BroKen & Believing | Rev. Kenn Blanchard

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 Broken & Believing is a sanctuary for the ones still standing, still trying, still trusting—sometimes with trembling hands. Hosted by Kenn, a blues‑soaked pastor, storyteller, and lifelong student of grace, this podcast sits at the intersection of faith, struggle, and the quiet courage it takes to keep going. Every episode is a conversation with the real. Not the polished. Not the perfect. The real. Here, we talk about the parts of life we don’t always bring to church: the disappointments we didn’t see coming, the healing that takes longer than we hoped, the prayers we whisper in the dark, and the small victories that remind us God is still at work. Through stories, scripture, humor, and grown‑folk honesty, Kenn offers a voice that feels like a porch light—steady, warm, and welcoming. If you’re carrying something heavy… If you’re rebuilding your faith… If you’re learning to trust again… If you’re trying to make sense of your own becoming… This is your space. Broken & Believing isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about walking together toward hope, one honest conversation at a time.

Dont Walk Away From the Mirror - 65 03/07/2026

The Shrinking Circle (64) 02/28/2026

DISCLAIMER - (63) 02/21/2026

Worship in the Valleys of the Shadow of Death - 62 02/15/2026

When the Boat Is Empty 02/07/2026

Written Chosen and Still Becoming 01/31/2026

When God Teaches You Through Family Pressure (59) 01/24/2026

WHEN LOVE MEETS BOUNDARIES - 58 01/18/2026

Life is Life. Perspective is Everything 01/11/2026

What Age Has Taught Me About Noise, Truth, and Time 01/11/2026

Leave it at the altar 01/04/2026

Goal Setting in 2026 12/28/2025

Goals: Progress, Not Perfection 12/21/2025

When You Don't Have The Words -52- 12/14/2025

What Difference Does It Make Which Church You Don’t Attend? (51) 12/07/2025

Changing the Show Title: Broken and Believing - 50 11/30/2025

Changing the Show Title: Broken and Believing - 50 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. /episode/index/show/speaklife/id/39205335

Modern Psalms 11/24/2025

What Does He Have That I Don't - 48 11/16/2025

The Sin of Not Resting 11/09/2025

The Sin of Not Resting Biblically, the sin of not resting is seen as disobedience to God’s rhythm of creation and a rejection of trust in His provision. It leads to spiritual dryness, societal injustice, and even exile. Here’s how Scripture frames this: 🕊️ Rest as a Divine Command • God modeled rest in Genesis 2:2–3, blessing the seventh day and sanctifying it. • The Sabbath was not optional—it was a covenant sign between God and Israel (Exodus 31:13–17). • Ignoring rest was treated as rebellion. In Numbers 15:32–36, a man gathering wood on the Sabbath was put to death—not for working, but for defying God’s command. ⚖️ Consequences of Ignoring Rest • Spiritual consequence: Refusing rest is a refusal to trust God. It implies self-reliance over divine provision. • Social consequence: When rest is denied—especially to workers, the poor, or the land—it breeds injustice and exploitation. • National consequence: In 2 Chronicles 36:21, Israel’s exile to Babylon is linked to their failure to observe the Sabbatical years. The land “enjoyed its Sabbaths” only after they were gone. “The land enjoyed its sabbath rests; all the time of its desolation it rested, until the seventy years were completed…” — 2 Chronicles 36:21 💔 The Sin Beneath the Surface • Pride: “I don’t need rest” becomes “I don’t need God.” • Greed: Refusing rest often stems from the desire to produce more, earn more, control more. • Fear: Some avoid rest because they fear scarcity—forgetting that God provides. ✨ Jesus and Rest • Jesus reclaims rest as a gift, not a burden. In Matthew 11:28, He invites the weary to find rest in Him—not just physical, but soul-deep. • He heals on the Sabbath, showing that rest is restorative, not restrictive. Biblically, the law of fallow fields is rooted in the Sabbatical Year commandment, where God instructs Israel to let the land rest every seventh year—no sowing, pruning, or harvesting for profit. Here’s a deeper look at its meaning and significance: 🌾 The Law of the Sabbatical Year (Shemitah) • Scriptural Basis: Found in Leviticus 25:1–7 and Exodus 23:10–11, this law commands that every seventh year, agricultural land in Israel must lie fallow. • Key Instructions:• No sowing or reaping: Farmers must not plant or harvest crops for profit. • Let the land rest: The land is to be left uncultivated to recover its fertility. • Open access: Whatever grows naturally is available for everyone—poor, stranger, and even animals. “But in the seventh year the land is to have a year of sabbath rest, a sabbath to the Lord. Do not sow your fields or prune your vineyards.” — Leviticus 25:4 🌱 Spiritual and Practical Purposes • Trust in God’s provision: Farmers had to rely on God to provide enough in the sixth year to sustain them through the seventh. • Ecological wisdom: Letting land lie fallow helps restore nutrients, control pests, and prevent overuse—an ancient form of sustainable agriculture. • Social equity: The law ensured that the poor and marginalized had access to food during the fallow year 💬 Symbolic Meaning in the Prophets • Jeremiah 4:3 and Hosea 10:12 use “fallow ground” metaphorically:• It represents hardened hearts that need to be broken up and prepared to receive God’s word. • “Break up your fallow ground” is a call to spiritual renewal and repentance /episode/index/show/speaklife/id/38954180

