All 150 Psalms bring both unique and in-common connections for our relationship with our King. Most are written by King David, as well as sons of Korah and assorted others. Even Moses had his own "song" (Psalm 90 - pretty cool). All of the Psalms were musical and designed for praising God and teaching the people about His ways. Hint: they sounded quite different than what most of us are used to!

Psalm 1 is truly a big picture preview of all the Psalms. It provides perhaps one of the greatest contrasts in life - let's take a look.

Escaping the way of arrogance: "How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers." We are encouraged to pursue a road less traveled, avoiding the advice and example of people who choose bad counsel or live in the pain and emptiness they cause. This results in "scoffing" where we consider ourselves superior to others and unaccountable to God for anything.

The Rx: "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night." Instead we are offered the path of peace which comes from obedience. By being taken with all things God we exchange scoffing for delight, and a lifestyle of contemplating rich life rather than ultimate futility.

The Result: "He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers." Deep roots. Lasting fruit. A life of lasting honor rather than empty weakness.

The Contrast: "The wicked are not so, but they are like chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." No substance. No joy. Only self-gratification. Limitation of the mind, soul, and spirit.

It is difficult to assign wickedness to any soul - yet this is part of the black and white view the Lord God teaches. Jesus spends much time exposing the nature of goodness and how it originates from God Himself:

"As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments, 'Do not murder, do not commit murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not defraud, honor your father and mother. And he said to Him, "Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up." Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, "One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property." Mark 10:17-22

What this means is those who are firmly planted find expansive ways for growing life. Hence - deep roots in what and Who is Good. Conversely the wicked have shallow roots and bear fleeting fruit.

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell — and great was its fall." Matthew 7:24-27

Being firmly planted is satisfying and productive and provides enduring growth - beyond this life and into the life to come!

Selah! Dave and Burnadette

More: Garden to Garden My Intentional Life

I get a kick out of Psalm 2. Hundreds of years before Jesus appeared in Israel King David was receiving in-depth imagery of who the Savior of the world would be. In fact, David was a "type" of the Kingship and forever reign of Jesus the Son, and in Him David was told he would find immortality. What a promise!

"Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever." In accordance with all these words and all this vision, so Nathan spoke to David.

"Then David the king went in and sat before the LORD, and he said, "Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far? And yet this was insignificant in Your eyes, O Lord GOD, for You have spoken also of the house of Your servant concerning the distant future. And this is the custom of man, O Lord God. Again what more can David say to You? For You know Your servant, O Lord God! For the sake of Your word, and according to Your own heart, You have done all this greatness to let Your servant know." 2 Samuel 7:16-21

We note several things from Psalm 2.

First, mankind is in opposition to God. We do all we can to throw off the limitation of the rule of our King. (1-3)

When you have been scorned by Your created ones, those made in Your image, He laughs, scoffs, and is insulted beyond anything we can imagine. (4-6)

Notice the connectors between His Anointed (2), His Kingship (6), and His Sonship (7). These are "decrees" of God Most High and as such will come to pass.

Now He gives His proclamation to every king and every subject who has ever lived (10-12).

His closing advice is to "kiss the Son." It literally means to bow before His authority. This is the only escape of any of mankind. Humility is the Door into Jesus and His Kingdom.

THE BEATITUDES You are no doubt familiar with the so-called "be-attitudes" in Matthew 5. Certainly Jesus taught this many times during His three to four year public mission. It needs to be considered the way it was written - as a progression. Let's take a look.

He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,

1 (vs 3) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

2 (vs 4) Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

3 (vs 5) Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

4 (vs 6) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

5 (vs 7) Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

6 (vs 8) Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

7 (vs 9) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Jesus goes on to teach us about being persecuted and insulted, the salt of the earth, and the light of the world. (another progression?) He then spends several paragraphs explaining the Law of Moses' relationship to His law (5:17-48).

How does one embrace the Son? Consider Him. Recognize Who He is. Bow our will before Him.

