Fourthstream - Finding Hope: Recent Episodes
Dave Nadler
Fourthstream.com weekly podcasts are focused on non-religious, kingdom spirituality. Kingdom spirituality: a state of experiencing an authentic connection with God resulting in a satisfied mind. Insights into authentic spirituality: King first - then Kingdom - then church.
Why light and darkness? In this teaching, Dave traces the light and darkness thread from Genesis through the words of Jesus, showing how God brings light, reveals truth, and sends His people to shine in a dark and weary world.
• God separates light from darkness - Genesis 1.1-5 • The lights given for signs, seasons, days, and years - Genesis 1.14-19 • Jesus as the true Light - John 1.9-10 • You are the light of the world - Matthew 5.14-16 • God is Light - 1 John 1.5 • The Lord is my light and salvation - Psalm 27.1 • In Your light we see light - Psalm 36.9 • Your word is a lamp and light - Psalm 119.105 • Jesus, the Light of life - John 8.12
To read, listen, and explore more Fourthstream resources: https://fourthstream.com
Why is there so much chaos? In this teaching, Dave explores how Scripture gives clarity about the chaos in the world, the human heart, rebellion, pride, idolatry, and God's purpose in all things.
• Good and evil in a chaotic world • Redefining truth by lies - Isaiah 5.20 • Rejecting God as King - 1 Samuel 8.7 • The pride of human power - Leviticus 26.19-20 • The father of lies - John 8.44 • Idolatry and the depraved mind - Romans 1.28-32 • God's purpose in bringing all things under Christ - 1 Corinthians 15.28 • Walking worthy of His kingdom and glory - 1 Thessalonians 2.12
To read, listen, and explore more Fourthstream resources: https://fourthstream.com
What are woven threads? In this teaching, Dave explains how the Bible's 60,000-plus cross-references, Spirit-given authorship, context, and original language help us let the Bible interpret itself.
• The prophetic Word made more sure - 2 Peter 1.19-21 • Eyewitnesses of Jesus' majesty - 2 Peter 1.16-18 • The Bible as God's supernatural instrument for speaking • Why Scripture is not a matter of private interpretation • What woven threads are and why they matter • The Spirit of God from Genesis to Revelation - Genesis 1.1-2 and Revelation 22.17-19 • Context, original language, and the "fullness of times" • Encountering the reference, exposing the meaning, and enlightening the heart
To read, listen, and explore more Fourthstream resources: https://fourthstream.com
Why purity? In this episode, Dave explores purity as a question of freedom, bondage, honor, marriage, self-denial, and God's design for human intimacy.
• Purity, freedom, and bondage - Romans 1 •Sexual drive, marriage, children, and intimacy •Pride, arrogance, and impurity entering the human story - Genesis 3 and Genesis 6 •Sin crouching at the door - Genesis 4 •Truth that sets us free - John 8 and John 16 •Purity, honor, and the body - 1 Corinthians 6.18-20 •Sharing in God's glory - Revelation 4.11 and 1 Peter 5.1 •The purity thread - Matthew 5.28, Mark 7.21-23, Acts 15.29, 1 Thessalonians 4.3-7, Hebrews 13.4, Galatians 5.16-19, Ephesians 5.3-4 •Keeping your way pure - Psalm 119.9-11
More Fourthstream resources: Disarming Impurity - https://fourthstream.com/11289/disarming-impurity/ Why Purity and Honor - https://fourthstream.com/12536/s10e12-why-purity-and-honor/
To read, listen, and explore more Fourthstream resources: https://fourthstream.com
What is truth? In this episode, Dave follows an amazing biblical thread through Jesus' words to Thomas, His conversation with Pilate, and the repeated phrase, "I tell you the truth."
• Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life - John 14.1-6 •Pilate asks, "What is truth?" - John 18.33-40 •Before Abraham was born, I AM - John 8.58 •Jesus as the gate for the sheep - John 10.1 and John 10.7 •The kernel of wheat and new life - John 12.24 •The messenger, the Father, and greater works - John 13 and John 14 •Truth, grief, joy, and asking the Father - John 16 •Suppressing truth and trading truth for a lie - Romans 1 •Living the truth in grace, love, and correction - Colossians 1, 2 Timothy 2, James 5, 1 Peter 1, 2 John
To read, listen, and explore more Fourthstream resources: https://fourthstream.com
Is there only one true God? In this episode, Dave explores how God reveals Himself through creation, Scripture, the woven threads of the Bible, and ultimately through Jesus, the Word made flesh.
Creation and the one true God - Genesis 1 No other gods before Him - Exodus 20 The prophetic Word made sure - 2 Peter 1 All Scripture inspired by God - 2 Timothy 3 The I AM and the Ancient of Days Jesus, Abraham, and the Father - John 8 Christ reigning until all things are subject to Him - 1 Corinthians 15 The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit revealed through Scripture God speaking through His Son - Hebrews 1
To read, listen, and explore more Fourthstream resources: https://fourthstream.com
Where did the Jews Come From? In this episode, Dave walks through the biblical story of Israel, Abraham, the written Word, the Messiah, and why the Jewish people matter in God's purposes for the nations.
• Genesis 1-11 and the human story before Israel • Abraham chosen and the promise of faith - Genesis 12 • God swearing by Himself - Genesis 15 and Hebrews 6.13-14 • The Jews entrusted with the oracles of God - Romans 3 • The righteous branch of David - Jeremiah 33.15 • The apple of God's eye - Zechariah 2.8 and Psalm 17 • Israel, covenant, and mercy - Ezekiel 16 • Circumcision of the heart - Romans 2.29 • The children of promise - Romans 9.6-8 • God's purpose for Israel - Romans 9-11
To read, listen, and explore more Fourthstream resources: https://fourthstream.com
Am I a Kingdom Scribe? In this episode, Dave explores Jesus' words in Matthew 13 and what it means to become a scribe, a disciple of the Kingdom, and the head of a household who brings out treasure both new and old.
• King first, then Kingdom, then Church •The Bride of Christ and the Kingdom of God •Every scribe who becomes a disciple - Matthew 13 •Becoming a disciple of the Kingdom of Heaven •The head of a household and spiritual responsibility •Bringing out treasure, things new and old •Doing good, sharing, and building up the Kingdom - Hebrews 13 •Inheriting the Kingdom prepared from the foundation of the world - Matthew 25 •The Bride, the holy city, and the Lamb - Revelation 21
To read, listen, and explore more Fourthstream resources: https://fourthstream.com
What are kingdom rewards? In this episode, Dave explores how kingdom reward is not a spiritual lottery or self-centered prize, but something inseparably linked with honor, faith, humility, and the promises of God.
Adam and Eve, dishonor, and death - Genesis 3 The promise given to Abraham - Romans 4 The promise by faith in Jesus Christ - Galatians 3.22 God swearing by Himself - Hebrews 6 Partakers of the divine nature - 2 Peter 1 Faith, moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love - 2 Peter 1.5-11 The promise of eternal life - 1 John 2.25 Crowns before the throne - Revelation 4 The crown of life and crown of glory - James 1.12 and 1 Peter 5.4
To read the full notes and learn more: https://fourthstream.com
Why submission of self? In this episode, Dave explores why humility, decreasing, and surrendering first place are central to living in the kingdom of God.
John the Baptist and "He must increase" - John 3 The fear of the Lord and the hatred of pride - Proverbs 8.13 Pride, dishonor, and wisdom with the humble - Proverbs 11.2 Pride before destruction - Proverbs 16.18 The lust of the flesh, eyes, and pride of life - 1 John 2.16 Nebuchadnezzar humbled before the King of heaven - Daniel 4 Jesus as first place over all creation - Colossians 1 Choosing humility instead of self-kingship
Watch next: Humility And The Kingdom - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uBkCoVk4RM
To read the full notes and learn more: https://fourthstream.com
What is kingdom courage? In this episode, Dave explores how courage is not self-generated strength, but something formed in us through the power and presence of God.
- God revealed as warrior — Exodus 15
- Courage flowing from the Father — Luke 12
- Waiting on God for strength — Psalm 27
- Jesus as victorious king — Revelation 19
- Spiritual warfare and the armor of God — Ephesians 6
- Fighting with purity, truth, patience, and love — 2 Corinthians 6
- Paul finishing the fight faithfully — 2 Timothy 4
To read the full notes and learn more: https://fourthstream.com
How do we actually live gratefully when life is difficult? In this episode, Dave explores how gratitude is deeply connected to the Kingdom of God, eternal purpose, and a transformed heart.
- Why thankfulness is foundational to Kingdom living
- Hebrews 13 and the "sacrifice of praise"
- 2 Corinthians 4 and the "eternal weight of glory"
- How gratitude impacts our relationships and daily choices
- The connection between belonging to God and living honorably
- Psalms, worship, and rejoicing through difficulty
- Why thankfulness prepares believers to reign with Christ
Scriptures Referenced:
- Hebrews 13
- 2 Corinthians 4
- Colossians 3
- Psalm 9
- Revelation 11
To read the full notes and learn more: https://fourthstream.com
Suffering and honor are deeply connected in the life of faith. This episode looks at how choosing honor before God can shape the way we endure hardship, follow Jesus, and keep eternal perspective.
- Suffering is not always evidence of failure or deficiency
- Jesus suffered because He was honorable and obedient to the Father
- Humility comes before honor — Proverbs 15.33
- Honoring God is central to spiritual identity
- Faith tested by suffering can result in praise, glory, and honor — 1 Peter 1.7
- Present affliction is temporary, but eternal glory carries weight — 2 Corinthians 4.16-18
To read the full notes and learn more: https://fourthstream.com
Humility is more than a virtue—it's a key to the Kingdom. In this episode, we explore how Jesus reveals humility as a pathway to freedom, honor, and true life.
"Poor in spirit" → spiritual dependence (Matthew 5) Repentance = turning from bondage → toward freedom (Matthew 3–4) Humility unlocks the "door" (John 10) Pride traps; humility frees through Christ David's life models returning to humility (Psalm 51) Jesus gives "keys" to the Kingdom (Matthew 16) God opposes pride, gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5) Jesus ultimately holds all authority (Revelation 1.18)
To read the full notes and learn more: https://fourthstream.com
What is your personal kingdom mission? This episode explores how Jesus' mission becomes ours.
- Jesus' purpose → making disciples (Matthew 28.16–20)
- Reconciliation as our shared mission (2 Corinthians 5.18–19)
- Living under Christ's authority, not our own
- Discipleship: go, baptize, teach
- Unique calling: each life shaped for kingdom impact
- Ongoing presence: "I am with you always"
- Motivation: doing good + sharing (Hebrews 13.16)
To read the full notes and learn more: https://fourthstream.com
Praying the Kingdom is about aligning your heart with God's will and priorities, following the pattern Jesus gave.
• Jesus' model of prayer — Gospel of Matthew 6 • "Your kingdom come, your will be done" as the central focus • Intentional prayer reveals God's priorities • Faithful prayer honors God and testifies to others • Kindness in prayer shifts focus from people to spiritual causes • Boldness through Christ — Book of Hebrews 4 • Hope anchors prayer in future promises — Epistle to the Romans 8.24 • Prayer aligns us with God's actions, not just answers • Asking in Jesus' name — Gospel of John 16.23
To read the full notes and learn more: https://fourthstream.com
Organic growth isn't manufactured—it's formed through a living connection with God and others, modeled by Jesus.
Here, we explore what it means to live an organic kingdom life:
Honor as the foundation of true value and relationships Wisdom that flows from God, not the world (1 Corinthians 1.25) Forgiveness as essential to freedom and restoration (Matthew 6.14–15) Dedication to purpose, truth, and alignment with God Justice and kindness as core motivations (Micah 6.8) Living from the inside out through connection with Christ
To read the full notes and learn more: https://fourthstream.com
What does a kingdom marriage really look like?
In this episode, we explore God's design for marriage—placing Him at the center and building a relationship marked by honor, humility, and unity.
In this episode:
- What defines a kingdom marriage
- The 3-way dynamic: God, husband, and wife
- Why honor and humility are foundational
- How unity shifts from conflict → "us vs. the world"
- Scripture anchors: Mark 12.25, James 4, Hebrews 13, 1 Peter 3
- The role of marriage in God's bigger purpose
A clear, Scripture-rooted look at how marriage reflects God's design for family and His Kingdom.
🔗 Read the full notes & go deeper: https://fourthstream.com
This episode explores God's original design for family, rooted in Psalm 127 and Psalm 128, and how redemption restores what was lost.
In this episode:
- The influence of your upbringing and family dynamics
- God's purpose for home and family from the beginning
- Psalm 127: God as builder, protector, and provider
- Psalm 128: blessing, fruitfulness, and generational impact
- The role of parents, marriage, and children in God's design
- What it means to walk in reverence and alignment with God
A reflective look at how God restores and builds homes that reflect His kingdom.
🔗 Read the full notes & go deeper: https://fourthstream.com 📬 Weekly teaching, reflection tools & discipleship info: https://fourthstream.com/coaching 🎙️ For Audio Only Seasons 1-8 check out https://fourthstream.com/spotify
What does it mean to live with true kingdom character? This episode contrasts earthly wisdom with wisdom from above and explores how Christ's character forms within us and flows outward.
In this episode:
- Wisdom from above vs earthly, natural, demonic (James 3)
- Character as lived, not just believed
- The "one another" life: love, serve, bear, encourage
- Peace as the evidence of spiritual maturity
- Transformation from inside out
Kingdom character is not self-improvement—it's Christ formed within us.
🔗 Read the full notes & go deeper: https://fourthstream.com 📬 Weekly teaching, reflection tools & discipleship info: https://fourthstream.com/coaching 🎙️ For Audio Only Seasons 1-8 check out https://fourthstream.com/spotify
What does real community actually look like? In this episode, we explore Jesus' prayer in John 17, where He reveals the foundation of true community—oneness with the Father that leads to meaningful connection with others.
Isolation is common today, but Scripture shows that authentic community grows from truth, shared faith, and a deep relationship with God.
In this episode:
- What Jesus' prayer in John 17 reveals about community
- Why truth is essential: no truth, no community
- How oneness with the Father leads to unity with others
- Recognizing people in our lives as gifts from God
- The "one another" commands that shape kingdom relationships
- Why healthy community flows King → Kingdom → Church
Jesus models a relationship with the Father that becomes the blueprint for how believers experience real connection—with God and with one another.
🔗 Read the full notes & go deeper: https://fourthstream.com 📬 Weekly teaching, reflection tools & discipleship info: https://fourthstream.com/coaching 🎙️ For Audio Only Seasons 1-8 check out https://fourthstream.com/spotify
How Does Spirit Happen for Me?
How does the Holy Spirit become real and active in your life? This episode explores what Scripture teaches about embracing Jesus, receiving the Spirit, and learning to live by His power.
In this episode:
One God, three persons — understanding the Trinity
Why John 14.6 defines the starting point
Receiving the Spirit as the pledge of our inheritance (Ephesians 1)
The Spirit's intercession in Romans 8.26
"Not by might… but by My Spirit" — Zechariah 4.6
A clear, Scripture-rooted foundation for spiritual growth and real transformation.
🔗 Read the full notes & go deeper: https://fourthstream.com
📬 Weekly teaching, reflection tools & discipleship info: https://fourthstream.com/coaching
🎙️ For Audio Only Seasons 1-8 check out https://fourthstream.com/spotify
🎧 Do I Know God?
A personal and searching question. In this episode, we reflect on what it truly means to know God—not just in theory, but in heart, action, and honor.
In this episode:
- The connection between knowing God, hearing His voice, and pleasing Him
- Why humility (Matthew 5) is the doorway to a pure heart
- The role of honor in the two great commandments (Matthew 22.37-40)
- Faith and works in James 2
- Building life on the rock (Matthew 7.24-27)
- Four reflection questions to examine your own pursuit
Knowing God is not a moment—it's a lifelong quest of honor, obedience, and love.
🔗 Read the full notes & go deeper: https://fourthstream.com 📬 Weekly teaching, reflection tools & discipleship info: https://fourthstream.com/coaching 🎙️ For Audio Only Seasons 1-8 check out https://fourthstream.com/spotify
Is Jesus My Healer?
Jesus healed in the Gospels—but does He still heal today? In this episode, we explore what it means to call Jesus my healer—personally, spiritually, and relationally.
In this conversation:
- Jesus' authority to heal in the Gospels
- Emotional and spiritual healing through relationship
- Freedom from bondage (John 8)
- Entering through the Shepherd (John 10)
- The healing thread of Isaiah 61 & Luke 4
- "Two or more" and the pathway to freedom (Matthew 18)
- God's declaration: "I am your healer" (Exodus 15.26)
- Living with eyes fixed above
Healing is not only historical—it is relational, present, and rooted in Christ's ongoing intercession at the Father's right hand.
🔗 Read the full notes & go deeper: https://fourthstream.com 📬 Weekly teaching, reflection tools & discipleship info: https://fourthstream.com/coaching 🎙️ For Audio Only Seasons 1-8 check out https://fourthstream.com/spotify
It is one thing to know ABOUT someone but we go much deeper when we connect through personal knowledge and shared experiences. What are the keys to finding personal connection with God? Is it indeed possible to "hear God's voice" as some people talk about? Are we truly able to walk side by side with God?
This is key:
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
Knowing God is both easy and complex. The more we choose to honor Him the deeper our relationship with Him becomes. By walking side by side with Jesus we find connectivity with our Father.
The Bible appears to indicate that honor, transparency, and fluidity in sharing myself with Him is huge. Our connectivity grows as we choose to honor Him more than we choose to honor ourselves. Easier said than done. And yet this is exactly what Jesus showed and taught us. The more focused we are on honoring Him the more truthful and transparent we become. Think about it. It is kind of dumb to try to hide things from the One Who sees everything. If we choose honor and transparency, we live in a fluid relationship with God. Everything to learn. Nothing to lose. An endless life process of spiritual growth.
We are meant to mature in our faith: "When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:11-13
Pursuit of personal connectivity results in spiritual maturity: "Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil." Hebrews 5:11-14
Can you see the thread?
Jesus spent much time explaining this connectivity to His disciples. To know and follow Jesus is to re-connect with our Father. Honor was everything to Jesus. Transparency with His Father was His complete pursuit. When this becomes a back and forth fluidity we can know we are hearing the Voice of God - just as Jesus did.
Then Jesus cried out in the temple, teaching and saying, "You both know Me and know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know. I know Him, because I am from Him, and He sent Me." John 7:28,29
To think about:
What is the difference between "knowing about" and finding connectivity?
What is the nature of personal knowledge that comes through friendship?
In what ways is it possible for us to share experiences with the Father?
How deep is your desire for honor?
In what ways are you open to being transparent with God, and what brings this about for you?
What are the fruits of connectivity? (Things like Acceptance, Confidence, Peace of mind, and Reassurance.)
Is there any reason this should not be a clear choice for one who is serious about God?
Dave and Burnadette
Related Links (this is deep): From Jesus Centric Series Kingdom Connectivity: The Ultimate Connectivity With Our King
God Treasure is Kingdom Treasure
After teaching His incredibly transferable Kingdom parables (the Sower, the Wheat and the Weeds, the Seed, the Leaven, the Hidden Treasure, the Costly Pearl, and the Dragnet) Jesus makes a curious statement and asks His disciples a question in Matthew 13:51-52.
"Have you understood all these things?" They said to Him, "Yes." And Jesus said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things new and old."
Let's give this some careful thought as we encounter what the God Story says about treasure.
Jesus is crystal clear regarding the perishable and imperishable (Matthew 6:19-24)
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
He then includes a Light and Darkness metaphor:
"The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth." Is He saying that wealth is evil? No. It appears He is once again is commenting on what shows honor.
√ What is capturing your heart? It is very difficult to avoid the concerns of this life, but quite important to keep "a clear eye" with regard to earthly treasures.
√ How do we allow Jesus and His Kingdom to captivate our hearts so that we can be good for the mission of the Kingdom church?
√ Paul talks about making use of the world but not making full use of it. Where do you land on this?
"But this I say, brethren, the time has been shortened, so that from now on those who have wives should be as though they had none; and those who weep, as though they did not weep; and those who rejoice, as though they did not rejoice; and those who buy, as though they did not possess; and those who use the world, as though they did not make full use of it; for the form of this world is passing away." 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
The Treasure Process
"But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs and pains." 1 Timothy 6:6-10
If Jesus has all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden within Himself (Colossians 2:3) - then knowing Him is everything. We exchange what our world can only offer temporarily for the Kingdom circle: Pure Heart, Know God, Do Kindness, Grow Life. These are the treasures which will travel with us into the life to come!
This is interesting: "By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward." Hebrews 11:24-26
It seems to us that God Treasure is our greatest value. Dave and Burnadette
More: On the Kingdom Parables The Kingdom Circle
To our Fourthstream Friends!
It seems timely to dive once again into the Turbulence and Imperfection which appear to be chasing the human family. You can find our book on this subject under Fourthstream.com/Learning/Books.
Clarity from Chaos
Several weeks ago we were rear-ended by a semi on I-80 traveling to share Jesus things at an awesome conference in Cedar Rapids, where we were to speak in the hearing of many serious-minded young men and women. In one moment our entire world turned over. Focus and clarity of purpose were consumed by chaos. Yet our lives appeared to have been spared by the careful, surgical, hand of God. At one point our doctor remarked "did the trucker even slow down at all?" Our car was totaled, all three of us were beaten up, and each with no apparent broken bones or major lacerations (we were told this in the ER in Grinnell). Lots of pain.
In those cold minutes waiting for the ambulances to arrive (30 minutes?) we were communicating our gratefulness and concerns to each other. My son stepped up, my wife held to faith, and I moaned. It was so surreal I had difficulty processing - I really had never experienced such force trauma in all my life experiences. Burney found my heavy coat and put it over me as window and windshield glass fell everywhere. Then we needed to wait. Air bags spent and flapping in the winter wind.
Here is the part I wanted to share with you.
I have never had a near death experience, but as I sat there everything became very white. As I remarked about this (in my blurry, painful, frosty mind fog) I looked over at my son John and told him that his jeans had snow all over them - that they were shining. He and Burney were quiet. Then from the back seat "are you dying?" I responded with the words "I am not sure." And then it hit my heart - it did not matter. My soul was settled. I was ready to take the final steps of this life and move on. Her next words "I love you" were perhaps the last thing I would hear on this earth.
Life is so complicated: birth, growing up, living it all out, and preparing for a final exit. I wanted to let you know that above the pain and fear I felt peace. Jesus is not only the King of the earth, He is MY King. And now I have been given more days to attempt to honor Him from my heart and with the works of my hands. Faith often unfolds in the midst of trouble, right?
So it looks like yet another faith pivot in my life. Deep inside I am both grateful to be alive and longing to move forward. Thanks for being our friends - praying for us - and joining us in the path of Jesus faithfulness. We will see what this next phase entails!
Here is the idea.
"We live within a great paradox. While we work hard to control the circumstances and issues of our lives there are many things which are dictated by realities. These things are not insignificant in their power to impact our peace of mind and our contentment - about where we have come, who we are, and where we feel we are headed.
More often than not life has delivered us some kind of turbulence – even chaos. Imperfection resides everywhere, and pain and uncertainty surrounds us in the form of challenges and disappointments – even within our most cherished hopes and dreams. This unpredictable mix reaches out to cover the end of our journeys as well: what exactly does happen when I die?
It is easy to get stuck on the questions "why me?" or "what did I do wrong?" The God Story reality is that turbulence and imperfection are everywhere. We have no good choice but to look Up.
Worth reasoning through in a very personal way, Dave and Burnadette and John
PURITY IN HONOR AND SURVIVAL AND VICTORY IN LIFEWARNING - THIS IS A LONG AND INVOLVED CONVERSATION - BUT WORTH YOUR TIME!
"I am in my early 70's. Much has changed in the realm of what is pure and what is impure during my lifetime. But then, of course, information has exploded (Daniel 12:4).
We struggle like never before when it comes to our sexuality, our intimacy, and our oneness as a man and a woman. You know this. Those with open eyes understand. There are several anchors in God's Word which are able to help deliver us from being consumed by impurity and lust. This is tricky. But take the time to reason through this for your own welfare - and for those you love.
While this can look different for a man or a woman, we are both offered the opportunity to honor God and one another through our purity choices. This has little to do with being religious and much more with being spiritually free.
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 contains the most focused discussion of honor for God through purity - though the subject is woven throughout the God Story. From it we learn that:
√ It is God's heart for us to be "set apart" in our purity (sanctified) √ Our purity is not merely an issue of body but involves our mind, conscience, heart, and soul. We are apparently "called to this." (intergenerational apology?) √ Sexual purity means we will "possess our vessels" in honor and choose to abstain from immorality. It is not difficult in the Biblical corpus to define purity vs immorality. (open any book of the Bible) √ Setting aside "lustful passions" we are to subject this part of us to honor - both to God and our choices not to "transgress or defraud others." We are "hijacked to this" √ The Holy Spirit given to us when we believe in Jesus allows us to "go over and above" what has become our most natural entrapment.
This is neither a man problem or a woman problem. Let's take a look at the uphill challenge we face.
#1 The Roots of Human Destruction "If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it." - Genesis 4:7 There are relatively very few people at this point in the world. Cain and Abel have much to reveal to us about the new trajectory of man and womankind.
Several textual questions: - What is our countenance? - What does it mean for it to be lifted up? - What does it mean to "do well?" - What does crouching at the door imply/look like? - Why does sin desire me? - How do I "master" it?
#2 The Reality of God's Plan for Purity So here is a mind blower. As you read do not make the mistake I have before where I have thought this is only directed toward a male. Not so. It is for us both. "Drink water from your own cistern and fresh water from your own well. Should your springs be dispersed abroad, streams of water in the streets? Let them be yours alone and not for strangers with you. Let your fountain (digging flow) be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth. As a loving life encounter and a graceful doe, let her breasts satisfy you at all times; be exhilarated always with her love. For why should you, my son, be exhilarated with an adulteress and embrace the bosom of a "calamitous one" not belonging to you?
For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the LORD, and He watches all his paths. His own iniquities will capture the wicked, and he will be held with the cords of his sin. He will die for lack of instruction, and in the greatness of his folly he will go astray." Proverbs 5:15-23
Several textual questions:
- What fountain is being discussed here? - What does exhilaration look like over a day? A year? A decade? Into your 70's and beyond? - What makes a man or woman invite the calamity of adultery into our lives, and what is the scope of this upon a heart, mind, and conscious? - How much importance/focus does God place upon our purity and why? What is His goal for us?
#3 The Partnership of Intimacy Burnadette and I have been partners for over 50 years. We married selfish, but because we have mutually submitted to Jesus we have found oneness. It is a choice, according to Paul - the unmarried one - which belongs to us both. Here is one of the trickiest passages about intimacy. "The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control." - 1 Corinthians 7:3
Some people see this as unenlightened - even neanderthal.
Several textual questions:- What duty is described here? - How does this happen when men and women are so different? - Why the conversation about authority - and why here? - What is the ultimate goal within our hard work in our sexuality (pun intended)?
#4 The Roots of Porn and Immorality - The sons of God and the daughters of men in Genesis 6:1-7. "Now it came about, when men began to multiply on the face of the land, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose. Then the Lord said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, because he also is flesh; nevertheless his days shall be one hundred and twenty years." The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown. Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. The Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. The Lord said, "I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them. But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord."
√ What was the impact upon the seed of Adam (our gene pool - our mind pool? our heart pool?) Is there any doubt that these are angels? √ What was God's response to the condition of those who were to bear His image? √ Why is Noah so key and where does he fit into our lives?
The strategies of Satan in opposing God and His people: exploitation and spiritual death. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." John 10:10 "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8
Confuse. Consume. Divide. Conquer. Devour. Impurity has ancient roots of dishonor toward our Creator. Sexual sin consumes the God-life in us. We overcome personal impurity by overcoming satan's influence in our lives, and dismantling strongholds and lofty things (2 Corinthians 10:3-6).
THIS IS AS OLD AS THE GARDEN STORY
The spirit of Asherah is represented in a Phoenician goddess. One of three: Asherah, Astarte, and Anath - she is emblematic of the choice of any human to replace our Creator with a seductive idol. She is the phallic invitation - note her historic images highlighting her breasts and vagina. Sexual impurity is idolatry and brings many levels of bondage. "She" is destructive and holds people captive and harms and robs everyone who chooses her. She literally drains life from relationships. We are so desensitized to her work we have developed many takes on who she is and what harm and control she exerts when we give our hearts over to her. She must be overcome by God-strength and spiritual warfare (more later).
The Spirit of Jezebel is clear from the Biblical character of the same name. Read about Elijah, Ahab, and Jezebel (1 Kings 16:31; 18-21; 2 Kings 9) and Revelation 2:20. She is manipulative, self-serving, wicked and seductive, and a flesh and blood example of how a person can be a linchpin for evil (prophets of Baal). That any one person can be this evil is telling. Jezebel goes way beyond seduction to slavery. When the spirit of Jezebel is ignored or embraced the descent is inevitable. Can you see her activity and presence in these last 50 years (and beyond)?
Babylon the Whore is summarized in Revelation 17:1-7: "Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying, "Come here, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed acts of immorality, and those who dwell on the earth were made drunk with the wine of her immorality." And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness; and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast, full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was clothed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a gold cup full of abominations and of the unclean things of her immorality, and on her forehead a name was written, a mystery, "Babylon the great, mother of harlots and of the abominations of the earth." And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus. When I saw her, I wondered greatly. And the angel said to me, "Why do you wonder? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns."
In Jordan Peterson's book "We Who Wrestle With God" we ran across this quote and thought it was very insightful into the warfare where we find ourselves against the "whore of Babylon." It helps us with perspective on the roots - and the solution to our dilemma of impurity.
"The key to understanding the nature of the feminine descent into chaos in the biblical text is to be found in identification of the common, uniting and context-establishing theme of habitation in Babylon—the degenerate city that also happens to be the habitation of the matriarch of all whores: "And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, Mystery, Babylon, the Great, The Mother of Harlots And Abominations Of The Earth" (Revelation 17:4-5). It is all the people who inhabit the great but false edifice who become unable to communicate, after all—men, and women with them. What happens when the patriarchal degenerates, and loses its unity; when it cheapens itself, and becomes sinful? The matriarchal loses its higher purposes, as well, fracturing and regressing, making itself subject to the twin forces of power and hedonism that inevitably rise up when the God who, properly reigns above dies, however temporarily.
"The Whore of Babylon is the spirit that makes herself present—even worshiped—when women employ the power of sexual seductiveness as a tool of manipulation and advance and for the purposes of immediate hedonistic self-gratification. This—the degeneration of femininity into commoditized sex—is an inevitable consequence of moral failure on the masculine side, even though it is not something only to be laid at the feet of men. The proclivity for this to occur is an analog to the temptations of the Luciferian intellect.
The immense sexual attractiveness of healthy, beautiful women is a gift or talent that, like intelligence, can go terribly wrong. This is much more likely to occur, of course, when the male community has abandoned its responsibility, not least to abide by the sacred dictates of monogamy—to substitute for that casual pleasure and worship of the power that makes such pleasure at least temporarily more available (albeit only to a few, however unsustainably and unreliably, in the final analysis, even to them). This is not to understate the complicity of women: the temptation to flaunt and profit by what is attractive regardless of consequences, future and social, is a clear and prominent hallmark of female manipulativeness and immaturity. The Dark Triad or Tetrad traits described previously in relation to men predict also, for example, feminine proclivity to trade sex for desired resources (money, most directly) or to avoid the productive and generative responsibility of marriage and motherhood. The "brutish form" referred to is the true identity lurking behind the mask of shallow sexual attractiveness monetized in the present world so often, and in so many diverse forms—all produced, distributed, and purchased by the technological sons of Cain. The full domain of such sin and the all-encompassing span of its nature is revealed within the relevant texts, as well, in other complex manners. First is the association between Babylon and harlotry, per se, which we have already alluded to:
The denigration and exploitation of women (by others and by themselves), particularly on the sexual front, is linked in the biblical corpus and then more explicitly by commentators with the rise of the prideful and technocratic spirit of Babel. This may well be something necessary to reflect upon in a time when technology has allied itself with prostitution in a manner so widespread and pervasive that it is a kind of perverse miracle. Some twenty-five percent of total web traffic involves the dissemination of pornographic material. This is certainly the technologically mediated subjugation of the feminine to the hedonistic and narrowly economic and, more deeply, the alliance of the prostitute (or her virtual equivalents) with the terrible spirit of arrogant irresponsibility characterizing the builders of the eternal Babylon. It was the possibility of broad access to pornographic material that was even one of the driving factors for both the development and widespread instantaneous and enthusiastic adoption of the world wide web.
