Tag Archives: Christianity

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 Christian encouragement, Christian Living, Christianity, church hurt, Disappointment with God, Encouragement & Hope, Faith, Faith & Spiritual Growth, faith in trials, God, God’s faithfulness, God’s Timing, Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Nissi, Jehovah Rapha, Jesus, Overcoming Disappointment, Prayer and Worship, Spiritual Growth, Trusting God, Trusting God in Hard Times, When God feels silent | 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 2 Corinthians 12:9–10, Acts 8, Christianity, diamonds and trials, encouragement in trials, Faith, faith and perseverance, God’s purpose in hardship, Isaiah 55:8–9, Jesus, Philippians 1:12, pressure and faith, refining faith, strength in weakness | Leave a comment

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 bible, Christianity, church hurt, discernment, enemy attacks, Faith, faith under fire, fasting and prayer, God’s redemption, Jesus, leadership, overcoming evil with good, Resist the devil, resistance, Resisting temptation, Romans 8, spiritual warfare, Temptation | 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 →

Posted in Bible Reflections, Faith & Doubt, Grace & Forgiveness, Spiritual Growth | Tagged bible, blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, Christian encouragement, Christianity, coming home, Faith, Forgiveness, God, God’s Love, Grace, Jesus, Jesus’ parables, Luke 15, Mark 3, nothing can separate us from the love of God, Prodigal Son, Relationship with God, Romans, Romans 8, unforgivable sin | 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 Christian Parenting, Christianity, Deuteronomy 1:31, Faith, Faith over fear, Father's Day, God, God's Strength, Heavenly Father, Isaiah 40:11, Jesus, Matthew 11:28, Philippians 4:13, Scripture Reflection, Spiritual Encouragement | 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 Ambassadors for Christ, Authentic faith, bible, Christ in you, Christian behavior, Christian identity, Christianity, Colossians 1:27, Discipleship journey, Faith, Following Jesus, Jesus, Jesus' teachings, Love in action, Real Christianity, Representing Christ, Spiritual maturity, Uniform of faith, What it means to be a Christian | Leave a comment

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 bible, Bible Questions, Bible Study Resources, Born Again, Christian encouragement, Christian Faith, Christianity, Faith and doubt, God, Holy Spirit Guidance, Jesus, Jesus and Nicodemus, John 3:3, New life in Christ, Spiritual Rebirth, Understanding Scripture | 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 →

Posted in Bible Study and Devotion, Biblical Characters, Biblical insights, Biblical Reflections, Biblical Teachings, Biblical Truth, Biblical Truths, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Faith, Daily Devotional, Devotional Reflections, Faith, Faith & Salvation, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Grace, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Faith and Spirituality, Faith and Trust, Faith Reflections, Following Jesus, God's love, Grace and Redemption, Holy Week, Holy Week Reflections, Hope, Hope & Renewal in Christ, Inspirational, Jesus and the Gospel, Lent, Miracles, Personal Reflection, Poetry, Reflections, Scripture Reflections, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection, The Way of Jesus | Tagged bible, Christian poetry, Christianity, Easter, Faith, Gospel, Holy Week, Hope, Jesus, Jesus Christ, New Life, Resurrection, Salvation, The Chosen | 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 Biblical Parables Explained, Christian Transformation, Christianity, Faith, God, Jesus, Jesus' teachings, Matthew 22 Meaning, Parable of the Wedding Feast, Righteousness of Christ, Self-Righteousness vs. Grace, Spiritual Growth, Surrender to God, Wedding Garment | 2 Comments

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 C.S. Lewis, Christian encouragement, Christianity, Eternal life, Faith, Faith over fear, God, God’s Promises, Gospel Hope, Heavenly Perspective, Jesus, Kingdom Mindset, Live for Christ, Living with Purpose, Philippians 1:21, Spiritual Growth, The Weight of Glory | Leave a comment

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