Category Archives: Kindness and Compassion

January 20th 2019 – A Modern Parable of Urgency

“Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him.” (Psalm 32:6)

Jesus often relied on parables in to compare something in everyday life to a spiritual truth. However, many of us have trouble understanding Jesus’ parables because we don’t belong to the culture for which they were written. Sometimes the importance of the spiritual truth is diluted, if not misunderstood. Often because not everyone can relate to the everyday example to which Jesus compares it to. The fact is if Jesus walked among us today, His parables would emphasize the same spiritual truths, but use situations and circumstances to which we could immediately connect.

I don’t think you’ll have any trouble understanding this modern parable.

A couple and thier two children are vacationing in the Gulf of Mexico, Their tenage daughters were playing on rafts out in the ocean bay. All were unaware that a major storm was brewing several hundred miles out in the Gulf, even though the undertow was already beginning to show the early symptoms that a storm was on the way.

These two teenage girls drifted out beyond the breakers and one of them lost her float. Her sister told her to hold on to the raft until help arrived, but no one seemed to be noticing that they needed help. Meanwhile, the undertow repeatedly overpowered the girls, only to relinquish its strength long enough for them to get her head back above the water and catch her breath.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a lifeguard appeared. However, he was struggling to overcome the power of the undertow as well and told the girls that if they drifted out beyond the next row of breakers, there would be no swimming back.

I’m not going to drag out the suspense. The lifeguard managed to get the girls safely back to shore, but I couldn’t let the spiritual truth in this story go to an early grave.

This parable is told in the context of our own culture; consequently, most of us have no trouble understanding its connection to the burden of sin and the timing of salvation in the life of an unbeliever. Indeed, as Paul put it, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”. (Romans 6:23) However, what many of us fail to understand what Paul means when he said, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation”. (2 Corinthians 6:2)

Each of us knows a unbeliever, maybe they  trust in false doctrines or they can’t decide when it is time to open their heart to Jesus. While they will freely admit that they sometimes feels God’s pull, but they dont think they need God right now. “There’s plenty of time left before I need to make that decision,” they may tell you.

They may be deadly wrong. God told the Prophet Isaiah, “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” (Isaiah 55:6)

The truth is that God will not wait on us to come to him. When He knocks, it may be our only opportunity to answer His call. His Word constantly reminds us that it is He who decides who may come to him; and it is He who will decide when it is time to shut the door. That’s why Jesus said, “Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us’. But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from’.” (Luke 13:25)

 

I sure am glad that when I was drowning in an ocean of sin, a lifeguard appeared to let me know that if I got out much farther, there may be no coming back!

After all, “For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him”. (John 3:17)

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, these are such tedious times. Never before in society have we witnessed times where the prophet’s signs are unfolding daily right before our eyes. Times where all things that are Godly and good are banned and sin is being leaglised everywhere we look. Lord, I thank you for Your persistent pursuit of me to come to know You as my Lord and Savior. I thank You for the Holy Spirt and how my eyes were opened when I accepted You personally into my life. I ask humbly as nothing more then a peasant servant, that you would reveil a sense of urgency in the hearts of people that you lead into my life. Help open their eyes to the truth of your Holy word. That they would be curious to seek the answers to why there is still a empty void in thier life. We were created to Love you, and seek You Lord.. The enemy has created such confusion with his lies. But Your word warns us of that. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; but You come that we may have life, and have it abundantly.”

I praise You for your promise, Your Love and I pray that today is the day that my friend truly opens the door of thier heart that You would be invited to come in before it’s too late. In your Holy and 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.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries 

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

January 19th 2019 – Lost or Loved

“I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh,” (Romans 9:1-3 )

The Apostle Paul’s legacy endures as a challenge for us to re-think our obligation toward others. He was willing to make a sacrifice of his own life so that others could know Jesus, and know the love of Jesus. Are you willing? Whether we want to admit it or not, Christians place conditions on compliance. I will do this or that as long as it falls within certain limits. What conditions did Jesus place on His love and His willingness to sacrifice?

Here’s a common situation… someone is in a bad situation and asking for help or a little cash… how do you react? “If I help or give that person a few dollars, he or she may go and buy alcohol or drugs. I don’t want to be an enabler.” Yeah, maybe they will buy those things, and maybe not. But what if you share Jesus and pray for them? Jesus died for that person just as He died for you. God took the action for you to claim the opportunity. , dont be afraid to be an enabler… “enable others with the choice – Jesus… yes or no?”

