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.

S9E03 - Finding Hope Podcasts 07/01/2025

S9E03 - Finding Hope Podcasts A number of years ago we were thinking through Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 13:13 "Now these three powerful things: faith, hope, and love exist among us; but the greatest of these is love." This makes sense in that God IS love and we are made in His image. It would be great if we always loved the way He does - but we do not. We are surrounded by turbulence - from the inside-out. Even evil itself. Yet love is the most robust capital available to humanity, and those who live in true love draw close to our Creator. This "greater" means the most abundant. Deep inside we are motivated to love others. Right and wrong. Again - image of God. But faith and hope are not subservient to love in any way. In fact, all three unlock each other. As the God Story tells us in Hebrews 11:6: "And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." So faith pleases God and love blesses God and others. When hope is brought into our hearts and our community of relationships (family, neighbors, co-workers) everything flourishes. "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:1-5 Can you see it? Faith brings peace with God. In faith we are taught the glory of God in the face of Jesus. Hope empowers us to be principled and motivated in our love for one another. It is the relationship between these three gifts which allow us to live, grow, and excel as sons and daughters of the Living God. And so, Fourthstream Finding Hope podcasts were launched. In season #1 we spent 31 episodes uncovering the relationship of God's Law to the freedom of living in grace. God's Law is one core part of His grace toward His creation. Season #2 led us into a consideration of the reality that we have been born into a world at war. 30 episodes discovering our place in the middle of an epic struggle between good and evil. Then season #3 unlocks 34 episodes of what it means to live victoriously in the middle of the Turbulence of Imperfection. In season #4 we turned to a consideration of God's Man/God's Woman and how we make our journeys count. 11 conversations to return to again and again as we seek to follow our King and live lives that matter. This flows to season #5 and a discussion of what it means to experience a learning heart, then followed with 20 episodes about the power of hope (season #6). Seasons 4-5-6 are quite personally reflective, instructive, and helpful. Season #7 helps with the big picture concerning the Big Story in which we find ourselves integrally linked to one another within the purpose of God. In season #8 we examine the idea that God IS Shelter, and set a foundation to build our StoriesofShelter.com community for those who have received and given shelter. Now in Season #9 we come full circle to embrace the Kingdom of Jesus. All of this provides not only a systematic understanding of the teaching of God's Story, but an authentic connection to what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Together we mine the depths of what the One Woven Story has to say about Finding Hope, living in Faith, and Loving in the friendship of Christ. We take great care to allow the Bible to interpret itself - the only way we can preserve authenticity as we seek to make sense out of our lives - in God context. Each of these seasons are a link to spiritual maturity, and when processed in humility and truth can lead us deeper into our faith, our hope, and lives of love! Kind of an A-Z process that continues to unfold! Dave and Burnadette Enjoy! /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/37237555

S9E02 - What Is The Kingdom To You 06/24/2025

S9E02 - What Is The Kingdom To You The levels of turbulence around us are massive. In every corner of our American and world culture we see division and twisted wisdom. There are three great gifts from God: Faith, Hope, and Love (1 Corinthians 13). Each of these may be found by those who choose to enter through the Door of the sheep (John 10). In faith we find a different and substantive present and future. Through love we make our lives count for ourselves and others. And in hope we find the fuel to live each day for something more. Once you have found a compass for your life the ability to reset your trajectory is open to you. Whenever you wish you may "go in and out" through Jesus - the Door of the sheep. This is where Fourthstream.com comes in. We have designed and compiled a connecting base from which you can fuel your desire to live a full life for your King, and seamlessly help others do the same. Both Dave and Burnadette have found the peace which can carry you through chaos and imperfection - and this comes from the Word of God alone. We have searched philosophy, science, and faith to discover what is needed to live in hope - which is no easy task! At Fourthstream.com we offer ten podcast seasons of conversations which all will connect you with personal hope. There is a blog of unfolding thoughts as well as core conversations to help you or someone you know establish in Jesus and His Kingdom. King first - then Kingdom - then Church. We have also written six books highlighting key parts of the faith story given to us in God's One Woven Story - the Bible. These dovetail with nine courses we have recorded during our years of teaching - which provides you with a significant spiritual and educational path toward unlocking the Story. Hope is not a given. Not everyone has ears to hear. In fact, it appears that there is only a "remnant" of people who will actually follow through to find hope in God. Life is too distracting - and we are too self-centered. This is where humility fits in. "For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13 Our podcasts, blog posts, and conversations are available at no cost. Reviews of our books are provided and you can order them in either printed or audiobook formats per your interest and plan. Regarding our courses, both the God Story and Kingdom Spirituality are offered without cost (you can access videos and printed books if you wish). The Streamsbook, Strong Homes, Engage Training, The 8 Great Epochs in the Fabric of Time, Book by Book, Deeper, and Jesus Centric are accessed through ongoing membership as well as deep dives for those who choose to engage Fourthstream Coaching, which is a limited group who access Dave and Burnadette for their personally designed plans for Kingdom Spirituality conversations. Let's take a look at Fourthstream.com and determine what fits for you and the people with whom you are building the Kingdom. Click here. Here are a few comments from people who have experienced the benefits of Fourthstream.com. "Understanding the difference between putting the Kingdom first vs. church first has been a game changer for me as I am assessing my relationships. I appreciate Fourthstream.com and Storiesofshelter.com because it gives me the opportunity to get a brief soul overview in the middle of my busy day..." Ann "When I connect with the Kingdom through what Dave and Burnadette teach I come away refreshed in my heart and strengthened in spirit." Daniel "Through tools they have created I have been given a clear path and process...I have been engaged in their Jesus-Centric teaching plan which has pushed me deeper in desire and process in understanding the Word of God. If you are someone who wants a closer connection with God I highly recommend taking advantage of the tools at Fourthstream.com!" Nick "Through the courses, podcasts, books, and study guides Dave and Burney have impacted my life in so many ways. They are a couple with a heart for Jesus and a fire for others to know His love." Roland Peace upon your heart and home - from your friends at Fourthstream.com and other story hearts at Storiesofshelter.com. Dave and Burnadette and the Fourthstream Team Here is a song for your week: More: /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/37116445