So why do YOU think immorality is so powerful and invasive into humanity?
STRATEGIC CONVERSATIONS TO COME:
#5 How do we overcome and be victorious in something so prevalent?
We must dive more deeply into:
√ Understanding and engaging in spiritual warfare (and the evil one's current strategies) √ The pursuit of transparency and a clear conscience √ Courageous spiritual confrontation of satan's schemes √ Prayer for protection for my wife and myself and my kids and grands √ Using the sword of the Spirit and the shield of faith for true knowledge and open eyes
We will never be free from this temptation while in these bodies. Yet there is a WAY to "master it."
What a complicated challenge. We get it. In Yet in Jesus we can find victory. Dave and Burnadette
More: Disarming Impurity Pure Heart Finding Hope in This
Throughout the entire Word of God the idea of reigning means God has, does, and will always have dominion. Rulership. He IS the King. His Kingship was displayed throughout all of history and humanity when King Jesus arrived on earth to conquer death.
Paul explains to Timothy that the following statement can be counted on because it represents the truth expressed throughout the Word of God - a "thread" if you will.
"It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us; If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself." 2 Timothy 2:11-13
Let's break this down:
We can count on this statement because it is reflective of the entire story for all the nations. When we surrender our lives to Jesus we die to ourselves. Our self-kingship is over - submitted to the King Himself. When we live steadfastly in the truth we experience endurance. But if we deny the truth of Who He is and what He has accomplished He will deny us. Believing is reciprocal. His work and our work meet (or not). Yet if we find ourselves unfaithful or faithless He is resolute in His faithfulness to us - because to do otherwise He would have to deny Himself inasmuch as He has bought us with such a great price.
The idea that we will "reign with Him forever" is a mind blower.
We can count on this for sure: we WILL accompany Him in death. We will make our forever existence with Him. If we continue to engage His work on earth with our hands we will become kings with Him.
"While they were listening to these things, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because He was near Jerusalem, and they supposed that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately." Luke 19:11
"And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, you will be in authority over ten cities.'" Luke 19:17
When we become a follower of Jesus we enter into His eternal identity. We serve Him because we have already become Kings - apparently destined to reign with Him through faith in the Messiah.
"And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever." Revelation 22:5
This world is going to give way to a new heavens and earth. "But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells." 2 Peter 3:13 "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea." Revelation 21:1
As we said: mind-blower! So to summarize:
√ There is only one true king over the earth
√ He conquered death for all who choose to believe in His name
√ When we "die" by humbling ourselves we come to life
√ If we deny Him He denies us our God-friendship and all it entails
√ If we are weak in faith He holds on to us - because we are a part of Him
√ We then reign forever in a new heavens and earth - we become kings!
A pretty amazing promise! Dave and Burnadette
More: Ultimate Promise A Promise Heart
Doesn't it feel great to come in first place? And it so seldom happens! There is only one first place in any event or competition. Has this happened for you? Exhilarating. Rewarding. For most of us (such as myself) a never experienced event.
No matter how attainable it is the promise of the prize that motivates.
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified." 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
SO SELF-CONTROL APPEARS TO BE KEY. FOCUS. DILIGENCE.
THE ULTIMATE FIRST PLACE
But guess who gets them all!? Every first place. This is probably why it feels so good to win at anything. We are emulating something locked into the image of Adam - and within our Rescuer for sure.
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven." Colossians 1:15-20
HOW HONOR BRINGS US INTO FIRST PLACE
Jesus' whole purpose was to honor His Father. His focus was to always place His Father's will above His own. It is the same for us. It is why: "Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great." Luke 9:48
Our whole purpose is to Honor Him. We find the path of honor by becoming less. "He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30/John the Baptist - cousin of Jesus.
√ How do we find honor with God?
√ How do we give true honor to people?
√ What causes us to live an honorable life?
√ What does honor bring to the life to come? (2 Timothy 2:12)
This kind of honor is character-based - woven with resolve and deep belief about my importance and my worth.
Perhaps first place requires a humility that more often looks like last place. Dave and Burnadette
More: Honor First Things First
When Jesus appeared on earth He engaged 100% in His mission. He was sent by His Father (Father-Son-Holy Spirit) to buy back the lost souls of mankind and to offer escape to every son of Adam and daughter of Eve. He extends Kingdom partnership to any and all who see the need and live out the same heart of rescue Jesus embraced. This is the nature of deep connectivity with the purposes of our King.
Let's break down Jesus' words in Matthew 11:28-29. These words give us incredible practical insight into experiencing connectivity with the King of the earth. "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-29
COME TO ME Walk toward me and follow my ways. Walk WITH me. Choose daily to leave futility and move toward meaning.
WEARY & HEAVY LADEN Move beyond the tough work of being human and the weights of the accumulations of this life. Beyond toil, loss, fear, anger, and hopelessness into the "light" of God.
REST I give you upward satisfaction and hope for an unburdened forever. The meaning you long for is found in following Me, My example, and living out your own faith, hope and love.
MY YOKE Come and lift with me and share (and relieve) the weight of never-ending toil - knowing you are not alone and your strivings have purpose. Together we plant seeds, cultivate the Kingdom crop, and prepare for an incredible eternal harvest.
GENTLE & HUMBLE IN HEART I have come to where you are. I understand you. I forgive your weaknesses and your sin. I AM grace. I bring you your freedom.
EASY & LIGHT My yoke is offered to help make the load bearable. "A yoke is a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two." I am pulling with you and for you.
As we follow Jesus' example we become a community of light: "...for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light."Ephesians 5:8
THE BIG PICTURE WE SHARE IN: Because of the mercies of God we have been included and invited to things beyond our wildest dreams. Paul discusses this in 1 Corinthians 15:20-28. In His resurrection, (has any other religious figure in all of history accomplished such a documented feat of conquering death? - No), we find what no one else can offer. It is in the death of death we find our greatest hope.
"But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ's at His coming, then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death. For He has put all things under His feet. But when He says, "All things are put in subjection," it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him (the Father). When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all."
Following Jesus is all about connectivity. We find the way, the truth, and the life by following in His teachings and His footsteps. We come to Him and invite others to do the same. And there is no pressure in this. "So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth." 1 Corinthians 3:7
Come to Me. This is peace, meaning, and rest to the fullest extent! Dave and Burnadette
More: Come to Me Bridge of Light
Knowing Jesus is very personal. Even though millions have and will believe in Him, every relationship is individual. Unique. Filled with potential for personal honor. Jesus' disciple John watched all of this unfold with his own eyes, and several decades later wrote down his gospel so that we, too, could experience belief that would be able to sustain us in this life and carry us into the life to come.
This growing belief (faith) helps us to interact for our own personal spirituality. John used the word "believe" to describe this in his gospel and his letters. Believe means to entrust ourselves to Him and have confidence in the power and truth of His Words. In this podcast we contemplate what it looks like to have growing faith in Jesus. It doesn't matter what background story you have - your ability to believe is a gift from God - if you want it!
To do this we follow some of the "thread" John includes in his Gospel. This can help us unfold the hundreds of examples and teachings through the stories found in the Word of God.
JESUS IS THE FOOD & WATER OF LIFE
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst." (John 6:35)
"He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'" (John 7:38)
In short (and long) Jesus is the One Who sustains us. We can come to Him for spiritual food (see John 6) and by believing in Him have received the water of life which has been placed within us. This allows us to live lives of continual reconnection with our Father-Creator.
THE GROWTH OF OUR FAITH
"...but if I do these works, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father." (John 10:38)
When speaking with the woman at the well: Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25) So He feeds us spiritual food in this life, sustains us with living water placed within us (the Spirit), and gives us the gift of resurrection after this life is finished. We will NEVER die!
THIS PROCESS BEGINS THE MOMENT WE BELIEVE
We now move into a life based upon Light rather than darkness. No longer are we groping around - we have the lamp of God showing us our path through darkness and into light.
"I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness." (John 12:46) This includes living above and beyond fear, which is a huge gift found through believing. In John 14:1 Jesus says "Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me."
WE BECOME CONDUITS OF LIFE TO THOSE AROUND US
"I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me." (John 17:20)
This is cool:
"The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we also are His children.' "Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man. Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead." (Acts 17:24-31)
Belief in Jesus is a life-giving process that once begun - never ends! I begin to learn about my Father through my believing Jesus connection, and over and over again find myself "...drawing near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)
Lots of turbulence around us for sure! Peace to your believing heart! Dave and Burnadette
More: Read the book: Mentored by God Reasons to Believe
How do you navigate true mysteries? What things are already known? What is becoming known as the story unfolds? While the Word of God is plain concerning most things, there are also aspects of God's will which are filled with unfolding mystery. This occurs on a global scale (no man knows the hour or the day) while throughout time things continue unfolding personally - generation after generation (such as people awakening to God).
About God mystery:
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:8/the first and the last
"And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, Who was and Who is and Who is to come." Revelation 4:8/the true story of time.
At the center of mystery is the Bride of Jesus. This Bride is made up of all who are being purified for the greatest wedding of all time (Then he said to me, "Write, 'Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.'" And he said to me, "These are true words of God." Revelation 19:9)
"Of this church I was made a servant according to the stewardship from God placed upon on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been made plain to His saints. Those whom God willed to make known the nature of the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me." Colossians 1:25-29
Let's return to Matthew and to Jesus' Kingdom parables where He takes the time to present the nature of the Kingdom to His current and future disciples (followers). Each metaphor gives us insight into what He is doing and where we fit into His plans for us - as we find ears to hear and eyes to see. They unfold mystery for each one of our souls.
The Sower (Matthew 13:18-23) teaches us why things are the way they are. Seeds, soil, sower. Hours of meditating for our ears and eyes as we seek to hear and see. The Wheat and the Weeds (Matthew 13:24-31) helps us contemplate why there is so much deceptive turmoil in the world. These "tares" were weeds that were almost indistinguishable from the crop, and ripping them out would wreck the harvest crop. The Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32) Though small it exceeded all seeds in growing power. We function based upon appearance. God considers fruit and crops. The Leaven (Matthew 13:33) Jesus is the mystery ingredient. His Spirit animates our spiritual growth. It transforms the bread. It transforms us. The Treasure (Matthew 13:44) What a great story about value! True treasure means real value. It transforms our approach. Where we set our heart. The Dazzling Pearl (Matthew 13:45-46) This pearl transcended most treasure. It was birthed and grown by God and discovered by men. Once valued it became the apple of this dealer's eye. The Dragnet (Matthew 13:47-50) Here we return to the end of the age when all "fish" will be brought in by dragnet and sorted out.
So many mysteries - so little time. Don't fall into the trap of casting our King and His mysteries as lackluster or boring. When our eyes are open to true value the world of our soul animates!
√ We will reign with Him. (2 Timothy 2:12) √ All things will be made new. (Revelation 21:5) √ We will share His glory. (Revelation 19:7) √ We will know as we have been known! (1 Corinthians 13:12; 1 John 3:2)
Another conversation about The Sower A Garden Song
This is so cool! "Who is the man who fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way he should choose. His soul will abide in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. The secret (circle) of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He will make them know His covenant. My eyes are continually toward the Lord, for He will pluck my feet out of the net." Psalm 25:12-15
Enjoying the unfolding mystery with you! Dave and Burnadette
What does it mean to see with spiritual eyes?
Because we are created in God's image we have body, soul, spirit, heart, mind, and conscience. From this amazing mixture comes our ability to live out His greatness. When Adam and Eve disobeyed the Lord God we dishonored Him. Our inherent greatness would now become a millstone of self-perpetuation and arrogance. We would no longer see the world through our God-eyes. Paul summarized this well:
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures." Romans 1:18-23
In Isaiah 6:1-3 we find the prophetic backdrop for all Jesus did to rescue mankind. "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners; to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord..."
In the prophets we find the root reason and purpose for the miracles of Jesus. "Now hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see; who have ears but do not hear. Do you not fear Me?' declares the Lord. Do you not tremble in My presence?" Jeremiah 5:21-22
"Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Son of man, you live in the midst of the rebellious house, who have eyes to see but do not see, ears to hear but do not hear; for they are a rebellious house." Ezekiel 12:1,2
God wants us to have open spiritual eyes and ears.
Notice that the only two-step miracle of Jesus occurs in context of this same "eyes and ears" quote from the prophets in the book of Mark:
And they came to Bethsaida. And they brought a blind man to Jesus and implored Him to touch him. Taking the blind man by the hand, He brought him out of the village; and after spitting on his eyes and laying His hands on him, He asked him, "Do you see anything?" And he looked up and said, "I see men, for I see them like trees, walking around." Then again He laid His hands on his eyes; and he looked intently and was restored, and began to see everything clearly. And He sent him to his home, saying, "Do not even enter the village." Mark 8:22-26
Now return to Isaiah 9: "The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land - the light will shine on them...For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His dominion or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this."
What does all of this mean?
√ Jesus explains to His disciples why He speaks in parables. (Matthew 13:10-17/He wants us to see and hear) √ He gives the parable of the sower so we can understand the "big picture." √ He then explains the mysteries of the Kingdom: (sower), wheat and the weeds, the mustard seed, the leaven, the treasure, the magnificent pearl, and the fishing net √ Jesus discusses this in Revelation 2-3 as He explains Kingdom connection to the Church.
At the end Jesus asks a key question for all of us:
"Have you understood all these things?" They said to Him, "Yes." And Jesus said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things new and old." Matthew 13:51-52
We will return to this passage as we complete our series (in a few weeks :)
These Kingdom parables are huge. We must understand them. Meditate upon them. Integrate our lives into the truths Jesus presents in them.
Simple yet complex. Understandable yet so deep. A gift to the sons of Adam and Eve - a gift to you!
The Sower Went Out To Sow The Song of the Wind
Here's to open eyes to see and ears to hear for ourselves and our neighbors! Dave and Burnadette
For many the image of the word "repent" has negative connotations. Finger pointing. Judgment. Fear. But what if the original word itself is consulted? We then find that repent means a change of mind. A change of purpose. A new perception.
John the Baptist: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 3:2 Jesus the Son: "From that time Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 4:17
So it appears that our turning away results in a freedom of turning toward. We leave one focus and begin to turn the eyes of our heart toward another. For one who follows Jesus - this literally connects us with the power of God so we may return to our original identity and purpose lost in the fall of Adam and Eve.
Why is this important? For one, it is very personal, and allows us to reach outside of ourselves for help. It also allows us to escape any misplaced hope in religion or other deficient man-promises. And finally, it invites us to enter into a life of moving in and out within our supernatural connectivity with God.
So Jesus said to them again, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly (expansively)." John 10:7-9
I am here. Turn away from the futility of self. Turn toward Me. Come to Me and I will give you rest. I will share your burdens and carry you when you are weighed down. Sound familiar?
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
Oxen were yoked together in pairs to maximize strength and cooperation. Jesus is literally saying He is willing to be "yoked" with us so our weights are distributed with His power to pull the load of our lives. So amazingly cool.
Some key spiritual steps: √ Invite Jesus to be Lord over your life. √ Begin to read about Him in the Gospels. √ Find a printed Bible that makes sense for you. √ Begin to ask God with what it is He wants you to know about yourself and about Him.
This will enhance and simplify your process of turning away and turning toward. Easy peasy.
If you are just getting started go here. If you want a bigger backdrop go here. If you want a deeper talk with God go here: 40 Days in the Gospels. If you are looking for a Bible that matches up with Fourthstream click here
God is deeper than we can possibly imagine - yet He is incredibly accessible! Go to the coaching tab if you would like to talk through your own plan for going deeper.
Enjoy and grow deep roots! Dave and Burnadette
Probably the best Kingdom example we have from history is found in King David's story from the Bible. David was a "type" of the One Who was to come. This is why his story prepares us not only for the arrival and nature of Jesus - the King of the earth, but also for the Kingdom His followers will share with their king. We will reign with Him!
There are many specific prophecies and words that prepare the Jews (and the entire earth) for the coming King. What is cool about this is that David experienced a heart unique in scripture and among the world of kings. This is why so many of his "songs" have been recorded for us: we are given insight into the heart of the coming King Jesus. About 100 of the 150 recorded Psalms originate from the instrument and heart of the shepherd King.
From his "songs" we learn many things about living out the Kingdom. Here are a few.
You belong to me. "The earth is the Lord's, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it. For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood and has not sworn deceitfully. He shall receive a blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of those who seek Him, Who seek Your face — just as Jacob did. Selah (I lift this up)." Psalm 24:1-6
√ A follower of this King will bend his or her will to His Words and His greatness. √ He or she will develop a wisdom that differs from culture structures. √ While we may be productive workers, it is the blessing of God which will remain. √ Is this your chosen trajectory for living?
I am shelter in the Storm. "Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were born or You gave birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God." (Psalm 90:1,2) "So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12) "Let Your work appear to Your servants and Your majesty to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; and confirm for us the work of our hands. Yes, confirm the work of our hands." (Psalm 90:16-17)
√ Shelter is the nature of God and the story of the Bible. √ His shelter is the goal of our lives - living under His wings - finding refuge. √ Have you found this kind of shelter for your heart and soul? √ In what ways does peace reign inside of you?
Forgiveness is My heart. David's imperfections were evident. He was a man just like us. Psalm 51 (song) reflects upon his adultery and murder and upon God's forgiveness and cleansing.
"Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified when You speak and blameless when You judge." Psalm 51:1-4
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors (like me) Your ways, and sinners (like me) will be converted to You." Psalm 51:10-13
√ What does it mean to need to experience being "washed"? √ What happens when our hearts become clean and our spirit is willing to follow? √ How does failure qualify as an asset when it comes to helping others follow God?
Whenever you read Psalms (and you should do this often) you are looking for gritty connections such as those found in the story of the shepherd King. "Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living God." 1 Samuel 17:36/Goliath
Here are some Psalm links to help you connect! Dave and Burnadette
David and his big picture. Psalm 2: Kiss the Son Deeper in the Psalms
If you look up the meaning of the word organic you will find “living, animated, and authentic.” The word Kingdom means “a realm of influence - both of living organisms or groups of people.”
Over the last several years we have learned some things we would have preferred to experience in a tech download. It appears, however, this part of our journey was meant to occur in order to acquire deeper wisdom. Those who read the words of Jesus and His Father know that knowledge is a life-long journey gift, but wisdom arrives through deep testings of the soul and many experiences. Challenges and troubles are used to purify us if we are receptive and willing to allow our great God access to our lives, minds, and hearts.
Peter the Jesus follower gives many insights into this connectivity inasmuch as he 1) gave up everything to follow Him, and 2) was a witness to most if not all of Jesus’ displays of mighty power, and 3) found acceptance and purifying after letting his King down in the most comprehensively humbling of ways (his denial of Jesus). From his first letter we are taught things he learned from his own process, things which he passes on to all who have chosen to “follow.”
Notice the "forever life context" given in Peter's first letter: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This gives us an inheritance which is imperishable and unstained and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been caused pain by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:3-9) This is God’s part.
The My Life Context: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit and be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brothers and sisters who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:6-11) This is my/our part. Note both passages speak about suffering in our journey.
Is there anything more encouraging than to know what God wishes us to know, and to “fight the good fight” of continuing to live intentionally in faith, hope, and love? His Kingdom is everywhere, His power is inside of us and everywhere around us, and nothing can snatch us out of His hands. Priceless.
So how do we live organically and authentically effective in faith?
√ Embrace King - Kingdom - Church over any man-made religion
√ Give devoted attention to the cultivation of your faith, setting aside distractions and temporary things
√ Learn how to consult the woven threads of scripture to allow the Word to interpret itself
√ Develop your own foundation built upon the characters of faith provided in the God Story
√ Associate with other men and women who desire the same trajectory and who model depth of pursuit
The Jesus formula:
√ King first: His coming is and was everything (fullness of times). √ Next Kingdom: Turn away and turn toward √ Then Church: Participate in the building of the church - embracing becoming a pure, spotless Bride.
- Ephesians 5:15-32 teaches us the God-man relational matrix!
- Ephesians 5:25-32 - Explain why our families are reflective of the God family
- It is a privilege to walk with those who overcome through humility and faith.
Thank you for living and loving organically! Dave and Burnadette
More: Kingdom Book All About the Kingdom
This podcast season may be a stretch for you. It is for many. For context we must keep in the forefront what we learn from Jesus in His gospels about His Kingdom. Church is only mentioned a couple of times in the four gospels while the Kingdom is spoken of over 100 times. So everything Jesus said and did concerning the church flows from this pattern: King First - then Kingdom - then Church.
Kingdom Organic traces the unfolding roots of the calling out and purifying of the Bride of Christ. The King of the earth has arrived to save the souls of mankind. Mankind had failed. God's people (the Jews) and her leaders had failed. Our false religions and human secularism were empty shells. Jesus was sent because all hope was gone. "For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly." (Romans 5:6) Both King and Kingdom had now arrived - just as the Law, the prophets, and the Psalms foretold.
The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Turn away and turn toward, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:2/Isaiah 40
From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Turn away and turn toward, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17/Isaiah 9
When Jesus taught His disciples to pray it formed the basis for organic spirituality.
It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.” And He said to them, “When you pray, say:
‘Father, holy is Your name. Your kingdom come. Give us our daily bread each day. And forgive us our sins, as we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’”
Then He said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and goes to him at midnight and says to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and from inside he answers and says, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ “I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened. Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”
So the organic Kingdom is all about connectivity with the King. We can ask. We can seek. We can knock. We can receive.
The entire God Story is one relational account after another of individuals within all nations searching for and finding our God connection. Or running away. Or shaking our fist at Him.
This is why we look for the way, the truth, and the life revealed in Jesus. How do we discern and then connect with spirituality that transforms our hearts and the hearts of others?
Some questions: √ What is your picture/experience of the nature of personal God connection? √ How do you find you hear God's voice regarding your own journey? √ In what ways is your faith formulaic? √ In what ways is your faith intuitively connective?
Jesus said to them, “Every scribe (someone who cares) who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven (someone who activates) is like a head of a household (one who finds and applies vision), who brings out of his treasure things new and old (one who is fruitful).” Matthew 13:52
You and I are free to 1) avoid God, 2) choose religious effort, or 3) discover the connectivity that comes by embracing The Way of Jesus, the Truth of Jesus, and the Life of Jesus.
Make sense? Dave and Burnadette
More: The Garden Song
What am I looking for right now? What is it that is not working? In what ways am I disillusioned? Hungry? Thirsty. Fearful? At peace?
THIS IS BIG: How do hope, fear, and faith overlap?
√ Where does true hope originate? It is a supernatural gift given by God.
√ In what ways does fear kill hope? We are predisposed (our human nature) to choosing fear - which consumes our hope.
√ In what ways does faith unlock personal peace of mind?
There is a time-tested and quite effective mechanism for people to find hope. It can help settle fears, find clarity, and stimulate freedom for an honest, transparent, and hopeful heart.
First:
√ The idea that all religions are the same or equal is simply false. Jesus’ Kingdom has proven to have come from God - century after century.
√ The thought that Christianity was Jesus’ religion of choice is simply inaccurate. His devotion was Father-centric.
√ Finding hope goes much deeper than achieving happiness. Hope imagines an amazing destination - and counts on God to bring us safely home.
Jesus said to (Thomas), “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father as well; from now on through Me you know Him, and have seen Him.” - John 14:6-7
Because the Son was at the Father’s side when the world was created, their plan for arrival on earth in human form brings three very important things together. If we know how we are going (the Way Jesus walked) and wish to have genuine success in getting there (via the Truth) then we will experience (the Life) - which is the prize of the entire God Story. Genesis 1 is the account of the unfolding of all life. The Revelation prophecy explains how Jesus (our Creator and Judge and Savior) will bring the gift of a return to the Garden of God (Paradise).
It is not so much that we need to find our way to God but rather our eyes must be opened to the fact that God is actively pursuing us. The Father, His Son Jesus, and His Holy Spirit are working together to bring about our personal experience of finding our way back to our true identities - as sons and daughters of God Most High.
In speaking with Zaccheus (a hated tax collector) in Luke 19 Jesus says, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, (Zaccheus) is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” All sons of Adam and Eve (humanity) and of Abraham and Sarah (Hebrews) are LOST.
The Way has little to do with religion and everything to do with walking the path and example of how Jesus walked. He showed us our way through love - and this perfect love overcomes fear. 1 John 4:18 makes this plain: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love throws out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.” (perfected: brought to life) Walking the Jesus’ Way casts out fear.
It is common for people to say “that’s just your truth.” In God's realm there is only One Truth, and it is in this realm we live - despite our words and perspectives. This truth is written in what is made (Psalm 19), in the person of Jesus Himself (Colossians 1), and through disclosure of the Word of God through the Holy Spirit (John 14:21; Hebrews 1:1-4).
According to Paul we are all gifted with life (Acts 17:22-31). And He said to him, “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” (Matthew 19:17) This is why we must be born a second time.
Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water (first time) and the Spirit (second time) he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
This is not a merely a clever religious or church metaphor. It comes from the mouth of Jesus - God’s Son. It runs deeper than any identifying platitude - and it cuts to the heart of finding life that will never end. That is something worth looking for. Does it overlap with your current journey thoughts? What are you looking for right now? Hope? Faith? Direction?
Dave and Burnadette and friends
"The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8)
There are reasons Jesus uses this descriptive analogy. If we are to find God we must do so through God's wind - His Holy Spirit. This God Story thread begins in Genesis 1:1,2 and completes in Revelation 22:17.
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters."
"The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost."
Music: listen here
Between these two "bookends" the work of His Holy Spirit is seen in every word and every chapter of His God Story. Here are just a few things about the Spirit:
In Isaiah 11:2 we find that Jesus is the wisdom of God. "The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord."
In Matthew 3:11 (after we are told how Mary conceived Jesus in Matthew 1:18) John the Baptist explains how we will be impacted: “As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."
When Jesus speaks with the Jewish leader Nicodemus He blows his mind:
"Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
Nicodemus said to Him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things?" John 3:1-10
Amazing.
You may wish to acquaint yourself well with chapter 5 of the book of Revelation regarding "the wind." "I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a book written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look into it. Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it; and one of the elders said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.”
Consider:
√ The Spirit of God was there when Jesus was conceived.
√ The Spirit was upon Him when He was teaching in the temple at age twelve.
√ The Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted.
√ Jesus gave the Spirit to His followers (and the world) at Pentecost (Acts 1)
When you and I have our eyes opened through Jesus it by the Spirit of grace:
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." John 14:15-18
Does this make sense to you? Is this how you are learning to live?
Singing the Song of the Wind with you, Dave and Burnadette
More: A Cool Song: The Song of the Wind The Wind
Our God IS Shelter! Under Shelter courses you will find five different yet integrated paths for growing in the depth of God’s Shelter. There are videos and notes featuring the authors/teachers at Storiesofshelter.com. To join this community click on the join button.
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19 Principles: The Heart of What Jesus Taught His FollowersSome of the most central teachings of Jesus - both for personal growth and helping others.
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God’s Man/God’s Woman: Making It CountFinding the integrated teaching of Jesus on men and women building the Kingdom of Heaven together.
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Strong Home Legacy: Leaving Your Mark On The WorldA deep dive into what God (Who IS family) teaches us about family honor and satisfaction.
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Jesus As Healer: Living A Life of Spiritual FreedomHow we can live a life of freedom rather than bondage to fear, anger, lies, and uncertainty.
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Over/Next: Help When People Suffer LossWhen the worst happens what do we do? Over/Next brings real solutions to the most painful things in our lives.
Here are links to other Fourthstream classrooms you may find helpful:
The God Story The Kingdom Deeper
Other Kingdom podcast seasons include:
S1 Spacious Places
S2 The War
S3 Turbulence in Imperfection
S4 Kingdom Core: 19 Principles
S5 God’s Man/God’s Woman: Making It Count
We can never reach the depths of the Living God, but we can swim in some pretty nourishing waters!
Also included is a list of some excellent foundational books.
Dave and Burnadette
More: Perfect!
Jesus instructed His followers (disciples) to make disciples just as He did. Let’s break this down a bit. This comes from Matthew 28:16-20.
#1. “But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated.” It is important to note that Jesus remained on earth 40 days after His resurrection (Acts 1: 3). “To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God.” 40 Days. Hundreds and even thousands of eyewitnesses assembled by Luke the doctor! There was no doubt in the eyes of His followers that an explosion was occurring. There was much work to be done by His disciples and followers who would join them in the wake of this once-of-a-kind event. Note what Paul said about this: “After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep (died)...” (1 Corinthians 15:6) The evidence for a resurrected Jesus was massive. And He keeps popping up.
#2. “When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful.” Think what this must have been like for these simple fishermen. Each day for four years they were acclimating to literally the most amazing things that ever had or ever would occur on the earth. This is represented for so many others in the words of the disciple Thomas: “So the other disciples were saying to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” (John 20:25) “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying,
#3. “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” Jesus is saying He is here bringing the authority given Him by His Father. This is more than the founding of a massively impactful religion. It is the authority of God unleashed into generations through thousands of years until He returns. Huge. If the Father’s authority is sufficient to raise the dead perhaps it is unlimited, right? And when we walk in Jesus we walk in the Father’s authority.
#4. “Because of this go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you...” We are to do as He has done. And more than this, we are to do it alongside His example and in the power of His Spirit. We share the yoke of our Kingdom load with Jesus Himself. “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) So the authority is His. The example is His. He calls us to follow in His steps.
#5. “... and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Jesus is not asking His followers to go it alone. We have Him. We have each other. And through His Spirit we have His strength and His presence. “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” What more can our great God do for us?!
Being a disciple is a beautiful thing. Joining Him in making disciples through our own lives is a privilege of expansive proportions. Think about it! “And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, you are to be in authority over ten cities.’ ” Luke 19:17
√ Are you all in? Do you feel worthy? √ Do you know what you need to know? Do you feel able? √ Are you prepared to give everything for the sake of this call? Are you overcoming distractions?
Following the Shepherd right along with you, Dave and Burnadette
More: Making Kingdom Disciples Fourthstream Discipleship
The entire Bible has been given to us so we may know God, understand a life of God- honor, and live in a manner "worthy" of the One Who created us. Six times in the letters the words "manner worthy" are used to describe the walk of a God follower. It means we honor God (As well as ourselves) by placing honorable weight upon our great God. Let's think through what Paul taught the Philippians in 3:1-21. It will help illuminate the concept of the call to knowing God. This carries on the conversation about Engage Training from the last episode. Useful to us for sure!
"Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you." Paul had been around the block both as a Jew and as a follower of Jesus. While he understood many complicated things (check out the letter to the Romans) he always returned to the heart of the Gospel. He speaks about this in every letter! So to have a "knowing God" mechanism to focus him in the wild events of his everyday crazy was a "safeguard" for him - and all who follow Jesus.
He does not mince words on the challenges: "Beware of the dogs (those who oppress others for personal benefit), beware of the evil workers (those who devise evil plans without regard for either human or God value), and beware of the false circumcision (Jews who live in hypocrisy related to the Word of God); for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh. Crazy right? He then goes through his spiritual pedigree: "Although I myself might have confidence even in my flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless." Dang. This man is certified and dangerous. He is not bragging, of course, but setting up a contrast.
(3:7-11) "But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." We don't have enough time here to unpack this, but Knowing Him and His power is what made this wild man tick. And by wild, we mean wild at heart.
So, Paul's goal for the Philippians was the same as he had for himself. √ What is your God-mechanism for staying connected to God? (3:1-6) √ In what ways are you able to discern between "dogs" and "evil workers?" (7-11) √ What ways and at what levels do you value "knowing God?"
Paul pauses to add some clarity. This is not merely about attaining but also about pursuing! (12-15)
"Not that I have already obtained it or have already become "perfect" (to complete the journey of faith), but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained."
√ Again - it is ALL about the upward call to knowing God.
