Category Archives: General Devotions

August 14th 2019 – When You Pray, Believe

“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Mark 11:22-24)

We can have all our doctrines right and be experts in the scriptures like the Pharisees did, but it will be of no use unless we apply it to our lives by faith.

This was the reason why those Israelites whom God delivered out of Egypt could not enter their promised land: “For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it” (Hebrews 4:2).

For the same reason, God cannot answer our prayers unless we pray in faith: “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord” (James 1:6-7).

Can you believe?

Two blind men came to Jesus and said to Him, “Son of David, have mercy on us!”(Matthew 9:27).

Why did they phrase their petition for healing in this way? According to tradition, being blind was a punishment and curse for something terrible they or their forefathers must have done. So the men actually were saying to Jesus, “You know that we are not worthy of getting anything from You. If You would do this for us, it is Your choice and mercy.” And the Lord answered them, “According to your faith let it be to you” (Matthew 9:29).

With this Jesus was saying, “The question is not whether I am willing to show mercy, I am always willing, but can you believe?” They could, and they immediately received their sight.

We must hold onto the Word that is sown into our hearts. The faith we need to see our prayers answered only comes and develops from God’s Word: “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

Yet so much of the Bible teaching we hear and the scripture we study or memorize is taken away by the enemy, either through our unbelief or because we don’t hold on to it and meditate on it.

Joshua was instructed by God not to let the book of the Law depart from his mouth, but to meditate on it day and night in order to have success (see Joshua 1:8). Continuously meditating on God’s Word drives it deep into our hearts and develops faith.

Our faith must be in Jesus.

Abraham believed God when it was impossible for him to have a son. The blind men believed in Jesus to get their sight. Likewise, our faith does not rest on our faith, or in some imaginations we cook up on feelings. Instead, our faith is in the person of Jesus Christ.

When we pray for a need, let us deliberately say, “Jesus, You are more than able to do this. I believe You can do it and I trust You to do it.”

It takes a childlike heart to believe.

I heard the story of a father who was frantically trying to rescue his little son from their burning two-story house. The child was alone upstairs, and the father couldn’t get to him because of the flames and smoke. Standing downstairs in an open area, he called out to his son. The boy answered “Daddy, I can’t see you! I can’t see you!” “Son, jump!” the father shouted.“I can’t see you, Daddy,” the boy hesitated. “Can you hear my voice?” the father asked.“Yes!” the child cried. “Then jump in the direction of my voice,” his father responded. “Don’t worry; I will catch you.” The child jumped, and his father caught him in his arms and carried him to safety.

We may find ourselves in the midst of confusion that feels like thick smoke and flames, where our rational thinking and reason don’t work. That’s when we need to respond and pray like a little child: “I don’t understand, Lord, but I will jump at Your Word and trust You to fulfill Your promise.”

Whatever your need may be today, Jesus is able and willing to help you. There is nothing impossible with Him.

Fill your heart with God’s Word, meditate on it and put your faith in Jesus. And then, when you pray, believe like a little child and you will see your Heavenly Father meet your need.

“Remember that Nothing is impossible with God.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come to you as humble children. You know what we seek before we even say it, You even know what we need before we even ask. In times when our hope, faith and strength are fading, Jesus please lift us up. Make us see Your light, help us truly believe in You with childlike faith. Make us strong, give us your power to survive the Great storm, You are the only father we trust. Jesus we love You, we worship You and praise Tou. In Jesus’ 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 in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here and we will pray for you..

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

August 13th 2019 – Cleansed with the Word of God

“He also made ten lavers, and put five on the right side and five on the left, to wash in them; such things as they offered for the burnt offering they would wash in them, but the Sea was for the priests to wash in.” (2 Chronicles 4:6)

With Israel being a desert community, anyone who walked to the temple would find themselves covered in dirt and sand. As they approached God’s magnificent temple, they would find themselves facing containers of water which they were required to use in order to enter the temple. Even the priests who were serving inside the temple were required to bath in order to be in the presence of God. While this may seem trivial to many of us, God took it very seriously.

