Category Archives: General Devotions

May 11th 2017 – Antichrist = In place of Christ

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“Then I wanted to know the true meaning of the fourth beast, the one so different from the others and so terrifying. It had devoured and crushed its victims with iron teeth and bronze claws, trampling their remains beneath its feet.” (Daniel 7:19)

Man has had this fascination about who the antichrist will be from the time that Jesus ascended into heaven. Christians have speculated over many political leaders from Roman emperors to popes and even presidents. There’s no doubt he’ll be a smooth talker and will blasphemy against God every chance he can. He will be able to sway political leaders to follow him to the point he’ll change the times and seasons. (Daniel 7:25) He’ll also require everyone to receive a mark on their hand or forehead to be able to buy, sell, or trade. (Revelation 13:18)

This is interesting in light of a few other scriptures John gives us concerning the antichrist.

(1 John 2:18) “Dear children, the last hour is here. You have heard that the Antichrist is coming, and already many such antichrists have appeared. From this we know that the last hour has come.”

(1 John 4:1-4) “Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God. But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here.”

The question we have to ask now is not so much who is the big Antichrist, but we need to be asking who or what are the little antichrists we allow into our lives? Antichrist means in place of Christ. How do we know if we have put something in the place of Christ in our life? We can ask ourselves some simple questions to see what we claim to follow. If we inherited a large sum of money would we still love and serve the Lord wholeheartedly? When we are tempted, confused or in a trial or hardship what or who do we go to?

Who or what we do we claim is our god. The enemy would love to wear us down so that he pushes us away from putting Christ first in everything. He does this without restraint in the end when the church is removed. Even now, when we remove the habit of church from our lives, we give the enemy an edge against us. When the Lord doesn’t have priority in our time, talent, and treasures we endanger our own lives into being subject to his attacks. This is why it is mission critical for us to recognize that the enemy’s tactics don’t change, even when the antichrist comes into one man in the end.

“Who or what do you claim is your god.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, please forgive me when I default to anything in my life other than You. Please give me Your power to allow You to be the priority in all areas of my life. Give me special strength when the enemy seems to be wearing me down to partake of Your precious promises. 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.

Rob Lavallee

 Scriptural Seeds Ministries 

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

May 9th 2017 – Undeserved Privilege

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“It is this Good News that saves you if you continue to believe the message I told you-unless, of course, you believed something that was never true in the first place.”(1 Corinthians 15:2)

I cannot picture a more beautiful thing than the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Fallen humanity stands before God covered in filthy garments stained with sins. We desperately try to wipe off each stain but in the process, we only make it worse. All hope seems lost until the God of all creation, in the perfect act of love, comes down among us. He removes our filthy sin stained garments and they are nailed to the cross… along with Himself. We didn’t deserve it. We didn’t do anything to earn it. It was simply the act of a loving God.

(Romans 5:1-2) “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.”

Now if we believe in what Jesus did and stand in faith, we can be granted forgiveness and everlasting life. This undeserved privilege is given by grace from a God who desires that none should ever perish. Even as we walk this life with Christ, we will stumble and fall, but we can confidently stand back up understanding that His grace covers all our sins. Are you in this place of undeserved privilege? If so, then rejoice in Christ and share Him with others. If not, then come to Him now and find rest for your soul.

“We receive forgiveness only by grace. We stand or continue in our faith only by grace.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I know that I have sinned, and I thank You for the forgiveness offered through Jesus. Because of Your grace, I am able to live in a place of undeserved privilege. Thank You for the assurance that my sins are forgiven once I confessed them to you in repentance. Help me understand and recognize when I do sin sin. Draw me close to You for forgiveness and strenght from those areas of my life. Grow my desire to share Your love, Your forgiveness with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have you ever asked Jesus into your life? Would you like to have a personal relationship with Him? That is the ultimate decision you will have to make. Jesus died on the cross for you and me. He loves you and wants to help you. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus Your life will never be the same…

If you would like to request a prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

May 7th 2017 – Honor One Another

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“Take care of any widow who has no one else to care for her.But if she has children or grandchildren, their first responsibility is to show godliness at home and repay their parents by taking care of them. This is something that pleases God. (1 Timothy 5:3-4)

Throughout the Bible we are called upon to honor those around us. In Exodus we are called to honor our mother and father. In the book of Leviticus, God calls us to honor the elderly. In the New Testament we are commanded to honor our spiritual leaders as well as widows. To honor someone is to place them in a high place, to see them as important. In short, to honor someone is to place more significance on them than on ourselves.

(Romans 12:10)  “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.;”

What if we all lived lives dedicated to honoring one another? The battles over minor differences would disappear as we seek out the best interest of the other person. Competing for power or recognition would be erased from the church as we rejoice with those around us. This is exactly what Jesus did. In Philippians 2 we see an image of Jesus stepping out of heaven for us. While we are not worthy of anything, He left His throne so that we could be forgiven. If we live as our Savior did, a servant to others, we will honor each other and the world will never be the same.

“To honor someone is to place a value upon them that supersedes the focus on ‘self’.”

Special request. In the comment box, Share who you waill Honor today..

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Today I thank You for the love and grace that You have shown me. Help me to show the same love and grace towards those around me. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can honor them. Whether it’s through kind words, generous gifts or diligent work; give me the strength to live like Jesus. In Jesus’ name I pray. 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.

Rob Lavallee

 Scriptural Seeds Ministries 

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

May 6th 2017 – In His Steps, We Were Called

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“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” (1 Peter 2:21)

None of us likes to suffer. There is nothing pleasant about struggling with difficult people or dealing with persecution for your faith. Yet, the Christian is not one that can really be separated from suffering. In 1 Peter, the apostle calls believers to patiently endure harsh treatment from their authorities. He was speaking to slaves about masters, but we would understand it better in terms of employee and employer.

Why would God call us to suffer under another person’s authority? It could be for many reasons, but the main one is that our patient, loving endurance during those times can be used by God to bring that person to Christ. When we act in love despite being faced with hate, we declare to the world that we are different. This causes people to consider the words we say and the message of hope we speak. In reality, our loving suffering may be the tool God uses to save a soul. That may be hard to imagine, but our God is no stranger to using difficulties to produce deliverance. This is illustrated best in the life of Jesus. He suffered under the authority of man, even to death, and yet it was for our salvation. Now He calls us to endure so that others may see Christ in us.

“We should follow the steps of Jesus, being willing to suffer for the sake of others.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I admit that I do not enjoy suffering, especially because of those around me, yet I ask that You would use my life in those situations to display Your love and grace. Give me the power through Your Holy Spirit to show love and not hate. Help me to be willing to endure rather than fight back. Thank You for the gift of everlasting life that was purchased on the cross. 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.

Rob Lavallee

 Scriptural Seeds Ministries 

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

May 5th 2017 – Be The Example

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And I said: “Hear now, O heads of Jacob, And you rulers of the house of Israel:
Is it not for you to know justice?” (Micah 3:1)

Today’s society is fast paced and full of busyness. But what are we busy doing? Is it trying to live life with a mission to better ourselves? Any of us who have tried to live this kind of life know that we are never satisfied even when we achieve our goals. If we have a relationship with Jesus, is it not for us to know justice? If we claim to be a follower of Jesus, we have a responsibility to live a Godly life everywhere we go. God has showed us that life is not about us, it’s about knowing Him, loving Him and loving others. If anyone should know that, it is the body of Christ – those who have been forgiven of their sins. Now that God has blessed us with His forgiveness, He desires that we share His love with others. The world needs us to be an example of living the Bible so that they too are drawn to Christ. They need answers, and for us to say we are “Christians” and live our life in pursuit of personal gain would only be a contradiction to who we say we follow.

(2 Corinthians 13:5-6) “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith… Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you? – unless indeed you are disqualified.”

So let’s stand before God often and ask Him to reveal things in our life that are not pleasing to Him. As we do that, the world will not have any stones to throw. They will be drawn to Jesus and living their life for Him just like we should.

“The world is looking for answers, not for hypocrites.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for forgiving me of my sins. Help me to live a disciple’s life wherever I go. Please remove those things that are not pleasing to You so others are not confused. Thank You Lord, for using me to change lives for eternity just like you changed mine. 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.

Rob Lavallee

 Scriptural Seeds Ministries 

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

April 30th 2017 – I Knit You Together

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repost from August 21st 2015

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:1-14)

When I read this verse, my mind wanders off to a turn of the century style living room, softly lit by a crackling fire. There is grandmother in this room, gently rocking back and forth in her maple rocking chair as she knits a sweater for a beloved grandson. I can see the expression on her face, as all her love is, for this moment focused on this new creation.

In her mind, she can picture how the sweater will look when it is finished, and the joy that it will bring to her grandchild’s heart. With anticipation, she continues to count (knit one, pearl two, knit one, pearl two) as the sweater begins take the form that she always imagined it to be. This project is not work for her, for it brings much joy to her soul and delight to her heart because each stitch is filled with love.

Now for a moment, think about how God knit you together in your mother’s womb. Our Father uses such a tender illustration of how He lovingly, and carefully created our being. He could have blasted us together, or snapped His fingers and we would have appeared, but He chose a more delicate process in which He could be intimately involved as He formed us in our mother’s womb…knit one, pearl two, knit one, pearl two. Stitch by stitch, loop by loop, each one of our parts was delicately and carefully crafted by Almighty God.

Your life is not the product of an impersonal evolution, but the result of a loving Father, who planned your creation before the foundations of the world, and took the time to knit you together in your mother’s womb. You are a masterpiece, and your very existence brings much joy to your Father’s heart.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank You for creating my inmost being. I know each strand of my DNA was fashioned by You, stitch by stitch, loop by loop, with a love that called me to life. I was created in love, and for love.  In my heart, I want to express my love back to you for being such a wonderful Father to me that You would knit me together in my mother’s womb. In the name of Your beloved Son Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Want to a personal relationship with Jesus? Click Here

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

April 29th 2017 – Mountains – My God is Bigger

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“As it is written: ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:36-37 )

I have had the opportunity to speak with and pray for those who are in the midst of monumental life changing challenges. It might be unemployment, eviction, addiction, separation, divorce or even death. Whatever it is, for those going through it, it seems to be a Mount Everest of a challenge. One thing I’ve noticed is that those who dare to take on mountains often triumph while those who survey the towering heights and presume defeat… buckle. Colossal cliffs teach the deepest lessons – the kind you never forget.

(Genesis 22:8) “And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.”

From the stable to sacrifice, Jesus knew His mountain. Awaiting Him at the top were false accusation, humiliation, torture, pain, suffering and death on a cross. For us, our Savior set His jaw and pressed forward. Jesus made the greatest climb to Calvary.

Willingly, Jesus took that hill. He knew what was waiting, and He went. It was His joy to do so. He did it to purchase you and change your destiny. Because Jesus made His ascent, we can climb our mountains with victory in hand. The next time you see a mountain looming in the distance, remember, you’re a conqueror. With Jesus, you will take that hill.

” Dear Problem, My God Is Bigger! – Don’t climb your mountains without Jesus.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, We love You and praise you Lord in all circumstances. Thank You for loving me first. It is through You that I do not have to fear the difficulties of this world and that I have everything I need for the challenges of life. Please forgive me for times when I’ve stalled in the face of trials instead of relying on You. 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

 

April 24th 2017 – Nicodemus at Night

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Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

In the quietness of the night Jesus is approached by Nicodemus a rich religious ruler and teacher in the nation of Israel.  Jesus looks at Nicodemus eye to eye and tells him he must be born again. Nicodemus is confused. After all he is in the highest ranks in terms of the influence he has as a teacher of God’s Word. Jesus continues to appeal to the very confused Nicodemus explaining that he must be born of the Spirit. Jesus goes on later to explain that the Spirit is blowing like the wind and we can neither detect nor see where it comes from.

(1 Peter 1:23) “For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.”

When a person claims to be born of God there should be some evidence of Christ becoming more of a regular part of their nature. When we plant an apple tree in the ground we get apples. When the Gospel of Jesus Christ is planted in your heart by faith and you have confessed to Him to receive His forgiveness and Spirit you get more of Jesus in your life.

(1 Corinthians 6:9-11) “Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

It’s true that we continue to struggle with our sinful nature as Christians. Paul speaks about this in Romans 7 and even toward the end of his life he declares himself the chief of sinners. That’s not because he went unhinged in sin, but as Christ grew in him he saw how far away he was from being like Jesus in everything.

This resulted in him relying on Jesus’ mercy and grace even more than he ever had before. Is Christ growing in you more and more? If not, could it be that you need to heed the words of Jesus more seriously than you thought?

(John 3:7) “So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.”

“There is a distinct difference between ‘the struggle’ with sin as a believer and the blatant disregard of God’s Word. He knows if we are His or not.”

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, I acknowledge that You sacrificed Yourself and died for my sins and that You rose from the grave so that I could have eternal life. Please forgive me of all my sins and come into my heart and be my Lord, my God, and my Savior. Please give me the power of Your Spirit to live for You all the days of my life. In Your heavenly name, Amen

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

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

April 22nd 2017 – Fractured Clay Jars

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“For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you.” (2 Corinthians 4:11-12)

Whether they knew it or not, the church of Corinth was blessed because of Paul’s sufferings. The battles endured and hardships faced were all allowed by God so that Paul would be a great witness to the world. During this time in church history, there was a lot of suffering taking place, and as a result of that suffering, the Word of God was spread to more and more people. In fact, this continues today.

I believe we all could list out some areas where we suffered because of Christ. It may not be to the extent that Paul suffered, but trials are a part of the Christian life. That may not sound so great but think of it this way, when you’re going through a trial, someone else is watching you and can be blessed through your response. The Bible says we are like fractured jars of clay, or “cracked jars”. The more suffering and trials hit, the more we seem to crack.

“We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” (2 Corinthians 4:7)

The more we crack, the more Jesus is seen inside of us. God will use every situation in your life for good so rejoice in the hard times and look for those ways to shine… like a cracked jar with a brilliant light inside.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, While it may be hard, I want to thank You for my times of suffering. I know that each of these moments is being used to make me more like Jesus. Give me the strength and wisdom needed to be a witness for You even in times of suffering. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

April 21st 2017 – Coming Back Soon!

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“then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment,” (2 Peter 2:9)

Since Adam and Eve was cast out of Eden for disobeying God’s command. (Genesis 2:16-17) The Lord God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.”

Ever since, the world has been in a battle of good and evil. We see people do evil deeds and desire to see justice done. Sometimes, we can even get impatient waiting for justice. After all, wouldn’t it be best for God to get rid of all the evil people that commit sin in the world?

Fact is, if He did, then none of us would be here. The reality is that God’s grace is on us all. He is perfect in his justice and will punish those who do evil. However, He is also full of mercy and desires that none should perish. Peter puts it this way…

(2 Peter 3:9) “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

One day, God will return to punish evil, but until then, He is giving evil people time to turn to Him for forgiveness and grace. Because of His patience, men like the apostle Paul went from being a hater of Jesus and His followers to being the greatest missionary to walk the planet. That same change is happening all over our world as people’s hearts are changed by the Gospel.

“God is patient in judgment. He will punish or reward in (His perfect time) Don’t wait until it’s too late!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your grace and for being so patient with me. Father, help me to walk in that grace and to share Your love and mercy with others. In this world of pain, help me to trust in You even when I may not understand all that is happening around me. Please help me share with my friends and family, that have not trusted in You to be their Saviour.  Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you have not asked Jesus into your lifeYou can receive Jesus Christ right now by faith through prayer.

Prayer is just talking with God. He knows your heart, so don’t worry about getting your words just right. Here is a suggested prayer to guide you:

Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive you as my Saviour and Lord. Thank you for forgiving me of my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be. Amen.

If you have done this, then congratulations! (Luke 15:7) says that when one sinner accepts Jesus Christ as his or her Saviour the angels rejoice. So there’s a party going on in heaven right now over your decision! Remember this date as your “second birthday,” the day you were born into a new life in Christ! You have God’s Word that he answered your prayer.

Please take a moment to contact me at roblavallee@gmail.com, I would love to pray with you personally for this wonderful new journey you are on..

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org