Category Archives: Kindness and Compassion

August 12th 2019 – Sharing Your Faith

“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.” (1 Peter 3:15)

Sharing our faith is critical for every Christian. After all, this is what Jesus commands us to do, and if we have been changed by the Gospel, why wouldn’t we want to share it? That being said, we are never called to be combative in sharing the Truth. We are to be bold and unwavering in speaking the Truth, but we should do so in meekness and respect.

When Peter is writing in the book of 1 Peter, he is talking to a church that is suffering. It would make sense that they would want to stand up and fight off those who are oppressing them, yet Peter calls for them to endure persecution with a readiness to share their faith. Not just share, but for them to do so in a gentle and respectful way. Peter says, “Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.”
(1 Peter 3:16)

A peaceable life, matched with a powerful message has the power to bring conviction and repentance. So try love others in such a way that even when you share hard truths, they will see your good works and glorify God.

Persecution is not an excuse to be mean-spirited or combative. Christians are called to suffer with meekness so that others may see their life and be saved.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your grace. Thank You for saving me and empowering me with the Holy Spirit so that I can live for You. Use my life to shine Your love and Truth to everyone around me. Give me a desire to share Jesus with everyone even though it may lead to persecution. Help me to be bold yet loving as I share the Good News of the Gospel with a hurting world. 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.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

August 7th 2019 – Fruit of the Spirit (P5)

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We are on the 5th day of a 9-day journey to learn about all of the fruit of the Spirit – the gifts of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control that come from God.

Gentleness (kindness) — We should live “in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left” (2 Corinthians 6:6-7).

Let’s take a look at what, according to Scripture, accompanies true kindness: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each another, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32)

To consistently live up to all this is humanly impossible! But “with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26)

Kindness starts with caring —being tenderhearted and compassionate toward others. (Proverbs 12:10)

We must make it our goal and habit to be actively looking for opportunities to show kindness. When we see one, we need to act quickly before the opportunity is gone.

“Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions” (1 John 3:18)

Some people think kindness is weak—not something for “go-getters” to be bothered with. Big mistake! If we want God, who has ultimate control of how things go, to be kind to us, we’d better be kind to others. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7)

Lack of kindness is epidemic. The apostle Paul accurately foretold a cold and hard-hearted world “in the last days” (2 Timothy 3:1-2)

Jesus Christ practiced kindness that was radical for that time and culture. He always had great concern for women as well as men, for children as well as adults, for other races as well as the Jewish race, and for the sick and weak as well as the strong. Often He wore Himself out praying for people, healing people, feeding people and helping them in other ways.

When Jesus looked on the multitudes of people with all their problems, sicknesses and confusion, He was “moved with compassion” (Matthew 9:36, 14:14, 18:27)

As we look at the people around us, we, too, should be moved with gentleness, compassion and kindness. We, too, should be helping, giving, sharing, caring, encouraging, extending mercy, filled with compassion and acting on it as we are able.

With each of us, may the fruit of kindness continue to blossom and grow. Above all, may we strive to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, who personified God’s heart in the greatest example of loving-kindness.

“Gentleness and Kindness starts with caring—being tenderhearted and compassionate toward others.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for the forgiveness of my sins and for giving me the opportunity to experience life more abundantly. Lord, thank You for revealing Yourself to me through Your Word. I want learn how offer gentleness, kindness and compassion to others in a way that that You give. 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.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

August 1st 2019 – The Path Ahead

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“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” (Proverbs 29:25)

Pour all of your energy into trusting God. It is through trust that you stay connected and aware of God’s presence. Every step in your life journey can be a step of faith. Baby steps of trust can be simple for you, you can take them with almost unconscious ease. Giant steps of faith are another matter altogether. These steps require sheer concentration as well as a utter commitment to God.

We are all at stages in life, each of us have different temperaments, and different gifts we have developed from our individual life experiences.
Something that is a baby step for one person could be a huge step for another person. Do not judge others who hesitate in trembling fear before a act that might be very easy for you. Beware of of trying to impress others by acting like your giant steps are baby ones or vice or versa. If each of us would seek to please God above all else, our fears of others or judgments would vanish, as would any attempts to impress others.

“Focus your attention on the path just ahead of you, and one on the One that never leaves your side.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, please continue to guide and direct our steps as we walk down life’s path. May we always seek you over all distractions. I praise you and all you have done in my life. I choose to seek and follow You as we continue to move forward from my current location on life’s path to where You Lord have destined me to be.
I love You, In Jesus’ name. Amen

Don’t walk down the path of life without Jesus by your side. If you have not accepted Him as your Savior, Click Here to read Four Simple Steps to Jesus.

