Speak Life Church

A Christian podcast of encouragement. A show to restore peoples' relationship with God. It seeks to build faith, produce joy and point out God's work in our lives. Hosted by Rev. Kenn Blanchard http://speaklifechurch.net.

Hope 06/04/2023

A Martha Moment - 286 05/28/2023

A Martha Moment - 286 Luke 10:38-42 Martha and Mary 38 Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who was also seated at the Lord’s feet, and was listening to His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with [a]all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do the serving [b]by myself? Then tell her to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; 42 but only one thing is necessary; for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” We get so busy doing church stuff that we are no heavenly good. I call it a Martha Moment. MUCH SERVING. oh you are always in church but your marriage is failing. you are always in church so your kids don't come. you are in five choirs, the martha moment john 11 :17-27 Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles[c] off, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. 20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.[d] Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” 2 Tim 3:5. having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! Thank you for listening, downloading and supporting the Speak Life Church and this podcast. Zelle - [email protected] You can support the ministry by check or money order by sending it to Speak Life Church, 14713 Kent Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 Rev. Kenn Blanchard 240-200-0713 /episode/index/show/speaklife/id/26967507

Faith: Righteousness and Depression [285] 05/21/2023

Child Like Faith 05/14/2023

Faith of Mary WWMD 05/07/2023

Fasting For Faith 04/30/2023

What Are You Fishing For? 04/23/2023

What Are You Fishing For? this is the third time trying to get this episode out. Sorry family. What Are You Fishing For? What motivates you to do what you do? 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. We are all fishing for something. Earthly accolades, wealth, something of value, women, men, forgiveness, acceptance, to belong, for love, 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. What’s in your tackle box? If 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. 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 Giving Links Thank you for listening, downloading and supporting the Speak Life Church and this podcast. Zelle - [email protected] You can support the ministry by check or money order by sending it to Speak Life Church, 14713 Kent Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 Rev. Kenn Blanchard 240-200-0713 /episode/index/show/speaklife/id/26625534

Lamentations 3:25 - Episode 280 04/16/2023

Joseph of Arimathea, Ep. 279 04/09/2023

Joseph of Arimathea, Ep. 279 Happy Resurrection Sunday! Joseph of Arimathea appears in each of the four Gospels (Matthew 27:57-61, Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-54 and John 19:38-42) specifically around the time of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. These short verses in the Gospels reveal a surprising amount of information relating to Joseph of Arimathea and his characteristics which we will talk about in this episode. 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 Zebedee's children. 57 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: 58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. 59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. 42 And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus. 44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead. 45 And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. 46 And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre. Thank you for listening, downloading and supporting the Speak Life Church and this podcast. Zelle - [email protected] You can support the ministry by check or money order by sending it to Speak Life Church, 14713 Kent Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 Rev. Kenn Blanchard 240-200-0713 /episode/index/show/speaklife/id/26486073

What Do You Believe? 04/02/2023

What Are You Fishing For? Episode 281 03/28/2023

What Are You Fishing For? Episode 281 What motivates you to do what you do? 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. We are all fishing for something. Earthly accolades, wealth, something of value, women, men, forgiveness, acceptance, to belong, for love, 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. What’s in your tackle box? If 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. 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 Giving Links Thank you for listening, downloading and supporting the Speak Life Church and this podcast. Zelle - [email protected] You can support the ministry by check or money order by sending it to Speak Life Church, 14713 Kent Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 Rev. Kenn Blanchard 240-200-0713 /episode/index/show/speaklife/id/26620668

Sign of the Times - Episode 277 03/26/2023

Sign of the Times - Episode 277 A rare astronomical phenomenon will take place for one night on Tuesday, March 28, where five planets – Jupiter, Venus, Mars, Mercury and Uranus – will gather in the same place and within a small 50-degree sky sector, which is a rare alignment to witness. Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” The Signs of the Times and the End of the Age 3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for []all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, []pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:3-14 nkjv The Coming of the Son of Man 29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His []elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Matthew 24:29-31 Rev. Kenn Blanchard Giving Links Zelle - [email protected] You can support the ministry by check or money order by sending it to Speak Life Church, 14713 Kent Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 240-200-0713 /episode/index/show/speaklife/id/26341050

This is only a test - Episode 276 03/19/2023

This is only a test - Episode 276 This is a test. James 1: 2- My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into diversE temptations 1 Peter 1:7-That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 1 Thessalonians 2:4-But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. 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. Being tested by God has been misunderstood by many. It is clear in the scriptures that God does test us. However, God does not send sickness, disease, or calamity into our lives to test us. Those things steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who came to give us abundant life. Being tested by God is a matter of the heart and for a specific purpose. Understanding why God tests us will empower us not only to endure the tests but find joy in them. What Is Testing Testing can feel like a negative thing. Have you ever been nervous to take a test in school? But testing isn’t designed to be negative. How the Cambridge Dictionary defines test is: 1. A way of discovering, by questions or practical activities, what someone knows, or what someone or something can do or is like. 2. A medical examination of part of your body in order to find out how healthy it is or what is happening with it. 3. An act of using something to find out if it is working correctly or how effective it is. 4. A situation that shows how good something is. How the Bible Defines Test The Hebrew word translated as “test” in the Old Testament is bachan. It means to “examine, investigate, prove, scrutinize.” “Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the LORD tests the heart” (Proverbs 17:3, NLT). The Greek word translated as “test” in the New Testament is dokimazo. It means to “put to the test, prove, examine, and, by implication, to approve.” In 1 Thessalonians 2:4, it says, “On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts,” The same Greek word is used for both “approved” and “tests.” Why We Fear Testing When we are nervous to be tested it reveals something about us. Either we are unprepared, or we are unaware of what we know. When we’re unprepared we shrink back expecting to fail the test, and fear is a natural response when we’re uncertain of the outcome. We fear to be tested because we fear a negative outcome, and/or are afraid of why God is doing the testing. Why God Tests Us The objective of testing is to discover the truth. In school, it’s to see if we’ve learned what has been taught. There are teachers who make tests exceptionally difficult trying to fail students, and there are those who delight in the success of their students. God is love and wants us to succeed. When he tests us, he wants to see if our faith in him is real. If we fall short, he takes pleasure in teaching us so we can pass the next time. When our faith proves genuine, he can reward us. Our faith in God is precious to him. The Bible puts it this way in 1 Peter 1:7, Your faith will be like gold that has been tested in a fire. And these trials will prove that your faith is worth much more than gold that can be destroyed. They will show that you will be given praise and honor and glory when Jesus Christ returns (CEV). These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed (NIV). God tests us because he loves us dearly and wants us to grow in grace and in the knowledge of him. This is why the Bible tells us we can rejoice when being tested. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:1-2, ESV). God will bless you, if you don't give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him (James 1:12, CEV). What Does This Mean? Being tested by God is simply part of the process of becoming more like him. The more we lean into him, the more grace he can pour on us. How do you know your faith is being tested? 1. Change requires sacrifice –something must die 2. Fear of the unknown 3. Tempted to go back to Egypt 4. Lose your comfort 5. Flesh vs spirit. How do we pass the test of faith? 1. Seek the Lords guidance 2. Be strong and be of good courage 3. Praise and worship 4. Remember God 5. Trust God Giving Links Thank you for listening, downloading and supporting the Speak Life Church and this podcast. Zelle - [email protected] You can support the ministry by check or money order by sending it to Speak Life Church, 14713 Kent Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 Rev. Kenn Blanchard 240-200-0713 /episode/index/show/speaklife/id/26267337

