Category Archives: Focus on God

July 4th 2019 – The Gift of Freedom

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures . . . (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

July fourth is Independence Day, and all across U.S.A. people will celebrate the tremendous freedom we enjoy. This freedom came from spilled blood and the sacrifices of many lives that fought for our freedom and independence. Truly we are blessed!

When We who know Jesus Christ as our Savior have another kind of freedom to celebrate. We are free from the bondage of our sin and death.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 gives a concise picture of the freedoms we have in Christ.

1. Christ died for our sins. He died for one reason: to pay the penalty necessary for our sins. He took our place. Because of His death, we are made free from the death penalty of sin and stand righteous before God.

2. He was buried. Romans 6 tells us that through faith we died with Him and were buried with Him and are now dead to the power of sin over us. Sin no longer has dominion over us, so we can choose to live righteous, holy lives. We are free from sin’s control over us! This is our sanctification.

3. He rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” His death alone could not save us; it was the resurrection that showed God’s acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice, and that gives power unto salvation. In (Colossians 3:1) we read that we are risen with Christ. His resurrection guarantees a future in Heaven for us where we will be free from the presence of sin. This is our glorification.

From that first moment when I truly believed, I am free from the penalty of sin . . . Free from the present power of sin over me . . . And guaranteed to one day be free from the presence of sin. Now that’s cause for celebration—every day!

“Never forget the great gift of freedom that You give to me as Your follower.”

Prayer:

Father, We come to this July 4th, grateful for our country and grateful for the men and women who gave their lives so that I might be free. I proclaim my allegiance to our country and total dedication to you Jesus. As we watch the magnificent explosions of color on this red, white, and blue holiday, May we never need to be reminded of my spectacular Lord and Savior who is great beyond our imagination. May the name of the Lord be praised and celebrated throughout our country on this our joyous national holiday! In Jesus’ name we pray Amen.

Happy Independence Day from Scriptural Seeds Ministries. We Salute all of the men and women who served in the armed forces.

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

June 29th 2019 – Look to Jesus and Believe

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“looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:2)

There is this old hymn (song) we used to sing in the first church I attended. It went like this: “Look to Jesus and believe, look to Jesus and receive”. Isn’t that the truth? When we look to Jesus, believing, He seems to get everything put together for us. I sure want my life to be a reflection of Him. The way that I see a reflection is by looking into a mirror.

This verse is saying to us to look to Jesus, He is the One that began this work in us, and He is the One that will bring it to completion. The bible says it like this, “…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith”. I like that. What I have to do is fix my eyes on Him, and He will do the rest. He started this work in my life years ago. For some of you it could be many years, or just a few days, but it doesn’t matter. What matters is that He is going to do a perfect work within us.

I always say it like this, “it’s all about Jesus.” When I get me out of the way, and let Him be Lord and King of my life, everything just seems to work out. When I try to make me king in my life, that’s when things just seem to go downhill. You know, He made us, and He can sure finish this up in us.

So today, be encouraged. He’s got your life in the palm of His big hand, and He won’t let you down. He started it, and He will complete it. Isn’t that great?

“God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, ‘I Love You.'”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Today, I am encouraged, because I see that what You Lord has started in my life, You will bring to completion. This isn’t about me, it’s about You Jesus in my life and through the Holy Spirit in me, and You cannot fail. In Your 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

June 24th 2019 – Keep Your Eyes Focused

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“Not only that, but we also who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.” (Romans 8:23)

In the reality of Christianity, what do you bring to the table? There are really only a couple of possibilities – either you are bringing Heaven to earth, or you are not. It’s so easy to get caught up in today’s trials that we forget our Lord is triumphant. When your focus is on the world, you will be entangled in adversity. Focus on Jesus and the tribulations of this earth are short lived.

Have you ever spoken with someone who is fixated on all the troubles of their life? They bear a brand of defeat. Only the conquered should wear this badge of defeat. Christians are anything but conquered. Now, imagine someone – a non-believer – observing a Christian enamored with this world and its caos. Would he see hope? Would this fellow be inclined to follow?

