Category Archives: Hope

July 4th 2018 – A Call of Revival

“Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?” (Psalm 85:6)

On 4th of July we celebrate our Independence. We come together and have family get togethers and watch fireworks. This is a tradition that Americans have celebrated for close to two hundred and fifty years. But we need to ask ourselves this one very important question today?

What is the future of the United States of America? Are we doomed to just go the way that so many other once-great nations have gone? Is America headed to the ash heap of history? Are our greatest days behind us, or could they still yet be ahead? Is there any hope for America?

No one can answer those questions with any certainty, but we know this much: America is not the superpower of the last days. The greatest nation on earth is conspicuous in her absence from the world stage in the end-times scenario given to us in the Bible. America is not the first, nor will it be the last, nation to rise and fall. Every nation’s days are numbered; America is no exception.

Rome was once the mightiest empire on the face of the earth. But she collapsed internally before she was conquered externally. We as a country can be diligent to guard against enemies on the outside, but we would be wise to look within.

Historian and author Will Durant, published in his book (Rome’s history, Caesar and Christ) said, “A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within. The essential causes of Rome’s decline lay in her people, her morals. . ..”

The difference between Rome and the U.S. is that we were founded on Judeo-Christian values. We’ve strayed from the original vision of our founding fathers, the vision that produced “America.”

What was once “freedom of religion” has now become “freedom from religion.” We have succeeded in getting God out of our schools, sporting events, public venues, and workplaces. Instead of Christmas, when we should focus on Jesus, we have Happy Holidays and Winter Solstice. Instead of Good Friday and Easter, we have Spring Break. It seems to me that America has gone out her way of late to turn from God. But America needs God’s intervention.

We saw many people turn to the Lord after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Remember all those prayer vigils on street corners and packed churches? Remember the members of Congress spontaneously singing “God Bless America”? These memories give me hope that there could be at least one more great revival in America’s future.

If we do not have revival, I do believe that judgment is inevitable.  The choice before us is plain, Christ or chaos, conviction or compromise, discipline or disintegration.

God was able to turn the very wicked nation of Nineveh around in the days of Jonah. We know there have been some great spiritual awakenings in our history as well.

America needs an awakening, but the church needs a revival. We often use the words revival and awakening interchangeably, but there is a distinction. An awakening is when a nation comes alive spiritually, sees its need for God, and turns to Him. A revival is when God’s people turn back to the true word of God, not the watered down feel good social club that many of the Churchs has become. A revival is when Gods chruch body comes back to life again spiritually.

“Then we will not turn back from You; revive us, and we will call upon Your name.”(Psalm 80:18)

Revival is coming back. It is waking up. Revival is getting back to the Christian life as it was meant to be lived. Revival is being in the bloom of first love for a lifetime, walking closely with the Lord. Our love for the Lord can grow deeper. Our love can grow stronger.

That is how we need to be as followers of Jesus. We need the faith of the Christians of the first century, the faith that turned the world upside down.

Only God can send an awakening to America. But revival can happen right here, right now.

“Let’s pray that America will turn back to God in these last days.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I humbly plead for Your underserved mercy upon my life, the church, our great nation and the world. Lord, help us and the leaders of this country come before You with deep awareness that we deserve
Your judgment far more than Your blessing. By Jesus’ blood alone, we plead for Your merciful grace to revive and bless us once again. Lord please send overwhelming conviction of sin, deep brokenness and genuine repentance among Your people. Grant to us the true godly sorrow that leads to repentance. Fill us with holy fear and reverence for Your name. Mighty God, please come upon our pastors with deep repentance, dynamic power and renewed passion for Yourself. Grant to him a mighty wall of protection from the world, the flesh and the devil. Righteous God, grant to us a burning hunger for Yourself and a passion for fervent prayer. Help us draw near to You and seek You with all our hearts. Lord, cause
us to hunger and thirst for You above all else. Help us lead our churches to become houses of prayer for all nations. Lord, please bring us to loving unity in our churches and a deep harmony between our churches. Help us tear down the strongholds of bickering and disunity that so ravage Your Church. Please fill us with a burning passion to pray for and witness to the lost. Cause our eyes to weep for souls that we may reap in joy. We humbly ask for a mighty move of conviction and salvation in government leaders and others who influence culture. We ask You to pour out convicting, saving power upon our government, colleges, universities, media networks and the Hollywood movie industry. We ask that you so move that millions will be converted to Christ in these
strategic communities of cultural influence. Righteous Lord, we ask You to send sweeping revival even if it
takes hard times and great trials to prepare the soil of our hearts. Father, we pray not for shallow selfish ends, but for Your great glory and kingdom. Cause us to come to You in true humility, brokenness and contriteness of heart. May this be time Lord, that this nation falls on its knees in prayer. In Your Glorious and Holy Name. Amen!

