Tag Archives: Christian devotions

May 3rd 2020 – A Measure Of Faith

“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.” (2 Timothy 3:1-2)

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” (Romans 12:3)

Finding Faith can be a hard for many. Some have been jaded by misplaced trust and therefore have a hard time believing anyone, even God. While this may be a problem, the more challenging issue is misplaced faith. We all have faith in something. Our faith may be placed in ourselves, whether because of our wealth or authority, or it could be placed in someone or something completely different. Either way, faith that is not placed in Christ alone will only lead to ruin.

In 2 Timothy, the Apostle Paul warns his young disciple of a time that would come where men would trust in their own self. Their misplaced faith would lead to a world filled with pride, anger, hatred and irreverence for the things of God. Paul concludes with the warning, “Stay away from them.”

As Christians, we must be guided by our faith and trust in Christ. He is our Savior and King, and His Word alone is our guide into eternal life. When we trust in His Word, we will find a life that is filled with love, grace and forgiveness. This love has the power to change the world, but this love is only available to us when we trust in the One who is ultimate love, Jesus Christ.

“We all have a measure of faith. It’s what we choose to put our faith in will ultimately guide our decision making, our perspective and the course of action for our lives.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the love You have shown me through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Help me to hold firm to this Truth so that my faith will continue to grow. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can discern those who may be living for themselves. Help me to minister to those who need to hear the Gospel message. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Put your faith and trust in Jesus! If you do not know Him personally please read below.

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 life you can receive Jesus Christ right now by faith through prayer. Please click here to learn more. 4 Simple Steps to Jesus.

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

SmartSelect_20191210-062853_Gallery

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

March 14th 2020 – God Is Love!

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 continued to walk 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

SmartSelect_20191210-062853_Gallery

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

March 9th 2020 – Waiting On Prayers To Be Answered

He said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.” (Daniel 10:12)

There is an interesting story in the book of Daniel offers us a unique, behind-the scenes look at what happens when we pray. The Bible tells us that Daniel was praying and that his prayer reached Heaven. God heard Daniel’s prayer and sent an angel with a special message for Daniel. But the angel who was sent from Heaven was held up for twenty one days because he was engaged in spiritual warfare with a powerful demon spirit. As a result, God then sent the archangel. Michael (You might say that Michael is like the “Big Kahuna” among angels.) Michael was sent, who obviously delt with the demon swiftly, and the answer was brought to Daniel. But it took twenty-one days for the answer to get there.

Sometimes when God doesn’t answer our prayers as quickly as we would like Him to, we think that He is not listening or He letting us down. We need to understand that delays aren’t necessarily denials.

When we pray and don’t see an answer as quickly as we would like, it may be a result of circumstances that we can’t see. There might even be a spiritual battle raging behind the scenes. Maybe you’ve been praying for someone to come to know the Lord. Maybe you’ve been asking God to heal you. Perhaps you’ve been asking the Lord for the blessing of husband or wife. Don’t give up. Don’t be discouraged. Keep praying. Jesus tells us to keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking, and the door would be opened. So be persistent. And watch what God will do.

The Lord is good to those who wait hopefully and expectantly for Him, to those who continue to seek Him.” (Lamentations 3:25)

No matter how long it takes, when God works, It’s always worth the wait.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for remaining faithful to me. Help me have hope and expectancy as I wait for Your answers to my prayers. And during the extended times when you are waiting for the perfect moment to answer or just waiting on me to be ready, may I contine to give you my praises and wait with a heart of gratitude because your Grace is more then sufficent for me. I thank you for Leading me and Loving me and Blessing me everyday with life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Click here to watch “While I’m Waiting – John Waller

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.

SmartSelect_20191210-062853_Gallery

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

February 15th 2020 – Be Still and Know that I am God

In loving memory of Francisco F Gonzalez.

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.” (Psalm 46:10-11)

I was laying in bed early this morning thinking about a funeral that I am attending today for a good friend, one that died much to early in life. I thought about how we didn’t make more time to visit this last year as we used to. I thought back on a conversation that we had many years ago following a terrific storm here in Tucson, AZ.  While we were at work the sound of thunder roared outside. The precious, drops of water sprinkled all over.  We discussed about how the rain brought life to all the trees and plants here in the desert. but it was the bursts of continuous thunder that really captured our attention.

The power had went out, and we sat still at our desks, and just listened to God speak. With each burst of noise, it’s as if God was speaking a promise: I am good. I am faithful. I am sovereign. I am love. I am merciful. I am victorious. I am truth. I am comfort. I am constant. I am peace. I am hope. I am with you. I am for you. I am all you need.

All reminders that He is in control and He is near. Sometimes we feel like we don’t hear God. Sometimes we shake our heads in confusion because we don’t understand why He allows certain things to happen, and other things not to happen. Sometimes we get overwhelmed by the weight of our problems. Sometimes we wish God would just show us what’s ahead, or speak loud and clear so we know what direction to go.

In life things happen we often don’t understand. When I heard the news of my friend dying so sudden, so young. I initially questioned God, Why? “Francisco was a good man, he loved you Lord. He always shared Your mesage of love, which he exhibited in his life. He used his God given gifts as a musician to worship at church, he learned and played You in beautiful songs for so many to hear.” Why did this happen?

We often want the answers, but maybe sometimes what we need is the thunder. Maybe what we really need is to just be still and know that He is God. Nothing in this whole wide world will ever shake His Promises. After all, this whole wide world belongs to Him.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You that You speak to us in so many different ways. Today many things will want our attention, but help us to seek moments of stillness with You. Give us hearts of wonder that see You, hear You, and feel You everywhere we go. Thank You that it all points to Your great love for Your creation. May we make the time to visit our friends and family more. Let them know that we sincerely care and love them. I ask for Your peace to comfort and Your power to strengthen us. When we want to go and hide away from everyone because we are afraid or hurt. I ask that You help us to stand. I know that You will guide us to grow through these things. I lift the families that lost loved ones to You for comfort and peace. Lord, I know You will be there to help us through all the storms that happen in our lives and even in the final storm each of us must face.  I love You Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

If you do not know Jesus personally in your life, please consider the love and forgiveness that Jesus offers each and every one of us freely. He has personally changed my life..

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 life you 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:

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 done this, then 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.

Please take a moment to contact me, I would love to pray with you personally for this wonderful new journey you are on. roblavallee@gmail.com

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

SmartSelect_20191210-062853_Gallery

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

February 11th 2020 – Fight The Good Fight Of Faith

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Timothy 6:12)

“Fight the good fight” is a phrase heard and used in many times. You will often hear it used referring to the fight to do what’s right. This is a good understanding of what Paul is speaking of, and yet there is more to it. Paul is not simply asking Timothy to put up a fight for things that are good, he is calling Timothy and all believers to hold firmly to their faith no matter the cost. In short, he is telling believers to not just say you follow Jesus but to actually live it. Paul recognized the confession of those whom he was writing, and yet he is challenging them to actually live out the calling that God has given them.

Today, the same challenge remains. We aren’t called to give lip service to God but to actually serve Him. Were not called to just confess our love for Him but to show it through sharing our faith, loving others and giving to the Lord. All these things are an outpouring of God’s love in our heart.

Today, no matter what you have planned, be ready to be used of God in a mighty way. When it comes, hold tight to the faith and fight the good fight so that all the world will see Jesus in you.

“Eternal life begins by 1st choosing Christ, and then it’s a choice you make daily to surender to His will… it’s a daily choice to do what’s right

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I know that life is difficult and sometimes it can be hard for me to live out the faith that I confess. Please help me to try my very best to do what is right in Your eyes. I ask that You would give me a boldness to share my faith and love others unconditionally. Help me to see opportunities to live out Your love today and every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Seeking Jesus in your life?

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 life you 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:

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 done this, then 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.

Please take a moment to contact me, I would love to pray with you personally for this wonderful new journey you are on. roblavallee@gmail.com

SmartSelect_20191210-062853_Gallery

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

January 25th 2020 – The Body of Christ

“If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body?” (1 Corinthians 12:15-16)

If you’ve been alive for any amount of time, you’ve probably witnessed the strange things people will do to be ‘unique and different’. From hairstyles and color, to clothes and even body art, people want to be noticed for their differences. Because of this attitude that people have, many people will claim that the church leads to nothing but a bunch of the some old thing. Today’s message is to inform you that any church that is living biblically will not be building of uniformity.. God’s house it is not a copying machine.

In fact, God’s Word describes the body of Christ as different people with unique talents and abilities coming together with a single purpose in mind. Just as God created the vast array of flowers that brighten our world, He has created each and every one of us with special gifts that can be used for His glory. What a beautiful picture of unity with diversity. So instead of seeking out differences to hold against each other, let us use our differences in an effort to build God’s Kingdom. As the world looks on and sees us walk in loving unity, they will wonder how, and we can simply say, “Jesus.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the special gifts and abilities You have given to me. Father, I pray that You give the “The Church” a heart of unity. Help us to use our differences for Your Kingdom and not to allow the enemy to cause division. May my heart and mind be set on You and the Gospel. 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.

SmartSelect_20191210-062853_Gallery

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

January 23rd 2020 – We Should Examine Ourselves

“But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:28)

Have you ever met a Christian that believes they have the gift to identify sin in peoples lives or flawed doctrine in churches. I have yet to find it listed in scripture that this is actually a gift. Also I have yet to find the perfect church. The likely cause is that people are inperfect.

Although there are times to lovingly correct a brother or sister or even false teachings within a church, we should not be quick to condemn. Before we begin pointing our finger at someone else’s problems, we need to first examine ourselves.

“Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:5)

In Scripture, Jesus draws an absurd but poignant picture of someone with a giant beam of wood in their eye striving to remove a speck of dust from their friend’s eye. As we sit back and laugh at the imagery, the truth remains. Often, we believe we can ignore the sin in our life all the while condemning those who may be sinning in the same way. This leads to a life of hypocrisy and self deception. Instead, we should examine our own hearts and seek God for forgiveness. As we find freedom from our struggles, we will be fully equipped to care for our friends who need help removing the dust from their eye.

“We should examine ourselves, not others for problems.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your forgiveness and grace. Help me to examine myself every day through Your Word and Your Spirit. Continue to shape me more into the image of Your Son so that I may help others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you would like to request a prayer Click Here.

Interested in knowing Jesus personally? Please click here to learn more about how to ask Jesus into your heart. 4 Simple Steps to Jesus.

SmartSelect_20191210-062853_Gallery

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

January 15th 2020 – When In Doubt

“In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; The heart of the wicked is worth little. The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of wisdom.” (Proverbs 10:19-21)

There is an old saying that heard, “When in doubt, do without.” In the area of words, this can be a great reminder to watch our words carefully and not say something we shouldn’t. When we are faced with a difficult person or situation, it may be best not to talk much at all but instead, take time to think and pray about your response.

Like in the book of Proverbs, the book of James reminds us to be careful with our words. They have the power to encourage and the power to destroy, so choose carefully what you say. In fact, today as you talk to those around you, take a mental evaluation of your words. Are you giving others time to speak? Are you encouraging others with your words, or are you using your words to gossip or tear down. Pray that God would give you wisdom on when to speak. After all, another old adage was right when it said, “If you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all.”

“When in doubt, do without,” is a great reminder when it comes to speech and a idle chatter.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I know there are times that I have spoken out of turn. Forgive me for those moments and give me wisdom on how best to use my words. Allow me to be slow to speak and quick to listen. Use my words to bring others closer to 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.

SmartSelect_20191210-062853_Gallery

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

January 13th 2020 – Strong Enough

“That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10)

Did you know that God uses the plans of the enemy for our good? God also can use the bad things, even the plans of the enemy for our blessings. Trials are used to bless us. You may ask, “How can this be?” After all, in the midst of pain, hardship and weakness, nothing seems right. That may be the case, but if we are in Christ, we can say exactly what Paul said, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Paul is saying, “In me, I am weak, yet in the Lord, I am strong.” Not just strong but, we are God strong. We think the most blessed person has it made. I can tell you this, no one has it made. Sometimes the most blessed person is the one who has been smacked the most by the enemy, but came out blessed because he has learned to lean on God. When we lean on God, we have unlimited power and authority to help us. In ourselves, we will never overcome anything. But in the power of Christ, we can overcome everything!