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

July 28th 2019 – Right Where We Are

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“For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.” (Acts 25:11)

What does God see when he looks at you? He sees you clearly right where you are. God knows your potential. He created you. He knows the gifts and talents that He has given you. God knows how He wants to use you to love and serve Him and others. Sometimes God will use things in our lives that we least expect Him to use. In Acts 25, we see God using Paul’s Roman citizenship to give him the opportunity to preach the Gospel before King Agrippa and a huge audience in the amphitheater at Caesarea. Like Paul, God is able to use you to do incredible things right where you are. No gift or talent is too big or too small. No circumstance too dire, God can use it.

Do you want to be used by God? You can start right where you are in your home, workplace and in your church. How are you serving God today? How will you be serving God a month from now or even a year from now? I want to encourage you to start serving God right where you are. God has got an awesome adventure planned for you; a miraculous mission lies waiting for you if you choose to accept your mission. God will use you in ways you never thought possible.

“God wants to work through you right where you are with what you have right now.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Open my eyes so that I can ask the tough questions in my life. Give me understanding on how to live out the Truth I believe. Shower me with Your grace when I stumble, and fill me with Your Spirit so that I can live for You. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for the gifts, talents and circumstances You have given me. I commit to using my gifts to glorify You… starting today. I pray this 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.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

July 23rd 2019 – Talk To God Anywhere, Anytime!

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“For we who have believed adhered to and trusted in and relied on God do enter that rest.” (Hebrews 4:3)

It is easy to get overcommitted, burned out, bummed out, worn out, and stressed out if you are trying to keep up with too many commitments. It is out of balance to try to do everything. If you are happy doing what you do, keep doing it. But if it wears you out and robbs you of peace, don’t do it. What sense does it make to commit to something, and then murmur and complain about it while you are doing it? Being overcommitted will frustrate you. Anxiety is usually a sign that God never told you to do what you are doing in the first place. To avoid frustration in your life, keep in balance.

“Do you not know that your body is the temple the very sanctuary of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received as a Gift from God?” (1 Corinthians 6:19)

The angel of the Lord said to Moses, “Take the shoes off your feet, for the ground on which you stand is holy ground” (Exodus 3:5)

The ground was holy because the Holy One was there. Now through faith in Jesus, you are the temple of the Holy Ghost. Everywhere you go becomes a holy place because the Holy One dwells in you. God is not in a building, where you can only visit Him on Sunday morning. He is with you everywhere you go. You can talk to Him while you vacuum, or while you change the oil in your car. When you let God become involved in every aspect of your life, every day becomes exciting.

“Let my prayer be set forth as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141:2)

“When we put our problems in God’s hands, He puts peace in our hearts.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I want to make You the center of my life: the center of my conversation, and the center of all my relationships. Teach me to pray every time I see or feel the need. To pray while driving. To pray while working, and to pray in between. I want to be able to pray without ceasing, to cast my cares on You and say, “Lord, I am not going to worry about anything today; I am giving it to You.” Please help me see that prayer should be like breathing, natural to do anywhere I am. I ask In times I feel sad or weak please draw me close and let me feel your presence deeper than ever. 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.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

July 22nd 2019 – For God So Loved the World

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“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)

When we think of Christ and the day He came to us, many of us may think of baby Christ lying in a manger surrounded by Mary, Joseph and shepherds. This is the foundation of the holiday we call Christmas. While we all have different perspectives on that day, there is one thing that Jesus Christ first arival on earth did. It brought and continues to bring the light that can change our lives – forever. It’s this, “For God so loved the world that He gave…”

The Maker of all creation gave to us. He did not give to us because we were worth it or because we had something to offer. He gave because He loved. The moment God became flesh was the most perfect act of love in history. Jesus left the glories of heaven and the throne of His Father and came into the tiny town of Bethlehem as a baby. With this act, God declared to all of humanity, “You are not alone.” Jesus did not come into Bethlehem bringing condemnation. He came so that He could give His life so that our sins could be forgiven. This is the greatest gift you will ever receive, but like all gifts you must open it first.

“Jesus came to save and forgive anyone who believes in Him, not to condemn them.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your precious gift. Thank You for sending Jesus into our world so that we can have hope. I understand that it’s because of His life, death, and resurrection that I can be forgiven of all that I’ve done. Father, help me to keep this as my focus and give me the boldness to share this good news with others so that they may come to know you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Seeking Jesus in your life?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

July 21st 2019 – Overflow of Hope

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“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

Rather than much commentary on this beautiful blessing, Let’s share the joy of this blessing and the confidence of our hope with those we love! And may this blessing be yours during this time of Thanksgiving. May hope be yours because of the precious gift of the Holy Spirit within you!

