Tag Archives: bible

Eternity in Our Hearts

Posted on November 30, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Life “under the sun” often feels fleeting, frustrating, and hard to grasp—like vapor slipping through our fingers. But Ecclesiastes reveals that this ache we feel is not a flaw in us, nor a failure in God’s design. It’s intentional. God has placed eternity in our hearts, causing us to long for something beyond the temporary concerns that consume us. When we understand that truth, our priorities shift. We stop chasing wind. We start embracing gratitude. And we anchor our hope in the God who stepped into time through Jesus to satisfy the eternal longing inside us. As Thanksgiving gives way to Advent, Ecclesiastes invites us to enjoy the gifts of today, let go of what won’t last, and set our hearts on the eternal life already breaking into our world through Christ. Continue reading →

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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 →

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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

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 →

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Pictures of God from Job

Posted on September 7, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

The book of Job is one of the most difficult books in the Bible, but it reveals timeless truths about who God is. In this post, I explore Job as wisdom literature and highlight four “pictures of God” that emerge: sovereign, patient, beyond our comprehension, and restorer. While Job doesn’t answer every question about suffering, it points us to the deeper truth that God Himself is the ultimate answer. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Reflections, Biblical Characters, Faith & Spiritual Growth, Suffering & Hope, Trusting God in Hard Times | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Really? Light and Momentary Troubles?

Posted on August 31, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Even when troubles feel unbearably heavy and endless, Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians that they are “light and momentary” compared to the eternal glory God has prepared for us. By shifting our focus from what is temporary to what is eternal, we find strength to endure. A family travel story illustrates how overwhelming struggles can fade into perspective when seen against the backdrop of joy. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Reflections, Christian Living, Eternal Perspective, Faith & Encouragement, Hope in Hardship | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Blessed Be the Name of the Lord

Posted on August 24, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

A heartfelt reflection on loss, drawn from Job’s response to unimaginable suffering. Even in grief and uncertainty, we are called to trust the God who gives and takes away—and to cherish every moment with those we love. Continue reading →

Posted in Faith & Spiritual Growth, Grief & Loss, Scripture Reflections, Suffering & Hope, Trusting God in Hard Times | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Truth Will Set You Free

Posted on August 10, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

In a world where “truth” often feels subjective, this post reminds us that there is only one real truth—God’s truth. Drawing from John 1:14, Matthew 22:37–39, and John 8:32, we explore why God gave us His commands, how they are rooted in love, and how Jesus distilled them into two life-giving principles. God’s truth isn’t about control—it’s about protection, blessing, and freedom. Grace welcomes us home; truth keeps us free once we’re there. Continue reading →

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Every Good Thing Is Opposed

Posted on August 3, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

This week’s post explores the reality of spiritual warfare and how opposition often increases as we draw closer to God or do good for His Kingdom. Drawing from personal experience, the post reflects on the tragic leadership transition at strong church in Colorado Springs and how even well-meaning people can be influenced by spiritual deception. It ends with a reminder that while evil resists every good thing, God ultimately redeems every situation for His glory—even when the outcome looks different than we expect. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Church Leadership, Faith in Difficult Times, God’s Sovereignty, spiritual warfare | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The List of Things That Can Keep You from God

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

In this week’s blog, Dave reflects on the liberating promise found in Romans 8—that nothing can separate us from the love of God. He opens with an honest inventory of failures and shortcomings that, if he were God, might seem disqualifying. But instead, Scripture reveals an unshakable love through Jesus Christ. Dave explores the tension between this promise and Jesus’ warning about the unforgivable sin—blasphemy against the Holy Spirit—clarifying that it’s not about stumbling, but about hardened, willful rejection. He closes with the hopeful message of the Prodigal Son: no matter how far we’ve wandered or how bitter we’ve grown, the Father is already running toward us. The list of things that can keep us from God? It’s empty. All we have to do is come home. Continue reading →

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