Category Archives: General Devotions

November 10th 2018 – Sin…Not So Fun After All!

“It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin.” (Hebrews 11:24-25)

There can be an initial excitement when we commit sin. Of course, it doesn’t last long. The Bible says that Moses “chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin” (Hebrews 11:25) The Bible also says “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

When you get away with something and nothing happens, there is an initial euphoria. You think, They lied to me, it’s actually fun. It will be fun . . . at first. It could be exciting and fun to take a selfie with a train coming. . . until the train actually hits you. The same is true of sin. It can be pleasurable for a time until it destroys you or your life.

The first time you get away with whatever it is you shouldn’t have done, you think, This is pretty cool. I can be a Christian and still do all of this stuff too. You believe you are getting away with it and that you can actually have the best of both worlds. You’ve convinced yourself that you can live a double life. You might even say that you feel good about it. But your feelings can mislead you. And it will all come crashing down.

Sometimes when God doesn’t bust us right away for our stupidity, we think we can always get away with it. When we don’t reap the immediate consequences of a sin, we might even, in our deranged thinking, rationalize what we are doing. Yet (Ecclesiastes 8:11) says, “When a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong.” Don’t confuse God’s grace with His permission, and even worse, His blessing.

As long as we never do wrong and always do right, we don’t and won’t have a problem with sin. That may sound easy to some. But the truth is, we are all sinners…

However the Bible tells us how to deal with past sins and how to deal with sin in the present and future. It is easier than you think. “Past sins,” you may ask? Ask for forgiveness.

(1 John 1:9-10) “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.”

What about dealing with our present sins? (Hebrews 12:1-2) says that we should strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up and that we should run with endurance the race God has set before us.

“Sin will blind you, and then it will find you. Your sin will find you out.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for taking my sin upon You. I am sorry for the wrong things I have done and for the right I have failed to do. I confess my sins to You and ask for forgiveness. (Confess your sins, by act and by name to Him). Lord, thank You for helping me with my past and present sins. Help me to keep my eyes not on my sin, but on my Savior, Jesus. Help me to soar by casting off the weights of sin. Help me to live the life You have called me to live. I thank You for having a winning game plan for dealing with my Sin, In Jesus’ name, Amen

Looking to ask Jesus into or recommit your life to Him? Read Below..

Jesus says “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” (Revelation 3:20)

The Bible promises eternal life to all who receive Christ: “And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life. I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.” (1 John 11-13)

If you have not asked Jesus into your life, You can receive Jesus Christ right now by faith through prayer.

Prayer is just talking with God. He knows your heart, so don’t worry about getting your words just right. Here is a suggested prayer to guide you:

Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive you as my Saviour and Lord. Thank you for forgiving me of my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be. Amen.

If you have done this, then congratulations! (Luke 15:7) says that when one sinner accepts Jesus Christ as his or her Saviour the angels rejoice. So there’s a party going on in heaven right now over your decision! Remember this date as your “second birthday,” the day you were born into a new life in Christ! You have God’s Word that he answered your prayer.

Please take a moment to contact me at roblavallee@gmail.com, I would love to pray with you personally for this wonderful new journey you are on..

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 9th 2018 – Love or Fear

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“for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision.” (Galatians 2:12)

Are you afraid of people? While we often think of that question in terms of physical harm, the reality is that most of the time our fear of others is a fear of rejection or ridicule. This fear leads us to disobedience or apathy.

One of the primary examples of this is our fear to witness to others. We have the greatest news in the world and yet alot of people are afraid to share it because of what someone may think. Imagine if the apostle Paul was fearful of men. We would not have a large chunk of the New Testament or the spread of the Gospel. Paul put aside his fear of others because he had a healthy fear of the Lord. In other words, his love for the Lord trumped his fear of people. Step out today and be a witness. God is with you and He can use that one step of faith for something amazing.

(Proverbs 29:25) “The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father , Thank You for Your love and grace. Help me to love others much more then fear. Give me boldness to tell the Truth about You. Lord, I want to extend the same grace You have given me to others. I need You. Please work in my life and in my heart. I surrender it ALL to 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.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 8th 2018 – Let There Be Light

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“For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)

In the beginning God spoke into the darkness and created the light. This light was the beginning of a new world. Like our world, we all begin in darkness because of our sinful nature. As the holidays are approaching we need to remember to have an attitude greatfulness and thanksgiving and truly be excited because the Light of God himself has come into our darkness. Two thousand years ago in a stable in Bethlehem, Jesus Christ came in the form of man. He, who had created light in the beginning of time, was now on our earth as a light to men.

What great news! The Lord of all creation has come to bring light and life to men. As we give our lives to Jesus, He speaks into our lives and light bursts forth in brilliant beams. This light transforms us from the inside and we are made new. As you celebrate with family and friends this upcoming season, look at all the lights around you and remember ‘The Light’ of the world. As you do that, remember that He has come to make us lights to this world as well. What an honor, to be given the Light of God to share with others who are in darkness. Surely, this is what the holiday season is all about.

“Shine as bright lights that illuminate the darkness.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the light given to men through Your Son, Jesus. Father, forgive me of my sins and fill me with Your light so that I may share You with this dark world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Living in the dark? Looking for meaning and direction? 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. 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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 6th 2018 – It All Starts with You and Me

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“These lived in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest, the scribe.” (Nehemiah 12:26)

In the days of Nehemiah, there was only a small percentage of Israel that left Babylon to go back to the land and yet, their love for God and for each other leads to incredible things. Each person was part of rebuilding the wall, defending against enemies and encouraging one another. Today, the same is true about each of us. When we give our life to God, we can change the world.

Will your life make a difference? Over and over, we have one life making a difference in the Bible and in real life. Not just the well-known heavy hitters like Moses or Paul, but two men many don’t know or could not identify. Ezra and Nehemiah made a huge impact in their community and in the course of their nation. You can impact the course of your family, neighborhood, town state or even the world. That being said, changing the world is too big. You don’t start out by changing the world; you start out by saying ‘yes’ to God. Then, you begin to change, and then your light begins to influence or change others. This leads to a domino effect of change that leads to communities that are on fire for Jesus Christ, which can change the world.

“There is no question; one life can make a difference. The only question is… will it change yours? You decide.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I desire to use my life for Your Kingdom. I am imperfect but willing. Take my life, my resources and my relationships and use them to impact my community with the Truth of the Gospel. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I am fully equipped for this ministry. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you have never asked Jesus into your life, or wan’t to recommit your life to Him, please click here

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 5th 2018 – Words Have Power

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“I am the rose of Sharon, And the lily of the valleys.” (Song of Solomon 2:1)

What causes someone to change their view of themselves? Could it be as simple as kind words of affection? It was in the case of Solomon and his bride to be. In chapter one of Song of Solomon, we find the Shulamite depressed about her appearance when she says, “Do not look at me, because I am dark, because the sun has tanned me.” She is concerned about her appearance because she worked in the vineyards, under the hot sun, and was unable to care for herself. Compare those original words to chapter two where she calls herself a rose of Sharon. What a change of perspective, and all because Solomon spoke loving words of affection and encouragement to her. This shouldn’t surprise us since God’s Word describes the power of words in the book of James.

(James 3:5) “In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.”

The power of our speech is unbelievable. Many times we forget that and hurt with our words rather than heal. God desires that we all walk with grace, humility and love for one another. We should look for opportunities to lift one another up with our words. Speak words of gratitude, of thanksgiving and of grace to one another. Husbands, speak affectionate words to your wife. Wives, speak words of encouragement to your husbands. In this circle of loving words and affection, you will find a healthy, growing relationship. We also need to practice how we speak to others as well as to ourselves. Our words are powerful so let’s use them wisely.

