May 28th 2018 – Memorial Day Reflections

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 experience true peace in your life, try seeking Jesus. 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

May 27th 2018 – Distracted and Waisting Time

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“Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)

Do you ever waste time? Let me rephrase the question: Do you have a television or a smartphone?

There are so many television channels now. Yet I can sit with a remote control in hand and hardly find a single thing worth watching. I’ve also found myself wasting a lot of time doing so. And then came the smartphones, which people can’t seem to stop looking at. They look at them while they’re driving. They look at them standing in line at the store. They look at them while they’re walking in the cross walk. Everyone is sidetracked with this current technology, and I wonder how much time we waste. I believe that the enemy’s plan is to distract people with so much information, which is so unblibical that it dulls our hearts. Making us believe that we need look a particular way or possess certain things to be accepted by others. Many spend so much time posting the most mundane details about their life online. Which in fact is a complete waist of not only their time but the time of others reading it and responding.

Jesus told His followers that these spiritual distraction begins with hearts that have grown dull, ears that are hard of hearing, and eyes that are closed. Using the illustration of a farmer scattering seed, Jesus compared the seed that fell among thorns to a person who hears God’s Word but whose heart is focused on other things.

(Matthew 13:22) “The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.”

I’m convinced that when we get to Heaven, we’ll see things much differently. I think some things that we will have thought of as good during our lives on this earth may not be perceived as good in the same way. We think that good obviously means excellent health, having lots of money. We think good means having a successful career, driving nice cars. I am not saying these things are bad. But maybe they won’t be as good as we once thought they were.

On the other hand, we may think of any kind of a setback, sickness, or failure in life as a horrible thing. But I think that when we get to Heaven, we will realize that some of those setbacks and failures actually produced more spiritual fruit in our lives than the so-called good things. Things are not always as they appear.

There is great value in having times throughout each day when we turn off the distractions of mind and heart and focus on our relationships with others, especially the one with the Lord.

“It isn’t good to waste time, but it’s much worse to waste a life”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help me to turn off all the distractions around me, and make time to focus on the relationships that matter the most. Forgive me when our time together get aside because of the distractions, from this day forward may I not allow the distractions to take from the real things that are important. Open my heart to Your word and may my heart be good soil for the seed of Your Word today. In Jesus precious name Amen.

If you would like to experience true peace in your life, try seeking Jesus. 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

May 26th 2018 – The Abused Spouse

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“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

Do you, or have you ever known someone suffering from verbal and physical abuse from a spouse or someone they are dating? The truth is that 1 in 3 have been in an abusive relationship in their lifetimes.

I was stunned when I read the statistics, but the fact is that many people being abuse do not say anything for many years, if at all. The reason is that the abuser invokes such negative emotions into the victim. They feel shame, fear, anger and grief brought about by the painful words and physical abuse.

Shame is a pervasive feeling of being inadequate as a human being. Every area of family violence causes shame. For example, children growing up in homes where a parent is committing adultery feel ashamed of their adulterous parent’s behavior and are similarly ashamed of the faithful parent who is trying to keep it a secret.

Spouses and children of alcoholics are ashamed of their loved ones drinking and the chaos it creates in their homes. When verbal abuse and labeling take place, shame becomes a dominant motivation for doing anything possible to avoid the continual reminders of inadequacy.

Shame leaves us with a strong sense of being uniquely and hopelessly different and less than other human beings. It isolates and alienates us. We may feel that we can never live up to the expectations of those close to us, or that the reason we were abused was related to some inadequacy within us that caused and perpetuated the abuse.

Consider this …

Shame occurs in secret and isolates its victims, keeping them from challenging their feelings. God’s light allows us to begin to challenge our early assumptions and distorted perceptions. It exposes the destructive decisions shame breeds and sets us free from the lies we never before challenged.

God’s light comes through prayerfully studying Gods word through the Holy Bible, absorbing the scripture, believing them for yourself. God loves you and wants to heal your emotions. When you made Jesus Lord of your life, you became a child of your perfect heavenly Father. And the Bible promises there is no condemnation in Him. Jesus does not condemn you. Ask Him to help you see yourself as He does–loved by Him, precious to Him.

Scripture says that we are the Bride of Christ

How Does Jesus Love His Bride? (Remembering that the below reference to Her is all of us, and by no means am I stating that Jesus got married)

Jesus did not use verbal and emotional abuse to destroy his bride’s self-esteem. He bestowed on her great value by coming to be her servant and giving his life to save her.

