Category Archives: Challenges

January 5th 2018 – Life’s Struggles

“He had attached himself to the governor, Sergius Paulus, a man of considerable insight and understanding. The governor invited Barnabas and Saul to visit him, for he wanted to hear the word of God. But Elymas, the sorcerer (as his name means in Greek), interfered and urged the governor to pay no attention to what Saul and Barnabas said. He was trying to turn the governor away from the Christian faith.” (Acts 13:7-8)

In this story, we see the governor torn between Saul and Barnabas, who meant him well, and Elymas who tried to keep the governor from hearing about God. I believe we can relate to this in the many struggles in our own lives. We want to hear the Word of God, like during a teaching, but sometimes we allow ourselves to be talked out of it.

Some of the things that can make a huge difference in our spiritual growth is reading the bible, going to bible studies and reading devotions. It encourages us, challenges us, and the bible studies allows worship and fellowship with one another. It is obvious why the enemy of our souls would not want us in that kind of environment. He will try to use our friends, family and loved ones to keep us from church, serving, giving, praying and reading the Bible. Above all the noise; however, the voice of Jesus rings true. Come to Him and He will give you rest. The world says ‘get’, Jesus says ‘give’. The world says focus on ‘you’. Jesus says focus on ‘others’ and upon Him. Be careful what voice you listen to. It is very important.

“If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Help me to hear Your voice over all the outside noise in my life. Lord, it seems that others in this wotld try to pull me down or keep me in sin. Help me during those weak moments to know what You would say to me. Help me to hear and respond to Your voice and know that I am forgiven. Help me to fellowship with and love others around me. Thank You for continuing to call me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God has made it possible for you to know Him and experience an amazing change in your own life. Click here to discover how you can find peace with God.

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 30th 2017 – Through Rough Waters

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“On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” (Mark 4:35)

It was a simple statement. “Let us cross over to the other side.” Many of the disciples had sailed the Sea of Galilee before. They had fished the waters and endured some of the bad weather that often came onto the sea. Yet when Jesus asked them to cross over to the other side, they were not aware of the lesson in faith that Jesus was about to share with them.

(Mark 4:37-38) “And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?’”

While crossing to the other side, Jesus fell asleep on the boat. During his nap, the disciples experienced a terrible storm. I may not be a sailor, but I know that the water should remain on the outside of the boat and in this instance, it wasn’t! Frightened by the event, the disciples woke Jesus up and expressed their fear. Immediately, Jesus spoke to the wind and waves and the sea became calm. You see, the disciples had lost sight of Jesus’ words. He told them before leaving that their destination was “the other side.” He didn’t promise them still waters the whole time, but he did tell them they would get to their destination. The same is true with our lives. If you have been born again, then you have been given the promise of “the other side.” Nothing can take that from you.

Jesus promises to be with us, God says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you” (Isaiah 43:2). In the storm you are in right now, God is with you. He is walking with you through it.

Storms will come into every life. The rain will fall and the wind will blow. You might have a rough voyage, but you will get to the other side.

“Jesus is our peace during the storms of life. He is there with us through the rough waters.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your peace and for Your promise of heaven. Help me to keep my mind focused on eternity so that I will not lose hope here on earth. Thank you for Your promise to never leave me. Fill me with Your Spirit and use my life to share God’s peace with the 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

December 10th 2017 – Stuck, Immobilized, Unable to Move!

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“And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s” (Philippians 1:12-14)

The apostle Paul was the kind of guy who liked to get out and get things done. He took action and went out and accomplished things for God. But as a prisoner in Rome, Paul found himself stuck . . . immobilized . . . unable to move.

Perhaps you are immobilized in some way right now. Maybe it is some kind of disability. Maybe you’re stuck in a really tough marriage or in a job you really don’t want work in. Maybe you’re living somewhere you wish you didn’t live. Whatever it is, you feel immobilized.

Yet notice how Paul, despite his circumstances, was able to rejoice. He wrote, “And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News.” (Philippians 1:12). Even under arrest, Paul was looking on the bright side. He was saying, “I believe I am here because God wants me here. But this isn’t what I planned.”

And then Paul went on to talk about the guards: “For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. ” (verse 13). Take notice, these were not just any guards; they were an elite unit of the Imperial Roman Army whose members served as personal security forces to the Roman emperors. They were highly skilled soldiers.

How could you not become a Christian while being chained to the Apostle Paul? Apparently some of the guards did come to Christ, because later in Philippians Paul wrote, “And all the rest of God’s people send you greetings, too, especially those in Caesar’s household .” (Philippians 4:22).

This is never what Paul planned, but it is what God planned. Maybe you’re in a place right now that you never planned on. You are there by divine design. God has put you where you are for such a time as this.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of salvation. I know my feelings sometimes get in the way of my faith, so I am asking for Your strength and wisdom to trust You during these times. I praise You for those times of trial because I know they are making me more like You. Help me to continue to learn from You, so I can help others when their stuck, immobilized and unable to move. Thank You for working out the good and difficult for Your eternal glory. 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

December 9th 2017 – God Knows

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“But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.” (John 6:6)

Praise the Lord that we don’t know everything that is going to happen. Why? Because that is what keeps our lives hopeful. However, uncertainty can definitely be frustrating, mainly because we want to know everything but we can’t.

There are things we go through that surprise us and catch us off guard. Sometimes we go through so much, we start expecting it around every corner. Remember, that is not from God. Also never forget that nothing in your life catches God off guard or surprises Him.

The things we are dealing with right now, at this moment, God knew before we even came on the scene. That can be pretty mind blowing, but here is the kicker… He also knows how we are going to get out of our tough situations. He saw the curve ball coming long before you did and He prepared us for what He already saw coming. He knows what fruit this trial is going to produce in each of our lives. For our benefit, He allows this trial or that test to proceed. But, take heart and be strong. While we may wonder how it works out and what happens next, we can trust in our God because He knows all along what He is going to do.

“We don’t know everything, but God does.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your provision of growth in my life. You love me so much that You do not want me to remain who I am but to grow in Your good gifts. What an incredible comfort it is to know that my Father in Heaven knows who I am and who I will be and will see me through the changes, Thank You!

Thank You for the people in my life. The ones that You often Move through, I can see Your Holy Spirit in. They are great examples of Your love for me. I praise You for answered prayers. 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

roblavallee@gmail.com

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 8th 2017 – Wounds, Things Don’t Automatically Get Easier

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“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. ‘Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you declare to me.’ I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:1-6)

One of the things that baffles us about God, is that once we decide to follow Him, He doesn’t spare us from going through difficult times even though He can. He is the God who allows wounds and also heals them.

The most solid followers of Jesus you know, the ones with deep Christ like character, have more then likely gone through difficult times while following Him. That’s because the wounds that come from difficult times grow in us deep faith. God uses wounds to grow us. Wounds make us wiser.

When we’ve been hurt, on the other side of the pain we’re more compassionate toward other people. We can empathize more. In the same way, wounds make us more forgiving, more understanding, more gracious, slower to judge. Wounds kill our pride yet grow our compassion. Specific wounds enhance specific virtues. Walking through death brings us the value of life. Sickness helps us value health. Hard times like those put life in perspective and make us value things that really matter. Sometimes we keep getting hurt doing the same thing or being with the same person. We experience the pain and over and over, this may be a lesson that we have not learned yet. Trust in God that He will carry you through it.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for your presence when I am facing battles. I pray that the wounds I received during these tough times, cause me see and respond to the world more like Jesus did and not how the fleshly side wants to react. I ask that these trials would cause me closer to grow closer to Him. I understand that You something’s let us hurt, knowing that there is beauty and purpose in the pain. Thank you for those pains and for that hurt. Lord God, thank you for the lesson that you will reveal in my trials. 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

roblavallee@gmail.com

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 6th 2017 – When Situations Seem Bleak

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“Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.” (Acts 12:5)

How can you cultivate hope when life looks bleak?

The book of Acts chapter 12 opens with a challanging scenario “It’s Bleak!” James has been executed, and Peter has been arrested by King Herod. Next, he was going to be killed. But then we read that “constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church” (verse 5). The church took this seriously and began to pray. So God sent an angel to deliver Peter from prison, and the story has a much happy ending.

