Category Archives: Meekness and Gentleness

October 5th 2017 – Hope is Real

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In the light of this weeks events with the Las Vegas Shootings, I have been trying to get my head around what could cause someone to lose control and slaughter innocent people. What can cause someone to take their own life as we recently saw in the news with Chester Bennington of Linkin Park (and so many others) It’s the absolute loss of “All Hope”

I posted a devotion earlier this year that addressed the loss of hope and many wonderful scriptures that the Lord gives us for hope.

Here is the repost.

Driving home from work, I saw these words written on a sign at a local church. It said, “Hope Is Real.” I thought about it and (needless to say) agreed with the statement. But as I pondered the simple little phrase, I realized that for many people hope is not real. I believe that is one of the most important gifts we can give to another person, the gift of hope.

You see, someone who is hopeless and alone usually cannot help themselves out of their situations. They have a great sense of loss and helplessness. We must come alongside and bring the good news of Jesus Christ and all that He has to offer.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

One definition for hope is: To look forward to with confidence or expectation. We must bring the Word of God with all its hope to someone who does not know it is real.

When we bring hope, we bring life. It is life changing to finally believe again. It is more than just asking God for something we so badly need; we must expect our miracle somewhere in the midst of asking, believing, and expecting God to answer, we will find what we are looking for.

“I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” (Psalms 27:13)

I have felt for a long time that the biggest problem we have in the world today is there are so many people who have lost hope. There seems to be so many hurts, problems, sicknesses, troubles, financial issues, family problems, world issues, political concerns, etc. It seems the world has no hope.

Apart from God, it is an awful, hopeless place. But with God’s help, we can make it. I want you to know that whatever situation you find yourself in at this moment, there is hope. You may not be able to see or feel the hope, but it is there for you. How do we find the hope? There is only one place where hope can be found, and that is in Jesus Christ.

I did a word search in the Bible for the word ‘hope’ and found many wonderful passages. They were mostly in Psalms and Proverbs of course. David found himself in situations many times and had to remind himself that Hope is Real. It comes from God. Here are a few of David’s prayers to God:

“But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.” (Psalms 39:7)

“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalms 42:11)

“Show me the path where I should walk, O LORD; point out the right road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.” (Psalms 25:4-5)

“No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame,” (Psalms 25:3)

“But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,” (Psalms 33:18)

“Remember your promise to me, for it is my only hope.” (Psalms 119:49)

Trust God. He wants you to trust Him. You need to agree with God about your situation. What does God say about who you are and what His will is for your life? Don’t go by your feelings. Instead we should remind ourselves that God only has plans for us that are good. Jeremiah helps us remember what God has to say about us. “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.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

We do not need to be disappointed and feel alone. We can have hope! God’s love in our hearts will ignite the flames of hope we have buried deep inside our hearts. God’s Word can encourage us as we read it with great anticipation and faith. Paul writes in Romans these words of encouragement:

“And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5:5)

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)

Here are a few key scriptures that help us to understand what we need to do. Words like “be strong, take courage, wait, reverently and worshipfully fear God, tarry for the hope, wait patiently for it, and be joyful in hope. They are all action words we need to work on. Read these scriptures out loud during your Devotion times. Watch how hope will come alive in your heart as you speak the Word of God over yourself and your situation.

“Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for and hope for and expect the Lord!”(Psalms 31:24)

“Those who reverently and worshipfully fear You will see me and be glad, because I have hoped in Your word and tarried for it.” (Psalms 119:74)

“But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

“But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” (Romans 8:24)

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”(Romans 12:12)

I don’t want this to be just another Devotion. I want it to bring life to you. Pray out loud the words of hope into your life and your situations. I have hope! My hope is in the Lord! I will be strong and wait on the Lord. I trust God with my life and the life of my family. Speak these words every day. Hope Is Real. It comes from God! He has placed it in your heart. Speak it out and watch what God will do for you.

“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)

What is your need today? Is it for a financial blessing, healing in your body, marriage, a new job, a house or car, etc? Whatever it is, take it to Jesus today.

Is there someone in your life today that needs encouraging? Speak the Words of hope that bring life. Hope Is Real, just try it.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the hope You have freely given to me through Your Son Jesus. Lord, help my doubt when I cannot see. Help me share the truth of Hope to someone that was lost all hope, in doing so, innocent lives could be saved. As I eagerly wait in expectation of Your coming, strengthen me to persevere in the calling You have laid before me. I know that all things work together for good to those who love You. Lord, I commit my life to Your purposes today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

October 4th 2017 – God Still Heals

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“to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,” (1 Corinthians 12:9)

What do you think about when you hear the words “healing” or “miracle”? Depending on how you grew up, these words may spark memories. Some of us may remember the charismatic preachers on television or even roadside tent revivals. Even though they may have involved miraculous signs and wonders, others may simply reject the notion that miracles even occur today.

Regardless of what we have seen or heard, we must always remember to ask the question, “What does the bible say?” You see, what we believe is not dependent on our opinion or upbringing, but fully relies on what God has revealed to us through His Word.

As we look into the glorious and perfect Word of the Lord, we see that He has given us His Spirit to help spread the Gospel and minister to one another. In 1 Corinthians 12, we see that Paul clearly states that the Holy Spirit can empower us with the gift of healings and miracles. While these can refer to many things, we must understand that we have the chance to be part of one of the greatest healings of all time.

What could that be you ask? Simply put, it’s the dead coming to life. When we share with others the Gospel and they respond, they go from death to life, from condemnation to forgiveness, from being a child of the adversary to a child of the living God. Maybe you’ve never experienced that supernatural healing. God desires to forgive your sins and make you new. All you have to do is come to Him. Are you ready for healing?

“Don’t ever forget that God still heals. He heals us spiritually, physically and emotionally”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I know that I have done wrong in my life and I ask that You forgive me. Lord, I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins and that He rose again. I come to You today and ask that You would create in me a clean heart and make me new. Fill me with Your Spirit and help me to walk with You every day of my life. 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

October 2nd 2017 – Jesus is Waiting

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“Their arrogance testifies against them, yet they don’t return to the LORD their God or even try to find him.” (Hosea 7:30)

In the book of Hosea, the people of Israel find themselves in a frightening spot. God has given them over to their enemies, yet they continue to sin. They are weary, heartbroken and homesick, yet they refuse to look to God. Like a loving father who watches his child continue to hurt themselves, God desires to step into the scene and heal them. He desires to bring them hope, freedom, prosperity and peace.

While the situation may be different for each of us, the reality is the same. We all have moments in life where we feel beat up and knocked down. Our marriage is struggling, our job is on the line, we’re concerned about our health; all these things come at us and we have a choice to make. Will we look to God or will we look to ourselves or the world for answers. Of course, the even greater picture is in regards to our salvation. Each of us stands before God guilty because of the bad things we have done, we now have a choice. Do we admit guilt and ask for mercy, or do we deny guilt and run from the very One who desires to forgive us? All of us have a choice… choose wisely.

“God desires to forgive us, but we must come to Him first.”

Prayer;

Heavenly Father, I know that I am a sinner and in need of Your grace. I also know that without You my life would simply fall to pieces. Help me to trust in You during the hard times and celebrate that I have been saved by Your grace through Jesus. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can share this Good News with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 25th 2017 – Unlimited Resource

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“He who scatters has come up before your face. Man the fort! Watch the road! Strengthen your flanks! Fortify your power mightily.” (Nahum 2:1)

Tests and trials are a part of life and often push us to our limits in so many ways. During these times, what do you turn to? Do you first run to others seeking those who feel the same way you do? Do you find yourself to be anxious because you are constantly looking down the road of life waiting for the next attack? Maybe you run to your money or addiction to seek answers or comfort. Whatever the case may be, the truth is, when we do not run to God first, we will not last long.

As followers of Christ, we have the unlimited resource of wisdom and power available to anyone. He is our Father God and He desires to help us in times of need. We may be able to limp along on our own wisdom and strength for a time, but when we trust in the Lord’s strength and His infinite wisdom, we will never grow weary. Today you will encounter difficult situations. Don’t be surprised by them but simply use them as an excuse to draw closer to God. Need wisdom? Ask the Father. Desire strength? Find it in Jesus.

“When you aew faced with a problem, seek God first before relying on your own wisdom or strength.”

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. No matter where I find myself I ask that You would guide my steps and use me for Your purposes. 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

September 23rd 2017 – Are You, Overburdened?

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“On the third day, we threw the ship’s tackle overboard with our own hands.” (Acts 27:19)

Here is a cool fact, Did you know that ships have a line drawn along the hull to indicate their burden? If the line goes too far beneath the water, the sailors know there is too much cargo on board. This allows the sailor to take the necessary steps to avoid disaster. Wouldn’t it be great if we had indicators on us? In Acts 27, Paul, now a prisoner, was taken by ship to Rome where he and the ship’s crew encounter a mighty storm. In danger of shipwreck, the ship’s crew threw overboard the cargo they once had considered necessities. Timing and events can really change the way we look at things. We fill our lives with ‘tackle’ and ‘rigging’ that is not important to the eternal plan. Often, we get distracted by those things and cling to them rather than to God. We think… “Oh, I need this” or “I just can’t live without that,” but soon, overburdened, we hit a storm and sink.

(Hebrews 12:1) “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.”

What’s in your cargo hold? Are you carrying bitterness? Is there someone you need to forgive? Is your ship laden with shame? Are you hauling around guilt or sin? In (Matthew 11:28-30), Jesus said “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Why carry burdens around when you don’t have to? Won’t you lay your burdens at the foot of the cross?

“Lay your burdens down at the foot of the cross, before you sink”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Please forgive me for my sins and show me the burdens I carry that You want to remove. There may be things I’m not aware of that are distracting me from the best that You have for me. Please show me these things so that I can give them over to You. 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

September 22nd 2017 – What Really Matters

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“Now when all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them, the people answered the king, saying: “What share have we in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. Every man to your tents, O Israel! Now see to your own house, O David!”
( 2 Chronicles 10:16)

In our world of twenty-four hour news stations and action packed live reporting, it’s easy to see and hear all the bad things happening in our country and the world. If we compound this with our own personal struggles and pains, we will easily find ourselves anxious or worse yet, hopeless. In 2 Chronicles 10, the people of Israel are trying to come to grips with the splitting of their nation. As they watch their kingdom crumble, they chose to look at their circumstance rather than their God.

(Philippians 4:8) “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.”

No matter where we are in life, or as a Nation. We can always find something bad to focus on. Lately in the USA. Alot of what we hear from day to day is how much our is nation divided, All of the stories of slander and hate between political parties, racial rifts, hurricanes, earth quakes, famine and death, wars and rumors of wars. Definitely sounds like what the Bible predicts in the end of times.  Its easy at times for me to get caught up in it too.

What we need, is to flee from a constant intake of bad news and focusing on Satans plans. These things do nothing but cause division and pain. Instead, we should look to the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ. As we set our eyes on Him we will find peace for our souls and life abundant.

“Follow only that which leads you to Jesus. Because honestly, that is what what matters. “

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your forgiveness and grace. Help me to be discerning with what or who I listen to. May I always be mindful of Your goodness and grace. Thank You for my family, my friends and all of the ones that are in my life. Father, use me to share whatever is good and right with others that are around me. Lord, also please help me draw others to You. That is where they will find the truth, real hope and love. 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

 

September 16th 2017 – Guided By His Grace

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“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” (1 Peter 1:13)

From the beginning of 1 Peter 1, the apostle Peter has been encouraging believers with wonderful promises from God. He reminds them of their living hope in our risen Savior and the future that we have waiting for us in Heaven. In this verse, Peter encourages us to respond to the promise of a new life in Christ and our future glory. How? By guarding our minds, emotions and hearts.

