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Title: Defending the Gospel to the Religious Text: Acts 26:1-11 FCF: We often struggle convincing religious people they need the gospel. Prop: Because religiously engaged people with prideful or worldly hearts will attack the gospel, we must be ready to provide a defense for the hope we have in us. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 26. In a moment we'll begin reading from the Legacy Standard Bible starting in verse 1. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Last week Luke gave us a glimpse into a conversation between Festus and Herod Agrippa the Second. This conversation reveals to us not only that selfishly motivated politicians are not a new development of our time, but also that Festus is quite perplexed about how to handle an innocent man appealing to Caesar. Essentially Festus is caught playing favors and now he has to report to the Emperor a valid reason that Paul is present in his court. However, he hopes that Herod Agrippa can help him. Herod is highly favored of Emperor Nero and his father before him. If Herod Agrippa says that the only reason Paul is there is because he appealed prematurely – then Festus may not look completely inept. So, the stage is set for this deposition. It is not a trial or even a hearing. It is simply a fact finding endeavor so Festus can fill out his paperwork properly. How will it begin? Will Paul endure questions? If so, who will ask? Let's find out. Please stand with me to give honor to and focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Most High God, You are unlike all others. Yet You have condescended to reveal Yourself to us, most fully in Your Son Jesus. You have sent Your Spirit among us to reveal truth and illuminate our hearts through the inspired texts of Your scriptures. Father… I pray that You might send Your Spirit among us today and prevent us from being religious scholars and zealots only, without also becoming Your children. Adopt us through Christ and enable us to repent and believe on Him. Then train us to defend the gospel to those who are merely religiously educated and zealous. We beg You to be with and prepare Your people for the warfare we engage in every day. Do this today we ask in Jesus' name, Amen. Transition: Let us get right to the text this morning. I.) Religiously educated people with worldly pursuits are unable to believe the gospel, so we must provide a defense for the hope we have in us. (1-3) a. [Slide 2] 1 - Now Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” Then Paul, stretching out his hand, began to make his defense: i. Festus gave his opening remarks and addressed King Herod Agrippa the Second as the primary audience member of this deposition. ii. He also clearly laid out what the purpose of this deposition was. He needed something to include in the paperwork being sent up to the Emperor that requires Paul's presence in his court. iii. At the moment Festus has nothing to write. iv. It makes sense then that Festus would cede the floor to King Agrippa. v. Agrippa does not ask any questions, but informs Paul that he can go forward and give his defense. vi. So as is custom at this time, Paul stretches out his hand to signify to the listeners that he is about to speak. vii. And although Luke describes this as a defense, and although Paul will address the charges against him indirectly, we should understand that his speech here is not a defense of himself, but is primarily a defense of the gospel of Jesus Christ and how belief on Jesus is the next step in true Judaism. viii. So much so, that if you reject Jesus, then you cease to be a true Jew. ix. Paul will go to great lengths here to not only defend the gospel, but to defend also a Pharisaical view of Judaism that must evolve into Christianity if it is to remain true to the prophesies and promises that God has given to the Israelite people. b. [Slide 3] 2 - “Concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, I regard myself blessed, King Agrippa, that I am about to make my defense before you today; 3 - especially because you are an expert in all customs and questions among the Jews; i. Paul begins his defense addressing the judge, as is customary in a trial. ii. But Paul is not fawning over or buttering Agrippa up at all. Instead, he consistently gives praise to God throughout his entire defense for what God has done, even to deliver him to this point at this very moment. iii. Paul considers himself blessed. 1. This word blessed is the same word that Jesus used in the sermon on the mount when He spoke of the B-attitudes. 2. The word means highly favored or fortunate. 3. In a secular or pagan context, such a word might be used to indicate that someone is favored of the gods or was granted a divine wind on the open sea when no wind was present. 4. Scripture writers often use this word to speak of God's grace applied to someone. iv. Paul's view then, is that he is graced of God. Why? v. Because he has a chance to defend himself against the accusations of the Jews before Agrippa. And especially since Agrippa is well aware of, an expert in, the customs and theological disputes among the Jews. vi. With Festus, Paul had a judge who really was ignorant of the finer theological details on which the trial revolved. That is why Festus wanted to move the trial to Jerusalem and that is why Paul insisted on not going to Jerusalem – Festus sought clarity and Paul knew well the dangers that he faced in that city (if he got there alive). vii. Paul believes he is favored of God to sit before a man who is the secular head of the Jewish Religion. He is well aware of the intricacies of Jewish law and the disputes between the Pharisees, the Sadducees and even the Nazarean sect. viii. Now Agrippa being of the ruling class, an aristocrat, and not only Hellenized but Romanized as well – his sympathies would probably favor the Sadducean view of Judaism. But – if pressed, Agrippa would probably not publicly affiliate himself with any faction or party. He was Jewish but it was a faith of convenience. He was, primarily, a statesman. A politician. ix. What does Agrippa need to do with what Paul is going to say? c. [Slide 4] therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently. i. Paul begs, implores, pleads with Agrippa to listen. ii. Not merely hear his words, not merely hear his defense, but to intently pay attention to all that he says and to do so with forbearance and patience. iii. Paul is asking Agrippa to listen, not merely as a judge, but as a man who needs to hear the message that he is about to be given. d. [Slide 5] 4 - So then, all Jews know my manner of life from my youth, which from the beginning was spent among my own nation and at Jerusalem; i. Paul now transitions to speak about himself. ii. As is customary to do in a defense speech, the accused typically will go back in their life to demonstrate a record of right living. iii. This illustrates that it would be out of character for them to be guilty of whatever the accusers are claiming. iv. Paul establishes, firmly, his Jewish and even his NON-Hellenized Jewish background. v. We spoke of this several months ago now – but there was a pecking order within Judaism. Judean Jews were seen as serious Jews. Jews who lived in Judea, who worshipped at Jerusalem, and who generally adhered as closely as they could to the law – many of them even learning ancient Hebrew instead of just speaking Aramaic. vi. Though he was born in Cilicia and is a Roman citizen, from an early age he moved to Jerusalem and therefore spent his whole young life being brought up among his own people and associating and fellowshipping with Judean Jews. vii. Paul establishes himself as a long time Judean Jew, well aware of the customs and teachings of the Jews. viii. Such claim could only be made by an elite few. ix. He continues. e. [Slide 6] 5 - since they have known about me for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I lived as a Pharisee according to the strictest sect of our religion. i. Not only was this how his young life was characterized, but his own accusers could verify that it was so. They knew well where he came from and who he was. ii. If they are willing to say so, and not too cowardly to admit it, they have known about him for a long time and know the prominence of Paul. iii. Not only was he a Judean Jew practically since birth, but he was also raised in the strictest sect of Judaism, keeping rigidly the entire Mosaic law, while adopting a more progressive view of the scriptures, to include all the Old Testament both the law and the Prophets as God's Word. iv. The Pharisee party was the party of the people and included not just the wealthy and nobility but even less prominent lineages. v. They believed in miracles and adopted a stricter interpretation of the scriptures concluding that if God has not said it is permissible, then we must refrain. vi. As we saw earlier, he was trained at the feet of Gamaliel a highly respected Rabbi. vii. He knows his stuff and had a reputation for being the REAL DEAL with his faith. viii. And it is because of this theological background that he is on trial. f. [Slide 7] 6 - And now I am standing here being tried for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers; 7 - the promise to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly serve God night and day. And for this hope, O King, I am being accused by Jews. i. The hope that Paul speaks of here is most certainly the gospel of Jesus Christ. ii. But the core concept of that teaching is the belief that God would resurrect the righteous and the unrighteous dead. iii. Indeed, Paul calls this the hope of the twelve tribes, who earnestly serve God night and day. iv. Well, the twelve tribes have been scattered to the winds. v. So, what is Paul speaking of? vi. He is certainly speaking of the restoration and fulfillment of promises to, largely, dead people. Promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, Moses, and David. vii. Those who have died but still have a hope that one day the Lord will resurrect them and fulfill His eternal promises to them. viii. The Sadducees would not accept such a teaching, and it is primarily the Sadducees that accused Paul before these Roman courts. ix. The irony should not be lost on us. Paul is on trial today because believes in the hope of the promise of all of Israel… and yet is still being accused… by Jews. x. This is what springboards Paul into his question he poses to all those who listen… g. [Slide 8] 8 - Why is it considered unbelievable among all of you if God does raise the dead? i. This question seems to come out of nowhere. But it is actually the foundational question that will drive the rest of this speech. ii. Paul says elsewhere that the resurrection is foolishness to the Jews and a stumbling block to the Gentiles. Not today, but soon we will see both of these reactions to Paul's defense. This is the tipping point of the gospel. What do you do with a crucified and risen Savior? iii. Paul has already established that he has been a Judean Jew under the strict sect of the Pharisees since his youth. He has always believed in the resurrection of the dead and eventual renewal of the kingdom of Israel. iv. But now he asks this question. v. Why is it considered unbelievable among all of you if God does raise the dead? vi. There are a couple ways to take this question by Paul. vii. The first way and the most obvious way is to express disbelief or frustration on Paul's part that the resurrection of the dead, by God Himself, is such an untenable idea. 1. If God is who He has claimed to be, and who the Jews have been earnestly worshipping Him to be, resurrecting the dead is completely plausible. 2. It isn't like He is unable to do it. 3. So, if there are scriptures to indicate such is true – as Jesus demonstrated even from the Pentateuch where God addresses dead patriarchs in the present tense and not the past – then our worldly pursuits and materialistic leanings should not suspend our belief on the matter. 4. We must admit that God can do this. 5. Paul speaking to Agrippa and the Gentiles both of which would wrestle with this idea of the dead being able to be resurrected. viii. Another way we could take this question is that Paul is not expressing frustration but is asking his audience to search themselves. This is not an accusatory question but a diagnostic one. 1. Why is it that they consider it unbelievable that God could, would, and does raise the dead? 2. What is truly preventing them from believing that this could be? ix. I think both ways are possible for this question to be asked and both of them fit with where Paul goes next. x. But let's pause first and review what we've seen so far. h. [Slide 9] Summary of the Point: So, if Paul is giving a defense of the gospel, who exactly is he defending it to and what exactly are their arguments? Paul lumps the gentiles, Agrippa, and the Sadducees into one group in these first 8 verses. In short, they are the resurrection deniers. They are religiously educated people who have been captivated by worldly pursuits. And what I mean by worldly pursuits is not just sinful practices, but even the pursuit of this life, this existence, this earthly kingdom rather than some future, eternal, and spiritually perfect kingdom that is to come. In a way, Paul defends the Pharisaical understanding of the Scriptures as the primary avenue to understand and receive the gospel of Jesus Christ. Indeed, he shows that the Pharisaical way of understanding the Old Testament is the only way any Jew can remain a Jew… namely by receiving their Messiah, the God-Man Jesus of Nazareth. Because as it stands, Gentiles who think the resurrection of the dead is foolish, Jews who are religiously educated but purely secular, and even Jews that are religiously practicing but selectively applying the scriptures to only this earthly existence – all of these are unable to receive the gospel message. Therefore, Paul offers a defense of the gospel of Jesus Christ. And in order to do that, he must defend the resurrection to the religiously educated but worldly focused people. We too must provide a defense of the hope we have in us, and one of the audiences of that defense will be those from other faiths, those who call themselves Christians but are purely secular, or those who call themselves Christians, go to church, but have rejected essential doctrines of our faith. We must be ready to defend the gospel of Jesus Christ to these revelation deniers. Transition: [Slide 10(blank)] But is this the only kind of people that we must be prepared to defend the gospel to? Are there others? II.) Religiously zealous people without humility are unable to believe the gospel, so we must provide a defense for the hope we have in us. (9-11) a. [Slide 11] 9 - So then, I thought to myself that I had to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus the Nazarene. i. The opening two words, “so then” could be taken emphatically. ii. Meaning that Paul is not merely moving the timeline along of his story, but is saying something to the effect of – “in fact, of course, or indeed” iii. He is expressing that he also demonstrated disbelief. Not necessarily in the possibility of the resurrection of the dead. And not in the truth of the resurrection of the dead – but specifically in the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. iv. In fact, he was WORSE than Agrippa, or Festus, or the Sadducees, because he believed in the resurrection of the dead for the righteous and the unrighteous but could not believe in the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. v. Indeed, he opposed Christ in the most aggressive way that he could. b. [Slide 12] 10 - And this is just what I did in Jerusalem; not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, but also when they were being put to death I cast my vote against them. i. Paul recounts how he, with the authority of the chief priests, many of whom were no doubt still alive and possibly even still well known, did take prisoner many of the saints – meaning those who professed faith in Jesus as the Messiah. ii. He even cast his vote to put Christians to death. iii. “cast his vote” is a euphemism saying cast his pebble. iv. In the Sanhedrin they would cast pebbles into the center to count votes for a guilty verdict. v. This could indicate to us that Paul was on the Sanhedrin council, but it doesn't necessarily mean that. The expression could simply mean he approved of it in an unofficial capacity. vi. And if he is talking about Stephen's trial – if we remember – they didn't really cast a vote. They just got so angry at him that they rushed him out the door and stoned him to death. vii. But regardless of what Paul means – his heart was in full agreement with thinking that those who follow Jesus deserved to die. viii. But for what? c. [Slide 13] 11 - And as I punished them often in all the synagogues, I tried to force them to blaspheme; and being furiously enraged at them, I kept pursuing them even to foreign cities. i. Paul tried to force every single one he found to blaspheme. What he means by this, is to deny Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God. ii. Paul agreed that these Christians should be killed because he thought they were heretics. iii. Even though he believed in the resurrection… he didn't believe in Jesus' resurrection. iv. And Paul not only heartily approved of stamping out this faith in Jerusalem, but he even pursued them to foreign cities. v. He kept pursuing them. He wouldn't let them flee. vi. His aim was total annihilation of this faith. vii. Paul reveals that although the Pharisee party was closest to receiving this gospel, if they continue to oppose Jesus of Nazareth – then they also cannot receive the gospel. They cannot continue to be truly Jewish. viii. So let's review this point from Paul's early religious zealousness. d. [Slide 14] Summary of the Point: After asking the question of the gentiles and Agrippa, why is it so unbelievable that God can raise the dead – Paul immediately back pedals and confesses that he too struggled to believe the same about Christ. In this Paul depicts for us someone who is religiously devout and zealous but lacks humility to receive truth or be shown they are still in need. They lack the fundamental aspect of the truth of the gospel in that men need a Savior and cannot live a holy enough life by themselves to be counted righteous and worthy of God's Kingdom. Indeed, the pride and self-sufficiency of Paul's Judaism had reached such heights that though he himself believed in a future resurrection where all God's people would be raised to inhabit a new and eternal Kingdom, he could not believe that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah, the firstborn of the resurrected dead, the Savior of His people. He could not believe it so aggressively that he imprisoned, killed, and pursued those who did and tried to force them to reject their own Messiah. In the pursuit of being the best Jew he could, Paul killed, imprisoned, and tried to damn those who had found the way, the truth, and the life – the only way to the Father. Such people cannot believe the gospel. Paul's defense here, is against his former self. We too must defend the gospel against those who are religiously zealous but lack humility. We must give a defense of the gospel to the legalist, who earnestly believes he contributes something to his salvation, and in so doing find themselves unable to believe the gospel. Conclusion: So CBC, what have we learned today to inform our belief and guide our lifestyles? Basics of Faith and Practice: [Slide 15] God has blessed Paul to be in the position he is in before Agrippa and this great crowd of prominent gentile people. What an opportunity it is for Paul to make much of the gospel of Jesus Christ. And he doesn't squander it. Rather than setting out to defend himself, Paul makes a defense for the gospel of Jesus Christ. And his audience is anything but a friendly one. He makes a Jewish case for the Messiahship of Jesus in front of the secular head of the Jewish faith and a bunch of pagans. That is going to be a tough crowd. But that is why the gospel must be… defended. These two groups of people Paul addresses today are some of the most difficult groups we would ever share the gospel with in our lifetime. They are both religious people, but two specific kinds. First, are the deniers of God's Word. Either they have cultic, pagan, or false religious beliefs, or they are Christians in name without practice, or they are Christians who have rejected essential and core doctrines of the faith. This group of religiously educated people who are pursuing worldly goals are actually unable to believe the truth of the gospel. The second group Paul references, is actually his former self. It is those who are religiously devout and zealous but who lack humility to see their desperate need for a Savior. Their religion, even their Christianity is a cooperative effort between God and a man to save himself from sin. And men like this will go to great lengths to silence any who might suggest that salvation is not of works at all… but purely and completely of God. These folks too cannot believe the gospel. And so, we must be ready to give a defense for the hope we have – even to these kinds of religious people. But what does that look like practically? 1.) [Slide 16] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that religious people, as long as they are sincere, are bound for heaven. a. One of the great lies of our day is that we are somehow all on the same faith journey or faith mountain. And no matter which path you take or which side of the mountain you are on, the path and the mountain both lead to God. b. We are all God's children and why wouldn't He want to save all of us. c. Meaning of course that it doesn't actually matter which religion you follow or creed you hold to as long as you are sincere, a good person, and try your best. d. This teaching is called, syncretism. e. Many secularists have believed and taught this but influential leaders in broader Christendom have said similar things including the late Pope Francis. f. However, syncretism is abundantly false on both a logical and theological basis. i. Islam claims that Jesus was not crucified, did not rise again, was not God, and is not the greatest prophet, priest, or King. Islam also claims there is one god and once you die you are subject to Allah's judgment. ii. Hinduism and Paganism claims that there are several gods and once you die you come back as something else depending on how well you lived. iii. Christianity claims that Jesus is God the Son, with a united but distinct human and divine nature. Christianity says there is one God in three distinct persons and once you die you face His judgment. And the only way to be acceptable to the Father is through Jesus His Son. iv. So how can all of these be on the same mountain? It is logically false. The only way it cannot be false is if each of these religions are equally untrue in their doctrine. v. And if all of them have essential doctrines that are not true that means that syncretism is, in itself, a new religion altogether. g. The scriptures teach, here and in many other places, that those who sincerely follow other gods and/or put their hope in anything but Christ alone, will be rejected and suffer the wrath of the only true God, Yahweh. h. The gentiles seated there, Herod Agrippa, The Sadducees and the Pharisees all are held accountable to the exact same standard. What will you do with Jesus of Nazareth? That is the only question that matters. i. There is exactly one way to the Father and that is through faith in Jesus Christ. j. Therefore, we must deny that sincere people who trust in anything except Christ and Him crucified and risen again – can somehow still enter the Kingdom of God. 2.) [Slide 17] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm religious people of various stripes often mount the greatest assaults upon the gospel of Jesus Christ. a. In the gospels, the greatest opponent to Jesus continued to be the Pharisees. b. As we've seen in the book of Acts, the Pharisees had a lot of things right. c. As Paul rightly says, in order to go to the next phase of Judaism it required you to see the Old Testament scriptures the same way that the Pharisees did. d. That is why in the book of Acts, we have seen that the greatest enemy of the church was the Sadducees. Because their form of Judaism made it impossible for anyone who firmly held to it to receive Jesus as the Messiah. e. From the scriptures and down through the history of the church we can affirm that some of the greatest opponents of the truth of God has always been those who are religiously devout. f. Israel was opposed by nations serving other gods. Christ was opposed by conservative Jews. The church was opposed by liberal Jews. Then the church was opposed by pagans. Then the church was opposed by the state church of Rome. g. And some of the greatest opposition formed against the gospel of Jesus Christ, comes from those who are abundantly close to the truth with minor modifications. h. Think about how close to the truth the Pharisees were? Paul believed that God would one day resurrect all of Israel and bring about the eternal kingdom of David. But when confronted with the Son of David, who had died and now lived – he could not and would not believe it. i. Jehovah's witnesses, Mormons, and those who hold rigidly to official Roman Catholic dogma, are so close to the truth of the gospel – but have a history of adamantly opposing it. j. We also see liberal Christianity today rising up to oppose the gospel too. k. Churches who have affirmed female pastorate, have affirmed and accepted LGBTQIA+ lifestyles, these same churches have rejected the inspiration and authority of the bible and have even called into question the believability of the resurrection of Christ. l. All of those whom I've just described would call themselves Christians – but would oppose the orthodox definition of the gospel. 3.) [Slide 18] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must be ready to give a defense for the hope we have in us to those who are religiously educated and zealous. a. We need not defend the gospel to someone who is asking to hear it, who is steeped in sin and desiring a Savior. We simply need to give it to them… b. But to those who are religiously educated and zealous for their false faith, we must be ready to give a defense for the hope we have in us. c. To those who deny the Word of God and those who deny that God accomplishes ALL of their salvation, to these religious people we must defend the gospel. d. Now the defense does not need to result in convincing the person opposing us. e. Just a spoiler here – Paul doesn't convince anyone in his defense of the gospel here. Not one single person. f. The results are not what we are responsible for. Instead, we are to stand for truth and rebut error. Whether the person sees it or not is not our role. We leave that to God and His Spirit. g. As Paul asked – we too must ask – why is it considered unbelievable that our entire salvation rests in the finished work of Christ? Why is it considered unbelievable that Jesus is God and Man? Why is it considered unbelievable that our works do not contribute at all to our salvation? Why is it considered unbelievable that the Scriptures are breathed out by God and are infallible and authoritative? Why is it considered unbelievable that God would design man immutably to be either male or female and to enter into a relationship with someone of the opposite gender that begins their sexual experiences and continues in marital and sexual fidelity until death? h. My friends… our questions have answers and they are found in the Word of God. i. When we challenge them with “why is it considered unbelievable” eventually they must come to the conclusion that they hate what God has said. There is something in them, preventing them from receiving all that God has revealed. j. We must defend the gospel in this way. Let us be ready to make a defense, which means we must know why we believe what we believe. k. But this sounds so aggressive and confrontational! I am not looking forward to this… 4.) [Slide 19] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm we are blessed of God to defend the gospel before those who are religiously educated and zealous. a. Paul said that he was graced by God to defend the gospel to Agrippa. b. We too should recognize and affirm that defending the gospel, the hope we have in us, is not a drudgery and it is not a chore. c. It is certainly aggressive and confrontational. We are, after all, in a war. A war of ideologies and a war for truth. d. War is confrontational by nature. e. But God has blessed us indeed if He has selected us to defend the gospel to the religiously educated and zealous. f. And furthermore, He will sustain us as we do so. 5.) [Slide 20] Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” The gospel of Jesus Christ is not opposed to religious education or zealousness but both understanding and passion come as a result of salvation and not as a means to it. a. The gospel as presented in the scriptures, has a logical and predictable outworking in all those who genuinely receive it. b. Mankind, in their wickedness, often try to turn the order of this on its head. c. Just like Satan in the garden tempted Eve with acquiring knowledge of good and evil to be like God – on her own timing and in her own strength – so too we try to put the spiritual cart before the spiritual horse all too often. d. Religiously educated people pride themselves in knowing a wide variety of beliefs, yet their knowledge in each is relatively shallow and must deny much of what each religion teaches. Religiously zealous people pride themselves in knowing a belief deeply and this leads to self-sufficiency and dependence on their own performance of ritual and practice. e. But the most religiously educated and zealous people, when they come to Christ have effectively hit the reset button on their understanding and passion. f. This is exactly what happened to Paul. He was religiously educated and zealous… but when he came to Christ he spent the next 3 years in Damascus and Arabia relearning everything through the filter of Jesus being the Messiah, the Son of God. g. One does not study Christianity and begin to practice it in order to somehow arrive at God saving them from sin. h. Now it isn't wrong to come and learn from sound biblical teachers what the bible says and what it means. This is a good thing. i. It isn't wrong to teach our children the Lord's precepts and grow them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. j. But until God moves upon them and gives the gifts of repentance and faith – their learning hasn't really yet begun. k. True, deep, intimate understanding and zealous passion for God does not really begin until you are given a new heart. l. Out of that new heart, repentance, faith, and growth can finally begin. m. So if you are here trying to learn your way to Christ. If you think if you can just know enough about the Lord to be pleasing in His sight… I beg you friend. n. Instead of pursuing Him in this way. Won't you begin with repentance and faith? Won't you reject and turn from your sin and place all your hope in what Christ has done? o. It is only those who are able to do this… who become the true learners and pursuers of Him. [Slide 21 (end)] Let me close with a prayer by the Reformer Menno Simons O, Lord, Father, how very broad, easy, and pleasing to the flesh is the entrance into a miserable, carnal church. But how wonderfully narrow, O Lord, is your way— the gate which leads into your poor and holy church (Matthew 7:13). The way is so narrow that its gateposts strip off the gold and possessions, the flesh and blood, and all the lusts and inclinations of those who desire and sincerely seek to enter at this narrow gate. And so, by your grace, we come to rest and remain forever in your holy church. In Jesus name we pray this, Amen. Benediction: And now may He grace you with his presence, So that the weak might say, l am strong, And the poor will say, 'I am rich', And the feeble will say, 'I am upheld' Until we meet again, go in peace.

