Category Archives: Challenges

October 6th 2019 – Life Isn’t Always A Walk In The Park

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” (Romans 8:28-30)

We must not forget, in our pursuit of Christ, that our days will not always be a Walk in the Park. There will be difficult days, troubling times, and storms. Please don’t be fooled by thinking, just because you have been called by God, that life won’t include these times. In these times, we are set apart by one thing, “Hope”.

Maybe today, you are experiencing grief from a loved one passing, or difficulties with your spouse or children. We wake up sometimes to trouble at work, financial problems, and other trying times. One thing we need to remember is what Paul said, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”

Today, make the decision when troubles come, To Praise God. When difficulties arise, To Praise God. When you are in the valley and the trees are too tall to even see the bottom of the mountain top, To Praise God. He is working out something for that eternal weight of glory.

“Don’t being fooled into thinking life is always going to a walk in the park, give God praise in the sunshine and the rain.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Today, I want to give You praise within my storm. I know my feelings get in the way of my faith, so I am asking for Your strength and wisdom to trust You during these times. Help me to learn from You, so I can help others when their storm is rising. I 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

October 5th 2019 – Bad Weather

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“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don’t give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

People think that when you are in the will of God, you will always have “smooth sailing.” That is certainly not true of Paul. He seemed to face every kind of adversity imaginable. He had enemies who tried to undermine and even destroy him out of jealousy.

The Apostle Paul delt with storms

Toward the end of the Book of Acts, Paul was making his final journey to Rome because he had appealed to Caesar. As they journeyed, a horrific storm overtook them and everyone despaired for their lives.

Luke describes it this way: “When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved” (Acts 27:20)

The Lord came to Paul

But the Lord sent His angel to speak to Paul, giving the apostle the ability to encourage the others on board:

But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down. For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, and he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’ So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said.” (Acts 27:22-25)

Will there ever be smooth sailing?

That is not to say we will not have beautiful moments, and even seasons of relative calmness. Not all the winds that blow in life are devastating. In one instance, the log of the journey before the big storm hit says, “The south wind blew softly” (Acts 27:13)

Thank God for those times when the “South wind blows softly.” Those times when you can feel the warmth of the sun on your shoulders and all is well.

God never abandons us

The Apostle Paul had numerable setbacks in life that included beatings and physical harm. He also had a personal physical disability he prayed to be healed of that never left.

Still, he was able to say, “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don’t give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

That is one of the reasons the storms and trials come. To make us stronger spiritually. Because in a storm, a trial, or a hardship, you will learn things you could really learn nowhere else.

The Fact is, storms will come in life. It’s not a matter of if but when. Were either pulling out of one or eventually headed toward another.

“Better to be in a storm with Jesus then anywhere else without Him.”

“Fruit does not grow on mountaintops, but in valleys.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, It gets so hard trying to face the storms of life on our own especially when we feel weak. I need Your power and strength to face each one. Please continue to help and teach me to turn to You first. Help me learn to patiently endure the suffering and the hard times and honor You in the midst of them. I lift up all of my troubles and faithfully trust in You Lord that you will guide me. Please send others to help me through these tough times. I ask for Your peace to comfort me. I ask, Father, for Your power to strengthen me. When I want to run because I am afraid or hurt, I ask that You help me to stand. I know that You will guide me to grow through these things. Lord, I know You will be there to help me through every storm of life and even in the final storm of death, I wi praise 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. Fill me with Your Spirit and use my life to share God’s peace with the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Trying to face a storm without Jesus will get very overwhelming, you may even feel all alone. He is waiting for you, ask for His help. If you do not know Him personally, I encourage you not to pass up the precious gift of His love and eternal life. Jesus died on the cross for you and me. Jesus loves us and wants to help us through the storms. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 25th 2019 – Unlimited Resource

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“He who scatters has come up before your face. Man the fort! Watch the road! Strengthen your flanks! Fortify your power mightily.” (Nahum 2:1)

Tests and trials are a part of life and often push us to our limits in so many ways. During these times, what do you turn to? Do you first run to others seeking those who feel the same way you do? Do you find yourself to be anxious because you are constantly looking down the road of life waiting for the next attack? Maybe you run to your money or addiction to seek answers or comfort. Whatever the case may be, the truth is, when we do not run to God first, we will not last long.

As followers of Christ, we have the unlimited resource of wisdom and power available to anyone. He is our Father God and He desires to help us in times of need. We may be able to limp along on our own wisdom and strength for a time, but when we trust in the Lord’s strength and His infinite wisdom, we will never grow weary. Today you will encounter difficult situations. Don’t be surprised by them but simply use them as an excuse to draw closer to God. Need wisdom? Ask the Father. Desire strength? Find it in Jesus.

“When you aew faced with a problem, seek God first before relying on your own wisdom or strength.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your generous love for me. I am so grateful that I can run to You in times of need and You will hear my cry. Father, I ask for Your strength and wisdom today. No matter where I find myself I ask that You would guide my steps and use me for Your purposes. 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

September 24th 2019 – The Path That God Leads Us Down

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“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Keep walking along the path God has chosen for you. Your desire to live close to Him is a delight to the Lords heart. He could grant the riches of our spiritual desires, but that may not be what God has for you or me. Together with God we can forge a pathway up this high and mighty mountain in front of us.

The journey may be arduous at times and we may become week, soon with Gods help we will be to the top of that mountain. But for now, sometimes our walk is difficult and heavy. All He requires from us to do is take the next step, clinging to His hand for strength and direction.

We will never know what is around the bend if we stray from our path, stay on the path that God has selected for you, you are closer then you know to where God wants to lead you.

Focus your attention on the path just ahead of you, and on the One that never leaves your side.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, please continue to guide and direct our steps as we walk down life’s path. May we always seek you over all distractions. I praise you and all you have done in my life. I am so blessed that you love me and continue to guide me on my path. May I be receptive to Your direction, seeking You always at each fork on life’s path. I choose to seek and follow You on the path to where You Lord have destined me to be. I know that you have such wonderful plans for our lives and want us to reach our destiny, Amen.

Don’t walk down the path of life without Jesus by your side. If you have not accepted Him as your Savior, 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

September 19th 2019 – Resist Temptation

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“Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

Temptation is best understood once we have recognized that we’ve been tempted. It takes courage and strength to say the words, “I have been tempted and failed, or I have been tempted and I overcame this time.”

Sin does not discriminate; it applies its poison equally to everyone. If by chance we manage to overcome any tempting encounter, it isn’t by self-will alone, it is God standing there in the midst of the garden with us. It’s a daily struggle to stay on the path that leads to spiritual wholeness. Yet, always we need to know that God is love, God is peace, and God is our strength when the struggle is too difficult to manage alone.

Most people aren’t suited to bear the anxiety of being tempted. The lure that deceit dangles in clear sight is directly tied to either our strengths or our weaknesses. Sometimes it can be a combination of the two.

Often we stand gazing into temptation and wonder why we were not able to resist. In those moments when we fail, we can come to God and experience His forgiveness and grace all over again. This is the beauty of the Gospel. Yes, we must resist sin and flee from temptation but when we do fall short, we have a loving God who desires to forgive.

Our best defense is to know ourselves thoroughly enough to ask God for support through troubled times. We need to ask for God’s grace and mercy. If we learn to do this fervently, we will receive the crown of life as a promise from the Lord. Whenever we experience temptation or uncertainty, all we need is to pray for God’s guidance to lead us toward spiritual victory.

“When Tempted, God will always show you a way out. “

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, please continue to be right by our side and give us strength when we are tempted. Father, keep me safe from temptations and the hidden attacks of satan and give me power and authority over the areas in my life I struggle, That I may l be able to live in peace. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to Your heart, for this is the desire of my soul, Help me to totally surender and truly commit my life to You, trusting in Your faithfulness to accomplish all that You have promised to do. I love and praise 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

September 11th 2019 – 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?

“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!” (Psalm 103:1-5)

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.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 6th 2019 – Fear No Evil

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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.

“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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

August 28th 2019 – God’s Got Your Back

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“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

Many times when we are feeling discouraged, it is as if the whole world is against us. It is like we are swimming upstream, constantly fighting a powerful current that seems to be pushing us downstream despite all our efforts. It can be a frustrating experience to feel that we are going one way and everyone else is going in another direction.

The reality is that in the world we live in, we will find many people and obstacles that will seem to be in direct opposition to where we are going. This can be a very discouraging and lonely reality unless we take Romans 8:31 to heart.

The truth is that God is for us, not against us. Not only is He on our side but He is in our corner cheering us on as He plans great things for our lives.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

If we can grasp the truth of our Father’s heart towards us, it will not matter who is opposing us or what is standing in our way! For we will be confident that our Heavenly Fatheris the biggest, strongest, most loving person in the universe and has declared to the heavens that He is for us! What will you say in response to this declaration?

“God is love, He loves us and He pursues us with that love.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank You for being for me and not against me. I believe that Your love causes all things to work together for my good. I renounce every lie that says that You are against me and not for me. Jesus demonstrated Your love for me and has convinced me of Your unfailing acceptance and affection. I thank You that I will be forever Your child. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen…

Please Click Here to Hear “The Fathers Love Letter”

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

August 18th 2019 – Search and Rescue

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“And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us.” (2 Corinthians 1:10)

Often when we are walking in the midst of a suffering, we may believe that God will rescue us, but it’s still difficult to fully trust Him. As we read the verse above, it’s almost like God knew we would struggle to trust Him and so He makes sure to emphasize His ability to rescue. In 2 Corinthians 1:10, Paul writes of rescue three times:

Did Rescue
Will Rescue
Will Continue to Rescue

You see, God’s plan is not to leave us in the middle of pain and hardship forever. He won’t allow us to walk into a dark valley and then leave us there to wander aimlessly without end. The truth is, HE WILL RESCUE. In fact, even if we were to walk in suffering the rest of our lives, we can know as a follower of Christ that He will rescue when He comes again. When we realize this, we don’t really need to know why He is doing it, but only that we can trust He is in control and will be with us until the end. Whatever door He opens or whatever door He closes, we can trust Him. He is good, all the time.

“Our faith is really growing when we don’t know what God is doing, and we still trust Him.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your love that is so great that You would rescue me in my times of need. I also thank You for using my hard times for my benefit. Help me not to despair in difficult times but rather to rejoice because I know that my rescue is on the way. 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

July 26th 2019 – 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 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

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