Category Archives: God’s Love

May 27th 2019 – Memorial Day Reflections

Memorial Day is when we honor the men and women of our Armed Services who have made “the supreme sacrifice;” who gave their lives for their country.

Especially these days, when Memorial Day seems nothing more than a time for cookouts and swim parties, we cannot be reminded often enough about how great a debt we owe our war dead.

They gave up their hopes and dreams, families and friends. They submitted themselves to rigorous discipline, 24-hour-a-day duty, and placed their lives in great peril. “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

Their sacrifice should inspire in us a profound sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy, bought with a price. And that gratitude should compel us to lives of service as well. Serving Christ, our neighbor, and yes, our nation.

Memorial Day is a great time for each of us to look into the mirror … to examine our own lives. Are we living good lives in gratitude for all those who have sacrificed for us — including our men and women in the military, our families, our friends, and most of all Christ?

Are we kneeling before the cross? Are we, out of gratitude, doing our duty for Christ, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, ministering to those in prison, in whatever harvest field to which the Lord has called us?

Examine your life. Some Reflections to Ponder today?

Reflection #1 – Do I really believe what I say I believe?

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22)

Reflection #2 – How is my life different from thoses who live in the world?

“They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us” (1 John 4:5-6)

Reflection #3 – What do my recreational choices reveal about me?

“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5)

Reflection #4 – If I was denied access to my bible for the rest of my life, would I have enough knowledge to still live and grow in my faith?

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11)

Reflection #5 – Would I be willing to suffer for my faith?

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:12-13)

Reflection #6 – Is there enough evidence of Jesus Christ in my life to draw people to the faith?

“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life” (2 Corinthians 2:15-16)

Reflection #7 – What does my prayer life reveal about my relationship with Christ?

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2)

These are a few ideas I wanted to put out there to ponder. As we look around us its not hard to figure out that there are alot of people putting forth much effort to change this great country into something other than what made it so special. As you also can see, Christianity is on attack here on our homeland by an enemy that this nation welcomed with arms opened wide.

At the very least, thank those who have sacrificed their life for you and those you know that serve in this nations Armed Forces. Maybe you will do what I do when you see a guy or gal in uniform, even a veteran. Walk up to them and thank them for their sacrifice and service to protect us from the enemy.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for always being with me and protecting me from the enemy. Thank You for this great county, Thank You for the men and women that serve to protect it. I lift the leaders of our country to you and ask that You would draw their hearts to You, guide them that they would return to then biblical values that this great country was founded on. I am so greatful for the unselfish sacrifice of Christ on the cross for me. Allowing me to have a relationship with You. I praise You and love You Lord.. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

If you would like to experience true peace in your life, try seeking Jesus. click here to learn more

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

May 25th 2019 – Living Words

Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You alone have the words that give eternal life. (John 6:68)

Words are very interesting things. Some are long and complicated and some are short and sweet. Some encourage and some discourage. Sometimes you can receive the most encouraging words from some of the least likely sources. The Lord seems to be able to use anyone at anytime to speak to us wherever we are.

It is amazing. There is only one place to receive these kind of words, the Holy Word that gives eternal life, that is from Jesus. There have been many clever men over the years who have said many astute things, but no one has ever uttered words with such power and wisdom as Jesus. No one has ever given us the words to know how to receive eternal life other than Jesus. That is why we are here, listening to Jesus, learning about His Words. Lord, we agree with Peter, you alone have the Words that give eternal life. Your words are Living!

“We should be reading and listening to the words of Jesus everyday.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Words of eternal life. They are just that… the only Words that offer true life. Open my ears to Your instruction and give me feet that move swiftly to Your path. Please guide me around every possible barrier that could keep me from You. Reveal to me the difference between tolerance and conviction. Keep me from compromise and help me choose the narrow path.  Search me and know my heart. 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

May 24th 2019 – Wake Up Call From God

“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word.” (Psalm 119:67)

Sometimes God will allow suffering and sickness in our lives to get our attention. We may be rebelling against Him, and He wants us to change our direction. He wants it to stop.

We see an example of this in the life of Jonah. God told Jonah to go preach to the Ninevites, but Jonah went in the opposite direction instead. He was disobeying the Lord. And because the Lord loved Jonah, He went after him. God will not let His children run too far. He got Jonah’s attention, turned things around, and turned the prophet around.

As the psalmist said, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word.” (Psalm 119:67). Sometimes God will allow a situation in our lives to wake us up to our real need.

Maybe you have had a wake-up call recently. Maybe you’ve started feeling crummy and finally go to the doctor. The next day you received a call from a doctor who said, “I am extremely concerned about these tests. I want you to come back in ASAP. We need to run some more.”

Suddenly you’re filled with panic. You’re saying, “God, I love You. I’m going to follow You and serve You better. I’m going to be better to everyone. I will do anything.” Then you go in and they run the other set of tests. Everything is looking better. You’re going to be okay. And suddenly you’re back to your old ways again. What happened to all of those vows?

If you’ve had a wake-up call, then take this advice.. Wake up!

Maybe God is allowing you to go through something that doesn’t make any sense right now. But one day it will make sense.

The Devil can do nothing in the life of the believer without God’s permission. The Lord is ultimately in control. He is in control of all circumstances that surround the life of the believer.

 “God is in control of all circumstances that surround the life of the believer.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, You have my attention! Forgive me for the times that I have done things my way. Forgive me for running astray at times and pushing my boundaries with You. I promise to give You my full attention and listen to what You Holy Spirit is saying to me. Your Word is life to me and I want to continue to fill myself with it. I thank you for always being here to guide me and look out for me.. You God are so good and I am so grateful for all You have done for me. 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

May 21st 2019 – Look To Jesus

“The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.” (Hebrews 1:3)

There is just something about the name of Jesus!  His Name is the most beautiful of all names.  This verse shows us that Jesus radiates God’s very glory, and He expresses the very character of the Father.  Jesus said that he who has seen Him has seen the Father.  He and His Father are one.

The reason this is so important is that many times we do not fully understand God, because we have never seen Him.  But when we look into the Gospels and we read about Jesus, He shows us who God the Father is.  You see, Jesus was a healer, and a provider.  He let John lay His head on His chest.  Jesus is the One that calmed the storms and raised the dead.  He is the One who promised those that believe in Him that we will have eternal life.

When we understand that to look at Jesus is to see the Father, we know that the Father will heal us, and the Father will calm the storms in our lives.  He will provide for our needs, and He wants us to lay our heads near His heart and rest in Him.  You see, the Father loves us just like Jesus does.  The Father and Jesus are one, and the great love that Jesus showed by going to the cross to die for you and me is the same love that the Father in heaven has for us.

That is why Jesus said not to pray to Him, but to pray to our Father in heaven in His Name, and He will answer us.  So today, get to know the Father.  He loves you and cares for you.  To know Him is to know life.  So enjoy His presence in your life each and every day!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I praise You in all circumstances Lord, Thank You for your overwhelming love that You have for me. I want to know my Father better and see all that my Father is, and the place that He wants to take in my life. Please help me share who You are to everyone. I pray this in Jesus’ glorious 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

May 20th 2019 – Satan’s Evil Plan, God’s Awesome Victory!

“But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14)

Satan is real and his tricks have been working for years. One of the greatest tricks is to disguise his work as “good” or even “religious”. Without an understanding of God’s Word, which is real Truth, many people are led away to follow after their own lusts. This is Satan’s plan, and it is the same plan he had from the beginning. He was tossed out of Heaven because He wanted to be God. With what authority he had been given, his pride led to his downfall. In turn, he desires that we do the same.

The enemy uses a powerful tool in our fallen human nature. We tend to be self-centered, self-sufficient, and independent of God. God says that type of belief and life will bring destruction, but following Jesus, will bring life and peace. There is part of you that does not want to submit to any authority. Not the authority of the Word of God, not the authority of any man of God or any leader, not even to the authority of God Himself or His plan for you. Rather than give into the enemy, trust in Christ and begin to love God and love others. Allow the Spirit to guide you into humble service and grace towards others. Use your gift and authority to defeat the enemy of your soul by living like Jesus. If you do, you will not give a foothold to Satan.

“Don’t  fall into Satan’s trap, learn the truth and Trust in God.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the power You have given me through Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for the power to live for You and not for my own desires. Give me continued strength to resist the devil and to serve You. Help me to understand Your Word so that I know how to defend against Satan’s weapons of destruction. Finally, thank You for the victory I have in Jesus Christ. No matter what Satan does, I cannot be taken from You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Do you have a relationship with Jesus?

If you do not know Jesus personally,  I encourage you not to pass up the precious gift of His love and eternal life. Jesus died on the cross for you and me. 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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

May 18th 2019 – Do We Deserve Heaven

“For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” (Romans 5:6)

I have a very important question today? What do you have to do in order to be righteous with God? Do you have to die a martyr’s death before God will allow you into paradise? Do your good deeds need to outweigh your bad deeds for God to allow you into heaven? Do you have to be at peace with nature when you die so that God will allow you into Heaven? What if you have done enough works, will God then allow you into Heaven? The answer is No to all of the above. Man pridefully wants to play a part in his own salvation. We invent hurdles to jump, thinking we can earn God’s approval. I don’t want what I’ve earned because according to Romans 6:23 I’ve earned death. I need God’s grace.