Psa 8:5  Yet You have made him a little lower than God, And You crown him with glory and majesty!Psa 8:6  You make him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet,Psa 8:7  All sheep and oxen, And also the beasts of the field,Psa 8:8  The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, Whatever passes through the paths of the seas.Psa 8:9  O LORD, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth!

Psalm 8:3-6 - When I look at Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You care for him? Yet You have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet.

Jonah 1:17-2:10New King James Version:Jonah's Prayer and Deliverance17 Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.Jonah's Prayer and God's Answer2 Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish's belly. 2 And he said:“I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction,And He answered me.“Out of the belly of Sheol I cried,And You heard my voice.3 For You cast me into the deep,Into the heart of the seas,And the floods surrounded me;All Your billows and Your waves passed over me.4 Then I said, ‘I have been cast out of Your sight;Yet I will look again toward Your holy temple.'5 The waters surrounded me, even to my soul;The deep closed around me;Weeds were wrapped around my head.6 I went down to the [a]moorings of the mountains;The earth with its bars closed behind me forever;Yet You have brought up my life from the pit,O Lord, my God.7 “When my soul fainted within me,I remembered the Lord;And my prayer went up to You,Into Your holy temple.8 “Those who regard worthless idolsForsake their own [b]Mercy.9 But I will sacrifice to YouWith the voice of thanksgiving;I will pay what I have vowed.Salvation is of the Lord.”

Yet You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel. – Psalm 22:3

Hey Friend, Have you ever been told, “Everything looks normal” on your blood test, but you still feel exhausted, bloated, or just off? You are NOT crazy, and you are NOT alone! The truth is, conventional lab ranges often miss key health imbalances—leaving you frustrated and searching for answers. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on three powerful secrets that will help you interpret your labs through a functional lens so you can finally understand what's really going on with your body. We'll cover: ✨ Why ‘normal' lab results don't always mean optimal health (and what to look for instead!)✨ The blood sugar and inflammation markers that reveal way more than your doctor might tell you✨ The biggest mistake in thyroid testing—and why a full panel is non-negotiable if you're struggling with fatigue, weight gain, or hormone issues If you're tired of feeling dismissed and ready to start decoding your labs like a pro, this episode is for you! Put Dr. Google down, grab your notebook, and hit play now! In health, Lacy Lain, FMCHC, LEHP P.S. If this episode resonates with you, send it to a friend who needs this encouragement! What's Next? Join the LIVE Functional Hormone Jumpstart Workshop Sick Of Feeling Like Junk, Know Something's Not Right, Yet You're Told By Your Doctors That Your Labs Are “Normal”... Join Me LIVE in this 2-Day Jumpstart Workshop! March 24-25 at 1 PM EST! Jump inside the Free Community of Christian Women on a Holistic Health Journey Related Episodes You Might Enjoy: 07. Key Lab Markers Women Should Have Checked Regularly 24. The Magnesium-Gut Connection: Unlocking Metabolic Health 34. The Cost of Functional Medicine 52. How Inflammation, Toxins, and Stress Wreck Your Hormones - Inside the 3-Day Workshop for Exhausted Women (Hint: This is a GREAT place to start!) Bandaid Solutions vs. Functional Solutions in Women's Health Join The Stronger Collective App Learn more by clicking here. Disclaimer: Our life and health coaches do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Nothing we share with our clients is intended to substitute for the advice, treatment, or diagnosis of a qualified licensed physician. Lacy Lain, FMCHC may not make any medical diagnoses or claim, nor substitute for your personal physician's care. It is the role of Lacy Lain and her Practitioners to partner with their clients to provide ongoing support and accountability in an opt-in model of self-care and should be done under the supervision of a licensed physician. These platforms share personal experiences and provides education. Interaction on these platforms does not constitute a doctor/patient relationship. Thank you for listening to Functional Medicine for Christian Women!

Hey Friend, This episode is a special one. Not only are we diving into the incredible physiological effects of gratitude on your body, but we're also celebrating a HUGE milestone together—30,000 downloads on the podcast! I couldn't have done this without you, and I want to take a moment to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

Hey Friend, Have you ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice? One person tells you to count calories, another says macros matter most, and then someone else claims intermittent fasting is the answer. It's exhausting! This week on Functional Medicine for Christian Women, we're diving into functional nutrition—what it is, what it isn't, and how it differs from traditional diet plans and dietitian recommendations. If you've ever wondered why following a meal plan hasn't solved your energy issues, bloating, or hormone imbalances, this episode is a must-listen! In this episode, we cover:✅ Why a standard meal plan may not be the answer to your health struggles✅ How functional nutrition gets to the root cause instead of just managing symptoms✅ The key differences between a functional health coach and a dietitian In health, Lacy Lain, FMCHC, LEHP P.S. If this episode resonates with you, send it to a friend who needs this encouragement! What's Next? Join The Functional Hormone Reset Sick Of Feeling Like Junk, Know Something's Not Right, Yet You're Told By Your Doctors That Your Labs Are “Normal”... Apply Today! Join the Free Community of Christian Women on a Holistic Health Journey Related Episodes You Might Enjoy: 07. Key Lab Markers Women Should Have Checked Regularly 24. The Magnesium-Gut Connection: Unlocking Metabolic Health 34. The Cost of Functional Medicine 52. How Inflammation, Toxins, and Stress Wreck Your Hormones - Inside the 3-Day Workshop for Exhausted Women (Hint: This is a GREAT place to start!) Bandaid Solutions vs. Functional Solutions in Women's Health Join The Stronger Collective App Learn more by clicking here. Disclaimer: Our life and health coaches do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Nothing we share with our clients is intended to substitute for the advice, treatment, or diagnosis of a qualified licensed physician. Lacy Lain, FMCHC may not make any medical diagnoses or claim, nor substitute for your personal physician's care. It is the role of Lacy Lain and her Practitioners to partner with their clients to provide ongoing support and accountability in an opt-in model of self-care and should be done under the supervision of a licensed physician. These platforms share personal experiences and provides education. Interaction on these platforms does not constitute a doctor/patient relationship. Thank you for listening to Functional Medicine for Christian Women!

Hey Friend, Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed by nutrition advice? One day it's low-carb, the next it's plant-based, and you're left wondering… what actually works for your body? Good news: It doesn't have to be complicated. In today's episode of Functional Medicine for Christian Women, I'm breaking down the 100-50-2 Rule—a simple, biblically-aligned way to structure your nutrition that keeps your energy up, your hormones happy, and your body functioning the way God designed. This episode is packed with practical tips you can start using TODAY. No calorie counting, no extreme restrictions—just simple, sustainable nutrition. One quick favor? If this episode blesses you, would you take 2 minutes to leave a review on Apple Podcasts? It helps more women find this show—and I'd be so grateful! In health, Lacy Lain, FMCHC, LEHP P.S. If this episode resonates with you, send it to a friend who needs this encouragement! What's Next? Join The Functional Hormone Reset Sick Of Feeling Like Junk, Know Something's Not Right, Yet You're Told By Your Doctors That Your Labs Are “Normal”... Apply Today! Join the Free Community of Christian Women on a Holistic Health Journey Related Episodes You Might Enjoy: 07. Key Lab Markers Women Should Have Checked Regularly 24. The Magnesium-Gut Connection: Unlocking Metabolic Health 34. The Cost of Functional Medicine 52. How Inflammation, Toxins, and Stress Wreck Your Hormones - Inside the 3-Day Workshop for Exhausted Women (Hint: This is a GREAT place to start!) Bandaid Solutions vs. Functional Solutions in Women's Health Join The Stronger Collective App Learn more by clicking here. Disclaimer: Our life and health coaches do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Nothing we share with our clients is intended to substitute for the advice, treatment, or diagnosis of a qualified licensed physician. Lacy Lain, FMCHC may not make any medical diagnoses or claim, nor substitute for your personal physician's care. It is the role of Lacy Lain and her Practitioners to partner with their clients to provide ongoing support and accountability in an opt-in model of self-care and should be done under the supervision of a licensed physician. These platforms share personal experiences and provides education. Interaction on these platforms does not constitute a doctor/patient relationship. Thank you for listening to Functional Medicine for Christian Women!

