Category Archives: Endurance

December 19th 2016 – Finding Peace in the Suffering

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“Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd,

Against the Man who is My Companion,”
Says the LORD of hosts.
“Strike the Shepherd,
And the sheep will be scattered;
Then I will turn My hand against the little ones.” (Zachariah 13:7)

Often, it can be difficult to walk through situations that we can’t explain. In this fallen, broken and sinful world, we are constantly facing trials and tribulations that shake us to the core. In the thirteenth chapter of Zechariah, we get a glimpse of our loving God’s divine plan to use the pain and suffering of His Son to change the world. Fully involved in the process, God calls for the sword to come against His Shepherd which is Jesus. When Jesus walked to the cross, He did so with determination and a purpose. It was no accident, but it was His perfect plan.

“No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” (John 10:18)

From the beginning of time God planned to use the suffering of His Son for the redemption of mankind. In the same way God can use our suffering for something far greater than ourselves. The loss of a job may mean an opportunity to display God’s peace in difficult times. The brokenness of a relationship may mean that God has something much greater for you.  The diagnosis of cancer could be the catalyst God uses to bring someone to Christ. In the hands of a mighty God, even the death of a loved one can mean the salvation of many more. The God of all creation is at work in our lives and He will use the good and the bad for His glory and our good no matter what.

“God is more concerned with His glory than our gratification, and we should be too.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am sorry for the times that I have questioned Your goodness and love. Despite life’s difficulties You have shown Your love for me in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Help me to remember this powerful Truth and to use my good times and bad times for Your Kingdom. 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 10th 2016 – Be Quick to Show Grace

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“Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?” (Acts 15:10)

 

It is a sad reality that few Christians are willing to extend grace to one another as Jesus showed grace to us. On the day that we asked Jesus to forgive us of all our sins, He extended His grace toward us. God extends this same grace to each of us every day. What about your friends and family? Do they need grace? What about co-workers or maybe the person sitting next to you in church?

How quick we can be to call out the sin in others while we ignore the sin in our own lives. This shows just how poor our understanding is of what Jesus did for us. If we truly understand just how far down God had to extend His merciful hand to reach us, certainly we should be willing to reach out with the same grace to others.

Think about this. When we accept God’s grace for ourselves, but are unwilling to show grace to others, are we not claiming the gospel of grace for ourselves while charging the law to others? What pride! Colossians 3:12-13 reads, “Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

Be quick to show grace. Be ready to show mercy. After all, if when you look at someone else you see their sin, what do you think they see when they look at you? God’s grace is not only sufficient for us, it’s sufficient for us to show others.

“Grace is not just something we receive, it is also something we give.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your grace. Please forgive me for the times when I have not shown that same grace to others. Help me to show grace from now on so that others will see You in me. 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 or want to recommit your life to Him. Click Here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 9th 2016 – Decisions

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“And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done, for he had the daughter of Ahab as a wife; and he did evil in the sight of the LORD.”

(2 Chronicles 21:6)

Our lives are full of decisions. From small ones, like what we have for dinner, to large ones like who we marry. No matter their size, they all impact our life somehow. In 2 Chronicles 21, Jehoram begins his rule of Judah by killing off his family and leading the nation into sin. This was not a decision that happened in a moment but probably was a result of a close relationship with a family known for their evil deeds. In essence, his bad decision to marry into Ahab’s family led to even worse decisions later.

All of us have big decisions to make, but none are more important than what we decide about Jesus. If you do not have a relationship with Christ, then you have to decide whether you will trust in Him for your forgiveness. If you have already been born-again, then you must decide if you are going to obey His commands. These decisions will impact our lives for a long time to come, even into eternity. So how do we make sure we are making wise decisions? We can read God’s Word. When we read the Bible and apply what it says, we’ll find ourselves making godly decisions that will impact our life and the lives of those all around us.

“We miss out on blessings and we inherit troubles when we disregard God and His Word.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your Word and the guidance it provides. Help me to make wise choices no matter the size. Keep me focused on You so that I can impact this world for Your Kingdom. 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 29th 2016 – Tears Into Diamonds

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“I am weary with my groaning; All night I make my bed swim; I drench my couch with my tears.” (Psalms 6:6)

 

How does pain hit us? How do we respond to it? It could come from the death of a precious loved one, the hardship of having someone betray you, continuous struggles or the sin you keep falling into that you hate. Perhaps you’ve had sorrow as King David did and had a child turn against you. Many of us, no matter how tough we are, have experienced pain that brought us to tears. How does God look at you and me during our struggles and when we’re weeping before Him?

(Psalms 56:8)
“You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?”

Our loving heavenly Father takes distinct note of when we cry. When we cry, we do not keep our tears, but they are captured by the Lord. Have you ever been bothered by seeing your child struggle, getting hurt, and crying? It is even more so with our Father in heaven who sent His Son to intercede with His tears on behalf of our struggles and sins. Jesus sowed tears of sorrow for our sin so that He could give us joy by defeating our sin (Psalm 126:3).

