Speak Life Church

Philippians 4:6-7  and Matthew 6:33-34 Trust in God rather than worry.  

what is the purpose of your struggles?  why has God allowed it? Ask and reflect on that. Ephesians 4:12-32 spoke to me and I wanted to share that with you.       12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye have not so learned Christ; 21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil. 28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers on this feed and in my life.   "Blessed are you among women..." Psalm 107: 1- O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.   Thank you Lord. If I speak with the eloquence of men and of angels, but have no love, I become no more than blaring brass or crashing cymbal. If I have the gift of foretelling the future and hold in my mind not only all human knowledge but the very secrets of God, and if I also have that absolute faith which can move mountains, but have no love, I amount to nothing at all. If I dispose of all that I possess, yes, even if I give my own body to be burned, but have no love, I achieve precisely nothing. Or gratitude for you I am nothing.  

 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12:    "And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."   The verse from 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 addresses the concept of rejecting truth and embracing lies, which has profound relevance in modern life. In today's world, we're often inundated with information, some of which may be misleading or false. This passage serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of choosing convenience, comfort, or personal biases over truth and righteousness.   In practical terms, it challenges us to critically evaluate the information we consume, stand firm in ethical values, and resist the temptation to accept falsehoods that align with our desires or justify harmful actions. It also underscores the importance of discernment and humility, encouraging us to seek the truth with open minds and hearts rather than being swayed by strong delusions or manipulative influences.       The question "What is truth?" is famously posed by Pontius Pilate in **John 18:38** during his interrogation of Jesus. This moment highlights a profound philosophical and spiritual inquiry that resonates throughout the Bible and human history.    In the Bible, truth is often associated with God's word and character. For example: - **John 14:6**: Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life," emphasizing that truth is found in Him. - **Psalm 119:160**: "The entirety of Your word is truth," pointing to the reliability and divine nature of Scripture. - **John 8:32**: "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free," illustrating the liberating power of truth in one's life.   Truth in the biblical sense is not just factual accuracy but a deeper alignment with God's will, love, and purpose. It challenges us to live authentically and seek righteousness in our actions and beliefs.   live your truth     In modern usage, "Your Truth" often refers to an individual's personal experience, perspective, or understanding of the world. It emphasizes the subjective and personal nature of truth—what feels authentic to someone's life and beliefs, even if it doesn't align with others' views or objective facts.   In contrast, biblical truth is portrayed as universal, unchanging, and grounded in God's nature and word. It is not subjective or personal but rather a reflection of divine will and absolute morality. The Bible teaches that truth is something external to oneself, revealed through Scripture and embodied in Jesus Christ, who declared Himself as "the way, the truth, and the life."   While "Your Truth" celebrates individuality and personal authenticity, biblical truth calls for alignment with a higher, overarching standard that transcends personal feelings or perspectives. The difference lies in the source—one is internal and subjective, while the other is external and divine.   -   Yes, the concept of "Your Truth" often aligns with the idea of a personal worldview. A worldview encompasses the lens through which an individual interprets life, reality, and their place in the world—it's shaped by personal experiences, beliefs, values, and cultural influences.   "Your Truth" emphasizes the subjective side of this worldview, focusing on personal authenticity and the individual journey. However, worldviews also encompass broader philosophies and frameworks that may be shared by communities or cultures. While "Your Truth" highlights individuality, a worldview might include both personal perspectives and shared ideologies, making it more comprehensive in scope.

7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19 We love him, because he first loved us. 20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

kenn.blanchard@gmail.com    Matthew 27:32-56 32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. 33 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, 34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. 35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. 36 And sitting down they watched him there; 37 And set up over his head his accusation written, This Is Jesus The King Of The Jews. 38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. 39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, 40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. 41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, 42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. 43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. 44 The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth. 45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? 47 Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias. 48 And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. 49 The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. 50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. 51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; 52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. 54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. 55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: 56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedees children.    

