Fourthstream - Finding Hope
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.
info_outline
Q012 - What is 'Very Near'?
09/15/2026
Q012 - What is 'Very Near'?
What is very near? In this teaching, Dave looks at the gap between earth and heaven, the nearness of God’s Word, and how our Creator has bridged the distance through His Son. • The word is very near you - Deuteronomy 30.11-14 • Draw near to listen - Ecclesiastes 5.1 • Jesus intercedes for those who draw near - Hebrews 7.25 • Draw near to God and He will draw near to you - James 4.8 • Created in God’s image - Genesis 1.27 • The Spirit disclosing Jesus to us - John 16.13 • Peace, love, value, and rest - 1 John 4.18, Philippians 4.7, Hebrews 4.9 To read, listen, and explore more Fourthstream resources:
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/42838915
info_outline
Q011 - What Is Holy Ground?
09/09/2026
Q011 - What Is Holy Ground?
What is holy ground? In this teaching, Dave looks at Moses, Joshua, the presence of God, and what it means to encounter the King with humility, honor, and grace. • Holy ground and the presence of God - Exodus 3 • Joshua, Jericho, and the captain of the Lord’s host - Joshua 5.13-15 • Holiness as being set apart for God • Bowing, honoring, listening, and taking off the shoes of the heart • Jesus washing the disciples’ feet - John 13 • Mount Zion, the Kingdom, and reigning with Christ - Hebrews 12, Revelation 20.6 To read, listen, and explore more Fourthstream resources:
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/42838740
info_outline
Q010 - Can I Be Like Noah?
09/01/2026
Q010 - Can I Be Like Noah?
Can I be like Noah? In this teaching, Dave looks at Noah’s place in the God Story, the seriousness of Genesis 6, and what it means to find favor with God in a world filled with corruption and judgment. • Noah before Abraham and the nations - Genesis 1-11 • The wickedness of mankind and God’s grief - Genesis 6 • Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord - Genesis 6.8-9 • Faith, reverence, and preparing an ark - Hebrews 11.7 • Jesus as the greater rescuer and deliverer • What it means to prepare faithfully for your household To read, listen, and explore more Fourthstream resources:
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/42545985
info_outline
Q009 - Why Is The World At War?
08/25/2026
Q009 - Why Is The World At War?
Why is the world at war? In this teaching, Dave looks at the deep spiritual conflict behind human evil, impurity, deception, and violence, beginning with Genesis and continuing through the larger God Story. • Spiritual warfare and the unseen conflict - Ephesians 6.12 • The roots of human corruption - Genesis 6 • Impurity, idolatry, arrogance, and the fallenness of mankind • God’s grief over evil and His favor toward Noah • Why the war is both interior and exterior • How God overcomes evil through redemption in Jesus To read, listen, and explore more Fourthstream resources: https://fourthstream.com
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/42453005
info_outline
Q008 - Why Cain And Abel?
08/18/2026
Q008 - Why Cain And Abel?
Why Cain and Abel? In this teaching, Dave looks at Genesis 4 and the sobering account of the first brothers, showing that Cain’s offering problem was really a heart problem. • Cain and Abel in the story of Genesis - Genesis 4 : 1-10 • Cain’s anger, envy, and self-absorption • Abel’s honoring and grateful offering • Sin crouching at the door • Learning the difference between honor and dishonor • Why Jesus alone can master sin in the human heart • Rejecting practiced sin and pursuing righteousness - 1 John To read, listen, and explore more Fourthstream resources:
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/42452660
info_outline
Q007 - Why Light And Darkness?
08/11/2026
Q007 - Why Light And Darkness?
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:
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/42320370
info_outline
Q006 - Why is there so much chaos?
08/04/2026
Q006 - Why is there so much chaos?
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:
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/42319250
info_outline
Q005 - What Are Woven Threads?
07/31/2026
Q005 - What Are Woven Threads?
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:
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/42272045
info_outline
Q004 - Why Purity?
07/21/2026
Q004 - Why Purity?
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 - Why Purity and Honor - To read, listen, and explore more Fourthstream resources:
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/42163410
info_outline
Q003 - What Is Truth?
07/15/2026
Q003 - What Is Truth?
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:
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/42103070
info_outline
Q002 – Is There One True God?
07/08/2026
Q002 – Is There One True God?
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:
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/42016140
info_outline
Q001 - Where Did The Jews Come From?
06/24/2026
Q001 - Where Did The Jews Come From?
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
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/41790880
info_outline
S10E032 - Am I a Kingdom Scribe?
06/16/2026
S10E032 - Am I a Kingdom Scribe?
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:
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/41662615
info_outline
S10E31 - What are the Kingdom Rewards?
06/09/2026
S10E31 - What are the Kingdom Rewards?
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
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/41586740
info_outline
S10E30 - Why Submission Of Self?
06/02/2026
S10E30 - Why Submission Of Self?
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
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/41498860
info_outline
S10E29 - What Is Kingdom Courage?
05/27/2026
S10E29 - What Is Kingdom Courage?
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:
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/41441970
info_outline
S10E28 - How Do I Live Gratefully?
05/20/2026
S10E28 - How Do I Live Gratefully?
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:
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/41358120
info_outline
S10E27 - Suffering And Honor
05/13/2026
S10E27 - Suffering And Honor
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:
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/41286825
info_outline
S10E26 - Humility And The Kingdom
05/06/2026
S10E26 - Humility And The Kingdom
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
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/41189460
info_outline
S10E25 - What Is My Kingdom Mission?
04/29/2026
S10E25 - What Is My Kingdom Mission?
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:
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/41066840
info_outline
S10E24 - How Do I Pray The Kingdom Way?
04/22/2026
S10E24 - How Do I Pray The Kingdom Way?
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:
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/40970695
info_outline
S10E23 - What Is Organic Growth?
04/15/2026
S10E23 - What Is Organic Growth?
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
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/40888285
info_outline
S10E22 - What Makes A Kingdom Marriage?
04/07/2026
S10E22 - What Makes A Kingdom Marriage?
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:
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/40757090
info_outline
S10E21 - What Makes A Kingdom Home?
03/31/2026
S10E21 - What Makes A Kingdom Home?
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: 📬 Weekly teaching, reflection tools & discipleship info: 🎙️ For Audio Only Seasons 1-8 check out
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/40621950
info_outline
S10E20 - What Is Kingdom Character?
03/25/2026
S10E20 - What Is Kingdom Character?
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 & discipleship info: 🎙️ For Audio Only Seasons 1-8 check out
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/40615000
info_outline
S10E19 - Am I Experiencing True Community?
03/11/2026
S10E19 - Am I Experiencing True Community?
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: 📬 Weekly teaching, reflection tools & discipleship info: 🎙️ For Audio Only Seasons 1-8 check out
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/40393070
info_outline
S10E18 - How Does Spirit Happen for Me?
03/04/2026
S10E18 - How Does Spirit Happen for Me?
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: 📬 Weekly teaching, reflection tools & discipleship info: 🎙️ For Audio Only Seasons 1-8 check out https://fourthstream.com/spotify
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/40307785
info_outline
S10E17 - Do I Know God?
02/24/2026
S10E17 - Do I Know God?
🎧 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: 📬 Weekly teaching, reflection tools & discipleship info: 🎙️ For Audio Only Seasons 1-8 check out
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/40221080
info_outline
S10E16 - Is Jesus My Healer?
02/18/2026
S10E16 - Is Jesus My Healer?
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: 📬 Weekly teaching, reflection tools & discipleship info: 🎙️ For Audio Only Seasons 1-8 check out
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/40148670
info_outline
S10E15 - What Is Connectivity With God?
02/10/2026
S10E15 - What Is Connectivity With God?
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):
/episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/40060215