Paul returns to the dicey nature of our journey in verses 17-21.
"Brothers, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have seen in us. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose 1) end is destruction, 2) whose god is their appetite, and 3) whose glory is in their shame, 4) who set their minds on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has to subject all things to Himself."
Boom! We pursue knowing Him now because our coming conformity with His glory is unimaginable to us in our present state. So Paul is describing a spiritual reality we can pursue to find satisfying meaning in our quickly unfolding lives. And it is so much more than sitting in a pew!
Knowing God is the goal of Kingdom spirituality. Know the King. Embrace Kingdom living (as He and His followers define again and again). And BE His loving and spotless Bride. For our Day will come. Let's finish strong!
Episode 1: First King - Then Kingdom - Then Church Episode 2: What is the Kingdom to You? Episode 3: Finding Hope Podcasts Episode 4: Kingdom Structural Episode 5: Stories of Shelter Episode 6: Strategies for Weekly Connectivity Episode 7: Kingdom Coaching Exploratory Episode 8: Strategic Plan 1/Cultivating Deeper Episode 9: Strategic Plan 2/Jesus Centric Episode 10: Strategic Plan 3/Engage Training Episode 11: The Call to Knowing God Episode 12: The Call to Make Disciples Episode 13: Some Excellent Kingdom Books Episode 14: Song of the Wind
How do we know we are knowing God? √ Based upon our knowledge of the Words He has given us in the God Story √ Based upon our reflective connection and obedience to what He has proclaimed true √ Confidence in our own non-religious heart of devotion to Him
Like our friend Brent says: "Fortis Perago" - let's finish strong - in the knowledge of God Most High!
Dave and Burnadette
The Kingdom In The Gospels: Book The Kingdom Conversation: More
When Jesus announced His Kingdom He began to select a group of men and women who would follow Him by pursuing the example He had shown them and the Words from His Father He had communicated. This included a number of things reflected in the amazing display of "God coming near" (Immanuel) to save humanity from futility (our lives counting for nothing) and judgment for falling short of the image we were created to honor and multiply within each of our lives. Here are some of the threads Jesus taught in the word and works of His hands:
√ Integrating what they knew or did not know about connectivity with Creator God. “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." (John 14:15) Jesus spent much time explaining what knowing and pleasing the Father looked like.
√ Facing who Jesus was with humility, honor, and resolve. “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." (John 12:24) "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6,7) “He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30) We are God's kingdom seeds in the world.
√ Embracing the same "why" He was tasked with when sent to earth by His Father. “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love." John 15:9 “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you." (John 15:13-14)
√ Leaving our "nets" and choosing to follow Him. And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him." (Matthew 4:19-22) There is so much which captures our attention and imagination in a life time. Fishing for men really should be very prominent.
√ Engaging in the hard work of the Kingdom. Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore fervently ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:36-38) “You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me. In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Paul in Acts 20:34-35) Jesus calls this putting our hand to the plow: But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:22
√ Persevering faithfully (though imperfectly) to the end. "Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you." (1 Timothy 4:16) This is all about value. If we VALUE Who He IS and what He has DONE for us, we will honor Him over and over.
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
√ Looking forward to the reward His Father holds for all who serve Him in word and deed. Then Peter said to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?” And Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last; and the last, first." (Matthew 19:27-30)
There have been many great things written about what it means to engage as a disciple of the Kingdom. We began to sort through these things years ago and landed on what we call "Engage Training." We have taken the teachings of Jesus and the encounters and experiences of His disciples and contemplated them organically and systematically to provide an approach to being a "scribe" of the Kingdom. This allows one to participate in the work and glory of God, and most of all to hear the words "well done."
“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master." Matthew 25:23
Jesus invites us into what He and His Father are doing. So cool. John 5:17: But He answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.” (John 5:1-47 deserves to be read and absorbed concerning His words in John 5)
Time invested in working through the Engage Training course will reap huge benefits in the days ahead! Here is the link: 25 conversations about becoming and living as a disciple of the Kingdom.
If you wish to discuss this and tailor your own plan, reach out at 4@fourthstream.com. Peace upon your heart and soul! Dave and Burnadette
This diagram tracks the recurring woven threads throughout God's Word (over 62,000 connections!). As you consider your personal strategic plan for spirituality we have considered:
√ King First - then Kingdom - then Church/what Jesus taught about spirituality
√ Cultivating Deeper/skills for unlocking the Word
Today we discuss the big picture on the Word of God, and what we like to call Jesus-Centric. What this means is that the entire Bible revolves around the person Jesus. Genesis 1-11 and the human story. Genesis 12-52 and God's choice of Abraham (Israel) to redeem the nations through Messiah (Savior, satisfaction for our sin, and Son of the Living God). Through the words of Moses (imperfect deliverer and the one who encountered Yahweh within the burning bush) - Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Then we add the conquest via Joshua, the Judges and Ruth, and the Kings and the prophets.
400 years of silence and then the appearance of King Yeshua (Jesus) and His Kingdom which was finally "at hand." Next the launching of the Church who would be prepared through the centuries to eventually become the spotless Bride of Christ. The letters (Acts - Revelation) give us encouragement and perspective, as well as representing the clear realities of who we are to be and where we are headed.
Jesus Centric is an academic and experiential journey through the One Woven Story. From such pursuit we learn to allow the Bible to interpret itself. NOWHERE in either the old or new testaments are they called the old and new testaments. This is often transposed with the old and new covenants found in Jeremiah 31:31; Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25; 2 Corinthians 3:6; and Hebrews 8:8,13; 9:15; 12:24. This is a perfect example of one of the woven threads we are talking about, and a classic example of exceeding what is written. There are not two stories. Only one.
How many people do you know who have consulted the Word of God apart from religious pursuit? Many people have read through the Bible, but in our experience fewer have reasoned through the Bible. The Word of God is true. It is clear. It is supernaturally connective. Jesus Centric is 28 study episodes which help you make use of the entire God Story as backdrop for your personal spirituality, and to help others make sense out of their own journeys.
Even as you read this there is a slim chance you will be one of whom Jesus calls a scribe of the Kingdom - but you CAN BE!
And Jesus said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” (Matthew 13:52)
√ A scribe is motivated to understand and apply truth. √ A head of a household steps into his or her spirituality. √ What is treasure new and old?
Let's find out! Dave and Burnadette Nadler
If you wish to discuss this and come up with your own plan, reach out at 4@fourthstream.com
Finding our first King - then Kingdom - then Church balance is important for our spirituality. Obviously we have given this much thought, but you should investigate this yourself. Our purpose for pursuing this was to make sure we were prioritizing how we invested our time, our talents (gifts), and our treasures (resources).
Having an effective and growing strategic plan for spiritual life it is imperative to set markers which come from the Word of God you can use as your compass throughout your journey. We've tweaked this allot through the years, but having a plan for cultivating deeper is key. Deeper can simply be defined as where we go in God. Because our Creator is unlimited we have plenty of room to go deeper, and this begins with finding our own Word compass. This is the intent of most spiritual training (church programs, Bible schools, and seminary training). It is interesting that the Jews were well educated at the time of Jesus, and yet here is what is said about His disciples (after Jesus had risen from the dead and ascended to Heaven):
"Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus." Acts 4:13
√ What were the observations about the disciples? √ What was their primary qualifier? √ How does this differ from men and women who want to follow Him in discipleship as well?
It seems that "being with" Jesus is what fuels Kingdom spirituality.
This is why we have churches, schools, and seminaries. It is why as they grew up the Jews were taught Torah (the Law and prophets and the Psalms), and then for life decisions as they came into adulthood. The religious leaders were all trained this way, yet Jesus' conflict with them far exceeded His issues with Roman rulers.
This leads us to the conclusion that what made Jesus' disciples effective for the Kingdom was predicated upon His Father being with Him. How can we duplicate such a growth environment? It seems we must dedicate a significant part of who we are to being "with" Him. This means we MUST go DEEPER into His Word to develop the kind of connectivity that is empowered by the relationship we have described in previous podcast sessions: through His Son Jesus, His Word, and through His Holy Spirit. This is the ultimate "God honor."
To design a deeper plan for your spirituality you must include significant dedication to knowing the Word of God and allowing the Bible to interpret itself. When we learn to follow and consult the woven threads of scripture there is little wiggle room regarding proper interpretation (which addresses the "that's just your interpretation" argument). This means a "scribe of the Kingdom" must not only be motivated but also learn and apply skills which allow best interpretation based upon original intent of language and context. Such context is both immediate (the chapter and book or letter in which you are reading) and panoramic, in that we take into account the context of the entire Word of God on a particular thread (such as obedience, faith, sin, hope, Jesus, the future, etc). Make sense?
If you have a desire to grow and hone such skills we offer a course in the Fourthstream nav bar titled Deeper. It comes with a number of video teachings and a workbook to allow this to happen for you, and to prepare you to help others do the same. We often refer to this process:
Encounter the Reference/take the time and have a plan. Expose the Meaning/flow, words, context, and intent. Enlighten Your Heart/What did it mean to them/what does it mean to you?
Once you have completed this course feel free to reach out at 4@fourthstream.com with any questions, observations, or strategic conversations.
Here is the link to the course. You can print a pdf guide for free or order a printed booklet. The video teachings are in the section links within the course.
Enjoy the adventure! You won't regret it. Dave and Burnadette
There are many ways of being mentored in spirituality. While this may come from significant people in our lives, books we read or study, favorite music et al, I have found that the Spirit is Jesus' voice inside of me is the most substantial. He is always ready to teach me and shape me and lead me in the direction Jesus wants for me.
“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you." John 16:13-15
And then there is this:
"In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with (connection) longings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He prays before the Father for the holy ones according to the will of God." Romans 8:26-27
So - mentoring is guiding in helpful ways which lead us to becoming the selves God has made us to be, and coaching is having an experienced voice in my corner, always teaching, inviting and encouraging me toward "the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Which will always result in the best me.
FOURTHSTREAM LEARNING & COACHING
We have experience and knowledge for understanding the Kingdom life Jesus taught and lived. King first - then Kingdom - then Church. This is the Jesus model for honor and success in the eyes of His Father.
Our Finding Hope Podcast connects you each week with encouraging focus and usable resources. You can watch weekly on our on-line community Storiesofshelter.com as well as at Fourthstream.com. We study and process over 600 podcasts and teachings which you may find to be quite helpful in your personal process. We offer several options of intensity.
√ Our Finding Hope podcasts post each Tuesday. Here we select an aspect of Kingdom living and review what the woven threads of the Word of God have to say about it. These podcasts are available without subscription and can be found anywhere you make your podcast choices, or on the homepage at Fourthstream.com or Storiesofshelter.com. We follow up each Friday with study notes when you opt in to our weekly Friday e-mails. And our on-line Storiesofshelter.com community associates you with others who are pursuing Shelter from the King of the universe. These are offered for free.
√ Our monthly membership gives you access to a forum for asking questions about the Bible and the Kingdom, whether you are new to following Jesus or well down the road. Join up and reach out with questions, thoughts, and advice on the issues of your life. We also host a members bi-monthly Zoom discussion forum where we dive into pertinent conversations as we strive to go where Jesus wants us to go. Sign up at $30 per month.
√ We also connect individually with a number of motivated people each month either personally or via Zoom per proximity or availability. It gives you a feedback loop on what you re processing in your spiritual life.
1) we help you assess your spiritual desires in context of your current circumstances
2) we help you design your personal plan for living deeper
3) together we implement a strategy that moves you step by step to where you want to be
4) and we also offer our Storiesofshelter.com community where you can access hopeful interaction
This kicks off with a no-cost 30 minute call to determine options and fit.
You can inquire at 4@fourthstream.com.
So:
√ Our Finding Hope Podcast provides regular connection for your personal goals.
√ Our Fourthstream.com teaching Courses provide your personally designed systematic backdrop to become a disciple of Jesus' Kingdom.
√ Our Storiesofshelter.com community allows you to process your spirituality with others.
Soon our X and Telegram groups will enhance your interactions with other like-minded people.
Welcome to Fourthstream Coaching.
We think you’re going to like it!
Dave and Burnadette and the Team
It is one thing to understand the concept of First King - then Kingdom - then Church, but another to live a life directed toward connection with your King. The first thing is to decide where you stand on Jesus. A great teacher? One of many unremarkable religionists? Someone into whose hands you can place the welfare of your soul? We can talk about what Jesus taught about authentic connectivity, but only you can intentionally embrace whether or not He is who He said He is.
Once you have made this determination you may then move into what it means to submit yourself to His authority, embrace and build His Kingdom, and grow as your part of the "pure spotless Bride" preparing for the wedding feast which will surely come. It would be great if this was a one-time thing, but faith requires we make this decision to pursue and connect again and again. Here are a few things we have learned - they may be helpful to you.
#1. Decide you are going to continue in His Word. "So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” - John 8:31,32 It takes caring intentionality to produce honor of any kind. When it comes to Jesus we must constantly assess personal value. What He has done and what He has taught - what do they mean to you as life priorities?
#2. Determine to spend your life moving beyond the distractions which press upon each phase of life. "They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to shared expression of love for one another, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." - Acts 2:42 This is quite simply choosing to live the way Jesus lived. It does not come naturally or easily to any son of Adam. Focus is both a personal prize and friend to spirituality.
#3. Learn to make your conversations with God genuine and honoring rather than shallow and/or boring. Some people call this praying. We prefer to call it connecting - body, soul, and spirit. "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8 Deep friendship does not just happen. It is reciprocal. It is faithful. It grows gradually through many years and the journey testings of life. It is a good idea before anything else in your day to ask Jesus "what is it you want me to know today, and what is it you want me to do?" (Winship)
#4. Plan each week with aspirations of connection to Jesus Himself, His Father, and Spirit directed friendships with others that fuel your heart. Who will you reach out to personally? Who will initiate with you? What are your plans for doing the "sacrifices" of God? "And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." Hebrews 13:16 If your main goal is connection He will honor your desire. This is why He says
“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you." Cool. John 15:15
#5. Pursue your own spiritual rhythm and fine-tune it and recommit to it again and again. Where does solitude fit in for you? In what ways do you use your spiritual gifting to build up others? In what ways do you feel you are planting and cultivating Kingdom seeds? How are you influencing your part of the world?
And Jesus said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” Matthew 13:52 Do you know what this means? What does it look like in your life and the lives of others around you?
#6. Prepare your heart to be faithful to Jesus no matter what. You will try and fail. Sometimes you will succeed. You will need to hit restart over and over. You must have the wisdom and courage to "come boldly to the throne of grace to find mercy in your time of need." While true obedience results in honor, personal perfection will never occur. The whole point of the Gospel is that Jesus comes alongside us to do what we cannot do alone. This is deep. Do you understand it? “Come to Me, all who are weary and weighed down, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Living strategically right alongside you, Dave and Burnadette
More on Jesus' Kingdom Strategy
God IS shelter. We NEED to be sheltered. We need each other to remind us of what is IMPORTANT. We are surrounded by chaos, turbulence, and are so vulnerable to the weaknesses, pitfalls, and schemes of unprincipled men and women. How do we find our way through? There appears to be a clear path!
"Hear my cry, O God, and listen to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, a tower of strength against the enemy.
Let me travel under Your pillars and let me take forever protection under the shelter of Your wings. (I lift this up to the highway of praise). For You have heard my heart promises O God and You have given me the inheritance of those who fear Your name.
You will prolong the king’s life and his years will be as many generations. He will abide before God forever. Appoint lovingkindness and truth that they may preserve him. So I will sing praise to Your name forever, that I may pay my offering promises day by day." Psalm 61
There is a definite thread of shelter in the Bible. Psalm 61 and Psalm 90 and 91 together paint an incredible picture of the shelter that comes from God. It is expansive. It is protective. It is healing. It is eternal.
TELLING SHELTER STORIES
We have launched Storiesofshelter.com to help us focus on the God stories of our lives. We explore two questions together: Where have we lived and given shelter? Where have we received shelter? Thinking these through can unlock some of the deeper things from our uniquely personal stories.
Stories of Shelter connects you with our shelter community, where we share and hope in the Shelter that comes from the Living God, and enters into hearts and lives who find shelter under His wings. We live Hope through Him. We Love through Him. We find peace through Him. Once you see what Storiesofshelter.com offers - join the community! You will find stories, books, and conversations built around 19 Core Principles, God's Man/God's Woman conversations, understanding Jesus as Healer, and embracing Over/Next: Finding Your Way after a big loss or disappointment.
And you don't need to write a paper or book in order to share your story! Three to four sentences giving a picture of where you have seen shelter between you and someone else - or a touching story or a photo/video from your friend group or social media. You can invite other truly sheltering people to do the same!
Here are some links will help explain the SHELTER thread we are following.
More: Dave & Burney on Shelter/Curious Journey Book page 51
Hope: A Strong Shelter Home
Dave & Burnadette on Family Shelter
Peace upon your heart and home, Dave and Burnadette Nadler and Alan Baker
P.S. "He who dwells in the shelter of the Mos High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91
Because understanding the Kingdom is so critical to our spiritual lives, let's take some time to absorb the core message of Jesus when it comes to building in a manner that is pleasing to Him. We have already mentioned that the Kingdom is mentioned in the Gospels over 100 times and the church only twice. So the Kingdom message was clear to Jesus and to His disciples. In the book of Acts after the "church" (called out assembly) begins to emerge:
"To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God." Acts 1:3
CONTEXT The world was corrupt and dying, and the Father, Son, and Spirit moved to save us. The King would need to come and willingly sacrifice Himself. King first. Then He would bring the message of the Kingdom to all who would listen, and build this Kingdom work through His own followers - who will become His Bride at the end of the age. The word ecclesia literally means a called out assembly. So the Church (the Bride) is called out of this lost world to enjoin the work of the Son of God Himself.
Because of this, Fourthstream.com is built around the biblical Kingdom model. We take great care to accurately represent the King through everything He taught and did. We preserve the purity of this by allowing the Bible to interpret itself. The complete Word of God is an intricate and robust series of woven threads of truth, unfolding in all 66 books of the Testament of the Living God (note: nowhere in the Bible are the books identified as the old and new testaments - and yet we accept this idea from tradition and history - like so many things). The scribe who takes the time to process the Kingdom message of Jesus operates from a considerably different vantage point than much of what we see in secular and even church history. We are often obsessed with preserving tradition (and preferences and distinctions) rather than searching out the truth that has been so carefully brought to us.
As we look deeper through the lens of the Kingdom we see many patterns and teachings emerge, such as the one in the diagram at the top. As Jesus explains the Kingdom (Matthew 5) He teaches us how the pure in heart are the ones who see God. What this means is we are to subject everything through the lens of humility rather than human business-as-usual (pride/self-absorption).
When we experience a pure heart (Jesus' words, not mine) we are made free to know God as He IS rather than who we want Him or shape Him to be. Then we become able to do kindness in the Spirit, where the works of God begin to flow through our own lives into the people and souls around us. And so - we become His instruments to grow life. We call this the Kingdom Circle. It is quite superior to religion in that it is powered by Jesus and the Spirit of grace.
So to apply the Word of God properly we must set aside religion and tradition and embrace the power of the King and His Kingdom. Fourthsteam.com carefully sifts through what is authentic to find connectivity with Jesus that changes us from the inside out, rather than the outside in. This is why Jesus said: “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you." John 16:13-15
To find authentic King and Kingdom Church we must go to the Source. "He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of death will not overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:15-19
Think how often this passage is represented to be understood regarding tradition, yet we fall short of understanding its meaning. The goal of Kingdom structure is to let the King tell us how His Kingdom operates and grow this Kingdom within His Church - in any and every age. Some get this - and some do not. But this is where God-honor and discipleship begin. Make sense?
We offer several foundational things to move within the Kingdom understanding given us by Jesus. Last episode we mentioned the basics which help us to understand the God Story. Here we discuss what needs to be focused upon to live the Kingdom life our King outlined for us in that God Story. If this intrigues you (or is new to you) - take time to reset your mind narrative from religious to Kingdom structural. It could change your life!
Peace upon your heart and home, Dave and Burnadette Nadler
More: All About the Kingdom Kingdom Pursuit Kingdom Spirituality
A number of years ago we were thinking through Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 13:13 "Now these three powerful things: faith, hope, and love exist among us; but the greatest of these is love." This makes sense in that God IS love and we are made in His image. It would be great if we always loved the way He does - but we do not. We are surrounded by turbulence - from the inside-out. Even evil itself. Yet love is the most robust capital available to humanity, and those who live in true love draw close to our Creator.
This "greater" means the most abundant. Deep inside we are motivated to love others. Right and wrong. Again - image of God. But faith and hope are not subservient to love in any way. In fact, all three unlock each other. As the God Story tells us in Hebrews 11:6: "And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." So faith pleases God and love blesses God and others.
When hope is brought into our hearts and our community of relationships (family, neighbors, co-workers) everything flourishes. "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:1-5
Can you see it? Faith brings peace with God. In faith we are taught the glory of God in the face of Jesus. Hope empowers us to be principled and motivated in our love for one another.
It is the relationship between these three gifts which allow us to live, grow, and excel as sons and daughters of the Living God. And so, Fourthstream Finding Hope podcasts were launched. In season #1 we spent 31 episodes uncovering the relationship of God's Law to the freedom of living in grace. God's Law is one core part of His grace toward His creation. Season #2 led us into a consideration of the reality that we have been born into a world at war. 30 episodes discovering our place in the middle of an epic struggle between good and evil. Then season #3 unlocks 34 episodes of what it means to live victoriously in the middle of the Turbulence of Imperfection.
In season #4 we turned to a consideration of God's Man/God's Woman and how we make our journeys count. 11 conversations to return to again and again as we seek to follow our King and live lives that matter. This flows to season #5 and a discussion of what it means to experience a learning heart, then followed with 20 episodes about the power of hope (season #6). Seasons 4-5-6 are quite personally reflective, instructive, and helpful. Season #7 helps with the big picture concerning the Big Story in which we find ourselves integrally linked to one another within the purpose of God.
In season #8 we examine the idea that God IS Shelter, and set a foundation to build our StoriesofShelter.com community for those who have received and given shelter. Now in Season #9 we come full circle to embrace the Kingdom of Jesus. All of this provides not only a systematic understanding of the teaching of God's Story, but an authentic connection to what it means to be a follower of Jesus.
Together we mine the depths of what the One Woven Story has to say about Finding Hope, living in Faith, and Loving in the friendship of Christ. We take great care to allow the Bible to interpret itself - the only way we can preserve authenticity as we seek to make sense out of our lives - in God context.
Each of these seasons are a link to spiritual maturity, and when processed in humility and truth can lead us deeper into our faith, our hope, and lives of love!
Kind of an A-Z process that continues to unfold! Dave and Burnadette
Enjoy!
A Song of the Wind
A way to check us out!
The levels of turbulence around us are massive. In every corner of our American and world culture we see division and twisted wisdom. There are three great gifts from God: Faith, Hope, and Love (1 Corinthians 13). Each of these may be found by those who choose to enter through the Door of the sheep (John 10). In faith we find a different and substantive present and future. Through love we make our lives count for ourselves and others. And in hope we find the fuel to live each day for something more.
Once you have found a compass for your life the ability to reset your trajectory is open to you. Whenever you wish you may "go in and out" through Jesus - the Door of the sheep. This is where Fourthstream.com comes in. We have designed and compiled a connecting base from which you can fuel your desire to live a full life for your King, and seamlessly help others do the same. Both Dave and Burnadette have found the peace which can carry you through chaos and imperfection - and this comes from the Word of God alone. We have searched philosophy, science, and faith to discover what is needed to live in hope - which is no easy task!
At Fourthstream.com we offer ten podcast seasons of conversations which all will connect you with personal hope. There is a blog of unfolding thoughts as well as core conversations to help you or someone you know establish in Jesus and His Kingdom. King first - then Kingdom - then Church.
We have also written six books highlighting key parts of the faith story given to us in God's One Woven Story - the Bible. These dovetail with nine courses we have recorded during our years of teaching - which provides you with a significant spiritual and educational path toward unlocking the Story.
Hope is not a given. Not everyone has ears to hear. In fact, it appears that there is only a "remnant" of people who will actually follow through to find hope in God. Life is too distracting - and we are too self-centered. This is where humility fits in.
"For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13
Our podcasts, blog posts, and conversations are available at no cost. Reviews of our books are provided and you can order them in either printed or audiobook formats per your interest and plan. Regarding our courses, both the God Story and Kingdom Spirituality are offered without cost (you can access videos and printed books if you wish). The Streamsbook, Strong Homes, Engage Training, The 8 Great Epochs in the Fabric of Time, Book by Book, Deeper, and Jesus Centric are accessed through ongoing membership as well as deep dives for those who choose to engage Fourthstream Coaching, which is a limited group who access Dave and Burnadette for their personally designed plans for Kingdom Spirituality conversations.
Let's take a look at Fourthstream.com and determine what fits for you and the people with whom you are building the Kingdom. Click here.
Here are a few comments from people who have experienced the benefits of Fourthstream.com.
"Understanding the difference between putting the Kingdom first vs. church first has been a game changer for me as I am assessing my relationships. I appreciate Fourthstream.com and Storiesofshelter.com because it gives me the opportunity to get a brief soul overview in the middle of my busy day..." Ann
"When I connect with the Kingdom through what Dave and Burnadette teach I come away refreshed in my heart and strengthened in spirit." Daniel
"Through tools they have created I have been given a clear path and process...I have been engaged in their Jesus-Centric teaching plan which has pushed me deeper in desire and process in understanding the Word of God. If you are someone who wants a closer connection with God I highly recommend taking advantage of the tools at Fourthstream.com!" Nick
"Through the courses, podcasts, books, and study guides Dave and Burney have impacted my life in so many ways. They are a couple with a heart for Jesus and a fire for others to know His love." Roland
Peace upon your heart and home - from your friends at Fourthstream.com and other story hearts at Storiesofshelter.com.
Dave and Burnadette and the Fourthstream Team
Here is a song for your week: Pray for Rain
More: Video: What is Finding Hope? More on Fixing Our Hope
There is a basic understanding Jesus tried to communicate to humanity when He came to the earth. When we get this right there is fruitfulness in our lives - when we don't varying degrees of misinformation prevail. Both John the Baptist (Jesus' cousin) and Jesus proclaimed the same thing: "Turn away and turn toward, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17; Matthew 10:7)
The world had been languishing for centuries since the Garden episode. Genesis 1-11, the Law and prophets, and the Psalms are the story of the Jews - and all the nations. Not only is our condition exposed over and over through the imperfect Jewish story, God extends invitation for them (and us) to reverse course. Sadly, even the "chosen" Jewish nation does not listen to our Creator. God's chosen people wasted and rejected His words over and over again. This is made plain through story after story - life after life - decade after decade. So while the earth had rejected her King, the Father (who is slow to anger - filled with lovingkindness) makes away for men and women from every nation and every story to be brought into the acceptance of our Lord Creator - through His selfless sacrifice of His Son. Now there is a way back to God. He is the Door of the sheep.
So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." John 10:7-9
If you are new to the God Story check out this big picture overview - literally the Bible story in 8 minutes! And if you want the next level of where all 66 books fit in - here you go!
And here are several links to the foundational information of God's Story! Quickstart/Big Picture (2 teaching videos) A Book of Renewal
King David (the clearest "type" of Christ in the God Story) tells us about this prophetically in Psalm 2. We like to call this Psalm "Kiss the Son."
Let's take a look: "Why are the nations in an uproar and the peoples devising worthless things?The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers scheme together - against the One True God and against His Anointed (smeared), saying, "Let us tear their limitations of us apart and cast away their ties away from us!” He who sits in the heavens laughs: the One True God scoffs at them. Soon He will speak to them in His anger and terrify them in His righteous fury, saying, "But as for Me, I have installed My King upon Zion My holy mountain.”
“I will surely tell of what is eternally inscribed from the One Great God. He said to Me, ‘You are My Son and today I have brought You forth. Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and you shall shatter them like clay pots.’”
Therefore, O kings, show discernment and take warning, O judges of the earth. Worship the One True God with reverence and honor, and rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way. For His wrath will soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!"
√ Refuge IS shelter: this is why we have created StoriesofShelter.com. It is Who our great God IS.
√ No one is exempt from His righteous hand of justice. (a thread: Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19; Hebrews 10:30)
√ The King of the earth brings us the Kingdom of God - and the Church brings refuge authority for us and our neighbors.
Dear Lord Jesus, we come to you to be restored in You, to receive all the grace and mercy we so desperately need this day. You are our Great I Am/God-of-the angel-armies. We surrender every aspect of our lives and selves completely to You. I offer You my spirit, soul and body, my heart, mind, my conscience, and my will. We stand in grace completely covered with Your precious, redeeming blood. As we pray we ask Your Good Spirit to restore and renew us in You. We stand in absolute agreement with Your Spirit and our intercessors and allies.
You are the One true King over all the earth! Music: Insight
Peace upon your soul, Dave and Burnadette
I just finished Jordan Peterson's latest book "We Who Wrestle With God." I like how he reasons, and even though I am not ready to place him in the upper echelon of my spiritual teachers, he is a genuine, thoughtful soul. One premise of his book relates to the relationship between chaos and order, something many philosophers, scientists, and faith reflectors see as key for arriving at a satisfied mind. How do we align with incredible design and order while at the same time dealing with the often hurtful fruits of chaos?
If you are like me this can be a quagmire of sorting through the beautiful things in our lives as well as the nagging difficulties which emerge from within and without. Jesus was faced with this every day of His short time on earth. He wrestled with beauty and chaos, hope and disappointment, and as He was chosen by His Father to make "all things new," faced His designated purpose with resolve, joy, and much personal sacrificial pain.
Burnadette and I spent an entire Finding Hope podcast season sorting through some of the mysteries and realties of living in what often feels like a wasteland. Here is the first episode of a number of contemplations which you may find helpful in learning about and sorting through your own imperfect journey. Check it out here!
Take a moment and list the aspects of imperfection you have experienced in your life. √ Where you have been overtaken by fear. √ When you have felt hopeless. √ Your greatest triumphs. √ Your greatest disappointments.
Jesus is with us through all imperfection and chaos. Here are a few thoughts for you to use to reflect.
Hebrews 13:5 √ What about Jesus makes Him enough? √ Check out Deuteronomy 31:6 and Joshua 1:5 for why we can count on Him!
Matthew 28:19,20 √ What authority is being spoken of here? √ What does being "with" us entail?
John 8:51; 10:28 √ What is the staying power mentioned here? √ How secure are those who are Jesus' friends?
Matthew 11:28-30 √ How does friendship impact our personal turbulence?
Revelation 21:5 √ What does this mean and in what way can I count on it?
You may also wish to consider Psalm 6/Backstroke In Tears.
Chaos and pain are a given. Sometimes self-inflicted and often brought about by circumstances or other times the choices of others. Diving deep into chaos and order and human turbulence can be good for the mind - and the heart!
Dave and Burnadette
More: Diving Deeper into Imperfection's Roots A Song of Comfort in Reality
Jesus is our Savior, Healer, and Friend. He alone can restore the access of honor we need to reconnect with Creator God. Let's follow part of this thread!
“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. This I command you, that you love one another." John 15:12-17
I can remember a few songs from my childhood as a little Lutheran (confirmed by the skin of my teeth). This one always stuck. Carrying weights. Bringing hope. Giving peace.
"What a friend we have in Jesus. All our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer. O what peace we often forfeit. O what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry. Everything to God in prayer"
"Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged - Take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful - Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness - Take it to the Lord in prayer" "Are we weak and heavy-laden, 'Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge — Take it to the Lord in prayer. Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer. In His arms He’ll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there" Despite the thou's and thee's I find this song to have spiritual meaning to me. In my life I have learned to talk to God about everything, even though this has been an unfolding learning process. I am so glad He has plenty of time on His hands :) Perhaps one goals of life is cultivating a reflective journey where we have learned to give our "trials, temptations, and troubles" to the One who sees us. I am counting on my friendship with Jesus. This is why I try to "do what He tells me to do." It is so cool that I am not on a journey of perfection but one of humility. This is the story process of every character in the Bible, including Jesus: "In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission." Hebrews 5:7
A crashing note: "You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." James 4:4
√ How is your Jesus friendship? √ In what ways does it eclipse friendship with the world? √ How have you been able to share your weights with Jesus? √ In what ways would you say you have an honorable friendship with Him?
