Tag Archives: Praise and Worship

November 19th 2018 – Worship with Unaffected Joy

“They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:46-47)

Just as something wonderful happens when God’s people get together and study His Word, something extraordinary happens when God’s people get together and sing His praises. Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20) Now this verse is not saying that God only shows up when people worship, because God is omnipresent. But He manifests His presence in a very special way when His people lift up His name in praise and worship.

Did you know that the early church was a worshipping church. As we read above in Acts 2:46–47 it tells us, “They ate their food with great joy and generosity all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people”

The phrase “great joy and generosity” literally means (with unaffected joy) There was joy in the early church. They were vibrant. But they also had reverence. A few verses earlier in (Acts 2:43) we read “A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.”

There should be joy and reverence. Those are elements that should be in our worship. The Spirit-filled church will be a worshipping church, and the Spirit filled Christian will be a worshipping Christian.

Someone might say, “Well, I just don’t always feel like worshipping.” Do you think the first-century believers always felt like praising God? They were harassed. They were beaten. They were mocked. These Christians faced persecution on a massive scale, but they were thankful to God.

The Bible doesn’t say, “Give thanks to the Lord when you feel good.” Rather, it says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!” (1 Chronicles 16:34). That is how Job was able to worship God after calamity came knocking at his door.

“Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship.” (Job 1:20).

“Sometimes worship can be a sacrifice. But we should still worship with unaffected joy “

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am in awe of Your unending, unconditional love. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection on my behalf, I am able to be free from the bondage of sin and future condemnation. You are so good to me, and I desire to respond with a life of surrender to you. Fill me with Joy and reverence, fill me with Your Spirit and help me to live a life of love and service for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Click to Watch – Kari Jobe (Forever)

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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 8th 2018 – Let There Be Light

“For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)

In the beginning God spoke into the darkness and created the light. This light was the beginning of a new world. Like our world, we all begin in darkness because of our sinful nature. As the holidays are approaching we need to remember to have an attitude greatfulness and thanksgiving and truly be excited because the Light of God himself has come into our darkness. Two thousand years ago in a stable in Bethlehem, Jesus Christ came in the form of man. He, who had created light in the beginning of time, was now on our earth as a light to men.

What great news! The Lord of all creation has come to bring light and life to men. As we give our lives to Jesus, He speaks into our lives and light bursts forth in brilliant beams. This light transforms us from the inside and we are made new. As you celebrate with family and friends this upcoming season, look at all the lights around you and remember ‘The Light’ of the world. As you do that, remember that He has come to make us lights to this world as well. What an honor, to be given the Light of God to share with others who are in darkness. Surely, this is what the holiday season is all about.

“Shine as bright lights that illuminate the darkness.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the light given to men through Your Son, Jesus. Father, forgive me of my sins and fill me with Your light so that I may share You with this dark world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Living in the dark? Looking for meaning and direction? 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. 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, please Click Here

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 7th 2018 – Garment of Praise

“and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” (Isaiah 61:3)

With all that hate being spread around during the midterm elections, Its not hard to look around and feel a “spirit of despair”

Well Isaiah 61:3 prescribes a “garment of praise” for your condition. If you’re having trouble putting on that garment today, these words will get you focused on the names and attributes of your Creator. Our God is holy, loving, eternal and amazing beyond all of our comprehension. Let’s pray these words together and get our eyes off our sadness and all the worldly troubles, and focus on our heavenly Father who deserves our praise!

Garment-of-Praise

“When you are sad or feel despair, Don’t focus on it,  Put you sights on God with Praise and Worship!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, you are the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. You are my Creator and my Counselor, guiding me daily to make wise decisions. You are my Comforter in sorrow, pain, or distress. I praise you for drawing near to me when I draw near to you. You are the God who sees me and you are Eternal, Lord. You are my heavenly Father, and the father of the fatherless. How great are you and your faithfulness, God, day in and day out.

You are holy, yet you made a way for me to approach you. I praise you for being my Helper, and for your Holy Spirit’s conviction, correction, and protection in my life. You are invisible, but I see you with eyes of faith. You are the One who provides for all my needs. I praise you as my God who heals, and for being my faithful Shepherd. You are not just King, but you are King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. And yes, you are Jesus, the name above all names.

