Category Archives: General Devotions

September 26th 2017 – Put “It” Down

“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,” (Ephesians 4:26)

Ephesians 4 is packed with so many treasures. (Ephesians 4:31-32) “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

The words ‘you’ and ‘your’ are used many times in Ephesians chapter 4, so it is speaking to ‘you’ as a believer. It says “don’t let the sun go down on your wrath.” Now, this could be your anger, which is the main and plain meaning, but if you don’t ask for forgiveness for things, then your sin works to separate you from God. So whether you need forgiveness, or you need to forgive somebody in obedience to the Lord and forget your wrath, do it before sundown.

I was recently reading Psalm 4 thsn looked up Ephesians 4. It’s interesting that Psalm 4 contains the only verse similar to Ephesians 4:26 that I have found.

(Psalm 4:4) “Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.

Are you nursing any wounds? Are you holding on to any unforgiveness? Bitterness? Offense? Did you get offended by someone and instead of putting the offense down, you are carrying it around? You can’t do that. It gives place to the devil in your life.

This world is getting worse by the day and you can’t be tied up and weighed down by the past. The Bible says ‘don’t let the sun go down on your wrath’. Now here’s a cool little tidbit. How do we count our days? Well, we say that it goes to midnight and then the next day starts. Man came up with that. It’s not in the Bible. Actually in the Bible, in Genesis Chapter 1, verse 5 and many other verses, it says “the evening and the morning were the first day,” “the evening and the morning were the second day,” “the evening and the morning were the third day.”

*The biblical day ends at sundown.

*At sundown you begin the next day.

The verse says don’t let the sun go down on your wrath, anger or unforgiveness. Ask God to forgive you, forgive others and forgive yourself before this day ends and before you start your next day. Do it everyday. Because of God’s grace and Jesus death on the cross we can be forgiven! And as we walk in forgiveness we are empowered to forgive others.

“God wants to deliver us out of His wrath and anger, and the consequences of it.”

Prayer:

Heavenly father, I ask that you please forgive me for holding on to offenses, for letting the sun repeatedly go down on my wrath. I’m sorry. Thank you for Jesus and the forgiveness I have in Him. Father, show me any place where I have allowed a root of bitterness to get established in my heart and remove it. I choose to trust and obey. Help me to forgive others as you, in Christ, have forgiven me. 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

September 25th 2017 – Unlimited Resource

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“He who scatters has come up before your face. Man the fort! Watch the road! Strengthen your flanks! Fortify your power mightily.” (Nahum 2:1)

Tests and trials are a part of life and often push us to our limits in so many ways. During these times, what do you turn to? Do you first run to others seeking those who feel the same way you do? Do you find yourself to be anxious because you are constantly looking down the road of life waiting for the next attack? Maybe you run to your money or addiction to seek answers or comfort. Whatever the case may be, the truth is, when we do not run to God first, we will not last long.

As followers of Christ, we have the unlimited resource of wisdom and power available to anyone. He is our Father God and He desires to help us in times of need. We may be able to limp along on our own wisdom and strength for a time, but when we trust in the Lord’s strength and His infinite wisdom, we will never grow weary. Today you will encounter difficult situations. Don’t be surprised by them but simply use them as an excuse to draw closer to God. Need wisdom? Ask the Father. Desire strength? Find it in Jesus.

“When you aew faced with a problem, seek God first before relying on your own wisdom or strength.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your generous love for me. I am so grateful that I can run to You in times of need and You will hear my cry. Father, I ask for Your strength and wisdom today. No matter where I find myself I ask that You would guide my steps and use me for Your purposes. 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

September 24th 2017 – Quiet Time with God

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“I have…treasured his words more than daily food.” (Job 23:12)

Your quiet time with God is more than just a good idea, it’s vital to your spiritual survival. It’s also essential to your spiritual growth and maturity. You say, “But I go to church every week.” Can you imagine what would happen if you ate only once a week? The patriarch Job said, “I have…treasured his words more than daily food.” Peter described the Scriptures as nourishing milk.

“Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment” (1 Peter 2:2)

The writer to the Hebrews called the Word of God solid food.

“Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.” (Hebrews 5:14).

Your quiet time is also like a spiritual bath. Jesus said, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” (John 15:3).