Please Share!

Have you ever received Jesus as you Lord and Savior?

If you do not know Him personally, you will never be truly free. 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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

July 3rd 2018 – Reaching The Lost With Passion

“My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed – cut off from Christ! – if that would save them.” (Romans 9:2-3)

We all have a passion for something. It may be for our family, our job or even for our favorite hobby. These are all great things, and we can enjoy sharing these passions with others. Unfortunately, many Christians do not have a passion for the lost. They will rally behind their favorite sports team or spend hours discussing the latest movies to hit the theaters, but when pressed about those who are without Jesus, they are indifferent. We cannot be indifferent towards the lost. We should pray for the same passion Paul had for the lost.

Paul proclaims in no uncertain terms that he would willfully give up his own salvation so that his Jewish brothers and sisters would be saved. Now that is reaching the lost with passion. So how do we gain this passion? I believe, in part, it comes from understanding what the future holds for those who die without Jesus. To imagine any of my loved one’s being eternally separated from God and punished for their sins, causes me to tremble. This sorrow leads me into a passionate desire to see them saved. How about you? Together, let’s seek out those who need Jesus, share His love and change the world!

“We should have a sorrow and a passion for the lost.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your salvation and Your love for me. Father, help me to be mindful of the lost. Give me a passion to proclaim Your name and to pray for those who need You. I pray that You would draw my friends and family to Yourself so that they too may know the peace that comes from a relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you would like to request a prayer Click Here

Have you ever received Jesus as you Lord and Savior? If you do not know Him personally,you will never be truly free. 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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

June 20th 2018 – Focus on the Things Above

“The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” (John 11:44)

Symbolically, Lazarus is like many Christians. The Bible speaks of us passing from death unto new life when we get born again. But it is also true that in the physical and emotional realm, we bring our “grave clothes” from our old life with us (i.e. habits, attitudes, depression etc.), …and we need to be “loosed” to fully enjoy our life as Christians.

Our emotions and attitudes follow what we think. When we focus our attention on our problems, they are magnified out of proportion. When we neglect our problems and think on God’s provision, the answer is magnified and the problem shrinks. Whatever we think upon is going to dominate us. If we think on depressing things, we’ll be depressed. If we think on uplifting things, we’ll be uplifted. If we think, “by His stripes, we are healed”, we’ll be healed. If we think on sickness, we’ll be sick.

Godly contentment isn’t dependent upon circumstances. That is totally opposite of the way most people think today. No one really desires depression but very few feel any responsibility or authority to maintain positive emotions in the face of negative circumstances. They think emotions follow circumstances. That’s not true. Emotions follow the way we think, and we can chose to think on things that are lovely, true, of good report, and so forth regardless of our circumstances. As we think, is how we respond emotionally.

Focus your attention on the invisible truths of the spiritual realm that are eternal, instead of the visible things of this physical world that will pass away.

“We all have a measure of faith. It’s what we choose to put our faith in will ultimately guide our decision making, our perspective and the course of action for our lives.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the love You have shown me through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Help me to hold firm to this Truth so that my faith will continue to grow. Fill me with Your Spirit daily so that I will stop hearing the lies from the enemy. Protect me and help teach me that I can have real hope. Encourage me to focus on Your written word when You feel distant in my life. Also help me share with anyone who needs to hear the Gospel message. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Put your faith and trust in Jesus! If you do not know Him personally please read below.

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. 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

 

June 18th 2018 – A Fathers Love Letter

Today I was encouraged to post a love letter from God to you. It is a compilation of paraphrased Bible verses from both the Old and New Testaments that are presented in the form of a love letter from God to you. Click on the Bible links below to actually read what each verse says. This is a repost and used by permission Father Heart Communications ©1999 FathersLoveLetter.com

I pray that it touches your heart and is exactly what you needed to hear. I uploaded the audio so you can listen while you read. Just click play!