Feeling like there is no hope is one of the most challenging emotions to manage. After all, why would someone even try when he believes there is no hope, and correspondingly, no possibility for things to improve?

Maybe you are facing a bleak scenario right now. Maybe you have received some bad news from your doctor or are facing a difficult situation at work. Maybe there is a problem in your family. Maybe things have gone from bad to worse, and you don’t know what to do. Pray about it. Get your Christian friends to pray about it with you. Bring the situation before the Lord, because with God, all things are possible. God can take impossible situations and turn them around for His glory.

Trust God!

Personal Prayer Request.

I personally am facing a bleak situation in my life, which also includes my sweet wife. A series of unavoidable events happened in my life that turned our life upside down. These events came in the form of spiritual attacks. The enemy has been orchestrating opposition around every corner for a very long time, I can actually relate to the book of Job. I do trust and seek the Lord daily. I keep pushing forward, in prayer and praying for others even writing devotions daily (for years) in the midst of the chaos. But I feel weak, exhausted and often feel at Loss. I know God loves me, I know God can help us with the circumstances. I now petition the Church Body to pray for my wife and I. That by some miracle the circumstances could change and we could have a time of relief and not total opposition. If you feel led to reach out to me, my contact info is listed below. Thank you for your prayers.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we call upon You in the middle of this storm, That You give us the strength and will to bear our heavy burdens, until we can again feel the warmth and love of Your divine compassion. Be mindful of us and have mercy on us while we struggle to comprehend life’s hardships that come a storms of life. When fear and panic, shock and dismay are close by, so are you. May we always recconize you , Keep us ever in Your watch until these times of opposition of life pass. Thank you for the Church Body. In Jesus’ precious and glorious 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

520-256-9738 cell

roblavallee@gmail.com

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 20th 2017 – Don’t Be Apathetic

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“In the day that you stood on the other side-In the day that strangers carried captive his forces, When foreigners entered his gates And cast lots for Jerusalem–Even you were as one of them.” (Obadiah 1:11)

Apathy, detachment, disinterest, disregard… no matter what you call it, it’s not an option as a follower of Jesus. In the book of Obadiah, God proclaims judgment on Edom because they stood by and watched Israel be destroyed and taken into captivity. They saw their brother in need and did nothing. Contrast this to Jesus who was active in our redemption.

(Philippians 2:7-8) “but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”

A spiritually apathetic person needs to remember this; he should think back to the time when he sensed the warmth and closeness of Christ’s presence. He should realize that he can return to that state of fellowship. Then he needs to repent; he needs to see his spiritual apathy as sin and confess that sin to God (1 John 1:9). Finally, he needs to renew; that is, he must cultivate a renewed commitment to the Lord—not just serving the Lord, but knowing Him, praising Him, and fellowshipping with Him. He should start again, if he has discontinued it, daily Bible reading and prayer. He should let the indwelling Holy Spirit empower him so his life will display the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). And he should fellowship with a Bible-believing local church (Hebrews 10:25).

Satan loves apathy. We must stay alert to the temptations of the old nature, the world, and the evil one. We must never lose the sense that God is always with us and in us. “We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). As we begin to worship and praise the Lord and let Christ control our lives each day, we will rediscover a life of adventure filled with joy and eternal purpose. We will wonder how we ever became spiritually apathetic in the first place.

Don’t ever forget that; Jesus intentionally left His throne and the glory of heaven to walk among the pain and suffering of the world. He then purposefully gave up His life so that we could know forgiveness. He could have stayed in heaven, but because of His great love for us and in obedience to the Father, Jesus acted. As followers of Christ, may we be active in loving, caring for and sharing with others. Who knows what a small act of kindness or encouraging word could do to change a life.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Jesus and His love and obedience. Because of His active role in my redemption, I can know forgiveness and grace. In the same way that You were intentional in the salvation of man, may I be intentional in ministering to those around me. Fill me with Your Spirit and equip me to be a light in this dark 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

November 18th 2017 – God’s Provision

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“Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:32-33)

God promises to meet all our financial needs, if you sincerely ask Him for help, learn how to be content, practice giving in faith, maintain your integrity, and trust him with your life.

