Fourthstream - Finding Hope

God 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 shelter for me, a tower of strength against the enemy.

Let me travel under Your pillars and let me take forever protection under the shelter of Your wings. (I lift this up to the highway of praise). For You have heard my heart promises O God and You have given me the inheritance of those who fear Your name.

You will prolong the king's life and his years will be as many generations. He will abide before God forever. Appoint lovingkindness and truth that they may preserve him. So I will sing praise to Your name forever, that I may pay my offering promises day by day." Psalm 61

There is a definite thread of shelter in the Bible. Psalm 61 and Psalm 90 and 91 together paint an incredible picture of the shelter that comes from God. It is expansive. It is protective. It is healing. It is eternal.

TELLING SHELTER STORIES

We have launched Storiesofshelter.com to help us focus on the God stories of our lives. We explore two questions together: Where have we lived and given shelter? Where have we received shelter? Thinking these through can unlock some of the deeper things from our uniquely personal stories.

Stories of Shelter connects you with our shelter community, where we share and hope in the Shelter that comes from the Living God, and enters into hearts and lives who find shelter under His wings. We live Hope through Him. We Love through Him. We find peace through Him. Once you see what Storiesofshelter.com offers - join the community! You will find stories, books, and conversations built around 19 Core Principles, God's Man/God's Woman conversations, understanding Jesus as Healer, and embracing Over/Next: Finding Your Way after a big loss or disappointment.

And you don't need to write a paper or book in order to share your story! Three to four sentences giving a picture of where you have seen shelter between you and someone else - or a touching story or a photo/video from your friend group or social media. You can invite other truly sheltering people to do the same!

Here are some links will help explain the SHELTER thread we are following.

More: Dave & Burney on Shelter/Curious Journey Book page 51

Hope: A Strong Shelter Home

Dave & Burnadette on Family Shelter

Peace upon your heart and home, Dave and Burnadette Nadler and Alan Baker

P.S. "He who dwells in the shelter of the Mos High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91

Because understanding the Kingdom is so critical to our spiritual lives, let's take some time to absorb the core message of Jesus when it comes to building in a manner that is pleasing to Him. We have already mentioned that the Kingdom is mentioned in the Gospels over 100 times and the church only twice. So the Kingdom message was clear to Jesus and to His disciples. In the book of Acts after the "church" (called out assembly) begins to emerge:

"To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God." Acts 1:3

CONTEXT The world was corrupt and dying, and the Father, Son, and Spirit moved to save us. The King would need to come and willingly sacrifice Himself. King first. Then He would bring the message of the Kingdom to all who would listen, and build this Kingdom work through His own followers - who will become His Bride at the end of the age. The word ecclesia literally means a called out assembly. So the Church (the Bride) is called out of this lost world to enjoin the work of the Son of God Himself.

Because of this, Fourthstream.com is built around the biblical Kingdom model. We take great care to accurately represent the King through everything He taught and did. We preserve the purity of this by allowing the Bible to interpret itself. The complete Word of God is an intricate and robust series of woven threads of truth, unfolding in all 66 books of the Testament of the Living God (note: nowhere in the Bible are the books identified as the old and new testaments - and yet we accept this idea from tradition and history - like so many things). The scribe who takes the time to process the Kingdom message of Jesus operates from a considerably different vantage point than much of what we see in secular and even church history. We are often obsessed with preserving tradition (and preferences and distinctions) rather than searching out the truth that has been so carefully brought to us.

As we look deeper through the lens of the Kingdom we see many patterns and teachings emerge, such as the one in the diagram at the top. As Jesus explains the Kingdom (Matthew 5) He teaches us how the pure in heart are the ones who see God. What this means is we are to subject everything through the lens of humility rather than human business-as-usual (pride/self-absorption).

When we experience a pure heart (Jesus' words, not mine) we are made free to know God as He IS rather than who we want Him or shape Him to be. Then we become able to do kindness in the Spirit, where the works of God begin to flow through our own lives into the people and souls around us. And so - we become His instruments to grow life. We call this the Kingdom Circle. It is quite superior to religion in that it is powered by Jesus and the Spirit of grace.