A final thought from Matthew 11: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Peace with our Friend, friend! Dave and Burnadette
More: Kingdom Friends A Friendship Heart
Healing is a curious concept with many opinions on the what, how, and why. A survey of known history makes it quite clear that no one healed like Jesus did. Even within all of the other religions of antiquity there is no one like Him, and some religious healer's miracles were pretty lame.
Jesus, however, did nothing in a corner. He was transparent and prolific. And those who witnessed what He did were not all His fans. In fact, the most zealous religionists of history do not measure up to the scribes and pharisees who were capable and willing to go to great lengths to discredit or stop Jesus. Just as there are today.
You will need to investigate for yourself whether or not Jesus was an authentic healer - a reverser of maladies and curses. Did the thirty plus recorded miracles actually happen or are they merely a concocted series of stories? And this was just the tip of the spear. "But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the news around, to such an extent that Jesus could no longer publicly enter a city, but stayed out in unpopulated areas; and they were coming to Him from everywhere." (Mark 1:45) Jesus was an explosion the likes of which the world had never seen!
Next we must pursue the thread from the God Story where Jesus still heals men, women, and children from every decade, century, and people group. Is He this influential? Does His power extend to the souls and bodies of any and all of mankind? Was His purpose in coming to earth merely to heal bodies - or to save and heal souls? We think this is the greatest question of all time.
Once you have decided that Jesus really was and is a healer of souls it is time to personally experience Him deeply.
√ If you feel you are stuck - He can help.
√ If you feel you are worthless - He can restore your value and your identity.
√ If you are pressed down and smothered - He can set you free.
√ If you are captivated by fear and the weights of your life - He is there for you.
We extend this conversation into the two links below - which unfold much more on this unique power that has been experienced by so many.
Peace friend! Dave and Burnadette
More: Jesus As Healer Jesus As Healer 2
Everyone operates from a home base. Our upbringing. Our experiences. Our choices. Even factors made on our behalf by others. Through all of this we build our home base. Scientifically we apply what we see and learn. Philosophical we land on what we have wrestled with in our lives - positively and negatively. And to the degree we have encountered and contemplated faith we solidify our beliefs. Or not.
We have pondered this through the years, and often with each turning of a new year we have reset ourselves to sift through what has unfolded and what we hope - and the things we are committed to for the days ahead. It is a very imperfect process, but the reset always brings us one or more degrees of focus from our core - and into our home base.
Choosing to represent ourselves accurately and honestly can be helpful as we assess our progress on the journey. It can allow for an informed and sincere refocusing and choices which add up with solid "vision".
Our calculus and direction Many speak of vision but we have learned to ask what principles are guiding our choices? What is it we want to accomplish? What will bring us a satisfied mind? What am I doing this moment and how will it impact the desire of my heart?
Investment in our relationships Living for what we can give others rather than merely what we can get from them is an amazingly different way to live. Family. Friends. Co-workers. Neighbors. Like-minded companions.
Expenditures of our time Someone has said "Time is like a flowing river. Our best choices involve scooping up buckets of time and watering things which will not go away." God and people are eternal. Everything else is a vapor.
There is both an audio and video recording for you to choose from on a subject worth contemplating. After all, who wants to spend our life climbing a wall only to find we have been climbing the wrong wall?!
Dave and Burnadette Doing our best to live under His wings!
More on principled living
One deep question for life seekers: "what does connection with God look like?" For years authors have pondered this, scientifically, philosophically, and through the optics of faith. For Moses it was all about shelter. Check out Psalm 90.
A Prayer of Moses, the man of God. "Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were born or You gave birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.
You turn man back into dust and say, “Return, O children of men.” For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it passes by, or as a watch in the night. You have swept them away like a flood and they fall asleep. In the morning they are like grass which sprouts again - in the morning it flourishes and sprouts and toward evening it fades and withers away.
For we have been consumed by Your anger and by Your wrath we have been dismayed. You have placed our iniquities before You and our secret sins in the light of Your presence. For all our days have declined in Your fury and we have finished our years like a sigh. As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years, yet their pride amounts only to labor and sorrow. For soon it is gone and we fly away.
Who understands the power of Your anger and Your fury, according to the fear that is due You? So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. Do return, O Lord; how long will it be? And be sorry for Your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad according to the days You have afflicted us, and the years we have seen evil.
Let Your work appear to Your servants and Your majesty to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us and confirm for us the work of our hands. Yes, confirm the work of our hands.
A Psalm of David/Psalm 61For the choir director on a stringed instrument.
"Hear my cry, O God; give heed to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy. Let me dwell in Your tent forever; let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah (I lift this up).
For You have heard my vows, O God; You have given me the inheritance of those who fear Your name. You will prolong the king’s life; his years will be as many generations. He will abide before God forever; appoint lovingkindness and truth that they may preserve him. So I will sing praise to Your name forever, that I may pay my vows day by day."
David understood a number of things about his connection to His King.
√ Stability comes from a higher place.
√ True shelter is forever.
√ Living in God's tent is a choice - and a blessing for this life and the one to come.
√ For David it was a connection of heart, mind, and soul.
Connection Questions: - When and how have you felt most connected to your Creator? - What brings this kind of connection for you? - Do you feel you have come to trust God for your welfare? - In what ways does fear challenge you? Where does Jesus fit into your God connection?
John 17 is a Son-to-Father connection conversation. Take the time to check it out. What was it that Jesus wanted for His children?
Headed where we belong! Dave and Burnadette Storiesofshelter.com
More: A Shelter Life Shelter Conversation
As mentioned before, the trinity is in many ways a mystery to us. It is not to our Creator. In Genesis 1 "the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters." The Father created and the Spirit moved. From His mind to His hands. And where was the Son while this unfolded? Apparently creating right along with Him.
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven." Colossians 1:15-20
There is no doubt that this is the Son mentioned in Psalm 2 and the One named Jesus according to hundreds of years of incredible prophecies.
Now move forward to the "last" chapter of God's Word - Revelation 22:12-17:
“Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying.
I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star. The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost."
Do you see it? The Biblical thread of the Spirit (Holy Spirit) is found from chapter 1 through chapter last. He is the hands and feet of God. And His shelter extends to our souls as well, because if God wills it, the Spirit does it. And this is very personal to every disciple of Jesus.
“When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me, and you will testify also, because you have been with Me from the beginning." John 15:26-27
Also note Proverbs 8 regarding the wisdom of God!
So the shelter of the Holy Spirit is everything because He IS the shelter of the Father and His dear Son. The Father is the mind Who creates, the Son is at His right hand to bring Him honor, and the Holy Spirit creates and animates the Wisdom of God. Does this make sense?
As with all areas of the threads of truth from the Word of God, God weaves together what we need to understand His mind and heart - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! There is much to say on this subject but let's summarize with how the Holy Spirit specifically gives us shelter.
√ He discloses Jesus to us.
√ He cleanses our conscience and heals our heart.
√ He leads us in truth when we do not know what to do or where to go.
√ He brings us into the peaceful presence of God Himself.
“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you." John 16:13-15
Peace in the Spirit to you friend! Dave and Burnadette
More: The Holy Spirit Talking With The Spirit
God is a sheltering being. He provides shelter. But even more than this - He IS shelter. In fact, He is building the ultimate shelter family through the work of His Son. Jesus is the connector to our Creator.
God wants to mentor us. We know this because He mentored Jesus. The Son’s best friend while He was on the earth was His Dad. He learned from Him. He was dedicated to His will. He gave up all things God and all things human for His friendship with His Father.
You can find Mentored by God under books in the Fourthstream navbar. It investigates the ins and outs of how Jesus connected with His Dad, giving us a template for our own connection.
Here are few things to help connect us with the Father of all living things
√ Sort through your own personal daddy issues and cut them off from projecting onto the heavenly Father.
√ Jesus Name is key to communicating with the Father. When you come to your Father acknowledge the authority of His dear Son Who covers our sin and offers access to God’s throne.
√ Activate the honor of your heart alongside the respect you hold for your Creator and the opportunity to live pleasing to Him.
Humility is the key to His Kingdom:
“Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, but humility goes before honor.” – Proverbs 18:12
√ Embrace your Father’s voice above all others. When God’s Word is known and revered, it is a powerful connector and helps us discern His voice among all of the voices we hear each day from within and without. The Holy Spirit is God's voice to the world and to us. How can we hear such a transcendent voice?
“Therefore the LORD God of Israel declares, ‘I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father should walk before Me forever’; but now the LORD declares, ‘Far be it from Me — for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me will be lightly esteemed.” – 1 Samuel 2:30
This is pretty cool:
“Then David the king went in and sat before the LORD, and he said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far?” – 2 Samuel 7:18
Sometimes we feel God does not hear us. This is simply not true. All things brought in the Name of Jesus will come before our Creator. In fact, “the pure (humble) in heart will see God!”
Talking to Him with you, Dave and Burnadette
Related Links: Mentored by God Book and posts Miracle Prayers
Most humans look at God things as a choice. I get this, but I have been thinking it is incomplete. If there is a Creator and He made all things - it seems to me that He is the one who is making the choice, right? Weighing this has become a key premise for me about spirituality. Does it begin with me - or with Him? I realize this is kind of out there, but most other options are limiting. If it all begins with us then it will be biased - more self-driven and me-driven. This appears to be the main issue with all religions (including historic christianity) - very self-driven. I have found even an atheist has faith.
All this to say all of us have a spiritual core - even those who discard the very idea of a supreme being. This is perhaps one of the most significant contemplations of our existence. Is there a "greater", and where do we fit?
How would you describe your core? How has it been shaped? Where does it leave you - both on the inside and the outside? Here are some things that may stimulate deeper thinking and conversation about what really matters related to our spiritual core.
Things that appear to shape us:
√ The things learned from circumstances over which we have no control. Our family and upbringing. Where we were born. Our socio-economic factors. The things that happen through "chance" as we march toward and into adulthood. What have been your main shaping circumstances and occurrences?
√ What is modeled to us by significant players in our lives. We are so influenced by those close to us or whom we choose to value and emulate. Who have been these "giants" been in your life? The good ones and the not so good ones.
√ Chance encounters and twists in the road. What are some of these pivotal moments for you - a relocation, a family tragedy such as a divorce or death, etc. What specific things have sent you in an unchosen yet significant direction?
√ Things that come from our survival instinct. Words spoken in reaction or haste. Self-protective responses to neglect or attack. Choices we make to survive economically or relationally. Friend successes. Friend conflicts. Victories. Losses.
√ What has been driven by love? Where have these love connections emerged and remained, arrived, or disappeared? To what degree do you feel your heart has been overtaken by love? Rejected by love? Rejecting of love? Disappointed? Would you consider yourself a person who lives in love?
√ What is driven by hate? Where have you experienced hurt from others and become embittered? In what ways has forgiveness emerged in the way you approach life?
All of this leads to where we find ourselves in our identity - and how we act upon it. When pursuing each of our spiritual cores, these and many other factors shape us or drive - and even chase us. God says our original condition is value. Life circumstances and relationship often diminish or try to dissuade us in thinking we have value.
"So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31-32)
Jesus invites us to freedom in our spiritual core. “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36)
What is it that defines you at your core? Who do you think you are? How do you think your Creator feels about you when He looks at your life? Here is the heart of Kingdom Spirituality. First King. How are you connected to your King? Then Kingdom. How has His Kingdom impacted the choices and trajectory in your life? Then Church. In what ways have you recovered your God-identity, and how are you sharing it with those around you or through your gifts, your choices for how you live, with the people who you love and care for or in what you choose to give of your time, talents, and treasures?
Peace friend! Dave and Burnadette
More: Everyone Has A Core God's Core
Often we must understand bad news in order to perceive and appreciate good news. It is the same with finding shelter. Until we are uncovered it is difficult to appreciate being covered. This is the nature of all life. Impermanence. Limited control. The necessity to learn to hope.
Turbulence and imperfection.
A good question: Who has given you shelter? A parent? A teacher? A sibling? A neighbor? What was your exposure, and how did the shelter occur? If so, what difference did such shelter give toward shaping you? If you have received shelter in your life then you know what relief can occur with these kinds of action.
How does a person find shelter? Shelter often finds us. Perhaps through the person who has chosen to notice or decided to be aware - and act. In someone who looks my way when everyone else seems not to notice. It would be great if it was easy to surround ourselves with shelter hearts and souls, but this appears to be the exception. A shelter heart has often experienced shelter himself/herself. When we have experienced shelter it is more readily apparent to us. We may even choose friends based upon the safety we feel when we are around them.
Safety is an interesting concept. What makes us feel safe? When you feel safe what are the things which come from such a mindset? What makes us exposed? What are your fear factors that set you off? When do you feel the most peaceful - at rest - accepted?
The Living God IS Shelter. Shelter is found and embraced through revelation and usually through 1) nature (both the macro and the micro), 2) the Word (Bible), or 3) in the peace we find in being known (Jesus).
Psalm 107 tells the story of how God's people found Shelter in their troubles - just as we may experience. It is somewhat lengthy so we will excerpt some of the declarative statements:
"Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting. Let the one who is brought back from trouble (the adversary)by the LORD say so..." (1-3)
"Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, and for His astonishing wonders to the sons of men! For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, and the hungry soul He has filled with what is good." (8-9)
"There were those who made their home in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in misery and chains, because they had rebelled against the words of God and spurned the counsel of the Most High. Therefore He humbled their heart with labor - they stumbled and there was none to help. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble; He saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke their bands apart." (10-14)
"Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble; He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, and for His wonders to the sons of men!" (19-21)
"They reeled and staggered like a drunken man, and were at their wits’ end. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distresses. He caused the storm to be still, so that the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad because they were quiet, so He guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, and for His wonders to the sons of men!" (28-31)
But He sets the needy securely on high away from affliction, and makes his families like a flock." (41)
Now THAT is a sheltering force!
Another good reflective question: Who have you provided shelter to? In what ways has God taught you to recognize and respond to those around you who need shelter? What has providing shelter for another done to expand your own heart and soul.
To pursue shelter we must see the VALUE in it. We must identify a SOURCE of true shelter and embrace it. We then benefit from being drawn into a life of sheltering OTHERS - following the example of our Lord God - and finding lives of grateful thankfulness (did you notice the repeated thankful thread in Psalm 107?)
Pursuing shelter with you! Dave and Burnadette
Growing Shelter Life in Others A Shelter Life
There is a spirituality which finds roots in God's Son Jesus Himself. While there are many religions, there is only one proven to be the Son of God, and He is the King over His Kingdom. This is the Story of the God Story.
What this means is massive, and today we will cover several of the core amazing things about experiencing Kingdom spirituality. It is authentic, connective, and filled with promise for the life to come.
√ How does this result in finding true meaning in my life? The expansiveness of God is beyond our imagination. We are quite limited in grasping this, and yet God has withheld nothing from us in understanding His ways. As we will all take our last breath eventually, what is it that will make my life count? A big deal. √ How does it differ from other religious pursuits? A consideration of all religion in history reveals many shortcomings, including historic christianity. Kingdom spirituality is very personal and powerful. It is the ultimate gift from our heavenly King. √ How can I find shelter within His Kingdom? What IS shelter? How do I find it? Why does it matter to my existence, and more importantly, to my soul.
Let's dive in.
Both John the Baptist and Jesus began their "public ministries" with the words: "Turn away and turn towards, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew) They did not say that the church was at hand - but the Kingdom. This is because the God-order is this: King first, then Kingdom, then church. Each has unique things to bring to a person who is looking for authentic faith. All three can be deeply relational, but it is the King and His Spirit who animate authentic spirituality. Make sense?
Today we talk about five aspects of authentic Kingdom Spirituality.
Friendship
“You are My friends if you do what I command you." John 15:14 "And Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as being made righteous," and he was called the friend of God." James 2:23 Easy, right? What does His friendship require by way of His commands? How is a person "made righteous?" Where have you come so far in your friendship with God? What does it look like? Where do you hope it will go?
Identity
It is hard to imagine being God's special treasure, and yet this is exactly who we are. Not based upon our personal merit, but because God has set His affections upon us and paid a huge price to buy us back from spiritual death. We have simply become the apple (pupil) of His eye. When we understand there will only ever be one of us, that we were bought with a huge price, and that His plans for us are beyond our wildest dreams - then we are beginning to understand our identity.
"For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)
The King is Lord over all. The Kingdom will endure forever. The Church will become the bride of Christ.
Purpose
There is nothing random about what God is doing, or why He selected you to be a part of His Kingdom! When we see ourselves as friends of God we are made free to grow in intimacy with Him. Experiencing His friendship IS hearing His voice. When we grasp our uniqueness in the plan of God our identity expands.
"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
Our destiny is to learn and bend to His purpose. This is how we "find ourselves."
“He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it." (Matthew 10:39)
Satisfaction
As all of this unfolds over days, months, years, and decades we move more deeply into the waters of the Living God. We learn what being sheltered "under His wings" looks like. It is not a taking away of difficulty or pain - only smooth sailing. It is satisfaction of heart as we become acclimated to the things that are important to God - and those which are becoming important to us.
"He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and protection." (Psalm 90 and 91 - shelter Psalms of Moses?)
Hope
All of these things result in hope. Not the kind of hope where I "hope something happens" but the hope which grows as we place ourselves in the hands of our King. We learn to "...but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." And as Paul also mentions: "...and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
These are some of things which help us to live in the shelter of Kingdom spirituality! Dave and Burnadette
More: Expanding this if it intrigues you
Storiesofshelter.comWe read stories. We tell stories. We live stories.
Here is a deep dive story of the ROOT WORDS FOR SHELTER.
There are several Hebrew words which reflect and define shelter which are found in the Law of Moses and the prophets of Israel.
- A Roof of Beams (as in a home) Genesis 19:8 quarah
- A Refuge (as a hiding place) Job 24:8 chasah
- A Screen that overshadows (like a filter) Psalm 5:11 sakak
- A Concealed location (as protection) Psalm 61:4 sether
- A Woven Booth/secret Psalm 31:20 sukkah - where the feast of booths was derived (Jacob: Genesis 33:17; Nehemiah 8:15). It is the seventh and final feast of the Jewish calendar (see Pentecost - the probable date of the birth of Jesus (John 1:14)
In addition the idea of a "secret place" is discussed in Psalm 91:1 as well as finding refuge in God (Isaiah 4:6; 1:8) (sukkah) and not in Egypt (Isaiah 30:2,3; 32:2). In Jonah 4:5 there is shade from the beating sun.
What this means is that our Shelter God is our covering - "a sun AND a shield to those who fear Him" (Psalm 84)
What is feast of Sukkot? Festival of Booths (follow the threads: John 7:1-9) - 5 days after Yom Kippur - 7 days in Sept-October
When we get to the so-called "new testament" we search for the word shelter in the greek language and quickly realize that Jesus has launched His own Kingdom view of shelter.
Our value to the Son of Man is great (Matthew 6:25-34)where the "birds of the air" are spoken of by Jesus. This builds upon what He has already mentioned in Luke 3:18-32 when He gives the results of the growing mustard seed plant in Matthew 13: "He presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; and this is smaller than all other seeds, but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” Jesus has led us back to our "nest" in the Father.
God is our "nest." Why is this important?
Then a scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” - Matthew 8:19,20
Where did Jesus find His shelter? In His Father. This is why He would withdraw often to spend time before the face of His Father!
Our great God IS Shelter! He was Jesus' only rest and He is our only true rest as well.
Two ongoing questions for our lives: Where have I received shelter? Where have I given shelter?
Peace friend! Dave and Burnadette
More: A Shelter Song A Review of Living Fearless
To find shelter we must find Jesus. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We can choose to believe this or not, but there is pretty compelling evidence it is true. His story through the Jews and the Church is so expansive. I read a quote once: "the Bible is not a book one would write if he could or could write if he would." It is a supernatural story about a 100% lost human race who need to find our way back to God. Totally unflattering to all of us. And yet in His Story we find the life-line which anyone can grasp in order to change our lost trajectory.
There is no getting around the fact that if there is no Jesus revolution we are lost in our "sin." Dead. Having drowned in the ocean with our heart eaten out by a shark - floating on the bottom for a thousand years. Dead dead. His coming, His story and teaching and miracles, and His clear display of power over death not only the things which inspire religion - they power the Kingdom heart as well.
So why King - then Kingdom - then Church? And how and why has this so often been turned into Church - then Kingdom - then the King? It is quite simple: when humans are involved opportunism and subjugation rule the day. It is the story of history: institutions, kings, nations, the few democracies which have existed, corporations, education, medicine, or religion itself - all are filled with people. And people take advantage of and oppress one another.
Not so with the King of the universe Who came near to "seek and save that which is lost." His heart, mind, and soul were perfect. His motives were free from the opportunism of mankind. I am not advocating a cynical worldview, just a realistic one built upon the truths so clearly spoken in the Word of God. If we bend before the Son, we also do so before our Creator Father. If we do not bend our wills, we die a forever spiritual death. Bending (humbling) comes naturally for NO ONE. It is an evidence of the presence of God and a gift from God. "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God and He will exalt you at the proper time."
So Jesus shows up and teaches us about the Kingdom. Not the church. The greek word church is "ekklesia." It means a "called out assembly." Jesus uses the word church twice in the Gospels but the word Kingdom over 100 times. "Turn away from your futile, lost path and toward the life path." The church may do Kingdom work (some do and some don't), but disciples of the Kingdom are dedicated to following our King. Understanding and living out His Kingdom. Being a blessing to His "called out ones" in every decade and year. The Kingdom is simply the work God is doing in the world.
So Jesus calls us to a heart life that is dedicated to the honor of our King. We set ourselves aside and place the desire of God for our lives as the focus of our aspirations. The Gospels explain the Kingdom implicitly. His disciples heard His words and, as we can see from a number of their letters (such as James, Peter, and John), spent their remaining time on this earth living out the Kingdom for the benefit of His "called out assembly" - the church! So how does one find this kind of focus? By searching the Word of God daily. By sifting through the differences and similarities of the Kingdom and the Church. Jesus' parables, miracles, and people encounters are God's final word on King and Kingdom. It is up to us to apply His words into our own stories of faith.
Some great questions as you consider each aspect of the Kingdom in the Gospels: 1) What is Jesus teaching us about Himself? 2) What is He teaching us about ourselves? 3) What picture is He constructing of what our destiny will look like? This is how we immerse ourselves in Kingdom teaching - and live it out in our lives!
Peace upon your heart today, friend! Dave and Burnadette
More: A Kingdom Book Podcasts About the Kingdom
When I think about the people who have provided shelter for me through the years there are multiple faces that come to mind. A parent. A teacher. A neighbor. A mentor. A sibling. It is good for me to review my story periodically and think about those who have provided guidance or impacted or even changed my trajectory (whether intentionally or incidentally). So we invite you into this question: "Who has been used to impact me by coming alongside and even covering me in my unfolding years?"
Shelter is Who our Creator is. Within our turbulence there is One who pays attention to our comings and goings, and who intervenes for our ultimate welfare and help. This can take many forms, and sometimes may only be seen in the rear-view mirror. There are a number of Hebrew words which describe the shelter we receive in life. Again - not just for our bodies, but for our minds, hearts, and souls as well. Behind every act of shelter is the power and favor of God. Turbulence and imperfection appear to reign - but they do not!
This leads to the second question of our invitation to you: "Who have you personally given or chosen to provide shelter to in your journey?" Where have you chosen to dedicate your time, your talents, or your treasures to covering someone who is exposed? And what has been the result of such actions? To the person? To your own heart?
We were watching a movie the other day called Driveways, Brian Dennehy's final movie, where he plays a veteran of the Korean War. Living alone, he befriends a young, shy boy who has come with his mother to clean out his deceased aunt's hoarded home. Do you know you are viewing a good movie when, as one of our grands says, "your eyes get all watery?" These are the memorable things. Those which resonate with some aspect of shelter. This is because we are made in the image of God.
Our 8th podcast season will include at least 16 episodes of one aspect of the significance of these two questions: Who has given me Shelter and to whom have I provided shelter. We think you will enjoy and benefit from joining us to read and tell stories of shelter at Storiesofshelter.com, where we are building an on-line shelter community. Good for our hearts!
We are with you! Dave and Burnadette
A shelter "big picture" podcast Previous podcast seasons: Season #1 The Freedom Laws - 31 Episodes Season #2 The War - 30 Episodes Season #3 Turbulence of Imperfection - 33 Episodes Season #4 Kingdom Core - 14 Episodes Season #5 God’s Man/God’s Woman - 11 Episodes Season #6 My Learning Heart - 13 Episodes Season #7 The Power of Hope - 20 Episodes
How can something be one and three at the same time?
The trinity is much more than a teaching or doctrine of the historical church. It describes the eternal nature of God. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have always existed in fullness, completeness, and oneness. They have enjoyed perfect relationship throughout eternity, even before time was set in motion.
When our great God decided to create other beings, angels, and then humanity He did not do so because He was lonely or incomplete. He did so in order for us to share His glory. This is the destination of mankind despite the entrance of sin into the world. It is all about His Great Name. It is not merely His title(s) as it is His essence - and we are invited to discover and live within the boundaries of His mind and heart.
When Moses received the Law on the mountain (written by the finger of God), it was a truly monumental encounter. Each mention of LORD here is His Name Yahweh, which translates "I Am Who I Am." Moses is beginning to be able to hear and understand the voice of God as he encounters His Great Name. In His Name is ultimate authority. When He speaks - it becomes true.
Notice the things the Lord is teaching Moses about Who He is!
"The Lord descended in the cloud and stood there with him as he called upon the name of the Lord. Then the LORD passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.” Moses made haste to bow low toward the earth and worship. He said, “If now I have found favor in Your sight, O Lord, I pray, let the Lord go along in our midst, even though the people are so obstinate, and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us as Your own possession.” Exodus 34:5-9
Compassionate. Gracious. Slow to anger. Abounding in lovingkindness AND truth. Keeping lovingkindness for thousands. Forgiving iniquity. Bringing justice. This is a powerful thumbnail of Who God is!!!
As we know from the entire God Story, mankind has ups and downs, yet the Lord never changes. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever! As we look through the Story we see amplifications of His greatness as He deals with the sons and daughters of men.
“For the Lord will not abandon His people on account of His great name, because the Lord has been pleased to make you a people for Himself." 1 Samuel 12:22
Jesus found His shelter in His Father, just as He always had. Though He shared His great Name, He humbled Himself to the form of a man in order to taste and overcome death for all who embrace Him - per the eternal plan made between the "trinity." He did not back off from who He was:
“Surely You are not greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets died too; whom do You make Yourself out to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing; it is My Father who glorifies Me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God’; and you have not come to know Him, but I know Him; and if I say that I do not know Him, I will be a liar like you, but I do know Him and keep His word. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple." John 8:53-59
Here is what we use to stimulate understanding of His Great Name - for all who are interested!
We are with you! Dave and Burnadette
https://fourthstream.com/conversations/knowing-jesus/
It is difficult to conceive of what is pure and what is impure in our current world culture. And to be fair - throughout the history of mankind. When you live in a grey world the contrasts of Light and darkness seem to evaporate. So it is up to the Christ-follower to be busy about Kingdom things such as caring for the widow and the fatherless. Basically true religion involves caring for the unprotected and those who have no father image of love. This is why things like adoption and "foster" parenting can be so powerful. We cover. We shelter. Just as God has done for us.
"Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." - James 1:27
What do you see around you right now on this? The word spotless translates as unstained. It comes from a root meaning to go over a cliff. So while the sons of Adam are always in danger of going over the edge, the sons of the second Adam (Jesus) are saved by His Word - and then cleansed of our imperfections and guilt. More on the cleansing part in a moment from John 13.
John is succinct on the reality of this: "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world." (1 John 2:16) This makes clear where our vulnerabilities lie. Three categories to help us simplify the process of discerning defiled or impure "religion." Keep in mind that "religion" is anything we dedicate our hearts to!
1) The lust of the flesh is the passionate longing for what is temporary which results in our attention and intentions being captured by coveting what belongs to another. The heart of fallen Adam says "I want."
2) The lust of the eyes is the essence of envy which captures our imaginations and leads us into devaluing or trashing others and exalting ourselves (like neglecting the unprotected widow and fatherless around us). The fallen heart of Adam says "I see what I want and I am entitled to it."
3) The boastful pride of life. This could be translated "arrogant imposters of meaning." Here we exercise our "right" to define what is true, what is of value, and the things which are beneficial to self. Adam's image says "I take."
Here is where the second Adam (Jesus) comes in. He cleanses us. He can do this even after we have fallen over the precipice. Bring us back to life after a fatal fall. This is the very nature of repentance (turning away) and redemption (turning toward). God brings us back from our deadly fall in Adam, and restores us to our original place - made in the image of God.
"For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive." 1 Corinthians 15:22
When Jesus opens our eyes we exchange the futility of the first Adam for the perfections of the second Adam. No matter how far we have fallen over the edge He is able to bring us back. We are then blessed to have a cleansed conscience which can, moving forward, reject the lust of the flesh, the eyes, and the pride of life. Hence the huge impact of humility upon the forgiven soul.
This is woven into the story at every level.
We are with you, Dave and Burnadette
More: Over Our Heads Disarming Impurity
Because Jesus is Savior of nations and He has taken upon Himself the sins of the world He makes some pretty incredible claims - and beautiful invitations! While religion often makes Jesus faith complicated - He never does. He is very strait-forward. Direct.
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My justice is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Where we see burdens He sees opportunity for the soul to expand.
"Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” John 7:37 Where we cover over our thirst and become unquenchable He invites us to drink from endless inner rivers of water.
Jesus invites us to bring our burdens to Him. When we are worn out, weighed down, and discouraged He extends Himself to us. But we must come to Him. Jesus does not force Himself on us. He offers sincere invitations to freedom. By bringing our burdens to Him we are no longer alone. As we come we exchange these heavy weights for His weights - His yoke and His justice. When we understand that His justice will ultimately prevail, and that His burdens are light (because He carries them along with us) we are led into a new reality that is superior to the old. I no longer need to walk alone. And I have His living water springing up from the inside of me. Wow.
This reality permeates everything Jesus did and taught, and it is why He had no time for the self-righteous religionists of His time. Not only do we have direct access to Him, there is no benefit to going through a middle man (or middle person). We are given full rights and power to abide. His oil of blessing anoints every one of His followers, and fuels the power of our spirituality.
"As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him." 1 John 2:27
What is your greatest treasure? Faith? Hope? Love? Each of these "greatest gifts" lead to peace and rest, and this is what Jesus offers us as He invites us to "come." Beautiful.
He is with us! Dave and Burnadette
More: Jesus Wisdom Talking With Jesus
God IS shelter. He intervenes over and over into our lives to help us to find the way of truth and freedom of soul - and the Door to eternity. This is to be the goal and work of every parent. We live in an imperfect world and yet we are tasked with "Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6) There is nothing automatic about this. It is not so much a promise but a principle. If we do our heart work we give our sons and daughters all we can to find their way within their own journey.
Check this out: “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. “These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up." - Deuteronomy 6:4-7
The woven biblical thread concerning family is displayed both through principle and the examples revealed in the timeless God Story. From this we derive a home base, allowing us to return again and again to the fountain of life for the benefit of those we love - through good times and bad.
Consider this: "Unless the Lord builds the house, they work in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in futility. It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors; for He gives to His beloved even in his sleep. Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate." Psalm 127
Here are some of the ways we shelter those we love: √ We can give them every opportunity to know truth and honor as it is imperfectly pursued and lived out in our family's life. √ We can love each other in a way which brings security and steadfast love into the challenges of our own family story. √ We can walk beside each other and our children through the ups and downs that inevitably come as the years unfold. Parenting giving way to friendship is a gift. We can be a steady, loving force - no matter how imperfect our stories. √ We can pursue our own humility in God and faithfully live that humility out in love toward our kids and grandkids. √ We are given the great hope of interceding and praying for our kids. As they encounter their ups and downs, we can be there, taking their needs (and ours) before the throne of grace to find mercy in our times of need. √ We can be a good friend to others and model this as best we can for our own family, with the hope each one will find the shelter of selfless friendship.
