was with the Spirit of God (like we all do). He really blew it with Bathsheba, then had her husband killed to try to cover it up. Talk about falling away!

    But then he wrote the fifty-first Psalm, which includes this heartfelt plea:


    Create in me a clean heart, O God,
    And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

    David, in Psalm 51:10 (NKJV)

    Building on Solid Rock: A Call for Renewal and Steadfastness

    Thousands of years later, Jesus came along and spoke of building our house upon a solid rock:

    Borrowed from YouVersion

    The juxtaposition of these two passages offers profound wisdom for us. These verses not only highlight the importance of foundational strength but also remind us of the constant need for renewal in our walk with God.

    A Heart Renewed

    In Psalm 51:10, David begs God for a renewed heart. At the same time, he asks for a steadfast spirit, the ability to stay close to God so he wouldn’t keep stumbling. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of our need for God’s transformative work within us. In a world that often pushes us toward instability and doubt, the plea for a steadfast spirit resonates deeply. It’s an acknowledgment of our human frailty and a declaration of our dependency on God’s renewing power.

    A Foundation Unshaken

    Jesus’ parable about building our house on solid rock (Matthew 7:24-27) complements this plea beautifully. It’s a vivid illustration of the life that withstands trials and storms, rooted firmly in faith and obedience. This story encourages us to examine the foundation of our lives: Are we building on the shifting sands of worldly values, or are we grounded in the eternal truths of God’s Word?

    Interweaving Themes for Today

    In our pursuit of spiritual growth, these messages urge us to build our lives on the solid rock of Christ’s teachings while seeking a heart renewed by God’s grace. They teach us that true stability comes from a steadfast spirit and a life built on faith. Through personal reflection and commitment, we can navigate the challenges of life with confidence, knowing our foundation is secure.

    A Journey of Renewal

    As I mentioned last week, I’ve begun my journey of renewal, recognizing that God is making me new. And things are looking up. But even if they weren’t, I would keep doing at least one thing differently each day until they were. And I would keep asking God to make me new.

    We should all embrace the journey of renewal, for to travel through life with Christ is to be made new as He chisels away our old selves so that we, bit by bit, can look more like Him. If we ask God to create clean hearts in us, He will grant that. How long will each of us let our hearts remain that way? If we ask Jesus to renew our steadfast spirits, to help us ground our lives in His unshakable Truth, He will help us do that, too.

    He wants to prepare us to weather whatever storms crash upon our shores. He will guide us on a path of continual spiritual renewal, if only we let Him.

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    Behold! God Makes All Things New! Even (or Especially) You and Me!

    Posted on January 28, 2024 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

    Introduction

    We all have moments in our lives when we burst into flames. Or drown. Or bury ourselves. Pick your metaphor for getting beaten down by this life, this painfully broken world.

    I hate to admit that I’ve been dealing with that myself lately. My consulting contract (and therefore my job) ended in early December, and I haven’t found my next job yet. Not long after that, I fractured my wrist, and I’m still in a cast (and in pain) from that. I have gained back some of the weight I worked so hard to lose over the last few years, and I’m struggling to get it back off. It pains me to confess that I’ve had more than my share of moments recently where I have felt defeated.

    But there’s hope. Thank God, there’s hope.

    Over the last few days, I have experienced a phoenix moment, rising from the smoldering ashes. Coming up from the water, out of the grave.

    In the tapestry of scripture, few promises are as profound and hope-inspiring as God’s declaration in Revelation:

    “Behold, I make all things new.”

    Jesus, in Revelation 21:5 (NKJV)

    This promise stands as a testament to God’s infinite creativity and His transformative power in our lives. It’s not just about the grand cosmic renewal but also a deeply personal call to each of us. When He says this, there’s no reason we should assume that we should be excluded from the list of all things that He is making new, is there?

    Let’s explore how God’s creativity captures our attention and how His power is making us new, leading us away from our old, self-destructive ways.

    God’s Creativity: A Call to Attention

    The Bible begins with a narrative of creation, a powerful display of God’s creativity. From the vastness and agelessness of the universe to the intricate details of a flower that whithers in a few days, everything speaks of a Creator with an endless imagination. God’s creativity is not a past event but a continuous, dynamic process. It’s evident in the changing seasons, the diversity of life, and even in our daily experiences. This creativity is God’s way of capturing our attention, drawing us to marvel at His works, and recognizing His presence and power in the world around us.

    Yesterday I went to a botanic garden called Sunken Gardens near my new home. This experience was restorative to my soul. But anyway, since moving to Florida, I’ve seen several more varieties of palm trees than I knew existed (I thought a palm tree was a palm tree). However, at Sunken Gardens, I saw even more varieties of palm trees than I see each day walking through my neighborhood or driving around town. So, out of curiosity, I looked up how many varieties of palm trees exist, and I found that there are more than 2500 unique types of palm trees! We have a creative God, and I think He wants us to notice.

