“They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.” (2 Corinthians 8:2)

It’s been said that you can tell the spiritual commitment of someone by looking at their day planner and their checkbook. The day planner shows the way they spend their time and the checkbook shows where they invest their resources. As believers, we should be walking generously in both of these areas. While we all understand this truth, it’s harder in the application. One of the reasons it is a struggle is because our enemy does not want you to be blessed, and he knows that if you live a generous life, God is going to bless that. Why does God bless the giver? He blesses because He knows we will continue to use His blessings to bless others. This is why giving is more than just a church or ministry funding effort. God uses giving to grow His children. Here are some important truths about giving:

Giving is obedience.
Giving is rewarded.
Giving is worship.
Giving is glorifying.
Giving is blessed.

After you look at all those descriptions the question remains, “Why not give?” If we can worship the Lord through our finances, then shouldn’t we jump on that? If it glorifies God and blesses others, shouldn’t that be a priority? Today, let’s pray for God to instill in us generous hearts that love to worship Him with our whole life, including our checkbook.

True joy does not come through what we get, but lasting joy comes through what we give. God encourages us to give. There is great joy in giving.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the many blessings You have given me. You have blessed me with my life as well as eternal life through Jesus. Help me to live generously with my time and money. Give me opportunities to love others and support Your work in my community and around 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

P.O. Box 57284 Tucson, Arizona 85732

“As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness” (Psalm 17:15)

I recently read an article, it stated that a baby’s sight is the last sense to develop. However, even before they can focus, newborns look toward faces. The study showed that infants also begin to read faces when they are very young. They feel positive vibes from a smile and smile back. If a mother frequently smiles and interacts with her newborn, the infant smiles in anticipation as soon as she enters the room.

Likewise, babies recognize when a face shows displeasure or disgust. If the Mom is preoccupied or angry and doesn’t return the smile, the baby’s smile will fade, the eyes look perplexed, and the face becomes blank. A baby learns to take cues from others in the room, especially its mother.

If infants don’t receive positive interaction during early development, they are stunted in personal interactions. As older children, they show little emotion in response to others. In some areas of the world, orphans sit alone in cribs and get little positive contact with adults. As a result, they are severely underdeveloped emotionally. Even physical growth is stunted. The study showed that Face to face interaction is completely necessary for healthy development.

As adults, we continue to watch faces. We subconsciously observe how people respond. We can tell if our audience is pleased, amused, delighted, or displeased. We see it in their faces, and we adjust. We sometimes will embellish our story for greater response, add more detail to support our view, or we end the conversation quickly. We take our cues from faces around us.

Maybe we’re created that way so we will properly relate to God.

My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. (Psalm 27:8)

David is the the only person in the Bible that repeatedly talked about God’s face. Likewise, David is the only one we’re told was a man after God’s heart. Do you think that David could have gained a heart after God’s heart because he was practiced in looking into the face of God? Could it be that David got his cues from God rather than from those around him?

If, like a baby, we look into God’s face for cues, He will lead us with His eyes. As we allow His eyes to guide us, our lives will reflect His righteousness. As a baby responds to loving parents, we will delight in His pleasure.

The problem is that sometimes we’re too busy to gaze into His eyes. We’re also distracted by gauging what our friends, our church and society think of us.

If we don’t seek the face of God, we’ll we be like those third world babies, trapped in a crib, stunted in our spiritual growth. We won’t reflect our God to the world. I don’t want to be stunted. I want to reflect the righteousness of God to those around me.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,  Help me turn my eyes to You and to gaze into Your eyes. Like David, I want to seek Your face, I want to live my life pleasing to You Lord. I want to see You smile. Thank You for giving me life and for being the ultimate Father. In Jesus’ precious 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

P.O. Box 57284 Tucson, Arizona 85732

“For what gives you the right to make such a judgment? What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?” (1 Corinthians 4:7)

God has uniquely gifted you in special ways because He has special things for you to do. Enjoy the calling God has gifted you with, but be careful where your eyes wander. It can be easy to begin coveting another’s gifts. When we get wrapped up in envy, we can neglect our own calling, this is pridefully telling God that He gave us the wrong gifts. Pride is a dangerous thing, and it has wrecked many a man despite the best intentions.

(Romans 12:3) “Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.”

So, how do you explore your gifts? You won’t unearth much sitting on your couch. Jump in and serve others! Through serving, you will begin to identify those things God has equipped you to do. As you use your gifts, you will discover and develop skills you didn’t know you had. Gifted musicians spend hours practicing; the more you use your gifts the more gifted you become. Are you faithfully using your gifts?

