Category Archives: General Devotions

September 4th 2016 – Forgive Me, I Was Wrong!

Leave a reply
“Then the leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, “The Lord is right in doing this to us!” (2 Chronicles 12:6)

Have you ever thanked God for discipline? I know it may sound odd to many of us. After all, I don’t know of any children that are thankful for a spanking or for being grounded. Even though it may seem strange to us, discipline is a gift from God.

(Hebrews 12:10) “For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness.”

God’s discipline is always best and can be a great benefit to us if we choose to see it that way. Unfortunately, many times when we find ourselves in hard situations of our own making, we look for others to blame. We say, “It was my mother and Father’s fault” or “I didn’t have much as a child.” We use these and many other excuses to keep us from saying what needs to be said – “I was wrong.” You see, true repentance will not allow for blame to be placed on anyone but ourselves. Once we admit we have done wrong and come to God broken, we find forgiveness for our sins and rest for our souls.

“It is a gift from God to be able to ask for forgiveness and say “I was wrong.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come to You broken today understanding that I am a sinner. I also thank You for Jesus and His death and resurrection. Because of His sacrifice for my sins I can be forgiven and know Your love. Help me not to blame others when I fall but to humbly come to You and find grace. 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 3rd 2016 – I’m Waiting

Leave a reply
“Their arrogance testifies against them, yet they don’t return to the LORD their God or even try to find him.” (Hosea 7:10)

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, and we 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.

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

August 30th 2016 – Locate Your Spiritual Passions

Leave a reply

“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.” (2 Corinthians 13:5)

Paul tells the church of Corinth to “examine themselves as to whether you are in the faith.” In the same way today we should take some time to examine ourselves as well. In the military before soldiers go into battle, two soldiers will stand in front of each other and check to make sure they are each equipped for the battle.

Do you know that you are in the battle, spiritually speaking?

Since we are in a battle, obviously at times we need to examine ourselves. So what does it look like for us to examine ourselves to make sure we are in the faith? I see these as “Spiritual Passions”, or more appropriately the spiritual disciplines to help us examine our lives in Christ. At times, we should take a look at these passions or principles to see where we are spiritually with the Lord. Taking a survey, if you will, of each principle and rating ourselves on a 1-to-10 scale: 10 meaning you are walking in this maturely and 1 pointing to the need to step up in this area.

Let’s look together at these:

Worship – This is not something you do at church on Sunday mornings, but worshiping the Lord in everything we do. Whether you are at work, home with your family, or serving in your local church these things are a form of worship. “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Read/Study – As we grow in Christ our main point of hearing from the Lord is through His Word. We want to be followers of Jesus, and the best way to do that is having our noses in the Bible “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2nd Timothy 3:16)

Fellowship/Family –  Fellowship is a great privilege, possible whenever it occurs; in church, Bible studies, prayer meetings, home groups, with roommates or family. It is how God meets our needs–it is His “supply line” “For wherever two or three people have come together in my name, I am there, right among them!” (Matthew 18:20)

Prayer – Jesus died not for just our sins, He died for a relationship with Him. There is nothing more important than a life of prayer. ” Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven” (Psalm 107:28-30)

Serving – If you have received Christ in your life you are called to ministry. The term “full-time ministry” is really misused as we are all in full-time ministry. We get to serve the King of kings with the gifts that He gave to us as the church. “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) 

Giving – We see scripturally the practice of the tithe to our local church body, but more than being concerned with the financial aspect of that is giving away our selfishness. We are called to support the work of the ministry whether through the tithe or offerings. “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Evangelism/Discipleship – We get to share the Gospel, invite people to church and help raise others up in the faith. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Where are you with these Spiritual Passions? Looking at these passions in our personal walk will help to identify areas of weakness in our lives. Once we see the weaknesses, then we begin to grow in our relationship with Christ because we want to be more Christ-like.

The Bible is clear that our salvation is by grace alone, through faith, by Christ alone. These are just great disciplines to help us examine whether we are in the faith. Remember, we are all growing in Christ and are in different areas of that growth so extend grace to yourself and extend grace to others.

Take this opportunity see where you are at right now in your walk with Christ.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank you for loving me enough to sacrifice Your Son to be able to wash away my sins and have a relationship with You. Thank you for Your Word that shows me the way to live a Christ centered life. Thank you for Your Spirit that allows me to live a life that shows You to a lost and dying world. Please help me to continually examine my life and make sure I am not neglecting one of these areas of spiritual growth. 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

August 28th 2016 – It Starts with You and Me

Leave a reply

“These lived in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest, the scribe.” (Nehemiah 12:26)

In the days of Nehemiah, there was only a small percentage of Israel that left Babylon to go back to the land and yet, their love for God and for each other leads to incredible things. Each person was part of rebuilding the wall, defending against enemies and encouraging one another. Today, the same is true about each of us. When we give our life to God, we can change the world.

Will your life make a difference? Over and over, we have one life making a difference in the Bible and in real life. Not just the well-known heavy hitters like Moses or Paul, but two men many don’t know or could not identify. Ezra and Nehemiah made a huge impact in their community and in the course of their nation. You can impact the course of your family, neighborhood, town state or even the world. That being said, changing the world is too big. You don’t start out by changing the world; you start out by saying ‘yes’ to God. Then, you begin to change, and then your light begins to influence or change others. This leads to a domino effect of change that leads to communities that are on fire for Jesus Christ, which can change the world.

“There is no question; one life can make a difference. The only question is… will it change yours? You decide.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I desire to use my life for Your Kingdom. I am imperfect but willing. Take my life, my resources and my relationships and use them to impact my community with the Truth of the Gospel. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I am fully equipped for this ministry. 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

August 27th 2016 – Words Have Power!

Leave a reply

“I am the rose of Sharon, And the lily of the valleys.” (Song of Solomon 2:1)

What causes someone to change their view of themselves? Could it be as simple as kind words of affection? It was in the case of Solomon and his bride to be. In chapter one of Song of Solomon, we find the Shulamite depressed about her appearance when she says, “Do not look at me, because I am dark, because the sun has tanned me.” She is concerned about her appearance because she worked in the vineyards, under the hot sun, and was unable to care for herself. Compare those original words to chapter two where she calls herself a rose of Sharon. What a change of perspective, and all because Solomon spoke loving words of affection and encouragement to her. This shouldn’t surprise us since God’s Word describes the power of words in the book of James.

(James 3:5) “In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.”

The power of our speech is unbelievable. Many times we forget that and hurt with our words rather than heal. God desires that we all walk with grace, humility and love for one another. We should look for opportunities to lift one another up with our words. Speak words of gratitude, of thanksgiving and of grace to one another. Husbands, speak affectionate words to your wife. Wives, speak words of encouragement to your husbands. In this circle of loving words and affection, you will find a healthy, growing relationship. Our words are powerful so let’s use them wisely.

“Our words are powerful tools that can be used to build people up or tear people down.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for relationships. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can speak loving words into those I relate to, whether my spouse, children or friends. Give me patience to love even when the love is not returned. I ask for wisdom to know when to speak and when to keep silent. Use my words to heal and to glorify Your Name. 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

August 17th 2016 – “The Reminder”

Leave a reply

“Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God” (Romans 15:15)

Satan loves to remind us of our past sins and failures. He finds great pleasure in bringing up things that God has long forgiven us of.

(Revelation 12:10) refers to Satan as the “accuser of our brethren.” That’s what he does, but not because he’s really got anything on us. If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the Bible tells us that your sins have been separated from you as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). So, what does it profit the enemy to bring up what you’ve been forgiven of? He wants to distract you from following Jesus. If he can get you to listen to his accusations, maybe he can shame you into believing that you’ve crossed some line of forgiveness that doesn’t exist. That is his game and he is betting that he can pull you into it. Remember the words in 1st John

(1 John 1:9) “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Has Satan distracted you from following Jesus? Don’t believe his lies, and friend, in love, you need to quit listening to your enemy. You have got a great future ahead of you. Satan, on the other hand… well… his future is not so good because he will be thrown into the lake of fire. He will be destroyed. He knows it. So, the next time the enemy tries to remind you of your past, remind him of his future.

“We often forget what we should remember and remember what we should forget.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for the forgiveness of my sins. I rejoice in knowing the future that lies ahead of me is so much better than the past that is behind 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

August 16th 2016 – Spiritually Concerned and Caring for One Another

Leave a reply

“Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.” (Romans 15:2)

Be honest. How often do you think about others ahead of yourself? If you are completely honest, your answer is probably, “Not often.” Jesus, in His ministry, was completely others centered. Everything He spoke and did was for the edification of others. The world we live in is completely focused on ‘self’, and Christians have bought into it. Jesus, on the other hand, said:

(Mark 8:35) “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.”

Jesus should be our model for living. We should be like Jesus and be ‘others centered’ and ‘others focused’. We should give our lives away. It is the key to life and what Jesus told us to do. Like a lost key, many Christians will look past it without picking it up. If the church at large would live out what we say we believe, this world would be a different place and people would be clamoring for Jesus. Is Jesus your model for living? What do you need to change in your life to accurately portray a life sold out for Jesus?

“We should be spiritually concerned and caring with one another.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Loving me. Thank You for looking past my faults and failures and giving Your life away for me. Lord, I know sometimes I am too preoccupied with ‘self’, and I am sorry. Help me to be a walking testimony of Your Truth so ‘others’ can know the grace, peace, comfort and hope I have found in 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

 

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

August 15th 2016 – Loyalty, (Faithfulness in Action)

Leave a reply

“And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a loyal heart.” (2 Chronicles 25:2)

Loyalty is not a word we hear much today. Typically, the only reference to loyalty you hear these days is in regard to the family dog and yet, loyalty is an important spiritual strength. Loyalty, at its root, is faithfulness in action. A husband rejects adultery out of loyalty to his wife. A mother stands up for her children out of loyalty towards them. Within loyalty is the essence of remaining steadfast regardless of the situation.

In an ever growing world of instant technology and buy today, throw away tomorrow purchases, loyalty is greatly needed. While there are things in life we should hold onto loosely, there are other things we must remain faithful in. These things include our marriages, families and churches. Imagine if families around the world decided to remain faithful to each other no matter the circumstance. What if, every person committed their loyalty to a church regardless of minor differences. Believe me, our world would change. The culture of broken marriages and church splits would halt and we could stand united under Christ and proclaim His faithfulness while displaying it.

Is there an area that you lack loyalty? This week, continue to pray and tell the Lord your desire to remain loyal to your spouse, your children, your church and most of all, your God. After all, when you remain focused on the Lord, He will help you remain steadfast through the storms.

“Being loyal in the Bible is viewed as a spiritual strength and being disloyal as a character flaw.’

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, If I have been disloyal to you or others, I ask that You would forgive me. Lord, You remain faithful to us regardless of how unfaithful we are. I thank You for this and ask that You would give me the strength to remain loyal to my family, friends and church. Use me to display Your faithfulness to a world that needs it. 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

August 14th 2016 – True Wisdom Begins and Ends with God

Leave a reply

“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 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

August 13th 2016 – Someone Hit and Run Off with My “Peace”

Leave a reply

“And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison.” (Acts 12:6)

How often do you allow the troubles of life to steal your peace? Do you replay events over and over in your mind wishing you had done something differently, and sometimes even allow bad events to set the tone for the rest of your day?

I am reminded of a story about a man who while on his way to work stops to get a soda, when he is inside the station, someone bumps into his care and drives off. When he finally got to work, a colleague asked him how he was doing. Through clenched teeth he said, “Terrible! Someone bumped into my car and drove off.” He walked into his office, slammed the door, threw the chair back from his desk, and picked up a phone to speak harshly to an employee. At lunch, the waiter at the restaurant asked him how he was doing and he responded, “Terrible! Someone hit my care this morning!” Later that evening when he got home his wife asked him how his day went and he said, “It was terrible! I had someone hit and run me this morning!” That one event shaped his entire day and not only that, his bad attitude affected everyone he came across. In Acts chapter 12, we see James had been killed by Herod and Peter was imprisoned. Although Peter was probably about to be executed, he was sleeping! Now as far as ‘bad days’ go, I’d rank his pretty high on the list, yet Peter is comfortable and peaceful enough to sleep. Peter was at peace in the Lord as we should be. No matter what the circumstance.

Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

No matter what trial or tribulation you are facing, know that there will be a day when you will be free from it. It may not be until you are with the Lord in Heaven, but you will be free from it. Be at peace, Christian! You have an awesome promise to look forward to…

(Rev 21:3-4) “And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for sending Your only Son, Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. Thank You for the promise that one day, You will wipe the tears from my eyes and there will be no more death, sorrow or crying. Thank You that I can have peace through Jesus, no matter what trial or difficulties I am experiencing. Please forgive me for the times when I have surrendered my peace to a situation or problem and help me to live for You every day. 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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org