Tag Archives: General Devotions

December 12th 2019 – Temptations

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

There it is, staring you down. It grabs hold of your attention and captivates your thoughts. It appears so harmless but in the end, it can be deadly. It is called temptation, and every one of us has to face it. The good news is that if you have trusted in Jesus as your Savior, you don’t have to face it alone. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we can be freed of our bondage to sin while also finding strength to resist it through God’s Spirit. What an encouraging thought. When faced with temptation, the God of all creation provides a way out, the path to escape or the strength to bear it.

“When you pause at the threshold of sin, turn away rather than stepping across it.”

Unfortunately, this does not mean we always take that way of escape. Like someone staring at a bag of chocolates. often we stand gazing into temptation and wonder why we were not able to resist. In those moments when we fail, we can come to God and experience His forgiveness and grace all over again. This is the beauty of the Gospel. Yes, we must resist sin and flee from temptation but when we do fall short, we have a loving God who desires to forgive.

“When Tempted, God will always show you a way out. “

Prayer:

Heavenly  Father, Thank You for loving me. I know that I have done wrong and have sinned against You. Father, please forgive me and fill me with Your Spirit so that I can fight temptation. Lord, when I find myself in a tempting situation, open my eyes to the way out so that I can escape. 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 11th 2019 – Fellowship With The Father

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life– the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us– that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” (1 John 1:1-4)

Our life and our fellowship with the Father, is all because of Jesus.  When you make Jesus the Lord of your life and His power comes within you, it changes everything.  We can say that it is a game changer.  You see, when I try to do things on my own, then I have my own power to help me overcome.  But when I let His life live big within me, I’m letting the life of the Eternal One, the very life of God Himself, reign within me.

Think of it like this.  We live in a world of computers.  If I wanted to figure out some big problem with my own mind it might never get done but if I put the information into a computer that has the software to figure it out, it will get done in no time. So it is with us.  Our Heavenly Father has been here forever and knows the answer to all of life’s problems.  He wants us to fellowship with Him through His Son Jesus, and when we do, all of a sudden it seems like things that seemed so big seem to get in line.

So today, don’t look to the problem, look to the Greater One Who lives within you.  Fellowship with Him.  Give Him a place of dominance in your life and watch how everything in life gets in line.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Today, I look to the You who lives within me. when all is darkness and we feel our weakness and helplessness, give us the sense of Your presence, Your love, and Your strength. Help us to have perfect trust in Your protecting love and strengthening power, so that nothing may frighten or worry us, for, living close to You, we shall see Your hand, Your purpose, Your will through all things. I thank You and love You Jesus’  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 9th 2019 – God Knows

“But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.” (John 6:6)

Praise the Lord that we don’t know everything that is going to happen. Why? Because that is what keeps our lives hopeful. However, uncertainty can definitely be frustrating, mainly because we want to know everything but we can’t.

There are things we go through that surprise us and catch us off guard. Sometimes we go through so much, we start expecting it around every corner. Remember, that is not from God. Also never forget that nothing in your life catches God off guard or surprises Him.

The things we are dealing with right now, at this moment, God knew before we even came on the scene. That can be pretty mind blowing, but here is the kicker… He also knows how we are going to get out of our tough situations. He saw the curve ball coming long before you did and He prepared us for what He already saw coming. He knows what fruit this trial is going to produce in each of our lives. For our benefit, He allows this trial or that test to proceed. But, take heart and be strong. While we may wonder how it works out and what happens next, we can trust in our God because He knows all along what He is going to do.

“We don’t know everything, but God does.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your provision of growth in my life. You love me so much that You do not want me to remain who I am but to grow in Your good gifts. What an incredible comfort it is to know that my Father in Heaven knows who I am and who I will be and will see me through the changes, Thank You!

Thank You for the people in my life. The ones that You often Move through, I can see Your Holy Spirit in. They are great examples of Your love for me. I praise You for answered prayers. 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 4th 2019 – Selfishness Leads to Misery

“Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.” (2 Corinthians 8:24)

The world says ‘take and obtain by all means and you will find great contentment. It’s also been said that we live in a ‘dog eat dog world’ where we need to look out for number one. I know people that have a lot but if they don’t share with others, they can be selfish and be really miserable. The reality is that selfishness leads to misery. The bible and God want to teach us how not to be selfish. As you are blessed, part of experiencing all the blessings of the Lord is sharing them with others. When you receive something, you want to call someone or give part of it to them. Whether it’s sharing an incredible dish of food with them or blessing them with an extra ticket for a movie, we are blessed when we are generous. The moment you give to someone there is an immediate blessing in that – you can sense it, and you can feel it. God created a heart in us to share ourselves and be a blessing – to live generously.

