Category Archives: Joy and Happiness

November 24th 2018 – Hide And Seek

“If you seek me with all your heart you will find me”  (Jeremiah 29:13-14 partial)

“But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deuteronomy 4:29)

The Lord encourages us to seek Him with all our heart and all our soul. If we do pursue Him with everything within us, He promises that we will find Him. I imagine this to be similar to a child’s game of hide and seek. When my children were young, they would love to play this game with me, They would turn towards the wall and close their eyes and count to ten.

In the mean time, I would sneek off into another part of the house to find a place in which to hide. At the count of ten, my children in much delight would begin their quest to find me. Their anticipation would build as they would open every closet door and look under every bed.

While the searching part of the game was always fun, it was the finding part that was the real joy! I would never pick a place too hard for my children to find me. I loved the moment when they would finally catch me. I would yell out “You found me!” and they would also say “I found you!” would happen simultaneously followed by a mutual celebration that the game was over.

The game wouldn’t have been fun if my intention was to hide so that my children would never find me. The fun is in being found. I think it is the same way in our relationship with God. When He calls us to search for Him, He never hides Himself so well that He cannot be found.

“If you seek Jesus with all your heart you will find Him.” Hint… He is Right Here —> Click Here

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am thankful that You do not make it difficult for me to find You, for You are never far away and are always happy to be found! I pray that I might pursue You with all my heart and my soul, all the while having a child-like anticipation of finding 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

November 23rd 2018 – God’s Provision

“Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:32-33)

God promises to meet all our financial needs, if you sincerely ask Him for help, learn how to be content, practice giving in faith, maintain your integrity, and trust him with your life.

Worry is honesty just a form of not beleiving in God. Every time you worry, you’re acting like an atheist. You’re saying, “It all depends on me.” That’s just not what Bible the bible says.

Worry is a warning light that you doubt the love of God. Yet, the Bible says God “provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.” (Psalm 111:5)

The book of Romans tells us that God sent His son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross to pay for our salvation. If God loves us enough to send his own son to die for you, don’t you think he loves you enough to take care of your bills?

Don’t you realize that any other problem is minor by comparison, that He solved your biggest problem when he saved you? The bottom line is really this: Am I going to believe that God will do what He says He will do — that he will provide for me?

Plain and simple, God wants us to trust in His provision for our needs, and sometimes that provision requires us to step out in faith and use what resources He has given us. It may not seem like a lot to us, but God can multiply the efforts when we trust Him.

“Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God–which, of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe.” ( 1 Thessalonians 2:13)

“God Wants Us to Trust Him”

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, I ask in true faith that You will provide for my needs. place within me joy; peace and rest 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

November 22nd 2018 – Thanksgiving and Gratitude

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1)

Today we give thanks and celebrate Thanksgiving Day.

Many don’t now that it is really very spiritual in its origins. In 1789 the United States 1st President George Washington declared Thanksgiving as a national day for giving thanks to God.

In the midst of all our feasting, it is easy to forget about the one we are celebrating. Sometimes we have no gratitude and forget to give thanks altogether.

Many will say things like, “What do have to be thankful for? My life is a mess, or my spouse has left me, or I lost my job. Maybe my children never call me, or I don’t have any friends.”

That is the ultimate test of the depth of your faith. Can you thank God when life stinks? When you’re going through tough times, don’t look at what’s lost. Look at what’s left, and be grateful for it!

Practice an “Attitude of Gratitude” because it develops your faith. How does gratitude develop my faith? It happens when times are tough — when things don’t make sense, when you can’t figure it out, when your prayers are unanswered, when everything is going the way you didn’t want it to go.

“Sink your roots in him and build on him. Be strengthened by the faith that you were taught, and overflow with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2:7)

Faith development happens when you can say in those circumstances, “God, I know you’re in control. I know you love me, and I know you can bring good out of this. I’m thankful that you’re bigger than my problem.”

“Thankfulness and Gratitude changes everything!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, You know the times I have been ungrateful, held ill thoughts toward You or  others. You know the times I complain and grumble about life and its circumstances, about suffering, going through endless trials and tribulations. I am greatful that You God are and always will be there with me, even when it seems like I am forever in the wilderness, running further and further from You, You, my God are there guiding me back to Your loving arms. I am thankful Lord for everything that You allow to cross my path. Thankful for the decisions that You allow me to make and the lessons that come from these decisions.
I’m thankful, Lord, that I do not have to live under condemnation anymore, that You have truly set me free, that I am a new creation. Thankful Lord that You have given me joy unspeakable. Thankful Lord that You are longsuffering, allowing me to mature in You!  Lord, words do not express my thankfulness. For Your mighty power is at work in me, transforming me, renewing my mind. To You Lord belong thanks eternal. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Happy Thanksgiving from Scripturalseeds.org

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

November 22nd 2018 – What Happened to “True Thanksgiving?”

Todays message from Roy Squyres

Psalm 50:14
“Offer to God Thanksgiving, and give your praise of gratitude to The Most High.”