Father’s Love Letter

An intimate message from God to YOU.

 

My Child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.   Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.   Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.   Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.   Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.   Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.    Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.  Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book.   Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live.   Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.  Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother’s womb.  Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.   Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me.   John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love.  1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.  1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father.   1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.   Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.   Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.   James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.   Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.   Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.  Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore.  Psalm 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.  Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.  Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul.   Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.  Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me.   Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart.   Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.  Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine.   Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.   2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles.   2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you.   Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart.   Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes.   Revelation 21:3-4

And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.   Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.    John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.   John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.  Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you.    Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.    2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.    2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you.   1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love.    Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me.    1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again.   Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen.   Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father.    Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…Will you be my child?     John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.    Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad.
Almighty God

Father’s Love Letter used by permission Father Heart Communications ©1999 FathersLoveLetter.com

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

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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

May 2nd 2018 – The Throne of Grace

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16)

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Prayer is a mighty tool in the hands of a Christian. When we come to God in prayer, we step beyond ourselves and enter into conversation with the God of the universe. In the book of Hebrews, it states that we should “come boldly to the throne of grace.” Imagine… weak and broken, we can come to God’s throne with boldness knowing that He will hear us.

Unfortunately, many times we come to God with our wish lists and plans, all the while missing the greater blessing. As we come to God in prayer and lay before Him our thanks and petitions, we begin growing in our faith. As we share with Him our hearts desire, we find ourselves desiring His heart. Many times in prayer, it is not our situation that is changed, but rather it is ourselves. What joy to know that we can lift our voice to God and in return find hope, peace and a life forever changed.

“The goal of prayer is not to have God answer according to our desires, but for our hearts to be set to receive based on His desires.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me and allowing me to speak to You today. Because of Jesus, I am able to come to You directly and know that You are listening. Father, continue to change my heart and mind into that of Jesus. I lift up my family and friends who may not know You. Give me an opportunity to share the Gospel with them today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Looking to ask Jesus into your life? Read Below..

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 lifeYou 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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

June 1st 2018 – Awake and Arise!

for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said,“Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.”(Ephesians 5:14-16)

I’m not sure if you have ever really thought about this very much, but if take a moment and look down, which way do your feet point? What about your eyes and nose, Which way do they point? Hopefully, most of you would say ‘forward.’ Could it be that God is telling us something? Try standing up and taking two steps forward. Now, without looking take three steps backward. Does it seem weird or uneasy when you step backwards? Of course it does! The reason is because God has uniquely designed and called you to move forward in Christ. This is the medicine that Paul prescribes and exhorts us to as followers of Christ.

(Philippians 3:13-14)
No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

The first part of this verse can easily read in the Greek ‘Brothers and Sisters, I do not count myself to have apprehended but one thing.’ Wow! God says it all to us right here doesn’t He? The unforgiveness, the dark past, that area you have messed up in last year, last month, last week or in the last five minutes can be repented of. We can begin moving forward toward Christ again.

When does your Battleground Road turn into a Road of Victory? As soon as your focus changes. Don’t focus on unforgiveness, pain, the past, or what you don’t have. Focus on your blessings from the Lord and all that He is and begin moving forward into what He has in store for your life.

(Philippians 4:8)
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

“Focus on good things, the heavenly things and the eternal things.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Please forgive me when I have taken my focus off of moving forward toward You. Please forgive me when I fail at this and help me to trust in Your forgiveness for my past and focus on all the good You have given to me and the eternal and heavenly things that You desire for me. Give me Your grace to move forward in trusting in You. 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 29th 2018 – Have Faith In God

“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.” (2 Timothy 3:1-2)

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” (Romans 12:3)

Finding Faith can be a hard for many. Some have been jaded by misplaced trust and therefore have a hard time believing anyone, even God. While this may be a problem, the more challenging issue is misplaced faith. We all have faith in something. Our faith may be placed in ourselves, whether because of our wealth or authority, or it could be placed in someone or something completely different. Either way, faith that is not placed in Christ alone will only lead to ruin.

In 2 Timothy, the Apostle Paul warns his young disciple of a time that would come where men would trust in their own self. Their misplaced faith would lead to a world filled with pride, anger, hatred and irreverence for the things of God. Paul concludes with the warning, “Stay away from them.”

As Christians, we must be guided by our faith and trust in Christ. He is our Savior and King, and His Word alone is our guide into eternal life. When we trust in His Word, we will find a life that is filled with love, grace and forgiveness. This love has the power to change the world, but this love is only available to us when we trust in the One who is ultimate love, Jesus Christ.