Take heart today by knowing God has taken note of our struggle, our prayer, our tears, and most importantly our sins, and we will ultimately be eternally freed if we have entrusted our life to Him.

(Revelation 21:4)
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

“Our tears will turn to diamonds in His nail scarred hand.”

“Diamonds are just coal that did well under pressure.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for capturing my heart, my sorrows, and my tears. Thank you for paying the ultimate price for my sin so that I can be eternally delivered from the sorrow of my sin and this sin stained world. I have great hope because of You Lord. Thank you for caring for me and remembering me even when I weep. Please keep reminding me that my tears are but for a moment, and you will wipe every tear I ever had away from my face. Please give me Your power to see and walk in Your joy since I know this day is coming. 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 26th 2016 – Exodus from Slavery and Sin

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“Then the king of Egypt made Jehoahaz’s brother Eliakim king over Judah and Jerusalem, and changed his name to Jehoiakim. And Necho took Jehoahaz his brother and carried him off to Egypt.” (2 Chronicles 36:4)

 

Throughout the Bible, we see Egypt presented as a picture of sin. It was a land of great wealth and power, but to Israel, it was a land of captivity and bondage. As Christians, we live in a world that is much like Egypt. The world desires to see us in bondage to its system. Whether you call it the “rat race” or “keeping up with the Joneses”, the world system will only leave you wanting more. We need to get off that road because it’s headed nowhere except over a cliff.

(Philippians 2:5) “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,”

Instead of letting the world dictate our life, we need to let God have control. Let the Word of God go into your eyes, your ears, your brain and your heart so that it will begin changing you from the inside out. Don’t be fooled by the “riches” of Egypt, rather experience the true riches of God.

“Change the way you think, and you change the way you live.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Give me eyes to see and a heart to receive Your Word. Help me to overcome the worldly way of thinking and instead begin thinking like Jesus. I pray that today would be the day that I change my life by walking in obedience to You. Help me to seperate myself from the noise and be still and quiet as Jesus often did. I trust You and am so greatful for all that You do in my life. I Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

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

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 19th 2016 – Thank You for Being Patient with Me

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“But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.” (Genesis 15:16)

God is responding to Abram in a dream after the promise that Abram had been given that his descendants would be as the stars in the heavens. God spoke to him showing that the Lord would be the one completing the promise. It’s interesting to note that the promise God gives concerning the land is hinged on allowing four hundred years longer for the people who lived there to dwell in it. God was graciously allowing time for them to change their ways and repent.

In (2 Peter 3:9) we are told “The Lord is not slack concerning Hispromise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

Often our circumstances can cause us to respond with a shortsighted emotional reaction that can produce depression or  or even anger and frustration . Usually this happens because things aren’t done in ‘our time’ or ‘our way’. Yet we see the Lord declaring to Abram not only am I going to fulfill my promise to you, but in addition to that I’m waiting on this whole other people group, the Amorites, to reach the point of no return before I give your descendants the land.

God is so patient with you and me. But He is also patient with everyone else. Could it be that He is inviting all of us to walk in the same patience and mercy that He has towards us with our spouse, kids, boss, co-workers, and even those we don’t get along with? God’s given us time to repent, now let’s get wisdom from Him so we can walk toward others helping them repent as well and redeem the time He has given us. As we see in Ephesians

(Ephesians 5:16-18) redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit”

“God’s covenant with Abraham was not just for a nation, but for the nations. That covenant ushered in Jesus, who came with the promise of righteousness for each of us.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, for being so patient with me and allowing me the opportunity to repent and turn to You so that I can be forgiven. Thank You for saving me. Lord, please help me have the same grace and patience with others that You have toward me. Help me Lord, to share with them that it is by Your goodness and grace that they have the chance to repent and receive Your forgiveness and salvation. I trust You to lead me and complete Your patient work in me for this. 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

November 14th 2016 – Hands Held High – Praying for Others

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“And Moses said to Joshua, Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand. So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ handsbecame heavy; so they took a stone and put itunder him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.”(Exodus 17:9-12)

When Israel was fighting Amalek, Moses stood on top of the hill overlooking the battle, with his hands lifted high, and as long as they were lifted, Israel prevailed. When his arms became weary and dropped down, the battle went to Amalek; so Aaron and Hur drew up alongside Moses and they lifted up his hands, keeping them raised until sundown, because Moses didn’t have the strength within him to fight the battle alone.

Do you know a brother or sister who’s been going through a rough time? Possibly even a family member? Someone you know who really needs prayer? I’m sure you do.  So be an encouragement this week – lift them up in prayer, stand beside them, and help them through the battle. You never know how your help might affect a far greater spiritual battle they’re involved in. And with so much work to be done, remember too, that he who refreshes will himself be refreshed!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I love You and praise You Lord. Thank You for always being here to watchover me and help me when I am having troubles. Thank You for always blessing me even when I don’t see it right away. Thank You for the people that You have brought into my life that pray for me when I am having struggles. I lift up ______ who is also struggling with ______. I will keep them lifted up high in prayer. I ask that You would personally make yourself known to them. Love them and comfort them in this battle. Cause it to end swiftly with glorious victory.  I also lift up the leadership of our country. Please Draw them close to You. May they realize that they can find forgiveness from You and seek Godly direction. In Jesus’ Precious name, Amen.

