Tag Archives: Forgiveness and Grace

March 15th 2020 – Forgiven in Christ Our Lord

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“Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God” (Romans 15:15)

Satan loves to remind us of our past sins and failures. He finds great pleasure in bringing up things that God has long forgiven us of.

Revelation chapter 12:10 refers to Satan as the “accuser of our brethren.” That’s what he does, but not because he’s really got anything on us. If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the Bible tells us that your sins have been separated from you as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). So, what does it profit the enemy to bring up what you’ve been forgiven of? He wants to distract you from following Jesus. If he can get you to listen to his accusations, maybe he can shame you into believing that you’ve crossed some line of forgiveness that doesn’t exist. That is his game and he is betting that he can pull you into it. Remember the words in 1st John

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Has Satan distracted you from following Jesus? Don’t believe his lies, and friend, in love, you need to quit listening to your enemy. You have got a great future ahead of you. Satan, on the other hand… well… his future is not so good because he will be thrown into the lake of fire. He will be destroyed. He knows it. So, the next time the enemy tries to remind you of your past, remind him of his future.

“We often forget what we should remember and remember what we should forget.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for sending Your only Son, Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. Thank You for the promise that one day, You will wipe the tears from my eyes and there will be no more death, sorrow or crying. Thank You that I can have peace through Jesus, no matter what trial or difficulties I am experiencing. Please forgive me for the times when I have surrendered my peace to a situation or problem and help me to live for You every day. I rejoice in knowing the future that lies ahead of me is so much better than the past that is behind me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you would like to know more about accepting Jesus in your life, Click Here to read “Four Simple Steps” to asking Jesus into your life.

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

November 23rd 2019 – In God’s Perfect Time

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“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 15th 2019 – We Need To Forgive

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“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32)

Without even knowing you, I know this about you: You have been hurt in life. You have had unkind things said to you. You have had people do mean things to you. There have been times in your life where you’ve been treated unfairly.

When you’ve been hurt or betrayed, do you find it difficult to forgive? Many people do. In fact, forgiveness is an issue that both Christians and non-Christians struggle with mostly because it is often misunderstood.

Many times, we struggle with forgiving someone because it feels like we’re agreeing with or condoning the hurtful behavior. Other times we may genuinely want to forgive someone but we just can’t seem to get past our anger and our resentment. And there are still other times when we think we’ve forgiven someone, only to feel the familiar stab of anger resurfacing at a later time. So, what do you then?

Some people like to tell themselves that there is no need to forgive those who have wronged them because they don’t deserve forgiveness. But they have to ask themselves whether they deserve forgiveness themselves. “Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive.” C. S. Lewis.

Here is what the Bible has to say about forgiving those who have wronged us:

And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30)

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:30–32)

God’s command to forgive should be enough. But let me offer another reason why we should learn to be forgiving: it could actually extend our lives. Recent published studies have suggested that those who do not forgive are more likely to experience high blood pressure, depression, and problems with anger, stress, and anxiety.

Published in an article from Hope University Medical journal by Dr. Charlotte Witvliet, “If you are willing to exert the effort it takes to be forgiving, there are benefits both emotionally and physically.”

People who have been studying the medical benefits of forgiveness have come to the same conclusion that the Bible came to long ago: it is a good thing to forgive others.

You have the power to forgive just as you have been forgiven. Each of us has sinned many more times against God than others have against us. Since we have been forgiven of so much, we should in turn forgive. Forgiving or not forgiving others is an act of your own will. It’s your choice. But to forgive others is imitating Christ. Jesus did it, Stephen did it, and you can do it.

“Do not carry the baggage of unforgivness ”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for forgiving me of so much. I ask You now to help me forgive others. When bad and painful memories come to me, I ask that I would again be reminded to forgive those who have wronged me. I need Your help to do this because sometimes I don’t feel like forgiving. Thank You for setting me free from carrying this baggage and guilt around. Thank You. In the name of Jesus, 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

September 12th 2019 – Forgiveness

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“Jacob looked up and there was Esau, coming with his four hundred men; so he divided the children among Leah, Rachel and the two female servants. He put the female servants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph in the rear. He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.” (Genesis 33:1-4)

When reading this passage, one might think, “That is so nice. The brothers are excited to see each other.” But the truth about the entire matter is that Jacob betrayed Esau in a mighty way. Jacob took everything from Esau – his birthright and his blessing. And after that betrayal, Jacob hit the road and never looked back.

Have you ever wondered what thought processes Esau went through to get to this place of forgiveness? The Bible doesn’t mention how Esau forgave Jacob for his betrayal. We just know he did. We know he did because the first time Esau saw Jacob, he ran for him and embraced him. Esau was able to forgive him and not kill him like we thought he would.

Esau forgave Jacob, ran to him and embraced him before Jacob could even say, “I am so sorry for what I did to you.

Why can’t we do this? Why do we hold onto hurt?

Spend some time today with the Father and ask Him to reveal to you anything that keeps you from offering forgiveness to another.

“Do not carry baggage from people who have wronged you.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank you for all that you have done to prepare me for this season of life. As you know, I have also been in Jacobs shoes, ashamed because of something I have said or did to someone. Our natural human reaction is often to turn and head in the other direction instead of facing the person we have wronged. I am greatful for your unconditional love. I thank you for the presence of your Holy Spirit in my life to encourage me to do what is righteous in your name. I pray that you continue to not only work in my life but continue to work on the hearts of my adversaries. I love you Lord, 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 2018 – In God’s Perfect Time

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“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…

(2 Peter 3:9) “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.”

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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

June 19th 2018 – Forgiveness and Grace

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“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” (Ephesians 6:10)

In Ephesians 5:22-6:9 God’s word gives us instruction on marriage, family, and work relationships. Every relationship that you have in your life, good or bad, involves imperfect people. Each time God tells us to to submit to another He asks us to trust Him even though they are not perfect. Jesus asks for us to continue in His forgiveness.

(Matthew 18:21-22)
“Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”

You see, it’s when we are in the heat of the battle in these relationships that God offers us, by faith, to believe and trust in His glorious promises of forgiveness and grace to heal us and our relationships. Faith sees the possibilities, along with a fresh vision, that gives us hope and courage. If we look at those points of contention with contempt or unforgiveness, focusing on the temporary, worry and fear set in. It’s important to remember, as we put our trust in the Lord in dealing with our relationships, that our focus should always be based on the promises of God with an eternal perspective in a temporary world.

“Relationships that are broken, can be healed.”

“As God offers us Forgiveness and Grace we Should Also”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, please help me apply your Word through your Spirit in all the relationships I’m in. Help me not get caught up in the temporary perspective but focus on the eternal instead. Thank You for forgiving me. I ask You now to help me forgive others. When bad and painful memories come to me, I ask that I would again be reminded to forgive those who have wronged me. I need Your help to do this because sometimes I don’t feel like forgiving. Thank You for setting me free from carrying this baggage and guilt around.  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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

March 28th 2018 – We Need to Forgive

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“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32)

Without even knowing you, I know this about you: You have been hurt in life. You have had unkind things said to you. You have had people do mean things to you. There have been times in your life where you’ve been treated unfairly.

When you’ve been hurt or betrayed, do you find it difficult to forgive? Many people do. In fact, forgiveness is an issue that both Christians and non-Christians struggle with mostly because it is often misunderstood.

Many times, we struggle with forgiving someone because it feels like we’re agreeing with or condoning the hurtful behavior. Other times we may genuinely want to forgive someone but we just can’t seem to get past our anger and our resentment. And there are still other times when we think we’ve forgiven someone, only to feel the familiar stab of anger resurfacing at a later time. So, what do you then?

Some people like to tell themselves that there is no need to forgive those who have wronged them because they don’t deserve forgiveness. But they have to ask themselves whether they deserve forgiveness themselves. “Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive.” C. S. Lewis.

Here is what the Bible has to say about forgiving those who have wronged us:

And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:30–32)

God’s command to forgive should be enough. But let me offer another reason why we should learn to be forgiving: it could actually extend our lives. Recent published studies have suggested that those who do not forgive are more likely to experience high blood pressure, depression, and problems with anger, stress, and anxiety.

