November 20th 2017 – Don’t Be Apathetic

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“In the day that you stood on the other side-In the day that strangers carried captive his forces, When foreigners entered his gates And cast lots for Jerusalem–Even you were as one of them.” (Obadiah 1:11)

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Apathy, detachment, disinterest, disregard… no matter what you call it, it’s not an option as a follower of Jesus. In the book of Obadiah, God proclaims judgment on Edom because they stood by and watched Israel be destroyed and taken into captivity. They saw their brother in need and did nothing. Contrast this to Jesus who was active in our redemption.

(Philippians 2:7-8) “but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”

A spiritually apathetic person needs to remember this; he should think back to the time when he sensed the warmth and closeness of Christ’s presence. He should realize that he can return to that state of fellowship. Then he needs to repent;  he needs to see his spiritual apathy as sin and confess that sin to God (1 John 1:9). Finally, he needs to renew; that is, he must cultivate a renewed commitment to the Lord—not just serving the Lord, but knowing Him, praising Him, and fellowshipping with Him. He should start again, if he has discontinued it, daily Bible reading and prayer. He should let the indwelling Holy Spirit empower him so his life will display the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). And he should fellowship with a Bible-believing local church (Hebrews 10:25).

Satan loves apathy. We must stay alert to the temptations of the old nature, the world, and the evil one. We must never lose the sense that God is always with us and in us. “We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). As we begin to worship and praise the Lord and let Christ control our lives each day, we will rediscover a life of adventure filled with joy and eternal purpose. We will wonder how we ever became spiritually apathetic in the first place.

Don’t ever forget that; Jesus intentionally left His throne and the glory of heaven to walk among the pain and suffering of the world. He then purposefully gave up His life so that we could know forgiveness. He could have stayed in heaven, but because of His great love for us and in obedience to the Father, Jesus acted. As followers of Christ, may we be active in loving, caring for and sharing with others. Who knows what a small act of kindness or encouraging word could do to change a life.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Jesus and His love and obedience. Because of His active role in my redemption, I can know forgiveness and grace. In the same way that You were intentional in the salvation of man, may I be intentional in ministering to those around me. Fill me with Your Spirit and equip me to be a light in this dark world. 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.

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 19th 2017 – Worship with Unaffected Joy

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“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 18th 2017 – God’s Provision

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“Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:32-33)

God promises to meet all our financial needs, if you sincerely ask Him for help, learn how to be content, practice giving in faith, maintain your integrity, and trust him with your life.

Worry is honesty just a form of not beleiving in God. Every time you worry, you’re acting like an atheist. You’re saying, “It all depends on me.” That’s just not what Bible the bible says.

Worry is a warning light that you doubt the love of God. Yet, the Bible says God “provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.” (Psalm 111:5)

The book of Romans tells us that God sent His son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross to pay for our salvation. If God loves us enough to send his own son to die for you, don’t you think he loves you enough to take care of your bills?

Don’t you realize that any other problem is minor by comparison, that He solved your biggest problem when he saved you? The bottom line is really this: Am I going to believe that God will do what He says He will do — that he will provide for me?

Plain and simple, God wants us to trust in His provision for our needs, and sometimes that provision requires us to step out in faith and use what resources He has given us. It may not seem like a lot to us, but God can multiply the efforts when we trust Him.

“Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God–which, of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe.” ( 1 Thessalonians 2:13)

“God Wants Us to Trust Him”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I ask that You increase within me your obedient spirit so that I may be obedient to Your instruction.  Help me Lord to walk by faith and not by sight.  I don’t always understand what You’re doing in my life, but I make a decision to trust You God, I ask in true faith that You will provide for my needs. place within me joy; peace and rest to endure all that comes my way. Right now, I make a decision to trust You Lord because I know that You’re in control of my life even when my life seems to be out of control. Lord, I thank You for clarity, guidance, provision and strength.  I pray and ask for these things 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 17th 2017 – Be at Rest!

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“Let my soul be at rest again, for the Lord has been good to me.”(Psalm 116:7)

We humans aren’t as unstoppable as we think we are. Every night, we have to stop what we’re doing and close our eyes and rest, even if just a few hours. We aren’t capable of finishing our creations in a day, a week, or sometimes, even in a year.