Beautiful but difficult for sure. Dave and Burnadette

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. We offer You our spirit, soul and body, our heart, mind, conscience, and 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 my intercessors and allies.

A Song Waking Up Knowing Jesus

We are very earthbound. We come from the dust and will return to the dust. We live based upon what we see. We were made from the earth because we were made for the earth. It is our nature. But because of the fall of Adam and Eve we have lost the ability (or desire) to "walk with God in the cool of the day."

"They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. Then the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, "Where are you?" He said, "I heard the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself." And He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?" The man said, "The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate." Then the Lord God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" And the woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." Genesis 3:8-13

The implications of this are sweeping. Our connection with our Creator has been ruined and left us in darkness, separated from the light. There is only one solution. We must choose to return to honor. Adam and Eve dishonored God. Jesus honored Him fully. Jesus makes the path clear for us:

"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." John 15:12-14

Friendship IS honor. We reverse the curse when we choose to be a friend of God. Make sense? So what does this look like? We turn to Psalm 3 for one of the God Story's many snapshots of this. Here David is being betrayed by his son who is very dear to him - so this Psalm comes out of a very real life challenge.

A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.

THE CHALLENGE"O Lord, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me and many are saying of my soul, "There is no deliverance for him in God." Selah (I lift this up).

DAVID'S RESPONSE But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. I was crying to the Lord with my voice, and He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah (I lift this up). I lay down and slept and then I awoke, for the Lord sustains me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me - even gathered all around me.

DAVID'S REQUEST Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheek and You have shattered the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongs to the Lord. Your blessing be upon Your people! Selah." (I lift this up)

David is a "type" of Christ. His triumphs reflect Jesus' victories. His sufferings pre-reflect Jesus' sufferings. His reliance upon God for justice illuminates so many of Jesus' choices. Remember what He said:

"And behold, one of those who were with Jesus reached and drew out his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? How then will the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way?" At that time Jesus said to the crowds, "Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would against a robber? Every day I used to sit in the temple teaching and you did not seize Me. But all this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures of the prophets." Then all the disciples left Him and fled." Matthew 26:51-56

This thread from the God Story reveals how we are to respond to the challenges in our own lives. Will we rely on ourselves, or upon the God Who sees?

√ What are your past and current challenges? √ What are your man responses? Your God responses? √ What are your requests of God? √ What were the things Jesus asked in the face of His undeserved suffering?

Who lifts your head? Worth considering, right? Dave and Burnadette

God of all that exists, thank You for choosing us before You made the world. We renounce the claim the father of lies has upon us, and fully embrace our identity as Your returned lost son and daughter. Just as the Lord Jesus Christ is one with You Father, we are hidden in Christ in You. Thank You for including us in Him, for forgiving my sins, for clothing us in His righteousness, and for making us complete in Him. Thank You for making us alive together in Christ, raising us with Him, and seating us at Your right hand with Him. Thank you for establishing us under the wings of Your authority, anointing us with Your love, Your Spirit, and Your Kingdom. We bring the life and work and words of the Lord Jesus Christ over our home, our family, our household - throughout all our kingdom and domain under our authority - we place everything under Your righteous and powerful hand.

More: The Sufferings of Jesus A Warrior Song

King David had an incredibly special relationship with the words of God. He spoke them. He sang them. He celebrated them and lived by them. Whether recounting the wonders of creation or the ancient writings of the Hebrew people (Torah), David knew his Creator through what had and was being revealed. It is no wonder King David is the second-most Messianic figure in human history, surpassed only by Jesus, the Son of Man. Whether through nature, the Word of God, or in the face of God's Son - David connected with the voice of God!

What kind of speech IS being heard?! What does this teach us about how God speaks? What is the nature and the lengths of His Voice?

For the choir director. A Psalm of David.

"The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, and night after night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor are there words - no voice is heard.

This voice circles the earth, and the deep words to the end of the world. In them He has placed a tent for the sun, which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; it rejoices as a strong man to run his life course. Its rising is from one end of the heavens, and its circuit to the other end of them; and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

√ The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; (How does this happen and what does a restored soul look like?)

