Category Archives: God’s Love

April 1st 2017 – Through God’s Eyes

“So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now!” (2 Corinthians 5:16)

It’s so easy to find something wrong with someone else. Often it’s so easy that people see it as a spiritual gift. Let me asure you that this is not one of the gifts of the Spirit. After all, people found things wrong with Jesus and He was perfect. The religious leaders were looking at Him from their own perspective rather than a heavenly one.

This change in perspective makes all the difference, especially in the church. The reality is that whenever humans get together, you are going to have some conflict, but when we look at each other in light of God’s saving grace, things change. Rather than condemn my brother for his sin, I will look at Him and see the forgiven man of God who is my brother in Christ. When someone acts wrongly toward me, I can look at them and see a sinner who has been saved by God’s grace and in turn, show that same grace. This reminds me of a song by the artist Brandon Heath called “Gimme’ Your Eyes.” Here are a few lyrics:

“Give me your eyes for just one second. Give me your eyes so I can see. Everything that I keep missing. Give me your love for humanity.”

Begin today by looking at others with God’s eyes.

(1 Corinthians 13:13) “Three things will last forever–faith, hope, and love–and the greatest of these is love.

“We should seek to look at people, possessions and events in a new way – in the way the Lord sees them.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am grateful that You look at me through eyes of grace and forgiveness because of Jesus. Help me to have those same eyes as I go throughout my day today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Give Me Your Eyes – Brandon Heath

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

Marriage Is From Heaven

“When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom.  And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!” (John 2:29-10)

Jesus, along with five of His disciples, came to the wedding in Cana. Mary told Jesus that there was a need because the wine had run out. In the custom of a Jewish wedding, running out of wine could have very bad implications. First, wine was a symbol of joy and blessing (See Psalm 104:15). To run out of wine would be as though the joy had run out. Secondly, running out of wine would make the groom, who was responsible for providing for the celebration, seem unfit to provide for his bride. The sentiment was, if you can’t provide wine for your own wedding how can you expect to provide for your spouse? Last of all, in this period you could be taken to court and prosecuted for not providing wine at your wedding.

Jesus stated that His hour had not yet come to be revealed as the Messiah. As we read in John 2:4, Honoring his mother Mary, Jesus called on the servants to do two things, fill the stone water pots used for ceremonial cleansing, and draw out water to be given to the head waiter of the feasts. The servants witnessed this first private miracle of Jesus. There is a lesson in this. As we are serving and the Lord is leading us step by step, we will be a witness of Jesus doing miracles. This not only blessed the servants but also blessed the entire group who had come to celebrate the wedding feast, especially the couple.

Never forget that Jesus blesses marriages. His first miracle was at a wedding feast. As we serve Him, God desires to bless us. But not with just a regular old sour wine kind of joy, but with an excellent joy of a fresh and new wine  “not fermented” that we have never experienced before. The Bible talks about us re-examining our first love with Jesus along with those things we did when we experienced that love (Revelation 2:4).

If you are married, do not get fixated on the problems that come through your marriage. Instead, rejoice in the new depth of experience that the Lord is desiring to produce in you as you serve Him. The Lord is continually refining us, not so we get upset with all our impurities in the marriage, but so that we can look forward to the faith that is more precious than gold.

“When we experience the heat of our trials in marriage and in life it’s a golden opportunity for us to be purified (made more golden then we have ever been)”

Prayer:

Lord, thank You that You want to produce in me a deeper sense of Your joy and love. Lord, please give me the grace to see the problems and persecutions that sometimes come in my family and in this world as golden opportunities to trust in You – to experience from You a whole new level of joy and peace. Forgive me when I get in my flesh instead of depending on Your Spirit. I thank You that I can trust You to lead me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

If you are seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click Here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

God is Good, All the Time

“When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the LORD above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD, saying, “He is good; his love endures forever.” (2 Chronicles 7:3)

Can you imagine being part of the congregation of Israel as God entered the Temple? After years of preparation and hard labor the presence of God had come to rest with His people. What a glorious time. Imagine the celebration at that moment as the people began reflecting on all God had done for them. They may have thought back to the calling of a man named Abram in the land of Ur. Possibly, they cheered as they remembered their forefathers being brought out of Egypt and crossing the Red Sea. And as they stood in awe at that beautiful temple, they may have cheered Solomon while remembering his father David. Truly, the people of Israel had much to celebrate, but nothing was greater than the One who had brought them to this point.

(Psalm 107:1-2) “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,”

The children of Israel had seen God’s hand in every part of their nation’s history and were led to praise the Lord for all that He had done. If you are reading this, you have been blessed with eyes to see and breath in your lungs. You have also been blessed with technology that allows you to email and read this newsletter. Of course, the greatest blessing of all came in the form of Jesus Christ laying down His life on the cross so that you could be forgiven. Because of this act of perfect love and grace, we can stand with the children of Israel and proclaim that God is good, and His love endures forever!

