Shows
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 tha...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 t...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 Where...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 gi...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..." Luke 6...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 do...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 conte...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 e...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 the Lord...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 pe...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 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, though...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 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 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
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 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 all th...2024-03-0514 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
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
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
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
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
Fourthstream - Finding HopeThe Fourthstream Kingdom MissionYou are invited to join us for our Fourthstream Kingdom Mission: 1. Bring the Connectivity of True Hope to others. God's Word is a book of hope. We are living in turbulent times, perhaps even in the end of days. Jesus brought complete truth and hope to earth in one incredible Kingdom invitation. 2. Invite daily connection with Jesus, His Spirit, and the Father. Each member of Yahweh's three-ness brings a breadth of connectivity for all sons of Adam. Jesus brings the friendship of being able to approach the Father through Him. The Spirit illuminates God's Words to...2023-12-2524 min
FourthstreamJoy!2021-12-1733 minFourthstreamWalking through Peter's letters - Part 12021-07-1700 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 minFourthstreamExploring the Gospel: Acts2020-05-1331 minFourthstreamExploring the Gospel: John2020-05-1320 minFourthstreamExploring the Gospel: Luke2020-05-1321 minFourthstreamExploring the Gospel: Mark2020-05-1316 minFourthstreamExploring the Gospel: Matthew2020-05-1321 minFourthstreamTHE TWO FEARS2020-04-1013 minFourthstreamTHE SPIRIT OF GRACE2020-03-1310 minFourthstreamAMAZING GRACE2020-03-0906 minFourthstreamOne Another Living2020-02-0913 minFourthstreamTHE LORD JESUS CHRIST2020-02-0309 minFourthstreamMAN - CREATION'S CROWN2020-01-2711 minFourthstreamTHE ANGELIC REALM2020-01-2013 minFourthstreamTHE GOD STORY2020-01-1311 minFourthstreamDaniel & His 70th Week2020-01-0309 minFourthstreamLOOK WHO'S HERE!2019-11-2510 minFourthstreamAN INTERVIEW WITH LADY WISDOM2019-11-1810 minFourthstreamTHANKS!2019-11-1211 minFourthstreamSINGING YOUR OWN NEW SONG2019-11-0407 minFourthstreamJesus and SheepWoven into the Story is God’s sheep metaphor. It not only explains the nature of sheep, but also of shepherds. Most importantly it describes a clear picture of the “Good” and “Great” Shepherd of the sheep. Today Burnadette and I examine both the teaching of the God Story and the personal benefits we have experienced by embracing the sheep reality. We have searched, considered our lives, and evaluated the deep benefits of following our Shepherd King. It has resulted in a peaceful, confident “satisfied mind” for both of us. Enjoy the sheep insights! (we did) Da...2019-08-1210 minFourthstreamMILLENNIAL FATHER 1/The Ancient of DaysThink about all the songs you have heard or movies you have seen that muse or remark about how time is passing - or of time's implications for events in life, love, and existence. Humans are acutely aware of the passage of time because it is the one thing we appear to be unable to harness or change. Inasmuch as humans are completely bound within time, and cannot exceed a certain frame time in which to live (rarely over 100 years), comprehending anything outside of this paradigm is difficult for us. Many of the world's religions attempt to br...2019-02-2810 minFourthstreamWHAT DOES THEOLOGY BRING TO ME?There is SCIENCE. Because God is the Father of knowledge, science inevitably reveals a magnificent Designer. There is PHILOSOPHY. Unparalleled as an Intellect and Thinker, God's philosophy is perfect, clean, and powerful, merciful, and above all: true. Both science and philosophy are corruptible regarding interpretation and application. THEOLOGYinvolves our human attempts to define God. Some of this is Who God says He is, some is Who we want Him to be - usually to serve our own purposes. Yet while theology is essentially God-focused, it is corruptible as well. I have been blessed to be...2019-02-1809 minFourthstreamWHAT DOES PHILOSOPHY BRING TO ME?There are almost as many philosophers as there have been human beings. Our thoughts, experiences, convictions, and ideologies serve to form our world views, and philosophy is the result of making conclusions based upon where we come down on what we observe in life. While we may choose to associate with WHO we may regard as a great thinker: Aristotle, Siddhartha, Kant, or the rock band Queen - the thoughts of others are melded with our own to produce our personal philosophies. Just as cannot escape our personal world views and the way they have been shaped...2019-02-1811 minFourthstreamWHAT DOES SCIENCE BRING TO ME?In my lifetime of learning, science and the Bible have been presented as being antithetical. God-deniersappeal to science for proof that there is no God. Philosopherstry to convince me to reject or discredit faith as lesser or even foolish. And "God-defenders" explain that true faith trumps scienceon any and every level. I think there are really probably more philosophers among theologians and scientists than many would like to admit. Pointing to "proven data" and "true experts" has exploded to where we are left with a tricky mixture when trying to discern what is true. We are left...2019-02-1810 minFourthstreamGOD & TIMEIt is hard to imagine time as a limited commodity. And yet even if we live to one hundred, what are that many years compared to the available days contained in time?! Kind of a blip on the screen. The God Story explains our Creator as having no beginning or end. In fact, it appears that time itself is one of His creations (Genesis 1). Before there was a "deep", before there was an earth - there was God's forever. And it appears He was not alone. His Spirit and His Son and His Wisdom kept eternal company...2019-02-1810 minFourthstreamGIVE UNTIL IT HELPSGiving is Who God is. Creation reveals so many things about a God Who delights in giving. His glory in the cosmos. His gift of beauty in creation. His Fatherhood over every living creature and every human soul. His authority over the building blocks of life. His perfect Son - gifted to a lost and helpless world. The essence of the Good News is all about what God has done for us. In the words of Jesus from Luke 18: "And He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone." Al...2019-02-1807 minFourthstreamGOD IS FAMILYToday we are taking a look at God's vision for family. It is hard to imagine family interaction between the Father, His Son, the Holy Spirit, and Wisdom herself. And yet this is the family picture where we find our roots. Just as the Father loves His Son, we too are offered the gracious love of our Father through His Son Jesus. It is breath-taking how simple God designed family life to be, and how complicated we have and continue to make it. This is because family life, just like any part of a solid life, gets...2019-02-1811 minFourthstreamREADING THE GOD STORY 1We enjoy bringing you our weekly podcasts from Fourthstream.com. Thanks for listening! If you want to understand more about our mission and approach, click on the "Take the Tour" button at the top. We also hear from our friends that helpful reminders to connect with the God Storyon a regular basis would be good, so per those requests we begin this consistent, systematic option for you to read through the Bible with us. We would be happy to send you reminders to cast direction for that particular week. Every week at Fourthstream.com we...2019-02-1801 minFourthstreamVISIONVision is an interesting concept. Often used in business. In religion. In politics. Also concerning the way we choose to direct our lives for greater purposes. Many books have been written - and I am sure many more to come - formulas, ideas, tips, and insight into how we may "cast vision" that can give our lives meaning and fulfillment. Here are a few thoughts you may find helpful. The God part- it is important that we careenough about what God cares about, as well as what He thinks about us personally. Since He is the only O...2019-02-1811 minFourthstreamEMBRACING MATURITYNot everyone chooses to grow up. Physically it is inevitable. Emotionally - it can be tricky. Spiritually it is the exception rather than the rule. Sadly. To choose maturity is to willingly submit my will to God's will. We were meant to be reborn AND to grow strong. To grow up - to the "measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:13) This involves the hard work of being an intentional follower of Christ. In many senses this is the purpose of the arena of faith. It is where we wage...2018-09-2409 minFourthstreamTHIS IS MEOne of the "how big is God" questions ponders whether or not God is powerful enough to create me personally into a one-of-a-kind Kingdom person. Has He worked despite the circumstances and ups and downs of my life by giving me my own recipe of experiences and gifts to accomplish is perfect Kingdom purpose for my life? Am I a cosmic mistake or depersonalized accident or a possession of God who is "fearfully and wonderfully made? According to the GodStory in Ephesians 4, when Jesus was resurrected He imparted gifts to His Kingdom followers. "But to each one o...2018-08-2910 minFourthstreamBACK TO SCHOOLounger people lack experience but often have great hearts. Some older people are really wise and strong. Older people can also get worn down and lose heart. There are advantages to each passage of life: childhood, teen-aged years, establishing in our 20's, building in our 30's and 40's, and then the great mix of having both wisdom, strength, and freedom. Your days and years spent in school provide great ways to shine. 1 John 2:12-17 helps allot when it comes to how both older and younger people can work the works of God. Check i...2018-08-2810 minFourthstreamOPEN HEARTLiving with an open heart can surely bring relational risks. But with such risk come distinct opportunities for blessing. A person who loves freely, in the end, benefits even more than the one who receives love. This is because an open heart is a God thing. Because of love God gave His only Son - and He asks us to follow in both the risk and the reward of learning to live with an open heart. It appears this is especially true when we meet pressing needs. This concept literally means to "compress." So, when we see...2018-08-2810 minFourthstreamBECOMING FREEHave you ever had a situation or person dogging you? Always on your mind? With a certain amount of dread or even an unpleasant cloud hanging over your head? And how does it feel when the situation is confronted, addressed - or better yet - resolved and evaporated?! What a relief to be set free! This is part of what it means to be a friend of God. His Good Spirit is always working to resolve even the unresolvable - and to help us find the freedom of a satisfied mind. But our circumstances and emotions get...2018-07-2610 minFourthstreamHAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO BE A KING?Like Jesus, we are blessed with the gift of life. As such our journey is filled with chances to follow Him. Sometimes this means we will "share in His sufferings." Check out Hebrews 5:17. Jesus is our leader in the fight that is life. He is our example and our companion as well. There is nothing we will ever face that He has not faced and conquered. But not only do we follow Him, we will also reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:12). This is where crowns that are won fit in - by engaging in the battle. ...2018-07-1610 minFourthstreamTHE BIG THREEDo you ever think deeply about your personal core? Who are you? What do you stand for? What are the foundations by which you live your life? If you were building a house with pillars to stand against the storms of life: faith - hope - and love reign strong and help build a life that lasts. Jesus Himself took great care to challenge His disciples (and us!) about how faith, hope, and love fill the heart - and are meant to fill our worlds! While the God Story is filled with woven considerations of...2018-07-1609 minFourthstreamAN INTACT & ACTIVE SENSE OF WONDER"I tell you the truth – the stars take my breath away. We have a cabin in southern Iowa where we go to retreat, hold summer camp, and hunt in the fall – so I am pretty much there off and on throughout all four seasons. Some nights I will walk out onto the deck in the evening or the middle of the night and the spectacle will bring me to tears. First of all, I cry because I wake up two times every night to pee, but mostly because of the breath-taking sight as the heavens sing to my earth-bound soul...2018-06-2514 minFourthstreamONE WOVEN STORYHave you ever experienced a long-time perspective on an issue or set of facts which has proven to be inaccurate or flawed? Where one key presupposition has impacted many other facts built upon it? It is breath-taking to understand that nowhere in the so-called old and new testaments is the Bible defined as old and new. This has deeply contributed to a dichotomized understanding of Who God is, what He has spoken, and perceptions and beliefs of His unfolding plan for humanity. Try to imagine a large cord made up of thousands of individual strands...2018-05-0707 min