Category Archives: General Devotions

June 25th 2019 – Pray with Hope and Expectancy

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3)

“The Lord is good to those who wait hopefully and expectantly for Him, to those who seek Him.” (Lamentations 3:25)

Sometimes I see God answer my prayers right away. I’m excited, thankful and ready to tell everyone about His goodness. Then, there are those other times when my prayers linger and miracles seem far away. As time goes on, I would start to doubt that God even heard me.

I didnt accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior until I was 37. When I was first learning how to pray and my prayers were answered quickly, I’d give Jesus praises, tell everyone about it and then move on. But, if time went on and God didn’t show up, I’d get discouraged and frustrated. My waiting turned to worry. My perseverance shifted to sadness and disparity.

At times waiting on God to answer prayers was like playing a game. Who would last the longest? Would I continue to ask, plead and persevere? Or would I give up first because I was tired of waiting? Or maybe God would answer my prayers because He was tired of hearing all my whining and complaining.

Lord, why haven’t You answered my prayers? What are You waiting for? Can’t You see me struggling? You’re taking too long and I just don’t understand why.

I began to think God might be holding out on me. Maybe I wasnt deserving, He really didn’t care about me. Or, maybe my circumstances weren’t important enough to Him.

But as I grew in my relationship with the Lord and learned to understand His character, my attitude changed. I realized how much God loves me and knows the desires tucked deep inside my heart. He promises to meet my needs (Philippians 4:19), and His miracles are not a thing of the past.

Today’s key verse tells us that after we pray and ask God for a need, want or desire, we should wait with expectancy and hope.

You might be thinking, Rob, you just don’t understand. I’ve been waiting for God to answer my prayers for so long.

Maybe you’ve resigned to believing there’s no hope. Sure, you started out confident and faith-filled, but as time goes by you’ve started to wonder if any good can come from your circumstances. Maybe you’ve wrapped an invisible wall around your heart so you won’t be disappointed if God doesn’t come through for you.

I understand. I’ve been there. I’ve felt that way, too, and it’s a lonely place to live in each day. So what does it look like to have an attitude of hope and expectancy as we wait on the Lord to answer our prayers?

I’ve learned to intentionally shift my focus to three things:

(1) God’s Promises: I read Bible verses and speak them aloud daily. As the power of God’s Word weaves hope into my prayers, encouragement fills the empty places in my heart. I’m reminded once again of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness.

(2) Praise & Worship: I listen to praise music throughout the day in my house, car and at work in my office. The lyrics and melodies splash over me with joy as I sing along. I sense God’s peace and pleasure and in those sweet moments, my worries fade, turning my doubts into confident expectancy.

(3) Thanksgiving: I thank God for the answered prayers and miracles in my past. I remember how God always came through in those tough times of great need, and I thank Him in advance for His answers yet to come.

If you’ve asked God for answers but find yourself waiting longer than you planned, take a moment now to thank Him in advance for His answer. Trust that He is working behind the scenes on your behalf. Don’t give up. Look forward in hope and expectancy for Him to respond and remember that the Lord is good to those who seek Him.

“No matter how long it takes, when God works, It’s always worth the wait.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for remaining faithful to me. Help me have hope and expectancy as I wait for Your answers to my prayers. And during the extended times when you are waiting for the perfect moment to answer or just waiting on me to be ready, may I contine to give you my praises and wait with a heart of gratitude because your Grace is more then sufficent for me. I thank you for Leading me and Loving me.In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Click here to watch “While I’m Waiting – John Waller

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

June 24th 2019 – Keep Your Eyes Focused

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“Not only that, but we also who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.” (Romans 8:23)

In the reality of Christianity, what do you bring to the table? There are really only a couple of possibilities – either you are bringing Heaven to earth, or you are not. It’s so easy to get caught up in today’s trials that we forget our Lord is triumphant. When your focus is on the world, you will be entangled in adversity. Focus on Jesus and the tribulations of this earth are short lived.

Have you ever spoken with someone who is fixated on all the troubles of their life? They bear a brand of defeat. Only the conquered should wear this badge of defeat. Christians are anything but conquered. Now, imagine someone – a non-believer – observing a Christian enamored with this world and its caos. Would he see hope? Would this fellow be inclined to follow?

