http://www.streamingfaith.com/prayer/devotionals/ en matt@synctous.com Copyright 2012 2012-05-23T07:00:58+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/choosing-a-good-name/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/choosing-a-good-name/#When:06:00:41Z One thing that we know about God from the scriptures is that He’s a family guy-- when He finds someone who will honor relationship with Him, He sets up a covenant with that individual and in the very next breath starts laying out a plan and purpose for their seed for generations to come. As long as that person remained loyal to God, God honored His end of the deal. Two examples of this principle are the lives of Saul and David. Take a look at Saul’s life: When the prophet Samuel told Saul that he would be… The Fear Of The Lord 2012-05-22T06:00:41+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/untapped-resource/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/untapped-resource/#When:06:00:18Z One weekend as a friend and I were about to take a trip to a city that neither one of us had been to, I called him to ask if he had a GPS in his car. I wanted to be prepared. He said "No, I just use my phone..." Knowing that he had the same phone model that I had and thinking that it was an added feature or upgrade I quipped, "Isn't that expensive?" With one of those sarcastic laughs, he said, "You already pay for it. It's in your package..." As you can imagine, after… God's Guidance 2012-05-21T06:00:18+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/right-thing-wrong-way/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/right-thing-wrong-way/#When:06:00:58Z Now, what happened here?  Was it the right thing for King David to bring The Ark of The Covenant back to Israel?  Of course, God and His Presence was always supposed to be in Israel.  So, why did Uzza die for just trying to steady The Ark?  BECAUSE THEY WERE DOING THE RIGHT THING, THE WRONG WAY!   God had instructed His People the only way to transport His Presence in The Ark and David, the Church Leaders and all of the people were carrying The Ark THE WAY THEIR ENEMIES HAD IN THE PAST – The Philistines! (See… God's Guidance 2012-05-20T06:00:58+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/trust-gods-directives/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/trust-gods-directives/#When:06:00:48Z When the group before mine returned, they were covered in dirt from head to toe. It was at that moment that I asked myself, “What have I gotten myself into today?” The group leaders put us in groups based on our previous riding experience and then gave us a quick overview on how to handle the 4-wheeler. The one thing that stood out in my head was, “if you allow it, the - wheeler will take control of you and go where it wants to go – you have to put your strength into maintaining the path you desire.… God's Guidance 2012-05-19T06:00:48+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/order-my-steps-and-guide-my-socks/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/order-my-steps-and-guide-my-socks/#When:06:00:01Z One recent morning, I put on some warm, fuzzy purple socks to pounce around the house in. I wore slip on heels to work that day and totally forgot to take off the socks. About halfway to work, I happened to glance down, and I almost stopped the car as I noticed my purple socks—glaring. So I thought, “I’ll just stop by Walgreen’s and get some knee-highs.” Driving down the street rocking my praise, I hastily turned into what I thought was the driveway for Walgreen’s. Instead, it was a closed restaurant. Just as I was about to drive… God's Guidance 2012-05-18T06:00:01+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/one-way-or-another/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/one-way-or-another/#When:06:00:36Z See, a very long time ago, God in His wonderful Wisdom decided to write His Words, His Guidance, His Ways, His Covenant through mankind in a Book, we call The Bible.  In IT He graciously left for us the Operational Procedures, Manual of Life, Instructional Manual or what you may entitle it, for us to live by.  He let us know in this Book about His responsibilities, His wishes, His Character, His Promises . . . EVERYTHING we would need to know to operate down here on planet earth.  But just like many of us who get a new… God's Guidance 2012-05-17T06:00:36+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/not-my-way-but-your-way/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/not-my-way-but-your-way/#When:06:00:27Z Solomon knew best, when He said He wanted the wisdom of God first, before he asked for anything else (2 Chronicles 1:7-12). Pride is the very thing that will keep us from moving ahead in the will of God. Wanting to control every situation based on your own understanding will keep you from receiving better. Trusting in the Lord with all you got will get you to the higher levels you desire.  Most importantly what He desires for you. Leaning not to your own understanding, but trusting Him instead, will take you to levels you never dreamed of.… God's Guidance 2012-05-16T06:00:27+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/following-and-worshiping-the-leader/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/following-and-worshiping-the-leader/#When:06:00:20Z On this daily spiritual journey, we are not the leader, but the follower.  ”The LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, says: I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is good and leads you along the paths you should follow."  (Isaiah 48:17, NLT).  God is always in front, preparing the way.  He wants to do the leading, guiding, and directing of his children to where he wants them to go and what he wants them to do.  For someone reading this, God knows what is best for you.   The path may not always… God's Guidance 2012-05-15T06:00:20+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/advise-me/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/advise-me/#When:06:00:12Z Therefore, they had witnessed firsthand the wisdom of God flow through Rehoboam’s father, King Solomon.  They had been eyewitnesses to the ways that wisdom could bring peace and prosperity to a King, a Kingdom and a Nation.  But what did the son of Solomon do?  He turned to the young men that he grew up with, his fellow classmates, if you will.  Rehoboam decided to take the advice of those who had no experience in the arena that he was needing counsel from.   And the young men gave him advice that was prideful and full of arrogance.  … God's Guidance 2012-05-14T06:00:12+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/the-mixing-bowl/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/the-mixing-bowl/#When:06:00:19Z I have seen “The don’t ask, do tell mom”. Something’s kids just don’t have to know. If you asking, you must planned to do something about it (giggles). You ate what was there and dare not complain. The mothers I have seen are hardworking and determined to make things happen. The mothers I know knew the meaning of sacrifice. However, no mother is perfect. Women have issues all of their own. Often time mothers are going through struggles without notice. Some mothers know how to grin and bear, while others may not be as strong. Some release their frustrations… Mothers 2012-05-13T06:00:19+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/celebrate-mothers-today/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/celebrate-mothers-today/#When:06:00:51Z As we honor those formed from the feminine/maternal side of God’s heart—who carried us in the womb, nurtured us, fed us, walked the floor with us through feverish nights, clothed us, taught us, corrected us, worried over us, prayed for us, and loved us unconditionally—we command a collective blessing on all of you, offering up thanks and praise for your contribution to our lives and to the world! Mothers, Grandmothers, Great-Grandmothers, Step-Mothers, Mothers-In-Law, and women who have been supernaturally placed in our lives as Mother-Figures (“Treat the older women as mothers…” – 1 Timothy 5:2)…you’re all important, and we… Mothers 2012-05-12T06:00:51+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/the-embodiment-of-virtue/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/the-embodiment-of-virtue/#When:06:00:55Z Notice first, the narrator’s brilliant use of the word “find” in the opening sentence—Who can find a virtuous woman? (Proverbs 31:10). At first glance, it appears as though the author is inferring to a search or discovery in terms of locality. However, the very next sentence gives a proclamation of this woman’s worth, comparing it to one of the rarest jewels—rubies. Worth mentioning is the fact that gemologists assert the ruby is a hundred times rarer than a fine diamond. Now, that’s rare!  Taken together, it is a direct indication that the author is not at all concerned… Mothers 2012-05-11T06:00:55+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/what-side-are-you-on/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/what-side-are-you-on/#When:06:00:26Z We, The Church will come back to earth after the Rapture and after being with The Lord for those seven years; we will rule and reign where . . . IN ISRAEL!   The Bible was written by The Holy Spirit through Jewish people!  If you are a Believer, then a Jewish God lives in you!   All that we have and are as Christians we owe to God and His People, Israel!   How long will the ones of us who have greatly benefited from Israel and Her People, turn our backs and eyes away from Her… Mothers 2012-05-10T06:00:26+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/lessons-from-a-child/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/lessons-from-a-child/#When:06:00:00Z Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather in barns; yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:25-26  God tells us not to worry about our needs being met, for He is in control. Yet many of us are constantly worried about bills being paid, our jobs… Mothers 2012-05-09T06:00:00+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/the-woman-who-touched-heaven/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/the-woman-who-touched-heaven/#When:06:00:06Z Day after day she prepared for the prophet’s arrival. She was ‘great’ or ‘wealthy’ by earthly standards, but her true joy was contained in serving this humble, itinerant stranger. He was no longer just a passing visitor; he had been adopted as a vital member of her family. She delighted in the realization that God had blessed her by choosing her to host His humble manservant.   But she was dealing with something; something unresolved deep within her. She was childless. You see, up until this point in her story, the Shunammite woman had never had the pleasure… Mothers 2012-05-08T06:00:06+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/faith-like-mamas/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/faith-like-mamas/#When:06:00:00Z Her faith was so profound and strong.  