Category Archives: Challenges

September 12th 2017 – When Battles Come Upon Us

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“As water wears away stones and torrents wash away the soil, so you destroy a person’s hope.” (Job 14:19)

What hope has been destroyed in your life? Perhaps a dream or wish for your job, marriage, family, or relationship that was not fulfilled? Is there something that the Lord has done or is allowing that you are fighting against?

Job was a just and blameless man before God (Job 1:1) yet God allowed him to be tested by the enemy (Job 1:6-12). Throughout scripture we see a variety of trials and hardships coming upon God’s people. Some the Lord delivered them from and others the Lord allowed His people to endure through. What does God want us to do when we are going through these battles that come upon us?

(Psalm 103:1-5)
“Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!”

When the battles seem to be occurring all around you and you don’t know where to go or what to do, take the time to remember all He has done for you. Trust Him in spite of what you see. Trust that He is able to do above and beyond what we ask imagine or think. Keep coming back to His word declaring His promises over you. Keep going to fellowship, counsel, and interaction with the body of Christ. Continue to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding and He will make your path clear and straight in due season. Our hearts and lives in Christ are all about seeking to grow in trusting in the Lord no matter what seasons of life may come. As we do this we find the special blessing that God has for us.

“We often pray for God to protect and remove us from the battle. He calls us instead to trust Him in it.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for guiding my steps and keeping me from placing my hope in anything that is not from You. I pray that you’ll give me the power to remember all the good you are doing in and through my life no matter the circumstances. Please give me the strength to live for You and trust in You in all the ways You have set before me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 8th 2017 – Watching our Words

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“Perhaps you think we’re saying these things just to defend ourselves. No, we tell you this as Christ’s servants, and with God as our witness. Everything we do, dear friends, is to strengthen you.” (2 Corinthians 12:19)

Relationships are difficult. They require work, constant attention and above all, they should be filled with love. Of course, this is easier said than done in many cases. What happens when you are dealing with a difficult or stubborn person? Often, we begin identifying what is wrong with the other person, but what if we looked first at ourselves? What if we first asked, “How should I respond?”

(Proverbs 15:1) “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.”

In our flesh, we don’t feel like returning anger with a gentle answer, but it will put the fire out. A harsh word makes it escalate. It’s amazing how much the Bible mentions about the effect of our words. Watching your words can make your job better, relationships better and give you less regrets later. Do you want to change the people in your life? Start by changing yourself and the perfect place to begin is with your words. Respond in love, and God can do amazing things in all your relationships.

“By being slow to anger and choosing to love people even when it’s hard, you can be changed today. Every relationship you have including your job can be improved today.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the love You have shown me. Help me to show love in my relationships and to watch my words. Give me the strength to be slow to speak and slow to become angry. Lord, help me also understand that Love is also a choice, and help my heart choose love in the tough times when I dont always feel like it. May my actions of being slow to anger and expressing love even when it’s hard, change the world, one relationship at a time. 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

 

September 6th 2017 – I’ll Not Fear

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“though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalms 23:4)

We see in all of these verses so far that the Shepherd leads, guides, helps, and loves us. Now, in this verse, it changes from the Shepherd’s actions and love for us, to our own actions.  You see, in life there are going to be times when we don’t listen so that we get ourselves in places we shouldn’t be.  Here it’s called “the valley of the shadow of death”.

Have you ever had times like that?  You find that the grass isn’t green and the stream is dirty and you say, “how did I get here?”  You see that it was through your own decisions, or you didn’t take the time to listen to the Shepherd’s voice, that you opened doors that should have stayed shut.

Even in these times, even when we mess up, the Great Shepherd doesn’t leave us.  No! He promised us that He would never leave us or forsake us. Never means never and here we see the same promise.  I will fear no evil, why? His written word “FOR YOU ARE WITH ME!” What a promise.  When we mess up, we need to ‘fess up and He, the Great Shepherd, forgives and restores.

Even when we open doors to the evil one, our Shepherd takes out His mighty rod and grabs hold of us with His wonderful staff and brings great comfort to our lives. What security, what comfort, what hope we have because of our amazing Jesus.

So take heart today that there is no sin too strong that the blood of Jesus can’t wash away. Rest in His loving arms and hear His heartbeat as you lay your head upon His chest. Know that He loves you and will always protect you against anything that the enemy might bring against you.  He’ll even protect you when you open a door that you shouldn’t have.

Remember, once you have accepted Jesus Christ as you Lord and Savior, He will never leave you or forsake you.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank You for the blood of Jesus that has washed me white as snow.  I thank You that no matter what comes against me or even when I’m walking in the valley, You are there to comfort and to restore.  What a God I serve. In Jesus precious name. Amen..

