Category Archives: The Good News

December 25th 2017 – The Christmas Gift

Today’s Devotion written by Pastor Roy Squyres.

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, he Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” 

But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” 

Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” 

And the angel answered and said to her, “the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.”

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:26-38)

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus. (Matthew 1:18-25)

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” (Matthew 2:1-2)

 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:

‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel. (Matthew 2:5-6)

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. (Matthew 2:8-11)

The greatest gift that Heaven and Earth has ever seen, is the gift of God Himself (the Lord Jesus Christ) and his love for you, the Lord Jesus Christ. Has the world and its commercialism of Christmas numbed your heart of the true meaning of Christmas, Gods Love for us? Has the enemy of our souls robbed, stolen and killed the love that God has given to us in Jesus? After all, this is the time of the year to remember God’s gift of love, and celebrate the birthday of our Lord and savior and his love for us.

Shouldn’t we anticipate His gifts in our homes and in our heart and spirit, looking forward to opening “ANEW” fresh gift of his love to us, our families and friends. Remember, a gift is not a true gift unless it is openend and then received in your heart. The only way to experience and receive the loving gift of God’s love for you is to ask Him into your heart to love you as only He can.

You will let him love you this Christmas Birthday Celebration, won’t you?

Ask the very love of God himself into your soul home and expect the greatest gift of love to over Joy you’re very interbeing. Have the best joyous Merry Christmas this year ever!

Prayer:

Loving Heavenly Father send your greatest gift of love into each and every soul who reads this message. Overwhelmed their heart spirit with your loving presence and Your most awesome gift of Creation. The eternal love in Your son Jesus Christ the lord and savior of mankind. We thank you, as we celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ! The greatest gift of all amen.

Happy birthday Lord Jesus!

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.

We are your Bond-servants in Christ.

Roy Squyres

2017-04-09-10-17-59

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

December 22nd 2017 – Shut The Door, Were You Born In a Barn?

“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

“Were you born in a barn?” Usally told to us as children because we didnt shut the door. That question was usually asked to question not only someone’s family, but their upbringing, their heritage. It’s a question of guilt, a painful question. But the question really leads us to, literally to Greatest Story ever told–a story of the world’s one and only perfect leader who entered the world amidst power hungry political leaders, a corrupt government system and a religious group of people. Not just a king, but the King of kings, who left His throne with singing angels, who left Heaven, light, love and glory to be born in a manger, a barn.

“Our Savior, our King of Kings, Our Jesus, was born in a barn.”

If Jesus came to earth with nothing so that we could have everything, wouldn’t it make sense to follow Him? If Jesus is truly God in the flesh, shouldn’t we be willing to give our everything for Him? Jesus was not born in a manger so that we would have a reason to go to church a couple times a year. Jesus was born in a manger to show us that God is with us. This same Jesus would later die on the cross so that we could have eternal life. This same Jesus also calls us to deny ourselves and follow Him. He is not simply interested in changing our holiday routine; He desires to radically change our life. Are you ready?

“Jesus came not to change your schedule or to change one day a year. He came to change your life.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ. He came in poverty so that I could relate to Him. He lived a perfect life because I am not able to, and He died on the cross so that I could be forgiven. Help me to remember all these things this Christmas. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can share the good news of Your coming with everyone I meet! 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 18th 2017 – Christmas Grace

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:10-11)

Gold, frankincense, and myrrh…these were the first Christmas gifts ever. These three things were precious and valuable. But more precious to God were the three people who fell in worship of Him.

Growning up for me was very lonely, I didnt have any family other then my parents, I didnt have siblings to play with either. My father didn’t enjoy being around people so even having friends over was very scarce.

It wasn’t until I had my own family and children did I start trying to enjoy Christmas. I do have fond memories raising my children with trees, carols, wreaths, lights, feasting and the joy of family and friends gathered together. However I didnt really understand what Christmas was all about. I only understood the secular view…Santa Clause and television commercials teaching children greed and selfish gain.

