Category Archives: Repentance

March 17th 2020 – Sin…Not So Fun After All!

“It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin.” (Hebrews 11:24-25)

There can be an initial excitement when we commit sin. Of course, it doesn’t last long. The Bible says that Moses “chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin” (Hebrews 11:25) The Bible also says “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

When you get away with something and nothing happens, there is an initial euphoria. You think, They lied to me, it’s actually fun. It will be fun . . . at first. It could be exciting and fun to take a selfie  with a train coming. . . until the train actually hits you. The same is true of sin. It can be pleasurable for a time until it destroys you or your life.

The first time you get away with whatever it is you shouldn’t have done, you think, This is pretty cool. I can be a Christian and still do all of this stuff too. You believe you are getting away with it and that you can actually have the best of both worlds. You’ve convinced yourself that you can live a double life. You might even say that you feel good about it. But your feelings can mislead you. And it will all come crashing down.

Sometimes when God doesn’t bust us right away for our stupidity, we think we can always get away with it. When we don’t reap the immediate consequences of a sin, we might even, in our deranged thinking, rationalize what we are doing. Yet (Ecclesiastes 8:11) says, “When a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong.” Don’t confuse God’s grace with His permission, and even worse, His blessing.

As long as we never do wrong and always do right, we don’t and won’t have a problem with sin. That may sound easy to some. But the truth is, we are all sinners…

However the Bible tells us how to deal with past sins and how to deal with sin in the present and future. It is easier than you think. “Past sins,” you may ask? Ask for forgiveness.

(1 John 1:9-10) “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.”

What about dealing with our present sins? (Hebrews 12:1-2) says that we should strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up and that we should run with endurance the race God has set before us.

“Sin will blind you, and then it will find you. Your sin will find you out.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for taking my sin upon You. I am sorry for the wrong things I have done and for the right I have failed to do. I confess my sins to You and ask for forgiveness. (Confess your sins, by act and by name to Him). Lord, thank You for helping me with my past and present sins. Help me to keep my eyes not on my sin, but on my Savior, Jesus. Help me to soar by casting off the weights of sin. Help me to live the life You have called me to live. I thank You for having a winning game plan for dealing with my Sin, In Jesus’ name, Amen

Looking to ask Jesus into or recommit your life to Him? Read Below..

Jesus says “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” (Revelation 3:20)

The Bible promises eternal life to all who receive Christ: “And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life. I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.” (1 John 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. Amen.

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.

Please take a moment to contact me at roblavallee@gmail.com, I would love to pray with you personally for this wonderful new journey you are on..

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

March 15th 2020 – Forgiven in Christ Our Lord

“Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God” (Romans 15:15)

Satan loves to remind us of our past sins and failures. He finds great pleasure in bringing up things that God has long forgiven us of.

Revelation chapter 12:10 refers to Satan as the “accuser of our brethren.” That’s what he does, but not because he’s really got anything on us. If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the Bible tells us that your sins have been separated from you as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). So, what does it profit the enemy to bring up what you’ve been forgiven of? He wants to distract you from following Jesus. If he can get you to listen to his accusations, maybe he can shame you into believing that you’ve crossed some line of forgiveness that doesn’t exist. That is his game and he is betting that he can pull you into it. Remember the words in 1st John

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Has Satan distracted you from following Jesus? Don’t believe his lies, and friend, in love, you need to quit listening to your enemy. You have got a great future ahead of you. Satan, on the other hand… well… his future is not so good because he will be thrown into the lake of fire. He will be destroyed. He knows it. So, the next time the enemy tries to remind you of your past, remind him of his future.

“We often forget what we should remember and remember what we should forget.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for sending Your only Son, Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. Thank You for the promise that one day, You will wipe the tears from my eyes and there will be no more death, sorrow or crying. Thank You that I can have peace through Jesus, no matter what trial or difficulties I am experiencing. Please forgive me for the times when I have surrendered my peace to a situation or problem and help me to live for You every day. I rejoice in knowing the future that lies ahead of me is so much better than the past that is behind me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you would like to know more about accepting Jesus in your life, Click Here to read “Four Simple Steps” to asking Jesus into your life.

