“Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies.” (1 Corinthians 15:36)

God is an amazingly creative God. In His unlimited wisdom, He grows fruits and vegetables that provide food to eat and seeds for even more fruits or vegetables to grow.

I was recently slicing up an apple to give to my pet chickens. As I removed the seeds, I was thinking about the potential for new fruit from that one apple. We can count the seeds and get an idea of the number of trees that could be produced with those very seeds. What we cannot see or begin to comprehend is the number of apples that will be produced from one seed.

This may not seem all that exciting but let’s look at the application of this in our lives. When we ask Jesus to forgive us and are born again, we are like that seed planted into the ground. As that seed lies in the soil, it becomes something new, something with amazing potential for growth. Likewise, when our lives are given completely to Jesus, there is unlimited potential to the number of lives we could reach. The Lord looks down onto our lives and knows the number of times we will fall, the number of times we will have victory and the number of lives we will change. He knows and will provide the needed power; the question is… are you ready to produce? Are you ready to grow and be fruitful? When you give your life to Christ and submit to Him in obedience, you will see amazing things happen, not because you are the perfect seed, but because He is the perfect gardener. Trust Him and watch the harvest unfold before your eyes.

“Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the number of apples in a seed.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the continuous love that You have shown me. Thank You for Jesus and the gift of salvation that comes through Him. Lord, I praise You for these things and ask that You would help me to grasp the impact that my life could have when it is dedicated to You. I ask that You fill me with Your Spirit and use me to be fruitful for Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Invitation:

Have you ever eacknowledged Jesus as you Lord and Savior? If you do not know Him personally, I encourage you not to pass up the precious gift of His love and eternal life. Jesus died on the cross for you and me. Jesus loves us and wants to help us through the storms. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

“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)

There it is, staring you down. It grabs hold of your attention and captivates your thoughts. It appears so harmless but in the end, it can be deadly. It is called temptation, and every one of us has to face it. The good news is that if you have trusted in Jesus as your Savior, you don’t have to face it alone. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we can be freed of our bondage to sin while also finding strength to resist it through God’s Spirit. What an encouraging thought. When faced with temptation, the God of all creation provides a way out, the path to escape or the strength to bear it.

Unfortunately, this does not mean we always take that way of escape. Like someone staring at a bag of chocolates. often we stand gazing into temptation and wonder why we were not able to resist. In those moments when we fail, we can come to God and experience His forgiveness and grace all over again. This is the beauty of the Gospel. Yes, we must resist sin and flee from temptation but when we do fall short, we have a loving God who desires to forgive.

“When Tempted, God will always show you a way out. “

Prayer:

Heavenly  Father, Thank You for loving me. I know that I have done wrong and have sinned against You. Father, please forgive me and fill me with Your Spirit so that I can fight temptation. Lord, when I find myself in a tempting situation, open my eyes to the way out so that I can escape. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus, please click here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

“Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: “Receive the gift from the captives-from Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah, who have come from Babylon-and go the same day and enter the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah.” (Zachariah 6:9-10)

Whether we realize it or not, we have all been captives at one point or another. In fact, many still are. This doesn’t mean that we are prisoners of war or slaves to some regime, but rather we are all born as captives to our own sin.

(John 8:34-35) “Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.”

Being a slave to sin is dangerous because many times those who are in chains do not realize it, and in some cases they even love their captivity. This self-deception leads to a life of pain and heartache – but there is hope. Jesus Christ came into this world to proclaim freedom to those who are captive to sin. As He took His last breathe on the cross, the chains of sin that held so many down were rendered powerless. Now, if we would simply come to Jesus seeking His forgiveness and the freedom He offers, He will give us the key to unlock our chains and the power to live an abundant life.

