Category Archives: Self Control

March 24th 2019 – God Is My Guide

“Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow.” (Psalm 25:4)

Do you ever feel like you’re going in circles and not making any progress? At least not the kind of progress you were expecting.

Is the constant insanity of our world pulling you in a million different directions, causing you to question if you’re even headed in the right direction?

If you’re like me, and you have dreams and made the plans, but life and all its crazyness makes you feel like you’re just surviving instead of living out those dreams.

Continual distractions.

Endless interruptions.

To many choices.

There are days I’ve felt like one foot was chained to a bolder, while my other foot is headed in every direction. Expending a lot of energy and mental fatigue, but going nowhere. Can you relate?

Wouldn’t it be awesome to wake up every morning and be assured you’re on the right path towards your dreams and goals? To know with certainty that you’re headed in the right direction? To feel confident with each step, without constantly questioning yourself?

Too many times I’ve second-guessed a decision I was confident about. I want so desperately to follow God’s will that I’ll pray, but then feel uncertain, not wanting to make a wrong move. I wonder: Maybe this isn’t what I’m supposed to be doing. Maybe this isn’t part of God’s plan for my life.

As I’ve wrestled with indecision and insecurity, I’ve sought God’s Word for help. A few months ago, I found a golden truth in the Bible. It addresses our desire for guidance and shows us what to do when we need clear direction.

King David composed these words in a beautiful psalm, tucked within the pages of the Old Testament:

“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”(Psalm 25:5)

These verses reveal David’s humble and teachable heart. He wanted to be guided by God and led by His truth. David knew God was his Savior and placed all his hope in the One who created the right path for him.

We can find the answers to David’s request for guidance only a few short passages away. Promises we can claim for our own lives:

“The LORD is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. The LORD leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands” (Psalm 25:8-10)

Based on these verses, when our hearts are humble and truly seeking God’s will, we can be confident of this:

1. God will always show us what is right for us.

2. When we get sidetracked, God will direct us back to the right path.

3. We are not alone. God leads and teaches us along the way.

4. God leads those who obey Him with unfailing love and faithfulness.

“The LORD says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8)

“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

If you’re unsure about some things in your life, don’t wait another day to figure it out on your own. Ensure your heart is in the right place of humility, and then ask God to help you. Once you’ve asked, trust that God is directing you.

“Where I go today, I pray it be only in the path You have directed for me.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help me find my way to You for direction in my life. Remind me that the world will never be able to offer what my soul deeply longs for, nor does it hold my future, but You certainly do. No matter what comes my way and no matter where You lead me, I pray that my eyes will only be focused on You. You are my Rock and my Stay. Please, God, guide me today for I don’t know what the day may hold, but I do know that if I seek You, you will guide my way. Thank You for leading my every step. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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

If you you’ve gotten on the wrong path, seek God for direction instead of looking to the world for answers. As you take steps to follow and obey God’s voice, He will lovingly show you the way.. Click Here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

March 13th 2019 – The Daily Grind Part 2 of 3

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God’s Got This.

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:19)

Everyone experiences times in their life when they are wronged by someone. I certainly have had this happen to me many times. On the flipside, I have also been the one hurt others in my life. There have been times initially after being hurt, I have thought about how to get revenge. I actually used to find comfort in it. I would get this self-absorbed logic that I am entitled to a pay back. I would think of all the things I could say or do to that person. Some ideas that I would come up with, I would actually think were genius. Even though most of the time I never would go through with the plan. I still would find pleasure in planning the revenge.

God has another plan, and I have learned that over time, God willl take care of it. Knowing that any revenge is God’s, gives me peace. Giving up my hurt to God is freeing. The hardest part of this verse is completely taking youself out of the equation. We must remember that we are called by God to love our enemies. This is not always easy. Jesus said, “But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” (Matthew 5:44)

Hate perpetuates hate.
Mind boggling, He asks us to forgive.

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Matthew 6:14-15)

Forgiveness is about how God forgives us, but also about how we forgive each other. This can be hard when we’ve been wronged. It all comes down to Love.

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” (Romans 12:9)

Do you hurt from someone’s wrong doings? Do you want healing? If you forgive, you free yourself. The weights are lifted. Seek God if you have never experienced Him. He is the all loving, forgiving God who can lift your weight and set you free.

“Don’t take it on yourself to repay a wrong. Trust the Lord and He will make it right!”

Prayer:

Dear Lord, Thank You for forgiving me of my sins. I come to you today with my injured heart. Please remind me how you always forgive me and continue to love me even when I fail you and sin against you. Please give me compassion and love for the person I am am seeking revenge and struggling to forgive. Please continue to lead me in you teachings so that I can reflect You more clearly in my everyday life. I love You and thank You for you unconditional love. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Watch “Matthew West – Forgiveness (Lyric Video)” on YouTube

Do you want to experience a love unlike any other? Jesus died on the cross for you. He loves you and wants to help you. 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

Cinda “Zoe” Christiansen (Guest Writer)

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

March 9th 2019 – Glorify God With How We Speak

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“Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit; The poison of asps is under their lips; Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.” (Romans 3:13-14)

A forest fire can start by very simple means. All it takes is one small spark landing on dry timber and quickly lives are displaced or even destroyed. James reads,

“Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!” (James 3:5)

When I was a young boy I lived in Northern California, The forest was incredible and so were the infamous “California Redwoods” Trees so massive that they were as big as round as a full size pickup is long.. One of the scariest things I remember the about living there is the massive forest fires. If you have ever witnessed a forest fire like I have, then you have probably noticed that the embers can soar to incredible heights and travel enormous distances – far greater distances than you would think.

The words that come out of our mouths also can do the same. Words of gossip and cursing travel far and wide causing destruction wherever they go, whether to the heart of a child or to the ears of an adult. Words of grace; however, build up, encourage and glorify God. Our words can hurt people; they can derail lives, ruin reputations and sidetrack the work of God. They can also glorify God and lead people to Him. The things that we say carry much farther than we may ever know and once we speak them, we cannot take them back. Speaking again of the tongue, the book of James continues,

“With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.” (James 3:9-10)

“Do you speak words that build up or words that destroy? I think we are all guilty of that at times. We should however seek to glorify God with what we say.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Please give me the power to speak grace into the lives of others. By my own strength, my words are polluted. By my own strength, my words can destroy. By Your strength, my words can build and encourage. I want to glorify You in my speech. 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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

February 28th 2019 – Dear Problem, My God Is Bigger

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“As it is written: ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:36-37 )

I have had the opportunity to speak with and pray for those who are in the midst of monumental life challenges. It might be unemployment, eviction, addiction, separation, divorce or even facing death. Whatever it is, for those going through it, it seems the problem are as large as Mount Everest. One thing I’ve noticed is that those who dare to take on mountains often triumph while those who survey the towering heights and presume defeat…

The Colossal cliffs in life that we face teach the deepest lessons – the kind you never forget.

“And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.” (Genesis 22:8)

From the stable to the sacrifice, Jesus knew His mountain. Awaiting Him at the top were false accusation, humiliation, torture, pain, suffering and death on a cross. For us, our Savior clenched His jaw and pressed forward. Jesus made the greatest climb to Calvary.

Willingly, Jesus took that climb step by step. He knew what was waiting, and He went. It was His joy to do so. He did it to purchase you and change your destiny. Because Jesus made His ascent, we can climb our mountains with victory in hand. The next time you see a mountain looming in the distance, remember, you’re a conqueror. With Jesus, you will take that hill.

“Dear Problem, My God Is Bigger! – Don’t try to climb your mountain without Jesus.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, We love You and praise you Lord in all circumstances. Thank You for loving me first. It is through You that I do not have to fear the difficulties of this world and that I have everything I need for the challenges of life. Please forgive me for times when I’ve stalled in the face of trials instead of relying on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Do you want to experience the kind of Peace and Love that is only found in Jesus? Jesus died on the cross for you. He loves you and wants to help you. He wants to bring peace in your life. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, or need to ask him back into your life. Please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

February 19th 2019 – Don’t Loose Your Focus

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“Ephraim has encircled Me with lies, And the house of Israel with deceit; But Judah still walks with God, Even with the Holy One who is faithful. (Hosea 11:12)

After King Solomon, the Kingdom of Israel split in two. Both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah faced their share of issues, but Judah was able to stay on track longer. Why is this? One of the key reasons was the proximity of the temple which was the dwelling place of God. Since the Temple was located in Judah, they were able to continue fellowship with the Lord through the sacrifices and daily duties of the priests. This helped Judah remain more focused on the Lord.

