Tag Archives: Faith

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

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 bible, Blessed Be the Name of the Lord, Book of Job, cherishing family, Daily Audio Bible, Eternal Perspective, Faith, faith in trials, God, grief, Hope, Jesus, Job, Job 1:21, Loss, love God and love others, Matthew 22:37–39, Spiritual Resilience, Suffering, Trusting God, worship in suffering | 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 →

Posted in Biblical Truth, Christian Living, Grace and Truth, Spiritual Growth | Tagged bible, biblical living, Christian Discipleship, Faith, God, God’s laws, God’s truth, Grace, Grace and Truth, Jesus, John 1:14, John 8:32, loving God, loving others, Matthew 22:37–39, Moral relativism, Spiritual Freedom, Ten Commandments | 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

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 | Leave a comment

🧭 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

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

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