“For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.” (Romans 8:24-25)

So, what do you bring to the table? What do you set before others for them to see? Is it Heaven or hell? Your faith is their evidence. If non-believers see you living out the substance of your faith they will know that your God is greater than this world’s woes.

If you are sitting at the station of this world waiting for a free ride on the gravy train you are sitting at the wrong station. That train, while tempting on the outside, has a only one destination, disappointment!

Christians, if the substance of your hope is what someone else has and not Jesus, then you need to review your faith because others already are.

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2)

“Don’t focus on today’s groaning but on tomorrow’s glory.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the hope You have freely given to me through Your Son Jesus. Lord, help my doubt when I cannot see. As I eagerly wait in expectation of Your coming, strengthen me to persevere in the calling You have laid before me. I know that all things work together for good to those who love You. Lord, I commit my life to Your purposes today. 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

June 23rd 2019 – Always Loved

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I have loved you,” says the LORD. ” Yet you say, ‘In what way have You loved us?’ Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” Says the LORD. “Yet Jacob I have loved;” (Malachi 1:2)

At the time of Malachi, the people of Israel had a checkered past with God. There were times of celebration and victory as God brought them out of Egypt and established them in the Promised Land. There were also times of hardship and discipline when they were exiled from their land, often because of their idolatrous behavior. During all these times, one thing remained the same. God still loved them and still called them His people.

The same is true today. We have all fallen short of the glory of God and His standard of perfection. We deserve nothing but punishment and yet God, who is rich in mercy, chooses to love us despite our past.

”But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (By Christ you have been saved)” (Ephesians 2:4-5)

If you have asked God for forgiveness and know Jesus as your Savior, you are chosen by God. You are loved by the creator of the universe. Not because of what you can do for Him, but because He chooses to love you. What an amazing God. So friend, if you find yourself wrestling with circumstances that are difficult and feel like God has stopped loving you, come to Him today and know that you are loved.

“God loves you because He chooses to love you.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. I know that I have sinned against You. Lord, forgive me of my sin and create in me a new heart that desires You. Father, help me understand the amazing love You have shown me on the cross and may it motivate me to serve You and serve 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

June 22nd 2019 – Giving Others Grace

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“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
(Ephesians 1:1-2)

In his various letters to people or churches, grace always comes first in Paul’s greetings. It is always grace followed by peace. In his letters to Timothy and Titus he added mercy; “Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.” This is a beautiful lesson for us. You see friend, we need God’s grace to have peace with Him. We, by His grace, are invited to believe in Jesus as our Savior and through our faith in Him we are saved. Now we are forgiven and at peace with God! Grace and then peace! God shows us great mercy and love in this.

“We have to know God’s grace before we can know God’s peace.”

You can have much greater peace in your life if you give more grace to all of the people in your life. Forgive those who have wronged or hurt you. Be merciful. Love. Give them grace like God gave grace to you… you will lighten your emotional load and the joy of the Lord will be your strength. You want more peace in a relationship? Put more grace in the relationship. Grace is like gravy, it goes on everything and makes everything better. Every relationship you have can be improved with grace.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You so much for Your grace to me. Thank You for Jesus. I am sorry for the times I have lacked grace and destroyed peace. Please help me give grace to the people in my life. Show me how to be merciful and loving to them like You are to me. As I give grace, please bring peace to my relationships. 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

June 19th 2019 – Help Restore, Not Comdemn

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“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)

The way some people behave, you would think that the Bible says, “If another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should first gloat about it and make sure that you condemn him or her for it. Then proceed to tell as many people as possible.”

The Bible doesn’t say that, of course. Here is what it does say: “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself” (Galatians 6:1)

The idea is to lift up those who are overtaken by sin, not condemn them. The idea is to restore them, not destroy them. Notice this verse says, “You who are godly.” A truly godly man or woman will seek to restore such a person. In the book of (James 5:19–20) it says, “My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.”

One day, God forbid, it could be you or me. We should never lower our guard or rest on our credit spiritually. No matter how long you have known the Lord, don’t think that you are above falling, because you could fall. Any believer could. That is why we want to always be moving forward, walking with God and progressing spiritually. We never want to coast along in neutral.

And if you know someone who has fallen into sin, then your goal should be to restore, not to destroy. Your goal should be to help him or her, because the next time it could be you.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your correction in times when I have lost sight of You. Help me to correct others with wisdom and gentleness. Use me as a tool to bring restoration to those who need help along the way. 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

June 18th 2019 – A Glorious Seed Sown

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“So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.” (1 Corinthians 15:42-43)

A seed… such a tiny thing, yet out of it, the largest of all trees the giant redwood can grow. This is not unlike us. When we are born again, we are given a deposit of God’s Holy Spirit. This Spirit is the beginning of God’s transformation in our lives.

“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” (Ephesians 1:13-14)

The amazing reality is that not only is God depositing His Spirit in us, He is preparing us for our heavenly bodies and fellowship with Him for eternity. As the Spirit of God begins changing us, we begin walking more and more in the Spirit. And as a result, we’re displaying the heavenly work happening within us. When at the end of our life the Lord finishes changing us, we will continue walking as spiritual men and women of God for all eternity.

“Heaven should get into us before we get into Heaven.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, It is amazing to think of the gift that has been planted in me. Through Your Holy Spirit, help me to live a heavenly life; one that is eternally minded. Keep me focused on what is important and allow me to share the gift of Christ and our glorious future with others. In Jesus’ glorious name, Amen

If you are reading these devotions and are not a follower of Jesus Christ, please be aware that these seeds of scripture are being sown in your own heart right now… whether this devotion was forwarded to you, are you happen to come across it. It’s no coincidence that you’re reading this today.

I am praying that Gods word start to take root in your heart and you come to know personally the greatest truth you will ever hear.. Jesus Christ died on a cross for you. He loves you and He cares for you. When you call His name and ask for His help, He will set you free.. Click Here if you would like to learn more about Gods salvation, or ask Him into your heart.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

June 17th 2019 – Love Lessons

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“Teacher,” he asked, “which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and the most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like it: Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” (Matthew 22:36-39)

If you want your life to count while we are here on Earth, we have to focus on it. We have to decied on whats inportant. We don’t have time for everything, and not everything is of equal value.

Jesus said there are two things that are more valuable in life than anything else: loving God and loving each other.

Have you ever wondered why God put us here on Earth to begin with? Why didnt He send us straight to heaven when he created you and me? We are only here for 100 years at the most, and you’re going to live for eternity in Heaven or Hell. And that is all determined by Accepting Jesus os our Savior or not.

The Bible is very clear that God put us here on Earth to do two things: to learn to love God and to learn to love other people. Life is not about a accumulation, accomplishment, or achievement. It’s not about all the things the world tells us life is all about. You can’t take our cars and houses with us. But you are taking your character and you everlasting ability to love.

Today is the day the majority of the world relfects on expressions of love for our spouses, and if your not married, then that special person your interested in.

Biblical Truth:

Any successful marriage is built upon the biblical truth that God designed each of us with five purposes in mind: worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and missions.

It is important to have is a marriage centered on Christ, specifically focused on glorifying God.

Jesus said the greatest commandment is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” The he added, “The second most important commandment is like it: ‘Love your [spouse] as you love yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39)

In this sense, you worship God when you love and sacrifice for your spouse. That brings pleasure to God, and any time you give pleasure to God, you’re worshiping him. Read through Romans 12 with a view of what its applications would mean to your marriage:

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

God put us on Earth for 80 to 100 years so we can learn to love Him with all of our heart and learn to love others. Life is one giant “Love Lesson♡♡!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I want to glorify my love for You by loving my spouse as you have expressed Your love for me. I never knew true love until You taught me how to love. I am so greatful for the blessings that You have provided for me. I thank you for my spouse and I pray that I can express Your love through me. In Your precious name, Amen.

Experience a love like no other.

If you do not know Jesus 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 and struggles in life. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

June 14th 2019 – In the Shadow of the Cross

“After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died.” (1 Corinthians 15:6)

They had known Jesus before His death and again saw Him after His resurrection. Surely, this group of believers was blessed to know Christ personally. I can imagine there would be no other group of individuals on earth who would long more passionately for His return. After all, they had sat and listened to His teaching. They broke bread in fellowship with Him. They experienced the pain of watching Him die and then experienced the pure joy of seeing Him alive again! After He ascended to heaven, they must have thought, “Any day now He will come again for us.”

Now let’s fast forward 2000 years… and we still wait. While we may never have spoken to Jesus face to face, we continue to go to Him in prayer. While He has not eaten at our dinner tables, we take communion at His. Each day, we stand in the shadow of the cross and what He has done for us, and we long for His return. But waiting is not passive, it’s active. Until He comes again, we continue to share the amazing story of God’s love for sinners and the death of Christ on our behalf. It’s a timeless truth that will ring throughout eternity from today in our world until long after He has come again.

“We should live in the expectation of the return of Jesus.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I look forward to the coming of Your Son and His Kingdom that will follow. Help me to remember that this world is a temporary place and that my true home is with Christ. Until He returns, give me strength, wisdom and opportunities to tell others about our coming King. Keep us in the Shadow of the Cross we will wait for Your Glorious and Triumphant return. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you would like to request a prayer Click Here

Have you ever received Jesus as you Lord and Savior? If you do not know Him personally,you will never be truly free. 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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

June 11th 2019 – The Handwriting On The Wall

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“And this is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. This is the interpretation of each word. Mene: God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it; Tekel: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting; Peres: Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.”
(Daniel 5:25-28)

The King Belshazzar was definitely afraid. The fingers appeared out of nowhere in the midst of a party where he defiantly mocked the God of Israel, and also celebrated the false gods of Babylon. We can all easily look at this and think, ‘The King was worshiping idols’. But we know in the word, that coveting leads to idolatry.

“For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.Therefore do not be partakers with them.” (Ephesians 5:5-7)

Is there anything that we put before the Lord? Is He first in your time, talent, treasure, and circumstances? If not, then what is first? No matter how good it may be or noble that thing is, if it is before the Lord it is considered an idol. Perhaps the Lord has revealed something to you this morning that you have allowed to slip into being in front of the Lord.

Are you reading His writing from His word before He issues His corrective and loving judgment against that idol? The Lord loves us so much that He graciously many times allows us to judge ourselves in light of His truth before bringing a corrective hand into our lives.

“For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.” (1 Corinthians 11:31-32)

“Beware of the corrosion, corruption, and compromise that comes from covetousness.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank you for revealing Your righteous judgements and truths to me from Your Word. Please forgive me when I prioritize my time, talent, and treasure towards something else instead of You first. Please give me the grace and the ability to be Your disciple that I may allow Your Spirit to direct me and to be disciplined to walk in Your truths continually. 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

June 10th 2019 – Knowledge

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“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.” (Hosea 4:6)

Knowledge is powerful. If you know how to fix a computer, you are a valuable asset to many people. If you know a foreign language, you are able to carry on conversations with those who live across the globe. Even more importantly, if you know the Word of God, you are able to understand His promises and apply them to your life. This was not the case for the people of Israel in the book of Hosea. They had forgotten God’s law and in the end, suffered the consequences. The same can be said of us if we do not continue to spend time in the Word, understanding it and acting on what God commands.

On the positive side of that equation, we find that God’s Word brings life. It brings hope and peace. You may ask how knowledge will lead to these things. Well, imagine you have just been diagnosed with a fatal disease. Now imagine you know that in moments the doctor is going to come into the room with the cure. Because of that knowledge, you will have hope and peace. Now imagine you are not aware of that cure. What would your response be to that news? You see, God has told us that He offers forgiveness, grace and eternal life through Jesus. When we understand that Truth and trust in Jesus for salvation, we can have an eternal hope that changes our life. Rather than fearing the things of life, we can walk with confidence that God is in control and that no matter what happens, one day we will stand in the presence of our loving Father in heaven.

“Knowing God’s Word leads to a life of freedom and unspeakable joy.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your amazing promises found in the Bible. Help me to know and trust in the Words You have spoken. Help me to walk in the knowledge of You so that I can find hope and victory in my life. Fill me with Your Spirit and guide me by Your Word. In Jesus ‘ name, Amen.

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

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

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