Tag Archives: Rob Lavallee

July 3rd 2019 – Hope Is Real

“I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” (Psalms 27:13)

On my way home yesterday, I saw these words written on a sign at a local church. It said, “Hope Is Real.” I thought about it for a moment and (needless to say) agreed with the statement. But as I pondered the simple little phrase, I realized that for many people hope is not real. I believe that is one of the most important gifts we can give to another person, the gift of hope.

You see, someone who is hopeless and alone usually cannot help themselves out of their situations. They have a great sense of loss and helplessness. We must come alongside and bring the good news of Jesus Christ and all that He has to offer.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

One definition for hope is: To look forward to with confidence or expectation. We must bring the Word of God with all its hope to someone who does not know it is real. When we bring hope, we bring life. It is life changing to finally believe again. It is more than just asking God for something we so badly need; we must expect our miracle. Somewhere in the midst of asking, believing, and expecting God to answer, we will find what we are looking for.

I have felt for a long time that the biggest problem we have in the world today is there are so many people who have lost hope. There seems to be so many hurts, problems, sicknesses, troubles, financial issues, family problems, world issues, political concerns, etc. It seems the world has no hope.

Apart from God, it is an awful, hopeless place. But with God’s help, we can make it. I want you to know that whatever situation you find yourself in at this moment, there is hope. You may not be able to see or feel the hope, but it is there for you. How do we find the hope? There is only one place where hope can be found, and that is in Jesus Christ.

“Show me the path where I should walk, O LORD; point out the right road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.” (Psalms 25:4-5)

Trust God. He wants you to trust Him. You need to agree with God about your situation. What does God say about who you are and what His will is for your life? Don’t go by your feelings. Instead we should remind ourselves that God only has plans for us that are good. Jeremiah helps us remember what God has to say about us. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

We do not need to be disappointed and feel alone. We can have hope! God’s love in our hearts will ignite the flames of hope we have buried deep inside our hearts. God’s Word can encourage us as we read it with great anticipation and faith. Paul writes in Romans these words of encouragement:

“And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5:5)

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)

Here are a few key scriptures that help us to understand what we need to do. Words like “be strong, take courage, wait, reverently and worshipfully fear God, tarry for the hope, wait patiently for it, and be joyful in hope. They are all action words we need to work on. Read these scriptures out loud during your Devotion times. Watch how hope will come alive in your heart as you speak the Word of God over yourself and your situation.

“Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for and hope for and expect the Lord!”(Psalms 31:24)

“Those who reverently and worshipfully fear You will see me and be glad, because I have hoped in Your word and tarried for it.” (Psalms 119:74)

“But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

I don’t want this to be just another Devotion. I want it to bring life to you. Pray out loud the words of hope into your life and your situations. I have hope! My hope is in the Lord! I will be strong and wait on the Lord. I trust God with my life and the life of my family. Speak these words every day. Hope Is Real. It comes from God! He has placed it in your heart. Speak it out and watch what God will do for you.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13)

“Hope can give us a fresh start, a new beginning.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I love You and give You praises for still being here and loving us in such a time like this. The world is so ungreatful and broken.. I know that I can often lose sight of Your love while I’m in the middle of hard times. Help me to be mindful of Your love, mercy, compassion and strength, especially hope, so that I can endure and even rejoice in my pain. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I may live in your blessing of hope. 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

July 2nd 2019 – Foundation of Wisdom

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“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, Butfools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7)

When you are building a house, the most important element is the foundation. If you build on a foundation that is moving or unstable, no matter how secure you create everything else, it will eventually fall apart. The same is true with wisdom and knowledge. The Bible tells us that the beginning (or foundation) of knowledge is found in fearing the Lord.

This “fear of the Lord” can also be understood as a reverence for His authority. It can also translate to a trust in His Word and His commands. When I trust the Lord and believe that what He says is true, then I will build my life on something unmovable. Of course, if I dismiss His Word and rely on my thoughts or feelings, then I am building my life on something that is unstable. The good news is that God can take our lives (no matter how bad the foundation) and place them on The Foundation – Jesus Christ. As we trust in Christ, we will find our life is more stable, and we are not so quick to topple under the weight of this world. Instead, we have a fresh joy and peace that comes with a secure foundation.