  Trusting God involves placing faith and reliance in God's character, promises, and wisdom, even when circumstances are difficult or unclear. It's about choosing to believe that God is good, loving, and ultimately has a plan for your life, even when you don't understand.    Psalm 105: 4 Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore. New King James Version     psalm 31: 14  But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” 15  My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, And from those who persecute me.

In a Biblical context, hope is a confident expectation and desire for future good, rooted in faith in God's promises and His redemptive acts, rather than a mere wish for something good to happen.    Faith is a strong belief or trust in God, often without complete proof or evidence.     Doubt will hinder your prayers.     Beware of wishful thinking.     Kenn    kenn.blanchard@gmail.com    Youtube @revkennblanchard 

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.  Matthew 13:19 

Luke 17:11-19 King James Version 11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.   12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:   13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.   14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.   15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,   16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.   17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?   18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.   19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.   What do you do after you have been delivered by God?  How do you live? What do you changed now that you have been changed?  You been given life when everyone else counted you out?  You doubted yourself at time? If you have ever been saved by God from something, this message is for you.    

Corinthians 12:7-12   King James Version     7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. 12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

New King James Version   John 16  33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you [a]will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

james 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.   Psalm 73:28 But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works.   Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.   Isaiah 55:6-7 Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. / Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.   Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.   kenn.blanchard@gmail.com 

  Matthew 14 Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Grieve with those who grieve” is a phrase from the Bible, Romans 12:15, which encourages Christians to be compassionate and share the grief of others.  Grief is a very personal and complex emotion, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, here are some things to keep in mind that may help you continue to do good while you are grieving: Acknowledge your grief. It's important to allow yourself to feel your emotions and to grieve in your own way. Don't try to suppress your feelings or pretend that you're not hurting. Be kind to yourself. Grief can be physically and emotionally exhausting, so it's important to take care of yourself. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising. Connect with others. Talking to friends, family, or a therapist can help you process your grief and feel supported. Find meaning in your loss. This may involve finding ways to honor the person you lost or to carry on their legacy. • • Focus on what you can control. You may not be able to control your grief, but you can control how you respond to it. Try to focus on the things that you can do to make a difference in the world, even if they seem small.     FREE DOWNLOAD  https://a.co/d/2eEyt2I. Finding Joy in the Blues: A Personal Journey. 

  Ephesians 4:14  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; An intentional Christian is someone who lives their life with purpose, in accordance with God's will, and with a focus on growing closer to God. This involves putting God at the center of their actions, and being intentional with their emotions and time. 

  This is pt 2 of the series entitled the struggle is real.  Ephesians 6:12 says    For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.   Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.       Trusting the gospel: Christians may struggle to trust in the gospel and the promises of God.    kenn.blanchard@gmail.com  

Epiosde 8 begins series that I will be sharing about the struggles we Christians face.  You might be perfect and don't have any of the problems, issues or challenges that I am going to talk about, but maybe someone close to you does, and then with this new understanding you will be able to minister to them. Christians face a variety of challenges, including maintaining their faith, dealing with sin, and coping with change. Part one:  Maintaining your faith.   kenn.blanchard@gmail.com  

Is your faith dead? What would you call a dead church?  What is a church?  What does God say about a dead church.    Revelation 3:1. And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. A church building might be considered dead if it is abandoned or unused. Signs of a dead church* Decreased attendance: The number of people attending services consistently decreases  Decreased tithes: The amount of money given in tithes decreases  Lack of baptisms: There are no baptisms taking place  Lack of disciple making: There is no effort to make new disciples  Unhealthy prayer culture: The church's prayer culture is unhealthy  Lack of service to others: The church doesn't serve the community  Refusal to change: The church doesn't listen to calls to repent or renew their zeal  What does the Bible say about a dead church?  In Revelation 3:19-20, Jesus calls on believers to repent and renew their zeal. A dead church doesn't listen to these calls and refuses to change. Please continue to look inward.  You are only responsible for yourself in relation to God.     Make sure you are right with Him.  Check your pulse.