Do you realize the same is true for us? In order for us to persevere in difficult times and to grow in our faith, God has given us the church. The church is not a building, but a body of believers that has been ordained by God to encourage us, challenge us and change our lives for good. Can it be messy in a church? Sure it can. Can we struggle with loving our Christian brothers and sisters? Of course, but what better place to learn to love than with those we know love Jesus. Our surroundings will influence our lives. When we surround ourselves with the teachings of God, the love of Christians and the opportunities to serve, give and witness, we will grow stronger. On the contrary, if we refuse to commit to a church, we will miss out on God’s growth tool for our lives. It may not be easy, but it is worth it.

“When we surround ourselves with the places and people of God, we will live more victorious lives.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the church. Thank You for brothers and sisters who love You and love me. Help me to commit to a fellowship with my whole heart so that I can experience spiritual growth and victory this year. Help us to walk in love and grace with one another so that the world will see our love and desire to know more about You. 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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

February 11th 2019 – Don’t Comdemn Others

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“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.” (Romans 2:1)

In Romans chapter one, we learn about the unrighteousness of man. In chapter two, Paul addresses our self-righteousness; our desire to consider ourselves better than everybody else. Nobody wants to be called self-righteous, yet we are so quick to judge others. Always be aware of your own weakness and sinfulness. If you think that once you became a Christian you stopped sinning, you should check out the passage below:

“If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.” (1 John 1:8-10)

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged” (Matthew 7:1)

Judge yourself. If you look long at the sins of others and not enough at your own sins, you can develop a sense of spiritual pride, which is a stench to God. Have you ever looked at someone and thought there is no hope for them? Well then, you are making the statement that the mercy of God is limited. You are pridefully saying that your sins are covered, but another’s are not. Every person, whether we deem them good people or not, needs God’s saving power and grace. Stop and think… How much have you been forgiven? Does this mean we cannot speak into other’s lives? Absolutely we can and should, but not in condemnation. Just as God has heaped His grace so abundantly on you, in discernment you can speak into someone’s life from your experiences with an attitude of love, peppered with grace. You cannot condemn someone and offer hope at the same time. The moment we start to condemn people is the moment we forget our mission. What is our mission? Our mission is to tell people about Jesus.

“Seeing the evil in others does not root out the evil in you.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for forgiving me of my sins. I am so grateful for Your grace. Please forgive me for times when I, in my own pride, looked at someone else and condemned them in my mind. Please give me opportunities to tell people about Jesus. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you do not know Him personally, 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

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

January 30th 2019 – Fruits of the Spirit

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“The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Even in life’s darkest hours, the Holy Spirit, our Comforter, can bring the light of God’s joy to the darkest corners of disappointment. Because the Holy Spirit is alive within us, joy will sooner or later bubble to the surface. The Spirit’s very presence is our reminder of two truths: that Jesus was raised from the dead and poured out the Spirit on us when we became his followers (Titus 3:3-7) and that God has assured us of sharing his glorious future with us (2 Corinthians 1:22). Where the Holy Spirit finds a home, there we will find joy. Thank God we are that home! (John 14:1-23)

“Fruit is always the miraculous, the created; it is never the result of willing, but always a growth. The fruit of the Spirit is a gift of God, and only He can produce it. They who bear it know as little about it as the tree knows of its fruit. They know only the power of Him on whom their life depends.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I welcome you into my home. Until I can come home and be with you, I thank you for making your home within me through the Holy Spirit. I thank you for the joy that is mine knowing that you live in me until I can come and live with you. In Jesus’ name I thank you and praise you. Amen.

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

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

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