Category Archives: Grace and Mercy

October 2nd 2017 – Jesus is Waiting

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“Their arrogance testifies against them, yet they don’t return to the LORD their God or even try to find him.” (Hosea 7:30)

In the book of Hosea, the people of Israel find themselves in a frightening spot. God has given them over to their enemies, yet they continue to sin. They are weary, heartbroken and homesick, yet they refuse to look to God. Like a loving father who watches his child continue to hurt themselves, God desires to step into the scene and heal them. He desires to bring them hope, freedom, prosperity and peace.

While the situation may be different for each of us, the reality is the same. We all have moments in life where we feel beat up and knocked down. Our marriage is struggling, our job is on the line, we’re concerned about our health; all these things come at us and we have a choice to make. Will we look to God or will we look to ourselves or the world for answers. Of course, the even greater picture is in regards to our salvation. Each of us stands before God guilty because of the bad things we have done, we now have a choice. Do we admit guilt and ask for mercy, or do we deny guilt and run from the very One who desires to forgive us? All of us have a choice… choose wisely.

“God desires to forgive us, but we must come to Him first.”

Prayer;

Heavenly Father, I know that I am a sinner and in need of Your grace. I also know that without You my life would simply fall to pieces. Help me to trust in You during the hard times and celebrate that I have been saved by Your grace through Jesus. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can share this Good News with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 29th 2017 – Shaken Not Forsaken

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“How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? (Psalm 13:1-2)

At the beginning of Psalm 13 David feels that God has forsaken him. Has that ever happened to you? Do you let your problems make you despondent, discouraged, and disillusioned? Honestly, that couldn’t be further from the truth for those of us that have received the salvation of the Lord. We see David acknowledging this as he continues…

(Psalm 13:5-6)
“But I have trusted in Your mercy;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.”

You see, when we accepted the sacrifice of Christ we received the forgiveness of sins and the promise that we’d never be forsaken by God. Jesus ultimately experienced separation from Father God for the first time on that cross on our behalf when He cried out “my God my God why have you forsaken me?” Now, once we realize in our heads and hearts this reality, our trust in His mercy causes us to rejoice in our salvation! Our eyes can now be enlightened by the Spirit of God to see how rich we truly are in Christ. Count those blessings friend and allow the Lord to encourage you with all He has done for you!

“Sometimes we forget what we should we remember, (the good done by someone, by others, sometimes by us) and remember what we should forget (the wrongs done by someone, by others, sometimes by us).”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for enduring all things for me on the cross. Thank You for never leaving or forsaking me. Please give me the power to remember the blessings that You have poured out into my life through Christ and help me to walk after You with joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen

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

If you prayed the prayer above. Click here and select the acknowledge button at the bottom. We would love to pray with you and for you.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 26th 2017 – Put “It” Down

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“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,” (Ephesians 4:26)

Ephesians 4 is packed with so many treasures.  (Ephesians 4:31-32) “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

The words ‘you’ and ‘your’ are used many times in Ephesians chapter 4, so it is speaking to ‘you’ as a believer. It says “don’t let the sun go down on your wrath.” Now, this could be your anger, which is the main and plain meaning, but if you don’t ask for forgiveness for things, then your sin works to separate you from God. So whether you need forgiveness, or you need to forgive somebody in obedience to the Lord and forget your wrath, do it before sundown.

I was recently reading Psalm 4 thsn looked up Ephesians 4. It’s interesting that Psalm 4 contains the only verse similar to Ephesians 4:26 that I have found.

(Psalm 4:4) “Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.

Are you nursing any wounds? Are you holding on to any unforgiveness? Bitterness? Offense? Did you get offended by someone and instead of putting the offense down, you are carrying it around? You can’t do that. It gives place to the devil in your life.

This world is getting worse by the day and you can’t be tied up and weighed down by the past. The Bible says ‘don’t let the sun go down on your wrath’. Now here’s a cool little tidbit. How do we count our days? Well, we say that it goes to midnight and then the next day starts. Man came up with that. It’s not in the Bible. Actually in the Bible, in Genesis Chapter 1, verse 5 and many other verses, it says “the evening and the morning were the first day,” “the evening and the morning were the second day,” “the evening and the morning were the third day.”

*The biblical day ends at sundown.

*At sundown you begin the next day.

The verse says don’t let the sun go down on your wrath, anger or unforgiveness. Ask God to forgive you, forgive others and forgive yourself before this day ends and before you start your next day. Do it everyday. Because of God’s grace and Jesus death on the cross we can be forgiven! And as we walk in forgiveness we are empowered to forgive others.

“God wants to deliver us out of His wrath and anger, and the consequences of it.”

Prayer:

Heavenly father, I ask that you please forgive me for holding on to offenses, for letting the sun repeatedly go down on my wrath. I’m sorry. Thank you for Jesus and the forgiveness I have in Him. Father, show me any place where I have allowed a root of bitterness to get established in my heart and remove it. I choose to trust and obey. Help me to forgive others as you, in Christ, have forgiven 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 25th 2017 – Unlimited Resource

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“He who scatters has come up before your face. Man the fort! Watch the road! Strengthen your flanks! Fortify your power mightily.” (Nahum 2:1)

Tests and trials are a part of life and often push us to our limits in so many ways. During these times, what do you turn to? Do you first run to others seeking those who feel the same way you do? Do you find yourself to be anxious because you are constantly looking down the road of life waiting for the next attack? Maybe you run to your money or addiction to seek answers or comfort. Whatever the case may be, the truth is, when we do not run to God first, we will not last long.

As followers of Christ, we have the unlimited resource of wisdom and power available to anyone. He is our Father God and He desires to help us in times of need. We may be able to limp along on our own wisdom and strength for a time, but when we trust in the Lord’s strength and His infinite wisdom, we will never grow weary. Today you will encounter difficult situations. Don’t be surprised by them but simply use them as an excuse to draw closer to God. Need wisdom? Ask the Father. Desire strength? Find it in Jesus.

“When you aew faced with a problem, seek God first before relying on your own wisdom or strength.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your generous love for me. I am so grateful that I can run to You in times of need and You will hear my cry. Father, I ask for Your strength and wisdom today. No matter where I find myself I ask that You would guide my steps and use me for Your purposes. 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

September 22nd 2017 – What Really Matters

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“Now when all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them, the people answered the king, saying: “What share have we in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. Every man to your tents, O Israel! Now see to your own house, O David!”
( 2 Chronicles 10:16)

In our world of twenty-four hour news stations and action packed live reporting, it’s easy to see and hear all the bad things happening in our country and the world. If we compound this with our own personal struggles and pains, we will easily find ourselves anxious or worse yet, hopeless. In 2 Chronicles 10, the people of Israel are trying to come to grips with the splitting of their nation. As they watch their kingdom crumble, they chose to look at their circumstance rather than their God.

(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.”

No matter where we are in life, or as a Nation. We can always find something bad to focus on. Lately in the USA. Alot of what we hear from day to day is how much our is nation divided, All of the stories of slander and hate between political parties, racial rifts, hurricanes, earth quakes, famine and death, wars and rumors of wars. Definitely sounds like what the Bible predicts in the end of times.  Its easy at times for me to get caught up in it too.

What we need, is to flee from a constant intake of bad news and focusing on Satans plans. These things do nothing but cause division and pain. Instead, we should look to the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ. As we set our eyes on Him we will find peace for our souls and life abundant.

“Follow only that which leads you to Jesus. Because honestly, that is what what matters. “

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your forgiveness and grace. Help me to be discerning with what or who I listen to. May I always be mindful of Your goodness and grace. Thank You for my family, my friends and all of the ones that are in my life. Father, use me to share whatever is good and right with others that are around me. Lord, also please help me draw others to You. That is where they will find the truth, real hope and love. 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

 

September 16th 2017 – Guided By His Grace

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“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” (1 Peter 1:13)

From the beginning of 1 Peter 1, the apostle Peter has been encouraging believers with wonderful promises from God. He reminds them of their living hope in our risen Savior and the future that we have waiting for us in Heaven. In this verse, Peter encourages us to respond to the promise of a new life in Christ and our future glory. How? By guarding our minds, emotions and hearts.

To ‘gird up the loins of our mind’ is to put away any wrong thoughts that may try to work their way into our thinking. Rather than thinking from a human perspective, we should think biblically. Peter also mentions that we should be sober. In other words, we should not allow our emotions to lead us, we should lead our emotions. Finally, he calls us to rest on grace. In order to guard our hearts, God calls us to remember the Gospel. Remember the love of God that was demonstrated on the cross. Remember the power of God to raise Christ from the grave so that we can have new life. With the Spirit’s power, these Truths will help us live a life of godliness and grace.

“God does not command holiness from Christians as a means to gain His acceptance. He commands us to be holy because We Are Holy.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the wonderful gift of salvation that You have given to me through Christ. Because of Your wonderful grace, I desire to live for You. Give me the power and wisdom to guard my mind, emotions and heart. 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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 13th 2017 – Shine Bright

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“He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)

John the Baptist’s disciples saw that many more people were going to Jesus and his disciples to be baptized (John 3:26). We also see this in other places in scripture as well. People want to be in the who’s who among Christians. It’s a temptation we all face from time to time, the need to be affirmed in ourselves, how we fair among other people, and in the body of Christ. Paul deals with this specifically challenging the believers in Corinth who were having their identity connected to a specific leader.

(1 Corinthians 1:13)
Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

The key for our growth is allowing ourselves to decrease in our own lives and let the Lord increase in our lives. John states that it is his joy that the Lord was coming on the scene more fully and that people were following Jesus now. Can you and I say the same thing? If someone else gets a promotion at work, if you become more unpopular and someone else is elevated to higher notoriety, or it seems that all the good you have done has been forgotten are you able to humbly rejoice? We are all faced with day to day struggles and challenges in these areas of our lives in our family, at work, school, and even in our serving the Lord in the body of Christ. The question is are we willing to let Him increase that we might decrease?

“He must increase but I must decrease is where real joy is found and the purity of the person of Jesus can be seen in us.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, please forgive me when I feel I need to be exalted for any reason. Please allow Your Spirit to work in my heart so that You may truly increase in all areas of my life. Please forgive me for getting out of hand from time to time with my attitude and with gossip. I Love you Lord and want people to see You in my life. I want Your presence to shine bright in my life! 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

September 11th 2011 – Garden of Your Heart

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“This is what the LORD says to the people of Judah and Jerusalem: ‘Plow up the hard ground of your hearts! Do not waste your good seed among thorns.’” (Jeremiah 4:3)

If you have every planted a garden, you know that seed does not do well on hard ground. No matter how many seeds thrown to the ground, they will just bounce around until they are either eaten or blown away. In order for the seeds to take root and produce fruit, they must actually enter into the ground which means the ground must first be plowed.

Plowing is not easy. It takes time and energy to break open the dry ground in order to expose and prepare the soil underneath. The same is true with our hearts. Apart from God, our hearts are sun dried and barren, but when we begin honestly looking into the Word of God, the Holy Spirit begins plowing our heart so that we will receive the Truths of God. Just like gardening, it can be hard but it is worth the effort. The more we take God’s Word to heart, the more God digs out rocks of sin and pride, while planting great promises. God desires to see our lives filled with the fruit of His Spirit, but we must first be willing to be broken. Don’t fight it, embrace it, and you will find great joy awaiting the other end.

“The Holy Bible is the Word of God and is our source for everything we need to know about God, ourselves and salvation.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for the love that You have shown me and the promise that You can make me new. Give me the strength to trust You as you plow my heart. Open my heart to understanding and my mind to your Truth. Plant in me all that You desire and use me to be a vessel of your grace. 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

September 10th 2017 – His Amazing and Perfect Love

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“But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.”(Malachi 4:2)

The prophets of the Hebrew Scriptures often centered on a common theme of the coming judgment for the people of Israel. In the book of Malachi, it is no different. This final book of the Old Testament brings a very real promise of coming judgment, yet in the midst of this proclamation is a message of hope and blessings. You see, the reality is that our sin is worthy of God’s judgment. We have broken His laws and deserve punishment, but God does not leave us there. Instead, He stepped down out of Heaven, in the form of Jesus Christ, and made a way for us to be saved from this punishment.

When Jesus died on the cross over 2000 years ago, He proclaimed to the whole world His love for mankind. Now because of this amazing love, we can find hope and a future in a relationship with Jesus. When we realize our sin and turn to God for forgiveness, He opens His arms wide desiring to shower us with His grace and mercy. This is the God of the Bible, both perfect in judgment and perfect in love. Do you know Him? If so, rejoice because the coming of the Lord brings healing and joy! If not, then come to Him today and find rest for your weary soul and love for all eternity.

“The day of the Lord brings healing & joy to those who fear the Lord.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I know that I have sinned against You and I pray that You would forgive me of my sins. I believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose again so that I could be forgiven. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to live a life dedicated to You. Thank You for Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you have prayed this prayer, 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

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

September 9th 2017 – Will You Recognize Jesus in the Middle of the Storm?

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“And the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. ‘It’s a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’ ” (Matthew 14:24–27)

As Jesus approached the storm-tossed boat, the disciples saw Him, but didn’t recognize Him. In fact, at first His presence added to their terror. They thought they were seeing a ghost.

Reading their first reaction made me think of the fear-inducing situations I’ve faced. How often has Christ been present in my storm, but I didn’t recognized Him? Was He wearing the face of a person I don’t like all that much? Did He come from a direction I didn’t expect?

Perhaps I was so weary from rowing against the wind, I expected nothing but more bad news. When Christ speaks, He seems to ignore the immediate problem, saying, “Take courage! It is I.” If I were the disciples, I think I would have liked to hear, “It’s okay, I’ll tell the storm to stop now,” or “I’ll get in and help you row from here.” Perhaps I’d even appreciate a six-step plan for getting safely to shore.

Instead Jesus offers one key thing: the truth that He is present. I want God to respond to my trials with explanations for their existence, clear step-by-step plans for solving them and even a few promises about the value of enduring them. Yet here Jesus gives the disciples the answer He often gives me: “I’m here.” Sufficient. The answer I need. The answer powerful enough to propel me from the boat and onto the water, as Peter discovered as the scene continued. Jesus doesn’t provide a weather report, a new sailing technique or an empty pep talk. He gives me first what matters most: Himself.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we call upon You in the middle of this storm, That You give us the strength and will to bear our heavy burdens, until we can again feel the warmth and love of Your divine compassion. Be mindful of us and have mercy on us while we struggle to comprehend life’s hardships that come a storms of life. When fear and panic, shock and dismay are close by, so are you. Maywe always recconize you ,  Keep us ever in Your watch until these storms of life pass. In Jesus’ precious and glorious name, Amen.

Are you in the middle of a storm? call out to Jesus, ask Him into your life.

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