Worry is honesty just a form of not beleiving in God. Every time you worry, you’re acting like an atheist. You’re saying, “It all depends on me.” That’s just not what Bible the bible says.

Worry is a warning light that you doubt the love of God. Yet, the Bible says God “provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.” (Psalm 111:5)

The book of Romans tells us that God sent His son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross to pay for our salvation. If God loves us enough to send his own son to die for you, don’t you think he loves you enough to take care of your bills?

Don’t you realize that any other problem is minor by comparison, that He solved your biggest problem when he saved you? The bottom line is really this: Am I going to believe that God will do what He says He will do — that he will provide for me?

Plain and simple, God wants us to trust in His provision for our needs, and sometimes that provision requires us to step out in faith and use what resources He has given us. It may not seem like a lot to us, but God can multiply the efforts when we trust Him.

“Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God–which, of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe.” ( 1 Thessalonians 2:13)

“God Wants Us to Trust Him”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I ask that You increase within me your obedient spirit so that I may be obedient to Your instruction. Help me Lord to walk by faith and not by sight. I don’t always understand what You’re doing in my life, but I make a decision to trust You God, I ask in true faith that You will provide for my needs. place within me joy; peace and rest to endure all that comes my way. Right now, I make a decision to trust You Lord because I know that You’re in control of my life even when my life seems to be out of control. Lord, I thank You for clarity, guidance, provision and strength. I pray and ask for these things 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

November 16th 2017 – Temporary Obstacles

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“They bribed agents to work against them and to frustrate their plans. This went on during the entire reign of King Cyrus of Persia and lasted until King Darius of Persia took the throne. Years later when Xerxes began his reign, the enemies of Judah wrote a letter of accusation against the people of Judah and Jerusalem.” (Ezra 4:5-6)

In Ezra chapter 4, we find Israel in the midst of rebuilding the Temple. Yet while they were in the middle of this glorious project, their enemies began making things hard for them. Often in the middle of those obstacles in life, we begin believing that they will remain forever, that they will never end. Dont fall pray to that type of thinking, that is a lie. When you think that or believe that, you start to think, “Well, I have to do something!” You begin considering bailing on the situation, leaving the battle or quitting the fight. The reality is that often the temptation to run is worse right before the breakthrough.

Whether the obstacles are found in your marriage, your work place or even your church; trust the Lord and hold on tight. If there is nothing unbiblical happening and no physical threat, then trust the Lord and remain in the challenge. Too often, we can run from a church or family problem because we think it’s too much trouble to deal with, but remember there is a blessing in persevering to the end. Remember, the obstacles will come in life, but they are always temporary.

“Always remember that obstacles are seasonal or temporary, meaning they do not last forever.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I’m sorry for those times I have run from obstacles in life without fully seeking Your will. Help me to persevere through the difficult times so that I may experience the blessings of victory and rest at the other end. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can be fully equipped to remain faithful to You and 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.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 13th 2017 – Cast Away Anxiousness

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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:16)

I like the candor of Scripture. If the bible says “Don’t be anxious about anything,” we can be sure it’s because there are things that will cause us anxiety. This world is filled with evil, and it will touch our lives. Yet Scripture says, “Don’t be anxious.” Yes, there are things that cause anxiety, but anxiety doesn’t have to dominate us. How can that be? Because we are to give our anxieties to God with prayer and petition and thanksgiving, and then the peace of God will guard our hearts and our minds. God is the difference maker. Can you live your life apart from God? Certainly. But our thoughts and emotions are a battlefield, and when you invite God into your life He will fight that battle for you.

(1 Peter 5:7) “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

“When we filter our emotions through God’s Word, we will find peace, joy and the ability to persevere no matter the circumstance we face.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come before You asking for Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Holy Spirit, I ask for Your intervention into my thoughts when I am feeling anxious. Remind me that the Father has promised to guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. I pray this 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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

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