“God is good all the time.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father , Thank You for Your amazing love. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins so that I could be forgiven. I believe that You have risen again and that one day, I will spend eternity with You in Heaven. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I may live for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Here With Me – Mercy Me

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

March 24th 2017 – Strong Enough

“That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10)

Did you know that God uses the plans of the enemy for our good? God also can use the bad things, even the plans of the enemy for our blessings. Trials are used to bless us. You may ask, “How can this be?” After all, in the midst of pain, hardship and weakness, nothing seems right. That may be the case, but if we are in Christ, we can say exactly what Paul said, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Paul is saying, “In me, I am weak, yet in the Lord, I am strong.” Not just strong but, we are God strong. We think the most blessed person has it made. I can tell you this, no one has it made. Sometimes the most blessed person is the one who has been smacked the most by the enemy, but came out blessed because he has learned to lean on God. When we lean on God, we have unlimited power and authority to help us. In ourselves, we will never overcome anything. But in the power of Christ, we can overcome everything!

“When we think we can handle a situation, sometimes we are wrong. When we think the Lord can handle a situation or help us handle it, we are never wrong.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come to You today admitting that I am unable to handle everything in my life. I confess that I am weak and come asking for your unlimited strength. I know the road may be hard, but I also understand that with You all things are possible. Overcome my weakness with Your power. I don’t simply want to be strong; I desire to be God strong. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Music Video “Strong Enough” – Matthew West

 

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

March 22nd 2017 – Our Daily Battle

“These were the heads of their fathers’ houses: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel. They were mighty men of valor, famous men, and heads of their fathers’ houses.” (Chronicles 5:24)

We are in a battle. It’s all around us. Your family, friends, Pastor and church are in the battle. The enemy of your soul is a vicious preditor, He is out to divide and destroy, if you allow your guard to drop you will fall victim to his perilous plans.

(John 10:10) The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

Satan is not stupid. He is going to go after those on the fringe of fellowship. Like a lion that picks off the young, the sick and the weak, he is watching to see who wanders outside the flock. Be mindful of yourself, your family and friends. Is someone lagging behind? Now is the time to encourage them to get back into the flock. Are you wandering? I tell you the truth, you are in danger of being picked off. Don’t let that happen! Ask the Lord for protection from the enemy and his scheme’s.

“We are in a battle over our souls and the souls of those we love and care about.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Lord, give me the wisdom and discernment to recognize when I have dropped my guard. Help me to encourage my family, friends and co-workers in the midst of trouble. When the battles come, help me to find rest and protection in 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

March 21st 2017 – Sinful Nature

“So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)

When we solely act on our feelings it is very dangerous. If we always do what what we “feel like” doing, most times it will end up getting us in trouble. Following our just our feelings will lead us into sin, and that can lead to broken relationships, depression, prison and even far worse. So the question is, “What filter do we use to help us control our thoughts and feelings?” While the world may say, “If it feels right do it,” God’s Word tells us that we don’t have the ability to know what is “right” without His direction. We need His guidance, through the Bible.

When we process our thoughts and feelings through the Bible’s instructions and God’s promises, we will be better able to replace the bad or harmful thoughts with those that are good and beneficial. Submitting to God’s Word and His Holy Spirit allows us to know what is good and right. It gives us hope in something greater than our own understanding and therefore, we walk in light rather than darkness, and He will walk with us if we allow Him to. We don’t have to be alone.

Do not take your dark brooding thoughts out and play with them. Do not sit and focus on what’s wrong. Don’t allow your desires to run away with you. Take your thoughts captive. Do not walk in fear. Fight the good fight. God will give you victory!

“Sometimes thoughts and feelings are great and good and holy; sometimes they are dark and brooding and torturous.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the power I have in Christ to overcome bad thoughts and harmful feelings. It is because of Your promises of hope and salvation that I can rejoice no matter what my situation may be. It’s with Your power that I can control my emotions rather than my emotions controlling me. Please protect me from myself and my own destructive sinful nature. Help me forgive myself and seek You first. 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

March 20th 2017 -Holding a Grudge

“The pride of your heart has deceived you, You who dwell in the clefts of the rock, Whose habitation is high; You who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?'” (Obadiah 1:3)

In the book of Obadiah, the prophet is proclaiming judgment on the nation of Edom. This nation and God’s people of Israel have a history full of conflict starting at the birth of Jacob and Esau. For hundreds of years what began with deception on the part of Jacob continued with violence as Israel and Edom locked horns in an extended bout of sibling rivalry. If Edom had forgiven Israel and turned to the Lord, they would have found freedom rather than bondage to their bitterness.

While you may not be fighting with another nation, maybe you are harboring resentment towards a friend or even a family member who offended and wronged you. Now, like Esau, we may desire revenge and will stop at nothing to get it. Holding a grudge may make us feel empowered, but it does nothing but rob us of joy.

