Category Archives: Forgiveness

June 18th 2017 – Heart of A Father

1 Reply

“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

Happy Fathers Day to the Dad’s!

A father is a gift to his children.  A father needs to have the heart of the true Father, Almighty God.  Of all the attributes that Jesus brought out about Almighty God, the greatest is that He called Him Father.  True fathers are not perfect, but they have such a love in their heart for their children that, at times, it feels like their heart wants to burst.

A father wants the best for his kids, yet he knows that the best for his kids is to let them make mistakes and hit bumps in life.

What Is A Dad?

A Dad is someone who wants to always catch you before you fall but instead picks you up,
brushes you off, and lets you try again.

A Dad is someone who wants to keep you from making mistakes but instead lets you find your own way, even though his heart breaks in silence when you get hurt.

A Dad is someone who holds you when you cry, scolds you when you break the rules, shines with pride when you succeed, and has faith in you even when you fail.

Dads, the greatest thing that we can do for our children is to show them the Father God.  Spend time with your children, and be a man of God, and a man that walks in the ways of God.  Remember, you are the image of God to your children, so let them see a big, loving Father: one who is there when they need him, and one whose passion is after the heart of the true Father, Almighty God.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Today, I make a decision to be the person that my children can look at to see the Father God. Today I make a decision to live a life that says really loudly, “God loves you and so do I” Bless the fathers, who have taken upon themselves the responsibility of parenting. Bless those parents who have lost a spouse to death … or divorce who are parenting their children alone. Strengthen them by your love that they may become the loving, caring persons they are meant to be. Guide them to be good role models and loving to their children. Help them to be a father like You are. Give them grace and patience to handle situations in a loving way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Personal Note… I wish to praise You God for the gift of Fatherhood.  You blessed me with three amazing children, Marissa, Michael and Larry… even with all my mistakes and screw-ups. You always helped me.  I am so proud of them….

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 17th 2017 – Love to the Extreme

Leave a reply

“I blasted you with blight and mildew. When your gardens increased, Your vineyards, Your fig trees, And your olive trees, The locust devoured them; Yet you have not returned to Me,” Says the LORD.” (Amos 4:9)

Often in the Scriptures, we read of the judgments of God and gasp as we see Israel and other nations suffering under the Lord’s power. While the judgments of God are difficult, we must understand that all through the Old Testament God is showing grace and mercy. In the prophets, He calls for people to turn from their wicked ways and He will forgive them. You see friend, while God’s discipline can often seem extreme, His love is just as potent.

(Romans 5:8 ) “But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Love to the Extreme – that is what the God of all creation has shown towards us. While we were steeped in sin and suffering under the weight of condemnation, He stepped out of heaven and gave His life for ours. The punishment that we deserved was placed upon Jesus on the cross. Each strike of the nails that pierced His hands was done so that we could know forgiveness. Each cruel word and slash of the whip on Jesus’ body happened so that we could spend eternity with Him. All we have to do is come to Jesus seeking forgiveness and trusting in Him for salvation. As we do, we take part in the greatest love anyone could ever know.

“God goes to extreme measures to reveal His love for us.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I know that I have done and sometimes do wrong. Today, I come to You and ask that You would forgive me of all my sins. I confess that Jesus is Lord and I believe that He died for my sins and was raised from the grave three days later. Lord, make me a new creation and fill me with Your Spirit so that I can live for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you would like to request a prayer Click Here

Have you ever received Jesus as you Lord and Savior? If you do not know Him personally, you will never truly be able to experience Love to the Extreme!. 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 15th 2017 – Show me True Peace!

Leave a reply

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20 )

People all around us are seeking peace in their life. They seek that peace through lots of different ways. For some, it’s entertainment, for others it could be relationships, food or even in drugs or alcohol. Some may even turn to religion for peace, yet fail to find it because human religions are based on man working his way to heaven. There is no real rest for the person who seeks to earn peace through rules and regulations.

But, then came Jesus.

Jesus came into the world to live the life we could not. He was perfect, blameless and humble. He lived in obedience to God the Father and fulfilled the law. Then as He hung on the cross He cried out, “it is finished,” thereby completing our salvation. Now, we come to God by faith in Christ and we are accepted. It’s by His grace we are saved, not works. Unlike the man made religions around us, Christianity is God coming to mankind and offering salvation on His works not ours. All we must do is rest, by faith, in the One who died so that we could be forgiven.

