Category Archives: Challenges

May 6th 2017 – In His Steps, We Were Called

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“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” (1 Peter 2:21)

None of us likes to suffer. There is nothing pleasant about struggling with difficult people or dealing with persecution for your faith. Yet, the Christian is not one that can really be separated from suffering. In 1 Peter, the apostle calls believers to patiently endure harsh treatment from their authorities. He was speaking to slaves about masters, but we would understand it better in terms of employee and employer.

Why would God call us to suffer under another person’s authority? It could be for many reasons, but the main one is that our patient, loving endurance during those times can be used by God to bring that person to Christ. When we act in love despite being faced with hate, we declare to the world that we are different. This causes people to consider the words we say and the message of hope we speak. In reality, our loving suffering may be the tool God uses to save a soul. That may be hard to imagine, but our God is no stranger to using difficulties to produce deliverance. This is illustrated best in the life of Jesus. He suffered under the authority of man, even to death, and yet it was for our salvation. Now He calls us to endure so that others may see Christ in us.

“We should follow the steps of Jesus, being willing to suffer for the sake of others.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I admit that I do not enjoy suffering, especially because of those around me, yet I ask that You would use my life in those situations to display Your love and grace. Give me the power through Your Holy Spirit to show love and not hate. Help me to be willing to endure rather than fight back. Thank You for the gift of everlasting life that was purchased on the cross. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you would like to request a prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

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

Rob Lavallee

 Scriptural Seeds Ministries 

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

May 4th 2017 – God’s “Biggest and Best” Blessings

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“The next day, because he wanted to know for certain why he was accused by the Jews, he released him from his bonds, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down and set him before them.” (Acts 22:30)

“Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.” (Acts 23:1)

We see in the next seven chapters, Acts 22 to 28, Paul is either on his way to court or prison or is in court or imprisoned. If anyone would have had the right to mope around and complain about his problems, it would have been Paul… but he didn’t. He could have been an ‘Eeyore’ and said, “I guess I’ll never get out of here.”Instead, he used those times by praying to God and and encouraging others. Did you know that Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians while in prison?

Paul wrote, “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.” (Philippians 4:11-12)

How could Paul write this in the face of such overwhelming difficulty? He continues by saying, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

That is the key. We often hear slogans such as, “Do your best and let God do the rest.” Our best isn’t even close to God’s best. The next time you find yourself in a difficult situation, stop and ask God to make it the best. Don’t settle for the little, Ask God for His “biggest and best”. Trust God with today, and He will lead you into tomorrow’s blessings.

“Ask God to make the best out of whatever situation you are in.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Thank You that I don’t have to lean on my own striving or the hope that my best is good enough. Thank you for family and for the special ones you brought into my life. Lord, I don’t want my best, I want Your best. Please help me to commit all my plans to You. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen

If you would like to request a prayer Click Here

Would you like to learn more about 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

April 29th 2017 – Mountains – My God is Bigger

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“As it is written: ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:36-37 )

I have had the opportunity to speak with and pray for those who are in the midst of monumental life changing challenges. It might be unemployment, eviction, addiction, separation, divorce or even death. Whatever it is, for those going through it, it seems to be a Mount Everest of a challenge. One thing I’ve noticed is that those who dare to take on mountains often triumph while those who survey the towering heights and presume defeat… buckle. Colossal cliffs teach the deepest lessons – the kind you never forget.

(Genesis 22:8) “And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.”

From the stable to sacrifice, Jesus knew His mountain. Awaiting Him at the top were false accusation, humiliation, torture, pain, suffering and death on a cross. For us, our Savior set His jaw and pressed forward. Jesus made the greatest climb to Calvary.

Willingly, Jesus took that hill. He knew what was waiting, and He went. It was His joy to do so. He did it to purchase you and change your destiny. Because Jesus made His ascent, we can climb our mountains with victory in hand. The next time you see a mountain looming in the distance, remember, you’re a conqueror. With Jesus, you will take that hill.

” Dear Problem, My God Is Bigger! – Don’t climb your mountains without Jesus.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, We love You and praise you Lord in all circumstances. Thank You for loving me first. It is through You that I do not have to fear the difficulties of this world and that I have everything I need for the challenges of life. Please forgive me for times when I’ve stalled in the face of trials instead of relying on 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.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

April 28th 2017 – Seek God in all Things

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“Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies.” (1 Corinthians 15:36)

I was recently invited to a pre-screening of a movie called All Saints. It was based on a true life story about a wilted and dying church. The congregation had dwindled to less than the dozen people. The reason this had happened is that they, at one point stopped praying and worshiping to the Lord. To illustrate this, even the communion set was in packed away in a dusty old box in the basement. What was a thriving Community Church 50 years ago, now without seeking God, it had become a handful of old cranky and fruitless people.

The story continued, a new Pastor shows up with direction from his diocese to inventory the church, close it down and sell the property. God however gives the Pastor a new direction, brings him the refugee helpers to accomplish the mission at hand, saving the church.