Hey Friend, Have you been doing all the right things—eating clean, exercising, taking supplements—but STILL feel exhausted, bloated, or stuck with stubborn weight? It might not be your diet. It might not be your workouts.

Welcome to Day 2557 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2557 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 44:17-26 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2557 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2557 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today's Wisdom Nugget, we'll be concluding our exploration of Psalm 44 by focusing on verses 17 through 26 from the New Living Translation. Psalm 44 is a heartfelt and raw psalm of lament, where the psalmist reflects on God's faithfulness in the past but struggles with present suffering and apparent silence from God. In these final verses, we see a deep cry for deliverance and a powerful reminder that even in the midst of unexplainable suffering, we can confidently turn to God. Let's begin by reading the passage together: Psalm 44:17-26 (NLT) 17 All this has happened though we have not forgotten You. We have not violated Your covenant. 18 Our hearts have not deserted You. We have not strayed from Your path. 19 Yet You have crushed us in the jackal's desert home. You have covered us with darkness and death. 20 If we had forgotten the name of our God or spread our hands in prayer to foreign gods, 21 God would surely have known it, for He knows the secrets of every heart. 22 But for Your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep. 23 Wake up, O Lord! Why do You sleep? Get up! Do not reject us forever. 24 Why do You look the other way? Why do You ignore our suffering and oppression? 25 We collapse in the dust, lying face down in the dirt. 26 Rise up! Help us! Ransom us because of Your unfailing love. Faithfulness Amid Suffering (Verses 17-19) The psalmist begins this section with a remarkable declaration: “All this has happened though we have not forgotten You. We have not violated Your covenant.” Despite their intense suffering, the psalmist asserts that the people have remained faithful to God. They haven't turned away from Him or abandoned His covenant, yet they're still experiencing crushing trials. In verse 18, the psalmist reinforces this point: “Our hearts have not deserted You. We have not strayed from Your path.” This heartfelt plea emphasizes the seeming contradiction between their faithfulness and their suffering. By verse 19, the psalmist vividly describes their plight: “Yet You have crushed us in the jackal's desert home. You have covered us with darkness and death.” This section highlights one of the most challenging aspects of faith: remaining steadfast when suffering doesn't make sense. The psalmist doesn't sugarcoat the pain or pretend to understand why it's happening, but he continues to direct his questions and concerns to God. Illustration: I once heard a story about a young missionary who faced relentless hardship while serving in a remote area....

Hey Friend, If you're anything like me, your days are packed. Between work, kids, and all the things, taking care of yourself often feels like the last priority. But here's the truth: balancing your hormones doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. In this week's episode, I'm sharing three super simple hormone-balancing hacks—all of which take less than 10 minutes per week. (Yes, really!) Here's what you'll learn: ✅ The 3-minute morning habit that jumpstarts energy & metabolism✅ A 5-minute blood sugar fix to prevent energy crashes & cravings✅ A 2-minute bedtime routine for better sleep & stress resilience These small shifts make a big difference—and they fit into even the busiest schedule. Give them a try this week and let me know how you feel! In Health, Lacy Lain, FMCHC, LEHP P.S. Know another busy mom who needs this? Forward her this email or send her the episode link! What's Next? Join The Functional Hormone Reset: Sick Of Feeling Like Junk, Know Something's Not Right, Yet You're Told By Your Doctors That Your Labs Are “Normal”... Apply Today! Join the Free Community of Christian Women on a Holistic Health Journey Related Episodes You Might Enjoy: 07. Key Lab Markers Women Should Have Checked Regularly 24. The Magnesium-Gut Connection: Unlocking Metabolic Health 34. The Cost of Functional Medicine 52. How Inflammation, Toxins, and Stress Wreck Your Hormones - Inside the 3-Day Workshop for Exhausted Women (Hint: This is a GREAT place to start!) Bandaid Solutions vs. Functional Solutions in Women's Health Join The Stronger Collective App Learn more by clicking here. Cora James Holistic Health Essentials: Magnesium Spray Disclaimer: Our life and health coaches do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Nothing we share with our clients is intended to substitute for the advice, treatment, or diagnosis of a qualified licensed physician. Lacy Lain, FMCHC may not make any medical diagnoses or claim, nor substitute for your personal physician's care. It is the role of Lacy Lain and her Practitioners to partner with their clients to provide ongoing support and accountability in an opt-in model of self-care and should be done under the supervision of a licensed physician. These platforms share personal experiences and provides education. Interaction on these platforms does not constitute a doctor/patient relationship.

Hey Friend, Have you ever felt like something just isn't right with your health, but your doctor keeps telling you, “Everything looks normal”? If you've tried all the things—diets, supplements, Google rabbit holes—but still feel exhausted, bloated, or off, you're not alone. The good news? Healing doesn't have to be overwhelming. In this week's podcast episode, I'm breaking down exactly where to start with functional medicine, so you can stop spinning your wheels and start seeing real progress. If you're tired of feeling dismissed, confused, or stuck in a cycle of trial and error, this episode is for you. Put down Dr. Google and hit play. In health, Lacy Lain, FMCHC, LEHP P.S. If this episode resonates with you, send it to a friend who needs this encouragement! What's Next? Join The Functional Hormone Reset: Sick Of Feeling Like Junk, Know Something's Not Right, Yet You're Told By Your Doctors That Your Labs Are “Normal”... Apply Today! Join the Free Community of Christian Women on a Holistic Health Journey Related Episodes You Might Enjoy: 07. Key Lab Markers Women Should Have Checked Regularly 24. The Magnesium-Gut Connection: Unlocking Metabolic Health 34. The Cost of Functional Medicine 52. How Inflammation, Toxins, and Stress Wreck Your Hormones - Inside the 3-Day Workshop for Exhausted Women (Hint: This is a GREAT place to start!) Bandaid Solutions vs. Functional Solutions in Women's Health Join The Stronger Collective App Learn more by clicking here. Disclaimer: Our life and health coaches do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Nothing we share with our clients is intended to substitute for the advice, treatment, or diagnosis of a qualified licensed physician. Lacy Lain, FMCHC may not make any medical diagnoses or claim, nor substitute for your personal physician's care. It is the role of Lacy Lain and her Practitioners to partner with their clients to provide ongoing support and accountability in an opt-in model of self-care and should be done under the supervision of a licensed physician. These platforms share personal experiences and provides education. Interaction on these platforms does not constitute a doctor/patient relationship.

What I mean by the statement, All dogs go to heaven, is really a question I have been asked numerous times by both young and old: Will my pet go to heaven when it dies? I want to do my best to answer that question, but I want you to know that my answer will also address a much broader question related to what Gods ultimate plan is for his creation. We know what His plan is for humanity, but do you know if Gods plan of redemption includes animals? Let me begin by stating some things that could not be any clearer from the Bible and then we will dive into Psalm 8. So, here is what I know beyond a shadow of a doubt: The Bible assures us that God is the giver of every good thing (James 1:17); what this means is that God is not the taker of every good thing. When Nathan was five years old, we got him a kitten because we believed that he would enjoy having a cat. You have given gifts to your children out of your love for them as well. Here is what Jesus said about what we do for our children: If you, despite being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him (Matt. 7:1011)! God is so good that there is no room for improvement for Him to be better. I already mentioned James 1:17 but listen to what the verse actually states: Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. In Psalm 106, we are told to give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy is everlasting (v. 1). According to Psalm 145, God is righteous in all His ways, and kind in all His works (v. 17). Because there is no room for improvement, God is not trying to get it right in the way He exercises His goodness. However, we live in a reality where the curse of sin is inseparable from our human experience and sorrow and sighing are like the compounds that come out of the curse that suck the joy out of life. You may even feel like Bruce from the movie Bruce Almighty in the way he described God: God is a mean kid sitting on an anthill with a magnifying glass, and I'm the ant. He could fix my life in five minutes if He wanted to, but he'd rather tear off my feelers and watch me squirm. So, lets walk through Psalm 8 together with the hope that there is enough in these verses to help us gain a fuller appreciation of what God is doing with this sin-cursed world. A Good God Created a Grand Creation I love the way the Bible begins: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was a formless and desolate emptiness, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters (Gen. 1:12). The earth was a formless and desolate emptiness until God spoke. He did not speak out of any need, for He was perfectly content within the fellowship of Himself in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God was not lonely or bored, nor was He obligated to speak and create. No, God created because He wanted to, and He wanted to create because He was motivated by love. Out of love, God desired to share that which nothing else could top or compare, which was Himself. God was motivated by love to share Himself with us. Our solar system is estimated to be about 12 trillion miles wide. The diameter of our sun is estimated to be 109 times the size of our earth, and if you were to drive from the Sun to Pluto, it would take an estimated 6,000 years to complete the trip. If that were not enough, you should know that our galaxy, the Milky Way, contains thousands of solar systems like ours. On our little planet, in our vast galaxy, lives just over 8 billion people. The renown astronomer, Carl Sagan, died believing that there was no compelling evidence for the existence of a Judeo-Christian-Islamic God, and said of our earth and the universe: If we are alone in the Universe, it sure seems like an awful waste of space. David, in Psalm 8, answers Carl Sagans question, and if only Sagan could have opened his eyes to see what David saw: Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth, You who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens! If you are wondering if the universe is too big if life on earth is all there is, the answer is a resounding NO! The universe is the size that it is because it is testifying to the majesty and splendor of the One who spoke all of it into existence. The God who spoke all things into existence out of the overflow of His love and goodness is not only knowable but created us with purpose! A Grand God Created Mankind in His Image with Purpose There is only one creature of all the creatures created that was created in the image of God, and that creature is all of humanity. On the sixth day, after God created the animal kingdom and everything else, He created Adam and Eve: Then God said, Let Us make mankind in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the livestock and over all the earth, and over every crawling thing that crawls on the earth (Gen. 1:26). To Adam and Eve, God gave them the responsibility to manage His creation as His image bearers. Humans were commissioned and commanded to care for creation and at the same time add to creation by filling the earth with humans like themselves. We are not a part of the animal kingdom; we stand above the animal kingdom as stewards of what Almighty God created! King David marveled over this magnificent reality in his psalm: When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place; what is man that You think of him, And a son of man that You are concerned about him (Ps. 8:34)? David does not stop there, for what he says in the following verses ought to be enough to answer what place your pet has in the universe: You have him rule over the works of Your hands; You have put everything under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the animals of the field, The birds of the sky, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes through the paths of the seas (vv. 68). Adam and Eve were commanded to manage the Garden, to be fruitful and multiply, and not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. As you know, they ate the forbidden fruit from that one tree, and by eating the fruit they brought a curse upon Gods creation. As a result, all of creation was cursed as the Scriptures testify: Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all mankind, because all sinned... (Rom. 5:12). There is only one creature who bears the image of God, and that creature is mankind. As image bearers of the living God, we were created to live forever. There is a part of us that lives on after death known as our soul which is also referred to as our spirit (not to be confused with the Holy Spirit).[1] Unlike the rest of creation, humans have a soul that only God is able to destroy. So, when it comes to death, our soul lives on even after our body dies, but death for the Christian is not the end as we are assured from the Bible: For we know that if our earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made by hands, eternal in the heavens. For indeed, in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, since in fact after putting it on, we will not be found naked. For indeed, we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life. (2 Cor. 5:14) So, when your pet dies, there is no immaterial part of them that lives on because they do not bare the image of God and therefore do not have a soul. What this means is that when your pet does eventually die, regardless of the behavior, there is no eternal punishment or eternal life waiting for them... they simply cease to exist. The only creature that is born and lives in active rebellion towards God are humans. Unlike the animal kingdom, sin is now a part of our nature. A Good and Gracious God Has Provided Redemption Through a Second and Perfect Adam Now, remember what I said at the beginning of my sermon: Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights... (Jas. 1:17). God is a good God who is the giver of every good thing, not the taker of every good thing! After Adam and Eve sinned, they were promised a Descendant who would reverse the curse of sin. A second and more perfect Adam was promised who would come to reverse the curse of sin: For if by the offense of the one, death reigned through the one, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:17). The second and more perfect Adam was also promised to David who wrote Psalm 8! God assured David, When your days are finished and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come from you, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever (2 Sam. 7:1213). What will this second and more perfect Adam do? According to Jeremiah 23:5-6, He will reign as king and act wisely and do justice and righteousness in the land.... Oh, and the Name by which the Son of David will also be called will be, The Lord Our Righteousness. In Isaiah we are promised that when He reigns as King, He will judge between the nations, and will mediate for many peoples; and they will beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning knives. Nation will not lift up a sword against nation, and never again will they learn war (Isa. 2:4). The second Adam would, be born of a virgin as fully human and fully diving: ...a Son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. When the second Adam comes to reign as King, His reign will bring the kind of peace only God is capable of restoring: ...the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the young lion and fattened steer will be together; and a little boy will lead them. Also the cow and the bear will graze, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox.... They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. (Isa. 11:6-7, 9) When it was announced by the angels to the shepherds that the promised King was born, it was declared to them: Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10-11). Jesus, as the second and better Adam, humbled Himself by, taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men.... He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross (Phil. 2:7-8). He was born to live the perfect life we could not live to die the death we all deserved. There is only One who is qualified to reverse the curse of sin, and it was and is Jesus! In Revelation 21:5, we are told that through His death and triumphant victory over death, that He is making all things new! This is what we all want and what all of creation is longing for! We long for a day without the dark cloud of the curse of sin. This is why Paul wrote, For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the eagerly awaiting creation waits for the revealing of the sons and daughters of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. (Rom. 8:18-21) When Jesus entered into Jerusalem the week before He was to be crucified for the sins of mankind, the children in the temple area shouted something that irritated the chief priests and scribes. As Jesus entered into Jerusalem, the children shouted: Hosanna to the Son of David! (see Matt. 21:15-16). The chief priests and scribes said to Jesus, Do you hear what these children are saying? What were the children saying? They were celebrating the promised second Adam, the righteous Branch of David, and the One who is to be called The Lord our Righteousness (see Jer. 23:5-6). Guess how Jesus answered the irritated religious leaders who were concerned about what the children were saying? He answered them by quoting Psalm 8:2, here is what He said: Yes. Have you never read [chief priests and scribes], From the mouths of infants and nursing babies You have prepared praise for Yourself? Do you realize what Jesus said to the chief priests and scribes? He was essentially saying that although Adam made a mess of creation through his sin in the Garden, there was a Son of Man who was made a little lower than the angels and God when He willingly took on human flesh to become fully human while remaining fully God at the same time! Jesus did this for the purpose of redeeming mankind through His cross for our sins, and by doing so, made redemption possible for all creation, and this is the point of Psalm 5, Yet You have made him a little lower than God, and You crown him with glory and majesty! Do you hear Philippians 2 in Psalm 8? And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross. For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:8-11) Now, against the backdrop of Philippians 2:8-11, listen what Psalm 8:7-8 promises: You have him rule over the works of Your hands; You have put everything under his feet, All sheep and oxen, And also the animals of the field, The birds of the sky, and the fish of the sea, Whatever passes through the paths of the seas. All of creation, including your pets, are eagerly awaiting for the completion of our redemption because when it happens to us, creation will enjoy the good and faithful reign of the second Adam over them as well, and when He comes to do that, He will make all things new and it is what He will restore that all of creation is longing for: Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is among the people, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. And He who sits on the throne said, Behold, I am making all things new. And He said, Write, for these words are faithful and true. On the Day Revelation 21 becomes our reality, all that was lost, will be restored and it will be even better than the Eden the first Adam lost! I am not sure if that means He will restore and make new your pet that was lost to the curse, but I do know that it will be better! The glory we will be crowned with will be the glory of King Jesus when, There will no longer be any curse... (Rev. 22:3). We will obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away (Isa. 51:11)! The great hope of our future is not who is in office as our president, but the King who is coming to restore all that was lost through the first Adam. Christian, because you belong to the second Adam, you can declare with David: Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! [1] Soul and spirit are used synonymously in the Bible (e.g. Acts 7:54-60; Matt. 10:28).