“God desires to free you from your sin and give you an abundant life.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I know that I have been held captive by my sins. Father, forgive me of all these things and release me from my chains. I believe that Jesus is the key to freedom, and I trust in His payment for my sins on the cross. Fill me with Your Spirit and use me to share the key to freedom with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Invitation:

Have you ever received Jesus as you Lord and Savior? If you do not know Him personally,you will never be truly free. I encourage you not to pass up the precious gift of His love and eternal life. Jesus died on the cross for you and me. Jesus loves us and wants to help us through the storms. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

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, sometimes through the hands and wisdom of others, 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, turmoil 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 cant 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 do not have a personal relationship with Jesus, please click here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.” (Romans 2:1)

In Romans chapter one, we learn about the unrighteousness of man. In chapter two, Paul addresses our self-righteousness; our desire to consider ourselves better than everybody else. Nobody wants to be called self-righteous, yet we are so quick to judge others.  Always be aware of your own weakness and sinfulness. If you think that once you became a Christian you stopped sinning, you should check out the passage below:

(1 John 1:8-10)  “If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.”

Judge yourself. If you look long at the sins of others and not enough at your own sins, you will develop spiritual pride, which is a stench to God. Have you ever looked at someone and thought there is no hope for them? Well then, you are making the statement that the mercy of God is limited. You are pridefully saying that your sins are covered, but another’s are not. Every person, whether we deem them good people or not, needs God’s saving power and grace. Stop and think… How much have you been forgiven? Does this mean we cannot speak into other’s lives? Absolutely we can and should, but not in condemnation. Just as God has heaped His grace so abundantly on you, in discernment you can speak into someone’s life from your experiences with an attitude of love, peppered with grace. You cannot condemn someone and offer hope at the same time. The moment we start to condemn people is the moment we forget our mission. What is our mission? Our mission is to tell people about Jesus.

“Seeing the evil in others does not root out the evil in you.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for forgiving me of my sins. I am so grateful for Your grace. Please forgive me for times when I, in my own pride, looked at someone else and condemned them in my mind. Please give me opportunities to tell people about Jesus. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have you ever received Jesus as you Lord and Savior? If you do not know Him personally, I encourage you not to pass up the precious gift of His love and eternal life. Jesus died on the cross for you and me. Jesus loves us and wants to help us through the storms. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

“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.

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 do not have a personal relationship with Jesus, please click here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

“For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.” (Romans 7:15)

If you think you cannot identify with this statement, then you need to look in a mirror. The Apostle Paul, who wrote Romans and much of the New Testament, is being open and honest with his struggles… and we can also. We all struggle with doing wrong things. In fact, if it was not for God working through us, every attempt of our hands would be blameworthy. We all want to do well, but many times we give in to our flesh and end up doing wrong. The only way we can transact righteousness is by consequence of God in us. It is not just the ‘doing’. Your appetite to affect virtue is an indication that God is working.

(Philippians 2:13) “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”

Your reading this devotion is affirmation. You are hungry for something more. Every time you do something good, you can know and believe that God is working in you. Please take heart and be encouraged. The Creator of all the universe sees Jesus reflected in you.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, We love You and Praise you. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for working through my insufficient efforts to produce something that is glorifying and profitable for Your kingdom. Please present me with greater opportunities to do right. I know that it is only through Your strength that I can do them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus, please click here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

 

The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. (John 5:15)

How quickly this man was turned into a witness for the Lord; it was the same day! Sure, he still had problems in his life, but he didn’t let those things hinder his witness. He began to tell people about Jesus who had healed him and made him whole. He was very sincere, very simple and unhindered by problems of the past.

I think sometimes we try to complicate things when it comes to telling people about Jesus when it’s really very simple. One of the most powerful tools we have in sharing our faith is simply telling people what Jesus has done in our own lives – the simple yet compelling testimony of God’s goodness. We should tell everyone what God has done in our lives and we should begin to do it one by one. Let’s not stop until the whole world hears.