So to apply the Word of God properly we must set aside religion and tradition and embrace the power of the King and His Kingdom. Fourthsteam.com carefully sifts through what is authentic to find connectivity with Jesus that changes us from the inside out, rather than the outside in. This is why Jesus 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. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you." John 16:13-15

To find authentic King and Kingdom Church we must go to the Source. "He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of death will not overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven." Matthew 16:15-19

Think how often this passage is represented to be understood regarding tradition, yet we fall short of understanding its meaning. The goal of Kingdom structure is to let the King tell us how His Kingdom operates and grow this Kingdom within His Church - in any and every age. Some get this - and some do not. But this is where God-honor and discipleship begin. Make sense?

We offer several foundational things to move within the Kingdom understanding given us by Jesus. Last episode we mentioned the basics which help us to understand the God Story. Here we discuss what needs to be focused upon to live the Kingdom life our King outlined for us in that God Story. If this intrigues you (or is new to you) - take time to reset your mind narrative from religious to Kingdom structural. It could change your life!

Peace upon your heart and home, Dave and Burnadette Nadler

More: All About the Kingdom Kingdom Pursuit Kingdom Spirituality

A number of years ago we were thinking through Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 13:13 "Now these three powerful things: faith, hope, and love exist among us; but the greatest of these is love." This makes sense in that God IS love and we are made in His image. It would be great if we always loved the way He does - but we do not. We are surrounded by turbulence - from the inside-out. Even evil itself. Yet love is the most robust capital available to humanity, and those who live in true love draw close to our Creator.

This "greater" means the most abundant. Deep inside we are motivated to love others. Right and wrong. Again - image of God. But faith and hope are not subservient to love in any way. In fact, all three unlock each other. As the God Story tells us in Hebrews 11:6: "And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." So faith pleases God and love blesses God and others.

When hope is brought into our hearts and our community of relationships (family, neighbors, co-workers) everything flourishes. "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:1-5

Can you see it? Faith brings peace with God. In faith we are taught the glory of God in the face of Jesus. Hope empowers us to be principled and motivated in our love for one another.

It is the relationship between these three gifts which allow us to live, grow, and excel as sons and daughters of the Living God. And so, Fourthstream Finding Hope podcasts were launched. In season #1 we spent 31 episodes uncovering the relationship of God's Law to the freedom of living in grace. God's Law is one core part of His grace toward His creation. Season #2 led us into a consideration of the reality that we have been born into a world at war. 30 episodes discovering our place in the middle of an epic struggle between good and evil. Then season #3 unlocks 34 episodes of what it means to live victoriously in the middle of the Turbulence of Imperfection.

In season #4 we turned to a consideration of God's Man/God's Woman and how we make our journeys count. 11 conversations to return to again and again as we seek to follow our King and live lives that matter. This flows to season #5 and a discussion of what it means to experience a learning heart, then followed with 20 episodes about the power of hope (season #6). Seasons 4-5-6 are quite personally reflective, instructive, and helpful. Season #7 helps with the big picture concerning the Big Story in which we find ourselves integrally linked to one another within the purpose of God.

In season #8 we examine the idea that God IS Shelter, and set a foundation to build our StoriesofShelter.com community for those who have received and given shelter. Now in Season #9 we come full circle to embrace the Kingdom of Jesus. All of this provides not only a systematic understanding of the teaching of God's Story, but an authentic connection to what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

Together we mine the depths of what the One Woven Story has to say about Finding Hope, living in Faith, and Loving in the friendship of Christ. We take great care to allow the Bible to interpret itself - the only way we can preserve authenticity as we seek to make sense out of our lives - in God context.

Each of these seasons are a link to spiritual maturity, and when processed in humility and truth can lead us deeper into our faith, our hope, and lives of love!

