“Then the Angel of the LORD answered and said, “O LORD of hosts, how long will You not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which You were angry these seventy years?” (Zachariah 1:12)

In the book of Zechariah, God pulls back the veil as the prophet records a vision he receives from the Lord. In this image, we see the pre-incarnate Christ atop a horse in the midst of myrtle trees. This alone would be a wonderful sight to behold but what happens next is amazing! You see, as Christ is amidst the myrtles, He begins interceding on behalf of Israel. He cries out to God the Father asking for His mercy. What an amazing picture of grace. The people of Israel, with no voice of their own, see their Messiah speaking on their behalf. This amazing interaction still occurs to this day.

(Hebrews 7:25) “Therefore he (Jesus) is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.”

As we trust in Christ for forgiveness, we don’t just receive a one time stamp and then get tossed to the side to fend for ourselves. No, our King stands before the Father interceding for us. While Satan may try and accuse us, our Lord Jesus stands between him and the Father and proclaims us forgiven. What an amazing Gospel. What an amazing Lord.

“You have a great intercessor and His name is Jesus.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I praise You now because of what Jesus has done. Because He went to the cross, died and was raised again, I can have forgiveness of sins. And because of His intercession, I know that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. Armed with this Truth, may I be used to share the Gospel with others so they may know the amazing love of Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Invitation:

Jesus Christ says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him” (Revelation 3:20)

The Bible promises eternal life to all who receive Christ: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:11-13)

If you have not asked Jesus into your lifeYou can receive Jesus Christ right now by faith through prayer.

Prayer is just talking with God. He knows your heart, so don’t worry about getting your words just right. Here is a suggested prayer to guide you:

Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive you as my Saviour and Lord. Thank you for forgiving me of my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.

If you have done this, then congratulations!

(Luke 15:7) says that when one sinner accepts Jesus Christ as his or her Saviour the angels rejoice. So there’s a party going on in heaven right now over your decision! Remember this date as your “second birthday,” the day you were born into a new life in Christ! You have God’s Word that he answered your prayer.

Please take a moment to contact me at roblavallee@gmail.com, I would love to pray with you personally for this wonderful new journey you are on.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

P.O. Box 57284 Tucson, Arizona 85732

“Behold, I am against you,” says the LORD of hosts; “I will lift your skirts over your face, I will show the nations your nakedness, And the kingdoms your shame.”(Nahum 3:5)

In the last chapter of Nahum, God brings several charges against the city of Nineveh. One of these charges is their involvement in harlotry and sorcery. These two lifestyles thrive in the dark corners of society and desire to accomplish personal fulfillment with ungodliness. So what is God’s plan to punish those involved? He is simply going to expose their sinfulness to everyone.

In our own lives, I believe we fear this more than anything else. We fear the thought of being “found out”. God already knows our sins. There is nothing we can do to hide them from His perfect gaze, but there is good news. He desires to forgive us of those sins and all we need to do is be honest. When we come to God fully confessing our faults and failures to Him, He will wipe them away. On the other hand, if we try to hide our sins from Him, one day they will make it to the surface for all to see. Today, rather than hiding your sins, come to God, confess and watch as your burden is lifted. Experience the fresh forgiveness of your Heavenly Father.

“The cost of hidden sin is shame and exposure.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come to You this morning to confess my sins to You. You tell me in the Bible that if I confess to You, You will wipe away all my sins and so I come this day asking for Your forgiveness. Continue to change my heart and make me more like Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

If you are seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

P.O. Box 57284 Tucson, Arizona 8573

“For it makes no difference whether or not a man has been circumcised. The important thing is to keep God’s commandments.” (1 Corinthians 7:19)

We all have unique talents and abilities that God wants to use for His glory. Your act of love for God is expressed when you serve and keep His commandments. Don’t be dissatisfied with your giftings, but obey God and walk in them.

Serving God with your gifts and obeying His commandments should be a high priority in the life of the believer. This is not to say that you are under the law, but because of His amazing love for you, you can respond in love by serving others with your talents. While you are not trying to earn your righteousness, you should desire to be obedient to Him. Not because you are earning your salvation, but because you love Him.