What about sharing with that long time friend, a family member or passing acquaintance? How will they react? If your friend or family member were drowning would you be considering their reaction before throwing a life line to them? Of course not! I say let’s hang up the excuses and get beyond comfortable.

“Followers of Jesus should care and be willing to sacrifice for those that do not know Jesus as their Savior.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for saving me. Please soften my heart towards others and give me a deep caring for them. Open up opportunities for me to share and help me to be faithful to do so. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Lost or Love? That is the ultimate decision you will have to make. 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 Your life will never be the same…

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

 

January 11th 2019 – Trust God

“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

Sometimes in life you will face situations where you will not have the resources or the ability to respond to. These circumstances are beyond your control. Tests will come up, and that is when you need to trust God.

When an unexpected problem arrives, and you wonder how you will ever pay it . . . when you have that crisis with your spouse, and you wonder how you will ever get through it . . . when a loved one dies unexpectedly, and you wonder how you will survive it, here is how: you are going to trust God. You must trust God. And God will come through for you.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and He will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6)

When you learn to trust the Lord, you will begin to have a sense of rest in the Lord knowing that He has everything under control even when life seems to be out of control.  Trusting God will get you to the point where you make a decision to trust in Him and NOT in your own logic and understanding.

Nothing is too big or too small for God to respond to. Sometimes we minimize someone else’s hardship. We may think, “I have dealt with that on a much more intense level, they will survive.” That kind of thinking is wrong, what if God looked at our hurts and problems like that?

Someone’s struggles may not seem significant to you, but it is significant to them. If it concerns them, it concerns the God.

Each of us should come to God with our burdens and struggles. Is there something keeping you up at night? Is there something troubling you right now? Is there a need you have? Bring it to God. It is not too big, nor is it too small and insignificant. The psalmist wrote, “Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Psalm 61:1–2).

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

“When faced with a need, no matter how large or small, we are to look to God to meet it.”

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 this season, I ask that You place within me your spirit of joy, peace and rest.  Give 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.

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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 prayed this prayer in faith, 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.

Please let us know of your decision to follow Jesus so that we can continue to pray for you. We have electronic book to send you.

 

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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

January 3rd 2019 – You Are A Miracle, Share Your Testimony

“When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling.And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)

Above are the humble words of the Apostle Paul in a letter to the Corinthians. He states that he relied only on the Holy Spirit to reach the people. No lofty words and impressive wisdom.

Do you think that more people would have accepted Jesus, if during Pauls message he could have dazzled the croud with a modern worship experience? Lasers and Lights, beautiful worship songs. What if Paul had through the Holy Spirit preformed a miracles?

Have you ever wondered that if you could do a miracle for your non-Christian friends, they would become believers? Maybe you’ve thought to youself, “If I could just do a miracle, I know they would believe on the spot.”

I don’t think so. I am sure it would be amazing. It probably would move them deeply. But a million signs and wonders would not make the world turn to Christ. When a person believes in Jesus, it is an act of the heart; an act of the will that has to take place.

A miracle is not going to convince someone. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, and afterward, they plotted to kill Jesus and Lazarus. (John 12) says that when all the people heard of Jesus’ arrival, they flocked to see Him and also Lazarus, the man whom Jesus raised from the dead. And then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus too. Poor Lazarus. Wasn’t bad enough that he had to die once, and then the religious leaders wanted to kill him again. Why? Because Lazarus was a living, breathing miracle. His presence alone was a testimony to the power of God.

And guess what? You are a living, breathing miracle.  If you can talk about how God has changed your life and how He has transformed you. You are a powerful representative of Jesus Christ. So be one.

Our message to a lost world is that we are all sinners. We are separated from God. But God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son to die on the cross for our sins and to pay the price for us on the cross and to rise again from the dead. That is the gospel. Just proclaim it, and watch what God will do!

“The revelation of God’s Truth can be that hope which sets you free.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your generous love for me. I am so grateful that I can run to You in times of need and You will hear my cry. Father, I ask for Your strength and wisdom today. I am so thankful for the many promises found in Your Word. Help me take each one to heart and to allow Your Truths to change me. Protect me from the fears and doubts that can cloud my thinking, and give me boldness to stand on Your Word and to share it with others. No matter where I find myself I ask that You would guide my steps and use me for Your purposes. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God has made it possible for you to know Him and experience an amazing change in your own life. Click here  to discover how you can find peace with God.