“The foundation of wisdom for all believers comes from having a fear and reverence for the Lord.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I know that I often build my life on my emotions or limited understanding. Help me to walk in a healthy reverence for You and trust in Your Word. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I will be ready to deal with life and live victoriously through Jesus. Also Lord, Thank you for our Mothers and their wisdom. Please stay close to the sons and daughters that no longer have their mothers alive… may they feel You love and presence. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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

Interested in experiencing forgiveness and love found in Jesus? Please click here to learn more about how to ask Jesus into your heart. 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

July 1st 2019 – Following Jesus

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“Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Matthew 9:10-11)

Notice that the Pharisees didn’t go to Jesus with this question, they went to His disciples. Why? Because previously they had previously been challenging Jesus only to realize there was no fault in Him. The Pharisees then go to what they would consider a weak link. The easy way out.

Don’t we all try to do the same thing? We come up to situations in our lives where we have heard from Jesus in the past but didn’t like His answer, so we look for another one. There will be times in our lives where we come up against doing what the Bible tells us to, or choosing to go at it our own way. The next time you face whatever situation it might be, choose Jesus. Choose to follow Him, choose to trust Him, and choose His will for your life.

Jesus will not go against your free will. If your desire is not for Jesus, He will give you exactly that, a life without Him. The other choice? A life submitted to the will of the Lord–and know this life is a blessed life. What will you choose today? Choose Jesus!

“God’s greatest work is the work that you allow Him to do in your life.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father” Thank you for not ever giving up on me. There are times in my life when I’ve struggled and have tried seeking my own way in life. I ask that You would continue to fuel my hunger for Your word and more of You in my life. Your knowledge of me goes beyond my comprehension. Please help me to exercise my faith, knowing that Your purpose for my life is for my good, and Your pleasure. Help me choose to follow You Lord, even if its just one step at a time. Thank You for Your reassurance along the way. 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

June 30th 2019 – Trials and Temptations

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“Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. (1 Peter 4:12-13)

It has been said that Christians are a lot like teabags; you don’t know what they’re made of until you put them into hot water. Maybe you’re in hot water right now. Maybe you’re going through what we might describe as a fiery trial. The good news is you are not the first person to go through it, and certainly will you be the last. Know that you are not alone in your trial.

And here is something else to consider: going through a trial or a temptation is a confirmation that you are on the right track as a Christian. If you were to say, “You know, as a Christian I can’t remember the last time I was tempted,” my question would be, “What is wrong with you?” I know personally that the devil sets his sights on those who are a threat to the kingdom of God.

You shouldn’t be surprised or shocked if you are tempted or tested. In (1 Peter 4:12–13) we’re told, “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.”

Hardship, temptation, tragedy, and the loss of loved one’s will come into our lives one day. Trials and temptations will come too. Take steps now to be prepared for that. Don’t say, “That will never happen to me.”

It will happen to you. Life is filled with pain. Granted, some have more than others, but every life will have some. We should gather this truth into our hearts so we are prepared when trials and temptations come our way.

“Trials and temptations will come. Take steps now to be prepared for that.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we call upon You in the middle of trials, That You give us the strength and will to bear our heavy burdens, until we can again feel the warmth and love of Your divine compassion. Protect us in our temptations. Be mindful of us and have mercy on us while we struggle to comprehend life’s trials and temptations that come in our of life. When fear and panic, shock and dismay are close by, so are you. Maywe always recconize you , Keep us ever in Your watch until these storms of life pass. In Jesus’ precious and glorious name, Amen.

Find comfort knowing that Jesus is there for you!

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

June 29th 2019 – Look to Jesus and Believe

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“looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:2)

There is this old hymn (song) we used to sing in the first church I attended. It went like this: “Look to Jesus and believe, look to Jesus and receive”. Isn’t that the truth? When we look to Jesus, believing, He seems to get everything put together for us. I sure want my life to be a reflection of Him. The way that I see a reflection is by looking into a mirror.

This verse is saying to us to look to Jesus, He is the One that began this work in us, and He is the One that will bring it to completion. The bible says it like this, “…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith”. I like that. What I have to do is fix my eyes on Him, and He will do the rest. He started this work in my life years ago. For some of you it could be many years, or just a few days, but it doesn’t matter. What matters is that He is going to do a perfect work within us.

I always say it like this, “it’s all about Jesus.” When I get me out of the way, and let Him be Lord and King of my life, everything just seems to work out. When I try to make me king in my life, that’s when things just seem to go downhill. You know, He made us, and He can sure finish this up in us.

So today, be encouraged. He’s got your life in the palm of His big hand, and He won’t let you down. He started it, and He will complete it. Isn’t that great?

“God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, ‘I Love You.'”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Today, I am encouraged, because I see that what You Lord has started in my life, You will bring to completion. This isn’t about me, it’s about You Jesus in my life and through the Holy Spirit in me, and You cannot fail. In Your 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.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

June 28th 2019 – Unhindered

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“If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 9:12)

Paul had given up everything for the sake of the Gospel. He had been imprisoned, beaten, shipwrecked and snake-bit, but he still remained steadfast in declaring Christ crucified. Even in his letter to the church of Corinth, we see a man who is willing to continue the race even if all support falls out from underneath him. How could he do this? Simple. He knew the God He served.

When we step out in obedience to God, we don’t always know what may happen next. He may lead us to share the Gospel with someone even though we don’t know how they will respond. Sometimes, we may give to our church while not knowing how it will affect our budget for the week. Whatever the situation, there is one unchanging element – God. He is still the same God who provided for Paul despite the lack of those who gave. He’s still the same God who protected Paul while adrift at sea. He is the same God who gave His own Son to die for our sins in the ultimate act of love. Listen closely, because He is God, we can step out in faith and experience a life like no other. Because He is God, we have the freedom to serve Him with all our hearts.

“When we give our lives to God, only then do we discover maximum freedom.”

Prayer:

Heavenly father, Thank You for all that You have done for me. Thank You for Jesus and the gift of salvation. Lord, because of that gift, I am now free to serve You with all my heart and soul. Remove the fear and doubt in my mind. Help me to give all of my life to You and use me for the work of Your Kingdom. 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

June 27th 2019 – Truth

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“Woe to those who devise iniquity, and work out evil on their beds! At morning light they practice it, because it is in the power of their hand. They covet fields and take them by violence, Also houses, and seize them. So they oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance. (Micah 2:1-2)

In the verse above, we see those in power taking advantage of the people. The world believes that it is acceptable to take advantage of others for gain of position or authority. If you are a leader in the the world or workplace, do you take advantage of the system to benefit yourself? Let’s step it down a notch and make this more personal. Do you take advantage of your family, friends or co-workers for your benefit? When we get to know a person, we also get to know how to set them off or manipulate them for what we want. That is ungodly and God does not bless the unbiblical practices of deception.

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Even in times when it seems there is no other option but to bend the truth for your benefit, God always provides a way out. Taking responsibility for your actions is an important characteristic of a Godly disciple. God will always honor you when you take responsibility for your mistakes, even when it’s difficult. Live out the Biblical model that God entrusted to you in regards to your relationships even when it doesn’t make sense.

In the end, it comes down to your making a decision about Jesus. How far will you follow Jesus in your relationships? Until it gets inconvenient – uncomfortable – what about when it becomes painful? Are you willing to follow the Biblical model all the way? What will you decide? Gain for yourself or lay your life down for the sake of the Gospel?

“One characteristic of a Godly person is to do what is Biblical even when it causes personal hardship.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for continuing to do a work in my life. You have called me to live a disciple’s life, and I choose to honor You in living out the model You have set before me. Lord, when things get tough and I mess up, empower me with courage and strength to live out Your Truth and encourage others. 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

June 26th 2019 – Identity Crisis

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And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)

Right after this blessed moment of baptism God confirms Jesus identity and announces His pleasure. Shortly after this strong affirmation from God we find Jesus, in (Matthew 4:1-10), being tempted by the enemy after enduring a forty day fast. The enemy immediately challenges what God has spoken by saying ‘if You are the Son of God’.

Understand that the enemy’s first temptation often times is to get us to question our identity in Christ. When we receive God’s gracious, unearned gift of salvation our identity is sealed in the blood of Christ, which defeats the enemy. Could you imagine an 1st grade student coming home with the an ‘F’ on his/her report card and the parent saying “you are no longer my child, change your name and leave my house!” Of course not! Neither does the Lord dismiss you or I when we fail because His love never fails (1Corinthians 13:8).

If you were gardening and you saw a plant that was drooping and bent downward would you uproot the plant trash it and start over? Hopefully not. What a skilled gardener often will do is put a wooden stake in the ground next to it and tie the plant to it, leaving the plant dependent on the wood to grow. This is our life in Christ, leaning not on our own works, but on the grace that God purchased through Jesus Christ on that cross to help us to grow in Him.

“The enemy wants you to doubt who you are, whose you are, and to spend time trying to earn what you have already been given.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for dying for me so I could have identity in You as Your beloved. Please help me to continue to remember the grace You have shown to me at the cross that I might live for You, in good times and bad, all the days of 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.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

June 25th 2019 – Pray with Hope and Expectancy

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“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3)

“The Lord is good to those who wait hopefully and expectantly for Him, to those who seek Him.” (Lamentations 3:25)

Sometimes I see God answer my prayers right away. I’m excited, thankful and ready to tell everyone about His goodness. Then, there are those other times when my prayers linger and miracles seem far away. As time goes on, I would start to doubt that God even heard me.

I didnt accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior until I was 37. When I was first learning how to pray and my prayers were answered quickly, I’d give Jesus praises, tell everyone about it and then move on. But, if time went on and God didn’t show up, I’d get discouraged and frustrated. My waiting turned to worry. My perseverance shifted to sadness and disparity.

At times waiting on God to answer prayers was like playing a game. Who would last the longest? Would I continue to ask, plead and persevere? Or would I give up first because I was tired of waiting? Or maybe God would answer my prayers because He was tired of hearing all my whining and complaining.

Lord, why haven’t You answered my prayers? What are You waiting for? Can’t You see me struggling? You’re taking too long and I just don’t understand why.

I began to think God might be holding out on me. Maybe I wasnt deserving, He really didn’t care about me. Or, maybe my circumstances weren’t important enough to Him.

But as I grew in my relationship with the Lord and learned to understand His character, my attitude changed. I realized how much God loves me and knows the desires tucked deep inside my heart. He promises to meet my needs (Philippians 4:19), and His miracles are not a thing of the past.

Today’s key verse tells us that after we pray and ask God for a need, want or desire, we should wait with expectancy and hope.

You might be thinking, Rob, you just don’t understand. I’ve been waiting for God to answer my prayers for so long.

Maybe you’ve resigned to believing there’s no hope. Sure, you started out confident and faith-filled, but as time goes by you’ve started to wonder if any good can come from your circumstances. Maybe you’ve wrapped an invisible wall around your heart so you won’t be disappointed if God doesn’t come through for you.

I understand. I’ve been there. I’ve felt that way, too, and it’s a lonely place to live in each day. So what does it look like to have an attitude of hope and expectancy as we wait on the Lord to answer our prayers?

I’ve learned to intentionally shift my focus to three things:

(1) God’s Promises: I read Bible verses and speak them aloud daily. As the power of God’s Word weaves hope into my prayers, encouragement fills the empty places in my heart. I’m reminded once again of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness.

(2) Praise & Worship: I listen to praise music throughout the day in my house, car and at work in my office. The lyrics and melodies splash over me with joy as I sing along. I sense God’s peace and pleasure and in those sweet moments, my worries fade, turning my doubts into confident expectancy.

(3) Thanksgiving: I thank God for the answered prayers and miracles in my past. I remember how God always came through in those tough times of great need, and I thank Him in advance for His answers yet to come.

If you’ve asked God for answers but find yourself waiting longer than you planned, take a moment now to thank Him in advance for His answer. Trust that He is working behind the scenes on your behalf. Don’t give up. Look forward in hope and expectancy for Him to respond and remember that the Lord is good to those who seek Him.

“No matter how long it takes, when God works, It’s always worth the wait.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for remaining faithful to me. Help me have hope and expectancy as I wait for Your answers to my prayers. And during the extended times when you are waiting for the perfect moment to answer or just waiting on me to be ready, may I contine to give you my praises and wait with a heart of gratitude because your Grace is more then sufficent for me. I thank you for Leading me and Loving me.In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Click here to watch “While I’m Waiting – John Waller

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

June 24th 2019 – Keep Your Eyes Focused

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“Not only that, but we also who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.” (Romans 8:23)

In the reality of Christianity, what do you bring to the table? There are really only a couple of possibilities – either you are bringing Heaven to earth, or you are not. It’s so easy to get caught up in today’s trials that we forget our Lord is triumphant. When your focus is on the world, you will be entangled in adversity. Focus on Jesus and the tribulations of this earth are short lived.

Have you ever spoken with someone who is fixated on all the troubles of their life? They bear a brand of defeat. Only the conquered should wear this badge of defeat. Christians are anything but conquered. Now, imagine someone – a non-believer – observing a Christian enamored with this world and its caos. Would he see hope? Would this fellow be inclined to follow?

“For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.” (Romans 8:24-25)

So, what do you bring to the table? What do you set before others for them to see? Is it Heaven or hell? Your faith is their evidence. If non-believers see you living out the substance of your faith they will know that your God is greater than this world’s woes.

If you are sitting at the station of this world waiting for a free ride on the gravy train you are sitting at the wrong station. That train, while tempting on the outside, has a only one destination, disappointment!

Christians, if the substance of your hope is what someone else has and not Jesus, then you need to review your faith because others already are.

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2)

“Don’t focus on today’s groaning but on tomorrow’s glory.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, 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.

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

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