What I mean by the statement, All dogs go to heaven, is really a question I have been asked numerous times by both young and old: Will my pet go to heaven when it dies? I want to do my best to answer that question, but I want you to know that my answer will also address a much broader question related to what Gods ultimate plan is for his creation. We know what His plan is for humanity, but do you know if Gods plan of redemption includes animals? Let me begin by stating some things that could not be any clearer from the Bible and then we will dive into Psalm 8. So, here is what I know beyond a shadow of a doubt: The Bible assures us that God is the giver of every good thing (James 1:17); what this means is that God is not the taker of every good thing. When Nathan was five years old, we got him a kitten because we believed that he would enjoy having a cat. You have given gifts to your children out of your love for them as well. Here is what Jesus said about what we do for our children: If you, despite being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him (Matt. 7:1011)! God is so good that there is no room for improvement for Him to be better. I already mentioned James 1:17 but listen to what the verse actually states: Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. In Psalm 106, we are told to give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy is everlasting (v. 1). According to Psalm 145, God is righteous in all His ways, and kind in all His works (v. 17). Because there is no room for improvement, God is not trying to get it right in the way He exercises His goodness. However, we live in a reality where the curse of sin is inseparable from our human experience and sorrow and sighing are like the compounds that come out of the curse that suck the joy out of life. You may even feel like Bruce from the movie Bruce Almighty in the way he described God: God is a mean kid sitting on an anthill with a magnifying glass, and I'm the ant. He could fix my life in five minutes if He wanted to, but he'd rather tear off my feelers and watch me squirm. So, lets walk through Psalm 8 together with the hope that there is enough in these verses to help us gain a fuller appreciation of what God is doing with this sin-cursed world. A Good God Created a Grand Creation I love the way the Bible begins: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was a formless and desolate emptiness, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters (Gen. 1:12). The earth was a formless and desolate emptiness until God spoke. He did not speak out of any need, for He was perfectly content within the fellowship of Himself in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God was not lonely or bored, nor was He obligated to speak and create. No, God created because He wanted to, and He wanted to create because He was motivated by love. Out of love, God desired to share that which nothing else could top or compare, which was Himself. God was motivated by love to share Himself with us. Our solar system is estimated to be about 12 trillion miles wide. The diameter of our sun is estimated to be 109 times the size of our earth, and if you were to drive from the Sun to Pluto, it would take an estimated 6,000 years to complete the trip. If that were not enough, you should know that our galaxy, the Milky Way, contains thousands of solar systems like ours. On our little planet, in our vast galaxy, lives just over 8 billion people. The renown astronomer, Carl Sagan, died believing that there was no compelling evidence for the existence of a Judeo-Christian-Islamic God, and said of our earth and the universe: If we are alone in the Universe, it sure seems like an awful waste of space. David, in Psalm 8, answers Carl Sagans question, and if only Sagan could have opened his eyes to see what David saw: Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth, You who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens! If you are wondering if the universe is too big if life on earth is all there is, the answer is a resounding NO! The universe is the size that it is because it is testifying to the majesty and splendor of the One who spoke all of it into existence. The God who spoke all things into existence out of the overflow of His love and goodness is not only knowable but created us with purpose! A Grand God Created Mankind in His Image with Purpose There is only one creature of all the creatures created that was created in the image of God, and that creature is all of humanity. On the sixth day, after God created the animal kingdom and everything else, He created Adam and Eve: Then God said, Let Us make mankind in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the livestock and over all the earth, and over every crawling thing that crawls on the earth (Gen. 1:26). To Adam and Eve, God gave them the responsibility to manage His creation as His image bearers. Humans were commissioned and commanded to care for creation and at the same time add to creation by filling the earth with humans like themselves. We are not a part of the animal kingdom; we stand above the animal kingdom as stewards of what Almighty God created! King David marveled over this magnificent reality in his psalm: When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place; what is man that You think of him, And a son of man that You are concerned about him (Ps. 8:34)? David does not stop there, for what he says in the following verses ought to be enough to answer what place your pet has in the universe: You have him rule over the works of Your hands; You have put everything under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the animals of the field, The birds of the sky, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes through the paths of the seas (vv. 68). Adam and Eve were commanded to manage the Garden, to be fruitful and multiply, and not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. As you know, they ate the forbidden fruit from that one tree, and by eating the fruit they brought a curse upon Gods creation. As a result, all of creation was cursed as the Scriptures testify: Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all mankind, because all sinned... (Rom. 5:12). There is only one creature who bears the image of God, and that creature is mankind. As image bearers of the living God, we were created to live forever. There is a part of us that lives on after death known as our soul which is also referred to as our spirit (not to be confused with the Holy Spirit).[1] Unlike the rest of creation, humans have a soul that only God is able to destroy. So, when it comes to death, our soul lives on even after our body dies, but death for the Christian is not the end as we are assured from the Bible: For we know that if our earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made by hands, eternal in the heavens. For indeed, in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, since in fact after putting it on, we will not be found naked. For indeed, we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life. (2 Cor. 5:14) So, when your pet dies, there is no immaterial part of them that lives on because they do not bare the image of God and therefore do not have a soul. What this means is that when your pet does eventually die, regardless of the behavior, there is no eternal punishment or eternal life waiting for them... they simply cease to exist. The only creature that is born and lives in active rebellion towards God are humans. Unlike the animal kingdom, sin is now a part of our nature. A Good and Gracious God Has Provided Redemption Through a Second and Perfect Adam Now, remember what I said at the beginning of my sermon: Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights... (Jas. 1:17). God is a good God who is the giver of every good thing, not the taker of every good thing! After Adam and Eve sinned, they were promised a Descendant who would reverse the curse of sin. A second and more perfect Adam was promised who would come to reverse the curse of sin: For if by the offense of the one, death reigned through the one, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:17). The second and more perfect Adam was also promised to David who wrote Psalm 8! God assured David, When your days are finished and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come from you, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever (2 Sam. 7:1213). What will this second and more perfect Adam do? According to Jeremiah 23:5-6, He will reign as king and act wisely and do justice and righteousness in the land.... Oh, and the Name by which the Son of David will also be called will be, The Lord Our Righteousness. In Isaiah we are promised that when He reigns as King, He will judge between the nations, and will mediate for many peoples; and they will beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning knives. Nation will not lift up a sword against nation, and never again will they learn war (Isa. 2:4). The second Adam would, be born of a virgin as fully human and fully diving: ...a Son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. When the second Adam comes to reign as King, His reign will bring the kind of peace only God is capable of restoring: ...the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the young lion and fattened steer will be together; and a little boy will lead them. Also the cow and the bear will graze, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox.... They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. (Isa. 11:6-7, 9) When it was announced by the angels to the shepherds that the promised King was born, it was declared to them: Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10-11). Jesus, as the second and better Adam, humbled Himself by, taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men.... He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross (Phil. 2:7-8). He was born to live the perfect life we could not live to die the death we all deserved. There is only One who is qualified to reverse the curse of sin, and it was and is Jesus! In Revelation 21:5, we are told that through His death and triumphant victory over death, that He is making all things new! This is what we all want and what all of creation is longing for! We long for a day without the dark cloud of the curse of sin. This is why Paul wrote, For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the eagerly awaiting creation waits for the revealing of the sons and daughters of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. (Rom. 8:18-21) When Jesus entered into Jerusalem the week before He was to be crucified for the sins of mankind, the children in the temple area shouted something that irritated the chief priests and scribes. As Jesus entered into Jerusalem, the children shouted: Hosanna to the Son of David! (see Matt. 21:15-16). The chief priests and scribes said to Jesus, Do you hear what these children are saying? What were the children saying? They were celebrating the promised second Adam, the righteous Branch of David, and the One who is to be called The Lord our Righteousness (see Jer. 23:5-6). Guess how Jesus answered the irritated religious leaders who were concerned about what the children were saying? He answered them by quoting Psalm 8:2, here is what He said: Yes. Have you never read [chief priests and scribes], From the mouths of infants and nursing babies You have prepared praise for Yourself? Do you realize what Jesus said to the chief priests and scribes? He was essentially saying that although Adam made a mess of creation through his sin in the Garden, there was a Son of Man who was made a little lower than the angels and God when He willingly took on human flesh to become fully human while remaining fully God at the same time! Jesus did this for the purpose of redeeming mankind through His cross for our sins, and by doing so, made redemption possible for all creation, and this is the point of Psalm 5, Yet You have made him a little lower than God, and You crown him with glory and majesty! Do you hear Philippians 2 in Psalm 8? And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross. For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:8-11) Now, against the backdrop of Philippians 2:8-11, listen what Psalm 8:7-8 promises: You have him rule over the works of Your hands; You have put everything under his feet, All sheep and oxen, And also the animals of the field, The birds of the sky, and the fish of the sea, Whatever passes through the paths of the seas. All of creation, including your pets, are eagerly awaiting for the completion of our redemption because when it happens to us, creation will enjoy the good and faithful reign of the second Adam over them as well, and when He comes to do that, He will make all things new and it is what He will restore that all of creation is longing for: Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is among the people, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. And He who sits on the throne said, Behold, I am making all things new. And He said, Write, for these words are faithful and true. On the Day Revelation 21 becomes our reality, all that was lost, will be restored and it will be even better than the Eden the first Adam lost! I am not sure if that means He will restore and make new your pet that was lost to the curse, but I do know that it will be better! The glory we will be crowned with will be the glory of King Jesus when, There will no longer be any curse... (Rev. 22:3). We will obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away (Isa. 51:11)! The great hope of our future is not who is in office as our president, but the King who is coming to restore all that was lost through the first Adam. Christian, because you belong to the second Adam, you can declare with David: Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! [1] Soul and spirit are used synonymously in the Bible (e.g. Acts 7:54-60; Matt. 10:28).

Hey Friend, In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Tom O'Bryan, a leading expert on inflammation and chronic disease, to discuss how everyday exposures—like the food we eat and the toxins in our environment—could be fueling inflammation and impacting our health and our children's health. Dr. O'Bryan shares his journey into functional medicine and explains why inflammation is at the root of all chronic disease. We also discuss the biggest environmental toxins affecting families today and simple, practical steps you can take to reduce inflammation and reclaim your health. What You'll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How food sensitivities (especially to gluten) can contribute to hormone imbalances and autoimmune conditions✔️ Why many people have hidden inflammation—even if they feel fine✔️ The biggest environmental toxins affecting your family's health✔️ What you can do today to start lowering inflammation naturally✔️ How Dr. O'Bryan's Inflammation Equation can help you protect your health long-term Resources & Links Mentioned:

Hey Friend, Are you tired of trying gut health quick fixes that never seem to work long-term? Maybe you've tried probiotics, detox teas, or gut reset diets—only to find yourself back at square one. If that sounds like you, this week's podcast episode is a must-listen! I'm breaking down three essential truths about gut health that most people don't know. Plus, I'm sharing what actually works for long-term healing. If you're serious about healing your gut and balancing your hormones naturally, I invite you to join my Functional Hormone Reset program. This six-month journey will help you uncover the root causes of your health struggles and create a plan for lasting wellness. ➡️ Learn more & join here: FHR P.S. If you haven't yet, come join our free Facebook community, Functional Medicine for Christian Women's Health. You'll find encouragement, practical tips, and a community of like-minded women who get it! ➡️ Join here: Community In health, Lacy Lain, FMCHC, LEHP What's Next? Join The Functional Hormone Reset: Sick Of Feeling Like Junk, Know Something's Not Right, Yet You're Told By Your Doctors That Your Labs Are “Normal”... Apply Today! Join the Free Community of Christian Women on a Holistic Health Journey Related Episodes You Might Enjoy: 07. Key Lab Markers Women Should Have Checked Regularly 24. The Magnesium-Gut Connection: Unlocking Metabolic Health 34. The Cost of Functional Medicine How Inflammation, Toxins, and Stress Wreck Your Hormones - Inside the 3-Day Workshop for Exhausted Women (Hint: This is a GREAT place to start!) Bandaid Solutions vs. Functional Solutions in Women's Health Join The Stronger Collective App Learn more by clicking here. Disclaimer: Our life and health coaches do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Nothing we share with our clients is intended to substitute for the advice, treatment, or diagnosis of a qualified licensed physician. Lacy Lain, FMCHC may not make any medical diagnoses or claim, nor substitute for your personal physician's care. It is the role of Lacy Lain and her Practitioners to partner with their clients to provide ongoing support and accountability in an opt-in model of self-care and should be done under the supervision of a licensed physician. These platforms share personal experiences and provides education. Interaction on these platforms does not constitute a doctor/patient relationship.

Hey Friend, Have you ever left a doctor's appointment feeling frustrated—because once again, you were handed a prescription instead of real answers? If you're tired of masking symptoms and ready to actually feel better, today's episode is for you. In this episode of Functional Medicine for Christian Women, I'm breaking down three functional medicine steps that will help you take control of your health—no more guessing, no more band-aid fixes. We'll talk about: ✅ How to support your body's drainage pathways so healing can actually happen✅ Why balancing blood sugar is a non-negotiable for hormone health and energy✅ The overlooked connection between chronic inflammation and your lingering symptoms If you've been feeling exhausted, inflamed, or out of balance, this episode will give you practical steps you can start today to work with your body—just as God designed it. In health, Lacy Lain, FMCHC, LEHP What's Next? Join The Functional Hormone Reset: Sick Of Feeling Like Junk, Know Something's Not Right, Yet You're Told By Your Doctors That Your Labs Are “Normal”... Apply Today! Join the Free Community of Christian Women on a Holistic Health Journey Related Episodes You Might Enjoy: 07. Key Lab Markers Women Should Have Checked Regularly 24. The Magnesium-Gut Connection: Unlocking Metabolic Health 34. The Cost of Functional Medicine How Inflammation, Toxins, and Stress Wreck Your Hormones - Inside the 3-Day Workshop for Exhausted Women (Hint: This is a GREAT place to start!) Bandaid Solutions vs. Functional Solutions in Women's Health Join The Stronger Collective App Learn more by clicking here. Disclaimer: Our life and health coaches do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Nothing we share with our clients is intended to substitute for the advice, treatment, or diagnosis of a qualified licensed physician. Lacy Lain, FMCHC may not make any medical diagnoses or claim, nor substitute for your personal physician's care. It is the role of Lacy Lain and her Practitioners to partner with their clients to provide ongoing support and accountability in an opt-in model of self-care and should be done under the supervision of a licensed physician. These platforms share personal experiences and provides education. Interaction on these platforms does not constitute a doctor/patient relationship.

Hey Friend, Have you ever felt like you've tried every diet, every workout, and every so-called quick fix, yet the weight refuses to budge—or comes right back when it does? You're not alone, and more importantly, it's not your fault. In my latest podcast episode, “Weight Loss: The Basics and How to Lose Weight, Even When You've Tried Everything Under the Sun”, I share why so many weight loss efforts fail and what's really going on beneath the surface. Hint: it's not just about calories or willpower—it's about addressing the root causes through a functional medicine lens. For many Christian women, hormonal imbalances (beyond just estrogen and progesterone) play a key role in stubborn weight gain, low energy, and even bloating. In this episode, I dive into how your body's communication system—including cortisol, thyroid health, and blood sugar balance—impacts your ability to lose weight and feel your best. I also share practical steps to start rebalancing your body naturally, along with encouragement rooted in Biblical wisdom. Because when we approach health the way God designed, amazing things happen. In health, Lacy Lain, FMCHC, LEHP What's Next? Join The Functional Hormone Reset: Sick Of Feeling Like Junk, Know Something's Not Right, Yet You're Told By Your Doctors That Your Labs Are “Normal”... Apply Today! Join the Free Community of Christian Women on a Holistic Health Journey Related Episodes You Might Enjoy: 07. Key Lab Markers Women Should Have Checked Regularly 24. The Magnesium-Gut Connection: Unlocking Metabolic Health 34. The Cost of Functional Medicine How Inflammation, Toxins, and Stress Wreck Your Hormones - Inside the 3-Day Workshop for Exhausted Women (Hint: This is a GREAT place to start!) Bandaid Solutions vs. Functional Solutions in Women's Health Join The Stronger Collective App Learn more by clicking here. Disclaimer: Our life and health coaches do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Nothing we share with our clients is intended to substitute for the advice, treatment, or diagnosis of a qualified licensed physician. Lacy Lain, FMCHC may not make any medical diagnoses or claim, nor substitute for your personal physician's care. It is the role of Lacy Lain and her Practitioners to partner with their clients to provide ongoing support and accountability in an opt-in model of self-care and should be done under the supervision of a licensed physician. These platforms share personal experiences and provides education. Interaction on these platforms does not constitute a doctor/patient relationship.

Hey Friend, Have you ever felt like your body is working against you? Maybe you're exhausted, dealing with stubborn weight gain, or battling hormonal imbalances that make everyday life harder. The good news? Your body isn't broken—it just needs the right support to start healing itself. In this week's episode of Functional Medicine for Christian Women, I'm walking you through the step-by-step process to help your body repair and restore proper function. From supporting your colon and liver to boosting cellular health, we're covering the order your body needs to heal effectively. Plus, I'll share simple, practical tips you can start using today—no expensive tests or supplements required. Here's a sneak peek at what you'll learn: Why your colon is the first step to long-lasting healing. How to support your liver and lymphatic system for better detoxification. The connection between foundational habits and restoring energy, hormones, and vitality. This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you finally feel like yourself again. Don't miss it!