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

January 2nd 2019 – Gods Enrichment Plan

“Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.” (2 Corinthians 9:11)

How is it that we can find enrichment when we give of ourselves? After all, shouldn’t the accumulation of wealth and stuff bring about enrichment in our lives? This may be how the world views growth and enrichment, but in God’s economy, growth comes through giving.

The sad reality is that the more we receive, the more we are likely to be selfish and greedy. When we act according to God’s design, our giving leads us into enriched, generous lives. In essence, our giving helps check those feelings of selfishness and greed. Most people use their blessings to be blessed, the question is, “Are you using your gifts, talents, resources and finances to bless other people?” If not, you are failing the test of being blessed in the first place. If you have failed that test, don’t worry. Instead, begin walking in thankfulness, and God will bring you to a place where you will pass with flying colors. Many times, a generous life begins first with thanksgiving, then obedience, sharing, and generosity. When we begin living generously with our time, energy and finances, God will bless us with more because we have been faithful with little.

“Receiving from God is both a blessing and a test.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for salvation and the countless other blessings I experience on a daily basis. Help me to live a life of generosity and love so that more people may hear Your Word and find new life in Christ. 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

January 1st 2019 – A Fresh New Start

Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” (Revelation 21:5)

How timely it is to stop and consider this verse today. As we are starting a brand new year, in like manner we have a fresh new start in our life for the Lord. What does the year hold for you? Well I can assure you that the Lord has some awesome things prepared for each of us individually and as well in the church body. This past year the Lord did some incredible things and I look forward to a new year filled with family and friends coming to know the Lord. We will see multitudes moved forward in the spiritual journey from discovery to discipleship. If you have not read the bible in its entirety, I challenage you to this year. We are seing almost on a daily basis the bible unfold and prophecy revealed right before our eyes.

Maybe some of us need a fresh start in this coming year. Here is a great opportunity to make a new commitment. We don’t know what the new year is going to bring. We don’t know what problems we are going to encounter. We don’t know what changes are going to come. We don’t know what blessings the Lord has in store for us. But whatever the new year holds, we don’t have to be afraid because Jesus Christ is going to be waiting there for us.

What an adventure! All made possible by a fresh start… Thanks Lord for new beginnings!

“Jesus makes all things new… including you.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for fresh starts and new beginnings. What an incredible day this is with a brand new year’s potential stretched out before me. I want to be found faithful this year in each and every opportunity You bring to me. I also ask that my new years resolutions are not empty promises to myself that I don’t accomplish. . I will be praying on a daily basis for you to hold me accountable, ONE DAY AT A TIME. You are the best coach ever. I love you so much. Thank You, Lord, for new beginnings. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Invitation:

Ask Jesus into your heart this fresh new year.

My prayer is that we would not let our hearts stay hardened and that we would never forget that we are not our own gardener. There is a Gardener, there is a Vine, and we are the branches that get to see the fruit burst forth from us. Jesus loves each of us and has made a way for us to spend eternity with Him forever. Please considder today asking Him into you life. Time is ticking away, and in a blink of an eye it will be too late.

“Unless a man be born again, he shall by no means enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.” 

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

December 31st 2018 – If God Gave You A Watch

“What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God.” (Romans 3:1-2)

A.W. Tozer once said, “If God gave you a watch, would you honor Him more by asking Him what time it is or by simply consulting the watch.” God has provided us with the instruction book He authored and it is our responsibility to read it and heed it. Never forget that there are places in this world where simply possessing a Bible brings a death sentence. Many Christians have been martyred and continue to be in astounding numbers across the globe for the very thing which many of us take for granted.

God has blessed you with a Bible and with the freedom to read it. What shall you do with it? Is it simply a ‘coffee table’ book, a drink coaster or a paperweight? Does it sit unused on a bookshelf? The Bible, which God has given you, will keep you and your family from an abundance of pain and trouble. It can save your marriage, your children and even your life, but only if you read, study and apply it. It is the very Word of God.

(John 8:31-32) “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

I want to encourage you to study your Bible. Make certain that you and your family faithfully attend a Bible teaching church. Get into the habit of praying and reading your Bible daily. Lead your family in prayer and devotions. Be diligent to do these things, and you will be amazed by the changes, miracles and blessings that are poured out on you and your family.

“There is a blessing and a responsibility in having a Bible.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving me Your Bible. Please forgive me if I have been slack in reading and studying it. I ask You to give me a hunger for Your Word. Open my heart to receive Your counsel and do the things You tell me. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Do trust Jesus enough with your life? You should, 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, pleaseClick Hereand we will pray for you..

