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 reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us; If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself." 2 Timothy 2:11-13

Let's break this down:

We can count on this statement because it is reflective of the entire story for all the nations. When we surrender our lives to Jesus we die to ourselves. Our self-kingship is over - submitted to the King Himself. When we live steadfastly in the truth we experience endurance. But if we deny the truth of Who He is and what He has accomplished He will deny us. Believing is reciprocal. His work and our work meet (or not). Yet if we find ourselves unfaithful or faithless He is resolute in His faithfulness to us - because to do otherwise He would have to deny Himself inasmuch as He has bought us with such a great price.

The idea that we will "reign with Him forever" is a mind blower.

We can count on this for sure: we WILL accompany Him in death. We will make our forever existence with Him. If we continue to engage His work on earth with our hands we will become kings with Him.

"While they were listening to these things, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because He was near Jerusalem, and they supposed that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately." Luke 19:11

"And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, you will be in authority over ten cities.'" Luke 19:17

When we become a follower of Jesus we enter into His eternal identity. We serve Him because we have already become Kings - apparently destined to reign with Him through faith in the Messiah.

"And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever." Revelation 22:5

This world is going to give way to a new heavens and earth. "But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells." 2 Peter 3:13 "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea." Revelation 21:1

As we said: mind-blower! So to summarize:

√ There is only one true king over the earth

√ He conquered death for all who choose to believe in His name

√ When we "die" by humbling ourselves we come to life

√ If we deny Him He denies us our God-friendship and all it entails

√ If we are weak in faith He holds on to us - because we are a part of Him

√ We then reign forever in a new heavens and earth - we become kings!

A pretty amazing promise! Dave and Burnadette

More: Ultimate Promise A Promise Heart

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. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified." 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

SO SELF-CONTROL APPEARS TO BE KEY. FOCUS. DILIGENCE.

THE ULTIMATE FIRST PLACE

But guess who gets them all!? Every first place. This is probably why it feels so good to win at anything. We are emulating something locked into the image of Adam - and within our Rescuer for sure.

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven." Colossians 1:15-20

HOW HONOR BRINGS US INTO FIRST PLACE

Jesus' whole purpose was to honor His Father. His focus was to always place His Father's will above His own. It is the same for us. It is why: "Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great." Luke 9:48

Our whole purpose is to Honor Him. We find the path of honor by becoming less. "He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30/John the Baptist - cousin of Jesus.

√ How do we find honor with God?

√ How do we give true honor to people?

√ What causes us to live an honorable life?

√ What does honor bring to the life to come? (2 Timothy 2:12)

This kind of honor is character-based - woven with resolve and deep belief about my importance and my worth.

Perhaps first place requires a humility that more often looks like last place. Dave and Burnadette

More: Honor First Things First

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 earth. "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 11:28-29

COME TO ME Walk toward me and follow my ways. Walk WITH me. Choose daily to leave futility and move toward meaning.

WEARY & HEAVY LADEN Move beyond the tough work of being human and the weights of the accumulations of this life. Beyond toil, loss, fear, anger, and hopelessness into the "light" of God.

REST I give you upward satisfaction and hope for an unburdened forever. The meaning you long for is found in following Me, My example, and living out your own faith, hope and love.

MY YOKE Come and lift with me and share (and relieve) the weight of never-ending toil - knowing you are not alone and your strivings have purpose. Together we plant seeds, cultivate the Kingdom crop, and prepare for an incredible eternal harvest.

GENTLE & HUMBLE IN HEART I have come to where you are. I understand you. I forgive your weaknesses and your sin. I AM grace. I bring you your freedom.

EASY & LIGHT My yoke is offered to help make the load bearable. "A yoke is a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two." I am pulling with you and for you.

As we follow Jesus' example we become a community of light: "...for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light."Ephesians 5:8

THE BIG PICTURE WE SHARE IN: Because of the mercies of God we have been included and invited to things beyond our wildest dreams. Paul discusses this in 1 Corinthians 15:20-28. In His resurrection, (has any other religious figure in all of history accomplished such a documented feat of conquering death? - No), we find what no one else can offer. It is in the death of death we find our greatest hope.

"But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ's at His coming, then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death. For He has put all things under His feet. But when He says, "All things are put in subjection," it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him (the Father). When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all."

Following Jesus is all about connectivity. We find the way, the truth, and the life by following in His teachings and His footsteps. We come to Him and invite others to do the same. And there is no pressure in this. "So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth." 1 Corinthians 3:7

Come to Me. This is peace, meaning, and rest to the fullest extent! Dave and Burnadette

More: Come to Me Bridge of Light

Knowing Jesus is very personal. Even though millions have and will believe in Him, every relationship is individual. Unique. Filled with potential for personal honor. Jesus' disciple John watched all of this unfold with his own eyes, and several decades later wrote down his gospel so that we, too, could experience belief that would be able to sustain us in this life and carry us into the life to come.

This growing belief (faith) helps us to interact for our own personal spirituality. John used the word "believe" to describe this in his gospel and his letters. Believe means to entrust ourselves to Him and have confidence in the power and truth of His Words. In this podcast we contemplate what it looks like to have growing faith in Jesus. It doesn't matter what background story you have - your ability to believe is a gift from God - if you want it!

To do this we follow some of the "thread" John includes in his Gospel. This can help us unfold the hundreds of examples and teachings through the stories found in the Word of God.

JESUS IS THE FOOD & WATER OF LIFE

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst." (John 6:35)

"He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'" (John 7:38)

In short (and long) Jesus is the One Who sustains us. We can come to Him for spiritual food (see John 6) and by believing in Him have received the water of life which has been placed within us. This allows us to live lives of continual reconnection with our Father-Creator.

THE GROWTH OF OUR FAITH

"...but if I do these works, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father." (John 10:38)

When speaking with the woman at the well: Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25) So He feeds us spiritual food in this life, sustains us with living water placed within us (the Spirit), and gives us the gift of resurrection after this life is finished. We will NEVER die!

THIS PROCESS BEGINS THE MOMENT WE BELIEVE

We now move into a life based upon Light rather than darkness. No longer are we groping around - we have the lamp of God showing us our path through darkness and into light.

"I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness." (John 12:46) This includes living above and beyond fear, which is a huge gift found through believing. In John 14:1 Jesus says "Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me."

WE BECOME CONDUITS OF LIFE TO THOSE AROUND US

"I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me." (John 17:20)

This is cool:

"The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we also are His children.' "Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man. Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead." (Acts 17:24-31)

Belief in Jesus is a life-giving process that once begun - never ends! I begin to learn about my Father through my believing Jesus connection, and over and over again find myself "...drawing near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)

Lots of turbulence around us for sure! Peace to your believing heart! Dave and Burnadette

More: Read the book: Mentored by God Reasons to Believe

How do you navigate true mysteries? What things are already known? What is becoming known as the story unfolds? While the Word of God is plain concerning most things, there are also aspects of God's will which are filled with unfolding mystery. This occurs on a global scale (no man knows the hour or the day) while throughout time things continue unfolding personally - generation after generation (such as people awakening to God).

About God mystery:

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:8/the first and the last

"And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, Who was and Who is and Who is to come." Revelation 4:8/the true story of time.

At the center of mystery is the Bride of Jesus. This Bride is made up of all who are being purified for the greatest wedding of all time (Then he said to me, "Write, 'Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.'" And he said to me, "These are true words of God." Revelation 19:9)

"Of this church I was made a servant according to the stewardship from God placed upon on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been made plain to His saints. Those whom God willed to make known the nature of the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me." Colossians 1:25-29

Let's return to Matthew and to Jesus' Kingdom parables where He takes the time to present the nature of the Kingdom to His current and future disciples (followers). Each metaphor gives us insight into what He is doing and where we fit into His plans for us - as we find ears to hear and eyes to see. They unfold mystery for each one of our souls.

