Tag Archives: www.scripturalseeds.org

August 24th 2017 – 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 from work yeaterday, I saw these words written on a sign at a local church. It said, “Hope Is Real.” I thought about it 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

August 23rd 2017 – In the Beginning

1 Reply

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)

What an amazing statement. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. It doesn’t say I hope God did. It sure doesn’t show God trying to prove that He did. It just says, He did it. One thing is sure, and that is, that God is sure of Himself. We need to just believe it His way, and everything works out.

When you think about what this verse has in it, that God, with His Word created everything that we can see, and the things that we cannot see. He made the stars, the planets, the moons that circle the planets. He made every living thing, from human to animals to angelic. He made it all.

God, our heavenly Father is truly amazing, and one day we will share in this wonder of His. It says in (1 Corinthians 2:9) But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Now that should get your hope and expectation going. God has given us little glimpses of heaven and the new earth, things like streets of gold, no pain or sickness, the lion laying with the lamb. One day it will all happen and we will live before Him and with Him. One day we will see our Jesus.

I don’t know about you, but I want to be able to hear Him say, “Well done you good and faithful one”. Yeah, that’s going to be heaven right there. So go ahead, look at all God has created because He created it for you and for me.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God!”

Prayer:

My Heavenly Father, You made all of this world for us to live in and enjoy. You gave us dominion to live a life of abundant blessing. Today, I choose that life over the life of sin and death. I thank you for saving me from destruction and death and restoring my life that I would have a new beginning. I love you Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

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

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

August 22nd 2017 – Problems

Leave a reply

“Then I prayed, “Hear us, our God, for we are being mocked. May their scoffing fall back on their own heads, and may they themselves become captives in a foreign land!” (Nehemiah 4:4)

It’s hard enough to be faced with a near impossible task, but what makes it harder is often the discouragement we find from others around us. Words like, “That can’t be done”, “You’re not able” or “It’s to difficult” ot actually plagues us as we stare down difficult situations. Faced with these issues, how should we respond? I believe there are four main ways we can address problem situations.

Talk to God first.
Talk to God about the problem.
Talk to God about the “Problem” people.
Talk to God about a solution.

While there is often a need to discuss the problem, we must be careful not to let it lead into the problem overwhelming us. Why? Because our God is bigger than the problem. This is why talking to God should be our first response in difficult times. When we do, we can respond in forgiveness towards those saying hurtful things and then walk in wisdom to overcome the issue at hand. Remember, whenever God is moving, there will be spiritual attacks. Guard against the attacks. Guard against discouragement, division and gossip. The enemy can use people (even other Christians) to draw us away from our mission. The enemy not only draws us to do bad things, but keeps us from doing good things. Go to God first, and He will give you what you need to love others and live for Him.

“When you feel discouraged, spend time with God; spend time in worship and with other encouraging believers. Don’t quit!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for always being there for me in times of need. Give me the wisdom and strength to live for You and to ignore the voice of Your enemy. Help me walk through these situations in victory. 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

August 21st 2017 – I’m Never Alone

Leave a reply

“Uphold my steps in Your paths, That my footsteps may not slip.” (Psalm 17:5)

Have you ever felt like your faith was slipping, that perhaps God wasn’t with you in a given circumstance or situation? It’s important to know that if we have stumbled into sin, or have had others abandon us completely, there is one thing the Lord tells us in His Word we can count on. If we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior He will never leave us or forsake us. (Matthew 28:20). Even when we are faithless and have doubts He is faithful (see 2 Timothy 2:13). The Lord even breaks out the heavenly host to help us:

(Psalm 91:11-16)
“For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”

Whenever you are tempted by feeling the Lord isn’t near, please put your heart at rest in His promises. Thank God for all He has blessed you with and believe His truth is a fact of faith for you. As you meditate on whatever is true, pure, good, and lovely in the Lord be encouraged to know that even when you don’t feel Him, He has never let go of you.

“It is not your hold on Jesus that saves you. It is Jesus, Himself, what He did, what He has done, and His hold on you, that saves you.”

Prayer:

Lord, please forgive me when things cloud my ability to see that You are with me. Please give me the strength to see that truly You are always with me. Thank You for loving me so much that You died so I could have forgiveness and the eternal hope that I have in 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.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

August 20th 2017 – Identity Crisis

Leave a reply

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

August 19th 2017 – Foolproof Directions

Leave a reply

“Yet surely My words and My statutes, Which I commanded My servants the prophets, Did they not overtake your fathers?” (Zachariah 1:6)

Have you ever been on a trip to a brand new destination? You plan for months the things you’re going to do and the areas you want to visit. Finally, the day comes and you head out the door with directions in hand and a joy in your heart. Of course, a few hours later that joy is gone as you realize those directions were not as foolproof as you had thought.

Many people in the world seem to think that all roads and all religions lead to heaven and that truth is relative. While this may sound good to people, in practice it leads to frustration, bondage and separation from God. The good news is that God has revealed to us His Truth. His Truth is not dictated by man nor is it blown around by every fad or current event. His Truth is the rock, and we can place our lives on it and find peace for our souls. Maybe today you awoke to a life in turmoil and an uncertain future. Well, I am here to tell you that God has a future and hope for you. You can find out all about it in the Bible. It’s a story of love, grace and forgiveness. It’s also the ultimate guide book and much better than any directions you’d Google online.