What Are You Fishing For? Men pleasers- Ephesians 6:6 Not with eye service, as men pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; Gold/wealth- Matthew 23:17 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? Treasures-Proverbs 10:2 - Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death. Lust of the flesh- Galatians 5:16 - This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Earthly accolades, wealth, something of value, women, men,  Luke 12:20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?   34For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Ecclesiastes 5:19 Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is a gift of God.   Ephesians 2:3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. Luke 12: 29   And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. 30For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 31But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. 32Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.   What's in your tackle box?  I love to fish.  If I fish in freshwater, I take a smaller rod and lighter line.  I use artificial bait that looks like a bug or edible thing to a fish that might find its way by accident into the water. In saltwater, I have to go heavier.  Anything is possible but I am not capable of anything so I have to moderate.   Jesus mission was misunderstood. Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.   Who is He fighting? Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. John 18:36   The Sword:  For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." Job threw up the phrase that some people have ascribed to.  Job 34:4 Let's decide for ourselves what is right and agree among ourselves as to what is good,   That is straight up PRIDE and arrogance Charles Haddon Spurgeon  said “DEAR FRIENDS, it is never wise to dispute with God. Let a man strive with his fellow, but not with his Maker. If we must discuss any point, let it be with imperfect beings like ourselves, but not with the infallible and infinitely wise God; for, in most of our discussions, these questions wilt come back to us, "Should it be according to thy mind? Art thou master? Is everyone to be subordinate to thee?" I am going to speak, this evening, to those who have a quarrel with God concerning the way of salvation. “ Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 46: 1900 What's in your tackle box?      “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God…” Ephesians 4:11-13   Is all you are catching is hell?  You might want to change your bait.  You might want to change your tackle.  You might want to mend your nets. Simon Peter, and Andrew had already joined him, now he was asking the sons of Zebadee. Matthew 4:21  Going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. James and John, quit fishing for the wrong thing.  So what are you fishing for? Nets were used back in this time for everything.   I am fishing for the people with a mind for God.  I am fishing for the hurt and the lost people of God.  I am fishing for the one.  The mini, not the mega.  I am not fishing for attention, recognition, accolades, or compliments. I am fishing to bring families back together.  To bring wives back to their husbands, husbands back to Christ.  I am fishing to bring parents back to parenting.   I am fishing to let young men, be men.  I am fishing to make old men wiser, revered and loved again.  I am fishing to put you back in right order with God.  And I will do it by hook or by crook.  Fishing hook or shepherds crook.   Only you can bring back your crazy kids.  Pastor can't do it.  if you kids have strayed, its your fault, own up to it, and minister there first. Oops, just lost some folks.  You were with me until I went there.    Deuteronomy 32:46 And he said to them, Set your hearts to all the words which I testify among you this day, which you shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. Ephesians 6:4 And, you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord So what are you fishing for?  (4 points)  Fishing requires patience.  It requires the right equipment.  It requires commitment.  It requires knowledge.  Patience (Rom 5:4) And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation   Equipment -That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Tim 3:17)   Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:12  Commitment Proverbs 16:3  Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.   Knowledge A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth. (Proverbs 14:6)   Wisdom and knowledge are granted unto you; and I will give you riches, and wealth, and honor, such as none of the kings have had that have been before you, neither shall there any after you have the like. 2 Chron 1:12   Mark 1:17  And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.     thanks,   Kenn   that link:   https://youtu.be/FHIf0RPv_Rs    kenn.blanchard@gmail.com       

Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;   The sin of not praying. Prayer is communication with God.  Jesus told us to always pray.  You can tell a spiritual contender from a pretender by their prayer.   The Spirit knows spirit.  Luke 21:36 There are people that stand up in church and start TALKING but they are not praying.  There are people that in their minds they are praying but their words are not going further than a few feet in front of their mouths. How do you NOT do that? Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.   First, you focus on the greatness of God rather than the greatness of the problem.  A good prayer starts off with thanksgiving.  Giving thanks for the greatness of God.  Praising Him for being God.  There are many gods in this world.  Make sure you do as Jesus did when he said “Our Father which art in heaven” (King James Version).  Be specific.  This prayer is actually more about who God is than anything else. Great prayers always are.  When you focus, putting your spiritual aim on the Kingdom of God.  And take your eyes off the world, you can see.   Secondly, pray God's words back to Him.  That is why David said “this words have I hid in my heart”  You have to learn the words of the Bible for yourself.  No priest, preacher or clergy person is needed to pray for you.   “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5 The concept of confession of sin to a priest is nowhere taught in Scripture. First, the New Testament does not teach that there are to be priests in the New Covenant. Instead, the New Testament teaches that all believers are priests. 1 Peter 2:5-9 describes believers as a “holy priesthood” and a “royal priesthood.” Revelation 1:6 and 5:10 both describe believers as “a kingdom and priests.” In the Old Covenant, the faithful had to approach God through the priests. The priests were mediators between the people and God. The priests offered sacrifices to God on behalf of the people. That is no longer necessary. Because of Jesus' sacrifice, we can now approach God's throne with boldness (Hebrews 4:16). The temple veil tearing in two at Jesus' death was symbolic of the dividing wall between God and humanity being destroyed. We can approach God directly, ourselves, without the use of a human mediator. Why? Because Jesus Christ is our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-15; 10:21), and the only mediator between us and God (1 Timothy 2:5). The New Testament teaches that there are to be elders (1 Timothy 3), deacons (1 Timothy 3), bishops (Titus 1:6-9), and pastors (Ephesians 4:11) – but not priests. And this is why many people have become disillusioned with God or their faith has been shattered.  They have relied upon infallible man to pray for them or to.   And don't just repeat the same prayer.  Repeating the Lord's prayer is a vain repetition.  The Bible says not to do that.  We have adults still saying “now I lay me down to sleep”.  When are you going to grow up from that? The early believers actually prayed God's promises and God's words right back to Him. We should pray on His promises, too.  Thirdly, pray specifically for your response to the situation.  Consider the model prayer meeting in Acts 4:24.  The powerful council that had arranged for Jesus' crucifixion has now ordered Jesus' disciples to shut up about Jesus or else. Peter and John reported this to the believers a very volatile situation. Here was their response. "When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. 'Sovereign Lord,' they said, 'You made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through Your servant David: 'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?' Indeed, Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against Your holy servant Jesus. They did what Your power and will had decided beforehand. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable Your servants to speak Your word with great boldness. Stretch out Your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs...'" Now, here's the result of their prayer: "After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke the Word of God boldly."  Here you go: powerful prayer - explosive results. Let's pray like that if you want to get results like that. We can learn some of the secrets of dynamite prayer from how these early believers prayed under life-threatening pressure.  Here's the recap: First, you focus on the greatness of God rather than the greatness of the problem. This prayer is actually more about who God is than anything else. Great prayers always are. Secondly, pray God's words back to Him. The early believers actually prayed God's promises and God's words right back to Him. We should pray on His promises, too. Thirdly, pray specifically for your response to the situation. They prayed for boldness. The situation isn't what will decide this. It will be how you choose to respond to the situation.  Finally, pray for things only God could do - boldness when you feel like running - miracles to show people God's glory. Frankly, our prayers are often so small, so predictable, so unworthy of the great God with whom we're talking. When you pray to a very big God for very big things, beginning with big things to happen in you, prepare for something explosive to happen. That will be the sound of your God blowing the lid off things! You see, I am not a just a preacher of the Gospel.  I didn't learn this in school.  I learned this in life.  I am a recipient of God's blessings.  I'm jaded.  You can't impress me because I know God.  You can say anything you've done that I won't give him credit for.  I know the author and finisher of my faith.   You know it is a sin not to pray.  You can't represent God as an ambassador without a prayer life.  You can't really be a real officer of a church without a prayer life.  Don't fool yourself.  And don't surround yourself with other fools that agree with you.   Practice makes saints.   guitar-for-hire.com blackmanwithagun.com    Love you, Kenn 

Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit Ecc 6:9 KJV   It is better to be happy with what you have than to always want more and more. Always wanting more and more is useless. It is like trying to catch the wind.  Ecclesiastes 6:9     Proverbs 13:25 The righteous eats to the satisfying of his soul, But the stomach of the wicked shall be in want.   Proverbs 27:20 Hell and Destruction are never full; So the eyes of man are never satisfied.   What's the deal on the quesiton of the week? kenn.blanchard@gmail.com     

Please forgive the audio on this episode. Colossians 3:13 "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive".    Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.   Matthew 1:21 She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”   For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life   Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Matt 1:23   Luke 1:31-35 Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus. / He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, / and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end!” ...     James 1:17: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights"  Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord"  Ephesians 2:8: The gift of God is a gift that we can't earn or deserve  John 3:5–8; 6:63; Romans 8:10; 1 Corinthians 15:45; 2 Corinthians 3:6: The gift of God is a new life that comes from the Holy Spirit  Romans 5:15; 6:23; Revelation 22:17: The gift of God is free  2 Corinthians 9:14–15: The apostle Paul says that the gift of God is too wonderful for words    Luke 23:34 "And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”".  Acts 3:19 "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord".  Luke 6:36-37 "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven".  • Matthew 18:21-22 Jesus says that there ought to be no limit on the number of times that one should forgive another so long as the offender repents and asks for forgiveness. 