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

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 9th 2016 – Blessings and Spiritual Rewards

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“For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship.” (1 Corinthians 9:16-17)
When competing in a competition, Lets face it we love to win.  Whether it’s a paycheck on payday, a trophy at the end of a race or your presidential candidate won the election. We as  all enjoy receiving a reward for our efforts. Did you know that the Bible tells us that we will receive rewards for the good we do here on earth? Salvation is free and comes when we trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins. Once we accept Christ as Savior, the Bible speaks of God rewarding those who served Him while here on earth.

(Matthew 16:27) “For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.”

Imagine our Lord coming in all His glory and with Him rewards that will be given to those who served Him and helped build His Kingdom. Yes, we serve our King because He is worthy of our service. Yes, we show love to others because we love Him. Yet, we also serve Him in great expectation of the rewards He has prepared for us. So the question is, “Will you receive rewards?” Are you serving the Lord and therefore storing up treasures in Heaven? You have all eternity to enjoy your rewards but only a short lifetime to earn them. It’s either rewards or regrets – you get to decide now.

“We should all desire Your spiritual rewards….”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You that You have made a way for me to be saved. I praise You for Your grace and mercy. Lord, I also thank You that after all that You have done for me You allow me to earn rewards in Your Kingdom. Father, fill me with Your Spirit and guide me by Your Word in this great time of renewing for our country. I pray that our nation will return back to You and that a great revival will sweep across this land. May our Nation be healed and that we will Shine like a City on the Hill. Give me the wisdom and courage so that I will use every opportunity to share the Gospel and lead even more to you. In Jesus’ Holy name. Amen.

 

god-bless-america-1

 

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 3rd 2016 – Why Would God Choose Us (Part 5 of 5)

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“For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;  and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.  But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—  that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)

Today, as I wrap up this mini-series on why God choose us, from, I want us to look at how the Bible brings these verses out.  God looked down from heaven and He chose us in spite of us. Isn’t that great?  We are chosen by the Great “I Am” to be a co-partner with Him, to help people and share His message of eternal salvation.  God could have just done it Himself, but He chose to work through us to let people see the light.

That’s why we can never boast in ourselves, because we know who we are.  We know where we came from, so our boast is always in God.  As we looked at David, Rahab and Joseph these last few days, we could have looked at so many more in the Bible that started off badly, yet God took them on a journey and made something great out of them.

So today, don’t put yourself down.  See yourself the way God your Heavenly Father sees you, “IN JESUS”!  That’s why He sees you blessed, because Jesus is blessed.  That is why He sees you healed, because Jesus is healed.  Start seeing yourself the way God sees you and never forget from where you came, and yet, always remember where you’re going.  Enjoy the ride, He brought you this far, He’ll get you to the finish line.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, You have gotten me to the starting gate and I know that You will get me to the finish line.  It’s not about me, it’s about You, Christ in me, the hope of glory. Thank You for the precious gift of salvation. Your love and forgiveness have changed my life, and I desire to show that same kind of love and forgiveness within the relationships around me. Fill me with Your Spirit and instruct me by Your Word, so that I can live like Jesus. 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.

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

www.scripturalseeds.org

October 21st 2016 – Standing on the Promise

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“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:” (Hebrews 10:35-36)

Many times we can feel like hanging it all up.  You know, when we say things like, is this really ever going to happen?  Will  healing ever take place?  I’ve been praying for a spouse for so long, and it just seems like I’m getting older and older.

In this verse, it says, “DON’T GIVE UP”.  It’s not always easy, but I’ll tell you this, it is rewarding.  Remember that God is always doing a work in us and around us.  He is bringing situations together, and when it involves others, He’s got to get everything all lined up, and He is the only One Who knows how that all works.

God is developing us into the image of His dear Son, so when it takes a little longer then we would like, hold on. Let God, your loving Father, take the reins of your life and you’ll see how it will all work out for the best.

The journey at times may seem bumpy or even scary, but know that God made the train and He sure knows how to drive it.  The last part of this verse states that we need endurance.   We know that, but we don’t want to wait for it.  Yet, if we will hold on and are patient, and do His will, it says that we will receive the promise.  So today, get your eyes on Him.  Make Him the most important person in your life, and at the right time, things will happen and you’ll say, “Man, I’m glad I waited”.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I choose today, to do it Your way, and not my way.  I choose to wait on You, and I know that You always have my best interest in mind.  I know that You will make it all work for Your good and mine. Thank you for loving me. 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.

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

www.scripturalseeds.org