Category Archives: Spiritual Gifts

February 16th 2020 – Stirring of the Heart

“And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way.”(Acts 19:23)

The people of Ephesus either loved Paul or hated Paul. Why? Paul had a holy restlessness, a stirring in his heart that drove him to great lengths to share the Gospel message. It is important we understand that Christianity is not just about getting along with everybody. All of us are individually gifted and crafted for a unique purpose, but it doesn’t end there. If we do not use our gifts, it profits no one. In the same way, if our relationship with one another does not transform us, it’s not much of a relationship. Ministry changes people. It puts people together in situations that are often uncomfortable and stretches us in ways that we never thought possible. It causes us to drop our masks and be honest with one another.

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.” (Hebrews 10:24)

We are to think about one another and how we can love and encourage one another. We are to stir up (Encourage) love and good works in one another. This is not always going to be comfortable, and it is not always going to be received in the way that we intended. Maybe that’s why the very next verse in Hebrews reads,

“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 10:25)

I find it interesting that the verse telling us to stir up love and good works in one another is followed by a verse telling us to stay in fellowship. Why? Well, sometimes we can be offended by another’s encouragement. We’ve been chugging along thinking we’re doing great and then someone offers a word of encouragement that stirs up our heart. Without taking time to pray about it, we make a decision to leave or disconnect from fellowship.

One of the resources God has provided for meeting our needs is other believers. When we sacrifice fellowship for comfort, we’re like an antelope separated from the herd. Suddenly, it’s not a question of ‘if’ we will be attacked, but ‘when’ we will be attacked.

“Don’t run from ministry, engage in it as a team..”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You so much for the family that You have placed around me. Please give me a burden for the lost. Give me a burden to minister and encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ. Please take away any fear I have of doing this, and forgive me for the times when I have neglected to do this. I pray this 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 7th 2020 – Locate Your Spiritual Passion

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“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?–unless indeed you are disqualified.” (2 Corinthians 13:5)

Paul tells the church of Corinth to “examine themselves as to whether you are in the faith.” In the same way today we should take some time to examine ourselves as well. In the military before soldiers go into battle, two soldiers will stand in front of each other and check to make sure they are each equipped for the battle.

Do you know that you are facing battle, spiritually speaking?

Since we are in a battle, obviously at times we need to examine ourselves. So what does it look like for us to examine ourselves to make sure we are in the faith? I see these as “Spiritual Passions”, or more appropriately the spiritual disciplines to help us examine our lives in Christ. At times, we should take a look at these passions or principles to see where we are spiritually with the Lord. Taking a survey, if you will, of each principle and rating ourselves on a 1-to-10 scale: 10 meaning you are walking in this maturely and 1 pointing to the need to step up in this area.

Let’s look together at these:

Worship – This is not just something you do at church on Sunday mornings, but worshiping the Lord in everything we do. Whether you are at work, home with your family, or serving in your local church these things are a form of worship. “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Read/Study – As we grow in Christ our main point of hearing from the Lord is through His Word. We want to be followers of Jesus, and the best way to do that is having our noses in the Bible “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2nd Timothy 3:16)

Fellowship/Family – Fellowship is a great privilege, possible whenever it occurs; in church, Bible studies, prayer meetings, home groups, with roommates or family. It is how God meets our needs–it is His “supply line” “For wherever two or three people have come together in my name, I am there, right among them!” (Matthew 18:20)

Prayer – Jesus died not for just our sins, He died for a relationship with Him. There is nothing more important than a life of prayer. ” Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven” (Psalm 107:28-30)

Serving – If you have received Christ in your life you are called to ministry. The term “full-time ministry” is really misused as we are all in full-time ministry. We get to serve the King of kings with the gifts that He gave to us as the church. “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)

Giving – We see scripturally the practice of the tithe to our local church body, but more than being concerned with the financial aspect of that is giving away our selfishness. We are called to support the work of the ministry whether through the tithe or offerings. “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Evangelism/Discipleship – We get to share the Gospel, invite people to church and help raise others up in the faith. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Where are you with these Spiritual Passions? Looking at these passions in our personal walk will help to identify areas of weakness in our lives. Once we see the weaknesses, then we begin to grow in our relationship with Christ because we want to be more Christ-like.