Hello Friend, Have you ever been told, “Your blood tests are normal,” but deep down you know something isn't right? It's one of the most frustrating things to hear, especially when you're dealing with fatigue, brain fog, or other unexplained symptoms. Here's the truth: those “normal” lab results might still hold valuable clues about your health—if you know where to look. Your CBC panel, a test you've probably already had done, includes five key markers that can reveal so much about what's really going on inside your body. In this week's episode of Functional Medicine for Christian Women, I break down the CBC differential and explain how Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Eosinophils, Basophils, and Monocytes can provide insight into your immune function, inflammation, and even chronic stress. I'll show you why this simple test is often the best starting place for uncovering the root cause of your symptoms—and how you can use it to take the first step toward feeling better. In health, Lacy Lain, FMCHC, LEHP P.S. If you've ever felt dismissed by conventional doctors, I made this episode with you in mind. Let's start finding the answers your body is trying to tell you. What's Next? Book Your Free Consultation: Sick Of Feeling Like Junk, Know Something's Not Right, Yet You're Told By Your Doctors That Your Labs Are “Normal”... Connect with Lacy: Apply to work with Lacy 1:1 (two spots now open!) The Stronger Collective App Learn more by clicking here. Related Episodes You Might Enjoy: 42. Why Am I Always Tired? Common Causes of Chronic Fatigue in Working Women 27. Why Career-Driven Women Should Care About Blue Zones, Air Quality, and Houseplants for Better Indoor Air 45. Unlock Your Energy: How Hormones Could Be the Key to Fixing Your Fatigue 33. Bandaid Solutions vs Functional Solutions in Women's Health 47. How NAD+ Can Help Exhausted Women Regain Their Energy Naturally - Disclaimer: Our life and health coaches do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Nothing we share with our clients is intended to substitute for the advice, treatment, or diagnosis of a qualified licensed physician. Lacy Lain, FMCHC may not make any medical diagnoses or claim, nor substitute for your personal physician's care. It is the role of Lacy Lain and her Practitioners to partner with their clients to provide ongoing support and accountability in an opt-in model of self-care and should be done under the supervision of a licensed physician. These platforms share personal experiences and provides education. Interaction on these platforms does not constitute a doctor/patient relationship.

Hey Friend, Have you ever set New Year's resolutions only to feel defeated by February? You're not alone. Many of us have been caught in the cycle of big plans and fading motivation. But what if there's a better way? In this week's episode of Functional Medicine for Christian Women, I'm sharing a new approach to goal-setting that works with how God designed your body and mind. You'll learn: Why traditional resolutions often fail. How to align your goals with your faith and values. Practical steps to create sustainable systems that set you up for success. It's time to stop striving and start thriving. Let's commit our work to the Lord and trust Him to establish our plans. Listen now and discover how to build a foundation for lasting change. In health,Lacy Lain, FMCHC, LEHP P.S. If you've been blessed by this episode, I'd love for you to share it with a friend who might need encouragement with her goals this year! What's Next? Book Your Free Consultation: Sick Of Feeling Like Junk, Know Something's Not Right, Yet You're Told By Your Doctors That Your Labs Are “Normal”... Connect with Lacy: Apply to work with Lacy 1:1 (two spots now open!) The Stronger Collective App Learn more by clicking here. Related Episodes You Might Enjoy: 42. Why Am I Always Tired? Common Causes of Chronic Fatigue in Working Women 27. Why Career-Driven Women Should Care About Blue Zones, Air Quality, and Houseplants for Better Indoor Air 45. Unlock Your Energy: How Hormones Could Be the Key to Fixing Your Fatigue 33. Bandaid Solutions vs Functional Solutions in Women's Health 47. How NAD+ Can Help Exhausted Career Women Regain Their Energy Naturally - Disclaimer: Our life and health coaches do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Nothing we share with our clients is intended to substitute for the advice, treatment, or diagnosis of a qualified licensed physician. Lacy Lain, FMCHC may not make any medical diagnoses or claim, nor substitute for your personal physician's care. It is the role of Lacy Lain and her Practitioners to partner with their clients to provide ongoing support and accountability in an opt-in model of self-care and should be done under the supervision of a licensed physician. These platforms share personal experiences and provides education. Interaction on these platforms does not constitute a doctor/patient relationship.

Hey friend, Today's podcast episode is extra special—I'm sharing the heart behind a big change and what it means for you. If you've been with me for a while, you might've noticed the podcast's new name: Functional Medicine for Christian Women. Why the shift? It's simple: I want to be upfront about the Biblical foundation that shapes everything I do. As I've reflected on my mission, God's calling has become clear—this is more than just health advice. It's about helping you care for your body as an act of worship and obedience, grounded in His design and through a functional medicine lens. In this episode, I talk about: Why our health is a spiritual calling, not just a physical one. The connection between your faith and your physical healing. How this new focus will inspire and equip you to reclaim your health—and your God-given purpose. Whether you've been frustrated with mainstream health care or simply looking for a fresh perspective, I think you'll find encouragement here. Let me know what you think—I'd love to hear how this resonates with you! In health, Lacy Lain, FMCHC, LEHP What's Next? Book Your Free Consultation: Sick Of Feeling Like Junk, Know Something's Not Right, Yet You're Told By Your Doctors That Your Labs Are “Normal”... Connect with Lacy: Apply to work with Lacy 1:1 (two spots now open!) The Stronger Collective App Learn more by clicking here. Related Episodes You Might Enjoy: 42. Why Am I Always Tired? Common Causes of Chronic Fatigue in Working Women 27. Why Career-Driven Women Should Care About Blue Zones, Air Quality, and Houseplants for Better Indoor Air 45. Unlock Your Energy: How Hormones Could Be the Key to Fixing Your Fatigue 33. Bandaid Solutions vs Functional Solutions in Women's Health 47. How NAD+ Can Help Exhausted Career Women Regain Their Energy Naturally - Disclaimer: Our life and health coaches do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Nothing we share with our clients is intended to substitute for the advice, treatment, or diagnosis of a qualified licensed physician. Lacy Lain, FMCHC may not make any medical diagnoses or claim, nor substitute for your personal physician's care. It is the role of Lacy Lain and her Practitioners to partner with their clients to provide ongoing support and accountability in an opt-in model of self-care and should be done under the supervision of a licensed physician. These platforms share personal experiences and provides education. Interaction on these platforms does not constitute a doctor/patient relationship.

Exodus 33: 12 - 19 (NKJV) 12 Then Moses said to the Lord, “See, You say to me, ‘Bring up this people.' But You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My sight.' 13 Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.” 14 And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 15 Then he said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. 16 For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth.” 17 So the Lord said to Moses, “I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name.” 18 And he said, “Please, show me Your glory.” 19 Then He said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”

Hey Friend, Have you been experiencing irregular cycles, mood swings, energy crashes, or other symptoms that just don't feel normal? You might be navigating perimenopause—even if you're in your late 30s or 40s. In this week's episode of Functional Medicine for Christian Women, we're peeling back the layers on this often-overlooked stage of life. What is perimenopause really? What's happening in your body? And most importantly, how can you thrive during this season instead of just surviving? Join me as I share simple, practical steps to support your health—covering everything from the foods that fuel your hormones to building stress resilience and reclaiming restful sleep. And because this journey is as much spiritual as it is physical, I'll also offer biblical encouragement to help you walk this path with peace and confidence. In health, Lacy Lain, FMCHC, LEHP What's Next? Book Your Free Consultation: Sick Of Feeling Like Junk, Know Something's Not Right, Yet You're Told By Your Doctors That Your Labs Are “Normal”... Connect with Lacy: Apply to work with Lacy 1:1 (two spots now open!) The Stronger Collective App Learn more by clicking here. Related Episodes You Might Enjoy: 42. Why Am I Always Tired? Common Causes of Chronic Fatigue in Working Women 27. Why Career-Driven Women Should Care About Blue Zones, Air Quality, and Houseplants for Better Indoor Air 45. Unlock Your Energy: How Hormones Could Be the Key to Fixing Your Fatigue 33. Bandaid Solutions vs Functional Solutions in Women's Health 47. How NAD+ Can Help Exhausted Career Women Regain Their Energy Naturally Disclaimer: Our life and health coaches do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Nothing we share with our clients is intended to substitute for the advice, treatment, or diagnosis of a qualified licensed physician. Lacy Lain, FMCHC may not make any medical diagnoses or claim, nor substitute for your personal physician's care. It is the role of Lacy Lain and her Practitioners to partner with their clients to provide ongoing support and accountability in an opt-in model of self-care and should be done under the supervision of a licensed physician. These platforms share personal experiences and provides education. Interaction on these platforms does not constitute a doctor/patient relationship.

Hey Friend, If you've been struggling with low energy, stubborn weight gain, mood swings, or poor sleep, it might be your hormones—but here's the good news: you don't need to do anything drastic to start feeling better. In my latest podcast episode, Hormones: The Basics and How to Balance Them, Even With a Busy Schedule, I'm sharing simple, sustainable steps to support your hormones naturally. You'll learn: Why your circadian rhythm is the key to hormone balance (and how to reset it). A simple rule of thumb for meals How to build stress resiliency to shift your health God designed your body to heal itself—it just needs the right support. Start with these practical steps and take control of your health.

Hey Friend, In this episode, Elise shares her deeply personal journey from struggling with chronic health challenges to becoming a passionate advocate for holistic healing. You'll hear how she overcame obstacles that many of us face—feeling unheard by doctors, and navigating the overwhelming health information out there. But more importantly, you'll discover the strategies and insights she used to reclaim her well-being and vitality, and how she now empowers others to do the same. If you've ever felt stuck, frustrated, or unsure of where to start on your own health journey, this conversation is exactly what you need to feel inspired and equipped to take your next step. To connect with Elyse further: Instagram: instagram.com/elyse_wagner Website: elysewagner.com/freebies In health, Lacy Lain, FMCHC, LEHP What's Next? Book Your Free Consultation: Sick Of Feeling Like Junk, Know Something's Not Right, Yet You're Told By Your Doctors That Your Labs Are “Normal”... Connect with Lacy: Apply to work with Lacy 1:1 (two spots now open!) Related Episodes You Might Enjoy: 42. Why Am I Always Tired? Common Causes of Chronic Fatigue in Working Women 27. Why Career-Driven Women Should Care About Blue Zones, Air Quality, and Houseplants for Better Indoor Air 45. Unlock Your Energy: How Hormones Could Be the Key to Fixing Your Fatigue 33. Bandaid Solutions vs Functional Solutions in Women's Health 47. How NAD+ Can Help Exhausted Career Women Regain Their Energy Naturally Disclaimer: Our life and health coaches do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Nothing we share with our clients is intended to substitute for the advice, treatment, or diagnosis of a qualified licensed physician. Lacy Lain, FMCHC may not make any medical diagnoses or claim, nor substitute for your personal physician's care. It is the role of Lacy Lain and her Practitioners to partner with their clients to provide ongoing support and accountability in an opt-in model of self-care and should be done under the supervision of a licensed physician. These platforms share personal experiences and provides education. Interaction on these platforms does not constitute a doctor/patient relationship.

Hey Friend, Ever been told that your lab results "look fine," but you still feel anything but fine? If you're nodding in agreement, you're not alone. Many high-achieving career women experience this frustration and wonder: why do I still feel off when the numbers say otherwise? In the latest episode of Functional Medicine for Exhausted Career Women, I'm diving deep into why focusing on just one or two lab markers isn't enough to uncover what's really happening in your body—and how functional medicine goes beyond these numbers to find the root cause of your health struggles. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: Why your body can't be understood by just one lab result. How your health is a complex, interconnected system that needs a comprehensive approach. Five practical ways to naturally boost your immune function—starting today. Listen now to find out why a holistic approach is essential for real, lasting health. And if you're ready to get personalized insights, I'm offering a free 15-minute call where we'll look at your lab results from a functional medicine perspective and uncover the missing pieces in your health puzzle. Spots are limited, so don't wait! Book your free call here Take control of your health. It's time to look beyond the numbers and see the bigger picture. Until next time, take care and know that your body is beautifully designed to heal. In health, Lacy Lain, FMCHC, LEHP What's Next? Book Your Free Consultation: Sick Of Feeling Like Junk, Know Something's Not Right, Yet You're Told By Your Doctors That Your Labs Are “Normal”... Connect with Lacy: Apply to work with Lacy 1:1 (two spots now open!) Related Episodes You Might Enjoy: 42. Why Am I Always Tired? Common Causes of Chronic Fatigue in Working Women 27. Why Career-Driven Women Should Care About Blue Zones, Air Quality, and Houseplants for Better Indoor Air 45. Unlock Your Energy: How Hormones Could Be the Key to Fixing Your Fatigue 33. Bandaid Solutions vs Functional Solutions in Women's Health 47. How NAD+ Can Help Exhausted Career Women Regain Their Energy Naturally Disclaimer: Our life and health coaches do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Nothing we share with our clients is intended to substitute for the advice, treatment, or diagnosis of a qualified licensed physician. Lacy Lain, FMCHC may not make any medical diagnoses or claim, nor substitute for your personal physician's care. It is the role of Lacy Lain and her Practitioners to partner with their clients to provide ongoing support and accountability in an opt-in model of self-care and should be done under the supervision of a licensed physician. These platforms share personal experiences and provides education. Interaction on these platforms does not constitute a doctor/patient relationship.

Hey Friend, Do you ever feel like stress has become such a constant companion that you don't even remember life without it? Maybe it's the never-ending deadlines, family responsibilities, or the weight of keeping everything running smoothly because it feels like it all depends on you. If that resonates, you're not alone. And I've got some good news: it doesn't have to stay this way. On this week's episode of Functional Medicine for Exhausted Career Women, I'm breaking down actionable steps to help you navigate life with less overwhelm and more balance. We're not talking about eliminating stress completely (spoiler: that's not realistic), but instead, how to build resilience so stress no longer takes over. In health, Lacy Lain, FMCHC, LEHP What's Next? Schedule your free Consultation: Sick Of Feeling Like Junk? Know Something's Not Right? Yet You're Told By Your Doctors That Your Labs Are “Normal” or they only care to talk about symptoms and numbers but don't listen to how you FEEL? Come work with me! Apply to work with Lacy 1:1 Related Episodes You Might Enjoy: 42. Why Am I Always Tired? Common Causes of Chronic Fatigue in Working Women 27. Why Career-Driven Women Should Care About Blue Zones, Air Quality, and Houseplants for Better Indoor Air 45. Unlock Your Energy: How Hormones Could Be the Key to Fixing Your Fatigue 33. Bandaid Solutions vs Functional Solutions in Women's Health 47. How NAD Can Help Exhausted Career Women Regain Their Energy Naturally Disclaimer: Our life and health coaches do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Nothing we share with our clients is intended to substitute for the advice, treatment, or diagnosis of a qualified licensed physician. Lacy Lain, FMCHC may not make any medical diagnoses or claim, nor substitute for your personal physician's care. It is the role of Lacy Lain and her Practitioners to partner with their clients to provide ongoing support and accountability in an opt-in model of self-care and should be done under the supervision of a licensed physician. These platforms share personal experiences and provides education. Interaction on these platforms does not constitute a doctor/patient relationship.

Does this sound familiar? "I'll start on Monday.""Once this project is done, then I'll focus on myself.""When "fill in the blank" season is over, I'll have more time." If you've ever caught yourself saying these things, you're not alone. I've been there too. But here's the hard truth: those “some days” often turn into never. This week on the Functional Medicine for Exhausted Career Women podcast, I'm sharing an episode that hits close to home. It's all about why we put our health on the back burner and how to reframe our mindset for a God-centered, sustainable approach to wellness. In this episode, I share: A deeply personal story about how neglecting health impacted my family. The three biggest reasons we delay prioritizing our health. Scriptural truths, like Proverbs 4:23, reminding us why our health matters to God's purpose for us. Practical strategies for small, impactful changes you can make today. You'll walk away feeling empowered, not guilty, and with tools to start honoring God with your health—even in the busiest seasons of life. Here's what I want you to know:Taking care of your health isn't about perfection. It's about making intentional choices and trusting God to guide you through them. If this message resonates with you, take a moment to reflect on one small change you can make today to prioritize your health. And don't forget to pray and ask God for wisdom and strength to walk this path. I also created a free resource to help you start taking action today. Head to FunctionalHealthForWomen.com to access it. Your health matters, not just for you, but for the calling God has on your life. In health, Lacy Lain, FMCHC, LEHP What's Next? Watch the FREE Training: How to Go From Chronic Health Issues to Optimal Balanced Health with ONE SIMPLE Plan Sick Of Feeling Like Junk, Know Something's Not Right, Yet You're Told By Your Doctors That Your Labs Are “Normal”... Schedule a free consultation to get started. Connect with Lacy: Apply to work with Lacy 1:1 Related Episodes You Might Enjoy: 42. Why Am I Always Tired? Common Causes of Chronic Fatigue in Working Women 27. Why Career-Driven Women Should Care About Blue Zones, Air Quality, and Houseplants for Better Indoor Air 45. Unlock Your Energy: How Hormones Could Be the Key to Fixing Your Fatigue 33. Bandaid Solutions vs Functional Solutions in Women's Health 52. How Inflammation, Toxins, and Stress Wreck Your Hormones - Inside the 3-Day Workshop for Exhausted Women Disclaimer: Our life and health coaches do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Nothing we share with our clients is intended to substitute for the advice, treatment, or diagnosis of a qualified licensed physician. Lacy Lain, FMCHC may not make any medical diagnoses or claim, nor substitute for your personal physician's care. It is the role of Lacy Lain and her Practitioners to partner with their clients to provide ongoing support and accountability in an opt-in model of self-care and should be done under the supervision of a licensed physician. These platforms share personal experiences and provides education. Interaction on these platforms does not constitute a doctor/patient relationship.