“Our words are powerful tools that can be used to build people up or tear people down.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for relationships. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can speak loving words into those I relate to, whether my spouse, children or friends. Give me patience to love even when the love is not returned. I ask for wisdom to know when to speak and when to keep silent. Use my words to heal and to glorify Your Name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you have never asked Jesus into your life, or wan’t to recommit your life to Him, please click here

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 4th 2018 – Someone Hit and Run Off with My “Peace”

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“And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison.” (Acts 12:6)

How often do you allow the troubles of life to steal your peace? Do you replay events over and over in your mind wishing you had done something differently, and sometimes even allow bad events to set the tone for the rest of your day?

I am reminded of a story about a man who while on his way to work stops to get a soda, when he is inside the gas station, someone bumps into his car and drives off. When he finally got to work, a colleague asked him how he was doing. Through clenched teeth he said, “Terrible! Someone bumped into my car and drove off.” He walked into his office, slammed the door, threw the chair back from his desk, and picked up a phone to speak harshly to an employee. At lunch, the waiter at the restaurant asked him how he was doing and he responded, “Terrible! Someone hit my care this morning!” Later that evening when he got home his wife asked him how his day went and he said, “It was terrible! I had someone hit and run me this morning!” That one event shaped his entire day and not only that, his bad attitude affected everyone he came across. In Acts chapter 12, we see James had been killed by Herod and Peter was imprisoned. Although Peter was probably about to be executed, he was sleeping! Now as far as ‘bad days’ go, I’d rank his pretty high on the list, yet Peter is comfortable and peaceful enough to sleep. Peter was at peace in the Lord as we should be. No matter what the circumstance.

Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

No matter what trial or tribulation you are facing, know that there will be a day when you will be free from it. It may not be until you are with the Lord in Heaven, but you will be free from it. Be at peace, Christian! You have an awesome promise to look forward to…

(Revelation 21:3-4) “And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

“Practice finding peace in Jesus during the troubles of life.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for sending Your only Son, Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. Thank You for the promise that one day, You will wipe the tears from my eyes and there will be no more death, sorrow or crying. Thank You that I can have peace through Jesus, no matter what trial or difficulties I am experiencing. Please forgive me for the times when I have surrendered my peace to a situation or problem and help me to live for You every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you would like to find true peace and surrender it all and seek Jesus, or recommit your life to Him, please click here

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 2nd 2018 – Stretched Out Love

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“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

In 1st Peter chapter 4, the apostle uses an interesting word to describe the love we are to have for one another. He says we are to have a “fervent” love. In the Greek, this word means “stretched out” and carries with it a picture of a runner straining for the finish line. It’s a vivid image of a love that never quits. This love is a marathon type of love, not a sprint.

What does this “stretched out” love look like? Peter answers this question with the next quote, “Love will cover a multitude of sins.” In other words, a fervent, stretched-out love is a love that forgives no matter the cost. Like a marathon runner continues despite the burning in his lungs and the cramps in his muscles because he desires to achieve the goal, so we should endure the pain of rejection and the harsh words of those around us with a love in our hearts and a forgiving spirit. How can we love like this? We can love this way because Christ first loved us. He loved us even when we were sinners. He loved us, even when we rebelled against Him. He loved us with stretched out arms on the cross. Let’s love each other in the same way.

“We should stretch ourselves in order to love one another. This means being willing to forgive no matter the cost.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your love and ask that You would help me to love others in the same way. Help me to forgive often, love unconditionally and serve those around me. Use my fervent love to draw others to Your amazing grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you would like to surrender it all and seek Jesus, or recommit your life to Him, please click here

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 1st 2018 – Our Defense

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“You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble!”(James 2:19)

If the reporters were to interview Satan himself during this election process, we might be really surprised at how orthodox he is. For example, if they were to ask him, “Do you believe the Bible is the Word of God?” I think he would say, “Yes, I hate every word of it. But I know it is the Word of God.”

If they were to ask, “Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God?” again, I think he would say yes. When Jesus encountered two demon-possessed men, the demons cried out, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God?” (Matthew 8:29) They knew Jesus was the Son of God.

James wrote, “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble!” (James 2:19).

I think the Devil reads the Bible, but he reads it to misquote it. In the same way, false teachers memorize their little group of Bible verses to prove their false doctrine. And if we don’t know the context of those verses and what the Bible teaches, we can be pulled into their false teachings.

