Tag Archives: Love

March 8th 2020 – Love Like Jesus

And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

In 1 Peter 4, the apostle uses an interesting word to describe the love we are to have for one another. He says we are to have a “fervent” love. In the Greek, this word means “stretched out” and carries with it a picture of a runner straining for the finish line. It’s a vivid image of a love that never quits.

Peter commands Christians to work hard at loving each other. The Greek word translated as “deeply,” “earnestly,” or “fervently” is ektenē, used to describe the muscles of an athlete straining to win a race. Peter writes that Christians should do this “above all.” A follower of Christ must make demonstrating the love of Jesus to others his or her first priority. This is always a requirement, but especially crucial during seasons of suffering.

What does this “stretched out” love look like? Peter answers this question with the next quote, “Love will cover a multitude of sins.” In other words, a fervent, stretched-out love is a love that forgives no matter the cost. Like the marathon runner that continues despite the burning in his lungs and the cramps in his muscles because he desires to achieve the goal, so we should endure the pain of rejection and the harsh words of those around us with a love in our hearts and a forgiving spirit. How can we love like this? We can love this way because Christ first loved us. He loved us even though we are sinners. He loved us, even when we rebelled against Him. He loved us with stretched out arms on the cross. Let’s love each other in the same way. Let’s Love like Jesus, because His love never quits!

“For when you demonstrate the same love I have for you by loving one another, everyone will know that you’re my true followers.” (John 13:35)

“We should stretch ourselves in order to love one another. This means being willing to forgive no matter the cost.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your love and ask that You would help me to love others in the same way. Help me to forgive often, love unconditionally as You love me and serve those around me. Use my fervent love to draw others to Your amazing grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Do you want to experience a love for you that never quits? Jesus died on the cross for you. He loves you and wants to help you. 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 and we will pray for you..

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

March 5th 2020 – Help For The Hopeless

“Arise, for this matter is your responsibility. We also are with you. Be of good courage, and do it.” (Ezra 10:4)

God may be the director of the universe, but He has given us power to make decisions. You have a decision to confess your sins to Him and to ask for His forgiveness. You have a decision whether to serve the Lord, give to the Lord or share the Gospel with others. No matter who you are, you have an opportunity to change the world through your decisions.

“And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15)

As you read this devotional, there is a world filled with people who desire peace. They desire love. They desire hope in something greater than the economy, the president or their own ability. As a follower of Christ, we can make the decision to share with them how to change their life and those things by sharing the Gospel. We can serve them. We can offer them our time, resources and compassion. God will empower us to do mighty things, but we must decide to do it. Choose this day who you will serve, and do it!

You are not helpless or hopeless. Your destiny is in your hands and in the hands of a God that loves you and wants to bless and protect you.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I desire to choose You above everything else. I decide this day to serve You and to serve others. Give me a heart of compassion and a willingness to think of others before myself. God, use me to change the world. 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

March 4th 2020 – Speak Life, Not Death

Then his wife said to him (job), “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9)

In the Book of Job. (pronounced “Jobe”) It begins with an introduction to Job’s character, he is described as a blessed man who lived righteously in the Land of Uz. The Lord’s praise of Job prompted Satan to challenge Job’s integrity, suggesting that Job served God simply because God protected him.  Satan caused much pain and greif for him, tormenting Job to try to break his faith.

We often think, well, Satan left Job’s wife alive because she was carnal. That could be. It’s interesting we are not told where she is in her faith before this statement. Maybe she was walking with the Lord before losing her wealth, her house and grounds, her children and is now watching her husband in pain. And maybe just giving in, she said “Curse God and die, I give up Job!”

This can happen to any of us. We all go through hard times, and it’s easy to speak poorly during those times. Be watchful of anyone speaking contrary to the Word, or speaking negatively in hard times. Be the person who speaks life, who speaks the truth, and speaks love. Allow God to use you to bring healing to others who are hurting, and to empower you to be a witness for His glory even while you are going through hard times.

“The beauty and strength of a marriage is that often when one is weak, the other is strong.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for empowering us through Your Spirit to speak life and blessings to others even during the hard times. Help us to be loving when it’s someone else hurting, and help us to speak wisely when we are hurting. We lift up to You all those in our life going through difficult situations, and ask You to use us to be a blessing in all of our relationships. 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

March 2nd 2020 – Destination Heaven

Don’t let this throw you. You trust God, don’t you? Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I’m on my way to get your room ready, I’ll come back and get you so you can live where I live.” (John 14:1-3)

Heaven is an actual place.

It isn’t an “idea” or a “state of mind”; it’s a location, like Phoenx or New York City or Paris. We often think of Heaven in sort of a mystical way, and our minds gravitate toward the versions we have seen in childrens books or TV, where people in white robes floating around on clouds with a halos over their heads, strumming a harp.

How mundane! That is certainly not the Heaven of the Bible. The Bible uses a number of words to describe Heaven. One word it uses is paradise. In the Gospels, we’re told that Jesus was crucified between two thieves. When one of those thieves, in the final moments of his life, put His faith in Jesus, he said, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” And Jesus replied, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43)

Heaven is also compared to a city. In (Hebrews 11:10) we’re told that this city’s architect and builder is God Himself. And then (Hebrews 13:14) says, “For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.”

Now, we know that cities have buildings, culture, art, music, parks, goods and services, and events. Will Heaven have all of these things? We don’t know. But we can certainly conclude that Heaven will in no sense be less than what we experience here on earth with the exception of all things harmful or evil.

Heaven is also described as a country. (Hebrews 11:16) says, “They desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God.”

Heaven is a paradise, a city, a country . . . and so much more that we can’t begin to wrap our limited minds around it. But one thing I do know: Jesus is expecting me, and He’s prepared a place for me. What more could I ask for?

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth and remember we can only get to Heaven by Jesus.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, 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 have done wrong things, and I’m sorry. Please forgive me and give me the power to follow You all the days of my life.  I also thank You for the hope You have freely given to me through Your Son Jesus. Lord, help my doubt when I cannot see. As I eagerly wait in expectation of Your coming, strengthen me to persevere in the calling You have laid before me. I know that all things work together for good to those who love You. Lord, I commit my life to Your purposes today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Do you trust Jesus enough with your life?You should, 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 don’t miss out on your destination to paradise! please click here 4 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

February 27th 2020 – Shine Brite

“He must increase, but I mustdecrease.” (John 3:30)

John the Baptist’s disciples saw that many more people were going to Jesus and his disciples to be baptized (John 3:26). We also see this in other places in scripture as well. People want to be in the who’s who among Christians. It’s a temptation we all face from time to time, the need to be affirmed in ourselves, how we fair among other people, and in the body of Christ. Paul deals with this specifically challenging the believers in Corinth who were having their identity connected to a specific leader.

Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? (1 Corinthians 1:13)

The key for our growth is allowing ourselves to decrease in our own lives and let the Lord increase in our lives. John states that it is his joy that the Lord was coming on the scene more fully and that people were following Jesus now. Can you and I say the same thing? If someone else gets a promotion at work, if you become more unpopular and someone else is elevated to higher notoriety, or it seems that all the good you have done has been forgotten are you able to humbly rejoice? We are all faced with day to day struggles and challenges in these areas of our lives in our family, at work, school, and even in our serving the Lord in the body of Christ. The question is are we willing to let Him increase that we might decrease?

“He must increase but I must decrease is where real joy is found and the purity of the person of Jesus can be seen in us.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, please forgive me when I feel I need to be exalted for any reason. Please allow Your Spirit to work in my heart so that You may truly increase in all areas of my life. Please forgive me for getting out of hand from time to time with my attitude and with gossip. I Love you Lord and want people to see You in my life. I want Your presence to shine bright in 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.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

February 26th 2020 – Willing and Available

“Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant.” (Acts 13:3-5)

In the book of Acts, the progression of the life of Paul is revealed. Initially, we see Paul fighting against God. Paul is living out his life doing his ‘own thing’ when he meets God in a very real way. Paul’s experience on the road to Damascus began this progression where we see him begin to give his life over to God. The book of Acts allows us to watch first hand as we see this man give his life away. One danger is to look at Paul’s life and think, “Wow, that was great for Paul, but can my life really make a difference?” I used to ask myself the same question, but not anymore.