“When we think we can handle a situation, sometimes we are wrong. When we think the Lord can handle a situation or help us handle it, we are never wrong.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come to You today admitting that I am unable to handle everything in my life. I confess that I am weak and come asking for your unlimited strength. I know the road may be hard, but I also understand that with You all things are possible. Overcome my weakness with Your power. I don’t simply want to be strong; I desire to be God strong. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Music Video “Strong Enough” – Matthew West

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.

SmartSelect_20191210-062853_Gallery

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

January 11th 2020 – Strengh in our Storms

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us–they help us learn to endure. Endurance then develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation.” (Romans 5:3-5)

Life is filled with storms of one kind or another. In the midst of those storms, we tend to respond as if God has somehow been caught off guard. The storm makes no sense. We can’t explain why terminal illness strikes Godly people. We all face them..The anguish of a broken marriage or the overwhelming heartbreak of a prodigal child drives us to doubt God’s purpose, plan and provision. The fear of financial ruin paralyzes us. God understands.

The Bible is filled with men and women who were storm survivors – people of God who endured great pain and weathered intense life storms because they chose to follow Him. The Apostle Paul, known for persecuting and murdering Christians, was forever changed when he met Jesus Christ. While God gave him a life of great power and eternal impact, it was also a life filled with great storms. Paul learned to “patiently” endure the troubles, hardships and calamities that came his way.

Because grain was a precious food source to the Romans, threshing grain was a natural part of every day in ancient Rome. In pictures of early Rome, one man is always seen stirring up the sheaves while another rides over them in a crude cart equipped with rollers instead of wheels. Sharp stones and rough bits of iron were attached to these wheels to help separate the husks from the grain. This simple cart was called a “tribulum” from which we get our word “tribulation.”

No Roman ever used his tribulum as a tool of destruction – only refinement. God uses our trials and storms as tools of refinement to build in us endurance. The word “endure” comes from two Greek words that when combined, give the meaning “to remain under.” It is the capacity to stay under the load, to remain in the circumstances without running away or looking for the easy way out.

The purpose of every storm is to purify and cultivate endurance. Like Paul, we may sometimes feel as if we are being torn to pieces under the pressure of circumstances. But his challenge to the Romans compels us to re-examine our perspective and response to each storm we face.

Endurance is never passive. It is the picture of a soldier staying in the heat of the battle under terrible opposition but still pressing forward to gain the victory.

There are few things that we can count on in this unpredictable life – but we can count on storms to come. We can also count on God’s continual and unfailing strength for those storms. When the hard times come and when bad things happen, we do not have to wonder where God is. Instead we can hold on to the promise that is found in (Jeremiah 16:19), “Lord, you are my strength, and my protection. You are a safe place for me to run in times of trouble.”

Sometimes, like Paul, you can see neither sun nor stars, and no small tempest lies on you. Reason cannot help you. Past experiences give you no light. Only a single course is left. You must stay upon the Lord; and face the storms of life.

No matter what storm rages in your life today – no matter how fierce the winds or how high the waves may be – where you are is no surprise to God. Heaven is not in a panic. Keep your gaze on Him and your glance on the raging waters. “Lash yourself” to Him, and He will supply everything you need to stand firm in the storm.

“Life’s roughest storms prove the strength of our anchor!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, It gets so hard trying to weather the storms of life on our own. I need Your power and strength to face each one. Please teach me to turn to You first. Help me learn to patiently endure the hard times and honor You in the midst of them as I walk by faith. I lift up my mom and faithfully trust in You Lord that you will guide us through the storms and calm the raging seas. In Jesus name, Amen.

Facing the raging storms of life without Jesus will get overwhelming. If you do not know Him 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. Jesus loves us and wants to help us through the storms. 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 and we will pray for you..

SmartSelect_20191210-062853_Gallery

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org