Category Archives: General Devotions

January 9th 2018 – You Are A Miracle, Share Your Testimony

“When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)

Above are the humble words of the Apostle Paul in a letter to the Corinthians. He states that he relied only on the Holy Spirit to reach the people. No lofty words and impressive wisdom.

Do you think that more people would have accepted Jesus, if during Pauls message he could have dazzled the croud with a modern worship experience? Lasers and Lights, beautiful worship songs. What if Paul had through the Holy Spirit preformed a miracles?

Have you ever wondered that if you could do a miracle for your non-Christian friends, they would become believers? Maybe you’ve thought to youself, “If I could just do a miracle, I know they would believe on the spot.”

I don’t think so. I am sure it would be amazing. It probably would move them deeply. But a million signs and wonders would not make the world turn to Christ. When a person believes in Jesus, it is an act of the heart; an act of the will that has to take place.

A miracle is not going to convince someone. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, and afterward, they plotted to kill Jesus and Lazarus. (John 12) says that when all the people heard of Jesus’ arrival, they flocked to see Him and also Lazarus, the man whom Jesus raised from the dead. And then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus too. Poor Lazarus. Wasn’t bad enough that he had to die once, and then the religious leaders wanted to kill him again. Why? Because Lazarus was a living, breathing miracle. His presence alone was a testimony to the power of God.

And guess what? You are a living, breathing miracle.  If you can talk about how God has changed your life and how He has transformed you. You are a powerful representative of Jesus Christ. So be one.

Our message to a lost world is that we are all sinners. We are separated from God. But God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son to die on the cross for our sins and to pay the price for us on the cross and to rise again from the dead. That is the gospel. Just proclaim it, and watch what God will do!

“The revelation of God’s Truth can be that hope which sets you free.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your generous love for me. I am so grateful that I can run to You in times of need and You will hear my cry. Father, I ask for Your strength and wisdom today. I am so thankful for the many promises found in Your Word. Help me take each one to heart and to allow Your Truths to change me. Protect me from the fears and doubts that can cloud my thinking, and give me boldness to stand on Your Word and to share it with others. No matter where I find myself I ask that You would guide my steps and use me for Your purposes. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God has made it possible for you to know Him and experience an amazing change in your own life. Click here  to discover how you can find peace with God.

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

 

 

January 4th 2018 – Shattered and Scattered

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfareb and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.” (Jeremiah 29:11–14)

Have you dropped a glass and watched it shatter and scatter across the floor? There was nothing you could do but sweep it up and throw it away. You might remind yourself not to go barefoot any time soon since splinters of glass sometimes linger.

Can you relate this scenario to a broken heart? It may have felt like it shattered into a million pieces. You probably felt it would never mend. The hurt was just too deep; too painful.

“Time heals all wounds,” but at the moment of the shattering, it is impossible to believe. You look for brighter days, but your view is through a soul that sees only gray. You are numb.

Painful events generate broken hearts: the death of a loved one, children gone astray, a relationship gone wrong or  perhaps loved ones turned on you with no reguard for your heart. In any event, you do not feel like you can go another moment, let alone another day. You may ask yourself, “Am I depressed, oppressed, or just one big mess?”

I have had my life, my dreams and my heart “shattered and scattered”  … when I was in my, I lost my childhood sweetheart, my best friend and my father within a short period of my life. Their loss was very painful, the brokeness and loneliness I was experiencing was more then I could deal with. Out of fear of being alone, I met someone that year and got married. I built a new life, dreams and a family. I worked very hard and eventually started a very successful business that I operated for many years. After 15 years of a awsome marriage, with no warning, My wife emptied our bank account, and abandoned not only myself but our children. With all of my dreams broken and shattered again, I had to be strong for my children, however I discovered how codependent I was. I was trying to deal with the pain on my own and instead, generated more distress bitterness and anger.

Five long years I struggled. Knowing that I couldn’t handle any of this pain any longer, dealing with thoughts of ending my life. I attended a faith based 12 Step group. Shortly after, gave my life Jesus, and asked for His help to put my life back together. I had placed myself up on the Potter’s wheel and said, “Lord you have to fix me. I can’t do it myself.”

(Jeremiah 17:14) “Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.”

Only God can truly mend your brokenness. He is the Potter and His specialty is molding us and shaping us. We need to remain on the Potter’s wheel to be restored, but often we run to others. It is wonderful to get support from a Godly friend or prayer with your Pastor, but this should be in addition to, not a substitute for time alone with the Lord.