    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 

Frederick Douglass is quoted as saying without struggle there is no progress. Question of the Week: Where would you find the story of Jesus turning water into wine?   You know that to get muscles you have to stress out the muscles so that they grow. Our faith is like that too. You will not know that you have any faith until you have been tested with the portion God has given you.  As your faith grows, so does your work outs.  Or trials.  We would like to stay as kids with a Childs problems and concerns but we all have to adult, we all have to grow.  We all have to die.  So between the cradle and the grave there is this thing called life.  It is nice if you can get to 70 and some do but not everybody.  And along that journey stuff happens. Stuff happens to Christians, to good people, to faithful people.  Remember that being a child of God does not give you diplomatic immunity. You will still have issues.  You will still have weaknesses you will still be you.  The challenge is to grow in the place you have been planted.  Sometimes it's a good season. Sometimes it a drought.  Some seasons in your life eat bovine excrement, but it is what it is. Sometimes God feels like He is right in your face, and sometimes you wonder where in the world did He go.  I'm drowning here….  Are you hearing me.   The body that God made, us, is a miracle in itself, it can take a lot of punishment, but at the same time, can be snuffed out like a candle.   And then there is the thing we all go through too.  Getting older.  Depending on your mileage, you might be starting to wonder “is this all there is to life.” Or maybe you are passed that point.  If you are please share your thoughts with us.  some call it a midlife crisis if they even know that is what it is.  You just mad, confused, sad, you are grieving basically for the lost time. Lost youth, loss of how things used to be, you thought you should be further or farther along than this. You start thinking you are missing out, and the world loves that. They got answers for you the good folks don't share.  You can drink more, party more, dance more, buy more, have more sex with someone, anyone, all the pleasures of the flesh.  And you are justified right?  You are running out of time.  I want to live.  YOLO, they say.   Solomon, king Solomon, that at the time of the biblical writing was mega rich.  He had everything you buy at the time plus all the fleshy stuff and he said in the Old Testament.    Ecclesiastes 1 all is vanity   the vanity Solomon spoke of could just as easily be translated "emptiness," "futility," "meaningless," or "nothingness." Solomon was saying, "There is nothing on this earth that will satisfy us completely: no thing, no pleasure, or no relationship."   Aint that a kick in the head?  And you thought it was just you.     Remember I said you can get used to anything?  Even negtives.  If you stay depressed too long your body. Will change. You may put on weight, metabolism will slow, you can wish yourself to death.  You won't feel like doing anything.  You will hinder the creation of the those endorphins.  You'll smoke more, drink more coffee, anything to legally hype yourself up, and give yourself ulcers, or worse.   Well, if you are going through a tough time right now. The only thing you can control really is how you are dealing with it.  Your money might be funny, your take home can't take you across the street, you are lonely in a house of 30 kids, your spouse has checked out, or sick, maybe you are physically, sexually, emotionally, lonely, Maybe none of that is your issue, maybe you just feeling like crap.  You got some health issues yourself, you are grieving your used to be time,  or maybe you have to buyers remorse, you bought into some foolishness and currently stuck with the choices you made.  Whatever it is,    Change.  You are not a tree. You can choose to stop, choose to not be sad, choose to not cry, although crying is good sometimes, but you can choose not to wallow in the pig sty you are in.     Let's say you live in a pig pen.  You ever seen where hogs are? Its nasty.   Let's say you can't get out of there right now.  What you can do metaphorically is clean up your area. Make blocks out of the mud, defend your piece of the sty.  Claim your space.   Even if it is in your head. Protect your sanity.  And do something.  CHANGE. Means not allowing stuff to stay the same. Change how you react, change how you  appear.    Your mileage may vary… but your goal is to survive until you see an opening to escape, survive until the season is over, survive until the thing is gone,  but you can't improve without a plan.  Plan, do, create, make, design, use the thing God blessed you with, get rid of the distractions, the stuff you know isn't good for you.  Choose.   Speak life to your situation.  While you have breath you have a chance and a choice.     The enemy will be there to remind you of what you are not. What you are missing. He will use people to say and do things to dissuade you. Crush your spirit.  Rise above it.   Why. Because you are being tested, shaped molded and changed to be more like the person God wants you to be.  Your example will help someone else cope with their struggle. We are not alone.  You are not all by yourself.  Someone knows exactly what it feel like to be you.  They made it out, and so can you.  If you don't quit you will win too.  If you don't surrender, you will survive.       Sometimes a parent has to be silent to let their children figure something out for themselves. Right?  You can hinder growth if you do too much for your kids. Right.  Alcohol on a wound hurts a little but if you don't disinfect the wound it can get infected.  Sometimes you have to break a bone to reset it.  Sometimes you have to pull a tooth to save a jaw, sometimes love hurts. Not domestic abuse or sexual fetish stuff but Godly love.     I can't stand Romans 8:28; but its true. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.   1 Corinthians 13:12 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.     I don't know how you found this podcast but I am glad you did.  I don't preach every week at my best friends church I attend.  I play my guitar.  I struggle with all the things I mentioned earlier and some I didn't say.   HAPPY THANKSGIVING. kenn.blanchard@gmail.com  

What is hope? What is it not, biblically. Real hope.    “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Heb. 10:23). 2 Corinthians 3:12 Psalm 46:10 Proverbs 13:12 1 Thessalonians 4:13 1 Corinthians 13:13 Ephesians 2:12 Romans 15: 13   Thank you for your prayers.  Praying for you too.  We are going to make it.   Kenn   

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.   Proverbs 18:2  “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles” (Proverbs 21:23). Most of our slanderous remarks are not made to others' faces but rather behind their backs. We need to set guiding principles in our life so we can guard our self from being unkind to others, even when speaking about them in private conversation. The Bible tells us, “Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, Him I will destroy; The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, Him I will not endure…. Let not a slanderer be established in the earth; Let evil hunt the violent man to overthrow him… And whoever spreads slander is a fool” (Psalm 101:5, 140:11, Proverbs 10:18).   “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless” (James 1:26).   kenn.blanchard@gmail.com   

What is the Bible? Are you Praying? Meditation (God's way)   The shell game of life today.     Psalm 1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Here are a few Bible verses about forgiveness that might resonate with you: Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Matthew 6:14-15: “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Colossians 3:13: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance  Psalm 38:4: “My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear.”   kenn.blanchard@gmail.com 

Isaiah 6 the meaning of being undone. being in the presence of God. Goal for this week. prayer.  works in progress.