Jesus did not tear down his bride to make her feel weak and powerless. On Pentecost he filled her with his own power.

Jesus did not isolate his bride out of fear she would fall in love with someone else. He wants to give her his love so she can love others. He sent her into the world to live her destiny and promised to walk with her, giving her support and encouragement, even to the end of the age.

Jesus did not treat his bride like a door mat, walking on her to prove his superiority. He elevated her, even to be seated with him in the heavenly realm, in a place of authority.

Jesus did not yell at his bride or call her names. He calls her his Beloved and rejoices over her with singing.

Jesus did not raise his voice to drown out what his bride is trying to say. Instead, his ear is attentive to her prayer.

He did not look at her with contempt or hate, or glare at her from a distance. He smiles when he sees her because he sees her without spot or blemish. He sees how beautiful she is and knows it’s his love that has washed over her and made her beautiful.

Jesus did not use his strength to manhandle his bride. His strong right arm lifts her up and defends her against aggressors. He uses his strength and power to fight for her, not against her.

Jesus did not ever grab his bride aggressively, slap her to shut her up, or beat her into submission. Instead he took the abuse for her; he was the one who was humiliated, spit on and beaten. He submitted to death so she could live. He offers healing and comfort to her when she’s in pain, he makes her strong when she feels weak, he weeps with her when she weeps, and he wipes away every tear from her eyes because he’s gentle and kind.

Jesus did not threaten to hurt her when he gets home. Instead, his plan when he comes again is to sweep her off her feet, raise her up to meet him in the air, and forever be with him in the amazing mansion he is preparing for her in heaven.

This is no fairy tale. This is how a husband is to love his wife. Mutual submission and respect naturally flow in the relationship that is focused on loving and serving one another.

Take a moment to read God’s instruction for loving your husband or wife. Ephesians 5:21-33This scripture should never be used as ammunition to keep women in submission to abusive men or to demand that they respect someone who is disrespectful. Using scripture in that way is spiritual abuse. This passage is about mutual, life-changing, empowering love.

Telling a woman she has to submit to abuse only reinforces her victim identity and empowers an abuser to continue in sin. Both are in bondage and there is a much greater chance the marriage will end in pain or even tragedy. God has a different plan – one that sets both free to step into a new identity.

Below are some resources if you are a victim in the United States. Outside the USA please reference local domestic resources or your church.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 http://www.thehotline.org/about-us/contact/

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I have suffered for so long with this shame. Help me to overcome the lies and see nothing but Your truth. Give me strength and help me feel loved and not shame. Remind me that I am beautiful in Your eyes and you are always with me. Thank You for Your faithfulness and for the promise that You will never leave me. Help me to trust in you. Increase my faith and fill me with Your Spirit so that I can live in great expectation of what You have in store for me. Bring loving people into my life that will love me and encourage me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you would like to seek true peace in your life, try seeking Jesus. 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

May 25th 2018 – Do We Deserve Heaven?

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“For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” (Romans 5:6)

I have a very important question today? What do you have to do in order to be righteous with God? Do you have to die a martyr’s death before God will allow you into paradise? Do your good deeds need to outweigh your bad deeds for God to allow you into heaven? Do you have to be at peace with nature when you die so that God will allow you into Heaven? What if you have done enough works, will God then allow you into Heaven? The answer is No to all of the above. Man pridefully wants to play a part in his own salvation. We invent hurdles to jump, thinking we can earn God’s approval. I don’t want what I’ve earned because according to Romans 6:23 I’ve earned death. I need God’s grace.

(2 Corinthians 5:21) “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”

Every world religion is based on what you have to do to convince God you deserve to go to Heaven… that is, except one – Biblical Christianity. You see, the Bible tells us that God has already done everything for you. Your part is simply to accept Jesus’ gift to you. He did the work, dying on the cross for your sins. You don’t have to reach for God because He’s already reaching out for you. Please don’t reject Him.

“God has done everything needed for us to be at peace with Him, All we have to do is ask for His forgiveness of our sins, accept His love, try to live our life in a way pleasing to Him”

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, Thank You for dying for me so that I could be forgiven. Thank You for being resurrected so I could have a new life. I ask You to forgive me of all of my sins. Lord, I have done wrong things, and I am sorry. Thank You for Your forgiveness. Thank you for allowing me in Heaven when my body dies, even though I don’t deserve it. Please give me the power to live for You all the days of my life. Amen.