With my whole heart I praise you, God. You are Messiah, the soon and coming King. You are omniscient; you know all things. You are omnipresent; everywhere at all times. You are my Peace, my Protector, and the High Priest who became my Redeemer and Sacrifice forever. You died to set me free; you rose again and gave me victory over death. No longer am I enslaved in sin; you are my Salvation, my Rescuer and my Refuge. You give me hope within.

You are preparing a place for me so that one day I will live with you forever. Maybe then and only then will I be able to praise you adequately in a way not possible here on earth the way you truly deserve all my love, all my praise to you. How excellent is your name in which I pray! 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

October 26th 2018 – Spiritually Flowing

“For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.” (1 Corinthians 14:17)

God has created the church to function in an amazing way. Each person is at a different level of spiritual maturity. Some are new to the faith and are in need of spiritual sustenance. They desire the Word and need time to learn and grow in Christ. Then there are those who are well equipped with God’s Word and who have endured trials and tribulations with Jesus by their side. They are able to pour into others and help equip them for the journey. This is a beautiful part of the body and an important relationship in the church.

As more and more people are filled and equipped, we must be diligent to not become spiritually selfish. It is a blessing to sit and hear the Word of God and to be filled with understanding yet if we are not pouring out into others, we are missing part of the equation. Just like still water will eventually become stagnant, we too can become that way if we are not pouring out into others. Please don’t worry about running out of water. Our Lord promises fountains of living water that will never run dry, but the key is to share the water so that others can experience the life-changing message of Christ.

“Dreams are today’s answers to tomorrows questions.”

Prayer:

Heavely Father, I am grateful for all that You have done for me. I thank You for the living water of Jesus that flows in me. Help me to pour out my life for Your name’s sake and to help equip others to follow 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

October 10th 2018 – Early Riser

“I love those who love me; And those who seek me early and diligently will find me.” (Proverbs 8:17)

I wake up every morning knowing I need to spend time reading the Scripture and praying. But it’s so easy to jump into the details of my day without first taking time to be with the Lord.

Whenever I do that, when I start tackling the day without spending time with Him. I’m really saying that I can handle things on my own. I don’t need God.

Sometimes I get the sense that God may be saying, “You want to handle this day by yourself? Go ahead.” At best, it’s an empty, fruitless day lived for myself. And at worst, I end up in some big messes!

We need to learn from King David. Even though he was a busy leader, he made a point to spend his first of the day with God.

(Psalm 5:3) “O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice”

When I start the day by humbling myself and admitting that I can’t do things on my own, I can count on God to carry me through the day. Has He heard your voice today?

“Seek Him first”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help me make time to seek You first every morning. I don’t want to continue have fruitless and empty days trying to do things on my own. May I seek Your devine guidance and counsel each morning. I praise and Love 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

July 22nd 2018 – A Fading Ember

“And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah had done (although he did not enter the temple of the LORD). But still the people acted corruptly.” (2 Chronicles 27:2)

“I don’t need to be in church to be a Christian.” This statement has been uttered by many people throughout the years and often times is the sign of a struggling believer. The statement itself is correct. Anyone can have a relationship with Jesus Christ whether they are part of a church or not. Yet, God created the church to be a crucial tool for spiritual growth.

(Hebrews 10:24-25) “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching”

Like a burning ember that’s been pulled out of the fire, Christians who are not connected to a church often struggle to burn brightly in this dark world. This is one of the many benefits of fellowship. When we meet together under the banner of Christ, we stir each other up to good works. We are able to hold each other accountable as well as hold each other up during difficult times. While there may be times of transition when a believer finds themselves alone, our goal should be to find other like-minded Christians who can encourage us in our walk with Christ. Needing other believers is not a weakness; its how God designed it so that we could demonstrate love to one another in a way that changes the world.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the church and for the fellowship of other believers. In Your infinite wisdom, You created the church so that we could know You more and be equipped to share the Gospel. Father, I pray that You would give us unity as believers and help us reach out in love to others who may be on the edges. 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

November 25th 2017 – The Garment of Praise

“and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” (Isaiah 61:3)

As the Thanksgiving weekend winds down and friends and family unfortantally get ready to depart back home. Many of us will experience a spirit of sadness. Maybe you went out on “Black Friday” and wittnessed people who, just the day before celebrated “Thanksgiving and Gratitude”. Now  in a mad frenzy to get whatever they can for the cheapest price, Often rude and inconsiderate. Or even worse, you made the mistake  to turn on the news and saw all the horific headlines. Its not hard to look around and feel a “spirit of despair”

Well Isaiah 61:3 prescribes a “garment of praise” for your condition. If you’re having trouble putting on that garment today, these words will get you focused on the names and attributes of your Creator. Our God is holy, loving, eternal and amazing beyond all of our comprehension. Let’s pray these words together and get our eyes off our sadness and all the worldly troubles, and focus on our heavenly Father who deserves our praise!

