Category Archives: Challenges

March 13th 2020 – God, I Got This On My Own

“And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, ‘Peace to you!’ Then He said to Thomas, ‘Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.’” (John 20:26-27)

We have all heard the comments, “get it together,” “straighten up,” or the ever classic, “as the good book says, the Lord helps them that help themselves.” Eventually, we heard it enough that we believed it. First, I have read the good book from cover to cover several times and let me assure you, it does not say that. Second, the Lord helps those that ask for His help.

If you are still determined to make it on your own, or get yourself cleaned up, or fly right or that you can fix the problem, whatever term you want to use, the Lord will let you try. The moment you realize you need the Lord’s help, He will be there to help, though not when you are over the trial, but while you are in the trial. To think that He comes to us after we get through the tough stuff is to paint Him as a fair weather friend. Beloved of God, it is you that the Lord longs to walk with through the storms of life. Call out to Him right where you are, just as you are and He will become even more real to you. The Lord loves you enough to take you just as you are, and thankfully He loves you too much to let you stay that way.

“Jesus will come to us right where we are and as we are.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I’ve tried it my way and my way doesn’t work. I need Your help in my life. Whatever things I’m trying to do on my own outside of You, I completely surrender to You. Please help me. Thank You for being the here for me always. Forgive me for not listening to You when I have heard the answer to my situation many times. Forgive me for choosing my way over Yours. I confess that am just a sinner and do not know more then You Lord. Please strenthing my faith and trust in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you would like to request a prayer Click Here

Interested in experiencing forgiveness and love found in Jesus? Please click here to learn more about how to ask Jesus into your heart. 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

February 24th 2020 – Our Sinful Nature

Leave a reply

“So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)

When we solely act on our feelings it is very dangerous. If we always do what what we “feel like” doing, most times it will end up getting us in trouble. Following just our feelings will lead us into sin, and that can lead to broken relationships, depression, prison and even far worse. So the question is, “What filter do we use to help us control our thoughts and feelings?” While the world may say, “If it feels right do it,” God’s Word tells us that we don’t have the ability to know what is “right” without His direction. We need His guidance, through the Bible.

When we process our thoughts and feelings through the Bible’s instructions and God’s promises, we will be better able to replace the bad or harmful thoughts with those that are good and beneficial. Submitting to God’s Word and His Holy Spirit allows us to know what is good and right. It gives us hope in something greater than our own understanding and therefore, we walk in light rather than darkness. Jesus will walk with us if we allow Him to. We don’t have to be alone.

Do not take your dark brooding thoughts out and play with them. Do not sit and focus on what’s wrong. Don’t allow your desires to run away with you. Take your thoughts captive. Do not walk in fear. Fight the good fight. God will give you victory!

“Sometimes thoughts and feelings are great and good and holy; sometimes they are dark and brooding and torturous.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the power I have in Christ to overcome bad thoughts and harmful feelings. It is because of Your promises of hope and salvation that I can rejoice no matter what my situation may be. It’s with Your power that I can control my emotions rather than my emotions controlling me. Please protect me from myself and my own destructive sinful nature. Help me forgive myself and seek You first. Thank You Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Do you trust Jesus enough with your life? You should, Jesus died on the cross for you and me. He loves us and wants to help us. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

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

February 23rd 2020 – Is God Speaking to You?

Leave a reply

“then hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and give to everyone according to all his ways, whose heart You know (for You alone know the hearts of the sons of men),” (2 Chronicles 6:30)

Trials, hardships, frustrations–whatever they’re called, we all deal with them at one time or another. The good news is that God desires to speak to us during those times. It could be that you are surrounded by circumstances that are difficult, or you may have made bad choices which have led to a bad situation. In those times, remember the words of Jesus Himself…

“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.” (Matthew 11:28)

Many times in life, we can’t hear the Lord, even when He is shouting to get our attention. It’s often in those times of struggle that He whispers and we hear His voice loud and clear. If today you find yourself in the midst of hardships, seek the Lord. Use this time to seek forgiveness and cling to the grace of God. Cry out to God and He will hear from heaven and pour out His love upon you in abundance. When we do this, God makes the most of our pain and can bring something good from something bad.

