“Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?” (2 Corinthians 11:7 )

Can you imagine having the apostle Paul as a pastor? When we think of Paul, we may think of a “perfect pastor” whom everyone loved and yet, (2 Corinthians 11) paints a different story. In this powerful, yet sad chapter, Paul is forced to defend himself against people in the church who were coming against him.

There were those in the church in Corinth who were saying that Paul was only in it for the money (even though he did not receive anything from them), and there were people in that church that saw him as a lesser teacher because he did not demand that they pay him. In the end, Paul could not win. Why did Paul NOT receive funds from them? Because they acted like they didn’t want to give, like they couldn’t afford to give, and acted like they shouldn’t have to give. They could have sown into Paul’s ministry and shared the benefits and blessings but because of their selfishness, they missed a glorious opportunity. Paul knew this and yet, he loved them anyway. He spoke Truth in love, hoping that they would see the Truth. So, it is with our lives. There are times we will speak the Truth in love and others will not listen. If they don’t, love them through it and allow the Lord to use your gentle witness to impact their life forever.

“You can’t win with some people but don’t stop trying to with others.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude for the love and grace You have shown me. Thank You for the example of the Apostle Paul, who demonstrated unwavering commitment to the truth, even in the face of opposition. Lord, help me to embody that same spirit of humility and love in my interactions with others.

As I encounter those in my life who challenge my patience and understanding, grant me the strength to respond with kindness and compassion. May I remain steadfast in sharing Your truth, even when it is met with resistance. Help me to be a vessel of Your love, shining light in moments of darkness and confusion.

If I am contributing to any discord, reveal it to me, Lord, so I may seek Your forgiveness and make amends. Teach me to listen to Your Spirit and be sensitive to the needs of those around me. Remind me that my role is to love and to serve, not to seek recognition or validation.

Thank You for the opportunities to grow through these relationships. Empower me to keep trying, to keep loving, and to trust in Your timing. May my life reflect Your grace, and may others see You through my actions. In Jesus’ name, I pray ,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

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it?” (Luke 15:4)

In the heart of the Gospel, we find one of the most beautiful illustrations of God’s love: the story of the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine sheep to seek the one that is lost. This parable speaks volumes about God’s relentless pursuit of each individual, reminding us that no one is too far gone or too insignificant to warrant His attention.

Imagine a shepherd tending to his flock. Day in and day out, he cares for each sheep. They are not just numbers; they are beloved members of his family. But one day, one sheep strays away. The shepherd, understanding the inherent value of that one sheep, makes the courageous decision to leave the safety of the ninety-nine to seek out the lost one.

This act illustrates the heart of Jesus. He doesn’t see us as mere statistics or faceless believers in a crowd. He knows us by name, understands our struggles, and is willing to go to great lengths to bring us back into His fold. Just as the shepherd risks everything for the one, Jesus sacrificed His life for each of us, affirming our worth and significance in His eyes.

Application:

1. Reflect on Your Worth: Take a moment today to meditate on the fact that you are valued and loved by God. No matter your past or present circumstances, you are worth pursuing.
2. Consider the Lost: Who in your life might feel lost or overlooked? Perhaps a friend, family member, or colleague is struggling. How can you embody the love of the Shepherd by reaching out to them?
3. Respond to God’s Call: Are there areas in your life where you feel distant from God? Take a step toward Him today, knowing that He is actively seeking you out, ready to embrace you with open arms.

Let us rejoice in the truth that God leaves the ninety-nine to find the one. Every soul is precious to Him, reminding us that our mission as followers of Christ is to share that love and bring others back into the fold.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the unwavering love You have for each one of us. Help us to understand our worth in Your eyes and to seek out those who feel lost. May we be vessels of Your love and grace, reflecting the heart of the Good Shepherd in our actions. 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, Click Here to read Four Simple Steps to Jesus.

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.” (Psalm 1:1)

Psalm 1 opens with a powerful declaration of blessing for those who choose the path of righteousness. The imagery of walking, standing, and sitting illustrates the progression of our choices and influences. Each step we take, each decision we make, shapes our character and ultimately our destiny.

In a world filled with distractions and temptations, the psalmist reminds us to be mindful of our associations. The “wicked,” “sinners,” and “mockers” represent those who disregard God’s ways. While it can be tempting to engage with negative influences, the psalmist encourages us to resist this pull. Instead, we are called to delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night (Psalm 1:2).

Below are some ways you can apply this in your life.

1. Evaluate Your Influences: Consider the people you spend time with and the environments you inhabit. Are they uplifting and encouraging your faith, or are they leading you away from God’s truth?

2. Delight in God’s Word: Make a conscious effort to engage with Scripture daily. Find joy in His teachings and allow them to shape your thoughts and actions.

3. Choose Your Company Wisely: Surround yourself with those who inspire you to grow closer to God. Seek friendships that challenge you to live righteously and encourage you in your spiritual journey.

Choosing to walk in righteousness is not merely about avoiding wrongdoing; it is about actively seeking the good and surrounding ourselves with God’s truth. As we make these choices, we can trust that God will bless our steps and guide us along the path of life.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the wisdom found in Your Word. Help me to discern the influences in my life and to choose paths that lead to Your blessing. May I find joy in your biblical laws and surround myself with those who uplift and encourage my faith. Guide my steps, and help me to walk in Your ways. In Jesus’ name, I pray. 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, Click Here to read Four Simple Steps to Jesus.

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

“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)

What does it mean to be Absolutely Surrendered?  Being absolutely surrendered means placing complete trust and reliance on God, relinquishing control over one’s life, desires, and plans. It involves letting go of personal ambitions and allowing God to lead and guide you in every aspect of life

The Bible describes many 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.

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, Click Here to read Four Simple Steps to Jesus.

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her… However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”  (Ephesians 5:22-33)

Marriage is a sacred covenant, designed by God to reflect the relationship between Christ and His church. In a world that often views marriage as a mere contract or convenience, Scripture reminds us of its profound spiritual significance. It is a partnership where both husband and wife play vital roles, built on love, respect, and sacrifice.

As we read Ephesians 5, we see that Paul calls husbands to love their wives selflessly, just as Christ loved the church. This kind of love is not merely an emotion but a decision to put the needs of one’s spouse above one’s own. It means being patient, forgiving, and supportive, especially during challenging times.

For wives, the call to submit is not about inferiority; rather, it is an invitation to embrace the strength found in unity and mutual respect. Submission, in this context, is a willing response to the love and leadership of a husband who reflects Christ’s love.

In a healthy marriage, both partners are committed to growing together, learning from each other, and striving for a deeper understanding of God’s love. It is essential to communicate openly, pray together, and seek God’s guidance in all decisions.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of marriage. Help us to honor this sacred bond and to reflect Your love in our relationships. Teach us to love and respect one another as You have commanded. May our marriage be a testimony of Your grace and mercy. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

If you do not know Jesus 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 he

4 Simple Steps to Jesus

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

Then the LORD said to me, “Go and love your wife again, even though she commits adultery with another lover. This will illustrate that the LORD still loves Israel, even though the people have turned to other gods and love to worship them.” (Hosea 3:1)

Have you ever taken time to truly think about God’s love? In Hosea, we get a glimpse of this love through the lives of the prophet Hosea and his wife Gomer. Gomer has continued to commit adultery against her husband, yet God tells Hosea to go and love her again. You see, this is not just a story about marriage and it’s not just an image of Israel. This is also a picture of the Gospel.

Like Gomer, we all have at one time or another walked away from God. We chase after other things to make us happy or fulfill our lives all the while forgetting the One who truly loves us. If the story ended there, we would be in a hard situation, but like Gomer, we have a Heavenly Father who was willing to buy us back. How did He buy us back? God purchased us from the slavery of sin with the blood of His Son Jesus. You see, while we were in bondage to our sinful ways, Jesus stepped out of heaven, walked to the cross and died in our place. When He died, He buried our sins with Him. When He arose, He pronounced freedom to all who would trust in Him. His reason for doing this for us is simple. God loves us.

“God is love”

If you have never experienced the love of God through a relationship with Jesus then come to Him today. He will never turn you away. You can pray a prayer like this…

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I know that I have sinned. Today, I come to You and ask that You would forgive me of my sins. I believe Jesus died for me and that He rose again. Fill me with Your Spirit and use me for Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you have read this prayer and believed in your heart, then congratulations!

(Luke 15:7) says that when one sinner accepts Jesus Christ as his or her Savior 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.

If you would like to request a prayer Click Here

Interested in experiencing forgiveness and love found in Jesus? Please click here to learn more about how to ask Jesus into your heart. 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org