Tag Archives: Grace and Mercy

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

“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..

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

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

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..

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

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

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..

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

 

October 5th 2019 – Bad Weather

“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don’t give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

People think that when you are in the will of God, you will always have “smooth sailing.” That is certainly not true of Paul. He seemed to face every kind of adversity imaginable. He had enemies who tried to undermine and even destroy him out of jealousy.

The Apostle Paul delt with storms

Toward the end of the Book of Acts, Paul was making his final journey to Rome because he had appealed to Caesar. As they journeyed, a horrific storm overtook them and everyone despaired for their lives.

Luke describes it this way: “When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved” (Acts 27:20)

The Lord came to Paul

But the Lord sent His angel to speak to Paul, giving the apostle the ability to encourage the others on board:

But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down. For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, and he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’ So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said.” (Acts 27:22-25)

Will there ever be smooth sailing?

That is not to say we will not have beautiful moments, and even seasons of relative calmness. Not all the winds that blow in life are devastating. In one instance, the log of the journey before the big storm hit says, “The south wind blew softly” (Acts 27:13)

Thank God for those times when the “South wind blows softly.” Those times when you can feel the warmth of the sun on your shoulders and all is well.

God never abandons us

The Apostle Paul had numerable setbacks in life that included beatings and physical harm. He also had a personal physical disability he prayed to be healed of that never left.

Still, he was able to say, “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don’t give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

That is one of the reasons the storms and trials come. To make us stronger spiritually. Because in a storm, a trial, or a hardship, you will learn things you could really learn nowhere else.

The Fact is, storms will come in life. It’s not a matter of if but when. Were either pulling out of one or eventually headed toward another.

“Better to be in a storm with Jesus then anywhere else without Him.”

“Fruit does not grow on mountaintops, but in valleys.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,  It gets so hard trying to face the storms of life on our own especially when we feel weak. I need Your power and strength to face each one. Please continue to help and teach me to turn to You first. Help me learn to patiently endure the suffering and the hard times and honor You in the midst of them. I lift up all of my troubles and faithfully trust in You Lord that you will guide me. Please send others to help me through these tough times. I ask for Your peace to comfort me. I ask, Father, for Your power to strengthen me. When I want to run because I am afraid or hurt, I ask that You help me to stand. I know that You will guide me to grow through these things. Lord, I know You will be there to help me through every storm of life and even in the final storm of death, I wi praise You for Your peace and for Your promise of heaven. Help me to keep my mind focused on eternity so that I will not lose hope here on earth. Fill me with Your Spirit and use my life to share God’s peace with the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Trying to face a storm without Jesus will get very overwhelming, you may even feel all alone.  He is waiting for you, ask for His help. 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

October 4th 2019 – God Still Heals

“to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,” (1 Corinthians 12:9)

What do you think about when you hear the words “healing” or “miracle”? Depending on how you grew up, these words may spark memories. Some of us may remember the charismatic preachers on television or even roadside tent revivals. Even though they may have involved miraculous signs and wonders, others may simply reject the notion that miracles even occur today.

Regardless of what we have seen or heard, we must always remember to ask the question, “What does the bible say?” You see, what we believe is not dependent on our opinion or upbringing, but fully relies on what God has revealed to us through His Word.

As we look into the glorious and perfect Word of the Lord, we see that He has given us His Spirit to help spread the Gospel and minister to one another. In 1 Corinthians 12, we see that Paul clearly states that the Holy Spirit can empower us with the gift of healings and miracles. While these can refer to many things, we must understand that we have the chance to be part of one of the greatest healings of all time.

What could that be you ask? Simply put, it’s the dead coming to life. When we share with others the Gospel and they respond, they go from death to life, from condemnation to forgiveness, from being a child of the adversary to a child of the living God. Maybe you’ve never experienced that supernatural healing. God desires to forgive your sins and make you new. All you have to do is come to Him. Are you ready for healing?