“Hope can give us a fresh start, a new beginning.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank you for living hope, my living Savior who conquered death and the Holy Spirit’s living presence within me assuring me that I will share in glory with you. I thank you that my hope is not just a wish for something in the future, but it comes with the deep assurance that what I hope in will happen. I love You and give You praises for still being here and loving us in such a time like this. The world is so ungreatful and broken.. I know that I can often lose sight of Your love while I’m in the middle of hard times. Help me to be mindful of Your love, mercy, compassion and strength, especially hope, so that I can endure and even rejoice in my pain. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I may live in your blessing of hope. Thank you for opening up new doors for my future, 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.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

July 20th 2019 – Encourage One Another

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“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 come by and wreck 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.

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

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 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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

Seeing The Whole Picture

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“In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (1 John 1:6)

Have you ever seen or heard of a photo mosaic? It’s a really large image made up of many, many smaller pictures. I always thought they were really cool, because each individual picture has a story of its own, but when you take a few steps back and look at the entire masterpiece, it is really something else.

“And they came to Bethsaida. And they brought a blind man to Jesus and implored Him to touch him. Taking the blind man by the hand, He brought him out of the village; and after spitting on his eyes and laying His hands on him, He asked him, “Do you see anything?” And he looked up and said, “I see men, for I see them like trees, walking around.” Then again He laid His hands on his eyes; and he looked intently and was restored, and began to see everything clearly. And He sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.” (Mark 8:22-26)

God is in control, always. He has a reason for everything, though it may not be (immediately, or ever) revealed to us. In this passage, I find it noteworthy that Jesus decided to heal the man’s sight in two steps (instead of immediate complete healing).

For one thing, Jesus’ simple question (“Do you see anything?”) is a chance for Him to test and challenge the man’s faith. Is the man bold enough to honestly answer Jesus and tell Him that he only sees “trees walking around?” Is the man’s faith great enough to trust that Jesus has the power of complete healing? (How would you respond?)

Also, I think that Jesus’ two-step healing of the man’s sight is representative of a situation we often find ourselves in. Many times, we think we see the whole picture. We think that we know everything that is going on. However, we sometimes find that what we are looking at is just one little frame in the huge mosaic masterpiece. Our vision is equivalent to seeing people as trees walking around. We think we see it all, but God has so, so much more in store. He has so much more that He wants to show us. Ask Him to reveal more of His desire and His heart to you today.

“To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, fully open my eyes to your current condition–physical, spiritual, emotional, mental during this quiet time in Your presence. With this new sight and new life that You Lord have given to me, I ask you to give me eyes like yours, that you may see You at work everywhere, both on the micro and macro scale. When I feel like all I can see is vague shapes of you presence, I ask earnestly and boldly that You will reveal to me not only the bigger picture, but how my work can further Your kingdom. I love you Lord, 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.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

July 17th 2019 – The Good Farmer

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“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. (John 15:1-2)

What an amazing and loving Heavenly Father we have. He is always at work within us to help us grow up. Many people look at verse two and see the words “takes away” and think that God gets rid of those who do not bear fruit. That is not what it is saying. This verse means that God lifts up those who are having problems bearing fruit and works with them.

A wise farmer doesn’t destroy his branches, he lifts them up, cleans them, and reties them to the vine. Our loving Father does the same thing. He is out for our best and will keep working with us to produce much fruit.

Remember, good trees naturally bring forth good fruit. We are good trees planted in the house of the Lord. If you love God and you have accepted His free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ then God’s love is poured out on you. God is working on the inside to help you produce a great harvest that will last you throughout all eternity.

It’s important to know that it’s not what you do, but it’s letting Him do the work within you. Too many times, we say, “I need to do this or I need to do that” before God will work in my life; it’s just being legalistic. God wants to do the good work within you and as He does and good things develop within your heart, you will see that these fruits of the Spirit will become obvious to others.

If you let God do this pruning within you, you will see that the fruits of love, joy, and peace will start growing, and you’ll look back and say, “Is this really me?” Remember, the fruits of the Spirit are not works of law but gifts of grace.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank you for always being “The Good Farmer”, Its Your pruning that produces good fruit in my life. I welcome the planting of the seeds through Your Word to grow and live in me. As I do, You will clean my heart so that the fruits of the spirit can operate big time within me. I praise You for all that you do in my life. In Jesus’ precious 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.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

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