Category Archives: Endurance

January 13th 2018 – Strength In My Weakness and Storms

even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

We don’t know what Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” was. Most commentators believe it was some kind of physical disability that he probably acquired after one of his multiple beatings or stonings. Whatever it was, the devil wanted to use it to get Paul down. And it worked. Paul got down on his knees and called on God. The devil wanted to drive Paul away from God, but instead the apostle seeked Him that much greater.

When we go through suffering and hardship, it can be so difficult at times. I have been dealing with a health issue this last year. Often there are times I don’t feel I can get up. But I do, I spend my time with the Lord every morning praising God, being in His presence before writing these devotions everyday. You want to know something, the fellowship I have had with God has never been sweeter. I have never been more dependent on Him. There are times I don’t think I can handle it, and then God gives me the strength that I need. And I have learned things that I would not have learned anywhere else. I don’t know the “why” of it all, but I trust God, cling to God, and rely on God.

Are you facing hardship and suffering today? Pour out your heart to God. He is trustworthy.

“Don’t try to face any situations of life without the Lord.”

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 as I walk by faith. I lift up all of my troubles and faithfully trust in You Lord that you will guide us through the storms and calm the raging seas. In Jesus name, Amen

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.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

January 5th 2018 – Life’s Struggles

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“He had attached himself to the governor, Sergius Paulus, a man of considerable insight and understanding. The governor invited Barnabas and Saul to visit him, for he wanted to hear the word of God. But Elymas, the sorcerer (as his name means in Greek), interfered and urged the governor to pay no attention to what Saul and Barnabas said. He was trying to turn the governor away from the Christian faith.” (Acts 13:7-8)

In this story, we see the governor torn between Saul and Barnabas, who meant him well, and Elymas who tried to keep the governor from hearing about God. I believe we can relate to this in the many struggles in our own lives. We want to hear the Word of God, like during a teaching, but sometimes we allow ourselves to be talked out of it.

Some of the things that can make a huge difference in our spiritual growth is reading the bible, going to bible studies and reading devotions. It encourages us, challenges us, and the bible studies allows worship and fellowship with one another. It is obvious why the enemy of our souls would not want us in that kind of environment. He will try to use our friends, family and loved ones to keep us from church, serving, giving, praying and reading the Bible. Above all the noise; however, the voice of Jesus rings true. Come to Him and He will give you rest. The world says ‘get’, Jesus says ‘give’. The world says focus on ‘you’. Jesus says focus on ‘others’ and upon Him. Be careful what voice you listen to. It is very important.

“If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Help me to hear Your voice over all the outside noise in my life. Lord, it seems that others in this wotld try to pull me down or keep me in sin. Help me during those weak moments to know what You would say to me. Help me to hear and respond to Your voice and know that I am forgiven. Help me to fellowship with and love others around me. Thank You for continuing to call me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God has made it possible for you to know Him and experience an amazing change in your own life. Click here to discover how you can find peace with God.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

January 2nd 2018 – God’s Enrichment Plan

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“Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.” (2 Corinthians 9:11)

How is it that we can find enrichment when we give of ourselves? After all, shouldn’t the accumulation of wealth and stuff bring about enrichment in our lives? This may be how the world views growth and enrichment, but in God’s economy, growth comes through giving.

The sad reality is that the more we receive, the more we are likely to be selfish and greedy. When we act according to God’s design, our giving leads us into enriched, generous lives. In essence, our giving helps check those feelings of selfishness and greed. Most people use their blessings to be blessed, the question is, “Are you using your gifts, talents, resources and finances to bless other people?” If not, you are failing the test of being blessed in the first place. If you have failed that test, don’t worry. Instead, begin walking in thankfulness, and God will bring you to a place where you will pass with flying colors. Many times, a generous life begins first with thanksgiving, then obedience, sharing, and generosity. When we begin living generously with our time, energy and finances, God will bless us with more because we have been faithful with little.

“Receiving from God is both a blessing and a test.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for salvation and the countless other blessings I experience on a daily basis. Help me to live a life of generosity and love so that more people may hear Your Word and find new life in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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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

December 31st 2017 – Pruning and Bearing More Fruit

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“For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death.” (Romans 7:5)

The technological advancements made by mankind in the last century or even the last 20 years are astounding. Yet with all our technology, we still have to wait for lettuce to ripen and for olives to mature. Lettuce ripens a month and a half after planting, but for an olive the wait is at least four years. Some of us, like the lettuce, are maturing quickly while others, like olives, are improving more slowly. Something changed in you when you were saved, and still… God is making changes to you.

(Romans 7:6) “But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.”

We should all be bearing fruit. There may be times that you need to endure pruning before you bear fruit. Pruning redirects energy to the right places. If you are not being fruitful, maybe you need to redirect energy toward the Lord. Don’t just come to church, be the church. Be praying, giving, serving – joining hands with your church to achieve something far greater than any one of us could achieve alone.