The Sower (Matthew 13:18-23) teaches us why things are the way they are. Seeds, soil, sower. Hours of meditating for our ears and eyes as we seek to hear and see. The Wheat and the Weeds (Matthew 13:24-31) helps us contemplate why there is so much deceptive turmoil in the world. These "tares" were weeds that were almost indistinguishable from the crop, and ripping them out would wreck the harvest crop. The Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32) Though small it exceeded all seeds in growing power. We function based upon appearance. God considers fruit and crops. The Leaven (Matthew 13:33) Jesus is the mystery ingredient. His Spirit animates our spiritual growth. It transforms the bread. It transforms us. The Treasure (Matthew 13:44) What a great story about value! True treasure means real value. It transforms our approach. Where we set our heart. The Dazzling Pearl (Matthew 13:45-46) This pearl transcended most treasure. It was birthed and grown by God and discovered by men. Once valued it became the apple of this dealer's eye. The Dragnet (Matthew 13:47-50) Here we return to the end of the age when all "fish" will be brought in by dragnet and sorted out.

So many mysteries - so little time. Don't fall into the trap of casting our King and His mysteries as lackluster or boring. When our eyes are open to true value the world of our soul animates!

√ We will reign with Him. (2 Timothy 2:12) √ All things will be made new. (Revelation 21:5) √ We will share His glory. (Revelation 19:7) √ We will know as we have been known! (1 Corinthians 13:12; 1 John 3:2)

Another conversation about The Sower A Garden Song

This is so cool! "Who is the man who fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way he should choose. His soul will abide in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. The secret (circle) of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He will make them know His covenant. My eyes are continually toward the Lord, for He will pluck my feet out of the net." Psalm 25:12-15

Enjoying the unfolding mystery with you! Dave and Burnadette

What does it mean to see with spiritual eyes?

Because we are created in God's image we have body, soul, spirit, heart, mind, and conscience. From this amazing mixture comes our ability to live out His greatness. When Adam and Eve disobeyed the Lord God we dishonored Him. Our inherent greatness would now become a millstone of self-perpetuation and arrogance. We would no longer see the world through our God-eyes. Paul summarized this well:

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures." Romans 1:18-23

In Isaiah 6:1-3 we find the prophetic backdrop for all Jesus did to rescue mankind. "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners; to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord..."

In the prophets we find the root reason and purpose for the miracles of Jesus. "Now hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see; who have ears but do not hear. Do you not fear Me?' declares the Lord. Do you not tremble in My presence?" Jeremiah 5:21-22

"Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Son of man, you live in the midst of the rebellious house, who have eyes to see but do not see, ears to hear but do not hear; for they are a rebellious house." Ezekiel 12:1,2

God wants us to have open spiritual eyes and ears.

Notice that the only two-step miracle of Jesus occurs in context of this same "eyes and ears" quote from the prophets in the book of Mark:

And they came to Bethsaida. And they brought a blind man to Jesus and implored Him to touch him. Taking the blind man by the hand, He brought him out of the village; and after spitting on his eyes and laying His hands on him, He asked him, "Do you see anything?" And he looked up and said, "I see men, for I see them like trees, walking around." Then again He laid His hands on his eyes; and he looked intently and was restored, and began to see everything clearly. And He sent him to his home, saying, "Do not even enter the village." Mark 8:22-26

Now return to Isaiah 9: "The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land - the light will shine on them...For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His dominion or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this."

What does all of this mean?

√ Jesus explains to His disciples why He speaks in parables. (Matthew 13:10-17/He wants us to see and hear) √ He gives the parable of the sower so we can understand the "big picture." √ He then explains the mysteries of the Kingdom: (sower), wheat and the weeds, the mustard seed, the leaven, the treasure, the magnificent pearl, and the fishing net √ Jesus discusses this in Revelation 2-3 as He explains Kingdom connection to the Church.

At the end Jesus asks a key question for all of us:

"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." Matthew 13:51-52

We will return to this passage as we complete our series (in a few weeks :)

These Kingdom parables are huge. We must understand them. Meditate upon them. Integrate our lives into the truths Jesus presents in them.

Simple yet complex. Understandable yet so deep. A gift to the sons of Adam and Eve - a gift to you!

The Sower Went Out To Sow The Song of the Wind

Here's to open eyes to see and ears to hear for ourselves and our neighbors! Dave and Burnadette

For 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 begin to turn the eyes of our heart toward another. For one who follows Jesus - this literally connects us with the power of God so we may return to our original identity and purpose lost in the fall of Adam and Eve.

