Category Archives: Endurance

June 3rd 2017 – Where God Guides, God Provides

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“And Abraham called the name of the place, The Lord Will Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”
(Genesis 22:14)

Abraham was willing to give his all unto the Lord. In obedience to God he was willing to let go of the next most beloved thing in his lifeñhis son. Jesus said this about our following of Him:

(Matthew 10:37) “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.”

What do you and I put in front of the Lord in our lives? Is it our marriage, kids, work, or our own self interests? God is able to do such an amazing thing in our hearts and lives if we’d simply yield to Him as Abraham did in this chapter. Abraham was willing to offer his only son in obedience, but God instead offered Himself as the sacrifice (Genesis 22:8) through Christ who was to come. Abraham was told his descendants would be as the stars in the sky, basically innumerable. So it is for us in our time of testing. When we yield to the Lord in spite of the pain or difficulty in the current situation, we can trust by faith that the Lord will provide exponential blessing and goodness upon our lives.

“Giving our all to God will yield countless blessings many of which we may never come to know till we are in the presence of God.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, please help me identify those things that have priority over my heart instead of You. Please give me the grace to be willing to forsake all and follow You in all my ways. Help instill in me that You have a plan and are in control. I love You and want the blessing You have for me and my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, pleaseClick 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

May 28th 2017 – Connected in Christ

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“I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me.” (2 Corinthians 2:5)

The church of Jesus Christ is a family. In fact, I would say it can be an even deeper relationship than those found in a family. As believers, we weep together over heartaches, rejoice together in victories and share our lives with each other. This is not odd; this is the way God intended it to be.

(Romans 12:5) “so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.”

If I was to cut myself and you began to bleed, we would definitely know there was a deep connection between us. In the church, we all are connected. When something good happens to you, I will be there to rejoice with you. Unfortunately, sometimes there are Christians who would rather pout over the blessing of another believer than to experience the joy of celebration with them. That person is missing out on one of the many joys of the church. Today, look for ways to connect with other believers. If they are struggling, then be there with them. If they are excited, then cheer them on as they seek Christ. Let’s unite under the name of Christ and find fresh unity among all believers.

“When part of the body is hurt, we all feel their pain. When part of the body is attacked, we all stand with them.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your church and the fellowship of believers. Help us all to remain united and not to allow petty issues to cause division. Give me a heart that rejoices with others and is willing to mourn with them as well. 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

 

May 20th 2017 – Living In God’s Power

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“And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, ‘Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’” (Acts 8:18-19)

In this passage, Simon thought he could buy the power of the Holy Spirit. Simon wanted this power so that he could impress others. That is not what the power of God is for. The power of God is given that we may live for Him. We have the power of God that our lives might demonstrate God’s work changing us. We should be good stewards by using our power and resources to reach people. We should want to encourage people in their faith. Throughout the Bible, we see Jesus using His power to touch lives, and He did so without weird displays. I believe this gives us our model of what using that power looks like. Why do you desire supernatural power? Hopefully it is to bless others. How do you use your God given resources? Is it to bless and reach others? I hope that it is. With what we have been given, we can make a difference in the hereafter by making a difference in the here and now.

“The Holy Spirit Gives us Limitless Power”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, All the good things in my life have come from You. My life, my strength, my wisdom, and all that I am or hope to be is a gift from You. I want to use my power, strength, and resources to reach a lost and dying world. We know from Your life, Jesus, that You cared about people. As I follow You, help me to care for others. Help me to use what You have given me wisely as a good steward to reach others. In the name of Yeshua, Jesus, 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 16th 2017 – Dry and Desolate Places

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

Where are you spiritually right now? Be honest, are you frustrated? Are you tired? Devastated? Do you feel like your world is caving in and you just can’t handle it? Are you dry… weary from crying? Do you feel spiritually dead?

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

To a stale and hopless soul, hope sounds impossible... I know it does. I personally have been there, I searched for hope in dry and desolate places before. I remember what it’s like.

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

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

“You can live for real, Jesus is the answer!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the hope You give to me in Jesus. Lord, help me to stay determined and not lose hope even when I find myself in a valley of dry bones. When all else is gone, I come to You. Remind me to feed upon Your Word and that You will rescue me when I call out to You. I give you all praise and glory for the promises You set before me. 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 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 5th 2017 – Be The Example

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And I said: “Hear now, O heads of Jacob, And you rulers of the house of Israel:
Is it not for you to know justice?” (Micah 3:1)

Today’s society is fast paced and full of busyness. But what are we busy doing? Is it trying to live life with a mission to better ourselves? Any of us who have tried to live this kind of life know that we are never satisfied even when we achieve our goals. If we have a relationship with Jesus, is it not for us to know justice? If we claim to be a follower of Jesus, we have a responsibility to live a Godly life everywhere we go. God has showed us that life is not about us, it’s about knowing Him, loving Him and loving others. If anyone should know that, it is the body of Christ – those who have been forgiven of their sins. Now that God has blessed us with His forgiveness, He desires that we share His love with others. The world needs us to be an example of living the Bible so that they too are drawn to Christ. They need answers, and for us to say we are “Christians” and live our life in pursuit of personal gain would only be a contradiction to who we say we follow.

(2 Corinthians 13:5-6) “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith… Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you? – unless indeed you are disqualified.”

So let’s stand before God often and ask Him to reveal things in our life that are not pleasing to Him. As we do that, the world will not have any stones to throw. They will be drawn to Jesus and living their life for Him just like we should.

“The world is looking for answers, not for hypocrites.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for forgiving me of my sins. Help me to live a disciple’s life wherever I go. Please remove those things that are not pleasing to You so others are not confused. Thank You Lord, for using me to change lives for eternity just like you changed mine. 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 1st 2017 – Lighting the Candle

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“For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)

The Christian life is a life of darkness and of light. At one time, our hearts were darkened, but through the grace of God, they were enlightened. In essence, we move from being people of darkness to people of the light. This is not because we are special, but because God so loved us that He made a way for us to be transformed through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross.

Sometimes as lights, we forget that we were once in darkness, and we begin mocking those who are still blind. Too many Christians are just cursing the darkness and standing around talking about what is wrong with the world, with the lost, with believers and with the church. They are unwilling to help change things. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:14 that we are “The light of the world.” That’s us, the church. We are the “city on a hill” that is shining out into the darkness. The world is really.messed up because of sin. We are not called to curse the sinners, but we are called to light a candle. Today is the day. Light a candle of God’s love. Show kindness, love and grace to someone today. With one candle at a time, we will change the world.

“Its always better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am sorry if I have spent more times cursing the darkness and less time lighting candles. I believe You are the Light and have called me to shine. Give me the power to serve, give and love like You do. Help me so that I may be filled with more of Your light and less of the darkness. 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 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 23rd 2017 – Bold as a Lion

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“Daniel answered, “Long live the king! My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty. The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God.” (Daniel 6:21-23)

Daniel had been consistent for 70 years of his life praying faithfully unto the Lord three times a day facing toward Jerusalem. Daniel was also performing with profound excellence his work for King Darius. The government officials (Daniel’s coworkers) were filled with envy toward Daniel because of his success. They tricked King Darius into passing a law to pray to no one but the king, which ultimately led Daniel to be thrown into the lion’s den.

Daniel obeyed God’s word and is now being persecuted for doing so. Have you ever wholeheartedly stepped out to obey the Lord and found yourself being ridiculed? Let me encouage you not to be discouraged. You see, there is a greater lion than the ones we may face in our lion’s den of persecution-the Lion from the tribe of Judah, Jesus. The enemy prowls like a lion seeking to discourage and destroy us, but the Lord has disarmed him at the cross.

(Colossians 2:14-15) “having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.”

The enemy’s mouth has been shut and rendered powerless over us through Christ. Not only that, but when we absorb Christ in our hearts and lives we can be encouraged and infused with that same power of forgiveness and the resurrection spirit of Christ in us. By the Lord imparting to us His righteousness we can be made as bold as a lion. We no longer need to fret, be fearful, or let our hearts be troubled for Christ has overcome the world for us and will see us through times of persecution as well.

“The Enemy prowls like a lion. – Never forget that Jesus is the real lion and Jesus gives us the boldness like a lion.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank you for your power to overcome the enemy in every aspect of my life. Please forgive me when I allow myself to be persuaded by the difficulty of my circumstances. Fill me with that same powerful Spirit of God that raised Jesus from the dead to make me bold as a lion. 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