Tag Archives: Jesus

The Time Between

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

“The Time Between” invites readers to reflect on the sacred tension Christians inhabit between Christ’s first arrival and His promised return. Drawing from Delighting in Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu and the Advent themes of Hope and Peace, the post explores what it means to live in this “now and not yet” world—where victory has been won but not fully realized. Through Scripture, reflection, and prayer, readers are encouraged to anchor their hearts in Christ’s promises, embrace His peace amid the world’s chaos, and live as bearers of light during the Advent season. The post concludes with thoughtful questions for personal reflection throughout the week. Continue reading →

Posted in Advent Reflections, Biblical Reflections, Christian Living, Devotional Reflections, Faith & Spiritual Growth | Tagged Advent, Asheritah Ciuciu, Christian Devotional, Christian encouragement, Christmas, Delighting in Jesus, Faith, Faith in Hard Times, Hope, Isaiah 9:2, Jesus, Jesus’ Return, John 14:27, John 16:33, Light in the darkness, Now and Not Yet, Peace, Revelation 21:4, Second Coming, Spiritual Formation, The Time Between, Waiting on God | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Advent Reflections, Biblical Reflections, Christian Living, Devotional Reflections, Faith & Spiritual Growth | Tagged Advent, bible, Bible study, Christian Faith, Contentment, Dr. Manny Arango, Ecclesiastes, Eternity, Faith, God, Gratitude, Hevel, Jesus, Longing for Heaven, Thanksgiving, The Bible Department, The Bible Project, Tim Mackie, Wisdom Literature | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Bible Reflections, Christian Living, Encouragement, Faith & Spiritual Growth, Trusting God | Tagged ARMA, Aslan, bible, Bible Department Podcast, C.S. Lewis, Dr. Manny Arango, Faith, Faith in Hard Times, God, God’s Character, God’s Goodness, Jesus, Job, Leviathan, Prayer & Expectations, Spiritual maturity, Suffering & Purpose, Trusting God, Wild God | Leave a comment

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

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 bible, Faith, Faith in Hard Times, Forgiveness, God, God’s presence, grace and mercy, hiding place, Jesus, Psalm 139, Psalm 32, Psalm 46, refuge in God, Repentance, Spiritual Reflection | Leave a comment

Abundant Life — Daily Doses of Eternal Life

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

When Jesus spoke of “eternal life,” He wasn’t describing something that begins only after death—He was inviting us to experience it now. Eternal life and abundant life overlap; both are meant to be lived daily in relationship with God. This post explores how abundant life is not about possessions or ease but about presence, gratitude, and seeing every good gift—from work to relationships to nature—as a daily dose of eternal life. Continue reading →

Posted in Abundant Life, Christian Living, Everyday Faith, Faith and Gratitude, Spiritual Growth | Tagged Abundant Life, Contentment, Eternal life, Faith, faith in daily life, God, God’s blessings, Gratitude, Gratitude in Difficult Times, James 1:17, Jesus, John 10:10, John 17:3, joy and trust, Matthew 6:19–20, Spiritual Reflection | 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 →

Posted in Christian Living, Encouragement, Faith in Action, Overcoming Darkness, spiritual warfare | Tagged bible, Christian encouragement, Colossians 3, Ephesians 6, Faith, Following Jesus, Forgiveness, God, Jesus, John 1, John 8, Light of Christ, Matthew 5, Overcoming Darkness, Romans 12, spiritual warfare | Leave a comment

Fighting Back Like Jesus

Posted on September 14, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

In the wake of political violence and growing anger in our world, it’s easy to feel consumed by bitterness and the desire for revenge. This post reflects on my own struggle with those chains and how God reminded me of a better way—the way of Jesus. Instead of retaliation, Christ calls us to love our enemies, pray for those who persecute us, and trust God with justice. Though it’s never easy, only forgiveness and love can break the cycle of hate and set us free. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Faith in Action, Forgiveness, Overcoming Hate, Spiritual Growth | Tagged Anne Lamott, Charlie Kirk, Faith, following Christ, Forgiveness, God, Jesus, Jesus’ Teachings, John MacArthur, Luke 23, Matthew 5, overcoming bitterness, political violence, revenge, Romans 12 | 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 2 Corinthians 4, bible, Christian encouragement, Daily Audio Bible, eternal glory, Faith, Faith in Hard Times, fixing our eyes on Jesus, God’s Promises, Hope, Jesus, light and momentary troubles, perspective, Suffering, temporary vs eternal | Leave a comment

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