Category Archives: General Devotions

December 29th 2018 – Just Because it’s Permissible..

Just Because it’s Permissible.. Does it Edify Me?

“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.” (1 Corinthians 10:23)

When I was in my twenties and even thirties, I used to be able to eat whatever I wanted and never gain any weight. Because I was working in different locations everyday, my colleagues and I ate alot of fast food. I would often sypersize my meals. Day after day I would eat like that and never gain a pound. Now if I even think about some of these supersized combos, I put on weight. I just can’t do what I once was able to do.

(Hebrews 12:1) tells us, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us.”

What may be a weight to one person isn’t necessarily a weight to others. Sometimes we’ll see another Christian doing something, and we’ll say, “Well, I’ll go ahead and do that too.” But what may not be a hindrance to another person can be a hindrance to you.

Sin is sin. And sin is the same for everyone. But there are certain things that some may have the freedom to do that others don’t have. So we have to look at those things and not simply ask whether they are permissible. We also need to ask whether they are edifying. It is not a matter of asking, “Is this allowed?” It’s a matter of asking, “Is this going to build me up?” So ask yourself that question.

The apostle Paul said, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify” (1 Corinthians 10:23). In other words, just because something is permissible for a Christian doesn’t mean that you ought to do it. Maybe it could hurt you.

“What is ok for me is not always ok for others, we all have different struggles.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the power I have in Christ to identify what is good and what is bad for me. It’s with Your power that I can control my thoughts and my emotions, rather than them controlling me. Help me focus on my ow issues than others, help me identify what may be ok for me is not always ok for others. Please protect me from myself and my own destructive sinful nature. Help me forgive myself and seek You first. It is because of Your promises of hope and salvation that I can rejoice no matter what the situation may be. Thank You Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Do 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..

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 27th 2018 – Honor One Another

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“Honor widows who are really widows.”(1 Timothy 5:3)

Throughout the Bible we are called upon to honor those around us. In Exodus we are called to honor our mother and father. In the book of Leviticus, God calls us to honor the elderly. Into the New Testament we are commanded to honor our spiritual leaders as well as widows. To honor someone is to place them in a high place, to see them as important. In short, to honor someone is to place more significance on them than on ourselves.

“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;” (Romans 12:10)

What if we all lived lives dedicated to honoring one another? The battles over minor differences would disappear as we seek out the best interest of the other person. The fight to be noticed or to gain power would be erased from even the church as we rejoice with those around us rather than see them as enemies or competition. This is exactly what Jesus did. In Philippians chapter 2 we see an image of Jesus stepping out of heaven for us. While we are not worthy of anything, He left His throne so that we could be forgiven. If we live as our Savior did, a servant to others, we will honor each other and the world will never be the same.

“To honor someone is to place a value upon them that supersedes the focus on ‘self’.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Today I thank You for the love and grace that You have shown me. Help me to show the same love and grace towards those around me. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can honor them. Whether it’s through kind words, generous gifts or diligent work; give me the strength to live like Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Interested in experiencing forgiveness and love found in Jesus? Please click here to learn more about how to ask Jesus into your heart. 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 26th 2018 – Develop Your Spiritual Passions

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“We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.” (2 Corinthians 10:4)

God wants to change the way we live and the way we think. He does this by using the following seven areas. God wants us to grow as people and as followers of Jesus. In studying and teaching the Bible, I have seen that certain areas are absolutely critical. Meaning, if we fail in one or more of these areas, we will not be everything we have been called to be.

Seven Spiritual Passions:

1. Reading/studying the Bible
2. Praying
3. Evangelism/discipleship
4. Worship
5. Giving/tithes and offerings
6. Serving
7. Fellowship/family

Take a long look at this list. How are you doing in each one of these areas? Prayerfully rank yourself with a 1-10 in each of these seven areas. If you feel really bold, ask a loved one or friend to help you score yourself. Chances are, you are strong in some areas and weak in others areas. Spend time, pray and explore scriptures in the areas you are weak. God wants you to grow where you are weak. Be encouraged though because where we are weak, He is strong (2 Corinthians 13:9).