“May the Lord reward your work, and your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.” Ruth 2:12
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust! For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and armor to protect us." Psalm 91:1-4
While we live in an imperfect environment (and family) our God is Good. When we call upon the Lord on behalf of ourselves and our family we are doing the work of God.
Living God, You are the Deliverer of our souls and those we love! Dave and Burnadette
Interfacing With Some Strong Home Principles A Courageous Strength Song
The story of brother anger is as old as Cain and Abel. It is a direct result of our fall in the garden of Eden and impacts us each day. Anger with our "brother" is a cancer that consumes the heart - and also displaces the freedom of soul God wishes for all His children. Jesus comments on this again and again:
“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..." Matthew 5:44
“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you..." Luke 6:27
“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men." Luke 6:35
Jesus also comments on the roots of brother anger and how we are to manage it. “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not commit murder’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. Make friends quickly with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way, so that your opponent may not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Truly I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid back the last cent." Matthew 5:21-26
By directing our anger in a God way (we can't avoid becoming angry) we set ourselves free and benefit others. "Be angry and do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity." Ephesians 4:26-27
When we sacrifice anger toward our brother upon the altar of our obedient faith, we follow in the footsteps of Jesus and cut off the work of the devil in and around our heart. "But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves." Luke 23:34
Forgiveness is daunting but is incredibly powerful over brother anger. Dave and Burnadette
More Warrior Anger Reaching Through Forgiveness
Talking with God has many nuances. √ It can be joyfully relational. √ It can be hard to make happen because of busyness. √ It can make me feel unsure of myself. √ It can be a process of excessive honor. √ Too often it only happens when my "me" trigger is active.
Solomon teaches us some interesting things about drawing near to God.
"Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few. For the dream comes through much effort and the voice of a fool through many words." Ecclesiastes 5:1-3
"When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands? For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God." Ecclesiastes 5:4-7
We are taught that in Jesus God has come near.
“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the dominion will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
So, following God for any human being is transactional. He extends His grace to all who believe he or she are spiritual beggars (Matthew 5). He gave His Son to overcome the chasm of sin. We believe and choose to honor Him with how we live our lives. His Word is given to us to help sort this out within each of our stories. The reward is to stand before Him one day and hear the words "well done."
Hearing God's voice is interestingly personal and often unquantifiable, and rarely transferable. It is a personal journey. It is all about the process of connection (faith). We have His inspired word to quantify this and give it parameters and meaning. When faith expands honor for God and comfort for our souls advances into our lives "buying back" what has been lost. Wow.
Listening and learning with you, Dave and Burnadette
More: A Listening Heart The Garden Song
Do you think about heaven very often? Do you believe it is a real place? What do you imagine when you construct your image? How do you respond to the idea of living forever?
King David had a unique clarity concerning forever. He believed he was going to experience forever life after this life. He understood his earthly life in conjunction with his heavenly life. They were connected. One followed the other. Here is one of the many realizations/declarations of the "sweet psalmist of Israel."
Psalm 16:5-11 First, David connects the dots of his life: The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.
David is then grateful for his connectivity with his God:I will bless the Lord who has counseled me; Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night. I have set the Lord continually before my face; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
He then sets his future view on life beyond this life:Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely. For You will not abandon my soul to the grave; Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.
You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever."
Forever here means never-ending. Pleasures gives the word pictures of overlapping delight. Our pleasures mesh completely with the pleasure of God. Wow.
We have just enough information about heaven for us to use in our calculus about where we are going. We love this from Revelation 22:
"Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street on either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever."
This is the context of the forever pleasures offered through Jesus. Selah.
Heaven will revolve around the One who is, and was, and will be forever!
"...and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father — to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. Behold He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” - from Revelation 1
Peace upon your heart! Dave and Burnadette
Psalm 16 Revelation 22
I am one of those nervous travelers. In fact, I would choose not to travel rather than embrace a self-imposed hassle with either highway or airport. I am sure there is some neurosis here, but I chiefly travel with people like Burnadette. She knows where we are going, how to get there, and steps right up when anything goes amiss.
As a spiritual being I am grateful to have a known start-point and destination. Some people do not care. They love mystery. I don't mind flying by the seat of my pants, but I am pretty particular about the how, where, and the why. I need some level of surety. When I submitted my life to Jesus over 50 years ago my question of destination opened for the first time, and has been a central consideration ever since.
Departure There are three significant departure (launchpoints) in our lives. The first occurs when we land in this world. We have no control over the details. The second happens if and when we come alive spiritually. This unfolds uniquely for each of us, and for many this admittedly never occurs. Our final departure animates when we step from life into death. Once again - this day is by and large chosen for us. Inevitable. Mostly out of our control.
Process While life has much reward it also holds inevitable pain. I wrote a book entitled "The Turbulence of Imperfection." Why is there so much pain in the world? Why don't things always work out? Why are some people's lives more smooth or successful than others? Why do bad things happen to good people? Life processes are ultimately in the hand of the Lord God. Each of our lives is a special recipe - one of a kind. We invest our time and resources in what seems best to us. Through process we have the opportunity to grow in faith, hope, and love. And each of these may be carried with us into the life to come, unlike the possessions we accumulate during our journey. Lots of unknowns. Process amplifies values, and our minds and hearts are given a chance to unlock our souls.
Destination Inasmuch as our crossing over is inevitable (unless you know something we don't) there is much unknown apart from what is revealed in God's Story. This assumes, of course, that God is real and that He has spoken. Here is what we do know from the God Story:
√ We will all enter from life into death.
√ We will appear before the Judgment seat of our Creator and His Son.
√ We will be rewarded based upon deeds of righteousness accomplished in God.
√ Jesus is making all things new. All things!
"He has told you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8
"But when the religious leaders heard that Jesus had silenced the other prominent religious sect, they gathered themselves together. One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him in order to trap Him, 'Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?' And He said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ On these two commandments hang the whole Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:34-40
How we begin, travel, and arrive are all significant. And despite our frailties and failures, it is God who brings us safely home.
"So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy." Romans 9:16
The mercy of faith brings us safely home! We are with you, Dave and Burnadette
On Earth As In Heaven Heaven
Perhaps the most central thread of the God Story is the one concerning God's Lamb. In Genesis 1-11 we find out about our human roots. In Genesis 12 God creates a new nation through Abraham. Through this new nation He would testify of His great Name and bring deliverance to all nations. When He called His people out of Egypt and through the Red Sea, the first identity requirement He gave was the sacrifice of a spotless lamb for each household. The blood was smeared upon the doorposts of their homes in Egypt and the Angel of Lord "passed over" the households of His people. We read about this in Exodus 12.
"Now you shall eat it in this manner: ready to travel, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste — it is the Lord's Passover. For I will go through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments — I am the Lord. The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live; and when I see the blood I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt." And this is exactly what happened.
The sacrifices of the sons of Israel (Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers and then through the time of Jesus) all extended or mirrored the passover lamb. This is why John the Baptist called out in John 1: "Behold, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world." His disciples began to follow Jesus, because John had prepared the way.
It is interesting that Jesus (God's Lamb) was not more distinguishably apparent to the Jewish leaders. He is explained in their entire Law and prophets. (see Isaiah 53, for example). "Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was pierced through for our transgressions, and He was crushed for our iniquities; and the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed. All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him." Wow.
The disciples were processing some pretty amazing things. What did His words mean? Were they not going to reign with Him - soon!? What were these troublesome indicators He kept bring up in conversation? How did He know the things He knew? What kind of plan was He following?
On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was being sacrificed, His disciples said to Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare for You to eat the Passover?” And He sent two of His disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him; and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is My guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples? And he himself will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; prepare for us there.” The disciples went out and came to the city, and found it just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover." (Mark 14:12-16) The full account of this dinner is given in John 13-17, one of the most intimate God-moments of the entire God Story.
There is much in this thread but let's complete this conversation with: "And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, AND the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and marvelous are Your works O Lord God, the Almighty; righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations!" Revelation 15:3 One song - really?! One message? "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."
There are not two testaments: only one. It is the testimony of the Living God, whether we are speaking of Israel (God's chosen people) or the gathering of the nations, or the Church. King first - then Kingdom - then Church! When did Jesus die for the sins of the world? When you get a chance check out "foundation of the world." Amazing!
So:
√ The Lamb's blood was the plan all along.
√ Everything in the God Story revolves around blood and redemption (Genesis 9:5).
√ Jesus is God's Lamb. He died for the sins of the world.
√ The promises of Moses and the prophets are each fulfilled in Jesus the Nazarene.
Where do you stand?
"There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:9-13
He who has ears to hear - let him hear! Dave and Burnadette
Here are 16 conversations about the Lamb of God. The God Story in 8 Minutes
If humility is the key to the Door of the Kingdom (and we think it is) then a few things must be considered. Jesus is clear that He is the Door to His Father and His Kingdom. The keys to the Kingdom were given to the right person. This has nothing to with church authority and everything to do with Peter's magnificent followthrough in his imperfect faith.
Peter promised never-ending allegiance to Jesus.
Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, 'I will strike down the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” But Peter said to Him, “Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away.” Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You.” (Matthew 26:31-35) All the disciples said the same as well.
Peter then betrayed Jesus (after taking the slave Malchus' ear with his sword). (John 18:26) When he was around the fire. (Luke 22:57) When he did not take the coward's way out like Judas and faced his failure. (John 21) When he continued to be taught after Jesus had ascended (Galatians 2:11-14)
This was a key backdrop to what Jesus was teaching His disciples throughout the Gospels about forgiveness.
√ You have to admit you were wrong.
√ You must be gracious when others have been wrong.
√ When you have been falsely accused.
√ When your friends dump and shun you.
√ When you must choose the forgiveness of Jesus.
√ When you must live not returning insult for insult.
√ When you must pray for your enemies.
√ When you must bless those who curse you.
√ When you choose not to take into account a wrong suffered.
After all (wedding repetition here) - think about each one and the humbling nature of each:
Love is patient Love is kind and is not jealous Love does not brag and is not arrogant Love does not act improperly Love does not demand what is best for me Love is not provoked Love does not take into account a wrong suffered Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth Love bears all things Love believes all things Love hopes all things Love endures all things Love never fails.
This is the core of the teaching about humility - and spiritual success!
Dave and Burnadette
Review: Blessed Are the Misfits
So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." John 10:7-9
Jesus spends much time explaining His Kingdom. He is the Door of the Kingdom, of course, but we enter through this Door through the reality of humility. Let's take a look at part of this woven thread!
When Jesus spoke His "sermon on the mountain" (which we are sure He spoke many times) He outlined what it meant to be connected with God. Matthew 5 expresses:
Verse 3 How we own the Kingdom of heaven Verse 4 How we find comfort for our mourning Verse 5 What will cause us to inherit the earth Verse 6 What will bring us satisfaction Verse 7 How we receive mercy for our condition Verse 8 How we may see God Verse 9 How we can be called the sons of God Verse 10 The reward of being persecuted Verse 11,12 Our continuation in the lie of those who live for God Verse 13 How our lives become salt Verse 14 How we become lights in this dark world
This is the flow of His amazing declarative remarks. But let's return to verses 3 and 4 to understand His context. Each of these 14 verses has their core in His opening: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Each flows from the roots of these first words. Let's take a closer look. While being poor in spirit can certainly include lacking the opulence of others, it appears that Jesus is going deeper. The words poor in spirit could easily be translated "those who know we are beggars in spirit." Spiritual beggars. He is describing our common human condition of having nothing apart from God. When viewed properly this is very humbling. It lines up with the thread of humility found from Genesis 1 through Revelation 22. It provides the core of finding a purified heart (v 8).
If we know we are spiritual beggars it will cause us to mourn our condition (blessed are those who mourn). Of course God cares about our losses and pains, but Jesus is specifically addressing the very humbling reality that we have no good in and of ourselves. When we are transparent before God and men and angels, we open the Door to humility, and consequently, to spiritual living. (verses 5-13). Does this make sense? It fits with every teaching and encounter Jesus had with the oppressed or the oppressors. Can you see how huge this is to spiritual living?
Solomon previewed it. "When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom." (Proverbs 11:2)
James nailed it. "Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you." (James 4)
Paul fully articulated it. "Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory. For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:13-19)
And Peter amplifies it."You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble...Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time..." (1 Peter 5)
Living in and with personal humility is the key to going in and out of the Door. This is why we have Psalm 23. He is our good Shepherd, and if we submit to His shepherding we are blessed and our spiritual footprint multiplies.
Bending with you, Dave and Burnadette
Fall On Your Knees
We thought it was a good time for a deep dive into who is really in control. Let's follow the thread.
The evil one manipulates us with fear.
"Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives." (Hebrews 2:14-15)
God's perfect love casts out fear.
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love." (1 John 4:18)
SO - when we focus on our King - fear is disarmed and freedom reigns.
"It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1)
When Jesus healed the man with the weight over his hearing and speech, Jesus let out a sigh. (Mark 7:34) The work was not easy and it was a weight. The Spirit carries this weight if we let him: "In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." (Romans 8:26-27)
And so, the deeper part of God must connect with the deeper part of who we are. This is what David is explaining in Psalm 42. Deep calls to deep.
"As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”
These things I remember and I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God, With the voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival. Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence.
O my God, my soul is in despair within me; Therefore I remember You from the land of the Jordan And the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls; All Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me.
The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime; And His song will be with me in the night, A prayer to the God of my life. I will say to God my rock, “Why have You forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” As a shattering of my bones, my adversaries revile me, While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God." Psalm 42/For the choir director. A Maskil of the sons of Korah. We celebrate the deep things and the waterfalls with you, Dave and Burnadette
A (new) Deep Song
As humans we cannot help but carry our own amount of weights. Disappointments. Bad memories. Unfulfilled hopes. Critical words.
Jesus commented on the weight He places upon His followers:
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”(Matthew 11:28-30) The word yoke encompasses the idea of weights and balances. If you have every contemplated Proverbs you have encountered how God feels about "just" weights and balances, right?
Jamie Winship in Living Fearless articulates it this way: "When you picked up this book you brought all kinds of false beliefs with you. You can't help it; you're human. Anxiety, fear, guilt, shame - all the garbage came with you, and the enemy is attached to it. The enemy has no authority over you. But if you think he does, in that way he does. That's sort of his game. He asks you to give him permission to run your life, and you say yes by believing his deceptions: "I'm not good enough." "Nothing will ever change." "I am stuck in this situation, "God will never use me," "I am alone in this mess," and so on. The enemy is ruling your life, and you become what you believe." (pages 50-51)
Enter Paul, the disciple of Jesus, who carried much sad baggage of his own.
Philippians 3:7-14 "But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith. This is so I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Paul continues with a very clear picture of what we are to do with this baggage:
"Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Beautiful: Apparently there are things best moved beyond, and God alone gives this ability through the justice of forgiveness. So, Paul is saying: - the things that I have lived my life to attain are ultimately secondary to knowing Jesus - a life of true faith can bring power for this life and for the one to come - this is a process with an ongoing promise thoughout - what has been is over - and I am living for what will be
How can God give us any more as He carries our weights and encourages us toward our forever future? Magnificent. Easier spoken than received.
Forgetting and pressing on with you! Dave & Burnadette
True Forgiveness Helping Us Breathe :) A great book review on forgiveness
For a great thread study on the forgiveness subject type the word forgive into search.
As you know, at Fourthstream we are all about following, knowing, and applying the woven threads of the God Story. Today we are talking about joy - which is a major thread! There is a strength which comes from God and is powerful in very practical and amazing ways. We will do our best to consider the panoramic specifics of what joy brings into the world - and into the heart and life of a Jesus follower.
The Source of Joy - Nehemiah 8:10 The Jews had returned from a long and painful captivity. Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther were raised up to encourage joy among those who engaged the arduous task of rebuilding physically and spiritually. Where were they to find the courage and strength they needed in the face of overwhelming odds?
"Then he said to them, “Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” We choose joy over grief and pain, right?
The Destination of Joy - Isaiah 55:11-13 When the Bible talks about joy it encompasses both this world and the one to come. It is literally our moving destination target. And His joy will never end!
"So will My word will go from My mouth. It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. For you will go out with joy and be led forth with peace. The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thorn bush the cypress will come up, and instead of the nettle the myrtle will come up, and it will be a memorial to the Lord, for an everlasting sign which will not be cut off.” (the myrtle was functional and decorative - dark shining leaves with white flowers)
The fruits of Joy - Philippians 4:1-9 The letter to the Philippians could be titled "Christ Our Joy." Here is a brief summary of how Paul felt about the different elements of joy in his life. So relational! As you consider the next three paragraphs ask God how He is using these things to challenge and guide your heart.
"Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche (insert people you know names here) to live in harmony in the Lord. Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement (insert true spiritual warriors names here) also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and reaching up with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
"Finally, fellow heirs and companions in the truth, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is well done and good, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, engage these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."
The Great Joy - Jude 24-25 True joy will have no end. Happiness has a shelf-life. The more we live for true joy the more free we become and remain!
"Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen."
We choose joy - it is forever true! Dave and Burnadette
More on the Joy thread Joy Out of Grossness A Joy Song
The concept of forever is tough to grasp. Everything about being human eventually runs into limitation. "As for the days of our lives, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years. Yet human pride is only labor and sorrow, for soon it is gone and we fly away. Who understands the power of Your angerand Your fury, according to the reverence that is due You? So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom." - Moses in Psalm 90
There are a couple of important keys to unlocking a life of hope. The first is understanding the nature and reality of Forever. The second involves being informed in and experiencing what is True. Forever casts vision for the greatness of God and the reward of living for something better. It begins to define the deepest aspirations of any man or woman. When our minds, souls, and eventually our bodies enter the confluence of forever truth we begin to honor and appreciate the One who has created us.
God and Moses in Exodus 3: God said to Moses, “I Am Who I Am” and "This you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Furthermore God said to Moses, “You shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations." Also note from Moses' song in Exodus 15:18: “The Lord shall reign forever and ever.” So what is true is forever, and what is forever is true!
Jesus' brother James commented as well. "You do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." - James 4:4
At some point we all must face our limitations, humble our souls, and ask for help from the God of Heaven. We must be consistently washed in truth to live a trajectory culminating in eternal life, right? King David was aware of this even in the times he lived: "Then David the king went in and sat before the Lord, and he said, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far? And yet this was insignificant in Your eyes, O Lord God, for You have spoken also of the house of Your servant concerning the distant future. And this is the custom of man, O Lord God."- 2 Samuel 7:18-19 (see also 7:22-29)
In John 6:51 Jesus says: “I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My body.”
Forever is a part of His promise to all of God's children. It is woven throughout the Word of God, and Jesus the Son has taken center stage in opening this door. This becomes part of truth's core. What is true will last forever. Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." (John 14:6)
Our hope: He is forever true! Dave and Burnadette
A Good Forever Song (Revelation 22) Jesus and Forever
When God's hand moves His will is done - on earth and in heaven. His authority backs up His intentions seamlessly. There is no hesitation. There is nothing that can stop it. He thinks and His hand moves and His will is done.
In Mary's prayer of praise to God in Luke 1:49-52 she says: “For the Mighty One has done great things for me and holy is His name. His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who revere Him. He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, and has exalted those who were humble." This is like a "brief movement" of His arm. His arm is powerful and mighty to save! (Isaiah 63:1).
Exodus 8:16-19 is interesting. "Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the earth, that it may become gnats through all the land of Egypt. They did so; and Aaron stretched out his hand with his staff, and struck the dust of the earth, and there were gnats on man and beast. All the dust of the earth became gnats through all the land of Egypt. The magicians tried with their secret arts to bring forth gnats, but they could not; so there were gnats on man and beast. Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as the Lord had spoken." God's power is not limited.
Exodus 31:18 also comments on this thread: "When He had finished speaking with him upon Mount Sinai, He gave Moses the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written by the finger of God." Deuteronomy 9:10 indicates the same. This culminates in Jesus' teaching in Luke 11. Wow. "And He was casting out a demon which made a man mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke; and the crowds were amazed. But some of them said, “He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons.” Others, to test Him, were demanding of Him a sign from heaven. But He knew their thoughts and said to them, “Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and a house divided against itself falls. Likewise, If Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by the prince of the demons. And if I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? So they will be your judges. But if I cast out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are undisturbed. But when someone stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away from him all his armor on which he had relied and distributes his plunder. “He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me, scatters.
“When the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and not finding any, it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it returns, it finds it swept and put in order. Then it goes and takes along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first.”
As we mentioned before the hand of God and the finger of God are mighty to save and do their Masters bidding. Here are a few things we learn from this central explanation given by Jesus concerning His authority over spiritual realms. √ Demons impair humans √ Jesus had authority to cast them out √ The finger of God is righteous and true - it cannot be faked √ Demons take our armor and overpower us √ When we are with God we are with the arm and finger of God, right? √ When a demon is gone, God must live where the demon was, or trouble ensues
There are many positions taken regarding demons, satan, and spiritual warfare. As we observe what is happening around us it is important to recognize that Jesus took on demonic presence and backed it down. It is because He is the hand of God - the finger of God. When we encounter evil within people or cultures around us, it is Jesus' presence that is mighty to save. After all, satan will ultimately and most assuredly be cast into the bottomless pit (Revelation 20:10). For now - we wear our armor and carry our weapons! (Ephesians 6).
Here is a great warfare song. Here is an in-depth podcast series on Spiritual Warfare.
Fighting the fight with you! Dave and Burnadette
The wickedness thread from the God Story is extensive. Here are a few of the central elements. The word itself is tied to "working at things which are not just" so there must be distinct departure from the truth to become a "worker of wickedness." This differs from the sin which is endemic to the entire human race. Sin is our condition of rebellion and separation from our Creator. Wickedness is our choice to reject God and subjugate others.
When one thinks about wicked people usually some sort of injustice comes to mind. Oppression. Human trafficking. Abortion. Taking the life of another. Leveraging impurity for perverted ends or to cause captivity of another fits here as well. Here is a little about the wickedness thread from God's Word.
Genesis 6:5: Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. The Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. The Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them.” But Noah found favor in the eyes of the great I Am.
Deuteronomy 9:4,5 “Do not say in your heart when the Lord your God has driven them out before you, ‘Because of my righteousness the Lord has brought me in to possess this land,’ but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord is dispossessing them before you. It is not for your righteousness or for the uprightness of your heart that you are going to possess their land, but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that I Am driving them out before you, in order to confirm the oath which the I swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."
Psalm 5:4 "For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness and no evil dwells with You. Those who praise themselves shall not stand before Your eyes; You hate all who practice wickedness."
Psalm 14:4 "Do not all the workers of wickedness know, those who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call upon the Lord? These workers are in great dread, for God is with the righteous generation. You will put to shame by the counsel of those who afflict you, but the Lord is your refuge."
The prophets are loaded with this thread as well!Hosea 7:2,3; 10:13; Joel 3:13; Habakkuk 1:13; Malachi 3:15 (evil criminals - who escape)
Mark 7:22 and Luke 11:39 describe the ways of evil work.
Romans 1:29 examines "malicious toil in what is evil"
Ephesians 6:12 mirrors "malicious toil in what is evil"
2 Timothy 2:19 speaks about "unrighteous injustice"
James 1:21 describes the "malicious intent" of wickedness
So - none of us can escape the reality or penalty of falling short of the glory of God. This is the condition of sin. We all share this condition. But wickedness appears to be very personal and involves our intentions and choices. When we live the life of a bully (oppressor) we do harm to our "brother." In turn we are held to these choices by our chosen cords of wickedness. This is what the work of the evil one is all about. He seeks to bind us by our choices for evil.
Idea: Make a quick list of what you have learned about the realities of your condition of sin since your eyes were opened. Then make another list of any wicked things you have done to others in your lifetime. Where have you confessed this to God and found forgiveness.
We are meant to be free from slavery to sin and to others and choose to be "bond slaves" of our great God!
Dave and Burnadette
Freedom and Bondage
Humanity has been and continues to be a slippery group. Our propensity to blame and accuse others, to consider ourselves greater and others lesser, and to justify our own acts toward others is epic.
"But at the evening offering I arose from my humiliation with my garment and my robe torn, and I fell on my knees and stretched out my hands to the Lord my God; saying “O my God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift up my face to You, my God, for our iniquities have risen above our heads and our guilt has grown even to the heavens. “Since the days of our fathers to this day we have been in great guilt, and on account of our sins against You our people, our kings, and our priests have been given into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity and to plunder and to open shame, even to this day. But now for a brief moment grace has been shown from the Lord our God, to leave us an escaped remnant and to give us a peg in His holy place, that our God may enlighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our bondage." Ezra 9:5-8
Over Our Heads The picture we are given in Ezra is one of our choices being out of control, and that we are drowning in our wicked acts. What is a wicked act? There are many points that could be made (the 10 commandments are helpful in this) but even beyond what we choose and do is our rejection of the One Who created us. When we choose to be kings above God we slip into the throes of arrogance, and we lose all perspective on ourselves.
There is a biblical difference between sin and wickedness. Follow the threads! Sin is a condition in which we all share. Wickedness are our personal choices made within each of our acts of deceit and oppression. While we all are condemned by (and can be rescued) from our sin, our choices for wickedness are weighty and difficult to escape. When we reject God and oppress others (through impurity, greed, and pride) we engage in wickedness. While no one person is worse than another (sin) we can spiral into caverns of choices which lay hold of our souls in unique and powerful ways. While we all share in "sin" our acts of wickedness define us uniquely. Repentance and forgiveness provide our only escape.
"Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. The Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. The Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them.” But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord." Genesis 6:5-8
So we see even back at the time of the flood (very early in our history) that God was sorry He had made us and was ready to destroy all. Apart from Noah finding favor in the eyes of God, this is exactly what would have happened. This should make us grateful that this is true as well: "Tear your heart and not your garments and return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness and relenting of judgment." Joel 2:13
Even when we as individuals or people groups are in over our heads there is mercy with the Lord our God. We, as well, can "find favor in the eyes of the Lord" even when God is sorry He has made us. The impact of hearts of greed, impurity, and pride can be reversed by our merciful God. Selah! We have the ultimate hope.
Dave and Burnadette
Your Own New Song
The Hebrew word for neighbor means companion or friend. It focuses His people on our identity as sons of Adam. By caring for and about our neighbor(s) we are carried into God's world. This is a central thread in the Word of God, so it is key to our spiritual success.
When Jesus quotes the Law of Moses to the man who wanted to know the greatest commandment: "One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all our heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the great and foremost commandment. “The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:35-40)
This is interesting when set beside Mark 10:17-19: "As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments, ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not defraud, honor your father and your mother. And he said to Him, 'Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.” Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.' But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property."
Why was the neighbor part so difficult?When it cost him something!
The apostles carried out this message from Moses and Jesus, and the neighbor thread continues through their writings. Here is the essence of it: "If someone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen." (1 John 4:20)
It is good for us to set our sights over and over again on these two great commandments. We love God based upon truth. His truth. We love our neighbor based upon His Word. This is the story of opportunity for all humanity, and the grace and truth by which we will find reward in His Kingdom!
Micah 6 tells us plainly: "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Dave and Burnadette Selah. In this we find hard hope.
A Great Song About Neighbor Love Jesus Love is the Best Love Developing Love
Through the years God has led us deeper into the door of forgiveness. Today we want to challenge you to your own clarity for your forgiveness home-base. It is a chance for you to give attention to meditation on what has and is and will occur in your own heart regarding a topic Jesus revisited time and time again. Consider it a systematic forgiveness A-Z course you can use to help others overcome in this very important aspect of our personal faith. Remember, Jesus said "if you do not forgive those who hurt you, neither will I forgive you." WOW.
God often associates the experience of forgiveness with freedom. Have you ever held an offense for a period of time and finally been brought to a place of forgiveness? Or perhaps you have carried the impact of your own failure(s) on your shoulders and you have found Jesus' forgiveness over it. What a relief. It is a freedom within the soul where there once was a great weight, and now it has been taken away in Jesus. The hard thing here is that when we are wronged or discounted we take it VERY personally. It is tied into our identity and our pride. It is why it is so hard to let go!
One of our earliest engagements on this topic is reflected in our podcast entitled CJ015: Forgiveness from Curious Journey. Curious Journey is the first of our six books and considers the forgiveness schematic found within the teachings of Jesus. Listen and meditate to what our Master says about a topic that was near and dear to His heart.
We then go deeper into finding freedom through forgiveness. Jesus wants this for all of His children. Listen as Need to Breathe explains what happens to us when we forgive:
I couldn't see I was the only hostage To the bitterness I can't let go Maybe now it's time to cut my losses Move on, move on, move on Oh, I can't believe how long it's lasted I can feel it coming up these bones There's a part of me that can't get past it I know, I know, I know 'Cause when you forgive someone You set yourself free Oh, when you forgive someone You set yourself free
We find deep freedom for sure! Have you felt this in a personal way? Have you experienced the ravages of unforgiveness. Several years ago we visited the realities of living free through forgiveness: 012 Forgiveness: Deep Freedom
We find ourselves born into a spiritual war of epic proportions, where we are given spiritual armor to protect us and serve us as we fight. Here are some conversations and teaching to help you deep dive for sure! The book review is one of the best we have read about forgiveness. Enjoy your freedom. - Dave and Burnadette
Forgiveness As A Weapon
Reaching Through Forgiveness
Book Review: Forgiveness
Several months ago we encountered some podcasts by teacher and author Jamie Winship. Before we knew it tons of others from our community of friends were tuning in as well. We continued to listen and investigate and weigh his teaching (which we do with all things) and recently ended up ordering a copy of this book. It is entitled Living Fearless.
We are encouraged by Jamie's view of the Kingdom, where he agrees with both Jesus and John the Baptist indicating the Kingdom was "at hand." This, of course, is because the King had shown up per the promise of the Hebrew scriptures. Do you know that the gospels only mention the word church three times but the Kingdom is spoken of over a hundred times? Jamie speaks of hearing God's voice which has become a divisive issue in the American church ever since "charismatics" and "nons" were successfully alienated from one another within the "evangelical" church group (another smooth move, evil one). While God "has spoken" through nature, the Word of God, and His Son Jesus - He has also placed His Spirit within His children so we can have Jesus disclosed to us. This appears progressive rather than one and done.
Jamie also addresses our identities, both as humans made in His image, and then as Jesus' sheep for whom He died. He and his and his wife Donna's mission appears to be teaching people to reject fear (and all things associated with it) and entrust ourselves into the hands of our King. He thinks that if we live in our God identity that we are better equipped to reject the schemes of the evil one.
This book amplifies the radical nature of living free when we reject fear. Lies are often not far behind fear, and this gives way to establishing strongholds meant to subvert our obedience, hope, and effectiveness in Jesus. By defining a clear process to reclaim and hold to our true identities, we find freedom of mind and heart. Usually I highlight main quotes from a book when I review, but Living Fearless deserves to be read and weighed carefully as an asset to your spiritual life. I found it encouraging and helpful. His story contexts are very helpful for contextualizing identity conversations.
Jamie says: "How are we walking? Like victims who blame everyone, including God, and everything else for our difficulties and failures? Let's stand up in the true identity given to us by God and let the redeemed of the Lord say so! God talks to us only in our true identity and says, "rise up as my leaders in a dark and fragmented world." (page 73)
Burnadette and I are thoroughly enjoying the conversations. Although I must admit that I did procure her book copy for my purposes. What does that tell you about my identity?
Dave and Burnadette
When God completed His creation of all things He said it was good. But He then added - and we quote - "it is not good for the man to be alone." And so began the male/female saga in the Word of God and in the human world. Then there was trouble. What happened in the Garden was a cosmic disaster. Now adversity would permeate every part of the human experience, and there would need to be a pathway to return to God.
Our book opens with a conversation about "Lady Wisdom" from the book of Proverbs. Check it out for yourself and decide whether or not you agree with our take on the male-female picture given in this big picture view (Proverbs 8 et al).
From there we outline ten of the most expansive topics which can make for the kind of depth we are meant to experience together as men and women.
What are the good questions? Leveraging the mind, heart, soul, and conscience Personal Vision: What is it that I want? Finding, cultivating, and growing solid relationships Establishing, nurturing, and guiding my home Reviewing my personal strengths and weaknesses Combatting timidity, fear, and identity issues Connecting with my spirituality Light and Darkness Putting it all together and making my life count
These help make God's Man/God's Woman helpful for deeper conversation, personal meditation, Jesus discipleship, and helping others.