“We have all been given gifts by God. We should develop our gifts for the glory of God and to bless others.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for uniquely gifting me with talents and resources. Lord, I want to use my gifts for You. I want to experience the joy You have for me. Lord, I know I have been ungrateful for the gifts You have given me. Forgive me. Forgive me for being so distracted by what others are doing and not focusing on what You have blessed me with. I offer You all of my life. 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

P.O. Box 57284 Tucson, Arizona 85732

 

“When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.” (1 Corinthians 13:11)

As a chidren our focus is often set on ourselves. When we’re infants, we cry because we want to eat. When we are toddlers, our vocabulary consists mainly of the word ‘it’s mine’. As a school age child, we wrestle with wanting to fit in or be part of the right crowd. While as adults we may struggle with some of the same issues, we begin looking outside ourselves and begin noticing the needs of others. As followers of Christ, this is simply a part of our convictions.

When we are born again, we come desiring things for ourselves just as we did as a child. We desire salvation and forgiveness of sins and this is good and right. It is at this foundation that we find life and a relationship with God. But just as a child continues to grow, so should we. Having been empowered by God’s Spirit, we begin looking outward, desiring to bless those around us. We rejoice in what God has done for us and then we move outside ourselves desiring to see others know what we know. This is reflected in our relationships and every other area of life. As we grow in Christ, we begin looking around for every opportunity to minister to others – just like Jesus.

“We should all be “growing up” in our faith and becoming less selfish and more caring.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for life and Your love. Thank You for the forgiveness of sins found in Jesus. Fill me with Your Spirit and help me to be open to opportunities to minister to those around me. Fill me with Your spirit so that I can be fully equipped to remain faithful to You and Your word. 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

Interested in supporting Scriptural Seeds? Mail your donation of any amount to P.O. Box 57284 Tucson, Arizona 85732

Again thank you for supporting the advancement of Gods Holy Word.

“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. (Psalm 42:11)

When we go through major disappointments in life, our natural reaction is to pull back and isolate ourselves. We want to handle it ourselves. We want to keep our losses, our failures, our mistakes and crises a secret. We want to withdraw. This is a terrible idea.

When we go through disappointments such as a major crisis or loss. That is when you need your friends the most. You need to accept help from others. God doesn’t intend for you to handle all the pain and stress in your life by yourself. We were wired for each other. We need each other. We’re social beings. The first thing God said in the Garden of Eden is, “It’s not good for man to be alone.” We’re made to be in relationships.

(Job 6:14) says, “When desperate people give up on God Almighty, their friends, at least, should stick with them”

There will be times in your life when you are in so much pain you will say, “I don’t even believe in God right now!” You need to have friends who will come alongside you and say, “That’s OK. We’ll believe God for you right now.”

There will come a time when you might say, “I don’t have any faith right now. I’m full of doubt.” That’s when you need your friends to step in and say, “That’s OK. We will have faith for you. We will trust God for you in this.”

“By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

What is the law of Christ? It’s this: Love your neighbor as yourself. The Bible commands us to help each other. Every time you help somebody who’s going through pain, you are fulfilling the law of Christ.

Trying to handle your trouble yourself will only make you more tired and stressed out. You need to first seek Gods help and accept the help of others, let your friends carry you through it when you are broken and feel spiritually empty.

Our Lord Jesus is only a call away, And He already knows the trouble your having. He is already calling out to you. Answer His call.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for my friends and loved ones. Thank You for the amazing comfort that I can find in You. Please refill my spirit because I feel so broken at times. I praise you for not forsaking me in times like these. Because of Your love, I can have peace and forgiveness for all my sins. Because of Jesus, I am free from the penalty of sin and no matter what happens on this earth, I will be healed and loved for all eternity. Father, help me to remember these things and to pass them on to those who are thirsting for Your refreshing comfort. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Seeking Comfort from Jesus?

Jesus Christ says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him” (Revelation 3:20)

The Bible promises eternal life to all who receive Christ: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:11-13)

If you have not asked Jesus into your lifeYou can receive Jesus Christ right now by faith through prayer.

(Prayer is just talking with God. He knows your heart, so don’t worry about getting your words just right. Here is a suggested prayer to guide you:)

Invitation:

Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive you as my Saviour and Lord. Thank you for forgiving me of my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.

If you have prayed this prayer, Congratulations! (Luke 15:7) says that when one sinner accepts Jesus Christ as his or her Saviour the angels rejoice. So there’s a party going on in heaven right now over your decision! Remember this date as your “second birthday,” the day you were born into a new life in Christ! You have God’s Word that he answered your prayer.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

Interested in supporting Scriptural Seeds? Mail your donation of any amount to P.O. Box 57284 Tucson, Arizona 85732

Again thank you for supporting the advancement of Gods Holy Word.

“They bribed agents to work against them and to frustrate their plans. This went on during the entire reign of King Cyrus of Persia and lasted until King Darius of Persia took the throne. Years later when Xerxes began his reign, the enemies of Judah wrote a letter of accusation against the people of Judah and Jerusalem.” (Ezra 4:5-6)

In Ezra chapter 4, we find Israel in the midst of rebuilding the Temple. Yet while they were in the middle of this glorious project, their enemies began making things hard for them. Often in the middle of those obstacles in life, we begin believing that they will remain forever, that they will never end. Dont fall pray to that type of thinking, that is a lie. When you think that or believe that, you start to think, “Well, I have to do something!” You begin considering bailing on the situation, leaving the battle or quitting the fight. The reality is that often the temptation to run is worse right before the breakthrough.

Whether the obstacles are found in your marriage, your work place or even your church; trust the Lord and hold on tight. If there is nothing unbiblical happening and no physical threat, then trust the Lord and remain in the challenge. Too often, we can run from a church or family problem because we think it’s too much trouble to deal with, but remember there is a blessing in persevering to the end. Remember, the obstacles will come in life, but they are always temporary.

Always remember that obstacles are seasonal or temporary, meaning they do not last forever.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I’m sorry for those times I have run from obstacles in life without fully seeking Your will. Help me to persevere through the difficult times so that I may experience the blessings of victory and rest at the other end. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can be fully equipped to remain faithful to You and Your Word. 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

Interested in supporting Scriptural Seeds? Mail your donation of any amount to P.O. Box 57284 Tucson, Arizona 85732

Again thank you for supporting the advancement of Gods Holy Word.

“Yet surely My words and My statutes, Which I commanded My servants the prophets, Did they not overtake your fathers?” (Zachariah 1:6)

Have you ever planned a trip to get out of town for the weeken? You may have planned for a month the things you’re going to do and the areas you want to visit. Finally, the day comes and you head out the door with directions in hand and a joy in your heart. Of course, a few hours later that joy is gone as you realize those directions were not as foolproof as you had thought.

This world says that all roads lead to heaven and that truth is relative. While this may sound good to people, in practice it leads to frustration, bondage and separation from God. The good news is that God has revealed to us His Truth. His Truth is not dictated by man nor is it blown around by every fad or current event. His Truth is the rock, and we can place our lives on it and find peace for our souls. Maybe today you awoke to a life in turmoil and an uncertain future. Well, I am here to tell you that God has a future and hope for you. You can find out all about it in the bible. It’s a story of love, grace and forgiveness. It’s also the ultimate guide book and much better than any directions you’d find online on on a map.

“The revelation of God’s Truth can be that hope which sets you free.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Sometimes, I wake up with questions, fears and uncertainty. Lord, give me a heart for Your Word. Help me to read it daily so that I can answer the questions of life and overcome my doubts and fears. Guide my life so that it is a reflection of You. Thank You for Your love and forgiveness, use me today. 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

Interested in supporting Scriptural Seeds? Mail your donation of any amount to P.O. Box 57284 Tucson, Arizona 85732

Again thank you for supporting the advancement of Gods Holy Word.

“O LORD, how long shall I cry, And You will not hear? Even cry out to You, “Violence!” And You will not save? (Habakkuk 1:2)

There are times in life, as a believer, that we feel like our prayers are getting struck out. Whether because of a trial or just loneliness, we begin feeling that God doesn’t care. Even the prophet, Habakkuk, experienced these emotions. He watched as Judah went from a godly nation to forgetting the law of God almost overnight. He cried out for God but felt that God was not listening. Have you been there?

Sometimes we may all find ourselves in that place, but we must understand the truth. The truth is that as a child of God, we have direct communication with Him no matter how bad we feel or where ever we are. No matter how difficult our life is or how hopeless it seems, God is always there.

(Ephesians 3:11-13) “according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.”

Did you notice the words “boldness, access and confidence?” Because of Jesus, we can come to God knowing that He is listening and that He cares for us. So the next time you feel like your prayers are hitting left field, trust in this verse and pray with boldness because God is listening, and He loves you dearly.

Gods answer to Habakkuk.

“Look at the nations and watch – and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. (Habakkuk 1:5-7)

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that You listen to my prayers. I come to You with boldness asking for Your continued grace and mercy on my life. Lord continue to be my encourger and forgive me when I say I can’t do, or it’s too difficult to learn something new. Help me realize that I have meaning and are needed by you in Your minisrty. I need encouragement and confidence when I feel like I have little to offer.  Help heal my loneliness by not choosing to be lonely.  Fill me with Your Spirit and guide me into Your ministry that You have for me today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

If you have never asked Jesus into your heart or want to recommit. Click here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

Interested in supporting Scriptural Seeds? Mail your donation of any amount to P.O. Box 57284 Tucson, Arizona 85732

Again thank you for supporting the advancement of Gods Holy Word.

Memorial Day is when we honor the men and women of our Armed Services who have made “the supreme sacrifice;” who gave their lives for their country.

Especially these days, when Memorial Day seems nothing more than a time for cookouts and swim parties, we cannot be reminded often enough about how great a debt we owe our war dead.

They gave up their hopes and dreams, families and friends. They submitted themselves to rigorous discipline, 24-hour-a-day duty, and placed their lives in great peril. “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

Their sacrifice should inspire in us a profound sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy, bought with a price. And that gratitude should compel us to lives of service as well. Serving Christ, our neighbor, and yes, our nation.

Memorial Day is a great time for each of us to look into the mirror … to examine our own lives. Are we living good lives in gratitude for all those who have sacrificed for us — including our men and women in the military, our families, our friends, and most of all Christ?

Are we kneeling before the cross? Are we, out of gratitude, doing our duty for Christ, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, ministering to those in prison, in whatever harvest field to which the Lord has called us?

Examine your life. Some Reflections to Ponder today?

Reflection #1 – Do I really believe what I say I believe?

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22)

Reflection #2 – How is my life different from thoses who live in the world?

“They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us” (1 John 4:5-6)

Reflection #3 – What do my recreational choices reveal about me? 

“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5)

Reflection #4 – If I was denied access to my bible for the rest of my life, would I have enough knowledge to still live and grow in my faith?

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11)

Reflection #5 – Would I be willing to suffer for my faith? 

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:12-13)

Reflection #6 – Is there enough evidence of Jesus Christ in my life to draw people to the faith?    

“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life” (2 Corinthians 2:15-16)

Reflection #7 – What does my prayer life reveal about my relationship with Christ?

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2)

These are a few ideas I wanted to put out there to ponder. As we look around us its not hard to figure out that there are alot of people putting forth much effort to change this great country into something other than what made it so special. As you also can see, Christianity is on attack here on our homeland by an enemy that this nation welcomed with arms opened wide.

At the very least, thank those who have sacrificed their life for you and those you know that serve in this nations Armed Forces. Maybe you will do what I do when you see a guy or gal in uniform, even a veteran. Walk up to them and thank them for their sacrifice and service to protect us from the enemy.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for always being with me and protecting me from the enemy. Thank You for this great county, Thank You for the men and women that serve to protect it. I lift the leaders of our country to you and ask that You would draw their hearts to You, guide them that they would return to then biblical values that this great country was founded on. I am so greatful for the unselfish sacrifice of Christ on the cross for me. Allowing me to have a relationship with You. I praise You and love You Lord.. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

If you would like to request a prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

If you have never asked Jesus into your heart. Click here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

Interested in supporting Scriptural Seeds? Mail your donation of any amount to P.O. Box 57284 Tucson, Arizona 85732

Again thank you for supporting the advancement of Gods Holy Word.

 

“So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him,” (John 4:50)

How much trouble could we avoid if we simply did what the man in John chapter 4 did? What if we stopped in the middle of lousy circumstances and miserable situations and just chose to believe the Word that Jesus has spoken to us?

We as a society read the newspaper and believe it. We spend hours on the Internet and will often believe what we see. We read the Bible and sometimes we think, “Well, that doesn’t really apply to me or my situation.”

Sometimes we believe our emotions, fickle though they are, over the Word of God. We listen to the skeptics and the naysayers. We listen to our experiences as well as our faulty interpretation of events. Of all the things that we can listen to and believe, the Word of God is the most reliable. It has proven its sturdiness many times through the centuries. It has outlasted all of its critics and still stands ever faithful and true. Many voices are calling out for your attention. Which one will you choose to act on and believe? I choose to believe Jesus and the Word He has spoken to me.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your steadfast love. Thank You that Your Word has stood the test of time and remains the source of truth and light for every situation in our lives. Please continue this work of opening my heart up to the amazing faithfulness of Your Bible. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Worship Song – I Choose to Believe

If you would like to request a prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

If you have never asked Jesus into your heart. Click here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

Interested in supporting Scriptural Seeds? Mail your donation of any amount to P.O. Box 57284 Tucson, Arizona 85732

Again thank you for supporting the advancement of Gods Holy Word.