You shower every day to stay clean and avoid body odors. It’s not easy to be around someone who smells bad, and you run the risk of offending them by telling them so. But if you love them you’ll do it. Jesus told Peter, “Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (Matthew 16:23).

Here’s the bottom line. Unless you protect your quiet time with God:

(1) You’ll be cut off from your source of strength, guidance, and wisdom;

(2) Your usefulness to God will be limited;

(3) You’ll be inconsistent in your Christian life.

You may say, “But I don’t have time!” You have the same 168 hours each week that everybody else has! And how you spend them is determined by what you think is most important. So if you think being in fellowship with God is important, begin to make time for it.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am so grateful and blessed for the time we spend together every morning. I pray that you would draw me even closer. I love you Lord and Thank you for guiding me through this life.. in your precious name, Amen.

If you would like to surrender it all and seek Jesus, or recommit your life to Him, please click here

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.or

September 22nd 2017 – What Really Matters

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“Now when all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them, the people answered the king, saying: “What share have we in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. Every man to your tents, O Israel! Now see to your own house, O David!”
( 2 Chronicles 10:16)

In our world of twenty-four hour news stations and action packed live reporting, it’s easy to see and hear all the bad things happening in our country and the world. If we compound this with our own personal struggles and pains, we will easily find ourselves anxious or worse yet, hopeless. In 2 Chronicles 10, the people of Israel are trying to come to grips with the splitting of their nation. As they watch their kingdom crumble, they chose to look at their circumstance rather than their God.

(Philippians 4:8) “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.”

No matter where we are in life, or as a Nation. We can always find something bad to focus on. Lately in the USA. Alot of what we hear from day to day is how much our is nation divided, All of the stories of slander and hate between political parties, racial rifts, hurricanes, earth quakes, famine and death, wars and rumors of wars. Definitely sounds like what the Bible predicts in the end of times. Its easy at times for me to get caught up in it too.

What we need, is to flee from a constant intake of bad news and focusing on Satans plans. These things do nothing but cause division and pain. Instead, we should look to the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ. As we set our eyes on Him we will find peace for our souls and life abundant.

“Follow only that which leads you to Jesus. Because honestly, that is what what matters. “

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your forgiveness and grace. Help me to be discerning with what or who I listen to. May I always be mindful of Your goodness and grace. Thank You for my family, my friends and all of the ones that are in my life. Father, use me to share whatever is good and right with others that are around me. Lord, also please help me draw others to You. That is where they will find the truth, real hope and love. 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

September 21st 2017 – God Directed Decisions

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Written by Roy Squyres

Hear what the Holy Spirit of JESUS speaks to our inner being.

“The body of Christians in Derbe and Lystra were strengthen in their trust in Jesus, and souls were won to Christ daily. Now when Paul, Silas, and Timothy had gone through Phrygia and Galatia, they were forbidden by The Holy Spirit of Jesus to speak the Word in Asia (the Roman State). They came into Mysia, and decided to go into Bithynia, but The Spirit did not allow them to go. So they went through Mysia, down to Troas.

In Troas Paul was given a Night Vision. The Holy Spirit showed Paul a man in Macedonia standing and pleading with him saying ‘ Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ Now when Paul saw the Vision, immediately they made plans to go to Macedonia, understanding that The Lord Jesus had directed them to speak the Good News to them.” (Acts 16:5-10 paraphrased)

Paul, Silas, and Timothy had been building up the Body of Christ in Holy Faith, and God was blessing and multiplying Souls to the Church daily. In their mission decisions, they decided to go to the Roman State of Asia. But The Holy Spirit shut the door to their fleshly decisions. They next decided to go to Bithynia, and again The Spirit of Christ would not allow them to go. So they travelled through Mysia into Troas.

The Hidden Truth is we all often make decision that are not necessarily the Lord’s Will for us. And often there is a inner battle of Decision Making between fleshly will and Spiritual Will. Many times we are deceived by making our own plans and not truly seeking God’s Will be done. But God’s Spirit was over-riding their own plans and was directing their steps.

1. Proverbs16:9 “A man’s heart plans his way, but The LORD directs his steps.”

2. Proverbs 19:21 “There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless The LORD’S COUNSEL (Written WORD)—that will stand.

3. Proverbs 20:24 “A man’s steps are of The LORD; how then can a man understand his own ways.”

4. Jeremiah 10:23 Jeremiah cried out to the LORD, ” O LORD, I know the way (steps-decisions) of a man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.”

5. Hebrews 6:9-20 Encouragement to grow into Maturity, “Beloved We are confident of better things concerning you that accompany Salvation, for GOD is not unjust to forget your work of love toward His Name, you have ministered to the saints, and We desire you to show all diligence and the full assurance of hope until the end,—that you imitate those through Faith and Patience who inherit God’s Promises—because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself saying, ‘Surely blessing I Will bless you, and multiplying I Will multiply you.’ Thus God shows more abundantly that His Promises are unchangeable in His Word Counsel, and Purpose, Guaranteeing it by His Own Oath, that you have strong consolation and hope, for it is impossible for God to lie. Your Hope is the anchor of your soul, truly fixed, and allows you to enter the very PRESENCE of God by The Lord Jesus Himself, our High Priest forever.”

I am sure Paul, Silas, and others at this point fasted and prayed for they understood that God’s true fast and prayer is to separate the flesh to The Spirit of God, not to be seen or heard by others, and the Spirit cleansing them from fleshly bondage

(Please read Isaiah 58:3-12) God’s true Fasting and Praying to separate from self-deceptive choices.

Paul expressed this quiet truth of seeking God’s Will and Guidance in 2 Corinthians 2:12,13, “When I came to Troas,—a Door of opportunity opened to me by The Lord—I had no rest in my spirit.”

I believe they sought The Lord in earnest Prayer and Fasting which the Holy Spirit of God Himself sent a Night Vision to Paul, and showed Paul the purpose and direction in exactly where to go and what to do. God is Faithful and Will Guide and Direct our ways (decisions), to His Honor and Glory, when we “seek Him with all our heart!

He has Promise to guide and direct us, Proverbs3:5,6; “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not trust your own understanding; In all you ways (steps-decision) acknowledge Him—JESUS AND HIS HOLY WORDS—and He will Direct you steps.”

GOD WILL give us Specific Guidance and Direction!

YOU WILL LET HIM—WON’T YOU?

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.

Roy Squyres

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 20th 2017 – Trusting God

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“But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.” (John 6:6)

Praise the Lord that we don’t know everything that is going to happen because that keeps our lives hopeful. Uncertainty can also be frustrating, because we want to know everything but we can’t. There are things we go through that surprise us and catch us off guard. There is, however, nothing in your life that catches God off guard or surprises Him.

The things we are dealing with right now, at this moment, God knew before we even came on the scene. That can be pretty mind blowing, but here is the kicker… He also knows how we are going to get out of our tough situations. He saw the curve ball coming long before you did and He prepared us for what He already saw coming. He knows what fruit this trial is going to produce in each of our lives. For our benefit, He allows this trial or that test to proceed. But, take heart and be strong. While we may wonder how it works out and what happens next, we can trust in our God because He knows all along what He is going to do.

“We don’t know everything, but God does.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your provision of growth in my life. You love me so much that You do not want me to remain who I am but to grow in Your good gifts. What an incredible comfort it is to know that my Father in Heaven knows who I am and who I will be and will see me through the changes. Thank You. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 18th 2017 – Wait a Minute, Something’s Missing

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“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

Were you robbed? Has your joy been stolen? No deadbolt was compromised, no alarm system was set off, you just know at some point your joy had been taken from you. Was it all of a sudden or was it a gradual sinking into despair, so subtle a shift you barely noticed until it was too late?

The enemy is that despised thief who steals from us. He tries to mess with us and take everything good in our lives Jesus painstakingly suffered and died for us to have.

Through the blood of Jesus at His crucifixion we have complete authority over the enemy . No matter what he tries to do to us, we will always win! The Bible says that Jesus died for us to have a blessed, full, and happy life.

The enemy has no place in our lives, he is below us, he is under our feet. When we feel ourselves getting down, depressed, frustrated or fearful, we must be armed and ready for battle. We must know The Word of God so we are constantly equipped with the necessary defense!

“God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)

This scripture clearly states that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow even those from under the earth. The enemy must bow down to Jesus, and he must flee!

How do we get back those things the enemy steals from us? How do we restore and maintain our joy? The good news is that God is in the restoration business. He will give us back double for our trouble and beauty for our ashes!

The story of Job in the Bible is an amazing example of God’s pure loving kindness and faithfulness. The enemy took everything from Job, his family, his home, his wealth, his joy and his health. All through this trial, Job praised God and never gave up. Because of his faith, God restored everything back to Job. He gave Job so much more than he ever lost for the trouble and anguish he had to endure. Job let his faith be bigger than his fear and he got his joy back and was completely restored in every way!

The Bible says where there is pain in the night, joy comes in the morning. We are to have the mind of Christ and be completely transformed in God’s image. God says He will fight your battles for you and you will not even have to lift a finger in your own defense! The great I AM is never too busy or on a God hiatus. He’s always ready to fight for us. Call on Jesus … Jesus!!! He will never leave you or forsake you. He rescues you in times of trouble. He will honor you and deliver you from all evil. He will always cause you to triumph and you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. With God you are always more than a conqueror!

When you are feeling down and feel your joy and peace slipping away, get in the presence God and boldly confess that the joy of the Lord is your strength. Pray continuously and trust that God can and will perfect all that concerns you. He will fight for you always … all ways!

“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with JOY in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11)

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Grant to us the royalty of inward happiness, and the serenity which comes from living close to You. Renew in us the sense of joy daily, and let Your eternal spirit dwell deep in our souls and bodies, filling every corner of our hearts with light and grace. Continue to fill us with all that is good so that we will reflect You Lord in our daily lives. I give praise to You for all you have blessed me with. 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

September 17th 2017 – True Wisdom Begins with God

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“For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;” (Proverbs 2:6)

I’m sure each of us could use a little more wisdom. After all, life is complicated, and we can always use insight into raising kids, loving our enemy or working at our jobs. Each area of life brings challenges that demand wisdom to overcome. The good news is that God desires to give us wisdom if we ask.

(James 1:5) “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

When we ask in faith, God says He will give wisdom liberally. This is wisdom that spills over us like a cup overflowing with water. While God does give us wisdom when we ask, He is not going to simply pour out all the wisdom we will ever need in one sitting. That would be great to receive perfect understanding after one prayer, but often we must come back to Him time and time again. This helps us understand our dependence on Him, and it also builds up our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Like a child, we come to our Heavenly dad needing guidance, and He responds in love. What’s even better is that He never gets tired of us asking. He loves it. So as you begin your day, seek God for wisdom. No matter what area of life you need understanding in, you can ask Him, and He will respond in abundance.

“True wisdom begins and ends with God”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for listening to my prayers and for the promise of wisdom. Today, I ask for wisdom in my life. Give me understanding in how to deal with my life so that You are glorified when others see me. Guide my steps so that I walk in the good works You have for me to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 15th 2017 – Extra! Extra! Have You Heard?

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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 entire 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 seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click Here to learn more.

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 12th 2017 – When Battles Come Upon Us

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“As water wears away stones and torrents wash away the soil, so you destroy a person’s hope.” (Job 14:19)

What hope has been destroyed in your life? Perhaps a dream or wish for your job, marriage, family, or relationship that was not fulfilled? Is there something that the Lord has done or is allowing that you are fighting against?

Job was a just and blameless man before God (Job 1:1) yet God allowed him to be tested by the enemy (Job 1:6-12). Throughout scripture we see a variety of trials and hardships coming upon God’s people. Some the Lord delivered them from and others the Lord allowed His people to endure through. What does God want us to do when we are going through these battles that come upon us?

(Psalm 103:1-5)
“Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!”

When the battles seem to be occurring all around you and you don’t know where to go or what to do, take the time to remember all He has done for you. Trust Him in spite of what you see. Trust that He is able to do above and beyond what we ask imagine or think. Keep coming back to His word declaring His promises over you. Keep going to fellowship, counsel, and interaction with the body of Christ. Continue to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding and He will make your path clear and straight in due season. Our hearts and lives in Christ are all about seeking to grow in trusting in the Lord no matter what seasons of life may come. As we do this we find the special blessing that God has for us.

“We often pray for God to protect and remove us from the battle. He calls us instead to trust Him in it.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for guiding my steps and keeping me from placing my hope in anything that is not from You. I pray that you’ll give me the power to remember all the good you are doing in and through my life no matter the circumstances. Please give me the strength to live for You and trust in You in all the ways You have set before me. 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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