To the Good, God fearing citizens of this Nation, The United States of America, and to all around the World, who celebrate Havest Season, may we truly give thanks for the good things our Creator God has given to us this year.
May we count our blessing and offer praise for still being a free nation, for our families and loved ones, for the privilege of worshipping without government restraints. We are still one nation, under God, with Liberty and Justice for all, and let us remember those who gave their all for our rights and freedoms, let us give thanks.
There are those who do not believe in God, who would like to forget this time of gratitude toward a Gracious Creator and Provider, and erase from public memory this season, Let us all, who call upon God, join hearts as one people, to give
Praise and give thanks, as our forefathers and mothers have done, and as we grew up doing. And may God Almighty recieve our gratitude as One People, One Nation indivisible. And may you all have a wonder and blessed ‘Holy Day of Thanksgiving’. We, at Scriptural Seeds wish you all a
Happy Thanksgiving.

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.

We are your Bond-servants in Christ.

Roy Squyres

2017-04-09-10-17-59

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 19th 2018 – Worship with Unaffected Joy

“They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:46-47)

Just as something wonderful happens when God’s people get together and study His Word, something extraordinary happens when God’s people get together and sing His praises. Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20) Now this verse is not saying that God only shows up when people worship, because God is omnipresent. But He manifests His presence in a very special way when His people lift up His name in praise and worship.

Did you know that the early church was a worshipping church. As we read above in Acts 2:46–47 it tells us, “They ate their food with great joy and generosity all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people”

The phrase “great joy and generosity” literally means (with unaffected joy) There was joy in the early church. They were vibrant. But they also had reverence. A few verses earlier in (Acts 2:43) we read “A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.”

There should be joy and reverence. Those are elements that should be in our worship. The Spirit-filled church will be a worshipping church, and the Spirit filled Christian will be a worshipping Christian.

Someone might say, “Well, I just don’t always feel like worshipping.” Do you think the first-century believers always felt like praising God? They were harassed. They were beaten. They were mocked. These Christians faced persecution on a massive scale, but they were thankful to God.

The Bible doesn’t say, “Give thanks to the Lord when you feel good.” Rather, it says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!” (1 Chronicles 16:34). That is how Job was able to worship God after calamity came knocking at his door.

“Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship.” (Job 1:20).

“Sometimes worship can be a sacrifice. But we should still worship with unaffected joy “

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am in awe of Your unending, unconditional love. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection on my behalf, I am able to be free from the bondage of sin and future condemnation. You are so good to me, and I desire to respond with a life of surrender to you. Fill me with Joy and reverence, fill me with Your Spirit and help me to live a life of love and service for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Click to Watch – Kari Jobe (Forever)

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

November 17th 2018 – Encourage One Another

Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever.  So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:10-11)

Have you ever seen children building sandcastles together in the sand? Typically, some kids likes to build while others may walk by and stomp on it, especially if they are siblings. One builds up and the other takes joy in tearing down. Why? Mostly, it is for the reaction. This often happens in school or the workplace. Christians can do this as well in church. It may be types of worship music, food and dress… all of these are minor issues that many love to argue. What does it do? It distracts from the Gospel.

(Romans 14:19) “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.”

Doing things just to offend or argue each other is wrong. God is at work in our lives at different speeds and at different times. You may say “I get it, why don’t they get it?” That is a prideful statement. It is quite probable that another brother or sister “get’s it” in other ways better than you do. That is how it works. We fit together and cause each other to grow. Serving in church but being prideful and snooty about it does not interest God. The church is made of individual people with individual gifts, and no one person is the whole church. We should build one another up and in turn, we will be encouraged as well. What if the church body, at large, really did what Romans 14:19 says? Let’s start and see.

“Encourage each other and build each other up!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for the many individual gifts that make up the body of Christ. Lord, help us to put off disagreements and value others. Forgive us when we have caused division and strife. Give us the spirit to be a blessing to someone else today. 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

November 16th 2017 – Choose to Love

“Let all that you do be done with love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14)

In 1 Corinthians 16:14, we find such a simple command. Simply put, we are to do everything with love. While this may appear simple in direction, it’s not simple in action. Because we are broken vessels in an evil world, it can be difficult to do everything with love. After all, our first reaction is to preserve ourselves. Our emotions, our lives, our stuff; these are the things we strive to maintain at all cost… and love demands we lose them for the sake of others.

(Galatians 2:20) “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

As Christians, we are no longer slaves to ourselves. We have been freed to love others just as Christ loved us. He is our great example as well as our strength. We cannot love rightly on our own. We must depend on Jesus. So next time someone in traffic causes you to see red, look to the cross of Christ and the blood that He shed for you. He died for us when we didn’t deserve it so now we can forgive others even when they don’t deserve it.

