Fourthstream - Finding Hope
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....
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
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...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
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: 📬 Weekly teaching, reflection tools &...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
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 ...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
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...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
🎧 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,...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
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...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
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...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
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...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
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...
info_outlineHow 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