Category Archives: General Devotions

February 28th 2020 – Be Real,

“I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.” (1 Corinthians 2:3)

Paul is being very honest in this verse. He is not trying to make himself look better than he really is. He isn’t covering up his weakness. In fact, in 1 Timothy 1:16, Paul proclaims that he is an example of God’s longsuffering. He is not a perfect man but a perfect example of God’s loving-kindness, grace and mercy.

At times, Christians act like we don’t have any problems. The problem with this is that it leaves an impression to those who don’t know Jesus. They see Christians pretending they are not messed up and assume that since they still struggle with problems, they don’t belong in church. In doing so, are we proclaiming God’s goodness or our own?

We need to proclaim God’s goodness by being open about our problems and proclaiming that it is the goodness of God that saves! That’s being real. It’s real life, demonstrating the real love and real hope of the real God. In your weakness, the Good News of Jesus Christ is made strong.

“We should be real with people and not portray some ‘False Spirituality’.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for the forgiveness of my sins and for giving me the opportunity to experience life more abundantly. Lord, thank You for revealing Yourself to me through Your Word. I want the offer of joy, hope and peace that only You can give. 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

February 27th 2020 – Shine Brite

Leave a reply

“He must increase, but I mustdecrease.” (John 3:30)

John the Baptist’s disciples saw that many more people were going to Jesus and his disciples to be baptized (John 3:26). We also see this in other places in scripture as well. People want to be in the who’s who among Christians. It’s a temptation we all face from time to time, the need to be affirmed in ourselves, how we fair among other people, and in the body of Christ. Paul deals with this specifically challenging the believers in Corinth who were having their identity connected to a specific leader.

Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? (1 Corinthians 1:13)

The key for our growth is allowing ourselves to decrease in our own lives and let the Lord increase in our lives. John states that it is his joy that the Lord was coming on the scene more fully and that people were following Jesus now. Can you and I say the same thing? If someone else gets a promotion at work, if you become more unpopular and someone else is elevated to higher notoriety, or it seems that all the good you have done has been forgotten are you able to humbly rejoice? We are all faced with day to day struggles and challenges in these areas of our lives in our family, at work, school, and even in our serving the Lord in the body of Christ. The question is are we willing to let Him increase that we might decrease?

“He must increase but I must decrease is where real joy is found and the purity of the person of Jesus can be seen in us.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, please forgive me when I feel I need to be exalted for any reason. Please allow Your Spirit to work in my heart so that You may truly increase in all areas of my life. Please forgive me for getting out of hand from time to time with my attitude and with gossip. I Love you Lord and want people to see You in my life. I want Your presence to shine bright in my life! 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

February 26th 2020 – Willing and Available

Leave a reply

“Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant.” (Acts 13:3-5)

In the book of Acts, the progression of the life of Paul is revealed. Initially, we see Paul fighting against God. Paul is living out his life doing his ‘own thing’ when he meets God in a very real way. Paul’s experience on the road to Damascus began this progression where we see him begin to give his life over to God. The book of Acts allows us to watch first hand as we see this man give his life away. One danger is to look at Paul’s life and think, “Wow, that was great for Paul, but can my life really make a difference?” I used to ask myself the same question, but not anymore.

You see, one of the beautiful truths of God’s Word is that God will work through anybody who is willing. He is not looking for ability, but for availability. Throughout the Bible we see men and women accomplishing great and incredible things. These men and women had some of the same weaknesses and wanderings we do, yet the Lord used them to touch many lives. The most difficult part of this journey is the first step. I encourage you to take the first step. Step out in faith and begin to walk the incredible journey God has planned for you. You will look back in amazement at what the Lord will do. I know I do every day.

“We all should be ministers and make a difference in this world.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, You tell us to pray for workers in the harvest. Lord, I want to pray that You make me a worker in the harvest. Whatever my gifts and abilities are I lay them before You now and ask You to work through me to help change this world. I know I am not saved through these acts of service, but because I am grateful for Your forgiveness, I desire to serve so others may come to know You. I am a Christian because someone cared. Now it is my turn. In Jesus’ precious and glorious name, Amen.

Do you trust Jesus enough with your life? You should, Jesus died on the cross for you and me. He loves us and wants to help us. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

If you are 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

February 25th 2020 – Jesus Prays For Us

Leave a reply

“Who then will condemn us? No one, for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. (Romans 8:34)

Imagine that your spending time with Jesus when all of a sudden He turns to you and says, “Oh, by the way, satan has been asking for you by name.”

“Satan the devil!”

“Yeah. That’s right.”

That is what happened to Peter. He and the other disciples had just celebrated the Last Supper with Jesus when He dropped this revelation on them: “Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there” (Matthew 26:31–32).

But Peter replied, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you” (verse 33).

So Jesus essentially said, “Well, since you brought it up Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you ever knew Me. And listen to this Peter, Satan has been asking excessively that you would be taken out of the care and protection of God.”

The good news is that Jesus was praying for Peter. And have assurance that Jesus is praying for you also. Romans 8:34 says, “Who then will condemn us? No one, for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.” Jesus is in our corner. He is interceding for you.

“If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Distance makes no difference with Jesus. He is praying for you and me.”

If it were not for the prayers of Jesus, I personally wouldn’t stand a chance. Neither would you.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I praise you and am so greatful that You are personally pray for me. I will praise You in all of the circumstances that I face. Knowing that You only want the best for me. When the enemy creeps into my life with temptation, You always provide a way for me to escape it, to change directions. All I need to do is choose You Lord and turn from my sinful ways. I love you, In Your’ precious name, Amen.

Trying to face a life without Jesus will get very overwhelming. If you do not know Him personally, I encourage you not to pass up the precious gift of His love and eternal life. Jesus died on the cross for you and me. Jesus loves us and wants to help us through the storms. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

February 24th 2020 – Our Sinful Nature

Leave a reply

“So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)

When we solely act on our feelings it is very dangerous. If we always do what what we “feel like” doing, most times it will end up getting us in trouble. Following just our feelings will lead us into sin, and that can lead to broken relationships, depression, prison and even far worse. So the question is, “What filter do we use to help us control our thoughts and feelings?” While the world may say, “If it feels right do it,” God’s Word tells us that we don’t have the ability to know what is “right” without His direction. We need His guidance, through the Bible.

When we process our thoughts and feelings through the Bible’s instructions and God’s promises, we will be better able to replace the bad or harmful thoughts with those that are good and beneficial. Submitting to God’s Word and His Holy Spirit allows us to know what is good and right. It gives us hope in something greater than our own understanding and therefore, we walk in light rather than darkness. Jesus will walk with us if we allow Him to. We don’t have to be alone.

Do not take your dark brooding thoughts out and play with them. Do not sit and focus on what’s wrong. Don’t allow your desires to run away with you. Take your thoughts captive. Do not walk in fear. Fight the good fight. God will give you victory!

“Sometimes thoughts and feelings are great and good and holy; sometimes they are dark and brooding and torturous.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the power I have in Christ to overcome bad thoughts and harmful feelings. It is because of Your promises of hope and salvation that I can rejoice no matter what my situation may be. It’s with Your power that I can control my emotions rather than my emotions controlling me. Please protect me from myself and my own destructive sinful nature. Help me forgive myself and seek You first. Thank You Lord! 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.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

February 23rd 2020 – Is God Speaking to You?

Leave a reply

“then hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and give to everyone according to all his ways, whose heart You know (for You alone know the hearts of the sons of men),” (2 Chronicles 6:30)

Trials, hardships, frustrations–whatever they’re called, we all deal with them at one time or another. The good news is that God desires to speak to us during those times. It could be that you are surrounded by circumstances that are difficult, or you may have made bad choices which have led to a bad situation. In those times, remember the words of Jesus Himself…

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28)

Many times in life, we can’t hear the Lord, even when He is shouting to get our attention. It’s often in those times of struggle that He whispers and we hear His voice loud and clear. If today you find yourself in the midst of hardships, seek the Lord. Use this time to seek forgiveness and cling to the grace of God. Cry out to God and He will hear from heaven and pour out His love upon you in abundance. When we do this, God makes the most of our pain and can bring something good from something bad.

“Whenever something in life goes wrong, use the moment to ask forgiveness and draw closer to the Lord.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the life You have given me. Lord, I pray that when this life gets difficult that I turn to You. Help me draw closer to You whether I am enjoying blessings or walking through trials. Father, may each day and circumstance be used to make me more like Jesus. Forgive me of my sins and fill me with Your Spirit so that I can be used to build Your Kingdom. 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

February 20th 2020 – Dear Dad

Leave a reply

“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving kindness I have drawn you.” (Jeremiah 31:3)

Dear Dad,

Please make my heart long for your words more than anything else. Open my eyes so I can see amazing things in the Bible. Unify my heart in fearing you and only you. Satisfy me with your unfailing love.

I ask that all people, including me, would honor you and uphold your reputation by both our words and our actions.
I ask that your sovereignty would become tangible and evident in people and nature around the world.
And I ask that today, and each day forward my actions and leadership of my family would align with your plans for my life.
I want to please you.

I’m needy, spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally; please give me everything I need for today. When I stumble and sin, please forgive me. May I forgive others and show them grace as you do for me. Don’t put me on the path of temptation, because I’m not very good at resisting it. Please rescue me from the evil one.

And now, I’m going to be happy because of everything you have done for me! I’ve cried for help so many times, and you always comfort me and save me through the hardest times. I want to trust you more and more with everything. You paid the ransom for my life; I’m yours now. And you are mine too! I pray that You won’t hold yourself back from me, and that I get to know you more and more each day.

How is it that you show me so much attention when I’m so small? I’m overwhelmed by how a God so powerful and famous shows so obviously that he cares about me and my life. Thank you for always being with me! Thank you that I don’t have to be ashamed of myself

Thank you for my beautiful spouse, thank you for my children, my parents, my good friends and the special ones that you have led into my life to help guide and teach me in your ways.

I LOVE YOU.

Sincerely your son.

****Note****
Obviously that was a prayer of mine today, dont let this opportunity pass to give thanks for the people and the circumstances that God has had His hand on. Take a moment to let your loved ones know how much you love them, forgive them for any hurts that may have caused you, ask forgiveness for anything you may have done to hurt them. Please don’t wait another day, don’t wait until later, do it now. You never know when they will leave this earth and you won’t have the opportunity to do so. I lost my father when I was 22, I was unsaved and there is so much I wish I could say now.

May the Spirt of God overwhelm you today, and may God bless you.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I praise You for the amazing love You have shown me. Thank you for the people that you have brought into my life that exhibit the love of Christ as well. Help me to grasp this love so that I will be able to love others in the same way. Strip me of any excuses and use me to reach others with the love of Jesus. In Your glorious and precious name, Amen.

Reach out to God and ask Him to show you His fatherly love, you will not be disappointed. Remember, He is all He says He is!

Jesus died on the cross for you and me. He loves us and wants to help us. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus it’s the greatest decision you will ever make.

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

February 19th 2020 – Where God Guides, God Provides

Leave a reply

“And Abraham called the name of the place, The Lord Will Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”
(Genesis 22:14)

Abraham was willing to give his all unto the Lord. In obedience to God he was willing to let go of the next most beloved thing in his lifeñhis son. Jesus said this about our following of Him:

“He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.” (Matthew 10:37)

What do you and I put in front of the Lord in our lives? Is it our marriage, kids, work, or our own self interests? God is able to do such an amazing thing in our hearts and lives if we’d simply yield to Him as Abraham did in this chapter. Abraham was willing to offer his only son in obedience, but God instead offered Himself as the sacrifice (Genesis 22:8) through Christ who was to come. Abraham was told his descendants would be as the stars in the sky, basically innumerable. So it is for us in our time of testing. When we yield to the Lord in spite of the pain or difficulty in the current situation, we can trust by faith that the Lord will provide exponential blessing and goodness upon our lives.

“Giving our all to God will yield countless blessings many of which we may never come to know till we are in the presence of God.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, please help me identify those things that have priority over my heart instead of You. Please give me the grace to be willing to forsake all and follow You in all my ways. Help instill in me that You have a plan and are in control. I love You and want the blessing You have for me and my life. 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

February 16th 2020 – Stirring of the Heart

Leave a reply

“And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way.”(Acts 19:23)

The people of Ephesus either loved Paul or hated Paul. Why? Paul had a holy restlessness, a stirring in his heart that drove him to great lengths to share the Gospel message. It is important we understand that Christianity is not just about getting along with everybody. All of us are individually gifted and crafted for a unique purpose, but it doesn’t end there. If we do not use our gifts, it profits no one. In the same way, if our relationship with one another does not transform us, it’s not much of a relationship. Ministry changes people. It puts people together in situations that are often uncomfortable and stretches us in ways that we never thought possible. It causes us to drop our masks and be honest with one another.

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.” (Hebrews 10:24)

We are to think about one another and how we can love and encourage one another. We are to stir up (Encourage) love and good works in one another. This is not always going to be comfortable, and it is not always going to be received in the way that we intended. Maybe that’s why the very next verse in Hebrews reads,

“not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)

I find it interesting that the verse telling us to stir up love and good works in one another is followed by a verse telling us to stay in fellowship. Why? Well, sometimes we can be offended by another’s encouragement. We’ve been chugging along thinking we’re doing great and then someone offers a word of encouragement that stirs up our heart. Without taking time to pray about it, we make a decision to leave or disconnect from fellowship.

One of the resources God has provided for meeting our needs is other believers. When we sacrifice fellowship for comfort, we’re like an antelope separated from the herd. Suddenly, it’s not a question of ‘if’ we will be attacked, but ‘when’ we will be attacked.

“Don’t run from ministry, engage in it as a team..”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You so much for the family that You have placed around me. Please give me a burden for the lost. Give me a burden to minister and encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ. Please take away any fear I have of doing this, and forgive me for the times when I have neglected to do this. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

February 15th 2020 – Be Still and Know that I am God

Leave a reply

In loving memory of Francisco F Gonzalez.

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.” (Psalm 46:10-11)

I was laying in bed early this morning thinking about a funeral that I am attending today for a good friend, one that died much to early in life. I thought about how we didn’t make more time to visit this last year as we used to. I thought back on a conversation that we had many years ago following a terrific storm here in Tucson, AZ. While we were at work the sound of thunder roared outside. The precious, drops of water sprinkled all over. We discussed about how the rain brought life to all the trees and plants here in the desert. but it was the bursts of continuous thunder that really captured our attention.

The power had went out, and we sat still at our desks, and just listened to God speak. With each burst of noise, it’s as if God was speaking a promise: I am good. I am faithful. I am sovereign. I am love. I am merciful. I am victorious. I am truth. I am comfort. I am constant. I am peace. I am hope. I am with you. I am for you. I am all you need.

All reminders that He is in control and He is near. Sometimes we feel like we don’t hear God. Sometimes we shake our heads in confusion because we don’t understand why He allows certain things to happen, and other things not to happen. Sometimes we get overwhelmed by the weight of our problems. Sometimes we wish God would just show us what’s ahead, or speak loud and clear so we know what direction to go.

In life things happen we often don’t understand. When I heard the news of my friend dying so sudden, so young. I initially questioned God, Why? “Francisco was a good man, he loved you Lord. He always shared Your mesage of love, which he exhibited in his life. He used his God given gifts as a musician to worship at church, he learned and played You in beautiful songs for so many to hear.” Why did this happen?

We often want the answers, but maybe sometimes what we need is the thunder. Maybe what we really need is to just be still and know that He is God. Nothing in this whole wide world will ever shake His Promises. After all, this whole wide world belongs to Him.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You that You speak to us in so many different ways. Today many things will want our attention, but help us to seek moments of stillness with You. Give us hearts of wonder that see You, hear You, and feel You everywhere we go. Thank You that it all points to Your great love for Your creation. May we make the time to visit our friends and family more. Let them know that we sincerely care and love them. I ask for Your peace to comfort and Your power to strengthen us. When we want to go and hide away from everyone because we are afraid or hurt. I ask that You help us to stand. I know that You will guide us to grow through these things. I lift the families that lost loved ones to You for comfort and peace. Lord, I know You will be there to help us through all the storms that happen in our lives and even in the final storm each of us must face. I love You Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

If you do not know Jesus personally in your life, please consider the love and forgiveness that Jesus offers each and every one of us freely. He has personally changed my life..

Jesus Christ says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him” (Revelation 3:20)

The Bible promises eternal life to all who receive Christ: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:11-13)

If you have not asked Jesus into your life you 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.

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, I would love to pray with you personally for this wonderful new journey you are on. roblavallee@gmail.com

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: