Fourthstream - Finding Hope
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...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
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...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
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...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
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...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
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...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
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...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
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...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
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...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
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...
info_outlineFourthstream - Finding Hope
"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...
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