(1 John 5:2-3) “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.”

You are to love God with all of your heart, soul and mind (Matthew 22:37). Serving and obeying God should not be burdensome because He loved you first. When I bring a gift to my wife, I do not do so because I am married. I do this out of love. In the same way, show your love and affection for God by being committed to witness, read the Bible, pray and love others.

Do you express your love to God by serving Him and others? Remember how God told us to discover a life worth living? Feel safe and secure in the arms of God’s redeeming power and undeniable love. Step out in obedience to Him and share the hope and love of God to this cold, dark world that does not have anything worth living for and sure does not offer anything worth dying for.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your love that sets me free when I ask you to forgive me of my sins. Thank You for allowing me to come to You. I thank You for the talents and abilities You have given to me. Forgive me where I have envied someone else’s gifts while neglecting to use my own gifts. Help me to be grateful for the call You have for my life so that I can discover purpose and meaning the way You intended. Lord, thank You for Your patience with me. Help me bring hope to a lost and dying world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

If you are seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

P.O. Box 57284 Tucson, Arizona 85732

 

“Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Let your hands be strong, You who have been hearing in these days These words by the mouth of the prophets, Who spoke in the day the foundation was laid For the house of the LORD of hosts, That the temple might be built.” (Zachariah 8:9)

When the world is looking for strength in a person, the ones that come to mind are our military professionals, athletes or well known CEOs who exhibit power and endurance. These men and women work hard to push through and accomplish their goals. Granted we can learn from those who have done these things, yet God points us in a different direction when we are looking for strength. In Zechariah chapter 8, God tells Israel to “let your hands be strong,” but He does not just leave it at that. He points them to the source of their power.

“These words by the mouth of the prophets,”

God, in essence, is telling Israel to be strong because He has spoken promises over His people that can be trusted. When they face difficulty in rebuilding the temple or face trials from other nations, they can be strong because God said that He would one day bless them in a mighty way. This is great for Israel to hear, and yet this Truth is the same for us. Throughout the Scriptures, God has spoken promises over us. Each one can be held on to with complete confidence that it will come to pass, because they are the words of a God who cannot lie. These promises from God are to be trusted above our emotions, above our circumstances and above the wisdom of the world. These words from the Lord will drastically change our lives – if we believe them with all our heart and trust in the One who spoke them.

“When we are weak and hurting, Our strength is found in the Word of God.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I praise You today for the power of Your Word to change my life. Thank You for the promises of Scripture that are for my good. Thank You for the corrections in the Bible that help me to become more like Jesus. Teach me to trust in each one more and more each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

If you are seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

P.O. Box 57284 Tucson, Arizona 85732

“On the third day, we threw the ship’s tackle overboard with our own hands.” (Acts 27:19)

Did you know that ships have a line drawn along the hull to indicate their burden? If the line goes too far beneath the water, the sailors know there is too much cargo on board. This allows the sailor to take the necessary steps to avoid disaster. Wouldn’t it be great if we had indicators on us? In Acts 27, Paul, now a prisoner, was taken by ship to Rome where he and the ship’s crew encounter a mighty storm. In danger of shipwreck, the ship’s crew threw overboard the cargo they once had considered necessities. Timing and events can really change the way we look at things. We fill our lives with ‘tackle’ and ‘rigging’ that is not important to the eternal plan. Often, we get distracted by those things and cling to them rather than to God. We think… “Oh, I need this” or “I just can’t live without that,” but soon, overburdened, we hit a storm and sink.

(Hebrews 12:1) “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.”

What’s in your cargo hold? Are you carrying bitterness? Is there someone you need to forgive? Is your ship laden with shame? Are you hauling around guilt or sin?