Beware of Dogs 11/02/2025

If you are going to be something; be a servant of the Lord. 10/26/2025

Your Mileage May Vary - 44 10/19/2025

Your Mileage May Vary - 44 Your mileage may vary" is an idiomatic phrase is relatively new that was first used in car sales now is used as your experiences may be different than others. In your faith journey. You will be using the amount of faith you have been given by God. And in your lifetime, you have the opportunity to grow your faith based on the trials, tests and situations that will happen in your life. Jesus taught that it doesn’t take much faith to move a “mountain”, but we take a lifetime to learn that. In your life you will experience things that will test your resolve, your faith, your strength, your loyalty, your character, who you really are. When you get closer to God, those shortcomings will be more evident. As you grow closer to God, the enemy will be allowed to throw things at you. It will be different for each of us. What caused you to fall or fail is different for me. Common challenges include personal issues like financial stress, health concerns (physical and mental), and relationship problems, as well as professional struggles such as work-life balance, career uncertainty, and workplace issues like communication gaps or lack of motivation. Other challenges involve coping with loss, managing stress, and dealing with life changes, which can lead to loneliness or other mental and physical health difficulties. On a global scale, challenges include climate change, poverty, and human rights violations. It all depends on who you are, where you are, and what God has plans for you. Mixed with how you cope, deal, overcome, or choose. So what is the message here. Everyone one has a journey. Everyone will have some issues. We have to learn to not respond to the sin of our neighbors like we don’t have any. We have to listen more than we talk. We have to open our hearts to God more. We have to listen to Him. And when we don’t hear Him, realize it is us, not HIM that has turned down the volume. What must I do to be saved? What must I do to change? What must I do, Lord? Speak Lord, for your servant is listening. Becoming a Christian doesn’t make you immune to bad stuff happening. You might get more than your neighbor. There is a lot of negatives in this world. A lot of people are in dark places. Misery likes no it loves company. It motivates, inspires, and cultivates staying away from the Light of God. You will seem foolish for kingdom thinking. And on your good days, it is easy to get full of yourself and look down on others. Which will knock you off the path you were on. It is precarious. It is easy to fall off. To take the wrong path when you are on the right one. And just as easy to talk yourself into continuing to walk off the yellow brick road right to a witch. We stray very easily. We get full of garbage and then repeat it. Someone cosigns on it and off we go. Tearing others down. Only you can save yourself. You can’t pray your kids into heaven. They have to make it on their own. Your parents can’t go to church and serve God for you. But here’s the worst part. You can play a part in another persons destruction. You can encourage, chase away, hurt and harm someone that trust your words. You can make them lose their faith. How? Your actions. I have seen the enemy and it is us. That phrase came from a comic strip by way of the War of 18112 but it applies. Right now I am trying to overcome me. I have a battle inside. The good news is, you can’t win a fight you don’t know that you are in. It’s like the frog that went to sleep in the hot water and didn’t realize that although it felt good, he was slowing being cooked. Some of the stuff that is going on in your life is self sabotage. behavior or thoughts, especially of an involuntary or unconscious nature, that are harmful to one’s own interests or development. We talk negatively, to ourselves. You know that there is "life and death in the power of the tongue". This means spoken words have the power to build others up, foster healing, and bring joy, or to cause deep emotional wounds through gossip, criticism, and harshness. Don’t forget to speak life to your situation. Speak life to yourself. Speak life to your children, spouses, friends, family and when you mature enough, even to your enemies. I am learning in the midst of the trials in my life right now, I still have choices to make. For good or evil. For prosperity or destruction. I can still have and do have a future at 63. setting new goals and reinventing yourself at your age is beneficial because it promotes a renewed sense of purpose, boosts physical and cognitive health, and increases overall life satisfaction. This phase of life often comes with more clarity, accumulated wisdom, and fewer constraints from raising a family or building a career, making it an ideal time for personal growth. Think of yourself as a classic car. Vintage ones are valuable. But they must be restored. They must be cleaned. You try to get them to the factory settings or customed. None of us can be reset to the purity of the day we were born but you can be Born again. That means a new beginning with God. It involves repenting of sins, having faith in Jesus Christ, and being spiritually reborn through the Holy Spirit, which results in a change of heart, identity, and life. How you get there is up to you. Your mileage may vary. love you, Kenn /episode/index/show/speaklife/id/38631660

Don't Let Life Steal Your Joy - Ep. 43 10/12/2025

The Dangerous Seed of Discord -42 10/05/2025

Wrap Up for the Month - Get Right or Get Left. 09/28/2025

Mens Stuff #3 When Is It Time to Go? (40) 09/21/2025

Mens Stuff #3 When Is It Time to Go? (40) Balancing what you know and what you believe. The questions that no one talks about. The Bible presents marriage as a sacred, lifelong covenant, established by God and reflecting the profound unity and commitment expected between spouses, upheld by love, faithfulness, and divine authority. The sunk-cost fallacy in this setting is the tendency of Christian men to remain in relationships primarily to avoid "wasting" prior investments—time, effort, commitment—rather than making choices based on what is spiritually and relationally healthy moving forward. This cognitive bias, intertwined with faith-based duties and fears, can make leaving difficult even when it may be the most loving and wise decision. It is generally not healthy or advisable to stay long-term in relationships that are persistently unhealthy or unfulfilling. However, remaining temporarily may be justified when circumstances such as safety, financial or caregiving dependencies, or a genuine mutual commitment to change exist. The decision to stay should be grounded in clear-eyed self-assessment, realistic expectations of improvement, personal safety, and prioritization of emotional well-being. Staying with hope or fear alone, without tangible progress or support, often causes prolonged harm. Men are indeed victims of domestic and intimate partner violence, despite common misconceptions that abuse mainly affects women. Studies show that about 1 in 4 men will experience some form of physical abuse during their lifetime, and as many as 1 in 3 men have experienced sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner. Important Resources to Consider National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (confidential 24/7 support) Therapy and counseling services specializing in relationship recovery Legal advice for protection or custody matters if applicable Prayer still works. /episode/index/show/speaklife/id/38280555

The Quiet Crisis: Social Struggles Men Are Facing Today - Man's Stuff Pt 2 (39) 09/14/2025