“For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.” (Romans 8:24-25)

So, what do you bring to the table? What do you set before others for them to see? Is it Heaven or hell? Your faith is their evidence. If non-believers see you living out the substance of your faith they will know that your God is greater than this world’s woes.

If you are sitting at the station of this world waiting for a free ride on the gravy train you are sitting at the wrong station. That train, while tempting on the outside, has a only one destination, disappointment!

Christians, if the substance of your hope is what someone else has and not Jesus, then you need to review your faith because others already are.

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2)

“Don’t focus on today’s groaning but on tomorrow’s glory.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the hope You have freely given to me through Your Son Jesus. Lord, help my doubt when I cannot see. As I eagerly wait in expectation of Your coming, strengthen me to persevere in the calling You have laid before me. I know that all things work together for good to those who love You. Lord, I commit my life to Your purposes today. 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

June 18th 2019 – A Glorious Seed Sown

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“So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.” (1 Corinthians 15:42-43)

A seed… such a tiny thing, yet out of it, the largest of all trees the giant redwood can grow. This is not unlike us. When we are born again, we are given a deposit of God’s Holy Spirit. This Spirit is the beginning of God’s transformation in our lives.

“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” (Ephesians 1:13-14)

The amazing reality is that not only is God depositing His Spirit in us, He is preparing us for our heavenly bodies and fellowship with Him for eternity. As the Spirit of God begins changing us, we begin walking more and more in the Spirit. And as a result, we’re displaying the heavenly work happening within us. When at the end of our life the Lord finishes changing us, we will continue walking as spiritual men and women of God for all eternity.

“Heaven should get into us before we get into Heaven.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, It is amazing to think of the gift that has been planted in me. Through Your Holy Spirit, help me to live a heavenly life; one that is eternally minded. Keep me focused on what is important and allow me to share the gift of Christ and our glorious future with others. In Jesus’ glorious name, Amen

If you are reading these devotions and are not a follower of Jesus Christ, please be aware that these seeds of scripture are being sown in your own heart right now… whether this devotion was forwarded to you, are you happen to come across it. It’s no coincidence that you’re reading this today.

I am praying that Gods word start to take root in your heart and you come to know personally the greatest truth you will ever hear.. Jesus Christ died on a cross for you. He loves you and He cares for you. When you call His name and ask for His help, He will set you free.. Click Here if you would like to learn more about Gods salvation, or ask Him into your heart.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

June 14th 2019 – In the Shadow of the Cross

“After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died.” (1 Corinthians 15:6)

They had known Jesus before His death and again saw Him after His resurrection. Surely, this group of believers was blessed to know Christ personally. I can imagine there would be no other group of individuals on earth who would long more passionately for His return. After all, they had sat and listened to His teaching. They broke bread in fellowship with Him. They experienced the pain of watching Him die and then experienced the pure joy of seeing Him alive again! After He ascended to heaven, they must have thought, “Any day now He will come again for us.”

Now let’s fast forward 2000 years… and we still wait. While we may never have spoken to Jesus face to face, we continue to go to Him in prayer. While He has not eaten at our dinner tables, we take communion at His. Each day, we stand in the shadow of the cross and what He has done for us, and we long for His return. But waiting is not passive, it’s active. Until He comes again, we continue to share the amazing story of God’s love for sinners and the death of Christ on our behalf. It’s a timeless truth that will ring throughout eternity from today in our world until long after He has come again.

“We should live in the expectation of the return of Jesus.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I look forward to the coming of Your Son and His Kingdom that will follow. Help me to remember that this world is a temporary place and that my true home is with Christ. Until He returns, give me strength, wisdom and opportunities to tell others about our coming King. Keep us in the Shadow of the Cross we will wait for Your Glorious and Triumphant return. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Have you ever received Jesus as you Lord and Savior? If you do not know Him personally,you will never be truly free. I encourage you not to pass up the precious gift of His love and eternal life. Jesus died on the cross for you and me. Jesus loves us and wants to help us through the storms. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

June 13th 2019 – Reignited

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“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” (2 Timothy 1:6)

Have you ever watched a fire begin to burn down to the point that all you have left are coals? It looks as though there is no fire actually left, because the coals may be under a layer of ash. You can’t really see much. But when you take a fresh log and toss it on top of those coals and stir it around a bit, suddenly it ignites, and you have a whole new fire going.

