Category Archives: General Devotions

October 12th 2017 – Rightly Dividing God’s Word

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“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

To rightly the divide the Word of God it takes times of reading it, meditating on it, and also studying it.  Each way opens up the truth of the Word.  I look at the Word of God like a miner seeking for gold. Yes, he might get lucky and find some on the top, but most gold takes a lot of digging and working.

When we open our Bibles and start reading it, sometimes things can jump right off of the page and we are amazed and we get all excited.  But there are other times that we read the Word and nothing really hits us.  That’s when we need to ponder and chew on it for a while.  Do it during the course of the day.

You might say, how do I do that? Here, let me show you a couple of different ways.  When you find a verse that speaks to you write it down or put it on the wallpaper on your phone, then, throughout the day look at it, say it a few times and think about what it’s saying to you personally.

Before I got a Smartphone, I used to write scriptures on 3 by 5 cards and carry them with me, or hang them in places I would go, like a mirror, or on the door of the fridge.  Be creative and you will see that you will be digging up nuggets before you know it. His Word will be rightly divided in your life and you will be used for the kingdom of God, who is not ashamed.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Starting today, I’m going to be a doer and a digger of the Word.  I’m going to let the Your Holy Word have first place in my life and study it so that I can rightly divide it and not be ashamed. I also ask that you allow me to experience Your word visually while reading and meditating on it. Give me insight and understanding on the scriptures. We ask this in Jesus precious name. Amen.

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

If you have never asked Jesus into your heart or want to recommit. Click here to learn more.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

October 11th 2017 – A Gift of 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 nu 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 have never asked Jesus into your heart or want to recommit. Click here to learn more.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

October 9th 2017 – Lesson from Jonah

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“The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.” But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the Lord by sailing to Tarshish.” (Jonah 1:1-3)

Not so with, Jonah. He was given a clear directive from God. He was to travel to Nineveh and confront the people living there, of their wickedness. They were guilty of pride, greed, brutality and adultery. God was not pleased with them.

Many of sermons have been preached over the years teaching that Jonah was back slidden and running, turned from God.

Jonahs belief in God had not changed,  nor did His love for God. Jonah, simply did not agree with God’s calling for him. Instead, of fulfilling God’s will, he chose to hide. He wanted to get as far away from God as he could. No way, did he want to confront the inhabitants of Nineveh. So he stole away on a ship to Tarshish; thinking it would solve his predicament. Instead, it only made things worse. The ship succumbed to a mighty storm at sea and Jonah found himself, not only overboard, but swallowed alive by a leviathon (Whale) of the ocean. (Jonah 1:4)

We might say, he went from the frying pan, into the fire! Realizing what he had done, he beseeched God to forgive him.

Jonah’s story contains a strong warning to all godly people. We can easily miss the blessing of God’s grace, when extended beyond our comfort zone. In our human-ness, we only have enough vision to see our circumstances where we are at. God, on the other hand, sees the whole picture. He has planned our lives, and He will fulfill all His plans if we trust Him.

One of my favorite verses in the bible reads “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord. “They are plans to give you hope and a future. When you call upon Me, and pray to Me with all your heart, I will be found by you and I will bring you to a place, that I kept exclusively for you”. (Jeremiah 29:10-13)

The point is: I would prefer to do God’s bidding and listen to His guidance, rather than go against His leading and direction for me. So, each day I pray that I will hear His directive and I will not just agree, I will obey.

“Jonah refused Gods calling for his life. He didn’t say anything. He just left town. Everything Jonah did  in disobedience took him further from God.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, We in our own selfishness and disobedience really create so many more problems then we should have to endure. We can be so arrogant at times. We find ourselves needing Your help, crying out to You and graciously You come to our rescue, In these times we are humbled and helpless, we listen because we have made a mess of our lives on our own. So many times after you have lifted us up, and helped us, we forget and return to trying to control our situations rather than trusting You to lead us. Help us to, not only hear your voice, but give us the strength to obey Your calling for our lives. . We love you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

If you have never asked Jesus into your heart or want to recommit. Click here to learn more.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

October 8th 2017 – Is God Listening?

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“O LORD, how long shall I cry, And You will not hear? Even cry out to You, “Violence!” And You will not save? (Habakkuk 1:2)

There are times in life, as a believer, that we feel like our prayers are getting struck out. Whether because of a trial or just loneliness, we begin feeling that God doesn’t care. Even the prophet, Habakkuk, experienced these emotions. He watched as Judah went from a godly nation to forgetting the law of God almost overnight. He cried out for God but felt that God was not listening. Have you been there?