Man Stuff Part 1 - Episode 38 09/07/2025

Man Stuff Part 1 - Episode 38 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Let me know what you think of this weeks topic? The Tightrope Walk: Christian Masculinity in 2025 As a Christian man in 2025, navigating masculinity can feel like walking a tightrope between cultural pressures and biblical truth. Society's expectations and changing norms create unique stigmas, challenging how men express strength, manage emotions, and live out their faith. The real struggle lies in defining a "strong man"—is it the stoic image promoted by culture, or the Christ-like example of servant leadership? Breaking the "Man Code" Modern culture often prescribes a restrictive "man code" that demands emotional suppression and self-sufficiency. Being a Christian man can clash with this code, leading to stigmatizing judgments from both inside and outside the church. "Too soft": The biblical call to be gentle, compassionate, and loving can be mislabeled as "soft" or weak by a culture that equates masculinity with aggression and dominance. Christian men can face pressure to be "harder" in their interactions, conflicting with Christ's example of humility and grace. Stoicism vs. emotion: Stoicism, with its emphasis on emotional control, can be an attractive but unbiblical model for men pressured to hide their feelings. However, biblical examples show that genuine strength includes vulnerability and righteous emotion. Jesus, for instance, wept openly and expressed deep sorrow. True strength is found not in suppressing emotions, but in engaging with them in a godly way. The embarrassment of being counter-cultural As society becomes increasingly secular, Christian men may feel embarrassed or hesitant to openly share their faith. Growing secularism: The pressure to conform to secular values can make Christian beliefs seem outdated or irrelevant. Topics like traditional marriage, gender roles, and biblical authority are often viewed as controversial, making open discussion challenging. Standing firm vs. fitting in: This tension can lead to a quiet, private faith rather than a bold public witness. The Bible, however, warns against being ashamed of Christ's testimony. Courage is needed to be counter-cultural while remaining gracious and loving. The evolving landscape of roles Changing cultural norms regarding gender roles also impact how Christian men are perceived in the family, church, and workplace. Balancing roles: Christian men must balance traditional biblical commands with modern societal shifts. For example, a man might need to support his wife's career while still serving as the spiritual leader in the home—a collaborative effort grounded in love and biblical principles. Leadership and servanthood: The biblical model of leadership is not dominance, but Christ-like servanthood. A Christian man is called to protect, provide, and guide his family with humility, mirroring Christ's sacrificial love for the church. What is a strong Christian man? Ultimately, a strong Christian man isn't defined by cultural "man codes" but by his commitment to biblical principles. Rooted in Christ: True strength comes from relying on God's power, not one's own. Biblical manhood is Christ-likeness, not a human-made ideal. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14: The Apostle Paul's words offer a powerful summary of biblical masculinity: "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love". This call is not to cultural machismo, but to a courageous faith lived out with integrity and love. Servanthood and humility: A strong Christian man rejects worldly measures of success and instead prioritizes serving others with humility, just as Jesus did. In 2025, Christian men are called to reject cultural distortions of manhood and embrace the biblical vision: a masculinity defined by Christ, marked by humility, and expressed through courageous, loving action. would Jesus be considered soft today? That's a complex question because "soft" is a culturally loaded term that has changed over time. While Jesus's gentle and compassionate nature might be labeled "soft" by some today, the full picture of his ministry shows a powerful, assertive, and challenging figure who would not neatly fit modern categories of masculinity. Here's a breakdown of how different aspects of Jesus's character would be perceived in today's world: Aspects that might be perceived as "soft" Compassion for the outcast: Jesus consistently associated with those on the margins of society—tax collectors, prostitutes, the sick, and the poor. In a world that often prizes social status and separates people, this counter-cultural acceptance could be perceived as weak by those who favor exclusivity. Emotional vulnerability: The Gospels describe Jesus weeping, such as at the death of Lazarus (John 11:35). In some modern contexts, where men are pressured to suppress emotion, this vulnerability might be misunderstood as "soft" or unmanly. Teachings on humility and non-retaliation: Jesus's sermon on the mount, which teaches turning the other cheek and being meek, directly opposes worldly aggression and pride. This would clash with modern "man codes" that emphasize a dominant, "alpha male" persona. Servant leadership: By washing his disciples' feet (John 13:1-17), Jesus demonstrated that true leadership is rooted in service and humility. A society that rewards and idolizes power might find this model of leadership to be "soft" or naive. Confronting hypocrisy: Jesus was not afraid to call out the religious and political leaders of his day for their hypocrisy, pride, and greed. His public rebukes of the Pharisees would still be seen as a bold and unsparing challenge to authority today. Cleansing the Temple: This is one of the most famously assertive moments in Jesus's ministry. He physically drove out merchants and money changers who were exploiting the faithful. His anger, often called "righteous indignation," was a fierce defense of God's house and an act of holy confrontation. Authority over spiritual forces: The Gospels describe Jesus casting out demons and commanding unclean spirits with a power that left people amazed. In any era, this kind of supernatural authority would be seen as a display of immense strength, not weakness. Clear and uncompromising message: Jesus was unwavering in his message about repentance, salvation, and the Kingdom of God. He wasn't a people-pleaser, and his "hard sayings" often caused followers to turn away. His uncompromising nature would be seen as rigid and polarizing in a modern culture that prioritizes relativism and tolerance above all else. Ultimately, the idea of Jesus being "soft" is a fallacy rooted in a limited or sanitized view of his life. His character was a dynamic blend of radical compassion and unwavering strength. He was gentle and humble, but also fierce and challenging. He was a paradoxical figure who defies simple labels, especially a superficial one like "soft". what is alpha male The term "alpha male" describes a man who is traditionally viewed as dominant, confident, and a natural leader. However, the concept is highly controversial and is not based on sound scientific or psychological principles. Characteristics associated with the "alpha male" Historically, the alpha male archetype draws on simplistic ideas of animal pack hierarchies and includes traits such as: Dominance: Taking charge in social situations and having a commanding presence. Confidence: Possessing high self-assurance and not being easily swayed by others. Assertiveness: Clearly expressing one's opinions and standing firm in arguments. Competitiveness: Being driven to win and succeed in both personal and professional contexts. Traditional masculinity: Prioritizing traits like physical strength, emotional control, and career ambition. The problematic origins and critiques of the term The entire concept of the "alpha male" is largely debunked and criticized for its flawed origins and harmful impact. Flawed animal research: The term originated from an outdated and mistaken mid-20th-century study of captive wolves. The researcher who coined the term, L. David Mech, later recanted his findings, explaining that the aggressive dominance hierarchy observed was a result of housing unrelated wolves together in an artificial environment, not natural behavior. Wild wolf packs are led by a breeding pair, which are simply the parents of the other wolves in a family unit. Oversimplifies human behavior: Applying this concept to humans forces complex human personalities into rigid, oversimplified boxes like "alpha" and "beta." In reality, people's traits and social positions vary based on context and individual personalities, not a fixed hierarchy. Promotes toxic masculinity: The stereotype encourages men to suppress emotions, avoid vulnerability, and prioritize dominance over empathy. This can lead to anxiety, stress, and relationship issues, while discouraging qualities like emotional intelligence, kindness, and collaboration. Reinforces harmful stereotypes: The idea can be used to excuse negative behavior, such as controlling, aggressive, or dismissive attitudes. It creates a false hierarchy that makes men who don't fit the mold feel inadequate, even though qualities like empathy and kindness are highly valued in both personal and professional settings. The modern perspective Many contemporary discussions of masculinity aim to move beyond the simplistic "alpha male" archetype. Modern leadership and personal development trends emphasize a more balanced approach that combines traditional strengths with a high degree of emotional intelligence, empathy, and humility. A truly effective and respectable leader is often characterized by their integrity, respect for others, and genuine self-worth, rather than their ability to dominate. what is toxic mascalinity "Toxic masculinity" refers to a set of traditional attitudes and behaviors associated with manhood that are harmful to men themselves, to women, and to society in general. The term does not suggest that all masculinity is inherently bad, but rather that certain narrow, regressive, and extreme aspects of it can be dangerous. Core traits and behaviors Common traits and behaviors associated with toxic masculinity include: Emotional suppression: The belief that men should be stoic and not show emotions like sadness, fear, or vulnerability. The only emotion typically deemed acceptable is anger. Aggression and dominance: Valuing physical aggression, dominance, and a controlling nature as essential indicators of power. Anti-femininity: Rejecting anything perceived as feminine, including certain hobbies, behaviors, or even acknowledging the value of women. This often leads to misogyny and the devaluation of women. Hyper-independence: A refusal to accept help or seek support, viewing reliance on others as a sign of weakness. Sexual aggression and entitlement: Viewing women as sexual conquests and promoting objectification, which can contribute to harassment, sexual assault, and rape culture. Risk-taking behavior: Taking unnecessary risks, often to prove one's toughness or masculinity, which can lead to substance abuse, reckless driving, or dangerous physical activities. The harm of toxic masculinity Toxic masculinity has significant negative effects on everyone it touches, both directly and indirectly. Harm to men Mental and physical health: The suppression of emotions and reluctance to seek help for issues like depression, anxiety, or illness can lead to serious health problems and even contribute to higher rates of suicide among men. Unhealthy relationships: A focus on dominance and emotional insensitivity can prevent men from forming deep, meaningful relationships with partners, friends, and family. Limited personal growth: Adherence to rigid gender roles can hold men back from exploring interests, hobbies, or career paths that are not traditionally masculine. Harm to others Violence: The connection between toxic masculinity and aggression is well-documented, contributing to interpersonal violence, domestic abuse, and broader societal