Why is this important? For one, it is very personal, and allows us to reach outside of ourselves for help. It also allows us to escape any misplaced hope in religion or other deficient man-promises. And finally, it invites us to enter into a life of moving in and out within our supernatural connectivity with God.

So Jesus said to them again, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly (expansively)." John 10:7-9

I am here. Turn away from the futility of self. Turn toward Me. Come to Me and I will give you rest. I will share your burdens and carry you when you are weighed down. Sound familiar?

"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

Oxen were yoked together in pairs to maximize strength and cooperation. Jesus is literally saying He is willing to be "yoked" with us so our weights are distributed with His power to pull the load of our lives. So amazingly cool.

Some key spiritual steps: √ Invite Jesus to be Lord over your life. √ Begin to read about Him in the Gospels. √ Find a printed Bible that makes sense for you. √ Begin to ask God with what it is He wants you to know about yourself and about Him.

This will enhance and simplify your process of turning away and turning toward. Easy peasy.

If you are just getting started go here. If you want a bigger backdrop go here. If you want a deeper talk with God go here: 40 Days in the Gospels. If you are looking for a Bible that matches up with Fourthstream click here

God is deeper than we can possibly imagine - yet He is incredibly accessible! Go to the coaching tab if you would like to talk through your own plan for going deeper.

Enjoy and grow deep roots! Dave and Burnadette

Probably the best Kingdom example we have from history is found in King David's story from the Bible. David was a "type" of the One Who was to come. This is why his story prepares us not only for the arrival and nature of Jesus - the King of the earth, but also for the Kingdom His followers will share with their king. We will reign with Him!

There are many specific prophecies and words that prepare the Jews (and the entire earth) for the coming King. What is cool about this is that David experienced a heart unique in scripture and among the world of kings. This is why so many of his "songs" have been recorded for us: we are given insight into the heart of the coming King Jesus. About 100 of the 150 recorded Psalms originate from the instrument and heart of the shepherd King.

From his "songs" we learn many things about living out the Kingdom. Here are a few.

You belong to me. "The earth is the Lord's, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it. For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood and has not sworn deceitfully. He shall receive a blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of those who seek Him, Who seek Your face — just as Jacob did. Selah (I lift this up)." Psalm 24:1-6

√ A follower of this King will bend his or her will to His Words and His greatness. √ He or she will develop a wisdom that differs from culture structures. √ While we may be productive workers, it is the blessing of God which will remain. √ Is this your chosen trajectory for living?

I am shelter in the Storm. "Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were born or You gave birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God." (Psalm 90:1,2) "So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12) "Let Your work appear to Your servants and Your majesty to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; and confirm for us the work of our hands. Yes, confirm the work of our hands." (Psalm 90:16-17)

√ Shelter is the nature of God and the story of the Bible. √ His shelter is the goal of our lives - living under His wings - finding refuge. √ Have you found this kind of shelter for your heart and soul? √ In what ways does peace reign inside of you?

Forgiveness is My heart. David's imperfections were evident. He was a man just like us. Psalm 51 (song) reflects upon his adultery and murder and upon God's forgiveness and cleansing.

"Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified when You speak and blameless when You judge." Psalm 51:1-4

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors (like me) Your ways, and sinners (like me) will be converted to You." Psalm 51:10-13

√ What does it mean to need to experience being "washed"? √ What happens when our hearts become clean and our spirit is willing to follow? √ How does failure qualify as an asset when it comes to helping others follow God?

Whenever you read Psalms (and you should do this often) you are looking for gritty connections such as those found in the story of the shepherd King. "Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living God." 1 Samuel 17:36/Goliath

Here are some Psalm links to help you connect! Dave and Burnadette

David and his big picture. Psalm 2: Kiss the Son Deeper in the Psalms

If you look up the meaning of the word organic you will find "living, animated, and authentic." The word Kingdom means "a realm of influence - both of living organisms or groups of people."

Over the last several years we have learned some things we would have preferred to experience in a tech download. It appears, however, this part of our journey was meant to occur in order to acquire deeper wisdom. Those who read the words of Jesus and His Father know that knowledge is a life-long journey gift, but wisdom arrives through deep testings of the soul and many experiences. Challenges and troubles are used to purify us if we are receptive and willing to allow our great God access to our lives, minds, and hearts.

