Tag Archives: Pain

September 22nd 2019 – Jesus Wept

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“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

 

August 30th 2019 – No More Tears

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“Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4)

The first book of the Bible (Genesis) begins with an intimate interaction between God and man and the last book also ends in a similar fashion, with God Himself wiping every tear from our eyes. What a way to end the story! With our Heavenly Father bringing us on His knee to wipe away every tear from our eyes. Maybe it will be at that moment when we will realize that we are finally home.

I wonder if the tears we shed will be a mixture of joy at being in the Father’s presence, and relief that there will be no more death or mourning, no more crying or pain. Whatever the reason for our tears, the soothing comfort of a Father’s love will assuredly take away all our pain and make all our suffering but a distant memory. We have this promise, that at the end of all time, we will find ourselves in the arms of the Father. He will come and live with us and be our God and we will live with Him and be His people.

May this be the hope that we cling to for those who have gone before us in Christ and for us as well. While our temporal life on earth may soon come to an end, we have the hope of an eternity living near to the Father’s heart.

“One day, God will wipe away every tear from our eyes.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank You that soon there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. When I look at this lost world and I see such hurt and lack of love for our fellow man, people killing one another and others starving to death. Without love and compassion for one another our lost world has become so desensitized. Without knowing you and good news of Your gospel what hope does our fellow man have? It is my prayer Lord that You will use your church and your modern disciples to reach out to this hurting world. That through You, marriages and relationships can be saved that otherwise would fail. That through You broken, damaged, and lost people can again have hope. That You have already paid the price to redeem them and make them a new creation in You. That Your Holy Spirit will inhabit them, and may they experience forgiveness and experience Your everlasting love. I know that You have promised to wipe away every tear from our eyes. I look forward to that day when I will see You face to face and be with You forever. Thank You for the incredible hope that I have because of Jesus. In the name of Your beloved Son Jesus’ I pray, Amen.

If you have not asked Jesus into your life and experienced His Amazing Graceand Love for you. Please Click Here to ask Jesus to be your Lord and savior.

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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

December 5th 2018 – Jesus Hold Me Close

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Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” (John 20:15)

Jesus asked two very insightful questions of Mary at this point: “Why are you weeping?” and “Whom are you seeking?” Often in life, we find ourselves in a place where we feel like crying and other times find ourselves in tears. Jesus sees those tears and wants to dry them… if we will let Him.

We need to allow Jesus to do just that. Sometimes it happens through the hands and wisdom of others, but either way He wants to tend to our tears. Whatever the circumstance, life threatening Illness, brokeness of a marriage or loss of a loved one, spouse or child. Jesus is the answer to our pain..He will comfort us.

Sometimes though, we become strangely comfortable with pain and sadness. They become almost like old familiar friends. Jesus wants to be the better friend. For some, it may mean breaking a cycle long established and for others, it may mean coming out of a short season of pain.

Seek Jesus. Realize that in the midst of trial, trouble and temptation, He is there with you. You may need to turn around to face Him. He wants to pull you out of your problems and liberate you from sadness, but before He does, He wants to walk with you through the valley. Even when you are in the valley of the shadow of death, He is there. May you know He is there to dry your tears, lighten your load and be a closer friend than any you have ever known. Loved one, right now take a few minutes out of your busy day and turn to Him. You will be glad you did. And so will He.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for sticking by me through good times and bad times. You are the true friend. Sometimes, I become content to wallow in self pity. Please forgive me for that and humble me to allow You, through the hands of others, to comfort and even challenge me to trust you and Your promise. Please help me through the times of panic, the times when the pain is crippling and I can’t breathe. Hold me close Jesus when I feel all alone. Remind me that You are here and Love me when I am unable to see past the pain. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you would like to request a prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

If you have never asked Jesus into your heart. Click here to learn more.

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Rob Lavallee

 Scriptural Seeds Ministries 

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

April 28th 2018 – Jesus Wept

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“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.

However, God will not force His forgiveness on to anyone.

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.

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.

Don’t go through the troubles in life alone. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ 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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

 

December 1st 2017 – Loss of my Beloved Pet

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Last night I loss a trusted friend and family member. His name was Hunter. He was our Australian Cattle Dog. He showed up in my familys lives when we were experiencing a time deep pain and brokeness. My wife who was my best friend and mother of my children had chosen to abandonall of us be with someone else. She also made the choice not be in their lives any longer

Leaving me with full custody of our grade school age children. I made the choice move out of the big city to a rural area. One day at the bus stop Hunter showed up and followed my kids home. He was like a gift from God. Someone that could showing my kids and I love, where we had a deep void in our hearts. He was not only a pet, he was a true friend and family. It has been many years, and I am remaried to a wonderful God loving women. My kids are grown and have their own children now. But my dog has bwwn faithful ans stood by my side all these years.  I will miss him so much!

