Category Archives: Challenges

November 10th 2017 – Stand Up and Fight!

“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)

We as Christians, are in a continual battle against our adversary, the devil. He is not an enemy of flesh and blood but rather a spirit being.

His sole intent is to cause havoc for each one of us in order to get us off track of the plan God has for our lives. He waits until we’re at a vulnerable place before bringing forth his attack. This is why we have to be on our guard every single day.

Scripture tells us.

“Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack. But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith.” (1 Peter 5:8-9)

There are times when we may feel like our backs are against the wall with no way out. The thought of having to fight the giants of life in order to move forward can be intimidating. This is when the enemy comes alongside us to speak words of fear and doubt.

Satan is always trying to discourage us from believing that we will ever walk in triumph. He is a liar and the king of all lies. We can either stand and fight or run and hide, the choice is ours to make. It doesn’t mater what the circumstances look like and what the devil says. The most important thing is what God’s Word says about our particular situation.

“So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgement of it, for He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His word” (Hebrews 10:23).

Second Corinthians 10:4-5 teaches us that our weapons are not carnal, but are mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds in our mind. Casting down imaginations, thoughts, reasonings, and theories that don’t agree with God’s Word requires us to use our offensive weapon-the Word of God coming out of our mouth. When we speak, it becomes a two-edged sword that defeats the enemy with one edge and opens the blessings of heaven with the other. There are many other weapons that are defensive, but the Word is offensive-it chases the enemy, driving him back.

We should never be the ones who back down from Satan in defeat. No! We must be bold in our faith and continue to push back the powers of darkness by using God’s Word as our weapon. Satan fears those who truly grasp hold of God’s Word and begin using it to their advantage. He knows the power the Word carries, and that he is no match against it.

“Jesus said to him, Away from me, Satan! For it is written…” (Matthew 4:10)

God sent forth His Son, Jesus, to die for us so we could have victory over the evil one. Our victory was bought with the price of Jesus’ blood. We, therefore, are protected by the blood of Christ and because of this protection Satan cannot have dominion over us.

Radical, Violent, Passionate Prayer

There is something about fighting in prayer that is radical, violent, and passionate. It is a fight, not a joke. Read Matthew 11:12 “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.”

And God wants us to fight the devil and his demons. God does not give us the weapons of warfare (Ephesians 6:10-16) so we can just dress up and look like soldiers—only to run away when the war starts. He has given us those weapons so we can fight and win. He expects us to win.

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

(1) Put on the full Armor of God, stand against the devil’s schemes.

(2) Struggle against principalities and powers

(3) Weapons of warfare

(4) Bind and loose

(5) Take it by force

(6) Resist the devil

(7) Tread on

We should not be afraid of fighting this war. We are called and equipped to be soldiers of Christ. God has given us everything we need to win; he has assured us of victory, and those who overcome shall reign with Jesus forever. Therefore arise, fight, and never give up.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am in the middle of spiritual warfare. I come to You for guidance and strength in this battle against the enemy. He is a theif that is seeking to destroy my life and my family. Today with Your help I wish to destroy spiritual strongholds, Cast down evil imaginations. Casting down every high thought that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. I am claiming Victory in the name of Jesus Christ! I love you Lord and will stand firm in all battles because You are with me. In your 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.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 9th 2017 – Trust God, with Everything!

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It’s easy to say, “give your cares to the Lord and trust Him” when everything in life seems to be going well. It’s easy to say, “I trust you Lord with everything I own” when bills are paid on time and when you just got a salary increase at your job.

However, if God striped you of everything you own; If God told you to leave the very job that’s paying your bills, will you trust the Lord enough to do it? Will you trust God even when you don’t understand; even when life hurts? If God told you to leave the familiar and enter the unfamiliar, will you trust Him?

For many of us, God has done just that. He has taken from what’s “oh so familiar” and redirected paths into the unfamiliar. You don’t understand what’s happening in your life; what to do or where to go. The only thing you know is that the Lord gave you a word (instruction, a promise, vision, etc) and the only thing you have to hold on to is that word.

I understand the feeling; you’re not alone. There is encouragement for you today. Here are 4 things to remember whenever you feel as though you don’t understand what God is doing and/or allowing in your life.