In (Matthew 11:28-30) Jesus said “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Why carry burdens around when you don’t have to? Won’t you lay your burdens at the foot of the cross?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,  Thank You for loving me. Please forgive me for my sins and show me the burdens I carry that You want to remove. There may be things I’m not aware of that are distracting me from the best that You have for me. Please show me these things so that I can give them over to You. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

If you are seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

P.O. Box 57284 Tucson, Arizona 85732

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” (Isaiah 43:2)

On July 2nd 2016 at 6:04 AM, My mom took her final breath. Her battle had been a tough one since she had come to live with my wife and I close to 4 years ago.

I never minded taking care of my mom, I looked forward to expressing my love and gratitude any way possible. We have wittnessed miracles in her recovery, there were times that were very difficult where I would go months on end with only a few hours of sleep each night… But the Lord always gave me the strength to get through it.

Mom was scheduled to be discharged from the rehab hospital on June 30th. She would be returning back home with us her family. On Wednesday June 22, in a 4 hour window from the time I went to see her before work and returning at lunch. I entered the room to find soft mats on the floor. I asked if she had fallen, I was told no. The truth is my sweet mom had fallen out of her hospital bed, hitting her head.

The 11 days prior to her death, were the most difficult and stressful times I can remember as a Christian. The injury to her head and face were intense. I had to get into muiltiple arguments with the facility she was at. The pressure had finally expelled her right eye. While at one of the hospitals, we lost close to three days of precious time because of the lack of urgency. In this process we had fired the doctor and requested a transfered to the University Hospital. As suspected, we were told my mom had a brain bleed as well. Three days before her death while at her side I wittnessed a massive 13 minute seizure and stroke. Her body tensed and kicking, face distorted I did all I knew to do.. Cry out to Jesus, it eventually stopped and my mom could no longer speak to me, eat or drink or move her eye.

In the 22 days before her death the tears ran down my cheeks in never-ending rivers. Congestion choked off my breathing and rage threatened to overwhelm me. I cried out to Jesus, “Why can’t I just be calm?”

I thought I had peace in my heart about my Mom’s impending death.  She was sick, very sick, and I knew what was coming.  But now that her death was a reality there seemed to be no end to the waves of anxiety, depression, rage, despair, agitation, frustration, and every other emotion but peace rushing at me. I had so much faith in God and I had not wanted my beloved mother to suffer or die in such pain. I could not understand why I was so angry.

As I did many times I stayed by her side, my son and I were able to hold her hand and pray her to Heaven. We watched God take her last breath back.

My friend called to ask me how I was doing, and I honestly shared the truth with him. He prayed that I would allow the Holy Spirit to comfort me in my grieving, and that I would find the acceptance of the truth that my mother was now experiencing the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

That is when it hit me, I was angry at God because while I wanted Mom to stop suffering, I had wanted her to stop suffering, I was angry at the rehab, the previous doctor that said she was fine.. it was just a bump and the disrespect and care that elders receive because they are old

The Lord had not done things my way, and so I did not accept her death. I was in denial, and the rage I was experiencing prevented me from entering into the loving arms of my Savior. I needed to surrender my emotions to Him. Without that surrender, I could not find peace.

This morning when I close my eyes and see the beautiful brown eyes of my precious mother and one of my best friends, I let the tears flow. I have allowed them to become the river of tears that I am passing through with Jerusalem, as I thank Him that my Mom is dancing in His loving arms. She loved to dance. When I picture my Mom’s gentle face, I do not try to block the view even though it’s painful to know I can no longer go and see her. Instead, I give thanks and praise to God that we will embrace again when we He calls me Home to be with Him.

When I am reminded of the softness of her skin, instead of wanting to run and hide, I am grateful for God’s faithfulness in granting my prayer to be with my mother in her dying moment. I thank Him for letting me hold her hand and walk her home where her Abba, Father now strokes her hand and holds her in His everlasting embrace of love forever.

I know I am not finished grieving the loss of my mother’s physical presence. It has only been a few day since she left her earthly home to be with her Savior. But I know that as long as I keep bringing my hurts, my joys, my memories, my pain, my trials, my highs, and my lows to my Shepherd, I will not want for anything. He is truly faithful.