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

March 9th 2020 – Waiting On Prayers To Be Answered

He said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.” (Daniel 10:12)

There is an interesting story in the book of Daniel offers us a unique, behind-the scenes look at what happens when we pray. The Bible tells us that Daniel was praying and that his prayer reached Heaven. God heard Daniel’s prayer and sent an angel with a special message for Daniel. But the angel who was sent from Heaven was held up for twenty one days because he was engaged in spiritual warfare with a powerful demon spirit. As a result, God then sent the archangel. Michael (You might say that Michael is like the “Big Kahuna” among angels.) Michael was sent, who obviously delt with the demon swiftly, and the answer was brought to Daniel. But it took twenty-one days for the answer to get there.

Sometimes when God doesn’t answer our prayers as quickly as we would like Him to, we think that He is not listening or He letting us down. We need to understand that delays aren’t necessarily denials.

When we pray and don’t see an answer as quickly as we would like, it may be a result of circumstances that we can’t see. There might even be a spiritual battle raging behind the scenes. Maybe you’ve been praying for someone to come to know the Lord. Maybe you’ve been asking God to heal you. Perhaps you’ve been asking the Lord for the blessing of husband or wife. Don’t give up. Don’t be discouraged. Keep praying. Jesus tells us to keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking, and the door would be opened. So be persistent. And watch what God will do.

The Lord is good to those who wait hopefully and expectantly for Him, to those who continue to seek Him.” (Lamentations 3:25)

No matter how long it takes, when God works, It’s always worth the wait.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for remaining faithful to me. Help me have hope and expectancy as I wait for Your answers to my prayers. And during the extended times when you are waiting for the perfect moment to answer or just waiting on me to be ready, may I contine to give you my praises and wait with a heart of gratitude because your Grace is more then sufficent for me. I thank you for Leading me and Loving me and Blessing me everyday with life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Click here to watch “While I’m Waiting – John Waller

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

February 17th 2020 – The Mighty Anvil

For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” (2 Corinthians 1:20)

It has been said that the Bible is an anvil that’s worn out many a skeptic’s hammer. This means that what the Bible says is completely true and unchanging. Let’s really consider what that means for a moment.

It means our sins can be forgiven:

“In [Jesus Christ] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7)

It means we can become children of God:

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12)

It means we can one day live in heaven forever:

“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2)

These things and more are true for those who know Jesus as Savior. If you have trusted in Jesus, then read His Word and trust in these amazing promises. These are promises of love, joy and peace in this life and the next. The world will try and cause you to doubt the Truth of God’s Word, but throughout history, the Bible has remained unmoving. Trust in it and find rest for your soul.

“Jesus and the Bible are both completely reliable and trustworthy.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, 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. 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

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

February 13th 2020 – How Do We Trust Again

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” (Psalm 28:7)

Each time that he said that he was sorry, I honestly wanted to beleive that he meant it. I knew at that point he was sincere just like before, but part of me wanted to give up on trusting him altogether. Why trust someone who like so many times before will probabally let you down again? In fact, why trust at all? Why not just close my heart and keep it safe from any potential harm?

King David understood this struggle. In Psalm 28, David asks God for help. Many scholars believe that this was written at the end of David’s life. At this point, he knows what it is to hide from words and actions that harm. He understands how it feels to be surrounded by people who say they are loyal to him, but sometimes let him down.

Even at this late stage, it may have been tempting to shut everyone out and never trust again … not just the people who intentionally sought to harm him, but those who loved him and messed up. It might have even crossed his mind that he should trust no one at all.

Instead, in verse 7 we see David’s thoughts and attitude change and find him singing a beautiful song to his Heavenly Father. In this place of hurt and uncertainty, he reveals a secret: He can trust because God is trustworthy.

The Lord is our strength and shield.

Like a triple-plated silver shield, David needed God’s protection for his heart. David may have wanted to isolate, but God had handwritten a plan for his life. People were an integral part of that blueprint.

