“Their arrogance testifies against them, yet they don’t return to the LORD their God or even try to find him.” (Hosea 7:30)

In the book of Hosea, the people of Israel find themselves in a frightening spot. God has given them over to their enemies, yet they continue to sin. They are weary, heartbroken and homesick, yet they refuse to look to God. Like a loving father who watches his child continue to hurt themselves, God desires to step into the scene and heal them. He desires to bring them hope, freedom, prosperity and peace.

While the situation may be different for each of us, the reality is the same. We all have moments in life where we feel beat up and knocked down. Our marriage is struggling, our job is on the line, we’re concerned about our health; all these things come at us and we have a choice to make. Will we look to God or will we look to ourselves or the world for answers. Of course, the even greater picture is in regards to our salvation. Each of us stands before God guilty because of the bad things we have done, and we have a choice. Do we admit guilt and ask for mercy, or do we deny guilt and run from the very One who desires to forgive us? All of us have a choice… choose wisely.

God desires to forgive us, but we must come to Him first.

Prayer;

Heavenly Father, I know that I am a sinner and in need of Your grace. I also know that without You my life would simply fall to pieces. Help me to trust in You during the hard times and celebrate that I have been saved by Your grace through Jesus. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can share this Good News with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Invatation:

If you do not know Jesus Christ 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. 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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

Stability… Everyone desires to have it in life. After all, who wants to live life in chaos? Unfortunately, life doesn’t give us a choice. Each morning when we open our eyes we await things that will catch us off guard. Good or bad, these elements in life are part of living in a broken world. The good news is that we are not alone, and there is a source outside the chaos that we can lean on in times of instability.

(Psalm 94:22) “But the LORD has been my defense, And my God the rock of my refuge.”

Throughout Scripture, God is referred to as a rock. This is not to say that he is made of granite, but it is a reference to his steadfastness. Like a mighty mountain, God is immovable and secure in all His ways. Because of this, He is our source for security and strength. When life brings surprises, we can stand on our God. When people change, our God will not. When situations arise, our God is our refuge. As you wake up this morning, spend time in God’s Word and get to know Him more. Read His promises with great anticipation. Grasp His love and mercy and allow that to strengthen you today. The more you know about God, Jesus and His might and power; the more you will be equipped to stand strong during the storms of life. Life may bring instability but with God we can remain stable.

The more mature you grow in the Lord, the more stable you become in life and in all matters.

Prayer:

Dear God, Thank You for Your great love for me and for Your steadfastness. Your Word tells me that You will never change and that Your mercy endures forever. Lord, help me to find stability on You, my Rock. Bring to mind Scriptures in my times of doubt and encouragements in my times of need. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I will remain brave, strong and steadfast in the faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Invitation:

Dont know Jesus? Dont pass up the presious 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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

 

“For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)

In the beginning God spoke into the darkness and created the light. This light was the beginning of a new world. Like our world, we all begin in darkness because of our sinful nature. This is why during Christmas we celebrate with such excitement because the Light has come into our darkness. Two thousand years ago in a stable in Bethlehem, Jesus Christ came in the form of man. He, who had created light in the beginning of time, was now on our earth as a light to men.

What great news! The Lord of all creation has come to bring light and life to men. As we give our lives to Jesus, He speaks into our lives and light bursts forth in brilliant beams. This light transforms us from the inside and we are made new. As you celebrate with family and friends this Christmas, look at the lights around you and remember ‘The Light’ of the world. As you do that, remember that He has come to make us lights to this world as well. What an honor, to be given the Light of God to share with others who are in darkness. Surely, this is what Christmas is all about.

Shine as bright lights that illuminate the darkness.

Prayer,

Dear God, Thank You for Christmas and the light given to men through Your Son, Jesus. Father, forgive me of my sins and fill me with Your light so that I may share You with this dark world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Invitation:

Living in the dark? Looking for meaning and direction? 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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

“And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.” (1 Corinthians 16:10)

Every person who has ever lived has faced difficult decisions. Some decisions were very obvious while others were not. For those of us who are following Christ, we have a great resource for making decisions. This resource comes through the relationship we have with Jesus. Through His Word and the direction of His Spirit, we are better equipped to walk down the path He desires for us. We can trust the path because He is leading us and loves us, even when the path gets hard.

(Psalm 16:11) “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

So how do we go about seeking the path God desires for us? First, we need to know God’s Word. As we read His Word, we will be able to understand God’s guidelines and promises. These will help guide our steps. In those moments where we are unsure, we should seek godly counsel as well as pray for the Holy Spirit’s help in discerning where next to step. Finally, we step out in faith, trusting our Lord who is able to help us along the way. When we trip and fall, God’s grace is there to catch us. When we face an obstacle, His strength will help us overcome. When we finally reach our destination, He will personally usher us into His presence. This is the promise we have in Jesus.

God will direct our footsteps as we listen to Him and trust Him.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am so thankful for Your guiding hand. Not only have You forgiven me of my sins, but You are involved in the details of my life and desire to lead me every day. Lord, help me to be sensitive to Your Spirit and knowledgeable of Your Word so that I will make wise decisions. In Jesus name, Amen.

Invitation:

Lost your way? Looking for meaning and direction? 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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

“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, “Pastor, 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:

Dear God, 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. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Invitation:

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

 

“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 even have siblings to play with. It wasn’t until I got married and had children did I start really enjoying Christmas. I have fond memories raising my children of 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 didnt ever discuss 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:

Dear Jesus, 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.

Invitation:

Dont know Jesus? Dont pass up the presious 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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

“Then the Rabshakeh said to them, “Say now to Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria:”What confidence is this in which you trust?” (2 Kings 18:19)

It is very easy to begin trusting in the ‘things’ of this world because of the subtle way they steal our attention away from God. It is because of this subtle infiltration of worldly things that every Christian should take the time to evaluate themselves. Is there something that you give a larger role in your life than God? Has your focus become a kaleidoscope of ‘things’ preventing you from clearly focusing on serving God? If so, you had better confess to God and turn your gaze toward Him before the subtle deception of accumulation leaves you trusting in the stuff instead of God. Otherwise, there will come a day when you will find yourself spiritually and possibly physically famished.

We should know who or what we are trusting in. We should trust in the Lord alone.

Prayer: Heavenly Father,Thank You for Your Love. Lord, forgive me for the times I have placed my focus on the ‘things’ in my life rather than You. Give me the discernment and wisdom to see the deception in the things of this world and keep my eyes fixed upon You. I surrender everything to You. In Jesus name, Amen

Invitation:

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

 

Its that time for the annual Christmas party that my employer hosts every year. I am sure that many of you have attended these type of functions. I look arround in the stores and see the “Christmas” decorations. I want to emphasize the word Christmas because even that very word has become politically incorrect in society. The Christmas cards say things like “Tis the Season” Season for What? I am starting ro wonder how many people actually understand what we are celebrating. “It’s s certainly not trees with lights and a guy called Santa Clause. We are celebrating Jesus’s birthday.

“For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)

“In the beginning God spoke into the darkness and created the light. This light was the beginning of a new world. Like our world, we all begin in darkness because of our sinful nature. This is why during Christmas we celebrate with such excitement because the Light has come into our darkness. Two thousand years ago in a stable in Bethlehem, Jesus Christ came in the form of man. He, who had created light in the beginning of time, was now on our earth as a light to men.

That is what the CHRISTmas celebration is really about! The Lord of all creation has come to bring light and life to all people. As we give our lives to Jesus, He speaks into our lives and light bursts forth in brilliant beams. This light transforms us from the inside and we are made new. As you celebrate with family and friends this Christmas, look at the lights around you and remember ‘The Light’ of the world. As you do that, remember that He has come to make us lights to this world as well. What an honor, to be given the Light of God to share with others who are in darkness. Surely, this is what Christmas is was and is about.

Prayer:

Dear God, Thank You for Christmas and the light given to men through Your Son, Jesus. Father, forgive me of my sins and fill me with Your light so that I may share You with this dark world. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Invatation:

If you dont know Jesus personally, what a gift to give yourself. Ask jesus into your heart and start experiencing a new life, a life of freedom.

Click here for more information Redeem my Gift of Salvation

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries