Tag Archives: Christianity

From Hosanna to the Cross: Learning Non-Fickle Faith

Posted on March 29, 2026 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

A Holy Week reflection on how quickly our faith can shift—from celebration to silence—and what it means to develop a faith that stays. While our faith may falter, Jesus remains unwaveringly faithful. The invitation is simple but powerful: when we stumble, will we move away from Him—or toward Him? Continue reading →

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The Fruit of Abiding in Christ

Posted on March 15, 2026 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Real spiritual growth doesn’t come from forcing progress—it comes from staying connected to Christ. In this reflection on Jesus’ teaching about the vine and the branches, we explore how abiding in Him allows the fruit of the Spirit to grow naturally over time. When we remain close to Christ through simple daily rhythms, His life begins to transform ours from the inside out. Continue reading →

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Learning to Trust the Quiet

Posted on February 15, 2026 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

After returning to God, we often expect clarity, reassurance, or emotional confirmation. But what if the quiet that follows isn’t distance—it’s stability? In this reflection, I explore how learning to trust God’s steady, silent presence deepens our faith and shifts our focus from chasing signals to resting in relationship. Continue reading →

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Our Hurry vs. the Slowness of God

Posted on February 1, 2026 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

When God feels quiet, our instinct is often to hurry—to push for clarity, progress, or reassurance. This reflection explores how Scripture invites us to slow down, trust God’s pace, and discover that His slowness is not absence, but an invitation to deeper closeness. Continue reading →

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God’s Abiding Presence—and Our Sin

Posted on January 18, 2026 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

God’s concern with sin isn’t about rule-keeping or behavior modification—it’s about closeness. In this reflection, I explore how God’s holiness protects relationship, why obedience flows from intimacy rather than fear, and how Jesus makes nearness possible even in our brokenness. A meditation on holiness, grace, and the kind of closeness that heals. Continue reading →

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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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 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 →

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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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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 →

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