The reality is that people are messy. My son was a mess, his addiction had cost him almost everything. Sometimes I’m a mess, too. The actions he chose to do really did hurt me and I need to work through it, but God’s shield of protection allows me to see the areas where He was still working in me. It also offered His truth to counterbalance hurtful actions.This shield allowed me to approach him from a place of resolution, rather than a place of offense or retaliation.

It will soon be two years that my son has been clean and off of drugs.  I praise you in all that You do Lord, Thank you for giving me the strengh to get out of Your way and let you work in his heart..

Our hearts trust in the Lord and He helps us.

We need wisdom to know what to say, when to say it and when to hold those words back. God offers that guidance (James 1:5).

We need discernment over what is ours to fix and when to step back as God does His part (Psalm 55:22).

We need to know what to do when someone is destructive or unwilling to change, and how to transfer our trust to God in that hard situation, rather than take matters into our own hands. We can ask for hope and healing in our hearts while God performs His work in someone else’s heart.

Our hearts leap for joy, and with a song when we praise Him.

Conflicts, difficult conversations or poor behavior can make you want to give up or shut people out completely. In David’s case, trusting in God produced a strong foundation that led him out of seclusion and into a plan and a purpose.

Like David, have you been tempted to climb into a cave of isolation?

Do you sense God asking you to trust again? Maybe not even in a specific person, but in Him? In others? In the fact that He’s completely with you as you run after His plan for your life?.

 

“Trust the past to God’s mercy, the present to God’s love and the future to God’s providence.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I praise and love You..but most of all I Trust You. In the past when someone has deliberately broken my heart, my response has always been to hide or build a wall. Thank You for wisdom, compassion and discernment as I trust in You first, Continue to give me the strengh to stay away from people that continually hurt me because they do not want to change. You show me how to trust others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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

 

February 10th 2020 – Open To God’s Correction

Hear the word of the LORD, you Israelites, because the LORD has a charge to bring against you who live in the land: “There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land.. “(Hosea 4:1)

We should all be open to correction whether it is from the Bible, from a teaching or from a friend. None of us have it all right. Right and wrong is not determined by society or our culture. Just because things like gambling, abortions and drug use are now legalized. That doesn’t mean it is a good thing. Just look at society as an example. What was called abnormal when I was growing up 1970’s and 80’s is now considered normal. What was good is now bad and bad is now called good.

“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

This is why we should always form our opinions and our choices in life on God’s Word.

We don’t always see the WHY we should or shouldn’t do something but that does not negate our responsibility to obey. Even if it’s hard, uncomfortable or even costly, we should be willing to change for the sake of our Lord and King. The good news is that when we walk in obedience, we will find great blessing. In fact, Jesus puts it this way in John 15…

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

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“Discipline is correction. God’s correction is an act of love. Love is never punishment.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your Word. I believe it contains the ways of life and the instructions I need to obey You. Help me to understand Your Word and give me the power to live it out. I desire to lay aside my plans or opinions for the sake of the Gospel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

February 3rd 2020 – The Incredible Plan!

But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.” (Mark 16:6)

The fact is, Jesus could have escaped the crucifixion at anytime. As He was beaten, He could have stopped it. When the nails were piercing His sinless hands, He could have defended Himself, but He didn’t. In that moment, Christ chose you and I over His own well being. He knew He needed to make a payment for our sins, and so He remained on the cross. So call it what you will… an act of love, a plan of salvation or a martyr’s sacrifice. But whatever you choose to call it, don’t call it an accident. It was a lot of things, but it was anything but that. The cross was no accident, tragedy or conspiracy. It was a plan. And in a world of injustice, God once and for all tipped the scales in the favor of hope.

