Tag Archives: General Devotions

September 19th 2015 – IN THE BEGINNING!

2015-09-19-04-30-56-999197751

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)

What an amazing statement.  In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  It doesn’t say I hope God did.  It sure doesn’t show God trying to prove that He did.  It just says, He did it.  One thing is sure, and that is, that God is sure of Himself.  We need to just believe it His way, and everything works out.

When you think about what this verse has in it, that God, with His Word created everything that we can see, and the things that we cannot see. He made the stars, the planets, the moons that circle the planets.  He made every living thing, from human to animals to angelic.  He made it all.

God, our heavenly Father is truly amazing, and one day we will share in this wonder of His.  It says in 1 Corinthians 2:9  But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Now that should get your hope and expectation going.  God has given us little glimpses of heaven and the new earth, things like streets of gold, no pain or sickness, the lion laying with the lamb.  One day it will all happen and we will live before Him and with Him.  One day we will see our Jesus.  

I don’t know about you, but I want to be able to hear Him say, “Well done you good and faithful one”.  Yeah, that’s going to be heaven right there.  So go ahead, look at all God has created because He created it for you and for me.

My Heavenly Father, You made all of this world for us to live in and enjoy.  You gave us dominion to live a life of abundant blessing. Today, I choose that life over the life of sin and death. I thank you for saving me from destruction and death and restoring my life that i would have a new beginning. I love you Lord. Amen.

looking for a new beginning? Click Here! Ask Jesus into you life. You will have a new beginning. It was the greatest decision I ever made. Before Jesus rescued me I was broken and literally dying.  I invite you to keep coming back and seeking the Jesus. It will change your life.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

September 13th 2015 – Eternal Confidence in Jesus Christ!

data-security1

“Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8)

We live in a world where some people find hope, but few things are certain. People change. Circumstances change. There is always the question of what lies ahead tomorrow and thereafter. This uncertainty often causes us angst. There are so few things we can rely on confidently.

But one thing we can count on as Christians is eternity with Jesus. Yes, we can be “fully confident,” as Paul says, that when we are absent from our earthly bodies we will be at home with the Lord forever.

The saved can count on this with absolute certainty. But being saved is more than belonging to a church or having head knowledge about the Bible and the Christian faith. It comes from a personal relationship with Jesus.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Salvation comes when we confess our sins and invite Jesus to be our Lord and Savior and live within us through the work of the Holy Spirit. “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” (John 5:24)

Today, as someone who is saved, you can have full confidence that what awaits you in heaven is far better than anything this earth has to offer.

Lord, thank You for the invitation to live with You forever. I confess my sins and surrender my heart and life to You again. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and impart to me assurance of salvation. Amen.

What is Salvation? How do I obtain it?

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

September 12th 2015 – Thanksgiving and (Holy Spirit) Prayers (Part 3)

images-203

“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”(Colossians 1:9-17)

This is another Holy Spirit prayer that can be prayed for yourself or someone else. 

Again, we see that the Apostle Paul is praying that they might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.  God wants us to know His will.  His will is His Word.  When we take time to read the Word of God, the Bible, and to read good books by strong men and women of God, we get an understanding of the mind of God.

Then, as we pray prayers like this, it opens us up to receive from the Word that we’ve read.  There are some times when I read the Word and don’t get much out of it.  Then there are times that I read the Bible and I say, “Wow! Was that always in there?”  Sometimes this happens as I listen to teachings from men and women of God.

God has set people in the church to help us learn and to help us get an understanding of the Word.  However, we cannot just lean on them.  We have to take time to read the Word for ourselves as well, and ask Him to give us the understanding that we need.

So today, start praying these Holy Spirit prayers that we looked at the last three days, over yourself and others, and see what happens.  See yourself coming into a new place in God.  See yourself seeing things from the Word that you never saw before.  Remember, it all starts with a prayer and the Holy Spirit has placed these powerful prayers in the scriptures for you and for me.

Prayer

Today, I pray this Holy Spirit anointed prayer for _______________.