“We all have a measure of faith. It’s what we choose to put our faith in will ultimately guide our decision making, our perspective and the course of action for our lives.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the love You have shown me through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Help me to hold firm to this Truth so that my faith will continue to grow. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can discern those who may be living for themselves. Help me to minister to those who need to hear the Gospel message. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Invitation:

Put your faith and trust in Jesus! If you do not know him personally please read below.

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, Amen!

!If you have read this prayer and believed in your heart, 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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

May 26th 2018 – The Abused Spouse

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

Do you, or have you ever known someone suffering from verbal and physical abuse from a spouse or someone they are dating? The truth is that 1 in 3 have been in an abusive relationship in their lifetimes.

I was stunned when I read the statistics, but the fact is that many people being abuse do not say anything for many years, if at all. The reason is that the abuser invokes such negative emotions into the victim. They feel shame, fear, anger and grief brought about by the painful words and physical abuse.

Shame is a pervasive feeling of being inadequate as a human being. Every area of family violence causes shame. For example, children growing up in homes where a parent is committing adultery feel ashamed of their adulterous parent’s behavior and are similarly ashamed of the faithful parent who is trying to keep it a secret.

Spouses and children of alcoholics are ashamed of their loved ones drinking and the chaos it creates in their homes. When verbal abuse and labeling take place, shame becomes a dominant motivation for doing anything possible to avoid the continual reminders of inadequacy.

Shame leaves us with a strong sense of being uniquely and hopelessly different and less than other human beings. It isolates and alienates us. We may feel that we can never live up to the expectations of those close to us, or that the reason we were abused was related to some inadequacy within us that caused and perpetuated the abuse.

Consider this …

Shame occurs in secret and isolates its victims, keeping them from challenging their feelings. God’s light allows us to begin to challenge our early assumptions and distorted perceptions. It exposes the destructive decisions shame breeds and sets us free from the lies we never before challenged.

God’s light comes through prayerfully studying Gods word through the Holy Bible, absorbing the scripture, believing them for yourself. God loves you and wants to heal your emotions. When you made Jesus Lord of your life, you became a child of your perfect heavenly Father. And the Bible promises there is no condemnation in Him. Jesus does not condemn you. Ask Him to help you see yourself as He does–loved by Him, precious to Him.

Scripture says that we are the Bride of Christ 

How Does Jesus Love His Bride? (Remembering that the below reference to Her is all of us, and by no means am I stating that Jesus got married)

Jesus did not use verbal and emotional abuse to destroy his bride’s self-esteem.  He bestowed on her great value by coming to be her servant and giving his life to save her.

Jesus did not tear down his bride to make her feel weak and powerless.  On Pentecost he filled her with his own power.

Jesus did not isolate his bride out of fear she would fall in love with someone else.  He wants to give her his love so she can love others.  He sent her into the world to live her destiny and promised to walk with her, giving her support and encouragement, even to the end of the age.

Jesus did not treat his bride like a door mat, walking on her to prove his superiority.  He elevated her, even to be seated with him in the heavenly realm, in a place of authority.

Jesus did not yell at his bride or call her names.  He calls her his Beloved and rejoices over her with singing.

Jesus did not raise his voice to drown out what his bride is trying to say.  Instead, his ear is attentive to her prayer.

He did not look at her with contempt or hate, or glare at her from a distance.  He smiles when he sees her because he sees her without spot or blemish.  He sees how beautiful she is and knows it’s his love that has washed over her and made her beautiful.

Jesus did not use his strength to manhandle his bride.  His strong right arm lifts her up and defends her against aggressors.  He uses his strength and power to fight for her, not against her.

Jesus did not ever grab his bride aggressively, slap her to shut her up, or beat her into submission.  Instead he took the abuse for her; he was the one who was humiliated, spit on and beaten.  He submitted to death so she could live.  He offers healing and comfort to her when she’s in pain, he makes her strong when she feels weak, he weeps with her when she weeps, and he wipes away every tear from her eyes because he’s gentle and kind.

Jesus did not threaten to hurt her when he gets home.  Instead, his plan when he comes again is to sweep her off her feet, raise her up to meet him in the air, and forever be with him in the amazing mansion he is preparing for her in heaven.

This is no fairy tale.  This is how a husband is to love his wife.  Mutual submission and respect naturally flow in the relationship that is focused on loving and serving one another.

Take a moment to read God’s instruction for loving your husband or wife. Ephesians 5:21-33This scripture should never be used as ammunition to keep women in submission to abusive men or to demand that they respect someone who is disrespectful. Using scripture in that way is spiritual abuse. This passage is about mutual, life-changing, empowering love.

Telling a woman she has to submit to abuse only reinforces her victim identity and empowers an abuser to continue in sin.  Both are in bondage and there is a much greater chance the marriage will end in pain or even tragedy.  God has a different plan – one that sets both free to step into a new identity.

Below are some resources if you are a victim in the United States. Outside the USA please reference local domestic resources or your church.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 http://www.thehotline.org/about-us/contact/

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I have suffered for so long with this shame. Help me to overcome the lies and see nothing but Your truth. Give me strength and help me feel loved and not shame. Remind me that I am beautiful in Your eyes and you are always with me. Thank You for Your faithfulness and for the promise that You will never leave me. Help me to trust in you. Increase my faith and fill me with Your Spirit so that I can live in great expectation of what You have in store for me. Bring loving people into my life that will love me and encourage me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

May 24th 2018 – Magnify My Faith and Wisdom

So Esther answered, “If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him.”
(Esther 5:4)

The book of Esther is an amazing book. While not mentioning the name of God, it clearly displays the work of God in the life of His people. Esther was one of those individuals who was given power and placed in a role to change history. Sometimes, we think that following God means random acts of faith. While faith is crucial, we must also remember that we are called to be wise in our actions.

In Esther 5, Esther is using great wisdom. She has a hard message to take to the King, but rather than blurt it out at the wrong time, she is preparing herself and the king for the important conversation. People say, “I don’t have to use wisdom, I am using faith.” God gives us wisdom, creativity and intelligence to use. Esther used the wisdom, guided by faith, to bring about amazing results for the people of Israel. Are you walking in wisdom? Do you consider all the options; make a plan of action for your life, ministry or family time? We all could be more like Esther, intentional in our actions and lead by God’s wisdom. Even today, let’s prepare ourselves for ministering to others and then step out with faith to get it done.

(Proverbs 9:10) “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holyisunderstanding.”

“When we walk in faith, wisdom and boldness, incredible things can happen.” 

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank you for the Bible that helps me understand how I am to think and act. Help me to grow in wisdom and to be intentional with my life. In the times when You prompt me to act, please magnify my faith, especially when I don’t completly understand. Give me opportunities to step out in boldness to love, give and share my faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

May 21st 2018 – I Believe God, Do You?

“Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.” Acts 27:25

As the storm threatened and the boat pitched back and forth, when it looked as though everyone was going to drown, the apostle Paul encouraged the others on board: “Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me” (Acts 27:25).

Those are not the words of a person in denial or out of touch with reality as some unbelievers might say. The fact is that Paul uttered them when they were still in the worst of the storm, with no tangible hope. They had the hope that had been given to Paul by God, the promise they would be delivered, but there was nothing visible to indicate that it really was going to happen.

This was faith, you see. It is faith when we can say, as things are unraveling around us, “God is in control. I know He is going to get me through this, and I know that He is faithful.” Paul was confident. He knew that God was the Master of his circumstances and the Captain of his boat. He knew that God was in control.

There was a time when Jesus told the disciples to launch out into the deep for a catch of fish, after they had been fishing for many hours and hadn’t caught a thing. Peter said, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net” (Luke 5:5). The word that Peter used for Master is a unique nautical term that means “Captain of this boat.” Then the Bible tells us they caught so many fish, their nets were breaking.

So here is the question: Are you willing to let Him be the Captain of your boat? Are you willing to say, like Paul, “I believe God”?

“Faith is knowing God is in control, even when things are unraveling.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I ask that You increase within me your obedient spirit so that I may be obedient to Your instruction. Help me Lord to walk by faith and not by sight.  I don’t always understand what You’re doing in my life, but I make a decision to trust You God, In these storms, I ask that You place within me your spirit of hope, peace and rest. Help me  to endure all that comes my way. Right now, I make a decision to trust You Lord because I know that You’re in control of my life even when my life seems to be out of control. Lord, I thank You for clarity, guidance, provision and strength.  I pray and ask for these things 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