“The Bible, the Word of God, is our spiritual food and we should consume daily”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for salvation and Your Word. Lord, help me to recognize the areas where I am weak and make changes in my life that glorify You. Lord bring others into my life that will challenge me to develop my spiritual passions. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Interested in experiencing forgiveness and love found in Jesus? Please click here to learn more about how to ask Jesus into your heart. 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 25th 2018 – Celebrating The Birth of Christ

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“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

Jesus came for no other reason than to seek and to save those that are lost, and to destroy the works of the enemy.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” (Luke 19:10)

“But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.”(1 John 3:8)

Knowing this, when we read a Scripture like today’s, we can see that God sent His Son into the world to redeem us. I love how this verse gives us different names of Jesus. Let us look at them today:

His name will be called Wonderful, He is the most wonderful of all! He is high and lifted up, and one day, we will see His glory.

He is our Counselor. He is the greatest counselor that we could ever have. When we need wisdom, we need to go to Him, for He is all wisdom. He created us, and He knows what makes us tick. So go to Him for your counsel. Fall on your knees, and listen to His sweet, still voice.

He is the Mighty God. He is the One true God who came to redeem us and set us free. He is the only God, and the only One that can bring us to salvation, and the forgiveness of sin.

He is the Everlasting Father, and as Daniel has stated in his book, He is the Ancient of Days. He was before there ever was anything. He is the beginning, because He created the beginning. All things revolve around Him, and He is the One who has now given us eternal life.

He is the Prince of Peace. One day, when the rulers of this world bow to Him, there will be peace on earth as this world has not seen since before the fall of Adam and Eve. The scripture says that the lion will lay with the lamb. There will be no more death or sickness. There will be no more sorrow or tears. This is the true peace that our hearts yearn for. So today, look at each of these names and let Him become all of them to you!

“Today, I declare that Jesus is Wonderful to me! He is my Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.”

Christmas is an opportunity. Not an opportunity for selfish gain, but an opportunity to give God the gift He desires. Maybe you gave your heart to Jesus years ago and wandered. Maybe you’ve never given your heart to God.
As we celebrate Jesus giving Himself to us, won’t you take the opportunity to give yourself to Jesus?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me so much. Thank You that You would leave heaven to come, suffer and die for me. You are the Gift of all Gifts. Sometimes I have neglected the gift that You gave, forgive me. Lord, I have been blessed by You. Thank You for Your incredible plan for my salvation. I will continue to give all of my life to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Merry Christmas From Scriptural Seeds Ministries.

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

Interested in experiencing forgiveness and love found in Jesus? Please click here to learn more about how to ask Jesus into your heart. 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 24th 2018 – The Real Purpose of Christmas

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“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:1)

This is always a busy time of year for almost everyone. For us as Christians, it’s been a joyful celebration of the birth of Jesus. We marvel at the fact that God humbled Himself and was born in a barn. But why did He come?

First, Jesus Christ came to proclaim good news to the spiritually hurting, to preach the good news to us.

He came to heal the broken-hearted. Isnt it interesting that with all the advancements in medical science, they found ways to reduce and even remove pain. But there is pain relief or cure for a broken heart.

Jesus came to set people free who are bound by sin. Jesus came to open our spiritual eyes to our spiritual need.

He came to lift up those who have been crushed by life. He came to give us abundant life. Jesus came to lift us from the physical realm of the senses to the spiritual realm to show us that there is more to life.

He came to give His life for us. Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). He came to die.

On this evening over 2000 years ago ,Jesus Christ came to this earth for you and me. So we can come to Him to give our lives purpose and meaning, to forgive us of our sins, and to give us the hope of Heaven beyond the grave. Christmas is not about trees and flashing lights or shopping and presents. Christmas is not about the gifts under the tree. Rather, Christmas is about the gift that was given on the tree when Christ died there for our sins and gave us the gift of eternal life.

“Jesus Christ came to this earth to seek and save those of us who are lost, just as a shepherd seeks a lost sheep.”

Prayer:

Salvation is a gift from God, not a reward.

Ask God for your Gift!

