Category Archives: General Devotions

September 22nd 2019 – Jesus Wept

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

As Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem on what we know as Palm Sunday, He looked at the city and wept. In the hebrew language, the word used to describe His weeping speaks of bitter anguish, as though one first were mourning the death of a loved one.

Jesus cried with such pain because He knew what was next to come. His time was short. He had been rejected by mankind. He had healed their sick. He had raised their dead. He had cleansed their lepers. He had fed their hungry and forgave their sins. But He remained mostly alone and rejected.

He also knew one of His own, Judas Iscariot, was about to betray Him. Judas was a friend of Jesus’. That is why it was a betrayal. Jesus knew that Caiaphas, the high priest, would try Him on false charges. Jesus knew that He would be sent to the Roman governor Pontius Pilate and ultimately be sentenced to die on the cross. He knew the people who were crying, “Hosanna!” And that the majority would turn against them. And it broke His heart. Jesus knew they would face the repercussions for their sin, and He didn’t want that.

I have friends and also family who have made wrong decisions in life, despite the warnings in God’s written word. Despite counsel from thier Pastor or Christian friends not to do a certain thing. They do it anyways, then later they come back and say, “Oh, I should have listened.

God will not violate our free will. God will not make us believe. God will not make us love Him. If we don’t want to, we don’t have to. But that is what is so amazing. God, having foreknowledge, still loves us and still extends his grace to us.

“God will not force His forgiveness on to anyone.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for my church, my friends and the ones that love me. Thank You for the amazing comfort that I can find with You. Please refill my spirit daily because I don’t often make good decisions on my own. I praise you for not forsaking me in the times that I don’t listen. Because of Your love, I can have peace and forgiveness for all my sins. Because of You Lord, I am free from the penalty of sin and no matter what happens on this earth, I will be healed and loved for all eternity. Father, help me to remember these things and to pass them on to those who are thirsting for Your refreshing comfort. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Seeking Comfort from Jesus?

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:)

Seeking Jesus? Pray this prayer with me.

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 prayed this prayer, 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.

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

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

September 21st 2019 – Jesus Is My Friend

“Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence Him. With them alone He shares the secrets of His promises.” (Psalms 25:14)

As children we used to run around and say, “I know a secret, I know a secret!” Well God has special things that He holds for special people. Our Father wants to reveal them to those whose hearts are right with Him. You see a secret is shared with close friends.  I don’t go and share my inner thoughts with just anybody, No, I share them with true friends. And you know what? Those that have a respect and love for the Father.  Those that give Him that special place in their hearts are friends of God and He shares His inner thoughts with them.

Jesus said that He doesn’t call us servants anymore, but He calls us friends.  So as a friend of God are we taking time each day to listen to His voice as He reveals His mysteries to us? God’s secrets are revealed to those who reverence Him.  They are revealed to those who love and respect Him.  To those whose hearts are for Him. God is not holding back from us, but He is looking for those who will take what He says to heart and use it to bless others.  He has a treasure of wisdom for us and He wants to pour it out to us.

So today take time to tell your Heavenly Father how much you love Him and how special He is to you and then watch and see how many things are revealed to you.  Take a few minutes even now and express your love to the One who loves you with such an intense love that He would send His one and only Son, to wash away all of your sins.

“While friends and family can fail us, Jesus will always be your most trusted friend!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me and calling me your friend. Thank you for all of the times we cried together and laughed together. I and so greatful for you presence in my life. Please help me be a better friend to not only you but to others. May they always see you in me… I love you Lord.. in Your precious name Amen.

Need a friend that will always be there? Click here to meet Jesus!

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

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 20th 2019 – Follow Through

“I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49)

Knowing He was about to depart, Jesus left His disciples with a final command: stay in Jerusalem, and wait…for the promise.

Of the thousands who had witnessed His miraculous ministry and heard His amazing teaching, and the hundreds that had actually seen Him after the resurrection, we read in Acts that only 120 stayed until the promise arrived. But these 120 were steadfast. They waited the full term…

What would have happened if they had left after the 4th day? Or the 6th day? Or the 9th day? They would have missed the promise and the amazing blessing that came with it. But those 120 believers stayed, they stayed and pressed in until the Holy Spirit came!

Do you want the fullness of the Spirit in your life? Continue pressing in. Wait with relentless faith and patience. Perseverance is often the critical factor in receiving the promises of God. Our Lord will fulfill every good promise in His perfect time.

“He is the wind of heaven that fills our sails with the power to live for God and be witnesses for Him in the world!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I give praises to you this very day for all that you have given me. You always know the exact time to answer my prayers. Thank you for the life I am able to live ever since I met You Jesus. I love You Lord. 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.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

September 18th 2019 – My Plan of Hope and a Future for You

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

We live in a world that sometimes seems void of hope. We see lying, stealing, cheating, family’s falling apart, our dreams can seem unreachable. It can cause us to become easily discouraged when we look at the prospects of our future. Discouragement can lead to depression, and depression can lead to hopelessness.

When we are feeling hopeless, we see our circumstances and surroundings through a filtered lens that can cause us to continue to spiral downwards in our emotions and our attitudes. In this devotional scripture, God says that He has a plan for you, a plan that will prosper you and not to harm you, a plan that will give you hope and a future.

While the economy may be saying one thing to us, God is saying another. While your circumstances may cry out hopelessness, God is saying that He has a plan to prosper and not to harm you. While we don’t know what the future does hold, we know who holds the future. We can trust in the goodness of God to care for us in the midst of situations that seem hopeless.

Our hope is not in our circumstances, but in God our Father. That does not necessarily mean that life will always turn out the way we expected, but it does mean that we can always trust in our Father to love us and watch over us. If we commit our lives into His care, we are guaranteed from an everlasting perspective, that we will have an incredible future filled with hope awaiting us, that will last forever.

“God’s plan for your future has always been filled with hope.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank You that You have a plan for me that is filled with hope and a future. You are my living Savior who conquered death and the Holy Spirit’s living presence within me assuring me that I will share in glory with you. I thank you that my hope is not just a wish for something in the future, but it comes with the deep assurance that what I hope in will happen. I love You and give You praises for still being here and loving us in such a time like this. The world is so ungreatful and broken.. I know that I can often lose sight of Your love while I’m in the middle of hard times. Help me to be mindful of Your love, mercy, compassion and strength, especially hope, so that I can endure and even rejoice in my pain. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I may live in your blessing of hope. I know that You have plans to prosper me and not to harm me. Thank you for opening up new doors for my future, I need not fear and I need not despair for you are in control of my life. Help me to commit my life to You, trusting in Your faithfulness to accomplish all that You have promised to do. I love and praise 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.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

September 17th 2019 – Eternal Reservation

“Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20)

Jesus, in this verse, is telling us not to rejoice just because spirits are subject to us, but to rejoice because our names are written in heaven.  Have you ever made a reservation for dinner at a restaurant or maybe at an event and you get there and you tell them your name and they say yes, you have reservations for two.

Well this scripture is saying just about the same thing. Jesus went before us and because we have accepted Him as our Lord and Savior we now have reservations in heaven.  We go to the restaurant or hotel and they open their book to see if our name is in there, and the Bible says that God does the same thing.

On that day, He will open the Book of Life and say to us, yes, you have believed on the Name of my Son. Yes, you have received the gift of salvation, the gift that only Jesus can give. Come, enter into my presence and enjoy the reservation that has been set from the foundations of the world.

I don’t know about you, but for me, I’m going to dance and lift my hands and say, “Thank you Jesus, for going to the cross for me and shedding your blood for me. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice for my sins and because of what you have done for me, I will now live with you for all eternity.”

If this is Good News for you today, think of someone you can share this great truth with. Today, your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Today you have have a eternal reservation.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, because of Your sacrifice on the cross for me. I have assurance because I believe in You and have confessed in You Jesus as my Lord and Savior. My name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life and I have my eternal reservation for heaven. Thank you for your endless pursuit of me Jesus.. I love and praise You. In you precious name.. Amen.

Register for your eternal salvation through Jesus Christ, Click here to learn how it works.. ***Disclaimer*** (Not a timeshare)

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

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 16th 2019 – When In The Valley

“though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalms 23:4)

We see in the verese just before Psalm 23:4 we read that the Shepherd leads, guides, helps, and loves us.  Now, in this verse, it changes from the Shepherd’s actions and love for us, to our own actions.  You see, in life there are going to be times when we don’t listen so that we get ourselves in places we shouldn’t be.  Here it’s called “the valley of the shadow of death”.

Have you ever had times like that?  You find that the grass isn’t green and the stream is dirty and you say, “how did I get here?”  You see that it was through your own decisions, or you didn’t take the time to listen to the Shepherd’s voice, that you opened doors that should have stayed shut.

Even in these times, even when we mess up, the Great Shepherd doesn’t leave us.  No! He promised us that He would never leave us or forsake us.  Never means never and here we see the same promise.  I will fear no evil, why?   FOR YOU ARE WITH ME!  What a promise.  When we mess up, we need to ‘fess up and He, the Great Shepherd, forgives and restores.

Even when we open doors to the evil one, our Shepherd takes out His mighty rod and grabs hold of us with His wonderful staff and brings great comfort to our lives.  What security, what comfort, what hope we have because of our amazing Jesus.

So take heart today that there is no sin too strong that the blood of Jesus can’t wash away.  Rest in His loving arms and hear His heartbeat as you lay your head upon His chest.  Know that He loves you and will always protect you against anything that the enemy might bring against you.  He’ll even protect you when you open a door that you shouldn’t have.

“I will fear no evil because You are with me Lord!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank You for the blood of Jesus that has washed me white as snow.  I thank You that no matter what comes against me or even when I’m walking in the valley, You are there to comfort and to restore.  What a God I serve. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen..

Don’t walk through the valley alone. If you have not accepted Jesus, or would like to take this time to reconnect with Him, Please Click Here.

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

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 14th 2019 – Team Jesus

“Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.” (1 Corinthians 12:27)

We have all heard the expression, “There is no ‘I’ in teamwork” and this is even truer for  the church which is the complete “Body of Christ”.  Like a team that has made it to the Super Bowl, we should stand united in Christ working together for one unified purpose – to proclaim the Gospel to the world. This is a lofty goal, yet it is one that our coach has called us to. Christ has given us the directive and now we must follow through, as a team.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15)

Like a team, we must support each player as they gain ground for the Kingdom. If one member is in pain, the rest should grieve for them, then do what they can to help. If there is a big play and one person is blessed, we all rejoice with glad hearts. There is no room for selfishness or jealousy in the family of God. These things lead to bitterness, deceit, and division. Remember, this is not about us. If we think that this life is all about us, then we miss out on God’s amazing blessings and the team suffers. It’s about our Lord and it’s about others. In front of us is the field of life, and the God of all creation has empowered us to gain ground for His Kingdom. It’s bigger than you and I, yet God has called us to the line of scrimmage. Are you ready? This could be your finest hour.

“We are in Christ and a part of something bigger and more important than just ourselves.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for life and for inviting me to be part of this adventure with You. Thank You for the gifts You’ve given me. Lord, I pray that You use them for Your Kingdom. Help me to get rid of any selfishness and to put others first. Thank you for accepting me on the winning team! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Looking to join the winning team? Pick Jesus! Click Here to learn more.

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

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 13th 2019 – Unlikely Character

“Last of all, as though I had been born at the wrong time, I also saw him.” (1 Corinthians 15:8)

Anyone who has read through the bible knows that God really does choose the most unlikely people. There is Moses, who murdered an Egyptian. King David, commonly known as a man after God’s own heart, who committed adultery and murder. Then there was Paul, (known as Saul during that time) who was an intelligent man who knew the Hebrew Scriptures and had a passion for God. The problem was that he did not believe Jesus was the Messiah. Because of this, he led the way in the persecution of everyone who called themselves a follower of Jesus.

I’m certain that had we been given the choice about Paul, we probably would have asked God to remove him completely from the equation. After all, with Paul out of the picture, persecution would slowly fade and the church would begin to grow. It may sound good, but God had an even greater plan in mind. Instead of removing Paul from the equation, Jesus changed the equation completely. He changed Paul’s life and transformed him into one of the greatest missionaries this world has ever seen. This man that hated Jesus was now in love with His Savior to the point of giving his life for Him. Because of Paul, we have much of the New Testament and a witness to the power of the Gospel to change a life forever.

“God often chooses the unlikeliest characters as His trophies of grace to reach and teach others about His love and plan of salvation.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I praise You Father for Your love and grace. Thank You for choosing the unlikely characters for Your work. It speaks so wonderfully of Your grace. Lord, I know that I too am an unlikely character, but I pray that You would use me in mighty ways today and everyday, thank you for loving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God loves and wants only the best for His children.. If you have not accepted Jesus, or would like to take this time to reconnect with Him, Please Click Here.

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

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 12th 2019 – Forgiveness

“Jacob looked up and there was Esau, coming with his four hundred men; so he divided the children among Leah, Rachel and the two female servants. He put the female servants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph in the rear. He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.” (Genesis 33:1-4)

When reading this passage, one might think, “That is so nice. The brothers are excited to see each other.” But the truth about the entire matter is that Jacob betrayed Esau in a mighty way. Jacob took everything from Esau – his birthright and his blessing. And after that betrayal, Jacob hit the road and never looked back.

Have you ever wondered what thought processes Esau went through to get to this place of forgiveness? The Bible doesn’t mention how Esau forgave Jacob for his betrayal. We just know he did. We know he did because the first time Esau saw Jacob, he ran for him and embraced him. Esau was able to forgive him and not kill him like we thought he would.

Esau forgave Jacob, ran to him and embraced him before Jacob could even say, “I am so sorry for what I did to you.

Why can’t we do this? Why do we hold onto hurt?

Spend some time today with the Father and ask Him to reveal to you anything that keeps you from offering forgiveness to another.

Do not carry baggage from people who have wronged you.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank you for all that you have done to prepare me for this season of life. As you know, I have also been in Jacobs shoes, ashamed because of something I have said or did to someone. Our natural human reaction is often to turn and head in the other direction instead of facing the person we have wronged. I am greatful for your unconditional love. I thank you for the presence of your Holy Spirit in my life to encourage me to do what is righteous in your name. I pray that you continue to not only work in my life but continue to work on the hearts of my adversaries. I love you Lord, 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.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

September 11th 2019 – When Battles Come Upon Us

“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?

“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!” (Psalm 103:1-5)

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.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org