“To be able to ‘rest in your faith’ or have peace, you must be trusting in Christ alone.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the work done on my behalf. Thank You that I do not have to work my way to Heaven, but instead can place my faith in the grace of Christ. Please give me rest and an abundance of peace in my life. Help me to continually seek You in my life, because it is in You where I will find true peace. Today open up opportunities to share this truth 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

June 12th 2017 – The Holy Spirit

Leave a reply

“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, 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

June 10th 2017 – Our Deepest Pains

Leave a reply

“Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.” (2 Corinthians 1:6)

If you knew that the pain a friend was facing would lead them to God, would you remove the pain if you could? If you understood that the heartache of a loved one would result in the salvation of their soul, would you allow it to happen? If you realized that the suffering that you are dealing with right now meant that God would use you to comfort another person, would you refuse to endure it? These are difficult questions but they are important ones to ask. If God is good and can be trusted, doesn’t that mean He has a plan and purpose for everything, even our pain?

I once had a very diffrent life, I was a successful businessman and president of corporation. I was married 15 years to my best friend, our children were happy, we owned a beautiful home and we were not in any debt. I enjoyed our life to the fullest.

One day, without any signs or warnings my wife leaves my children and I. There was no explanation as to why or what had been done to make her want to leave. There had been very few disagreements in our marriage. We did everything together, My wife and children meant everything to me.

It wasnt very long before I discovered that she had become involved with a professional con-artist that made an existence stealling peoples identies and breaking up familes for his financial gain.

Through fraud my business and personal accounts had been compromised an emptied, it put all of our employees at risk of loosing their jobs and the kids and I almost homeless.

The heartache and the stress caused me to have a hemorrhagic stroke about 3 months later that changed my life forever. I lost my vision for some time from hemorrhage eyes, ears and the feeling in right hand and leg. I suffered brain dammage, mostly to my ability to recall anything recent.

Life was by no means easy. Our innocent children suffered from abandonment and the loss of everything familiar to them.

There were friends and family who saw it as a tragedy. After all, I had to endure surgeries, and years of therapy and difficulties just to be able think correctly.

There are those in the world who would have looked at my situation and asked “How can a good God exist when someone especially children have to suffer like this.” There’s a problem with that thought; they can’t see God’s full plan. You see, because of my story of hardship, I am able to share comfort with those who have endured similar things. Also, as people hear the amazing story of what God has done in my life, how He sought me out and saved me. How He also gave me the most wonderful wife and a new family, restored my mind and a miracle recovery. He gets the glory. In the end, my past sufferings (I gave you the short verson) have been used to draw men and women into a relationship with God. That, is worth every moment of pain I endured.

“Every pain in life can find meaning by learning to comfort others.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the trials You have allowed in my life. Help me to patiently endure those hard times so that I can be used to comfort and minister to others in their times of need. 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 9th 2017 – Breaking Free!

Leave a reply

“The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.” (Galatians 5:17)

When it comes to breaking free from bondage, I have found that many people often dread the work that comes with being free…And to be honest, I completely understand!  I don’t know about you, but just hearing the phrase, “breaking free from bondage” seems strenuous and down-right uncomfortable! This is especially true for many people when it comes to the certain areas such as theese. Quitting addictions, losing weight, or even reaching a health or fitness goal.

After years of working with people, and experiencing change in many areas of my own life, I have come to find that the reason change often seems so difficult is that we are trying to make it happen backwards! The bible says, “as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7), this means that if you are ever going to experience freedom in any area, you are going to have to start to see yourself as free on the inside before you see it on the outside.

I have learned that lasting change in any area truly starts and takes place right in between our ears, or in our minds. We must realize that we have an enemy, the devil, and he can only attack us in one area, in our minds, and he does so with lies and deception. One of the most common lies that the enemy tries to get us trapped in is to make us think that we are, (and will always be) slaves and in bondage to things. He comes at us with this lie because he knows that as long as he can get you to believe that you are a slave to a certain habit, behavior, or thing, you will never be able to break free, which is right where he wants you to stay.

The good news is that Christ came to set us free from ALL bondage! In fact, if you are born again, the Bible says you are ALREADY free. “Whom the son has set free, is free indeed” (John 8:36).  This means that when you ask Jesus to be your Savior, that you are free from the power that sin once had over you.