The Bible is clear that our salvation is by grace alone, through faith, by Christ alone. These are just great disciplines to help us examine whether we are in the faith. Remember, we are all growing in Christ and are in different areas of that growth so extend grace to yourself and extend grace to others.

Take this opportunity see where you are at right now in your walk with Christ.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank you for loving me enough to sacrifice Your Son to be able to wash away my sins and have a relationship with You. Thank you for Your Word that shows me the way to live a Christ centered life. Thank you for Your Spirit that allows me to live a life that shows You to a lost and dying world. Please help me to continually examine my life and make sure I am not neglecting one of these areas of spiritual growth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Do trust Jesus enough with your life? You should, Jesus died on the cross for you and me. He loves us and wants to help us. 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, pleaseClick Hereand we will pray for you..

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

January 26th 2020 – Fruit 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)

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.

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 4th 2020 – Spiritual Battles

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“After this it came to pass that David attacked the Philistines, subdued them, and took Gath and its towns from the hand of the Philistines.” (1 Chronicles 18:1)

Jesus promised that there would be trials and trouble for those who follow Him. Paul referred to Christians as “Soldiers of Christ”. Because Satan has set himself against the Lord, it stands to reason that as a soldier of Christ, you are in the battle. You cannot be active in the battle and be seated on the sidelines. There are no couches on the front lines; only foxholes and fighters are found there.

David was not hiding and asking God to keep him safe. He understood there were battles in his life. Instead, David was praying and stepping out in faith. God wants to keep us and give us the victory. Sometimes, we think the worst thing that could happen is to fail. In Christianity, the worst thing is failing to try. God has declared victory in your life. Don’t argue with God about it…live it! Be victorious.

“Living a life of faith often can be battle itself, seek Jesus’s help immediately when the enemy is trying redirect your walk.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, 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. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for Your Word and the desire to use me as a vessel to bless others. Lord, empower me with boldness to put Your Kingdom first. I don’t want to just be a spectator in the battle. I want to see lives changed for Your glory. Help me to step out and be a kingdom builder. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

If you are reading these devotions and are not a follower of Jesus Christ, please be aware that these seeds of scripture are being sown in your heart right now… I am praying that they start to take root in your heart and you come to know personally the greatest truth you will ever hear.. Jesus Christ died on a cross for you. He loves you and He cares for you. When you call His name and ask for His help, He will set you free.. Click Here if you would like to learn more about Gods salvation, or ask Him into your heart.

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 22nd 2019 – The Secret of Encouragement

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“Then fourteen years later I went back to Jerusalem again, this time with Barnabas; and Titus came along, too.” (Galatians 2:1)

In the beginning of Paul’s journey, he had a special assistant in the Lord’s work. This man was important to Paul for many reasons, but I believe the most important reason is found in the name of this godly helper. His name was Barnabas and his name means “son of encouragement”. As Paul faced long roads, strange places and hostile people, Barnabas was there to encourage him. Even today, you may find yourself saying, “I need encouragement.” To that I would ask, “Are you always seeking out encouragement for yourself or are you giving more and more encouragement to others?”

That is the secret to encouragement. If you want to be encouraged then be encouraging! If you are always needing encouragement, something is out of balance. By encouraging others, you become more aware of what is going on around you rather than to you. When you learn to encourage others, you will learn how to encourage yourself.

Try it today. Find someone and encourage them. You’ll find that there is great joy in being a Barnabas for someone else.

“We should seek to encourage others more.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the encouragement I can find in Your Word. I pray that You would help me to be an encourager to someone today. Help me show the love of God by passing along a joyful heart. Thank you for encouraging me when I tend to want to give up or figure things out in my own reasoning. Help me to remain obedient, faithful, and filled with Your Spirit to lead, guide and direct me in all things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Dont know Jesus? 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. He loves us and wants to help us. 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

December 10th 2019 – Our Mission

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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)

Judge yourself. If you look long at the sins of others and not enough at your own sins, you will develop 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.

