Category Archives: Free Will

April 1st 2019 – Battlefield of the Mind

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

The battle we face as Christians is very real, and it is often extremely difficult. We see in the Scripture that spiritual battles is most often fought in our own minds. In the verses above, notice the words used to describe the battle. He uses words like “argument”, “knowledge”, “thought” and “imaginations”. This is why studying the Bible is so important. The more we know God’s Word, the more we are equipped to respond correctly. We can often see this really well in those moments we are corrected.

The moment we are corrected over something our mind instantly leaps to our defense. Rather than honestly considering the circumstance being presented, we usually respond by either explaining why it’s not our fault, making an excuse for why it’s OK, or we simply point out what is wrong with the person correcting us. This is the same tactic Adam and Eve used in the garden, and is something we need to guard our minds against. Instead of responding in the flesh, we can take a moment, pray and respond rightly.

Law Enforcement and Military personell take time to train for various situations they may encounter in the field. So schedule time to get in Gods word so that you can bettter prepare how to handle spiritual battles take place in our minds.

“Fill your mind with God’s word and you will have no room for satan’s lies.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving me Your Word so that I am better able to know how to live. Fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I can respond in love at all times. Guard my mind against the powers of the enemy, and help me to think on godly things. I want to know You more and love You more. Please help me commit my heart to seek You and grow in my understanding of who You are and how much You love 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.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries 

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

March 28th 2019 – The Cross

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)

This true story was reported about a young couple visiting a jewelry store. The young lady was looking for something fashionable. She remembered that a a friend of hers wears a cute little silver cross, so she asked to see those. As the jeweler showed the couple various crosses, the young woman commented, “I like these, but do you have any without this little man on them?”

What an analogy of what so many people seek today “a cross without Jesus.” They want a cross without any offense, a cross without any consequences, one that will look cool as a fasion accessory. But if we could travel back to a time the cross was used in its original context, we would realize that it was a bloody and horrific symbol of death. It would have been the worst image imaginable to actually see someone hanging on a cross.

The Romans chose crucifixion because it was meant to be a slow, torturous way to die. It was designed to be a humiliating death for the person on it. The crucifixions were held on the outside edges of the Roman cities. They served as visual warnings to anyone who would oppose the rule of the Roman empire.

If there was any other way, do you think that God would have allowed His Son to suffer like this? If there had been any other way we could have been forgiven, then God surely would have found it.

“If being a good person” or “living a good moral life would” would get us to Heaven, then Jesus never would have died for us. But He did, because there was and is no other way. He had to pay the price for our sin. At the Cross, Jesus purchased the salvation of the world.

If you were ever tempted to doubt God’s love for you, even for a moment, then take a long, hard look at the Cross. Where Jesus sacrifised and gave His very life for us.

“Jesus’s sacrifice the cross, allowed for such a horrific symbol of death to now be seen as a beautiful symbol of His Sacrifice, His Message and His Love for us.”

There is no decision more important, accepting Jesus, it will absolutely change your life. It did mine. I couldn’t imangine where my life would have been without Him.

Christ’s love is deeper than any pit of sin. Do not grow weary trying to crawl out; look up to Christ, repent and ask Him for forgiveness & be set free.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Even though my salvation was obtained only through the costliest sacrifice ever made, You freely gave it to me. Lord, I praise You for this gift so lovingly given. Thank you Lord I believe You died for me so that I could be forgiven. I believe You were raised from the dead so that I could have new life. I know I’ve done wrong things, and I’m sorry. Please forgive me and give me the power to follow You all the days of my life. 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.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries 

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

March 24th 2019 – God Is My Guide

“Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow.” (Psalm 25:4)

Do you ever feel like you’re going in circles and not making any progress? At least not the kind of progress you were expecting.

Is the constant insanity of our world pulling you in a million different directions, causing you to question if you’re even headed in the right direction?

If you’re like me, and you have dreams and made the plans, but life and all its crazyness makes you feel like you’re just surviving instead of living out those dreams.

Continual distractions.

Endless interruptions.

To many choices.

There are days I’ve felt like one foot was chained to a bolder, while my other foot is headed in every direction. Expending a lot of energy and mental fatigue, but going nowhere. Can you relate?

Wouldn’t it be awesome to wake up every morning and be assured you’re on the right path towards your dreams and goals? To know with certainty that you’re headed in the right direction? To feel confident with each step, without constantly questioning yourself?

Too many times I’ve second-guessed a decision I was confident about. I want so desperately to follow God’s will that I’ll pray, but then feel uncertain, not wanting to make a wrong move. I wonder: Maybe this isn’t what I’m supposed to be doing. Maybe this isn’t part of God’s plan for my life.

As I’ve wrestled with indecision and insecurity, I’ve sought God’s Word for help. A few months ago, I found a golden truth in the Bible. It addresses our desire for guidance and shows us what to do when we need clear direction.

King David composed these words in a beautiful psalm, tucked within the pages of the Old Testament:

“Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you”(Psalm 25:5)

These verses reveal David’s humble and teachable heart. He wanted to be guided by God and led by His truth. David knew God was his Savior and placed all his hope in the One who created the right path for him.

We can find the answers to David’s request for guidance only a few short passages away. Promises we can claim for our own lives:

“The LORD is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. The LORD leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands” (Psalm 25:8-10)

Based on these verses, when our hearts are humble and truly seeking God’s will, we can be confident of this:

1. God will always show us what is right for us.

2. When we get sidetracked, God will direct us back to the right path.

3. We are not alone. God leads and teaches us along the way.

4. God leads those who obey Him with unfailing love and faithfulness.

“The LORD says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8)

“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

If you’re unsure about some things in your life, don’t wait another day to figure it out on your own. Ensure your heart is in the right place of humility, and then ask God to help you. Once you’ve asked, trust that God is directing you.

“Where I go today, I pray it be only in the path You have directed for me.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help me find my way to You for direction in my life. Remind me that the world will never be able to offer what my soul deeply longs for, nor does it hold my future, but You certainly do. No matter what comes my way and no matter where You lead me, I pray that my eyes will only be focused on You. You are my Rock and my Stay.  Please, God, guide me today for I don’t know what the day may hold, but I do know that if I seek You, you will guide my way. Thank You for leading my every step. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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

If you you’ve gotten on the wrong path, seek God for direction instead of looking to the world for answers. As you take steps to follow and obey God’s voice, He will lovingly show you the way.. Click Here to learn more. 

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries 

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

February 19th 2019 – Don’t Loose Your Focus

“Ephraim has encircled Me with lies, And the house of Israel with deceit; But Judah still walks with God, Even with the Holy One who is faithful. (Hosea 11:12)

After King Solomon, the Kingdom of Israel split in two. Both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah faced their share of issues, but Judah was able to stay on track longer. Why is this? One of the key reasons was the proximity of the temple which was the dwelling place of God. Since the Temple was located in Judah, they were able to continue fellowship with the Lord through the sacrifices and daily duties of the priests. This helped Judah remain more focused on the Lord.

Do you realize the same is true for us? In order for us to persevere in difficult times and to grow in our faith, God has given us the church. The church  is not a building, but a body of believers that has been ordained by God to encourage us, challenge us and change our lives for good. Can it be messy in a church? Sure it can. Can we struggle with loving our Christian brothers and sisters? Of course, but what better place to learn to love than with those we know love Jesus. Our surroundings will influence our lives. When we surround ourselves with the teachings of God, the love of Christians and the opportunities to serve, give and witness, we will grow stronger. On the contrary, if we refuse to commit to a church, we will miss out on God’s growth tool for our lives. It may not be easy, but it is worth it.

“When we surround ourselves with the places and people of God, we will live more victorious lives.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the church. Thank You for brothers and sisters who love You and love me. Help me to commit to a fellowship with my whole heart so that I can experience spiritual growth and victory this year. Help us to walk in love and grace with one another so that the world will see our love and desire to know more about You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries 

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

January 24th 2019 – In Who or What Do You Trust In?

