Category Archives: God’s Love

October 31st 2016 – Why Would God Choose Us (Part 2 of 5)

“Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.” (1 Corinthians 1:27)

We looked at King David yesterday.  Even though his father rejected him, God didn’t, and when it was time for Him to come to the next step, he was ready.  We see this in the great story of David and Goliath.  When David came to where the children of Israel were fighting the Philistines, he was immediately put down by his older brother.

(1 Samuel 17:28-30) Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger was aroused against David, and he said, “Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.” And David said, “What have I done now? Is there not a cause?” Then he turned from him toward another and said the same thing; and these people answered him as the first ones did.

David didn’t let this discourage him.  He moved on with what he knew he had to do.  It should be the same with us.  There will be times that even our family members might not understand why we believe the way we do, but we need to be true to God and we will see that He will get us right where He wants us to be.

Discouragement will always come and at times it might come from where we least expect it, but we need to know that even like David, God is with us.  He promised He will never leave us or forsake us.  So today, if you feel discouraged or that no one understands, let me say this, “GOD DOES” and He will see that you get to the promised land that He has for you.

Remember, people look at the outside, but God looks at the inside.  Keep your heart pure, serve Him and watch Him line everything up in your life and get you into a position for success.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, My feet are ordered by You and I know that You will get me into the right place at the right time.  You guide my footsteps and my trust is in You. My faith is in You Lord, it gives me all the confidence I need. I love You, I paise You and trust You. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Invitation:

If you are ready to ask Jesus into you life please pray the prayer with me below.

God, I recognize that I have not lived my life for You up until now. I have been living for myself and that way will eventually lead to death. I need You in my life; I want You in my life. I acknowledge that Your Son Jesus Christ gave His life for me on the cross at Calvary. I ask humbly to receive the forgiveness You have made freely available to me through this sacrifice. Come into my life now, Lord. Take up residence in my heart and be my king, my Lord, and my Savior. From this day forward, I will no longer be controlled by sin, or the desire to please myself, but I will follow You all the days of my life. Those days are in Your hands. I ask this in Jesus’ precious and holy name. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer please email me and let me know. roblavallee@gmail

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

October 27th 2016 – When Our World Falls Apart

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28)

A father was trying to take his Sunday afternoon nap but having little success because his young son kept waking him up with the complaint, “Daddy, I’m bored.” The father knew he needed to come up with some kind of plan to keep the little boy occupied, or there would be no nap. He glanced at the newspaper lying on the coffee table and had what he thought was a brilliant plan to keep his son busy and give him more time to sleep.

The father picked up the paper and pointed to a picture of the world on the front page. “This is a picture of the world, but it is also a puzzle,” the father explained. He then ripped the picture into about fifty pieces, handed them to his young son and said, “I want you to put it all back together.” He lay down to finish his nap, thinking he would get at least another hour of sleep.

In about fifteen minutes, the little boy woke him up saying, “Daddy, I’ve got it finished. It’s all put together.” The father could not believe it. His son was too young to know much about geography. “How did you do that?” he asked in amazement. “Dad, there was a picture of a person on the back page of that newspaper, and when I got my person put together, the world looked fine.”

Pain can rip our lives apart. We frantically try to find some way to put it all back together, but the broken pieces don’t seem to fit anymore. What then?

Trust God. Like the children of Israel, just stick your toes in the water, and watch God part the raging sea before you.

You may not always understand or even like His process, but you can always trust His heart of love for you.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I choose to believe You are faithful and will do what You promise to do in Your Word. I believe that when I lay my pain and hurt at Your feet, You can and will transform it all into something beautiful. I choose to believe You will turn the broken places of my life into living illustrations of Your sufficiency and healing power. Please Help me continue to be patient and let me blessings arrive in you perfect timing and in when I want. I trust You Lord. 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

www.scripturalseeds.org

October 26th 2016 – Love and Forgiveness

 

“How fair and how pleasant you are, O love, with your delights!” (Song of Solomon 7:6)

Within the book of Song of Solomon, we encounter the dramatic love of Solomon and his bride. We also encounter their first fight. Yet, it seems that as soon as the fight begins, it ends. It does not end in simple tolerance of one another, but it ends with that renewed passion & desire. This leaves us asking, “How can other marriages move from pain to passion so quickly.” The answer is simple yet sometimes difficult to live out. It’s the two main biblical principles of forgiveness and love. When a marriage has a foundation of active forgiveness and genuine love, there may be conflict, but it won’t remain long.