Garment-of-Praise

“When you are sad or feel despair, Don’t focus on it,  Put you sights on God with Praise and Worship!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, you are the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. You are my Creator and my Counselor, guiding me daily to make wise decisions. You are my Comforter in sorrow, pain, or distress. I praise you for drawing near to me when I draw near to you. You are the God who sees me and you are Eternal, Lord. You are my heavenly Father, and the father of the fatherless. How great are you and your faithfulness, God, day in and day out.

You are holy, yet you made a way for me to approach you. I praise you for being my Helper, and for your Holy Spirit’s conviction, correction, and protection in my life. You are invisible, but I see you with eyes of faith. You are the One who provides for all my needs. I praise you as my God who heals, and for being my faithful Shepherd. You are not just King, but you are King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. And yes, you are Jesus, the name above all names.

With my whole heart I praise you, God. You are Messiah, the soon and coming King. You are omniscient; you know all things. You are omnipresent; everywhere at all times. You are my Peace, my Protector, and the High Priest who became my Redeemer and Sacrifice forever. You died to set me free; you rose again and gave me victory over death. No longer am I enslaved in sin; you are my Salvation, my Rescuer and my Refuge. You give me hope within.

You are preparing a place for me so that one day I will live with you forever. Maybe then and only then will I be able to praise you adequately in a way not possible here on earth the way you truly deserve all my love, all my praise to you. How excellent is your name in which I pray! 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.

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

March 26th 2017 – Why We Worship

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” (1 Peter 2:9)

This is a purpose for which we are called for the purpose of praising God, worshiping God. That is one of the job descriptions of a Christian. We should declare that God is worthy, worth more than everything else put together.

The word “worship” however has lost much of its intended meaning over time . The first mention of worship in the Bible is when Abraham was preparing to sacrifice his son, Isaac, unto the Lord. Though God intervened at the last moment, sparing Isaac, it was the act of obedience that was worship unto God. Now, the term usually refers to music and therefore misses the deeper meaning of sacrifice and service to God. The question is what would cause us to desire to sacrifice our lives?

This will help illustrate three kinds of worship.

  1. Worship that involves speaking praise.
  2. Worship that involves listening.
  3. Worship that involves doing.

There is a worship that expresses the heart, and worship that involves the mind, and a worship that involves the body. There is a worship that is giving praise upward, a worship that is receiving instructions from above, and a worship that carries out instruction in the world around us.

The fact that we believe God says something about his worthiness. The fact that we trust him and love him declares that he is worthy of love and trust. The fact that we obey Him also says that He has worth. Our words complete the picture by saying that God has worth. In the words we say to one another, in the prayers we say to God, in the songs we sing, we can declare that God is worth more than all other gods, worth more than all other things.

We can worship God all by ourselves. But it is also something we do together. God has revealed himself not just to me, but to many people. God puts us in a community, He reveals himself to a community and through a community, and the community together responds to him in worship, in declaring that he is worth all honor and praise.

Peter comments above in 1 Peter 2, that we are chosen people of God and that our purpose is to “proclaim the praises of Him.” Why proclaim? Because God has called us out of darkness and into marvelous light. He has saved us and made us His children. This is why we worship and why we are willing to sacrifice for our God and King. He has been so good to us that we cannot help but respond in the truest sense of worship. It is the loving mercy and grace of our Heavenly Father that compels us to seek Him, love Him and live for Him.

“When we come to realize all that Christ has done for us, we cannot help but worship Him.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am in awe of Your unending, unconditional love. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection on my behalf, I am able to be free from the bondage of sin and future condemnation. You are so good to me, and I desire to respond with a life of surrender to you. Fill me with Your Spirit and help me to live a life of love and service for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Click to Watch – Kari Jobe (Forever)

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