How To Pray 03/12/2023

How To Pray Put simply, prayer is communicating with God as you would with a friend. God doesn't require us to come to Him with large words or fancy language. He longs to hear what our heart desires, our worries and what we're thankful for. Prayer satisfies our deepest spiritual desires and longings. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Many people misunderstand the Lord’s Prayer to be a prayer we are supposed to recite word for word. Some people treat the Lord’s Prayer as a magic formula, as if the words themselves have some specific power or influence with God. The Bible teaches the opposite. God is far more interested in our hearts when we pray than He is in our words. “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words” (). In prayer, we are to pour out our hearts to God (), not simply recite memorized words to God. The Lord’s Prayer should be understood as an example, a pattern, of how to pray. It gives us the “ingredients” that should go into prayer. Here is how it breaks down. “Our Father in heaven” is teaching us whom to address our prayers to—the Father. “Hallowed be your name” is telling us to worship God, and to praise Him for who He is. The phrase “your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” is a reminder to us that we are to pray for God’s plan in our lives and the world, not our own plan. We are to pray for God’s will to be done, not for our desires. We are encouraged to ask God for the things we need in “give us today our daily bread.” “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” reminds us to confess our sins to God and to turn from them, and also to forgive others as God has forgiven us. The conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” is a plea for help in achieving victory over sin and a request for protection from the attacks of the devil. So, again, the Lord’s Prayer is not a prayer we are to mindlessly recite back to God. It is only an example of how we should be praying. Is there anything wrong with memorizing the Lord’s Prayer? Of course not! Is there anything wrong with praying the Lord’s Prayer back to God? Not if your heart is in it and you truly mean the words you say. Remember, in prayer, God is far more interested in our communicating with Him and speaking from our hearts than He is in the specific words we use. declares, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Giving Links Thank you for listening, downloading and supporting the Speak Life Church and this podcast. Zelle - [email protected] You can support the ministry by check or money order by sending it to Speak Life Church, 14713 Kent Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 Rev. Kenn Blanchard 240-200-0713 /episode/index/show/speaklife/id/26199897

Hallelujah Anyhow 03/05/2023

Keep Your Zeal for the Lord 02/26/2023

Keep Your Zeal for the Lord Romans 10:2 - For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For those who have been Catholic or worshiped in a denomination that related to - you know this is the Lenten Season. It’s 40 days before easter. Starts right after the orgy and bacchanalia which is Mardi Gras - ending on Fat Tuesday. All man made stuff. 40 days- ceremonious stuff -giving up stuff, man made rules I have learned that sometimes having too much information gives you a paralysis of analysis. You don’t know who to trust. You latch on to things that you like and can understand, YouTube videos, speakers, IG people, and you integrate that into your faith. But it is not biblical, it is not sound doctrine. I heard that… This guy on tik Tok said… I don’t have to go to church because… I don’t have to support a ministry because they are all crooks, you heard that ministry trying to get a plane? God knows my heart… The devil lives for our passion, our burn out, our losses … When we start new things, our faith walk included -join a new church, many were eager to learn, respond, and volunteer. Over time, however, eagerness waned. They lost their zeal. What is Spiritual Zeal? Spiritually speaking, at the beginning of our relationship with the LORD, we were eager, too. Our hearts were challenged and changed; we mourned over our wrongs, immediately sought forgiveness from God, and changed our ways. We felt clean! We were excited! We wanted to pray, witness, read God’s Word, do good works, influence our world, and honor the Lord in any way we could! How do we renew and keep our zeal for him? That was precisely the concern of the Israelites. What they did may serve as an example to help us. Giving Links Thank you for listening, downloading and supporting the Speak Life Church and this podcast. Zelle - [email protected] You can support the ministry by check or money order by sending it to Speak Life Church, 14713 Kent Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 Rev. Kenn Blanchard 240-200-0713 Four ways to keep our zeal Nehemiah told them this was not a time for grieving; this was a time for rejoicing, for they were seeking to obey God and were enjoying his favor! Their grief turned to joy. Nehemiah 8:9-12 (NASB) 1. Keep our zeal by making a commitment 2. Keep our zeal by holding ourselves accountable 3. Keep our zeal by assigning responsibilities 4. Keep our zeal by being attentive Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. (Romans 12:1- 2, 10- 11, NIV) Don't watch the clock; do what it does. ... “Just because you're taking longer than others does not mean you're a failure. Keep going.” /episode/index/show/speaklife/id/26046459