My parent’s never discussed Jesus when I was a child, mostly because neither of them knew Him themselves. It was not until I endured a life changing tragedy, only at that time did I come to know Jesus personally.

I do understand Christmas now, its not what the world teaches. Its not all about gifts and trees with lights. Its not even about my desires or wants. Its a celebration of Jesus birth.

God wants us to enjoy this season and He wants to bless us with good things, including His GRACE –  God’s – Riches  At Christ’s Expense.

You know what God desires? His desire is for your heart. Christmas is an opportunity. Not an opportunity for selfish gain, but an opportunity to give God the gift He desires. Maybe you gave your heart to Jesus years ago and wandered. Maybe you’ve never given your heart to God.

As we celebrate Jesus giving Himself to us, won’t you take the opportunity to give yourself to Jesus?

You are precious to God.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me so much. Thank You that You would leave heaven to come, suffer and die for me. You are such a precious gift. I have neglected the gift that You gave and I am sorry. Lord, I have been blessed by You. Thank You for Your incredible plan for my salvation. I give all of my life to 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

December 16th 2017 – Be the Salt, Be the Light

“I preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that all must turn from their sins and turn to God–and prove they have changed by the good things they do.” (Acts 26:20)

We often describe our Christian walk by the things we don’t do. We may say things like, we don’t drink or do drugs, we don’t gamble or use foul language. In fact, for some of us, not doing these things is an incredible testimony of God’s supernatural work in our lives. But we should also consider the things that we do.

In (Matthew 22:37-40) Jesus told us that we should love God and love others. You are not an accident; you were created with a divine purpose to be a blessing to others. You were created to hear the call, respond and be fruitful. In short, you were created to help God change the world. We know the things we shouldn’t do because we would be ashamed of them. But why are we not ashamed of the things we don’t do? Jesus called the man who did not use his talent wicked and lazy. If you fail to do something, you choose to fail at God’s plan for your life.

(James 2:17-18) “This is faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

(James 4:17) “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”

(Matthew 5:13) “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”

Please take a moment and reflect. What are you doing to spread Gods love?

“It is what we ‘do’ that shows we are followers of Jesus, as well as what we ‘don’t’ do.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I love You and want to serve You by serving others. Please give me eyes to see where and how I may be a blessing to others. Give me love for those around me. Please forgive me for times when I’ve done nothing. Please forgive me for not always being a good witness to Your presence in my life. Help me be the Salt and the light! 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 14th 2017 – Spiritually Flowing

“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.

“Dreams are today’s answers to tomorrows questions.”

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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 13th 2017 – What If I Gave Everything

Listening to worship music yesterday, this song came up in my playlist… what a question to ask ourselves.

“What If I Gave Everything”

Written by Mark Hall of Casting Crowns

All my life I longed to be a hero
My sword raised high, running to the battle.
I was going to take giants down
Be a man you would write about
Deep in my chest is the heart of a warrior

So why am I still standing here
Why am I still holding back from You
I hear You call me out into deeper waters
But I settle on the shallow end
So why am I still standing here

So afraid what it might cost to follow You
I’d walk by faith if I could get these feet to move
But I don’t want to live that way
I don’t want to look back someday
On a life that never stepped across the line

So why am I still standing here
Why am I still holding back from You
You’ve given me a faith that can move a mountain
But I’m still playing in the sand
Building little kingdoms that’ll never stand
I hear You call me out into deeper waters
But I settle on the shallow end

I’m so tired of standing here
What if I gave everything to You

What if I gave everything
What if I stopped holding back from You
Starting now I’m stepping out onto deeper waters
What if I gave everything
What if I stopped holding back from You
Starting now I’m stepping out onto deeper waters
I want to see some mountains move

Ready to give everything
Say goodbye to standing here.

(What would our lives look like? How blessed would we be if we actually gave everything of us to God?)

Read the lyrics above then click here to watch video.

Please share this devotion.

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

November 5th 2017 – The Cross

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)

This true story and was reported about a couple visiting a jewelry store. As the jeweler showed them various crosses, the young woman commented, “I like these, but do you have any without this little man on them?”

What an analogy of what so many people seek today “a cross without Jesus.” They want a cross without any offense, a cross without any consequences, one that will look cool as a fasion accessory. But if we could travel back to a time the cross was used in its original context, we would realize that it was a bloody and horrific symbol of death. It would have been the worst image imaginable to actually see someone hanging on a cross.

The Romans chose crucifixion because it was meant to be a slow, torturous way to die. It was designed to be a humiliating death of the person on it. The crucifixions were held on the outside edges of the Roman cities. The served as visual warnings to anyone who would oppose the rule of Rome.

If there was any other way, do you think that God would have allowed His Son to suffer like this? If there had been any other way we could have been forgiven, then God surely would have found it.

“If being a good person” or “living a good moral life would” would get us to Heaven, then Jesus never would have died for us. But He did, because there was and is no other way. He had to pay the price for our sin. At the Cross, Jesus purchased the salvation of the world.

If you were ever tempted to doubt God’s love for you, even for a moment, then take a long, hard look at the Cross. Jesus gave His very life for us.

“Jesus’s sacrifice the cross, allowed for such a horrific symbol of death to now be seen as a beautiful symbol of His Sacrifice, His Message and His Love for us.”

There is no decision more important, accepting Jesus will absolutely change your life. It did mine. I couldn’t imangine where my life would have been without Him.

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

 

December 4th 2017 – Absolute Surrender

“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,” (2 Timothy 1:8-9)

Today is my marriage anniversary. I want to publically announce that my wife Tina is wonderful! She was the answer to a prayer and direct petition to God. I praise Him because He not only answered my prayer, but gave me so much more then asked for!

As I was praying and praising God this morning I was thinking about our marriage vows. The one the stuck out to me and inspired today’s devotion was the one, “For Better or Worse”

That vow not only describes the great times, but also the times we may suffer, the times that we must surrender and choose peace and compromise over an our own strong will.

Are you fully surrendered to God’s will for your life? I believe many of us would eagerly say “yes” because we desire to be obedient to God. Of course, the question gets a little hard when you add, “Even if it involves suffering?” This is where the rubber meets the road and where we have to ask ourselves the hard questions. After all, comfort is nice, but in order to experience life to the fullest, we need to trust and walk out God’s plan, not our own.

I still struggle in this area personally. I have often asked myself “why do I push on with preaching His word when it seems I continually face all of the enemies obstacles day after day?” I’m greatful that my faith would never change, however I still get discouraged at times.

In the life of Paul, we have a front row seat to a life dedicated to the Lord–no matter what. Paul had been mocked and criticized, beaten, shipwrecked and more, yet he remained obedient without batting an eye. How? Why? Because he loved God and knew that a life dedicated to Jesus would mean that he’d endure sufferings like our Lord did. So with that in mind, I’ll ask again, “Are you surrendered to God’s will for your life?” Then get moving and watch God do amazing things in your life.

“Exercising our faith requires action, especially during difficult times. Remember that is wasn’t the nails that held Jesus on the Cross. It was His Love and His Faith that did!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am so grateful for Your grace and mercy. Lord, I don’t want to be content with a life of comfort. I desire to be obedient to Jesus even if it means suffering. Give me the strength to endure and the faith to trust in You no matter the cost. In Jesus’ name, Amen

God loves you and wants only the best for us, His children.. If you have not fully surrendered your life to Jesus, or would like to take this time to reconnect with Him, Please Click Here

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

November 29th 2017 – Amazon Alexa says “Jesus is Fictional”

“He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”(Proverbs 28:13)

In today’s headlines, the Amazon’s electronic assistant (Alexa) says “Jesus is fictional!”

Unfortunately in the modern world we live in, the enemy is using anyway he can to get people not to believe in Jesus Christ. They have passed laws to removed any discussion of him from schools. As we have seen in recent news, many universities remove Him and churches on their campus sobthey don’t loose donations from their greedy godless doners.

People offer up many excuses as to why they don’t want to believe, why they will not come to Christ, why they ask you to not even talk about Jesus.

Want to know what it really is?

They don’t want to turn from their sin! As we below read in the book of John

(John 3:19–20) “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed”

When I was in high school, to graduate I had to take a philosophy class. In it I remember a writing called the Allegory of the Cave, or some know it as “Plato’s Cave”

It was presented by the Greek philosopher Plato in his work to compare “the effect of education and the lack of it on our nature”.

Plato has Socrates describe a group of people who have lived chained to the wall of a cave all of their lives, facing a blank wall. The people watch shadows projected on the wall from objects passing in front of a fire behind them, and give names to these shadows. The shadows are the prisoners’ reality. Socrates explains how the philosopher is like a prisoner who is freed from the cave and comes to understand that the shadows on the wall are not reality at all, for he can perceive the true form of reality rather than the manufactured reality that is the shadows seen by the prisoners. The inmates of this place do not even desire to leave their prison; for they know no better life. The prisoners manage to break their bonds one day, and discover that their reality was not what they thought it was. They discovered the sun, which Plato uses as an analogy for the fire that man cannot see behind. Like the fire that cast light on the walls of the cave, the human condition is forever bound to the impressions that are received through the senses.

This pattern continues until eventually these people who hate the light become so indoctrinated that they prefer the dark ways of eternal death.

That is a very good analogy of what what we see happening all around us. As Oswald Chambers said, “Sin enough and you will soon be unconscious of sin.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You that You give me the opportunity to approach You so that the truth of Your love might be revealed in me. Thank You for Your sacrifice on the Cross for my sins so I wouldn’t have to succumb to death and darkness for eternity. Please continue to shine in and through my life and the lives of those I fellowship with in the body of Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Learn about Jesus, See the light, be Set Free from the Darkness!”

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

November 28th 2017 – Crack of Dawn

“Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” (2 Peter 3:3-4)

A very interesting thing happened to me yesterday. I stopped by the store to pick up some medicine for my friend who was feeling ill. On the way out I encountered a gentleman and we struck up a conversation. During the course of talking about how insane it is becoming all around us. Then, this very question was asked to me. “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again?”

All humans, deep down inside know what is right and what is wrong. Unfortunately we choose to do certain things that are wrong. We know what the Bible says, but somehow we think that we are above it. Or it won’t happen to us. Therefore, we play around with sin. And sin ultimately plays around with us.

There are many people today that know that Bible prophecy is true. They know that God has foretold many of the events that are happening around us. But yet they continue to live as they please.

But you know what, the Lord’s coming draws closer and closer every day. The Bible says, “The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.” (Romans 13:12). It’s time for us to wake up!

One thing that always amazes me when I get up really early in the morning to pray and write these devotions. It’s pitch dark outside, But sure enough every day that sun slowly begins to rise. And when it was only darkness a few moments ago, suddenly it’s lightening up. And the next thing you know the sun is out and it’s lit up.

This is how our world is right now. It’s dark. And it has been dark for a long time. We say it will always be this way. No. The sun is beginning to rise. Christ is going to come back again. Be ready for His return.

“For as the lightning flashes in the east and shines to the west, so it will be when the Son of Man comes.” (Matthew 24:27)

“Don’t wait until it’s too late!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we love and praise You for being who You are, (The One True God.) I thank You for loving me and for Your willingness to always welcome all with open arms if they only call out to You for salvation. Thank You for revealing to the significance of the prophesy of Your impending return. I know its not too late, and that salvation is still available to all that would choose to believe and ask You into their heart, leaving all of their old ways, (broken and full of pain) and being reborn a new creation with a clean slate and a fresh start. Praise You Jesus for dieing on the Cross to redeem us pay for our sin and give us this opportunity to ask You to save us In your precious 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