√ The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. (Simple could be translated those who are so open-minded our brains leak out." - have you ever felt or observed this?)

√ The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; (the reasoning of the Lord is straight - leading to deep joy in the inner man)

√ The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. (the "charge" of the Lord is right resulting in darkness becoming light)

√ The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; (respectful reverence for God is cleansing, standing forever)

√ The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. (the pure governance of God is completely good)

They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.

This is the value to me - wow! Warning AND reward.

Moreover, by them (His Law) Your servant is warned and in keeping them there is great reward:........ Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults........ Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins; Let them not rule over me; then I will be free and complete, and I shall be cleaned of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer."

To talk About Today:

"And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14 This is the face of God!

1 John 1:1-10 - The 20 year old John and the 90 year old John - The depth of what they saw and even touched

"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 became visible, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made visible to us — what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is shared with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete.

"This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us." 1 John 1:1-10

Dear Creator Father, Lamb of God Jesus, and Holy Spirit of grace and truth, only You are worthy of our whole-hearted allegiance. We love You. We worship You. You are the Giver of life and all that is Good. You are our life. We renounce all false gods and idols, and we proclaim You as sole Ruler of our existence. Our story is Your Story. In You we live and move and exist, and we will return to You intact because of the work of Jesus Christ. We ask Your forgiveness for every sin, and we renounce both the act and power of our sins. Search us and know us and reveal Your work to us: Your healing, Your deliverance, Your holiness, and the deep freedom of true repentance.

Give us SINGING HEARTS today O Lord God/Jeremiah 15:16

Have a great Kingdom day my friend!

Friend!

The Songs of Ascents. (Psalms 120-134)

What was a song of ascents?

During the great feasts of Israel's both Jews and converts came to the city of David from all over the world. Psalm 126 is one of these celebrating "songs" reflecting the heart of what was often a once in a lifetime pilgrimage. Thousands would ascend the temple mount (often at dusk and/or dark with torches) singing these songs of honor to the Living God. They would bring their offerings and sing their hearts out to their King. Because the Temple stood on a hill in the city it could literally be seen for miles - wow! Imagine the heart spectacle.

Psalm 126"When the LORD brought back the captive ones of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongues with joyful shouts! Then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." The LORD has done great things for us. We are glad!

Restore us from our captivity, O LORD, as the streams that flow in the South. Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes back and forth weeping, carrying and spreading his bag of seed, shall indeed return with a shout of joy, bringing his harvest with him."

This is the promise to the captive ones - those who have suffered in this world and have chosen to place ourselves in the hand of the King of heaven: "A shout of joy and a great life harvest!"

THE KINGDOM - MATTHEW 13:36

(Jesus is alone with His own - where the weeds were indistinguishable from the wheat crop)

"When He left the crowds and went into the house His disciples came to Him and said, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field." And He said, "The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, and the field is the world; and as for the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the weeds are the sons of the evil one; and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels. So just as the weeds are gathered up and burned with fire, so shall it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks, and those who commit lawlessness, and will throw them into the furnace of fire. In that place there will be weeping and painful gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine out as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea, and gathering fish of every kind; and when it was filled, they drew it up on the beach; and they sat down and gathered the good fish into containers, but the bad they threw away. So it will be at the end of the age; the angels will come out from God's throne and take out the wicked from among the righteous, and will throw them into the furnace of fire - in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

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."

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. We offer You our spirits, souls and bodies, our hearts, minds, consciences, and our 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. In Jesus Name.

Song: Dave & Burney Live/Psalm 126

What a privilege to be a "scribe" of the Kingdom!

We begin today with a great Psalm that talks about connecting with our Creator!