“The revelation of God’s Truth can be that hope which sets you free.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Today, I woke up with questions, fears and uncertainty. Lord, give me a heart for Your Word. Help me to read it daily so that I can answer the questions of life and overcome my doubts and fears. Guide my life so that it is a reflection of You. Thank You for Your love and forgiveness, use me 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

August 18th 2017 – Search & Rescue

1 Reply

“And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us.” (2 Corinthians 1:10)

Often when we are walking in the midst of a suffering, we may believe that God will rescue us, but it’s still difficult to fully trust Him. As we read the verse above, it’s almost like God knew we would struggle to trust Him and so He makes sure to emphasize His ability to rescue. In 2 Corinthians 1:10, Paul writes of rescue three times:

Did Rescue
Will Rescue
Will Continue to Rescue

You see, God’s plan is not to leave us in the middle of pain and hardship forever. He won’t allow us to walk into a dark valley and then leave us there to wander aimlessly without end. The truth is, HE WILL RESCUE. In fact, even if we were to walk in suffering the rest of our lives, we can know as a follower of Christ that He will rescue when He comes again. When we realize this, we don’t really need to know why He is doing it, but only that we can trust He is in control and will be with us until the end. Whatever door He opens or whatever door He closes, we can trust Him. He is good, all the time.

“Our faith is really growing when we don’t know what God is doing, and we still trust Him.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your love that is so great that You would rescue me in my times of need. I also thank You for using my hard times for my benefit. Help me not to despair in difficult times but rather to rejoice because I know that my rescue is on 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

August 17th 2017 – Hide and Seek

Leave a reply

If you seek me with all your heart you will find me” (Jeremiah 29:13-14 partial)

“But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deuteronomy 4:29)

The Lord encourages us to seek Him with all our heart and all our soul. If we do pursue Him with everything within us, He promises that we will find Him. I imagine this to be similar to a child’s game of hide and seek. When my children were young, they would love to play this game with me, They would turn towards the wall and close their eyes and count to ten.

In the mean time, I would scamper off into another part of the house to find a place in which to hide. At the count of ten, my children in much delight would begin their quest to find me. Their anticipation would build as they would open every closet door and look under every bed.

While the searching part of the game was always fun, it was the finding part that was the real climax! I never chose a place too hard for my children to find me. I loved the moment when the children would finally catch me. Our cry of “You found me!” and their cry of “I found you!” would happen simultaneously followed by a mutual celebration that the game was over.

The game wouldn’t have been fun if my intention was to hide so that my children would never find me. The fun is in being found. I think it is the same way in our relationship with God. When He calls us to search for Him, He never hides Himself so well that He cannot be found.

“If you seek Jesus with all your heart you will find Him.” Hint… He is Right Here —> Click Here

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am thankful that You do not make it difficult for me to find You, for You are never far away and are always happy to be found! I pray that I might pursue You with all my heart and my soul, all the while having a child-like anticipation of finding 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.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

August 16th 2017 – Celebrate Your Uniqueness

Leave a reply

“I am giving you a promise now while the seed is still in the barn. You have not yet harvested your grain, and your grapevines, fig trees, pomegranates, and olive trees have not yet produced their crops. But from this day onward I will bless you.” (Haggai 2:19)

If you found yourself on trial as a Christian, would they have enough evidence to convict you? This important question is good for us to ask because it causes us to assess our walk with the Lord. While this is helpful, be careful not to fall into the trap believing that all Christians look the same.

We all have trusted in Jesus for salvation, but the work He has for us is often different. Look around you. Is there someone hurting or in need of God’s Truth? What are your skills or spiritual gifts? Are you using them for the glory of God? You see, each of us is created to glorify God, but we all do that in different ways. Each of us is at a different level in our Christian walk, but we are all walking with the same person, Jesus. So this morning, look at your life and ask God to show you how you can show Him to others in a way that only you can. He’s saved you. He’s equipped you. Now, it’s time to move.

“Celebrate your uniqueness in the Lord.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for creating me the way that You have. Each aspect of me is part of Your creative Spirit. I pray that You show me how I can use my gifts for Your glory and for the furthering of the Gospel. Help me to walk outside my door and be ready to engage those around me for Your purpose. 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

August 15th 2017 – God Given Gifts?

Leave a reply

“For what gives you the right to make such a judgment? What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?” (1 Corinthians 4:7)

God has uniquely gifted you in special ways because He has special things for you to do. Enjoy the calling God has gifted you with, but be careful where your eyes wander. It can be easy to begin coveting another’s gifts. When we get wrapped up in envy, we can neglect our own calling, thus pridefully telling God that He gave us the wrong gifts. Ask yourself, on who does pride misplace your reliance? Pride is a dangerous thing, and it has wrecked many a man despite the best intentions.

(Romans 12:3) “Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.”

So, how do you explore your gifts? You won’t unearth much sitting on your couch. Jump in and ask to volunteer! Start praying and ask God to reveal to you is plans.. Maybe it is starting a ministry. Through serving others, you will begin to identify those things God has equipped you to do. As you use your gifts, you will discover and develop skills you didn’t know you had. Gifted musicians spend hours practicing; the more you use your gifts the more gifted you become. Are you faithfully using your gifts?

“We have all been given gifts by God. We should develop our gifts for the glory of God and to bless others.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for uniquely gifting me with talents and resources. Lord, I want to use my gifts for You. I want to experience the joy You have for me. Lord, I know I have been ungrateful for the gifts You have given me. Forgive me. Forgive me for being so distracted by what others are doing and not focusing on what You have blessed me with. I offer You all 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

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: