Category Archives: Self Control

July 16th 2019 – The Right Path

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“Those who follow the right path fear the  LORD; those who take the wrong path despise him.” (Proverbs 14:2)

In life, there are some questions that we must ask ourselves. These questions can be hard because they cause self evaluations, yet they can be beneficial in the long run. As a Christian, one of those questions is, “Do the actions of my life reflect the words I speak and the Truths I believe?”

While it’s true that none of us will live perfectly, that should not mean that change is not occurring in our lives through our faith in Christ. After all, if I believe He forgave me of my sins, then I will become more likely to forgive others. If I believe that His Word is the source of life and direction, then I will base my life around the bible and not my own desires. In the end, our life will be a reflection of the things that are important to us.

As I get older many of the things that were once very inportant to me have changed. I ask myself was it all of the dissapointments and loss, or is my spirit growing more Christ like?

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)

God still has alot of work to do in my life… I try so hard to live out my walk. I still fail, I still sometimes allow my anger to get the best of me when my values are questioned. The good news is that we are a work in progress as God works and molds our life.

“If you are on the right path, it will almost always be heading up hill.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Open my eyes so that I can ask the tough questions in my life. Give me understanding on how to live out the Truth I believe. Shower me with Your grace when I stumble, and fill me with Your Spirit so that I can live for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

July 10th 2019 – Only One Way To Heaven

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“So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.” (Acts 28:23-24)

Interesting… Paul used what part of the Bible? He used the Hebrew Scriptures. Paul used the Old Testament to show that Jesus was the Messiah; Yeshua HaMashiach in Hebrew. It’s amazing to me how many churches, pastors and Christians are willing to throw aside the Hebrew Scriptures calling them outdated or not relevant for today. We see Jesus all through the Old Testament! He’s in Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and all the way through the Psalms and into the prophets. You cannot throw out the Hebrew Scriptures without saying that Jesus is no longer relevant. Some would try to say that there are other paths to God. It is true that all paths do lead to God, but there’s only one path that leads to Heaven. Everyone will stand before God, but without Jesus, you will be eternally separated from Heaven and God at that meeting.

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

Jesus did not say, “I am one of many ways.” God has provided THE way for forgiveness and restoration to Him and that way is through His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus died on a cross and was resurrected from the grave for our sins.

Jesus is the way to God’s forgiveness. He’s the only way.

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10)

“For the Christian, heaven is where Jesus is. We do not need to speculate on what heaven will be like. It is enough to know that we will be forever with Him.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for providing the means for my salvation. Thank You, Jesus, for dying on the cross for my sins so that I can be saved. Thank You for forgiving me of my sins. Please give me the courage to be a witness for You here on earth. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you would like to request a prayer Click Here

Have you ever received Jesus as you Lord and Savior? If you do not know Him personally,you will never be truly free. 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. Jesus loves us and wants to help us through the storms. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

June 27th 2019 – Truth

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“Woe to those who devise iniquity, and work out evil on their beds! At morning light they practice it, because it is in the power of their hand. They covet fields and take them by violence, Also houses, and seize them. So they oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance. (Micah 2:1-2)

In the verse above, we see those in power taking advantage of the people. The world believes that it is acceptable to take advantage of others for gain of position or authority. If you are a leader in the the world or workplace, do you take advantage of the system to benefit yourself? Let’s step it down a notch and  make this more personal. Do you take advantage of your family, friends or co-workers for your benefit? When we get to know a person,  we also get to know how to set them off or manipulate them for what we want. That is ungodly and God does not bless the unbiblical practices of deception.

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Even in times when it seems there is no other option but to bend the truth for your benefit, God always provides a way out. Taking responsibility for your actions is an important characteristic of a Godly disciple. God will always honor you when you take responsibility for your mistakes, even when it’s difficult. Live out the Biblical model that God entrusted to you in regards to your relationships even when it doesn’t make sense.

In the end, it comes down to your making a decision about Jesus. How far will you follow Jesus in your relationships? Until it gets inconvenient – uncomfortable – what about when it becomes painful? Are you willing to follow the Biblical model all the way? What will you decide? Gain for yourself or lay your life down for the sake of the Gospel?

“One characteristic of a Godly person is to do what is Biblical even when it causes personal hardship.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for continuing to do a work in my life. You have called me to live a disciple’s life, and I choose to honor You in living out the model You have set before me. Lord, when things get tough and I mess up, empower me with courage and strength to live out Your Truth and encourage others. 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

 

June 24th 2019 – Keep Your Eyes Focused

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“Not only that, but we also who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.” (Romans 8:23)

In the reality of Christianity, what do you bring to the table? There are really only a couple of possibilities – either you are bringing Heaven to earth, or you are not. It’s so easy to get caught up in today’s trials that we forget our Lord is triumphant. When your focus is on the world, you will be entangled in adversity. Focus on Jesus and the tribulations of this earth are short lived.

Have you ever spoken with someone who is fixated on all the troubles of their life? They bear a brand of defeat. Only the conquered should wear this badge of defeat. Christians are anything but conquered. Now, imagine someone –  a non-believer – observing a Christian enamored with this world and its caos. Would he see hope? Would this fellow be inclined to follow?

“For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.” (Romans 8:24-25)

So, what do you bring to the table? What do you set before others for them to see? Is it Heaven or hell? Your faith is their evidence. If non-believers see you living out the substance of your faith they will know that your God is greater than this world’s woes.

If you are sitting at the station of this world waiting for a free ride on the gravy train you are sitting at the wrong station. That train, while tempting on the outside, has a only one destination, disappointment!

Christians, if the substance of your hope is what someone else has and not Jesus, then you need to review your faith because others already are.

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2)

“Don’t focus on today’s groaning but on tomorrow’s glory.”

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. 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

 

June 22nd 2019 – Giving Others Grace

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“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
(Ephesians  1:1-2)

In his various letters to people or churches, grace always comes first in Paul’s greetings. It is always grace followed by peace. In his letters to Timothy and Titus he added mercy; “Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.” This is a beautiful lesson for us. You see friend, we need God’s grace to have peace with Him. We, by His grace, are invited to believe in Jesus as our Savior and through our faith in Him we are saved. Now we are forgiven and at peace with God! Grace and then peace! God shows us great mercy and love in this.

“We have to know God’s grace before we can know God’s peace.”

You can have much greater peace in your life if you give more grace to all of the people in your life. Forgive those who have wronged or hurt you. Be merciful. Love. Give them grace like God gave grace to you… you will lighten your emotional load and the joy of the Lord will be your strength. You want more peace in a relationship? Put more grace in the relationship. Grace is like gravy, it goes on everything and makes everything better. Every relationship you have can be improved with grace.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You so much for Your grace to me. Thank You for Jesus. I am sorry for the times I have lacked grace and destroyed peace. Please help me give grace to the people in my life. Show me how to be merciful and loving to them like You are to me. As I give grace, please bring peace to my relationships. 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

May 31st 2019 – Stealth Attacks

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“I trust in the Lord for protection.
So why do you say to me,
“Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety! The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings. They shoot from the shadowsat those whose hearts are right.” (Psalm 11:1-2)

David faced many attacks in his life as a man mightily used by the Lord. Because of envy King Saul tried to kill David before he became king. Later his own son would plot against him and seek to remove him from the throne.

When we place our trust in the Lord it is certain that we will be a target for the attacks of the enemy. To discourage you the enemy can even spring a sudden attack upon you using your family or the people you worship and serve with. In order for our lives to be firmly built upon the foundation of trusting in the Lord we should be in the Word, be with our brothers and sisters in Christ, and be continually exhorting one another with love and encouragement. The Bible gives us a list of battle gear to prepare us for spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6 not because we don’t expect to face battles but because we do.

As believers and followers of Jesus we face battles and attacks in this world. From:

1) The world

2) The flesh

3) The devil and his accomplices

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, please help me to always put my trust in You and ask for your Grace  When the attacks come let me look to You and to Your Word for the weapons that You have fashioned for me to stand against the enemy. I come to You asking for help to discern the lies of the enemy, especially when the enemy hides within all the strife and tension that he creates. Open my eyes to recognize any spirit of division or confusion as the enemy’s plan to divert me away from God will for my life. I submit my life to You. Help me to surrender to You in every way and choose to live according to Your word. Continue to teach me by reading and speaking Your Word so that it is implanted in my heart and becomes part of my daily life. I want to live in obedience to You in prayer, in praise, in worship, and in gratitude. Thank You, Lord, that You have given all who accept You in their hearts victory over all the plans of the enemy. Thank You that he has to flee from our lives when we expose his plans to the light. Thank You for the wisdom to identify the enemy’s work in our lives and the power to resist him. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Put your faith and trust in Jesus! If you do not know Him personally please read below.

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

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

If you have not asked Jesus into your life you can receive Jesus Christ right now by faith through prayer. Please click here to learn more. 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

May 26th 2019 – Learn Wisdom Reading God’s Word

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My son, pay attention to my wisdom; Lend your ear to my understanding, That you may preserve discretion, And your lips may keep knowledge.” (Proverbs 5:1-2)

Every living person has choices to make. No matter the size, we all must choose. The question is not whether or not we will have to make a decision; rather the question is, “What will we base that decision on?” In the book of Proverbs, God delivers great wisdom to all of humanity. Some of it is common sense and other parts of it are contrary to what we would normally believe. So, why would God give us all these bits of wisdom? Because He is a loving Father desiring to see His children live a blessed life.

Understanding the reality of God’s wisdom in scripture is easy enough, using it to guide our lives is the tough part. For instance, Proverbs may speak of the blessings of correction but who really praises God when they are called out for doing something wrong? He also warns us against the dangers of all sin, even laziness and pride, yet each day we all forget or flat out reject these truths. So what is the solution? First, we must know God’s Word and trust that it is best. Secondly, we need to ask His Holy Spirit to strengthen us to walk in God’s wisdom. When we are directed by God’s Word and empowered by His Spirit, we will find our life is truly blessed.

“God’s wisdom brings a preferred choice or direction for experiencing His best in our lives.”

Prayer:

Heavenly father, I know that I have made some foolish choices in the past. I desire to understand Your ways and to live by them because they are best. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit so that I can understand Your Word as well as put it into practice. Even in those times I fall short, I will praise You for the grace I find in Christ. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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

If you do not have a personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. Please read 4 Steps to Jesus.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

May 17th 2019 – Rebuild The Walls and Gates

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“Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests and built the Sheep Gate; they consecrated it and hung its doors. They built as far as the Tower of the Hundred, and consecrated it, then as far as the Tower of Hananel” (Nehemiah 3:1)

In the book of Nehemiah, we see the people of Israel joining together to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem. Each wall and gate is constructed to keep the bad out and the good in. The same should be true in our own life, because once you see something or hear something, it is impossible to take it out. If you are a parent, you are responsible for guarding your kid’s gates. As they get older, help them make good decisions and discourage bad ones.

In the world today, its all about who has the biggest most mighty weapons and technology. Don’t look for the newest greatest things for warfare, they are great with technology but not with Gods wisdom. God has given us great wisdom so that we can go to the ancient things for modern problems. Remember that the battlefield often starts in our minds.

“We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

The key to guarding our hearts and minds is to fill our hearts and minds with the things of God. Reading God’s Word and meditating on the Truths of Scripture will help protect us from evil. Time in prayer for our lives and the lives of our family will direct our paths. Also, we must be actively engaged by saying no to certain music, television, movies, games or books that could draw our hearts away from Christ. It’s not about legalism; it’s about building the walls of protection and guarding the gates for God’s glory.

“As people created in the image of God, we can and should control what we read, listen to, think and say.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the guidance You give in Your Word. Give me the wisdom and power to build the walls and guard the gates of my heart and mind. Fill me with Your Spirit. Help me teach others about your goodness and turn them away from evil. May they turm from hate and destruction to experiencing forgiveness and Love. In Jesus’ name Amen.

If you would like to request a prayer 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

May 15th 2019 – Don’t Miss It

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“These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.” (1 Timothy 6:5)

If we look around long enough, any of us can find someone who appears to have it all together. Even now, an individual has popped into your mind. To you this person is a picture of goodness. Their gracious manner and presence may have you imagining God’s love hovering over their head like a glowing halo. While you can’t picture God loving you, there is no doubt in your mind that He loves that person.

If this is you… you’re missing it..

In God’s graciousness, none of us are as bad as we could be, and yet we’re all born sinners. Each one of us begins life at the same place, lost. Yet because of God’s great love, He sent His Son, Jesus, to die in our place thus making us perfect. You heard me right, perfect. In this world, it can be easy for people to appear good. They may care for others, give to the poor and act nice, but without Jesus, they still need a Savior. This is what makes the Gospel the “good news”. While we could never be good enough to earn God’s love, He showed His love towards us anyway in the life, death and resurrection of His Son.

“What consumes your mind controls your life..”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that Your love is not dictated by my good works but is freely given through Jesus. Help me to truly understand the power of the Gospel and to share it with those around me. Teach me through Your Word and guide me by Your Spirit. 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

May 8th 2019 – Challenging Moments

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Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. (John 18:10)

Sometimes in life, we face challenging moments. This moment was a summons to contest for Peter. Even with all that Jesus had taught him and with all that he had learned, he still had to make personal application. Peter had to learn how to do it God’s way and not his own. Do not lean to your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5,6)

I think that is something all of us have to learn. We would like to learn it all at once or all in one sitting, but that’s not the way it happens. Most of us will have many opportunities, in some, we will succeed beautifully and in others, we will fail miserably. Each day that we awake, however, brings us the glorious chance for a fresh start and a new beginning. It is important to remember that and, in that process, we need to be careful of the ears.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for growing me. Thank You for not being content to leave me as I am because what I am is not as good as what You want me to be. Lord, I may squirm and protest against the process but please continue to conform me to the image of Your Son. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, Don’t wait! In a flash of a second it could be too late!” Click Here to read Four Simple Steps to Jesus.

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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org