Moses and the Blood 02/19/2023

Moses and the Blood “On the way, at a place where they spent the night, the Lord met him and tried to kill him. But Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son’s foreskin, and touched Moses’ feet with it, and said, ‘Truly you are a bridegroom of blood to me!’ So he let him alone. It was then she said, ‘A bridegroom of blood by circumcision.’ Exodus 4:24-26: But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner. —1 Corinthians 14:40 Blood is so important to God that it is mentioned in the Bible around 700 times. David referred to the “incorruptible” blood. Peter spoke of the “precious” blood, and John wrote of the “overcoming” power of the blood. When Zipporah and her sisters spotted Moses the first time, they thought he was an Egyptian, and in many ways they were right. Moses had been in the household of Pharaoh in Egypt since infancy. His mannerisms and customs were shaped by his Egyptian upbringing. In fact, he most likely dreamt in the language of Pharaoh. Everything about him was Egyptian, except for one thing. Unlike his Egyptian peers, he was circumcised. Circumcision was not the same medical practice it is today, but circumcision was a sign of the covenant God had made with Abraham and his descendants. Zipporah had borne two sons to Moses, but he had failed to perform circumcision on his sons. Egypt had caused Moses to forget his roots—his identity—as a descendant of Abraham. Alas, he had forgotten his blood! When Zipporah saw her husband dying before her eyes at the hand of the Lord, she made a split second decision to circumcise her son and throw his foreskin at the feet of her husband. This has to be the bloodiest scene in the book of Exodus since the massacre of Hebrew male children in chapter 1. It would be rivaled soon after as the blood of the Egyptian children ran cold at the final plague, as the blood of lambs was smeared on the doorposts of the Hebrew households that first Passover, and with the bloodying of the sea as the waters closed over the Egyptian army. Exodus 4:24-26: “On the way, at a place where they spent the night, the Lord met him and tried to kill him. But Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son’s foreskin, and touched Moses’ feet with it, and said, ‘Truly you are a bridegroom of blood to me!’ So he let him alone. It was then she said, ‘A bridegroom of blood by circumcision.’” “You are a bridegroom of blood,” Zipporah declares as she tosses flesh at Moses’s feet. With the prowess of The Lion King’s Mufasa to his son, Simba, Zipporah’s actions roar, “Remember who you are.” You, Moses, are of the bloodline of Abraham. As such, you should have circumcised your son soon after his birth. Remember who you are; you are a bridegroom of blood. The trappings of Pharaoh’s house made it easy for Moses to forget Abel’s sacrifice, the ram who saved Isaac, and the Hebrew blood that ran through his veins. These people he was going to save were his own people, God’s chosen people by blood. In order to complete his assignment, Moses had to die. At least, the Egyptian in him had to die in order for the “bloody,” Israelite Moses, in his truest identity, to fulfill the purpose for which he was born. Through Zipporah’s quick-thinking actions, she evoked the covenant by demonstration so Moses would remember his roots. If he was going to Egypt to free his people, his identification with Egypt had to die. The flesh and blood in the hands of his wife Zipporah would not let Moses forget. The church is married to a bridegroom of blood. The upcoming Holy Week takes us reluctantly down the bloody path to the Cross. Maundy Thursday leads us to a last Supper and afterwards to a garden where Judas Iscariot has blood on his hands. Blood and water flow from the side of the bridegroom in those last moments on the cross. After the resurrection, Jesus invited Thomas to touch him in the bloody parts, his hand and his side. We who are in Christ cannot deny the sacrifice, the pain, the very life that runs through our souls in the blood of Christ, our resurrected Lord. We must remember who we are—bride of Christ, circumcised in our hearts, dead to sin, our flesh perpetually cast at the feet of Jesus in confession and repentance. That’s who we are: dead because of our sins and alive because of Christ, through his life and by his blood. Obedience is serious. Disobedience to God will kill you. Obey God even when we don’t like it. Our obedience to God reflects our love for Him. Do God’s will (even if our spouse doesn't) Like Moses, we may have been called by God into some specific ministry. Also, like Moses, we may have some sin in our lives we haven’t dealt with yet. There is one person you can’t lie to or fool no matter how long you have been sitting in this church. God will likely bring the sin to our attention, so we recognize it and repent (or turn away from it). Then we can move forward in the good graces of God Covenants are one of the most important themes in the Bible—they are the key to God’s redemptive plan to restore humanity to its divine calling. God is about order. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. This goes for everything from personal choices, to ministry. thank you for your love, Rev. Kenn Blanchard Giving Links Thank you for listening, downloading and supporting the Speak Life Church and this podcast. Zelle - [email protected] You can support the ministry by check or money order by sending it to Speak Life Church, 14713 Kent Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 Rev. Kenn Blanchard 240-200-0713 /episode/index/show/speaklife/id/25973649

Joy is from God 02/12/2023

Joy is from God Joy is from God We all want to be happy. Happy is temporal and temporary. It depends on what is happening at the moment. Joy is deeper. Joy comes from God. That feeling that can make you weep from the inside. That feeling like seeing the birth of your child, the return of your child, feeling the love of your child, feeling the love of a close friend. You know that feeling. its safety, security, outside of time, that can occur wherever you are. Satan hates joy. he sends demons and his people to stop yours as soon as you feel it. Think about the last time you felt some joy. It wasn't long before someone made a offhand, sarcastic, negative, nasty or straight up evil comment or action you had to recoil or defend. That was not from God. Psalm 51:12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Joy is evidence (fruit) of the Spirit of God in you. We are to seek to be filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit. As Christians, as disciples of a living God, followers of Jesus. you should expect to fight with the enemies of God. You are in a constant fight against good and evil why are you surprised? if you weren't on Gods side, the devil wouldn't bother with what he already had. You'd be a part of the world, part of the lost, part of those going on an express one way ticket to hell. but you are not. so you woke up this morning feeling good. a few minutes later someone said something that changed your mood, we have to learn how to fight better than that. learn to bob and weave, parry and side step. Don't stand there and marvel at how you got hit. Or worse stand flat footed and just take a spiritual beating. Prepare for battle so your joy will stay intact by the end of the day. work on yoru responses to negatives, the verbal judo, the war for your soul. I didn't say counter punch or try to hurt them but deflect, reflect and do as Jesus would. Pray about that and how you will respond the next time. don't stand in the octogan with a demon and take punches. It could come from anyone that does not have the spirit of God to be used by other spirits. 1 Thessalonians 1:6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit. Joy is not necessarily the absence of suffering, it is the presence of God. - Sam Storms A few years ago I was having conversations with a rabbi from NY that moved to FL about music and the charismic side of judism. I was going to write a book about joy. You know what happened. The rabbi crashed his motorcycle and almost died. The pandemic hit. My wife had a brain tumor removed and it changed our lives. I never did finish my research for that book. Up until now I didn't put all this together. There must be something to this joy thing. Not saying I caused all this mess but it difinely put a hurt in my getty up. It put me down like four flats on my cadillac. Prayer Rejoice, rejoice, again I say rejoice. Lift up your countenance to the Lord, for He is good, and His mercies endure forever. Forgive me father, I plead the blood of christ over my situation so I may approach your throne. You have already blessed me in so many ways. thank you, thank you, thank you. My Lord and my God, you are tender and merciful. thank you for your son Jesus, that you gave to me so that I might live. You are the lover of my soul. You know my weaknesses and my foolishness. You love me despite my failures, and you long for me to be filled with Your joy. Lord, I confess that I get distracted by the cares of life, and regularly loose sight of your goodness. I have a tendency to get discouraged easily. I confess that I focus too much on myself and my problems instead of focusing my attention on You. Lord I surrender my life to you. Have mercy on me. please help me not to hinder the flow of joy in my life, reveal to me what I need to do to stay with you. May your will be done. Thank you for my life, and the capacity you have given to me to experience Your joy. Thank you for my family. Thank you for my home. Thank you for friends who care about me and who share my interests. Thank you for my work. I pray that you would fill it with meaning and purpose, and that you would give me opportunities to honor you with it. Bible Study Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/live/SLLymIv5gsk?feature=share Giving Links Thank you for listening, downloading and supporting the Speak Life Church and this podcast. Zelle - [email protected] You can support the ministry by check or money order by sending it to Speak Life Church, 14713 Kent Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 Rev. Kenn Blanchard 240-200-0713 Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. John 16:24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. /episode/index/show/speaklife/id/25898934

