Author Archives: Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

About Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Photographer of Light and Life, Writer of Life as it finds me

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

Slow Down

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

In “Slow Down,” Dave opens with a heartfelt confession: he’s addicted to hurry. Drawing inspiration from the book “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by John Mark Comer and Scripture, he explores how our fast-paced culture undermines what matters most—faith, family, friendships, and health. Through honest reflection and vivid storytelling—from hurried walks in NYC to soul-nourishing moments with photography—Dave examines the tension between his values and the pace of his life. He challenges himself (and readers) to unplug, be fully present, and find intimacy with God not in the noise, but in the stillness. As he rediscovers the beauty of slowing down—especially in prayer and daily walks—he begins the journey of recovery from a life of relentless busyness. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Faith in Practice, Purposeful Living, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection | Tagged Christian priorities, Confession, Dallas Willard, Faith, Faith and Busyness, God, Hurry Sickness, Jesus, John Mark Comer, Luke 5:16, Matthew 11:28-30, Prayer, Presence, Psalm 46:10, Quiet Time, Slow Living, Spiritual Disciplines, Stillness, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry | 2 Comments

🧭 Does How You Spend Time Reflect What Matters Most?

Posted on July 13, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

A reflective look at how our time often reveals our true priorities—sometimes misaligned with what we say matters most. With a focus on faith, family, friends, and health, this blog encourages readers to recalibrate their calendars and live more intentionally. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian encouragement, Christian Living, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Life reflections, Time and Priorities | Tagged bible, Christian reflection, Ecclesiastes 3, Faith, Faith first, Family and friends, Glide path to retirement, God, Jesus, Justified by faith, Life balance, Meaningful living, Midlife reflection, Priorities, Romans 5, Time Management, Work-life balance | Leave a comment

Freedom From, Freedom To, and the Price Paid

Posted on July 6, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

This Independence Day reflection explores the dual dimensions of freedom: national and spiritual. It highlights both the freedoms we enjoy as citizens of the United States and the deeper, eternal freedoms given to us through Jesus Christ—and reminds us of the great price paid for both. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Faith Reflections, Freedom in Christ, Holidays & Special Days, Spiritual Growth | Tagged Christian Patriotism, Christian perspective, Cost of Freedom, Faith and Culture, Freedom in Christ, Galatians 5:1, Independence Day, Jesus and Liberty, Patriotic Faith, Romans 5:8, Romans 6:15, Spiritual Freedom | Leave a comment

Chariots of Fire on Our Side

Posted on June 29, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

You’re never alone in your struggles. Discover the unseen spiritual realities around you—chariots of fire, divine protection, and God’s faithful presence. Continue reading →

Posted in Faith and Encouragement, God's presence, spiritual warfare | Tagged 2 Kings 6, Angels in the Bible, bible, Bible Devotional, Chariots of Fire, Christian encouragement, Elisha the Prophet, Ephesians 6, Faith, Faith over fear, God, God’s Protection, Heavenly Hosts, Jesus, Psalm 34:7, spiritual warfare, Unseen Realm, Walking by Faith, You Are Not Alone | Leave a comment

Signs of God

Posted on June 22, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

From Costa Rica to Colorado, this reflection explores how the beauty of nature and the kindness of people point to the fingerprints of a creative and compassionate God. Discover the signs of God in everyday life—if we only take the time to look.

The reflection also incorporates how God works through others (including us) to answer prayers, and how we can become signs of His presence in the lives of those around us. Learn to recognize—and become—signs of God in everyday life. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study and Devotion, Biblical insights, Biblical Reflections, Biblical Truth, Christian encouragement, Christian Faith, Contentment and Gratitude, Daily Devotional, Devotional Reflections, Devotionals, Encouragement, Everyday Theology, Faith, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Faith and Spirituality, Faith Reflections, Gratitude and Thankfulness, Inspirational, Jesus and the Gospel, Jesus's teachings, Nature and spirituality, Personal Growth, Personal Reflection, Purpose & Calling, Reflections, Scripture Reflections, Self-Improvement | Tagged Being God's hands and feet, bible, Biblical Encouragement, Biblical Reflections, Christian encouragement, Devotional thoughts, Divine encounters, Elisha and the widow, Everyday miracles, Faith, Faith and beauty, Faith Reflections, Glimpses of grace, God, God in nature, God's creativity, God's presence, God’s creation, Hearing from God, Jesus, Kindness of strangers, Kindness to strangers, Recognizing God, Seeing God daily, Signs of God, Spiritual awareness | 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

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 Bible Verses About Fear, Christian Blogging, Christian Devotional, Christian Hope, Colossians 1:27, Encouragement for Christians, Faith over fear, Fear and Faith, Jesus Calms the Storm, Overcoming anxiety, Romans 8:31, Trusting God | 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

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