Heavenly Father, thank you for opening their eyes as I pray this prayer.  Thank you that they will see what is available to them in the kingdom of God. Thank you for being so incredibly passionate about us Lord. Thank you for not only your continous pursuit of me but also of ___________. I acknowledge that You, and only You are my one true God. I will never forget your sacrifice on the cross,  it is why I get to live this life I have today. I submit my life to You.  In Your precious name,  Amen.

How to ask Jesus into your Life.. Click Here!

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

September 11th 2015 – Thanksgiving and (Holy Spirit) Prayers (Part 2)

images-140

“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”  (Ephesians 3:14-21)

Here is the second of these Holy Spirit inspired prayers that the Apostle Paul gave us.  This is again one that we can pray for ourselves and for others.  As we pray this prayer, watch and see the Holy Spirit do a work within us and others.

In this prayer Paul is praying for a strengthening with God’s might in our spirit.  I don’t know about you but when my spirit man is strong my entire being is full of strength.  Paul continues on to ask that Christ might dwell in our hearts by faith and that we would get a full comprehension of the love of Christ, that we would understand the very depth of it, that we would understand how high it is and how deep it is.

If we, or anyone, would ever get a full understanding of the love and grace of God it would make a total and radical change within us.  There is so much more in this prayer.  These are just a couple thoughts but go ahead and pray this prayer each day for yourself and others.

Prayer

Today, I pray for _______________, and I am going to pray this Holy Spirit anointed prayer over them.  Father, thank You for opening their eyes as I pray this prayer, that they will see what is available to them in the kingdom of God. I thank You and praise you for all that you do in my life Lord. In Jesus precious name. Amen 

If you have not asked Jesus into your heart. please click here..

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

September 7th 2015 – Planting Seeds, Waiting for the Harvest

images-109

“And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head.” (Mark 4:26-28)

Jesus, in this passage of scripture, gives us the way everything in life and the kingdom works.  You don’t wake up one day after you planted a seed and expect to see a full grown plant.  No, you plant the seed and you see a little growth each day. 

In the kingdom of God it works the same way.  You plant seeds of giving and as you work the seed you see a harvest.  You plant seeds of friendship and after a while you see the harvest.  You take God’s Word and plant seeds of joy, or peace, or love, and after a while you see it come back to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.  Each seed comes in its different growth pattern.  I believe this is where many believers miss it.  We have this instant mentality.  We think, I planted that yesterday so I should have a harvest today.

No, just like a regular seed, you’ve got to let it grow. Go ahead plant things and then keep watering them. Make sure they get good sunshine and give them the proper period of time that the seed needs and it will grow and bring forth a great harvest.

I have seen this over and over.  People have someone lay hands on them and when they don’t see instant results they get discouraged and let the seed die.  No! Hold onto that seed and let it sprout and grow.  It’s got to become a blade first, then the head, and then after that the full grown results of your seed.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, please help us take hold of the seed and plant it in our hearts today.  May we not let it go until we see a full harvest. Forgive us for the times before that we gave up, that we judged and for times we did nothing at all.. Lord God, thank you for all that you do in our lives, most of all for your sacrifice. We love you Jesus. Amen

Don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus? Click Here!

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

September 6th 2015 – Are any sins too big to be forgiven by God?

images-185

“He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2)

Many people make the mistake of believing that God forgives “little” sins such as lying, anger, and impure thoughts, but does not forgive “big” sins such as murder and adultery. This is not true. There is no sin too big that God cannot forgive it. When Jesus died on the cross, He died to pay the penalty for all of the sins of the entire world. When a person places his faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, all of his sins are forgiven. That includes past, present, and future, big or small. Jesus died to pay the penalty for all of our sins, and once they are forgiven, they are all forgiven.

“In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Everyone has sinned” (Colossians 1:14)

“All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.” (Acts 10:43)

We are all guilty of sin (Romans 3:23) and deserve eternal punishment (Romans 6:23). Jesus died for us, to pay our penalty (Romans 5:8). Anyone who believes in Jesus Christ for salvation is forgiven, no matter what sins he has committed (Romans 6:23; John 3:16). Now, a murderer or adulterer will likely still face serious consequences such as (legal, relational, etc.) for his evil actions – more so than someone who was “just” a liar. But a murderer’s or adulterer’s sins are completely and permanently forgiven the moment he believes and places his faith in Christ.