“Whenever something in life goes wrong, use the moment to ask forgiveness and draw closer to the Lord.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the life You have given me. Lord, I pray that when this life gets difficult that I turn to You. Help me draw closer to You whether I am enjoying blessings or walking through trials. Father, may each day and circumstance be used to make me more like Jesus. Forgive me of my sins and fill me with Your Spirit so that I can be used to build 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

February 13th 2020 – How Do We Trust Again

Leave a reply

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” (Psalm 28:7)

Each time that he said that he was sorry, I honestly wanted to beleive that he meant it. I knew at that point he was sincere just like before, but part of me wanted to give up on trusting him altogether. Why trust someone who like so many times before will probabally let you down again? In fact, why trust at all? Why not just close my heart and keep it safe from any potential harm?

King David understood this struggle. In Psalm 28, David asks God for help. Many scholars believe that this was written at the end of David’s life. At this point, he knows what it is to hide from words and actions that harm. He understands how it feels to be surrounded by people who say they are loyal to him, but sometimes let him down.

Even at this late stage, it may have been tempting to shut everyone out and never trust again … not just the people who intentionally sought to harm him, but those who loved him and messed up. It might have even crossed his mind that he should trust no one at all.

Instead, in verse 7 we see David’s thoughts and attitude change and find him singing a beautiful song to his Heavenly Father. In this place of hurt and uncertainty, he reveals a secret: He can trust because God is trustworthy.

The Lord is our strength and shield.

Like a triple-plated silver shield, David needed God’s protection for his heart. David may have wanted to isolate, but God had handwritten a plan for his life. People were an integral part of that blueprint.

The reality is that people are messy. My son was a mess, his addiction had cost him almost everything. Sometimes I’m a mess, too. The actions he chose to do really did hurt me and I need to work through it, but God’s shield of protection allows me to see the areas where He was still working in me. It also offered His truth to counterbalance hurtful actions.This shield allowed me to approach him from a place of resolution, rather than a place of offense or retaliation.

It will soon be two years that my son has been clean and off of drugs. I praise you in all that You do Lord, Thank you for giving me the strengh to get out of Your way and let you work in his heart..

Our hearts trust in the Lord and He helps us.

We need wisdom to know what to say, when to say it and when to hold those words back. God offers that guidance (James 1:5).

We need discernment over what is ours to fix and when to step back as God does His part (Psalm 55:22).

We need to know what to do when someone is destructive or unwilling to change, and how to transfer our trust to God in that hard situation, rather than take matters into our own hands. We can ask for hope and healing in our hearts while God performs His work in someone else’s heart.

Our hearts leap for joy, and with a song when we praise Him.

Conflicts, difficult conversations or poor behavior can make you want to give up or shut people out completely. In David’s case, trusting in God produced a strong foundation that led him out of seclusion and into a plan and a purpose.

Like David, have you been tempted to climb into a cave of isolation?

Do you sense God asking you to trust again? Maybe not even in a specific person, but in Him? In others? In the fact that He’s completely with you as you run after His plan for your life?.

“Trust the past to God’s mercy, the present to God’s love and the future to God’s providence.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I praise and love You..but most of all I Trust You. In the past when someone has deliberately broken my heart, my response has always been to hide or build a wall. Thank You for wisdom, compassion and discernment as I trust in You first, Continue to give me the strengh to stay away from people that continually hurt me because they do not want to change. You show me how to trust others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

January 24th 2020 – Facing Accusations

Leave a reply

“Some of you admit I was not a burden to you. But others still think I was sneaky and took advantage of you by trickery. But how? Did any of the men I sent to you take advantage of you?” (2 Corinthians 12:16-17)

You can’t stop it from happening. You can try your hardest & do everything in your power to keep it from occurring but one day, it’ll happen. One day, someone is going to accuse you of something. You may have done anything wrong. Just look at Jesus. He lived a perfect life, healed people, raised the dead and taught about God’s love and yet, the religious leaders accused Him of all sorts of things. If it happened to Jesus, then it can happen to any of us.

