Tag Archives: God

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

Eternal Life AND Abundant Life

Posted on May 18, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Jesus didn’t come just to offer eternal life after death—He came to give us abundant life right now. Discover how peace, gratitude, and perspective in Christ transform your life today, not just in eternity. 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, Contentment and Gratitude, Daily Devotional, Devotional Reflections, Encouragement, Eternal Perspective, Faith, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Faith and Spirituality, Faith Reflections, Following Jesus, God's provision, Gratitude and Thankfulness, Heaven & the Afterlife, Inspirational, Jesus's teachings, Life Challenges, Overcoming Challenges, Overcoming Worry, Personal Growth, Personal Reflection, Reflections, Scripture Reflections, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection, Trust in God | Tagged Abundant Life, bible, Christian encouragement, Christian perspective, Eternal life, Faith, Faith Journey, God, Gratitude, Jesus, Jesus’ Teachings, John 10:10, Living with Purpose, Peace in Christ, Romans 8:28, Spiritual Growth | 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

Trusting Jesus, Even When It Makes No Sense

Posted on March 30, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

“Trusting Jesus, Even When It Makes No Sense” explores the challenges of trusting God when life feels confusing or painful. Reflecting on Holy Week through the eyes of Jesus’ disciples, the blog draws parallels to biblical figures like Abraham, Moses, and David, who faced uncertainty but chose faith. Through personal stories and scriptural reminders, you are encouraged to find peace in knowing that God’s ways are higher and His plans are always for our good. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study and Devotion, Biblical Characters, Biblical insights, Biblical Reflections, Biblical Symbolism & Lessons, Biblical Teachings, Biblical Truth, Biblical Truths, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Faith, Christian Living, Daily Devotional, Dependence on God, Devotional Reflections, Discipleship, Encouragement, Eternal Perspective, Faith, Faith and Dependence, Faith and Encouragement, 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, Grace and Redemption, Hope, Inspirational, Jesus and His Disciples, Jesus and the Gospel, Jesus's teachings, Overcoming Challenges, Overcoming Worry, Personal Growth, Personal Reflection, Salvation and Grace, Scripture Reflections, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection, The Chosen TV Series Reflections, Trust in God | Tagged Biblical lessons, Christian encouragement, Faith, Faith Journey, God, God’s Timing, Holy Week Reflection, Jesus, Overcoming Doubt, Spiritual Growth, The Chosen, The Chosen Season 5, The Chosen Season 5 The Last Supper, The Chosen TV series, Trusting God, Trusting God’s Plan, Walking by Faith | 2 Comments

Lessons in Temptation

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

What can we learn from the way Jesus handled temptation compared to Adam and Eve? Discover the power of Scripture, spiritual armor, and grace in resisting sin—and why the Christian life is about freedom, not perfection. 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, Christian Living, Daily Devotional, Dependence on God, Devotional Reflections, Discipleship, Encouragement, Faith, Faith & Salvation, Faith and Dependence, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Grace, Faith and Identity, 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, Grace and Redemption, Hope, Hope & Renewal in Christ, Inspirational, Jesus and the Gospel, Jesus's teachings, Personal Growth, Personal Reflection, Prayer and faith, Redemption & Forgiveness, Salvation and Grace, Scripture Reflections, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection, Trust in God | Tagged Adam and Eve, Armor of God, bible, Christian Discipleship, Christian Living, Faith, Faith and obedience, God, Jesus, Jesus in the wilderness, Resisting temptation, Scripture memory, Sin and grace, spiritual warfare, Temptation | Leave a comment

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