You see, God neither accepts our sin nor lowers the standard. Instead of ignoring our sin, He took it on Himself and sentenced Himself. God’s righteousness is still maintained, our sin is punished and we are redeemed. What an incredible plan. God paid a debt He did not owe because we owed a debt that we could not pay. God did what we could not do so we can be what we could not dare dream–to stand perfect and forgiven before God. The victory is already won, our past can be pardoned and our future can be secure. Death is disarmed. Failures are forgivable. Life can have real purpose. Did He die on the cross for your sins? You have to make that decision. He is the Savior of the world. The question is… is He your Savior?

“The only way you’re going to reach places you’ve never gone is if you trust God’s direction to do things you’ve never done.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I believe You died for me so that I could be forgiven. I believe You were raised from the dead so that I could have new life. I know I have done wrong things, and I’m sorry. Today I lay is all at the foot of the cross. Please forgive me and give me the power to follow You all the days of my life. 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 30th 2020 – Attitude Adjustment

“lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name.” (1 Corinthians 1:15)

Paul, in writing this letter to the Corinthians, dealt with division inside the church. Any idea you may have that church is a perfect place, can often be shattered the moment you walk through the doors. It was the same in the early church. We all bring something valuable to the church, but because we are sinful people, we also add to the problems.

In this letter, Paul takes on people’s attitudes; their way of thinking. Do we need to be challenged today? Absolutely we do. Being saved does not mean we’re done being changed. We continue to be changed, and as we are, our ideas and concepts of what it means to be a Christian are challenged. God wants to adjust our attitude and if we are truly honest with ourselves, we are desperate for that change.

When we take a moment to look at challanging situations or even life in general, when we do so with a different attitude our perspective often will change. What may have seemed impossible now looks hopeful.

“God wants to give you an attitude adjustment.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for Your Son Jesus who died for me so I could have life more abundantly. Lord, I confess to You that I am struggling. I have been looking to the world for answers rather than depending on You. I surrender my heart to You, Lord. Help me to make the changes You want for 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

January 23rd 2020 – We Should Examine Ourselves

“But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:28)

Have you ever met a Christian that believes they have the gift to identify sin in peoples lives or flawed doctrine in churches. I have yet to find it listed in scripture that this is actually a gift. Also I have yet to find the perfect church. The likely cause is that people are inperfect.

Although there are times to lovingly correct a brother or sister or even false teachings within a church, we should not be quick to condemn. Before we begin pointing our finger at someone else’s problems, we need to first examine ourselves.

“Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:5)

In Scripture, Jesus draws an absurd but poignant picture of someone with a giant beam of wood in their eye striving to remove a speck of dust from their friend’s eye. As we sit back and laugh at the imagery, the truth remains. Often, we believe we can ignore the sin in our life all the while condemning those who may be sinning in the same way. This leads to a life of hypocrisy and self deception. Instead, we should examine our own hearts and seek God for forgiveness. As we find freedom from our struggles, we will be fully equipped to care for our friends who need help removing the dust from their eye.

“We should examine ourselves, not others for problems.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your forgiveness and grace. Help me to examine myself every day through Your Word and Your Spirit. Continue to shape me more into the image of Your Son so that I may help others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you would like to request a prayer Click Here.

Interested in knowing Jesus personally? 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

January 21st 2020 – But, God!

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

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

Two of the most important words in the entire Bible are “But God.” You and I were dead in our sins and trespasses… but God.rescued us.

Linda was an alcoholic and Steve was a heroin addict… but God… Charles was dying, but God… healed him.  The world needs to hear these words… but God. When I read local and world news, it becomes evident that this world is a complete mess… but God.

“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3-4)

We have to step out of our comfort zones and tell people one on one about Jesus. We have to get Bibles into the hands of those who don’t have them or who have never even seen one. We have to show the love of Jesus by bringing the Good News to those who have lost hope, to those who are living in the mess that has been made of this world. What mess have you made? God is in the business of fixing messes. God will break through the situation if you’ll allow Him. Maybe you know this. Too often we keep this to ourselves when we should be telling others.

“God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father Thank You for sending Your only Son to die for my sins. Please forgive me for times when I have selfishly kept the light of the Gospel to myself and please give me the courage and desire to tell others about the reason for my hope, which is Jesus. 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.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org