I like to think of it it like a person who is in a jail cell with the door locked, and when Jesus comes along, He comes and unlocks the door, and says, “come on out, your free!” But just as we are about to step out, the devil says “wait, who told you that you could leave? You are not really free, and you never will be. You will be in bondage to this thing, habit, or lifestyle forever!” And so, the born again believer stays in the jail cell, with the door wide open, when all they needed to do was take a step out into freedom!

Taking this step into freedom does require action on our part, and it takes effort to a•new* our minds with God’s Word, and learn our identity in Christ.  The first step often requires us humbling ourselves before the Lord, and repenting of our behaviors that are not glorifying to Him, and ask for His help to change, maybe even a make public confession to people that can hold us accountable. Jesus will always be there to respond to our cry, and He is a good Father that loves and desires to take our hand and lead us into freedom.

The next step is getting into the Word of God, and asking God to a•new* our minds, and help us to see ourselves as the overcomer that He has created us to be. It also means praying specifically about the things that we desire change in on a daily (sometimes multiple times a day) basis!

This process of walking into total freedom can often happen in steps and stages, like peeling back layers on an onion. The reason for this is simply because many of us have lived in bondage to things for many years and it often takes time for our minds to be renewed, and our hearts to respond to the Lord and change. The important thing to remember however, is that God has already given you everything you need to walk in total victory and freedom in every area of your life.

“See yourself as you truly are in Christ…totally and completely set free!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Your word tells us, that our flesh lusts or wars against our spirit. I am not to gratify the lusts of my flesh. I will walk by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Father, You know at times, we will struggle with the temptation to gratify the desires of our flesh. I understand that lust is saying, “I must have this” Much of this battle is in my mind and thought life. Because of loneliness and inner pain at times, we may entertained lustful fantasies in our minds and thoughts. This only increased the desire for us to gratify our flesh. At times, this battle has been more than we could stand and we may have given in to our flesh. I ask You, Father, reveal to us any ways in which we have broken your moral laws. I Pray for a breakthrough in the life of who you led my way today. I pray for continued guidance and verbal articulation of your word. I love you Lord .. Amen.

(Please pray this prayer)

Father God, I am truly sorry. I repent and ask You to forgive me. I want to follow you and ask you (into) or (back into) my life. I acknowledge that Jesus Christ died on the cross for me all my sins are forgiven in His name. I repent and cancel all access to my life by evil spirits. I claim the blood of Jesus over me as my protection. I command all evil spirits that have entered my body or mind, to leave me now in Jesus’ name. I now make a new commitment to guard my eyes and take every thought captive in obedience to Christ. I will walk by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I will work to take control of my body and anew my mind, not giving into fleshly lusts. I will depend on the Holy Spirit to help me accomplish this, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Asking Jesus into your life.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural  Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

June 8th 2017 – Emotions

Leave a reply

“So I decided that I would not bring you grief with another painful visit.” (2 Corinthians 2:1)

In 2 Corinthians, Paul recognizes a delicate balance in confronting, challenging and encouraging people in ministry. He had a deep love for the people of Corinth and because of that love, he needed to steer them the correct way. Unfortunately, even when there is loving intent, any corrective action can be seen as mean. This is why we must make every effort to walk in love and grace when we are confronting others or being confronted.

In those times of correction, emotions can run high and can often cloud our view of what’s really happening. Practice bringing your emotions under control so that you can be led by the Holy Spirit and not raw emotions. This is helpful on the receiving end of a correction, but is also important for those who must correct. Be sure if you are sharing with someone, you are seeking balance and not reacting out of anger or frustration. Seek the Lord, control your emotions and then act. God will take care of the rest.

“As followers of Jesus, the Holy Spirit should control our will, and our will should control our emotions. Our emotions should not control our will.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your grace towards me. While I deserve punishment, I am thankful for Your grace. Help me to respond to others with as much love and grace as You have shown to me. Give me a heart to love at all times and to offer correction when needed. 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 7th 2017 – Heal Me, Make Me Clean

Leave a reply

“Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, ‘If You are willing, You can make me clean.’ Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’ As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, and said to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.'” (Mark 1:40-44)

We see in the Hebrew Scriptures that people with leprosy had to dwell alone. That person couldn’t be around others.

(Leviticus 13:46) He shall be unclean. All the days he has the sore he shall be unclean. He is unclean, and he shall dwell alone; his dwelling shall be outside the camp.”