S9E01 - First King - Then Kingdom - Then Church 06/10/2025

S9E01 - First King - Then Kingdom - Then Church There is a basic understanding Jesus tried to communicate to humanity when He came to the earth. When we get this right there is fruitfulness in our lives - when we don't varying degrees of misinformation prevail. Both John the Baptist (Jesus' cousin) and Jesus proclaimed the same thing: "Turn away and turn toward, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17; Matthew 10:7) The world had been languishing for centuries since the Garden episode. Genesis 1-11, the Law and prophets, and the Psalms are the story of the Jews - and all the nations. Not only is our condition exposed over and over through the imperfect Jewish story, God extends invitation for them (and us) to reverse course. Sadly, even the "chosen" Jewish nation does not listen to our Creator. God's chosen people wasted and rejected His words over and over again. This is made plain through story after story - life after life - decade after decade. So while the earth had rejected her King, the Father (who is slow to anger - filled with lovingkindness) makes away for men and women from every nation and every story to be brought into the acceptance of our Lord Creator - through His selfless sacrifice of His Son. Now there is a way back to God. He is the Door of the sheep. So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." John 10:7-9 If you are new to the God Story check out this big picture overview - literally the ! And if you want the next level of where all 66 books fit in - ! And here are several links to the foundational information of God's Story! (2 teaching videos) King David (the clearest "type" of Christ in the God Story) tells us about this prophetically in Psalm 2. We like to call this Psalm "Kiss the Son." Let's take a look: "Why are the nations in an uproar and the peoples devising worthless things?The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers scheme together - against the One True God and against His Anointed (smeared), saying, "Let us tear their limitations of us apart and cast away their ties away from us!” He who sits in the heavens laughs: the One True God scoffs at them. Soon He will speak to them in His anger and terrify them in His righteous fury, saying, "But as for Me, I have installed My King upon Zion My holy mountain.” “I will surely tell of what is eternally inscribed from the One Great God. He said to Me, ‘You are My Son and today I have brought You forth. Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and you shall shatter them like clay pots.’” Therefore, O kings, show discernment and take warning, O judges of the earth. Worship the One True God with reverence and honor, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way. For His wrath will soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!" √ Refuge IS shelter: this is why we have created StoriesofShelter.com. It is Who our great God IS. √ No one is exempt from His righteous hand of justice. (a thread: Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19; Hebrews 10:30) √ The King of the earth brings us the Kingdom of God - and the Church brings refuge authority for us and our neighbors. Dear Lord Jesus, we come to you to be restored in You, to receive all the grace and mercy we so desperately need this day. You are our Great I Am/God-of-the angel-armies. We surrender every aspect of our lives and selves completely to You. I offer You my spirit, soul and body, my heart, mind, my conscience, and my will. We stand in grace completely covered with Your precious, redeeming blood. As we pray we ask Your Good Spirit to restore and renew us in You. We stand in absolute agreement with Your Spirit and our intercessors and allies. You are the One true King over all the earth! Peace upon your soul, Dave and Burnadette /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/36929850

S8E13 - Jesus and Turbulence 06/03/2025

S8E13 - Jesus and Turbulence I just finished Jordan Peterson's latest book "We Who Wrestle With God." I like how he reasons, and even though I am not ready to place him in the upper echelon of my spiritual teachers, he is a genuine, thoughtful soul. One premise of his book relates to the relationship between chaos and order, something many philosophers, scientists, and faith reflectors see as key for arriving at a satisfied mind. How do we align with incredible design and order while at the same time dealing with the often hurtful fruits of chaos? If you are like me this can be a quagmire of sorting through the beautiful things in our lives as well as the nagging difficulties which emerge from within and without. Jesus was faced with this every day of His short time on earth. He wrestled with beauty and chaos, hope and disappointment, and as He was chosen by His Father to make "all things new," faced His designated purpose with resolve, joy, and much personal sacrificial pain. Burnadette and I spent an entire Finding Hope podcast season sorting through some of the mysteries and realties of living in what often feels like a wasteland. Here is the first episode of a number of contemplations which you may find helpful in learning about and sorting through your own imperfect journey. Take a moment and list the aspects of imperfection you have experienced in your life. √ Where you have been overtaken by fear. √ When you have felt hopeless. √ Your greatest triumphs. √ Your greatest disappointments. Jesus is with us through all imperfection and chaos. Here are a few thoughts for you to use to reflect. Hebrews 13:5 √ What about Jesus makes Him enough? √ Check out Deuteronomy 31:6 and Joshua 1:5 for why we can count on Him! Matthew 28:19,20 √ What authority is being spoken of here? √ What does being "with" us entail? John 8:51; 10:28 √ What is the staying power mentioned here? √ How secure are those who are Jesus' friends? Matthew 11:28-30 √ How does friendship impact our personal turbulence? Revelation 21:5 √ What does this mean and in what way can I count on it? You may also wish to consider Psalm 6/Backstroke In Tears. Chaos and pain are a given. Sometimes self-inflicted and often brought about by circumstances or other times the choices of others. Diving deep into chaos and order and human turbulence can be good for the mind - and the heart! Dave and Burnadette More: /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/36833695

S8E12 - Jesus As Healer 05/28/2025

S8E12 - Jesus As Healer Jesus is our Savior, Healer, and Friend. He alone can restore the access of honor we need to reconnect with Creator God. Let's follow part of this thread! “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. This I command you, that you love one another." John 15:12-17 I can remember a few songs from my childhood as a little Lutheran (confirmed by the skin of my teeth). This one always stuck. Carrying weights. Bringing hope. Giving peace. "What a friend we have in Jesus. All our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer. O what peace we often forfeit. O what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry. Everything to God in prayer" "Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged - Take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful - Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness - Take it to the Lord in prayer" "Are we weak and heavy-laden, 'Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge — Take it to the Lord in prayer. Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer. In His arms He’ll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there" Despite the thou's and thee's I find this song to have spiritual meaning to me. In my life I have learned to talk to God about everything, even though this has been an unfolding learning process. I am so glad He has plenty of time on His hands :) Perhaps one goals of life is cultivating a reflective journey where we have learned to give our "trials, temptations, and troubles" to the One who sees us. I am counting on my friendship with Jesus. This is why I try to "do what He tells me to do." It is so cool that I am not on a journey of perfection but one of humility. This is the story process of every character in the Bible, including Jesus: "In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission." Hebrews 5:7 A crashing note: "You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." James 4:4 √ How is your Jesus friendship? √ In what ways does it eclipse friendship with the world? √ How have you been able to share your weights with Jesus? √ In what ways would you say you have an honorable friendship with Him? A final thought from Matthew 11: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Peace with our Friend, friend! Dave and Burnadette More: /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/36740745

S8E11 - Jesus As Healer 05/20/2025

S8E11 - Jesus As Healer Healing is a curious concept with many opinions on the what, how, and why. A survey of known history makes it quite clear that no one healed like Jesus did. Even within all of the other religions of antiquity there is no one like Him, and some religious healer's miracles were pretty lame. Jesus, however, did nothing in a corner. He was transparent and prolific. And those who witnessed what He did were not all His fans. In fact, the most zealous religionists of history do not measure up to the scribes and pharisees who were capable and willing to go to great lengths to discredit or stop Jesus. Just as there are today. You will need to investigate for yourself whether or not Jesus was an authentic healer - a reverser of maladies and curses. Did the thirty plus recorded miracles actually happen or are they merely a concocted series of stories? And this was just the tip of the spear. "But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the news around, to such an extent that Jesus could no longer publicly enter a city, but stayed out in unpopulated areas; and they were coming to Him from everywhere." (Mark 1:45) Jesus was an explosion the likes of which the world had never seen! Next we must pursue the thread from the God Story where Jesus still heals men, women, and children from every decade, century, and people group. Is He this influential? Does His power extend to the souls and bodies of any and all of mankind? Was His purpose in coming to earth merely to heal bodies - or to save and heal souls? We think this is the greatest question of all time. Once you have decided that Jesus really was and is a healer of souls it is time to personally experience Him deeply. √ If you feel you are stuck - He can help. √ If you feel you are worthless - He can restore your value and your identity. √ If you are pressed down and smothered - He can set you free. √ If you are captivated by fear and the weights of your life - He is there for you. We extend this conversation into the two links below - which unfold much more on this unique power that has been experienced by so many. Peace friend! Dave and Burnadette More: /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/36630950