You can purchase God's Man/God's Woman in print, kindle, or audio book at BrentHarrisBooks.com where you can find other helpful video content as well.
Enjoy!
Dave Nadler and Brent Harris
Why do bad things happen to good people? What is the reason for such widespread oppression? Where does evil originate - and what is the source of good?
We are born into a world filled with turbulence, and really, to a world at war. In The Turbulence of Imperfection we discuss what God explains to us about "every day having enough trouble of its own" and the revealed context for what we all too clearly face each day. Jesus was clear on this: “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
There are bigger things going on than just the story of humanity. Everything takes place in the context of the glory of our Creator. This is hard for us to swallow. We like to think everything revolves around us. It doesn't. Not that we are not significant. We are made in the image of God, after all. In all of this we "find ourselves by losing ourselves" (comparatively).
Humans are very driven toward assigning blame. When things go well we want the credit. When they don't we often look for someone to blame. Including God. In Turbulence we break down the reality of imperfection and how we can face it in ways that are good for our souls. We love this Jesus quote: "He who sits on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.' And He said, 'Write, for these words are faithful and true.' ” (Revelation 21:5) Our worlds are very one dimensional. We struggle to see the unseen, which is totally understandable. This is why we have been placed in the arena of faith. Those who navigate adversity based upon how God defines Himself and our lives will always find hope. When we know God there is truly nothing or real value that can be taken from of us.
Here is God's mind on turbulence: "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:1-5)
These are hopeful words for turbulent times and tested souls. Dave and Burnadette
Find the Turbulence Book here A good turbulence song
Our world grows darker. Yet the true Light is shining even now. Jesus has called us friends. In John 15:14 He says "you are my friends if you do what I command you." This friendship with Jesus opens the door (I Am The DOOR) to a reconnection with our Creator Father who gives His Spirit without limit (John 3). Such connectivity is the greatest gift that can be given to any man or woman.
As my understanding and insight into my own story solidified (Curious Journey) and I began to sink my roots in Jesus' Kingdom (Kingdom book), my connectivity included a rediscovery of my path to being with God. The Father of the so-called "old" testament was powerful, just, loving, yet could be very severe in His judgement (we deserve it, by the way). Jesus did not come to judge the world for we had already fallen short by our own choices (John 12:47). He came this first time to save the world and to restore our connective friendship with God (Genesis 3:8).
To once again become a friend of God required only one thing from any human. "And Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called the friend of God." (James 2:23) This is the story of the book Mentored by God. How do we find our way in a darkening world? We follow Jesus. What was Jesus' one focus when He appeared this first time? To reveal the Father to us. So the One who cannot tolerate even a speck of sin reaches out to lost us through the blood-covering of His Son. Wow.
"God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they." (Hebrews 1:1-4)
He is everything. We hope you enjoy the conversations in the book. Dave and Burnadette
More on the Mentored by God conversation (post and audio or video)
The book Mentored by God link
As I began to sort out religion, christianity, and faith the message of the Kingdom emerged as of key interest in the teachings and examples of Jesus. He and John the Baptist both said the same thing right from the beginning: "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand." Jesus mentions the church only a few times in all four Gospels but refers to the Kingdom over 100 times. As I noted this Kingdom thread I began to rethink my views on religion and church. It became apparent that Jesus was at odds with arguably the greatest religionists of world history: the Jews. So religion wasn't the answer to my spiritual quest. So I dove in to more deeply understand the reality and nature of Jesus' Kingdom: the Kingdom of Heaven.
It makes sense that Matthew (the Gospel for the Jews first) would take the time to explain the Kingdom in Jesus' words and actions. This book is a step by step look at how the Kingdom unfolds in Matthew, and sets the tone for the other Gospels and letters from the apostles. It is not a complicated book but may prove to be revolutionary in how you personally sort out first King, then Kingdom, then church.
I am certainly not anti-church (I served as a pastor for over 45 years) but have come to be more "pro-Bride of Christ" rather than "pro-visible church." The visible church has and continues to do much good in the world. It has also often twisted God's words and misrepresented Jesus' Kingdom, something the God Story calls "false teaching."
Consider a few points:
√ The historic church (like all religions of antiquity) has twisted the words of Jesus for institutional and personal gain. √ Jesus' greatest conflict was not with Rome but with the Jewish religious leaders. They led the charge to condemn and crucify Jesus and to discredit His resurrection.
√ Many of Jesus' teachings were given in Kingdom parables, all for the purpose of both veiling and explaining the Kingdom to His disciples.
√ A thorough consideration of the Kingdom contextualizes teaching about the Church, both in history and in the Word of God. Kings first - then Kingdom - then Church. This is the order of the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.
As you read Kingdom: Finding Your True Self you will investigate what Jesus taught about connecting with His Father through His Kingdom. It may correct some of your church views or perspectives, and at the same time give you a greater freedom of connection. After all, "if we continue in His words we are truly disciples of His, and we shall know the truth, and the truth shall set us free."
Enjoy your deeper launch into the Kingdom.
And Jesus said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” (Matthew 13:52)
This is what Jesus wishes for us to become! Dave and Burnadette
Here is the link to the Kingdom book - enjoy!
I began my writing part of my story with a series of essays on my life experiences leading up to and into adulthood. This included my formative experiences, and then as I was beginning to realize the depths of being made in the image of God and what this had to do with my identity. So began a revolution that has carried me through decades, successes, and failures - both the encouraging highs as well as heart-breaking lows.
By reviewing my life experiences and summarizing what I had learned to date, it occurred to me that it is important to encourage others to reflect and integrate the unique nature of each of our stories. There will only ever be one of you. While we all share in-common humanities and generally connected stories, each of us is unique - one of a kind.
The amazing thing is that our Great God is connected with every soul - every story. For better and for worse we are being woven into the incredibly meaningful tapestry of time, where we ALL share opportunity to project upon the glory of our Creator. For some this will result in eternal separation. For others eternal life surrounded in the glory of God.
Check this out!
To date I have "written" six books, which I prefer to describe as collections of essays. These reflect on where I have come from, what I have learned and am learning, and ultimately where I am headed. Looking back I can see a fluid connection related to my spiritual journey. First I needed to begin to understand who God is in Jesus. Next it was key for me to learn about the nature of the Kingdom and its connection between my soul over and above the religious pursuits of history. As this unfolded I began to experience Jesus, know my Father better, and understand the ways of the Holy Spirit sealed within me. I needed to integrate the great question "why do bad things happen to good people?" which I investigate in the book Turbulence. Recently I have joined with a good friend to write God's Man/God's Woman - which ponders the ways we are able to make our lives count. I will cap this writing journey off next year with A Story About A King - something different than I have attempted before this.
Each of these books are available in print, Kindle, and form at Fourthstream.com. The order they are read is not significant - do so based upon your interest!
Curious Journey: Your Story Matters Kingdom: Finding Our True Selves Mentored by God: Finding Our Way In A Darkening World Turbulence In Imperfection: Essays About Real Life God's Man/God's Woman: Making it Count A Story About A King: His Story is Our Story (2025)
Each book is a great tool for you to use to engage conversation with yourself, your kids and grands, and your neighbors. Curious Journey can help you unlock and reflect upon the things you learned, and with me we can integrate our stories into the greater Story!
Dave writes and Burnadette lives it with him (and proofs his writing to make him look good), Dave and Burnadette Nadler
Here is a series of podcasts on each chapter of Curious Journey.
We have processed several books over the last several years which take on different aspects of the battle in which we find ourselves. Each is included in the recommended reading list at the end of this. We have an extensive series of Warfare podcasts here. These are some interesting insights to ponder, for sure.
YAHWEH & ELOHIM (Who was the Us?) Michael Heiser postulates that this plural name for God (elohim) includes more than just the Trinity when talking about "us." He ties it to principalities and powers per Paul's conversation in Ephesians 6:12 etc.
YAHWEH X 2 (On Earth as it is in Heaven) Because the Father is Yahweh (I Am Who I Am) and Jesus is Yahweh (before Abraham was born I Am) he believes that Jesus was Yahweh on earth, emulating the picture found in the "copies" spoken of in Hebrews. Two persons - one God.
YAHWEH’S COUNSEL OF THE GODS He presents a series of woven thread passages on page 19, and returns to these (adding many others), to establish his belief that these principalities and powers are God's divine counsel. He thinks they include multiple "gods" (supernatural beings) who were beside Yahweh when He created the earth (Job 38:7). This, of course, would have also included presumably Gabriel, Satan, and Michael, together with myriads of angels (10k x 10k is a myriad), the four living creatures, and the twenty-four elders - all making up God's "counsel."
ADAM & EVE/DIVINE IMAGERS Our parents were placed in the garden of Eden to be fruitful, multiply, and subdue the earth. We were meant to bear the image of God throughout His creation, and through the second Adam (Jesus) we are being returned to Eden, which of course, will be on a new heavens and new earth, and center around the New Jerusalem. Exciting!
TURBULENCE OF IMPERFECTION/HEAVENLY REBELLION Like many things we interpret, our perspective on the rebellion of the angels (sons of God), is often limited. Heiser investigates Deuteronomy, numerous Psalms, words of the prophets, and ties many passages into the story of Jesus in order to contextualize the rebellion of the evil ones (Genesis 6:1-8). His consideration of the sons of god/daughters of men, the Tower, giants in the land, and the confrontation of Jesus/Moses/Elijah with the "gods" of Mt. Hermon (Assyria and Babylon) is cosmic.
ISRAEL/GOD’S PORTION God rejects all the nations (at Babel) and proceeds to choose Abraham to be the father of the Jews, His people for His own possession. In Abraham all the nations will be blessed and redeemed, for the Lord Himself will provide a sacrifice (Jesus got this). Paul gives us clarity on what constitutes a true Jew (Romans 2:28,29).
WHAT THE PROPHETS SAY Heiser gives truly remarkable explanations of the original language's view of many of the topics of his book. He makes sense and amplifies many statements of the prophets, and helps bring clarity, culminating in his consideration of the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation of Jesus.
For the person who wants to take the time to process some deeper things about the bigger picture, this book is worth a few weeks (or even months) of your reading, processing, and personal study followthrough.
Dave and Burnadette
Recommendations for your interest on this topic: The Unseen Realm by Michael S. Heiser Return of the Gods by Jonathan Cahn The Adversary by Mark Bubeck Behind Enemy Lines by Charles Kraft
Warfare Song
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm." - Ephesians 6
Have you ever wondered why Jesus had so many encounters with spirits? Jonathan Cahn researches and presents an in-depth historical dive into the relationship between the “gods” past and present and their connection with humanity. Jonathan traces BAAL the Possessor, ISHTAR the Enchantress, and MOLECH the Destroyer, displaying once again that there is nothing new under the sun - even when it comes to gods.
The God Story outlines the backdrop for Cahn's study in Ephesians 6:10-18 (Romans 8:38 et al). "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm."
√ Rulers: from the beginning “corners” of the earth √ Principalities: gods who rule over regions √ Powers: lawful authorities under God’s sovereignty √ World Forces: networks of strong dominion over the earth √ Wickedness in Heavenly Places: the evil, counterfeit wind
There appear to be "legal rights" over each of our souls which Adam and Eve forfeited on our behalf. Jesus reversed this death blow by giving Himself for our sins. “When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.” - Colossians 2:13-15
Cahn traces the Mesopotamian gods of Babylon, Ur (where Abram emerged), and Usak. Absu (freshwaters and sky) Elil (flood) and then to a contemporary god of Hamurabi named Marduk who is associated Nabu (Mercury). From Tiamat (saltwaters) emerged the Norse god Anunnaki and then Tamuz or Inana (Venus). From here ISHTAR and then BAAL (Canaanites) and Molock (Egyptians). Israel’s God-followers (America) have given way to world paganism as well.
Page 11: We have always been “a planet of the gods - Enlil of Sumer, Ra of Egypt, Amorak of the Arctic, Kukulkan of Central America, Wotan of northern Europe, Dionysus of Greece, Obatala of Africa, Tiamut of Babylon, Bixia of China, Oro of Polynesia, Ahura Mazda of Persia, Perun of Russia, Shamash of Assyria, Dagda of Ireland, Juno of Rome, Shiva of India...”
It is fascinating how Jonathan weaves ancient and modern connections to where “the Galilean” fits as our Savior, and along with that He is also a “spell-breaker.” (pages 20-21) He then describes a “dark trinity” (part IV) made up of the mind Possessor (Baal), the Enchantress (Ishtar), and the Destroyer (Molech).
Artist Keith Green speaking first person for satan:
Oh, my job keeps getting easier As time keeps slippin' away I can imitate the brightest light And make the night look just like day I put some truth in every lie To tickle itchin' ears You know, I'm drawing people just like flies 'Cause they like what they hear I'm gaining power by the hour They're falling by the score You know it's getting very simple now Since no one believes in me anymore
Return of the Gods helps us see the big picture of what and why things are happening around us and gives us a greater context for what occurs in our lives. Sadly, we are surrounded by evil - the Possessor, the Enchantress, the Destroyer - yet we are covered by God's powerful Goodness.
Some pretty freaky perspective, right?!
Dave & Burnadette
God's Commands and the Doctrines of Demons Spacious Places Podcasts
The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson was recommended to me by a valued friend. This friend is quite successful in the business world and recommends The Slight Edge to his people. The theme is "turning simple disciplines into massive success and happiness." I am struck by how many of the author's principles are very Solomon-like in their wisdom and impact.
When placed alongside the Wisdom of God's Word, I think you will find them powerful for your own success trajectory. Here are few quotes to give you a feel for the book:
p 51 "The slight edge is the force behind the amazing power of compound interest." When this principle is applied to all parts of life - amazing!
P 52 "We must master the mundane." Olson does a great job defining the things which bring true success. When living in an instant society it is difficult to faithfully do the everyday things. So true - in all aspects of our lives!
P 71 "Successful people form habits that feed their success, instead of habits that feed their failure. They choose to have the slight edge working for them, not against them. They build their own dreams rather than spend their lives building other people's dreams, and they achieve dramatic results in their lives through making choices that are the very antithesis of drama - mundane, simple, seemingly insignificant choices." He adds "Pioneers don't know what's out there, but out there, they go anyway. That's why being a pioneer takes such courage." This seems so right on as well. How many true openers have you met in your lifetime?
P 74 "The slight edge is about awareness. It is about you making the right choices, the choices that serve and empower you, starting right now and continuing for the rest of your life, and learning to make them effortlessly." So much about what I see in the Word of God states this. Words of life. It is what God is all about!
P 76 "Sometimes you have to slow down to go fast." He quotes Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen who personally repatriated more than 400,000 prisoners of war after World War I, helping to save millions of Russians from starvation. Regarding what is impossible: "The difficult is what takes a little time; the impossible is what takes a little longer." Rewarded success involves dedication to the long haul, does it not!?
On page 190 Jeff Olson gives a poignant summary:
√ The wisest investment you can make is to invest in your own continuous learning and development. √ Learning by studying and learning by doing - book smarts and street smarts - are the two essential pistons of the engine of learning. √ On the path to a goal you will be off-course most of the time. Which means the only way to achieve a goal is through constant and continuous course correction. √ Most of your life - 99.99 percent - is made up of things you do on automatic pilot. Which means It's essential that you take charge of your automatic pilot's training.
We find this book to have a lot of truth in it, and as we apply to our own commitment to building Jesus' Kingdom, we are encouraged!
Dave
"The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty." - Proverbs 21:5
"Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it." - Proverbs 37:5
“For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” - Luke 7:47
Anyone who knows anything revealed in the Scriptures about the Living God knows something about forgiveness. In fact, if we do not know about forgiveness deep within our minds and hearts, we certainly are, at best, quite distant from our Creator. Everything about Him is wrapped in His forgiveness. It is the pure heart of His grace. And forgiveness means freedom from the inside-out. This differs from reconciliation, though the two can sometimes completely overlap.
Rodney Hogue's book on Forgiveness is excellent. He provides a thorough way to make sure we leave nothing on the table regarding understanding and experiencing forgiveness in God and toward others. Here are a few highlights from this amazingly clear book. Take a moment and reflect on each.
The devil blinds us with the lie: "I am punishing my offender by not forgiving them." (page 5)
"We then hold onto our resentment hoping to find some kind of justice for the wrong that was committed." (page 5)
"However, for you to forgive me you must release not only my obligation to you but you must also give up any satisfaction you think you would experience whenever I am punished. Forgiveness means that you must release what you are owed and not give your offenders what they deserve." (page 11)
"Forgiveness means that you are releasing the offender into the care of Jesus who is our just Judge and Defender." Romans 12:19/(page 13)
"...forgiveness does not mean that you should remove the proper boundaries that could prevent future damage. You do not lose your common sense when you forgive." (page 19)
"You can choose to forgive and be released from the chains of bitterness and be able to move on and start rebuilding your life. You are the one who benefits from forgiving others." (page 22)
"The devil wants a base of operations in our lives...a stronghold of bitterness starts off when we do not deal immediately with offenses...demonic thoughts of blame, accusations, self-condemnation, and hate are given legal right to dwell in our lives." (page 35)
"However, if the heart is fertile for offenses, the seed of an offense is planted and grows up...it comes when we feel we have the right to not forgive." (page 40)
Once Rodney has established the well-defined teaching about forgiveness, he explains the specifics of personally inviting Jesus to give us grace to forgive and become free. We ask this as a blessing and gift from God, and are set free from those who offend us - or even torment us.
Every follower of Jesus should know Jesus' heart and words about forgiveness. Our world is filled with offenses - and those who take advantage of them.
This is an awesome, brief, clear book! Dave and Burnadette
More: Reaching Through Forgiveness Forgiveness as A Weapon
Occasionally you run across a book that resonates and really articulates a thought pattern you have experienced in the past. Blessed are the Misfits by Brant Hansen is one of these reads. Because he is autistic, Brant comes to his personal life and faith conclusions uniquely. His processing of personal faith through the lens of a "misfit" applies to the many of us who feel we are spiritual misfits - who also see things through a unique lens, right? Could Jesus have fit in any less with the Jewish religious stars?
Here is one of my favorite Brant insights: "Jesus' disciples ask Him to teach them to pray - 25 seconds." 25 seconds! In such ways Brant draws us to look deeper - to view the "Lord's Prayer" as the opening of a door that culminates in "praying without ceasing." We also encounter the concept that there are so many who are "evangelical failures" (not to mention those of us who struggle within our denominationalism.) Are we excluded when we don't fit - or are we even closer to the Kingdom of God?
Here are a few of my favorite quotes from Misfits:
(page 17) "We don't need to wallow in guilt. We need to stay faithful. We are waiting, and waiting is hard, but the waiting will end. That's the promise. There is going to be a wedding."
"It's too easy to live my life in reaction (to not fitting in to church people). Yes, I can easily craft a false narrative about how awful others are and how much better than them I am, but it excuses me from the hard work of forgiveness and patience. I know I don't fit in. But I also know I am supposed to love people, even those who will never understand me and don't even want to." (page 33).
I love his honesty: (page 37) "...I know what I would want to ask (Jesus),,,if I could choke out one question, I'd want to ask this: Am I a fraud? Please tell me I am not. Please tell me You're proud of me. Please tell me you know I struggle, but no, I'm not a fraud at all. I'd love to hear it."
Blessed are the wounded - page 87: "As important as our childhoods are, childhood is a relatively short time, a relatively long time ago." It's not who we are anymore. Yes, childhood is formative, but for the humble, childhood is not the only formative period. We grow up. We keep learning. We resolve not to repeat the mistakes of our parents, and all of our parents have made mistakes. We can even be thankful (and I am) for what we've endured. The mess can make for something beautiful."
While 70% of us think we rate above average, there are still plenty of misfits Jesus has chosen to bless with truth and peace. Seriously.
We think you'll enjoy this book! Dave and Burnadette
More: Perfect Love Love Kiss
I love it when I find a book whose author resonates with me or vibrates with creativity. Style. Content. Vocabulary. And especially - creativity.
But most of all I look for veracity. Does the author's theme measure up to the incomparable Words of God, and is his or her premise verified by God's words as his or her book or essay unfolds? In the relativistic soup in which we exist false advice and relativistic "truth" proliferates.
It is not that I read a book or author looking for things I disagree with, but I surely must triangulate between the Word, my tested world view, and the accuracy and consistency of any insights or postulations. When something of questionable soundness is mentioned, I fold the edge of that page to highlight it. After 3 of these I am wary, and after 5 or 6 I dump the book. Harsh?
Both of Paul's pupils Timothy and Titus were taught to sift everything through the grid of sound teaching. What we read should always line up with the "God beauty of God truth." Solid and true.
The Word Is Life-Giving And Nourishes Us "In pointing out these things to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following." - 1 Timothy 4:6 I look for books and stories that build me up.
Myths Are Powerful and Rob Us of Value "I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths." - 2 Timothy 4:1-4 Just because someone says something is true does not make it so.
Sound Teaching Makes Us Solid and Successful"...holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict...But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine." - Titus 1:9, 2:1 The foundations by which we live define our lives - the very choices of our success.
This Is Because: "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." - 2 Timothy 3:16,17 It is not much of a goal to strive for inadequacy. I must be a man ready to learn - not just with words of affirmation but also words of truth.
Bottom line? I read critically and carefully. And I avoid crap like the plague. Just saying. (the three C's) If you can't trust an author's core, how can you trust his or her words? It seems to me this applies to education, politics, medicine, corporate life, and church-life as well.
Reading in Solomon's Ecclesiastes 12:11-14 the other day I noticed:
"The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd. But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body. The conclusion, when all has been heard: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil." (You will have to research goads for yourself). It made me think about how we are information rich (podcasts, books, video et al) yet painfully falling short on depth of thought. We try to pay attention to meditation over consumption.
Dave and Burnadette :)
Here is a series of reviews of solid books that are good for the heart. Enjoy! Blessed Are the Misfits Forgiveness The Slight Edge The Return of the Gods The Unseen Realm God's Man/God's Woman: Making It Count Curious Journey Kingdom Mentored by God Turbulence of Imperfection A Story About A King
At Fourthstream.com we enjoy connectivity with a circle of a men and women who are willing to dedicate necessary effort to become fully trained as a disciple of Jesus - managing our distracted lives - devoting ourselves to accurately handling the Word of truth.
Check it out, pray, and join up by reaching out at 4@fourthstream.com. This is for those who take seriously the desire to hear the words “well done.”
Here is a pdf of what you will experience - with diligence - at your own pace.
Training Map PDF
Others who have benefitted from Fourthstream.com:
“Understanding the difference between putting the King first vs church first has been a game changer for me as I am assessing my relationships with people. I appreciate Fourtstream.com because it gives me the opportunity to read articles and get a brief soul overview in the middle of a busy day that brings me joy and fills my cup. Fourthstream totally helps me become a better member of society, because they teach me that it’s important to follow the Word of God, yet to not take myself too seriously. Who wants to be around a dreary Christian? My life makes more sense following Kingdom discipleship with Dave and Burney.” - Ann
“I have watched as Dave has stayed true to his giftings of teaching, shepherding, and discipling even when assaulted by the enemy’s schemes. Burney is a peace-maker and has shown my wife and countless other young women how to operate out of a “Proverbs 31 identity.” When I connect with the Kingdom through you and what you teach, I come away refreshed in my heart and strengthened in my spirit!” - Daniel
“Dave and Burney’s knowledge of the Word of God and their ability to connect the threads has really helped me understand the God Story and apply it in my life. Through tools they have created, such as Fourthstream.com, I have been given a path and a clear defined process to help me dive deeper into the Word. I have been engaged in their Jesus Centric program on Fourthstream.com that has given me a strong foundation and pushed me to want deeper understanding of the Word. Dave and Burney also have been discipling our family on this history and the big picture of the God story. If you are someone wants a closer connection with God and a better understanding of his Word I highly recommend taking advantage of the tools on Fourthstream.com!” - Nick
"Kingdom teaching is about me and my relationship with Jesus and learning about who I am. Dave has created an extensive teaching site that allows you to ask questions and search for answers on Fourthstream. It has allowed me to grow closer to Jesus and grow deeper - through all the courses, podcasts, books, study guides! Dave and Burney have impacted my life in so many ways. I’m thankful for their kingdom teaching and discipleship focus. A couple with a heart for Jesus and fire for others to know his love.” - Roland
Welcome to a deeper, systematic, Jesus-centric dive into God's Story, Dave and Burnadette
We have enjoyed our time together discussing the power of God's Man/God's Woman for doing good in our world. Obviously, we have just scratched the surface on these ten topics, but this book was written to provide a home base for each of these critical conversations as you grow in your own faith and try to help others do the same.
What are the good questions of life? When we live in an inquiring manner we expand the depth of our minds and hearts. There are obviously core questions, but we must hold the unfolding questions of our personal growth experiences up to God's core as we search for true meaning.
How does a person leverage the mind, heart, soul, and conscience? Awareness of the distinctions in each of our identities is key to making the most out of our choices and actions. When we can sift the events of our lives through these God-given assets: mind, heart, soul, and conscience we can find depth for who we are becoming.
My personal vision: what is it I want out of life? It is easy to live in a distracted and shallow manner. While we may find happiness, this in no way assures depth in heart and mind - or true joy. So it is important for me to have a compass when it comes to what I desire and pursue.
How do I find, cultivate, and grow solid relationships? We got some good feedback on this chapter as you appreciated looking at how God describes the core of relational success. This does not happen without living in a principled way, investing in true relationships which produce fruit. Depth takes prayer, work, and above all - a forgiving heart toward one another.
What have I (we) found that has helped establish, nurture, and guide our home? When we find and adapt to God's principles for the home we will find God's design for success. It is not a matter of being perfect parents, but being sensitive to God and one another as we work to build a Kingdom home.
What have we found to be our personal strengths and vulnerabilities? Personal honesty is the best policy for sure. When we are vulnerable with God we are teachable in the deeper things of life. This opens us to others within the imperfect world of relationships, and helps us to embrace our journey with humility and hope - two key elements for putting it all together.
How do we go about helping others combat timidity, fear, and identity issues? Because we are born into a world at war, we are susceptible to the schemes of the wicked one. When our timidity is exchanged for courage, our fear for hope, and our learned identity is secure in Jesus - we are able to help others do the same.
What we have found to help us connect with our/my spirituality? God can be a distant concept for our human hearts, but we have been given the Word of God and His good Spirit to connect us with Him from the inside-out. This allows us to live with what we call a satisfied mind, and fuels a life of spiritual work and hopeful enjoyment. Being spiritual is much different than being religious.
What does the Light and Darkness conversation bring to my/our trajectory? To be discerning in our lives we must make use of the tools God has given us to find our our way. The Bible is a book which contrasts the light and the darkness that exists all around us. This says it all: "...but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin." - 1 John 1:7
What things have helped me/us put it all together and make life count? We are hopeful that this book and the time you have spent thinking some of these things through has resulted in clarity for your spiritual journey with Jesus. After all, He is the way - He is the truth - and He is the life!
These topics and principles can give us a home base for expanded understanding as we grow in wisdom and experience. "Wisdom is the ability to put knowledge into practice."
Let's Make it Count! Brent Harris and Dave Nadler
All of the assets of Fourthstream.com and BrentHarrisBooks.com are dedicated to your success concerning all the works of your hands.
There is something in the deep nature of God which makes use of contrast. Power and weakness. Sin and the Spirit. Glory and destruction. Even within the Creation story itself we note that before He created the sun to rule the day and the moon to rule the night He separated Light from Darkness. Contrast. One can only assume that contrast amplifies and clarifies what cannot be seen without it. God uses contrast to bring about His purposes. Does this make sense?
When we live with active awareness of the reality of contrast it helps our spiritual life animate. Viewing life through this lens helps us to be alert and able to focus on the realities of light, darkness, and the alleged grays of life. Think of how insane life would be if there were no night or day but only a steady gray sameness. Contrast brings vibrancy - life of a kind that cannot be found in only gray (and I like rainy days!).
We are given all the tools of Light that God has created. Follow part of this thread with us:
Daniel 2:22 “It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him."
John 1:4 "In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men."
John 11:10 “But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”
1 John 1:5 "This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all."
1 John 2:8 "On the other hand, I am writing a new commandment to you, which is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true Light is already shining."
1 John 2:10 "The one who loves his brother lives in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him."
When we live aware of this contrast we are more able to discern all of the nuances within our lives. What makes us close to our God? What are the things that honor God and that satisfy our minds and hearts? What makes us helpful, useful, and kind to our neighbors? What are the actions and principles which will allow us to hear the words "well done" in the final alignment of our existences with the purposes our God has for us?
Light and darkness are very real - and great tools through which we can discern meaning through contrast.
Walking in Light with you, Dave and Burnadette
As we have discussed briefly before, humans are in many ways easily understood and in other ways quite complicated. When the complexities of body, mind, soul, and spirit are parsed - we are a complex network of emotion, thoughts, and heart. Somewhere in the middle of us is the core - our soul identities which are made in the image of our infinite Creator. Every century has contained men and women who strive to find meaning for our existence. We have many names for where this desire originates - but for us it seems that the soul is our connecting place with God.
Our souls are locked within our identity and will far eclipse our bodies or the events of our relatively brief existences or our allotted days. There are people who wish to think we will get to where we will live for hundreds of years, but this is both scientifically and philosophically unlikely. This is why the God Story teaches us to give attention to our souls. It is our identity for this life and the one that is coming - at least according to the words of the Living God who created us.
This chapter contemplates our spirituality which includes both our connectedness and disconnectedness from God. As we talk about in the Turbulence of Imperfection, we have been placed into a world of contrasts: our limited bodies and our never-ending souls. All of this is done to make us able to choose paths of honor rather than self-absorption. This is the nature of spirituality. It is a choice to honor Someone who is infinitely above and beyond us, but by His choice, deeply connected to us.
In this chapter Brent and Dave consider the Spirit man and how we attain to things which ultimately matter - things that make faith authentic and reveal the ultimate purpose of our destinies. This involves aspects of science, philosophy, and authentic faith. We attempt to sort through a non-religious, authentic, true faith that is "vibrating with life" as we are built up into a spiritual house.
"And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." - 1 Peter 2:4-5
This is where we find our ultimate connectivity with God and also the fullness of our identities. The lives of faith we live as we head toward this destination are important, and explain the motivation for embracing a life of spirituality.
It is a huge part of making our lives count! Dave & Burnadette
As we discuss making our lives count we are addressing some of the key things God reveals in His Word concerning what He values - and what is most effective for us personally. This chapter highlights the potential impact of being timid, how fear sabotages us, and why our God identities are so powerful in keeping perspective for our lives.
Being made in the image of God is a privilege not even angels share (1 Peter 1:12) so it is important we give attention to this, even though we are besieged and many are even crushed by what happened in Eden. This chapter follows consideration of our personal strengths and weaknesses, because honest vulnerability can help us to squarely face the things we all struggle with, either by our imposed humility or our overly high estimations of ourselves.
It takes courage to overcome fear. When we stand side-by-side with our Creator in these battles we are blessed by His desire and power for us to overcome. When we see ourselves as His dear son or daughter our true identity fuels our courage, right?! This allows us to honestly face our personal fears and bring them before the caring authority of our King. He is King over everything - and every one.
Added to this are the distractions of our world. Wars. Rumors of wars. Manipulation. So many things out of our control that we are easily susceptible to what we can control - and this makes us vulnerable for sure (i.e. possessions, impurity, distractions). The illusion we have of control by merely choosing to "touch glass" to find any kind of knowledge - we often create a false sense of winning.
We are given very specific weapons to help us fight with courage. Brent and Dave offer some insights to help you make your life count on both the battlefields of mind and heart!
Choosing to be courageous with you, Dave and Burnadette
Personal transparency is something we are often engaged in - and we mostly keep this to ourselves, right? When contemplating our strengths and weaknesses we are dealing with some of the most personal attributes of who we are. Burnadette and Dave dig into this and discuss the personally helpful reality of being transparent with our Father Creator. Most of us don't want to be arrogant, or conversely, succumb to self criticism which buries the part of us that is our soul. How do we celebrate our strengths with humility, or embrace our weaknesses honestly to help us live where we know our hearts should be?
Brent and Dave discuss false value and how God's strength is perfected in our personal weaknesses. All of this brings clarity to our God identities, and helps us to be human companions of faith to those around us. Navigating the realities of people strength and frailty can make us more sensitive and filled with our own deepening faith.
