Category Archives: Uncategorized

September 16th 2016 – Yes, But!

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“but they have been informed about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs.” (Acts 21:21)

What are some of the traditions you hold that keep others from Jesus? In the verse above, you see the Jewish and Gentile conflict within the church and the traditions that the Jews wanted the Gentile church to follow. Although they rejoiced that God was at work among the Gentiles, they slipped in the word ‘but’ revealing their ‘religiosity’. They were concerned for the traditions set within the church.

It is important as you walk in relationship with others to speak leaving out the ‘buts’. Often, you’ll hear that word come up as you talk to others. We all are in danger of saying it. Have you ever said.

“I like the way you did this ‘but’.”
“It’s a great church ‘but’.”
“I would show love to that other person ‘but’.”

Many times you can find yourself saying something and then filling in reasons why you don’t approve of something. Tragically, it’s the same thing that has put walls between the unbelieving world and personal relationships with Jesus Christ. On one occasion, I remember a guy who stopped me in the parking lot of church, he asked if it was okay for him to enter the church dressed as he was. The church down the road told him that he couldn’t come in unless he dressed more respectfully. This man was simply wearing a t-shirt and pair of jeans. It was okay to come to church ‘but’ he wasn’t dressed nicely enough to be welcomed in. When God forgives us, there are no ‘buts’. It is a free gift. When you are called to extend forgiveness to others, the Lord wants you to forgive them in the same way.

Maybe you are carrying around a number of reasons why you don’t want to show God’s love to someone else. If this is you, turn to the Lord right where you are and ask Him to help you purely embrace and show the gift of forgiveness to others as He has shown you.

“We do not earn forgiveness it is given to us, it is a gift.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the free gift of Your forgiveness that You’ve shown to me by dying for my sins. Please give me the strength to extend the same gift of love and forgiveness to others. Keep me from putting up walls that hinder others in having a real relationship with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 15th 2016 – Stop Making Excuses!

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“Then said I: “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” But the LORD said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak.” (Jeremiah 1:6-7)

God knows everything about us… what we’ve done, what we will do – it’s a hard thing to really grasp. In spite of this, He still wants to use us. Many times God’s plan for our lives does not jive with our own plan for our lives. We say things like, We are too young or old, we don’t have enough skill or money,  or most of all time, What do we do then? Jeremiah wanted God to accept the excuse that he’s too young and inexperienced to do what God has called him to. God, on the other hand, knew exactly what Jeremiah was capable of. He chose Jeremiah not because of what Jeremiah wanted to do, but because of what He could do through Jeremiah.

Have you been handing God excuses? “Lord, I know You want me to do this but…” How can you say “Lord” and “but” in the same sentence? You certainly shouldn’t. It’s one or the other. Either He is Lord of your life or He isn’t. If you are throwing out excuses not to do what God has asked you to do, maybe you need to consider just who is Lord of your life?

God’s will leads to blessing; our selfish will leads to destruction.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Forgive me for times when I’ve given You excuses instead of hearing, believing and doing. Please show me areas of my life where I am saying “but” to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen

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

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 14th 2016 – Team Jesus

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“Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.” (1 Corinthians 12:27)

We have all heard the expression, “There is no ‘I’ in teamwork” and this is even truer for  the church which is the complete “Body of Christ”.  Like a team that has made it to the Super Bowl, we should stand united in Christ working together for one unified purpose – to proclaim the Gospel to the world. This is a lofty goal, yet it is one that our coach has called us to. Christ has given us the directive and now we must follow through, as a team.

(Romans 12:15) “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”

Like a team, we must support each player as they gain ground for the Kingdom. If one member is in pain, the rest should grieve for them, then do what they can to help. If there is a big play and one person is blessed, we all rejoice with glad hearts. There is no room for selfishness or jealousy in the family of God. These things lead to bitterness, deceit, and division. Remember, this is not about us. If we think that this life is all about us, then we miss out on God’s amazing blessings and the team suffers. It’s about our Lord and it’s about others. In front of us is the field of life, and the God of all creation has empowered us to gain ground for His Kingdom. It’s bigger than you and I, yet God has called us to the line of scrimmage. Are you ready? This could be your finest hour.

“We are in Christ and a part of something bigger and more important than just ourselves.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for life and for inviting me to be part of this adventure with You. Thank You for the gifts You’ve given me. Lord, I pray that You use them for Your Kingdom. Help me to get rid of any selfishness and to put others first. Thank you for accepting me on the winning team! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Looking to join the winning team? Click Here to learn more.

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 13th 2016 – Extra Extra, Hear the Good News!

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“And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.” Then he invited them in and lodged them. On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.”  (Acts 10:22-23)

In Acts chapter 10, we see the doors opening wide for all of humanity to hear the Gospel. Until this time, only a select few knew of the Good News about Jesus. That was about to change, drastically. The Good News presented and accepted by this group of gentiles would impact all of mankind. The world would never be the same.

Now that we have heard the Good News, we have the privilege to help others hear it. In Genesis chapter 4, Cain posed the question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” The answer is a resounding ‘yes’. We are responsible for reaching this generation with the Good News that God loves them and died for their sins.

“We should work together to reach the entire world.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You that because I asked You to forgive me, You have indeed forgiven me. There are still many people who have not accepted You as Lord and Savior. Lord, please give me a burden to reach people. Lord, I will join together with my brothers and sisters to reach the world. Help me to care about whether they come to You or not. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 12th 2016 – Search & Rescue

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“And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us.” (2 Corinthians 1:10)

Often when we are walking in the midst of a suffering, we may believe that God will rescue us, but it’s still difficult to fully trust Him. As we read the verse above, it’s almost like God knew we would struggle to trust Him and so He makes sure to emphasize His ability to rescue. In 2 Corinthians 1:10, Paul writes of rescue three times:

  • Did Rescue
  • Will Rescue
  • Will Continue to Rescue

You see, God’s plan is not to leave us in the middle of pain and hardship forever. He won’t allow us to walk into a dark valley and then leave us there to wander aimlessly without end. The truth is, HE WILL RESCUE. In fact, even if we were to walk in suffering the rest of our lives, we can know as a follower of Christ that He will rescue when He comes again. When we realize this, we don’t really need to know why He is doing it, but only that we can trust He is in control and will be with us until the end. Whatever door He opens or whatever door He closes, we can trust Him. He is good, all the time.

“Our faith is really growing when we don’t know what God is doing, and we still trust Him.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your love that is so great that You would rescue me in my times of need. I also thank You for using my hard times for my benefit. Help me not to despair in difficult times but rather to rejoice because I know that my rescue is on the way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 11th 2016 – Hide and Seek

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“If you seek me with all your heart you will find me”  (Jeremiah 29:13-14 partial)

“But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deuteronomy 4:29)

The Lord encourages us to seek Him with all our heart and all our soul. If we do pursue Him with everything within us, He promises that we will find Him. I imagine this to be similar to a child’s game of hide and seek. When my children were young, they would love to play this game with me, They would turn towards the wall and close their eyes and count to ten.

In the mean time, I would scamper off into another part of the house to find a place in which to hide. At the count of ten, my children in much delight would begin their quest to find me. Their anticipation would build as they would open every closet door and look under every bed.

While the searching part of the game was always fun, it was the finding part that was the real climax! I never chose a place too hard for my children to find me. I loved the moment when the children would finally catch me. Our cry of “You found me!” and their cry of “I found you!” would happen simultaneously followed by a mutual celebration that the game was over.

The game wouldn’t have been fun if my intention was to hide so that my children would never find me. The fun is in being found. I think it is the same way in our relationship with God. When He calls us to search for Him, He never hides Himself so well that He cannot be found.