Paul wrote to Timothy, “Stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands” (2 Timothy 1:6). That phrase stir up the gift means to fan it into full flame.

There may be live coals in your life, but you have allowed the fire to go down. You haven’t been using the gifts that God has given you, the talents He has given you. It’s time to fan them into full flame again. It’s time to be reignited. It’s time to say, “Lord, how can I use what You have given me for Your glory until You return?”

It’s easy for our Christian faith to go stale. We say the right words and go through the right motions while having a cold heart toward God. One thing that causes our faith to become stagnant is we forget that Christianity is not about a set of ideas; it’s about the most important person in all history – Jesus Christ, who came from heaven to earth not only to provide a way for us to escape hell after we die, but also to show us a better way of living before we leave this world.

We need to take advantage of the opportunities that are out there. If we will humble ourselves and take what we have and offer it to God, if we are willing to do what He has set before us and be faithful in the little things, then He will give us more to do.

Any time you take a chance, you can fail. But it’s better to try than to never have anything happen in your life. I would rather try and fail than never try at all.

“It’s time to be reignited.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your love for me and the faith that has grown in my heart. I ask that You fan my flame and ignite my faith into a towering infernal for you Lord! I want to use my life and talents to please You. Help me share Your love and the message to others. Keep my heart full of faith during in the often trials of my life, that I may be on fire to inspire others and glorify Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Seeking a personal relationship with Jesus?

If you do not know Jesus personally, I encourage you not to pass up the precious gift of His love and eternal life. Jesus died on the cross for you and me. He loves us and wants to help us. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

June 12th 2019 – The Holy Spirit

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“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” (Romans 8:11)

Im not sure that you realize this, if you have ever accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is also available to you. The defining moment of the world and all the power that was behind His glorious resurrection is for you. That is what Romans 8:11 says. Are you living life defeated by sin? Have you been diagnosed with an illness maybe even terminal? Seize the moment! Now is the time! Never before have you been more able to live life to its fullest. The potential of your Creator is dwelling in you. The Holy Spirit, given to you by Jesus wants to perform a work in you so amazing you will never be the same. Victory has been declared … are you taking part in it?

(Philippians 4:13) “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

You are being perfected. As you allow God to work in you, you are being conformed to the image of Christ. That’s powerful! You can do all things through Jesus, including overcoming obstacles that you may have had no hope or power to do on your own. Even that sin that you keep going back to.

Stop feeding it. Feed your spiritual nature. Going to church, personal time in the Bible, prayer and serving others is the way to grow in God and these things are products of the Holy Spirit working in you. You don’t owe sin anything, but you owe Jesus for dying for you. You were purchased at a high price. Jesus changed your life. Live that change.

“You have resurrection power available to you by the Holy Spirit.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You that I do not have to be a slave to sin, but can be a bondservant of righteousness through You. Please forgive me for my sins and give me the power to live for You. Heal me of my illness, my human condition. Help me to grow in You through fellowship, study, prayer and by loving and serving others. Send people into my life that will love me and encourage me in a way that I have never experienced before. Break off any lables and titles that the world has placed on me. I invite You into my life with absolute surender and obedience. I love You Jesus! In Your heavenly name, Amen.

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

Interested in experiencing forgiveness and love found in Jesus? Please click here to learn more about how to ask Jesus into your heart. 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

May 22nd 2019 – 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 watched 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 a bunch of refugee farmers to help 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?

I won’t ruin the ending if you have not watched this movie., but 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

May 14th 2019 – Looking into the Face of God

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“As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness” (Psalm 17:15)

I recently read an article, it stated that a baby’s sight is the last sense to develop. However, even before they can focus, newborns look toward faces. The study showed that infants also begin to read faces when they are very young. They feel positive vibes from a smile and smile back. If a mother frequently smiles and interacts with her newborn, the infant smiles in anticipation as soon as she enters the room.