S8E10 - God's Home Base is our homebase 05/13/2025

S8E10 - God's Home Base is our homebase Everyone operates from a home base. Our upbringing. Our experiences. Our choices. Even factors made on our behalf by others. Through all of this we build our home base. Scientifically we apply what we see and learn. Philosophical we land on what we have wrestled with in our lives - positively and negatively. And to the degree we have encountered and contemplated faith we solidify our beliefs. Or not. We have pondered this through the years, and often with each turning of a new year we have reset ourselves to sift through what has unfolded and what we hope - and the things we are committed to for the days ahead. It is a very imperfect process, but the reset always brings us one or more degrees of focus from our core - and into our home base. Choosing to represent ourselves accurately and honestly can be helpful as we assess our progress on the journey. It can allow for an informed and sincere refocusing and choices which add up with solid "vision". Our calculus and direction Many speak of vision but we have learned to ask what principles are guiding our choices? What is it we want to accomplish? What will bring us a satisfied mind? What am I doing this moment and how will it impact the desire of my heart? Investment in our relationships Living for what we can give others rather than merely what we can get from them is an amazingly different way to live. Family. Friends. Co-workers. Neighbors. Like-minded companions. Expenditures of our time Someone has said "Time is like a flowing river. Our best choices involve scooping up buckets of time and watering things which will not go away." God and people are eternal. Everything else is a vapor. There is both an audio and video recording for you to choose from on a subject worth contemplating. After all, who wants to spend our life climbing a wall only to find we have been climbing the wrong wall?! Dave and Burnadette Doing our best to live under His wings! /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/36507825

S8E09 - Shelter of Connection 05/06/2025

S8E09 - Shelter of Connection One deep question for life seekers: "what does connection with God look like?" For years authors have pondered this, scientifically, philosophically, and through the optics of faith. For Moses it was all about shelter. Check out Psalm 90. A Prayer of Moses, the man of God. "Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were born or You gave birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. You turn man back into dust and say, “Return, O children of men.” For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it passes by, or as a watch in the night. You have swept them away like a flood and they fall asleep. In the morning they are like grass which sprouts again - in the morning it flourishes and sprouts and toward evening it fades and withers away. For we have been consumed by Your anger and by Your wrath we have been dismayed. You have placed our iniquities before You and our secret sins in the light of Your presence. For all our days have declined in Your fury and we have finished our years like a sigh. As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years, yet their pride amounts only to labor and sorrow. For soon it is gone and we fly away. Who understands the power of Your anger and Your fury, according to the fear that is due You? So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. Do return, O Lord; how long will it be? And be sorry for Your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad according to the days You have afflicted us, and the years we have seen evil. Let Your work appear to Your servants and Your majesty to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us and confirm for us the work of our hands. Yes, confirm the work of our hands. A Psalm of David/Psalm 61For the choir director on a stringed instrument. "Hear my cry, O God; give heed to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy. Let me dwell in Your tent forever; let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah (I lift this up). For You have heard my vows, O God; You have given me the inheritance of those who fear Your name. You will prolong the king’s life; his years will be as many generations. He will abide before God forever; appoint lovingkindness and truth that they may preserve him. So I will sing praise to Your name forever, that I may pay my vows day by day." David understood a number of things about his connection to His King. √ Stability comes from a higher place. √ True shelter is forever. √ Living in God's tent is a choice - and a blessing for this life and the one to come. √ For David it was a connection of heart, mind, and soul. Connection Questions: - When and how have you felt most connected to your Creator? - What brings this kind of connection for you? - Do you feel you have come to trust God for your welfare? - In what ways does fear challenge you? Where does Jesus fit into your God connection? John 17 is a Son-to-Father connection conversation. Take the time to check it out. What was it that Jesus wanted for His children? Headed where we belong! Dave and Burnadette Storiesofshelter.com More: /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/36346250

S8E08 - Shelter of The Spirit 04/29/2025

S8E08 - Shelter of The Spirit As mentioned before, the trinity is in many ways a mystery to us. It is not to our Creator. In Genesis 1 "the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters." The Father created and the Spirit moved. From His mind to His hands. And where was the Son while this unfolded? Apparently creating right along with Him. "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven." Colossians 1:15-20 There is no doubt that this is the Son mentioned in Psalm 2 and the One named Jesus according to hundreds of years of incredible prophecies. Now move forward to the "last" chapter of God's Word - Revelation 22:12-17: “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying. I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star. The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost." Do you see it? The Biblical thread of the Spirit (Holy Spirit) is found from chapter 1 through chapter last. He is the hands and feet of God. And His shelter extends to our souls as well, because if God wills it, the Spirit does it. And this is very personal to every disciple of Jesus. “When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me, and you will testify also, because you have been with Me from the beginning." John 15:26-27 Also note Proverbs 8 regarding the wisdom of God! So the shelter of the Holy Spirit is everything because He IS the shelter of the Father and His dear Son. The Father is the mind Who creates, the Son is at His right hand to bring Him honor, and the Holy Spirit creates and animates the Wisdom of God. Does this make sense? As with all areas of the threads of truth from the Word of God, God weaves together what we need to understand His mind and heart - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! There is much to say on this subject but let's summarize with how the Holy Spirit specifically gives us shelter. √ He discloses Jesus to us. √ He cleanses our conscience and heals our heart. √ He leads us in truth when we do not know what to do or where to go. √ He brings us into the peaceful presence of God Himself. “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you." John 16:13-15 Peace in the Spirit to you friend! Dave and Burnadette More: /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/36263655

S8E07 - Shelter of the Father 04/22/2025

S8E07 - Shelter of the Father God is a sheltering being. He provides shelter. But even more than this - He IS shelter. In fact, He is building the ultimate shelter family through the work of His Son. Jesus is the connector to our Creator. God wants to mentor us. We know this because He mentored Jesus. The Son’s best friend while He was on the earth was His Dad. He learned from Him. He was dedicated to His will. He gave up all things God and all things human for His friendship with His Father. You can find Mentored by God under books in the Fourthstream navbar. It investigates the ins and outs of how Jesus connected with His Dad, giving us a template for our own connection. Here are few things to help connect us with the Father of all living things √ Sort through your own personal daddy issues and cut them off from projecting onto the heavenly Father. √ Jesus Name is key to communicating with the Father. When you come to your Father acknowledge the authority of His dear Son Who covers our sin and offers access to God’s throne. √ Activate the honor of your heart alongside the respect you hold for your Creator and the opportunity to live pleasing to Him. Humility is the key to His Kingdom: “Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, but humility goes before honor.” – Proverbs 18:12 √ Embrace your Father’s voice above all others. When God’s Word is known and revered, it is a powerful connector and helps us discern His voice among all of the voices we hear each day from within and without. The Holy Spirit is God's voice to the world and to us. How can we hear such a transcendent voice? “Therefore the LORD God of Israel declares, ‘I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father should walk before Me forever’; but now the LORD declares, ‘Far be it from Me — for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me will be lightly esteemed.” – 1 Samuel 2:30 This is pretty cool: “Then David the king went in and sat before the LORD, and he said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far?” – 2 Samuel 7:18 Sometimes we feel God does not hear us. This is simply not true. All things brought in the Name of Jesus will come before our Creator. In fact, “the pure (humble) in heart will see God!” Talking to Him with you, Dave and Burnadette Related Links: /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/36220145

S8E06 - Our Spiritual Core 04/15/2025

S8E06 - Our Spiritual Core Most humans look at God things as a choice. I get this, but I have been thinking it is incomplete. If there is a Creator and He made all things - it seems to me that He is the one who is making the choice, right? Weighing this has become a key premise for me about spirituality. Does it begin with me - or with Him? I realize this is kind of out there, but most other options are limiting. If it all begins with us then it will be biased - more self-driven and me-driven. This appears to be the main issue with all religions (including historic christianity) - very self-driven. I have found even an atheist has faith. All this to say all of us have a spiritual core - even those who discard the very idea of a supreme being. This is perhaps one of the most significant contemplations of our existence. Is there a "greater", and where do we fit? How would you describe your core? How has it been shaped? Where does it leave you - both on the inside and the outside? Here are some things that may stimulate deeper thinking and conversation about what really matters related to our spiritual core. Things that appear to shape us: √ The things learned from circumstances over which we have no control. Our family and upbringing. Where we were born. Our socio-economic factors. The things that happen through "chance" as we march toward and into adulthood. What have been your main shaping circumstances and occurrences? √ What is modeled to us by significant players in our lives. We are so influenced by those close to us or whom we choose to value and emulate. Who have been these "giants" been in your life? The good ones and the not so good ones. √ Chance encounters and twists in the road. What are some of these pivotal moments for you - a relocation, a family tragedy such as a divorce or death, etc. What specific things have sent you in an unchosen yet significant direction? √ Things that come from our survival instinct. Words spoken in reaction or haste. Self-protective responses to neglect or attack. Choices we make to survive economically or relationally. Friend successes. Friend conflicts. Victories. Losses. √ What has been driven by love? Where have these love connections emerged and remained, arrived, or disappeared? To what degree do you feel your heart has been overtaken by love? Rejected by love? Rejecting of love? Disappointed? Would you consider yourself a person who lives in love? √ What is driven by hate? Where have you experienced hurt from others and become embittered? In what ways has forgiveness emerged in the way you approach life? All of this leads to where we find ourselves in our identity - and how we act upon it. When pursuing each of our spiritual cores, these and many other factors shape us or drive - and even chase us. God says our original condition is value. Life circumstances and relationship often diminish or try to dissuade us in thinking we have value. "So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31-32) Jesus invites us to freedom in our spiritual core. “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36) What is it that defines you at your core? Who do you think you are? How do you think your Creator feels about you when He looks at your life? Here is the heart of Kingdom Spirituality. First King. How are you connected to your King? Then Kingdom. How has His Kingdom impacted the choices and trajectory in your life? Then Church. In what ways have you recovered your God-identity, and how are you sharing it with those around you or through your gifts, your choices for how you live, with the people who you love and care for or in what you choose to give of your time, talents, and treasures? Peace friend! Dave and Burnadette More: /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/36046975

S8E05 - The Pursuit of Shelter 04/08/2025

S8E05 - The Pursuit of Shelter Often we must understand bad news in order to perceive and appreciate good news. It is the same with finding shelter. Until we are uncovered it is difficult to appreciate being covered. This is the nature of all life. Impermanence. Limited control. The necessity to learn to hope. A good question: Who has given you shelter? A parent? A teacher? A sibling? A neighbor? What was your exposure, and how did the shelter occur? If so, what difference did such shelter give toward shaping you? If you have received shelter in your life then you know what relief can occur with these kinds of action. How does a person find shelter? Shelter often finds us. Perhaps through the person who has chosen to notice or decided to be aware - and act. In someone who looks my way when everyone else seems not to notice. It would be great if it was easy to surround ourselves with shelter hearts and souls, but this appears to be the exception. A shelter heart has often experienced shelter himself/herself. When we have experienced shelter it is more readily apparent to us. We may even choose friends based upon the safety we feel when we are around them. Safety is an interesting concept. What makes us feel safe? When you feel safe what are the things which come from such a mindset? What makes us exposed? What are your fear factors that set you off? When do you feel the most peaceful - at rest - accepted? The Living God IS Shelter. Shelter is found and embraced through revelation and usually through 1) nature (both the macro and the micro), 2) the Word (Bible), or 3) in the peace we find in being known (Jesus). Psalm 107 tells the story of how God's people found Shelter in their troubles - just as we may experience. It is somewhat lengthy so we will excerpt some of the declarative statements: "Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting. Let the one who is brought back from trouble (the adversary)by the LORD say so..." (1-3) "Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, and for His astonishing wonders to the sons of men! For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, and the hungry soul He has filled with what is good." (8-9) "There were those who made their home in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in misery and chains, because they had rebelled against the words of God and spurned the counsel of the Most High. Therefore He humbled their heart with labor - they stumbled and there was none to help. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble; He saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke their bands apart." (10-14) "Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble; He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, and for His wonders to the sons of men!" (19-21) "They reeled and staggered like a drunken man, and were at their wits’ end. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distresses. He caused the storm to be still, so that the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad because they were quiet, so He guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, and for His wonders to the sons of men!" (28-31) But He sets the needy securely on high away from affliction, and makes his families like a flock." (41) Now THAT is a sheltering force! Another good reflective question: Who have you provided shelter to? In what ways has God taught you to recognize and respond to those around you who need shelter? What has providing shelter for another done to expand your own heart and soul. To pursue shelter we must see the VALUE in it. We must identify a SOURCE of true shelter and embrace it. We then benefit from being drawn into a life of sheltering OTHERS - following the example of our Lord God - and finding lives of grateful thankfulness (did you notice the repeated thankful thread in Psalm 107?) Pursuing shelter with you! Dave and Burnadette /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/36046860