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Rob Lavallee

 Scriptural Seeds Ministries 

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 28th 2018 – Seeing People Through Gods Eyes

“So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now!” (2 Corinthians 5:16)

It’s always easy to find something wrong with someone else. Often it’s so easy that some people see it as a spiritual gift. I assure you, this is not one of the gifts of the Spirit. After all, people found things wrong with Jesus and He was perfect. The religious leaders were looking at Him from their own perspective rather than a heavenly one.

This change in perspective makes all the difference, especially in the church. The reality is that whenever humans get together, you are going to have some conflict, but when we look at each other in light of God’s saving grace, things change. Rather than condemn my them for their sin, I will look at them and see the forgiven Child of God who is my sibling in Christ. When someone acts wrongly toward me, I can look at them and see a sinner who has been saved by God’s grace and in turn, show that same grace.

This reminds me of the song written by Christian artist Brandon Heath called “Give Me Your Eyes.” Here are a few lyrics:

“Give me your eyes for just one second. Give me your eyes so I can see. Everything that I keep missing. Give me your love for humanity.” See link at the bottom of the page for the video

Begin today by looking at others with God’s eyes.

“We should seek to look at people, possessions and events in a new way – in the way the Lord sees them.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am grateful that You look at me through eyes of grace and forgiveness because of Jesus. Help me to have those same eyes as I go throughout my day today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Give Me Your Eyes – Brandon Heath

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

Interested in experiencing forgiveness and love found in Jesus? Please click here to learn more about how to ask Jesus into your heart. 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

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Rob Lavallee

 Scriptural Seeds Ministries 

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

December 27th 2018 – Honor One Another

“Honor widows who are really widows.”(1 Timothy 5:3)

Throughout the Bible we are called upon to honor those around us. In Exodus we are called to honor our mother and father. In the book of Leviticus, God calls us to honor the elderly. Into the New Testament we are commanded to honor our spiritual leaders as well as widows. To honor someone is to place them in a high place, to see them as important. In short, to honor someone is to place more significance on them than on ourselves.

“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;” (Romans 12:10)

What if we all lived lives dedicated to honoring one another? The battles over minor differences would disappear as we seek out the best interest of the other person. The fight to be noticed or to gain power would be erased from even the church as we rejoice with those around us rather than see them as enemies or competition. This is exactly what Jesus did. In Philippians chapter 2 we see an image of Jesus stepping out of heaven for us. While we are not worthy of anything, He left His throne so that we could be forgiven. If we live as our Savior did, a servant to others, we will honor each other and the world will never be the same.

“To honor someone is to place a value upon them that supersedes the focus on ‘self’.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Today I thank You for the love and grace that You have shown me. Help me to show the same love and grace towards those around me. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can honor them. Whether it’s through kind words, generous gifts or diligent work; give me the strength to live like Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Interested in experiencing forgiveness and love found in Jesus? Please click here to learn more about how to ask Jesus into your heart. 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

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Rob Lavallee

 Scriptural Seeds Ministries 

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 26th 2018 – Develop Your Spiritual Passions

“We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.” (2 Corinthians 10:4)

God wants to change the way we live and the way we think. He does this by using the following seven areas. God wants us to grow as people and as followers of Jesus. In studying and teaching the Bible, I have seen that certain areas are absolutely critical. Meaning, if we fail in one or more of these areas, we will not be everything we have been called to be.

Seven Spiritual Passions:

1. Reading/studying the Bible
2. Praying
3. Evangelism/discipleship
4. Worship
5. Giving/tithes and offerings
6. Serving
7. Fellowship/family

Take a long look at this list. How are you doing in each one of these areas? Prayerfully rank yourself with a 1-10 in each of these seven areas. If you feel really bold, ask a loved one or friend to help you score yourself. Chances are, you are strong in some areas and weak in others areas. Spend time, pray and explore scriptures in the areas you are weak. God wants you to grow where you are weak. Be encouraged though because where we are weak, He is strong (2 Corinthians 13:9).

“The Bible, the Word of God, is our spiritual food and we should consume daily”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for salvation and Your Word. Lord, help me to recognize the areas where I am weak and make changes in my life that glorify You. Lord bring others into my life that will challenge me to develop my spiritual passions. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Interested in experiencing forgiveness and love found in Jesus? Please click here to learn more about how to ask Jesus into your heart. 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

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Rob Lavallee

 Scriptural Seeds Ministries 

http://www.scripturalseeds.org