Kind of an A-Z process that continues to unfold! Dave and Burnadette

Enjoy!

A Song of the Wind

A way to check us out!

The levels of turbulence around us are massive. In every corner of our American and world culture we see division and twisted wisdom. There are three great gifts from God: Faith, Hope, and Love (1 Corinthians 13). Each of these may be found by those who choose to enter through the Door of the sheep (John 10). In faith we find a different and substantive present and future. Through love we make our lives count for ourselves and others. And in hope we find the fuel to live each day for something more.

Once you have found a compass for your life the ability to reset your trajectory is open to you. Whenever you wish you may "go in and out" through Jesus - the Door of the sheep. This is where Fourthstream.com comes in. We have designed and compiled a connecting base from which you can fuel your desire to live a full life for your King, and seamlessly help others do the same. Both Dave and Burnadette have found the peace which can carry you through chaos and imperfection - and this comes from the Word of God alone. We have searched philosophy, science, and faith to discover what is needed to live in hope - which is no easy task!

At Fourthstream.com we offer ten podcast seasons of conversations which all will connect you with personal hope. There is a blog of unfolding thoughts as well as core conversations to help you or someone you know establish in Jesus and His Kingdom. King first - then Kingdom - then Church.

We have also written six books highlighting key parts of the faith story given to us in God's One Woven Story - the Bible. These dovetail with nine courses we have recorded during our years of teaching - which provides you with a significant spiritual and educational path toward unlocking the Story.

Hope is not a given. Not everyone has ears to hear. In fact, it appears that there is only a "remnant" of people who will actually follow through to find hope in God. Life is too distracting - and we are too self-centered. This is where humility fits in.

"For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13

Our podcasts, blog posts, and conversations are available at no cost. Reviews of our books are provided and you can order them in either printed or audiobook formats per your interest and plan. Regarding our courses, both the God Story and Kingdom Spirituality are offered without cost (you can access videos and printed books if you wish). The Streamsbook, Strong Homes, Engage Training, The 8 Great Epochs in the Fabric of Time, Book by Book, Deeper, and Jesus Centric are accessed through ongoing membership as well as deep dives for those who choose to engage Fourthstream Coaching, which is a limited group who access Dave and Burnadette for their personally designed plans for Kingdom Spirituality conversations.

Let's take a look at Fourthstream.com and determine what fits for you and the people with whom you are building the Kingdom. Click here.

Here are a few comments from people who have experienced the benefits of Fourthstream.com.

"Understanding the difference between putting the Kingdom first vs. church first has been a game changer for me as I am assessing my relationships. I appreciate Fourthstream.com and Storiesofshelter.com because it gives me the opportunity to get a brief soul overview in the middle of my busy day..." Ann

"When I connect with the Kingdom through what Dave and Burnadette teach I come away refreshed in my heart and strengthened in spirit." Daniel

"Through tools they have created I have been given a clear path and process...I have been engaged in their Jesus-Centric teaching plan which has pushed me deeper in desire and process in understanding the Word of God. If you are someone who wants a closer connection with God I highly recommend taking advantage of the tools at Fourthstream.com!" Nick

"Through the courses, podcasts, books, and study guides Dave and Burney have impacted my life in so many ways. They are a couple with a heart for Jesus and a fire for others to know His love." Roland

Peace upon your heart and home - from your friends at Fourthstream.com and other story hearts at Storiesofshelter.com.

Dave and Burnadette and the Fourthstream Team

Here is a song for your week: Pray for Rain

More: Video: What is Finding Hope? More on Fixing Our Hope

There is a basic understanding Jesus tried to communicate to humanity when He came to the earth. When we get this right there is fruitfulness in our lives - when we don't varying degrees of misinformation prevail. Both John the Baptist (Jesus' cousin) and Jesus proclaimed the same thing: "Turn away and turn toward, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17; Matthew 10:7)

The world had been languishing for centuries since the Garden episode. Genesis 1-11, the Law and prophets, and the Psalms are the story of the Jews - and all the nations. Not only is our condition exposed over and over through the imperfect Jewish story, God extends invitation for them (and us) to reverse course. Sadly, even the "chosen" Jewish nation does not listen to our Creator. God's chosen people wasted and rejected His words over and over again. This is made plain through story after story - life after life - decade after decade. So while the earth had rejected her King, the Father (who is slow to anger - filled with lovingkindness) makes away for men and women from every nation and every story to be brought into the acceptance of our Lord Creator - through His selfless sacrifice of His Son. Now there is a way back to God. He is the Door of the sheep.

So Jesus said to them again, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." John 10:7-9

If you are new to the God Story check out this big picture overview - literally the Bible story in 8 minutes! And if you want the next level of where all 66 books fit in - here you go!

And here are several links to the foundational information of God's Story! Quickstart/Big Picture (2 teaching videos) A Book of Renewal

King David (the clearest "type" of Christ in the God Story) tells us about this prophetically in Psalm 2. We like to call this Psalm "Kiss the Son."

Let's take a look: "Why are the nations in an uproar and the peoples devising worthless things?The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers scheme together - against the One True God and against His Anointed (smeared), saying, "Let us tear their limitations of us apart and cast away their ties away from us!" He who sits in the heavens laughs: the One True God scoffs at them. Soon He will speak to them in His anger and terrify them in His righteous fury, saying, "But as for Me, I have installed My King upon Zion My holy mountain."

"I will surely tell of what is eternally inscribed from the One Great God. He said to Me, 'You are My Son and today I have brought You forth. Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and you shall shatter them like clay pots.'"

Therefore, O kings, show discernment and take warning, O judges of the earth. Worship the One True God with reverence and honor, and rejoice with trembling.

Kiss the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way. For His wrath will soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!"

√ Refuge IS shelter: this is why we have created StoriesofShelter.com. It is Who our great God IS.

√ No one is exempt from His righteous hand of justice. (a thread: Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19; Hebrews 10:30)

√ The King of the earth brings us the Kingdom of God - and the Church brings refuge authority for us and our neighbors.

Dear Lord Jesus, we come to you to be restored in You, to receive all the grace and mercy we so desperately need this day. You are our Great I Am/God-of-the angel-armies. We surrender every aspect of our lives and selves completely to You. I offer You my spirit, soul and body, my heart, mind, my conscience, and my will. We stand in grace completely covered with Your precious, redeeming blood. As we pray we ask Your Good Spirit to restore and renew us in You. We stand in absolute agreement with Your Spirit and our intercessors and allies.

You are the One true King over all the earth! Music: Insight

Peace upon your soul, Dave and Burnadette

I just finished Jordan Peterson's latest book "We Who Wrestle With God." I like how he reasons, and even though I am not ready to place him in the upper echelon of my spiritual teachers, he is a genuine, thoughtful soul. One premise of his book relates to the relationship between chaos and order, something many philosophers, scientists, and faith reflectors see as key for arriving at a satisfied mind. How do we align with incredible design and order while at the same time dealing with the often hurtful fruits of chaos?

If you are like me this can be a quagmire of sorting through the beautiful things in our lives as well as the nagging difficulties which emerge from within and without. Jesus was faced with this every day of His short time on earth. He wrestled with beauty and chaos, hope and disappointment, and as He was chosen by His Father to make "all things new," faced His designated purpose with resolve, joy, and much personal sacrificial pain.

Burnadette and I spent an entire Finding Hope podcast season sorting through some of the mysteries and realties of living in what often feels like a wasteland. Here is the first episode of a number of contemplations which you may find helpful in learning about and sorting through your own imperfect journey. Check it out here!

Take a moment and list the aspects of imperfection you have experienced in your life. √ Where you have been overtaken by fear. √ When you have felt hopeless. √ Your greatest triumphs. √ Your greatest disappointments.

Jesus is with us through all imperfection and chaos. Here are a few thoughts for you to use to reflect.

