Redeemed Existence 8 days ago The darkness is a suffocating shroud, thick with the stench of hate, regret, and bitterness. It threatens to consume us whole! Yet, even in the deepest abyss, there's a desperate yearning for freedom, a flicker of hope that calls us to something more. Our recent Bible study, "Finding Light in the Dark of Hate," explored this profound human struggle, guiding us through the biblical narrative of overcoming bitterness, regret, and hate through the transforming power of Christ within. We confronted the stark reality of darkness and sin as described in passages like Romans 3:23 and Galatians 5:19 -21, acknowledging the heavy burdens these emotions place upon our hearts. The journey then led us to the concept of "rending the heart" (Joel 2:12 -13)—a call to true, inner repentance and a surrender of our hardened places. This deep transformation, as Psalm 51:10 and Ephesians 4:31 -32 teach, paves the way for genuine forgiveness, both g...

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...