Being Single Is Not A Crime 02/05/2023

Being Single Is Not A Crime Christian & Single is not a crime Singleness of Purpose/ with one purpose: great determination when you are working to achieve something the power of focus In some churches, being single is a crime. Someone is always trying to marry you off. Or you are not considered a good candidate for leadership if you are unmarried. After 30+ years of ministry and marriage, I now don’t believe the church is correct. Sexual relations is on the mind and psyche of every adult. The average man thinks about sex on the average of 19 times a day. Women from the same survey about 10 times a day. You’ll notice that statistic didn’t mention married nor unmarried, Greek, Jew or Gentile. Jesus the Christ, remained single, and so did Jeremiah and Paul and many others who were servants of God. The Old Testament gives us numerous examples of godly adult singles. This should be a wake-up call for those who constantly complain about being single. God shows no partiality to those who are married, and there is no evidence today that He favors married people over single people. Human beings are God’s highest form of creation. He created us in His image. He created us for Himself. He formed us in the womb and designed the perfect plan for our lives. As God’s children, we are all wonderful in His sight. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Gen 1:27 I think we have taken more than a few things out of context. While it is wise and prudent to not put a promiscuous person in charge of anything, being married doesn’t guarantee that. Having a mate is great and makes life easier for raising children but condemning people or ostracizing them for being single or widowed is not cool. Then the LORD God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him. Genesis 2:18 Marriage is God’s loving gift to humanity and the chief context in which our desire for intimacy is met. Some people would perish without being married. They would self-destruct. At the same time, I know many married men that seek the day when they will be free from their wife. They are quietly suffering for the appearance of happiness. Everyone wants what they cannot have. The single wants to be married and the married want to be single. The secret: Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Many singles often daydream about relationships. They spend time fantasizing about their future spouse and what married life is like. Some even predict what they will and won’t do once they’re married. Many singles also diligently seek out relationships and tend to focus only on the glamorized aspects. As Christian singles, it’s essential to center the heart your attention on God, His will for your life, and developing yourself. Being single can be hard. Do all you can to be godly. It’s easy for those who are single to lapse into a selfish, self-centered lifestyle and into sexual sin, whether in thought or deed. Be self-disciplined and accountable to others. Keep your eyes fixed on heaven. It is our eternal relationship with Christ that ultimately matters. Getting married is not your purpose. God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. You have a specific purpose to fulfill during this season. You have work to do in God’s Kingdom. Focus more on God’s will for your life as an individual. Take some time each day to pray and ask God what He wants from your life at this time. Wait patiently for a response. During the wait time, delve into your spiritual gifts and work in ministry, inside and outside the church. You’ll discover a new sense of joy that will fulfill your life like you never imagined. If you are single you need to start eliminating negative thoughts or images about being single. Don’t covet other people’s relationships. If marriage is in God’s will for your life, it will be unique to you and your spouse. Stop watching HOUSEWIVES X. Comparison is the thief of joy. Focus on things that bring you joy. Do something daily that makes your heart smile to keep your mind, body, and spirit focused on you as a person, not your status. I know it’s easier to think this way when you are old and past child bearing years, when you beat the FOMO. The fear of missing out is gone. It still remains though in the back like a piece of paper that has slipped in the back of the drawer. Its lost but still there. The result of this fear of failure or being consider a failure can make a miserable person. “Failing to launch” This misery can become: and other mood disorders and other (including ) Aside from finding the correct therapist, a person going through might need some help with life skills. Their lack of motivation and lack of opportunities will contribute to feeling stuck. They may need a push to gain understanding, focus, and clarity can help emerging adults achieve full independence. Being single is not a bad thing. You ought not to waste your life by viewing it as a trial to be endured. Single people are spared the “troubles” of marriage. There are many great blessings in marriage, but there are difficulties too. Understandably, Christian couples don’t often talk openly about the hard things they face, which can give singles a rose-tinted view of marriage. But there’s a downside even when a married couple’s relationship is good: life is more complicated. There’s more than one person to consider in decisions about use of time, accommodation, holidays, even the daily menu. And there’s more than one person to worry about. Children bring great pleasure but plenty of anxiety as well. Marriage does bring “many troubles in this life” and, Paul says, “I want to spare you this” (1 Cor. 7:28). He mentions these troubles here chiefly because of the bearing they have on the next point. Single people can devote themselves more fully to God’s work: “An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife—and his interests are divided” (1 Cor. 7:32-34). A vital part of the Christian responsibility of married persons is to care for their spouse and children. That should take time, time that cannot therefore be spent in witnessing to people, helping out at a camp, doing the church finances, or leading a Bible study. Single people have more time to give to such things. It’s no coincidence that many activities in church life depend to a large extent on those who aren’t married. A few consciously choose to stay single to devote themselves to Christian work. Most single people haven’t chosen singleness in that way and yet they have the same advantages as those who have. Instead of focusing on the difficulties of being single, as some do, we should all make the most of the advantages of God’s gift of singleness while we have it. Mary and Martha, along with their brother Lazarus, remained single. They served God faithfully and were close and loyal friends of Jesus who also remained single. Mary Magdalene was also a close friend of Jesus who never married. In order to fulfill one's purpose, the Bible says it is best for some not to marry. If you continue wanting to be married when God has plans for you to remain single, you will never find real peace as long are you are striving to be married. If you do happen to get married, you will never be happy. Deep inner frustrations will always be there. God calls some people to marry and some to remain single. Marriage is not automatically better than being single. Therefore, married people should not put a burden on single people to get married. Singleness and marriage are gifts from God that people can use for the glory of God. Your being single is an opportunity not an inadequacy. Choose today whom you will serve. Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Matthew 6:14 “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 18:21-22 "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.' " Proverbs 17:9 “Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.” Psalm 103:12 "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. 1 Cor 13 If I had the gift of being able to speak in other languages without learning them and could speak in every language there is in all of heaven and earth, but didn’t love others, I would only be making noise. 2 If I had the gift of prophecy and knew all about what is going to happen in the future, knew everything about everything, but didn’t love others, what good would it do? Even if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, I would still be worth nothing at all without love. 3 If I gave everything I have to poor people, and if I were burned alive for preaching the Gospel but didn’t love others, it would be of no value whatever. 4 Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, 5 never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. 6 It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. 7 If you love someone, you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him. 8 All the special gifts and powers from God will someday come to an end, but love goes on forever. Someday prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge—these gifts will disappear. 9 Now we know so little, even with our special gifts, and the preaching of those most gifted is still so poor. 10 But when we have been made perfect and complete, then the need for these inadequate special gifts will come to an end, and they will disappear. Giving Links Zelle - [email protected] You can support the ministry by check or money order by sending it to Speak Life Church, 14713 Kent Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 Rev. Kenn Blanchard 240-200-0713 /episode/index/show/speaklife/id/25829847

Why Churches Fail (269) 01/29/2023

Why Churches Fail (269) Why Churches Fail The Seven Churches in Revelation. The Church of Ephesus: The Church that Has Abandoned Its Love for Christ and His Teachings () The Church of Smyrna: The Church that Remains Faithful Amidst Persecution () The Church of Pergamum: The Church that Compromises Its Beliefs () The Church of Thyatira: The Church that Follows False Prophets () The Church of Sardis: The Church that is Spiritually Dead () The Church of Philadelphia: The Church that Patiently Endured Despite Weaknesses () The Church of Laodicea: The Church with a Lukewarm Faith () Churches that have their pastor’s face or in the south US, husband and wife teams, about their church, but not the times and contact info. People are dying out here and the church is called to make a difference. We are not. Why Most Churches Fail? A failing church is not by attendance, numbers, money or prestige, a failing church is where no souls are saved, no members are edified, they don’t grow, they don’t become disciples of Christ, they don’t evangelize, there is no passion for praying, maintenance is trumping mission work, volunteering, management is replacing leadership, older people are not supporting younger ones to lead Behind every vibrant church you find leaders with a vibrant faith. We become double minded, there are us vs them predictable services the community doesn’t get served or impacted. Self exam. EVALUATE your faith Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.~ Psalm 4:4 Matthew 7:15-20 New King James Version You Will Know Them by Their Fruits 15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. The Fruits of the Spirit in the Bible The phrase “fruit of the spirit” comes from Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. fruit” usually means fruit in the sense of edible fruits and vegetables, but it can also be translated as offspring, deed, action, result, or profit. John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” There are a lot of trees and vegetation. Not all are edible. There are a lot of people that go and spend a lot of time in church but they are not disciples of God. They speak and sing, some even preach but they are not of God. They are for themselves mostly. They have been taught wrong. They are ignorant. They are barren, fruitless and prickly. You ever been stuck by a prickly church person. They hurt you when you were already hurting? They made you wonder if you belonged here? Church people are the worse. 2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2 Timothy 3 3 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with diverse lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their's also was. 10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Who was Timothy? Timothy, the recipient of the two New Testament letters bearing his name, was the son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother. He joined Paul during one of Paul’s later missionary journeys. Paul addresses Timothy as "my true son in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2). He was probably no older than late teens/early twenties when he joined Paul but had already distinguished himself as faithful, and the elders noticed him. He probably heard and responded to the gospel when Paul came through the area of Derbe and Lystra on his first missionary journey, but we don’t know for sure. Timothy served as Paul’s representative to several churches (1 Corinthians 4:17; Philippians 2:19), and he was later a pastor in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3). Timothy is also mentioned as being with Paul when Paul wrote several New Testament letters—2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and Philemon. Paul says Timothy had a “genuine faith,” the same as that which lived in his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:1–5). Eunice and Lois prepared Timothy’s heart to accept Christ by teaching Timothy the Old Testament Scriptures and preparing him “from infancy” to recognize the Messiah when He appeared (2 Timothy 3:15). When Paul came preaching Christ, all three accepted his teaching and committed their lives to the Savior. We, too, must prepare our children to be ready when Christ moves in their hearts. They must know how to recognize that pull on their spirits as coming from the Savior, and the only way to do that is to follow the example of Eunice and Lois and teach our children the Word of God. In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he gave him instructions and advice for leading the church. He also exhorted Timothy not to let others look down upon him due to his youth, but to set an example for other believers "in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). Paul told Timothy to be devoted to reading Scripture, exhorting, and teaching, and to not neglect the gift that he had been given. Paul also counseled Timothy to keep a close watch on himself. These instructions remain pertinent to believers today. We, too, are called to "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses" (1 Timothy 6:11–12). It seems that Timothy had a chronic illness that required some attention (1 Timothy 5:23). Paul counseled him on a change of diet to aid the relief of his condition. From this example we learn that it is not always God’s will to heal a person miraculously; sometimes, healing comes through more “natural” means, if it comes at all. In his second letter to Timothy, Paul warned Timothy about the false teachers that he would encounter and tells him to continue in the things he has learned because he knows the character of those he learned them from, namely Paul himself and his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 3:14–15). The truths Timothy was taught from infancy—truths about sin and our need for a Savior—were able to make him “wise for salvation” (2 Timothy 3:15). As parents, we are to prepare our children to distinguish truth from error. And as believers, we are to stand firm in the truth we have learned, not being surprised or swayed by opposition and false teachers. Paul also told Timothy, to "do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). This advice is crucial for all Christians. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Paul counseled Timothy, his "dear son" (2 Timothy 1:2), from a heart of love, wanting Timothy to stand firm in his own faith and to lead the other believers well. Timothy certainly seems to have been faithful; we should follow his example. 25 Duties of a True Christian No doubt about it, If one is to be a true christian then there many responsibilities that come with that title. Christians should present themselves in a certain way. You may be able to know a real christian by the way they walk and talk. Let see how many of these duties reflect our daily lives. Is it only a few or all of them? FEAR God Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God. I am the Lord your God.~ Leviticus 25:17 GLORIFY his name Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” ~ John 12:28 INVITE others 2 Christ, to worship with you. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. ~ Romans 1:16 JUDGE no one Do not judge, or you too will be judged. ~ Matthew 7:1 ZIP your lips ~ But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned. ~ Matthew 12:36-37 LOVE one another A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ~ John 13:34 MEDIATE in silence Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.~ Psalm 62:5 NEVER deny God But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.~ Matthew 10:33 OBEY God's commandments It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.~ Deuteronomy 13:4 PRAY for one another Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.~ James 5:16 READ the Bible All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. ~ 2 Timothy 3:16 SANG songs of praise Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord. ~ Ephesians 5:19 TALK in truth These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts.~ Zechariah 8:16 UNITE in unity How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! ~ Psalm 133:1 VALIDATE your faith For we live by faith, not by sight. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:7 WORSHIP in spirit & truth God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth. ~ John 4:24 In 2023, I asking you to read the entire bible. To pray at least once a day. Talk to God. Not jabber religious stuff. Worship God with your whole self. Return to the person you were called to be. Watch your language, your gossiping, your interest in everybody’s business. Take care of your own. Giving Links Zelle - [email protected] You can support the ministry by check or money order by sending it to Speak Life Church, 14713 Kent Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 Rev. Kenn Blanchard 240-200-0713 /episode/index/show/speaklife/id/25756644

I said a little prayer for you - 268 01/22/2023

I said a little prayer for you - 268 Phillipians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content The moment I wake up Before I put on my makeup I say a little prayer for you While combing my hair, now, And wondering what dress to wear, now, I say a little prayer for you A Little About Prayer 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. Luke 21:36 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. And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Luke 18:1 One of the most under appreciated things about God is His reliability. He never fails. He never misses a beat. We on the other hand leave much to be desired. /episode/index/show/speaklife/id/25687281

What's Yo Sign? 01/15/2023

Seeds of Doubt - (266) 01/08/2023

Seeds of Doubt - (266) Josh M asked this question should Christians follow the jewish tradition of Passover? And then I went down a rabbit hole - I found my way out. Also this episode was a hard one for me to produce because of my own personal struggles. I have a lot going on in my head. My spirit is vexed like it says in Psalm 6. I am going through a tough time personally. You are probably tired of hearing it. So I won’t repeat my story or add to it this week. Passover is a major Jewish holiday that celebrates the Biblical story of the escape from slavery in Egypt, which occurs on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, the first month of Aviv, or spring. Let us pray. Psalm 6 O Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. 2 Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O Lord, heal me; for my bones are vexed. 3 My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O Lord, how long? 4 Return, O Lord, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake. 5 For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks? 6 I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. 7 Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies. 8 Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping. 9 The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer. 10 Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly. Genesis 3:1 In this first message to mankind, Satan sows seeds of doubt as to whether God can be trusted. Satan's very first words were, "Has God indeed said. . . ?" Spoken or not, this sentiment that God is untrustworthy, and that His Word is suspect, has been a regular feature in mankind's relationship with God ever since. 1 Timothy 6:20 -O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 1 Timothy 6:3-20 3 if anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not [d]agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing; but he [e]has a sick craving for controversial questions and disputes about words, from which come envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction between people of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that [f]godliness is a means of gain. 6 But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. 7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it, either. 8 If we have food and [g]covering, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all [h]sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many [i]griefs. 11 But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, [j]perseverance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I direct you in the presence of God, who [k]gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep the commandment without [l]fault or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which He will [m]bring about at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of [n]kings and Lord of [o]lords, 16 who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom [p]no one has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen. 17 Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good [q]works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. 20 Timothy, protect what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”— 21 which some have professed and thereby have gone astray [r]from the faith. Grace be with you Giving Links Thank you for listening, downloading and supporting the Speak Life Church and this podcast. Zelle - [email protected] You can support the ministry by check or money order by sending it to Speak Life Church, 14713 Kent Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 Love you, Rev. Kenn Blanchard 240-200-0713 /episode/index/show/speaklife/id/25533828

What is a Prophet? 01/01/2023

The Promise, Hope and Gift of Christmas - episode 264 12/25/2022

The Promise, Hope and Gift of Christmas - episode 264 Going to make you smarter: The first biblical prophecy and whisper of the need for a Messiah is uttered in Genesis 3:15 after Adam and Eve chose to follow the voice of the deceiver instead of the voice of Truth. The evil one promised that their eyes would be opened, and they would be like God, knowing good and evil... 3:15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring 1 and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” Thank you for being a part of this ministry and my life. The Real Meaning of Christmas HOPE PROMISE GIFT The birth of Jesus, is a celebration of the HOPE, the Promise that God always comes thru and the gift of his son. Luke 2:9-12 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel. “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, Thank you for listening, downloading and supporting the Speak Life Church / and this podcast. Zelle - [email protected] You can support the ministry by check or money order by sending it to Speak Life Church, 14713 Kent Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 Merry Christmas, I love you, Rev. Kenn Blanchard 240-200-0713 /episode/index/show/speaklife/id/25424943

What is the real story behind Christmas? - EP263 12/18/2022

Consider It All Joy 12/11/2022

Consider It All Joy My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4 Last week I say Romans 8:28 sucked - 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. This week the Lord told me something about that. He gave me clarity. You know what sucks? Dying and not getting a chance to do ANYTHING. Let alone complain. If you hear me right now, consider if you couldn’t. Consider where you might be if you were unable to hear this podcast epoisode. Would you be sick, in the hospital, without hearing, ears, dead and waiting judgement? Let say you woke up from being knocked unconscious like our heroes in the movies. You discovered yourself to be now tied up in a jail, shackled to the floor. When you woke up. You got two choices, say damn this suck or YAY them mofos didn’t kill me yet. Its all perspective. And the latter is best because if GOD didn’t let the enemy take you out, you are still apart of the great plan. You still got work. You are still important. You are still a player in the game. I was at the traffic light coming to work. and I remembered my Call to ministry. It was to serve. My situation, with my wifes health changed my life. It changed me. I thought I had it going on. I was feeling like a failure in some things in my life. It’s a common thing at certain points in your life, when you feel like you haven’t accomplished what you should have. Or you compare yourself with others. And the result often is, this sucks. But I said all things work together for the good, right. Whose Good? To Them that love God comma and to them to who are called according to his purpose. What does my wifes situation have to do with you? Because of how I am now, I deliver a message that I would not be saying had my life not being like this. YOU get the benefits of my suffering to remind you of the value of loving and trusting GOD. I am you crash test dummy. Don’t be like me, be better. Serve the Lord with Gladness. Count it all joy when you realize that GOD is with you. You could be going through this crap alone but YOU are not. You have an advocate. You have a savior. You have a counselor. You have a mighty God. Let me share with you something to illustrate how God let me know he was with me during this time in my life. Guitarcarecompany.com My wife is going back under the knife next week. She is worried about it herself. She hasn’t been feeling well since November. But the way I see things now, I got two choices. Bless God for everything He has already done, Praise Him because He is God and worthy of it. Be stupidly joyful because He is with me? What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Why be sad, depressed, cast down, defeated, and not be grateful for everything He has done for me this far in my six decades of living? Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4 Thankful for what? 1. Beauty--because it exalts and inspires. 2. Beginnings--because everything has one. 3. Books--because they cultivate your mind. 4. Challenges--because without them there's no achievement. 5. Change--because it's the only way to grow. 6. Connections--because they're the soul of business. 7. Education--because to live fully, you must constantly learn. 8. Experience--because it happens no matter what. 9. Facebook--because... oops, I mean Tumblr. 10. Helping--because it shows that we care. 11. Honesty--because lies are hurtful. 12. Hugs--because they bring people closer. 13. Insight--because it solves problems. 14. Kindness--because it makes the world a nicer place. 15. Language--because grunting only gets you so far. 16. Laughter--because it makes you lighthearted. 17. Laws--because without them there'd be chaos. 18. Life--because the alternative is death. 19. Mistakes--because they're the best way to grow. 20. Opportunities--because that's how you make money. 21. Perspective--because it helps create balance. 22. Possibilities--because they're all around us. 23. Purpose--because without one you're pointless. 24. Relationships--because they're what make us human. 25. Reunions--because they bring past joys to the present. 26. Sewers--because the alternative stinks. 27. Smiles--because they make everyone more attractive. 28. Soap--because everybody used to smell bad. 29. Stars--because they're a billion points of light. 30. Success--because it's why we bother. 31. Sunrises--because they're a new beginning. 32. Sunsets--because they cap a perfect day. 33. Taxes--because they're the price of civilization. 34. Teachers--because if there weren't any you wouldn't be reading this. 35. Technology--because stone axes don't cut it. 36. Transportation--because it's now so easy. 37. Travel--because it broadens your mind. 38. Vision--because it creates innovation. 39. Wealth--because it multiplies itself. 40. Wisdom--because foolishness is so common. 41. Work--because it's how you make a difference. 42. Yourself--because YOU are why you're unique. Thank God for the trials that make you stronger. 1 Peter 1:6-7 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. join us on facebook. Thank you for listening, downloading and supporting the Speak Life Church and this podcast. Zelle - [email protected] You can support the ministry by check or money order by sending it to Speak Life Church, 14713 Kent Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 Rev. Kenn Blanchard 240-200-0713 /episode/index/show/speaklife/id/25246896

