Category Archives: Serving Others

March 11th 2017 – Time Well Spent

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“I will destroy the winter house along with the summer house; The houses of ivory shall perish, And the great houses shall have an end,’ says the Lord.” (Amos 3:15)

Wow, this sounds like a harsh word when you first read it. Let’s remember the setting. The northern ten tribes of Israel in 750BC were worshiping false gods and idols. They were prospering as a nation, and they had built wonderful houses with excessive decor. They thought things were going well because of their wealth. Amos steps in with a message from God to tell them it will all be destroyed. They were living in luxury all for themselves, but they had forgotten the Lord. God is letting them know here that those things would not last. Don’t miss the blessing here friend. Paul reminds us in Corinthians that everything we do in our selfish nature will not last. Those things we do for the glory of God will last for eternity

(1 Corinthians 3:11-15 ) “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have Jesus Christ. Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials-gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.”

Let’s be real. Our house, cars, and the ‘things’ we will have accumulated during our life span will not make it into eternity. But the time I invest for the glory of God, not mine, will last forever. That is very good news.

“Every minute we live to please God is well spent.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. I am grateful that I have an opportunity to live for You and will be rewarded. Please continue to give me the power and desire to live for Your kingdom, not mine. 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.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

March 9th 2017 – According to the Spirit

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“For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:3-4  )

No man has ever been a better example of righteous living than Jesus Christ. He lived a perfect, sinless life. He was giving, loving, caring, serving and passionate about saving people. He was selfless in every action and relentless in pursuit of His goal.

In John 15:13 Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” When you place the wants and needs of others before your own wants and needs you lay down your life for them. Serving others is serving God.

We should be following Jesus’ example. Is that example too lofty for us? No, it is not! Once you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, He starts His work in you. Through the power of the Spirit, you can rise above the flesh. You can be the example of Jesus in the lives of everyone around you.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your selfless gift of dying for my sins. Please give me Your love and passion for people. Help me to place the wants and needs of others before my own. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I can show the love of Jesus to those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

March 6th 2017 – Commitment is not Bondage

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“So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow.” (Acts 18:18)

Paul had taken a Nazarite vow that he would not touch a dead body; he would drink no wine, eat no grapes, eat no raisins, and allow his hair to grow before cutting it off as a sign of purification (see Numbers 6). But wait, isn’t Paul the one who told us that those under grace should not be under bondage? In (Galatians 5:1), he wrote, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”

This was not bondage for Paul because it kept the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ relatable to the Jews. It was also profitable in that it gave Paul the opportunity to model service and sacrifice as an example for other Christians. I am going to let you in on something that may surprise you, commitment is not bondage. It is by God’s grace that we have been given the opportunity to serve Him.

How do we serve God? We serve Him by serving others and His church. Is commitment service or sacrifice? It is both. Every Christian should be ready to serve and be ready for sacrifice. What was the model set forth for us by Jesus? It was one of service and sacrifice. If we are to be “Christ-like” then we must be ready and willing to commit ourselves to live by the example He set for us. We hold ourselves to commitments every day. Commitments we make at our jobs, with our family and friends. What about our commitment to Jesus and to His church?

(Proverbs 16:3) reads, “Commit your work to the LORD, and then your plans will succeed.”

Service or sacrifice, whichever it may be, I’m ready. That is the mindset of a true servant of God.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your grace and Your mercy. Help me look for ways I can commit to serving others. Help me to be willing and ready when asked to serve. Lord, when my serving requires sacrifice, please help me not to grumble or complain. Help me to be glad that I can sacrifice my time and effort in serving others, and in turn recognize that I am serving You. Thank You Lord for Your serving and sacrifice for us. 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.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scriptutalseeds.org

February 5th 2017 – The Secret of Contentment

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“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” (1 Timothy 6:6-7)

In the world today, many believe that acquiring wealth leads to happiness. On the flip-side there are some who believe that only when we live with nothing will we experience true peace. Both of these thoughts are scripturally incorrect because they seek to find fulfillment in things other than Christ. The truth is that true joy can only be found in a relationship with Christ. When we experience His love, His grace and His mercy, we no longer are slaves to our circumstances. Instead, we are free to experience a full life regardless of our bank account or social standing.

(Philippians 4:11-13) “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

Paul had experienced stoning, snake bites, ship wrecks and hatred from people he loved dearly and yet he was able to remain content. How is that possible? It is because he knew Who He was serving and loved Jesus above everything else. When we combine our love for God with an acceptance of His will for our lives above our own, we will find great gain. Stop fighting against what God has planned for you, embrace your situation and use it for the glory of God.

“You cannot have great gain in life without godliness and contentment.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank You for my life and the circumstances that I find myself in. Good or bad, You are using these things to help me become closer to You. Help me to walk in godliness, seeking You at every turn. Empower me with Your Spirit so that I can be content whether I have a lot or have nothing at all. May I glorify You in all things. 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.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

January 30th 2017 – “Done”Comfortable

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“Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.” (Acts 8:5-6)

The love of God is compelling. His love can overcome all differences between believers. It can drive us to brave and heroic deeds to reach those who do not yet know God. We spend our lives building up walls through fear and insecurity. In the safety of God’s love, He now asks us to tear those walls down often with people who make us uncomfortable.

The Jews and the Samaritans did not get along. In fact, they hated each other. The Lord led the early church at Jerusalem to minister and love on the Samaritans. They were willing to lay down their lives and reach out to others. God did incredible things in Samaria and beyond. What will the Lord do through us if we are willing to reach outside of our social groups? Stretch outside of your comfort zone and see what the Lord does on the outside and be amazed at what He does on the inside. The Bible says this…

(Romans 8:38-39) “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

“We should love one another”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, You alone see the fears inside me. I ask You to help me love others. Help me reach out to others who are just as scared as I am. Because You love me, I know I can love others. You tell us to do this so Lord, I need your help. Strengthen me to love others in the midst of a cold, dark and bitter world. May that light shine like a beacon of hope to all who see it and stand as a witness of Your love for the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

January 25th 2017 – Spiritually Flowing

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“For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.” (1 Corinthians 14:17)

God has created the church to function in an amazing way. Each person is at a different level of spiritual maturity. Some are new to the faith and are in need of spiritual sustenance. They desire the Word and need time to learn and grow in Christ. Then there are those who are well equipped with God’s Word and who have endured trials and tribulations with Jesus by their side. They are able to pour into others and help equip them for the journey. This is a beautiful part of the body and an important relationship in the church.

As more and more people are filled and equipped, we must be diligent to not become spiritually selfish. It is a blessing to sit and hear the Word of God and to be filled with understanding yet if we are not pouring out into others, we are missing part of the equation. Just like still water will eventually become stagnant, we too can become that way if we are not pouring out into others. Please don’t worry about running out of water. Our Lord promises fountains of living water that will never run dry, but the key is to share the water so that others can experience the life-changing message of Christ.

Prayer:

Heavely Father, I am grateful for all that You have done for me. I thank You for the living water of Jesus that flows in me. Help me to pour out my life for Your name’s sake and to help equip others to follow You. 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.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

January 19th 2017 – Work at Home

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“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25)

Are you ready for an adventure with God? That’s a pretty loaded question, but one that we all need to ask. As a Christian, I am called to live for the Lord. This means a life dedicated to loving God and loving others. This also means sacrificing myself so that others can hear about Jesus and experience His love through me. This fact is all the more true when it comes to our home life and families.

Sometimes, when we serve the Lord we lose sight of the most important people we are supposed to care for…our family. Children are called to respect parents, wives are called to respect their husbands and husbands are commanded to love their wives like Jesus loves the church. All these elements work together to encourage us in the faith and create a solid foundation for ministry that happens outside the walls of our homes.

Are you loving your family? Do you serve your husband, wife or children like you would serve the person in need at church? Does your family know about Jesus and do they see your love for Him? These can be hard questions but if we get these right our houses can be lights shining in the darkness.

“Personal preparedness in ministry requires having a right standing with family and God.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Forgive me for the times I have neglected my family in pursuit of other things. Help me to minister to their needs and to love them, so that my household will be a shining light for this world to see. 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.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

January 5th 2017 – According to the Spirit

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“For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:3-4 )

No man has ever been a better example of righteous living than Jesus Christ. He lived a perfect, sinless life. He was giving, loving, caring, serving and passionate about saving people. He was selfless in every action and relentless in pursuit of His goal.

In John 15:13 Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” When you place the wants and needs of others before your own wants and needs you lay down your life for them. Serving others is serving God. We should be following Jesus’ example. Is that example too lofty for us? No, it is not! Once you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, He starts His work in you. Through the power of the Spirit, you can rise above the flesh. You can be the example of Jesus in the lives of everyone around you.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your selfless gift of dying for my sins. Please give me Your love and passion for people. Help me to place the wants and needs of others before my own. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I can show the love of Jesus to those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

If you are seeking Jesus in your life and want to quench yor unquenchable thirst. Click Here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 26th 2016 – Honoring One Another

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“Honor widos who are really widows.”(1 Timothy 5:3)

 

Throughout the Bible we are called upon to honor those around us. In Exodus we are called to honor our mother and father. In the book of Leviticus, God calls us to honor the elderly. Into the New Testament we are commanded to honor our spiritual leaders as well as widows. To honor someone is to place them in a high place, to see them as important. In short, to honor someone is to place more significance on them than on ourselves.

(Romans 12:10) “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;”

What if we all lived lives dedicated to honoring one another? The battles over minor differences would disappear as we seek out the best interest of the other person. The fight to be noticed or to gain power would be erased from even the church as we rejoice with those around us rather than see them as enemies or competition. This is exactly what Jesus did. In Philippians 2 we see an image of Jesus stepping out of heaven for us. While we are not worthy of anything, He left His throne so that we could be forgiven. If we live as our Savior did, a servant to others, we will honor each other and the world will never be the same.

“To honor someone is to place a value upon them that supersedes the focus on ‘self’.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Today I thank You for the love and grace that You have shown me. Help me to show the same love and grace towards those around me. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can honor them. Whether it’s through kind words, generous gifts or diligent work; give me the strength to live like Jesus. In His Name I pray, 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.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 22nd 2016 – Jesus is Our Peace

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“On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” (Mark 4:35)

 

It was a simple statement. “Let us cross over to the other side.” Many of the disciples had sailed the Sea of Galilee before. They had fished the waters and endured some of the bad weather that often came onto the sea. Yet when Jesus asked them to cross over to the other side, they were not aware of the lesson in faith that Jesus was about to share with them.

(Mark 4:37-38) “And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?'”

While crossing to the other side, Jesus fell asleep on the boat. During his nap, the disciples experienced a terrible storm. I may not be a sailor, but I know that the water should remain on the outside of the boat and in this instance, it wasn’t. Frightened by the event, the disciples woke Jesus up and expressed their fear. Immediately, Jesus spoke to the wind and waves and the sea became calm. You see, the disciples had lost sight of Jesus’ words. He told them before leaving that their destination was “the other side.” He didn’t promise them still waters the whole time, but he did tell them they would get to their destination. The same is true with our lives. If you have been born again, then you have been given the promise of “the other side.” Nothing can take that from you. You may encounter storms, but in the end, Jesus will pronounce peace, and you will find yourself on the other side, at the feet of Jesus Himself.

“Jesus is our peace during the storms of life.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your peace and for Your promise of heaven. Help me to keep my mind focused on eternity so that I will not lose hope here on earth. Fill me with Your Spirit and use my life to share God’s peace with the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org