1 – Consider the Source

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last” (Revelation 22:13).

Who else can say that but God? No one, only God can say such a thing. God knows everything: the past, current and future and our knowledge and understanding doesn’t even compare to the knowledge and understanding of God – even when it applies to our own life.

Also, when we don’t understand what God is doing in our life, consider the source – Who is it that you’re trusting; God or yourself?

Here is something to remember. Man is fallible; we fall short and at times we’re unable to keep our promises. Man can give you instructions that are misleading and imperfect. With God, none of these things are possible. God keeps His promises, God gives you right instructions according to His perfect will and He won’t mislead you.

No matter how much we don’t understand life as it is right now; no matter how uncomfortable it may seem or how hard it gets, don’t give up. If God is with you – the same God who spoke life into you, the same God who IS and knows the beginning and the end, the same God who knew you before the foundation of this world -is with you, then ask yourself who or WHAT can stand against you.

Consider the source and seek to be obedient to the Lord, even when you don t understand what God is doing in your life; don’t worry about “this or that” because God has provisions for you.

2 – Trust the Lord

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).

When you learn to trust the Lord, you will begin to have a sense of rest in the Lord knowing that He has everything under control even when life seems to be out of control. Trusting God will get you to the point where you make a decision to trust in Him and NOT in your own logic and understanding.

As Christians, we must make a decision to trust Him regardless of how scary the situation may seem. Trusting God doesn’t prevent you from being in uncomfortable situations but it does allow you to be placed in a position where you seek the Lord’s presence, provisions, guidance and promises.

3 – Be Obediant

The bible states that “obedience is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22) which should tell you a lot about our God. God places significance on obedience. He’ll much rather you be obedient to His instruction than for you to give Him sacrificial praise, money offerings, fasting and etc.

God told Abraham to leave everything he knew; everything he was familiar with and to enter into the unfamiliar. God told him to go into a land which he will show him which meant Abraham didn’t know where he was going; He only had the instruction of the Lord to depend on. Abraham could have easily said, “God, where will I go; what will I eat and drink”, but he didn’t. He chose to trust God and be obedient and as Christians we must learn to do the same.

4 – Have Faith in the Lord

“It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8).

As much as we would like God to give us “what where when and how” upfront all the time (all in one shot), God does not operate like that. Sometimes, God will place you in a satiation where you have to trust Him and He’ll give you piece by piece as you obey and trust Him.

As a person who’s been in this situation, I will tell you that this only increases your faith as you learn to walk by faith and not by sight.

I don’t know what your story is (your more than welcome to share it below), but I encourage you to trust God even when you don’t understand what’s happening in your life.

You may not understand life and all that’s happening; but God will give you a piece to the puzzle as you learn to step out on faith, trust and obey 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, In this season, I ask that You place within me your spirit of joy, peace and rest. Give 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 8th 2017 -Depleted, but not Defeated!

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There are sometimes times in our lives when we have been hit by blow after blow, and we feel defeated and depleated. During these occasions, it is easy to lose all hope. God does not want us to live out our daily existence discouraged or hopeless, so He has given us his word as a source of blessing and encouragement.

(Deuteronomy 20:4) “for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.”

We all have battles that we fight even in today’s modern world. It might not be a physical war against other human beings, but rather our struggles may be against our own thought patterns, bad habits or weaknesses.

Sometimes these situations and circumstances that we face that are out of our control. Whatever the case, this verse in Deuteronomy can fill you with hope and courage. The author reminds us that it is the Lord who goes with us to fight for us against our enemies—whoever or whatever that may be. God not only fights for us, but he also gives us the victory.

(Deuteronomy 28:7) “The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before you. They shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways.”

(Matthew 19:26) “But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

(Romans 8:37) “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

One of the most encouraging thoughts for you to know is that even when things seem the worst, that God is in control. He starts from a point of victory in every situation, and he easily overcomes what feels impossible to us. Every time I struggled with feelings of loss and defeat, Like I felt this morning. We have to remind ourselves so our hope can be restored.

