Tag Archives: Grace and Mercy

April 16th 2019 – Connected In Christ

“I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me.” (2 Corinthians 2:5)

The church of Jesus Christ is a family. In fact, I would say it can be an even deeper relationship than those found in a family. As believers, we weep together over heartaches, rejoice together in victories and share our lives with each other. This is not odd; this is the way God intended it to be.

“so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.” (Romans 12:5)

If I was to cut myself and you began to bleed, we would definitely know there was a deep connection between us. In the church, we all are connected. When something good happens to you, I will be there to rejoice with you. Unfortunately, sometimes there are Christians who would rather pout over the blessing of another believer than to experience the joy of celebration with them. That person is missing out on one of the many joys of the church. Today, look for ways to connect with other believers. If they are struggling, then be there with them. If they are excited, then cheer them on as they seek Christ. Let’s unite under the name of Christ and find fresh unity among all believers.

“When part of the body is hurt, we all feel their pain. When part of the body is attacked, we all stand with them.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your church and the fellowship of believers. Help us all to remain united and not to allow petty issues to cause division. Give me a heart that rejoices with others and is willing to mourn with them as well. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

Have you ever received Jesus as your Lord and Savior? If you do not know Him personally, you will never truly be able to experience Love to the Extreme!. 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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

April 14th 2019 – I Loved You At Your Darkest

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“I blasted you with blight and mildew. When your gardens increased, Your vineyards, Your fig trees, And your olive trees, The locust devoured them; Yet you have not returned to Me,” Says the LORD.” (Amos 4:9)

Often in the Scriptures, we read of the judgments of God and gasp as we see Israel and other nations suffering under the Lord’s power. While the judgments of God are difficult, we must understand that all through the Old Testament God is showing grace and mercy. In the prophets, He calls for people to turn from their wicked ways and He will forgive them. You see, while God’s discipline can often seem extreme, His love is just as potent.

“But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Love to the Extreme – that is what the God of all creation has shown towards us. While we were steeped in sin and suffering under the weight of condemnation, He stepped out of heaven and gave His life for ours. The punishment that we deserved was placed upon Jesus on the cross. Each strike of the nails that pierced His hands was done so that we could know forgiveness. Each cruel word and slash of the whip on Jesus’ body happened so that we could spend eternity with Him. All we have to do is come to Jesus seeking forgiveness and trusting in Him for salvation. As we do, we take part in the greatest love anyone could ever know.

“God goes to extreme measures to reveal His love for us.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I know that I have done and sometimes do wrong. Today, I come to You and ask that You would forgive me of all my sins. I confess that Jesus is Lord and I believe that He died for my sins and was raised from the grave three days later. Lord, make me a new creation and fill me with Your Spirit so that I can live for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

April 6th 2019 – The Narrow Path

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“But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out.” (Numbers 32:23)

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

Sometimes we think the bigger something is, the better it is. This is essentially an American way of looking at things. If you are successful, if you are making more money than other people, the perception is that you are the best. If a church has more people attending than other churches, the perception is that it is the best. But not necessarily. Nor am I suggesting that smaller is better.

The Bible says that in the last days, there will be people in our churches who are not true believers, among other things. Because of watered-down messages and compromise, people will feel comfortable in certain churches because they are never confronted with their sin.

If people are coming to church with no intention of applying the truths they are learning, then their hearts can get hard. I once heard it this way, “The same sun that softens the wax hardens the clay.” The same message that liberates one person can hurt another if he or she doesn’t respond appropriately. People who go to church, claim to be Christians, and then contradict it with an openly sinful lifestyle are hurting themselves.

Or worse, You are attending a church that teaches tolerance and a watered down version of Gods Holy word. Although, tolerance is not always a bad thing. Many modern churches have tried to stretch it over the top of Gods Holy Values. We have applied it too often where it does not belong. The word “tolerant” means “liberal,” “broad-minded,” “willing to put up with beliefs opposed to one’s convictions,” and “the allowance of something not wholly approved.”

Tolerance, in one sense, implies the compromise of one’s convictions, a yielding of ground upon important issues. Hence, over-tolerance in moral issues has made us soft, flabby and devoid of conviction. Is the Modern Church tolerant and afraid of offending people with the truth just to fill the seats.

