Category Archives: Ask Jesus into your heart

August 25th 2017 – Hurting People, Hurt!

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“Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?” (2 Corinthians 11:7 )

Can you imagine having the apostle Paul as a pastor? When we think of Paul we think of the “perfect pastor” whom everyone loved and yet, (2 Corinthians 11) paints a different story. In this powerful, yet sad chapter, Paul is forced to defend himself against people in the church who were coming against him.

There were those in the church in Corinth who were saying that Paul was only in it for the money (even though he did not receive anything from them), and there were people in that church that saw him as a lesser teacher because he did not demand that they pay him. In the end, Paul could not win. Why did Paul NOT receive funds from them? Because they acted like they didn’t want to give, like they couldn’t afford to give, and acted like they shouldn’t have to give. They could have sown into Paul’s ministry and shared the benefits and blessings but because of their selfishness, they missed a glorious opportunity. Paul knew this and yet, he loved them anyway. He spoke Truth in love, hoping that they would see the Truth. So, it is with our lives. There are times we will speak the Truth in love and others will not listen. If they don’t, love them through it and allow the Lord to use your gentle witness to impact their life forever.

“You can’t win with some people but don’t stop trying to with others.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, There are people in my life that I struggle with. No matter how hard I try or how much love I freely give to them, they continually cause me to wonder why. Help me to be a loving witness to them. Give me opportunities to share the Truth in love while being sensitive and patient with the work of Your Spirit. Also, if I am the issue, please help me to be aware of it so that I can bring it to You. Thank You for allowing me to continue this ministry without ever being paid or asking for donations. Thank You for keeping me through the trials when people write hateful things and attack me verbally for sharing your truth on this site.  I love You Lord.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Invitation:

Jesus, I recognize that I have not lived my life for You up until now. I have been living for myself and that is wrong. I need You in my life; I want You in my life. I acknowledge the completed work of Your Son Jesus Christ in giving His life for me on the cross at Calvary, and I long to receive the forgiveness you have made freely available to me through this sacrifice. Come into my life now, Lord. Take up residence in my heart and be my king, my Lord, and my Savior. From this day forward, I will no longer be controlled by sin, or the desire to please myself, but I will follow You all the days of my life. Those days are in Your hands. I ask this in Jesus’ precious name Amen.

If you prayed this prayer please  Click Here and let us know.. We would love to pray for you and with you. Congratulations and welcome to Gods family.

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 24th 2017 – Hope is Real

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“I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” (Psalms 27:13)

On my way home from work yeaterday, I saw these words written on a sign at a local church. It said, “Hope Is Real.” I thought about it and (needless to say) agreed with the statement. But as I pondered the simple little phrase, I realized that for many people hope is not real. I believe that is one of the most important gifts we can give to another person, the gift of hope.

You see, someone who is hopeless and alone usually cannot help themselves out of their situations. They have a great sense of loss and helplessness. We must come alongside and bring the good news of Jesus Christ and all that He has to offer.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

One definition for hope is: To look forward to with confidence or expectation. We must bring the Word of God with all its hope to someone who does not know it is real. When we bring hope, we bring life. It is life changing to finally believe again. It is more than just asking God for something we so badly need; we must expect our miracle. Somewhere in the midst of asking, believing, and expecting God to answer, we will find what we are looking for.

I have felt for a long time that the biggest problem we have in the world today is there are so many people who have lost hope. There seems to be so many hurts, problems, sicknesses, troubles, financial issues, family problems, world issues, political concerns, etc. It seems the world has no hope.

Apart from God, it is an awful, hopeless place. But with God’s help, we can make it. I want you to know that whatever situation you find yourself in at this moment, there is hope. You may not be able to see or feel the hope, but it is there for you. How do we find the hope? There is only one place where hope can be found, and that is in Jesus Christ.

“Show me the path where I should walk, O LORD; point out the right road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.” (Psalms 25:4-5)

Trust God. He wants you to trust Him. You need to agree with God about your situation. What does God say about who you are and what His will is for your life? Don’t go by your feelings. Instead we should remind ourselves that God only has plans for us that are good. Jeremiah helps us remember what God has to say about us. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

We do not need to be disappointed and feel alone. We can have hope! God’s love in our hearts will ignite the flames of hope we have buried deep inside our hearts. God’s Word can encourage us as we read it with great anticipation and faith. Paul writes in Romans these words of encouragement:

“And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5:5)

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)

Here are a few key scriptures that help us to understand what we need to do. Words like “be strong, take courage, wait, reverently and worshipfully fear God, tarry for the hope, wait patiently for it, and be joyful in hope. They are all action words we need to work on. Read these scriptures out loud during your Devotion times. Watch how hope will come alive in your heart as you speak the Word of God over yourself and your situation.

“Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for and hope for and expect the Lord!”(Psalms 31:24)

“Those who reverently and worshipfully fear You will see me and be glad, because I have hoped in Your word and tarried for it.” (Psalms 119:74)

“But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

I don’t want this to be just another Devotion. I want it to bring life to you. Pray out loud the words of hope into your life and your situations. I have hope! My hope is in the Lord! I will be strong and wait on the Lord. I trust God with my life and the life of my family. Speak these words every day. Hope Is Real. It comes from God! He has placed it in your heart. Speak it out and watch what God will do for you.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13)

“Hope can give us a fresh start, a new beginning.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I love You and give You praises for still being here and loving us in such a time like this. The world is so ungreatful and broken.. I know that I can often lose sight of Your love while I’m in the middle of hard times. Help me to be mindful of Your love, mercy, compassion and strength, especially hope, so that I can endure and even rejoice in my pain. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I may live in your blessing of hope. 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 23rd 2017 – In the Beginning

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“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)

What an amazing statement. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  It doesn’t say I hope God did.  It sure doesn’t show God trying to prove that He did.  It just says, He did it.  One thing is sure, and that is, that God is sure of Himself.  We need to just believe it His way, and everything works out.

When you think about what this verse has in it, that God, with His Word created everything that we can see, and the things that we cannot see. He made the stars, the planets, the moons that circle the planets.  He made every living thing, from human to animals to angelic.  He made it all.

God, our heavenly Father is truly amazing, and one day we will share in this wonder of His.  It says in (1 Corinthians 2:9) But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Now that should get your hope and expectation going.  God has given us little glimpses of heaven and the new earth, things like streets of gold, no pain or sickness, the lion laying with the lamb.  One day it will all happen and we will live before Him and with Him.  One day we will see our Jesus.

I don’t know about you, but I want to be able to hear Him say, “Well done you good and faithful one”.  Yeah, that’s going to be heaven right there. So go ahead, look at all God has created because He created it for you and for me.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God!” 

Prayer:

My Heavenly Father, You made all of this world for us to live in and enjoy.  You gave us dominion to live a life of abundant blessing. Today, I choose that life over the life of sin and death. I thank you for saving me from destruction and death and restoring my life that I would have a new beginning. I love you Lord. 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 21st 2017 – I’m Never Alone

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“Uphold my steps in Your paths, That my footsteps may not slip.” (Psalm 17:5)

Have you ever felt like your faith was slipping, that perhaps God wasn’t with you in a given circumstance or situation? It’s important to know that if we have stumbled into sin, or have had others abandon us completely, there is one thing the Lord tells us in His Word we can count on. If we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior He will never leave us or forsake us. (Matthew 28:20). Even when we are faithless and have doubts He is faithful (see 2 Timothy 2:13). The Lord even breaks out the heavenly host to help us:

(Psalm 91:11-16)
“For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”

Whenever you are tempted by feeling the Lord isn’t near, please put your heart at rest in His promises. Thank God for all He has blessed you with and believe His truth is a fact of faith for you. As you meditate on whatever is true, pure, good, and lovely in the Lord be encouraged to know that even when you don’t feel Him, He has never let go of you.

“It is not your hold on Jesus that saves you. It is Jesus, Himself, what He did, what He has done, and His hold on you, that saves you.”

Prayer:

Lord, please forgive me when things cloud my ability to see that You are with me. Please give me the strength to see that truly You are always with me. Thank You for loving me so much that You died so I could have forgiveness and the eternal hope that I have in You. 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 18th 2017 – Search & Rescue

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“And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us.” (2 Corinthians 1:10)

Often when we are walking in the midst of a suffering, we may believe that God will rescue us, but it’s still difficult to fully trust Him. As we read the verse above, it’s almost like God knew we would struggle to trust Him and so He makes sure to emphasize His ability to rescue. In 2 Corinthians 1:10, Paul writes of rescue three times:

  • Did Rescue
  • Will Rescue
  • Will Continue to Rescue

You see, God’s plan is not to leave us in the middle of pain and hardship forever. He won’t allow us to walk into a dark valley and then leave us there to wander aimlessly without end. The truth is, HE WILL RESCUE. In fact, even if we were to walk in suffering the rest of our lives, we can know as a follower of Christ that He will rescue when He comes again. When we realize this, we don’t really need to know why He is doing it, but only that we can trust He is in control and will be with us until the end. Whatever door He opens or whatever door He closes, we can trust Him. He is good, all the time.