Congratulations, you just made the best decision you will ever make or recommitted yourself to the greatest cause…the cause of Christ. If you just made that decision, check out New Believers, What’s Next? and please let us know of your life changing decision.

Please forward this to anyone if you are unsure of their faith in Jesus

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

May 24th 2018 – Magnify My Faith and Wisdom

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So Esther answered, “If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him.”
(Esther 5:4)

The book of Esther is an amazing book. While not mentioning the name of God, it clearly displays the work of God in the life of His people. Esther was one of those individuals who was given power and placed in a role to change history. Sometimes, we think that following God means random acts of faith. While faith is crucial, we must also remember that we are called to be wise in our actions.

In Esther 5, Esther is using great wisdom. She has a hard message to take to the King, but rather than blurt it out at the wrong time, she is preparing herself and the king for the important conversation. People say, “I don’t have to use wisdom, I am using faith.” God gives us wisdom, creativity and intelligence to use. Esther used the wisdom, guided by faith, to bring about amazing results for the people of Israel. Are you walking in wisdom? Do you consider all the options; make a plan of action for your life, ministry or family time? We all could be more like Esther, intentional in our actions and lead by God’s wisdom. Even today, let’s prepare ourselves for ministering to others and then step out with faith to get it done.

(Proverbs 9:10) “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holyisunderstanding.”

“When we walk in faith, wisdom and boldness, incredible things can happen.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank you for the Bible that helps me understand how I am to think and act. Help me to grow in wisdom and to be intentional with my life. In the times when You prompt me to act, please magnify my faith, especially when I don’t completly understand. Give me opportunities to step out in boldness to love, give and share my faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you would like to seek true peace in your life, try seeking Jesus. 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

May 23rd 2018 – Deflate Your Ego

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“Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.” (1 Corinthians 8:1)

We’ve all been there. You find yourself standing face to face with someone who is absolutely certain that they know everything there ever was to know. In essence, they want to make sure you know all they know – and that’s a problem. While knowledge is important and the knowledge of God’s Word is vital to any Christian, we cannot let knowledge lead to pride. In fact, as we learn more about God, His grace and what He has done for us, it should lead us to humility and love – and deflate our pride.

Let me ask you this, has God’s Word led you to love others? Do you read God’s Word in order to know God more or so that you can win the next theological debate? Yes, we must know God’s Word and it should be front and center in our life; however, it should lead to a life of love and not arrogance. Or, maybe you find yourself on the other side and you aren’t in God’s Word like you’d like to be. Let me encourage you to pick it up and read it daily. Remember; take the time to read because He took the time to bleed.

“Bible knowledge should lead to love. Bible study should lead to Bible doing.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me and for Your amazing grace. Thank You for giving me Your Word so that I may know You more. Teach me Your ways and fill me with Your Spirit so that I can be used to reach others with the Gospel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you would like to seek true peace and God’s blessings in your life, Ask Jesus to be your Lord and Saviour. 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

May 22nd 2018 – Life of Sacrifice and Blessings

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“But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.” (2 Timothy 4:5)

The Christian life is filled with both blessing and suffering. The spiritual blessings we receive as children of God are a great reminder of our Father’s love for us, yet we must remember that we will also suffer for the sake of Christ.

(Romans 8:17) “And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.”

The last chapter of 2 Timothy is Paul’s final written words. The apostle looks back over his life and sees a life poured out for the sake of Christ. His life was a life of sacrifice. He experienced persecution, shipwrecks, imprisonment and more. He also experienced the power of God through great miracles and visions. In the Christian life, these two things go together. As we sacrifice for Jesus, we will find great blessing and joy. You may not travel the world enduring persecution like Paul, but as you give up more of yourself for the Kingdom of God, you will share in both the sacrifice and power of Jesus Christ. What sacrifice could you make that would change the life of someone today?

“The irony in sacrifice is that you often exchange one thing of value for another with the latter being a true demonstration of where your heart lies.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the sacrifice of Christ for the removal of my sins. Give me the power to live a life of sacrifice for the sake of others. Open my eyes to the needs of others so that I can be a blessing. Fill me with Your Spirit and use me for Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you would like to seek true peace and God’s blessings in your life, seek Jesus as your Saviour. 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

May 21st 2018 – I Believe God, Do You?

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“Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.” Acts 27:25

As the storm threatened and the boat pitched back and forth, when it looked as though everyone was going to drown, the apostle Paul encouraged the others on board: “Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me” (Acts 27:25).

Those are not the words of a person in denial or out of touch with reality as some unbelievers might say. The fact is that Paul uttered them when they were still in the worst of the storm, with no tangible hope. They had the hope that had been given to Paul by God, the promise they would be delivered, but there was nothing visible to indicate that it really was going to happen.

This was faith, you see. It is faith when we can say, as things are unraveling around us, “God is in control. I know He is going to get me through this, and I know that He is faithful.” Paul was confident. He knew that God was the Master of his circumstances and the Captain of his boat. He knew that God was in control.

There was a time when Jesus told the disciples to launch out into the deep for a catch of fish, after they had been fishing for many hours and hadn’t caught a thing. Peter said, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net” (Luke 5:5). The word that Peter used for Master is a unique nautical term that means “Captain of this boat.” Then the Bible tells us they caught so many fish, their nets were breaking.

So here is the question: Are you willing to let Him be the Captain of your boat? Are you willing to say, like Paul, “I believe God”?

“Faith is knowing God is in control, even when things are unraveling.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I ask that You increase within me your obedient spirit so that I may be obedient to Your instruction. Help me Lord to walk by faith and not by sight. I don’t always understand what You’re doing in my life, but I make a decision to trust You God, In these storms, I ask that You place within me your spirit of hope, peace and rest. Help me to endure all that comes my way. Right now, I make a decision to trust You Lord because I know that You’re in control of my life even when my life seems to be out of control. Lord, I thank You for clarity, guidance, provision and strength. I pray and ask for these things 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

May 20th 2018 – God Will Come Through

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“Then the king said, “What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?” And the king’s servants who attended him said, “Nothing has been done for him.” (Esther 6:3)

In the book of Esther, Mordecai was in a hard place. He worked hard for the King and even helped save his life, yet because of one evil person, Mordecai’s life was threatened. While this may have been the case, there was good news coming for Mordecai. In fact, the very man who would love to see Mordecai dead, would be the man the King would command to honor Mordecai with a parade.

We can be definitely be encouraged by this story. Maybe it looks like things aren’t going well. You may be worshiping God, serving, giving and still the pieces aren’t coming together. But in the blink of an eye, the pieces will fall into place and God will show you His plan. His plan is far more glorious than any we can come up with. Today, be encouraged that God sees all that you do for Him. While we may have to endure hardships in life, the good news is that in this life and in the next God promises joy for those who trust in Him. He is faithful. He will come through in the end.

“As believers, we may for a season go unappreciated, but we will not be unrewarded.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your faithfulness and for the promise that You will never leave me. Help me to trust in you. Increase my faith and fill me with Your Spirit so that I can live in great expectation of what You have in store for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Do you have a relationship with Jesus?

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 here 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

May 19th 2018 – Satan’s Evil Plan, God’s Awesome Victory!

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“But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14)

Satan is real and his tricks have been working for years. One of the greatest tricks is to disguise his work as “good” or even “religious”. Without an understanding of God’s Word, which is real Truth, many people are led away to follow after their own lusts. This is Satan’s plan, and it is the same plan he had from the beginning. He was tossed out of Heaven because He wanted to be God. With what authority he had been given, his pride led to his downfall. In turn, he desires that we do the same.

The enemy uses a powerful tool in our fallen human nature. We tend to be self-centered, self-sufficient, and independent of God. God says that type of belief and life will bring destruction, but following Jesus, will bring life and peace. There is part of you that does not want to submit to any authority. Not the authority of the Word of God, not the authority of any man of God or any leader, not even to the authority of God Himself or His plan for you. Rather than give into the enemy, trust in Christ and begin to love God and love others. Allow the Spirit to guide you into humble service and grace towards others. Use your gift and authority to defeat the enemy of your soul by living like Jesus. If you do, you will not give a foothold to Satan.

“Don’t fall into Satan’s trap, learn the truth and Trust in God.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the power You have given me through Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for the power to live for You and not for my own desires. Give me continued strength to resist the devil and to serve You. Help me to understand Your Word so that I know how to defend against Satan’s weapons of destruction. Finally, thank You for the victory I have in Jesus Christ. No matter what Satan does, I cannot be taken from You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Do you have a relationship with Jesus?

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

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