“Only God can truly mend a broken heart, so don’t delay if you find yourself in need of repair.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I praise you for taking a shattered and scattered life and like a broken glass, when someone would normally throw it away. You Lord fashioned me back together. I love you Lord.

Thank you for my sweet wife that you brought into my life 7 years ago, Thank you for bringing my children to know you and thank you for my friends.. As your word says, You indeed carried me through devastation and restored my life… even thought life continues to be hard at times. I am greatful that You are here for me every step of the way. Accepting You as my Lord and Savior was the greatest decision I ever made. Thank You for Your endless pursuit of me. I love You Lord. In Your precious name, Amen.

God has made it possible for you to know Him and experience an amazing change in your own life. Click here  to discover how you can find peace with God.

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

 

 

January 2nd 2018 – God’s Enrichment Plan

“Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.” (2 Corinthians 9:11)

How is it that we can find enrichment when we give of ourselves? After all, shouldn’t the accumulation of wealth and stuff bring about enrichment in our lives? This may be how the world views growth and enrichment, but in God’s economy, growth comes through giving.

The sad reality is that the more we receive, the more we are likely to be selfish and greedy. When we act according to God’s design, our giving leads us into enriched, generous lives. In essence, our giving helps check those feelings of selfishness and greed. Most people use their blessings to be blessed, the question is, “Are you using your gifts, talents, resources and finances to bless other people?” If not, you are failing the test of being blessed in the first place. If you have failed that test, don’t worry. Instead, begin walking in thankfulness, and God will bring you to a place where you will pass with flying colors. Many times, a generous life begins first with thanksgiving, then obedience, sharing, and generosity. When we begin living generously with our time, energy and finances, God will bless us with more because we have been faithful with little.

“Receiving from God is both a blessing and a test.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for salvation and the countless other blessings I experience on a daily basis. Help me to live a life of generosity and love so that more people may hear Your Word and find new life in Christ. 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

 

December 31st 2017 – Pruning and Bearing More Fruit

“For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death.” (Romans 7:5)

The technological advancements made by mankind in the last century or even the last 20 years are astounding. Yet with all our technology, we still have to wait for lettuce to ripen and for olives to mature. Lettuce ripens a month and a half after planting, but for an olive the wait is at least four years. Some of us, like the lettuce, are maturing quickly while others, like olives, are improving more slowly. Something changed in you when you were saved, and still… God is making changes to you.

(Romans 7:6) “But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.”

We should all be bearing fruit. There may be times that you need to endure pruning before you bear fruit. Pruning redirects energy to the right places. If you are not being fruitful, maybe you need to redirect energy toward the Lord. Don’t just come to church, be the church. Be praying, giving, serving – joining hands with your church to achieve something far greater than any one of us could achieve alone.

“Christianity is not do-it-yourself religion. Its a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and fellowship with the family.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Give me the desire to grow in righteousness through the washing of Your Word, in serving You and prayer. Help me to love and serve others in the place where You want me to grow and bear good fruit. 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

December 27th 2017 – In Who Or What Do You Trust In?

“For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.” (Romans 2:28-29)

Who or what are you trusting in? Do you trust in rituals or Jesus? Do you place your trust in baptism, catechism, confirmation or church membership? If your trust is in these things, then my im sorry to tell you, it is misplaced. Do you think you are a Christian because you go to church or because your parents were Christians? None of these things mean you are a Christian. The Apostle Paul says we should examine ourselves to make certain we are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). Faith leads to works, not the other way around. If you are counting on works, you need to re-evaluate. God is concerned with the inward man, not with outward pomp or show.

(Joel 2:13) “So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.”

God is interested in the heart, the inward you. He is not interested in our outward traditions or rituals. So test yourself, what works are in your life? ”

You may say, . “I thought it wasn’t about works.” if you have repented and accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the ‘outward works’ should change according to the ‘inward working’ of the Spirit of God in you. Let your heart be softened, and let your actions be changed; not placing your confidence in your own works, but in the work that God is doing in you.

“Let your heart and your actions be changed.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Help me to place my trust in You. Change my heart so that my actions reflect the work You are doing in me. Thank You for working in me so that I may be a blessing to 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

December 23rd 2017 – Glory to God in the Highest

“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:8-14)

Can you imagine being there on that day?  Here these shepherds were minding their own business, when all of a sudden these beautiful angels appeared to them and spoke these words to them, and to us: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:8-14)

God’s heart for us is peace and goodwill.  God desires our hearts to be full of goodwill, and full of peace.  God is not into bringing torment to us.  He gave us a Savior, Jesus Christ!  God, the Father, loves us so much that while we were still lost and in our sins, Jesus came and set us free!  Jesus did not come to hurt us or knock us down.  He came to lift us up, and to empower us to do great things!  Jesus said that He came to seek and to save those that were lost.

So during these last few days leading up to Christmas season, make a decision not to get caught up with all the stuff of this world. b Get caught up in in Jesus, let His love and goodness get all over you.  See how much He loves you, by hearing these words that the angels spoke to the shepherds on that day so many years ago: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”  Enjoy Him, because He wants to enjoy you!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, This Christmas season, help me not get caught up in the caos of society, help me get caught up with You Lord “My Father”.  I am going to enjoy You, and thank You for all You have done for me.  You gift of love and salvation is the greatest gift I could ever receive. Thank you for my friends and family.Continue to me with Your Spirit and use my life to share God’s peace with the 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 and want to quench yor unquenchable thirst. Click Here to learn more.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 22nd 2017 – Shut The Door, Were You Born In a Barn?

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

“Were you born in a barn?” Usally told to us as children because we didnt shut the door. That question was usually asked to question not only someone’s family, but their upbringing, their heritage. It’s a question of guilt, a painful question. But the question really leads us to, literally to Greatest Story ever told–a story of the world’s one and only perfect leader who entered the world amidst power hungry political leaders, a corrupt government system and a religious group of people. Not just a king, but the King of kings, who left His throne with singing angels, who left Heaven, light, love and glory to be born in a manger, a barn.

“Our Savior, our King of Kings, Our Jesus, was born in a barn.”

If Jesus came to earth with nothing so that we could have everything, wouldn’t it make sense to follow Him? If Jesus is truly God in the flesh, shouldn’t we be willing to give our everything for Him? Jesus was not born in a manger so that we would have a reason to go to church a couple times a year. Jesus was born in a manger to show us that God is with us. This same Jesus would later die on the cross so that we could have eternal life. This same Jesus also calls us to deny ourselves and follow Him. He is not simply interested in changing our holiday routine; He desires to radically change our life. Are you ready?

“Jesus came not to change your schedule or to change one day a year. He came to change your life.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ. He came in poverty so that I could relate to Him. He lived a perfect life because I am not able to, and He died on the cross so that I could be forgiven. Help me to remember all these things this Christmas. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can share the good news of Your coming with everyone I meet! 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 and want to quench yor unquenchable thirst. Click Here to learn more.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 21st 2017 – Unquenchable Thirst

“Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.”(2 Corinthians 8:24)

The world says ‘get, get, get’ and you will find great contentment. It’s also been said that we live in a ‘dog eat dog world’ where we need to look out for number one. I know people that have a lot but if they don’t share with others, they can be selfish and be really miserable. The reality is that selfishness leads to misery. The Bible and God want to teach us how not to be selfish. As you are blessed, part of experiencing all the blessings of the Lord is sharing them with others. When you receive something, you want to call someone or give part of it to them. Whether it’s sharing an incredible dish of food with them or blessing them with an extra ticket for a movie, we are blessed when we are generous. The moment you give to someone there is an immediate blessing in that – you can sense it, and you can feel it. God created a heart in us to share ourselves and be a blessing – to live generously.

You can be happy with less if you are being a blessing to others. No matter how much you have, you will be miserable with a lot when you are not a blessing to others. Jesus spent a lot of time teaching on the subject of money, knowing if you got this right; it would lead to more and more blessings. Get this one wrong and no matter what else you do, you will be miserable. You can be saved but if you are selfish, you will be unhappy.

“This year develop an unquenchable thirst to be a blessing to others.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the blessings You have given me. Even this morning, I woke up with air in my lungs and my heart beating. Help me to have an attitude of gratitude for all that I have. Also, give me the strength and wisdom to live a generous life. Help me to be more like You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen

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

(John 4:13-14) Jesus said to her (the women at the well), “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 1but kwhoever drinks of the water that I will give him l will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become min him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

If you are seeking Jesus in your life and want to quench yor unquenchable thirst. Click Here to learn more.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 20th 2017 – New Beginnings

“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. As we are are celebrating the season of Christmas and the new year approaching fast, keep in mind that 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.

Don’t 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. Also Lord, help me to begin to have hopeand dreams again. Help me to begin to seek You deeper then ever before. Help me to begin to love others deeper then ever before. Thank You for my family and my friends. May I never forget that in each day comes a new beginning. In Jesus’ precious and glorious name I pray, 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

December 19th 2017 – Making Room For Jesus

“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)

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

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