Though I may feel overwhelmed, always He is right here to scoop me out of the waters if my face threatens to go beneath the surface. When I feel I am aflame in the rage of an emotional storm He is right here with me to wash me with the waters of His soothing baptism of mercy and compassion.

He is right here to reassure me that I am unconditionally loved and accepted. I am walking in His grace and I do not have to be perfect. I am allowed to feel my way through the anguish of this valley of physical death, even while I celebrate the joy of my Mom’s eternal life. Praise be to God, He promises me, “[I]shall feed [My] flock like a shepherd: [I] shall gather the lambs with [My] arm, and carry them in [My] bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” (Isaiah 40:11)

I know that my mother is now in His arms, held tenderly against Jesus’ bosom. He is feeding me on His Word, nourishing and nurturing me through this torrent of emotions.

He assures me every day, whispering in my ears, “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed.”(Isaiah 54:10)

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank you and praise you for my mother, I thank you for the ability to care for her and the opportunity to show her who You are through me. I praise You for using me to lead her to You Lord. I praise you for the assurance that I will see her again in Heaven. I love you Lord. Thank You for my earthly Mother and her love for me… Thank you for my family, wife and children and I ask that you comfort each of us with love and peace as we process her passing. In Jesus’ precious and Holy name, Amen.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

If you are seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

P.O. Box 57284 Tucson, Arizona 85732

“And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make.” (Jeremiah 18:4)

A mound of clay, by itself, is not a very beautiful thing. It may have some minimal value but in the end, it’s still a pile of dirt. That is, until the potter gets a hold of it. Once the potter gets involved, this pile of dirt begins to take shape. As the potter presses in, the clay becomes thinner. The potter then reaches into the center and is able to scoop out all the excess clay within. While the clay began as a formless pile of dirt, it ends up as a beautiful masterpiece.

(Ephesians 2:10) “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

When God found us, we were like the clay – dirty and formless. We may have tried to mold ourselves but only the potter is able to mold the clay. Once the Heavenly Potter came into our lives, He began molding and shaping us into the image of His Son, Jesus. With each firm press of His hand, we are changed. With every scrape of His tools, sin starts to fall from our life. This is our Heavenly Father at work and while it is painful, it is worth it. God knows what we need and He is the perfect potter who’s loving hands will sculpt our lives into something far greater than we could ever understand. All we have to do is let Him.

“God desires to make a masterpiece of your life.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am sorry for my resistance to Your hands in my life. I know that I need to be molded more into Your image, and I ask that You would place my life onto Your potter’s wheel. Carve off the sin in my life and shape me into a vessel that can be used for Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

If you are seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

P.O. Box 57284 Tucson, Arizona 85732

 

But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” (Acts 9:15-16)

In chapter nine of the book of Acts, we see Jesus interrupting the life of Saul of Tarsus. Saul was living out his life doing his ‘own thing’ with zeal. Unfortunately, Saul’s ‘thing’ was harassing and persecuting Christians. Have you ever found your life interrupted by God? You were going about your life doing your own thing and all of sudden God interrupts, saves you and gives you a passion for lost souls. If you have met Jesus, you should have a passion for lost souls.

Sometimes, I hear people tell their life stories and wonder if they are grateful for this divine interruption. You have heard the stories. “My life was great until I met Jesus, now I am barely getting by.” What a disservice that does to the treasure that we have found.

We have now been graciously given a heavenly perspective in an otherwise earthly world. We have been given the high, holy and heavenly calling of offering hope to a doomed place. We have a calling to offer love to a world that long ago lost it, and light to a darkness that swallows the human soul. The only thing worse than having this kind of life changing interruption is not having one. I am thankful for mine. How about you? Let’s change the world, one life at a time, starting with yours.

“We are supposed to be a part of God’s plan to reach the world.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for coming into my life. I now give my life to You. If You can use my life to encourage one person, serve one person, or to see one person brought to You, please do so. There is no greater joy than to give our lives away. You not only told us that, but You showed us that. Lord, help me to look for ways to give my life away. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

If you are seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

P.O. Box 57284 Tucson, Arizona 85732