2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.   We Wear the Mask   By Paul Laurence Dunbar We wear the mask that grins and lies, It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,— This debt we pay to human guile; With torn and bleeding hearts we smile, And mouth with myriad subtleties.   Why should the world be over-wise, In counting all our tears and sighs? Nay, let them only see us, while        We wear the mask.   We smile, but, O great Christ, our cries To thee from tortured souls arise. We sing, but oh the clay is vile Beneath our feet, and long the mile; But let the world dream otherwise,        We wear the mask!   He let me fail but He didn't let me fall.   love you,   Kenn

Defining Joy Lessons learned from my own observations.  Phillipians 4:4 Psalm 16:11 Galatians 5:22-23 James 1:2 James 1:3-4 2 Corinthinians 4:17 1 Peter 3:15 kenn.blanchard@gmail.com pastor@speaklifechurch.net   

  Gods purpose for your life is for you to become a mature christian. Colossians 1:28    We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. NASB   Mind  Body  Soul   The eight stages of growth    The water bearer story     For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Ecclesiastes 3 Ephesians 5:15-17 James 4:14 Psalm 39:4-5 Psalm 103:15-18

Support Team Whimsy.  https://www.teamwhimsy.org   Acts 1:9-11. These were his last words. As they watched, he was taken up and disappeared in a cloud. They stood there, staring into the empty sky. Suddenly two men appeared—in white robes! They said, “You Galileans!—why do you just stand here looking up at an empty sky? This very Jesus who was taken up from among you to heaven will come as certainly—and mysteriously—as he left.”   Mark 1:15

Romans 10: 13 for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? 15 How will they preach unless they are sent?    Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who [a]bring good news of good things!” Do you believe in God? Do you trust Him Have you confused traditions and our culture over faith in God? Then Change    For believers, another way to think of it is that faith is aligned with your belief in God, while culture is aligned with the practices of the people within your faith. Trusting God, in whom he sent you, in what he kept you from, your power, your untapped power  How do you prove to someone that you trust them?  You test them.  DO YOU BELIEVE. Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Mark 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. DO YOU BELIEVE.  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. Jame 2:19    Do you believe?    Love,    Rev. Kenn Blanchard Blues Cast -  https://sites.libsyn.com/546242 

Imposter Syndrome  When Jesus came into the coasts of Cæsarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 16:13-17   Imposter syndrome (IS) is a behavioral health phenomenon described as self-doubt of intellect, skills, or accomplishments among high-achieving individuals.   Don't get it twisted.  Christian perfection involves a perfection of humility, not striving in vain to be without flaw. It involves humbly acknowledging our sins, repenting of them in Confession as often as we need to, trusting in God's forgiveness, and continually asking for the grace to avoid those sins in the future.   kenn.blanchard@gmail.com 

1 Thessalonians 5:18  Proverbs 18:21 James 3: 6-12   A curse is when you look out and judge current circumstances as they presently are. A blessing is when you view the same circumstance in the future, taking into consideration the passage of time and the insights it has brought you. While in this very moment, things may be sad or feel bad.   kenn.blanchard@gmail.com pastor@speaklifechurch.net   

Jeremiah 30:17: "But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds..." 1 Peter 5:10,   2 Chronicles 7:14,  James 1:5 Restoration can be defined as the act of returning something to its former condition. Making something new again. Restoring can also make things better than their current state. The Bible says a lot about this. Our Heavenly Father's restoring power is one of the greatest promises from Scripture. kenn.blanchard@gmail.com   

"For many are called, but few are chosen." 1.  Mark 10:45"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many"¹. 2. Galatians 5:13 - "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another"¹.   Many of us are Called but not to preach or pastor. 

