BroKen & Believing | Rev. Kenn Blanchard

  "There's no normal life Wyatt, It's just life. Get on with it."  ― Val Kilmer as "Doc" Holliday   To give them hope, dig them out of a funk or to help them heal from some shame or regret they may be experiencing. You cannot ever judge someones journey and experiences against another's for no two are exactly the same from conception to death. So stop looking to the next guy to gauge what you have or where you are in life because you can't compare the two as they are not the same things. There is no normal life, there's just life.    the Bible reminds us that all life comes from God, both physical and spiritual. God holds the power of life and death in His hands. The Bible also says that Jesus, the Son of God, is the Author of Life. Jesus Himself stated, "I am the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6).  What we call Christianity was once called THE WAY.     It's a different way of thinking.  Of operating. It's counter cultural today.    When you are sitting around sad because the publisher clearing house guy didn't come to your house, your child wants to be something they are not, the bills are so high you can't pay attention, your spouse is giving you the blues, your take home pay can't take you home, you want a vacation, but your money is funny.  Stuff just keeps. Going wrong even though you are doing right, remember that life is just life.     These times, like I am going through have changed me.  I'm doing things differently, I have a  deeper sense of self and purpose, a greater appreciation for life and loved ones, and an increased capacity for empathy and desire to act for the greater good. I care less about the minutia. Most things today are minutia.  TV sucks to me.  I can do without video games, pop culture is abhorrent.     I am having a hard time still being a caregiver.  But we all have our crosses to bear.  Talking about my problems is not attractive to me.  I can cry now at the sound of a lyric. I think my prayers are more sincere though. I am trying not to let my emotions rule. I listen to God more than I talk.  He is not disappointed or frustrated by our struggles, doubts or pain.  I don't expect and have been disappointed in every therapist and doctor I have met in the past three years.  They are just people. Just like plumbers, electricians, contractors etc that you call and they do crappy work.  Just people.  We give them more power than we should.  And our dissapointed every time. Well at least I am.     the Bible says that our pain has a purpose.  Romans 5:3-5    Romans 8:26-27 — The Holy Spirit prays on our behalf. Sometimes our suffering is so intense that we can't even find the words to pray. But our inability to form cohesive thoughts doesn't frustrate God or derail his plan. The Holy Spirit takes our unspoken confusion and heartache to the Father, translating our tears into effective prayers: "And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will" Romans 8:26-27 — The Holy Spirit prays on our behalf.   No matter how deeply you ache now, suffering has an expiration date: "I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, Look, God's home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever" (Revelation 21:3-4 — Our suffering will end in joy.  Our hard times won't just get better — hardship will completely cease to exist someday! This passage isn't wishful imagination. It's an unshakeable promise of a real day when we'll live with God and experience his complete restoration in heaven. There will be no more sin or brokenness, no more fear, loss or grief. There will just be freedom, joy and wholeness forever.  Just hold on and live.    Romans 8. Read the whole chapter, pray and soak in more radiant truths like these: Living in relationship with Jesus removes all condemnation from our lives (v. 1). The Holy Spirit sets us free from the control of sin and leads us to life and peace (vv. 5-6). We don't need to fear because God is our Father (v. 15). What we suffer now can't compare to the glory that's coming (v.1 8). God transforms even the hardest things into tools for our ultimate good (v. 28). Absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God (v. 38).     I now know I didn't know anything when I was a younger pastor.  My words of comfort were hollow.  If I h=did any good it was the Holy Spirit working through me.  I didn't have the answers. I was still learning myself.  Well, I am taking the exam right now.  Maybe you are too. Stuff happens.  Family, friends, finances, people are dying, we are in various stages of grief, the country and our culture is self destructing, here's the thing, you are not alone, you are not going through this ( I almost cussed) situation alone.  Someone somewhere knows exactly how you feel.  Someone somewhere is willing to listen.  And until you find them talk to God.  He will never leave you, nor forsake you, no matter what you think you have done against HIm. He is patient and long suffering. More than we are.  He knows your limitations. And you are probably stronger than you think you are.     34 I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. 3 O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. 4 I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.   Giving Links Thank you for listening, downloading and supporting the Speak Life Church and this podcast.    https://giv.li/p2nj61 Zelle  - pastor@SpeakLifeChurch.net https://www.patreon.com/speaklifechurchpodcast You can support the ministry by check or money order by sending it to Speak Life Church, 14713 Kent Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 Rev. Kenn Blanchard  Kenn.blanchard@gmail.com pastor@speaklifechurch.net  202-437-1972