Once someone showed themselves to the priests and the priests declared that person leprous they had to leave the camp. They couldn’t hug their family bye, they couldn’t touch anyone. No one touched them. This leper comes to Jesus and what does Jesus do? Jesus could heal with just words, but not this time. I wonder how long it had been since someone had touched this guy? Remember, you didn’t touch anyone with leprosy. And let’s talk about why Jesus actually touched him. When Jesus touched him it was Jesus taking the leprosy from him. Leprosy was a picture of sin. . 

Just as Jesus took the leprosy, Jesus can take our sin. Sin makes you feel alone. When you mess up during the week, you don’t feel like going to church, do you? You don’t feel like hanging out with those that could possibly encourage you. But as you mature in Christ you start to realize that is when you need fellowship the most. Do not, do not … turn away from those who could encourage you. When you feel like staying away, don’t follow your feelings, be lead by your faith. Fellowship, go against your feelings.

“Fellowship will drive you away from sin or sin will drive you away from fellowship.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Don’t allow me to pull away from fellowship with other believers. Thank You for giving us the body of Christ. Thank You for sacrificing Your son for our sins. Help me to serve, to fellowship and to give to increase Your kingdom. Continue to make the desires of my heart, be things that please You. 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 4th 2017 – Contentment is a Choice

1 Reply

“They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you.” (2 Peter 2:19)

Throughout our lives, we will be faced with various temptations. It could be in the form of a false teacher promising something unbiblical or an activity that appeals to our sinful nature but either way, it is empty in the end. One of the temptations the bible refers to is the “lust of the eyes”, and it has the power to cause us to become bitter, unhappy and resentful towards others. Another word we could use to describe this sin would be the word covetousness. When we look at the blessings of others and desire it for ourselves, we begin coveting. At that moment, we can begin secretly resenting that individual for nothing more than being blessed by God. It’s true, they probably don’t deserve it, but none of us do.

How can we battle the lust of the eyes? I believe we find the answer in the words of Paul found in (Philippians 4:11)  “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.”

Contentment is the key. Also, notice what Paul said, “I learned.” Paul did not start off content. Through the power of God, he learned to be that way whether he was in prison or enjoying the blessings of food and fellowship. This can be difficult at times but there is true freedom in learning contentment. If we can learn this, then no matter what happens in the crazy world, we will be joyful because we have God, and He is enough. As you begin your day, ask God to help you to be content. Don’t be surprised; however, if you find that your coworker gets a raise or a friend is able to buy a brand new car. Instead of getting upset because you didnt, choose contentment.

Rejoice with them and thank the Lord for graciously saving you. After all, if God can forgive us of all our sin, what more do we need?

“Contentment is a choice we must make”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank You for the grace you have shown me. You have given me life and because of Christ, I know that I also have eternal life. Help me to be content with whatever You plan for my life. I desire to walk in peace and joy regardless of my circumstances. Use me today to share Your love with others. 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 2nd 2017 – Lay it Down

Leave a reply

“For if in anything I have boasted to him about you, I am not ashamed. But as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting to Titus was found true.” (2 Corinthians 7:14)

Are you carrying something around today that God never intended you to carry? The shame and guilt of each of our lives is one of the greatest burdens we hold, but often we are crushed by it because we refuse to put it down. Some of you may have awakened this morning to a flood of memories of past sins and evil intentions. Maybe it’s not something you did, but something someone did to you and you have held onto unforgiveness. Whatever the case may be, God desires to remove that burden of sin and shame from you and in return, give you new life.

(Matthew 11:28-30) “Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Shame and guilt will sink even the most powerful Christians, but even for the weakest believer, there is rest for their soul as they hand over their shame to Jesus. You see friend, when Jesus was on the cross, the Bible tells us that our shame was nailed up there with Him. All our evil thoughts, actions and words were placed there to be destroyed forever. When we ask Jesus to forgive us of our sins, He wipes those sins away along with the shame that is attached to them. Because of Jesus, we can lay down our guilt and shame never having to pick them up again.

“Lay it down at the foot of the cross..”

Prayet:

Heavenly Father, I know I have done wrong things, and I come today asking again for your forgiveness. Wipe away the sin and the shame that is with it. Help me to focus on You and the love You have for me. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can encourage others to find rest in You. In Jesus’ name we pray, 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