So how do we bring these two elements into our marriages? Again, the answer sounds simplistic but without Christ, it is impossible. To live within these elements of love and forgiveness, we must choose to be loving and forgiving. Today, choose to forgive your spouse for anything they may do. Choose to love them despite their faults and failures. Choose to love them like Christ loves us in that while we were still sinners, He died for us. That is true love. Even in view of our weakness, Jesus chose to forgive us of everything. In light of this great love found in Christ, we too can learn to love and forgive in our relationships. When we do, we will be equipped to move quickly from pain to passion in our marriages.

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3:12-14)

Prayer:

“It is impossible to live a life of continual, active forgiveness without a relationship with Christ.”

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the precious gift of salvation. Your love and forgiveness have changed my life, and I desire to show that same kind of love and forgiveness within the relationships around me. Fill me with Your Spirit and instruct me by Your Word, so that I can live like Jesus. 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

www.scripturalseeds.org

October 22nd 2016 – If God Gave You A Watch

“What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God.” (Romans 3:1-2)

A.W. Tozer once said, “If God gave you a watch, would you honor Him more by asking Him what time it is or by simply consulting the watch.” God has provided us with the instruction book He authored and it is our responsibility to read it and heed it. Never forget that there are places in this world where simply possessing a Bible brings a death sentence. Many Christians have been martyred and continue to be in astounding numbers across the globe for the very thing which many of us take for granted.

God has blessed you with a Bible and with the freedom to read it. What shall you do with it? Is it simply a ‘coffee table’ book, a drink coaster or a paperweight? Does it sit unused on a bookshelf? The Bible, which God has given you, will keep you and your family from an abundance of pain and trouble. It can save your marriage, your children and even your life, but only if you read, study and apply it. It is the very Word of God.

(John 8:31-32) “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

I want to encourage you to study your Bible. Make certain that you and your family faithfully attend a Bible teaching church. Get into the habit of praying and reading your Bible daily. Lead your family in prayer and devotions. Be diligent to do these things, and you will be amazed by the changes, miracles and blessings that are poured out on you and your family.

“There is a blessing and a responsibility in having a Bible.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving me Your Bible. Please forgive me if I have been slack in reading and studying it. I ask You to give me a hunger for Your Word. Open my heart to receive Your counsel and do the things You tell me. I pray this 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

www.scripturalseeds.org

October 20th 2016 – Laying of Hands on the Sick

“And these signs will follow those who believe… they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:17-18)

God, our Father, has made provision for us in all areas. God cares about our eternal well-being, and He cares about our life here on the earth.  Jesus came that we might have life, and that more abundantly. Healing is the children’s bread, and it belongs to those who are in Christ Jesus.

When we look at this verse, it says that the believing ones would lay hands on the sick and they will recover. Many times, when we are praying for others we don’t utilize the actual physical healing power of the Holy Spirit that is within us. Maybe you have had hands laid on you and did not see any immediate change. But this verse says that they shall recover.  It might happen instantly, or it might happen in a while.  The absolute truth is, we need to believe and hold on to the promise that recovery will happen. That’s the real Faith!