Everyone can be saved through Jesus

It is not the size of the sin that is the determining factor here; it is the size of the atoning sacrifice of Christ. If the shed blood of the sinless Lamb of God is sufficient to cover all the sins of all the millions of people who would ever believe in Him, then there can be no limit to the size or types of sins covered. When He said, “It is finished,” sin was made an end of, full atonement and satisfaction for it were given, complete pardon was obtained, peace was made, and redemption from all sin was achieved. It was sure and certain and complete; nothing needs to be, or could be, added to it. Further, it was done entirely without the help of man, and cannot be undone.

What happens when we repent?  (Asking for forgiveness before God)

“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)

God loves us more deeply than I think we’ll ever know, but He hates our sin with a passion. That’s why He sent Jesus to die for us, so that our sin could be removed. Sin forms a wall between man and God, even in a believer’s life. The Blood of Jesus is the only thing capable of removing such a wall. When we repent (confess and forsake our sin), it opens the flood-gates to receive our heavenly Father’s rich blessings and goodness in our lives!

If today’s message applies to you, please seek Jesus in prayer and and ask for forgiveness. If you do not know Jesus personally and are at this website, please know that it is by no mistake. Please consider praying the prayer with me below.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

If you prayed this prayer, Please click here and scroll to the bottom and let us know. If you would like to be contacted, please select yes and I will personally contact you and discuss the next step. Congratulations and welcome to Gods family.. I am so proud and happy that you made this life changing decision. Your life truly will never be the same…  🙂

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

September 5th 2015 – Hearing the Voice of God

2015-09-05-00-58-50--399445921

“Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21)

The sweetest sound in the entire world is the sound of our Father’s voice.  When God our Father spoke in days passed things happened, the world and the universe were created.  All of life that crawls on the earth, under the earth, in the sky, and in the water was created by His Word.

(Hebrews 11:3)  says that “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” 

What an amazing statement that the Creator made all that is visible by a Word.  The reason I bring this out is that He who has all this power in His voice, in His Words, speaks to us.  He wants to speak with us.  He wants to share His heart and help and guide us each and every day of our lives.  What assurance we have of our loving Father directing and guiding us as we listen to His voice speaking to us this day. 

God is not silent.  I believe that He is constantly talking to our hearts, but many times we’re just to busy to listen and we miss out.  You know if I have a radio and I have it on the wrong station, then no matter what I do, I’m not going to hear what I want to hear, unless I take the time to adjust the station.

So many times in our lives we just need little adjustments to hear what the Father wants to say to our hearts.  I believe that if we will take the time to listen it could save us so many heartaches that we go through.

So take some time today and listen to what He wants to say to you. Listen to that still small voice speaking to your heart.  He will never let you down.  He is always there for you.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Today I will listen to your voice as you guide me to go right or to go left. Father God you always have my best interest in mind. I trust you, and  can be rest assured that You will guide me for good this day. Thank you for allowing us to Hear Your Voice. In Jesus Precious Name, Amen 

Jesus is knocking on the door to your heart, Click Here to learn how to let Him in

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

September 4th 2015 – God is Merciful, God is Compassionate.

2015-09-04-05-30-37--888792363

“So he complained to the LORD about it: Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, LORD? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people.”  (Jonah 4:2)

So many people put the tag on God that He is out to get you.  Make one mistake and He will bring some calamity on you to teach you.  I was taught growing up that God sits up in heaven on a big throne, with a lightning bolt in His hand and He’s just looking for someone to tick Him off and then, look out!  Even insurance companies call disasters, acts of god.  Well that’s not our God.

Jesus told us so clearly in the book of John who the destroyer is, and you know what? It’s not God. Here look at what it says. “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). You see, God gives life and satan destroys it.

Here this Old Testament prophet knew the heart and nature of God.  He wanted God to destroy these people, but as soon as they repented, God was quick to forgive and to restore.  I’m always amazed that when a disaster hits an area, they call it an act of god, but when there is a beautiful day or something very special happens in our world, they call it mother nature or mother earth.  Come on Christians.  Let’s speak what the truth of the Word says and not what man-made religion says.

God is love, He is a good God, a merciful and compassionate God.  He is One who is slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.  If the church would start showing the world a loving God like this, it would change people’s hearts from running from God to running to Him.  Let’s share the truth and see God do the rest.  He is filled with unfailing love.

Prayer

Heavenly Father thank you for being a God of Love. Thank you for always looking out for our good.  Your word says You created me and love me, and I am so greatful that you do.  That you sought me out in the middle of a calamity, without your love and caring of me individually, I would have surely perished. What a great God we serve. I praise and Love you. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

Don’t Know Jesus Personally? Click Here!

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

September 3rd 2015 – God’s Holy Word Heals!

images-124

“He sent His Word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” (Psalms 107:20)

When God our Father gave us His Word, it was to provide for all of our needs as we live our lives.  His Word provides for our spiritual needs, mental needs, and physical needs. Our God is a good God who loves His children and wants us to have a blessed life here on earth.

Jesus said “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

While we are in this world we will have things come against us and attack us.  That is why He has given us His Word, to overcome the enemy and the attacks of life.  The armor of God is for our protection and the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God to defeat the enemy. 

God has given us an amazing arsenal of weapons to keep the devil in his place until Jesus returns.  Too many times we don’t take the time to find out what these weapons are that God has given us and we miss out on so many of the blessings of our Father.

As we look at the subject of healing so many people say, well whatever the Father’s will is, that’s what I will get.  But we see from today’s verse that God’s will is to heal us.  He only wants the best for us and He cares for us in each part of our being.

So today, receive His Word concerning healing, and let the Great Physician heal you or someone you love.. Yes, God has healed us spiritually, but He also sent His Word to heal us physically. His Word was sent to us to deliver us and to set us free as we walk through life’s journey. So never think that you are alone.  His Word is always with us to give us the victory in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Heavenly Father, We love you and praise you. You sent Your word to heal us. We come before you humbled and broken, we ask your full healing in our lives, Today, we ask and prepare ourselves to receive healing spiritually, mentally, and physically over our bodies.  Your healing is a complete healing.  Thank you Father, for your complete work being done in us..

Want to know Jesus Personally? Click Here

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

September 1st 2015 – Will I Recognize Jesus in a Raging Storm

images-103

“And the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. ‘It’s a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’ ” (Matthew 14:24–27)

As Jesus approached the storm-tossed boat, the disciples saw Him, but didn’t recognize Him. In fact, at first His presence added to their terror. They thought they were seeing a ghost.

Reading their first reaction made me think of the fear-inducing situations I’ve faced. How often has Christ been present in my storm, but I haven’t recognized Him? Was He wearing the face of a person I don’t like all that much? Did He come from a direction I didn’t expect?

Perhaps I was so weary from rowing against the wind, I expected nothing but more bad news. When Christ speaks, He seems to ignore the immediate problem, saying, “Take courage! It is I.” If I were the disciples, I think I would have liked to hear, “It’s okay, I’ll tell the storm to stop now,” or “I’ll get in and help you row from here.” Perhaps I’d even appreciate a six-step plan for getting safely to shore.

Instead Jesus offers one key thing: the truth that He is present. I want God to respond to my trials with explanations for their existence, clear step-by-step plans for solving them and even a few promises about the value of enduring them. Yet here Jesus gives the disciples the answer He often gives me: “I’m here.” Sufficient. The answer I need. The answer powerful enough to propel me from the boat and onto the water, as Peter discovered as the scene continued. Jesus doesn’t provide a weather report, a new sailing technique or an empty pep talk. He gives me first what matters most: Himself.

Prayer

Lord, we call upon You in the middle of this storm, That You give us the strength and will to bear our heavy burdens, until we can again feel the warmth and love of Your divine compassion. Be mindful of us and have mercy on us while we struggle to comprehend life’s hardships that come a storms of life

When fear and panic, shock and dismay are close by, so are you. Maywe always recconize you ,  Keep us ever in Your watch until these storms of life pass. In you precious name, Amen.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries