Category Archives: Joy and Happiness

May 17th 2018 – Contagious Faith

“Then Asa cried out to the Lord his God, “O Lord, no one but you can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in you alone. It is in your name that we have come against this vast horde. O Lord you are our God; do not let mere men prevail against you!” (2 Chronicles 14:11)

In life, we are all faced with difficulties and trials. Whether it is a struggle within us or a struggle with another person, we often find ourselves beat up and deflated. This is why it is vital for any believer to surround themselves with people who are courageous at heart. These are men and women who know the obstacles but are not stopped by them. Friends, who may be challenged by life, but their faith in God overpowers their fear.

All too often, we can find ourselves surrounded by those who seem more apt to throw a pity party than a pep rally. In these times, we need to seek out those who will be an encouragement and strength during our times of weakness. As we fellowship with Christians who are empowered by their faith and set on fire through the Spirit, we will find ourselves igniting with hope and courage. A steady diet of courageous fellowship leads to a life that is blessed and growing. This is the life Christ came to give us – an abundant life.

“Courage and Faith are Contagious.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your love for me and the hope I have in You. Help me to seek out those who can encourage me in my walk with You. May I surround myself with those who love You and are full of faith so that I may be on fire to inspire others and glorify Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Relationship with Jesus?

If you do not know Jesus 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. 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

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

May 16th 2018 – Have Faith In The Small Things Too

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” (James 4:10)

Saul was helping his father when he walked smack-dab into the perfect will of God. In his search for some lost donkeys, Saul was directed to the area where the prophet Samuel lived. When Samuel laid eyes on Saul, the Lord told him that Saul was the one He had chosen to be king over Israel.

Then the Bible tells us that “Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head, and kissed him and said: ‘Is it not because the Lord has anointed you commander over His inheritance?’ ” (1 Samuel 10:1)

The Spirit of God came upon Saul, and he prophesied with the prophets, which means that God spoke through Saul. We are also told that God gave him a new heart.

Then came a test in Saul’s life. Some questioned the choice of Saul as king. But Saul ignored them and just went about his business. After Samuel had anointed Saul as king, the Lord had not told him to do anything in particular. And to his credit, Saul went back to his responsibilities, which included plowing a field.

Often you will find that when you are engaged in task for the Lord, He will tell you what the next thing is. Saul was faithful in the little things, and God opened a great door for him.

If you want to be used by God, if you feel that one day the Lord might want you to be in ministry somewhere, then here is my advice for you: Be faithful in little things. Do what you can do. Don’t always look for the big things to do, because in the process of the little things God might surprise you by opening a great door for you.

“God says that if you will be faithful in the little things, then He will give you other things to do.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am grateful that You are the Rock that I can stand on. Your always ever present in my times of need. Lord, in those times I feel that I am only doing small insignificant things for you, remind me of Your faithfulness and love for me, and that even in the small things You are at work. May Your Spirit lead me to draw close to You and trust in extreme ways. Help me to always choose Your Word over my feelings. I choose to have faith and trust in You. Help me to grow in wisdom and to be intentional with my life. 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

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

 

 

May 10th 2018 – Being Content is a Choice

“They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you.” (2 Peter 2:19)

Throughout our lives, we will be faced with various temptations. It could be in the form of a false teacher promising something unbiblical or an activity that appeals to our sinful nature but either way, it is empty in the end. One of the temptations the bible refers to is the “lust of the eyes”, and it has the power to cause us to become bitter, unhappy and resentful towards others. Another word we could use to describe this sin would be the word covetousness. When we look at the blessings of others and desire it for ourselves, we begin coveting. At that moment, we can begin secretly resenting that individual for nothing more than being blessed by God. It’s true, they probably don’t deserve it, but none of us do.

How can we battle the lust of the eyes? I believe we find the answer in the words of Paul found in (Philippians 4:11)  “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.”

Contentment is the key. Also, notice what Paul said, “I learned.” Paul did not start off content. Through the power of God, he learned to be that way whether he was in prison or enjoying the blessings of food and fellowship. This can be difficult at times but there is true freedom in learning contentment. If we can learn this, then no matter what happens in this crazy world, we will be joyful because we have God, and He is enough. As you begin your day, ask God to help you to be content. Don’t be surprised; however, if you find that your coworker gets a raise or a friend is able to buy a brand new car. Instead of getting upset because you didnt, choose contentment.

Rejoice with them and thank the Lord for graciously saving you. After all, if God can forgive us of all our sin, what more do we need?

“Contentment is a choice we must make”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank You for the grace you have shown me. You have given me life and because of Christ, I know that I also have eternal life. Help me to be content with whatever You plan for my life. I desire to walk in peace and joy regardless of my circumstances. Use me today to share Your love with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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If you don’t know Jesus personallyC, onsider Asking Jesus into your heart and to reveal Himself personally to you. Click here to learn more.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

May 1st 2018 – Only One Way To Heaven

“So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.” (Acts 28:23-24)

Interesting… Paul used what part of the Bible? He used the Hebrew Scriptures. Paul used the Old Testament to show that Jesus was the Messiah; Yeshua HaMashiach in Hebrew. It’s amazing to me how many churches, pastors and Christians are willing to throw aside the Hebrew Scriptures calling them outdated or not relevant for today. We see Jesus all through the Old Testament! He’s in Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and all the way through the Psalms and into the prophets. You cannot throw out the Hebrew Scriptures without saying that Jesus is no longer relevant. Some would try to say that there are other paths to God. It is true that all paths do lead to God, but there’s only one path that leads to Heaven. Everyone will stand before God, but without Jesus, you will be eternally separated from Heaven and God at that meeting.

(John 14:6) “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Jesus did not say, “I am one of many ways.” God has provided THE way for forgiveness and restoration to Him and that way is through His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus died on a cross and was resurrected from the grave for our sins.

Jesus is the way to God’s forgiveness. He’s the only way.

(Acts 4:12) “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

(Romans 10:9-10) “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for providing the means for my salvation. Thank You, Jesus, for dying on the cross for my sins so that I can be saved. Thank You for forgiving me of my sins. Please give me the courage to be a witness for You here on earth. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

April 27th 2018 – Unstoppable Joy!

“Do not rejoice, O Israel, with joy like other peoples, For you have played the harlot against your God. You have made love for hire on every threshing floor.” (Hosea 9:1)

Joy, it’s something we strive for and yet so many people miss it completely. In the time of Hosea, God tells the people of Israel NOT to rejoice. He does not refuse them joy because He is cruel; He is simply stating a fact. They had rejected a relationship with God and because of that, they had rejected joy.Around the world today there are countless people who are seeking joy. They try to find it in relationships, careers, activities and possessions. Unfortunately many turn to drugs and alcohol. These things may bring a temporary joy or happiness, but each one of them is unable to sustain joy for long. Compare this to the words of Jesus in John chapter 15.

(John 15:10-11) “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”

Jesus gives us the answer to complete joy in life and that answer is a relationship with Him. An active relationship with Jesus through prayer, reading the Bible and serving others helps us walk in fulfillment and joy. As we see others blessed, we are blessed. When we understand the promises of God and how they relate to us, we are encouraged. So, if you are lacking joy in your life, look to the One who promises full joy. Find Jesus and find joy.

“Complete, unstoppable joy is found in an active relationship with Jesus.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the relationship You offer me through Jesus. Thank You for the promises of Your Word. Help me to remember those promises, and give me the strength to love and serve others. I know that as I step out in obedience to You, I will find complete joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Is Jesus the Lord and Savior of your life? Or have you turned your back on Him? There is no better time then now to claim your Unstoppable Joy!

Pray this prayer and start a new life, or recommit to to Jesus.

Heavenly Father, I come to You in the Name of Jesus. I admit that I am not right with You, and I want to be right with You. I ask You to forgive me of all my sins. The Bible says if I confess with my mouth that “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead, I will be saved (Rom. 10:9). I believe with my heart and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is the Lord and Savior of my life. Thank You for saving me!
In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer for the first time, we would like to know. Click here to send us an e-mail or share your testimony.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

April 21st 2018 – A Thankful Heart

“For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for our food.”(1 Timothy 4:4-5)

That prayer, often spoken by small children before they eat, may seem simple, yet thankfulness is something we often struggle with even as adults. How often have I stopped and thanked God for the air I breathe, the abilities I have, or the body I have been given? Of course, gratefulness does not just manifest itself in words but becomes part of our lives. When I truly understand the gifts God has given me, it leads me to a desire to serve Him. Then, as I meditate on the Gospel and the fact that Jesus died on my behalf so that I could be forgiven, it should cause us to give our all for Him. Knowing that it can be difficult in our busy lives to stop and focus on all that we are blessed with, but when we take the time to, it will impact our lives profoundly.

(Romans 2:4) “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?”

As we focus on the goodness of God and His provision for our lives and our salvation, we are humbled and put in the perfect place to be used by God. Even in our times of hardship, when we stand back and view, we get a glimpse of God’s eternal perspective which leads us to rejoice, once again, in our King.

“Grateful people recognize God’s provisions in their lives.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for ALL that You have given me. Thank You for my friends and Family. I am grateful for Your love, Your mercy and the gift of eternal life through Jesus. Thank You for the blessings of life. Teach me to have a thankful heart and to share this gratefulness with others. 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

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

April 17th 2018 – Our Tears

I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears.” (Psalms 6:6)

How does deep emotional pain hit us? How do we respond to it? It could come from the death of a precious loved one, the hardship of having someone betray you, or the sin you keep falling into that you hate. Perhaps you’ve had sorrow as King David did and had a child turn against you. Many of us, no matter how tough we are, have experienced pain that brought us to tears. How does God look at you and me during our struggles and when we’re weeping before Him?

(Psalms 56:8) “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book

Our loving heavenly Father takes distinct note of when we cry. When we cry, we do not keep our tears, but they are captured by the Lord. Have you ever been bothered by seeing your child struggle, getting hurt, and crying? It is even more so with our Father in heaven who sent His Son to intercede with His tears on behalf of our struggles and sins. Jesus sowed tears of sorrow for our sin so that He could give us joy by defeating our sin (Psalm 126:3). Take heart today by knowing God has taken note of our hurts, our struggle, our prayer, our tears, and most importantly our sins, and we will ultimately be eternally freed if we have entrusted our life to Him.

(Revelation 21:4) “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever”

“Jesus turns our tears into diamonds in His nail scarred hands.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank you for capturing my heart, my sorrows, and my tears. Thank you for paying the ultimate price for my sin so that I can be eternally delivered from the sorrow of my sin in such a sin stained world. I have great hope because of You Lord. Thank you for caring for me and remembering me even when I weep. Please keep reminding me that my tears are but for a moment, and you will wipe every tear I ever had away from my face. Please give me Your power to see and walk in Your joy since I know this day is coming. 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.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

April 11th 2018 – We Must Count the Cost

“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?” (Luke 14:28)

It isn’t easy to be a Christian, especially a committed and growing Christian. It costs to follow Jesus. But it costs a lot more not to.

Jesus said to His disciples, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.“(John 15:18-19)

This is hard to accept if you have been a likeable person throughout your life and then become a Christian. You try to be loving and compassionate and helpful, and then people find out that you’re a Christian. So they give you a difficult time or make fun of you or spread lies about you. You think, This isn’t right I am not like that, I do care about them. But the fact is that now you are a representative of Jesus. And effectively you will be treated as He was treated. The Bible says, “Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).

You don’t want to decide to follow Jesus like making an impulse purchase at the store.

When you decide to follow Christ, you need to count the cost. Jesus counted the cost when He went to the cross for you. He gave His life so you can be forgiven of your sin, so you can know that you will go to Heaven when you die.

He counted the cost for you. Will you count the cost and follow Him?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I praise You for the amazing love You have shown me. Thank you for the people that you have brought into my life that also exhibit the love of Christ. Help me count the cost and grasp onto the great truth of your love. I want to be able 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

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.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

April 10th 2018 – His Choice

“I have loved you,” says the LORD. ” Yet you say, ‘In what way have You loved us?’ Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” Says the LORD. “Yet Jacob I have loved;” (Malachi 1:2)

At the time of Malachi, the people of Israel had a checkered past with God. There were times of celebration and victory as God brought them out of Egypt and established them in the Promised Land. There were also times of hardship and discipline when they were exiled from their land, often because of their idolatrous behavior. During all these times, one thing remained the same. God still loved them and still called them His people.

The same is true today. We have all fallen short of the glory of God and His standard of perfection. We deserve nothing but punishment and yet God, who is rich in mercy, chooses to love us despite our past.

(Ephesians 2:4-5) “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),”

If you have asked God for forgiveness and know Jesus as your Savior, you are chosen by God. You are loved by the creator of the universe. Not because of what you can do for Him, but because He chooses to love you. What an amazing God. So if you find yourself wrestling with circumstances that are difficult and feel like God has stopped loving you, come to Him today and know that you are loved.

“God loves me because He chooses to love me. He didn’t “Choose to Leave Me”.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. I know that I have sinned against You. Lord, forgive me of my sin and create in me a new heart that desires You. Father, help me understand the amazing love You have shown me on the cross and may it motivate me to serve You and serve others better. Thank You for making the “Choice” to not leave. 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 3rd 2018 – Shout It Out

“Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:45-46)

When Jesus was on the cross, in God’s eyes the whole world was on that cross also.  The sin of Adam was laid upon Jesus and He became sin for us.  Some people have a hard time receiving this but look at what it says “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:2)

Jesus, Who knew no sin, He never sinned once in His 30 plus years upon this earth, became the sin sacrifice for all of us.  This gift that God gave us is so powerful that if a person chooses not to accept it, it will separate them from God for all eternity.  At the moment that Jesus cried out these heart wrenching words all of creation shut down.  The world got darkened as they saw the Son of God die on that cross.

At that very moment when Jesus cried out, My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me? Jesus became my sin substitute.  He took all of my sin, my shame, my hell, He took everything, once and for all and placed it upon Himself.  Or, we can say that God put it all on Him for us.

Jesus became the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.  He became the curse so that I don’t have to be cursed in life.  He became sin so I don’t have to live in sin.  He became fear so that I don’t have to live in torment.  He became sickness so I can be healed.  He became the second Adam so that I can become a very son of God.

This is so amazing that we need to shout it to the whole world.  “World, God loves you and forgives you!”  He forgave me and I know that He will do the same for anyone that will receive it.

“Go out and share the Good News of the Gospel and give to others what God has given to us.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the Good News. Jesus I thank you that you took all my bad so I can have good. Because of what You did on the cross, I am forgiven and I am set free. I don’t want to ever live my life where I am not continually greatful for your sacrifice for me. I am not deserving, I can’t ever repay you, but I can forever Love you and I can share your story, share what You did for someone like me.

Forgive me for any pain that I caused you with my disobedience. Thank you for the people in my life that love me. Thank you for the disasters in my life, I thank you, because that is where I first found You. You were there to help me pick up the pieces of a shattered life and make something beautiful out of the wreckage. You are so good to me. I love you.. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you have never experienced living in God’s grace through Jesus Christ. Please do not wait for the day that you wake up and realize that your life is a train wreck. I did and only because I insisted on doing everything on my own, my way. Ask Jesus into your life. He will guide you, and help you through the hard times and be the greatest and best friend you ever have.

Click Here to learn more.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

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