“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.” (Genesis 2-2-3)

Unlike God, we must break off our work and sleep before the 7th day. Individually, eash of us have to acknowledge our limitations and rest, even if inadequately, before getting up again for our work. Our progress comes in halting steps, our work never quite finished, so unlike the God who created the world in six days and then rested. Sleep is a physical humility, an acknowledgment of God’s greater power and our trust that He works and watches even when we’re unconscious.  It means believing that He gives to his beloved even in his sleep.

“It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.” (Psalm 127:2).

So what happens when we get so busy that we don’t rest?

I’m talking about physical rest as well as mental rest. There are lots of health articles about the importance of reducing stress, and plenty of advice focusing on not worrying. And of course the doctor is always telling us that we need a good eight hours of a sleep a night. But – and maybe it’s just me – sometimes it’s tempting to wear my lack of sleep, my busy schedule, and my looming responsibilities like a badge of honor.

We secretly glorify the people who do it all, no matter the costs. Sure, we all have busy seasons with a new baby or the project due at work. But often, I think my refusal to rest is a symptom of self-sufficiency hardening into pride. The longer I’m awake, the longer I can control my environment and my results. It means less trusting that God will give me what I need and more time scraping together what I need and desire. Often, it means getting so busy doing things for God that we neglect our primary relationship with him.

The command to “be at rest” isn’t just for our benefit.  Rest is not a guilty pleasure we have to sneak. Instead, we need to think of rest as a grace-filled reminder that we are creatures of clay dependent on a much stronger God. Our energy levels wind down until we are forced to acknowledge that – surprise! – we can’t engineer our lives as much as we’d like to think. But that weakness allows God to make us a promise, in book of Matthew Jesus said the following.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

God can bless even our rest when we’re following him. And he wants us to rest as an acknowledgment of our human limitations. When we rest, we’re expressing our faith in God’s ability to bring to all things to completion.

“To be able to ‘rest in your faith’ or have peace, you must be trusting in Christ alone.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the work done on my behalf. Thank You that I do not have to work my way to Heaven, but instead can place my faith in the grace of Christ. Help me Lord to acknowledge in my own heart and mind that I can find true rest each night and not continue to carry such anxiety and stress. You did not create us to suffer. It is me that needs to realize that I make the choice each day to trust in You, or try to control my life  I understand  that in such crazy times, I need to completly lean of you for help and guidance. Help me to remain in Your rest and to share this Truth with the world. 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 16th 2017 – Temporary Obstacles

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“They bribed agents to work against them and to frustrate their plans. This went on during the entire reign of King Cyrus of Persia and lasted until King Darius of Persia took the throne. Years later when Xerxes began his reign, the enemies of Judah wrote a letter of accusation against the people of Judah and Jerusalem.” (Ezra 4:5-6)

In Ezra chapter 4, we find Israel in the midst of rebuilding the Temple. Yet while they were in the middle of this glorious project, their enemies began making things hard for them. Often in the middle of those obstacles in life, we begin believing that they will remain forever, that they will never end. Dont fall pray to that type of thinking, that is a lie. When you think that or believe that, you start to think, “Well, I have to do something!” You begin considering bailing on the situation, leaving the battle or quitting the fight. The reality is that often the temptation to run is worse right before the breakthrough.

Whether the obstacles are found in your marriage, your work place or even your church; trust the Lord and hold on tight. If there is nothing unbiblical happening and no physical threat, then trust the Lord and remain in the challenge. Too often, we can run from a church or family problem because we think it’s too much trouble to deal with, but remember there is a blessing in persevering to the end. Remember, the obstacles will come in life, but they are always temporary.

“Always remember that obstacles are seasonal or temporary, meaning they do not last forever.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I’m sorry for those times I have run from obstacles in life without fully seeking Your will. Help me to persevere through the difficult times so that I may experience the blessings of victory and rest at the other end. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can be fully equipped to remain faithful to You and Your Word. 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 15th 2017 – I Belong to God’s Family

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“Praise God for the privilege of being in Christ’s family and being called by his wonderful name!” (1 Peter 4:16)

Healthy families have family pride; members are not ashamed to be recognized as a part of the family. Sadly, there are many Christians who’ve never publicly identified themselves with God’s family by being baptized.

