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.

S7E11 - It Is Humbling When... 11/26/2024

S7E11 - It Is Humbling When... 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 /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/34148665

S7E10 - I Bow My Knees 11/19/2024

S7E10 - I Bow My Knees 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 /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/33980992

S7E9 - Deep Calls To Deep 11/12/2024

S7E9 - Deep Calls To Deep 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 /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/33886662

S7E8 - The Joy of Forgetting 11/05/2024

S7E8 - The Joy of Forgetting 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 For a great thread study on the forgiveness subject type the word forgive into search. /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/33788127

S7E7 - Full of Joy 10/29/2024

S7E7 - Full of Joy 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 /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/33643927

S7E6 - Forever True 10/22/2024

S7E6 - Forever True 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 (Revelation 22) /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/33553532

S7E5 - Hand of God 10/15/2024

S7E5 - Hand of God 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). Fighting the fight with you! Dave and Burnadette /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/33449902

S7E4 - Wickedness 10/08/2024

S7E4 - Wickedness 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 /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/33346802

S7E3 - Over Our Heads 10/02/2024

S7E3 - Over Our Heads 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 /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/33297832

S7E2 - Love Your Neighbor 09/24/2024

S7E2 - Love Your Neighbor 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. /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/33160677

S7E1 - Finding Forgiveness 09/17/2024

S7E1 - Finding Forgiveness 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 . 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 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: 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 /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/33087797

S6E13 - Book Review: Living Fearless 09/10/2024

S6E13 - Book Review: Living Fearless 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 /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/32945957

S6E12 - Book Review: God's Man / God's Woman - Let's Make It Count! 09/03/2024

S6E11 - Book Review: The Turbulence of Imperfection 08/27/2024

S6E11 - Book Review: The Turbulence of Imperfection 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 /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/32748987

S6E10 - Book Review: Mentored By God 08/20/2024

S6E10 - Book Review: Mentored By God 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 (post and audio or video) /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/32642922

S6E9 - Book Review: Kingdom - Finding Our True Selves 08/13/2024

S6E9 - Book Review: Kingdom - Finding Our True Selves 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 /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/32547842

S6E8 - Book Review: Curious Journey 08/06/2024

S6E8 - Book Review: Curious Journey 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. 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 . /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/32453437

S6E7 - Book Review: The Unseen Realm 07/30/2024

S6E7 - Book Review: The Unseen Realm 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 . 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 "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 /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/32338567

S6E6 - Book Review: The Return Of The Gods 07/23/2024

S6E6 - Book Review: The Return Of The Gods 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 /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/32250822

S6E5 - Book Review: The Slight Edge 07/16/2024

S6E5 - Book Review: The Slight Edge 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 /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/32147342

S6E4 - Book Review: Forgiveness 07/09/2024

S6E4 - Book Review: Forgiveness “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: /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/32051182

S6E3 - Book Review: Blessed Are The Misfits 07/02/2024

S6E3 - Book Review: Blessed Are The Misfits 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: /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/31965512

S6E2 - When I Read A Book 06/25/2024

S6E2 - When I Read A Book 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 /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/31876537

S6E1 - Your Deeper Invitation 06/18/2024

S6E1 - Your Deeper Invitation 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 [email protected]. 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. 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 /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/31772797

Putting It Together and Making My Life Count 06/11/2024

Putting It Together and Making My Life Count 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. /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/31688377

Light and Darkness 06/04/2024

Light and Darkness 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 /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/31588932

Connecting With My Spirituality 05/28/2024

Connecting With My Spirituality 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 /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/31484972

Combatting Timidity, Fear, and Identity Issues 05/21/2024

My Personal Strengths and Weaknesses 05/14/2024

Establishing, Nurturing, and Guiding My Home 05/07/2024

Fourthstream - Finding Hope

TOPICS