You can be happy with less if you are being a blessing to others. No matter how much you have, you will be miserable with a lot when you are not a blessing to others. Jesus spent a lot of time teaching on the subject of money, knowing if you got this right; it would lead to more and more blessings. Get this one wrong and no matter what else you do, you will be miserable. You can be saved but if you are selfish, you will be unhappy.

“Jesus wants us to have the unquenchable desire to be a blessing to others.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the blessings You have given me. Even this morning, I woke up with air in my lungs and my heart beating. Help me to have an attitude of gratitude for all that I have. Also, give me the strength and wisdom to live a generous life. Help me to be more like You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Do you know Jesus personally? That is the ultimate decision you will have to make. 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 Your life will never be the same…

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 3rd 2019 – Sharing Jesus

“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)

The Lord wants to reveal Himself to people, His goodness to people that don’t know Him. Unless God reveals Himself to someone, they won’t get it. The fact that we get it is not because we are so wise but because God has shown us. He opens our hearts to His Word, and it’s His gift by grace through faith and not by our own works.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

The world tries to separate man from God. When modern man tries to explain God from worldly perspectives, it ends up in a foolish mess. The cross is foolishness to those who don’t understand. People cannot “get it” until God reveals it to them. Does this mean we should quit sharing and just let people figure it out themselves? Of course not! Our calling is to share and leave the rest up to God.

If your motivation in sharing the Gospel is to have people accept Jesus, then you will become discouraged. If your motivation is obedience to God, then when someone accepts Jesus, you get to revel in the joy of obedience. It’s an obedience issue and not a quota to be met. When God shows up, things happen! Share with expectation and know that whether someone accepts Jesus or not, you are a faithful steward of the love of Christ.

“But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” (Romans 10:14)

“God wants us to reveal His goodness to people that don’t know.”

Prayer:

Heavenly  Father, Thank You for loving me. Thank You that in Your vastness as Creator of the Heavens and earth, You desire to know me. You call me to share with others. Lord, give me the mind of Christ so that I may see You and myself more clearly than I ever have. In Your grace and mercy, I am comforted to know that You have offered me forgiveness. Empower me the with a passion to tell others about You so I can reveal Your glory. 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 29th 2019 – Choose To Love

“Let all that you do be done with love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14)

In 1 Corinthians 16:14, we find such a simple command. Simply put, we are to do everything with love. While this may appear simple in direction, it’s not simple in action. Because we are broken vessels in an evil world, it can be difficult to do everything with love. After all, our first reaction is to preserve ourselves. Our emotions, our lives, our stuff; these are the things we strive to maintain at all cost… and love demands we lose them for the sake of others.

(Galatians 2:20) “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

As Christians, we are no longer slaves to ourselves. We have been freed to love others just as Christ loved us. He is our great example as well as our strength. We cannot love rightly on our own. We must depend on Jesus. So next time someone in traffic causes you to see red, look to the cross of Christ and the blood that He shed for you. He died for us when we didn’t deserve it so now we can forgive others even when they don’t deserve it.

“You’re not living until you give your life away and start to love.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am so grateful for Your love and grace. Because You loved me, I am able to love others in every circumstance. Give me strength to walk in obedient love and to look for opportunities to care for others around me. As Your love increases in me, may my selfishness decrease. 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 28th 2019 – Happy Thanksgiving

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1)

Today we celebrate  Thanksgiving Day. Many don’t now that it is really very spiritual in its origins. In 1789 the United States 1st President George Washington declared Thanksgiving as a national day for giving thanks to God.

In the midst of all our feasting, it is easy to forget about the one we are celebrating. Sometimes we have no gratitude and forget to give thanks altogether.

Many will say things like, “What do have to be thankful for? My life is a mess, or my spouse has left me, or I lost my job. Maybe my children never call me, or I don’t have any friends.”

That is the ultimate test of the depth of your faith. Can you thank God when life stinks? When you’re going through tough times, don’t look at what’s lost. Look at what’s left, and be grateful for it!

Practice an “Attitude of Gratitude” because it develops your faith. How does gratitude develop my faith? It happens when times are tough — when things don’t make sense, when you can’t figure it out, when your prayers are unanswered, when everything is going the way you didn’t want it to go.

“Sink your roots in him and build on him. Be strengthened by the faith that you were taught, and overflow with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2:7)

Faith development happens when you can say in those circumstances, “God, I know you’re in control. I know you love me, and I know you can bring good out of this. I’m thankful that you’re bigger than my problem.”

“Thankfulness and Gratitude changes everything!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, You know the times I have been ungrateful, held ill thoughts toward You and my fellow humans. You know the times I complain and grumble about life and its circumstances, about suffering, going through endless trials and tribulations. I am greatful that You God are and always will be there with me, even when it seems like I am forever in the wilderness, running further and further from You, You, my God are there guiding me back to Your loving arms. I am thankful Lord for everything that You allow to cross my path. Thankful for the decisions that You allow me to make and the lessons that come from these decisions.
I’m thankful, Lord, that I do not have to live under condemnation anymore, that You have truly set me free, that I am a new creation. Thankful Lord that You have given me joy unspeakable. Thankful Lord that You are longsuffering, allowing me to mature in You!  Lord, words do not express my thankfulness. For Your mighty power is at work in me, transforming me, renewing my mind. To You Lord belong thanks eternal. 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 27th 2019 – God Still Heals

Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.” (Acts 19:11-12)

In this verse, we see that it is God who works the miracles out among people, not Paul. This is an interesting section of scripture that some have twisted for their own monetary gain in the selling of such items as prayer cloths and other “miracle producing items”. The miracles were not from the handkerchiefs nor from Paul, but from God. These were merely the instruments God used. We should desire to be God’s instrument. God used unexpected means to restore health to those who were ill.

The Bible is a supernatural book. Jesus, our leader who died and didn’t stay dead, offers us eternal life. While this passage is not a model for ministry, it does demonstrate that God can work through various unconventional means to draw people to Him. God used Paul to heal people then, and God still uses people today. Did God use Paul to heal everyone that he came across? No. Some were healed and some were not. Remember, Paul prayed for God to heal him and apparently Paul was not healed. We should pray for God to heal others and even expect God to heal them while trusting in His will.

“Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:8-9)

God said to Paul, “I am not going to heal you but give you the grace to get through it.” Sometimes God doesn’t heal us and take us out of our situation or condition, but He gives us the strength to go through it. When He heals, we can give Him the glory. When He doesn’t, we are made stronger in our walk with Him.

“God can and still does heal people.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for giving me the strength to endure the difficulties of this world. Please help me to keep my focus on You and not on those difficulties. 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

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 22nd 2019 – How Jesus See’s You

“Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town.  There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd.  (Luke 19:1-2)

According to the world’s standards for evaluating worth, Zacchaeus was a failure. He was extremely short; he was disliked by everyone because he was a tax collector; and he even hated himself.

He was not proud of what he had achieved in life because he knew he had cheated people to get where he was. He was powerful and had a lot of money, but he absolutely had no friends and was incredibly lonely.

But one day Zacchaeus’ life was completely changed because Jesus walked by and wanted to spend time with him, he realized how much he mattered to God.

When Zacchaeus learned that Jesus was coming to town, he wanted to see him, but he was too short to get a glimpse above the crowd.

“So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way. When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”” (Luke 19:3-5)

That very moment when Jesus looked up and noticed Zacchaeus. Can you imagine how Zacchaeus’ felt? Did his heart start pounding, did he experiance butterflies deep in his stomach? Jesus was looking right at him, a small, despised, insignificant man.

Why did Jesus stop at that tree and look at him? Because He knew that’s exactly where Zacchaeus was.

God knows exactly where you are too. He knew where you were a week ago and he knows where you now and even where you will be tomorrow. You may feel like you’re stuck in a tree right now in your life. God knows where you are. You may feel like you’re out on a limb, Jesus knows. You may feel all alone, but Jesus stops and notices. You are not forgotten, you are not alone.

No tear has ever been hidden from Him. No hurtful word said to you has ever passed that he missed. No abuse has ever occurred that he didn’t see and grieve with you. He sees it all.

What is the price of five sparrows, two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” (Luke 12:6-7)

The greatest gift of love anyone can ever receive is attention. When you give people your time, you give them your life. When you pay attention to someone and look them in the eye, you are saying, “You matter to me. You are valuable.”

There is never a moment, never a second in your life that God is not paying attention to you. He notices you 24 hours a day because he loves you; you are valuable to him.

Don’t forget to call your loved ones this Thanksgiving holiday and  spend some time and let them know they matter to you. Make amends to the ones you may need to, and brighten the day of someone that wouldn’t expect you to call. Let them know that they matter and you still care.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the always noticing me no matter how insignificant I may feel in the world, how lonely I may be because family doesnt call or how screwed up I may get. Today I come to You with nothing but empty hands and a heart that desires more of You. Please Lord, take my life and do with it as you please. I trust You and desire to glorify Your name in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Please Watch this short video animation. (Forward this devotion to someone that needs to hear what is says)

Invitation:

If you are reading these devotions and are not a follower of Jesus Christ, please be aware that these seeds of scripture are being sown in your heart right now… I am praying that they start to take root in your heart and you come to know personally the greatest truth you will ever hear.. Jesus Christ died on a cross for you. He loves you and He cares for you. When you call His name and ask for His help, He will set you free..  Click Here if you would like to learn more about Gods salvation, or ask Him into your heart.

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