“You’re not living until you give your life away and start to love.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am so grateful for Your love and grace. Because You loved me, I am able to love others in every circumstance. Give me strength to walk in obedient love and to look for opportunities to care for others around me. As Your love increases in me, may my selfishness decrease. 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

November 8th 2018 – Let There Be Light

“For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)

In the beginning God spoke into the darkness and created the light. This light was the beginning of a new world. Like our world, we all begin in darkness because of our sinful nature. As the holidays are approaching we need to remember to have an attitude greatfulness and thanksgiving and truly be excited because the Light of God himself has come into our darkness. Two thousand years ago in a stable in Bethlehem, Jesus Christ came in the form of man. He, who had created light in the beginning of time, was now on our earth as a light to men.

What great news! The Lord of all creation has come to bring light and life to men. As we give our lives to Jesus, He speaks into our lives and light bursts forth in brilliant beams. This light transforms us from the inside and we are made new. As you celebrate with family and friends this upcoming season, look at all the lights around you and remember ‘The Light’ of the world. As you do that, remember that He has come to make us lights to this world as well. What an honor, to be given the Light of God to share with others who are in darkness. Surely, this is what the holiday season is all about.

“Shine as bright lights that illuminate the darkness.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the light given to men through Your Son, Jesus. Father, forgive me of my sins and fill me with Your light so that I may share You with this dark world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Living in the dark? Looking for meaning and direction? 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. 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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 7th 2018 – Garment of Praise

“and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” (Isaiah 61:3)

With all that hate being spread around during the midterm elections, Its not hard to look around and feel a “spirit of despair”

Well Isaiah 61:3 prescribes a “garment of praise” for your condition. If you’re having trouble putting on that garment today, these words will get you focused on the names and attributes of your Creator. Our God is holy, loving, eternal and amazing beyond all of our comprehension. Let’s pray these words together and get our eyes off our sadness and all the worldly troubles, and focus on our heavenly Father who deserves our praise!

Garment-of-Praise

“When you are sad or feel despair, Don’t focus on it,  Put you sights on God with Praise and Worship!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, you are the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. You are my Creator and my Counselor, guiding me daily to make wise decisions. You are my Comforter in sorrow, pain, or distress. I praise you for drawing near to me when I draw near to you. You are the God who sees me and you are Eternal, Lord. You are my heavenly Father, and the father of the fatherless. How great are you and your faithfulness, God, day in and day out.

You are holy, yet you made a way for me to approach you. I praise you for being my Helper, and for your Holy Spirit’s conviction, correction, and protection in my life. You are invisible, but I see you with eyes of faith. You are the One who provides for all my needs. I praise you as my God who heals, and for being my faithful Shepherd. You are not just King, but you are King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. And yes, you are Jesus, the name above all names.

With my whole heart I praise you, God. You are Messiah, the soon and coming King. You are omniscient; you know all things. You are omnipresent; everywhere at all times. You are my Peace, my Protector, and the High Priest who became my Redeemer and Sacrifice forever. You died to set me free; you rose again and gave me victory over death. No longer am I enslaved in sin; you are my Salvation, my Rescuer and my Refuge. You give me hope within.

You are preparing a place for me so that one day I will live with you forever. Maybe then and only then will I be able to praise you adequately in a way not possible here on earth the way you truly deserve all my love, all my praise to you. How excellent is your name in which I pray! 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

November 4th 2018 – Someone Hit and Run Off with My “Peace”

“And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison.” (Acts 12:6)

How often do you allow the troubles of life to steal your peace? Do you replay events over and over in your mind wishing you had done something differently, and sometimes even allow bad events to set the tone for the rest of your day?

I am reminded of a story about a man who while on his way to work stops to get a soda, when he is inside the gas station, someone bumps into his car and drives off. When he finally got to work, a colleague asked him how he was doing. Through clenched teeth he said, “Terrible! Someone bumped into my car and drove off.” He walked into his office, slammed the door, threw the chair back from his desk, and picked up a phone to speak harshly to an employee. At lunch, the waiter at the restaurant asked him how he was doing and he responded, “Terrible! Someone hit my care this morning!” Later that evening when he got home his wife asked him how his day went and he said, “It was terrible! I had someone hit and run me this morning!” That one event shaped his entire day and not only that, his bad attitude affected everyone he came across. In Acts chapter 12, we see James had been killed by Herod and Peter was imprisoned. Although Peter was probably about to be executed, he was sleeping! Now as far as ‘bad days’ go, I’d rank his pretty high on the list, yet Peter is comfortable and peaceful enough to sleep. Peter was at peace in the Lord as we should be. No matter what the circumstance.

Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

No matter what trial or tribulation you are facing, know that there will be a day when you will be free from it. It may not be until you are with the Lord in Heaven, but you will be free from it. Be at peace, Christian! You have an awesome promise to look forward to…

(Revelation 21:3-4) “And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

“Practice finding peace in Jesus during the troubles of life.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for sending Your only Son, Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. Thank You for the promise that one day, You will wipe the tears from my eyes and there will be no more death, sorrow or crying. Thank You that I can have peace through Jesus, no matter what trial or difficulties I am experiencing. Please forgive me for the times when I have surrendered my peace to a situation or problem and help me to live for You every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you would like to find true peace and 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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org