“So they shall wash their hands and their feet, lest they die. And it shall be a statute forever to them–to him and his descendants throughout their generations.” (Exodus 30:21)

While we may not have to take a bath to go to church, we still must be cleansed of our sins in order to stand before God one day. You see, in this life we fail and fall. We miss the mark of perfection and therefore are stained with the dirt and sand of our sins. The good news is that just as a bath was prepared for the priests, a greater cleansing has been prepared for all mankind. Jesus Christ came into this earth and died on the cross, taking our sins upon Himself. Because of this amazing act of love we may be cleansed of all our sin and stand before our Lord without fear. Because of Jesus, we can trust in the words of God that say, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;” (Isaiah 1:18,).

“In Order to be Completely Clean, We should be washed in the Word of God.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the precious gift of salvation. Thank You for making a way for me to be cleansed of all my sins. Lord, if I have sinned against You today, forgive me and help me live for You in all I do. Father, I stand on Your Truth in 1 John 1:9 that says if I confess my sins, You will cleanse me of all unrighteousness. Wash me clean and use me for Your kingdom 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

August 12th 2019 – Sharing Your Faith

“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.” (1 Peter 3:15)

Sharing our faith is critical for every Christian. After all, this is what Jesus commands us to do, and if we have been changed by the Gospel, why wouldn’t we want to share it? That being said, we are never called to be combative in sharing the Truth. We are to be bold and unwavering in speaking the Truth, but we should do so in meekness and respect.

When Peter is writing in the book of 1 Peter, he is talking to a church that is suffering. It would make sense that they would want to stand up and fight off those who are oppressing them, yet Peter calls for them to endure persecution with a readiness to share their faith. Not just share, but for them to do so in a gentle and respectful way. Peter says, “Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.”
(1 Peter 3:16)

A peaceable life, matched with a powerful message has the power to bring conviction and repentance. So try love others in such a way that even when you share hard truths, they will see your good works and glorify God.

Persecution is not an excuse to be mean-spirited or combative. Christians are called to suffer with meekness so that others may see their life and be saved.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your grace. Thank You for saving me and empowering me with the Holy Spirit so that I can live for You. Use my life to shine Your love and Truth to everyone around me. Give me a desire to share Jesus with everyone even though it may lead to persecution. Help me to be bold yet loving as I share the Good News of the Gospel with a hurting world. 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

August 11th 2019 – Fruit of the Spirit (P9)

We are on the last day of a 9-day journey. As we studied this week. Paul listed nine godly virtues that constitute the fruit of God’s Spirit—the inward and outward effect of having the gift of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. They are “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control

Temperance (self-control) – “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love” (2 Peter 1:5-7).

Where the New King James Version has “self-control,” the earlier King James Version used the word “temperance,” meaning self-restraint. Today, however, this word usually has the narrower sense of moderation or, when referring to alcoholic drinks, total abstinence. Therefore, as commonly understood today, temperance is only a small part of self-control.)

Anothing thing to considder, Is the sequential order of the nine godly virtues significant? The first listed, love, is clearly the most important. Is self-control, then, last because it’s leastimportant? On the contrary, self-control is extremely vital. Paul emphasized it alongside “righteousness … and the judgment to come” (Acts 24:25)

Perhaps self-control is listed last as the capstone—since it takes a lot of self-control to exercise the other eight virtues! It takes a lot of self-control just to “bridle” one’s tongue. Maybe Paul was thinking of love and self-control as the two great bookends for the set.

We all face temptations to sin—all our lives. When confronted with temptation, we must strive, as far as possible, to get away from it—flee! Even if you think you have a lot of self-control, don’t put it to the test unnecessarily.

Consider some of the things we are told to flee: “Flee” from a “stranger” (a teacher of lies), “flee sexual immorality” as Joseph had to literally flee (Genesis 39:12) , flee from idolatry, flee all kinds of evil, flee also youthful lusts. (John 10:5)

Jesus said, “The spirit [one’s attitude] indeed is willing but the flesh [human willpower] is weak” (Mathew 26:41) Jesus said, “The spirit [one’s attitude] indeed is willing but the flesh [human willpower] is weak”

God will not take away a person’s free will to make choices in life. But as long as you keep inviting Him into your life, He will empower you “to will and to act according to His good purpose” (Philippians 2:13)

As with all of us, certainly your biggest spiritual enemy has been yourself. But take heart. With God’s great help, you can conquer the enemy!

If you don’t Have Jesus in your life. Please considder Him. See the link below on how to ask Him into your heart. It will change your life!

“We need self-control to avoid not only outright evil but also too much of the good things.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come before you in prayer, to magnify and glorify your precious name. Draw close to me, Oh heavenly Father. Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, shape me into who You want me to be. Allow Your will to be done in my life in order for me to become a living, breathing testimony. Take control Jesus, be my strengh. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, Lord. Allow me to display self-control when temptations draw near. Help me to resist whatever comes my way. Make me pure, holy and true when the enemy tries to intervene. Give me peace in my mind, body and soul so that I can remain focused on You and Your word daily. Let your Word be the bread that I crave and want as much as the air that I breathe.Let lustful desires, anger, guilt, jealousy, sorrow and pride just fall away at the sound of Your great name. May these things not control my actions, my emotions or even my thoughts. I continually desire to seek You. Give me the strength to overcome. Continue to grow the Fruits of the Spirit in me. Without you, I cannot go on, I need You,  in Jesus’ precious 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

August 2nd 2019 – Learn His Holy Word

“Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11)

Sometimes we are unsure of what to do. That is why Bible study is so important. It helps us to know right from wrong and to realize God’s purpose and direction for our lives. Pilate knew what was right and he did not do it. I think we can all relate to that in our own lives. Sometimes we know what to do, but we just don’t do it. That is where Bible action (Bible application) comes into play. The Bible encourages us to be Bible doers, not just hearers. The church has long been accused of believing, but not doing. May our Bible study lead us to Bible action as we seek to step out in faith and do all God has called us to do. The Lord who calls us is also faithful to equip us to be doers of His Word.

“Our beliefs should lead us to action. What we say we believe should impact the way we live. Bible study should lead to Bible action.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, You created me to follow You and your teachings. I want to follow You well. I want what You have planned for my life. Help me learn Your word and live it. Keep me from doing wrong in my life. Grow me in faith by hearing Your word.  Search me and know my heart. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in Your way everlasting. I pray this 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

August 1st 2019 – The Path Ahead

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” (Proverbs 29:25)

Pour all of your energy into trusting God. It is through trust that you stay connected and aware of God’s presence. Every step in your life journey can be a step of faith. Baby steps of trust can be simple for you, you can take them with almost unconscious ease. Giant steps of faith are another matter altogether. These steps require sheer concentration as well as a utter commitment to God.

We are all at stages in life, each of us have different temperaments, and different gifts we have developed from our individual life experiences.
Something that is a baby step for one person could be a huge step for another person. Do not judge others who hesitate in trembling fear before a act that might be very easy for you. Beware of of trying to impress others by acting like your giant steps are baby ones or vice or versa. If each of us would seek to please God above all else, our fears of others or judgments would vanish, as would any attempts to impress others.

“Focus your attention on the path just ahead of you, and one on the One that never leaves your side.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, please continue to guide and direct our steps as we walk down life’s path. May we always seek you over all distractions. I praise you and all you have done in my life. I choose to seek and follow You as we continue to move forward from my current location on life’s path to where You Lord have destined me to be.
I love You, In Jesus’ name. Amen

Don’t walk down the path of life without Jesus by your side. If you have not accepted Him as your Savior,  Click Here to read Four Simple Steps to Jesus.

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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

July 31st 2019 – Be Truthful, Be Real!

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

Paul is being very honest about himself in this verse. He is not trying to appear 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 have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, Don’t wait! “In a flash of a second it could be too late!” Click Here to read Four Simple Steps to Jesus.

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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

July 30th 2019 – Game Changer

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life– the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us– that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” (1 John 1:1-4)

Our life, our fellowship with the Father, is all because of Jesus.  When you make Jesus the Lord of your life and His power comes within you it literally changes everything.  You could say “it’s a game changer.”  You see, when I try to do things on my own,  I only have my own power and mind to help me overcome it.  But when I let His life live big within me, I’m letting the life of the Eternal One, the very life of God Himself, reign within me.

Think of it like this.  We live in a world of computers.  If I wanted to figure out some big math problem with my own mind it might never get done but if I put the information into a computer that has the software to figure it out, it will get done in seconds.  So it is with us.  Our Heavenly Father has been here forever and knows the answer to all of life’s problems. He wants us to fellowship with Him through His Son Jesus, and when we do, all of a sudden it seems like things that seemed so big seem to get in line.

So today, don’t look to the problem, look to the Greater One Who lives within you.  Fellowship with Him.  Give Him a place of dominance in your life and watch how everything in life gets in line.

“Don’t let Jesus sit on the sidelines, Ask Him in your life.. He’s a Game Changer”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Today, I look to the You who lives within me. when all is darkness and we feel our weakness and helplessness, give us the sense of Your presence, Your love, and Your strength. Help us to have perfect trust in Your protecting love and strengthening power, so that nothing may frighten or worry us, for, living close to You, we shall see Your hand, Your purpose, Your will through all things. I thank You and love You Jesus,  Amen.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, Don’t wait! “In a flash of a second it could be too late!” Click Here to read Four Simple Steps to Jesus.

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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

July 29th 2019 – Against All The Odds

“Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. So Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.” (2 Chronicles 20:3)

Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, faced a major dilemma. His enemies greatly outnumbered him. To make things even worse, his enemies had joined forces with the other enemies of Israel and were making plans to destroy him and his kingdom. Then one day a messenger came to King Jehoshaphat and warned him that massive army was seen headed his way, bent on his ddestruction. The rumors were true, It was now confirmed! It was hopeless. There was no way that he could meet this army with what he had. He was going to be destroyed. What did Jehoshaphat do? The Bible says that he “set himself to seek the Lord.” He prayed, “O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You” (2 Chronicles 20:12).

The Lord told Jehoshaphat, “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you” (2 Chronicles 20:15–17).

Jehoshaphat and his army went out to meet their enemies, but did something nobody expected. He ordered his the worship team out on the front line armed with only their voices, the Bible says that when they began to sing and praise the Lord, the enemy started fighting among themselves and destroyed each other.

Maybe you are facing what seems like an impossible situation right now. You may not be able to see a way out. But God can. Call on Him. Then stand still and see what He will do.

You are not helpless or hopeless. Your destiny is in the hands of a God that loves you and wants to bless you, heal you and protect you.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help me for I am battling the inner demons of depression, sadness, and often hopelessness. Shine Your warm heavenly light down on me. I am in need of strength, courage and healing. Help me to be gentle with myself whenever I regress. Give me courage and strength to move forward following You way. Thank you for the special ones that love me, my family and friends. Guide me to find rest, happiness, and contentment in myself and in life. Today, I desire to choose You above everything else. Give me a heart of compassion and a willingness to think of others before myself. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, Don’t wait! “In a flash of a second it could be too late!” Click Here to read Four Simple Steps to Jesus.

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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

July 26th 2019 – Compromised

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

In today’s society, it can be difficult to live a life that calls for us to be different. We excuse away bad behavior and submit to pressures that weigh on us – and we compromise. We try to do things our own way and resist doing things God’s way. Second Chronicles 7:14 says, “If we seek Him humbly and turn from our wrongdoings we can have this intimate relationship with Him.” Zephaniah 1:1-6 Warns if we disobey Him, our lives will be consumed with ruin.

God longs for us to be obedient and to learn discipline, He desires a deep relationship with us. While we cannot live a perfect life, we can set our heart and minds on God and seek Him.

Are you living on the fence? Have you compromised in your relationship with Him or other Christians. What about in prayer or in time with Him and His Word? Are you willing to seek God and turn away from your own selfish ways? The day is drawing near when God will intervene in each of our lives. In our inability to offer Him anything, He still accepts you and me. God provides a way out through His Son, Jesus, as payment for our sins–for those who place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

What will you decide today? If you have a relationship with Jesus and you have been compromising and in a backslidden condition, now is the time to reevaluate and focus your eyes back on Jesus.

If you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He offers you the opportunity to decide to ask Him into your life, seek His forgiveness of your sins and live for Him.

Sit on the fence or reject Him and spend eternity separated from Him. This is an act of your will and no one can make the decision for you. The time is now.

“The warning still applies to us today.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for the opportunity to examine my relationship with You. I have strayed, and I do not want to compromise my life anymore. I commit myself to You afresh. I admit that I am a sinner. I believe You sent Your Son to die for my sins.Right now, I ask for Your power to help me turn from my sins. Thank You for forgiving me and saving me. Help me to be a blessing to You and others with each day that You give to 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org