You see, one of the beautiful truths of God’s Word is that God will work through anybody who is willing. He is not looking for ability, but for availability. Throughout the Bible we see men and women accomplishing great and incredible things. These men and women had some of the same weaknesses and wanderings we do, yet the Lord used them to touch many lives. The most difficult part of this journey is the first step. I encourage you to take the first step. Step out in faith and begin to walk the incredible journey God has planned for you. You will look back in amazement at what the Lord will do. I know I do every day.

“We all should be ministers and make a difference in this world.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, You tell us to pray for workers in the harvest. Lord, I want to pray that You make me a worker in the harvest. Whatever my gifts and abilities are I lay them before You now and ask You to work through me to help change this world. I know I am not saved through these acts of service, but because I am grateful for Your forgiveness, I desire to serve so others may come to know You. I am a Christian because someone cared. Now it is my turn. In Jesus’ precious and glorious name, Amen.

Do you trust Jesus enough with your life? You should, 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

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

February 20th 2020 – Dear Dad

“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving kindness I have drawn you.” (Jeremiah 31:3)

Dear Dad,

Please make my heart long for your words more than anything else. Open my eyes so I can see amazing things in the Bible. Unify my heart in fearing you and only you. Satisfy me with your unfailing love.

I ask that all people, including me, would honor you and uphold your reputation by both our words and our actions.
I ask that your sovereignty would become tangible and evident in people and nature around the world.
And I ask that today, and each day forward my actions and leadership of my family would align with your plans for my life.
I want to please you.

I’m needy, spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally; please give me everything I need for today. When I stumble and sin, please forgive me. May I forgive others and show them grace as you do for me. Don’t put me on the path of temptation, because I’m not very good at resisting it. Please rescue me from the evil one.

And now, I’m going to be happy because of everything you have done for me! I’ve cried for help so many times, and you always comfort me and save me through the hardest times. I want to trust you more and more with everything. You paid the ransom for my life; I’m yours now. And you are mine too! I pray that You won’t hold yourself back from me, and that I get to know you more and more each day.

How is it that you show me so much attention when I’m so small? I’m overwhelmed by how a God so powerful and famous shows so obviously that he cares about me and my life. Thank you for always being with me! Thank you that I don’t have to be ashamed of myself

Thank you for my beautiful spouse, thank you for my children, my parents, my good friends and the special ones that you have led into my life to help guide and teach me in your ways.

I LOVE YOU.

Sincerely your son.

****Note****
Obviously that was a prayer of mine today, dont let this opportunity pass to give thanks for the people and the circumstances that God has had His hand on. Take a moment to let your loved ones know how much you love them, forgive them for any hurts that may have caused you, ask forgiveness for anything you may have done to hurt them. Please don’t wait another day, don’t wait until later, do it now. You never know when they will leave this earth and you won’t have the opportunity to do so. I lost my father when I was 22, I was unsaved and there is so much I wish I could say now.

May the Spirt of God overwhelm you today, and may God bless you.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I praise You for the amazing love You have shown me. Thank you for the people that you have brought into my life that exhibit the love of Christ as well. Help me to grasp this love so that I will be able to love others in the same way. Strip me of any excuses and use me to reach others with the love of Jesus. In Your glorious and precious name, Amen.

Reach out to God and ask Him to show you His fatherly love, you will not be disappointed. Remember, He is all He says He is!

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 it’s the greatest decision you will ever make.

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

February 14th 2020 – You Are Mine

But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.I have called you by name; you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)

This is the month when you hear about love, and Valentines are everywhere you turn. Today, February 14, is the day we’ve chosen to celebrate with the ones we love.

On Valentine’s day isn’t it fun to dig through a box of those little candy hearts? The ones that have the words printed on them. They say little things like “SWEET”, “CUTE” or “KISS ME”. But the one that I like the best says, “YOU ARE MINE!”

The opening verse in Isaiah chapter 43 gives a beautiful picture of God saying those exact words to His beloved children of Israel. Even though they had wandered away from Him and He had to discipline them, He declares, “Don’t be afraid! I made you and I will take care of you. You are mine!” Then, as their loving Father, He gives them the promise of His presence, His protection, and His provision through it all.

“But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” (1 John 4:8)

So how can we know and express real love? It’s not lust or an emotion, or merely a sentimental state of mind. There is romantic love, and the love of family and friends. But, the Bible tells us the highest love is not based on feelings, but a commitment of our will. This love is patient and kind. It’s not envious or arrogant or rude. It’s not selfish or easily angered. It doesn’t keep a record of how others have wronged us. It puts up with a lot and endures with hope. It doesn’t run away when the going gets tough.

Real love never stops loving. God Is Love – and it’s real love. He shows us this love through the life and sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. Have faith in Him and you can experience true love. His love will empower you to show real love to others

Ephesians 1:3-14 says that as a believer in Christ, God the Father does the same thing for you. He created you, He redeemed you, and He calls you to Himself saying, “You are accepted in the Beloved”– in essence, “You are Mine!” As a loving Father cares for His children, so He cares for you day after day, week after week, year after year. He loves you! You are His!

“Let all that you do be done with love.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, what a thrill to hear Your words and to know that I belong to You! Thank You for creating me, for caring for me, for calling me Yours, and for the security that brings. I want to glorify my love for You by loving otherd as you have expressed Your love for me. I never knew true love until You taught me how to love. I am so greatful for the blessings that You have provided for me. I thank you for people who live me and I pray that I can express Your love through me. In Your precious name, Amen.

Experience a love like no other.

If you do not know Jesus 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 and struggles in life. 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 and we will pray for you..

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

February 9th 2020 – If God Gave You A Watch

“What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God.” (Romans 3:1-2)

A.W. Tozer once said, “If God gave you a watch, would you honor Him more by asking Him what time it is or by simply consulting the watch.” God has provided us with the instruction book He authored and it is our responsibility to read it and heed it. Never forget that there are places in this world where simply possessing a Bible brings a death sentence. Many Christians have been martyred and continue to be in astounding numbers across the globe for the very thing which many of us take for granted.

God has blessed you with a Bible and with the freedom to read it. What shall you do with it? Is it simply a ‘coffee table’ book, a drink coaster or a paperweight? Does it sit unused on a bookshelf? The Bible, which God has given you, will keep you and your family from an abundance of pain and trouble. It can save your marriage, your children and even your life, but only if you read, study and apply it. It is the very Word of God.

“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)

I want to encourage you to study your Bible. Make certain that you and your family faithfully attend a Bible teaching church. Get into the habit of praying and reading your Bible daily. Lead your family in prayer and devotions. Be diligent to do these things, and you will be amazed by the changes, miracles and blessings that are poured out on you and your family.

“There is a blessing and a responsibility in having a Bible.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving me Your Bible. Please forgive me if I have been slack in reading and studying it. I ask You to give me a hunger for Your Word. Open my heart to receive Your counsel and do the things You tell me. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Do trust Jesus enough with your life? You should, 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

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, pleaseClick Hereand we will pray for you..

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Rob Lavallee

 Scriptural Seeds Ministries 

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

February 8th 2020 – God’s Love is Eternal and Never Fails

“Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.” (1 Corinthians 13:8)

Have you ever thought about love in the light of eternity? One day all that we know here on earth will be changed. When Christ appears in all His glory, heaven will come to earth and our lives, homes, bodies and relationships will change forever. Yet, there is one thing that will never change. That thing is love. When we see Christ face to face, we will no longer need faith. As we glimpse the realities of heaven all around us, we will no longer cling to hope of a better day. But love will never disappear. The love that created the world and gave life to humanity will still sustain the saints in heaven. The love that walked out of heaven and went to the cross is the same love that prepared a place for us for all eternity. And, the same love that strengthens us in this life is the same love that welcomes us into the next. This love never fails, never wavers and never grows weary. This love is the love of God.

“We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)

Because this love will always remain, let us begin loving even now. We will spend eternity with our brothers and sisters in Christ, so why not love them now? As we love each other with the love given to us through Christ, the world will see it and desire the same. When they do, we can point them to the never-ending source of love, Jesus.

“Love releases the power of the Spirit in our lives and in our churches.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the love You have shown me. Help me to love others in the same way You have loved me. Use me today to share the love of God with someone I see. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Experience a friend like no other. 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