Psalm 24A little background on the LORD word here :) 1) I AM - see Moses when he takes off his shoes - "I Am Who I Am" YHVH holy name 2) Note Elijah when God is passing by (1 Kings 19) 3) Observe Jesus when He explains who He is to the religious leaders (John 8) 4) See the Greek word "kurios" - Jesus is Lord and Master of the earth! (the disciple's word)

"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 in deceit. 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 — even Jacob. Selah. Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up, O ancient doors, That the King of glory may come in!

Who is the King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates, and lift them up, O ancient doors, That the King of glory may come in! Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah."

So what does this Psalm tell me?!1) What does the word Selah mean? 2) What is the impact for me that God is a warrior? (pros and cons)

A Warrior Song

Let's talk: John 6:52-71

Pretty cool.

Have a peaceful day and a productive week my friend! Dave Nadler

More: Jesus Centric Connections Getting Started With Jesus Streamsbook Course

For me it has become all about connection with my spirituality. Jesus has made it clear that my spirituality is in my hands. It is all about intentionality. What is it I want, and what will it take to get me there? I do not want to be passive. I choose not to be an excuse maker. I want to be a warrior. Knowing where I want to go and willing to prepare and engage in the good fight. Consider Paul's relationship with Timothy, his "son in the faith."

"This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, 19 keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith." 1 Timothy 1:18-19

"But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." 1 Timothy 6:11,12

"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing." 2 Timothy 4:6-8

This comes from Jesus:

"So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." John 8:31-32

This is where I choose to live. But life can be so annoyingly distracting, right?

Kingdom Mornings may be helpful to you if you feel similarly. Each effort will talk about our connection with our King and His Kingdom, making us engaged and useful to His purposes through His Church. We will:

√ Consider a Psalm √ Correlate and talk about some of Jesus Words √ Offer some related links for our further meditation and pursuit √ Join in praying to our King concerning the war in which we find ourselves

Join in let me know your thoughts week by week at [email protected].

Should be fun! And I know it will be good for my heart as well.

Dave Nadler

Woven Threads Closer than a brother

"Your words were found and I ate (devoured) them, and Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I have been called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts." Jeremiah 15

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 13:52

This session will complete our journey through all of the 8 Great Epochs in the Fabric of Time. It is hard to imagine a God who is not impacted by time - because He lives above and beyond it. This means that eternity is truly unbound by time. It is certainly a different reality because of our proximity to God through Jesus. Time will become a non-impactful entity to us - something difficult to grasp.

We now consider the nature and message of the book of Revelation (pages 120-121 in the 8 Great Epochs Book). Because it is the account of Daniel's 70 week, Jesus' words integrate with additional data concerning the end of the age. More is made clear because we need more info as we draw closer. Daniel understood this in 12:4: "But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase." It is time for more knowledge, and the contents of the book of Revelation help fill this need!

We also weigh other major prophecies about the end (pages 122-123). Isaiah 49, Ezekiel 38-39, and Revelation 20 are very helpful pulling things together. We will close our consideration of Epoch 8 with a return to 2 Peter 3, where the apostle is used as a revealing instrument tying the Law, Prophets, Psalms, and the words of Jesus to the message of Revelation. It is a clear, motivating picture preparing is for what is to come. What will be our personal responses to each of these promises and fulfillments?

How will we do anything but respond in honor and gratefulness before the One Who sits upon His throne?

"After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things." Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne. And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance. Around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads. Out from the throne come flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder.

And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God; and before the throne there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal; and in the center and around the throne, four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind. The first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like that of a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle. 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 is and is to come."

And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying, worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created." - Revelation 4:1-11

"I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a book written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?" And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look into it. Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it; and one of the elders said to me, "Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals."

And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth. And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth."

Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing." And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, "To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever." And the four living creatures kept saying, "Amen." And the elders fell down and worshiped." - Revelation 5:1-14

Selah! We lift this up to the highway of praise which always flows before the throne of the Living God. Thanks for completing this journey with us, friend. There are thousands of people around us who need guidance to unlock the Words of God in order to find true freedom. Let's give them a hand!

Dave and Burnadette

Revelation 22 Song

You can find in-depth book studies for all 66 books at Fourthstream.com/Deeper.

You can contact us with questions - or concerning personal, individual or small group discipleship at [email protected].

We have taken a look at the words of Jesus about the end of this world and the beginning of the one to come. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record His explanation as He answers His disciples about the future. It must have blown their minds! John will add his thoughts when God gives him the Revelation of Jesus on the island of Patmos, which is contrasted on the pdf "An Amazing New World Begins." From Jesus' own mouth we are given the schematic for what will be – forever!

The end of the age kicks off with the fullness of times: "But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father! (Daddy)" Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, you are an heir through God." – Galatians 4:4-7

We begin with page 116 which connects Joel 2 with Acts 2, and validates the fact that ultimate promises are beginning to be fulfilled. What occurred on the Day of Pentecost (50 days after Passover/resurrection day and one of the historic major feasts of the Jews commemorating the gathering of the harvest) began an explosion of power that continues until the end of the age.

Next we sift through Daniel 9 or Daniel's 70th week – the story of the book of Revelation (page 117). We consider the construction of the message of Daniel on page 118 as well as more specifics on the 69 weeks and then the 70th (the Tribulation of the entire earth – page 119). Taken together these passages explain what will be, and give us a very sober and hopeful look into the personal future of each one of us.

It is important to recognize that being a part of the world to come means we are family, and we are secure in every respect. This is the basis of the faith of a man or woman of God. We are His – and He is ours!

"Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going." – John 14:1-4

"… and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand." – John 10::28,29

All of this sets up a consideration the nature and message of the book of Revelation (End of the Age 3/page 120-121) as well as other major prophecy about the end – found on pages 122-123.

Imagine what it would have been like to be 80 or so years old and to be sent to prison on an island to be isolated from making an impact on believers throughout the realm – and God gives you His revelation of Jesus Christ to share with others then and now. Exhilarating for John to understand the end of the age, for sure!

All of this is hanging over our heads – ready to drop at the command of the only One who has the authority to make it so!

Come quickly Lord Jesus! Maranatha

Dave and Burnadette

As with all things when interpreting God's Story, Jesus is the ultimate authority. On History. On the Law and the prophets. On the Psalms. On the Gospels and the letters. On the end of the age. We begin our consideration of the end of the age with the words of Jesus.

"Now He said to them, "These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." - Luke 24:44

Jesus describes the end of the age in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. This Amazing New World Begins pdf integrates Matthew 24 and Luke 21 to give the basic picture of what Jesus explains will be the schematic of the end. All the prophets and disciples spoke through the lens of the words of Jesus. As this teaching unfolds we recommend you consult this sheet to give structure to what Jesus said and to what will surely come.

In addition to this the book of Mark gives this same account of Jesus' interaction with His disciples as they ask about what will happen in the future. This is often called the Olivet discourse (Mark 13) because Jesus is speaking with Peter, James, and John (13:3). Jesus very clearly articulates the framework for what will be the end of the age - or Epoch 8 in your Jesus Centric quest.

So, Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 give us the words of Jesus on the end of the age. The book of Daniel previews Daniel's 7oth week (Daniel 9) which is also called the time of Jacob's trouble (Jeremiah 30). There are 69 weeks (or 69 "seven years" which make up these prophetic periods. The 69 weeks end when "Messiah the Prince" is "cut off." This is why there were upwards of thirty people claiming to be the Coming One (including Jesus), because prophecy made clear the 69 weeks were complete.

The book of Revelation (written by John the disciple of Jesus) completes the promise of this 70th week, when all things will consummate and be made new. By integrating the words of the prophets and the Psalms, based on the words of THE prophet Jesus, we are given a construction of what to be on the alert for as the end of the age comes upon us (Matthew 24:25; Mark 13:23).

In phase one of this final epoch we take care to look into the Words of Jesus, creator of the earth, and the One Who will come in and with the clouds.

"Behold He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen." - Revelation 1:7

Your Amazing New World pdf

Come quickly Lord Jesus! Dave and Burnadette