(1 Corinthians 15:57) “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

(1 John 5:4) “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”

God does not want us to ever to be overcome by feelings of defeat and despair in spite of the crushing blows we receive. He has given us His powerful word full of encouragement and hope to strengthen us instead. Ultimately, His will for us is that we live our lives in victory.

“When your lost and can’t seem to find your way, seek God for guidance, encouragement and hope!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I ask You to replace sadness my with joy, defeat with victory, and weariness with praise. Help me when I feel defeated, weary or sad to focus on Your blessings in my life rather than on my circumstances. Remind me to praise You the Father at all times so I may obtain life and hope. I ask that You bring all things to my memory that concern You and Your plans in my life. Holy Spirit, please increase my hope as I focus on Your Word. Help me to not be conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of my mind. Strengthen and renew me in my innermost being. Destroy the fiery darts of the enemy that attempt to pierce my souls. May always always hear Your voice and obey Your will. Father, help me to overcome today fears. Thank You for the ones in my life that Love me. I praise You and Love You Lord in all circumstances. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Here is a list of crisis numbers for 24 hour help line. Click on the link for help —-> Broken Believers

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 2nd 2017 – Seek Jesus In All Seasons

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“God has made everything beautiful for its own time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

Life is full of up’s and down’s, sometimes we are going through mountains, and other times we go through valleys. We go through successes, and we go through failures.

With the weather, there are four seasons. But in life, there are many different seasons. And every season of life includes both good and bad times.

(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) identifies many different life experiences: “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace”

Life is a combination of many seasons. All sunshine and no rain makes a dry baren desert, too much rain causes a flood. If you’re following God’s will, if you’re trying to live your life according to the way God wants you to live, then you’ll eventually see that these experiences can have purpose and value in your life.

You may think that the only time you’re in God’s will is when you’re in church or having a quiet time with the Lord.

You can be in God’s will as you’re at work. You can be in God’s will as you’re making dinner for your family. You can be in God’s will when you move to a new town or stay right where you are. There’s a time and season for everything.

When your going through a season and it seems like all hell is breaking loose, seek and lean on Jesus for peace in the storm. Scripture reminds us that “God has made everything beautiful for its own time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11) Because the Bible is saying that God can take even the bad things, and in the proper season, turn them around and use them for good in the way he intends.

You may be going through a season right now that is not beautiful. Your finances look bad. Your health looks bad. Your marriage or a relationship with your children looks bad. Maybe a friendship looks bad. Your forcast for the future looks like storms after storms.

But God can make something good out of it as you trust him with the broken and damaged pieces.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I praise you for the good seasons that You have blessed me with. And during the not so good seasons I will continue to seek You. Thank you Lord that with You we can victorious over every season, every storm, every broken relationship and every trouble or obstacle in life. Thank you that you have overcome sin, and death, and any evil that we may face today. And because of you, we too are overcomers. We too can have victory, and we can walk strong in your peace in every season and especially in the raging storms when my very survival looks hopeless. I trust in You that something good and beautiful will be revealed as I trust You with the broken and damaged pieces. 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 1st 2017 – An Important Privilege

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“Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jecholiah of Jerusalem. And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done.” (2 Chronicles 26:3-4)

If you were to take a poll of the world’s most important jobs, you would no doubt find teachers, policemen and others like them at the top of the list. While those in these positions are indeed important, I wonder how many would place parents at the top of that list. God tells us in His Word that children are a blessing from the Lord and yet many parents today seem to see children as a hindrance. Children are not a hindrance to abundant life but can be a catalyst for mothers and fathers to experience life to the fullest. The key is to see parenting as the sacred task that it is. When we do, we realize the importance of guiding our children into the arms of Jesus.

(Proverbs 22:6) ” Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Each person’s life will impact the world in some way. It may be good or bad depending on choices made, but it will impact someone. When a mother and a father dedicate their lives to demonstrating Jesus to their child and speaking about the things of God, they are adding years to their lives impact. The legacy left to their children will echo throughout their life and on into the next. In fact, it could be said that the influence we have on our children echoes into eternity. We see this clearly in the passage above. Uzziah was crowned at sixteen and because his father led him in the ways of the Lord, he was prepared to lead the people according to God’s Word. We may not be over kingdoms, but how we lead our children can impact their lives and the lives of their children and their children’s children forever.