(Matthew 6:14-15)  “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

When we step outside ourselves and forgive others as God has forgiven us, we find freedom from the trap of contempt. Forgiveness does not mean that we have to continue to allow the offenders to continue to slaughter us with continuous pain. In those cases we may need to establish boundries so we are not enabling their behaviour to cause our hearts to get hard and isolate ourselves with stone walls. Lift them up to your Father in heaven and pray for them (as hard as that may be), forgive them just as Jesus forgave us.

When we offer them forgiveness, it also opens the floodgates of God’s forgiveness in our own lives so that we may find rest for our souls and the perfect joy of the Lord.

“We need to practice active forgiveness, even the ones that perpetually hurt us. Lift those up and pray for them, even when it’s hard too.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for forgiving me of my sins. Help me to forgive others as You have forgiven me. If I am holding any grudges or bitterness, show me so that I can practice active forgiveness. 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

March 18th 2017 – Wells Without Water

“These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.” (2 Peter 2:17)

In the book of 2 Peter, the apostle Peter is sharing the sad truth about false teachers. In the description above, He calls them wells without water. What a brilliant way to describe someone who pretends to have the Truth of God. Imagine as people come to hear this Truth but are disappointed because there is no real living water to drink from. All they find is an well that contains no water.

The Truth is that God desires to give us His living water and make our lives fruitful. In order to do this, He calls us to connect with Him through His Son Jesus. This is not simply a religious routine, it’s a life-changing relationship. Jesus described it this way…

(John 15:5 )”Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”

As we spend time with Jesus in prayer, reading His Word and fellowshipping with His people, we will find ourselves living fruitful lives. The reason is simple; we are visiting the deep life-giving well of the Lord Jesus Christ. His well is filled to overflowing, and He welcomes everyone to drink deep and thirst no more.

“Without Jesus Christ, our life will be fruitless and wasted.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the refreshing water of life that is found in Jesus. God, You tell us that when we connect to this water, we will also have living waters coming from us. Fill my life to overflowing so that I would be a fruitful worker of the Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Invitation:

Have you ever eacknowledged Jesus as you Lord and Savior? 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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

March 17th 2017 – Church Is Not A Place

“you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5)

Churches come in all shapes and sizes. Some are traditional buildings with steeples and stained glass. Other churches may have been formed out of vacant warehouses or grocery stores.  While we may see many types of church buildings, we must always remember that the biblical church is not a building at all; it’s the people of God. That is why we created this web based ministry. We wanted to be a stepping stone to people that are technology savvy, but may not be able to or not ready to walk through the doors of a church building.  Throughout the last four years we have been amazed how God has used this ministry.

The Greek word for church is “ekklesia” which means, “called out”. This is used to refer to the church of God as people who have been called out of the world to love and serve Jesus Christ. We have been born again into this amazing family of believers who care for one another despite our differences. In reality, the church is not something that we get to define, but it is a family set up by God for His purpose. We may meet in local buildings all over the world, but we are united under the name of Jesus Christ. He is our foundation, He is our Lord.

“The church is NOT a place; it’s people that have accepted Jesus and try to live and love like Jesus.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the church. I know that You have given us the church for our good. Help me to love my brothers and sisters in Christ, even when we may disagree. May we always keep our eye on You. Give us unity so that we can show God’s love to a world in desperate need of it.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Is Jesus the Lord and Savior of your life? Did you once follow Him but are not living your life the way you should? Don’t miss out on the most important decision you will ever make.

Pray this prayer with me and start a new life with Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. Maybe you have been living in a way that is not Christian like, recommit today to to Jesus and ask for His forgiveness and help.

Salvation Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come to You in the Name of Jesus. I admit that I am not right with You, and I want to be right with You. I ask You to forgive me of all my sins. The Bible says if I confess with my mouth that “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead, I will be saved (Rom. 10:9). I believe with my heart and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is the Lord and Savior of my life. Thank You for saving me!
In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer for the first time, we would like to know. Click here to send us an e-mail or share your testimony.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

March 12th 2017 – Don’t Worry, God Cares

“Remember, O LORD, what has come upon us; Look, and behold our reproach!” (Lamentations 5:1)

Prayer is something often spoken about in church and yet, it is seldom practiced on a regular basis. Some of this may be due to the misunderstanding of what prayer is and what it is not. When we come to the Lord in prayer, He desires that we come as the broken people we are. He desires that we bring our cares, our worries, our pains and suffering to Him because He loves us.

(1 Peter 5:6-7) “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”

We don’t need to pretend with God. He knows our hearts and understands our weaknesses. When we come in honest conversation with Him, we can find peace and joy in that time of fellowship. God never meant for you to carry the weight of your life. It’s too much for any of us. Instead, He says to bring it to Him so that He can carry it for us. So when we come in prayer, we can come in joyful surrender knowing that God loves us and that He has our life in His hands.

“When the burdens of life overwhelm you, take them to God in prayer.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the blessing of prayer. I come to You with nothing but empty hands and a heart that desires more of You. Please Lord, take my life and do with it as you please. I trust You and desire to glorify Your name in all that I do. 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