In a world obsessed with appearances and social media performances, there's an ancient truth that cuts through all the noise: God doesn't want your performance—He wants your heart. This powerful message comes from one of the most compelling passages in the Old Testament, found in Joel 2:12-13. It's a call that's as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago, challenging us to move beyond surface-level faith to something deeper and more transformative. The Ancient Practice of Mourning To understand the weight of God's words in Joel, we need to step back into ancient Middle Eastern culture. When people experienced grief, loss, or the need for repentance, they would literally tear their clothes. This wasn't just a mild gesture—it was a dramatic, public display of sorrow and remorse. Picture it: expensive garments ripped apart, torn from neck to hem, leaving the person exposed and vulnerable. It was their way of saying, "Look at my pain. See how sorry ...

Not totally but I'm going to start creating shorts out of the content I post here, I've never done this before so can't guarantee it will last. Redeemed Existence - YouTube

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 As followers of Christ, we are called to be faithful stewards of everything God has entrusted to us—including our physical bodies. This divine gift deserves our thoughtful care, not out of vanity or self-worship, but as an act of worship to our Creator and service to His kingdom. An Invitation to Wholeness If you're a believer struggling with health issues, or if you're curious about how faith might intersect with your wellness journey, I want you to know that God cares about every aspect of your life—including your physical health. He's not waiting for you to get healthy before He loves you, but He does want to walk with you toward the wholeness He designed you for. Your body is not your enemy to conquer or an idol to worship—it's a g...

"Even now,' declares the Lord, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity." - Joel 2:12-13 How far is too far? When have we wandered so long, fallen so hard, or failed so repeatedly that God's patience finally runs out? These are the questions that haunt us in our darkest moments—when shame whispers that we've crossed some invisible line and there's no way back. But in the book of Joel, God speaks directly to this fear with two of the most hopeful words in all of Scripture: "Even now." The Context of Devastation Joel's prophecy came during a time of absolute devastation. A locust plague had stripped the land bare, crops destroyed, hope decimated, the future uncertain. The people had drifted from God, and judgment had fallen like a ...

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." - Galatians 2:20 You wake up knowing this truth. You've memorized the verse. You've felt the reality of Christ's life flowing through you in those sweet moments of worship or quiet prayer. But then the day hits like a freight train. The bills pile up. Your boss sends another urgent email. Your child has a meltdown in the grocery store. Your spouse seems distant. Your health issue flares up again. The news feeds you a steady diet of chaos and fear. And suddenly, that beautiful truth—"it is no longer I, but Christ who lives in me"—feels like a distant memory, a nice idea that works in theory but crumbles under the weight of real life. Why is this so hard? Why does walking in the Spirit feel impossible when we need it most? The Ancient Struggle in Modern Clothes Paul ...

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” - Matthew 6:33 In our hyperconnected world, we’re surrounded by everything except the One who matters most. Notifications ping constantly, responsibilities pile up, and even our good intentions can become distractions that pull us away from Jesus. If you’ve ever felt spiritually scattered or struggled to hear God’s voice above life’s noise, you’re not alone. The Martha and Mary Moment Remember when Jesus visited Martha and Mary’s home? Martha was “distracted by all the preparations that had to be made” while Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said” (Luke 10:38-42). When Martha complained about her sister’s apparent laziness, Jesus gently responded: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” How often are we Martha, bustling around wit...

Marriage is one of life's greatest blessings, but also one of its most challenging journeys. When a husband discovers dishonesty, disrespect, and disparagement from his wife, the path forward can seem unclear. The Bible offers wisdom for those struggling to maintain covenant commitment during painful seasons. Responding with Biblical Love The Bible teaches that love "keeps no record of wrongs" (1 Corinthians 13:5) and "covers over a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8). As difficult as it may be when facing betrayal, Scripture calls husbands to love their wives sacrificially, as "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her" (Ephesians 5:25). This doesn't mean accepting mistreatment but rather approaching the situation with grace alongside truth. Consider Jesus' example of speaking truth with love and maintaining dignity even when wronged. Seeking Wisdom and Support Proverbs 15:22 reminds us that "plans fail for lack of counsel, bu...

Isolation can be both a season of spiritual growth and a dangerous state of vulnerability. Throughout Scripture, we see patterns of isolation that offer profound insights into its purposes, dangers, and remedies. This post explores isolation through a biblical lens, examining why it happens, its spiritual implications, and how to navigate it faithfully. The Purposes of Isolation in Scripture In the Bible, isolation often serves distinct purposes in the spiritual journey: Divine Preparation  Many significant biblical figures experienced periods of isolation as preparation for ministry. Moses spent 40 years in Midian before leading Israel. Jesus withdrew to the wilderness for 40 days before beginning his public ministry. Paul spent three years in Arabia after his conversion. These weren't wasted times, but crucial periods of spiritual formation. Spiritual Renewal  Jesus frequently withdrew to isolated places to pray and commune with the Father. In Mark 1:35, we read, "Very early...

Colossians is one of the shorter letters in the New Testament, yet it contains profound theological insights and practical wisdom for daily living. Written by the Apostle Paul while imprisoned, this letter addresses a young church facing various challenges including false teachings. Let's explore what makes this book both significant and accessible. Accessibility and Readability Colossians is remarkably accessible for modern readers. At just four chapters, it can be read in one sitting (about 20-30 minutes). Paul's writing style here is direct and organized, making it easier to follow than some of his more complex letters like Romans or Galatians. The letter flows logically from theological foundations to practical applications. Paul begins with doctrinal teachings about Christ's supremacy, then transitions to how these beliefs should shape everyday living. This structure helps readers connect abstract concepts with concrete actions. Major Themes The Supremacy of Chris...

  "Love is patient, love is kind... It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." - 1 Corinthians 13:4,7 Understanding the Biblical Framework for Your Marriage Marriage to someone with a personality disorder presents unique challenges that can test your faith, patience, and commitment to your vows. As Christians, we are called to honor our marriage covenant even through extremely difficult circumstances. Scripture provides guidance for these challenging situations, offering both wisdom and practical direction. The Bible teaches us that marriage is a sacred covenant before God (Malachi 2:14), designed to reflect Christ's relationship with the church (Ephesians 5:22-33). This covenant nature means we are called to faithfulness even when the path becomes difficult. However, God never intended for marriage to become a context for ongoing harm or abuse. Understanding Personality Disorders Through a Biblical Lens Personality disorders are complex men...

  Dear Brother in Christ, If you're reading this while feeling the crushing weight of family responsibilities amid varying mental health struggles, suicidal thoughts, isolation, and strained relationships, know that you are not alone. The Lord sees you in this valley, and His Word offers both comfort and direction for fathers carrying burdens that seem too heavy to bear. Understanding Your Biblical Role in Crisis As a father, you've been called to be the spiritual head of your household (Ephesians 5:23), but this doesn't mean carrying every burden alone. Let's explore what Scripture teaches about leadership during life's darkest seasons: 1. Acknowledging Your Humanity "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18 First, understand that experiencing overwhelming emotions doesn't make you weak or faithless. Even great men of God faced deep despair: Elijah wanted to die after his victory on Mount Carmel ...

If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out immediately to: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 Your pastor or church leadership A trusted Christian counselor Emergency services: 911 Remember: Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."   Matthew 11:28 The Weight of the World on Your Shoulders Dear Brother in Christ, If you're reading this while feeling the crushing weight of family responsibilities amid varying mental health struggles, suicidal thoughts, isolation, and strained relationships, know that you are not alone. The Lord sees you in this valley, and His Word offers both comfort and direction for fathers carrying burdens that seem too heavy to bear. Understanding Your Biblical Role in Crisis As a father, you've been called to be the spiritual head of your household (Ephesians 5:23), but this doesn't mean carrying every burden alone. Let's...

Today, our fearless leader continued his discussion of the "Easter Week" and detailed some interesting facts from biblical history that pointed to Christ's Crucifixion.  It clarified some interests I had and thought I'd pull together what we were discussing. The Passover Lamb in Exodus The foundation for understanding Jesus as the sacrificial lamb begins with the original Passover account in Exodus. In Exodus 12, God instructed the Israelites to take an unblemished, year-old male lamb on the tenth day of the first month, keep it until the fourteenth day, and then slaughter it at twilight. The blood of this lamb was to be applied to the doorposts and lintel of their homes as a sign, so that when God passed through Egypt to strike down the firstborn, He would "pass over" the homes marked with blood. The Israelites were commanded to eat the lamb with bitter herbs and unleavened bread. This original Passover established several important elements that would l...