When we experience the loss of a pet, it feels just like the death of a person because beloved pets are members of our family. Not only that, pets give their owners  “unconditional love” which is something that humans attempt to do but do not often succeed. Only God and Jesus are able to truly give unconditional love.

Some of my best memories with our family pet, was when they are there for us when no one else was? Whatever pain you are dealing with, feeling lonely or just a bad day at school or work.  When you get home your pet greets you with unconditional love, a wagging tail or a soft meow, and you know you are appreciated and loved. How many people can you say that about? And pets are consistent with their love for you.

Pets not only give us unconditional love, but they give us trust, loyalty, and devotion. So when we lose a pet, either to an accident or just because we had to euthanize them due to illness, or age, or aggressiveness, the pain is still the same. We feel responsible for their lives and knowing that we have the power to end their lives is an awesome responsibility.

The popular slogan ” A dog is a man’s best friend ” is TRUE. They ARE.

If you are a person of faith you may wonder if your pet went to heaven. Do pets have souls?

There are many reasons why you may have to put your beloved pet to sleep. Old age or terminal sickness.

When we as humans become terminally ill. We have to endure the complete process no matter the pain or poor quality of life. We actually we treat animals better than we treat suffering and in pain humans.

But that does not make the “guilt” go away. No matter how beneficial it is to the animal we still feel guilty about ending it’s life. And some of us will even hold on to a pet that is in great pain and suffering for our own gratification, rather then what is best for the animal.

The Bible does not give any specific teaching on whether (pets and animals) have “souls” or whether they will be in heaven. However, we can take some general Scriptural principles and shed some light on the subject. The Bible states that both man (Genesis 2:7) and animals (Genesis 1:30; 6:17; 7:15,22) have the breath of life. The primary difference between human beings and animals is that man is made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27).

Animals are not made in the image and likeness of God. Being made in the image and likeness of God means that human beings are like God, capable of spirituality, with mind, emotion, and will – and – have an aspect of being that continues after death.

How many true stories have you seen or heard or read about concerning some dog who laid on it’s master’s grave for weeks? Or pulled a person out of a burning house? Or fought off intruders to save it’s owner? I definitely think that animals have souls with feelings and emotions such as sadness and anger, and fear, and pain. Which is why they have so many different temperaments. And as I said before, they demonstrate “unconditional love” way beyond the capacity of most humans. They are also completely loyal to their owners. They can be counted upon and never let us down as many humans do.

God tells us that when Jesus returns that there will be “peace on earth.”The lion will be able to lay side by side next to a lamb. There will be no more tears, fighting, and death.” So it appears that God gives eternal life to animals as well.

Another factor to consider in this question is that God did create animals as a part of His creative process in Genesis. God created the animals and said they were good (Genesis 1:25). Therefore, there is no reason why there could not be animals on the new earth (Revelation 21:1). There will most definitely be animals during the millennial kingdom (Isaiah 11:6; 65:25). It is impossible to say definitively whether some of these animals might be the pets we had while here on earth? We do know that God is just and that when we get to Heaven we will find ourselves in complete agreement with His decision on this issue, whatever it may be.

Here is a poem I found.

I’M STILL HERE

Friend, please don’t mourn for me
I’m still here, though you don’t see.
I’m right by your side each night and day and within your heart I long to stay.

My body is gone but I’m always near. I’m everything you feel, see or hear. My spirit is free, but I’ll never depart as long as you keep me alive in your heart.

I’ll never wander out of your sight-
I’m the brightest star on a summer’s night. I’ll never be beyond your reach- I’m the warm moist sand when you’re at the beach.

I’m the colorful leaves when fall comes around and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I’m the beautiful flowers of which you’re so fond, The clear cool water in a quiet pond.

I’m the first bright blossom you’ll see in the spring, The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I’m the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine, and you’ll see that the face in the moon shine is mine.

When you start thinking there’s no one to love you, you can talk to through the Lord up above you.
I’ll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees, and you’ll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.

I’m the hot salty tears that flow when you weep and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I’m the smile you see on a baby’s face. Just look for me friend, I’m every place!

~Author Unknown

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we bring you our grief in the loss of (name of pet) and ask for your healing and strengh to bear it. We bring you our thanks for (name of pet) who lived among us and gave us freely of his/her love. We commit our friend and companion into your loving hands. Give us eyes to see how your love embraces all creatures and every living thing speaks to us of your love. 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

 

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

 

June 12th 2017 – The Holy Spirit

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“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” (Romans 8:11)

Im not sure that you realize this, if you have ever accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is also available to you. The defining moment of the world and all the power that was behind His glorious resurrection is for you. That is what Romans 8:11 says. Are you living life defeated by sin? Have you been diagnosed with an illness maybe even terminal? Seize the moment! Now is the time! Never before have you been more able to live life to its fullest. The potential of your Creator is dwelling in you. The Holy Spirit, given to you by Jesus wants to perform a work in you so amazing you will never be the same. Victory has been declared … are you taking part in it?

(Philippians 4:13) “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

You are being perfected. As you allow God to work in you, you are being conformed to the image of Christ. That’s powerful! You can do all things through Jesus, including overcoming obstacles that you may have had no hope or power to do on your own. Even that sin that you keep going back to.

Stop feeding it. Feed your spiritual nature. Going to church, personal time in the Bible, prayer and serving others is the way to grow in God and these things are products of the Holy Spirit working in you. You don’t owe sin anything, but you owe Jesus for dying for you. You were purchased at a high price. Jesus changed your life. Live that change.

“You have resurrection power available to you by the Holy Spirit.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You that I do not have to be a slave to sin, but can be a bondservant of righteousness through You. Please forgive me for my sins and give me the power to live for You. Heal me of my illness, my human condition. Help me to grow in You through fellowship, study, prayer and by loving and serving others. Send people into my life that will love me and encourage me in a way that I have never experienced before.  Break off any lables and titles that the world has placed on me. I invite You into my life with absolute surender and obedience. I love You Jesus!  In Your heavenly name, Amen.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, pleaseClick 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

January 24th 2017 – Jesus, Hold Me Close

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Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” (John 20:15)

Jesus asked two very insightful questions of Mary at this point: “Why are you weeping?” and “Whom are you seeking?” Often in life, we find ourselves in a place where we feel like crying and other times find ourselves in tears. Jesus sees those tears and wants to dry them… if we will let Him.

We need to allow Jesus to do just that. Sometimes it happens through the hands and wisdom of others, but either way He wants to tend to our tears. Whatever the circumstance, life threatening Illness, brokeness of a marriage or loss of a loved one, spouse or child. Jesus is the answer to our pain..He will comfort us.

Sometimes though, we become strangely comfortable with pain and sadness. They become almost like old familiar friends. Jesus wants to be the better friend. For some, it may mean breaking a cycle long established and for others, it may mean coming out of a short season of pain.

Seek Jesus. Realize that in the midst of trial, trouble and temptation, He is there with you. You may need to turn around to face Him. He wants to pull you out of your problems and liberate you from sadness, but before He does, He wants to walk with you through the valley. Even when you are in the valley of the shadow of death, He is there. May you know He is there to dry your tears, lighten your load and be a closer friend than any you have ever known. Loved one, right now take a few minutes out of your busy day and turn to Him. You will be glad you did. And so will He.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for sticking by me through good times and bad times. You are the true friend. Sometimes, I become content to wallow in self pity. Please forgive me for that and humble me to allow You, through the hands of others, to comfort and even challenge me to trust you and Your promise. Please help me through the times of panic, the times when the pain is crippling and I can’t breathe. Hold me close Jesus when I feel all alone. Remind me that You are here and Love me when I am unable to see past the pain. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

October 27th 2016 – When Our World Falls Apart

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“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28)

A father was trying to take his Sunday afternoon nap but having little success because his young son kept waking him up with the complaint, “Daddy, I’m bored.” The father knew he needed to come up with some kind of plan to keep the little boy occupied, or there would be no nap. He glanced at the newspaper lying on the coffee table and had what he thought was a brilliant plan to keep his son busy and give him more time to sleep.

The father picked up the paper and pointed to a picture of the world on the front page. “This is a picture of the world, but it is also a puzzle,” the father explained. He then ripped the picture into about fifty pieces, handed them to his young son and said, “I want you to put it all back together.” He lay down to finish his nap, thinking he would get at least another hour of sleep.

In about fifteen minutes, the little boy woke him up saying, “Daddy, I’ve got it finished. It’s all put together.” The father could not believe it. His son was too young to know much about geography. “How did you do that?” he asked in amazement. “Dad, there was a picture of a person on the back page of that newspaper, and when I got my person put together, the world looked fine.”

Pain can rip our lives apart. We frantically try to find some way to put it all back together, but the broken pieces don’t seem to fit anymore. What then?

Trust God. Like the children of Israel, just stick your toes in the water, and watch God part the raging sea before you.

You may not always understand or even like His process, but you can always trust His heart of love for you.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I choose to believe You are faithful and will do what You promise to do in Your Word. I believe that when I lay my pain and hurt at Your feet, You can and will transform it all into something beautiful. I choose to believe You will turn the broken places of my life into living illustrations of Your sufficiency and healing power. Please Help me continue to be patient and let me blessings arrive in you perfect timing and in when I want. I trust You Lord. 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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

www.scripturalseeds.org