Likewise, babies recognize when a face shows displeasure or disgust. If the Mom is preoccupied or angry and doesn’t return the smile, the baby’s smile will fade, the eyes look perplexed, and the face becomes blank. A baby learns to take cues from others in the room, especially its mother.

If infants don’t receive positive interaction during early development, they are stunted in personal interactions. As older children, they show little emotion in response to others. In some areas of the world, orphans sit alone in cribs and get little positive contact with adults. As a result, they are severely underdeveloped emotionally. Even physical growth is stunted. The study showed that Face to face interaction is completely necessary for healthy development.

As adults, we continue to watch faces. We subconsciously observe how people respond. We can tell if our audience is pleased, amused, delighted, or displeased. We see it in their faces, and we adjust. We sometimes will embellish our story for greater response, add more detail to support our view, or we end the conversation quickly. We take our cues from faces around us.

Maybe we’re created that way so we will properly relate to God.

My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. (Psalm 27:8)

David is the the only person in the Bible that repeatedly talked about God’s face. Likewise, David is the only one we’re told was a man after God’s heart. Do you think that David could have gained a heart after God’s heart because he was practiced in looking into the face of God? Could it be that David got his cues from God rather than from those around him?

If, like a baby, we look into God’s face for cues, He will lead us with His eyes. As we allow His eyes to guide us, our lives will reflect His righteousness. As a baby responds to loving parents, we will delight in His pleasure.

The problem is that sometimes we’re too busy to gaze into His eyes. We’re also distracted by gauging what our friends, our church and society think of us.

If we don’t seek the face of God, we’ll we be like those third world babies, trapped in a crib, stunted in our spiritual growth. We won’t reflect our God to the world. I don’t want to be stunted. I want to reflect the righteousness of God to those around me.

“Jesus will return at the
End of time, and we will
See his face and enter heaven
Undefiled, cleansed by his blood,
Saved by his grace.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Help me turn my eyes to You and to gaze into Your eyes. Like David, I want to seek Your face, I want to live my life pleasing to You Lord. I want to see You smile. Thank You for giving me life and for being the ultimate Father. 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

April 10th 2019 – Caring for Those Who Struggle

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“To our shame I say that we were too weak for that! But in whatever anyone is bold–I speak foolishly–I am bold also.” (2 Corinthians 11:21)

How do you treat those who are struggling? Whether it’s those at your work or a stranger on the street. Maybe it’s an adult child that struggles with drugs or a elderly parent at the end of stages their life. How you treat them tells a lot about yourself.

Why is that the case? Simply because those who are weak and struggling are not often in a position to help us or pay us back. When we care for the less fortunate or minister to those who are barely hanging on, we do so knowing there is no physical benefit. The opposite is also true if we refuse to help those in need because there is no benefit for us, it clarify our motives.

In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul begins sharing everything he endured for the sake of others. He did so because his motives were being questioned and yet, he was able to clearly say that he endured all that pain so that the lost would hear the good news. This is what I desire for my own life, I also do not want to live my life with regrets that I didn’t do my best. My prayer is that more feel the same. Unfortantally we don’t often see that in this world anymore..

Today is the day to look around for those in your life who may be weak, hurting or struggling. Let’s serve them with the love of Christ, so that they would be blessed. It may cost us something, but it is worth it in the end.

“How we treat those who are weaker tells a lot about us. But don’t be discouraged by those who are not ready for our help or care. In that case, pray for them.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Forgive me for any times I may have helped people with ulterior motives. Give me a heart for those who are in need and the strength to serve them. I desire to give of myself for the benefit of others, no matter the cost. Fill me with Your Spirit and teach me through Your Word. Please forgive me when I tend to want to give up or figure things out in my own reasoning. Help me to remain obedient, faithful, and filled with Your Spirit to lead, guide and direct me in all things. Please give me patience and compassion in all situations. I love You lord. I pray 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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