We are not to be moved by sight, but by faith in His Word, and as we hold on to his precious promises, they will come to pass.  There are times when holding on seems so hard, and it can be, but let God be true.  He is not a man that He should lie. So today, if you or a loved one have had hands laid on for healing, hold on to the promise of the Word.  God’s Word says that the believer will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, you who spoke a simple command and brought forth light from the darkness, I call upon you now to send forth your miracle-working power into every aspect of (my being or ______) . In the same way that you spoke unto the dust of the ground when you created humankind in your own image, I ask you to send forth other faithful believers of Yours, Ones that will prepare in prayer and fasting. That they will come and lay hands on (Me or ______) Lord Bring forth, Your healing power into (my body or ____) through your Holy Spirit. God’s Word is true, and our bodies must line up with God’s Word. We will fight the good fight of faith and we will win, because You God cannot lie and Your Word is true.  Thank you Lord that we will be healed!  In Jesus’ Holy and precious 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

www.scripturalseeds.org

October 19th 2016 – One Thing

“One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple.” (Psalm 27:4)

Many times in life we go after things, but this scripture states that all we need is one thing.  What is that “One Thing” that we should desire over anything?  What is that “One Thing” that should burn in our hearts?  I know for me, it is to know Him.  I have found that when I put Him first, everything just seems to work out.

Jesus said it this way in (Matthew 6:33) “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

As we seek Him first and make Him the main part of our lives, it just seems that everything comes together.

So today, make a decision to make Him the “One Thing” that you desire above anything.  Fall in love with Him, and enjoy His goodness.  Your Heavenly Father loves you so dearly and only wants the best for you.

He desires “One Thing” more than anything, and that “One Thing” that He desires is you.  Sometimes that seems so hard to fathom, but it is true!  Anyone who would take the time to count every hair on my head must truly love me.  So enjoy Him, let Him enjoy you, and you will see that the “One Thing” is the best thing!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come to You humbled and broken, Please forgive for not always seeking You first in everything I do. Today, I choose the “One Thing” that is the best thing, my Heavenly Father, and I make You the main thing in my life today.  You are my number one!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

www.scripturalseeds.org

October 18th 2016 – Glorify God With Our Words

“Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit; The poison of asps is under their lips; Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.” (Romans 3:13-14)

A forest fire can start by very simple means. All it takes is one small spark landing on dry timber and quickly lives are displaced or even destroyed. James reads,

(James 3:5) “Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!”

When I was a young child I lived in Northern California, The forest was massive and so were the infamous “California Redwoods” Trees so massive that they were as big as round as a full size pickup is long.. The thing I remember the most about living there is the forest fires. If you have ever witnessed a forest fire like I have, then you have probably noticed that individual embers can soar to incredible heights and travel enormous distances – far greater distances than you would think.

The words that come out of our mouths also can do the same. Words of gossip and cursing travel far and wide causing destruction wherever they go, whether to the heart of a child or to the ears of an adult. Words of grace; however, build up, encourage and glorify God. Our words can hurt people; they can derail lives, ruin reputations and sidetrack the work of God. They can also glorify God and lead people to Him. The things that we say carry much farther than we may ever know and once we speak them, we cannot take them back. Speaking again of the tongue, the book of James continues,

(James 3:9-10) “With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.”

“Do you speak words that build up or words that destroy? I think we are all guilty of that at times. We should however seek to glorify God with what we say.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Please give me the power to speak grace into the lives of others. By my own strength, my words are polluted. By my own strength, my words can destroy. By Your strength, my words can build and encourage. I want to glorify You in my speech. I pray this 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

www.scripturalseeds.org

October 17th 2016 – Quiet Time with God

“I have…treasured his words more than daily food.” (Job 23:12)

Your quiet time with God is more than just a good idea, it’s vital to your spiritual survival. It’s also essential to your spiritual growth and maturity. You say, “But I go to church every week.” Can you imagine what would happen if you ate only once a week? The patriarch Job said, “I have…treasured his words more than daily food.” Peter described the Scriptures as nourishing milk.

“Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment” (1 Peter 2:2)

The writer to the Hebrews called the Word of God solid food.

“Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.” (Hebrews 5:14).

Your quiet time is also like a spiritual bath. Jesus said, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” (John 15:3).

You shower every day to stay clean and avoid body odors. It’s not easy to be around someone who smells bad, and you run the risk of offending them by telling them so. But if you love them you’ll do it. Jesus told Peter, “Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (Matthew 16:23).

Here’s the bottom line. Unless you protect your quiet time with God:

(1) You’ll be cut off from your source of strength, guidance, and wisdom;

(2) Your usefulness to God will be limited;

(3) You’ll be inconsistent in your Christian life.

You may say, “But I don’t have time!” You have the same 168 hours each week that everybody else has! And how you spend them is determined by what you think is most important. So if you think being in fellowship with God is important, begin to make time for it.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am so grateful and blessed for the time we spend together every morning. I pray that you would draw me even closer. I love you Lord and Thank you for guiding me through this life.. in your precious 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

www.scripturalseeds.org

October 15th 2016 – The Encounter

Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.” (John 4:13-15)

Have you ever felt you messed up so badly that it left you believing God wants nothing to do with you? If your answer is “yes,” then you’re in good company, because we all have. We’ve all made poor choices and bad decisions. A bad decision can cost you your marriage, job, friendships and even your peace of mind.

But, if you’re willing to admit you’ve messed up, you’re a prime candidate for an encounter with Jesus. In fact, He specializes in ministering to messed-up people. One of the many things I love about Jesus is that He gravitates toward those who are typically ignored, ridiculed, hated and rejected.

One of the greatest examples of this is found in the book of John. In chapter 4, Jesus encounters a woman at a well. This nameless woman meets Jesus while she performs one of the most mundane tasks in her messed-up life — drawing water out of a well.

She quickly learned a lesson we all need to know as well — a shameful outcast can become loved and accepted when we let Jesus clean up our mess-ups and radically change our lives. Jesus wants to clean up our mess-ups so much that He will break down every possible barrier to do so.

For example, to meet the woman at the well …

Jesus overcame a cultural barrier. Jesus traveled through a region that His people — the Jews — would always avoid. Jesus saw culture, not as a barrier to compassion, but as a bridge to ministry.

Jesus overcomes moral barriers.

This woman carried a terrible reputation. She had been married five times and was now living with a man who wasn’t her husband. With that type of track record, everyone in her community knew about her, and no man would dare to speak with her openly in public. No man, except Jesus! Jesus engaged with this woman, and we see her fess up to her mess-up.

Unfortunately we live in a culture that teaches us to hide our mess-ups and call them anything except the sins that they are. Jesus demonstrated through the woman at the well, that He will forgive us when we are willing to confess our sin to Him.

Jesus is not intimidated by our past.

He sees beyond our failures and offers us a faithful future. You could never do anything so bad that it would cause God to love you less.

If you’re reading this today and feel like Jesus wants nothing to do with you, I want you to know that He will break every possible barrier to reach you. Jesus is so serious about the task that He left heaven and came to earth to restore anyone who is willing to be cleansed. Today, you can meet with Jesus, bring Him your mess-ups, and allow Him to clean you up.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Please destroy every possible barrier that could keep me from You. Help me to quickly fess up to my mess-ups, so that I can receive the wonderful forgiveness that is only found in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

If you would like surrender it all and seek Jesus, or re commit your life please click here

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

www.scripturalseeds.org

October 12th 2016 – Rejoice During the Test!

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,” (1 Peter 1:6)

It has been said that the  Apostle Paul (with the Holy Spirit) wrote 13 of 27 books that make up the New Testament. In His writings, I’m sure that you have noticed that the Apostle Paul gets into a lot of tight spots. What do we then see him doing? Many times we see him recalling the incredible things God has done in his life in the midst of trials. Do you enjoy tests? Not many people do, but tests serve some valuable purposes. They reveal strengths and they reveal weaknesses. They demonstrate what we know, what we do not know, and they teach us how to apply knowledge. Testing highlights God’s faithfulness in our lives and in the lives of others. We can then patiently endure the test knowing that no matter the outcome, God is in control. When you are going through a test, remember all the things that God has done for you and then praise Him.

(Philippians 4:8) “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things”

“Remember all that the Lord has done for you when going through trials and difficulties, Rejoice in those Test!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your strength and comfort during times of testing. Please help me to praise You even in difficult situations. Please help me to be an encourager to others when they are going through a test. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

www.scripturalseeds.org