Prayer:

Dear God, Thank You for saving me. Empower me to be a witness to the ends of the world, starting in my home, my neighborhood and my work. I once was blind and now I see. Help me to keep it simple. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Invitation:

Have you ever eacknowledged Jesus as you Lord and Savior? If you do not know Him personally, I encourage you not to pass up the precious gift of His love and eternal life. Jesus died on the cross for you and me. Jesus loves us and wants to help us through the storms. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;” (Romans 1:28)

Go to church… don’t go to church. Read your bible… don’t read your Bible. Serve at church… don’t serve at church. There is a constant battle going in our minds and that battle can positively affect or negatively affect what we choose to do with our time. All you have to do is flip through the channels on TV, glance at the advertisements on websites, read billboards on the road, or read the news to discover that there is a war being waged for control of your thoughts. All it takes is one seed of ‘stinkin thinkin’ to kick-start a thought pattern leading to an ever-widening downward spiral of sinful behavior. We are bombarded on a daily basis by thousands of suggestions about how to spend time and what to spend it doing. What are you to do? How do you fight a battle that takes place all around you, even in your own mind?

(Philippians 4:8) “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

We need to submit to the will of God outwardly in creation, inwardly in conscience and biblically in Scripture. Serve the Lord at church and outside of church; praise God, pray to God, memorize scripture, listen to teachings and do what you’ve learned. These things point to God.

(Romans 12:2) “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

You are either being changed by this world or by God. Your will, influenced by the Holy Spirit, has incredible power to change your life and the world in which you live.

(1 Corinthians 10:31) “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”Acknowledge God.”

“There is a battle being waged for your mind.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the faithful mercy You show so abundantly to me. Thank You for the weapons that You have given me so the battle in my mind can be won. Thank You for giving me Truth, righteousness, readiness in the Gospel of peace, faith, salvation and Your Word. Lord, these things I will clothe myself with in preparation. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Invitation:

Have you ever eacknowledged Jesus as you Lord and Savior? If you do not know Him personally, I encourage you not to pass up the precious gift of His love and eternal life. Jesus died on the cross for you and me. Jesus loves us and wants to help us through the storms. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

“Surely you have things turned around! Shall the potter be esteemed as the clay; For shall the thing made say of him who made it, ‘He did not make me’? Or shall the thing formed say of him who formed it, ‘He has no understanding’?” (Isaiah 29:16)

Imagine…the God of the universe who spoke all the stars and galaxies into existence is the very one who formed you into the person you are today. Your eyes, nose, hands and feet were all created by the One who holds the oceans in the palm of His hands. I don’t know about you, but that is a humbling image. What great comfort to know that the God of all things created me the way I am and yet, He still desires to mold and make me more and more like Jesus.

Of course, this process is tough and quite messy. There’s a lot of molding, cutting and carving that seems painful at the time but in our Master’s hands, we become a masterpiece. When we fully submit our lives to God, He is able to take hardened clay and bring new life to it by wetting it with His Word and Spirit. He then begins shaping us into the image of His Son by scooping out the excess clay that is weighing us down. When you find ourselves ensuring hardships, trials or even a life threatening Illness, they are often results of our fallen state. Some we bring on ourselves due to bad choices, some are caused by other means not always our fault

Please understand that whatever the circumstance that we find ourselves facing, God will use it to mold and shape us. It may be difficult, we may not understand but we can trust His hands because He loves us and knows what’s best for us.

I personally have faced extraordinary hardships, trials and loss in my life.  As hard as it was, I would not change any of it. I am the person I am today because I let God use these events to mold me into a better person. He still has much work to do… But I know that God will keep me close and protect me, His name is written on me because I now belong to the Master.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the forgiveness of sins through Jesus. Thank You for saving me and changing my life. Lord, I pray that You would take this broken ball of clay and make it new. Mold my life into what You desire. Help me to see the hardships in my life as the Master’s hands shaping me more into the likeness of Jesus. Use my life for Your world and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Invitation:

Jesus died on the cross for you and me. Jesus loves us and wants to help us through the trials and hardships we face. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

If you feel led to support this ministry, please contact us at P.O. Box 57284 Tucson AZ. 85732