Peter the Jesus follower gives many insights into this connectivity inasmuch as he 1) gave up everything to follow Him, and 2) was a witness to most if not all of Jesus' displays of mighty power, and 3) found acceptance and purifying after letting his King down in the most comprehensively humbling of ways (his denial of Jesus). From his first letter we are taught things he learned from his own process, things which he passes on to all who have chosen to "follow."

Notice the "forever life context" given in Peter's first letter: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This gives us an inheritance which is imperishable and unstained and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been caused pain by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:3-9) This is God's part.

The My Life Context: "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit and be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brothers and sisters who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 5:6-11) This is my/our part. Note both passages speak about suffering in our journey.

Is there anything more encouraging than to know what God wishes us to know, and to "fight the good fight" of continuing to live intentionally in faith, hope, and love? His Kingdom is everywhere, His power is inside of us and everywhere around us, and nothing can snatch us out of His hands. Priceless.

So how do we live organically and authentically effective in faith?

√ Embrace King - Kingdom - Church over any man-made religion

√ Give devoted attention to the cultivation of your faith, setting aside distractions and temporary things

√ Learn how to consult the woven threads of scripture to allow the Word to interpret itself

√ Develop your own foundation built upon the characters of faith provided in the God Story

√ Associate with other men and women who desire the same trajectory and who model depth of pursuit

The Jesus formula:

√ King first: His coming is and was everything (fullness of times). √ Next Kingdom: Turn away and turn toward √ Then Church: Participate in the building of the church - embracing becoming a pure, spotless Bride.

• Ephesians 5:15-32 teaches us the God-man relational matrix!
• Ephesians 5:25-32 - Explain why our families are reflective of the God family
• It is a privilege to walk with those who overcome through humility and faith.

Thank you for living and loving organically! Dave and Burnadette

More: Kingdom Book All About the Kingdom

This podcast season may be a stretch for you. It is for many. For context we must keep in the forefront what we learn from Jesus in His gospels about His Kingdom. Church is only mentioned a couple of times in the four gospels while the Kingdom is spoken of over 100 times. So everything Jesus said and did concerning the church flows from this pattern: King First - then Kingdom - then Church.

Kingdom Organic traces the unfolding roots of the calling out and purifying of the Bride of Christ. The King of the earth has arrived to save the souls of mankind. Mankind had failed. God's people (the Jews) and her leaders had failed. Our false religions and human secularism were empty shells. Jesus was sent because all hope was gone. "For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly." (Romans 5:6) Both King and Kingdom had now arrived - just as the Law, the prophets, and the Psalms foretold.

The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Turn away and turn toward, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 3:2/Isaiah 40

From that time Jesus began to preach and say, "Turn away and turn toward, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 4:17/Isaiah 9

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray it formed the basis for organic spirituality.

It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples." And He said to them, "When you pray, say:

'Father, holy is Your name. Your kingdom come. Give us our daily bread each day. And forgive us our sins, as we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.'"

Then He said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and goes to him at midnight and says to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; and from inside he answers and says, 'Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.' "I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs.

"So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened. Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?"

So the organic Kingdom is all about connectivity with the King. We can ask. We can seek. We can knock. We can receive.

The entire God Story is one relational account after another of individuals within all nations searching for and finding our God connection. Or running away. Or shaking our fist at Him.

This is why we look for the way, the truth, and the life revealed in Jesus. How do we discern and then connect with spirituality that transforms our hearts and the hearts of others?

Some questions: √ What is your picture/experience of the nature of personal God connection? √ How do you find you hear God's voice regarding your own journey? √ In what ways is your faith formulaic? √ In what ways is your faith intuitively connective?

Jesus said to them, "Every scribe (someone who cares) who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven (someone who activates) is like a head of a household (one who finds and applies vision), who brings out of his treasure things new and old (one who is fruitful)." Matthew 13:52

You and I are free to 1) avoid God, 2) choose religious effort, or 3) discover the connectivity that comes by embracing The Way of Jesus, the Truth of Jesus, and the Life of Jesus.

Make sense? Dave and Burnadette

More: The Garden Song