And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:9,10
Enjoy! And pass this book and conversation on to your friends! God's Man/God's Woman was written to give clear starting points for deeper discussion and helping others to find day by day satisfaction.
Brent Harris Dave Nadler
This chapter of God's Man/God's Woman gives a very personal inside look into how both Brent and Dave's families feel about home life. Even a modest numbered family has many moving parts and a complexity of relationships. Husband to wife. Wife to husband. Dad to daughter. Mom to son. Dad to son. Mom to daughter. Brother to sister. You get the idea. Add to this other immediate family and our close social networks, let alone the influence of school, the internet, and certain invasive structures, and guiding a home can be a real challenge, right?
Brent and Dave believe that our children and grandchildren are our responsibility to mentor, guide, and encourage. Together with Brenda and Burnadette, we do our best to make it count on behalf of our kids and grands. At BrentHarrisBooks.com you will find several audio interactions between Brenda, Burney, Danielle, and Rachel Leigh.
Part of our watchfulness involves fueling the learning process - with values, character, and truth. Part of this can be appropriately challenging the status quo as we practice proven strategies for family life. Let's take an honest look at realistic family life. Great stuff!
You can find a Strong Homes course here with posts, conversation guides, and many audio clips. The complete course is found under - wait for it - courses! We have some combined experience in the ups and downs of family life. And here is some great music to teach your kids wisdom principles at home (with kids singing the songs in the lower portion of the player).
Let's make it count! Brent, Brenda, Dave, and Burnadette
The book is now available on Amazon in both printed and Kindle formats. We are awaiting final approval on the audio version as well. Exciting! Brent and Dave's purpose for this book is to clearly and succinctly help encourage your success in the core links to building an effective bridge between your God-life and your people life.
In this episode Dave and Burnadette review cultivating solid relationships and what it looks like to build strong. It would be great if all our people interactions went perfectly, but we all know this is not realistic. But by applying God's principles to relationships we can pursue a clear conscience and a satisfied mind when it comes to our network of people connections.
√ How do we overlap in personal beliefs? Goal setting and achieving?
√ What do effective, intentional relationships look like? What are the best ways to treat each other?
In this chapter we take a look at what Jesus' followers taught about "one another," and how we can pursue the same depth with others that God pursues with us.
We also converse about the contrast of being peacemakers or peace-keepers.
Think through those in your life who would benefit from connecting on such conversations. Having these discussions one to one or in groups of 2-3 can be very helpful. Relational success is in the heart of God, so why not look into His approach to connecting, right?! If you are new to Jesus-following you will find this a practical experience, and if it is in your heart to help others go deeper, this is a great tool.
Enjoy the book. Just go to Amazon.com and type in God's Man/God's Woman. Order and enjoy. Let's make it count!
Dave and Burnadette
In chapter three Brent and Dave discuss personal vision and target acquisition. To know where you are heading and to be able to take steps to hit the mark. This is a big deal when it comes to being satisfied not only with where your life goes, but how you get there.
Brent's insights here are awesome and his analogy of river travel is extremely helpful as you chart an effective course of action to succeed: heart and soul. We outline three specific targets which can help you focus your efforts, and explore why the how matters. This is great outline for personal vision - one you can adapt yourself and use to help others define a clear path and ultimate destination.
"Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don’t get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you’re going. And don’t for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed." Joshua 1:7-8/Message
It is also important to find other friends who share like-minded, wise vision, right?
"He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." - Proverbs 13:20
Choose your friends wisely. And walk far ahead of your enemies (yes, and love your enemies too, we know).
The new book will be coming out next week on Amazon. Enjoy!
Dave and Burnadette
We now spend a little time talking about leveraging our mind, body, heart and conscience for our personal success. Because we are made in the image of our Creator, we have vast capacities as well as remarkable uniquenesses. While God gets credit for our design, we have the privilege of deciding what we are going to do with it. Seriously. Brent and Dave begin conversations about the strengths and vulnerabilities of these capacities. Each area allows us to go more deeply into what makes life count. We have chosen five areas of thoughts for this leveraging chapter, with the hope we all will get the most we possibly can out of each of these life opportunities.
√ The beauty and challenge of the mind. Imagination. Creativity. Thought. √ The ups and downs of our bodies. Strength. Weakness. Purity and purpose. √ The beauty and vulnerability of our hearts. Love. Fear. Hope. Faith. √ The reality and truth about our souls √ The power of our conscience
This book is a series of life markers which, if investigated and applied in an ongoing manner, will give you good things for your own heart as well as helping others to grow and excel. If we can complete our journeys satisfied that we have made a difference - first to God - and then toward others - we are well on our way to making life count. We have been sheltered by our Creator so that we in turn can provide shelter for others.
This chapter can help you unlock things many people never explore, and by engaging such threads we can better understand our immediate and long-term purpose. Let's make it count: body, soul, mind, heart, soul, and conscience!
Enjoy! Dave and Burnadette for Brent and Dave
The best questions take us deeper. Seriously. Life is supposed to be fun and satisfying, but it should also be filled with substance and meaning. Relationships. Work. Accomplishments. Personal growth. Being at peace.
This podcast episode investigates the good questions that will get us where we want to go. Brent outlines three very central queries which will help us succeed.
√ Can I say I am good with who I am and how I am living?
√ Are you and I good - are things right between us?
√ And most importantly, am I good with God?
When we take an honest look at ourselves we are then able to focus on good relationships. This, in turn, sets things right with God. There is a flow here!
"My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!" - 1 John 4:11,12/M
Here is a great chance to reflect on your list of the big questions for making your life count. We will let you know when you can get the book on Amazon. What a great way to stimulate depth of conversation and thought with your friends. For months and years ahead!
Brent Harris Dave Nadler
Every Jesus follower wants to see God's Kingdom grow. Deeper conversation, personal meditation, Jesus discipleship, and sheltering others are all a part of making our lives count. Brent Harris and Dave Nadler combine their gifts and experiences to bring clarity to how your life can build organic spirituality, as we follow the true Leader of all human souls.
Brent's careers in the military, law enforcement, and business bring leadership insights that will focus your road to spiritual success. Dave has worked to bring about Kingdom outreach to our city and beyond. Together with Brent's wife Brenda and Dave's wife Burnadette, they provide their unified message of God's Man/God's Woman: we are made in God's image and we are better together when Jesus is at the center of our home.
This is the first of 10 podcasts that will draw you and others deeply into the learning, training, and mobilizing of the content of God's Man/God's Woman. The book will be available soon from Amazon.com, and will be offered in both printed and audio versions.
Enjoy! Brent Harris, Leader-Teacher Dave Nadler, Teacher-Leader
Added content: Lady Wisdom
What if you could be taught by Jesus Himself AND Grow deeper roots - at your own pace - with a clear plan?
1000 KINGDOM ALLIES at fourthstream.com
In our lifetime it is possible to deeply impact hundreds of souls. If we understand and embrace Jesus' example and invite Him to be the guide and power of our lives, this can definitely happen through us. Different than mere attendance participation, this is personal, spiritual engagement with other hearts and souls. It is what Jesus did. For instance, Burnadette and I disciple about a dozen people at any one time. These are those who choose to respond to guidance in God's Word and open themselves to doing good and sharing - as they are directed by Jesus. When people do so at the pleasure of Jesus, like mustard seeds, the Kingdom begins to multiply through us. Fourthstream.com is designed to provide a lifetime of encouragement and help for helping ourselves and others engage the depths of the mind and heart of God!
√ There are 7 quick connect videos to get to know us and where we are headed - click on the left of the masthead. The navbar includes access to each of the things we will now consider.
√ We stay connected with ongoing blog posts which highlight spiritual subjects in relationship to the events and situations unfolding around us.
√ Our latest Finding Hope podcasts can be opened at the right top of the home page.
√ Our ongoing plan for taking a Jesus-Centric look at the entire Bible can be found in the same place, and our podcast seasons are available wherever you find your content. Jesus-Centric rotates, so you can begin where you wish and choose based upon where God is directing you to read.
√ We also produce a series of conversation podcasts to help you engage others in considering Jesus. These can been scrolled in the navbar as well.
√ There are 5 pivotal occasions when God has spoken to us during our spiritual journey together. Each time He has given a series of essays and podcasts through which to share some insights. You can find printed, audio, or pdf copies of each in the navbar - under books.
CURIOUS JOURNEY/Your Story MattersOur identity is precious to God and important to us. It gets convoluted by our circumstances, choices, and the short-comings of humankind. Even the most enlightened soul needs to believe his or her story - what we do and how we live our lives - matters to those around us - as well as to our Creator.
KINGDOM/Finding Your True SelfAnswers to deep questions are not discovered through mere reasonings of men. If we are to find our true selves we must experience connectivity with God and His Son. The Author has the answers to our identity and what is important for our eternity. King first, then Kingdom, then church. Religion, philosophy, and science are only echoes of the Kingdom of Heaven.
MENTORED BY GOD/Finding Our Way In A Darkening WorldJesus is the Author and Perfecter of Faith. He came to know His Father completely by the same human means which were stolen from us in the Garden. Because God is limitless, He is available to mentor us through Jesus. If we care. As the world darkens in her soul the Light shines brightly to those who hope in God.
TURBULENCE OF IMPERFECTION/Essays About Real LifeWe are born into a world at spiritual war. Imperfection is all around us. Turbulence of some sort is a part of every man and woman’s journey. These essays address the nature of this war, our part in it, and Jesus’ victory over it. Each helps us to use faith to navigate the big picture on this war, as well as how to be victorious in it.
GOD'S MAN/GOD'S WOMAN/Let's Make It Count God's design specifically includes the man/woman partnership. Here is a fresh, truly biblical look at how the home becomes the heart for the growth of Jesus' Kingdom which we co-authored with Brent Harris.
√ In addition to our books we have developed a series of in-depth courses where you can conduct your own deepening study of the Word of God. It is comprehensive, it is layered, and it is accessible. Did we mention that it works?!
We have taken these approaches deeply into our hearts and lives, and have searched the Word and Wisdom of God to find deeper Jesus connectivity. If you have known Jesus for awhile but are still struggling with your God connection, we also offer interaction for personal healing in discipleship with our Jesus Upgrade.
√ Together we attempt to stay on the same page with Jesus concerning warfare prayer. This weekly prayer post gives us connection to a short audio prayer to send us in the right direction.
So whether you are single, have a small group study, or married and raising a family or beyond - let us know if you wish to discuss encouragement options for structure to get it done!
Dave and Burnadette
In times past one common form of art was the weaving of tapestries. Usually these were artistic "rugs" hung on walls, and only the rich had access to such extravagance. The visual side was always of beautiful colors and often told a story. Recently we were visiting the Biltmore estate in Ashville, NC (huge - pretty amazing 19th century monstrous tech!). The reverse side of a woven tapestry (vs modern printing process) was a series of disconnected colors and threads, and was not useful for indicating what was on the flip side. The God Story is like this. Yet if you follow the threads of the God Story from behind the tapestry you will find a wealth of connection concerning God's choice to reveal His mind and heart to humanity.
The Bible is a series of woven threads which must be allowed to interpret themselves. Some refer to this as the study of systematic or Biblical theology. God’s Word transcends the dogmas of any church or religious group, and reveals the unfolding of the Kingdom of Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven. Here we consider several major conversations that help us to stay focused on experiencing Kingdom spirituality.
To find God we must encounter His chosen King Jesus.
"And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords." - Revelation 19:11-16
This is not about religion. It is about transcendent and supernatural authority. This is why we teach King first - then Kingdom - then Church. Here are the three great questions of life for every soul who ever has or ever will walk the face of the earth. Answering these for yourself will take you far on your path to finding a satisfied mind.
Has God spoken? "God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they." - Hebrews 1:1-4
If so, what has He communicated? You are lost. I am gracious. Return to Me and I will return to you.
And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” They were even more astonished and said to Him, “Then who can be saved?” Looking at them, Jesus said, “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.” - Mark 10:23-26
How do I hear the words of God?
"For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God." - 1 Corinthians 2:10 As it says in the (hyper) link below, the Bible contains thousands of woven connections. Not just to other information, but to the mind and heart of God as well. This is why we must allow the Bible to interpret itself. The argument that the Bible may be interpreted anyway you wish is a canard (spoof, trick, fraud, chicanery, deception). Once the woven threads are considered, there is little wiggle-room for what the Bible says about any subject. Seriously. If we are to pursue the Kingdom we must consult the King's Words.
In hot pursuit with you, Dave and Burnadette
Links: One Woven Story Our Hyperlinked Bible
One of the truly rewarding things in life is to invest in meaningful relationships. When people speak of our "tribes" we are talking about those with whom we find and keep connection. We were not meant to live and build alone. Even though relationships have risk and rewards, for most people they are preferable to existing isolated or alone.
Jesus’ 12 disciples were surrounded by others who formed His community. Mary and Martha and Lazarus, Jesus’ Mom, and Peter, James, and John and a few others were at the center of this relational discipleship network. It included His Father as well. This extended to another 70 and then 120, and then, to wherever Jesus chose to extend Himself to building bridges of connection. The idea of living in partnerships is well-defined by Solomon: “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9
How do we participate in building our own God-honoring, Kingdom tribe?
√ First we must believe it is worth the effort. √ We also must fully face the risks of giving ourselves to others. √ Next, we must begin with those who are near and build out. √ When we find like-minded partners to do this with the building can be fulfilling. √ In all of this, we must recognize the power and intentions of the ultimate Builder
There is much that Jesus and the God Story reveal about the ups and downs of engaging these kinds of connective relationships. Consider who you have been given the most access to. Family members. Children. Grandchildren. While these relationships modify with time, we can ALWAYS choose to do good and share with those close to home. At a minimum, we should have a list of each family member and what we are praying for them. It is not only about "witnessing" to those we love. It is about being salt and light. Consider:
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men." (Matthew 5:13)
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:15-16)
This is how it begins. Salt and Light. Whether it is the flavor contrast or preserving aspects of salt, we are told we are the salt of the earth. What am I doing to bring the contrast of truth and love to those in my family tribe? And what are my "good works" of shining light that are being displayed through me? Once we identify and build-in pursuit of being salt and light within our family tribes, we begin to investigate the Kingdom tribe opportunities around us. Neighborhood. School. Work. Common interests. All these areas are filled with souls - thousands of them. The key is to be guided and blessed by Jesus as we build more tribal relationships. This often will be reflected through our gifting, interests, and how available we make ourselves to cultivating doing good and sharing.
From these may also result in relationships with people who are like-minded, as well as those we are able to encourage in the power of the Spirit (do good and share). Take a sheet of paper or make a note on your phone. List level one: who is in my family tribe? Then: Who is in my influence tribe? Whom have I identified as like-minded in seeking out the good of others? Finally, (short list) who has God confirmed for me to build bridges with? When we are God-directable relationally, you will be surprised at how involved God is when providing direction, effectiveness, and satisfaction.
"Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." - Hebrews 13:15,16
And so it goes, Dave and Burnadette
Related: The Power of Two Song: Love Kiss
Jesus is clear: there is only one way for any human to find freedom.
So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” - John 8:31
He goes further when defining His Word. Note what is in bold - it is a study in discipleship!
Now He said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and He said to them, “So it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending out the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” - Luke 24:44-49
And also gives us His discipling parable...
And He also spoke a parable to them: “A blind man cannot guide a blind man, can he? Will they not both fall into a pit? A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye. For there is no good tree which produces bad fruit, nor, on the other hand, a bad tree which produces good fruit. For each tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they pick grapes from a briar bush. The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.”
“Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly, is like a man who built a house on the ground without any foundation; and the torrent burst against it and immediately it collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great.” - Luke 6:39-49
And gives us the goal and vision for our discipled, Kingdom heart.
Have you understood all these things?” They said to Him, “Yes.” And Jesus said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” - Matthew 13:51
Becoming like Him very well could be the greatest pursuit of our lives. We are literally vibrating with His life within us!
Dave and Burnadette
"And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." - 1 Peter 2:4
Becoming Living Stones The Faith Desert Cornerstone Song
Praying for a spiritual awakening and requesting God for workers for the King’s harvest is the best we can give to God’s people, as well as to the lost souls around us. “He gave them this charge: What a huge harvest! And how few the harvest hands there are. So on your knees; ask the God of the Harvest to send harvest hands.” – Luke 10:2/M
Because we are in a war, we feel inclined to pray warfare prayers. This is why we include a PRAY section on our site.
Here are some thoughts about praying for the Kingdom Church. Sometimes things can seem so overwhelming that we feel powerless to make a difference. Yet we serve the God of the universe!
Pray for our rescue by the hand of God Almighty We lift up Creator God Who is our rescuer, and we ask Him to awaken sleeping souls around us. “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)
Pray for open hearts to the teachings of Jesus We are followers of the teaching of Jesus and His Father. “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31,32)
Pray for healing of hearts for ourselves and our neighbors (John 7:37-38; Luke 23:43) We are blessed with the healing of Jesus for our past, present, and future. Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’”
Pray for the Spirit's comfort and guidance We grow in the comfort of the Spirit toward the healing of soul and conscience. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also. In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you." (John 14:18-24)
Pray for submission to the King of His Church (Revelation 21:1) For Kingdom workers around the world to bend, repent, and pray. "And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”
The church is not merely a place we go - it is who we are."For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:14
HOW JESUS PRAYED ISAIAH 61:1-3
When Jesus began His public ministry He returned to His hometown, and He read from the prophet Isaiah. When He finished He said: “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:14-21) Here is a composite of the two readings: one from Isaiah and one from God's Son.
√ The Spirit of the Lord God has anointed Me, praying to courageously overcome stagnation, hopelessness, and self-centeredness.
√ Bringing good news to the afflicted (poor in spirit), praying for those who are suffering and pushed down.
√ Prayer for God to bind up the broken-hearted and the weak.
√ Prayer for release to those who are captive to sin.
√ Prayer for recovery of sight to the spiritually blind (awakening).
√ Prayer to God to free those who are under the hand of oppression (drugs, trafficking, greed, abortion, etc).
√ Prayer for proclamation of the coming of Lord God’s supremacy!
“To bring these to those who mourn among His people, giving them a beautiful identity instead of futility, the oil of joy instead of mourning, a covering of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. They will be called supports of righteousness, in the Lord’s garden, that He may be glorified.”
This is why we pray - and how we pray! The Kingdom Church is to be a spiritual army who has complete access to the One who can change things from the inside-out. In addition to this, His arm is long enough to intervene ANYWHERE and over ANYTHING. Each week we post part of a warfare prayer that can help us stay focused as spiritual warriors. Check it out under Prayer in the Navbar.
We're with you! Dave and Burnadette
Links: Warfare Prayer Warrior Covering Prayer Miracle Prayers Pray for Rain Song
What happens when you eyewitness something dramatic? It kind of gets etched into your mind, perhaps even your soul, right? This is what the God Story is all about. It is one eyewitness after another, with descriptions of men and women encountering Yahweh. And it wasn't just the main characters looking on. Sometimes hundreds and even thousands of people are present when God's hand moves (Acts 2).
In addition to being a book of woven threads of truth, God's Word is filled with woven stories of encounter. When we read the Bible it is so important to put ourselves in the sandals of those experiencing God's hand upon them. Let's note a few of these situations and see if we can draw any correlations to our own lives. These are words of life!
Jesus Was In The Ark/He IS our ark!“For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah." (Matthew 24:37) "The patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you — not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience — through the resurrection of Jesus Christ..." (1 Peter 3:20)
Jesus Was In The Burning Bush/He is God come near!Then He said, “Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” He said also, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Then Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God." - Exodus 3:5-6 God said to Moses, “I Am Who I Am”; and He said, “This you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” - Exodus 3:14 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” - John 8:58
Jesus is in the Fire, the Cloud, and the Rock/His eyes are fire and He is coming with the clouds (Revelation 1:14) and sustains us with living water (John 4)!“And with a pillar of cloud You led them by day, and with a pillar of fire by night to light for them the way in which they were to go." - Nehemiah 9:12 "For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and all ate the same spiritual food; and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ." - 1 Corinthians 10:1-4
Jesus Was With Elijah/He did more works than both Elijah and Elisha for sure! The angel of the LORD said to Elijah, “Go down with him; do not be afraid of him.” So he arose and went down with him to the king." - 2 Kings 1:15 "And while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming. And behold, two men were talking with Him; and they were Moses and Elijah, who, appearing in glory, were speaking of His departure which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem." - Luke 9:29-31
Jesus Was With King David/He IS the giant killer and promise keeper! Then David the king went in and sat before the LORD, and he said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far? And yet this was insignificant in Your eyes, O Lord God, for You have spoken also of the house of Your servant concerning the distant future." - 2 Samuel 7:18 "...and one of the elders said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.” - Revelation 5:5
Fishermen in a Storm/He IS the Word made flesh! The men were amazed, and said, “What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” - Matthew 8:27 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” - And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!” - Matthew 14:26,27,33
With Jesus On Our Mountain/He covers our sin!"But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel." - Hebrews 12:22-24
Jesus On the Road/He alone makes our hearts burn within us! "Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight. They said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?” - Luke 24:31,32 Now He said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” - Luke 24:31,32
Jesus and The Day of Pentecost/He IS the wind!"When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance." - Acts 2:1-4
This is why Peter and John said what they did - they had seen it all first-hand! "For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty." - 2 Peter 1:16
The King's words are connectively important for us!
"What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life." - 1 John 1:1
Our priorities are challenged, changed, and focused. Kingdom time in God’s Word, praying for others, and doing good and sharing fuels our vision and our actions. This helps us to place Jesus’ voice above our own, as well as the voices of others. “So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” – John 8:31, 32
And so it goes...we are blessed by His Kingdom Words! Dave and Burnadette
One Woven Story Learning the Books (Fourthstream Music Player/songs for kids)
Since the Jesus explosion in the Gospels and Acts, the church in history has done much good. Often a civilizing factor in many decades and centuries, she has stepped up to present Her King to many. Like all human institutions, however, she has often been co-opted by her own opportunistic leaders. Wherever any historical opportunity or success exists, mankind often thinks he or she can manage things better than the Holy Spirit. And so, instead of speaking accurately for God, we often convolute the meaning of King, Kingdom, and Church. This is why the credibility of so-called "holy ones" of the church can be compromised, and why testimony to the King may suffer.
So - She experiences Her successes and failures - as do all human groupings and institutions, and will be held to the Word of God concerning Her dedication to truth and effectiveness of mission - as will all human institutions. From God’s Word we have concluded that the Spirit’s unfolding power and protection for Jesus followers is King first, then, Kingdom, then church.
So, to discover the principles and power of the Kingdom Church, we must turn to the King of the earth to understand what it means to honor and follow God. Everyone has his or her idea of what church is and what it should look like. We will do it this way. We will do it better. We will build the church. Consider however:
She is a spiritual house being prepared for Heaven, called out of darkness into God’s Light. If we do not shine the Light, where will people find their way?
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.” - Ephesians 2:19-22
She is to be the Pillar and Support of the Truth. In what ways does our Kingdom community bring foundations to truth?
“...but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.” - 1 Timothy 3:15
The Church is the Bride of Jesus. We are being washed whiter than snow, and will be presented to Him spotless.
“Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” - Revelation 19:7
√ In order to understand the Kingdom Church, we must consult the words and teachings of our King. Remember, He is the One Who is building His Church (Matthew 16:18)!
√ The church is only as effective as Her connection to Her King. Kingdom Christ followers always place connection with Jesus first.
√ Church is not merely a place we GO, it is Who we are.
And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.” - Revelation 5:9,10
First King, then Kingdom, then Church - this belongs to all of us! Dave and Burnadette
Seven Churches The Perfect Wedding
Here are a few insights on moving from Story to personal experience with our King - resulting in a Kingdom perspective on our lives!
Once we are on the Kingdom path, the Word of God animates to us in ways which mere religion cannot accomplish. Our minds and hearts have been opened to our King, and His Spirit has been placed within us as a pledge.
"In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation — having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory." - Ephesians 1:13-14
So, we exchange a temporary world-view for eternal design, where our days here are completely connected to the life that is coming. This is what the Bible defines as wise living. We go beyond knowledge about God to a deeper connectivity with God. We understand that we are in the middle of an epic story, and we have incredible value as image-bearers of God. Here is a sampling of what this looked like for Jesus and His disciples!
Turn & Follow/Matthew 4:19-20 We are headed in one direction, and then we choose another distinct focus. And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.
Fix My Eyes/Hebrews 12:1,2 Rather than self we exchange our focus and affection from ourselves to Jesus and His Kingdom. Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Living Sacrifice/Romans 12:1,2 The powerful truth about sacrifice becomes the way we live our lives, and just as Jesus gave Himself up for us we do the same for Him - and for others. Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Search Daily/Whole Counsel/Acts 17:11; 20:20 We now have an internal and external compass which is unlocked by our relationship with the woven threads of His God Story. We continue in His Word because He has promised us true freedom of heart, mind, and soul. Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so...how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house...
One Thing I Do/Philippians 3:13-14 All of this allows us to live with Kingdom focus, giving us the spiritual edge we need to honor our King. Brothers, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Rejoice Always/1 Peter 1:6,7 Testing is a huge part of how God increases our faith. How we respond to trials either builds up or takes away from the reward of our obedience. Joy is evidence of victory as we are tested. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Love with Devotion/Romans 12:9-13 All of this significantly changes not only the focus of your lives, but the fruit of them as well. Our lives look drastically different when we truly follow our King. Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the chosen ones, practicing hospitality.
Pray Without Ceasing/1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 We now become open to living in the Spirit, the One who leads us into the truth and safety of the shadow of His wings. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic declarations. Rather, examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.
Go/Make Disciples/Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:7-8 All of our Kingdom perspective is animated by following His great "commission" to go in the power He has lavished upon us and locked within us. He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”
This is a central "sketch" of the active nature of living out Kingdom belief. Each one of Jesus' disciples (then and now) wrestled with what it all meant when it came time for them to shape the way they would live based upon the King's words. Each one appears to have taken it seriously, for sure.
We try to do the same. Let's run the race together! Dave & Burnadette
Jesus' Brother James the Disciple Jesus' Companion John the Disciple Jesus' Companion Peter the Disciple Jesus' Disciple Paul
Jesus tells His disciples “all authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” He also said He would be with them (us) until “the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) He explains that our oneness with Him fuels our faith, and allows us to do good in His name and His power.
“In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world. I’m setting myself apart for their sakes, so they’ll be set apart in their mission of truth. I’m praying not only for them but also for those who will believe in Me because of them and their words about me. The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind, just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, so they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world may believe that you, in fact, sent me.” – John 17:18-21
In considering the books of John, the disciple of Jesus, we have determined that his focus was on what he had learned from Jesus about connectivity. With His Father. With His disciples. With His Spirit. The passage above is from Jesus' powerful prayer to His Father on behalf of His disciples in John 17. It is deep. It is expansive. This prayer is heart-changing!
When praying for ourselves, those we disciple, and Jesus' disciples across the world, we have put together some ideas for praying for the Kingdom Church - the Bride who is being purified for marriage with Christ. What resonates with you? What would you add to expand this? How connected do you feel with your King?
√ Jesus is our Rescuer (Luke 19:10). We lift up Creator God Who is our rescuer.
√ Jesus is our Teacher (John 8:31,32). We are followers of the teaching of Jesus and His Father.
√ Jesus is our Healer (John 7:38; Luke 23:43). We are blessed with the healing of Jesus for our past, present, and future.
√ Jesus is our Comforter and Guide (John 14:18-24). We grow in the comfort of the Spirit toward a free conscience.
√ Jesus is the Head of His Church (Revelation 21:1). We pray for bending to our King for Kingdom workers around the world.
The church is not merely a place we go - it is who we are.
Father God, make us alive to Isaiah 61:1-3!
The Spirit of the Lord God has anointed Me (Jesus):
√ To bring good news to the afflicted (poor in spirit)√ Bind up the broken-hearted (those who mourn) √ Release and freedom to captives√ Recovery of sight to the blind√ Set free the oppressed√ Proclaim the coming of Lord God’s supremacy
“To bring these things to those who mourn (spiritual beggars/Matthew 5:1-4) among His people, giving them a beautiful identity instead of futility, the oil of joy instead of mourning, a covering of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. They will be called supports of righteousness, in the Lord’s garden, that He may be glorified.”
“Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” - Luke 4:14-21
Three keys to cultivating our personal connectivity with Jesus: 1. The Honor of giving Him preeminence in each of my days (Colossians 1:8) 2. Intentionality of becoming one who searches His Word (John 8:31-32) 3. Engage in building His Kingdom by making disciples (Matthew 28:18-20) The King comes first! Dave and Burnadette
More: Connectivity Kingdom Connection
Clarity. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you. You can know I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:18-20
God invites us into His passion for building His Kingdom among our neighbors. Just as Jesus came to do this very thing on behalf of His Father, we are included in His planting and cultivating, or, making Kingdom disciples. Because we are image-bearers of our Creator, we continue the original intent of Adam and Eve (and all humanity) to be fruitful and multiply. This is more than having babies and grand babies. It is relational fruitfulness and multiplication. Jesus says to His Father, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done – on earth as it is in heaven.” When His Kingdom comes, and we are co-workers in it, God is honored and people are blessed.
Making disciples is in no way limited to church officials, pastors, teachers - "professionals." It is the spiritual birthright and directive of every Kingdom follower of Jesus. Let's consider Matthew 28 a little further:
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Disciples operate under Jesus’ authority and GO. He does not give us authority, He invites us to cultivate under His authority. His command is to put one spiritual foot in front of the other and do just as He did. We follow Him!
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We baptize in the Name of the Father/Son/and Holy Spirit, because we are disciples of the Kingdom, living in the power of God. The Father is our authority, Jesus provides our connective friendship with His Father, and the Spirit lives within us to communicate God to us and to empower our actions.
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We teach men and women to hold fast to God’s Word. We have no authority of our own, but only that which is found connecting in the cross and resurrection of Jesus.
How do we encourage someone to become a Christ follower and how do we help them move from here to there? Here are some thoughts!
√ Define there for yourself - and then for them. The words and works of Jesus are everything. What did Jesus teach us? What did Jesus DO? √ How do I define people processes that are Jesus-centered and personally adaptive to others? God has given us everything we need in the example of Jesus. "Leave your nets and follow me. I will make you fishers of men."
√ How do I give my heart and mind to pursue movement in the Spirit each day? Where does He wish for me to go this day, and most importantly, to whom? How does He want us to use our gifts to disciple others?
How do I identify whom God has placed in my circle of discipleship?
My spouse? My kids and grand kids? Who are my likely “neighbors” where I have connection options? What is my God-role at work?
How do I bless these relationships through sharing good and cultivating truth?
"And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." - Hebrews 13:16
A little later we will be talking about building each of our Kingdom "tribes." Imagine your life as a matrix of God-appointed people connections. Things change, people grow and move on, but heart connections never end. In fact, some of our most powerful discipleship occurs as we intercede for others before His throne. When we view our discipleship connections as those of the heart, we move to a deeper level. This is why Jesus said "love your enemies, and bless those who persecute you." Even our enemies are targets for God's heart prosperity, right?
This is key:
√ Connectivity requires effort, cultivating, and vigilance
√ Distractions are many and must be wisely navigated
√ Focus must be pursued each day
√ Discipleship is best accomplished one to one
Where would you consider yourself on the engaged discipleship spectrum? This is not an overwhelming or difficult process. It involved directed choices and experiences. Intentionality. It took the disciples 3-4 years to get the picture, and then one by one each of them engaged, as the years after the resurrection (and the words of Matthew 28) unfolded.
This is why it is called Kingdom "work." And He was saying to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." - Luke 10:2
Enjoying being harvest workers with you! Dave and Burnadette
More thots on this: Jesus and Seeds and Soils The Kingdom Harvest To Those Who Love Our City
A Book About A King (this link gives you the Fourthstream big picture on Jesus)
#1 We talked about King First - then Kingdom - then Church #2 We introduced the Kingdom Circle of Pure Heart - Know God - Do Kindness - Grow Life #3 Now we examine and possibly recast our World View
The Great Reset As we embrace the Kingdom of Jesus we can recalibrate our world view. Everything changes from a self paradigm to a God-centric approach, and becomes a life-time process of not only finding the Kingdom path for our beliefs, but integrating the fabric of our heart and life into His Kingdom. This is the theme of the entire Story. Imperfect men and women, seeking God, humbling ourselves, and learning and living a different way - on a distinct path.