What will he do? Try to please the diocese and shut down the Church? Try to serve his congregation and the community by saving the church? The real question is, will he seek God’s help to accomplish the mission given to him?

His answer may really supprise you?

Let’s look at a biblical application of this story in our lives. When we ask Jesus to forgive us and are born again, we are like that seed planted into the ground. As that seed lies in the soil, it becomes something new, something with amazing potential for growth. Likewise, when our lives are given completely to Jesus, there is unlimited potential to the number of lives we could reach. The Lord looks down onto our lives and knows the number of times we will fall, the number of times we will have victory and the number of lives we will change. He knows and will provide the needed power; the question is… are you ready to produce? Are you ready to grow and be fruitful? Are you ready to ask for Gods help! When you give your life to Christ and submit to Him in obedience, you will see amazing things happen, not because you are the perfect seed, but because He is the perfect gardener. Trust Him and watch the harvest unfold before your eyes.

“Anyone can count the seeds, plant the seeds, we can even try to water them by hand. But only God can give life to the seeds, provide living water and produce the “Good” harvest!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the continuous love that You have shown me. Thank You for Jesus and the gift of salvation that comes through Him. Lord, I praise You for these things and ask that You would help me to grasp the impact that my life could have when it is dedicated to You. I ask that You fill me with Your Spirit and use me to be fruitful for Your Kingdom. Help teach me and others that without placing You first in our lives, seeking Your help and direction, we will never have all that God intends for us. 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

April 27th 2017 – Stone by Stone

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“Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests and built the Sheep Gate; they consecrated it and hung its doors. They built as far as the Tower of the Hundred, and consecrated it, then as far as the Tower of Hananel” (Nehemiah 3:1)

In the book of Nehemiah, we see the people of Israel joining together to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem. Stone by stone, each wall and gate was constructed to keep the people or things that would cause them harm out, and the good in. The same should be true in our own life, because once you see something or hear something, it is impossible to take it out. If you are a parent, you are responsible for guarding your kid’s gates . As they get older, help them make good decisions and discourage bad ones.

When it comes to the safety of Nations in modern times. It’s still, as it was throught history, all about who has the greatest technology and most mighty weapons.

Don’t look for the newest greatest things for warfare, they may be great with technology but not with Gods wisdom. God has given us great wisdom so that we can go to the ancient things for modern problems. Remember that the battlefield often starts in our minds.

(2 Corinthians 10:4-5) “We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.”

The key to guarding our hearts and minds is to fill our hearts and minds with the things of God. Reading God’s Word and meditating on the Truths of Scripture will help protect us from evil. Time in prayer for our lives and the lives of our family will direct our paths. Also, we must be actively engaged by saying no to certain music, television, movies, games or books that could draw our hearts away from Christ. It’s not about legalism; it’s about building the walls of protection and guarding the gates for God’s glory.

“As people created in the image of God, we can and should control what we read, listen to, think and say.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the guidance You give in Your Word. Just like my spiritual armor, provide me the stones of wisdom and power to build the walls and guard the gates of my heart and mind. Fill me with Your Spirit. Help me teach others about your goodness and turn them away from evil. May they turm from hate and destruction to experiencing forgiveness and Love. 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

April 22nd 2017 – Fractured Clay Jars

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“For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you.” (2 Corinthians 4:11-12)

Whether they knew it or not, the church of Corinth was blessed because of Paul’s sufferings. The battles endured and hardships faced were all allowed by God so that Paul would be a great witness to the world. During this time in church history, there was a lot of suffering taking place, and as a result of that suffering, the Word of God was spread to more and more people. In fact, this continues today.

I believe we all could list out some areas where we suffered because of Christ. It may not be to the extent that Paul suffered, but trials are a part of the Christian life. That may not sound so great but think of it this way, when you’re going through a trial, someone else is watching you and can be blessed through your response. The Bible says we are like fractured jars of clay, or “cracked jars”. The more suffering and trials hit, the more we seem to crack.

“We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” (2 Corinthians 4:7)

The more we crack, the more Jesus is seen inside of us. God will use every situation in your life for good so rejoice in the hard times and look for those ways to shine… like a cracked jar with a brilliant light inside.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, While it may be hard, I want to thank You for my times of suffering. I know that each of these moments is being used to make me more like Jesus. Give me the strength and wisdom needed to be a witness for You even in times of suffering. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If ou 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

April 12th 2017 – Help Is A Call Away

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“and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” (Psalm 50:15)

When we go through major disappointments in life, our natural reaction is to pull back and isolate ourselves. We want to handle it ourselves. We want to keep our losses, our failures, our mistakes and crises a secret. We want to withdraw. This is a terrible idea.

When you go through disappointment, crisis or loss. Those are the times when you need to call on God and your friends the most. You need to accept help from others. God doesn’t intend for you to handle all the pain and stress in your life by yourself. We were wired for each other. We need each other. We’re social beings. The first thing God said in the Garden of Eden is, “It’s not good for man to be alone.” We’re made to be in relationships.

(Job 6:14) “When desperate people give up on God Almighty, their friends, at least, should stick with them”

There will be times in your life when you are in so much pain you will say, “I don’t even believe in God right now!” You need to have friends who will come alongside you and say, “That’s OK. We’ll believe God for you right now.”

There will come a time when you’ll say, “I don’t have any faith right now. I’m full of doubt.” That’s when you need your friends to step in and say, “That’s OK. We will have faith for you. We will trust God for you in this.”

“By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). What is the law of Christ? It’s this: Love your neighbor as yourself. The Bible commands us to help each other. Every time you help somebody who’s going through pain, you are fulfilling the law of Christ.

Trying to handle your trouble yourself will only make you more tired and stressed out.

So don’t run away and hide or ingnore your friends and the ones that love you. You need to accept the help of others and let your friends carry you through it.

Our Lord Jesus is only a call away, And He already knows the trouble your having. He is already calling out to you. Answer His call,

“Give Jesus a try….if you don’t like Him, the enemy will always take you back!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Help me trust You in all circumstances in my life. Increase my faith. Help me remember that I am your child and that you love me. Thank You for the people in my life that care about me and are there when I need a friend. I also know that all things are possible in my life, If I would trust in You without doubt, and trust in Your Word.  You said it is true, so I trust, and I believe, and as I do, I will see the results! Thank you for Your presence in my life. 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

 

April 11th 2017 – Call On The Professional

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“And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” (Mark 4:20)

A Psalmist wrote in the Bible, “He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.” For someone who has been in the pit of despair and in the mud and the mire, I stand on the other side praising God for all that He has donein my life. Isn’t that what following God is all about? Not the mud and the mire, not the pit of despair; but God being faithful to save us.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” ( Psalms 34:18)

We all go through seasons in life that sometimes punch us in the gut and take the breath right out of us. Maybe it’s the death of a family member, a child abusing drugs, talks of divorce or even the loss of a job. One thing we can rest assured about, God will get us through. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you.

Spend time in the Bible, praying and seeking the Lord. Don’t allow your troubles to determine the fruit God wants to produce in your life. When you are feeling down bless someone by helping them. Take a walk and spend time talking to God. The best remedy for despair and pain is to bless someone else. Remember, we plant the seed, someone else will come along and water it, and God will give the increase. The promise from Him is thirty, sixty, and some a hundred-fold fruit in our lives.

“There is no mistake that God can’t fix. There is no pit that God can’t pull you out of.”

“God can take what is broken and restore it into something beautiful!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promises. I am grateful that at times in my life You have fixed my mistakes. I am grateful that You have pulled me out of the mud and the mire at times in my life. Please help me in these desperate times Lord. Help me to also sow seeds into others lives and be a part of helping build Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name I pray, 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

March 22nd 2017 – Our Daily Battle

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“These were the heads of their fathers’ houses: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel. They were mighty men of valor, famous men, and heads of their fathers’ houses.” (Chronicles 5:24)

We are in a battle. It’s all around us. Your family, friends, Pastor and church are in the battle. The enemy of your soul is a vicious preditor, He is out to divide and destroy, if you allow your guard to drop you will fall victim to his perilous plans.

(John 10:10) The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

Satan is not stupid. He is going to go after those on the fringe of fellowship. Like a lion that picks off the young, the sick and the weak, he is watching to see who wanders outside the flock. Be mindful of yourself, your family and friends. Is someone lagging behind? Now is the time to encourage them to get back into the flock. Are you wandering? I tell you the truth, you are in danger of being picked off. Don’t let that happen! Ask the Lord for protection from the enemy and his scheme’s.

“We are in a battle over our souls and the souls of those we love and care about.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Lord, give me the wisdom and discernment to recognize when I have dropped my guard. Help me to encourage my family, friends and co-workers in the midst of trouble. When the battles come, help me to find rest and protection in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

March 12th 2017 – Don’t Worry, God Cares

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“Remember, O LORD, what has come upon us; Look, and behold our reproach!” (Lamentations 5:1)

Prayer is something often spoken about in church and yet, it is seldom practiced on a regular basis. Some of this may be due to the misunderstanding of what prayer is and what it is not. When we come to the Lord in prayer, He desires that we come as the broken people we are. He desires that we bring our cares, our worries, our pains and suffering to Him because He loves us.

(1 Peter 5:6-7) “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”

We don’t need to pretend with God. He knows our hearts and understands our weaknesses. When we come in honest conversation with Him, we can find peace and joy in that time of fellowship. God never meant for you to carry the weight of your life. It’s too much for any of us. Instead, He says to bring it to Him so that He can carry it for us. So when we come in prayer, we can come in joyful surrender knowing that God loves us and that He has our life in His hands.

“When the burdens of life overwhelm you, take them to God in prayer.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the blessing of prayer. I come to You with nothing but empty hands and a heart that desires more of You. Please Lord, take my life and do with it as you please. I trust You and desire to glorify Your name in all that I do. 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