Category Archives: Correction

January 8th 2017 – Disrespectful Children

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“Now the sons of Eli were scoundrels who had no respect for the Lord” (1 Samuel 2:12)

Eli was a priest of Israel who did not train his sons to obey. Eli’s failure to properly train his children affected not only his own family very negatively, but also caused disaster for the nation of Israel.

If children are not trained to respect the word of their parents, they won’t properly respect anyone  (including God) without first experiencing the painful consequences of their actions.

How important God considers training children to obey can be seen from the story of Eli and his sons.

“For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them. (1 Samuel 3:13)

“So the sin of these young men was very serious in the Lord’s sight, for they treated the Lord’s offerings with contempt. Now Eli was very old, but he was aware of what his sons were doing to the people of Israel. He knew, for instance, that his sons were seducing the young women who assisted at the entrance of the Tabernacle. Eli said to them, “I have been hearing reports from all the people about the wicked things you are doing. Why do you keep sinning? You must stop, my sons! The reports I hear among the Lord’s people are not good. If someone sins against another person, God can mediate for the guilty party. But if someone sins against the Lord, who can intercede?” But Eli’s sons wouldn’t listen to their father, for the Lord was already planning to put them to death.(1 Samuel 2:17,22-25)

Eli may have told his sons they were doing wrong, but they obviously had no respect for the word of their father and ignored his warning. Because God held Eli accountable for this, it must have been a result of his failure to train them to obey when they were children.

“Why then do you scorn my sacrifices and my offerings that I commanded, and honor your sons above me by fattening yourselves on the choicest parts of every offering of my people Israel? ‘Therefore the Lord the God of Israel declares: I promised that your house and the house of your father should go in and out before me forever,’ but now the Lord declares: ‘Far be it from me, for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed. (1 Samuel 2:29-30)

Because Eli did not make his sons do right, God held him accountable. God said Eli honored his sons more than he honored God.

Many parents have made the same mistake. They put their children, their desires, their happiness above everything else in life, including God. In that way they are actually worshiping their children by putting them above God.

“Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord.” (Colossians 3:20)

Society believes that, only when we are children are we to obey our parents. However, Scripture instructs us to always Honor our parents no matter what our age may be. To honor primarily means to show respect and treat with special consideration.

“Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: 3 If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:2-3)

Training children to obey is not primarily for the benefit of the parents, but for the benefit of the child. Not training your children to obey is actually child abuse.

It may seem easier at the time for a parent to let their child do whatever they want without restraining them or training them to do right. But that harms the child because it trains them to do wrong. As a result they are robbed of the peace and blessing they should enjoy.

God places primary responsibility on fathers to make sure their children are trained according to God’s Word. Mothers are not exempt from this responsibility, but God does hold fathers ultimately responsible.

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.”(Ephesians 6:4)

(Note: if you fell short as a parent, don’t despair. God is merciful and gracious. So pray for your children and God will work in their lives.)

“Training is more than telling. Training is making sure someone does something correctly until it becomes a habit.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I lift up the parents of the young children, I pray that they would teach their children in Your ways, If they themselves do not know You, that they would seek You and ask You into their hearts. With this, their children would have a chance in such a sinful world we live. I Lift up the parents that continue to struggle with disobedient adult children, the one’s that are unable to provide for themselves, but yet won’t respect their parents. Beleive that they themselves are entitled to what ever it is that they want. I pray for peace for the parents that made the sacrifice, to do the best they knew how. May you place in the hearts of the disobedient children a heart for You Lord and a newly descovered respect for the Parents. 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 and want to quench yor unquenchable thirst. Click Here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 18th 2016 – Show Me the Truth

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“Woe to those who devise iniquity, and work out evil on their beds! At morning light they practice it, because it is in the power of their hand. They covet fields and take them by violence, Also houses, and seize them. So they oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance.” (Micah 1:1-2)

In the verse above, we see those in power taking advantage of the people. (Sound familiar?)  The world believes that it is acceptable to take advantage of others for gain of position or authority.

Are you are a leader government, or in the workplace? Do you take advantage of the system to benefit yourself? Let’s make this even more personal. Do you take advantage of your family, friends or co-workers for your benefit? When we get to know a person, we know how to set them off or manipulate them for what we want. That is ungodly and God does not bless the unbiblical practices of deception.

(1 Corinthians 10:13) “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

Even in times when it seems there is no other option but to bend the truth for your benefit, God provides a way out. Taking responsibility for your actions is an important characteristic of a Godly disciple. God will always honor you when you take responsibility for your mistakes, even when it’s difficult. Live out the Biblical model that God entrusted to you in regards to your relationships even when it doesn’t make sense.

In the end, it comes down to your making a decision about Jesus. How far will you follow Jesus in your relationships? Until it gets inconvenient – uncomfortable – what about when it becomes painful? Are you willing to follow the Biblical model all the way? What will you decide? Gain for yourself or lay your life down for the sake of the Gospel?

“One characteristic of a Godly leader is to do what is Biblical even when it causes personal hardship.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for continuing to do a work in my life. You have called me to live a disciple’s life, and I choose to honor You in living out the model You have set before me. Lord, when things get tough and I mess up, empower me with courage and strength to live out Your Truth and encourage others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Don’t be deceived by the world. You will continue to be blinded and not see the truth until you have Jesus in your life?

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him” (Revelation 3:20)

The Bible promises eternal life to all who receive Christ: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:11-13)

If you have not asked Jesus into your life you can receive Jesus Christ right now by faith through prayer.

Prayer is just talking with God. He knows your heart, so don’t worry about getting your words just right. Here is a suggested prayer to guide you:

Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive you as my Saviour and Lord. Thank you for forgiving me of my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.

If you have done this, then congratulations! (Luke 15:7) says that when one sinner accepts Jesus Christ as his or her Saviour the angels rejoice. So there’s a party going on in heaven right now over your decision! Remember this date as your “second birthday,” the day you were born into a new life in Christ! You have God’s Word that he answered your prayer.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 17th 2016 – Temptations

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“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

There it is, staring you down. It grabs hold of your attention and captivates your thoughts. It appears so harmless, but in the end, it can be deadly. It is temptation, and every one of us has to face it. The good news is that if you have trusted in Jesus as your Savior, you don’t have to face it alone. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we can be freed of our bondage to sin while also finding strength to resist it through God’s Spirit. What an encouraging thought. When faced with temptation, the God of all creation provides a way of escape or the strength to bear it.

Unfortunately, this does not mean we always take that way of escape. Like a kid standing over an open cookie jar, 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.

“Take the way out of temptation when you have it.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. I know that I have done wrong and have sinned against You. Father, please forgive me and fill me with Your Spirit so that I can fight temptation. Lord, when I find myself in a tempting situation, open my eyes to the way out so that I can escape. 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

November 30th 2016 – Rock Don’t Roll

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“In as much as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold – the great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure.” (Daniel 2:45)

 

Over the last three weeks, we have seen and perhaps been a part of the ‘political process’ of listening to and or being persuaded by candidates. This election was filled with lies, slander and hate. Divison and fighting of people in this country.  It is unlike any election we have ever whittnessed.

It’s easy to get caught up in the rhetoric and dialogue and lose sight of who we should really be looking to. That’s Jesus. His kingdom will ultimately come and demolish the other kingdoms in due season. It’s a stone that was cut out of the mountain ‘without hands.’ It’s a work of God and not of a man. We see that the image in Daniel 2:31-33 is top heavy and unstable like all human governments. So why do we let what happens in these earthly kingdoms steal our joy and our peace? The Lord has given us a stone, the rock Jesus Christ that tells us we won’t be shaken if we trust in Him.

(Isaiah 28:16) Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken.”

(Matthew 7:24) “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

“We should build this city on a hill (His Kingdom) on the rock that doesn’t roll. Let’s be the (City on a Hill) once again“

“Make America Great Again, Seek Jesus!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Please forgive me when I get my eyes off of You and instead focus on the cares and concerns of this world and it’s shaky kingdoms. Help me continue to build my life on Your promises and continue to look for Your return. I know when I trust in You, my life is solid because You won’t allow me to be shaken. Thank you Jesus! In Your 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

November 23rd 2016 – Don’t be Apathetic

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

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

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

Jesus intentionally left His throne and the glory of heaven to walk among the pain and suffering of the world. He then purposefully gave up His life so that we could know forgiveness. He could have stayed in heaven, but because of His great love for us and in obedience to the Father, Jesus acted. As followers of Christ, may we be active in loving, caring for and sharing with others. Who knows what a small act of kindness or encouraging word could do to change a life. The world is waiting. Let’s go!

Prayer:

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

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

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 21st 2016 – Don’t Get Half-Baked

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“Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it. For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ’s slave.” (1 Corinthians 7:21-22)

We often think our circumstances in life are our problem. Whether it is our job, friends or family situations, we often think these are the source of our issues. Life can be uncomfortable at times, but, if you are a Christian, God has allowed circumstances in your life because he is forming Himself in you.

God is trying to help you in your circumstances and trials. By allowing you to go through difficult challenges in life, you can grow to be more like Him. Sometimes, trials can be painful. Is there anybody in your life that God is trying to use to remove what does not resemble Him in your life? You are precious to God and He loves you. He wants to grow you through your challenges. As you mature in the Lord, you should ask Him what He wants you to learn through them and allow Him to change you.

Consider a clay pot. The potter forms the clay to create a beautiful masterpiece. Once he forms it, he fires the clay to make it hard and usable for the tasks for which it was created. What if the potter pulled the clay out too soon? It would be half-baked and the clay pot would not be usable. The potter would then have to break the pot, grind the clay, re-wet it, form and fire it again. Life is a lot like this clay pot. Who wants to be a half-baked Christian? When we do not learn a lesson that God is trying to perfect in us, we have to go through it again and again until He forms Himself in us.

(Philippians 1:6) “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;”

God has called you to serve Him. He is using your circumstances to free you from the bondage of the shame, guilt and sin that separates you from Him. Whatever is going on in your life–trust Him! God is willing to do whatever it takes to reach you. He wants to set you free.

“Our circumstances are usually not the problem; it is our response or attitude to the circumstances that is the problem.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,Thank You for loving me. Thank You for the opportunity to go through circumstances that form me to be more like You. Lord, You sentenced and punished Yourself for me so I could be forgiven. I thank You that You were willing to pay such a high price for me. I choose to walk in the incredible plans You have for me instead of the plans I have made. Help me to be faithful in the small things by listening to You. You are my hope, my love and my peace. Help me to hear Your voice and to discover my own call and adventure in life. 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 7th 2016 – The Ultimate Goldsmith

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“But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like launderers’ soap.” (Malachi 3:2)

Have you ever watched a goldsmith in action? It’s an amazing thing to watch him heat up this precious metal and pour it into molds to harden so that it can be handled. But before he is able to pour it into a mold, he must first remove any impurities. These impurities, or dross, cannot be cut out of the gold or rubbed off. In order to remove the dross, the goldsmith must first heat the metal to incredible temperatures. Once this is done, the dross rises to the top and the goldsmith is able to scrape it off thus purifying the metal.

This is what our Father in Heaven desires to do in each and every one of our lives. He desires to mold us and shape us more and more into the image of His Son, Jesus. To do that, He must often lead us into His refiner’s fire where He will skim our imperfections off the top. Most of the time this is not a pleasant process, but we can trust that God has our best interest at heart. Like the ultimate goldsmith, God knows how much heat we can endure and how much handling we require. It’s in His loving hands that we are refined so we reflect our Father’s handiwork.

“God desires to act as refiner and purifier in our lives.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for Your work in my life and for Your refiner’s fire. While it may be difficult during those times of trial and purifying, I praise You because I know it is for my good. Lord, continue to skim the dross from my life so that I may be a shining example of Your love and grace. 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 15th 2016 – Stop Making Excuses!

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“Then said I: “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” But the LORD said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak.” (Jeremiah 1:6-7)

God knows everything about us… what we’ve done, what we will do – it’s a hard thing to really grasp. In spite of this, He still wants to use us. Many times God’s plan for our lives does not jive with our own plan for our lives. We say things like, We are too young or old, we don’t have enough skill or money,  or most of all time, What do we do then? Jeremiah wanted God to accept the excuse that he’s too young and inexperienced to do what God has called him to. God, on the other hand, knew exactly what Jeremiah was capable of. He chose Jeremiah not because of what Jeremiah wanted to do, but because of what He could do through Jeremiah.

Have you been handing God excuses? “Lord, I know You want me to do this but…” How can you say “Lord” and “but” in the same sentence? You certainly shouldn’t. It’s one or the other. Either He is Lord of your life or He isn’t. If you are throwing out excuses not to do what God has asked you to do, maybe you need to consider just who is Lord of your life?

God’s will leads to blessing; our selfish will leads to destruction.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Forgive me for times when I’ve given You excuses instead of hearing, believing and doing. Please show me areas of my life where I am saying “but” to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen

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

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 9th 2016 – Don’t Lose Focus

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“Ephraim has encircled Me with lies, And the house of Israel with deceit; But Judah still walks with God, Even with the Holy One who is faithful. (Hosea 11:12)

After King Solomon, the Kingdom of Israel split in two. Both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah faced their share of issues, but Judah was able to stay on track longer. Why is this? One of the key reasons was the proximity of the temple which was the dwelling place of God. Since the Temple was located in Judah, they were able to continue fellowship with the Lord through the sacrifices and daily duties of the priests. This helped Judah remain more focused on the Lord.

Do you realize the same is true for us? In order for us to persevere in difficult times and to grow in our faith, God has given us the church. The church  is not a building, but a body of believers that has been ordained by God to encourage us, challenge us and change our lives for good. Can it be messy in a church? Sure it can. Can we struggle with loving our Christian brothers and sisters? Of course, but what better place to learn to love than with those we know love Jesus. Our surroundings will influence our lives. When we surround ourselves with the teachings of God, the love of Christians and the opportunities to serve, give and witness, we will grow stronger. On the contrary, if we refuse to commit to a church, we will miss out on God’s growth tool for our lives. It may not be easy, but it is worth it.

“When we surround ourselves with the places and people of God, we will live more victorious lives.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the church. Thank You for brothers and sisters who love You and love me. Help me to commit to a fellowship with my whole heart so that I can experience spiritual growth and victory this year. Help us to walk in love and grace with one another so that the world will see our love and desire to know more about 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 5th 2016 – Are you a Friend or a Foe?

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“And Joab answered, “May the LORD make His people a hundred times more than they are. But, my lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants? Why then does my lord require this thing? Why should he be a cause of guilt in Israel?” (1 Chronicles 21:3)

We have a real enemy. Satan is not the ambivalent little cartoon he has tricked people into thinking he is. He wants to take you out. (John 10:10) “The thief (Satan) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” He will do whatever he can to derail you in loving and following God. Your adversary, Satan, operates in the darkness of selfishness and pride, and he will try to get you to do the same. When you walk in generosity, kindness or blessing others, you walk in the Spirit.

For reasons we don’t know, David wanted to number the people of Israel. Surely counting people is not the sin, but the motive of David’s census was. We see Joab, David’s friend, warning David against his decision. Had David heeded to his friend’s warnings, many lives would have been spared.

(Proverbs 27:6) “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”

Are you willing to speak into the life of a friend? Are you willing even when it’s uncomfortable or difficult? Do you love your friends? People who always speak easy-pleasy things to you may not have your best interest in mind. Are you willing to hurt a friendship to prevent a friend from falling into Satan’s trap? Are you willing to allow a friend likewise to speak hard things to you?

“Our real friends will warn us when they think we are doing something wrong.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your grace and mercy. Lord, I recognize that I am in a real battle and I have messed up. I have opened the door to the plagues in my life and hurt others and myself. Help me to put away all selfishness and pride. Lord, I do not want to live my life blaming others or making excuses for decisions I have made. Lord, forgive me. Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for speaking to me and giving me victory through the blood of Your Son, Jesus. I am so grateful that my sin does not have to count me out. Strengthen me with determination to fight in the battle for the souls of others around 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