√ The apostle John concluded this from his time with Jesus: “The world is passing away, and also its insatiable cravings; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” – 1 John 2:17
√ Peter the Christ-follower summarized it this way: "For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we saw His majesty with our own eyes. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, when the Voice of majestic glory said, 'This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased' — we were there and heard it with our own ears when we were together with Him on the holy mountain."
Consequently, we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts as well. But know this, no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God." - 2 Peter 1:16-21
√ The prolific traveler Paul said this: "But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ..." - Philippians 3:7,8
And Jesus gets us: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" - Matthew 16:26
"What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life — and the life was made visibly clear, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made clear to us — what we have seen and heard we report to you as well..." - 1 John 1:1-3
Each of us adapts our own world view. We assemble each from our family background, our growing up experiences, education contexts, and successes and traumas. With these elements we emerge into the rigors of living our best life. Here are some very key questions you may wish to entertain...
√ Would you consider yourself to have a settled growing up experience? √ What has shaped your view of marriage and family and how do you define it? √ What are some of your proudest memories? √ What are your greatest embarrassments or let-downs? √ What are your greatest spiritual hopes, and who will deliver on them?
These are a few things about the King, as you sift your current world view, and move toward your future. √ While Jesus will ultimately Judge the earth, He has gone to great lengths to extend grace and help to dying humanity. This is why He called it Good News. The bad news is horrific. The Good News is beautiful. And it is findable. √ Jesus never showed Himself to be capricious, petty, or vindictive. He is the ultimate truth-teller. He says we are in human bondage, and that His and His Father's sacrifice is the only way we can become free. √ The cost of offering free grace to every human being was massive. The Father had to sacrifice His own Son to provide the blood necessary to wash souls clean. This is why Moses was given sacrifices (the Passover Lamb) and also why God's Lamb will reign forever. The perfect God-man was willing to die an undeserved death to buy us back from death.
And God's gift is free. All we must do is humble ourselves "like a child" and turn our eyes toward heaven, from where our help comes! It is the ultimate human paradox. We must let go of what we can control in order to receive what only God can give. Not easy for sure.
So re-calibration, while it involves effort, is the way to redirect our lives onto a new path. Jesus' road was the humble path, and when He returns to judge the earth, His grace will be massive and pure. Is there any kind of redirect you wish to pursue, or you happy with where your current world view is taking you?
We're here to help! Direct any questions you may have to 4@fourthstream.com Dave and Burnadette
A review of the book: Slight Edge A review of the book: Rules for Life A review of the 8 Minute Book Finding My Philosophy
We have considered King first - then Kingdom - then Church in our Kingdom podcast #1. This gives us a Jesus perspective on the Kingdom, which is helpful as we integrate our lives into His Kingship and become disciples of the Kingdom - which in turn will bless the church of the Living God, which is being purified into a spotless Bride of Christ.
Within what Jesus lived and taught us was an example of a self-fulfilling, renewing, and ongoing work of the Holy Spirit who lives within all the sons and daughters of God.
"...that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you." - John 14:17
"In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." - Romans 8:26-27
There appears to be a Kingdom circle of life which continues to occur within the hearts of His Kingdom servants. A Pure Heart is a heart of humility. We bend to Him because He deserves it. This in turn opens the door to genuinely Knowing God as we enter into a reciprocal relationship with the Father God through His Son Jesus. This results in the genuine ability to Do Kindness into the lives around us, which results in the very real process of Growing Life.
The Kingdom circle or cycle feeds itself and multiplies much like the Kingdom seed Jesus spoke about: "...it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it is grown, it becomes a tree that provides a place of shelter for the birds to nest in its' branches." In this sense we emulate God, because when we provide shelter people are blessed and God is honored. We plant, we water, but the Lord of the harvest brings about growth (Luke 10:2; 1 Corinthians 3:6)
What does this look like in a Kingdom life? Meet Ann. Ann submits herself to the Kingship of Jesus. She bends her will to searching His Word and following His example. This inevitably leads her deeper into knowing who God is and understanding His companionship and partnership in her life. She prays and chooses to activate her gifts and use them for the welfare of others and the patient honor of God. By caring for and "discipling" people in her family, neighborhood, and work-life, she brings the shelter of Jesus into the lives of others. She becomes an encourager for King and Kingdom, and does all she can to see people rooted and growing in faith. This feeds her own spiritual growth and helps her as she cares for her own Kingdom "tribe."
This Kingdom Circle allows us to share in the words "well done" at the end of the age. Beautiful!
The Kingdom conversation is incredibly powerful and very beautiful. It puts religion in its proper place, and unlocks a Kingdom experience which is meant for every follower of Jesus.
Your life is a Kingdom life. Your calling comes from your King. When you stand before Him you, like us, wish to hear the words well done. “And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, you are to be in authority over ten cities." - Luke 19:17
And so, by living out the Kingdom we celebrate the coming Kingdom. When we participate in the Kingdom circle and produce fruit that pleases God, we are truly blessed! And if we get to do this with other like-minded Christ followers, it is all the more glorious.
The Kingdom Circle is God's work and it is our work. √ We come openly to God in humility √ We experience personal connectivity √ We invite God's kindness into our thoughts and actions √ God includes us in the growth of true life
Working together with you, Dave and Burnadette
More about the Kingdom: Kingdom Book from Matthew The Kingdom Journey Kingdom Connectivity Kingdom Spirituality Course Kingdom Heart
Kingdom 101 insists we place the Kingdom of Jesus in proper light. If we get too wrapped up in church before we understand the Kingdom, we will (and have historically) gotten things in misplaced order. As I talk about this I don't want you to think that I don't love the church. I have taught and served as a pastor for over 45 years, and feel Burnadette and I have dedicated ourselves without reservation to Jesus' Bride. It's just that if we do not place our King first it seriously impairs what we have to offer His Bride. So for clarity, there is a difference to me when speaking of the church and the Bride of Christ. The church is being purified into a spotless Bride to be married to Christ, right? This is why she has so many historical imperfections - yet we are being prepared for something future. The church is and has always been filled with imperfect people, of which I am foremost. If Jesus is the Door to the Kingdom (and He says He is in John 10) then humility is the latch or handle to that door. Perhaps even the kingdom keys are a gift to every Christ-follower (the key of King David - what a great women thread! Isaiah 22:22; Luke 11:52; Matthew 16:19; Revelation 1:8; 3:7.
Have you ever wondered why the Pharisees were so prominent in Jesus' human conflict? It because pride is the number one enemy of humanity. The religious leaders were the epitome of the pride of Israel. Jesus' conflict with the Romans was comparatively minimal. It was the religious pride of the scribes and Pharisees that embodied the scorn of satan. According to Jesus this deep arrogance resulted in all sorts of bullying religious behavior, and He spoke harshly right to the faces of these leaders. So - like today - oppression is the rule whenever men can manipulate power over others. This is another reason why I think that humility is the "key to the Kingdom" that Jesus gave to Peter (Matthew 16:19).
Jesus came in the opposite manner than was expected. The Jews wanted a political deliverer who would set them free from Roman occupation. But His power was perfected through humility, not human force. This is another woven thread that is often not taught or embraced. When we encounter the King of the universe we are to bend. This is how we enter into His Kingdom. It is a wholly different way to live. We bend to the King and we enter through the Door of Jesus with our keys to the Kingdom. The Bride of Christ thrives when such humility is embraced. This is not weakness, but conviction of faith and humility of heart and action. It is why we are to go the extra mile. It is why we are to forgive our enemies and bless them. It is why we are not to trust in ourselves but to wait upon His good spirit.
When an individual seeker becomes a Kingdom follower we are given a directive: follow the example of the King. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and I am with you always, all the way to the end of the age.” He has the authority. He is side by side with us. He is doing the "work" of the Kingdom through us. It is so simple yet we often make is so complicated or even convoluted.
From such humility is birthed the power of all non-religious following of Messiah. While religion may provide certain comforts, it is no substitute for the connectivity we have been given with the Spirit living inside of us. Remember what He said: “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come." - John 16:13
This is not merely what the Church is to DO, it is who the Church is to BE. So when the King comes into our personal world, we bend our will and bow our knee. We begin to live as His loyal, learning Kingdom subjects. And then the Church in any decade becomes His representative on earth. Or not. There is nothing in the scriptures equating religion with His Kingdom. Devotion does not correlate to religion. This has been a colossal human error in history, and not just in historic christianity. It remains so today. Our power is not from our observances or activities but our connectivity with our King. "I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
King first - then Kingdom - then Church. Jesus mentions the church only 2 times in the Gospels. He speaks of the Kingdom over 100 times. Why do you think this is? Again, I am not denigrating the church. I am pointing out God's Kingdom order. When a person understands that Jesus alone is the Door of the Kingdom, that the keys to the Kingdom are humility of heart and devotion to the King, and that the Church springs from the presence of the King and His Kingdom (and not the other way around) we set aside religious spirituality for Kingdom connectivity.
You and I must see ourselves in this picture. We are a part of a great treasure: the Bride of Christ. And we are also each valued sons and daughters, with full rights and ability to hear the Voice of our King each day. We are not destined to live lives of perfection, but lives of connected faith. We can count on this from our King: “Come to Me, all who are weary and weighed down, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and be taught by Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is bearable.” - Matthew 11:28-30
Welcome to the courageous, restful Kingdom Heart! Dave and Burnadette
My Kingdom Heart Thread Return to Me post and song
You are invited to join us for our Fourthstream Kingdom Mission:
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Bring the Connectivity of True Hope to others. God's Word is a book of hope. We are living in turbulent times, perhaps even in the end of days. Jesus brought complete truth and hope to earth in one incredible Kingdom invitation.
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Invite daily connection with Jesus, His Spirit, and the Father. Each member of Yahweh's three-ness brings a breadth of connectivity for all sons of Adam. Jesus brings the friendship of being able to approach the Father through Him. The Spirit illuminates God's Words to us, and because He lives within us, is the Father's Voice to our hearts - 24/7.
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Teach Kingdom Spirituality to any who will listen. The God Story teaches us that the King comes first, then His Kingdom, and from this flows His church. Kingdom spirituality approaches the scriptures with connectivity as we hold tightly to the example and words of Jesus.
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Providing measured, systematic connection with the God Story is key. All of our resources: posts, video, books, conversations, and courses strive to flow from a Jesus-centric view of existence.
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We engage Spirit-directed Kingdom prayer on behalf of those we love, our city, our nation, and our world. This is how Jesus lived His earthly life. "Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" and, "the effective prayer of a man or woman returned to innocent justice can accomplish much."
Jesus comments on the Kingdom being like a mustard seed in three Gospels: Matthew 13:31; 17:20; Mark 4:31; Luke 13:19; 17:6.
He presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; and this is smaller than all other seeds, but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” - Matthew 13:31-32
Through these 5 mission distinctives we pursue a) sowing Kingdom seeds, b) cultivating Kingdom growth of these seeds, and c) faithfully praying and cultivating as God brings growth and eventual shelter.
"So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor." - 1 Corinthians 3:7,8
Now this is a God-mission which can fulfill any life! Dave and Burnadette
What an amazing event! God has come near to find and save our lost souls. Humbling.
Peace upon your home, dear friends! “There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.”
When someone hurts us deeply or we are disappointed in ourselves, or when we are so sure God will show up but He doesn’t appear to do so, we become vulnerable to disillusion, anger, and retaliation.
Hebrews 12:12-17 provides some action strategies...
Letting others down and being let down seems to be an inevitable part of life. Each broken relationship provides another...
Genuine faith is active and alive. It captures our imagination. With God’s help it propels us toward victory.
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.” - 1 Corinthians 9:24
Glory is quite difficult to discern apart from human manifestations. How we look, how people perceive us, our accomplishments: each of these reflect upon our own achievement, and can be accomplished completely apart from God. But much deeper than happiness is the concept of joy, just as God-glory eclipses earthly attainment.
We realize our view of chaos, order, imperfection, and turbulence may differ from yours. We are doing our best to provide clarity to what we believe to be our Creator’s plan within the challenges we face. We invite you to sift your ideas as well as ours through the grid of the God Story.
The perception of the nature and purpose for suffering has modified in the 21st century. In parts of the world we have achieved high levels of personal comfort and developed significant buffers to isolate us from pain. The concept of suffering (or choosing to suffer) is typically unthinkable and, in some ways, repulsive to modern thinking.
Talking about this makes our eyes sting. In our line of work we have stood side by side with people who have experienced sudden, unexpected, tragic loss. The weight of these kinds of things rocks us to the core of our souls. It bothers all of us when we hear of searing loss happening to others, but it is quite another thing when it happens to us.
We live in an age of relativism regarding what is true and what is not. Basically, whatever someone says is true - is true. Convenient. How many times have you heard or seen "that's just your truth"? Jesus offers a distinct contrast: I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
In the spiritual fight we always must go to our shield of faith and sword of the Spirit. They are our best defense and means of fighting back. Jesus teaches us how to fight, and His apostles amplify the effectiveness of His approach. Because people are not the source of our conflict (though it sure appears so) we wear the armor of God and carry the weapons of God to war against our enemy, the devil.
It would be nice if spirituality would be easy, right? No expectations. Elective choices. Plenty of latitude. But none of this is true about true Kingdom spirituality, even though it is very adjustable in religious terms. But there are also those who calculate spiritual trajectory and set very intentional steps toward pleasing God by His metrics.
Our Creator made us in His image to share His glory. What a tremendous honor! The God Story is all about taking imperfect men and women and graciously blessing us so there remains no question Who deserves credit for our triumphs. It makes sense that authentic, worthwhile faith would not be automatic or easy. Turbulence insures the opportunity of a God honoring result.
Our personal daddy picture does much to shape us. A loving father - optimism about life. An absent dad - a life of second guessing. A bad dad - nightmares over identity. Yet God wants to reveal Perfect Father to every soul.
Most people would never articulate or even admit we are vulnerable or insecure. And yet these realities are always right below the surface, driving us to have, to do, and to be somebody (Solomon). When we are secure we find contentment. When we love we offer and receive acceptance. When we give respect or receive it we are blessed in our ability to have a satisfied mind.
All human turbulence occurs as a result of our rejection of God and His truth. Because of the imperfection brought about by sin, we find ourselves separated from our Creator and at odds with His purposes. We are born into such turbulence.
"And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." - 1 Peter 2:4,5
I don’t really want to write this part, but it would be unfair of me not to include it inasmuch as my curious journey, like yours, has contained its share of disappointments. Perhaps being an oldest I have felt greater compulsion to fix things that don’t go quite right. I call this older brother syndrome. There MUST always be a solution.
"He sends out His command to the earth and His word runs very swiftly. He gives snow like wool and He scatters the frost like ashes. He throws out His ice as fragments; who can stand before His cold? Then He sends out His word and melts them; and He causes His wind to blow and the waters to flow." - Psalm 147:15-18
Part of who we are as humans made in the image of God is our ability to apply our sense of wonder to life and to our life-pursuits. Some have this beat out of us by our experiences or the people around us, yet others find their sense of wonder unlocked and multiplied by science, philosophy, and/or faith pursuits. Much is spoken about the value of expanding the mind, but what about the expanding of the heart and soul?
Finding life-strength is most often unlocked by love. Because God IS love, love for Him and others is core to living with a satisfied mind and soul. When God is our purpose and focus, we are truly awake.
Hope can be an elusive thing. While we are living within fallen humanity we are told that we are offspring of a perfect God Who cannot tolerate evil. This is a huge paradox, particularly when this One True God is also slow to anger and overflowing with lovingkindness!
I am reading a book right now that includes data about DNA strands. It is written through the eyes of a coder. I cannot relate to the math, but the explanation helps me to contemplate the amazingly complex designs in cells, etc. This author is one of many over the past
"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12
Significance is an interesting contemplation. How do I make my mark? How long will I have to get it right? Will tech bring me the promised advances and freedoms so many promise?
“The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things. He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their...
In my first book, Curious Journey, I wrestled with the value of my personal story. Having grown up around what I thought to be purity in collection and interpretation of data (science) and being quite versed in modern philosophy, I had separated faith from the rest of my story...
A reasonable review of history often reveals a bleak picture concerning the propensity mankind has for selfishness and domination. There are truly evil people, of course, but perhaps more insidious can be our personal callousness toward others. This is particularly damaging when we lose our compass regarding the value of another.
The world is an imperfect place in which personal turbulence impacts all of us. I have found that it takes personal courage and effort to get to the root of the how, where, what, who, and especially the why of life. Challenging our own ideas when it comes to deeper issues can help direct our compass as we find our way. The wisdom principle can guide us through personal challenges - both near and epic in scope.
One of the great gifts of life is to find joy in the midst of personal suffering and chaos. Imperfection can become a friend to the suffering heart because it can move us to places we wouldn’t choose to go. This journey can drive us toward something greater and allow us to find true satisfaction of heart, mind, and soul...
We spoke in an earlier podcast about suffering within a spiritual war. Today we will take a look at the larger role of suffering presented in the Bible. The reason for and the purpose of suffering is a significant contemplation...
A couple of years ago I taught a series of conversations about living with a clear conscience - which, in my mind - is the true purpose of God's Law (the Ten Commandments). A clear conscience leads to personal freedom, and this is God's total intent for His children. Though we live in the Turbulence of Imperfection, we have been given grace to live here in freedom.
"From the atheist to the faith-zealot on the life continuum, each of us has assembled our core beliefs which shape our world view. We make our life decisions accordingly. These are very individual, personal, and powerful."- from page 11, Turbulence
"I wrote these essays over a period of
Wasteland by Need to Breathe Yeah in this wasteland where I’m livin’ There is a crack in the door filled with light - And it’s all that I need to get by Yeah in this wasteland where I’m livin’ There is a crack in the door filled with light - And it’s all that I need to shine
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...
You will find that as your years unfold within your God-ordained days there will be watershed moments of realization and meaning. I have written several books as each of these pivots has occurred. The first, Curious Journey, has to do with my unfolding conclusions about the importance of personal story. The God Story reveals a Creator Father with unlimited capacity for relationships. Because He is so vast (and great) on both a molecular and cosmological basis, He literally holds all things together by the "word of His power." Check this out. It is talking about the greatness of God's Son Jesus:
Before we enter into God’s Kingdom through Jesus (John 10) our spiritual father has been the evil one (the devil/John 8). Think what this means if true. Being born into a world at war leads us to believe lies and to make agreements which ensure we will be caught in various kinds of bondage for our souls. The nature and work of the adversary is to distract us from freedom and to serve him. Jesus, on the other hand, wants us to be free to be joined to Him in friendship as we live out our earth days - preparing us for our eternity to come.
Freedom is a big part of Who God is - and what He wishes for us. Because we are born into a world at war, this freedom is progressive as we engage the imperfect battles we face with regularity...
There comes a time in warfare where the threat hangs so closely over the head of the pursued that it is expedient to no longer mess around. We are in a war. We have discussed various insights into the spiritual battle over the last 25 or so podcasts. We have investigated the nature of this war, the weapons of our warfare, and the greater context of this war...
Dreams and visions of God. Pretty cool, right? And also pretty scary. They happened often during the times of Moses. Daniel the prophet had some encounters here as well. Jesus' foster-dad, Joseph, had one. His Mom actually encountered her vision through a conversation with the angel Gabriel. What a treasure...
Each of us has our own worldview. This includes our belief system, our view of ourselves, and our conclusions and operating principles regarding people...
We face many challenges within a one-week timeframe - let alone a life covering decades. Each of us must fight our own battles. We have found it helpful to connect with the Father in His generous lovingkindness, Jesus in His friendship, and the Holy Spirit as our comforter...
Being earthly-minded I find it difficult to sort between things which are seen in contrast to those unseen. I am occupied with my mind processes, my physical preoccupations, pursuit of my interests, as well as giving attention to my hopes and dreams.
As we have often discussed, God is slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness - which appears to be balanced perfectly with His complete and pure justice. God uses His restraint over His righteous anger to bless the earth - and His children...
The word radiance gives the picture of the breaking of day. It is that glorious moment when the sun comes over the horizon - and we never know what we will see - but we will always see light. We are taught about the ever-present radiance in Ezekiel 1:28...
We all pretty much understand that love is everything to God. If it wasn't, we would all be dead, right? Fear is one of (if not THE) primary device of the adversary. It is the opposite of love. Wherever he can block or even wreck love, he will. Whenever we can live in love, we reverse the adversary's curse and hold upon us. Think about the fragility of human relationships. We are divided. We oppress. We hate. We are stuck. Consider this thread as a powerful alternative...
In the war inspired by our adversary, overcoming offenses and the pursuit of forgiveness provide powerful tools for the fight. Jesus had much to say about forgiveness. Matthew 18 may be one of the most powerful chapters in the God Story. It speaks of a battleground where bondage and freedom will inevitably collide. Within the words of Jesus we find tremendous truth and hope for this fight...
Humanity is infected with hubris. When we assert our independence and/or disdain for our Creator, we partner with the work of the adversary. We were given God's Word (His commandments) to allow us to correct our self-destructive ways...
God is Life-giver. The adversary is life-stealer. He comes to rob, kill, and destroy. There are unlimited amounts of bondage within his rebellion against the plan and authority of God. Yet with God there is always the opportunity for us to find freedom. This is the purpose of faith. By reversing the curse and bending before God's authority, we are returned to His ways for our lives. We also become targets in the war.
You have heard me talk often about interpreting the God Story (Bible) by following woven threads and allowing these threads to give us God's mind on any and all matters. Angels is one of a dozen of the major threads in God's Story. These first paragraphs tell the story of the angelic realms and lead us into the series of √ questions below. What follows are the listed references from this thread. Here is a link to a brief video integrating where angels fit into what we know of our story.
The adversary's work is to keep us emotionally bound and foggy-minded. If he can attack our clarity, he can continue to enslave our hearts and minds from God's realities.
Soul ties are what occur when the adversary causes us to be owned by speculation and lofty things (exaltation of self). All speculation is rooted in human arrogance and independence from God. It comes from trying to be god. This is how Satan makes captives.
Hope propels the mind and soul much like faith and love. While faith and love require much from us, clarity in hope carries the heart and the soul. This is incredibly important when it comes to the war into which we are born. Without faith we cannot please God, and without love we cannot do His will - but without hope we become inert and vulnerable to discouragement. To overcome the many distractions of life, we must rely deeply upon an informed and active hope.
I deeply value those who have sacrificed for my freedom. To choose to fight at the peril of death takes a different kind of courage...
As we consider the war into which we have been born, God has been very faithful to show us HOW to fight. Even though there are powerful things which we can only understand in part, we do have enough information to prepare each day for the battle we are in. Through Paul (in the Spirit) we are taught to put on/pray on the full armor of God each day!
Suffering. One of the great questions of life relates to why the world is so filled with difficulty, adversity, and pain. Different kinds and levels of suffering permeate everything, and no matter how we attempt to insulate ourselves turbulence impacts all of us. Economics. Health. Social issues. Oppression of others. Suffering, however, also produces God things in the world. It is also helpful for the spiritual fight.
As we have discussed in previous podcasts, God prays for us in the midst of the war (Warfare Covering Prayer) and invites us into His intercession for ourselves and others (Warfare Intercession). Today we get specific about our own prayers in the war - calling upon Jesus' already won victory to cover our part in the battles...
Prayer in current culture is often diminished to getting what we think we need or want from our heavenly Father. It is not that we should not ask, but perhaps there is more to prayer than merely putting in our requests. To pray according to the will of God must be somewhat self-less. We must set aside what we want and place it behind what God desires...
Because of the authority structure of all that is created, the concept of being covered by God is sweeping when it comes to spiritual warfare. If God is at the top of all authority, then living under the shelter of His wings is key to success in spiritual warfare - as well as finding ultimate meaning in life...
Who would you say you are at your core? What defines you? What gives you value? These are some of the core backdrop questions for every human who has ever existed.
Our identity as friends of God in Jesus is very clear...
It is naive to think angels and demons are disconnected from our daily lives. There is an abundant thread from the God Story which indicates a different reality. It is also important to keep two things in mind as we consider spiritual warfare. Jesus IS all-powerfully GOOD. satan is not. The big picture on warfare...
We have begun to pursue various aspects of the war into which we are born.
Thousands of years before Jesus the Son appeared on the earth we were told He would come. The entire world died within the sin of Adam, yet we may each live through the work of the second Adam: Jesus. The prophecies, as well as Jesus' own words, couldn't be any more clear. He had come to set souls free. This would include helping those in the most pressing need...
“Awake, sleeper, and rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”– Ephesians 5:14
Most humans live within a sleepy dream. We are seduced by things which satisfy us for the moment but are unhelpful in experiencing a satisfied mind. Only God can wake us up. We alone can reject His offer and return to our slumber...
I love how color mixes. I love the sound of the wind in the trees. It has been awesome to learn to hear the Voice of the Spirit. He has, and is, blowing His Kingdom winds into my life. That's what this painting is about for me. It was fun...
God has plunged us into more training concerning spiritual warfare. It has been rigorous, at times painful, and even exhilarating. Warfare is not a new subject to ourselves and our friends. A number of years ago we heard Bruce Wilkinson speak at a Navigator gathering. His subject: Strongholds...
As I have once again considering the letters to Timothy I am amazed about a few things. 1 Timothy 4:1,2 has captured my imagination with all that is unfolding around us right now.
The phrase doctrines of demons deserves a closer look. The original language (Greek) appears to amplify that these are the teaching instructions (we are being educated) of evil spirits of destiny (demons)...
The LORD said, “I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings. So I have come down to deliver them from...
The LORD said, “I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings. So I have come down to deliver them from...
The word covet means to take pleasure in something which belongs to another. In essence it is the self-invitation to "live free to crave." It also has a nuance of stealing the butchered and prepared offerings of others by
The word covet means to take pleasure in something which belongs to another. In essence it is the self-invitation to "live free to crave." It also has a nuance of stealing the butchered and prepared offerings of others by
A deceptive witness = telling misleading, incomplete, or untrue stories about yourself or someone else.
God is pretty big on witnesses to corroborate things. He particularly comments on this broadly in Deuteronomy.
A deceptive witness = telling misleading, incomplete, or untrue stories about yourself or someone else.
God is pretty big on witnesses to corroborate things. He particularly comments on this broadly in Deuteronomy.
Like so-called black lies and white lies, there is a behavioral continuum when humans process levels of thievery (he looks so innocent, doesn't he?)...
Like so-called black lies and white lies, there is a behavioral continuum when humans process levels of thievery (he looks so innocent, doesn't he?)...
It is easy to focus on the act of adultery and not think about what is under the surface - what is behind it all. God has left little wiggle room when it comes to adultery. We like to make the road wide and expansive for the reasons this happens - but why...
God's first three commandments are about love for Yahweh. 1) You shall have no other gods before Me, 2) You shall not make idols for yourselves. 3) You shall not take My Name in vain (diminish my value - way beyond swearing).
The fourth commandment teaches us to...
Could a peaceful and long life really be this simple?
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth...
Think about how rest is built into everything. What happens when we don't get enough sleep? ...
Humans by our nature are dreamers and builders - and by our fallen condition speculators. Being made in the image of God we bear His propensity to perceive glory. But by our actions we rob that glory...
Freedom Commandment #2: You shall not make images
“Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man.” – Acts 17:29
Why is it that we think we can improve upon what God has spoken – as well as what He has created with His mighty power
Freedom commandment #1: You shall have no other gods before me
Since the garden of Eden this has been endemic to the human race. We are simply idolatrous to the core. It is primarily because we have removed God as Lord over our hearts. So, instead of being captured by belonging to our Creator, we sell ourselves to idols (other gods).
Bondage is the end result of idolatry. Rather than subject our sinful impulses to God, we enthrone them. They simply capture our imaginations and become the focus of what we want. I call them the ME-gods.
Let's discuss what the God Story says about us. We are made in the image of God, and through Adam’s sin we have all fallen out of God’s favor and lost our ability to connect with Him (Adam walked with his Creator in the garden in the cool of the day).
Our bodies, souls, minds, spirits, hearts, and consciences were imagined by Him and given from Him. Each bears His mark and is owned Him. He is King of all that has been made - both the seen and the unseen.
There is no doubt Jesus is far and away the most impactful human. Each decade and century has been unable to deny His seemingly living presence. This is often mistaken for religious effort, but actually reveals a supernatural aspect no one else owns in history.
Life is filled with challenges. Imperfection. Turbulence. Sometimes things can seem suffocating. This provides a contrast to hope. Hope is the opposite. It sees the horizon and what is most surely coming...
Satisfaction in life can be fleeting. Even major markers or phases can be achieved and still leave us feeling unsatisfied. Anyone who trains for a race or a competition will tell you that after all the hard work...
God IS family. As the Father of all living things He calls the shots, sets boundaries, and establishes any assignment of value. Consider this...
We live in a world that is asleep spiritually. One of the things I love about faith philosopher CS Lewis' stories is that he often recognizes and paints pictures of our sleepy dream state. If you have ever read or seen Prince Caspian you know what I mean. People can be asleep even though we appear awake...
In my years of searching the God Story for deeper understanding I have been touched by so many things. I consider what I call the woven threads of the Bible to get a clearer picture of Who God Is, who I am, and why things are unfolding the way they have...
God is a builder. He delights in fulfilling what He conceives in His Mind. He creates containers and fills them with beautiful, creative, complex, and purposeful things. He is the greatest intellect. He is the greatest heart. He is unlimited both in imagination and the power to bring things into being. He is over all, above all, through all, and in all. Wow. And His Son is all these things as well.
FINDING OUR WAY IN A DARKENING WORLD
It is no secret there is increasing difficulty in the world. There is much counterfeit light. By and large the Living God is rejected. Truth is beyond relative, and discourse is miniscule. People are isolated and often feeling hopeless. As the world darkens – we live as sons and daughters of light...
Every religion is secondary to the Kingship of Christ. All of them. Including historic christianity. The Kingdom is personal. It is comprehensive. It is complete. Kingdom spirituality is authentic - not based upon religious pursuit or perfection, but rather, genuine connection...
Each of has our own areas of interest or fascination. Science and the natural world captures imagination and interest. In just the last several decades, our capacity for viewing and processing wondrous things has exploded! Our search of the heavens as well as our growth in viewing and understanding the building blocks of life continues to multiple rapidly. Knowledge is increasing...
As we contemplate the King's teaching about the Kingdom in the Gospels it is striking how Jesus explained our pursuit of God. King first, then Kingdom - then church. As you listen to our 8 minute God Story, read Psalm 2 as a backdrop. What do you think is going on in the bigger story? What is a realistic God-look into humanity? Where do we fit within the purposes of God?
When answering the great scientific, philosophical, and faith questions of life – the issue “has God spoken?” is central to finding our way. If God has spoken, then we have answers we can count on. If He has not, the prognosis for true faith is bleak.
The concept of two testaments is extra-biblical. Nowhere in scripture is there named a so-called old testament or a new testament. Instead, the God Story guides us through one woven story. It begins with creation and ends with heaven and eternity. In the garden all men and women die spiritual death. In the Law and the prophets we are given the redemptive story: God delivers through sacrifice. God explains in great detail Who and how this sacrifice of redemption will occur.
The Bible teaches us that the Son created...
The concept of authenticity deserves to be visited often. If we cannot find authenticity in truth, relationships, and direction for living we are in a pretty tough spot. I define authenticity as genuine. The real deal. It is the expression of God upon the earth, for if something is not authentic it will not last – however we feel about it.
Our Creator wants us to live strong – to become men and women looking for His heart...
You will find as years unfold within your God-ordained days there will be watershed moments of realization and meaning. I have written several books as each of these pivots has occurred. The first, Curious Journey, has to do with my unfolding conclusions about the importance of personal story. The God Story reveals a Creator Father with unlimited capacity for...
We were made to be free. Often what we experience is the opposite. The deep part of who we are includes our conscience. As we search for meaning we have been given ten basic insights into freedom. In this podcast we take a look at the role of our conscience and how we can use it to find meaning and peace for our heart.