issues of violence. Gender inequality: By valuing dominance and devaluing femininity, toxic masculinity reinforces a patriarchal system that disadvantages women and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. Reinforcing prejudice: It promotes homophobia and discrimination against anyone who doesn't conform to rigid gender norms, creating a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ people. Distinguishing toxic masculinity from healthy masculinity It's crucial to understand that toxic masculinity is not the same as masculinity itself. Positive, healthy masculine traits are often the opposite of toxic ones and can include: Leadership Courage Compassion Integrity A strong work ethic Taking responsibility The concept of toxic masculinity encourages people to acknowledge and address the harmful behaviors that stem from a restrictive and unhealthy view of what it means to be a man, while still celebrating positive masculine attributes. Redefining Strength: Biblical Manhood in a Shifting Cultural Landscape Navigating the tightrope of Christian masculinity in 2025 As a Christian man, it often feels like you’re walking a tightrope. On one side are the expectations of modern culture—the shifting social norms, the pressure to conform, and the constant redefinition of what it means to be a man. On the other side is biblical truth—a timeless vision of manhood that is often misunderstood or outright rejected today. The real struggle is in defining what a "strong man" truly is. Is he the stoic, emotionally repressed image promoted by cultural "man codes"? Or is he a humble, compassionate, and courageous servant leader, modeled after Christ? Breaking the unwritten "man code" Today's culture often pushes a rigid "man code" that demands emotional suppression and self-sufficiency. For a Christian man, this creates an uncomfortable and often painful clash. "Too soft": The biblical call to be gentle, compassionate, and loving is often mislabeled as weak. In a culture that equates masculinity with aggression and dominance, living out Christ’s humility and grace can leave a man feeling judged as "soft." Stoicism vs. Godly emotion: The stoic ideal of emotional control is an unbiblical one. The Bible shows that genuine strength includes vulnerability and righteous emotion. Jesus, for instance, wept openly and expressed deep sorrow. True strength isn't found in suppressing emotions, but in engaging with them in a way that honors God. The pressure to be counter-cultural As society becomes more secular, Christian men can feel a growing sense of embarrassment or hesitation when it comes to openly living out their faith. Fitting in vs. standing firm: The pressure to conform to secular values can make Christian beliefs feel outdated. Issues like traditional marriage or biblical authority are often viewed as controversial, and this can push men to a quiet, private faith rather than a bold public witness. Courage in love: However, the Bible warns against being ashamed of Christ's testimony. It takes courage to be counter-cultural while remaining gracious and loving, but that is precisely the calling. Would Jesus be considered "soft" today? To understand biblical manhood, we must look to the ultimate example: Jesus. Would the world today call him "soft"? The answer is complex, because Jesus defies simplistic labels. Aspects that might be perceived as "soft": Compassion for the outcast: Jesus consistently associated with those on the margins of society—tax collectors, the sick, the poor—a counter-cultural acceptance that some might perceive as weak. Emotional vulnerability: He wept at the death of Lazarus (John 11:35), displaying a vulnerability that clashes with the modern standard of emotional suppression. Servant leadership: By washing his disciples' feet (John 13:1-17), Jesus demonstrated that true leadership is rooted in service and humility, a model a power-hungry society might call naive. Aspects that would be perceived as powerful: Confronting hypocrisy: Jesus boldly and unapologetically called out the hypocrisy of religious leaders. Cleansing the Temple: This assertive moment shows his righteous indignation and fierce defense of God’s honor. Authority over spiritual forces: He cast out demons and commanded spiritual forces, demonstrating immense strength. An uncompromising message: Jesus was unwavering in his message about repentance and the Kingdom of God, an uncompromising stance that would be seen as rigid and polarizing today. Ultimately, Jesus was a paradoxical figure who combined radical compassion with unwavering strength. He was gentle and humble, yet fierce and challenging. He defies the superficial label of "soft." A vision beyond the "alpha male" The concept of the "alpha male" is a highly flawed and damaging model. Rooted in flawed animal research and oversimplified human behavior, it promotes aggression, dominance, and emotional suppression. This is not the standard for Christian men. Instead, a strong Christian man isn't defined by worldly codes but by his commitment to biblical principles: Rooted in Christ: True strength comes from relying on God’s power, not one's own. Biblical manhood is not a human ideal; it is Christ-likeness. A balanced perspective: A Christian man leads with Christ-like servanthood, protecting and guiding his family with humility. He rejects the toxic parts of masculinity while embracing positive traits like courage, integrity, and responsibility. Courage and love: The Apostle Paul’s words offer a powerful guide: “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love" (1 Corinthians 16:13-14). This is a call to a courageous faith lived out with love. A call to courageous servanthood In 2025, Christian men are called to reject the cultural distortions of manhood and embrace the biblical vision: a masculinity defined by Christ, marked by humility, and expressed through courageous, loving action. This is not the easiest path, but it is the one that leads to true strength and a life that honors God. /episode/index/show/speaklife/id/38114290