So how do we deal with accusations when we cannot control those who accuse us? We control ourselves and live in such a way that when people accuse us, other people dismiss it as a lie. After all, what use is an accusation when your life speaks of integrity, love and charity? It may not stop accusations, but it will remove some of their power to destroy. Live for Christ and allow Him to defend you.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I know there are areas of my life that I can live with greater integrity and love. Help me to live for You in such a way that the accusations of others fall flat. Help me to be a witness to everyone who may be watching my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

If you have never asked Jesus into your heart or want to recommit. Click here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

January 11th 2020 – Strengh in our Storms

Leave a reply

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us–they help us learn to endure. Endurance then develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation.” (Romans 5:3-5)

Life is filled with storms of one kind or another. In the midst of those storms, we tend to respond as if God has somehow been caught off guard. The storm makes no sense. We can’t explain why terminal illness strikes Godly people. We all face them..The anguish of a broken marriage or the overwhelming heartbreak of a prodigal child drives us to doubt God’s purpose, plan and provision. The fear of financial ruin paralyzes us. God understands.

The Bible is filled with men and women who were storm survivors – people of God who endured great pain and weathered intense life storms because they chose to follow Him. The Apostle Paul, known for persecuting and murdering Christians, was forever changed when he met Jesus Christ. While God gave him a life of great power and eternal impact, it was also a life filled with great storms. Paul learned to “patiently” endure the troubles, hardships and calamities that came his way.

Because grain was a precious food source to the Romans, threshing grain was a natural part of every day in ancient Rome. In pictures of early Rome, one man is always seen stirring up the sheaves while another rides over them in a crude cart equipped with rollers instead of wheels. Sharp stones and rough bits of iron were attached to these wheels to help separate the husks from the grain. This simple cart was called a “tribulum” from which we get our word “tribulation.”

No Roman ever used his tribulum as a tool of destruction – only refinement. God uses our trials and storms as tools of refinement to build in us endurance. The word “endure” comes from two Greek words that when combined, give the meaning “to remain under.” It is the capacity to stay under the load, to remain in the circumstances without running away or looking for the easy way out.

The purpose of every storm is to purify and cultivate endurance. Like Paul, we may sometimes feel as if we are being torn to pieces under the pressure of circumstances. But his challenge to the Romans compels us to re-examine our perspective and response to each storm we face.

Endurance is never passive. It is the picture of a soldier staying in the heat of the battle under terrible opposition but still pressing forward to gain the victory.

There are few things that we can count on in this unpredictable life – but we can count on storms to come. We can also count on God’s continual and unfailing strength for those storms. When the hard times come and when bad things happen, we do not have to wonder where God is. Instead we can hold on to the promise that is found in (Jeremiah 16:19), “Lord, you are my strength, and my protection. You are a safe place for me to run in times of trouble.”

Sometimes, like Paul, you can see neither sun nor stars, and no small tempest lies on you. Reason cannot help you. Past experiences give you no light. Only a single course is left. You must stay upon the Lord; and face the storms of life.

No matter what storm rages in your life today – no matter how fierce the winds or how high the waves may be – where you are is no surprise to God. Heaven is not in a panic. Keep your gaze on Him and your glance on the raging waters. “Lash yourself” to Him, and He will supply everything you need to stand firm in the storm.

“Life’s roughest storms prove the strength of our anchor!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, It gets so hard trying to weather the storms of life on our own. I need Your power and strength to face each one. Please teach me to turn to You first. Help me learn to patiently endure the hard times and honor You in the midst of them as I walk by faith. I lift up my mom and faithfully trust in You Lord that you will guide us through the storms and calm the raging seas. In Jesus name, Amen.

Facing the raging storms of life without Jesus will get overwhelming. If you do not know Him personally, I encourage you not to pass up the precious gift of His love and eternal life. Jesus died on the cross for you and me. Jesus loves us and wants to help us through the storms. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here and we will pray for you..

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

January 8th 2020 – Testimony of Life

Leave a reply

“And when Baal-Hanan died, Hadad reigned in his place; and the name of his city was Pai. His wife’s name was Mehetabel the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab. Hadad died also. And the chiefs of Edom were Chief Timnah, Chief Aliah, Chief Jetheth, Chief Aholibamah, Chief Elah, Chief Pinon, Chief Kenaz, Chief Teman, Chief Mibzar, Chief Magdiel, and Chief Iram. These were the chiefs of Edom.” (1 Chronicles 1:50-54)

Remembering where you came from and where you are going makes up your individual, one-of-a-kind testimony. There is power in the testimony of your life. Revelation 12 talks about believers overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. So, what if your past does not include the seedier things of life? Well, the Bible is clear that we we were all on a death row sentence. Jesus died on the cross for our sins. Through His grace and the faith-gift of God, He saves us. Once saved you are a child of God – a priest and a king. There are two people in the Bible who are called both a priest and king – Jesus and you. Now, you are saved and will spend eternity with God.

In a world that is wracked with fear and uncertainty, people need to hear your testimony. Share it and talk about it. Share not in a prideful or bragging way, but out of the joy of your heart. Your testimony could be the very thing that leads someone else to come to Jesus. It might be what they have been waiting for.

“Remember where you came from, who you are and where you are going.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, We love You and Praise You in all circumstances. Thank You for the gift of Your Son. I am so grateful for the grace and mercy You have given me. Lord, I want to be a vessel used to glorify Your name. Give me the boldness to share my testimony without fear and uncertainty. Give me the spirit of humility so that I may be used to minister in the lives of others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Don’t go through life without Jesus. If you do not know Him personally, accept the greatest gift you could possible ever receive. I encourage you not to pass up the precious gift of His love and eternal life. Jesus died on the cross for you and me. He loves us and wants to help us. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

January 7th 2020 – Treacherous Waters

Leave a reply

“And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, when they had let down the skiff into the sea, under pretense of putting out anchors from the prow, Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall off.” (Acts 27:30-32)

The worst time to ‘jump ship’ is when the water is rough. If you make a decision when the storms are raging, it is hard to make a clear choice. Yet, isn’t that when we often make life changing decisions, only to look back later, and discover we made the wrong one? We hear ourselves saying, “I am tired of this marriage,” “I am tired of my family,” “I am tired of my job,” or “I am tired of this church.” Weather the storms. When the storms get tough, do not bail out and give up. There is a huge blessing in pressing in.

In the verses above, Paul points out that the men ‘jumping ship’ were taking a selfish approach that ultimately would hurt them and the others. Be careful when you want to run my friend. Please don’t have ‘lifeboats’ for yourself as a way out. Do not keep the mind set that “If this doesn’t happen” or “if that happens, I am out of here.” Often, we walk into situations already planning our escape route or our way out. Of course in thinking like that, we soon have a reason (more like an excuse) to ‘jump ship’. Instead of looking for a way out, maybe we should look at these circumstances as a way in. We want to be more like Jesus… who obviously did not turn and run in the face of opportunity, offense or crisis. Look for the ‘growth opportunity’ in the storm to grow as a person, a believer, and as a follower of Jesus. You will soon find it.

“Don’t give up! Take up an attitude of expectancy that God will do exceedingly, abundantly, above, and beyond all you could ask or imagine!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I know I have made bad decisions in the midst of the storms in life. Please forgive me. I know some of the consequences of my bad decisions are still here. In the future, please help me to make better decisions. Please send others to help me through these tough times. I ask for Your peace to comfort me. I ask, Father, for Your power to strengthen me. When I want to run because I am afraid or hurt, I ask that You help me to stand. I know that You will guide me to grow through these things. Lord, I know You will be there to help me through every storm of life and even in the final storm of death. Thanks God. In Jesus name, Amen.

Seeking Jesus in your life?

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 life you 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, I would love to pray with you personally for this wonderful new journey you are on. roblavallee@gmail.com

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

January 4th 2020 – Spiritual Battles

Leave a reply

“After this it came to pass that David attacked the Philistines, subdued them, and took Gath and its towns from the hand of the Philistines.” (1 Chronicles 18:1)

Jesus promised that there would be trials and trouble for those who follow Him. Paul referred to Christians as “Soldiers of Christ”. Because Satan has set himself against the Lord, it stands to reason that as a soldier of Christ, you are in the battle. You cannot be active in the battle and be seated on the sidelines. There are no couches on the front lines; only foxholes and fighters are found there.

David was not hiding and asking God to keep him safe. He understood there were battles in his life. Instead, David was praying and stepping out in faith. God wants to keep us and give us the victory. Sometimes, we think the worst thing that could happen is to fail. In Christianity, the worst thing is failing to try. God has declared victory in your life. Don’t argue with God about it…live it! Be victorious.

“Living a life of faith often can be battle itself, seek Jesus’s help immediately when the enemy is trying redirect your walk.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come to You asking for help to discern the lies of the enemy, especially when the enemy hides within all the strife and tension that he creates. Open my eyes to recognize any spirit of division or confusion as the enemy’s plan to divert me away from God will for my life. I submit my life to You. Help me to surrender to You in every way and choose to live according to Your word. Continue to teach me by reading and speaking Your Word so that it is implanted in my heart and becomes part of my daily life. I want to live in obedience to You in prayer, in praise, in worship, and in gratitude. Thank You, Lord, that You have given all who accept You in their hearts victory over all the plans of the enemy. Thank You that he has to flee from our lives when we expose his plans to the light. Thank You for the wisdom to identify the enemy’s work in our lives and the power to resist him. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for Your Word and the desire to use me as a vessel to bless others. Lord, empower me with boldness to put Your Kingdom first. I don’t want to just be a spectator in the battle. I want to see lives changed for Your glory. Help me to step out and be a kingdom builder. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

If you are reading these devotions and are not a follower of Jesus Christ, please be aware that these seeds of scripture are being sown in your heart right now… I am praying that they start to take root in your heart and you come to know personally the greatest truth you will ever hear.. Jesus Christ died on a cross for you. He loves you and He cares for you. When you call His name and ask for His help, He will set you free.. Click Here if you would like to learn more about Gods salvation, or ask Him into your heart.

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 23rd 2019 – Pathway of Life

Leave a reply

“And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.” (1 Corinthians 16:10)

Every person who has ever lived has faced difficult decisions. Some decisions were very obvious while others were not. For those of us who are following Christ, we have a great resource for making decisions. This resource comes through the relationship we have with Jesus. Through His Word and the direction of His Spirit, we are better equipped to walk down the path He desires for us. We can trust the path because He is leading us and loves us, even when the path gets hard.

“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)

So how do we go about seeking the path God desires for us? First, we need to know God’s Word. As we read His Word, we will be able to understand God’s guidelines and promises. These will help guide our steps. In those moments where we are unsure, we should seek godly counsel as well as pray for the Holy Spirit’s help in discerning where next to step. Finally, we step out in faith, trusting our Lord who is able to help us along the way. When we trip and fall, God’s grace is there to catch us. When we face an obstacle, His strength will help us overcome. When we finally reach our destination, He will personally usher us into His presence. This is the promise we have in Jesus.

“God will direct our footsteps as we listen to Him and trust Him.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am so thankful for Your guiding hand. Not only have You forgiven me of my sins, but You are involved in the details of my life and desire to lead me every day. Lord, help me to be sensitive to Your Spirit and knowledgeable of Your Word so that I will make wise decisions. In Jesus name, Amen.

Lost your way? Looking for meaning and direction? I encourage you not to pass up the precious gift of His love and eternal life. Jesus died on the cross for you and me. He loves us and wants to help us. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here4 Simple Steps to Jesus

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this: