Tag Archives: God’s Love

November 17th 2019 – Jesus Is Waiting

Leave a reply

“Their arrogance testifies against them, yet they don’t return to the LORD their God or even try to find him.” (Hosea 7:30)

In the book of Hosea, the people of Israel find themselves in a frightening spot. God has given them over to their enemies, yet they continue to sin. They are weary, heartbroken and homesick, yet they refuse to look to God. Like a loving father who watches his child continue to hurt themselves, God desires to step into the scene and heal them. He desires to bring them hope, freedom, prosperity and peace.

While the situation may be different for each of us, the reality is the same. We all have moments in life where we feel beat up and knocked down. Our marriage is struggling, our job is on the line, we’re concerned about our health; all these things come at us and we have a choice to make. Will we look to God or will we look to ourselves or the world for answers. Of course, the even greater picture is in regards to our salvation. Each of us stands before God guilty because of the bad things we have done, we now have a choice. Do we admit guilt and ask for mercy, or do we deny guilt and run from the very One who desires to forgive us? All of us have a choice… choose wisely.

“God desires to forgive us, but we must come to Him first.”

Prayer;

Heavenly Father, I know that I am a sinner and in need of Your grace. I also know that without You my life would simply fall to pieces. Help me to trust in You during the hard times and celebrate that I have been saved by Your grace through Jesus. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can share this Good News with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

If you prayed the prayer above. Click here and select the acknowledge button at the bottom. We would love to pray with you and for you.

SmartSelect_20190908-035146_Gallery

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

November 15th 2019 – We Need To Forgive

Leave a reply

“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.

SmartSelect_20190908-035146_Gallery

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 14th 2019 – When We Give

Leave a reply

“Then Peter said, Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them walking, leaping, and praising God. (Acts 3:6-8)

Many times we try to give what we think others might need, but as we see in this story, Peter didn’t have any money on him, he had something better.  He had the power of the Name of Jesus, and with that Name he was able to see a miracle happen.

So don’t always look for what you don’t have, look for what you do have.  What’s that in your hand?  You might say, well I don’t have a hundred dollars to give to the work of my church, but God will always say “what do you have?”  If you’ve got five and you’re willing to give that with a cheerful heart, God sees it just like it was a hundred.

You might say, well I don’t have the time to help in the children or teen ministry.  Yet maybe you can help on special events or once and a while.  “Give What You Have” and give it from your heart.  God our Father doesn’t look at the outside, He looks at the heart.

Do you remember the poor widow who gave the two pennies?  She had so little but Jesus said she gave so much.  Many try to say, so all I have to do is give a little like that poor widow did?  Well, no!  The scripture said she gave all that she had.  So what do you have today?  Give that and watch God give you such an increase that it will just amaze you.

“The only things we can keep are the things we freely give to God.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Today, I give what I have and I give it from my heart. You were never looking for us to give what we don’t have,  just to give what we do have. I have learned that as I give (not out of obligation, but wanting to give) more of my time, my talents, and my treasure, You God, always reward me with blessings much greater than what I freely gave to further Your Kingdom. You always amaze me Lord. Thank You for teaching me to give in this way.. In Jesus’ precious and glorious name, Amen.

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

If you are seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click here to learn more.

SmartSelect_20190908-035146_Gallery

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 12th 2019 – Being Willing and Obedient

Leave a reply

“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” (Isaiah 1:19-20)

Ancient Hebrew poetry often comes with parallel statements, “If and Then” and these two are pretty straightforward. Breaking down the verses in Isaiah 1:19-20,  If you are willing and obedient toward God, then you will get the best. But if you resist Him and rebel, then you will be devoured by the sword. Being willing isn’t enough. Being obedient isn’t enough. We have to be both willing and obedient. Have you ever been obedient, but you haven’t been very willing? Or you may have been outwardly obedient, but inwardly your heels were dug in and you were grinding your teeth. The opposite of willingness and obedience is resistance and rebellion, and that is not a good place to be. We can be passive and rebellious or even compliant and rebellious, but being “devoured by the sword” is surely an outcome to be avoided.

“We have authority over our will, so let’s choose to be willing and obedient.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am sorry for the times I have been disinterested in Your plans and purposes for me. I ask forgiveness for the times I have turned my back on You and chosen my own way. I acknowledge today that You are Lord of all that I am and all that I have, the Sovereign God who will lead me on a path of Kingdom service and blessing if I will allow You. Give me a willing and obedient heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

If you are seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click Here to learn more.

SmartSelect_20190908-035146_Gallery

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 7th 2019 – The Ultimate Goldsmith

1 Reply

“But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like launderers’ soap.” (Malachi 3:2)

Have you ever watched a goldsmith in action? It’s an amazing thing to watch him heat up this precious metal and pour it into molds to harden so that it can be handled. But before he is able to pour it into a mold, he must first remove any impurities. These impurities, or “dross” as they call it, cannot be cut out of the gold or rubbed off. In order to remove the dross, the goldsmith must first heat the metal to incredible temperatures. Once this is done, the dross rises to the top and the goldsmith is able to scrape it off thus purifying the metal.

“Yet he knows the way I take; when he has tested me, I will come out like gold. My feet have stayed in his footsteps; I keep to his way without turning aside. I don’t withdraw from his lips’ command; I treasure his words more than my daily food.” (Job 23:10)

This is what our Father in Heaven desires to do in each and every one of our lives. He desires to mold us and shape us more and more into the image of His Son, Jesus. To do that, He must often lead us into His refiner’s fire where He will skim our imperfections off the top. Most of the time this is not a pleasant process, but we can trust that God has our best interest at heart. Like the ultimate goldsmith, God knows how much heat we can endure and how much handling we require. It’s in His loving hands that we are refined so we reflect our Father’s handiwork.

“God desires to act as refiner and purifier in our lives.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for Your work in my life and for Your refiner’s fire. While it may be difficult during those times of trial and purifying, I praise You because I know it is for my good. Lord, continue to skim the dross from my life so that I may be a shining example of Your love and grace. 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..

SmartSelect_20190908-035146_Gallery

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 6th 2019 – YOUnique Gifts & Talents

Leave a reply

“For what gives you the right to make such a judgment? What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?” (1 Corinthians 4:7)

God has uniquely gifted you in special ways because He has special things for you to do. Enjoy the calling God has gifted you with, but be careful where your eyes wander. It can be easy to begin coveting another’s gifts. When we get wrapped up in envy, we can neglect our own calling, pridefully telling God that He gave us the wrong gifts. Ask yourself, on who does pride misplace your reliance? Pride is a dangerous thing, and it has wrecked many a man despite the best intentions.

“Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.” (Romans 12:3)

So, how do you explore your gifts? You won’t unearth much sitting on your couch. Pray and ask God how you can help. Through serving the Lord, you will begin to identify those things God has equipped you to do. As you use your gifts, you will discover and develop skills you didn’t know you had. Gifted musicians spend hours practicing; the more you use your gifts the more gifted you become. Are you faithfully using your gifts?

“We have all been given gifts by God. We should develop our gifts for the glory of God and to bless others.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for uniquely gifting me with talents and resources. Lord, I want to use my gifts for You. I want to experience the joy You have for me. Lord, I know I have been ungrateful for the gifts You have given me. Forgive me. Forgive me for being so distracted by what others are doing and not focusing on what You have blessed me with. I offer You all of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

If you are seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click here to learn more.

SmartSelect_20190908-035146_Gallery

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 3rd 2019 – Why Would God Choose Us (Part 5 of 5)

Leave a reply

“For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;  and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.  But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—  that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)

Today, as I wrap up this mini-series on why God choose us, I want us to look at how the Bible brings these verses out.  God looked down from heaven and He chose us in spite of all of our problens. Isn’t that great? We are chosen by the Great “I Am” to be a co-partner with Him, to help people and share His message of eternal salvation.  God could have just done it Himself, but He chose to work through us to let people see the light.

That’s why we can never boast in ourselves, because we know who we are.  We know where we came from, so our boast needs to always be of God.  As we looked at David, Rahab and Joseph these last few days, we could have looked at so many more in the Bible that started off badly, yet God took them on a journey and made something great out of them.

So today, don’t put yourself down. See yourself the way God your Heavenly Father sees you, “IN JESUS”!  That’s why He sees you blessed, because Jesus is blessed. That is why He sees you healed, because Jesus is healed.  Start seeing yourself the way God sees you and never forget from where you came, and yet, always remember where you’re going. Enjoy the ride, He brought you this far, He’ll get you to the finish line.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, You have gotten me to the starting gate and I know that You will get me to the finish line.  It’s not about me, it’s about You, Christ in me, the hope of glory. Thank You for the precious gift of salvation. Your love and forgiveness have changed my life, and I desire to show that same kind of love and forgiveness within the relationships around me. Fill me with Your Spirit and instruct me by Your Word, so that I can live like Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Please Share or Like today’s messge.

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

If you are seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click here to learn more.

SmartSelect_20190908-035146_Gallery

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

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

Leave a reply

“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..

SmartSelect_20190908-035146_Gallery

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 1st 2019 – Why Would God Choose Us (Part 3 of 5)

Leave a reply

The next person that I want us to look at in this series is Rahab.  Her story is found in Joshua 2.

You see, the Bible doesn’t give the occupation of every person, but it does tell us hers.  Rehab was a prostitute and yet God sent the spies to her house, I believe that the reason He did is because He saw that she had a pure heart, a heart of faith.  Here is what the Bible says about her.

“Then Joshua secretly sent out two spies from the Israelite camp at Acacia Grove. He instructed them, “Scout out the land on the other side of the Jordan River, especially around Jericho.” So the two men set out and came to the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there that night. (Joshua 2:1)

Then we see in Hebrews that she is in the Hall of Faith with other great men and women of God.  (Hebrews 11:31) It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God.   For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.

The thing that is so amazing is that she is in the lineage of Jesus.  That’s right, an ex-prostitute is in the line of Jesus.  See it for yourself. (Matthew 1:1) “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham: (Matthew 1:5) Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse,”

So you see that even when life throws you a lemon, you can go ahead and make lemonade with God’s strength.  We don’t know why she started in this lifestyle, all I know is that if you let God be God in your life, He can take the lowest part of you and make it His highest.

So today, don’t look at where you have come from, look at where you’re going to go.  With God on your side, how can you lose?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, If you are for me, how can I lose? Today, please take my low points and turn them into great opportunities to help others. I thank You that my steps are ordered by You, and that You Lord will open the good doors for me and shut the bad ones. I trust You and am so grateful for all that You do in my life., in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Never forger that God wants to free you, and save you of the slavery of sin. If you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, please click here to learn more about what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here and we will pray for you..

SmartSelect_20190908-035146_Gallery

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

October 31st 2019 – Why Would God Choose Us (Part 2 of 5)

Leave a reply

Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.” (1 Corinthians 1:27)

We looked at King David yesterday. Even though his father rejected him, God didn’t, and when it was time for Him to come to the next step, he was ready.  We see this in the great story of David and Goliath.  When David came to where the children of Israel were fighting the Philistines, he was immediately put down by his older brother.

“Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger was aroused against David, and he said, “Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.” And David said, “What have I done now? Is there not a cause?” Then he turned from him toward another and said the same thing; and these people answered him as the first ones did.” (1 Samuel 17:28-30)

David didn’t let this discourage him.  He moved on with what he knew he had to do.  It should be the same with us.  There will be times that even our family members might not understand why we believe the way we do, but we need to be true to God and we will see that He will get us right where He wants us to be.

Discouragement will always come and at times it might come from where we least expect it, but we need to know that even like David, God is with us.  He promised He will never leave us or forsake us.  So today, if you feel discouraged or that no one understands, let me say this, “GOD DOES” and He will see that you get to the promised land that He has for you.

Remember, people look at the outside, but God looks at the inside.  Keep your heart pure, serve Him and watch Him line everything up in your life and get you into a position for success.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, My feet are ordered by You and I know that You will get me into the right place at the right time.  You guide my footsteps and my trust is in You. My faith is in You Lord, it gives me all the confidence I need. I love You, I paise You and trust You. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Invitation:

If you are ready to ask Jesus into you life please pray the prayer with me below.

God, I recognize that I have not lived my life for You up until now. I have been living for myself and that way will eventually lead to death. I need You in my life; I want You in my life. I acknowledge that Your Son Jesus Christ gave His life for me on the cross at Calvary. I ask humbly to receive the forgiveness You have made freely available to me through this sacrifice. Come into my life now, Lord. Take up residence in my heart and be my king, my Lord, and my Savior. From this day forward, I will no longer be controlled by sin, or the desire to please myself, but I will follow You all the days of my life. Those days are in Your hands. I ask this in Jesus’ precious and holy name. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer please email me and let me know I would love to set up a time and pray with you. roblavallee@gmail.com

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here and we will pray for you..

SmartSelect_20190908-035146_Gallery

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org