Eternal Salvation is a gift from God that will enable you to spend eternity in Heaven. To receive this gift, you need to accept Christ into your life by confessing with your mouth, a prayer of salvation. You must also repent and turn away from your sins and begin living a life that is pleasing to God. If you feel you have done too many bad things for God to forgive you, you are wrong. Jesus died a brutal death on the cross for the sins of all mankind.

Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

Whether you are old or young, rich or poor, a liar, a thief, an adulterer, a murder and so on, if you truly repent with a sincere heart and accept Jesus, YOU WILL BE SAVED…. Say a Prayer of Salvation & Ask Jesus Into Your Heart Now!

“Heavenly Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

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

Interested in experiencing forgiveness and love found in Jesus? Please click here to learn more about how to ask Jesus into your heart. 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 23rd 2018 – News of Great Joy!

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but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior yes, the Messiah, the Lord has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! (Luke 2:10-11)

The angel began that wonderful announcement to the shepherds with, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news that will bring great of great joy.”

Maybe you are suffering today. It may be illness, sadness, feeling alone. Some might find themselves asking this Christmas season, where is all this joy?

But what is the joy about? Is it about an opportunity to go shopping? Is the message of Christmas “Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow?” No, the real reason is, “Let us worship!”

The angels’ visit to the shepherds became the first Christmas celebration. It’s as though Heaven and earth were celebrating it together, as though a window to glory had been opened up. These shepherds saw something supernatural world, the heavenly world. On that first Christmas, there was a big celebration in Heaven and on earth over the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We have a Savior: “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

That is the most important thing. We have a Savior who came to save us from the power and penalty of sin. Whatever you are going through in life, remember this: you have a Savior. He has put your sins as far away from you as the east is from the west.

The word Christ means “the anointed one.” Another word for that is Messiah. Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s promise to send His Son as the Messiah. This is a simple reminder that God keeps His promises. God said that He would send a Messiah, and the Messiah came.

Lord means that we have a sovereign God who is in control of our lives.

So set aside the things you have become preoccupied with and remember that we have a Savior. We have a Lord! We have a Christ. And we have His wonderful promises!

“We will never truly enjoy Christmas until we have looked up into the Father’s face and told Him that we have received His beautiful Christmas gift!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me so much. Thank You that You would leave heaven to come, suffer and die for me. You are such a precious gift. If I have neglected the gift that You gave and I am sorry. Lord, I truly have been blessed by You. Thank You for Your incredible plan for my salvation. I give all of my life to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Interested in experiencing forgiveness and love found in Jesus? Please click here to learn more about how to ask Jesus into your heart. 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 22nd 2018 – Ready And Waiting

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“For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.” (1 Corinthians 11:26)

Have you ever had to wait in line for something you love? Maybe you have stood in line to be first at a movie. You may even be someone who loves to get up at 3 am so you can sit outside the store right before a holiday big sale. Or Someone that has been waiting all year for Christmas. Whatever the case, we all have experienced anticipation for something we love. You can even say that, as Christians, we are all living lives of expectation as we wait for the coming of our Lord.

(Romans 8:18) “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

Just imagine, all the sufferings of this world including the sadness, sickness, pain and death that are all around us will one day be gone. While we wait here on earth and endure the hardships of a fallen world, Jesus Christ prepares our new home and will one day return to take us there. This is not fantasy or a mad man’s dream. These are the very Truths of God and they can be trusted. So no matter how long this line of earth may seem, continue to look up and be reminded that one day He is coming.

“We should always be thinking of and looking forward to the coming of our Lord.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your love and the hope I can have in Jesus. Forgive me of my sins and make me new. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can share the hope of heaven with everyone I meet. Use me today to share the gift of salvation and change someone’s eternity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Song – Gonna See Your Kingdom (Mikeschair)

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

Interested in experiencing forgiveness and love found in Jesus? Please click here to learn more about how to ask Jesus into your heart. 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 21st 2018 – Making Room For Jesus

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“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)

