Fourthstream - Finding Hope

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 for them but also for those who will believe in Me because of them and their words about me. The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind, just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, so they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world may believe that you, in fact, sent me." – John 17:18-21

In considering the books of John, the disciple of Jesus, we have determined that his focus was on what he had learned from Jesus about connectivity. With His Father. With His disciples. With His Spirit. The passage above is from Jesus' powerful prayer to His Father on behalf of His disciples in John 17. It is deep. It is expansive. This prayer is heart-changing!

When praying for ourselves, those we disciple, and Jesus' disciples across the world, we have put together some ideas for praying for the Kingdom Church - the Bride who is being purified for marriage with Christ. What resonates with you? What would you add to expand this? How connected do you feel with your King?

√ Jesus is our Rescuer (Luke 19:10). We lift up Creator God Who is our rescuer.

√ Jesus is our Teacher (John 8:31,32). We are followers of the teaching of Jesus and His Father.

√ Jesus is our Healer (John 7:38; Luke 23:43). We are blessed with the healing of Jesus for our past, present, and future.

√ Jesus is our Comforter and Guide (John 14:18-24). We grow in the comfort of the Spirit toward a free conscience.

√ Jesus is the Head of His Church (Revelation 21:1). We pray for bending to our King for Kingdom workers around the world.

The church is not merely a place we go - it is who we are.

Father God, make us alive to Isaiah 61:1-3!

The Spirit of the Lord God has anointed Me (Jesus):

√ To bring good news to the afflicted (poor in spirit)√ Bind up the broken-hearted (those who mourn) √ Release and freedom to captives√ Recovery of sight to the blind√ Set free the oppressed√ Proclaim the coming of Lord God's supremacy

"To bring these things to those who mourn (spiritual beggars/Matthew 5:1-4) among His people, giving them a beautiful identity instead of futility, the oil of joy instead of mourning, a covering of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. They will be called supports of righteousness, in the Lord's garden, that He may be glorified."

"Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." - Luke 4:14-21

Three keys to cultivating our personal connectivity with Jesus: 1. The Honor of giving Him preeminence in each of my days (Colossians 1:8) 2. Intentionality of becoming one who searches His Word (John 8:31-32) 3. Engage in building His Kingdom by making disciples (Matthew 28:18-20) The King comes first! Dave and Burnadette

More: Connectivity Kingdom Connection

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 behalf of His Father, we are included in His planting and cultivating, or, making Kingdom disciples. Because we are image-bearers of our Creator, we continue the original intent of Adam and Eve (and all humanity) to be fruitful and multiply. This is more than having babies and grand babies. It is relational fruitfulness and multiplication. Jesus says to His Father, "Your Kingdom come, Your will be done – on earth as it is in heaven." When His Kingdom comes, and we are co-workers in it, God is honored and people are blessed.

Making disciples is in no way limited to church officials, pastors, teachers - "professionals." It is the spiritual birthright and directive of every Kingdom follower of Jesus. Let's consider Matthew 28 a little further:

1. Disciples operate under Jesus' authority and GO. He does not give us authority, He invites us to cultivate under His authority. His command is to put one spiritual foot in front of the other and do just as He did. We follow Him!

2. We baptize in the Name of the Father/Son/and Holy Spirit, because we are disciples of the Kingdom, living in the power of God. The Father is our authority, Jesus provides our connective friendship with His Father, and the Spirit lives within us to communicate God to us and to empower our actions.

3. We teach men and women to hold fast to God's Word. We have no authority of our own, but only that which is found connecting in the cross and resurrection of Jesus.

How do we encourage someone to become a Christ follower and how do we help them move from here to there? Here are some thoughts!

√ Define there for yourself - and then for them. The words and works of Jesus are everything. What did Jesus teach us? What did Jesus DO? √ How do I define people processes that are Jesus-centered and personally adaptive to others? God has given us everything we need in the example of Jesus. "Leave your nets and follow me. I will make you fishers of men."

√ How do I give my heart and mind to pursue movement in the Spirit each day? Where does He wish for me to go this day, and most importantly, to whom? How does He want us to use our gifts to disciple others?

How do I identify whom God has placed in my circle of discipleship?

My spouse? My kids and grand kids? Who are my likely "neighbors" where I have connection options? What is my God-role at work?

How do I bless these relationships through sharing good and cultivating truth?

"And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." - Hebrews 13:16

A little later we will be talking about building each of our Kingdom "tribes." Imagine your life as a matrix of God-appointed people connections. Things change, people grow and move on, but heart connections never end. In fact, some of our most powerful discipleship occurs as we intercede for others before His throne. When we view our discipleship connections as those of the heart, we move to a deeper level. This is why Jesus said "love your enemies, and bless those who persecute you." Even our enemies are targets for God's heart prosperity, right?

This is key:

√ Connectivity requires effort, cultivating, and vigilance

√ Distractions are many and must be wisely navigated

√ Focus must be pursued each day

√ Discipleship is best accomplished one to one

Where would you consider yourself on the engaged discipleship spectrum? This is not an overwhelming or difficult process. It involved directed choices and experiences. Intentionality. It took the disciples 3-4 years to get the picture, and then one by one each of them engaged, as the years after the resurrection (and the words of Matthew 28) unfolded.

This is why it is called Kingdom "work." And He was saying to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." - Luke 10:2

Enjoying being harvest workers with you! Dave and Burnadette

More thots on this: Jesus and Seeds and Soils The Kingdom Harvest To Those Who Love Our City

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, but integrating the fabric of our heart and life into His Kingdom. This is the theme of the entire Story. Imperfect men and women, seeking God, humbling ourselves, and learning and living a different way - on a distinct path.

√ The apostle John concluded this from his time with Jesus: "The world is passing away, and also its insatiable cravings; but the one who does the will of God lives forever." – 1 John 2:17

√ Peter the Christ-follower summarized it this way: "For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we saw His majesty with our own eyes. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, when the Voice of majestic glory said, 'This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased' — we were there and heard it with our own ears when we were together with Him on the holy mountain."

Consequently, we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts as well. But know this, no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God." - 2 Peter 1:16-21

√ The prolific traveler Paul said this: "But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ..." - Philippians 3:7,8

And Jesus gets us: "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" - Matthew 16:26

"What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life — and the life was made visibly clear, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made clear to us — what we have seen and heard we report to you as well..." - 1 John 1:1-3

Each of us adapts our own world view. We assemble each from our family background, our growing up experiences, education contexts, and successes and traumas. With these elements we emerge into the rigors of living our best life. Here are some very key questions you may wish to entertain...

√ Would you consider yourself to have a settled growing up experience? √ What has shaped your view of marriage and family and how do you define it? √ What are some of your proudest memories? √ What are your greatest embarrassments or let-downs? √ What are your greatest spiritual hopes, and who will deliver on them?

These are a few things about the King, as you sift your current world view, and move toward your future. √ While Jesus will ultimately Judge the earth, He has gone to great lengths to extend grace and help to dying humanity. This is why He called it Good News. The bad news is horrific. The Good News is beautiful. And it is findable. √ Jesus never showed Himself to be capricious, petty, or vindictive. He is the ultimate truth-teller. He says we are in human bondage, and that His and His Father's sacrifice is the only way we can become free. √ The cost of offering free grace to every human being was massive. The Father had to sacrifice His own Son to provide the blood necessary to wash souls clean. This is why Moses was given sacrifices (the Passover Lamb) and also why God's Lamb will reign forever. The perfect God-man was willing to die an undeserved death to buy us back from death.

And God's gift is free. All we must do is humble ourselves "like a child" and turn our eyes toward heaven, from where our help comes! It is the ultimate human paradox. We must let go of what we can control in order to receive what only God can give. Not easy for sure.

So re-calibration, while it involves effort, is the way to redirect our lives onto a new path. Jesus' road was the humble path, and when He returns to judge the earth, His grace will be massive and pure. Is there any kind of redirect you wish to pursue, or you happy with where your current world view is taking you?

We're here to help! Direct any questions you may have to [email protected] Dave and Burnadette

A review of the book: Slight Edge A review of the book: Rules for Life A review of the 8 Minute Book Finding My Philosophy

We 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 is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you." - John 14:17

"In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." - Romans 8:26-27

There appears to be a Kingdom circle of life which continues to occur within the hearts of His Kingdom servants. A Pure Heart is a heart of humility. We bend to Him because He deserves it. This in turn opens the door to genuinely Knowing God as we enter into a reciprocal relationship with the Father God through His Son Jesus. This results in the genuine ability to Do Kindness into the lives around us, which results in the very real process of Growing Life.

The Kingdom circle or cycle feeds itself and multiplies much like the Kingdom seed Jesus spoke about: "...it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it is grown, it becomes a tree that provides a place of shelter for the birds to nest in its' branches." In this sense we emulate God, because when we provide shelter people are blessed and God is honored. We plant, we water, but the Lord of the harvest brings about growth (Luke 10:2; 1 Corinthians 3:6)

What does this look like in a Kingdom life? Meet Ann. Ann submits herself to the Kingship of Jesus. She bends her will to searching His Word and following His example. This inevitably leads her deeper into knowing who God is and understanding His companionship and partnership in her life. She prays and chooses to activate her gifts and use them for the welfare of others and the patient honor of God. By caring for and "discipling" people in her family, neighborhood, and work-life, she brings the shelter of Jesus into the lives of others. She becomes an encourager for King and Kingdom, and does all she can to see people rooted and growing in faith. This feeds her own spiritual growth and helps her as she cares for her own Kingdom "tribe."

This Kingdom Circle allows us to share in the words "well done" at the end of the age. Beautiful!

The Kingdom conversation is incredibly powerful and very beautiful. It puts religion in its proper place, and unlocks a Kingdom experience which is meant for every follower of Jesus.

Your life is a Kingdom life. Your calling comes from your King. When you stand before Him you, like us, wish to hear the words well done. "And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, you are to be in authority over ten cities." - Luke 19:17

And so, by living out the Kingdom we celebrate the coming Kingdom. When we participate in the Kingdom circle and produce fruit that pleases God, we are truly blessed! And if we get to do this with other like-minded Christ followers, it is all the more glorious.

The Kingdom Circle is God's work and it is our work. √ We come openly to God in humility √ We experience personal connectivity √ We invite God's kindness into our thoughts and actions √ God includes us in the growth of true life

Working together with you, Dave and Burnadette

More about the Kingdom: Kingdom Book from Matthew The Kingdom Journey Kingdom Connectivity Kingdom Spirituality Course Kingdom Heart

Kingdom 101 insists we place the Kingdom of Jesus in proper light. If we get too wrapped up in church before we understand the Kingdom, we will (and have historically) gotten things in misplaced order. As I talk about this I don't want you to think that I don't love the church. I have taught and served as a pastor for over 45 years, and feel Burnadette and I have dedicated ourselves without reservation to Jesus' Bride. It's just that if we do not place our King first it seriously impairs what we have to offer His Bride. So for clarity, there is a difference to me when speaking of the church and the Bride of Christ. The church is being purified into a spotless Bride to be married to Christ, right? This is why she has so many historical imperfections - yet we are being prepared for something future. The church is and has always been filled with imperfect people, of which I am foremost. If Jesus is the Door to the Kingdom (and He says He is in John 10) then humility is the latch or handle to that door. Perhaps even the kingdom keys are a gift to every Christ-follower (the key of King David - what a great women thread! Isaiah 22:22; Luke 11:52; Matthew 16:19; Revelation 1:8; 3:7.

Have you ever wondered why the Pharisees were so prominent in Jesus' human conflict? It because pride is the number one enemy of humanity. The religious leaders were the epitome of the pride of Israel. Jesus' conflict with the Romans was comparatively minimal. It was the religious pride of the scribes and Pharisees that embodied the scorn of satan. According to Jesus this deep arrogance resulted in all sorts of bullying religious behavior, and He spoke harshly right to the faces of these leaders. So - like today - oppression is the rule whenever men can manipulate power over others. This is another reason why I think that humility is the "key to the Kingdom" that Jesus gave to Peter (Matthew 16:19).

Jesus came in the opposite manner than was expected. The Jews wanted a political deliverer who would set them free from Roman occupation. But His power was perfected through humility, not human force. This is another woven thread that is often not taught or embraced. When we encounter the King of the universe we are to bend. This is how we enter into His Kingdom. It is a wholly different way to live. We bend to the King and we enter through the Door of Jesus with our keys to the Kingdom. The Bride of Christ thrives when such humility is embraced. This is not weakness, but conviction of faith and humility of heart and action. It is why we are to go the extra mile. It is why we are to forgive our enemies and bless them. It is why we are not to trust in ourselves but to wait upon His good spirit.

When an individual seeker becomes a Kingdom follower we are given a directive: follow the example of the King. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore 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; and I am with you always, all the way to the end of the age." He has the authority. He is side by side with us. He is doing the "work" of the Kingdom through us. It is so simple yet we often make is so complicated or even convoluted.

From such humility is birthed the power of all non-religious following of Messiah. While religion may provide certain comforts, it is no substitute for the connectivity we have been given with the Spirit living inside of us. Remember what He said: "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come." - John 16:13

This is not merely what the Church is to DO, it is who the Church is to BE. So when the King comes into our personal world, we bend our will and bow our knee. We begin to live as His loyal, learning Kingdom subjects. And then the Church in any decade becomes His representative on earth. Or not. There is nothing in the scriptures equating religion with His Kingdom. Devotion does not correlate to religion. This has been a colossal human error in history, and not just in historic christianity. It remains so today. Our power is not from our observances or activities but our connectivity with our King. "I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

King first - then Kingdom - then Church. Jesus mentions the church only 2 times in the Gospels. He speaks of the Kingdom over 100 times. Why do you think this is? Again, I am not denigrating the church. I am pointing out God's Kingdom order. When a person understands that Jesus alone is the Door of the Kingdom, that the keys to the Kingdom are humility of heart and devotion to the King, and that the Church springs from the presence of the King and His Kingdom (and not the other way around) we set aside religious spirituality for Kingdom connectivity.

You and I must see ourselves in this picture. We are a part of a great treasure: the Bride of Christ. And we are also each valued sons and daughters, with full rights and ability to hear the Voice of our King each day. We are not destined to live lives of perfection, but lives of connected faith. We can count on this from our King: "Come to Me, all who are weary and weighed down, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and be taught by 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 bearable." - Matthew 11:28-30

Welcome to the courageous, restful Kingdom Heart! Dave and Burnadette

My Kingdom Heart Thread Return to Me post and song

You 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 us, and because He lives within us, is the Father's Voice to our hearts - 24/7.

3. Teach Kingdom Spirituality to any who will listen. The God Story teaches us that the King comes first, then His Kingdom, and from this flows His church. Kingdom spirituality approaches the scriptures with connectivity as we hold tightly to the example and words of Jesus.

4. Providing measured, systematic connection with the God Story is key. All of our resources: posts, video, books, conversations, and courses strive to flow from a Jesus-centric view of existence.

5. We engage Spirit-directed Kingdom prayer on behalf of those we love, our city, our nation, and our world. This is how Jesus lived His earthly life. "Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" and, "the effective prayer of a man or woman returned to innocent justice can accomplish much."

Jesus comments on the Kingdom being like a mustard seed in three Gospels: Matthew 13:31; 17:20; Mark 4:31; Luke 13:19; 17:6.

He presented another parable to them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; and this is smaller than all other seeds, but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches." - Matthew 13:31-32

Through these 5 mission distinctives we pursue a) sowing Kingdom seeds, b) cultivating Kingdom growth of these seeds, and c) faithfully praying and cultivating as God brings growth and eventual shelter.

"So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor." - 1 Corinthians 3:7,8

Now this is a God-mission which can fulfill any life! Dave and Burnadette

What an amazing event! God has come near to find and save our lost souls. Humbling.

Peace upon your home, dear friends! "There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man."

When someone hurts us deeply or we are disappointed in ourselves, or when we are so sure God will show up but He doesn't appear to do so, we become vulnerable to disillusion, anger, and retaliation.

Hebrews 12:12-17 provides some action strategies...

Letting others down and being let down seems to be an inevitable part of life. Each broken relationship provides another...

Genuine faith is active and alive. It captures our imagination. With God's help it propels us toward victory.

"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." - 1 Corinthians 9:24