Published in an article from Hope University Medical journal by Dr. Charlotte Witvliet, “If you are willing to exert the effort it takes to be forgiving, there are benefits both emotionally and physically.”

People who have been studying the medical benefits of forgiveness have come to the same conclusion that the Bible came to long ago: it is a good thing to forgive others.

You have the power to forgive just as you have been forgiven. Each of us has sinned many more times against God than others have against us. Since we have been forgiven of so much, we should in turn forgive. Forgiving or not forgiving others is an act of your own will. It’s your choice. But to forgive others is imitating Christ. Jesus did it, Stephen did it, and you can do it.

“Do not carry the baggage of unforgivness ”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for forgiving me of so much. I ask You now to help me forgive others. When bad and painful memories come to me, I ask that I would again be reminded to forgive those who have wronged me. I need Your help to do this because sometimes I don’t feel like forgiving. Thank You for setting me free from carrying this baggage and guilt around. Thank You. In the name of Jesus, 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

 

 

February 15th 2018 – Forgiven in Christ

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“Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God” (Romans 15:15)

Satan loves to remind us of our past sins and failures. He finds great pleasure in bringing up things that God has long forgiven us of.

(Revelation 12:10) refers to Satan as the “accuser of our brethren.” That’s what he does, but not because he’s really got anything on us. If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the Bible tells us that your sins have been separated from you as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). So, what does it profit the enemy to bring up what you’ve been forgiven of? He wants to distract you from following Jesus. If he can get you to listen to his accusations, maybe he can shame you into believing that you’ve crossed some line of forgiveness that doesn’t exist. That is his game and he is betting that he can pull you into it. Remember the words in 1st John

(1 John 1:9) “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Has Satan distracted you from following Jesus? Don’t believe his lies, and friend, in love, you need to quit listening to your enemy. You have got a great future ahead of you. Satan, on the other hand… well… his future is not so good because he will be thrown into the lake of fire. He will be destroyed. He knows it. So, the next time the enemy tries to remind you of your past, remind him of his future.

“We often forget what we should remember and remember what we should forget.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for sending Your only Son, Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. Thank You for the promise that one day, You will wipe the tears from my eyes and there will be no more death, sorrow or crying. Thank You that I can have peace through Jesus, no matter what trial or difficulties I am experiencing. Please forgive me for the times when I have surrendered my peace to a situation or problem and help me to live for You every day. I rejoice in knowing the future that lies ahead of me is so much better than the past that is behind me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you would like to know more about accepting Jesus in your life, Click Here to read “Four Simple Steps” to asking Jesus into your life.

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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

June 29th 2017 – In Perfect Time

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“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…

(2 Peter 3:9) “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.”

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.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

May 29th 2017 – The Power of Forgiveness

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“And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:59-60)

Jesus gives so many wonderful things to those who follow Him. Some of them are obvious and some are not so obvious. Forgiveness is an obvious and incredible benefit to a relationship with Jesus. Our ability to forgive others is a benefit that might not be so obvious. Matthew, before following Jesus, was a tax collector. In his book, Matthew recorded a pertinent parable from Jesus. In this story, a certain man owed a king a great deal of money. The king was moved by compassion for this man and forgave him of all his debts. Ironically, this forgiven man was also owed money by another. Instead of offering compassion as the king had toward him, he had the man thrown into prison. When the king found out… well here is what happened.

(Matt 18:32-34) “Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?”

You have the power to forgive just as you have been forgiven. Each of us has sinned many more times against God than others have against us. Since we have been forgiven of so much, we should in turn forgive. Forgiving or not forgiving others is an act of your own will. It’s your choice. But to forgive others is imitating Christ. Jesus did it, Stephen did it, and you can do it.

“Do not carry baggage from people who have wronged you.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for forgiving me of so much. I ask You now to help me forgive others. When bad and painful memories come to me, I ask that I would again be reminded to forgive those who have wronged me. I need Your help to do this because sometimes I don’t feel like forgiving. Thank You for setting me free from carrying this baggage and guilt around. Thank You. In the name of Jesus, 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