Shows
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS10E15 - What Is Connectivity With God?It is one thing to know ABOUT someone but we go much deeper when we connect through personal knowledge and shared experiences. What are the keys to finding personal connection with God? Is it indeed possible to "hear God's voice" as some people talk about? Are we truly able to walk side by side with God? This is key: "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find...
2026-02-1010 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS10E14 - What Is God Treasure?God Treasure is Kingdom Treasure After teaching His incredibly transferable Kingdom parables (the Sower, the Wheat and the Weeds, the Seed, the Leaven, the Hidden Treasure, the Costly Pearl, and the Dragnet) Jesus makes a curious statement and asks His disciples a question in Matthew 13:51-52. "Have you understood all these things?" They said to Him, "Yes." And Jesus said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things new and old." Let's...
2026-02-0311 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS10E13 - Clarity Within The ChaosTo our Fourthstream Friends! It seems timely to dive once again into the Turbulence and Imperfection which appear to be chasing the human family. You can find our book on this subject under Fourthstream.com/Learning/Books. Clarity from Chaos Several weeks ago we were rear-ended by a semi on I-80 traveling to share Jesus things at an awesome conference in Cedar Rapids, where we were to speak in the hearing of many serious-minded young men and women. In one moment our entire world turned over. Focus and clarity of purpose were consumed...
2026-01-2006 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS10E11 - Will You Reign With Me?Throughout the entire Word of God the idea of reigning means God has, does, and will always have dominion. Rulership. He IS the King. His Kingship was displayed throughout all of history and humanity when King Jesus arrived on earth to conquer death. Paul explains to Timothy that the following statement can be counted on because it represents the truth expressed throughout the Word of God - a "thread" if you will. "It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also r...
2025-12-0211 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS10E10 - What Is Real First Place?Doesn't it feel great to come in first place? And it so seldom happens! There is only one first place in any event or competition. Has this happened for you? Exhilarating. Rewarding. For most of us (such as myself) a never experienced event. No matter how attainable it is the promise of the prize that motivates. "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things...
2025-11-2612 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS10E9 - Come To Me When Jesus appeared on earth He engaged 100% in His mission. He was sent by His Father (Father-Son-Holy Spirit) to buy back the lost souls of mankind and to offer escape to every son of Adam and daughter of Eve. He extends Kingdom partnership to any and all who see the need and live out the same heart of rescue Jesus embraced. This is the nature of deep connectivity with the purposes of our King. Let's break down Jesus' words in Matthew 11:28-29. These words give us incredible practical insight into experiencing connectivity with the King of the...
2025-11-1813 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS10E5 - I Am Here/Turn to MeFor many the image of the word "repent" has negative connotations. Finger pointing. Judgment. Fear. But what if the original word itself is consulted? We then find that repent means a change of mind. A change of purpose. A new perception. John the Baptist: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 3:2 Jesus the Son: "From that time Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 4:17 So it appears that our turning away results in a freedom of turning toward. We leave one focus and b...
2025-10-2216 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS9E13 - Shelter ClassroomsOur God IS Shelter! Under Shelter courses you will find five different yet integrated paths for growing in the depth of God's Shelter. There are videos and notes featuring the authors/teachers at Storiesofshelter.com. To join this community click on the join button. 1. 19 Principles: The Heart of What Jesus Taught His FollowersSome of the most central teachings of Jesus - both for personal growth and helping others. 2. God's Man/God's Woman: Making It CountFinding the integrated teaching of Jesus on men and women building the Kingdom of Heaven t...
2025-09-0911 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS9E09 - Your Strategic Plan 2 - Jesus CentricThis diagram tracks the recurring woven threads throughout God's Word (over 62,000 connections!). As you consider your personal strategic plan for spirituality we have considered: √ King First - then Kingdom - then Church/what Jesus taught about spirituality √ Cultivating Deeper/skills for unlocking the Word Today we discuss the big picture on the Word of God, and what we like to call Jesus-Centric. What this means is that the entire Bible revolves around the person Jesus. Genesis 1-11 and the human story. Genesis 12-52 and God's choice of Abraham (Israel) to redeem the nations throug...
2025-08-1212 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS9E05 - Stories Of ShelterGod IS shelter. We NEED to be sheltered. We need each other to remind us of what is IMPORTANT. We are surrounded by chaos, turbulence, and are so vulnerable to the weaknesses, pitfalls, and schemes of unprincipled men and women. How do we find our way through? There appears to be a clear path! "Hear my cry, O God, and listen 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...
2025-07-1514 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS9E02 - What Is The Kingdom To YouThe 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...
2025-06-2417 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS8E13 - Jesus and TurbulenceI 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 t...