I’ve asked this question on our Facebook page, Sunday, and got some strong responses.  Nobody likes it.  The Lord hates it. Talking about lying and what I’ve been doing lately. Bible reading about David and Saul.  Music from Richard Smallwood, I’ll Trust You. This ministry has a ASCAP license.     According to the Bible, the ninth of God’s Ten Commandments instructs that no person shall bear false witness against their neighbor. In other words, you shouldn’t lie.      There are many logical reasons to avoid telling lies Remembering your lies Losing people’s trust A bad reputation It’s addictive Legal ramifications Shattered relationships Self-esteem Losing your identity      Proverbs 6:16-19   There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.       Proverbs 12:22   Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.      Proverbs 19:9   A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.      Psalm 101:7   No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes.      Colossians 3:9-10   Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.      Proverbs 12:19   Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.  

• Hebrews 10:24–25 — "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…" • 1 Timothy 4:14 — "Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you."

    Answer for last week['s quesiton of the week: John 3.    This week the question of the week is: What is the relationship between Paul's teaching and James' teaching about faith and works?   This week, I want to help the helpers. You that have a testimony.  You that have worked in ministry and you that has a desire to do so.  Take it from me, sometimes we fail as disciples of Christ because even though our hearts are in the right place, our mouth is not connected.  We say the wrong thing.  I am just trying to help someone on your faith journey.  Have you ever taken a martial art?  Karate, kung fu, BJJ?  Depending on your ability and school it may take you a little while to get your first belt, sash or stripe.  You with me so far?  One of the things that happens to you really quick is you learn how much you don't know.  How foolish would it for a white belt to spar with a black belt in karate?  For those that don't know, you only are taught basic blocks, stances and punches and kicks at that level.  The black belt on the other hand is more experienced and has more tools in his arsenal that you do. But we go off to help people fast without realizing we don't know all that is going on. You ever heard someone quote to you Philippians 4:6-7 with a big old smile, and you wanted to hit them with a one of those three stooges cream pies?  King James Version 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.    Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.   Sounds good. But It comes down to trust.   Maybe you never felt like that.  But personally, Christians can get on your nerves when you are going through tough times.  Although the word of God is legit and true, how you receive it to apply is different.    Why is it that we are so eager to fight a demon with no training? We have a little bit of Scripture and we want to apply that to every situation.  I know you mean well, but so do those folks that come knock on your door to give you Watchtower tracks. Here's a few tips for making your witness better.  Take that scripture and put in your own words that is applicable to the situation.  That will take some thought.  That will take some maturity.  That will slow your roll and allow you to listen which is usually needed more than a memorized Masoretic Hebrew text from the canon, referring to the holy bible. If you really want to help your buddy remind them that they have to trust God. Now would be a good time to testify to a situation you had.  Side bar. Testimonies   Testimonies are important for several reasons, especially within a faith journey context:   1. **Personal Connection**: Sharing personal experiences helps others relate to your journey and see how faith has impacted your life. It makes abstract beliefs more tangible and relatable¹.   2. **Encouragement and Hope**: Hearing how others have overcome challenges through their faith can provide encouragement and hope to those facing similar struggles. It reassures them that they are not alone².   3. **Strengthening Faith**: Testimonies can strengthen the faith of both the speaker and the listeners. Sharing your story can remind you of God's faithfulness and inspire others to trust in Him more deeply².   4. **Evangelism**: Testimonies are powerful tools for evangelism. They can open doors for conversations about faith and provide a non-confrontational way to share the gospel³.   5. **Building Community**: Sharing testimonies fosters a sense of community and support within a congregation or group. It helps build deeper connections as people share their personal journeys and support one another¹.   6. **Authenticity**: A genuine testimony reflects the authenticity of one's faith. It shows how faith influences daily life, decisions, and actions, making it more credible and impactful.   A lot of time what we hear in church is not any of what I just said.  What you want to do my friend is inspire on this faith journey is to trust GOD.   Trusting God in Difficult Times: Use the story of Job or Psalm 23 to illustrate how faith can sustain us through life's challenges. Highlight how trusting God can bring peace and strength even in the darkest moments. Faith Over Fear: Focus on the story of Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35-41). Discuss how faith in God's power and presence can help us overcome fear and anxiety. Trusting God's Plan: Use the story of Joseph (Genesis 37-50) to show how God's plan can unfold in unexpected ways. Emphasize the importance of patience and trust in God's timing. Trusting God in the Lion's Den: Reflect on Daniel's unwavering faith in God when faced with the lions' den (Daniel 6). Discuss how trust in God can give us courage to stand firm in our beliefs. Trusting God with Our Future: Use Proverbs 3:5-6 to encourage the congregation to trust in God's guidance and wisdom for their future decisions and plans. Trusting God in a Crisis: Share the story of Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33). Highlight how keeping our focus on Jesus can help us navigate through crises. Trusting God in Everyday Life: Discuss how we can trust God in our daily routines and decisions. Use examples from the New Testament, such as the faith of the centurion (Matthew 8:5-13). Trusting God When We Don't Understand: Use the story of Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22) to illustrate the importance of trusting God even when His plans don't make     OK, what happened on my trip to Missouri. It was awesome.  I got to do what the Lord called me to do. I was hosted by a beautiful couple of old friends. They blessed me ten fold.  I got a chance to meet some of Gods people that have a real testimony as they are overcoming addictions and life choices. They were on fire for the Lord.  And I got a chance to rest, eat well, be loved on my some children, that I introduced lil spoon. And be a guest preacher at another church. Where I shared some personal stuff you know already. Awesome sauce.   

Mother Teresa said, be faithful in small things because it is in that your strength lies. You are listening to Faith Journey and I am your host Kenn Blanchard.   I hope I didn't shock you too much with our change last week.  It was all of a sudden for some.  Missed a few episodes and then BAM what happened?  I know.  Its like that sometimes.  What did you miss? If you don't know I can't call it. This week, I want to talk about the journey of a prophet that didn't want to go to a big city and give bad news. It was kinda like when you are doing the right thing and finally got your act together and the Lord wants you to testify, witness, preach, sing, visit, feed, basically work.  And sometimes, you haven't got yourself together yet, you are waiting for something and the Lord says move.  You second guess Him.  You pretend you didn't hear Him.  You hope you didn't hear Him.  You even convince yourself you didn't hear HIM.  In your Faith journey your mileage may vary. God however does not change. He is the real deal. The only consistency in our lives. His values don't change with the culture. He doesn't deviate from his nature, His Word, or His Will for us. At the time of the release of this episode I am Missouri. I got the opportunity to preach in at Union Grove Freewill Baptist Church in Norwood, Missouri. I believe I was sent there.  I will find out why when I am there.  How I got there was as sudden as the change of this podcast. More on that later. The question of the week is Where would you find the story of Nicodemus? And the answer to last weeks question for those that found it in the show notes is John 2.  I missed saying it on last weeks episode but posted it in the show notes. Ah haaaa.  Bonus points if you saw it there.   Get your bible and find the Old Testament book of Jonah.  While I was studying this minor prophet's journey, I pictured that he was swallowed by a Grouper.  They are pretty big fish that can gulp down their prey and 2000 years ago, it was probably as large as minivan. The big city that Jonah had to go to was called Nineveh. It was somewhere near Mosul, in modern day Iraq. This story is interesting. In far more ways that the fish story.  Jonah, first didn't want to go, then he basically wanted to commit suicide, the Lord wasn't having it, then he got his mind right, did what he was supposed to do and then got mad at God when the people did right.  He was hoping they would not and get destroyed.  He wanted God to still slap them. I see a lot of Jonah in other people. But it doesn't end there. God had to still talk to Jonah like a spoiled child later and show him something.   Jonah's journey was more than spending three days and nights in the belly of great fish. Your journey is bigger than the predicament you are in. your situation, your sin, your short coming, your frustrations. God is not finished with you yet.  IF He didn't quit on you, why are you selling yourself short?  Why are you giving up?  Why are you settling? Why have you stopped praying?  Why have you stopped believing in faith? Voltaire said faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe. Prayer Bad music. Love you,   Kenn   

the answer to last weeks question of the week was John 2.   This weeks question is :where would you find the story of Nicodemus?   Faith Journey Podcast A faith journey can involve:   Connecting with God: Some say that scripture is a place to encounter God and grow your faith.   Defining faith: Some say that you must walk your own path to determine what faith means to you.    Expressing faith: Some say that faith can be expressed in many different ways.    Learning about faith: Some say that it's important to understand the multiple meanings of faith, and how it relates to events in the past, present, and future.      Connecting. Defining. Expressing. Learning.   kenn.blanchard@gmail.com 

Moved the Youtube channel to @revkennblanchard Psalm 90:12 whispers into that space: "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

Welcome all my new friends here.   https://www.kennspodcast.com  Psalm 34:18 — "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." If God is close to the brokenhearted, then being brokenhearted is not a disqualification. It's a location where He meets us.   Shalom baby,  Kenn 

Psalm 23:4  Family, everybody loves to talk about worship on the mountaintop. When the sun is shining, the bills are paid, the body feels strong, and the future looks bright — oh, we know how to worship then.   But the older I get, the more I realize: the deepest worship doesn't come from the mountain. It comes from the valley.

Proverbs 19:11 — "A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense."

"Written, Chosen, and Still Becoming"   Scripture Reading: Psalm 139:1–16; Romans 7:15–25; Psalm 34:18

"Lessons From the Tight Place: When God Teaches You Through Family Pressure"   Genesis 37 • 1 Samuel 16–19 • Mark 3:21 • 2 Corinthians 4:8

Every one of us knows what it feels like to love people who don't always love us back. Some of the deepest wounds don't come from strangers — they come from kinfolk. People who share our blood but not our values. People who take our time, drain our peace, and expect access without accountability.   The Bible does not hide this reality. It speaks honestly about takers, users, manipulators, and relatives who bring strife instead of peace.   Today's message is not about bitterness. It's about clarity, wisdom, and boundaries that honor God.

Brothers and sisters, we often hear people say, "Life is good" or "Life is hard." But the truth is—life itself doesn't change. Life is simply life. You either have it, or you don't. The labels we put on it—good, bad, hard, joyful—are shaped by our perspective in the moment. 

"My God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." — Philippians 4:19   "Even to your old age, I will be the same… I will carry you." — Isaiah 46:4   "Forsake me not when my strength faileth." — Psalm 71

Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Isaiah 43:18–19 (KJV)   I Resolve   I resolve… To seek God daily, not just occasionally,   To breathe His Word in rhythm, faithfully, relationally.   I resolve… To trust His timing, not rush the plan,   To wait with patience, resting in His hand.   I resolve… To walk in obedience, though the path feels tight,   To step through discomfort, still choosing what's right.   I resolve… To guard my mind, my heart, my soul,   To keep His Spirit steady, making Him my goal.   I resolve… To forgive quickly, to love with intention,   To heal with mercy, beyond all convention.   I resolve… To show up for worship, to grow and to stay,   To honor His presence in each passing day.   I resolve… To step into purpose, not retreat in fear,   To claim the calling that God made clear.   And so I commit— To walk forward with God, my anchor, my guide,   Through valleys and peaks, His will I'll abide.   No turning back, no shadowed disguise,   I resolve to live boldly, with faith in my eyes.

the importance of goal setting with God.

Goal setting is not about perfection — it's about progress. It's about moving, step by step, in the direction God is calling you. It's about aligning your life with His will, His wisdom, and His Word.

"When You Don't Have the Words"   Romans 8:26 — "We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us…"

Brokenness in the Bible is not a curse but a doorway to grace: it teaches us humility, repentance, and dependence on God, opening the way for healing and transformation.   • Brokenness as Humility and Repentance Psalm 51:17 declares, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." This shows that God values a heart that admits weakness and turns back to Him Bible Hub +1. • Brokenness Precedes Renewal The Bible often portrays brokenness as the moment before restoration. Like clay in the potter's hand, our self-will must be "crushed" so God's Spirit can reshape us into something stronger and more faithful ctoministrie.... • Types of Brokenness Scripture highlights different forms:• Spiritual brokenness – when sin separates us from God, leading us to repentance. • Emotional brokenness – grief, loss, or disappointment that draws us closer to God's comfort. • Physical brokenness – weakness or suffering that reminds us of our dependence on His strength believeinthe....   • God's Nearness in Brokenness Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Brokenness is not abandonment—it is the place where God's presence is most intimate christianity.... • Transformation Through Brokenness Brokenness is often the soil where growth happens. It strips away pride and self-reliance, teaching us to trust God fully. As Paul wrote, "When I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10), showing that weakness becomes strength when surrendered to Christ biblestudyfo....   Practical Takeaways   • Brokenness is a spiritual posture: It's not about despair but about openness to God's healing. • God uses brokenness to shape character: It's the refining fire that produces humility, compassion, and resilience. • Brokenness is communal: Sharing our brokenness with others fosters empathy and strengthens community. • Hope is always present: Brokenness is never the end—it is the beginning of restoration.      Reflection   Brokenness is the paradox of faith: what feels like loss becomes the very place of gain. It is where pride is shattered, and grace flows in. In ministry, storytelling, or psalms, brokenness can be framed not as defeat but as the sacred space where God rebuilds us into vessels of hope and light.