Have you ever received Jesus as you Lord and Savior? 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

November 26th 2019 – Share Your Faith With Love

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For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.(Galatians 5:6)

Today in the process of life, you will communicate with many people and all will be going through something. Sometimes what they are going through can directly affect you and we can always come up with a reason not to love them. We are each unique. But our situations are not unique. In each of them, God calls us to love. In mariage, family, with friends and co-workers, there is never an excuse to not love. Jesus loved so much He died for us while we were sinners. Our faith in Him produces love for others. That love is what brings someone else to Jesus!

“Real faith produces real agape (supernatural, unconditional, long suffering) love.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me no matter what happens. Help me to trust you today and love others no matter what. Please use me to bring others to you for forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God has opened a door and made it possible for you to know Him and experience an amazing relationship with Him. Click here to discover how you can find peace with Jesus.

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

August 21st 2019 – Unconditional Love

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“I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another. This is not a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning. Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning.” (2 John 1:5-6)

Saying the words “I love you” is easy, but how many people do you love so deeply that you expect nothing in return from them.

Love is unending; love is not selfish because it asks for nothing in return; love is unmerited because it is not deserved; love is unconditional because it is not based on actions; and it is from God because it is not something that can be done in your own strength.

God loved you so much that even knowing you would turn away and very possibly never return His love, He still sent His one and only son to die for you.

Once you accept and understand this concept of love, you can grow into who God created you to be. How do you do this? By allowing the Holy Spirit to work in you, relying on the Word of God, and applying it your heart.

Then there will be a new life, new desires, new nature and a new heart.

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26)

This unconditional love, when you understand it, will inspire you to respond to others in the same way. Love without expectation just as God did for you.

Unconditional love is not always easy. Loving another person when they can be hateful or mean to you can be difficult, but that doesn’t mean we don’t love.

“Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,” (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Who are you struggling to love? Take the situation to the Lord and then look for an opportunity to show God’s love to that person. You’ll be amazed at what God will do!

“In growth and maturity, unconditional love is the test. Even the unbeliever loves when all is going well.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the love You have shown me. I know there have been times I have not loved others like I should, and I ask for Your forgiveness. Help me to show the same kind of unconditional love You have shown me because I desire to love You and to love 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.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

July 28th 2019 – Right Where We Are

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“For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.” (Acts 25:11)

What does God see when he looks at you? He sees you clearly right where you are. God knows your potential. He created you. He knows the gifts and talents that He has given you. God knows how He wants to use you to love and serve Him and others. Sometimes God will use things in our lives that we least expect Him to use. In Acts 25, we see God using Paul’s Roman citizenship to give him the opportunity to preach the Gospel before King Agrippa and a huge audience in the amphitheater at Caesarea. Like Paul, God is able to use you to do incredible things right where you are. No gift or talent is too big or too small. No circumstance too dire, God can use it.

Do you want to be used by God? You can start right where you are in your home, workplace and in your church. How are you serving God today? How will you be serving God a month from now or even a year from now? I want to encourage you to start serving God right where you are. God has got an awesome adventure planned for you; a miraculous mission lies waiting for you if you choose to accept your mission. God will use you in ways you never thought possible.

“God wants to work through you right where you are with what you have right now.”

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. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for the gifts, talents and circumstances You have given me. I commit to using my gifts to glorify You… starting today. 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.scripturalseeds.org

July 12th 2019 – His Workmanship

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“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10)

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” (Ephesians 4:2-3)

Did you know that God has good things prepared for you to do for Him? He does! You are His workmanship. The original language had the idea of a poem. By grace you are saved through faith, not works, and this is a glorious gift from God. You are in Christ and you can do all the things He has for you to do in His strength and power. You are able to be patient and humble and gentle with the people in your life.

Be the first to change.

As you do this, you are walking in grace and love, two very big things God prepared for you to do for His glory! Because of Him, you can be the first to change. This is a powerful way to bring peace and unity to your relationships.

“Whenever I say, ‘I want to reason this thing out before I can trust,’ I will never trust. The reasoning out and the perfection of knowledge come after the response to God has been made.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank You for saving me. Thank You for Your grace in my life. I want to do all those good things You prepared for me and bring You glory and honor. Please forgive me for not being patient and gentle and not making allowances for people’s faults. Help me be the first to change and to be who You created me to be in Christ Jesus. 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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

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