    Personal Renewal: Becoming New Creations

    So what? Well, if God will spend that much attention on variations of a single type of tree, imagine the effort He spends remaking you and me. More than just transforming the world, God is deeply committed to renewing us. As Paul reminds us through his second letter to the church at Corinth:

    Borrowed from YouVersion

    This personal renewal is an integral part of our spiritual journey. God’s creative work in us involves reshaping our thoughts, desires, and actions, steering us away from self-destructive patterns. It’s a process of being molded into the image of Christ, growing in love, grace, patience, and kindness.

    The Excitement of Transformation

    But let me back up a few days. My most recent phoenix moment began when I attended a 3-day “Time to Rise 2024” seminar given by Tony Robbins, a famous author and coach who is known for helping people transform their lives. By no means am I comparing him to God, but his message is similar to the idea that God will make you new if you let Him. Tony affirms that our old story does not need to be – indeed, should not be – our new story. Robbins shares one example after another where someone had been beaten down, but then, with encouragement and help, they rise above their miserable circumstances to reach heights they never thought possible. And he gives seminar participants the tools they need to achieve similar outcomes.

    The whole seminar jarred me back into remembering that I can’t control what happens in my life, but I can control how I respond to what happens to me. Further, Robbins also reinvigorated my mindset by saying, “What if God is challenging you to rise above what’s happening to you?”

    What if, indeed. What if God is making me (and you) into something new, someone who overcomes our current challenges?

    In case I still wasn’t getting the message, God drove home the point in the praise music at church this morning. All of the songs (Raise a Hallelujah, Same God (Oh God My God I Need You), O Praise the Name) spoke to trusting in God for victory. Grateful tears streamed down my face when we sang the lyrics:

    I raise a hallelujah
    Heaven comes to fight for me

    I’m gonna sing in the middle of the storm
    Louder and louder, you’re gonna hear my praises roar
    Up from the ashes hope will arise
    Death is defeated, the King is alive

    “Raise a Hallelujah“, by Bethel Music, Jonathan David Helser and Melissa Helser,

    There is a profound excitement in this process of becoming new. It’s not merely about self-improvement; it’s a divine transformation. It’s Jesus making us into overcomers, more like Him. As we let go of our old ways – our fears, our sins, our selfishness – we discover a life that is richer, more meaningful, and more aligned with God’s purpose. This transformation is a journey filled with moments of revelation, growth, and, importantly, joy. It’s about discovering our true identity as children of God, created in His image and called to a life that reflects His glory.

    Embracing the Newness in Christ

    Embracing this newness requires faith and surrender. It means trusting in God’s plan for us, even when the path is uncertain and difficult. It’s about allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us, to renew our minds and hearts. In this journey, we find that our once self-destructive paths and negative self-talk are replaced with pathways of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17, NIV). This is the essence of living in the newness of life that God offers.

    Conclusion: A Continuous Journey of Renewal

    God’s promise to make all things new is both an assurance of a future-perfected world and a present reality in our lives. As we journey with God, let’s remain open to His creative work in us and through us. Let’s celebrate the transformation He brings and eagerly anticipate the new things He is doing. Remember, in God’s creative hands, we are being made new, day by day, into a masterpiece that reflects His love and glory.

    By His grace, we rise from the ashes we created. Like being baptized anew, He pulls us up from the water that had overtaken us. Like Lazarus, He calls us out of the grave.

    This is our time to respond to our kind and creative God, to step forward as bold new creations.

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    Our Long and Winding Roads

    Posted on January 21, 2024 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

    We may think of our journeys from cradle to grave as long and winding roads, and that’s entirely appropriate. We can also break our lives into smaller segments, which can seem lengthy and circuitous, especially while we are going through them.

    Particularly when we are waiting to see God move in our lives somehow, the wait can seem endless. Sometimes the extra twists and turns can be of our own making, resulting from dumb decisions we’ve made. But other times, the delays (or perceived delays) could be due to God’s actions or timing.

    Why would that be? I don’t have a good answer, other than to say that God’s ways are often beyond our ability to understand (Isaiah 55:8-9). When we wait for Him, it might be because He is working on something else (maybe even with someone else) that needs to happen before our desired outcome can be achieved. Or maybe we need to wait because He is teaching us to be patient or that nothing is more important than our relationship with Him.

    And at the end of the day, that’s probably it–that the most important thing for our eternity is our relationship with God. We can and should lean on Him, lean into Him. We need to trust that He is working for our good, as Paul points out in his letter to the Romans:

    Borrowed from YouVersion

    I know we want what we want, and we want it now, but our desired timing is less important to God than our relationship with Him. One of the really effective ways that we can develop our relationship with Him is by developing our trust muscles, our faith in Him.

    Because God knows the plans He has for us, and in the end those plans are good. He gives us hope and a future. Let’s thank God for that, in spite of our long and winding roads.

    Borrowed from YouVersion
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