One example was when she prayed, trusted, believed, and waited on God for thirty years for my father’s salvation.  I actually saw this process happen.  I did not know her faith was being passed down to me and I was being prepared for my faith as a young woman.  One of my prayers was that God would save my Daddy before I got married, and he did.   There is a young man in the Bible, Timothy, Apostle Paul’s son in ministry.  His mother Eunice imparted the character of faithfulness in… Mothers 2012-05-07T06:00:00+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/trust-and-you-wont-be-crushed/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/trust-and-you-wont-be-crushed/#When:06:00:56Z There hadn't even been time to be scared, much less avoid the impact. How long had I been unconscious? Someone had already stood up our motorcycle, and a couple of men were looking through the tour pack for some ID. I could see out the corner of my eye that Dana was lying about 10 feet away from me, but I couldn't hear him speak and I couldn't see if he was moving. People standing over us were saying things that indicated to me that we were both bad off.  At first I couldn't even talk, and it… The Wisdom Of God 2012-05-06T06:00:56+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/some-wisdom-please/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/some-wisdom-please/#When:06:00:56Z So how do we get this so valuable commodity that we are all in search of in our lives?  God shows us in His Word a precious clue.  He tells us that reverential and worshipful fear of the Lord--that is Wisdom.  God does not want us to be afraid of Him!  And we know that fear can also mean to WORRY.  When you look up the word fear you find worry right in the midst of it.  Worry is a concern about something that threatens to bring bad news or results.  God does NOT WANT US TO BE AFRAID… The Wisdom Of God 2012-05-05T06:00:56+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/the-best-teacher/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/the-best-teacher/#When:06:00:10Z So, with all of these questions (and more) swirling around in my head, I did the only logical thing to do next.  I opened my Bible software and went on a diligent study to see what God would say about this. In my study, I came across 1 Corinthians 10: 11-12.  The Message Translation shares, “These are all warning markers—danger!—in our history books, written down so that we don't repeat their mistakes. Our positions in the story are parallel—they at the beginning, we at the end—and we are just as capable of messing it up as they were.… The Wisdom Of God 2012-05-04T06:00:10+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/just-as-god-accepts-worship-he-rejects-it-as-well/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/just-as-god-accepts-worship-he-rejects-it-as-well/#When:06:00:48Z Often when we come before him to worship, we know how to do it.  Prayer, the lifting of hands, singing of songs, bowing down on our knees and all of that, assuming that God is receiving and accepting it.  You will find this was going on big time in the book of the prophet Isaiah.  They were going through the motions, but still doing things on the side.  "We're giving him his worship anyway, he shouldn't mind!"  God did mind and told them, "I am sick of your sacrifices,” says the LORD.  “Don't bring me any more burnt offerings!… The Wisdom Of God 2012-05-03T06:00:48+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/gods-wisdom-trumps-all/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/gods-wisdom-trumps-all/#When:06:00:55Z You whined. You pouted. You told all your friends how your parents just didn’t understand. Or how they were old fashioned and not up on the current times. You constantly said how you couldn’t wait until you got older, moved out and got to make your own decisions and do whatever you wanted to do. So you got older and moved out.  Maybe  5, 10 sometimes 20 years later you had the “ah-ha” moment when it becomes crystal clear why your parents said no to certain things. Or why they made you do things that you really didn’t… The Wisdom Of God 2012-05-02T06:00:55+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/even-in-the-small-things/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/even-in-the-small-things/#When:06:00:15Z In the Book of Exodus, Moses is given the task of leading the Israelites out of Egypt and being a prophet unto them, reacquainting them with the principles of their God. Embedded within his mandate was the construction of the tabernacle where the people would meet with God in worship. The building of the tabernacle was not a light task. It had certain divine specifications that had to be met in order to fulfill God’s vision for His designated place of meeting. As a result, God handpicked the workmen. Yes, that’s right, He picked each man Himself and placed… The Wisdom Of God 2012-05-01T06:00:15+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/no-not-pride/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/no-not-pride/#When:06:00:01Z Have you ever heard another believer boast?  The word clearly tells us how to do it.  But, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”  For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.  (2 Corinthians 10:17-18, NIV).  During times with the Lord, my prayer on a consistent basis is “Lord, don’t let this ugly thing creep up in my heart and life.”  Sometimes as Christians it can be there and we don’t even realize it.  We have to come to the place where we don’t mind saying and… Unity In The Body Of Christ 2012-04-30T06:00:01+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/on-one-accord/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/on-one-accord/#When:06:00:32Z We are to help those who are in need and are in lack. This is what unity is. This is what God wants for His children. We are to get along and love one another with the love of The Father. How can we do Kingdom things when we are not living a Kingdom life? God wants us to have the mind of Christ. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5).  Kingdom minds have Kingdom agendas and are able to accomplish The Kingdom of God successfully on this earth.  Remember God… Unity In The Body Of Christ 2012-04-29T06:00:32+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/spiritual-camaraderie/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/spiritual-camaraderie/#When:06:00:13Z From the beginning of time – literally – jealousy has led to division between brothers. Case in point: Cain and Abel. When God asked Cain for his brother, after he’d murdered Abel in cold blood, Cain responded, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Gen. 4:9) The answer to that, dear Cain, is a resounding “Yes.” We are our brother’s/sister’s keeper, and as such, a level of accountability should exist between us and our brethren.  It is common knowledge that in the army, they hold the philosophy that no man should be left behind. Therefore, if someone gets wounded in… Unity In The Body Of Christ 2012-04-28T06:00:13+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/walk-in-your-ministry-and-call/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/walk-in-your-ministry-and-call/#When:06:00:41Z In 1st Corinthians Chapter 12, the Apostle Paul teaches that we together are Christ’s body and that we each have a different work to do.  Now you [collectively] are Christ’s body and [individually] you are members of it, each part severally and distinct [each with his own place and function].  (1 Corinthians 12:27, AMP).  Just as a person’s ministry and call plays an important role in the body of Christ, it can also be used as a tool to reach those outside of the body who don’t know Christ and those who are in need.  We have to constantly… The Church 2012-04-27T06:00:41+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/our-church/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/our-church/#When:06:00:57Z The Church (globally) was designed to be the total opposite.  The Church was not established for us or even centered on us.  Quite contrary, our push, toil, and sacrifices for The Church should be much larger than our own preferences, tastes, and views. When The Church was founded we were provided with a clear understanding of Who the focus should be on.  In Matthew 16:18 Jesus announces, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (KJV)”… Unity In The Body Of Christ 2012-04-26T06:00:57+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/yada-yada-yada/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/yada-yada-yada/#When:06:00:19Z The Hebrew word for this kind of intimacy is YADA. It is found in Genesis when speaking of Adam and Eve's consummation. It is also mentioned in Nahum 1:7- "The Lord is good, a Strength and Stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows (recognizes, has knowledge of, and understands) those who take refuge  and  trust in Him." (Nahum 1:7 AMP) Maybe you've heard the phrase "Yada, yada, yada", which generally means "so on and so forth". It's a casual saying that's thrown around without much thought. Well, our English use of this word couldn't be farther from… Time Alone With God 2012-04-25T06:00:19+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/he-is-a-genius/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/he-is-a-genius/#When:06:00:02Z When Jesus died on the Cross, the veil was ripped in The Temple that separated man and the Ark that had The Presence of God in it. The ARK of The Covenant, or The CONTAINER of God’s Presence was now unrestricted, God was able now to not just be with one man, one time a year, He was now able to be WITH and IN HIS PEOPLE!  He was now able to be mobile again within His People!  And He was no longer confined to ONE CONTAINER or ARK, The New Covenant allowed Him to be IN MANY PEOPLE,… The Importance Of Worship 2012-04-24T06:00:02+00:00 http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/the-church-has-my-vote/ http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/the-church-has-my-vote/#When:06:00:06Z But I’m committed to the church.  You may ask why?  If I’ve seen all of that – why in the world would I sell out to this organization and be willing to serve it until my last days?   That’s a good question and I’m willing to give you a straight-forward answer.  First, let me tell you what else I’ve seen. I’ve seen church members that take their faith serious and walk that out in their daily lives.  I’ve seen Pastors have such an encounter with God that they live what they preach.  I’ve seen choir members… The Church 2012-04-23T06:00:06+00:00