“Parents you have been given a sacred task in raising their children in a godly manner.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your love and for the opportunity to be Your child. Lord, I thank You for the children You have given me and for the honor of being a parent. Help me to come alongside my children to raise them according to Your Word. Give me wisdom and insight in how to encourage and discipline rightly so that they may see Jesus in 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.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

October 30th 2017 – Apathy

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“When they were invaded, you stood aloof, refusing to help them.
Foreign invaders carried off their wealth and cast lots to divide up Jerusalem, but you acted like one of Israel’s enemies.” (Obadiah 1:11)

Apathy, detachment, disinterest, disregard… no matter what anyone calls it, it should never be an option for any 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) “Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”

Jesus intentionally left His throne and the glory of Heaven to walk in 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.

“The greatest danger to your future is Apathy.”

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

October 28th 2017 – The Journey

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“Now Jacob went out from Beersheba and went toward Haran. So he came to a certain place and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. And he took one of the stones of that place and put it at his head, and he lay down in that place to sleep.” (Genesis 28:10-11)

Jacob had quite a journey in front of him. He would be traveling hundreds of miles to eventually reach his destination. Even though Rebekah and Isaac sent him to find a wife, the reality of his brother Esau wanting to kill him was there. This journey was not like the journey we would be taking today. This would be a journey in a wilderness, traveled by foot. At this point in the journey Jacob had been walking all day. He was tired enough to lay his head on a stone and fall asleep.

Right before this journey we see that Jacob received a promise from his father. He was told that he would have the fat of the land, plenty of grain and wheat, people would serve him, and that he would inherit land. Now in the wilderness, on the run from his brother, that thought had to be conflicting. It would be to anyone? Jacob had been told that he would inherit the promise, but the promise was yet to come.

Do you find yourself there today? Has God given you a word for your life, but you are stuck between the promise and fulfillment of the promise. Take heart because God is using scenarios in your life to do an amazing work in your life. God will fulfill His promise in due time. In the meantime He is doing a transformative work in your life.

“When you find yourself in the place between the promises and fulfillment, Take heart that He is doing a transformative work in you.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for always working on my behalf. Give me the strength to Trust You in the good times and bad. I am thankful You are always faithful even when I question or don’t understand. Continue to do Your work in my heart. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

October 25th 2017 – Stop the Whining

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“But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.” (1 Corinthians 10:5-6)

Have you ever seen a child watching their cartoons? They sit happily watching the colorful characters they love on the screen. But, it’s interesting to watch what happens if you were to shut off the show. That once happy child turns into a loud, demanding whiner. “I want to watch it,” they demand as they kick and scream when they are told “no.” I wish this picture stopped at childhood. Sure… we’ve toned it down a bit, but how often do we find ourselves discontented and whining for the next job, house, car or spouse? This is not a new phenomenon by any means. In fact, Moses was threatened many times by a mob of angry whiners.

(Numbers 11:5) “We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!”

The children of Israel had been receiving supernatural food from heaven and yet they were whining for something more. God has provided all eternity for us through Jesus. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection we can be forgiven. Because of His great love we can have our names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. With this Truth forever on our minds, how could we ever whine again? Instead, we should live content, thankful lives because the God of all creation loves us unconditionally.

“We need to stop the Continual Whining and take notice of our Blessings.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the life You have given me. Lord, forgive me if I have whined or complained about life when You have blessed me in so many ways. Help me to see the amazing blessings all around me today and to share those blessings with others I meet. Fill me with Your Spirit and use me to reach others with the message of the Gospel. 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

October 15th 2017 – Facing Accusations

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“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

October 13th 2017 – The Marriage Test

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“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21)

Have you ever found yourself irritated with your spouse – not happy with him or her very much – even though you know you love your spouse? Most of us have had those days! It’s perfectly normal. No two people can live together for any length of time without once in awhile rubbing each other the wrong way.

What’s important is how you handle these kinds of times. If you let those feelings of hurt or disappointment take over – your marriage will suffer. You will create a rift in your relationship. So you have to make a choice. You have to decide to love. You may not feel loving, but if you decide to love, the feelings will follow.

You have to learn to demonstrate unconditional love to your spouse. Unconditional love is necessary for a strong marriage. Are you practicing unconditional love in your marriage? Here are some questions to consider:

* Have you accepted your spouse’s failures or weaknesses?

* Do you support your spouse, or do you see his or her weakness as projects to fix.

* Are you afraid to be honest because your spouse might not accept you?

There is a huge difference between unconditional love and conditional love. Conditional love blames a person, expects things in return, and asks for more. Unconditional love accepts the person, expects nothing in return and sacrifices.

Conditional love says:

* I will love you only if..

* I don’t know if I can handle the tough times. If things get too bad I’m outta here.

* I might not be able to forgive you if you tell me.

Unconditional love says:

* I will love you even if…

* I will stay with you no matter what. I will always love you, even in the tough times.

* I know I’ll still love you if you tell me.

Our spouse isn’t perfect and we were blessed to get to know them intimately and on a deeper level then others. We are the ones who sees all his or her faults and fears. What do you do with what you know about your spouse?

* Do you tease your spouse with hurtful words?

* Worse, do you tease your spouse with hurtful words in front of others?

* Do you put your spouse down?

* Do you withhold your love until your spouse corrects certain faults?

If you answered “yes” to a majority of these questions, you are loving conditionally and creating a huge rift in the fabric of your marriage. If you continue loving with conditions, it can at any moment become a large tear between you.

Conditional love creates a marriage in which each spouse is more concerned with getting his or her own way, instead of showing their spouse grace and love.

Your response and connection to your spouse are crucial to the health of your marriage and family. Your expression of unconditional love and acceptance is the force that will hold you together in the midst of the testing times in your marriage. Your standing with each other in the painful times as well as the good times is one of the primary elements of a great marriage.

If you love each other conditionally, you’ll end up living like two immature children – each trying to get your own way and resenting the other person when you don’t. You may still be married, but you’ll miss our on the joy of a great marriage. Also, husbands and wives who don’t get unconditional love in their marriage may look for it somewhere else. And while they’re looking for that unconditional love – they’re pulling away from their spouse.

Learning unconditional love is worth it, but it’s not always easy. Giving your spouse the security of your unwavering love requires grace, patience, affirmation of the good things, encouragement, respect and time. Even when you don’t feel like showing love, do it anyway. You need it; your spouse needs it; your marriage needs it..

Here are some tips on how to keep your dream marriage alive.

Talk through the issues. Communicate freely with each other and keep no inappropriate secrets.

Love each other deeply, without strings. Forgive your spouse when you are wronged and seek forgiveness when you offend.

Begin each day by asking, “What can I do for you?” Eagerly seek to discover and meet each other’s needs.

Hang tough. Pray without ceasing. Instead of caving in to difficult circumstances, face and conquer them.

Focus on Christ, and love your spouse. Consciously guard yourselves against threats and temptations that could pull your marriage apart.

Pray together daily. Stay close. Work at maintaining emotional, physical and spiritual closeness.

Keep the chemistry with your spouse alive. Be committed to keeping your relationship fresh.

Keeping your marriage strong, vibrant and fresh isn’t always easy. But if you put in the time and effort, you’ll discover how truly amazing your marriage can be.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” (John 10:27-29)

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Even before we got married, we had dreams for our future. Our lives were planned out. But soon we discovered that things tend to change. Life happens, and every once in a while you’re given a detour. Some of those detours were quick and easy. Others had us wondering what You were up to, where You were taking us, and how soon our trials would end, but through every change and every trial, Your love remained constant. Help us to trust in Your plan when it doesn’t match ours. Give us the strength to hold onto our faith when we can’t see the path. There isn’t a trial we can’t endure when we’re leaning on You. There isn’t a weight we can’t bear when You carry us through. Keep leading the way, Lord, and make our steps steady and sure, and Thank you for my spouse. In Jesus’ we pray. Amen.

SPECIAL NOTE

“Happy Birthday to my beautiful wife Tina today. (In picture above) I Love you. I am so blessed to have you in my life”

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

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