The Bible tells us that in the last days, false teachers will draw people after themselves who have an itch for novelty. They will tell people what they want to hear. Others will say there is no God at all.

For us Christians, the way to counteract that is to “share Jesus when we are prompted to people we encounter. For the leaders and teachers of the church, we need to Preach the Word of God! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2).

If you don’t know the Bible well, you can be misled. But if you’re conversant with the teaching of the Bible, when something false comes along, you’ll know the difference between what is true and what isn’t.

When voting this midterm election, we need to be diligent to prayerfully pick our candidates and continue to lift our country up in prayer…

“Be ready in season and out of season to share Gods truth”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for sharing your blessings and gifts with me. Please help me today to follow Your example and use these gifts to draw people to You. Please place friends, family, and acquaintances in my path every day so I can tell them about You. Thank You for working in my life, and using me to bless others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you would like to surrender it all and seek Jesus, or recommit your life to Him, please click here

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

October 30th 2018 – Ears to Hear

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“He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”(Matthew 13:9)

A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. Jesus would often teach a moral Truth by connecting natural things to make incredible spiritual points. Too often; however, the people did not want to hear the Truth He brought. Jesus was fond of saying, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” Obviously, God gave us ears for listening. Do we always? If we were honest with ourselves, we would have to say “no”.

Here are some things overheard from people leaving countless churches across this land. “The teaching was on point today” or “I just wasn’t feeling’ it today.”

Why do we go to church? Is it to grade the teacher? Is it to evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching? No – We go to church to hear from God.

The Apostle John wrote that the same Holy Spirit that instructs the teacher also instructs the Christian. The Bible tells us that scripture is God-breathed, and it is a discerner of the heart’s intentions which does not return void (doesn’t fail)

(Isaiah 55:11) “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thingfor which I sent it.”

(Hebrews 4:12) “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

So, whose fault is it when we go to church, listen to a teaching from the Bible, and don’t receive? Here’s a hint: It’s not the teacher, it’s not the Bible and it’s not God. That’s right. It’s our own fault. We don’t hear because we don’t like the challenge.

We should never walk away from a Bible teaching church (no matter who the teacher is) without realizing a change or recognizing a step we need to take. Make it your personal commitment to find the life-challenge, the life lesson within each teaching, and apply it to your life. Share it with a friend or a family member. Ask them to hold you accountable for making that change.

(James 1:25) “But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

“We should be living the Bible (to our best ability) not just hearing the Bible.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. I know I am incapable of paying the debt for my sins. Thank You for providing Your Son, Jesus, to pay that debt. I am grateful that You delight in having a relationship with me. Lord, help me to apply Your Word in my daily life and live out a life of peace and faith. 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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

October 24th 2018 – New Beginnings

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“The earth is full of his unfailing love.” (Psalm 33:5)

New beginnings often give us a sense of hope and joy. Newly married couples radiate happiness on their wedding day. Choosing a new place to live is often an exciting adventure. There’s a certain energy that accompanies the start of a new job.

God designed creation to give us a similar sense of hope and joy. Before sin entered the world, creation radiated God’s justice, faithfulness, and love. God’s word, by which the heavens and the earth were created, gave structure and meaning to all created things.

At times, we still catch glimpses of this beauty and joy in creation. We marvel at the majestic views of a beach and ocean. We watch the sun set over the water. We wonder at the complex patterns of frost etched on our window panes. We admire the fresh snow blanketing trees in the winter. And when spring comes, we are delighted with the first blade of grass or the first blooming flower.

Too often, though, in our hurry through life we miss the creative majesty of God at work. What’s new soon becomes old, and we feel no reason to offer praise or even take notice. As you enter this new year, ask God to help you instead to observe something new each day about his unfailing love in creation.

“Dont hurry through life we miss God’s creative majesty at work.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, the stars and the seas declare your goodness and love. By your Holy Spirit, help us do the same. Open my heart and my eyes to see You Lord while observing creation all around me. Thank You for my family and my friends. In Jesus’ precious and glorious name I pray, Amen.

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

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

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