Hey Friend, Are you tired of feeling like you're barely keeping up with life—constantly fatigued, overwhelmed, and wondering if there's a better way? My latest podcast episode is for you. In this episode of Functional Medicine for Exhausted Career Women, I pull back the curtain on my Optimal Balanced Health program—a six-month hybrid group program designed to reset, restore, and empower women like you. From detoxing your body to optimizing hormones and metabolism, we're addressing the real root causes of exhaustion, not just the symptoms. By the end of this episode, you'll not only understand the unique framework behind this program but feel inspired to take the first step toward sustainable energy, weight loss, and lasting health. In health, Lacy Lain, FMCHC, LEHP What's Next? Join Optimal Balanced Health Before November 22: Sick Of Feeling Like Junk, Know Something's Not Right, Yet You're Told By Your Doctors That Your Labs Are “Normal”... Schedule a free call to see if our next Group Program (Deadline to join with $1000 off is November 22, 2024) Connect with Lacy: Apply to work with Lacy 1:1 Related Episodes You Might Enjoy: 42. Why Am I Always Tired? Common Causes of Chronic Fatigue in Working Women 27. Why Career-Driven Women Should Care About Blue Zones, Air Quality, and Houseplants for Better Indoor Air 45. Unlock Your Energy: How Hormones Could Be the Key to Fixing Your Fatigue 33. Bandaid Solutions vs Functional Solutions in Women's Health 52. How Inflammation, Toxins, and Stress Wreck Your Hormones - Inside the 3-Day Workshop for Exhausted Women Disclaimer: Our life and health coaches do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Nothing we share with our clients is intended to substitute for the advice, treatment, or diagnosis of a qualified licensed physician. Lacy Lain, FMCHC may not make any medical diagnoses or claim, nor substitute for your personal physician's care. It is the role of Lacy Lain and her Practitioners to partner with their clients to provide ongoing support and accountability in an opt-in model of self-care and should be done under the supervision of a licensed physician. These platforms share personal experiences and provides education. Interaction on these platforms does not constitute a doctor/patient relationship.

S8E7 Marcie shares her experience on High Bottoms and Low Bottoms. Meeting Shrapnel discusses "YET - You're eligible too", "You don't have to wait till the basement to get off the elevator" and "Recovery doesn't open the gates of heaven and let you in - recovery opens the gates of hell and lets you out." If you have a question, comment or suggestion you can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com    

Hey Friend, If you're tired of trying every solution and still feeling stuck in a cycle of fatigue, hormone imbalances, anxiety, or unexplained symptoms, I've created a podcast episode just for you. I break down the chronic issues that keep so many women feeling exhausted and out of control. This episode explores the hidden disruptors—like chronic inflammation, toxins, and stress—that throw our bodies off balance. More importantly, I'll show you how a functional health approach can help solve the puzzle, equipping you with tools for true, lasting change. Our latest podcast episode dives into the proven 6-month framework we use in my Optimal Balanced Health Program. Learn how we work to reset your body, personalize your health, and help you develop a long-term plan for a thriving life. If you're ready to start addressing root causes instead of just managing symptoms, tune in! And don't miss the special offer we have for our December program cohort—click here to schedule a call and see if it's the right fit for you. Looking forward to helping you find freedom in your health journey! In health, Lacy Lain, FMCHC, LEHP What's Next? Schedule your free Consultation: Sick Of Feeling Like Junk, Know Something's Not Right, Yet You're Told By Your Doctors That Your Labs Are “Normal”... Schedule a free call to see if our next Group Program (Deadline to join with $1000 off is November 22, 2024) Connect with Lacy: Apply to work with Lacy 1:1 Related Episodes You Might Enjoy: 42. Why Am I Always Tired? Common Causes of Chronic Fatigue in Working Women 27. Why Career-Driven Women Should Care About Blue Zones, Air Quality, and Houseplants for Better Indoor Air 45. Unlock Your Energy: How Hormones Could Be the Key to Fixing Your Fatigue 33. Bandaid Solutions vs Functional Solutions in Women's Health 47. How NAD Can Help Exhausted Career Women Regain Their Energy Naturally Disclaimer: Our life and health coaches do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Nothing we share with our clients is intended to substitute for the advice, treatment, or diagnosis of a qualified licensed physician. Lacy Lain, FMCHC may not make any medical diagnoses or claim, nor substitute for your personal physician's care. It is the role of Lacy Lain and her Practitioners to partner with their clients to provide ongoing support and accountability in an opt-in model of self-care and should be done under the supervision of a licensed physician. These platforms share personal experiences and provides education. Interaction on these platforms does not constitute a doctor/patient relationship.

Hey Friend, If you've ever felt trapped in the cycle of diets, intense workouts, and “quick fixes” for weight loss—only to find yourself back at square one—this week's podcast episode is for you. We're diving into why so many women struggle with lasting weight loss and how functional medicine gets to the root cause of these challenges. When our bodies are out of balance, dealing with hormonal chaos, and struggling with chronic inflammation, traditional weight loss methods simply can't provide long-term results. This episode breaks down why targeting weight loss first usually fails and what it looks like to focus on restoring your body's natural balance instead. In this episode, I also share how my Optimal Balanced Health program addresses the root issues that hold so many women back. If you're ready to stop the constant cycle of fad diets and start on a path to real health, I invite you to listen in today. You'll gain insights into how a balanced, holistic approach to health can help you finally achieve the lasting results you deserve. So, grab your favorite beverage, tune in, and let's start your journey to a healthier, more resilient you. In health, Lacy Lain, FMCHC, LEHP What's Next? Save your seat in the FREE 3-Day Workshop: Sick Of Feeling Like Junk, Know Something's Not Right, Yet You're Told By Your Doctors That Your Labs Are “Normal”... Connect with Lacy: Apply to work with Lacy 1:1 Related Episodes You Might Enjoy: 42. Why Am I Always Tired? Common Causes of Chronic Fatigue in Working Women 27. Why Career-Driven Women Should Care About Blue Zones, Air Quality, and Houseplants for Better Indoor Air 45. Unlock Your Energy: How Hormones Could Be the Key to Fixing Your Fatigue 33. Bandaid Solutions vs Functional Solutions in Women's Health 47. How NAD+ Can Help Exhausted Career Women Regain Their Energy Naturally Disclaimer: Our life and health coaches do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Nothing we share with our clients is intended to substitute for the advice, treatment, or diagnosis of a qualified licensed physician. Lacy Lain, FMCHC may not make any medical diagnoses or claim, nor substitute for your personal physician's care. It is the role of Lacy Lain and her Practitioners to partner with their clients to provide ongoing support and accountability in an opt-in model of self-care and should be done under the supervision of a licensed physician. These platforms share personal experiences and provides education. Interaction on these platforms does not constitute a doctor/patient relationship.

Sadie's Joke of the Week, Nerd Up with Cameo, The 2024 Word of the Year Is, The 10 Most-Searched Slang Terms in 2024 and What's Something So Simple . . . Yet You're So Horrible AtSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey Friend, If you've been struggling to shed pounds despite eating well and exercising, this latest podcast episode is for you. It's easy to feel frustrated and wonder if there's something wrong with you – but what if the problem isn't you? In this episode, I break down the hidden chronic health issues that can stall weight loss, like thyroid imbalances, hormone disruption, and even gut health. These are the pieces of the puzzle that many traditional methods overlook, yet they play a huge role in how our bodies manage weight and energy. You'll learn how functional medicine looks deeper, aiming to understand why these symptoms persist and what you can do to get back on track. Ready to understand why weight loss has felt like an uphill battle? Tune in to uncover practical insights and strategies for finally feeling like yourself again. You'll also hear about a client success story that shows how it's possible to make lasting progress, even after years of frustration. Plus, I'm inviting listeners to my free 3-day live workshop starting November 13 – where we'll explore these health roadblocks in-depth and work together to find real solutions. Listen to the episode now, and if it resonates with you, make sure to join the workshop. Let's get to the root of what's holding you back! In health, Lacy Lain, FMCHC, LEHP What's Next? Save your seat in the FREE 3-Day Workshop: Sick Of Feeling Like Junk, Know Something's Not Right, Yet You're Told By Your Doctors That Your Labs Are “Normal”... Connect with Lacy: Apply to work with Lacy 1:1 Related Episodes You Might Enjoy: 42. Why Am I Always Tired? Common Causes of Chronic Fatigue in Working Women 27. Why Career-Driven Women Should Care About Blue Zones, Air Quality, and Houseplants for Better Indoor Air 45. Unlock Your Energy: How Hormones Could Be the Key to Fixing Your Fatigue 33. Bandaid Solutions vs Functional Solutions in Women's Health 47. How NAD+ Can Help Exhausted Career Women Regain Their Energy Naturally Disclaimer: Our life and health coaches do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Nothing we share with our clients is intended to substitute for the advice, treatment, or diagnosis of a qualified licensed physician. Lacy Lain, FMCHC may not make any medical diagnoses or claim, nor substitute for your personal physician's care. It is the role of Lacy Lain and her Practitioners to partner with their clients to provide ongoing support and accountability in an opt-in model of self-care and should be done under the supervision of a licensed physician. These platforms share personal experiences and provides education. Interaction on these platforms does not constitute a doctor/patient relationship.

#NeighborhoodWatch The One with the 24/7 Garage Sale + What's Something So Simple . . . Yet You're So Horrible At, Do you have a rival or arch-nemesis & CORYELLE'S BACK!

Hey friend, If you've been dealing with constant fatigue, gut issues, or hormone imbalances, this week's podcast episode is one you won't want to miss. I dive into why these symptoms keep coming back and how functional medicine can help you find real, lasting relief. In this episode, I share the story of Andrea, a client who was told by countless doctors that everything looked “fine,” even though she felt far from it. Sound familiar? Together, we found her root causes and created a plan to get her feeling healthy, balanced, and energized again. Functional medicine goes beyond managing symptoms—it's about truly understanding the body and addressing the underlying causes of chronic health conditions. I'll walk you through my approach to uncovering and healing these imbalances, so you can finally break free from endless doctor visits and symptom cycles. Listen in to learn how functional medicine can make a real difference in your health journey. You deserve more than “getting by” each day. Tune in now and start your journey to vibrant health! In health, Lacy Lain, FMCHC, LEHP What's Next? Save your seat in the FREE 3-Day Workshop: Sick Of Feeling Like Junk, Know Something's Not Right, Yet You're Told By Your Doctors That Your Labs Are “Normal”... Connect with Lacy: Apply to work with Lacy 1:1 Related Episodes You Might Enjoy: 42. Why Am I Always Tired? Common Causes of Chronic Fatigue in Working Women 27. Why Career-Driven Women Should Care About Blue Zones, Air Quality, and Houseplants for Better Indoor Air 45. Unlock Your Energy: How Hormones Could Be the Key to Fixing Your Fatigue 33. Bandaid Solutions vs Functional Solutions in Women's Health 47. How NAD+ Can Help Exhausted Career Women Regain Their Energy Naturally Disclaimer: Our life and health coaches do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Nothing we share with our clients is intended to substitute for the advice, treatment, or diagnosis of a qualified licensed physician. Lacy Lain, FMCHC may not make any medical diagnoses or claim, nor substitute for your personal physician's care. It is the role of Lacy Lain and her Practitioners to partner with their clients to provide ongoing support and accountability in an opt-in model of self-care and should be done under the supervision of a licensed physician. These platforms share personal experiences and provides education. Interaction on these platforms does not constitute a doctor/patient relationship.

Hey Friend, Have you ever felt drained, anxious, or just not yourself—even when your labs come back “normal”? You're not alone. In my latest podcast episode, I'm unpacking how hidden hormone and thyroid imbalances could be driving those feelings of fatigue, mood swings, and anxiety that so many high-achieving women struggle with. When the usual tests don't capture the full picture, it's easy to feel unheard, but there's more going on under the surface than you may realize. Tune in to learn why these overlooked imbalances are often at the root of what you're experiencing, from anxious days to low energy, and how identifying these hidden factors could be the key to reclaiming your health. This episode is packed with insights to help you start feeling calm, energized, and fully yourself again. Don't miss it! In health, Lacy Lain, FMCHC, LEHP What's Next? Save your seat in the FREE 3-Day Workshop: Sick Of Feeling Like Junk, Know Something's Not Right, Yet You're Told By Your Doctors That Your Labs Are “Normal”... Connect with Lacy: Apply to work with Lacy 1:1 Related Episodes You Might Enjoy: 42. Why Am I Always Tired? Common Causes of Chronic Fatigue in Working Women 45. Unlock Your Energy: How Hormones Could Be the Key to Fixing Your Fatigue 33. Bandaid Solutions vs Functional Solutions in Women's Health Disclaimer: Our life and health coaches do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Nothing we share with our clients is intended to substitute for the advice, treatment, or diagnosis of a qualified licensed physician. Lacy Lain, FMCHC may not make any medical diagnoses or claim, nor substitute for your personal physician's care. It is the role of Lacy Lain and her Practitioners to partner with their clients to provide ongoing support and accountability in an opt-in model of self-care and should be done under the supervision of a licensed physician. These platforms share personal experiences and provides education. Interaction on these platforms does not constitute a doctor/patient relationship.

Hello friend, In this episode of Functional Medicine for Exhausted Career Women, I dive into the power of NAD, a molecule that's often overlooked but essential for cellular energy production. If you're feeling perpetually drained or exhausted, NAD could be the missing link in your health journey. I'll break down what NAD is, how it impacts every cell in your body, and why low levels might be contributing to chronic fatigue, sluggish metabolism, and added stress. You'll walk away with practical, natural ways to support NAD production and boost your energy—without drastic lifestyle changes. All it takes is a focus on nutrient-dense foods, gentle movement, and mindful supplementation. I also share stories from my own experience and other busy, health-conscious women, even practitioners, who found themselves battling low energy but saw significant improvement by supporting their NAD levels. Join me as I give actionable tips you can use today, and hear more about my 3-Day Workshop designed to help you take control of your health for good. If you're ready to understand the root causes of your fatigue and reclaim vibrant energy, this episode is the perfect place to start feeling empowered and informed. In health, Lacy Lain, FMCHC, LEHP What's Next? Save your seat in the FREE 3-Day Workshop: Sick Of Feeling Like Junk, Know Something's Not Right, Yet You're Told By Your Doctors That Your Labs Are “Normal”... Connect with Lacy: Apply to work with Lacy 1:1 Related Episodes You Might Enjoy: 42. Why Am I Always Tired? Common Causes of Chronic Fatigue in Working Women 15:The Lain Protocol for Optimal B.A.L.A.N.C.E.D. Health: Exercise 33. Bandaid Solutions vs Functional Solutions in Women's Health Disclaimer: Our life and health coaches do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Nothing we share with our clients is intended to substitute for the advice, treatment, or diagnosis of a qualified licensed physician. Lacy Lain, FMCHC may not make any medical diagnoses or claim, nor substitute for your personal physician's care. It is the role of Lacy Lain and her Practitioners to partner with their clients to provide ongoing support and accountability in an opt-in model of self-care and should be done under the supervision of a licensed physician. These platforms share personal experiences and provides education. Interaction on these platforms does not constitute a doctor/patient relationship.

Dealing with Uncertainty A Sermon by Pastors Richard Sfameni, Lead Pastor of Victory Church in Providence, RI.   Exodus 33:12-13 NKJV 12 Then Moses said to the Lord, “See, You say to me, ‘Bring up this people.' But You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My sight.' 13 Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.” James 4:14 NKJV 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.   For more information about Victory Church visit our website, www.victorychurchri.com or our Facebook page     

"Bless our God, O peoples, And sound His praise abroad, Who keeps us in life And does not allow our feet to slip. For You have tried us, O God; You have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net; You laid an oppressive burden upon our loins. You made men ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water, Yet You brought us out into a place of abundance." Psalm 66:8-12

A Cry of Anguish and a Song of Praise.For the music director; upon Aijeleth Hashshahar. A Psalm of David.My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?Far from my help are the words of my groaning.My God, I cry out by day, but You do not answer;And by night, but I have no rest.Yet You are holy,You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel.In You our fathers trusted;They trusted and You rescued them.To You they cried out and they fled to safety;In You they trusted and were not disappointed.But I am a worm and not a person,A disgrace of mankind and despised by the people.All who see me deride me;They sneer, they shake their heads, saying,“Turn him over to the Lord; let Him save him;Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him.”Yet You are He who brought me forth from the womb;You made me trust when upon my mother's breasts.I was cast upon You from birth;You have been my God from my mother's womb.Do not be far from me, for trouble is near;For there is no one to help.Many bulls have surrounded me;Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me.They open their mouths wide at me,As a ravening and roaring lion.I am poured out like water,And all my bones are out of joint;My heart is like wax;It is melted within me.My strength is dried up like a piece of pottery,And my tongue clings to my jaws;And You lay me in the dust of death.For dogs have surrounded me;A band of evildoers has encompassed me;They pierced my hands and my feet.I can count all my bones.They look, they stare at me;They divide my garments among them,And they cast lots for my clothing.Bible Verse: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=psalm+22%3a1-18&version=nasbVisit us on all our social media platforms: https://linktr.ee/sovereignkingchurchListen on the go on your favorite podcast service:Apple - https://tinyurl.com/uxw3awb6Google - https://tinyurl.com/mzmza4fv

Listen along as we look at the space between Good Friday and Easter Sunday contemplating the silence of God. Notes//Quotes: Psalm 13:1-6 - Jon   “Habakkuk lived in the final decades of Judah, Israel's southern kingdom. It was a time of injustice and idolatry, and he saw the rising threat of the Babylonian empire on the horizon. Unlike the other Hebrew prophets, Habakkuk doesn't accuse Israel or even speak to the people on God's behalf. Instead, all of his words are addressed to God. The book of Habakkuk tells us about Habakkuk's personal struggle to believe that God is good when there is so much tragedy and evil in the world”  — bible project    1 The oracle which Habakkuk the prophet saw. 2 How long, O Lord, will I call for help, And You will not hear? I cry out to You, “Violence!” Yet You do not save. 3 Why do You make me see iniquity, And cause me to look on wickedness? Yes, destruction and violence are before me; Strife exists and contention arises. 4 Therefore the law is ignored And justice is never upheld. For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore justice comes out perverted. 5 “Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder! (NASB)   Habakkuk 2:3 3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. (NIV)   “One of her colleagues attended a conference on Jungian dream analysis where people wrote questions on cards that were passed along to a panel of experts, among them was a grandson of Carl Jung. One of these cards told the story of a horrific, reoccurring dream, in which the dreamer was stripped of all human dignity and worth through Nazi atrocities. A member of the panel, read the dream out loud. As she listened, my colleague began to formulate a dream interpretation in her head, in anticipation of the panels response. It was really "a no-brainer," she thought, as her mind, busily offered her symbolic explanations for the torture and atrocities described in the dream.  But this was not how the panel responded at all. When the reading of the dream was complete, Jungs's grandson looked out over the large audience. "Would you all please rise?" he asked. "we will stand together in a moment of silence in response to this dream." The audience stood for a minute, my colleague, impatiently, waiting for the discussion she was certain would follow. But when they sat again, the panel went onto the next question. My colleague simply did not understand this at all, and a few days later, she asked one of her teachers, himself a Jungian analyst, about it, “Ah, Lois," he had said, "there is life, suffering unspeakable, a vulnerability, so extreme that it goes far beyond words, beyond explanations, and even beyond healing. In the face of such suffering, all we can do is bear witness so no one need suffer alone.” - Parker J. Palmer, A Hidden Wholeness   “I know that, as night and shadows are good for flowers, and moonlight and dews are better than a continual sun, so is Christ's absence of special use, and that it hath some nourishing virtue in it, and giveth sap to humility, and putteth an edge on hunger, and furnisheth a fair field to faith to put forth itself, and to exercise its fingers in gripping it seeth not what.”  —Samuel Rutherford   “Honesty. David is in agony and can't feel the presence of God. he cries out that God has ignored his pain and his sorrow. It is almost a howl, and the fact that it is included in the Bible tells us that God wants to hear our genuine feelings, even if they are anger at him. David never stops praying, however, and that is the key. As long as we howl towards God and remember his salvation by grace (verse 5), we will end up at a place of peace. If Christians do that, by hearing Jesus praying verses 1-4 on the cross, losing the Father's face as he paid for our sins, we will be able to pray versus 5-6 indeed.”  — Timothy Keller   It's enough to drive a man crazy; it'll break a man's faith It's enough to make him wonder if he's ever been sane When he's bleating for comfort from Thy staff and Thy rod And the heaven's only answer is the silence of God   It'll shake a man's timbers when he loses his heart When he has to remember what broke him apart This yoke may be easy, but this burden is not When the crying fields are frozen by the silence of God   There's a statue of Jesus on a monastery knoll In the hills of Kentucky, all quiet and cold And He's kneeling in the garden, as silent as a Stone All His friends are sleeping and He's weeping all alone   And the man of all sorrows, he never forgot What sorrow is carried by the hearts that he bought So when the questions dissolve into the silence of God The aching may remain, but the breaking does not The aching may remain, but the breaking does not In the holy, lonesome echo of the silence of God - Andrew Peterson, The Silence of God  

Psalm 22:1-31 “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? 2 O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest. 3 Yet You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. 4 In You our fathers trusted; they trusted, and You delivered them. 5 To You they cried and were rescued; in You they trusted and were not put to shame. 6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people. 7 All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; 8 “He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!” 9 Yet You are He who took me from the womb; You made me trust You at my mother's breasts. 10 On You was I cast from my birth, and from my mother's womb You have been my God. 11 Be not far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help. 12 Many bulls encompass me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me; 13 they open wide their mouths at me, like a ravening and roaring lion. 14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast; 15 my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; You lay me in the dust of death. 16 For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet—17 I can count all my bones—they stare and gloat over me; 18 they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots. 19 But You, O Lord, do not be far off! O You my help, come quickly to my aid! 20 Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog! 21 Save me from the mouth of the lion! You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen! 22 I will tell of Your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise You: 23 You who fear the Lord, praise Him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify Him, and stand in awe of Him, all you offspring of Israel! 24 For He has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and He has not hidden His face from him, but has heard, when he cried to Him. 25 From You comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will perform before those who fear Him. 26 The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek Him shall praise the Lord! May your hearts live forever! 27 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before You. 28 For kingship belongs to the Lord, and He rules over the nations. 29 All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship; before Him shall bow all who go down to the dust, even the one who could not keep himself alive. 30 Posterity shall serve Him; it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation; 31 they shall come and proclaim His righteousness to a people yet unborn, that He has done it.” Key Words: Forsaken, Cry, Trust, Deliver, Save, Affliction, Praise, Fear, God, Brothers, Nations Keystone Verse: My God, my God, why have You forsaken me. Why are You so far from saving me, from the words of my groanings. (Psalm 22:1)   Download Bulletin

Psalm 8:1-9 O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory above the heavens. 2 Out of the mouth of babies and infants, You have established strength because of Your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.3 When I look at Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place,4 what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You care for him? 5 Yet You have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You have given him dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, 7 all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, 8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. 9 O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! Key Words: Lord, Majestic, Glory, Man, Mindful, Care, Crowned Keystone Verse: Oh Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the Earth! (Psalm 8:1a,9) Downdload Bulletin  

Psalm 44 For the choir director. A Maskil of the sons of Korah. 44 O God, we have heard with our ears,Our fathers have told usThe work that You did in their days,In the days of old.2 You with Your own hand drove out the nations;Then You planted them;You afflicted the peoples,Then You spread them abroad.3 For by their own sword they did not possess the land,And their own arm did not save them,But Your right hand and Your arm and the light of Your presence,For You favored them. 4 You are my King, O God;Command victories for Jacob.5 Through You we will push back our adversaries;Through Your name we will trample down those who rise up against us.6 For I will not trust in my bow,Nor will my sword save me.7 But You have saved us from our adversaries,And You have put to shame those who hate us.8 In God we have boasted all day long,And we will give thanks to Your name forever. Selah. 9 Yet You have rejected us and brought us to dishonor,And do not go out with our armies.10 You cause us to turn back from the adversary;And those who hate us have taken spoil for themselves.11 You give us as sheep to be eatenAnd have scattered us among the nations.12 You sell Your people cheaply,And have not profited by their sale.13 You make us a reproach to our neighbors,A scoffing and a derision to those around us.14 You make us a byword among the nations,A laughingstock among the peoples.15 All day long my dishonor is before meAnd my humiliation has overwhelmed me,16 Because of the voice of him who reproaches and reviles,Because of the presence of the enemy and the avenger. 17 All this has come upon us, but we have not forgotten You,And we have not dealt falsely with Your covenant.18 Our heart has not turned back,And our steps have not deviated from Your way,19 Yet You have crushed us in a place of jackalsAnd covered us with the shadow of death. 20 If we had forgotten the name of our GodOr extended our hands to a strange god,21 Would not God find this out?For He knows the secrets of the heart.22 But for Your sake we are killed all day long;We are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.23 Arouse Yourself, why do You sleep, O Lord?Awake, do not reject us forever.24 Why do You hide Your faceAnd forget our affliction and our oppression?25 For our soul has sunk down into the dust;Our body cleaves to the earth.26 Rise up, be our help,And redeem us for the sake of Your lovingkindness. New American Standard Bible 1995 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maranatha-ministries/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maranatha-ministries/support

Seven times, God makes a critical statement about Israel in the book of Malachi, and each time Israel responds with a challenge to that statement. Here are those statements and Gods answer to Israels objection. God: I have loved you. (1:2) Israel: How have you loved us? (v. 2) Answer: I have chosen Jacob over Esau, remained faithful to Jacob, and will bless the nations through Jacob even though Israel has shown herself to be faithless. (v. 5) God: You despise my name. (1:6) Israel: How have we despised your name? (v. 6b) Answer: Your worship of me is lackadaisical at best. (vv. 7-14) God: You have offered polluted food on my altar because honoring me with your whole life is a weariness. (1:7) Israel: How have we polluted you? (v. 7b) Answer: You offer what is cheap and sick because you do not regard my Name as holy. (vv. 9-14) God: You cover the Lords altar with tears, with weeping and groaning because He no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand. (2:13) Israel: Why does he not? (v. 14) Answer: You have been faithless to the wife of your youth. (vv. 14-16) God: You have wearied the Lord with your words. (2:17) Israel: How have we wearied Him? (v. 17b) Answer: You have said, Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delights in them. Or by asking, Where is the God of justice? (v. 17c) God: You are robbing me. (3:8) Israel: How have we robbed you? (v. 8b) Answer: In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. (vv. 8c-9) God: Your words have been hard against me. (3:13) Israel: How have we spoken against you? (v. 13b) Answer: You have said it is vain to serve God. What is the profit of our keeping His charge or of walking as in mourning before the Lord of hosts? And now we call the arrogant blessed. Evildoers not only prosper but they put God to the test and they escape. (vv. 14-15) It is Gods response to Israels fifth objection that we now turn our attention, and it could not be more timely! On October 7, Hamas terrorists invaded Israel and murdered babies and children, abducted and raped women before killing them, and gunned down as many Israelis as they were able. Israel is at war, and the death toll of human causalities will continue to rise. China and Russia seem to be moving closer to a formal alliance, and it is not beyond reason that Iran and North Korea may join them. Based on what I read in my Bible, I am not surprised that this is happening, and it would not surprise me if Russia and Iran got involved in what is happening between Israel and Hamas. Now, if you consider what is happening between Russia and Ukraine, the conflict with Israel and Hamas and possibly Iran, and Chinas plans to have its military ready by 2027 to annex Taiwan, what we have is the recipe for a cataclysmic global war. If that were not enough to worry about, represented in this room is a sea of worries (some legitimate and some illegitimate). If you are anxious, if you are bothered, if you are feeling hopeless, if you are tired, or if you are discouraged Malachi 3:1-6 is for you. The problem of Israel and our problem can be traced all the way back to Adam and Eves great sin, there was a type of darkness. After Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, God drove them out of the beauty of Eden into the despair of the wilderness. Before God forced Adam and Eve outside the place of life and into the place of the curse, He promised them a deliverer who would destroy all that is an enemy of life (Gen. 3:15). Outside the Garden is the place of the curse the wilderness. It is the place of pain, distrust, frustration, thorns and thistles, weariness, sweat, burdens, and death. The Bible says, sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come (Rom. 5:12, 14). In being cast out of the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were driven away from the face of God. Gods Justice is Not Deficient (2:17) The people have wearied the Lord. The Message Bible, which is a paraphrase of the Bible, interprets Malachi 2:17 this way: You make God tired with all your talk. I think this is a terrible translation of Malachi 2:17! God does not get tired, he does not need a break, and He does not get frustrated because things do not go His way. Based on the Hebrew word that is used for wearied, for God to be wearied is for Him to be troubled or irritated. Have you ever had to deal with a person whose hypocrisy is so blatant that it is aggravating? Think about what God accused Israel and her priests of in chapter two. They were guilty of breaking their covenant by marrying people who worshiped terrible gods, such as Molech, whose worship included child sacrifice. The men were divorcing the wives of their youth to marry younger women who also worshiped other gods. If anyone was guilty of injustice, it was Israel. Israel has been on the receiving end of nations and people groups who wanted nothing but their destruction. Do you think what is happening today is new? No, what is happening between Israel and Hamas is nothing new, for throughout her history, her story is about a God who rescues and delivers. God liberated Israel from the tyranny of Pharaoh, He saved Israel from Goliath and the Philistines, He delivered His people from the Amorites, He sustained and preserved rebellious Israel through the exiles of Assyria and Babylon. Now, here they are in Jerusalem with a temple and walls by the grace and mercy of God, having demonstrated that they had no real desire to serve and worship Him, and now they have the audacity to question His moral character. Now, this question that Israel asks in 2:17 is different than the kind of lamenting those who love God demonstrate, such as the one we are introduced to in Habakkuk 1:2-3, How long, Lord, have I called for help, And You do not hear? I cry out to You, Violence! Yet You do not save. Why do You make me see disaster, And make me look at destitution? Yes, devastation and violence are before me; Strife exists and contention arises (NASB). Wow, Habakkuks question could not be more relevant for what we are seeing in our world today! His question is very different than the one Israel asked in Malachi, and it is very different than some of the questions you have been asked, questions like: How can you believe in a good God when there is so much suffering in the world? Or How can God be in control, when the world is so out of control? We tend to measure the justice of God against our own sense of justice. The problem with that is that our sense of justice is only as pure as we are good human beings. The crazy thing is that most Americans (80%) rightly believe that most of the suffering in our world is caused by humans. The bad news is that we have tried all kinds of things to fix ourselves, but only seem to make our situation worse. There are more slaves today than ever before. An increase of over 100 million people faced hunger in 2022, with a total of 783 million people who continue to go hungry in our world today even though there are more than enough food producers to meet the needs of the hungry. With all of our talk about peace, we humans are still the most dangerous species on planet earth. Our problem is as old as the Garden when Adam and Eve bit into the forbidden fruit: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). Or, as the prophet Jeremiah put it: The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it (Jer. 17:9; NASB)? I have preached whole sermons on the topic of Gods goodness alone, but I do not have the time to do that here. What I will say is that God is good (Nah. 1:7) because He is Holy (Isa. 6:3). Because God is God, for Him to be good, He must be infinitely good. What does it mean for God to be infinitely good? What it means is that there is absolutely no room or any need for improvement for God. Therefore, if God is infinitely good, then He is equally just! This is why the Psalmist says of our great God: Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you (Ps. 89:14). Gods Plan is Redemptive Gods answer to Israels question regarding the justice of God is Malachi 3:1-6. Where is the God of Justice? Oh, He has never left! He has always been with His people. He has been with His people because He is also a God of mercy. When Moses asked to see the face of God, he was permitted to see Him pass by while not being permitted to see His face; when God passed by, this is what Moses heard Him say: The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the childrens children, to the third and the fourth generation. (Exod. 34:6-7) Gods justice was coming, and the people who deserved to experience it first were all of Israel, beginning with her priests who did not regard Gods name as holy. However, the way that He would do it would be in a way where His infinite justice and his infinite mercy will intersect with His infinite holiness and His infinite love. How would He do it? The answer is in the first verse: Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. The One that Israel calls Father (2:10), is the One who will send His messenger. Who is the messenger that will be sent? It was John the Baptist, who is a type of Elijah, who went before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17). Who is the Lord that would, come to his temple? He is someone greater than Elijah or John the Baptist. The Lord whom John was sent to prepare the way for is the One who owns the temple. He is the One spoken of in Jeremiah 23:5-6, Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: The Lord is our righteousness. The first word in Malachi 3:1 is Behold and it literally means: Here am I. Israel asks: Where is the God of Justice? Gods answers: Here I am! I am sending my messenger before me who will prepare the way for Me to come to my Temple that you have polluted, for when I come, you will call Me: The Lord is our righteousness. Who is this Lord our righteousness? He is the righteous Branch of David! If Israel and the Priests had the sense to ask, they would have asked God: How can Yahweh come as the human descendant of David? This is the question the apostle John answers over 400 years later: There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, This was he of whom I said, He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.) For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Fathers side, he has made him known. (John 1:618) Jesus is, The Lord our righteousness who came, but the priests and much of Israel did not receive Him. What was the purpose of his coming? Well, Malachi tells us in verses 2-3, But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiners fire and like fullers soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord. Gods Love is Restorative The story of humanity is one where we cannot help ourselves, for there is no remedy we can create to fix our sin problem. Our story is also Israels story, and the promise of Malachi 3:3 is that God would not and does not abandon impure people like us not because we deserve salvation, but because He is committed to his promise to bless the nations through Israel and the way that he would do it is through the righteous branch of David, namely Jesus the Christ. Through Jesus, a day will come when Israel says, Great is the Lord beyond the border of Israel (Mal. 1:5)! Through Jesus, a day is coming when the nations will worship Yahweh: From the rising of the sun to its setting, my name will be great among the nations says the Lord (1:11)! How will he do it? Through Jesus, the righteous branch of David, He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring the offerings in righteousness to the Lord (3:3), and when he does, the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord (v. 4). The question begs for an answer; how will he do it? How can He refine out of mercy without the fire of his perfect justice? He would do it and He did do it by entering into our wilderness. Jesus lived the life Israel failed to live and by doing so was the perfect Jew (Heb. 1-2), the sinless and better Priest then Levi (Heb. 3, 5-7), and better than Moses because the covenant He mediates is better than the old (Heb. 8-10). Jesus entered into our wilderness for the purpose of suffering the fire of the Fathers perfect justice on our behalf; the fire fell upon Jesus instead of us. This is why the messenger said of Jesus when he saw him: Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29)! The Lamb was crucified and on that cross the wrath of God the Father was satisfied while His perfect justice, mercy, love, grace, and holiness intersected without contradiction. After Jesus died for our sins and was buried, he rose three days later! The refiners fire has come to us for the purpose of redeeming lost sinners. His work continues as His fire continues to remove the dross from our lives! As the author of Hebrews exhorts the Christian, we set our eyes on Him to, run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb. 12:1-2). As for the rest of the wilderness and those who refuse to turn to the One who suffered the fire of Gods justice for sin, a judgment awaits and will come: Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts. The Lamb of God is coming to bring the fire of Gods justice as the Lion of Judah! Jesus will come as the King of kings and Lord of lords; we are told that when He comes, all of the tribes of the earth will wail on account of Him (Rev. 1:7). You may be tempted to ask: Where is the God of justice? His answer is simply, Here I am, I never left. In the same way God answered Israels question in Malachi 3, He does the same for us in the last book of the Bible: Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. (Rev. 22:1215) Amen.

Seven times, God makes a critical statement about Israel in the book of Malachi, and each time Israel responds with a challenge to that statement. Here are those statements and Gods answer to Israels objection. God: I have loved you. (1:2) Israel: How have you loved us? (v. 2) Answer: I have chosen Jacob over Esau, remained faithful to Jacob, and will bless the nations through Jacob even though Israel has shown herself to be faithless. (v. 5) God: You despise my name. (1:6) Israel: How have we despised your name? (v. 6b) Answer: Your worship of me is lackadaisical at best. (vv. 7-14) God: You have offered polluted food on my altar because honoring me with your whole life is a weariness. (1:7) Israel: How have we polluted you? (v. 7b) Answer: You offer what is cheap and sick because you do not regard my Name as holy. (vv. 9-14) God: You cover the Lords altar with tears, with weeping and groaning because He no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand. (2:13) Israel: Why does he not? (v. 14) Answer: You have been faithless to the wife of your youth. (vv. 14-16) God: You have wearied the Lord with your words. (2:17) Israel: How have we wearied Him? (v. 17b) Answer: You have said, Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delights in them. Or by asking, Where is the God of justice? (v. 17c) God: You are robbing me. (3:8) Israel: How have we robbed you? (v. 8b) Answer: In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. (vv. 8c-9) God: Your words have been hard against me. (3:13) Israel: How have we spoken against you? (v. 13b) Answer: You have said it is vain to serve God. What is the profit of our keeping His charge or of walking as in mourning before the Lord of hosts? And now we call the arrogant blessed. Evildoers not only prosper but they put God to the test and they escape. (vv. 14-15) It is Gods response to Israels fifth objection that we now turn our attention, and it could not be more timely! On October 7, Hamas terrorists invaded Israel and murdered babies and children, abducted and raped women before killing them, and gunned down as many Israelis as they were able. Israel is at war, and the death toll of human causalities will continue to rise. China and Russia seem to be moving closer to a formal alliance, and it is not beyond reason that Iran and North Korea may join them. Based on what I read in my Bible, I am not surprised that this is happening, and it would not surprise me if Russia and Iran got involved in what is happening between Israel and Hamas. Now, if you consider what is happening between Russia and Ukraine, the conflict with Israel and Hamas and possibly Iran, and Chinas plans to have its military ready by 2027 to annex Taiwan, what we have is the recipe for a cataclysmic global war. If that were not enough to worry about, represented in this room is a sea of worries (some legitimate and some illegitimate). If you are anxious, if you are bothered, if you are feeling hopeless, if you are tired, or if you are discouraged Malachi 3:1-6 is for you. The problem of Israel and our problem can be traced all the way back to Adam and Eves great sin, there was a type of darkness. After Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, God drove them out of the beauty of Eden into the despair of the wilderness. Before God forced Adam and Eve outside the place of life and into the place of the curse, He promised them a deliverer who would destroy all that is an enemy of life (Gen. 3:15). Outside the Garden is the place of the curse the wilderness. It is the place of pain, distrust, frustration, thorns and thistles, weariness, sweat, burdens, and death. The Bible says, sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come (Rom. 5:12, 14). In being cast out of the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were driven away from the face of God. Gods Justice is Not Deficient (2:17) The people have wearied the Lord. The Message Bible, which is a paraphrase of the Bible, interprets Malachi 2:17 this way: You make God tired with all your talk. I think this is a terrible translation of Malachi 2:17! God does not get tired, he does not need a break, and He does not get frustrated because things do not go His way. Based on the Hebrew word that is used for wearied, for God to be wearied is for Him to be troubled or irritated. Have you ever had to deal with a person whose hypocrisy is so blatant that it is aggravating? Think about what God accused Israel and her priests of in chapter two. They were guilty of breaking their covenant by marrying people who worshiped terrible gods, such as Molech, whose worship included child sacrifice. The men were divorcing the wives of their youth to marry younger women who also worshiped other gods. If anyone was guilty of injustice, it was Israel. Israel has been on the receiving end of nations and people groups who wanted nothing but their destruction. Do you think what is happening today is new? No, what is happening between Israel and Hamas is nothing new, for throughout her history, her story is about a God who rescues and delivers. God liberated Israel from the tyranny of Pharaoh, He saved Israel from Goliath and the Philistines, He delivered His people from the Amorites, He sustained and preserved rebellious Israel through the exiles of Assyria and Babylon. Now, here they are in Jerusalem with a temple and walls by the grace and mercy of God, having demonstrated that they had no real desire to serve and worship Him, and now they have the audacity to question His moral character. Now, this question that Israel asks in 2:17 is different than the kind of lamenting those who love God demonstrate, such as the one we are introduced to in Habakkuk 1:2-3, How long, Lord, have I called for help, And You do not hear? I cry out to You, Violence! Yet You do not save. Why do You make me see disaster, And make me look at destitution? Yes, devastation and violence are before me; Strife exists and contention arises (NASB). Wow, Habakkuks question could not be more relevant for what we are seeing in our world today! His question is very different than the one Israel asked in Malachi, and it is very different than some of the questions you have been asked, questions like: How can you believe in a good God when there is so much suffering in the world? Or How can God be in control, when the world is so out of control? We tend to measure the justice of God against our own sense of justice. The problem with that is that our sense of justice is only as pure as we are good human beings. The crazy thing is that most Americans (80%) rightly believe that most of the suffering in our world is caused by humans. The bad news is that we have tried all kinds of things to fix ourselves, but only seem to make our situation worse. There are more slaves today than ever before. An increase of over 100 million people faced hunger in 2022, with a total of 783 million people who continue to go hungry in our world today even though there are more than enough food producers to meet the needs of the hungry. With all of our talk about peace, we humans are still the most dangerous species on planet earth. Our problem is as old as the Garden when Adam and Eve bit into the forbidden fruit: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). Or, as the prophet Jeremiah put it: The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it (Jer. 17:9; NASB)? I have preached whole sermons on the topic of Gods goodness alone, but I do not have the time to do that here. What I will say is that God is good (Nah. 1:7) because He is Holy (Isa. 6:3). Because God is God, for Him to be good, He must be infinitely good. What does it mean for God to be infinitely good? What it means is that there is absolutely no room or any need for improvement for God. Therefore, if God is infinitely good, then He is equally just! This is why the Psalmist says of our great God: Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you (Ps. 89:14). Gods Plan is Redemptive Gods answer to Israels question regarding the justice of God is Malachi 3:1-6. Where is the God of Justice? Oh, He has never left! He has always been with His people. He has been with His people because He is also a God of mercy. When Moses asked to see the face of God, he was permitted to see Him pass by while not being permitted to see His face; when God passed by, this is what Moses heard Him say: The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the childrens children, to the third and the fourth generation. (Exod. 34:6-7) Gods justice was coming, and the people who deserved to experience it first were all of Israel, beginning with her priests who did not regard Gods name as holy. However, the way that He would do it would be in a way where His infinite justice and his infinite mercy will intersect with His infinite holiness and His infinite love. How would He do it? The answer is in the first verse: Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. The One that Israel calls Father (2:10), is the One who will send His messenger. Who is the messenger that will be sent? It was John the Baptist, who is a type of Elijah, who went before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17). Who is the Lord that would, come to his temple? He is someone greater than Elijah or John the Baptist. The Lord whom John was sent to prepare the way for is the One who owns the temple. He is the One spoken of in Jeremiah 23:5-6, Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: The Lord is our righteousness. The first word in Malachi 3:1 is Behold and it literally means: Here am I. Israel asks: Where is the God of Justice? Gods answers: Here I am! I am sending my messenger before me who will prepare the way for Me to come to my Temple that you have polluted, for when I come, you will call Me: The Lord is our righteousness. Who is this Lord our righteousness? He is the righteous Branch of David! If Israel and the Priests had the sense to ask, they would have asked God: How can Yahweh come as the human descendant of David? This is the question the apostle John answers over 400 years later: There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, This was he of whom I said, He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.) For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Fathers side, he has made him known. (John 1:618) Jesus is, The Lord our righteousness who came, but the priests and much of Israel did not receive Him. What was the purpose of his coming? Well, Malachi tells us in verses 2-3, But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiners fire and like fullers soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord. Gods Love is Restorative The story of humanity is one where we cannot help ourselves, for there is no remedy we can create to fix our sin problem. Our story is also Israels story, and the promise of Malachi 3:3 is that God would not and does not abandon impure people like us not because we deserve salvation, but because He is committed to his promise to bless the nations through Israel and the way that he would do it is through the righteous branch of David, namely Jesus the Christ. Through Jesus, a day will come when Israel says, Great is the Lord beyond the border of Israel (Mal. 1:5)! Through Jesus, a day is coming when the nations will worship Yahweh: From the rising of the sun to its setting, my name will be great among the nations says the Lord (1:11)! How will he do it? Through Jesus, the righteous branch of David, He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring the offerings in righteousness to the Lord (3:3), and when he does, the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord (v. 4). The question begs for an answer; how will he do it? How can He refine out of mercy without the fire of his perfect justice? He would do it and He did do it by entering into our wilderness. Jesus lived the life Israel failed to live and by doing so was the perfect Jew (Heb. 1-2), the sinless and better Priest then Levi (Heb. 3, 5-7), and better than Moses because the covenant He mediates is better than the old (Heb. 8-10). Jesus entered into our wilderness for the purpose of suffering the fire of the Fathers perfect justice on our behalf; the fire fell upon Jesus instead of us. This is why the messenger said of Jesus when he saw him: Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29)! The Lamb was crucified and on that cross the wrath of God the Father was satisfied while His perfect justice, mercy, love, grace, and holiness intersected without contradiction. After Jesus died for our sins and was buried, he rose three days later! The refiners fire has come to us for the purpose of redeeming lost sinners. His work continues as His fire continues to remove the dross from our lives! As the author of Hebrews exhorts the Christian, we set our eyes on Him to, run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb. 12:1-2). As for the rest of the wilderness and those who refuse to turn to the One who suffered the fire of Gods justice for sin, a judgment awaits and will come: Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts. The Lamb of God is coming to bring the fire of Gods justice as the Lion of Judah! Jesus will come as the King of kings and Lord of lords; we are told that when He comes, all of the tribes of the earth will wail on account of Him (Rev. 1:7). You may be tempted to ask: Where is the God of justice? His answer is simply, Here I am, I never left. In the same way God answered Israels question in Malachi 3, He does the same for us in the last book of the Bible: Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. (Rev. 22:1215) Amen.

Do you ever think of yourself as a  bitter person? Today I would love to share one of my most recent messages from our home church of West Ridge.  As you will hear this story connected so many dots and through lines of the Bible with me. I hope you enjoy this message today and it encourages you wherever you are.Need Another Podcast to listen to?When you are done with this episode, go ahead and check out my other podcast I co-hosting which is launching this Friday the 22nd!  The Together We Rise Podcast, an extension of Women Speakers Collective. My co-host Cheryl and I have been working hard all summer building a space where every woman is welcome at the table. Message NotesI beckoned the Eternal to hear, and He answered me. From the belly, the place of death, I cried out to You, and You have responded to my voice. You threw me into the watery depths and cast me into the middle of the chaotic seas. The waters closed in around me; your waves broke over me; Your surf swelled as I sank into the depths. Jonah 2:1-3 The VoiceFrom the belly, the place of death, I cried out to You.Hebrew word Sheol - the grave or pit. Dark and joyless. I have been driven out from before Your very eyes. Still, I know I will gaze again on Your holy temple.” The waters swallowed me; the deep abyss was covering over me. Seaweeds were wrapped around my head, trapping me as I sank down to where the mountains are rooted to the earth. I went down to the place where death's gate would lock me in forever.  Yet You lifted me up from the pit. Eternal One, You are my God! Only as my life was fading way did I remember the Eternal; Jonah 2:4-7Can I go anywhere apart from Your Spirit? Is there anywhere I can go to escape Your watchful presence?  If I go up into heaven, You are there. If I make my bed in the realm of the dead, You are there. If I ride on the wings of morning, if I make my home in the most isolated part of the ocean, Even then You will be there to guide me; Your right hand will embrace me, for You are always there. Even if I am afraid and think to myself, “There is no doubt that the darkness will swallow me, the light around me will soon be turned to night, You can see in the dark, for it is not dark to Your eyes.” Psalm 139:7-12“Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God's love for them. Jonah 2:7-8But I will sing to You and sacrifice to You with a voice filled with thanksgiving…Jonah 2:9And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. - Jonah 2:10His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8  Reflection Questions1. Are you on the inside of a problem, journal about how you might change your perspective.2. Have you come to a place where bitterness has grabbed a hold of your heart?  Take some time in prayer to search that out and respond to God.Connect with Danielle | Instagram | Facebook How to support The Parable Podcast: #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher). #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together. #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.