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you." John 15:16 KJV   We all go through things that don't make sense: A friend walked out of a relationship.  The company is downsizing. They don't need you anymore.   Sometimes, it feels like we're going backward. It's easy to live frustrated and think, "God, why is this happening"? God's ways are not ours; He can see things we can't see. And just because it's unfair doesn't mean God is not in control.   Many believe God is all good, all wise, and always in control - until our lives take an unexpected turn. When relationships fail, finances falter, or the doctor calls back with grim news.   Time is one of the parts of a process.  Guess who is not in control of time?  You and me.    A process is a series of steps and decisions involved in the way work is completed. We may not realize it, but processes are everywhere and in every aspect of our leisure and work. A few examples of processes might include: Preparing breakfast Placing an order Developing a budget Writing a work order Triaging a patient Cleaning a room Changing oil in a car Strapping down a truck Refueling an aircraft Putting gas in the car     God works with process. He works in steps and processes towards a promise, a transformation process, a journey to a destination. Scripture tells us that the steps of a man are ordered by the Lord (Psalm 37:23) which means that God works in us step by step and not instant as we would like.  The Law of Process reminds us that God works in stages.    He processes you first, and then does great works through you. So if you're waiting for the manifestation of your season of greater, hang in there. It's on the way. I know your processing phase may be painful, frustrating and rough, but trust God.       12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 14 If you are reviled [a]for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a [b]troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin [c]with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, [d]what will become of the godless man and the sinner? 19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.   Where did this come from? (In the Bible). Help me with the ref.     Love you,   Kenn    @revkennblanchardandtheblues  - YouTube Channel (subscribe)

The God that hears El Shammah  Elohim Shama: The God Who Hears   But He doesn't merely hear our words; He is also moved by the unvoiced groanings of our hearts (Romans 8:26)   “God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob.”–Exodus 2:24 Genesis Hagar and Ishmael 16 Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar; 2 so she said to Abram, “The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.” Abram agreed to what Sarai said. 3 So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian slave Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife. 4 He slept with Hagar, and she conceived. When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress. 5 Then Sarai said to Abram, “You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering. I put my slave in your arms, and now that she knows she is pregnant, she despises me. May the Lord judge between you and me.” 6 “Your slave is in your hands,” Abram said. “Do with her whatever you think best.” Then Sarai mistreated Hagar; so she fled from her. 7 The angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur. 8 And he said, “Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I'm running away from my mistress Sarai,” she answered. 9 Then the angel of the Lord told her, “Go back to your mistress and submit to her.” 10 The angel added, “I will increase your descendants so much that they will be too numerous to count.” 11 The angel of the Lord also said to her: “You are now pregnant     and you will give birth to a son. You shall name him Ishmael,[a]     for the Lord has heard of your misery. 12  He will be a wild donkey of a man;     his hand will be against everyone     and everyone's hand against him, and he will live in hostility     toward[b] all his brothers.” 13 She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen[c] the One who sees me.” 14 That is why the well was called Beer Lahai Roi[d]; it is still there, between Kadesh and Bered. 15 So Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram gave the name Ishmael to the son she had borne. 16 Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore him Ishmael.

Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.     Isaiah 55:8-9   8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.     16 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord. 2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits. 3 Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. 4 The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. 5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. 6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil. 7 When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right. 9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps     Proverbs 5:21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.  Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 

What does the Kingdom of God is within you,mean? Beware of the worldview. love you,   Kenn 

Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.   Solomon said Psalm 127 1-2: Unless the Lord builds the house,     those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city,     the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early     and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil;     for he gives to his beloved sleep.   Ephesians 5:16-17 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.   Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend ~ Theophratus….   Don't waste time or time will waste you   Time waits for no one.   Please continue to pray for yourself, your family, your friends, your enemies, this country, and this guy.   Shalom, Baby, Rev. Kenn Blanchard  kenn.blanchard@gmail.com pastor@speaklifechurch.net 

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? 2 Cor 13:5    The follow up from last week.  Thank you for listening.  the podcast will continue...   Kenn.blanchard@gmail.com