Baptism is not some ritual to forced on you as a child. You need to be consciously able to make the decision to follow Jesus Christ prior to Baptism. Just like accepting Jesus into your life it should not be delayed or postponed. It signifies your inclusion in God’s family. It publicly announces to the world, “I am not ashamed to be a part of God’s family.” Jesus commanded this beautiful act for all in his family.

For years I wondered why Jesus’ Great Commission gives the same prominence to baptism as it does to the great tasks of evangelism and edification. Why is baptism so important? Because it symbolizes one of the purposes of your life: incorporation into the fellowship of God’s eternal family.

Baptism declares your faith, shares Christ’s burial and Resurrection, symbolizes your death to your old life, and announces your new life in Christ. It is also a celebration of your inclusion in God’s family.

Your baptism is a physical picture of a spiritual truth. It represents what happened the moment God brought you into his family.

Baptism doesn’t make you a member of God’s family; only faith in Christ does that. Baptism shows you are part of God’s family. Like a wedding ring, it is a visible reminder of an inward commitment made in your heart. It is an act of initiation, not something you put off until you are spiritually mature. The only biblical condition is that you believe.

The Bible says, “Jesus and the people he makes holy all belong to the same family. That is why he isn’t ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters” (Hebrews 2:11).

Being included in God’s family is the highest honor, the greatest privilege you and I will ever receive. Nothing else comes close. Why not pause right now and thank God that he included you?

Let that amazing truth sink in! Because Jesus makes you holy, God is proud of you.. If you haven’t been baptized as an expression of your faith in Christ, do so immediately, as Jesus commanded.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we love and praise you for being who you are, (The One True God.) I thank you for loving me and for welcoming me into your family with open arms. I am proud to be called a child of God. Thank You for revealing to me the significance of dieing to ones self, leaving all of our old ways and being reborn a new creation with a clean slate and a fresh start.  I pray tonight that anyone that has not publically announced thier faith through baptism would do so as soon as possible. In your precious name Amen.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, Don’t wait! “In a flash of a second it could be too late!” Click Here to read Four Simple Steps to Jesus.

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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 14th 2017 – When We Give

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“Then Peter said, Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them walking, leaping, and praising God. (Acts 3:6-8)

Many times we try to give what we think others might need, but as we see in this story, Peter didn’t have any money on him, he had something better.  He had the power of the Name of Jesus, and with that Name he was able to see a miracle happen.

So don’t always look for what you don’t have, look for what you do have.  What’s that in your hand?  You might say, well I don’t have a hundred dollars to give to the work of my church, but God will always say “what do you have?”  If you’ve got five and you’re willing to give that with a cheerful heart, God sees it just like it was a hundred.

You might say, well I don’t have the time to help in the children or teen ministry.  Yet maybe you can help on special events or once and a while.  “Give What You Have” and give it from your heart.  God our Father doesn’t look at the outside, He looks at the heart.

Do you remember the poor widow who gave the two pennies?  She had so little but Jesus said she gave so much.  Many try to say, so all I have to do is give a little like that poor widow did?  Well, no!  The scripture said she gave all that she had.  So what do you have today?  Give that and watch God give you such an increase that it will just amaze you.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Today, I give what I have and I give it from my heart. You were never looking for us to give what we don’t have,  just to give what we do have. I have learned that as I give (not out of obligation, but wanting to give) more of my time, my talents, and my treasure, You God, always reward me with blessings much greater than what I freely gave to further Your Kingdom. You always amaze me Lord. Thank You for teaching me to give in this way.. In Jesus’ precious and glorious 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 13th 2017 – Cast Away Anxiousness

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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:16)

I like the candor of Scripture. If the bible says “Don’t be anxious about anything,” we can be sure it’s because there are things that will cause us anxiety. This world is filled with evil, and it will touch our lives. Yet Scripture says, “Don’t be anxious.” Yes, there are things that cause anxiety, but anxiety doesn’t have to dominate us. How can that be? Because we are to give our anxieties to God with prayer and petition and thanksgiving, and then the peace of God will guard our hearts and our minds. God is the difference maker. Can you live your life apart from God? Certainly. But our thoughts and emotions are a battlefield, and when you invite God into your life He will fight that battle for you.

(1 Peter 5:7) “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

“When we filter our emotions through God’s Word, we will find peace, joy and the ability to persevere no matter the circumstance we face.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come before You asking for Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Holy Spirit, I ask for Your intervention into my thoughts when I am feeling anxious. Remind me that the Father has promised to guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, Don’t wait! In a flash of a second it could be too late!” Click Here to read Four Simple Steps to Jesus.

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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

November 12th 2017 – Being Willing and Obedient

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“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” (Isaiah 1:19-20)

Ancient Hebrew poetry often comes with parallel statements, “If and Then” and these two are pretty straightforward. Breaking down the verses in Isaiah 1:19-20,  If you are willing and obedient toward God, then you will get the best. But if you resist Him and rebel, then you will be devoured by the sword. Being willing isn’t enough. Being obedient isn’t enough. We have to be both willing and obedient. Have you ever been obedient, but you haven’t been very willing? Or you may have been outwardly obedient, but inwardly your heels were dug in and you were grinding your teeth. The opposite of willingness and obedience is resistance and rebellion, and that is not a good place to be. We can be passive and rebellious or even compliant and rebellious, but being “devoured by the sword” is surely an outcome to be avoided.

“We have authority over our will, so let’s choose to be willing and obedient.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am sorry for the times I have been disinterested in Your plans and purposes for me. I ask forgiveness for the times I have turned my back on You and chosen my own way. I acknowledge today that You are Lord of all that I am and all that I have, the Sovereign God who will lead me on a path of Kingdom service and blessing if I will allow You. Give me a willing and obedient heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, Don’t wait! In a flash of a second it could be too late!” Click Here to read Four Simple Steps to Jesus.

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

2017-07-21-05-57-35

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

Happy Veterans Day

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“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. (2 Timothy 2:1-7)

In the United States, Veteran’s Day is celebrated on November 11th; many other countries have similar days devoted to the honoring of their soldiers. In this devotion for Veterans Day let’s look at 2 Timothy 2:1-7 to discover the proper attitude for a soldier.

As far back in history we go, when cities and countries were formed, each found it necessary to protect themselves by developing an army of soldiers. The Bible records information about Kings and soldiers in the book of Genesis. The Bible also tells us in 2 Timothy that every Christian is a soldier of Jesus Christ.

God uses the illustration of the soldier to help us how to understand our responsibilities as soldiers in the army of God.

We know that soldiers have suffered and died throughout history to protect their own country. Many times God also calls the Christian soldier to suffer, and sometimes die for his faith. This should not come as a surprise to us. If you take the time to read the book of Psalms, you know that many of the Psalms of David are filled with laments over David’s suffering, especially when the enemies of God were devoted to killing him even when he had done nothing wrong.

When God calls us to suffer, we must cry out to God for help, for He alone can help us. You’ll find that the more you are consistently reading God’s Word and praying to Him, this becomes almost second nature. You will find yourself talking to the Lord throughout the day. I think that is exactly what Paul is referring to when he tells us to pray without ceasing.

What would happen in the midst of battle if each soldier decided to fight the battle the way he thought best. Chaos would soon set in. You would hope to fight against an army such as that because you would be guaranteed to win! The scripture tells us that the soldier seeks to please the one who enlisted him.

My father served as a pilot and a officer in World War II; during that time his first son was born, and his only brother died in a car accident. Don’t you think that would make him want to go home and forget about being a soldier? But, he did not go home because the battle was not over. I am so very proud of my father and the men and women like him who knew that their first allegiance as a soldier was to their country.

As a soldier of Christ, finish the battle! Don’t give up midstream’ don’t go back to the sins of your youth. Rather just as the athlete is not crowned until he competes according to the rules and finishes the race.

I pray that you will be a faithful soldier of Jesus Christ so that you too, will receive the Crown of Life at the end of your battle!

This Veterans Day, We salute the Veterens! God Bless you.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank you for all of the people that have risked thier lives and the ones that paid the ultimate price so that we can be live freely in this nation. I also thank You Lord for the ultimate sacrifice that not only many of our veterans made for me, but You made for me…. Please bring healing to our nation Lord God. Also be with our leaders and help reunite and heal our precious country.  In Your glorious 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