It is the season where we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ; when God became Man. His reception was not a glorious one by any standard. Our Lord and Savior, the Creator of the universe, was born in a barn and lain in a feeding trough because there was no room for Him in the inn. Before we judge the people of that day for not making room for Him, ask yourself, are you making room for Him? Are you making time to spend with Him, time for fellowship with others who know Him, to worship Him and to learn of Him from the bible? Or is there a sign written on your heart and life that says ‘no room’. My prayer for you in the busyness of this Christmas season and in the coming year is that you would make room for Him in your life and in your heart.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving us so much that You would come as one of us, not in ritual and splendor even though You could have, but You came in simplicity and humility. Lord, if there is any way that I have failed to make room for You in my heart and life, I ask You to forgive me and to show me. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Invitation:

Salvation is a gift from God that will enable you to spend eternity in Heaven. To receive this gift, you need to accept Christ into your life by confessing with your mouth, a prayer of salvation. You must also repent and turn away from your sins and begin living a life that is pleasing to God. If you feel you have done too many bad things for God to forgive you, you are wrong. Jesus died a brutal death on the cross for the sins of all mankind.

Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

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

Interested in experiencing forgiveness and love found in Jesus? Please click here to learn more about how to ask Jesus into your heart. 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 20th 2018 – The Secret of Contentment

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“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” (1 Timothy 6:6-7)

In the world today, many believe that acquiring wealth leads to happiness. On the flip-side there are some who believe that only when we live with nothing will we experience true peace. Both of these thoughts are scripturally incorrect because they seek to find fulfillment in things other than Christ. The truth is that true joy can only be found in a relationship with Christ. When we experience His love, His grace and His mercy, we no longer are slaves to our circumstances. Instead, we are free to experience a full life regardless of our bank account or social standing.

“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13)

Paul had experienced stoning, snake bites, ship wrecks and hatred from people he loved dearly and yet he was able to remain content. How is that possible? It is because he knew Who He was serving and loved Jesus above everything else. When we combine our love for God with an acceptance of His will for our lives above our own, we will find great gain. Stop fighting against what God has planned for you, embrace your situation and use it for the glory of God.

“You cannot have great gain in life without godliness and contentment.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank You for my life and the circumstances that I find myself in. Good or bad, You are using these things to help me become closer to You. Help me to walk in godliness, seeking You at every turn. Empower me with Your Spirit so that I can be content whether I have a lot or have nothing at all. May I glorify You in all things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Interested in experiencing forgiveness and love found in Jesus? Please click here to learn more about how to ask Jesus into your heart. 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 19th 2018 – Christmas Grace

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:10-11)

Gold, frankincense, and myrrh…these were the first Christmas gifts ever. These three things were precious and valuable. But more precious to God were the three people who fell in worship of Him.

Growning up for me was very lonely, I didnt have any family other then my parents, I didnt have siblings to play with either. My father didn’t enjoy being around people so even having friends over was very scarce.

It wasn’t until I had my own family and children before I started trying to enjoy Christmas. I do have fond memories raising my children with trees, carols, wreaths, lights, feasting and the joy of family and friends gathered together. However I didnt really understand what Christmas was all about. I only understood the secular view…Santa Clause and television shows and commercials teaching children greed and selfish gain.

My parent’s never discussed Jesus when I was a child, mostly because neither of them knew Him themselves. It was not until I endured a life changing tragedy, and only at that time did I come to know Jesus personally.

I do understand Christmas now, its not what the world teaches. Its not all about gifts and trees with lights. Its not even about my desires or wants. Its a celebration of Jesus birth.

God wants us to enjoy this season and He wants to bless us with good things, including His GRACE – God’s – Riches At Christ’s Expense.

Do you know what God desires? His desire is for your heart. Christmas is an opportunity. Not an opportunity for selfish gain, but an opportunity to give God the gift He desires. Maybe you gave your heart to Jesus years ago and have wandered away. Maybe you’ve never given your heart to God at all.

As we celebrate Jesus giving Himself to us, won’t you take the opportunity to give yourself to Jesus?

“You are precious to God.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me so much. Thank You that You would leave heaven to come, suffer and die for me. You are such a precious gift. I have neglected the gift that You gave and I am sorry. Lord, I have been blessed by You. Thank You for Your incredible plan for my salvation. I give all of my life to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Interested in experiencing forgiveness and love found in Jesus? Please click here to learn more about how to ask Jesus into your heart. 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

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