2025-06-0318 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS8E12 - Jesus As HealerJesus 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 t...
2025-05-2811 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS8E11 - Jesus As HealerHealing 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...
2025-05-2013 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS8E10 - God's Home Base is our homebaseEveryone 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 w...
2025-05-1328 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS8E07 - Shelter of the FatherGod 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...
2025-04-2213 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS8E03 - Word Roots Deep DiveStoriesofshelter.comWe 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...
2025-03-2517 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS8E02 - King, Kingdom, ChurchTo 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...
2025-03-0409 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS8E01 - Shelter InvitationWhen 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 i...
2025-02-1812 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS7E20 - His Great NameHow 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...
2025-02-0411 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS7E19 - The Pure And The StainedIt 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 s...
2025-01-2811 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS7E18 - Come to MeBecause 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 W...
2025-01-2111 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS7E17 - A Strong Shelter HomeGod 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...
2025-01-1412 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS7E16 - Brother AngerThe 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..." Lu...
2025-01-0710 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS7E15 - Come Near And ListenTalking 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...
2024-12-2413 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS7E14 - Pleasures ForeverDo 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...
2024-12-1712 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS7E13 - Safe Departure and ArrivalI 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...
2024-12-1010 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS7E11 - 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...
2024-11-2610 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS7E9 - Deep Calls To DeepWe 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 i...
2024-11-1211 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS7E8 - The Joy of ForgettingAs 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 c...
2024-11-0511 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS7E6 - Forever True The concept of forever is tough to grasp. Everything about being human eventually runs into limitation. "As for the days of our lives, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years. Yet human pride is only labor and sorrow, for soon it is gone and we fly away. Who understands the power of Your angerand Your fury, according to the reverence that is due You? So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom." - Moses in Psalm 90 There are a couple of important keys to unlock...
2024-10-2209 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS7E3 - Over Our HeadsHumanity has been and continues to be a slippery group. Our propensity to blame and accuse others, to consider ourselves greater and others lesser, and to justify our own acts toward others is epic. "But at the evening offering I arose from my humiliation with my garment and my robe torn, and I fell on my knees and stretched out my hands to the Lord my God; saying "O my God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift up my face to You, my God, for our iniquities have risen above our heads and our guilt has grown...
2024-10-0213 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS7E2 - Love Your NeighborThe Hebrew word for neighbor means companion or friend. It focuses His people on our identity as sons of Adam. By caring for and about our neighbor(s) we are carried into God's world. This is a central thread in the Word of God, so it is key to our spiritual success. When Jesus quotes the Law of Moses to the man who wanted to know the greatest commandment: "One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" And He said to him, "'You shall love t...
2024-09-2410 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS7E1 - Finding ForgivenessThrough the years God has led us deeper into the door of forgiveness. Today we want to challenge you to your own clarity for your forgiveness home-base. It is a chance for you to give attention to meditation on what has and is and will occur in your own heart regarding a topic Jesus revisited time and time again. Consider it a systematic forgiveness A-Z course you can use to help others overcome in this very important aspect of our personal faith. Remember, Jesus said "if you do not forgive those who hurt you, neither will I forgive you."...
2024-09-1711 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS6E13 - Book Review: Living FearlessSeveral months ago we encountered some podcasts by teacher and author Jamie Winship. Before we knew it tons of others from our community of friends were tuning in as well. We continued to listen and investigate and weigh his teaching (which we do with all things) and recently ended up ordering a copy of this book. It is entitled Living Fearless. We are encouraged by Jamie's view of the Kingdom, where he agrees with both Jesus and John the Baptist indicating the Kingdom was "at hand." This, of course, is because the King had shown up per...
2024-09-1012 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS6E12 - Book Review: God's Man / God's Woman - Let's Make It Count!When God completed His creation of all things He said it was good. But He then added - and we quote - "it is not good for the man to be alone." And so began the male/female saga in the Word of God and in the human world. Then there was trouble. What happened in the Garden was a cosmic disaster. Now adversity would permeate every part of the human experience, and there would need to be a pathway to return to God. Our book opens with a conversation about "Lady Wisdom" from the book of P...
2024-09-0311 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS6E11 - Book Review: The Turbulence of ImperfectionWhy do bad things happen to good people? What is the reason for such widespread oppression? Where does evil originate - and what is the source of good? We are born into a world filled with turbulence, and really, to a world at war. In The Turbulence of Imperfection we discuss what God explains to us about "every day having enough trouble of its own" and the revealed context for what we all too clearly face each day. Jesus was clear on this: "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have...
