Tag Archives: Christian devotions

December 23rd 2019 – Pathway of Life

“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.

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

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.

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 here4 Simple Steps to Jesus

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

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 22nd 2019 – The Secret of Encouragement

“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,  “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:

Heavenly Father, 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. Thank you for encouraging me when I tend to want to give up or figure things out in my own reasoning. Help me to remain obedient, faithful, and filled with Your Spirit to lead, guide and direct me in all things.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

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

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 10th 2019 – Our Mission

“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.” (Romans 2:1)

In Romans chapter one, we learn about the unrighteousness of man. In chapter two, Paul addresses our self-righteousness; our desire to consider ourselves better than everybody else. Nobody wants to be called self-righteous, yet we are so quick to judge others.  Always be aware of your own weakness and sinfulness. If you think that once you became a Christian you stopped sinning, you should check out the passage below:

“If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.” (1 John 1:8-10)

Judge yourself. If you look long at the sins of others and not enough at your own sins, you will develop spiritual pride, which is a stench to God. Have you ever looked at someone and thought there is no hope for them? Well then, you are making the statement that the mercy of God is limited. You are pridefully saying that your sins are covered, but another’s are not. Every person, whether we deem them good people or not, needs God’s saving power and grace. Stop and think… How much have you been forgiven? Does this mean we cannot speak into other’s lives? Absolutely we can and should, but not in condemnation. Just as God has heaped His grace so abundantly on you, in discernment you can speak into someone’s life from your experiences with an attitude of love, peppered with grace. You cannot condemn someone and offer hope at the same time. The moment we start to condemn people is the moment we forget our mission. What is our mission? Our mission is to tell people about Jesus.

“Seeing the evil in others does not root out the evil in you.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for forgiving me of my sins. I am so grateful for Your grace. Please forgive me for times when I, in my own pride, looked at someone else and condemned them in my mind. Please give me opportunities to tell people about Jesus. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have you ever received Jesus as you Lord and Savior? 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

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 7th 2019 – God Answers Prayers

“For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you.” (Romans 1:9-10)

God always hears and answers the prayers of His children. He may not answer them in the way we want Him to, but God does answer. His answer may sometimes be ‘no’. But even so, praise Him. God knows our needs much better than we do. Too often when we pray, it is like we are writing up a contract that we ask God to sign.

“Alright God, just need your signature right there and we’re done. I’ve got it mapped and planned out. No reason for You to get involved in the ‘hows’ or the ‘whys’. Just sign and we’re all done.”

Sound familiar? Instead, we should pray for great things with a willing heart seeking to be obedient to God’s will. We should give thanks in all circumstances and say…

“Lord, thank You for loving me. What is Your will in my situation? You know my needs and my desires, but I want Your will to be done in Your own way. Use me however You want to Lord.”

Do you have a willing heart?

“God answers prayer in His own timing and in His own way.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You that Your will for me is good. Thank You for Your grace and mercy. Lord, You know my needs and wants. You know my troubles and fears. I want Your will to be done in my life in Your own way. Use me however you want to. I pray this 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.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 1st 2019 – Finding Hope In The Midst of Pain and Suffering

“This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”(Lamentations 3:21-23)

Lamentations is a difficult book because of the images of suffering that fill its pages. Yet, in the very middle of Jeremiah’s words of pain and suffering are words of hope. In fact, it is as if the prophet simply turns a corner in his mind and begins thinking of God’s character and nature rather than his circumstances. It’s at that moment where we read these words, “Therefore, I have hope.”

In a broken world, hope can be hard to come by. Each day, we are face to face with tragedy, sickness and death, but it is within this reality of pain that God brings hope. This hope is not founded on our situation or ability; our hope is founded on God. How can we have hope in God? Because He is all powerful, all knowing, never-changing, and He loves us. This means that no matter the pain, God is there. No matter the difficulty, God is guiding us and using that difficulty for our good. If you find yourself in the middle of hard times, do not fear, because the maker of heaven and earth is with you. Draw close to Him, and He will help you to live in hope, not fear.