“Our faith is really growing when we don’t know what God is doing, and we still trust Him.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your love that is so great that You would rescue me in my times of need. I also thank You for using my hard times for my benefit. Help me not to despair in difficult times but rather to rejoice because I know that my rescue is on the way. 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 17th 2017 – Hide and Seek

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If you seek me with all your heart you will find me”  (Jeremiah 29:13-14 partial)

“But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deuteronomy 4:29)

The Lord encourages us to seek Him with all our heart and all our soul. If we do pursue Him with everything within us, He promises that we will find Him. I imagine this to be similar to a child’s game of hide and seek. When my children were young, they would love to play this game with me, They would turn towards the wall and close their eyes and count to ten.

In the mean time, I would scamper off into another part of the house to find a place in which to hide. At the count of ten, my children in much delight would begin their quest to find me. Their anticipation would build as they would open every closet door and look under every bed.

While the searching part of the game was always fun, it was the finding part that was the real climax! I never chose a place too hard for my children to find me. I loved the moment when the children would finally catch me. Our cry of “You found me!” and their cry of “I found you!” would happen simultaneously followed by a mutual celebration that the game was over.

The game wouldn’t have been fun if my intention was to hide so that my children would never find me. The fun is in being found. I think it is the same way in our relationship with God. When He calls us to search for Him, He never hides Himself so well that He cannot be found.

“If you seek Jesus with all your heart you will find Him.” Hint… He is Right Here —> Click Here

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am thankful that You do not make it difficult for me to find You, for You are never far away and are always happy to be found! I pray that I might pursue You with all my heart and my soul, all the while having a child-like anticipation of finding You! 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 13th 2017- Follow the Leader

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“And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)

In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul is making a bold statement. He is calling the church at Corinth to pattern itself after him. Now, Paul is not saying he is the one they should worship but rather as he follows after Christ, he becomes a walking, talking example of what a Christian should look like. While we are ultimately following after Christ, we all need human examples of Christianity to help guide us in the right direction.

The Bible from Genesis to Revelation is filled with godly leaders who lead by example. Whether it was Moses leading God’s people out of Egypt or Peter stepping out onto the waves, all were examples to those around them and continue to stand as godly examples today. While no human example is perfect, this doesn’t mean we refuse to follow leadership. If a pastor, elder or deacon is following the Lord then look to them as an example and learn from them. There is a great blessing found in following after a man or woman of God, and as you imitate their life you may look back one day to see yourself being imitated.

“We need spiritual Christian leaders, ones who follow Jesus Christ!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the leaders in my life. Father, help me to learn from those around me who are seeking after You. As the disciples followed You, may I seek to also follow your every move, in turn become more like You. Lord, continue to be with those in leadership. Show them ths truth and teach them to share your Word. 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 12th 2017 – Cleansed With The Word of God

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“He also made ten lavers, and put five on the right side and five on the left, to wash in them; such things as they offered for the burnt offering they would wash in them, but the Sea was for the priests to wash in.” (2 Chronicles 4:6)

With Israel being a desert community, anyone who walked to the temple would find themselves covered in dirt and sand. As they approached God’s magnificent temple, they would find themselves facing containers of water which they were required to use in order to enter the temple. Even the priests who were serving inside the temple were required to bath in order to be in the presence of God. While this may seem trivial to many of us, God took it very seriously.

(Exodus 30:21) “So they shall wash their hands and their feet, lest they die. And it shall be a statute forever to them–to him and his descendants throughout their generations.”

While we may not have to take a bath to go to church, we still must be cleansed of our sins in order to stand before God one day. You see, in this life we fail and fall. We miss the mark of perfection and therefore are stained with the dirt and sand of our sins. The good news is that just as a bath was prepared for the priests, a greater cleansing has been prepared for all mankind. Jesus Christ came into this earth and died on the cross, taking our sins upon Himself. Because of this amazing act of love we may be cleansed of all our sin and stand before our Lord without fear. Because of Jesus, we can trust in the words of God that say, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;” (Isaiah 1:18,).

“In Order to be Completely Clean, We should be washed (Cleansed) in the Word of God.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the precious gift of salvation. Thank You for making a way for me to be cleansed of all my sins. Lord, if I have sinned against You today, forgive me and help me live for You in all I do. Father, I stand on Your Truth in 1 John 1:9 that says if I confess my sins, You will cleanse me of all unrighteousness. Wash me clean and use me for Your kingdom today. 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 11th 2017 – 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 least important? 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

 

Fruit of the Spirit (P7)

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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.

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