Category Archives: Lift Others Up

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

 

December 24th 2018 – The Real Purpose of Christmas

“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:1)

This is always a busy time of year for almost everyone. For us as Christians, it’s been a joyful celebration of the birth of Jesus. We marvel at the fact that God humbled Himself and was born in a barn. But why did He come?

First, Jesus Christ came to proclaim good news to the spiritually hurting, to preach the good news to us.

He came to heal the broken-hearted. Isnt it interesting that with all the advancements in medical science, they found ways to reduce and even remove pain. But there is pain relief or cure for a broken heart.

Jesus came to set people free who are bound by sin. Jesus came to open our spiritual eyes to our spiritual need.

He came to lift up those who have been crushed by life. He came to give us abundant life. Jesus came to lift us from the physical realm of the senses to the spiritual realm to show us that there is more to life.

He came to give His life for us. Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). He came to die.

On this evening over 2000 years ago ,Jesus Christ came to this earth for you and me. So we can come to Him to give our lives purpose and meaning, to forgive us of our sins, and to give us the hope of Heaven beyond the grave. Christmas is not about trees and flashing lights or shopping and presents. Christmas is not about the gifts under the tree. Rather, Christmas is about the gift that was given on the tree when Christ died there for our sins and gave us the gift of eternal life.

“Jesus Christ came to this earth to seek and save those of us who are lost, just as a shepherd seeks a lost sheep.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me so much. Thank You that You would leave heaven to come, suffer and die for me. You are the Gift of all Gifts. Sometimes I have neglected the gift that You gave, forgive me. Lord, I have been blessed by You. Thank You for Your incredible plan for my salvation. I will continue to give all of my life to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Salvation is a gift from God, not a reward.

Ask God for your Gift!

Eternal Salvation is a gift from God that will enable you to spend eternity in Heaven. To receive this gift, you need to accept Christ into your life by confessing with your mouth,  a prayer of salvation. You must also repent and turn away from your sins and begin living a life that is pleasing to God. If you feel you have done too many bad things for God to forgive you, you are wrong. Jesus died a brutal death on the cross for the sins of all mankind.

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

Whether you are old or young, rich or poor, a liar, a thief, an adulterer, a murder and so on, if you truly repent with a sincere heart and accept Jesus, YOU WILL BE SAVED…. Say a Prayer of Salvation & Ask Jesus Into Your Heart Now!

“Heavenly Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, 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 1st 2018 -Help For The Hopeless

“Arise, for this matter is your responsibility. We also are with you. Be of good courage, and do it.” (Ezra 10:4)

God may be the director of the universe, but He has given us power to make decisions. You have a decision to confess your sins to Him and to ask for His forgiveness. You have a decision whether to serve the Lord, give to the Lord or share the Gospel with others. No matter who you are, you have an opportunity to change the world through your decisions.

(Joshua 24:15) “And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

As you read this devotional, there is a world filled with people who desire peace. They desire love. They desire hope in something greater than the economy, the president or their own ability. As a follower of Christ, we can make the decision to share with them how to change their life and those things by sharing the Gospel. We can serve them. We can offer them our time, resources and compassion. God will empower us to do mighty things, but we must decide to do it. Choose this day who you will serve, and do it!

You are not helpless or hopeless. Your destiny is in your hands and in the hands of a God that loves you and wants to bless and protect you.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I desire to choose You above everything else. I decide this day to serve You and to serve others. Give me a heart of compassion and a willingness to think of others before myself. God, use me to change the 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.

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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.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 15th 2018 – Sharing His Message

Paul replied . . . “I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains.” (Acts 26:29)

In Acts 26, we find Paul sharing the gospel with King Herod  Agrippa and others. We also find some very important principles that we all can use when sharing our faith.

First, find common ground and build a bridge to your listener. Paul began his defense by saying, “I am fortunate, King Herod Agrippa, that you are the one hearing my defense against all these accusations made by the Jewish leaders, for I know you are an expert on Jewish customs and controversies. Now please listen to me patiently!” This was not flattery on Paul’s part. He was telling the truth. Agrippa was very knowledgeable and versed in the ways of the Jews. He knew all about Jewish culture and customs. He could have started by saying, “You are a wicked man, Agrippa. And everyone knows it.” But he didn’t do that. He built a bridge. He was respectful.

Second, use your personal testimony. Paul told Agrippa how he became a follower of Christ. He told his own personal story. There is power in your story, whether it is dramatic or not. Don’t glorify or exaggerate your past. Accuracy is important and so is truthfulness. Don’t boast about what you gave up for God, but what God gave up for you.

Thirdly, make Christ the focus. It is not about you. It is about Him. You only tell your story to point to His story. Your testimony is a bridge, not the destination. The destination is Jesus and His story.

When we share, we need to pray that God will open people’s eyes spiritually. There is nothing we can say, that will make a person believe. Conversion is a mystery and it is a work of the Holy Spirit.

I don’t understand why God would use someone as messed up as me to articulate His message. But the Holy Spirit can make that message resonate with the listener, if we are simply bold enough to share it.

“When we share our faith, we need to pray that God will open people’s eyes spiritually.”

Prayer:

Heavenly  Father, Thank You for loving me. Thank You that in Your vastness as Creator of the Heavens and earth, You desire to know me. You call me to share with others. Lord, give me the mind of Christ so that I may see You and myself more clearly than I ever have. In Your grace and mercy, I am comforted to know that You have offered me forgiveness. Empower me the with a passion to tell others about You so I can reveal Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Don’t know Jesus? Give Him a try, if you dont like Him, the devil will always take you back.

Prayer for Salvation

Jesus, I recognize that I have not lived my life for You up until now. I have been living for myself and that is wrong. I need You in my life; I want You in my life. I acknowledge the completed work of Your Son Jesus Christ in giving His life for me on the cross at Calvary, and I long to receive the forgiveness you have made freely available to me through this sacrifice. Come into my life now, Lord. Take up residence in my heart and be my king, my Lord, and my Savior. From this day forward, I will no longer be controlled by sin, or the desire to please myself, but I will follow You all the days of my life. Those days are in Your hands. I ask this in Jesus’ precious name Amen.

If you prayed this prayer please Click Here and let us know.. We would love to pray for you and with you. Congratulations and welcome to Gods family.

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

 

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

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 5th 2018 – Words Have Power

“I am the rose of Sharon, And the lily of the valleys.” (Song of Solomon 2:1)

What causes someone to change their view of themselves? Could it be as simple as kind words of affection? It was in the case of Solomon and his bride to be. In chapter one of Song of Solomon, we find the Shulamite depressed about her appearance when she says, “Do not look at me, because I am dark, because the sun has tanned me.” She is concerned about her appearance because she worked in the vineyards, under the hot sun, and was unable to care for herself. Compare those original words to chapter two where she calls herself a rose of Sharon. What a change of perspective, and all because Solomon spoke loving words of affection and encouragement to her. This shouldn’t surprise us since God’s Word describes the power of words in the book of James.

(James 3:5) “In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.”

The power of our speech is unbelievable. Many times we forget that and hurt with our words rather than heal. God desires that we all walk with grace, humility and love for one another. We should look for opportunities to lift one another up with our words. Speak words of gratitude, of thanksgiving and of grace to one another. Husbands, speak affectionate words to your wife. Wives, speak words of encouragement to your husbands. In this circle of loving words and affection, you will find a healthy, growing relationship. We also need to practice how we speak to others as well as to ourselves. Our words are powerful so let’s use them wisely.

“Our words are powerful tools that can be used to build people up or tear people down.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for relationships. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can speak loving words into those I relate to, whether my spouse, children or friends. Give me patience to love even when the love is not returned. I ask for wisdom to know when to speak and when to keep silent. Use my words to heal and to glorify Your Name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you have never asked Jesus into your life, or wan’t to recommit your life to Him, please click here

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

October 17th 2018 – Let Your Light Shine

“All they knew was that people were saying, “The one who used to persecute us is now preaching the very faith he tried to destroy!” And they praised God because of me.” (Galatians 1:23-24)

God is in the business of using our lives, no matter our past mistakes. Paul had persecuted the church and then he became one leading the church. God was using Paul and his past to be a witness of God’s power and grace.

God wants to do the same with you. I know it sounds a little crazy, but it’s true. God wants to use your life to be a light in a dark world. “But you don’t know what I’ve done in my past.” I may not, but God does and he says that those things are forgiven. Don’t dwell on those things, confess them to the Lord and then move on in faith. Share your testimony, love your enemy, give to the needy or whatever else God may have you do. We are only on this earth for a short time. Use every moment for the Lord and you will find incredible joy in the adventure. Since we are only on Earth for a little while, we should do things that will shine forever.

“Let it Shine!”

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. 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

September 29th 2018 – Shine Bright

“He must increase, but I mustdecrease.” (John 3:30)

John the Baptist’s disciples saw that many more people were going to Jesus and his disciples to be baptized (John 3:26). We also see this in other places in scripture as well. People want to be in the who’s who among Christians. It’s a temptation we all face from time to time, the need to be affirmed in ourselves, how we fair among other people, and in the body of Christ. Paul deals with this specifically challenging the believers in Corinth who were having their identity connected to a specific leader.

(1 Corinthians 1:13)
Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

The key for our growth is allowing ourselves to decrease in our own lives and let the Lord increase in our lives. John states that it is his joy that the Lord was coming on the scene more fully and that people were following Jesus now. Can you and I say the same thing? If someone else gets a promotion at work, if you become more unpopular and someone else is elevated to higher notoriety, or it seems that all the good you have done has been forgotten are you able to humbly rejoice? We are all faced with day to day struggles and challenges in these areas of our lives in our family, at work, school, and even in our serving the Lord in the body of Christ. The question is are we willing to let Him increase that we might decrease?

“He must increase but I must decrease is where real joy is found and the purity of the person of Jesus can be seen in us.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, please forgive me when I feel I need to be exalted for any reason. Please allow Your Spirit to work in my heart so that You may truly increase in all areas of my life. Please forgive me for getting out of hand from time to time with my attitude and with gossip. I Love you Lord and want people to see You in my life. I want Your presence to shine bright in my life! 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

September 25th 2018 – Come, I Will Give You Rest

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.” (Revelation 22:17)

In 2005 I experienced compounding events that ripped my world apart. It wasn’t only that my wife (who was also my best friend) decided to walk out of our children’s and my life without notice, without explanation. I also had a stroke not long after caused by the stress and anxiety of the breakup, trying to strong for our young children and continue to run our business.

I won’t go the details of the next five excruciating years of rehab and trying to relearn how to function and think clearly, how to do the things I used to take for granted everyday. But out of that tragedy, I found the Lord, I started a new life, and eventually with lots of prayer He granted me beautiful Christian wife and best friend.

In June of 2012, I’m my quiet time with the Lord, I felt the Lord prompting me to share His word and message to others. To share my testimony of how He rescued me and started the process of restoration in my personal life.

Scriptural Seeds was started by Roy and myself to honor the Lord and share biblical teachings of the scriptures, no personal opinions just Gods word and application in daily devotions.

The first three years were posted on only facebook and the following five years was on the Scriptural Seeds website.

Not one day has passed that we have not posted the Seed daily 2200 days consecutively close to 8,000 hours of writing. Countless hours of prayers. It still humbles me that we get on average 40,000 views a day worldwide. Even with all the trials and opposition from the enemy for sharing Gods word, close to 100,000 people have come to personally know Jesus Christ via this ministry. All because of surendering to the Lords prompting and making the commitment to be present and serve Him daily. Jesus did the rest.

However, the opening scripture represents something all of us really want: rest, relaxation, and time off. I have to remind myself that even Jesus took time off. In Mark we read,

Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves. (6:30–32)

Imangine the conversation.

(Apostles) “Lord, this happened. That happened.”

(Jesus) “Have you guys had lunch yet?”

(Apostles) “We are too busy to eat.”

(Jesus) “Come on. Let’s get some lunch. Relax a little bit. You need to rest. You need to recharge. Come aside with Me.”

If we don’t come aside, then we will come apart.

Jesus has something to say to the person who is exhausted and worn out. He has something to say to people who have been chewed up and spit out by life — people who are frustrated, who are hurting. Here is His personal offer of rest to those who will respond: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” (Matthew 11:28-30)

This passage above gives us the Christian life in a nutshell. Here we see what it is to come to, to know, and to walk with Jesus Christ. This invitation stands today, but it won’t stay that way forever. What is the invitation? Jesus says, “Come to Me.”

That’s it? Yes, that’s it.

It’s so simple, yet so profound. And we see this same invitation echoed throughout Scripture. It all begins with coming to God . . . approaching Him . . . seeking Him . . . opening our hearts to Him. Never doubt it. He will respond.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we call upon You in the middle of our exhaustion, That You give us the strength to heavy burdens. We long to feel the warmth and love of Your divine compassion. Be mindful of us and have mercy on us while we struggle in life’s hardships that come. When fear and panic, shock and dismay are close by, so are you. May we always recconize you , Keep us ever in Your watch until these times of opposition of life pass. Thank you for the Church Body. In Jesus’ precious and glorious name, Amen.

Personal Prayer Request.

I personally am facing complete exhaustion, These events came in the form of spiritual attacks. The enemy has been orchestrating opposition around every corner for a very long time, I can actually relate to the book of Job. I do trust and seek the Lord daily. I keep pushing forward, in the midst of the chaos. But I feel weak, exhausted. I know God loves me, I know God can help us with the circumstances. I now petition the Church Body to pray for my wife and I. That by some miracle the circumstances will change and we could have a time of relief and not opposition for sharing Gods word in such a lost world.

We have never asked for or received any donations. However we have reached a point where I am asking God for a new direction and answers. The emails, and request are overwhelming to me. I am not only strained from 50 hr a week career, the Seeds takes another 30 hrs.  I am weary and exhausted..

If you personally feel prompted to pray, volunteer or feel led to help support this ministry, so much more can be done to minister and share Gods word. Please reach out and contact me at roblavallee@gmail.com

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

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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org