Category Archives: Ask Jesus into your heart

August 11th 2019 – Fruit of the Spirit (P9)

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We are on the last day of a 9-day journey. As we studied this week. Paul listed nine godly virtues that constitute the fruit of God’s Spirit—the inward and outward effect of having the gift of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. They are “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control”

Temperance (self-control) – “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love” (2 Peter 1:5-7).

Where the New King James Version has “self-control,” the earlier King James Version used the word “temperance,” meaning self-restraint. Today, however, this word usually has the narrower sense of moderation or, when referring to alcoholic drinks, total abstinence. Therefore, as commonly understood today, temperance is only a small part of self-control.)

Anothing thing to considder, Is the sequential order of the nine godly virtues significant? The first listed, love, is clearly the most important. Is self-control, then, last because it’s leastimportant? On the contrary, self-control is extremely vital. Paul emphasized it alongside “righteousness … and the judgment to come” (Acts 24:25)

Perhaps self-control is listed last as the capstone—since it takes a lot of self-control to exercise the other eight virtues! It takes a lot of self-control just to “bridle” one’s tongue. Maybe Paul was thinking of love and self-control as the two great bookends for the set.

We all face temptations to sin—all our lives. When confronted with temptation, we must strive, as far as possible, to get away from it—flee! Even if you think you have a lot of self-control, don’t put it to the test unnecessarily.

Consider some of the things we are told to flee: “Flee” from a “stranger” (a teacher of lies), “flee sexual immorality” as Joseph had to literally flee (Genesis 39:12) , flee from idolatry, flee all kinds of evil, flee also youthful lusts. (John 10:5)

Jesus said, “The spirit [one’s attitude] indeed is willing but the flesh [human willpower] is weak” (Mathew 26:41) Jesus said, “The spirit [one’s attitude] indeed is willing but the flesh [human willpower] is weak”

God will not take away a person’s free will to make choices in life. But as long as you keep inviting Him into your life, He will empower you “to will and to act according to His good purpose” (Philippians 2:13)

As with all of us, certainly your biggest spiritual enemy has been yourself. But take heart. With God’s great help, you can conquer the enemy!

If you don’t Have Jesus in your life. Please considder Him. See the link below on how to ask Him into your heart. It will change your life!

“We need self-control to avoid not only outright evil but also too much of the good things.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come before you in prayer, to magnify and glorify your precious name. Draw close to me, Oh heavenly Father. Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, shape me into who You want me to be. Allow Your will to be done in my life in order for me to become a living, breathing testimony. Take control Jesus, be my strengh. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, Lord. Allow me to display self-control when temptations draw near. Help me to resist whatever comes my way. Make me pure, holy and true when the enemy tries to intervene. Give me peace in my mind, body and soul so that I can remain focused on You and Your word daily. Let your Word be the bread that I crave and want as much as the air that I breathe.Let lustful desires, anger, guilt, jealousy, sorrow and pride just fall away at the sound of Your great name. May these things not control my actions, my emotions or even my thoughts. I continually desire to seek You. Give me the strength to overcome. Continue to grow the Fruits of the Spirit in me. Without you, I cannot go on, I need You,  in Jesus’ precious 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

August 10th 2019 – Fruit of the Spirit (P8)

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We are on the 8th day of a 9-day journey to learn about all of the fruit of the Spirit – the gifts of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control that come from God.

Meekness / Gentleness – “gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:23). “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).

The biblical qualities of meekness and gentleness are misunderstood and undervalued in today’s society of extremes—where all too often people tend to angrily overreact or passively underreact.

As we read above, the apostle Paul lists “meekness” as the eighth attribute among the fruit of the spirit in (Galatians 5:23) he uses the Greek noun praotes or prautes— and “meekness” is the closest translation for the Greek word used here. (Similarly, the closest English translation for the related Greek adjective praos or prausis “meek.”)

We are to be meek (yielded, teachable, responsive) first of all in our relationship with God, and secondly meek (humble, gentle, respectful) in our relationships with people. To become this kind of person, God must tame and train us!

A word with a closely-related meaning is magnanimous, defined as “generous in forgiving; avoiding resentment or revenge; unselfish.”

Meekness is an important part of true love. “Love is patient, love is kind … It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)

The Bible places great value on meekness. Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5) That’s a mighty big reward for being meek!

But since “meek” is no longer a popular or commonly used word, modern Bible translations frequently substitute the almost-synonymous word “gentle.” Scriptures quoted in this article are mostly from the New King James Version, which uses “meek” and “gentle” interchangeably.

However, be aware that gentleness refers mostly to actions, whereas meekness refers to attitude—one’s whole state of mind as well as actions. Meekness produces gentleness. This explains why meekness is one of the beatitudes—beautiful attitudes for which God promises blessings.

God is calling people out of such darkness to be “the light of the world”—to set the right example for others (Matthew 5:14)

That’s a tall order. But God is ever ready to help us. Pray earnestly for His help. And make a habit of reading God’s Word so it can transform your thinking and way of life.

Remember that an important part of being that shining light is having godly meekness and gentleness. And someday the whole world will be a peaceful and happy place. That someday is when Christ returns and the meek inherit the earth!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,we pray today that you would draw us into meekness. We pray that you would soften our hearts, that you would remind us of the gift of gentleness, that you would show us through Jesus how to live in love day by day. We pray that you would forgive us of our sins and open our eyes and hearts to forgiveness for others in our lives. We ask that you would help us to guard our speech, that the words we say would be life-giving and glorifying to you. We are so grateful for your refining fire in our lives. 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

August 9th 2019 – Fruit of the Spirit (P7)

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We are on the 7th day of a 9-day journey to learn about all of the fruit of the Spirit – the gifts of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control that come from God.

Faith (faithfulness) – “O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth” (Isaiah 25:1). “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith” (Ephesians 3:16-17).

It is increasingly difficult to find someone whose love or loyalty can be counted on. So many people are fickle and faithless. It’s sad to read the apostle Paul’s prophecy of wretched attitudes and habits “in the last days”  “For men will be lovers of themselves …blasphemers…unloving…slanderers…traitors…” (2 Timothy 3:1) He continues “The consequences to society are disastrous.” ( 2 Timothy 3:2-4)

Marriages and families are a major casualty. Fewer and fewer people are willing to make lifelong commitments. And a great many who do make wedding vows (even “before God”) later on break those vows in one way or another. When someone cheats on or deserts his or her mate, God says “you have dealt treacherously [with]…your companion by covenant” (Malachi 2:14-16) God hates these forms of unfaithfulness.

All good relationships are built on the foundation of faith and faithfulness, of mutual trust born out of trustworthiness. A good marriage is largely defined as a faithful wife and faithful husband. A good friend is a true friend or a faithful friend, not a “fair-weather friend,” but one who “loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17) Paraphrased. A good employee is a trustedand dependable employee.

Although all people sometimes fail at faithfulness, we can always count on God. That is what enables us to have complete faith and trust in Him. It’s vital that we respond to the faithfulness of God the Father and Jesus Christ with deep and abiding faith, so that we will then give Them our very best—our utmost allegiance, fidelity, obedience and devotion.

Do you trust God completely? So much so that you live accordingly—to the point that He is able to trust you? When Jesus Christ returns, wouldn’t it be wonderful to hear Him say approvingly, “Well done, good and faithful servant”?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, If I have been without faith to you or others, I ask that You would forgive me. Lord, You remain faithful to us regardless of how unfaithful we are. I thank You for this and ask that You would give me the strength to remain loyal to my family, friends and church. Use me to display Your faithfulness to a world that needs it. Thank You for Your steadfast love. Thank You that Your Word has stood the test of time and remains the source of truth and light for every situation in our lives. Please continue this work of opening my heart up to the amazing faithfulness of Your Bible. 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

August 8th 2019 – Fruit of the Spirit (P6)

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We are on the 6th day of a 9-day journey to learn about all of the fruit of the Spirit – the gifts of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control that come from God

Goodness – “Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power” (2 Thessalonians 1:11). “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth” (Ephesians 5:9 ).

According to the Bible, badness comes naturally. “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.” (Romans 8:7) Goodness does not. But God has a wondrous plan to radically transform our character!

Though our natural inclination is to defy God in sin, He has determined to help us overcome that nature to live a life of righteousness and goodness. This is possible only through a relationship with Him. As the apostle John explained, “He who does good [as a way of life] is of God, but he who does evil [as a way of life] has not seen God [i.e., has not come to really know Him]” (3 John 1:11)

John also explained that those who truly are of God have God living in them through the Holy Spirit: “By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit” (1 John 4:13)

The Paul explained to believers that God’s perfect, loving character is “poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us” (Romans 5:5)

People speak of a life of comfort and affluence as “the good life.” But living a life close to God with all the great benefits He offers is the truly good life! Allow God to cultivate in you the good fruit of goodness. And that will lead to the gift of eternal life! That’s as good as it gets! 

You can receive the gift of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ. Below is a link with a very special prayer that will help guide you into Jesus’s loving arms.  I personally could not imangine a life without Jesus. He truly has saved my life.