“Don’t ever forget that God still heals. He heals us spiritually, physically and emotionally”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I know that I have done wrong in my life and I ask that You forgive me. Lord, I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins and that He rose again. I come to You today and ask that You would create in me a clean heart and make me new. Fill me with Your Spirit and help me to walk with You every day of my life. I love You Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

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

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

September 25th 2019 – Unlimited Resource

“He who scatters has come up before your face. Man the fort! Watch the road! Strengthen your flanks! Fortify your power mightily.” (Nahum 2:1)

Tests and trials are a part of life and often push us to our limits in so many ways. During these times, what do you turn to? Do you first run to others seeking those who feel the same way you do? Do you find yourself to be anxious because you are constantly looking down the road of life waiting for the next attack? Maybe you run to your money or addiction to seek answers or comfort. Whatever the case may be, the truth is, when we do not run to God first, we will not last long.

As followers of Christ, we have the unlimited resource of wisdom and power available to anyone. He is our Father God and He desires to help us in times of need. We may be able to limp along on our own wisdom and strength for a time, but when we trust in the Lord’s strength and His infinite wisdom, we will never grow weary. Today you will encounter difficult situations. Don’t be surprised by them but simply use them as an excuse to draw closer to God. Need wisdom? Ask the Father. Desire strength? Find it in Jesus.

“When you aew faced with a problem, seek God first before relying on your own wisdom or strength.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your generous love for me. I am so grateful that I can run to You in times of need and You will hear my cry. Father, I ask for Your strength and wisdom today. No matter where I find myself I ask that You would guide my steps and use me for Your purposes. 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

 

September 24th 2019 – The Path That God Leads Us Down

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Keep walking along the path God has chosen for you. Your desire to live close to Him is a delight to the Lords heart. He could grant the riches of our spiritual desires, but that may not be what God has for you or me. Together with God we can forge a pathway up this high and mighty mountain in front of us.

The journey may be arduous at times and we may become week, soon with Gods help we will be to the top of that mountain. But for now, sometimes our walk is difficult and heavy. All He requires from us to do is take the next step, clinging to His hand for strength and direction.

We will never know what is around the bend if we stray from our path, stay on the path that God has selected for you, you are closer then you know to where God wants to lead you.

Focus your attention on the path just ahead of you, and on the One that never leaves your side.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, please continue to guide and direct our steps as we walk down life’s path. May we always seek you over all distractions. I praise you and all you have done in my life. I am so blessed that you love me and continue to guide me on my path. May I be receptive to Your direction, seeking You always at each fork on life’s path. I choose to seek and follow You on the path to where You Lord have destined me to be. I know that you have such wonderful plans for our lives and want us to reach our destiny, Amen.

Don’t walk down the path of life without Jesus by your side. If you have not accepted Him as your Savior,  Click Here to read Four 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

September 23rd 2019 – Rightly Dividing God’s Word

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

To rightly the divide the Word of God it takes times of reading it, meditating on it, and also studying it.  Each way opens up the truth of the Word.  I look at the Word of God like a miner seeking for gold. Yes, he might get lucky and find some on the top, but most gold takes a lot of digging and working.

When we open our Bibles and start reading it, sometimes things can jump right off of the page and we are amazed and we get all excited.  But there are other times that we read the Word and nothing really hits us.  That’s when we need to ponder and chew on it for a while.  Do it during the course of the day.

You might say, how do I do that? Here, let me show you a couple of different ways.  When you find a verse that speaks to you write it down or put it on the wallpaper on your phone, then, throughout the day look at it, say it a few times and think about what it’s saying to you personally.

Before I got a Smartphone, I used to write scriptures on 3 by 5 cards and carry them with me, or hang them in places I would go, like a mirror, or on the door of the fridge.  Be creative and you will see that you will be digging up nuggets before you know it. His Word will be rightly divided in your life and you will be used for the kingdom of God, who is not ashamed.

“One who uses the Bible as his guide never loses his sense of direction”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Starting today, I’m going to be a doer and a digger of the Word.  I’m going to let the Your Holy Word have first place in my life and study it so that I can rightly divide it and not be ashamed. I also ask that you allow me to experience Your word visually while reading and meditating on it. Give me insight and understanding on the scriptures. We ask this in Jesus precious 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

September 22nd 2019 – Jesus Wept

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

As Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem on what we know as Palm Sunday, He looked at the city and wept. In the hebrew language, the word used to describe His weeping speaks of bitter anguish, as though one first were mourning the death of a loved one.

Jesus cried with such pain because He knew what was next to come. His time was short. He had been rejected by mankind. He had healed their sick. He had raised their dead. He had cleansed their lepers. He had fed their hungry and forgave their sins. But He remained mostly alone and rejected.

He also knew one of His own, Judas Iscariot, was about to betray Him. Judas was a friend of Jesus’. That is why it was a betrayal. Jesus knew that Caiaphas, the high priest, would try Him on false charges. Jesus knew that He would be sent to the Roman governor Pontius Pilate and ultimately be sentenced to die on the cross. He knew the people who were crying, “Hosanna!” And that the majority would turn against them. And it broke His heart. Jesus knew they would face the repercussions for their sin, and He didn’t want that.

I have friends and also family who have made wrong decisions in life, despite the warnings in God’s written word. Despite counsel from thier Pastor or Christian friends not to do a certain thing. They do it anyways, then later they come back and say, “Oh, I should have listened.

God will not violate our free will. God will not make us believe. God will not make us love Him. If we don’t want to, we don’t have to. But that is what is so amazing. God, having foreknowledge, still loves us and still extends his grace to us.

“God will not force His forgiveness on to anyone.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for my church, my friends and the ones that love me. Thank You for the amazing comfort that I can find with You. Please refill my spirit daily because I don’t often make good decisions on my own. I praise you for not forsaking me in the times that I don’t listen. Because of Your love, I can have peace and forgiveness for all my sins. Because of You Lord, I am free from the penalty of sin and no matter what happens on this earth, I will be healed and loved for all eternity. Father, help me to remember these things and to pass them on to those who are thirsting for Your refreshing comfort. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Seeking Comfort from Jesus?

Jesus Christ says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him” (Revelation 3:20)

The Bible promises eternal life to all who receive Christ: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:11-13)

If you have not asked Jesus into your life You can receive Jesus Christ right now by faith through prayer.

(Prayer is just talking with God. He knows your heart, so don’t worry about getting your words just right. Here is a suggested prayer to guide you:)

Seeking Jesus? Pray this prayer with me.

Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive you as my Saviour and Lord. Thank you for forgiving me of my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.

If you have prayed this prayer, Congratulations! (Luke 15:7) says that when one sinner accepts Jesus Christ as his or her Saviour the angels rejoice. So there’s a party going on in heaven right now over your decision! Remember this date as your “second birthday,” the day you were born into a new life in Christ! You have God’s Word that he answered your prayer.

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

 

September 10th 2019 – Incomprehensible Love

“How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them, Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I am awake, I am still with you.” (Psalm 139:17-18)

Have you ever tried to count the grains of sand on the seashore? For those of you who may have tried, you now know it is absolutely impossible! There are so many in just a scoop of your hand that it becomes incomprehensible to think that we could even begin to count them.

In this scripture verse, the psalmist tells us that God’s thoughts toward us even outnumber the grains of sand on the seashore! What imagery. The Father, who created you and who numbered all your days, is thinking about you all the time. He never stops thinking about you…And they are not thoughts of condemnation and judgement, but thoughts of absolute love and adoration. How precious are His thoughts toward us.

In our limited understanding, this is just too good to be true…but it is true. God is thinking about you right now!

“Jesus thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, it amazes me that your thoughts toward me outnumber the grains of sand on the seashore. And your thoughts towards me are loving thoughts! I pray that I might be able to receive this truth into my heart, so that I might be able to simply respond with loving thoughts back to you. I thank You for your sacrifice of your Son Jesus, it was the ultimate expression of Your love for us. Please forgive us for the times when we have questioned your love for us. I believe that You love us and have demonstrated that love once and for all through the cross. I pray that the truth of Your love for us will be the bedrock of my faith even during the times when I don’t feel loved. Wash me clean and use me for Your kingdom today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Interested in experiencing Gods Incomprehensible love for you?  Click Here 

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