S8E04 - Kingdom Spirituality 04/01/2025

S8E04 - Kingdom Spirituality There is a spirituality which finds roots in God's Son Jesus Himself. While there are many religions, there is only one proven to be the Son of God, and He is the King over His Kingdom. This is the Story of the God Story. What this means is massive, and today we will cover several of the core amazing things about experiencing Kingdom spirituality. It is authentic, connective, and filled with promise for the life to come. √ How does this result in finding true meaning in my life? The expansiveness of God is beyond our imagination. We are quite limited in grasping this, and yet God has withheld nothing from us in understanding His ways. As we will all take our last breath eventually, what is it that will make my life count? A big deal. √ How does it differ from other religious pursuits? A consideration of all religion in history reveals many shortcomings, including historic christianity. Kingdom spirituality is very personal and powerful. It is the ultimate gift from our heavenly King. √ How can I find shelter within His Kingdom? What IS shelter? How do I find it? Why does it matter to my existence, and more importantly, to my soul. Let's dive in. Both John the Baptist and Jesus began their "public ministries" with the words: "Turn away and turn towards, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew) They did not say that the church was at hand - but the Kingdom. This is because the God-order is this: King first, then Kingdom, then church. Each has unique things to bring to a person who is looking for authentic faith. All three can be deeply relational, but it is the King and His Spirit who animate authentic spirituality. Make sense? Today we talk about five aspects of authentic Kingdom Spirituality. Friendship “You are My friends if you do what I command you." John 15:14 "And Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as being made righteous," and he was called the friend of God." James 2:23 Easy, right? What does His friendship require by way of His commands? How is a person "made righteous?" Where have you come so far in your friendship with God? What does it look like? Where do you hope it will go? Identity It is hard to imagine being God's special treasure, and yet this is exactly who we are. Not based upon our personal merit, but because God has set His affections upon us and paid a huge price to buy us back from spiritual death. We have simply become the apple (pupil) of His eye. When we understand there will only ever be one of us, that we were bought with a huge price, and that His plans for us are beyond our wildest dreams - then we are beginning to understand our identity. "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11) The King is Lord over all. The Kingdom will endure forever. The Church will become the bride of Christ. Purpose There is nothing random about what God is doing, or why He selected you to be a part of His Kingdom! When we see ourselves as friends of God we are made free to grow in intimacy with Him. Experiencing His friendship IS hearing His voice. When we grasp our uniqueness in the plan of God our identity expands. "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) Our destiny is to learn and bend to His purpose. This is how we "find ourselves." “He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it." (Matthew 10:39) Satisfaction As all of this unfolds over days, months, years, and decades we move more deeply into the waters of the Living God. We learn what being sheltered "under His wings" looks like. It is not a taking away of difficulty or pain - only smooth sailing. It is satisfaction of heart as we become acclimated to the things that are important to God - and those which are becoming important to us. "He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and protection." (Psalm 90 and 91 - shelter Psalms of Moses?) Hope All of these things result in hope. Not the kind of hope where I "hope something happens" but the hope which grows as we place ourselves in the hands of our King. We learn to "...but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." And as Paul also mentions: "...and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." These are some of things which help us to live in the shelter of Kingdom spirituality! Dave and Burnadette More: /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/35958545

S8E03 - Word Roots Deep Dive 03/25/2025

S8E03 - Word Roots Deep Dive We read stories. We tell stories. We live stories. Here is a deep dive story of the ROOT WORDS FOR SHELTER. There are several Hebrew words which reflect and define shelter which are found in the Law of Moses and the prophets of Israel. A Roof of Beams (as in a home) Genesis 19:8 quarah A Refuge (as a hiding place) Job 24:8 chasah A Screen that overshadows (like a filter) Psalm 5:11 sakak A Concealed location (as protection) Psalm 61:4 sether A Woven Booth/secret Psalm 31:20 sukkah - where the feast of booths was derived (Jacob: Genesis 33:17; Nehemiah 8:15). It is the seventh and final feast of the Jewish calendar (see Pentecost - the probable date of the birth of Jesus (John 1:14) In addition the idea of a "secret place" is discussed in Psalm 91:1 as well as finding refuge in God (Isaiah 4:6; 1:8) (sukkah) and not in Egypt (Isaiah 30:2,3; 32:2). In Jonah 4:5 there is shade from the beating sun. What this means is that our Shelter God is our covering - "a sun AND a shield to those who fear Him" (Psalm 84) What is feast of Sukkot? Festival of Booths (follow the threads: John 7:1-9) - 5 days after Yom Kippur - 7 days in Sept-October When we get to the so-called "new testament" we search for the word shelter in the greek language and quickly realize that Jesus has launched His own Kingdom view of shelter. Our value to the Son of Man is great (Matthew 6:25-34)where the "birds of the air" are spoken of by Jesus. This builds upon what He has already mentioned in Luke 3:18-32 when He gives the results of the growing mustard seed plant in Matthew 13: "He presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; and this is smaller than all other seeds, but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” Jesus has led us back to our "nest" in the Father. God is our "nest." Why is this important? Then a scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” - Matthew 8:19,20 Where did Jesus find His shelter? In His Father. This is why He would withdraw often to spend time before the face of His Father! Our great God IS Shelter! He was Jesus' only rest and He is our only true rest as well. Two ongoing questions for our lives: Where have I received shelter? Where have I given shelter? Peace friend! Dave and Burnadette More: /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/35848645

S8E02 - King, Kingdom, Church 03/04/2025

S8E02 - King, Kingdom, Church To find shelter we must find Jesus. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We can choose to believe this or not, but there is pretty compelling evidence it is true. His story through the Jews and the Church is so expansive. I read a quote once: "the Bible is not a book one would write if he could or could write if he would." It is a supernatural story about a 100% lost human race who need to find our way back to God. Totally unflattering to all of us. And yet in His Story we find the life-line which anyone can grasp in order to change our lost trajectory. There is no getting around the fact that if there is no Jesus revolution we are lost in our "sin." Dead. Having drowned in the ocean with our heart eaten out by a shark - floating on the bottom for a thousand years. Dead dead. His coming, His story and teaching and miracles, and His clear display of power over death not only the things which inspire religion - they power the Kingdom heart as well. So why King - then Kingdom - then Church? And how and why has this so often been turned into Church - then Kingdom - then the King? It is quite simple: when humans are involved opportunism and subjugation rule the day. It is the story of history: institutions, kings, nations, the few democracies which have existed, corporations, education, medicine, or religion itself - all are filled with people. And people take advantage of and oppress one another. Not so with the King of the universe Who came near to "seek and save that which is lost." His heart, mind, and soul were perfect. His motives were free from the opportunism of mankind. I am not advocating a cynical worldview, just a realistic one built upon the truths so clearly spoken in the Word of God. If we bend before the Son, we also do so before our Creator Father. If we do not bend our wills, we die a forever spiritual death. Bending (humbling) comes naturally for NO ONE. It is an evidence of the presence of God and a gift from God. "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God and He will exalt you at the proper time." So Jesus shows up and teaches us about the Kingdom. Not the church. The greek word church is "ekklesia." It means a "called out assembly." Jesus uses the word church twice in the Gospels but the word Kingdom over 100 times. "Turn away from your futile, lost path and toward the life path." The church may do Kingdom work (some do and some don't), but disciples of the Kingdom are dedicated to following our King. Understanding and living out His Kingdom. Being a blessing to His "called out ones" in every decade and year. The Kingdom is simply the work God is doing in the world. So Jesus calls us to a heart life that is dedicated to the honor of our King. We set ourselves aside and place the desire of God for our lives as the focus of our aspirations. The Gospels explain the Kingdom implicitly. His disciples heard His words and, as we can see from a number of their letters (such as James, Peter, and John), spent their remaining time on this earth living out the Kingdom for the benefit of His "called out assembly" - the church! So how does one find this kind of focus? By searching the Word of God daily. By sifting through the differences and similarities of the Kingdom and the Church. Jesus' parables, miracles, and people encounters are God's final word on King and Kingdom. It is up to us to apply His words into our own stories of faith. Some great questions as you consider each aspect of the Kingdom in the Gospels: 1) What is Jesus teaching us about Himself? 2) What is He teaching us about ourselves? 3) What picture is He constructing of what our destiny will look like? This is how we immerse ourselves in Kingdom teaching - and live it out in our lives! Peace upon your heart today, friend! Dave and Burnadette More: /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/35531760

S8E01 - Shelter Invitation 02/18/2025

S8E01 - Shelter Invitation When I think about the people who have provided shelter for me through the years there are multiple faces that come to mind. A parent. A teacher. A neighbor. A mentor. A sibling. It is good for me to review my story periodically and think about those who have provided guidance or impacted or even changed my trajectory (whether intentionally or incidentally). So we invite you into this question: "Who has been used to impact me by coming alongside and even covering me in my unfolding years?" Shelter is Who our Creator is. Within our turbulence there is One who pays attention to our comings and goings, and who intervenes for our ultimate welfare and help. This can take many forms, and sometimes may only be seen in the rear-view mirror. There are a number of Hebrew words which describe the shelter we receive in life. Again - not just for our bodies, but for our minds, hearts, and souls as well. Behind every act of shelter is the power and favor of God. Turbulence and imperfection appear to reign - but they do not! This leads to the second question of our invitation to you: "Who have you personally given or chosen to provide shelter to in your journey?" Where have you chosen to dedicate your time, your talents, or your treasures to covering someone who is exposed? And what has been the result of such actions? To the person? To your own heart? We were watching a movie the other day called Driveways, Brian Dennehy's final movie, where he plays a veteran of the Korean War. Living alone, he befriends a young, shy boy who has come with his mother to clean out his deceased aunt's hoarded home. Do you know you are viewing a good movie when, as one of our grands says, "your eyes get all watery?" These are the memorable things. Those which resonate with some aspect of shelter. This is because we are made in the image of God. Our 8th podcast season will include at least 16 episodes of one aspect of the significance of these two questions: Who has given me Shelter and to whom have I provided shelter. We think you will enjoy and benefit from joining us to read and tell stories of shelter at Storiesofshelter.com, where we are building an on-line shelter community. Good for our hearts! We are with you! Dave and Burnadette Previous podcast seasons: Season #1 The Freedom Laws - 31 Episodes Season #2 The War - 30 Episodes Season #3 Turbulence of Imperfection - 33 Episodes Season #4 Kingdom Core - 14 Episodes Season #5 God’s Man/God’s Woman - 11 Episodes Season #6 My Learning Heart - 13 Episodes Season #7 The Power of Hope - 20 Episodes /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/35315590

S7E20 - His Great Name 02/04/2025

S7E20 - His Great Name How can something be one and three at the same time? The trinity is much more than a teaching or doctrine of the historical church. It describes the eternal nature of God. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have always existed in fullness, completeness, and oneness. They have enjoyed perfect relationship throughout eternity, even before time was set in motion. When our great God decided to create other beings, angels, and then humanity He did not do so because He was lonely or incomplete. He did so in order for us to share His glory. This is the destination of mankind despite the entrance of sin into the world. It is all about His Great Name. It is not merely His title(s) as it is His essence - and we are invited to discover and live within the boundaries of His mind and heart. When Moses received the Law on the mountain (written by the finger of God), it was a truly monumental encounter. Each mention of LORD here is His Name Yahweh, which translates "I Am Who I Am." Moses is beginning to be able to hear and understand the voice of God as he encounters His Great Name. In His Name is ultimate authority. When He speaks - it becomes true. Notice the things the Lord is teaching Moses about Who He is! "The Lord descended in the cloud and stood there with him as he called upon the name of the Lord. Then the LORD passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.” Moses made haste to bow low toward the earth and worship. He said, “If now I have found favor in Your sight, O Lord, I pray, let the Lord go along in our midst, even though the people are so obstinate, and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us as Your own possession.” Exodus 34:5-9 Compassionate. Gracious. Slow to anger. Abounding in lovingkindness AND truth. Keeping lovingkindness for thousands. Forgiving iniquity. Bringing justice. This is a powerful thumbnail of Who God is!!! As we know from the entire God Story, mankind has ups and downs, yet the Lord never changes. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever! As we look through the Story we see amplifications of His greatness as He deals with the sons and daughters of men. “For the Lord will not abandon His people on account of His great name, because the Lord has been pleased to make you a people for Himself." 1 Samuel 12:22 Jesus found His shelter in His Father, just as He always had. Though He shared His great Name, He humbled Himself to the form of a man in order to taste and overcome death for all who embrace Him - per the eternal plan made between the "trinity." He did not back off from who He was: “Surely You are not greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets died too; whom do You make Yourself out to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing; it is My Father who glorifies Me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God’; and you have not come to know Him, but I know Him; and if I say that I do not know Him, I will be a liar like you, but I do know Him and keep His word. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple." John 8:53-59 Here is what we use to stimulate understanding of His Great Name - for all who are interested! We are with you! Dave and Burnadette https://fourthstream.com/conversations/knowing-jesus/ /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/35133890

S7E19 - The Pure And The Stained 01/28/2025

S7E19 - The Pure And The Stained It is difficult to conceive of what is pure and what is impure in our current world culture. And to be fair - throughout the history of mankind. When you live in a grey world the contrasts of Light and darkness seem to evaporate. So it is up to the Christ-follower to be busy about Kingdom things such as caring for the widow and the fatherless. Basically true religion involves caring for the unprotected and those who have no father image of love. This is why things like adoption and "foster" parenting can be so powerful. We cover. We shelter. Just as God has done for us. "Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." - James 1:27 What do you see around you right now on this? The word spotless translates as unstained. It comes from a root meaning to go over a cliff. So while the sons of Adam are always in danger of going over the edge, the sons of the second Adam (Jesus) are saved by His Word - and then cleansed of our imperfections and guilt. More on the cleansing part in a moment from John 13. John is succinct on the reality of this: "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world." (1 John 2:16) This makes clear where our vulnerabilities lie. Three categories to help us simplify the process of discerning defiled or impure "religion." Keep in mind that "religion" is anything we dedicate our hearts to! 1) The lust of the flesh is the passionate longing for what is temporary which results in our attention and intentions being captured by coveting what belongs to another. The heart of fallen Adam says "I want." 2) The lust of the eyes is the essence of envy which captures our imaginations and leads us into devaluing or trashing others and exalting ourselves (like neglecting the unprotected widow and fatherless around us). The fallen heart of Adam says "I see what I want and I am entitled to it." 3) The boastful pride of life. This could be translated "arrogant imposters of meaning." Here we exercise our "right" to define what is true, what is of value, and the things which are beneficial to self. Adam's image says "I take." Here is where the second Adam (Jesus) comes in. He cleanses us. He can do this even after we have fallen over the precipice. Bring us back to life after a fatal fall. This is the very nature of repentance (turning away) and redemption (turning toward). God brings us back from our deadly fall in Adam, and restores us to our original place - made in the image of God. "For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive." 1 Corinthians 15:22 When Jesus opens our eyes we exchange the futility of the first Adam for the perfections of the second Adam. No matter how far we have fallen over the edge He is able to bring us back. We are then blessed to have a cleansed conscience which can, moving forward, reject the lust of the flesh, the eyes, and the pride of life. Hence the huge impact of humility upon the forgiven soul. This is woven into the story at every level. We are with you, Dave and Burnadette More: /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/35033665

S7E18 - Come to Me 01/21/2025

S7E18 - Come to Me Because Jesus is Savior of nations and He has taken upon Himself the sins of the world He makes some pretty incredible claims - and beautiful invitations! While religion often makes Jesus faith complicated - He never does. He is very strait-forward. Direct. “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My justice is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 Where we see burdens He sees opportunity for the soul to expand. "Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” John 7:37 Where we cover over our thirst and become unquenchable He invites us to drink from endless inner rivers of water. Jesus invites us to bring our burdens to Him. When we are worn out, weighed down, and discouraged He extends Himself to us. But we must come to Him. Jesus does not force Himself on us. He offers sincere invitations to freedom. By bringing our burdens to Him we are no longer alone. As we come we exchange these heavy weights for His weights - His yoke and His justice. When we understand that His justice will ultimately prevail, and that His burdens are light (because He carries them along with us) we are led into a new reality that is superior to the old. I no longer need to walk alone. And I have His living water springing up from the inside of me. Wow. This reality permeates everything Jesus did and taught, and it is why He had no time for the self-righteous religionists of His time. Not only do we have direct access to Him, there is no benefit to going through a middle man (or middle person). We are given full rights and power to abide. His oil of blessing anoints every one of His followers, and fuels the power of our spirituality. "As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him." 1 John 2:27 What is your greatest treasure? Faith? Hope? Love? Each of these "greatest gifts" lead to peace and rest, and this is what Jesus offers us as He invites us to "come." Beautiful. He is with us! Dave and Burnadette More: /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/34941370

S7E17 - A Strong Shelter Home 01/14/2025

S7E17 - A Strong Shelter Home God IS shelter. He intervenes over and over into our lives to help us to find the way of truth and freedom of soul - and the Door to eternity. This is to be the goal and work of every parent. We live in an imperfect world and yet we are tasked with "Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6) There is nothing automatic about this. It is not so much a promise but a principle. If we do our heart work we give our sons and daughters all we can to find their way within their own journey. Check this out: “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. “These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up." - Deuteronomy 6:4-7 The woven biblical thread concerning family is displayed both through principle and the examples revealed in the timeless God Story. From this we derive a home base, allowing us to return again and again to the fountain of life for the benefit of those we love - through good times and bad. Consider this: "Unless the Lord builds the house, they work in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in futility. It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors; for He gives to His beloved even in his sleep. Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate." Psalm 127 Here are some of the ways we shelter those we love: √ We can give them every opportunity to know truth and honor as it is imperfectly pursued and lived out in our family's life. √ We can love each other in a way which brings security and steadfast love into the challenges of our own family story. √ We can walk beside each other and our children through the ups and downs that inevitably come as the years unfold. Parenting giving way to friendship is a gift. We can be a steady, loving force - no matter how imperfect our stories. √ We can pursue our own humility in God and faithfully live that humility out in love toward our kids and grandkids. √ We are given the great hope of interceding and praying for our kids. As they encounter their ups and downs, we can be there, taking their needs (and ours) before the throne of grace to find mercy in our times of need. √ We can be a good friend to others and model this as best we can for our own family, with the hope each one will find the shelter of selfless friendship. “May the Lord reward your work, and your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.” Ruth 2:12 "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust! For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and armor to protect us." Psalm 91:1-4 While we live in an imperfect environment (and family) our God is Good. When we call upon the Lord on behalf of ourselves and our family we are doing the work of God. Living God, You are the Deliverer of our souls and those we love! Dave and Burnadette /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/34841965

S7E16 - Brother Anger 01/07/2025

S7E16 - Brother Anger The story of brother anger is as old as Cain and Abel. It is a direct result of our fall in the garden of Eden and impacts us each day. Anger with our "brother" is a cancer that consumes the heart - and also displaces the freedom of soul God wishes for all His children. Jesus comments on this again and again: “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..." Matthew 5:44 “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you..." Luke 6:27 “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men." Luke 6:35 Jesus also comments on the roots of brother anger and how we are to manage it. “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not commit murder’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. Make friends quickly with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way, so that your opponent may not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Truly I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid back the last cent." Matthew 5:21-26 By directing our anger in a God way (we can't avoid becoming angry) we set ourselves free and benefit others. "Be angry and do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity." Ephesians 4:26-27 When we sacrifice anger toward our brother upon the altar of our obedient faith, we follow in the footsteps of Jesus and cut off the work of the devil in and around our heart. "But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves." Luke 23:34 Forgiveness is daunting but is incredibly powerful over brother anger. Dave and Burnadette More /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/34750545

S7E15 - Come Near And Listen 12/24/2024

S7E15 - Come Near And Listen Talking with God has many nuances. √ It can be joyfully relational. √ It can be hard to make happen because of busyness. √ It can make me feel unsure of myself. √ It can be a process of excessive honor. √ Too often it only happens when my "me" trigger is active. Solomon teaches us some interesting things about drawing near to God. "Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few. For the dream comes through much effort and the voice of a fool through many words." Ecclesiastes 5:1-3 "When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands? For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God." Ecclesiastes 5:4-7 We are taught that in Jesus God has come near. “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 "For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the dominion will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 So, following God for any human being is transactional. He extends His grace to all who believe he or she are spiritual beggars (Matthew 5). He gave His Son to overcome the chasm of sin. We believe and choose to honor Him with how we live our lives. His Word is given to us to help sort this out within each of our stories. The reward is to stand before Him one day and hear the words "well done." Hearing God's voice is interestingly personal and often unquantifiable, and rarely transferable. It is a personal journey. It is all about the process of connection (faith). We have His inspired word to quantify this and give it parameters and meaning. When faith expands honor for God and comfort for our souls advances into our lives "buying back" what has been lost. Wow. Listening and learning with you, Dave and Burnadette More: /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/34593065

S7E14 - Pleasures Forever 12/17/2024

S7E14 - Pleasures Forever Do you think about heaven very often? Do you believe it is a real place? What do you imagine when you construct your image? How do you respond to the idea of living forever? King David had a unique clarity concerning forever. He believed he was going to experience forever life after this life. He understood his earthly life in conjunction with his heavenly life. They were connected. One followed the other. Here is one of the many realizations/declarations of the "sweet psalmist of Israel." Psalm 16:5-11 First, David connects the dots of his life: The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me. David is then grateful for his connectivity with his God:I will bless the Lord who has counseled me; Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night. I have set the Lord continually before my face; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. He then sets his future view on life beyond this life:Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely. For You will not abandon my soul to the grave; Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay. You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever." Forever here means never-ending. Pleasures gives the word pictures of overlapping delight. Our pleasures mesh completely with the pleasure of God. Wow. We have just enough information about heaven for us to use in our calculus about where we are going. We love this from Revelation 22: "Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street on either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever." This is the context of the forever pleasures offered through Jesus. Selah. Heaven will revolve around the One who is, and was, and will be forever! "...and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father — to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. Behold He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” - from Revelation 1 Peace upon your heart! Dave and Burnadette /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/34473135

S7E13 - Safe Departure and Arrival 12/10/2024

S7E13 - Safe Departure and Arrival I am one of those nervous travelers. In fact, I would choose not to travel rather than embrace a self-imposed hassle with either highway or airport. I am sure there is some neurosis here, but I chiefly travel with people like Burnadette. She knows where we are going, how to get there, and steps right up when anything goes amiss. As a spiritual being I am grateful to have a known start-point and destination. Some people do not care. They love mystery. I don't mind flying by the seat of my pants, but I am pretty particular about the how, where, and the why. I need some level of surety. When I submitted my life to Jesus over 50 years ago my question of destination opened for the first time, and has been a central consideration ever since. Departure There are three significant departure (launchpoints) in our lives. The first occurs when we land in this world. We have no control over the details. The second happens if and when we come alive spiritually. This unfolds uniquely for each of us, and for many this admittedly never occurs. Our final departure animates when we step from life into death. Once again - this day is by and large chosen for us. Inevitable. Mostly out of our control. Process While life has much reward it also holds inevitable pain. I wrote a book entitled "The Turbulence of Imperfection." Why is there so much pain in the world? Why don't things always work out? Why are some people's lives more smooth or successful than others? Why do bad things happen to good people? Life processes are ultimately in the hand of the Lord God. Each of our lives is a special recipe - one of a kind. We invest our time and resources in what seems best to us. Through process we have the opportunity to grow in faith, hope, and love. And each of these may be carried with us into the life to come, unlike the possessions we accumulate during our journey. Lots of unknowns. Process amplifies values, and our minds and hearts are given a chance to unlock our souls. Destination Inasmuch as our crossing over is inevitable (unless you know something we don't) there is much unknown apart from what is revealed in God's Story. This assumes, of course, that God is real and that He has spoken. Here is what we do know from the God Story: √ We will all enter from life into death. √ We will appear before the Judgment seat of our Creator and His Son. √ We will be rewarded based upon deeds of righteousness accomplished in God. √ Jesus is making all things new. All things! "He has told you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8 "But when the religious leaders heard that Jesus had silenced the other prominent religious sect, they gathered themselves together. One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him in order to trap Him, 'Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?' And He said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ On these two commandments hang the whole Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:34-40 How we begin, travel, and arrive are all significant. And despite our frailties and failures, it is God who brings us safely home. "So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy." Romans 9:16 The mercy of faith brings us safely home! We are with you, Dave and Burnadette /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/34302100

S7E12 - Lamb Song 12/03/2024

S7E12 - Lamb Song Perhaps the most central thread of the God Story is the one concerning God's Lamb. In Genesis 1-11 we find out about our human roots. In Genesis 12 God creates a new nation through Abraham. Through this new nation He would testify of His great Name and bring deliverance to all nations. When He called His people out of Egypt and through the Red Sea, the first identity requirement He gave was the sacrifice of a spotless lamb for each household. The blood was smeared upon the doorposts of their homes in Egypt and the Angel of Lord "passed over" the households of His people. We read about this in Exodus 12. "Now you shall eat it in this manner: ready to travel, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste — it is the Lord's Passover. For I will go through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments — I am the Lord. The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live; and when I see the blood I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt." And this is exactly what happened. The sacrifices of the sons of Israel (Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers and then through the time of Jesus) all extended or mirrored the passover lamb. This is why John the Baptist called out in John 1: "Behold, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world." His disciples began to follow Jesus, because John had prepared the way. It is interesting that Jesus (God's Lamb) was not more distinguishably apparent to the Jewish leaders. He is explained in their entire Law and prophets. (see Isaiah 53, for example). "Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was pierced through for our transgressions, and He was crushed for our iniquities; and the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed. All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him." Wow. The disciples were processing some pretty amazing things. What did His words mean? Were they not going to reign with Him - soon!? What were these troublesome indicators He kept bring up in conversation? How did He know the things He knew? What kind of plan was He following? On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was being sacrificed, His disciples said to Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare for You to eat the Passover?” And He sent two of His disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him; and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is My guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples? And he himself will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; prepare for us there.” The disciples went out and came to the city, and found it just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover." (Mark 14:12-16) The full account of this dinner is given in John 13-17, one of the most intimate God-moments of the entire God Story. There is much in this thread but let's complete this conversation with: "And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, AND the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and marvelous are Your works O Lord God, the Almighty; righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations!" Revelation 15:3 One song - really?! One message? "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." There are not two testaments: only one. It is the testimony of the Living God, whether we are speaking of Israel (God's chosen people) or the gathering of the nations, or the Church. King first - then Kingdom - then Church! When did Jesus die for the sins of the world? When you get a chance check out "foundation of the world." Amazing! So: √ The Lamb's blood was the plan all along. √ Everything in the God Story revolves around blood and redemption (Genesis 9:5). √ Jesus is God's Lamb. He died for the sins of the world. √ The promises of Moses and the prophets are each fulfilled in Jesus the Nazarene. Where do you stand? "There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:9-13 He who has ears to hear - let him hear! Dave and Burnadette /episode/index/show/fourthstreamfindinghope/id/34257095

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

Fourthstream - Finding Hope

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