The devil cannot rest. We should. Rest is holy. - Rest. Episode 37 08/31/2025

Forgive Yourself and Repent 08/24/2025

Forgive Yourself and Repent Repent Have you ever been caught in the act, rightfully accused of something and later forgiven for it but never healed from it internally? That kind of thinking can influence EVERYTHING. A righteous God. A holy God. A God so pure that He will not allow sin in his presence. And the same time, a loving God. A sacrificial father. Who has called me to repentance. And before you say, what have you got to repent for, let me confess to you that I am no different than you in the eyes of God. No matter what you think of me, I got issues. I was unable to figure out what my issues were until after a long drive across country last week. 11 hours of driving, in silent contemplation did a lot for my spirit. I saw something on a billboard that spoke to my heart. I questioned myself, I searched the Scriptures that I was somehow blinded to before. I was convicted. I was hurt. I was grieved. I have done a lot of a good in my life to overcome the bad I have also done. You ever do that? You accidently steal something and then later try to fix it by giving or blessing someone else. The new person thinks more of you, than you do yourself. This is my personal perception. My world view. So why was this billboard grievous? I always knew there was something I had done that kept me just off enough to not be blessed by God. He has blessed me, don’t get me wrong, but I have had more things and opportunities than the law should allow, but even with all that, I could tell there was something off with me. And I couldn’t figure it out. Till now. I had a sin, that I was under, I have a part of my personality that I thought I couldn’t change. I am not going to share what that is, but let me give you an example. If you go to prison, and get out after 40 years, although free you are an EX CONVICT. You will always be and EXCON. Right? You may never commit another crime, and live the best you can, but you will unfortunately always be and EXCON. What is worse than what society throws on you is what you think of yourself. You won’t, (and I didn’t) think that although forgiven by GOD my mind was still imprisoning me. I am institutionalized to believe my X file is still me. So as a man thinketh, so is he. This wrong thinking steals my joy. It kept me bound. Have you ever been caught in the act, rightfully accused of something and later forgiven for it but never healed from it internally? That kind of thinking can influence EVERYTHING. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3:19 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Proverbs 28:13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Joel 2:13 blusican.com /episode/index/show/speaklife/id/37932815

BroKen & Believing | Rev. Kenn Blanchard

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