“Christianity is not do-it-yourself religion. Its a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and fellowship with the family.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Give me the desire to grow in righteousness through the washing of Your Word, in serving You and prayer. Help me to love and serve others in the place where You want me to grow and bear good fruit. 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

December 30th 2017 – Through Rough Waters

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“On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” (Mark 4:35)

It was a simple statement. “Let us cross over to the other side.” Many of the disciples had sailed the Sea of Galilee before. They had fished the waters and endured some of the bad weather that often came onto the sea. Yet when Jesus asked them to cross over to the other side, they were not aware of the lesson in faith that Jesus was about to share with them.

(Mark 4:37-38) “And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?’”

While crossing to the other side, Jesus fell asleep on the boat. During his nap, the disciples experienced a terrible storm. I may not be a sailor, but I know that the water should remain on the outside of the boat and in this instance, it wasn’t! Frightened by the event, the disciples woke Jesus up and expressed their fear. Immediately, Jesus spoke to the wind and waves and the sea became calm. You see, the disciples had lost sight of Jesus’ words. He told them before leaving that their destination was “the other side.” He didn’t promise them still waters the whole time, but he did tell them they would get to their destination. The same is true with our lives. If you have been born again, then you have been given the promise of “the other side.” Nothing can take that from you.

Jesus promises to be with us, God says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you” (Isaiah 43:2). In the storm you are in right now, God is with you. He is walking with you through it.

Storms will come into every life. The rain will fall and the wind will blow. You might have a rough voyage, but you will get to the other side.

“Jesus is our peace during the storms of life. He is there with us through the rough waters.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank 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. Thank you for Your promise to never leave me. Fill me with Your Spirit and use my life to share God’s peace with the 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

December 28th 2017 – The God Who Never Leaves Me

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“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5)

The Holiday season can sometimes be tough on people especially when someone feels alone. Maybe your children don’t call, or your far from home and miss your family. Maybe your still waiting on a husband or a wife, or your mariage is in trouble and your seperated. Possibly you have lost a loved one.

Not everyone has the pleasure of having a family or a spouse. God provides for our needs, but He goes even further and provides us with His very presence. Jesus hasn’t forgotten about you. His name is Immanuel, which means “God with us.” Maybe your parents have forgotten about you. But God your Father has not forgotten about you.

One of the special benefits of having Jesus in your life is undoing loneliness. Jesus said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). From the original language, it literally reads something like this: “I will never, no never, no never leave you or forsake you.” That means, He is going to be with you in the happy days. He is going to be with you in the sad days. He is going to be with you on the hard days, the lonely days. He will be with you through all of your days. Then He will be waiting for you on the other side to welcome you into glory. You don’t have to be afraid, because God is with you.

I was recently asked by someone “How do you get through the lonelyness and sadness if you have lost a loved one? Is there a book I can read?” My answer is that you don’t need a manual; you need Immanuel. You need to know that God is there. You need Jesus and need to lean into Him. That is the essential message that needs to be taught to the lost and lonely.

What we are longing for, deep down inside, is Jesus!

“God is with us. He is here for you.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for sticking by me through good times and bad times. You are the true friend. Help me to seek You and trust you and Your promise in these times. Please help me through the times of panic, the times when the loneliness is crippling and I cant breathe. Hold me close Jesus when I feel alone. Remind me that You are here and Love me when I am unable to see past the pain. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Ask Jesus into your life.

Jesus, I recognize that I have not lived my life for You up until now. I have been living for myself and that is wrong. I need You in my life; I want You in my life. I acknowledge the completed work of Your Son Jesus Christ in giving His life for me on the cross at Calvary, and I long to receive the forgiveness you have made freely available to me through this sacrifice. Come into my life now, Lord. Take up residence in my heart and be my king, my Lord, and my Savior. From this day forward, I will no longer be controlled by sin, or the desire to please myself, but I will follow You all the days of my life. Those days are in Your hands. I ask this in Jesus’ precious name Amen.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 19th 2017 – Making Room For Jesus

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“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)

It is the season where we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ; when God became Man. His reception was not a glorious one by any standard. Our Lord and Savior, the Creator of the universe, was born in a barn and lain in a feeding trough because there was no room for Him in the inn. Before we judge the people of that day for not making room for Him, ask yourself, are you making room for Him? Are you making time to spend with Him, time for fellowship with others who know Him, to worship Him and to learn of Him from the bible? Or is there a sign written on your heart and life that says ‘no room’. My prayer for you in the busyness of this Christmas season and in the coming year is that you would make room for Him in your life and in your heart.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving us so much that You would come as one of us, not in ritual and splendor even though You could have, but You came in simplicity and humility. Lord, if there is any way that I have failed to make room for You in my heart and life, I ask You to forgive me and to show me. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Invitation:

Salvation is a gift from God that will enable you to spend eternity in Heaven. To receive this gift, you need to accept Christ into your life by confessing with your mouth, a prayer of salvation. You must also repent and turn away from your sins and begin living a life that is pleasing to God. If you feel you have done too many bad things for God to forgive you, you are wrong. Jesus died a brutal death on the cross for the sins of all mankind.

Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

Whether you are old or young, rich or poor, a liar, a thief, an adulterer, a murder and so on, if you truly repent with a sincere heart and accept Jesus, YOU WILL BE SAVED…. Say a Prayer of Salvation & Ask Jesus Into Your Heart Now!

“Heavenly Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. 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

December 18th 2017 – Christmas Grace

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“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:10-11)

Gold, frankincense, and myrrh…these were the first Christmas gifts ever. These three things were precious and valuable. But more precious to God were the three people who fell in worship of Him.

Growning up for me was very lonely, I didnt have any family other then my parents, I didnt have siblings to play with either. My father didn’t enjoy being around people so even having friends over was very scarce.

It wasn’t until I had my own family and children did I start trying to enjoy Christmas. I do have fond memories raising my children with trees, carols, wreaths, lights, feasting and the joy of family and friends gathered together. However I didnt really understand what Christmas was all about. I only understood the secular view…Santa Clause and television commercials teaching children greed and selfish gain.

My parent’s never discussed Jesus when I was a child, mostly because neither of them knew Him themselves. It was not until I endured a life changing tragedy, only at that time did I come to know Jesus personally.

I do understand Christmas now, its not what the world teaches. Its not all about gifts and trees with lights. Its not even about my desires or wants. Its a celebration of Jesus birth.

God wants us to enjoy this season and He wants to bless us with good things, including His GRACE – God’s – Riches At Christ’s Expense.

You know what God desires? His desire is for your heart. Christmas is an opportunity. Not an opportunity for selfish gain, but an opportunity to give God the gift He desires. Maybe you gave your heart to Jesus years ago and wandered. Maybe you’ve never given your heart to God.

As we celebrate Jesus giving Himself to us, won’t you take the opportunity to give yourself to Jesus?

You are precious to God.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me so much. Thank You that You would leave heaven to come, suffer and die for me. You are such a precious gift. I have neglected the gift that You gave and I am sorry. Lord, I have been blessed by You. Thank You for Your incredible plan for my salvation. I give all of my life 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.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 13th 2017 – What If I Gave Everything

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Listening to worship music yesterday, this song came up in my playlist… what a question to ask ourselves.

“What If I Gave Everything”

Written by Mark Hall of Casting Crowns

All my life I longed to be a hero
My sword raised high, running to the battle.
I was going to take giants down
Be a man you would write about
Deep in my chest is the heart of a warrior

So why am I still standing here
Why am I still holding back from You
I hear You call me out into deeper waters
But I settle on the shallow end
So why am I still standing here

So afraid what it might cost to follow You
I’d walk by faith if I could get these feet to move
But I don’t want to live that way
I don’t want to look back someday
On a life that never stepped across the line

So why am I still standing here
Why am I still holding back from You
You’ve given me a faith that can move a mountain
But I’m still playing in the sand
Building little kingdoms that’ll never stand
I hear You call me out into deeper waters
But I settle on the shallow end

I’m so tired of standing here
What if I gave everything to You

What if I gave everything
What if I stopped holding back from You
Starting now I’m stepping out onto deeper waters
What if I gave everything
What if I stopped holding back from You
Starting now I’m stepping out onto deeper waters
I want to see some mountains move

Ready to give everything
Say goodbye to standing here.

(What would our lives look like? How blessed would we be if we actually gave everything of us to God?)

Read the lyrics above then click here to watch video.

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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

December 10th 2017 – Stuck, Immobilized, Unable to Move!

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“And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s” (Philippians 1:12-14)

The apostle Paul was the kind of guy who liked to get out and get things done. He took action and went out and accomplished things for God. But as a prisoner in Rome, Paul found himself stuck . . . immobilized . . . unable to move.

Perhaps you are immobilized in some way right now. Maybe it is some kind of disability. Maybe you’re stuck in a really tough marriage or in a job you really don’t want work in. Maybe you’re living somewhere you wish you didn’t live. Whatever it is, you feel immobilized.

Yet notice how Paul, despite his circumstances, was able to rejoice. He wrote, “And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News.” (Philippians 1:12). Even under arrest, Paul was looking on the bright side. He was saying, “I believe I am here because God wants me here. But this isn’t what I planned.”

And then Paul went on to talk about the guards: “For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. ” (verse 13). Take notice, these were not just any guards; they were an elite unit of the Imperial Roman Army whose members served as personal security forces to the Roman emperors. They were highly skilled soldiers.

How could you not become a Christian while being chained to the Apostle Paul? Apparently some of the guards did come to Christ, because later in Philippians Paul wrote, “And all the rest of God’s people send you greetings, too, especially those in Caesar’s household .” (Philippians 4:22).

This is never what Paul planned, but it is what God planned. Maybe you’re in a place right now that you never planned on. You are there by divine design. God has put you where you are for such a time as this.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of salvation. I know my feelings sometimes get in the way of my faith, so I am asking for Your strength and wisdom to trust You during these times. I praise You for those times of trial because I know they are making me more like You. Help me to continue to learn from You, so I can help others when their stuck, immobilized and unable to move. 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

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