Struggle is Real - Episode 261 12/04/2022

Struggle is Real - Episode 261 Who said that ALL things work together for the good? What does that mean for you? Has it been misquoted? Has it been used out of context? A friends mother died. Another friends mom just had heart surgery while fighting cancer- the son is taking care of her in his late fifties. A well known local just died. One of my deacons just got a kidney and is doing great One of my groomsman’s wife of 37 years has colon cancer My old bosses kid just got a full ride to college A clergyman I know is contemplating moving out of his house away from his wife. Someone is celebrating 30 plus years of marriage Another is sad for being alone Someone else misses their mother who died a few years ago this time of the year. My wife celebrates her birthday and goes back and forth between being her old self and a patient. Last year she was in a coma. She is scheduled for a new surgery in two weeks. No one knows what will happen when the go back into her head. She’ll probably be dancing by new years. If you like the speak life church podcast, please share a link with some one and ask them to subscribe. Also it would be much appreciated if you prayed for me. I’ve been going through some stuff lately. I’ve been sorting out thoughts, life choices, and listening to the pains and struggles of others. It can wear you down. And it is supposed to. I realized today that it is the struggle that makes you better. It is adversity that is your friend. Trouble in your life can be good. Thanks to all that have heard me moaning, complaining and gave me comfort. I am not ok but I have a better understanding of stuff. Romans 8:28 can suck. 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. You remember when I said that the Lord will put more on you than you can handle right? OH YEAH, in case you missed it. Let me remind you. You might get hit by a mack truck. You won’t be able to handle it. You might die. You might live but walk funny. Doesn’t seem right does it? Romans 8:28. How is that going to work for good? But our God is more powerful than all the forces of evil and all the rotten things that happen in our lives. God took death itself and used it to redeem all of humanity. He reached down into the depths of our brokenness and began the restoration process. God is taking all of creation, even the broken stuff, and renewing and redeeming it. And so, we should not take Romans 8:28 and use it to try to console ourselves, or others, that any trials or tragedies will ultimately result in success, that God will turn things around, or that even failures and losses are somehow “good.” Rather, we should focus on the more important truth that God is bigger than all our tragedies, all our losses and our failures. Evil doesn’t win. In fact, in Christ’s death and resurrection, God enter into our brokenness and he redeemed the whole of it. It is in this way that I think that Romans 8:28 reminds us that all things will be worked out for our good Paul has been describing the life of Christians on this side of heaven as one of groaning as we long to escape the suffering of this life and to be with our Father God in person (Romans 8:18–23). We wait in the sure hope of the day our bodies will be resurrected and we will share in God's glory (Romans 8:24–25). What about all the hard things that come along while we are waiting? Paul seems to offer the promise of this verse as a comfort for us. Crucially, though, this promise is limited to "those who love God," and "those who are called according to His purpose." In short, that means the promise is for Christians: for saved believers, who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ (John 3:16–18; 14:6; Romans 3:26). No matter our feelings on a given day, loving God is part of what it means to live in Christ. That's who we are. Each of us is also called to fulfill God's purposes. In other words, this verse cannot rightly be applied to non-Christians. Those who reject God do not express their love for God by coming to Him through faith in Jesus. For those who die without Christ, things will not have worked out for the better; they will have rejected the opportunity to take advantage of this promise (John 3:36). What is the promise? That, for those who are saved, all things will indeed work together for good. "All things" should be taken to mean each and every circumstance one might experience, even pain or suffering. "Work," or "work together," must be understood in light of God taking action in the world. He is the one who causes all things to work together or, perhaps, works in and through all circumstances toward a specific end. What is that end? "Good." The word "good" does not necessarily mean happy or painless or financially successful or our idea of the best possible outcome on any given day. God's ultimate good for us is to glorify us in eternity (Revelation 21:1–4). Beyond that, God works in and through us toward an ultimate good that serves His purpose for the universe. The comfort of the verse is that nothing in this life of waiting and suffering is wasted. It is all meaningful for those in Christ, even if that doesn't diminish our pain in the moment. And now lets talk about you and me. Stuff has happened. You are going through. Our bodies were made to adapt to stressors. Fight or flight. If you are in a hot climate, you sweat. If you walk in the snow, you will get big quadriceps. Big muscular legs. If you work in the sun you will get tan or burn. Life also does a number on you. And you have a choice. You always have a choice. You don’t have a choice of what happens to you, you have a choice of how you are going to react. Is what just happened going to take me out or can I keep going? It’s sink or swim. Live or Die. Stand on your feet or live on your knees. In nature, animals don’t have a choice. Some become food for a predator as soon as they are born. You do. We tend to think as soon as I get this I’ll be alright. And after you get that “thing” you find out that you are still not alright. It is the hunger, the struggle, the need to adapt that keeps you younger, stronger, and happier. We get more done before we go on vacation than we do afterwards. We tell everyone about the trip and we clean the whole house in anticipation for the great trip. The trip rarely is as great as we thought it was going to be. You are left wanting. The person that obtains the big house, the great car and the money is often dissatisfied because they didn’t enjoy the journey. The kids that grow up in that house don’t gain the desire to hustle and live mediocre lives where money is not their problem but they have plenty of them. When you are fighting, you are goal oriented. You are more focused. You are involved. What happens to the undisputed heavy champ of the world? He usually gets fat and is beat up by a unknown “Rocky” that has nothing to lose. I have traveled all over the world and I have partied with the rich and the poor. The poor had more fun. The parties were longer, the laugh genuine and food tastier. What happens to the retiree that after thirty years of working like slave, finally gets to sit on his porch? He has a heart attack and dies. It seems unfair. Who said life was fair? Life is a struggle. Death is the absence of stress. No bill collectors in the cemetery. No one fighting with the Jones in there. If you are going through something, and I know you are, because we are all either in trouble, just coming out of trouble or headed toward trouble don’t sweat it. It is not the end. As long as you have life you have a chance and a choice. Warren Buffet is a rich dude right? But I heard he is not leaving his wealth to his kids. Sounds hard right. Sounds like pops is evil. But I challenge you to think what if that was the greatest act of love he could do? It will make them struggle. It will make them fight. It will make them stronger. You ever seen a kid with a silver spoon. Rich kids are some of the most jacked up kids you could ever find. Some of our kids are going to be like that because they have never had to sell lemonade, cut grass, work for their allowance money. They will become that little alien character from Area 51. Pale white, large eyes and long fingers. They are frail, can’t stand the sun, have big eyes from playing video games and watching video, long fingers from texting. But no muscle mass, small delicate things. Nasty little creatures. Look at all the trust fund babies. Boring. Look at all the stars that should have it going on, and they are miserable. Look at what happens to people that win the lottery. It’s not the money. Its not the fame. It’s the inability to adapt to the struggle. Whatever doesn’t kill you can make you stronger to paraphrase the atheist Frederich Nietche. Our muscles grow by stress. You want big arms, you have lift big weight. You want endurance; you have to do a lot of repetitions. Our whole being is a muscle. No matter what you are going through, don’t quit. Don’t stop believing in yourself. You can make it. You just have to go one more round. Once you get to the top of the mountain, come on back down and find another. If you have fallen, get up, rest and go again. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matt 16:26 My God doesn’t make mistakes. My God doesn’t make junk. You were born in adversity. Keep swimming upstream. Because when you stop, either the bear will get you in the shallows, or you just die. He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32 Keep striving. Stay in the fight. Stay in the struggle. It’s not over, till its over. No more pity parties for me. I think I understand now. I think I get it. I wrote down these words for myself for the times when I forget. Frederick Douglass said if there is no struggle there is no progress. Don’t worry about what you don’t get. Don’t worry what others have. Don’t compare yourself with anyone. You are unique. You are the only you there is ever going to be. And its not over till your head hits the dirt. That’s my epiphany. That is my understanding. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Keep praying. Keep striving. Keep on trucking baby. Thank you for listening, downloading and supporting the Speak Life Church and this podcast. Zelle - [email protected] You can support the ministry by check or money order by sending it to Speak Life Church, 14713 Kent Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 Rev. Kenn Blanchard 240-200-0713 /episode/index/show/speaklife/id/25212198

Follow Me - Episode 260 11/27/2022

Follow Me - Episode 260 “Follow Me” Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 1 Cor. 11:1 The single most important directive in the Gospels is the Savior's "follow me." It occurs in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24). "As He was passing along, He saw Levi, the son of Alpheus, sitting in the tax collector's place and He said to him, 'Follow me"' (Mark 2:14). "'One thing is still lacking to you. Sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven, and come, follow me.' When he heard these things he was much grieved, for he was very rich" (Luke 18:22-23). "You do not believe because you are not of my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me" (John 10:27). I have not seen clear statistical evidence that fewer Christians die of cancer than non-believers or that they are immune in greater degree from the diseases that afflict the human race. Some of the kindest, most selfless persons I have known have had more than their share of bad health. The fact that they belong to Christ did not protect them from disease. Therefore, I will not follow Christ for promised healing. I will not deny or dispute evidence of supernatural healing but I will rejoice at every recovery from what seems to be hopeless, threatened death. I will not hesitate to pray for a better health for my loved ones and acquaintances. I will set no limits on what God may do but I will not follow Christ only for promised healing. I see no sign that Christians escape disaster and accident more often than others. I’ve seem the evil that men can do. Therefore, I will not follow Christ for any promised protection from natural or man made disaster. I will not scoff at amazing survivals nor deny that providence has and continues to work for the good of God's own but I will continue to pray for protection from wicked men and tragedy. Just the same, I will not follow Christ just because he can protect me from accident or catastrophe. I do not believe that God has to bless you with financial prosperity. David said that he "had not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread" and in the deepest needs of this life, that is certainly true but all of us have known good people who have not prospered. Therefore, I will not follow Christ for promised freedom from physical want or hope of affluence. God wills that the mind of Christ be formed in us and there is no doubt in my mind that the Christian's attitudes and actions will be improved by his Christianity, but I will not follow Christ for any promise of personality enhancement or perfection. Why then follow Christ? Why become a disciple of Jesus when life may become more complicated as He so often warned? For one reason alone: In Jesus we get the chance to behold the face of God. He is the truth, the everlasting truth, he is Emanuel God in the flesh. I know that in His life, death, and resurrection, I am redeemed to God, the giver of life. I believe that nothing can separate us from the love of God. He has all power and goodness and I trust Him and His promises. To him, I offer my life, damaged or whole, brief or full of years. It matters not. God is my rock. God is my anchor. He is the one certain thing in an uncertain world. He is to be worshiped, not for my benefit but because HE is worthy. He saves me. When this poor man cried out He heard me. HE saved me. He is my justification. To worship the God of our salvation, to offer sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving; that alone is our vocation. We offer our lives to God, not so as to be healthy, wealthy, or wise, not even so to gain the strength to do great things for Him; we offer our lives to Him because He alone has claim upon us. Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." 2 Timothy 3:12. "If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name." 1 Peter 4:16. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4. What He has promised is that He will never leave us; He will never forsake us, and those who believe in His Son Jesus Christ for salvation will have ultimate victory and nothing "will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:39. True faith is not determined by circumstances. Mature faith believes in the supernatural power of God because "nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37. Mature faith also bows to the sovereign purposes of God. "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28. "For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." Philippians 2:13. Real faith is to center your life on Almighty God. Mature faith believes in the supernatural power of God, and mature faith bows to the sovereign purposes of God. Mature faith is based on the steadfast promises of God and the greatest is this, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16. /episode/index/show/speaklife/id/25135905

Talking about Mercy 11/20/2022

Speak Life Church

TOPICS