Hebrews 13:5 √ What about Jesus makes Him enough? √ Check out Deuteronomy 31:6 and Joshua 1:5 for why we can count on Him!

Matthew 28:19,20 √ What authority is being spoken of here? √ What does being "with" us entail?

John 8:51; 10:28 √ What is the staying power mentioned here? √ How secure are those who are Jesus' friends?

Matthew 11:28-30 √ How does friendship impact our personal turbulence?

Revelation 21:5 √ What does this mean and in what way can I count on it?

You may also wish to consider Psalm 6/Backstroke In Tears.

Chaos and pain are a given. Sometimes self-inflicted and often brought about by circumstances or other times the choices of others. Diving deep into chaos and order and human turbulence can be good for the mind - and the heart!

Dave and Burnadette

More: Diving Deeper into Imperfection's Roots A Song of Comfort in Reality

Jesus is our Savior, Healer, and Friend. He alone can restore the access of honor we need to reconnect with Creator God. Let's follow part of this thread!

"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. This I command you, that you love one another." John 15:12-17

I can remember a few songs from my childhood as a little Lutheran (confirmed by the skin of my teeth). This one always stuck. Carrying weights. Bringing hope. Giving peace.

"What a friend we have in Jesus. All our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer. O what peace we often forfeit. O what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry. Everything to God in prayer"

"Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged - Take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful - Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness - Take it to the Lord in prayer" "Are we weak and heavy-laden, 'Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge — Take it to the Lord in prayer. Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer. In His arms He'll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there" Despite the thou's and thee's I find this song to have spiritual meaning to me. In my life I have learned to talk to God about everything, even though this has been an unfolding learning process. I am so glad He has plenty of time on His hands :) Perhaps one goals of life is cultivating a reflective journey where we have learned to give our "trials, temptations, and troubles" to the One who sees us. I am counting on my friendship with Jesus. This is why I try to "do what He tells me to do." It is so cool that I am not on a journey of perfection but one of humility. This is the story process of every character in the Bible, including Jesus:

"In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission." Hebrews 5:7

A crashing note: "You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." James 4:4

√ How is your Jesus friendship? √ In what ways does it eclipse friendship with the world? √ How have you been able to share your weights with Jesus? √ In what ways would you say you have an honorable friendship with Him?

A final thought from Matthew 11: "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Peace with our Friend, friend! Dave and Burnadette

More: Kingdom Friends A Friendship Heart

Healing is a curious concept with many opinions on the what, how, and why. A survey of known history makes it quite clear that no one healed like Jesus did. Even within all of the other religions of antiquity there is no one like Him, and some religious healer's miracles were pretty lame.

Jesus, however, did nothing in a corner. He was transparent and prolific. And those who witnessed what He did were not all His fans. In fact, the most zealous religionists of history do not measure up to the scribes and pharisees who were capable and willing to go to great lengths to discredit or stop Jesus. Just as there are today.

You will need to investigate for yourself whether or not Jesus was an authentic healer - a reverser of maladies and curses. Did the thirty plus recorded miracles actually happen or are they merely a concocted series of stories? And this was just the tip of the spear. "But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the news around, to such an extent that Jesus could no longer publicly enter a city, but stayed out in unpopulated areas; and they were coming to Him from everywhere." (Mark 1:45) Jesus was an explosion the likes of which the world had never seen!

Next we must pursue the thread from the God Story where Jesus still heals men, women, and children from every decade, century, and people group. Is He this influential? Does His power extend to the souls and bodies of any and all of mankind? Was His purpose in coming to earth merely to heal bodies - or to save and heal souls? We think this is the greatest question of all time.

Once you have decided that Jesus really was and is a healer of souls it is time to personally experience Him deeply.

√ If you feel you are stuck - He can help.

√ If you feel you are worthless - He can restore your value and your identity.

√ If you are pressed down and smothered - He can set you free.

√ If you are captivated by fear and the weights of your life - He is there for you.

We extend this conversation into the two links below - which unfold much more on this unique power that has been experienced by so many.

Peace friend! Dave and Burnadette

More: Jesus As Healer Jesus As Healer 2

Everyone operates from a home base. Our upbringing. Our experiences. Our choices. Even factors made on our behalf by others. Through all of this we build our home base. Scientifically we apply what we see and learn. Philosophical we land on what we have wrestled with in our lives - positively and negatively. And to the degree we have encountered and contemplated faith we solidify our beliefs. Or not.

We have pondered this through the years, and often with each turning of a new year we have reset ourselves to sift through what has unfolded and what we hope - and the things we are committed to for the days ahead. It is a very imperfect process, but the reset always brings us one or more degrees of focus from our core - and into our home base.

Choosing to represent ourselves accurately and honestly can be helpful as we assess our progress on the journey. It can allow for an informed and sincere refocusing and choices which add up with solid "vision".

Our calculus and direction Many speak of vision but we have learned to ask what principles are guiding our choices? What is it we want to accomplish? What will bring us a satisfied mind? What am I doing this moment and how will it impact the desire of my heart?

Investment in our relationships Living for what we can give others rather than merely what we can get from them is an amazingly different way to live. Family. Friends. Co-workers. Neighbors. Like-minded companions.

Expenditures of our time Someone has said "Time is like a flowing river. Our best choices involve scooping up buckets of time and watering things which will not go away." God and people are eternal. Everything else is a vapor.

There is both an audio and video recording for you to choose from on a subject worth contemplating. After all, who wants to spend our life climbing a wall only to find we have been climbing the wrong wall?!

Dave and Burnadette Doing our best to live under His wings!

More on principled living

One deep question for life seekers: "what does connection with God look like?" For years authors have pondered this, scientifically, philosophically, and through the optics of faith. For Moses it was all about shelter. Check out Psalm 90.

A Prayer of Moses, the man of God. "Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were born or You gave birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.

You turn man back into dust and say, "Return, O children of men." For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it passes by, or as a watch in the night. You have swept them away like a flood and they fall asleep. In the morning they are like grass which sprouts again - in the morning it flourishes and sprouts and toward evening it fades and withers away.

For we have been consumed by Your anger and by Your wrath we have been dismayed. You have placed our iniquities before You and our secret sins in the light of Your presence. For all our days have declined in Your fury and we have finished our years like a sigh. As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years, yet their pride amounts only to labor and sorrow. For soon it is gone and we fly away.

Who understands the power of Your anger and Your fury, according to the fear that is due You? So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. Do return, O Lord; how long will it be? And be sorry for Your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad according to the days You have afflicted us, and the years we have seen evil.

Let Your work appear to Your servants and Your majesty to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us and confirm for us the work of our hands. Yes, confirm the work of our hands.

A Psalm of David/Psalm 61For the choir director on a stringed instrument.

"Hear my cry, O God; give heed to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy. Let me dwell in Your tent forever; let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah (I lift this up).

For You have heard my vows, O God; You have given me the inheritance of those who fear Your name. You will prolong the king's life; his years will be as many generations. He will abide before God forever; appoint lovingkindness and truth that they may preserve him. So I will sing praise to Your name forever, that I may pay my vows day by day."

David understood a number of things about his connection to His King.

√ Stability comes from a higher place.

√ True shelter is forever.

√ Living in God's tent is a choice - and a blessing for this life and the one to come.

√ For David it was a connection of heart, mind, and soul.

Connection Questions: - When and how have you felt most connected to your Creator? - What brings this kind of connection for you? - Do you feel you have come to trust God for your welfare? - In what ways does fear challenge you? Where does Jesus fit into your God connection?

John 17 is a Son-to-Father connection conversation. Take the time to check it out. What was it that Jesus wanted for His children?

Headed where we belong! Dave and Burnadette Storiesofshelter.com

More: A Shelter Life Shelter Conversation