“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Every world religion is based on what you have to do to convince God you deserve to go to Heaven… that is, except one – Biblical Christianity. You see, the Bible tells us that God has already done everything for you. Your part is simply to accept Jesus’ gift to you. He did the work, dying on the cross for your sins.  You don’t have to reach for God because He’s already reaching out for you. Please don’t reject Him.

“God has done everything needed for us to be at peace with Him, All we have to do is ask for His forgiveness of our sins, accept His love, try to live our life in a way pleasing to Him”

Simple prayer for salvation

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, Thank You for dying for me so that I could be forgiven. Thank You for being resurrected so I could have a new life. I ask You to forgive me of all of my sins. Lord, I have done wrong things, and I am sorry. Thank You for Your forgiveness. Thank you for allowing me in Heaven when my body dies, even though I don’t deserve it. Please give me the power to live for You all the days of my life. Amen.

If you just made a decision to ask Jesus into your life, please check out New Believers, What’s Next?  and please let us know of your life changing decision.

Please forward this to anyone if you are unsure of their faith in 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

May 14th 2019 – Looking into the Face of God

“As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness” (Psalm 17:15)

I recently read an article, it stated that a baby’s sight is the last sense to develop. However, even before they can focus, newborns look toward faces. The study showed that infants also begin to read faces when they are very young. They feel positive vibes from a smile and smile back. If a mother frequently smiles and interacts with her newborn, the infant smiles in anticipation as soon as she enters the room.

Likewise, babies recognize when a face shows displeasure or disgust. If the Mom is preoccupied or angry and doesn’t return the smile, the baby’s smile will fade, the eyes look perplexed, and the face becomes blank. A baby learns to take cues from others in the room, especially its mother.

If infants don’t receive positive interaction during early development, they are stunted in personal interactions. As older children, they show little emotion in response to others. In some areas of the world, orphans sit alone in cribs and get little positive contact with adults. As a result, they are severely underdeveloped emotionally. Even physical growth is stunted. The study showed that Face to face interaction is completely necessary for healthy development.

As adults, we continue to watch faces. We subconsciously observe how people respond. We can tell if our audience is pleased, amused, delighted, or displeased. We see it in their faces, and we adjust. We sometimes will embellish our story for greater response, add more detail to support our view, or we end the conversation quickly. We take our cues from faces around us.

Maybe we’re created that way so we will properly relate to God.

My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. (Psalm 27:8)

David is the the only person in the Bible that repeatedly talked about God’s face. Likewise, David is the only one we’re told was a man after God’s heart. Do you think that David could have gained a heart after God’s heart because he was practiced in looking into the face of God? Could it be that David got his cues from God rather than from those around him?

If, like a baby, we look into God’s face for cues, He will lead us with His eyes. As we allow His eyes to guide us, our lives will reflect His righteousness. As a baby responds to loving parents, we will delight in His pleasure.

The problem is that sometimes we’re too busy to gaze into His eyes. We’re also distracted by gauging what our friends, our church and society think of us.

If we don’t seek the face of God, we’ll we be like those third world babies, trapped in a crib, stunted in our spiritual growth. We won’t reflect our God to the world. I don’t want to be stunted. I want to reflect the righteousness of God to those around me.

“Jesus will return at the
End of time, and we will
See his face and enter heaven
Undefiled, cleansed by his blood,
Saved by his grace.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,  Help me turn my eyes to You and to gaze into Your eyes. Like David, I want to seek Your face, I want to live my life pleasing to You Lord. I want to see You smile. Thank You for giving me life and for being the ultimate Father. 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

May 13th 2019 – We Need Each Other

“And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” (1 Corinthians 12-21)

This week chances are real good that you’ve been out to the market to get some groceries. Without really thinking about it, each week we go to the store to get food then drive home all the while taking for granted that the store will be there the next time we run out. But what if it wasn’t? What if the stores closed or ran out of food? Now, I’m not saying this to cause alarm, but I am trying to paint a picture of just how dependent we are on one another.

Each one of our lives impacts those around us and this fact is even greater inside the church. You see, God created the body of Christ to function together. Without the feet, there would be no walking and without the eyes, there would be no seeing. God did not make us to work apart but rather together as one. Yes, we all have different pasts, pains and problems but God is greater than that. With His Spirit in each of us, we can find the power to work together for the sake of His Kingdom.

“We need God and we need each other.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for my friends and family and for the church. Thank You for those who are united under the name of Jesus to love one another and to help each other. Father, I pray that You would help me take my eyes off myself and to focus them on You. As I do that I will find strength and unity as the body of 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

 

May 12th 2019 – Mothers Day

“Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do” (Ephesians 6:1)

Today, many of us will gather again in worship and celebrate Mother’s Day. We will cook our mothers dinner or take them out to eat. We will seek to spoil them in the same way that they have spoiled us. We will express our thanks for all that our mothers have done for us. We will thank God for how our mothers have shown to us a glimpse of what God’s grace and love are all about.

But Mother’s Day is not always a happy time for everyone. For some, it will remind them of the loss of their mother. For some, it will be a reminder of how they have not been able to be a parent. For some, it will remind them that their relationship with their mother has not been healthy and has hurt them in some deep way.

My hope and prayer for those who will struggle today is that they will experience the love of God who longs to hold them and comfort them in their grief. My prayer is that they will experience the love of God in a way that they perhaps never experienced with their own mothers. I pray that they will experience the love of Jesus who speaks of how he longs “to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings.” (Matthew 23:37)

So, for those of you celebrating Mother’s Day with your mothers, thank God for the gift of love and grace shown to you through them. Let your mothers know how special they are.

For those of you being celebrated todaas mothers, rejoicing in your children, thank God for the gifts and blessings God gave you and know how much we appreciate all that you have done.

For those of you who have been like a mother to others – even without ever having children of your own – may this day bring recognition of your caring and love that you have shown.

And for those of you who grieve this weekend, reminded of a mother who is no longer with you, may God surround you with comfort and love. For those of you who grieve this weekend because you have lost a child, whether through miscarriage or stillbirth or premature death, may God hold you even closer and may you know that God holds your child even now in everlasting arms.

For those who struggle today, because you are not a mother, whether by your own choice or by infertility, I pray for God’s strength and encouragement. May you know what a gift you are, just for who you are.

And for those of you who have complicated relationships with your mother, who did not feel the love of a mother growing up, who may not have ever known their mother, we pray that you may know God’s love in a special way, in a way that goes beyond the imperfections and hurt that we as human beings often show to one another.

As for me, and many others who have lost, or are taking care of their Moms in the final stages of life. I lost my mother on July 2nd 2016. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss my Mom.  I take with me, an image of a mother that spent the last 4 years of her life extremely ill, and a season of my life that for most would have seemed completely overwhelming. Circumstances providing for her care that required everything that I had and then some, all while working a full-time job. As hard as it was, Know that as overwhelming and hard as it seems, it also can be a very special blessing. I will never regret this time, It allowed me to show my mom how much I loved her and that she was not alone. That her struggles were also mine. It also brought me into a closer relationship with Jesus, leaning on Him for strengh when I had no more of my own to draw from. Thank you Lord.

That is love, the best of love that we as human beings show to one another, a love that lets us see only a glimpse what God’s love is all about.

I miss you Mom..

 Happy Mother’s Day, everyone

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank you for our Mothers and the precious life that You Lord gave to us through them. I lift those that are hurting to You today, comfort them and hold them close. Remind them of the safety and security as a child being in their mom’s arms. Show them that they can experience this type of love everytime they seek You. I lift up those who are in difficult relationships, that today You will heal them. For everyone else that will be with their mothers today, remind them to cherish these times, and set aside any type of indifference. That they would have an abundance of blessing, healing and joy on this mothers day. In Your 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

 

May 11th 2019 – Life Doesn’t Automatically Get Easier

“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. ‘Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you declare to me.’ I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:1-6)

One of the things that baffles us about God, is that once we decide to follow Him, He doesn’t spare us from going through difficult times even though He can. He is the God who allows us and our own decisions to often cause troubles, pains and suffering. But He also is the God that can heal them.

The most solid followers of Jesus you know, the ones with deep Christ like character, have more then likely gone through difficult times while following Him. That’s because the wounds that come from difficult times grow in us deep faith. God uses wounds to grow us. Wounds make us wiser.

When we’ve been hurt, on the other side of the pain we’re more compassionate toward other people. We can empathize more. In the same way, wounds make us more forgiving, more understanding, more gracious, slower to judge. Wounds kill our pride yet grow our compassion. Specific wounds enhance specific virtues. Walking through death brings us the value of life. Sickness helps us value health. Hard times like those put life in perspective and make us value things that really matter. Sometimes we keep getting hurt doing the same thing or being with the same person. We experience the pain and over and over, this may be a lesson that we have not learned yet. Trust in God that He will carry you through it.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for your presence when I am facing battles. I pray that the wounds I received during these tough times, cause me see and respond to the world more like Jesus did and not how the fleshly side wants to react. I ask that these trials would cause me closer to grow closer to Him. I understand that You something’s let us hurt, knowing that there is beauty and purpose in the pain. Thank you for those pains and for that hurt. Lord God, thank you for the lesson that you will reveal in my trials. 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