Sometimes we may all find ourselves in that place, but we must understand the truth. The truth is that as a child of God, we have direct communication with Him no matter how bad we feel or where ever we are. No matter how difficult our life is or how hopeless it seems, God is always there.

(Ephesians 3:11-13) “according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.”

Did you notice the words “boldness, access and confidence?” Because of Jesus, we can come to God knowing that He is listening and that He cares for us. So the next time you feel like your prayers are hitting left field, trust in this verse and pray with boldness because God is listening, and He loves you dearly.

Gods answer to Habakkuk.

“Look at the nations and watch – and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. (Habakkuk 1:5-7)

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that You listen to my prayers. I come to You with boldness asking for Your continued grace and mercy on my life. Lord continue to be my encourger and forgive me when I say I can’t do, or it’s too difficult to learn something new. Help me realize that I have meaning and are needed by you in Your minisrty. I need encouragement and confidence when I feel like I have little to offer.  Help heal my loneliness by not choosing to be lonely.  Fill me with Your Spirit and guide me into Your ministry that You have for me today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

If you have never asked Jesus into your heart or want to recommit. Click here to learn more.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

October 7th 2017 – Open Doors

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“And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.” Then he invited them in and lodged them. On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.” (Acts 10:22-23)

In Acts chapter 10, we see the doors opening wide for all of humanity to hear the Gospel. Until this time, only a select few knew of the Good News about Jesus. That was about to change, drastically. The Good News presented and accepted by this group of gentiles would impact all of mankind. The world would never be the same.

Now that we have heard the Good News, we have the privilege to help others hear it. In Genesis chapter 4, Cain posed the question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” The answer is a resounding ‘yes’. We are responsible for reaching this generation with the Good News that God loves them and died for their sins.

“We should work together to reach the world.”

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You that because I asked You to forgive me, You have indeed forgiven me. There are still many people who have not accepted You as Lord and Savior. Lord, please give me a burden to reach people. Lord, I will join together with my brothers and sisters to reach the world. Help me to care about whether they come to You or not. 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

October 6th 2017 – A Walk in the Park

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“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” (Romans 8:28-30)

We must not forget, in our pursuit of Christ, that our days  will not always be a Walk in the Park. There will be difficult days, troubling times, and storms. Please don’t be fooled by thinking, just because you have been called by God, that life won’t include these times. In these times, we are set apart by one thing, “Hope”.

Maybe today, you are experiencing grief from a loved one passing, or difficulties with your spouse or children. We wake up sometimes to trouble at work, financial problems, and other trying times. One thing we need to remember is what Paul said, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”

Today, make the decision when troubles come, To Praise God. When difficulties arise, To Praise God. When you are in the valley and the trees are too tall to even see the bottom of the mountain top, To Praise God. He is working out something for that eternal weight of glory.

“Quit being fooled into thinking life is always going to a walk in the park, give God praise in the sunshine and the rain.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Today, I want to give You praise within my storm. I know my feelings get in the way of my faith, so I am asking for Your strength and wisdom to trust You during these times. Help me to learn from You, so I can help others when their storm is rising. I thank You for working out the good and difficult for Your eternal glory. 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

October 2nd 2017 – Jesus is Waiting

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“Their arrogance testifies against them, yet they don’t return to the LORD their God or even try to find him.” (Hosea 7:30)

In the book of Hosea, the people of Israel find themselves in a frightening spot. God has given them over to their enemies, yet they continue to sin. They are weary, heartbroken and homesick, yet they refuse to look to God. Like a loving father who watches his child continue to hurt themselves, God desires to step into the scene and heal them. He desires to bring them hope, freedom, prosperity and peace.

While the situation may be different for each of us, the reality is the same. We all have moments in life where we feel beat up and knocked down. Our marriage is struggling, our job is on the line, we’re concerned about our health; all these things come at us and we have a choice to make. Will we look to God or will we look to ourselves or the world for answers. Of course, the even greater picture is in regards to our salvation. Each of us stands before God guilty because of the bad things we have done, we now have a choice. Do we admit guilt and ask for mercy, or do we deny guilt and run from the very One who desires to forgive us? All of us have a choice… choose wisely.

“God desires to forgive us, but we must come to Him first.”

Prayer;

Heavenly Father, I know that I am a sinner and in need of Your grace. I also know that without You my life would simply fall to pieces. Help me to trust in You during the hard times and celebrate that I have been saved by Your grace through Jesus. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can share this Good News with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

If you prayed the prayer above. Click here and select the acknowledge button at the bottom. We would love to pray with you and for you.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

October 1st 2017 – Warcraft

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“And suddenly they cried out, saying, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time? (Matthew 8:29)

It’s important to know that the enemy is in opposition to us as we step out to make disciples. The works of Satan continue today just as they did in Jesus time. The enemy’s objective is to incite distraction, division, and render us ineffective. One of the biggest keys to understanding these things is asking God to open our eyes to see where He is working. When we do this we see these spiritual battles abound. It’s important for us to note also that spiritual battles are being waged whether we see them or not. It’s up to us to test the spirits to see if they are from God.

(1 John 4:1)
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

According to a recent poll, close to 70% of all churches in the United States have fallen away from teaching Biblical doctrine. As we seek to be vigilant and maintain an active relationship with God we should expect to be attacked by a raging enemy hell bent on undermining the work of God in our lives. So how do we live in light of this? Put on the whole armor of God. Live as unto the Lord having our minds ready to do so.

(Ephesians 4:17-24)
“This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”

“As believers, we need to pursue Christ with the understanding that the enemy of the Father is our enemy too and is in direct opposition to our calling to disciple others.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, please give me a fresh measure of Your Spirit, wisdom, and grace to be aware of the attacks surrounding the work You desire to do in my life. Please forgive me when I slip into apathy and become spiritually stagnant. Help me to see Your work and delight myself in You regardless of whatever opposition may come. Shelter me from the enemy and his warcraft I know I can’t do this alone so I ask for grace and help to submit to You in every way for Your eternal purposes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

If you prayed the prayer above. Click here and select the acknowledge button at the bottom. We would love to pray with you and for you.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 29th 2017 – Shaken Not Forsaken

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“How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? (Psalm 13:1-2)

At the beginning of Psalm 13 David feels that God has forsaken him. Has that ever happened to you? Do you let your problems make you despondent, discouraged, and disillusioned? Honestly, that couldn’t be further from the truth for those of us that have received the salvation of the Lord. We see David acknowledging this as he continues…

(Psalm 13:5-6)
“But I have trusted in Your mercy;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.”

You see, when we accepted the sacrifice of Christ we received the forgiveness of sins and the promise that we’d never be forsaken by God. Jesus ultimately experienced separation from Father God for the first time on that cross on our behalf when He cried out “my God my God why have you forsaken me?” Now, once we realize in our heads and hearts this reality, our trust in His mercy causes us to rejoice in our salvation! Our eyes can now be enlightened by the Spirit of God to see how rich we truly are in Christ. Count those blessings friend and allow the Lord to encourage you with all He has done for you!

“Sometimes we forget what we should we remember, (the good done by someone, by others, sometimes by us) and remember what we should forget (the wrongs done by someone, by others, sometimes by us).”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for enduring all things for me on the cross. Thank You for never leaving or forsaking me. Please give me the power to remember the blessings that You have poured out into my life through Christ and help me to walk after You with joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen

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

If you prayed the prayer above. Click here and select the acknowledge button at the bottom. We would love to pray with you and for you.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 28th 2017 – God’s Family

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“But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man.” (Galatians 1:11)

The Gospel changes everything. Not only does it change us, but it also unites us with other believers. Many of the differences that may have divided us before, fall away because of the love of Christ. This is why it is so important to meet together locally at church, and personally with each other. When we grow in unity with one another, it blesses our life and is a great picture to our community.

Where does this unity come from exactly? Well, we believe similar things, we share close to the same value system in love God, love people. In addition, we believe God created the earth and sky. Many people may think we are different because we have different skin colors, ways of dressing or ways of making a living? Unity may even be dependent on whether or not we have ink or tattoos on our body? But no matter what you look like or how you may have been raised in Jesus, we are called “one body”. As the body of Christ, we are a family that seeks to love unconditionally no matter how different we may be.

“When we meet together, we encourage each other with acts of love and fellowship..”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the church. Thank You for bringing me together with brothers and sisters in Christ. While I know I am not perfect, help me to love others equally and to encourage others no matter the differences. In You, the church is united. Please help me to remember that no matter what. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

If you prayed the prayer above. Click here and select the acknowledge button at the bottom. We would love to pray with you and for you.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org