To ‘gird up the loins of our mind’ is to put away any wrong thoughts that may try to work their way into our thinking. Rather than thinking from a human perspective, we should think biblically. Peter also mentions that we should be sober. In other words, we should not allow our emotions to lead us, we should lead our emotions. Finally, he calls us to rest on grace. In order to guard our hearts, God calls us to remember the Gospel. Remember the love of God that was demonstrated on the cross. Remember the power of God to raise Christ from the grave so that we can have new life. With the Spirit’s power, these Truths will help us live a life of godliness and grace.

“God does not command holiness from Christians as a means to gain His acceptance. He commands us to be holy because We Are Holy.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the wonderful gift of salvation that You have given to me through Christ. Because of Your wonderful grace, I desire to live for You. Give me the power and wisdom to guard my mind, emotions and heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 13th 2017 – Shine Bright

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“He must increase, but I must decrease.” (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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 11th 2011 – Garden of Your Heart

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“This is what the LORD says to the people of Judah and Jerusalem: ‘Plow up the hard ground of your hearts! Do not waste your good seed among thorns.’” (Jeremiah 4:3)

If you have every planted a garden, you know that seed does not do well on hard ground. No matter how many seeds thrown to the ground, they will just bounce around until they are either eaten or blown away. In order for the seeds to take root and produce fruit, they must actually enter into the ground which means the ground must first be plowed.

Plowing is not easy. It takes time and energy to break open the dry ground in order to expose and prepare the soil underneath. The same is true with our hearts. Apart from God, our hearts are sun dried and barren, but when we begin honestly looking into the Word of God, the Holy Spirit begins plowing our heart so that we will receive the Truths of God. Just like gardening, it can be hard but it is worth the effort. The more we take God’s Word to heart, the more God digs out rocks of sin and pride, while planting great promises. God desires to see our lives filled with the fruit of His Spirit, but we must first be willing to be broken. Don’t fight it, embrace it, and you will find great joy awaiting the other end.

“The Holy Bible is the Word of God and is our source for everything we need to know about God, ourselves and salvation.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for the love that You have shown me and the promise that You can make me new. Give me the strength to trust You as you plow my heart. Open my heart to understanding and my mind to your Truth. Plant in me all that You desire and use me to be a vessel of your grace. 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

September 8th 2017 – Watching our Words

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“Perhaps you think we’re saying these things just to defend ourselves. No, we tell you this as Christ’s servants, and with God as our witness. Everything we do, dear friends, is to strengthen you.” (2 Corinthians 12:19)

Relationships are difficult. They require work, constant attention and above all, they should be filled with love. Of course, this is easier said than done in many cases. What happens when you are dealing with a difficult or stubborn person? Often, we begin identifying what is wrong with the other person, but what if we looked first at ourselves? What if we first asked, “How should I respond?”

(Proverbs 15:1) “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.”

In our flesh, we don’t feel like returning anger with a gentle answer, but it will put the fire out. A harsh word makes it escalate. It’s amazing how much the Bible mentions about the effect of our words. Watching your words can make your job better, relationships better and give you less regrets later. Do you want to change the people in your life? Start by changing yourself and the perfect place to begin is with your words. Respond in love, and God can do amazing things in all your relationships.

“By being slow to anger and choosing to love people even when it’s hard, you can be changed today. Every relationship you have including your job can be improved today.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the love You have shown me. Help me to show love in my relationships and to watch my words. Give me the strength to be slow to speak and slow to become angry. Lord, help me also understand that Love is also a choice, and help my heart choose love in the tough times when I dont always feel like it. May my actions of being slow to anger and expressing love even when it’s hard, change the world, one relationship at a time. 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