“In life, we should think more about how great God is and less about how great our troubles are.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I love You and give You praises for still being here and loving us in such a time like this. The world is ungreatful and broken.. I know that I can often lose sight of Your love while I’m in the middle of hard times. Help me to be mindful of Your love, mercy, compassion and strength so that I can endure and even rejoice in my pain. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I may live in hope. 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.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 23rd 2019 – In God’s Perfect Time

“Then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment,” (2 Peter 2:9)

Too much of the world, it seems, has always been in a battle of good and evil. We see people do evil deeds and desire to see justice done. Sometimes, we can even get impatient waiting for justice. After all, wouldn’t it be best for God to get rid of all the evil people in the world? Surely, if he did, then none of us would be here. The reality is that God’s grace is on us all. He is perfect in his justice and will punish those who do evil. However, He is also full of mercy and desires that none should perish. Peter puts it this way…

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

One day, God will return to punish evil, but until then, He is giving evil people time to turn to Him for forgiveness and grace. Because of His patience, men like the apostle Paul went from being a hater of Jesus and His followers to being the greatest missionary to walk the planet. That same change is happening all over our world as people’s hearts are changed by the Gospel.

“God is patient in judgment. He will punish or reward at the perfect time.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your grace and for being so patient with me. Father, help me to walk in that grace and to share Your love and mercy with others. In this world of pain, help me to trust in You even when I may not understand all that is happening around me. 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.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

November 5th 2019 – Battle Wounds

“Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!” But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying:” (Acts 11:1-4)

Christians love to discuss their differences and compare their battle wounds. While I do think some things need to be discussed, I think we spend way too much time and energy on these discussions. There is so much to do for the Kingdom that we can’t afford to waste this time. At the end of this brief season we call life, God will not ask how many arguments we have won, but rather how many souls we have won.

Believers accomplish little when arguing with one another. Instead let’s focus on loving each other as we are commanded, otherwise we are distracted by other issues and possibly giving a bad witness. Let’s not over emphasize our differences but join together and serve side by side. Let’s be careful not to continually compare battle wounds and scars, all we are doing is reminding each other about the pain and suffering we endured. Instead, let’s serve God alongside one another. (John 13:35) reads, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

“I am blessed to be surrounded by people I love. I thank you Lord for their patience and grace.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Help me to love the people You have placed around me in life. Help me not to get caught up and enter into strife with brothers and sisters. While there are some things worthy of argument, there are many things that are not. Lord, please give me the wisdom to know the difference. Please forgive me for any pain I caused, look after my friend and heal any broken hearts. 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.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 2nd 2019 – Why Would God Choose Us (Part 4 of 5)

“Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things–and the things that are not–to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God–that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)

I love the way this verse speaks of US. Yes, not many of us had everything going for us, but God still chose us for this great salvation.  As we continue to read the Word of God we find some that maybe had it, then lost it, and then got it back. I think of Joseph, Here’s a young man that is living a good life, enjoying the blessing of being his father’s favorite.  Yet this put him at odds with his brothers.

Many of you know his story but here is a quick synopsis of it.  He is the son of Jacob, born from the wife that Jacob truly loved.  At this point, He is their firstborn son and Jacob distinguishes Joseph by giving him a special multi-colored coat.  His brothers get jealous and sell him into slavery.  From there he is working for Potiphar and receives favor from God.

He is lifted up as a slave, and then Potiphar’s wife (Potiphar – Is captain of the palace guard) gets eyes for him, and when Joseph says no, she cries rape.  So he gets thrown into prison, but God is still with Him. Then Pharaoh has a dream and Joseph interprets it and gets lifted to the place of second in all of Egypt.

So, as we can see today, if we stay faithful to God, no matter who lets us down, even our family, God has His eyes on us and will get us out of the pit and lift us to a high place. No matter who hurt you, forgive them, and let God take you to the place that He has prepared for you.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Today, I forgive those who have hurt me and I thank you Father, for taking me to a higher place, a good place of blessings in you. Give me the faith to trust in those promises regardless of what I am feeling or what I see in the world around me. I believe with my whole heart that You are God, that Jesus is my Savior and that He will return very soon. Give me the power to share this message of hope with all those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, Don’t wait! In a flash of a second it could be too late!” 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..

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

October 27th 2019 – Church, Hospital For Sinners or Museum for Saints

“And to the sons of Aaron they gave one of the cities of refuge, Hebron; also Libnah with its common-lands, Jattir, Eshtemoa with its common-lands, Hilen with its common-lands, Debir with its common-lands, Ashan with its common-lands, and Beth Shemesh with its common-lands. And from the tribe of Benjamin: Geba with its common-lands, Alemeth with its common-lands, and Anathoth with its common-lands. All their cities among their families were thirteen.” (1 Chronicles 6:57-60)

I was recently discussing with an acquaintance about how aweful it has become to receive the proper healthcare since the creation of the affordable healthcare act. I explaind that I was personally speaking from experience after having to deal with health related problems myself the last few years. I was basically verbally attacked by this guy, he attacked my character, my faith, he absolutely lost his mind. All of this for sharing my personal experience.

I have a strong beleive system and alot of faith. I love the Lord Jesus Christ, and I love our Country. But I am also still a sinner, I am still dealing with many thorns in my side. This was one of these moments where my flesh and my faith met at a crossroad. I had to walk away from my conversation with this guy because if I had stayed there, he may have had to seek medical attention himself.

In my quiet time this morning repenting for my actions the Lord corrected my heart.

Jesus equated hating someone with murder because murder is what lurks in the heart of all who hate. Jesus also equated lust with adultery because adultery is what lurks in the heart of all who lust. It is a heart issue. Without physically committing murder, we have still done so because it is in our heart. Sin has many tentacles and it will find its way into all the cracks we leave open in our lives. Who can say they have never hated? Who can say they have never lusted, lied or stolen? We all need a refuge.

The church is a hospital for sinners and not a museum for saints. The perfect church does not exist because all churches are made up of people and all people have sinned (Romans 3:10, 23).

The church is a refuge where murderers, adulterers, liars and idolaters come to the One who can forgive our sins, Jesus. When the church puts on an air of righteousness and unobtainable holiness, we cease to be a refuge and become a museum instead.

“So God has given us both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can take new courage, for we can hold on to his promise with confidence.” (Hebrews 6:18)

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for providing Your Son as a refuge for my sins. Lord, I need You. Through You, I can lay down the chains of my past and lay hold of the hope You have set before me. Help me to be strength to others. Give me the ability to use my gifts and talents to draw 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.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

October 16th 2019 – Cast Your Burden on the Lord

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” (Psalm 55:22)

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

Ever go through a day or a week when you’re discouraged and it seems like nothing’s going right? Well, be of good cheer, you’re not the only one.  When we look through the Bible we see many of the great people of faith having times of discouragement.

Moses had it right to the top of his head with the children of Israel, yet he got through it.  Elijah, after his great victory on Mount Carmel, had to fight a great bout of depression when Jezebel said that she wanted to take his life.  He said (1 Kings 19:4)”… And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my father’s!”

Here is this great man of God, who just had this great victory over the prophets of Baal, and one lady, Jezebel, so intimidates him that he wants to die.

And it can be the same with us, we forget what the Lord did yesterday and we look at today and see this problem or this situation and we get discouraged.  But this verse tells us to “Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”

God will sustain us as we make a decision to give it over to Him.  So today, try it.  Give it to God.  His shoulders are a lot bigger than yours and He is a loving and caring Father.  Trust Him and He will see you through.  Remember, He did it in the past and He will do it today and in the future.

Prayer:

Heavenly  Father, I put my trust in You Lord and I know that today, You will get me through what I’m going through.  Your living word has told me to cast my cares on You Lord and that’s what I’m going to do, trust and obey. Thank you for always being there for me. I love and Praise You. In Jesus’ holy and precious 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.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org