We have become tolerant about divorce; we have become tolerant about the use of alcohol; we have become tolerant about delinquency; we have become tolerant about wickedness in high places; we have become tolerant about immorality; we have become tolerant about crime and we have become tolerant about godlessness. We have become tolerant of unbelief.

The Bible says, “Be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23). If nothing bad happens when we sin, if we don’t get caught or found out, we sometimes think that God has given us a pass. He hasn’t. Don’t confuse God’s mercy and grace with leniency or think that He has turned a blind eye. God still will deal with that sin. But He gives us an opportunity to repent so we don’t have to face the full ramifications of it.

“The Road to Destruction Wide and the Road to Salvation Narrow”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Please destroy every possible barrier that could keep me from You. Reveal to me the difference between tolerance and conviction. Keep me from compromise and help me choose the narrow path. I want to live for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

April 3rd 2019 – God’s Gift To You

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“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)

We all know that pride is a dangerous thing. It causes damage to others and leads to division and bitterness. But, do you know what is even worse than pride? Spiritual pride. You see, God has gifted each and every one of us with spiritual gifts that we can use for the benefit of the body of Christ. Unfortunately, it can be easy to begin thinking it was our power to begin with.

I have some unsaved friends that have some amaizing gifts, some are incredible muscians, auto mechanics, one is even artist with very unique talents. I also have very unique talents that I had many years before becoming saved, I continue to use these gifts to share Gods word and love.

We can almost always use our talents to share Gods love. For example, the musician can write and preform songs that glorify the Lord. The artist can make art that represents Jesus love for humanity. You see, we can always show Gods love through our talents and bless people.

Just like salvation is a gift from God and not by works, the same is true with our gifts. We did not earn our gifts, and God does not show favoritism. Each spiritual gift is just that, a gift. It was given from a loving God who desires to equip you and me to share the Gospel with a hurting world. If we begin thinking we are the source of that power, we can be a hindrance to the Kingdom as well as our own spiritual growth.

“Our spiritual gifts do not come from us, they come from God.”

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 at times I have been ungrateful for talents and spiritual 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. Thank You for the Holy Spirit. Thank You for His work in my life. Father, help me to continue to use my talents and gift for Your glory and not my own. I praise You for Your forgiveness and love and pray for opportunities to share Your Gospel with the world. I offer You all of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God has made it possible for you to know Him and experience an amazing change in your own life. Click here to discover how you can find peace with God.

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

March 29th 2019 – Heaven Bound

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“Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.” (2nd Corinthians 5:5)

When you get ready to take a trip, you plan and prepare for the road ahead. You make sure to prepare all your clothes and other items you may need. You also make sure that everyone who is going along with you is also prepared for the trip. Since we take the time needed to prepare for our earthly trips, shouldn’t we also take the time to prepare for our journey into Heaven?

So how do you prepare for Heaven? One way we can prepare is to spend time thinking about Heaven, What will we do when we get there? What will it be like? What will we see, what will we talk about?

For me part of the excitement of a trip to the mountains or even the beach is thinking and planning what you desire to do once you get there. This builds the excitement and helps us know what we need to do before the trip. Of course, the most necessary part of any trip is making sure you know how to get there and this is most surely true with Heaven. We may have the best intentions but without a detailed map, we will not get there. So how do we get to Heaven?

Our map is the bible, it makes it very clear that we get to Heaven by trusting in Jesus Christ. We do not get there by our works, but by believing that Jesus died for us and that He rose again. Once we trust in His sacrifice for our sins, we are given Heaven and everything else that Jesus offers. We do not know when this journey will start, but we can be prepared today. Are you ready?

“Heaven is a prepared place for prepared people who have trusted Jesus as their Savior.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of Heaven through Jesus. Though I don’t deserve it, I look forward to all you have in store for me in Heaven. No crying, no pain and no sin; only the pure love and grace of our Heavenly Father. God, help me to share the message of Heaven with others so they can also experience the joy found in knowing it as their true home. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Is Jesus the Lord and Savior of your life? Did you once follow Him but let society trick you to fall away? Don’t miss out on the most important journey you will ever take. Click Here to learn more.

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

March 28th 2019 – The Cross

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“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)

This true story was reported about a young couple visiting a jewelry store. The young lady was looking for something fashionable. She remembered that a a friend of hers wears a cute little silver cross, so she asked to see those. As the jeweler showed the couple various crosses, the young woman commented, “I like these, but do you have any without this little man on them?”

What an analogy of what so many people seek today “a cross without Jesus.” They want a cross without any offense, a cross without any consequences, one that will look cool as a fasion accessory. But if we could travel back to a time the cross was used in its original context, we would realize that it was a bloody and horrific symbol of death. It would have been the worst image imaginable to actually see someone hanging on a cross.

The Romans chose crucifixion because it was meant to be a slow, torturous way to die. It was designed to be a humiliating death for the person on it. The crucifixions were held on the outside edges of the Roman cities. They served as visual warnings to anyone who would oppose the rule of the Roman empire.

If there was any other way, do you think that God would have allowed His Son to suffer like this? If there had been any other way we could have been forgiven, then God surely would have found it.

“If being a good person” or “living a good moral life would” would get us to Heaven, then Jesus never would have died for us. But He did, because there was and is no other way. He had to pay the price for our sin. At the Cross, Jesus purchased the salvation of the world.

If you were ever tempted to doubt God’s love for you, even for a moment, then take a long, hard look at the Cross. Where Jesus sacrifised and gave His very life for us.

“Jesus’s sacrifice the cross, allowed for such a horrific symbol of death to now be seen as a beautiful symbol of His Sacrifice, His Message and His Love for us.”

There is no decision more important, accepting Jesus, it will absolutely change your life. It did mine. I couldn’t imangine where my life would have been without Him.

Christ’s love is deeper than any pit of sin. Do not grow weary trying to crawl out; look up to Christ, repent and ask Him for forgiveness & be set free.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Even though my salvation was obtained only through the costliest sacrifice ever made, You freely gave it to me. Lord, I praise You for this gift so lovingly given. Thank you Lord I believe You died for me so that I could be forgiven. I believe You were raised from the dead so that I could have new life. I know I’ve done wrong things, and I’m sorry. Please forgive me and give me the power to follow You all the days of my life. 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

March 26th 2019 – Fractured Clay Jars

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“For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you.” (2 Corinthians 4:11-12)

Whether they knew it or not, the church of Corinth was blessed because of Paul’s sufferings. The battles endured and hardships faced were all allowed by God so that Paul would be a great witness to the world. During this time in church history, there was a lot of suffering taking place, and as a result of that suffering, the Word of God was spread to more and more people. In fact, this continues today.

I believe we all could list out some areas where we suffered because of Christ. It may not be to the extent that Paul suffered, but trials are a part of the Christian life. That may not sound so great but think of it this way, when you’re going through a trial, someone else is watching you and can be blessed through your response. The Bible says we are like fractured jars of clay, or “cracked jars”. The more suffering and trials hit, the more we seem to crack.

“We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” (2 Corinthians 4:7)

The more we crack, the more Jesus is seen inside of us. God will use every situation in your life for good so rejoice in the hard times and look for those ways to shine… like a cracked jar with a brilliant light inside.

“You don’t really know Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, While it may be hard, I want to thank You for my times of suffering. I know that each of these moments is being used to make me more like Jesus. Give me the strength and wisdom needed to be a witness for You even in times of suffering. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If ou 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

March 25th 2019 – I Believe God, Do You?

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“Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.” (Acts 27:25)

As the storm threatened and the boat pitched back and forth, when it looked as though everyone was going to drown, the apostle Paul encouraged the others on board: “Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me” (Acts 27:25)

Those are not the words of a person in denial or out of touch with reality as some unbelievers might say. The fact is that Paul uttered them when they were still in the worst of the storm, with no tangible hope. They had the hope that had been given to Paul by God, the promise they would be delivered, but there was nothing visible to indicate that it really was going to happen.

This was faith, you see. It is faith when we can say, as everything is unraveling around us, “God is in control. I know He is going to get me through this, and I know that He is faithful.” Paul was confident. He knew that God was the Master of his circumstances and the Captain of his boat. He knew that God was in control.

There was a time when Jesus told the disciples to launch out into the deep for a catch of fish, after they had been fishing for many hours and hadn’t caught a thing. Peter said, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net” (Luke 5:5). Then the Bible tells us they caught so many fish, their nets were breaking.

There is a unique nautical term that is used when addressing the master of a particular boat or ship, it is called “Captain”.

So here is the question: Are you willing to let Him be the Captain of your boat? Are you willing to say, like Paul, “I believe God”?

“Faith is knowing God is in control, even when things are unraveling.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I ask that You increase within me your obedient spirit so that I may be obedient to Your instruction. Help me Lord to walk by faith and not by sight. I don’t always understand what You’re doing in my life, but I make a decision to trust You God, In these storms, I ask that You place within me your spirit of hope, peace and rest. Help me to endure all that comes my way. Right now, I make a decision to trust You Lord because I know that You’re in control of my life even when my life seems to be out of control. Lord, I thank You for clarity, guidance, provision and strength. I pray and ask for these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Are you struggling and feeling like you may drown? Seek Jesus instead of looking to the world for answers. As you take steps to follow and obey God’s voice, He will lovingly deliver you from the darkness. Click Here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

March 22nd 2019 – From Tears to Diamonds

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“I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears.”(Psalms 6:6)

How deep does our emotional pain hit us? How do we respond to it? It could come from the death of a precious loved one, the hardship of having someone betray you, or the sin you keep falling into that you hate. Perhaps you’ve had sorrow as King David did when he had a child turn against him. Many of us, no matter how tough we are, have experienced pain that brought us to tears. How does God look at you and me during our struggles and when we’re weeping before Him?

“You keep track of all my sorrows.You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book” (Psalms 56:8)

Our loving heavenly Father takes distinct note of when we cry. When we cry, we do not keep our tears, but they are captured by the Lord. Have you ever been bothered by seeing your child struggle, getting hurt, and crying? It is even more so with our Father in heaven who sent His Son to intercede with His tears on behalf of our struggles and sins. Jesus sowed tears of sorrow for our sin so that He could give us joy by defeating our sin (Psalm 126:3). Take heart today by knowing God has taken note of our hurts, our struggle, our prayer, our tears, and most importantly our sins, and we will ultimately be eternally freed if we have entrusted our life to Him.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever” (Revelation 21:4)

“Jesus turns our tears into diamonds”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank you for capturing my heart, my sorrows, and my tears. Thank you for paying the ultimate price for my sin so that I can be eternally delivered from the sorrow of my sin in such a sin stained world. I have great hope because of You Lord. Thank you for caring for me and remembering me even when I weep. Please keep reminding me that my tears are but for a moment, and you will wipe every tear I ever had away from my face. Please give me Your power to see and walk in Your joy since I know this day is coming. 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

March 21st 2019 – Hiding From God

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“Behold, I am against you,” says the Lord of hosts; “I will lift your skirts over your face, I will show the nations your nakedness, And the kingdoms your shame.” (Nahum 3:5)

In the last chapter of Nahum, God brings several charges against the city of Nineveh. One of these charges is their involvement in harlotry and sorcery. These two lifestyles thrive in the dark corners of society and desire to accomplish personal fulfillment with ungodliness. So what is God’s plan to punish those involved? He is simply going to expose their sinfulness to everyone.

In our own lives, I believe we fear this more than anything else. We fear the thought of being “found out”. This may come as a surprise to some, God already knows our sins. There is nothing we can do to hide them from His perfect gaze.

(Jeremiah 23:24) “Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?” says the Lord.”

(Hebrews 4:13) “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.”

Here is the good news. He desires to forgive us of those sins and all we need to do is be honest. When we come to God fully confessing our faults and failures to Him, He will wipe them away. On the other hand, if we try to hide our sins from Him, one day they will make it to the surface for all to see. Today, rather than hiding your sins, come to God, confess and watch as your burden is lifted. Experience the fresh full forgiveness of your Heavenly Father.

Confession of sin.

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

God chooses not to hold our sins against us.

(Isaiah 43:25) “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.”

God removes our sin from us.

(Psalm 103:12) “It is possible for the Lord to look at us without seeing our sins because when he forgave us, he removed our sins as far as the east is from the west”

“The cost of hidden sin is shame and exposure.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come to You this morning to confess my sins to You. You tell me in the Bible that if I confess to You, You will wipe away all my sins and so I come this day asking for Your forgiveness. Continue to change my heart and make me more like Jesus. 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. Xxxxzz

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

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