Don’t walk the the valley alone, choose Jesus..

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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

August 27th 2017 – He is Faithful

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 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

In Matthew 11 John the Baptist is in prison and sends disciples to ask Jesus “Are You the Coming one?” John the Baptist earlier had declared to crowds “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) But now he’s in prison questioning his circumstances and Jesus’ ministry.

Have you ever had that experience? Perhaps you have been in a dark and difficult prison of sorts wondering and questioning the Lord and His will for your life. Jesus reminds John of the work God has done through Him (Matthew 11:4-6). If you have been in those moments it’s key to turn to the Lord and see all the good work God has done in your life. Seek the Lord and think through the good, true, pure, and lovely things in our life that the Lord has done. Even when we are in moments when we feel faithless, He is faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). We can rest in all that the Lord had done and is doing in our midst.

“We are loved by the Father and that love will never change”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father , I thank you that when I’m falling short in my mind, not understanding You or Your working in my life, that You still graciously see me through those moments. Please help me not forget Your wonderful works in my life. Help me continue to trust You to lead me no matter what season I’m in. 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 26th 2017 – Tears to Diamonds

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“I am weary with my groaning; All night I make my bed swim; I drench my couch with my tears.” (Psalms 6:6)

How does pain hit us? How do we respond to it? It could come from the death of a precious loved one, the hardship of having someone betray you, continuous struggles or the sin you keep falling into that you hate. Perhaps you’ve had sorrow as King David did and had a child turn against you. Many of us, no matter how tough we are, have experienced pain that brought us to tears. How does God look at you and me during our struggles and when we’re weeping before Him?

(Psalms 56:8)
“You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?”

Our loving heavenly Father takes distinct note of when we cry. When we cry, we do not keep our tears, but they are captured by the Lord. Have you ever been bothered by seeing your child struggle, getting hurt, and crying? It is even more so with our Father in heaven who sent His Son to intercede with His tears on behalf of our struggles and sins. Jesus sowed tears of sorrow for our sin so that He could give us joy by defeating our sin (Psalm 126:3).

Take heart today by knowing God has taken note of our struggle, our prayer, our tears, and most importantly our sins, and we will ultimately be eternally freed if we have entrusted our life to Him.

(Revelation 21:4)
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

“Our tears will turn to diamonds in His nail scarred hand.”

“Diamonds are just coal that did well under pressure.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for capturing my heart, my sorrows, and my tears. Thank you for paying the ultimate price for my sin so that I can be eternally delivered from the sorrow of my sin and this sin stained world. I have great hope because of You Lord. Thank you for caring for me and remembering me even when I weep. Please keep reminding me that my tears are but for a moment, and you will wipe every tear I ever had away from my face. Please give me Your power to see and walk in Your joy since I know this day is coming. 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

July 27th 2017 – They Sang to the Lord

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“We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed -” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

Paul, the writer of 2 Corinthians, was no stranger to hard times. During his ministry, he experienced angry mobs, plots to kill him, stoning, more plots to kill him, shipwrecks, imprisonment, even more plots to kill him, beatings and mockery. After all that Paul went through, how did he respond? He worshiped and sang hymns.

(Acts 16:25) “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.”

Paul and Silas were in shackles after receiving beatings and what do they do? They sang to the Lord. They were so thankful to have experienced persecution for their Lord that they were singing to Him. We may never experience physical shackles on our feet but in the middle of our difficult times, we can still sing to the Lord. In fact, when we actively worship God in the middle of difficulties, our mind turns from self-focused to God-focused. This change of focus makes all the difference.

“Our troubles are temporary. Glory and celebration are eternal.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of salvation. I also praise You for those times of trial because I know they are making me more like You. Give me the strength to praise You in those times. May the song in my heart to You change the way I see my life. I give it all to 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

July 17th 2017 – Spiritually Drowning

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And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” So I answered, “O Lord GOD, You know.” (Ezekiel 37:3)

I have a important question, where are you spiritually right now? Are you frustrated? Are you tired? Devastated? Do you feel like your world is caving in and you just can’t handle it? Are you drowning… weary from crying? Do you feel spiritually numb or even spirtually dead?

(Lamentations 3:21-24) “This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I hope in Him!”

Living in such a time as we do. We can get battered and discouraged spiritually. We see people saying and doing unbelievable things. Even people we love can be abusive in their behaviours torward us. Its not hard to get in a place where our spirit and soul feel numb. Hope often sounds impossible… As a Pastor I hear many stories each week of people searching for hope in dry and desolate places.  Please do not think that Ministers of the Lord are exempt from feeling this way too. I go through times like this also. All it takes is taking my eyes off of Jesus, even for a moment.

Like Peter stepping off the boat into the water and walking torwards the Lord, as soon as he took his eye off Jesus he immediately sank into the water. At the point Peter prayed the shortest prayer..  “Lord save me!” Jesus reached His arm out and rescued Peter from drowning in the turbulent water.

In (Matthew 7:7-8) Jesus said this, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”

What you surround yourself with is a good indication of where we seek. Take a minute to look at what surrounds you. Is it television, music, gadgets, computers… or maybe drugs and alcohol? There is no hope in these things. The only Hope is in Jesus. God’s promise lasts forever. We can live free of all of the numbness and not feel spiritually stale – I mean really live free, but it’s in Jesus and not in the world.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the hope You give to me in Jesus. Lord, help me to stay determined and not lose hope even when I find myself in a valley of dry bones. Remind me to feed upon Your Word. I give you all praise and glory for the promises You set before me. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Is Jesus the Lord and Savior of your life? Did you once have your eyes on him but got caught up in the world? Don’t miss out on the most important decision you will ever make.

Pray this prayer with me and start a new life, or recommit your life to Jesus.

Heavenly Father, I come to You in the Name of Jesus. I admit that I am not right with You, and I want to be right with You. I ask You to forgive me of all my sins. The Bible says if I confess with my mouth that “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead, I will be saved (Rom. 10:9). I believe with my heart and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is the Lord and Savior of my life. Thank You for saving me!
In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer for the first time, we would like to know. Click here to send us an e-mail or share your testimony.

If you need prayer Click Here to post a prayer request.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

July 7th 2017 – Compromised

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“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

In today’s society, it can be difficult to live a life that calls for us to be different. We excuse away bad behavior and submit to pressures that weigh on us – and we compromise. We try to do things our own way and resist doing things God’s way. Second Chronicles 7:14 says, “If we seek Him humbly and turn from our wrongdoings we can have this intimate relationship with Him.” Zephaniah 1:1-6 Warns if we disobey Him, our lives will be consumed with ruin.

God longs for us to be obedient and to learn discipline, He desires a deep relationship with us. While we cannot live a perfect life, we can set our heart and minds on God and seek Him.

Are you living on the fence? Have you compromised in your relationship with Him or other Christians. What about in prayer or in time with Him and His Word? Are you willing to seek God and turn away from your own selfish ways? The day is drawing near when God will intervene in each of our lives. In our inability to offer Him anything, He still accepts you and me. God provides a way out through His Son, Jesus, as payment for our sins–for those who place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

What will you decide today? If you have a relationship with Jesus and you have been compromising and in a backslidden condition, now is the time to reevaluate and focus your eyes back on Jesus.

If you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He offers you the opportunity to decide to ask Him into your life, seek His forgiveness of your sins and live for Him.

Sit on the fence or reject Him and spend eternity separated from Him. This is an act of your will and no one can make the decision for you. The time is now.

“The warning still applies to us today.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for the opportunity to examine my relationship with You. I have strayed, and I do not want to compromise my life anymore. I commit myself to You afresh. I admit that I am a sinner. I believe You sent Your Son to die for my sins.Right now, I ask for Your power to help me turn from my sins. Thank You for forgiving me and saving me. Help me to be a blessing to You and others with each day that You give to me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you do not know Jesus personally, or need to recommit yourself. Please click here.

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

July 2nd 2017 – “God, I got this!”

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“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 surrender to You. Please help me. Thank You for being the here for me always. Forgive me for 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 I 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

June 23rd 2017 – Quiet Time!!

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“My beloved has gone to his garden, To the beds of spices, To feed his flock in the gardens, And to gather lilies.” (Song of Solomon 6:2)

Conflict is a part of life and because of that reality, we must be ready to learn from the disagreements we may have with others. One of the greatest ways to grow through conflict is to first take time alone and pray. Rather than acting out in anger in those first moments of an argument, stop and retreat to your corners. During those few moments, in a quiet place, spend time in prayer to the Lord. Don’t simply pray that your spouse, friend or child will realize the error of their ways, but pray for your own heart to be changed. Ask the hard questions of God, “Was there something I did wrong?” “How could I have responded better?” No matter the circumstance, we are all prone to mistake and should be honest in evaluating ourselves.

After those moments of prayer and reflection, we can stand under the grace of God realizing His love is still upon us through Christ. When we stand in that reality, we are then in a better place to extend that grace and love to the one whom we are conflicting with. This way of processing conflict can help us all to grow through an argument rather than allowing an argument hurt a relationship.

“When you are praying through conflict be open to correction, ready for instruction and grounded in grace.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for forgiving me when I have sinned against You. Help me to remember that grace so that I can be full of grace towards others who may hurt me. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can be slow to speak and slow to become angry. Help me to grow closer to You through those times of tension and conflict. 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