2024-08-2714 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS6E10 - Book Review: Mentored By GodOur world grows darker. Yet the true Light is shining even now. Jesus has called us friends. In John 15:14 He says "you are my friends if you do what I command you." This friendship with Jesus opens the door (I Am The DOOR) to a reconnection with our Creator Father who gives His Spirit without limit (John 3). Such connectivity is the greatest gift that can be given to any man or woman. As my understanding and insight into my own story solidified (Curious Journey) and I began to sink my roots in Jesus' Kingdom (Kingdom book), my c...
2024-08-2011 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS6E9 - Book Review: Kingdom - Finding Our True Selves As I began to sort out religion, christianity, and faith the message of the Kingdom emerged as of key interest in the teachings and examples of Jesus. He and John the Baptist both said the same thing right from the beginning: "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand." Jesus mentions the church only a few times in all four Gospels but refers to the Kingdom over 100 times. As I noted this Kingdom thread I began to rethink my views on religion and church. It became apparent that Jesus was at odds with arguably the greatest...
2024-08-1309 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS6E8 - Book Review: Curious JourneyI began my writing part of my story with a series of essays on my life experiences leading up to and into adulthood. This included my formative experiences, and then as I was beginning to realize the depths of being made in the image of God and what this had to do with my identity. So began a revolution that has carried me through decades, successes, and failures - both the encouraging highs as well as heart-breaking lows. By reviewing my life experiences and summarizing what I had learned to date, it occurred to me that it i...
2024-08-0612 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS6E7 - Book Review: The Unseen RealmWe have processed several books over the last several years which take on different aspects of the battle in which we find ourselves. Each is included in the recommended reading list at the end of this. We have an extensive series of Warfare podcasts here. These are some interesting insights to ponder, for sure. YAHWEH & ELOHIM (Who was the Us?) Michael Heiser postulates that this plural name for God (elohim) includes more than just the Trinity when talking about "us." He ties it to principalities and powers per Paul's conversation in Ephesians 6:12 etc. YAHWEH X 2...
2024-07-3013 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS6E6 - Book Review: The Return Of The GodsHave you ever wondered why Jesus had so many encounters with spirits? Jonathan Cahn researches and presents an in-depth historical dive into the relationship between the "gods" past and present and their connection with humanity. Jonathan traces BAAL the Possessor, ISHTAR the Enchantress, and MOLECH the Destroyer, displaying once again that there is nothing new under the sun - even when it comes to gods. The God Story outlines the backdrop for Cahn's study in Ephesians 6:10-18 (Romans 8:38 et al). "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full...
2024-07-2315 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS6E5 - Book Review: The Slight EdgeThe Slight Edge by Jeff Olson was recommended to me by a valued friend. This friend is quite successful in the business world and recommends The Slight Edge to his people. The theme is "turning simple disciplines into massive success and happiness." I am struck by how many of the author's principles are very Solomon-like in their wisdom and impact. When placed alongside the Wisdom of God's Word, I think you will find them powerful for your own success trajectory. Here are few quotes to give you a feel for the book: p 51 "The slight ed...
2024-07-1612 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS6E4 - Book Review: Forgiveness"For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little." - Luke 7:47 Anyone who knows anything revealed in the Scriptures about the Living God knows something about forgiveness. In fact, if we do not know about forgiveness deep within our minds and hearts, we certainly are, at best, quite distant from our Creator. Everything about Him is wrapped in His forgiveness. It is the pure heart of His grace. And forgiveness means freedom from the inside-out. This differs from reconciliation, tho...
2024-07-0915 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS6E3 - Book Review: Blessed Are The MisfitsOccasionally you run across a book that resonates and really articulates a thought pattern you have experienced in the past. Blessed are the Misfits by Brant Hansen is one of these reads. Because he is autistic, Brant comes to his personal life and faith conclusions uniquely. His processing of personal faith through the lens of a "misfit" applies to the many of us who feel we are spiritual misfits - who also see things through a unique lens, right? Could Jesus have fit in any less with the Jewish religious stars? Here is one of my favorite B...
2024-07-0211 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS6E2 - When I Read A BookI love it when I find a book whose author resonates with me or vibrates with creativity. Style. Content. Vocabulary. And especially - creativity. But most of all I look for veracity. Does the author's theme measure up to the incomparable Words of God, and is his or her premise verified by God's words as his or her book or essay unfolds? In the relativistic soup in which we exist false advice and relativistic "truth" proliferates. It is not that I read a book or author looking for things I disagree with, but I surely...
2024-06-2513 min
Jesus CentricS1E28: Epoch 8 - To the End of the Age - 3This session will complete our journey through all of the 8 Great Epochs in the Fabric of Time. It is hard to imagine a God who is not impacted by time - because He lives above and beyond it. This means that eternity is truly unbound by time. It is certainly a different reality because of our proximity to God through Jesus. Time will become a non-impactful entity to us - something difficult to grasp. We now consider the nature and message of the book of Revelation (pages 120-121 in the 8 Great Epochs Book). Because it is the...
2024-06-2035 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeS6E1 - Your Deeper InvitationAt Fourthstream.com we enjoy connectivity with a circle of a men and women who are willing to dedicate necessary effort to become fully trained as a disciple of Jesus - managing our distracted lives - devoting ourselves to accurately handling the Word of truth. Check it out, pray, and join up by reaching out at 4@fourthstream.com. This is for those who take seriously the desire to hear the words "well done." Here is a pdf of what you will experience - with diligence - at your own pace. Training Map PDF
2024-06-1813 min
Jesus CentricS1E27: Epoch 8 - To the End of the Age - 2We have taken a look at the words of Jesus about the end of this world and the beginning of the one to come. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record His explanation as He answers His disciples about the future. It must have blown their minds! John will add his thoughts when God gives him the Revelation of Jesus on the island of Patmos, which is contrasted on the pdf “An Amazing New World Begins.” From Jesus’ own mouth we are given the schematic for what will be – forever! The end of the age kicks off with the fullne...
2024-06-1326 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopePutting It Together and Making My Life CountWe have enjoyed our time together discussing the power of God's Man/God's Woman for doing good in our world. Obviously, we have just scratched the surface on these ten topics, but this book was written to provide a home base for each of these critical conversations as you grow in your own faith and try to help others do the same. What are the good questions of life? When we live in an inquiring manner we expand the depth of our minds and hearts. There are obviously core questions, but we must hold the unfolding questions...
2024-06-1113 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeLight and DarknessThere is something in the deep nature of God which makes use of contrast. Power and weakness. Sin and the Spirit. Glory and destruction. Even within the Creation story itself we note that before He created the sun to rule the day and the moon to rule the night He separated Light from Darkness. Contrast. One can only assume that contrast amplifies and clarifies what cannot be seen without it. God uses contrast to bring about His purposes. Does this make sense? When we live with active awareness of the reality of contrast it helps our spiritual l...
2024-06-0413 min
Jesus CentricS1E26: Epoch 8 - To the End of the Age - 1As with all things when interpreting God's Story, Jesus is the ultimate authority. On History. On the Law and the prophets. On the Psalms. On the Gospels and the letters. On the end of the age. We begin our consideration of the end of the age with the words of Jesus. "Now He said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” - Luke 24:44 Jesus...
2024-05-3030 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeConnecting With My SpiritualityAs we have discussed briefly before, humans are in many ways easily understood and in other ways quite complicated. When the complexities of body, mind, soul, and spirit are parsed - we are a complex network of emotion, thoughts, and heart. Somewhere in the middle of us is the core - our soul identities which are made in the image of our infinite Creator. Every century has contained men and women who strive to find meaning for our existence. We have many names for where this desire originates - but for us it seems that the soul is our c...
2024-05-2814 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeCombatting Timidity, Fear, and Identity IssuesAs we discuss making our lives count we are addressing some of the key things God reveals in His Word concerning what He values - and what is most effective for us personally. This chapter highlights the potential impact of being timid, how fear sabotages us, and why our God identities are so powerful in keeping perspective for our lives. Being made in the image of God is a privilege not even angels share (1 Peter 1:12) so it is important we give attention to this, even though we are besieged and many are even crushed by what happened i...
2024-05-2115 min
Jesus CentricS1E25: Epoch 7 - To the Ends of the Earth - 2The word church is mentioned only a few times in the Gospels, but the word Kingdom is used over 100 times. The King (Jesus) comes first. Than His Kingdom. Next His Church. The simplest definition of church can be found in Matthew 18:19-20: “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” And Jesus said to him...
2024-05-1638 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeMy Personal Strengths and WeaknessesPersonal transparency is something we are often engaged in - and we mostly keep this to ourselves, right? When contemplating our strengths and weaknesses we are dealing with some of the most personal attributes of who we are. Burnadette and Dave dig into this and discuss the personally helpful reality of being transparent with our Father Creator. Most of us don't want to be arrogant, or conversely, succumb to self criticism which buries the part of us that is our soul. How do we celebrate our strengths with humility, or embrace our weaknesses honestly to help us live where w...
2024-05-1414 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeEstablishing, Nurturing, and Guiding My HomeThis chapter of God's Man/God's Woman gives a very personal inside look into how both Brent and Dave's families feel about home life. Even a modest numbered family has many moving parts and a complexity of relationships. Husband to wife. Wife to husband. Dad to daughter. Mom to son. Dad to son. Mom to daughter. Brother to sister. You get the idea. Add to this other immediate family and our close social networks, let alone the influence of school, the internet, and certain invasive structures, and guiding a home can be a real challenge, right? Brent...
2024-05-0712 min
Jesus CentricS1E24: Epoch 7 - To the Ends of the Earth - 1Listening to the Israel/Palestine protests right now it is amazing how ignorant of history we are as a world and national culture. In the book of Esther a man named Haman ramped up widespread genocide of Jews. Read the story and see how that worked for him. Hitler did the same in the Holocaust while much of the world sat on our moral hands. He met a fitting end. Do you think what is happening right now in Gaza and Israel is any different? It is breathtaking to see how enlightened we - are not. Israel, though imperfect...
2024-05-0247 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeFinding and Cultivating Solid RelationshipsThe book is now available on Amazon in both printed and Kindle formats. We are awaiting final approval on the audio version as well. Exciting! Brent and Dave's purpose for this book is to clearly and succinctly help encourage your success in the core links to building an effective bridge between your God-life and your people life. In this episode Dave and Burnadette review cultivating solid relationships and what it looks like to build strong. It would be great if all our people interactions went perfectly, but we all know this is not realistic. But by applying...
2024-04-3012 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeWhat Is It I Want?In chapter three Brent and Dave discuss personal vision and target acquisition. To know where you are heading and to be able to take steps to hit the mark. This is a big deal when it comes to being satisfied not only with where your life goes, but how you get there. Brent's insights here are awesome and his analogy of river travel is extremely helpful as you chart an effective course of action to succeed: heart and soul. We outline three specific targets which can help you focus your efforts, and explore why the how matters...
2024-04-2312 min
Jesus CentricS1E23: Epoch 6 - Shining Light 2 - Deeper in the 4 GospelsThe Power of Four: we have previously discussed the backgrounds and nature of the four Gospels, and how each is designed for the specific purpose of revealing God through Jesus. You will notice in our Book by Book course that we have taken time to provide an overview to help unlock the message of each of the 66 books. Today we do so with the four Gospels in mind. At some point you may wish to make use of four collections of essays (short books) which will help animate the depths of each unique Gospel message. They can...
2024-04-1838 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeLeveraging the Mind, Heart, Soul, and ConscienceWe now spend a little time talking about leveraging our mind, body, heart and conscience for our personal success. Because we are made in the image of our Creator, we have vast capacities as well as remarkable uniquenesses. While God gets credit for our design, we have the privilege of deciding what we are going to do with it. Seriously. Brent and Dave begin conversations about the strengths and vulnerabilities of these capacities. Each area allows us to go more deeply into what makes life count. We have chosen five areas of thoughts for this leveraging chapter, with the h...
2024-04-1614 min
Jesus CentricS1E22: Epoch 6 - Shining Light 1 - Garden To GardenWe began Jesus Centric with a look at the idea that Jesus is "making all things new." This formed our foundational purpose for the four Gospels - and ultimately every Jesus-Centric book of the entire God Story. For two episodes we now return to the Gospels to dig more deeply into the character and purpose of each one - kind of like a next level dive. This session considers Episode 6 and discusses the concept of Garden to Garden. We began in Eden and we will return there. It is not coincidental that the Garden of Gethsemane on...
2024-04-1133 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeWhat Are the Good Questions?The best questions take us deeper. Seriously. Life is supposed to be fun and satisfying, but it should also be filled with substance and meaning. Relationships. Work. Accomplishments. Personal growth. Being at peace. This podcast episode investigates the good questions that will get us where we want to go. Brent outlines three very central queries which will help us succeed. √ Can I say I am good with who I am and how I am living? √ Are you and I good - are things right between us? √ And most importantly, am I good with...
2024-04-0912 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeNew Book Coming: God's Man/God's WomanEvery Jesus follower wants to see God's Kingdom grow. Deeper conversation, personal meditation, Jesus discipleship, and sheltering others are all a part of making our lives count. Brent Harris and Dave Nadler combine their gifts and experiences to bring clarity to how your life can build organic spirituality, as we follow the true Leader of all human souls. Brent's careers in the military, law enforcement, and business bring leadership insights that will focus your road to spiritual success. Dave has worked to bring about Kingdom outreach to our city and beyond. Together with Brent's wife Brenda and D...
2024-04-0215 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeJoining Other Kingdom AlliesWhat if you could be taught by Jesus Himself AND Grow deeper roots - at your own pace - with a clear plan? 1000 KINGDOM ALLIES at fourthstream.com In our lifetime it is possible to deeply impact hundreds of souls. If we understand and embrace Jesus' example and invite Him to be the guide and power of our lives, this can definitely happen through us. Different than mere attendance participation, this is personal, spiritual engagement with other hearts and souls. It is what Jesus did. For instance, Burnadette and I disciple about a dozen people...
2024-03-2614 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeKingdom Pursuit Conversations In times past one common form of art was the weaving of tapestries. Usually these were artistic "rugs" hung on walls, and only the rich had access to such extravagance. The visual side was always of beautiful colors and often told a story. Recently we were visiting the Biltmore estate in Ashville, NC (huge - pretty amazing 19th century monstrous tech!). The reverse side of a woven tapestry (vs modern printing process) was a series of disconnected colors and threads, and was not useful for indicating what was on the flip side. The God Story is like...
2024-03-1912 min
Jesus CentricS1E21: Epoch 5 – The Return 2Now that we have investigated the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther, we take a look at the three prophets who taught and encouraged them in their rigorous work during the return to the Land. Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi bring wisdom and encouragement to God's builders - in every century! Page 67 is home base for this convo. Check this out: "And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual...
2024-03-1532 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeFinding And Building My Kingdom Tribe One of the truly rewarding things in life is to invest in meaningful relationships. When people speak of our "tribes" we are talking about those with whom we find and keep connection. We were not meant to live and build alone. Even though relationships have risk and rewards, for most people they are preferable to existing isolated or alone. Jesus' 12 disciples were surrounded by others who formed His community. Mary and Martha and Lazarus, Jesus' Mom, and Peter, James, and John and a few others were at the center of this relational discipleship network. It...
2024-03-1217 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeJesus On Becoming A DiscipleJesus is clear: there is only one way for any human to find freedom. 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 He goes further when defining His Word. Note what is in bold - it is a study in discipleship! Now He said to them, "These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that...
2024-03-0514 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopePraying for the Kingdom Church Praying for a spiritual awakening and requesting God for workers for the King's harvest is the best we can give to God's people, as well as to the lost souls around us. "He gave them this charge: What a huge harvest! And how few the harvest hands there are. So on your knees; ask the God of the Harvest to send harvest hands." – Luke 10:2/M Because we are in a war, we feel inclined to pray warfare prayers. This is why we include a PRAY section on our site. Here are some thoughts ab...
2024-02-2714 min
Jesus CentricS1E20: Epoch 5 - The Return - 1Resolution is the very heart of our Creator. This is why He is also our Savior. When the Jews came back from self-inflicted slavery God made a way for them. He makes a way for us as well. After 400 “silent” years the words of the prophets begin to be fulfilled: Messiah is coming! We must not mistake Jesus for mere happenstance in humanity. He is God come to earth - plain and simple. Without His blood there will be no forgiveness of our sins.
2024-02-2337 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeConnecting With The King's Words What happens when you eyewitness something dramatic? It kind of gets etched into your mind, perhaps even your soul, right? This is what the God Story is all about. It is one eyewitness after another, with descriptions of men and women encountering Yahweh. And it wasn't just the main characters looking on. Sometimes hundreds and even thousands of people are present when God's hand moves (Acts 2). In addition to being a book of woven threads of truth, God's Word is filled with woven stories of encounter. When we read the Bible it is so important...
2024-02-2013 min
Jesus CentricS1E19: Epoch 4 – Prophets And Captivity 2The Prophets of the People of GodThis episode we focus each of the 17 prophets of Israel represented in the God Story. It may be the best shot you have to place the prophets in context, so taking the time now will help you mobilize these prophets into your spiritual life for years to come! Seriously. All 17 bring us something unique - so let's get started! Isaiah Christ is Salvation 53:6 Jesus is the coming Messiah (9:6-7) Jeremiah Sin's Condemnation 6:16 Jesus is our Good Shepherd (3:15) Lamentations Weeping Prophet 1:16 Jesus w...
2024-02-1537 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeKingdom SpiritualitySince the Jesus explosion in the Gospels and Acts, the church in history has done much good. Often a civilizing factor in many decades and centuries, she has stepped up to present Her King to many. Like all human institutions, however, she has often been co-opted by her own opportunistic leaders. Wherever any historical opportunity or success exists, mankind often thinks he or she can manage things better than the Holy Spirit. And so, instead of speaking accurately for God, we often convolute the meaning of King, Kingdom, and Church. This is why the credibility of so-called "holy ones"...
2024-02-1311 min
Jesus CentricS1E18: Epoch 4 - Prophets and Captivity - 1Our last epoch found God's people heading for captivity because of their sin. They had rejected honor of God, and had become captive to their idolatrous impulses. Sound familiar? We have examined our human and spiritual origins in Genesis and Job. We have seen Jesus in every book of the God Story, and correlated His mercy through the time of the deliverance from Egypt and the conquest of the land. Israel's judges and kings reveal over and over how God wanted to be our King, but was rejected by us. Over and over. Brutal. As He has p...
2024-02-0829 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeAttaining Kingdom Perspective Here are a few insights on moving from Story to personal experience with our King - resulting in a Kingdom perspective on our lives! Once we are on the Kingdom path, the Word of God animates to us in ways which mere religion cannot accomplish. Our minds and hearts have been opened to our King, and His Spirit has been placed within us as a pledge. "In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation — having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Sp...
2024-02-0613 min
Jesus CentricS1E17: Epoch 3 - Kings and Kingdoms - 2In our last episode we talked about the first two kings of the united kingdom of Israel: Saul, who had no heart for God and David who had a whole heart for God. This did not mean David was perfect, for sure. He too, experienced failure and shame. But his heart for God carried him through his failures and shortcomings into a special place in God's heart. Apparently, when we overcome both ourselves and our adversities, we also experience favor with God. Today we discuss King Solomon, perhaps one the wisest and richest kings to ever live...
2024-02-0130 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeConnectivity With Our King Jesus tells His disciples "all authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." He also said He would be with them (us) until "the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20) He explains that our oneness with Him fuels our faith, and allows us to do good in His name and His power. "In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world. I'm setting myself apart for their sakes, so they'll be set apart in their mission of truth. I'm praying not only...
2024-01-3112 min
Jesus CentricS1E16: Epoch 3 - Kings and Kingdoms - 1The concept of Kingship is woven throughout the GodStory. It begins with our Creator's dominion over all, carries through His genesis of principalities and powers and angels, then all the creatures of the earth, and finally: the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve. Part of this story is the account of the Kings of Israel and Judah: God's chosen people. In the midst of this conversation are many kings and kingdoms, but the kingdom of David is central to the purpose in God, as He redeems the lost sons of Adam through His second Adam: Jesus...
2024-01-2539 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeMaking Kingdom Disciples Clarity. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you. You can know I am with you always, even to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:18-20 God invites us into His passion for building His Kingdom among our neighbors. Just as Jesus came to do this very thing on...
2024-01-2311 min
Jesus CentricS1E15: Epoch 2 - Deliverance - 2In Epoch 1 of the 8 Great epochs in the fabric of time we considered the books of origins: Genesis and Job. These are our ancient roots. We learned from the woven threads of the God Story that the Son who came in the form of Jesus also was the Creator of everything. "For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things...
2024-01-1939 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeCalibrating Our World View A Book About A King (this link gives you the Fourthstream big picture on Jesus) #1 We talked about King First - then Kingdom - then Church #2 We introduced the Kingdom Circle of Pure Heart - Know God - Do Kindness - Grow Life #3 Now we examine and possibly recast our World View The Great Reset As we embrace the Kingdom of Jesus we can recalibrate our world view. Everything changes from a self paradigm to a God-centric approach, and becomes a life-time process of not only finding the Kingdom path for our beliefs...
2024-01-1619 min
Fourthstream - Finding HopeThe Kingdom CircleWe have considered King first - then Kingdom - then Church in our Kingdom podcast #1. This gives us a Jesus perspective on the Kingdom, which is helpful as we integrate our lives into His Kingship and become disciples of the Kingdom - which in turn will bless the church of the Living God, which is being purified into a spotless Bride of Christ. Within what Jesus lived and taught us was an example of a self-fulfilling, renewing, and ongoing work of the Holy Spirit who lives within all the sons and daughters of God. "...that...
2024-01-0914 min
Jesus CentricS1E14: Epoch 2 - Deliverance - 1Remember, you can go deeper into any book of the Bible by going to the navbar under courses. There is also a Deeper course to help you with your skills. "Bow and bend before the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him! - From Psalm 2 We have covered all four Gospels and then engaged with Epoch 6: The Shining Light. This gives us a good overview of the centrality of Jesus to the entire God S...
2024-01-0438 min
Jesus CentricS1E13: Epoch 1 - OriginsWe have spent time in all 4 Gospels, getting the full picture of the teachings, miracles, and mission of Jesus the Lamb...
2023-11-2336 min
Jesus CentricS1E12: Epoch 6 - The Shining LightWe hope your time in the Streamsbook and the first 10 episodes covering the four Gospels has been good for your heart as...
2023-11-1724 min
Jesus CentricS1E11: The StreamsbookWe have enjoyed a relational dive into the four gospels. In Matthew Jesus leads us to humbly accepting His Kingship - King first, then Kingdom, then Church. Mark reveals the ultimate healing power of Jesus, over physical maladies of course, but healing us from the inside-out. Wow. The healing of Jesus is available to any who request it of their King. Luke focused on the Son of Man, who was God come in the form of humanity, coming to buy us back from death. Finally, John wraps together the connectivity that God has with Himself, and extends that Light...
2023-10-1332 min
Jesus CentricEpisode 11: The Book of JohnWe now hear from one of Jesus’ closest companions while He lived on the earth. His Mom Mary and His dad Joseph and brothers and sisters certainly had a special window into His miraculous life. And His cousin John (the Baptist) must have been interesting at family reunions. Peter, James, and John were close to Him. The twelve. Lazarus, Mary, and Martha – and many others were dear friends.
2023-08-241h 01
Jesus CentricS1E10: Connectivity - 2There are so many things involved with Jesus incarnation and His coming to seek and save that which is lost. Basically this means that the Son left heaven and came in the form of a man to do His Father's will. There is so much we do not understand about the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is key, however, if we are to understand the heart and mind of God - as well as the purpose for our existence.
2023-08-1044 min
Jesus CentricS1E09: Connectivity - 1Many agree that John the disciple penned his gospel between 30-40 years after the resurrection of his King, Jesus. What's cool about this is that he had plenty of time to process, grow as a follower (he was probably in his 20's when he walked with Jesus), and apply the things he had seen, heard, and implemented. His main conclusion: Jesus taught us to love one another. Radical.
2023-08-0344 min
Jesus CentricS1E08: DiscipleshipDiscipleship is talked about somewhat, redefined often, and was avoided even by Jesus' own. HIS EXAMPLE TO HIS DISCIPLES On the next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met...
2023-07-2734 min
Jesus CentricS1E07: Son of ManJesus is clearly named the son of man in the Bible. The Jewish prophets tell of His coming (see Ezekiel and Daniel). He often indicates this about Himself as well. Son of man speaks of both His god-ness and His humanity.
2023-07-2040 min
Jesus CentricS1E06: True AuthorityWhen we think about supernatural healing it is important to consider the authority behind such abilities. Doctors use skills and knowledge of science and medicine. But God is the Author of the miraculous as well. The Roman or Gentile mind (for whom Mark's Gospel was written) was much more...
2023-07-1333 min
Jesus CentricS1E05: Jesus The HealerToday we consider Jesus as our healer. What is the biblical context for the nature and extent of healing? What was the Son's purpose in coming to the earth in human form regarding our healing? What did Jesus' serving-healing look like, and what are the implications for us as we follow our King?
2023-07-0644 min
Jesus CentricS1E04: The Kingdom SoulMatthew brings clarity to Jesus’ message of the Kingdom. King first, then Kingdom, then church. Did you know that the word church is mentioned only a couple of times in the Gospels, but the Kingdom over 100 times...
2023-06-3045 min
Jesus CentricS1E03: The Kingdom DoorThe Coming of the King As we have mentioned before, the King comes first, then His Kingdom, then the church. We have discussed how the Son (Jesus) is the Creator of all that exists (Colossians 3), and His first coming in human form was accomplished to honor the Father and defeat death. To do this the King brought His Good News to oppose the bad news which is so clearly seen in humanity, articulated through both the human story and the story of the Jews.
2023-06-2256 min
Jesus CentricS1E02: The Wisdom of JesusIn episode #1 we viewed how the woven threads of the incredible, one of a kind God Story revolves around the eternal heart of the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Spirit of Grace. We launch episode #2 with the GodStory in 8 Minutes. It is so important to see the big picture God has revealed throughout His Word to mankind - for every century. We must guard against thinking our story is all about us. We are in the middle of everything, but it is truly all about Him!
2023-06-1644 min
Jesus CentricS1E01: What is Jesus Centric?JESUS-CENTRIC and the Heart and Mind of the Father of Everything The perfect family emanates from eternity. They needed nothing but each other to live in completion and fulness. Before there was Time there was perfection. The Father reigned over all. His Son was His friend. The Spirit brought His will and words into being and Lady wisdom filled His family with beauty and action. There was animated and harmonious relational reality...
2023-06-0841 min
Best Comics EverCreannotators #12: “Black Stars Above” Interview With Writer Lonnie Nadler!This week on Creannotators, I talked with writer Lonnie Nadler about Black Stars Above, writing the X-Men event Age of X-Man, and a whole lot more.
On Comic Book Herald’s ‘Creannotators’ I’ll be interviewing some of my favorite creators in comics about specific runs, graphic novels or series, looking for their insights on the inspirations behind the work and ideas or hidden material readers may have missed. Creannotators is an audio/visual annotative guide to enjoying the intricacies and thinking in the art. Thanks for listening, and enjoy the comics!
Part o...
2020-08-1141 min