“For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.” (Romans 2:28-29)

Who or what are you trusting in? Do you trust in rituals or Jesus? Do you place your trust in baptism, catechism, confirmation or church membership? If your trust is in these things, then my im sorry to tell you, it is misplaced. Do you think you are a Christian because you go to church or because your parents were Christians? None of these things mean you are a Christian. The Apostle Paul says we should examine ourselves to make certain we are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). Faith leads to works, not the other way around. If you are counting on works, you need to re-evaluate. God is concerned with the inward man, not with outward pomp or show.

“So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.” (Joel 2:13)

God is interested in the heart, the inward you. He is not interested in our outward traditions or rituals. So test yourself, what works are in your life? ”

You may say, . “I thought it wasn’t about works.” if you have repented and accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the ‘outward works’ should change according to the ‘inward working’ of the Spirit of God in you. Let your heart be softened, and let your actions be changed; not placing your confidence in your own works, but in the work that God is doing in you.

“Let your heart and your actions be changed.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Help me to place my trust in You. Change my heart so that my actions reflect the work You are doing in me. Thank You for working in me so that I may be a blessing to 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.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries 

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 29th 2018 – Just Because it’s Permissible..

Just Because it’s Permissible.. Does it Edify Me?

“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.” (1 Corinthians 10:23)

When I was in my twenties and even thirties, I used to be able to eat whatever I wanted and never gain any weight. Because I was working in different locations everyday, my colleagues and I ate alot of fast food. I would often sypersize my meals. Day after day I would eat like that and never gain a pound. Now if I even think about some of these supersized combos, I put on weight. I just can’t do what I once was able to do.

(Hebrews 12:1) tells us, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us.”

What may be a weight to one person isn’t necessarily a weight to others. Sometimes we’ll see another Christian doing something, and we’ll say, “Well, I’ll go ahead and do that too.” But what may not be a hindrance to another person can be a hindrance to you.

Sin is sin. And sin is the same for everyone. But there are certain things that some may have the freedom to do that others don’t have. So we have to look at those things and not simply ask whether they are permissible. We also need to ask whether they are edifying. It is not a matter of asking, “Is this allowed?” It’s a matter of asking, “Is this going to build me up?” So ask yourself that question.

The apostle Paul said, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify” (1 Corinthians 10:23). In other words, just because something is permissible for a Christian doesn’t mean that you ought to do it. Maybe it could hurt you.

“What is ok for me is not always ok for others, we all have different struggles.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the power I have in Christ to identify what is good and what is bad for me. It’s with Your power that I can control my thoughts and my emotions, rather than them controlling me. Help me focus on my ow issues than others, help me identify what may be ok for me is not always ok for others. Please protect me from myself and my own destructive sinful nature. Help me forgive myself and seek You first. It is because of Your promises of hope and salvation that I can rejoice no matter what the situation may be. Thank You Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Do trust Jesus enough with your life? You should, 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 and we will pray for you..

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Rob Lavallee

 Scriptural Seeds Ministries 

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 24th 2018 – The Real Purpose of Christmas

“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:1)

This is always a busy time of year for almost everyone. For us as Christians, it’s been a joyful celebration of the birth of Jesus. We marvel at the fact that God humbled Himself and was born in a barn. But why did He come?

First, Jesus Christ came to proclaim good news to the spiritually hurting, to preach the good news to us.

He came to heal the broken-hearted. Isnt it interesting that with all the advancements in medical science, they found ways to reduce and even remove pain. But there is pain relief or cure for a broken heart.

Jesus came to set people free who are bound by sin. Jesus came to open our spiritual eyes to our spiritual need.

He came to lift up those who have been crushed by life. He came to give us abundant life. Jesus came to lift us from the physical realm of the senses to the spiritual realm to show us that there is more to life.

He came to give His life for us. Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). He came to die.

On this evening over 2000 years ago ,Jesus Christ came to this earth for you and me. So we can come to Him to give our lives purpose and meaning, to forgive us of our sins, and to give us the hope of Heaven beyond the grave. Christmas is not about trees and flashing lights or shopping and presents. Christmas is not about the gifts under the tree. Rather, Christmas is about the gift that was given on the tree when Christ died there for our sins and gave us the gift of eternal life.

“Jesus Christ came to this earth to seek and save those of us who are lost, just as a shepherd seeks a lost sheep.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me so much. Thank You that You would leave heaven to come, suffer and die for me. You are the Gift of all Gifts. Sometimes I have neglected the gift that You gave, forgive me. Lord, I have been blessed by You. Thank You for Your incredible plan for my salvation. I will continue to give all of my life to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Salvation is a gift from God, not a reward.

Ask God for your Gift!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Rob Lavallee

 Scriptural Seeds Ministries 

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

December 21st 2018 – Making Room For Jesus

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

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

Prayer:

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

Invitation:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Rob Lavallee

 Scriptural Seeds Ministries 

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

December 14th 2018 – Great Joy of Forgiveness

” And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” (Romans 5:11)

The Hebrew word for atonement is kaphar which means “to cover.” In the Greek, the word is katallage (kat-al-lag-ay’) which means “to make one.” The New King James Version of this verse uses the word reconciliation and the New Living Translation reads, “making us friends of God.” Christ’s death can put away our sins and we can be one with Him.

There are two states we can be in; friends with God or enemies of God. What makes the difference? The difference is made by whether we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior or, in our hardheartedness we have rejected His offer of friendship.

Many Christians walk around with a frown, acting like they’ve been baptized in a toliet. Where’s the joy? Christian, you should have great joy because you are forgiven. If you are having a bad day, think about God’s great joy of forgiveness and your day will get better. If you are already having a good day, thinking of this joy will turn your good day into a great day. If you are having a great day, hold on to keep from flying!

(Psalm 32:1) “Oh, what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!”

“We should have great joy because we are forgiven.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for forgiving me. I have joy knowing that I am Your friend. What joy it is to know that what I ‘cannot do’ has been done by Jesus and that what I ‘cannot pay’ has been paid by Jesus. Lord, help my joy overflow to others in such a way that they cannot help but know who my Father is. I pray this 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

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 10th 2018 – God, I Got This On My Own

“And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, ‘Peace to you!’ Then He said to Thomas, ‘Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.’” (John 20:26-27)

We have all heard the comments, “get it together,” “straighten up,” or the ever classic, “as the good book says, the Lord helps them that help themselves.” Eventually, we heard it enough that we believed it. First, I have read the good book from cover to cover several times and let me assure you, it does not say that. Second, the Lord helps those that ask for His help.

If you are still determined to make it on your own, or get yourself cleaned up, or fly right or that you can fix the problem, whatever term you want to use, the Lord will let you try. The moment you realize you need the Lord’s help, He will be there to help, though not when you are over the trial, but while you are in the trial. To think that He comes to us after we get through the tough stuff is to paint Him as a fair weather friend. Beloved of God, it is you that the Lord longs to walk with through the storms of life. Call out to Him right where you are, just as you are and He will become even more real to you. The Lord loves you enough to take you just as you are, and thankfully He loves you too much to let you stay that way.

“Jesus will come to us right where we are and as we are.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I’ve tried it my way and my way doesn’t work. I need Your help in my life. Whatever things I’m trying to do on my own outside of You, I completely surrender to You. Please help me. Thank You for being the here for me always. Forgive me for not listening to You when I have heard the answer to my situation many times. Forgive me for choosing my way over Yours. I confess that am just a sinner and do not know more then You Lord. Please strenthing my faith and trust in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you would like to request a prayer 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

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Rob Lavallee

 Scriptural Seeds Ministries 

http://www.scripturalseeds.org