“If you seek Jesus with all your heart you will find Him.” Hint… He is Right Here —> Click Here

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am thankful that You do not make it difficult for me to find You, for You are never far away and are always happy to be found! I pray that I might pursue You with all my heart and my soul, all the while having a child-like anticipation of finding You! In Jesus’ name Amen

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

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 10th 2016 – Loving Acts of Service

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“For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.” (1 Corinthians 3:9)

God blesses our acts of service for others and the Church. God fills us and prepares us for service. God doesn’t act for vanity; instead, He is purposeful in everything He does. You, are a part of God’s plan and purpose. You are the breathing, walking and talking result of His Word. God’s Word will not return void. This means that when God invests in you, He expects multiplication of return. Our salvation is a gift from God. What we do with our lives after that is our gift back to God. There are rewards stored up in Heaven for your serving. It is by God’s grace, you are allowed into heaven (Ephesians 2:8-9). Once there, you will be rewarded or not rewarded for your serving. Intentions will not be rewarded.

It goes even beyond that. Do you know someone who is not serving in God? If so, then you are accountable, in love, to call them on it. Appeal to them. Perhaps due to your boldness to hold them accountable, they will not stand before Jesus with a heart full of intentions and hands full of air.

“We will all give an account of what we did or did not do for the Lord.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me so much and being so good to me. Lord, I want to give You my life. I want to give back to others because You have blessed me so much. I am sorry I haven’t been as kingdom-minded as I should have been. Help me to store up heavenly rewards. 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

September 9th 2016 – Don’t Lose 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 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

September 8th 2016 – Wounds, Things Don’t Automatically Get Easier

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“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. ‘Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you declare to me.’ I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:1-6)

One of the things that baffles us about God, is that once we decide to follow Him, He doesn’t spare us from going through difficult times even though He can. He is the God who allows wounds and also heals them.

The most solid followers of Jesus you know, the ones with deep Christ like character, have more then likely gone through difficult times while following Him. That’s because the wounds that come from difficult times grow in us deep faith. God uses wounds to grow us. Wounds make us wiser. When we’ve been hurt, on the other side of the pain we’re more compassionate toward other people. We can empathize more. In the same way, wounds make us more forgiving, more understanding, more gracious, slower to judge. Wounds kill our pride yet grow our compassion. Specific wounds enhance specific virtues. Walking through death brings us the value of life. Sickness helps us value health. Hard times like those put life in perspective and make us value things that really matter. Sometimes we keep getting hurt doing the same thing or being with the same person. We experience the pain and over and over, this may be a lesson that we have not learned yet. Trust in God that He will carry you through it.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for your presence when I am facing battles. I pray that the wounds I received during these tough times, cause me see and respond to the world more like Jesus did and not how the fleshly side wants to react. I ask that these trials would cause me closer to grow closer to Him. I understand that You something’s let us hurt, knowing that there is beauty and purpose in the pain. Thank you for those pains and for that hurt. Lord God, thank you for the lesson that you will reveal in my trials. 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

 

September 7th 2016 – You Are Loved! Sincerely God :)

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“I will call them My people, who were not My people, And her beloved, who was not beloved. And it shall come to pass in the place where it was said to them, You are not My people,’ There they shall be called sons of the living God.”  (Romans 9:25-26) As it is also written in Hosea

Paul is pulling verses from the book of Hosea, a “minor prophet”, with a major league message. Hosea was guided by God to marry a prostitute named Gomer. She left the lifestyle; they grew in love and established a family. Soon, though, she returned to her former practice. Time and again, she would come back to Hosea only to abandon him for another. One day she chose not to return. Hosea searched high and low and when he found her, she was for sale in a slave market. In an outpouring of his undying love, Hosea paid the price and purchased her back. It is an incredible story of unfaltering love and loyalty and is an eloquent rendering of God’s never-ending love even when His people turn to idols.

(1 John 4:16) “And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God and God in him.”

God sees our faults and loves us. He finds us slaves of sin and frees us. When we go back to the chains, Jesus doesn’t turn His back, but holds out His pierced hands. “I love you, and I miss you.” Friend, have you wandered off? God’s heart for you is restoration and love. What will you do?

“God is love. You are loved.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your love. Lord, at times, I will admit I feel like a slave to my sins. Thank You for looking past my faults and freeing me of my sins. When I see the faults of others, remind me to examine them with Your unfaltering love and loyalty toward them. 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