Category Archives: Grace and Mercy

May 9th 2019 – Jesus, A Friend Like No Other

Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” (John 20:15)

Jesus asked two very insightful questions of Mary at this point: “Why are you weeping?” and “Whom are you seeking?” Often in life, we find ourselves in a place where we feel like crying and other times find ourselves in tears. Jesus sees those tears and wants to dry them… if we will let Him.

We need to allow Jesus, through the hands and wisdom of others, to tend to our tears. Sometimes though, we become strangely comfortable with pain and sadness. They become almost like old familiar friends. Jesus wants to be the better friend. For some, it may mean breaking a cycle long established and for others, it may mean coming out of a short season of pain.

Seek Jesus. Realize that in the midst of trial, trouble, turmoil and temptation, He is there with you. You may need to turn around to face Him. He wants to pull you out of your problems and liberate you from sadness, but before He does, He wants to walk with you through the valley. Even when you are in the valley of the shadow of death, He is there. May you know He is there to dry your tears, lighten your load and be a closer friend than any you have ever known. Loved one, right now take a few minutes out of your busy day and turn to Him. You will be glad you did. And so will He.

“I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (John 28:20)

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for sticking by me through good times and bad times. You are the true friend. Sometimes, I become content to wallow in self pity. Please forgive me for that and humble me to allow You, through the hands of others, to comfort and even challenge me to step out of the mire. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Experience a friend like no other. If you do not know Him personally, I encourage you not to pass up the precious gift of His love and eternal life. Jesus died on the cross for you and me. Jesus loves us and wants to help us through the storms. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

May 8th 2019 – Challenging Moments

Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. (John 18:10)

Sometimes in life, we face challenging moments. This moment was a summons to contest for Peter. Even with all that Jesus had taught him and with all that he had learned, he still had to make personal application. Peter had to learn how to do it God’s way and not his own. Do not lean to your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5,6)

I think that is something all of us have to learn. We would like to learn it all at once or all in one sitting, but that’s not the way it happens. Most of us will have many opportunities, in some, we will succeed beautifully and in others, we will fail miserably. Each day that we awake, however, brings us the glorious chance for a fresh start and a new beginning. It is important to remember that and, in that process, we need to be careful of the ears.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for growing me. Thank You for not being content to leave me as I am because what I am is not as good as what You want me to be. Lord, I may squirm and protest against the process but please continue to conform me to the image of Your Son. 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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

May 6th 2019 – Love As A Verb

“[Love] does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth.” (1 Corinthians 13:6)

Many years ago a popular Christian group wrote a song titled, “Love is a Verb.” there is much truth in the lyrics of the song. Love is not simply a feeling or intellectual process but an active expression. This view of love seen in scripture is purposeful and benevolent. It actively engages others, thinking of them above ourselves. Biblical love is not hindered by anything but seeks with passion to be shared with anyone and everyone.

How is this possible? How can we even begin to love in a way that looks for opportunities rather than excuses? Simply put, we plug into the source of love. The God of all creation left everything in heaven for you and me. He stepped from the throne of God and wrapped Himself in our weak flesh in order to die on our behalf. That kind of love is life changing. That kind of love will fuel our lives so that we too can love like our Savior. Today, seek out an opportunity to love. Whether it’s a kind word, act of service or a merciful response, let’s love like Jesus. That kind of love will never be stopped – no matter how you spell it.

“Love will find a way. A lack of love will find an excuse.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I praise You for the amazing love You have shown me. Help me to grasp this love so that I will be equipped to love others in the same way. Strip me of any excuses and use me to reach others with the love of Jesus. In His name, Amen.

Don’t have Jesus in your life? Don’t put off Experiencing His Ultimate Love

Jesus Christ says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him” (Revelation 3:20)

The Bible promises eternal life to all who receive Christ: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:11-13)

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

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

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

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

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

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

May 5th 2019 – Keeping Our Peace 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 and stress 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.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
(John 14:27)

“Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.”
(Psalm 119:76)

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 humble ask You to give me peace as I humbly trust in You in these circumstances.  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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

May 3rd 2019 – Outside Appearances

“Look at the obvious facts. Those who say they belong to Christ must recognize that we belong to Christ as much as they do.”(2 Corinthians 10:7)

It is easy to judge others. We take a quick glance at someone and because of what they are wearing or doing, we can easily jump to conclusions. As the body of Christ, we must be careful to not judge by the outside. While judging the outside may only take a moment, judging by inward motives takes time, thought and believing the best.

The people in the Bible all messed up. Adam, Noah, Moses, David, Peter, they had that in common. Know what else they had in common? They did not give up. They continued to trust the Lord and allowed Him to work in their lives. They were not perfect, but God used them. Did He use them because they looked a certain way? No, God used them because they were willing to follow Him.

How about you? Are you looking only on the outside when you meet someone? Ask God to give you eyes to see past the outside, so that you can show the love of Christ to everyone you meet.

Do not judge people and circumstances by outside appearances”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I know there have been times I judged someone based on the outside appearance. Especially when we should not judge at all.  Forgive me and help me to look past those things so I can be a blessing to them. Give me a heart for those who others may cast aside. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Do you 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..

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

May 2nd 2019 – Every End is a New Beginning

“Now Jacob went out from Beersheba and went toward Haran. So he came to a certain place and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. And he took one of the stones of that place and put it at his head, and he lay down in that place to sleep. Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.

And behold, the Lord stood above it and said: “I am the Lord God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants. Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the West and the East, to the North and the South; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.”

Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lordis in this place, and I did not know it.” And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!” (Genesis 28:10-17)

So this was the end result of Jacob’s scheming and stealing away of the birthright from his brother Esau. Esau was out to kill Jacob for his treachery, and so Jacob had to flee. Leaving everything behind, Jacob sets out fearfully towards an uncertain future, He certainly had not planned for things to end up like this.

Yet even as this story comes to an end, Jacob discovers that he is just beginning another story. In the time of darkest prospects, God gives to Jacob the brightest promises. One moment Jacob fears to look ahead at all, and the next moment Jacob has everything in the world to look forward to. In his fear and loneliness, God comes to Jacob and promises to be with him. In this revelation, Jacob confesses, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it”

We stand today at an apparent ending of a story, at the coming to an ending of a life. Somehow we are always caught by surprise by the endings. We have not expected or planned for them. Like Jacob, we dread to look to a future that is no future. We too are fearful, apprehensive, and perhaps, not a little bit angry.

Yet do we have any beginning in our situation? What bright promise do we have? Can the Lord be in this place of antiseptic and blood and tubes and machines? Could it be that this place of dying “is none other than the house of God . . . the gate of heaven?”

God came to Jacob at a desperate time in his life in a desert place and promised to be with him. The presence of God was the assurance of the new beginning. Through Christ, God has promised also to us that he will be with us always

“and that nothing can separate us from his love” (Matthew 28:20)

“We do have beginning and hope and future, though in this place we may not know it. We pray that we may know it.” (Romans 8:38-39)

“Our quitting point is God’s beginning point. God specializes in giving people a fresh start.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we confess that you, as Creator, are the beginning of all things. As Almighty God, you are also the ending of all things. At this time we see the ending more clearly, and we are afraid and unsure, and we do not understand. Lord, let us know your presence with us. Give us the assurance that there is some new beginning, some future in you. Show your love in this place and give us peace and promise. In Jesus’ name Amen.

Do you 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, pleaseClick Here and we will pray for you..

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

May 1st 2019 – The Strong Tower

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)

The Name of Jesus, to us that believe in that Name, is a very strong place to be.  In His Name there is protection, in His Name there is provision, in His Name there is safety and even comfort.

It is to the Name of Jesus that demons must bow, it is in that Name that prayers are answered.  Let’s look at a few scriptures today that show us these great truths.

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)

“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues” (Mark 16:17)

“And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” (John 14:13-14)

These are just a few of the many Scriptures that show that all power is given in that Name.  No wonder satan tries to downgrade the Name.  But we, who are called by His great Name, love and respect His Name, THE NAME OF JESUS!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Today, we look to the power of Your name and proclaim that You are Lord and that through Your name we can cast out demons and can heal the sick. It is in Your Name that we also see our prayers answered.  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  Your name “Jesus Christ”. No matter what Satan says or does, I cannot be taken from 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

April 29th 2019 – Don’t Make It Complicated

The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. (John 5:15)

How quickly this man was turned into a witness for the Lord; it was the same day! Sure, he still had problems in his life, but he didn’t let those things hinder his witness. He began to tell people about Jesus who had healed him and made him whole. He was very sincere, very simple and unhindered by problems of the past.

I think sometimes we try to complicate things when it comes to telling people about Jesus when it’s really very simple. One of the most powerful tools we have in sharing our faith is simply telling people what Jesus has done in our own lives – the simple yet compelling testimony of God’s goodness. We should tell everyone what God has done in our lives and we should begin to do it one by one. Let us not stop until the whole world hears.

“We should tell others what Jesus has done in our lives.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for saving me. Empower me to be a witness to the ends of the world, starting in my home, my neighborhood and my work. I once was blind and now I see. Help me to keep it simple. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Do you 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, pleaseClick Here and we will pray for you..

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

April 27th 2019 – 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 recommit your life please click here

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

April 26th 2019 – Our Deepest Pains

“Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.” (2 Corinthians 1:6)

If you knew that the pain a friend was facing would lead them to God, would you remove the pain if you were able? If you understood that the heartache of a loved one would result in the salvation of their soul, would you allow it to happen? If you realized that the suffering that you are dealing with right now meant that God would use you to comfort another person, would you refuse to endure it? These are difficult questions but they are important ones to ask. If God is good and can be trusted, doesn’t that mean He has a plan and purpose for everything, even our pain?

I once had a very different life, I was successful measured by the world standards, owned a corporation. Had a wonderful marriage, our children were happy, owned a beautiful home and we were not in any debt. I enjoyed life to the fullest.

One day, without any signs or warnings life was turned upside down because my wife of 15 years decided that she wanted to live a single life and left the children and I.

Life was by no means easy. Our innocent children suffered from abandonment and the loss of everything familiar to them. A few months later I had traumatic brain injury related to a stroke I suffered from all the stress.

There were friends and family who saw it as a tragedy. After all, I had to endure surgeries, and years of therapy and difficulties just to be able think correctly.

There are those in the world who would have looked at my situation and asked “How can a good God exist when someone especially children have to suffer like this.” There’s a problem with that thought; they can’t see God’s full plan. You see, because of my story of hardship, I am able to share comfort with those who have endured similar things. Also, as people hear the amazing story of what God has done in my life, how He sought me out and saved me. How He also gave me a wonderful new wife, new friends and a miracle recovery.

He gets the glory. In the end, my past sufferings (I gave you the short verson) have been used to draw men and women into a relationship with God. That, is worth every moment of pain I endured.

“Every pain in life can find meaning by learning to comfort others.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the trials You have allowed in my life. Help me to patiently endure those hard times so that I can be used to comfort and minister to others in their times of need. 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

Interested in experiencing forgiveness and love found in Jesus? Please click here to learn more. 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org