“God knows how much we love Him by how much we are showing self-sacrificing love for other people.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for ALL that You have given me. Thank You for my friends and Family. I am grateful for Your love, Your mercy and the gift of eternal life through Jesus. Thank You for the blessings of life. Teach me to have a thankful heart and to share this gratefulness with others. Continue to guide me and teach me to develop these spiritual fruits in my life that I can be more like You Lord. Help me exhibit Goodness in all that I do. Protect me from the enemy and his evil schemes. I love You and am so greatful that You are in my life. 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

August 7th 2019 – Fruit of the Spirit (P5)

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We are on the 5th day of a 9-day journey to learn about all of the fruit of the Spirit – the gifts of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control that come from God.

Gentleness (kindness) — We should live “in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left” (2 Corinthians 6:6-7).

Let’s take a look at what, according to Scripture, accompanies true kindness: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each another, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32)

To consistently live up to all this is humanly impossible! But “with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26)

Kindness starts with caring —being tenderhearted and compassionate toward others. (Proverbs 12:10)

We must make it our goal and habit to be actively looking for opportunities to show kindness. When we see one, we need to act quickly before the opportunity is gone.

“Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions” (1 John 3:18)

Some people think kindness is weak—not something for “go-getters” to be bothered with. Big mistake! If we want God, who has ultimate control of how things go, to be kind to us, we’d better be kind to others. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7)

Lack of kindness is epidemic. The apostle Paul accurately foretold a cold and hard-hearted world “in the last days” (2 Timothy 3:1-2)

Jesus Christ practiced kindness that was radical for that time and culture. He always had great concern for women as well as men, for children as well as adults, for other races as well as the Jewish race, and for the sick and weak as well as the strong. Often He wore Himself out praying for people, healing people, feeding people and helping them in other ways.

When Jesus looked on the multitudes of people with all their problems, sicknesses and confusion, He was “moved with compassion” (Matthew 9:36, 14:14, 18:27)

As we look at the people around us, we, too, should be moved with gentleness, compassion and kindness. We, too, should be helping, giving, sharing, caring, encouraging, extending mercy, filled with compassion and acting on it as we are able.

With each of us, may the fruit of kindness continue to blossom and grow. Above all, may we strive to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, who personified God’s heart in the greatest example of loving-kindness.

“Gentleness and Kindness starts with caring—being tenderhearted and compassionate toward others.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for the forgiveness of my sins and for giving me the opportunity to experience life more abundantly. Lord, thank You for revealing Yourself to me through Your Word. I want learn how offer gentleness, kindness and compassion to others in a way that that You give. 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

August 6th 2019 – Fruit of the Spirit (P4)

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We are on the 4th day of a 9-day journey to learn about all of the fruit of the Spirit – the gifts of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control that come from God.

Patience (Longsuffering) — We are “strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness” (Colossians 1:11)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)

“Patience” in Galatians 5:22-23 literally means “long temper,” in the sense of “the ability to hold one’s temper for a long time.” The NKJV translates it “longsuffering.” A patient person is able to endure much pain and suffering without complaining. A patient person is slow to anger as he waits for God to provide comfort and punish wrongdoing. Since it is a fruit of the Spirit, we can only possess patience through the power and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

God is patient with sinners. (Romans 2:4) says that God’s patience leads to our repentance. (Romans 9:22) points out that only God’s patience prevents Him from destroying “the objects of his wrath.” Paul glorifies the Lord for His “unlimited patience” that saved him, “the worst of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:16). Peter highlights the patience of God in (1 Peter 3:20), pointing out that God had immense patience with the evil people of Noah’s day, delaying judgment as long as possible

The opposite of patience is agitation, discouragement, and a desire for revenge. God does not want His children to live in agitation but in peace (John 14:27). He wants to dispel discouragement and replace it with hope and praise (Psalm 42:5). We are not to avenge ourselves; rather, we are to love others (Romans 12:19; Leviticus 19:18).

God is patient, and His Spirit produces the fruit of patience in us. When we are patient, we leave room for God to work in our hearts and in our relationships. We lay down our schedule and trust in God’s. We thank the Lord for what and whom He’s brought into our lives. We let God be God.

“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).

“Today, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved” 

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your grace and for being so patient with me. Father, help me to walk with patience and grace and to share Your love and mercy with others. In this world of pain, help me to trust in You even when I may not understand all that is happening around me. 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

August 3rd 2019 – Fruit of the Spirit (p1)

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Fruit of the Spirit – Part One of Nine

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

“Fruit of the Spirit” is a biblical term that sums up the nine visible attributes of a true Christian life.  these attributes are: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance.

We learn from scripture that these are not individual “fruits” from which we pick and choose. Rather, the fruit of the Spirit is one of nine “fruit” that characterizes all who truly walk in the Holy Spirit. Collectively, these are the fruits that all Christians should be producing in their new lives with Jesus Christ.

The fruit of the Spirit is a physical manifestation of a Christian’s transformed life. In order to mature as believers, we should study and understand the attributes of the ninefold fruit:

So for the next eight days we will be discussing the The Nine Biblical Attributes of the Fruit of the Spirit. The first of this series is Love.

“Love ”

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him” (1 John 4:16).

Through Jesus Christ, our greatest goal is to do all things in love. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).

“Fruit of the Spirit = Visible Growth in Jesus Christ”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I welcome you into my heart. Until I can come home and be with you, I thank you for making your home within me through the Holy Spirit. I thank you for your Love, and the gift of Love that you gave to me. The “True Essence of Love” is not possible without the presense of Your Holy Spirit in me. I love You Lord.. In Jesus’ name I thank you and praise you. 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

August 2nd 2019 – Learn His Holy Word

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“Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11)

Sometimes we are unsure of what to do. That is why Bible study is so important. It helps us to know right from wrong and to realize God’s purpose and direction for our lives. Pilate knew what was right and he did not do it. I think we can all relate to that in our own lives. Sometimes we know what to do, but we just don’t do it. That is where Bible action (Bible application) comes into play. The Bible encourages us to be Bible doers, not just hearers. The church has long been accused of believing, but not doing. May our Bible study lead us to Bible action as we seek to step out in faith and do all God has called us to do. The Lord who calls us is also faithful to equip us to be doers of His Word.

“Our beliefs should lead us to action. What we say we believe should impact the way we live. Bible study should lead to Bible action.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, You created me to follow You and your teachings. I want to follow You well. I want what You have planned for my life. Help me learn Your word and live it. Keep me from doing wrong in my life. Grow me in faith by hearing Your word.  Search me and know my heart. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in Your way everlasting. 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

August 1st 2019 – The Path Ahead

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“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” (Proverbs 29:25)

Pour all of your energy into trusting God. It is through trust that you stay connected and aware of God’s presence. Every step in your life journey can be a step of faith. Baby steps of trust can be simple for you, you can take them with almost unconscious ease. Giant steps of faith are another matter altogether. These steps require sheer concentration as well as a utter commitment to God.

We are all at stages in life, each of us have different temperaments, and different gifts we have developed from our individual life experiences.
Something that is a baby step for one person could be a huge step for another person. Do not judge others who hesitate in trembling fear before a act that might be very easy for you. Beware of of trying to impress others by acting like your giant steps are baby ones or vice or versa. If each of us would seek to please God above all else, our fears of others or judgments would vanish, as would any attempts to impress others.

“Focus your attention on the path just ahead of you, and one on the One that never leaves your side.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, please continue to guide and direct our steps as we walk down life’s path. May we always seek you over all distractions. I praise you and all you have done in my life. I choose to seek and follow You as we continue to move forward from my current location on life’s path to where You Lord have destined me to be.
I love You, In Jesus’ name. Amen

Don’t walk down the path of life without Jesus by your side. If you have not accepted Him as your Savior,  Click Here to read Four Simple Steps to Jesus.

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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

July 31st 2019 – Be Truthful, Be Real!

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“I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.” (1 Corinthians 2:3)

Paul is being very honest about himself in this verse. He is not trying to appear better than he really is. He isn’t covering up his weakness. In fact, in 1 Timothy 1:16 Paul proclaims that he is an example of God’s longsuffering. He is not a perfect man but a perfect example of God’s loving-kindness, grace and mercy.

At times, Christians act like we don’t have any problems. The problem with this is that it leaves an impression to those who don’t know Jesus. They see Christians pretending they are not messed up and assume that since they still struggle with problems, they don’t belong in church. In doing so, are we proclaiming God’s goodness or our own?

We need to proclaim God’s goodness by being open about our problems and proclaiming that it is the goodness of God that saves! That’s being real. It’s real life, demonstrating the real love and real hope of the real God. In your weakness, the Good News of Jesus Christ is made strong.

“We should be real with people and not portray some False Spirituality”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for the forgiveness of my sins and for giving me the opportunity to experience life more abundantly. Lord, thank You for revealing Yourself to me through Your Word. I want the offer of joy, hope and peace that only You can give. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, Don’t wait! “In a flash of a second it could be too late!” Click Here to read Four Simple Steps to Jesus.

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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org