Matthew 10 - CEVUS06 & KBTP

In a world that often values splendour and abundance, the Bible reminds us that even the smallest gifts can have a profound impact. God’s kingdom operates differently from the world’s standards, showing us that it is not the size of the gift that matters, but the heart behind it. Here are seven Bible verses that illustrate the transformative power of small yet significant acts of giving.

1. The Widow’s Offering

“Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:43-44)

The widow’s two small coins seemed insignificant compared to the large sums others gave, yet Jesus celebrated her gift because it came from her heart and her trust in God. Despite her poverty, she gave all she had, demonstrating an unwavering faith in God’s provision. This story teaches us that the value of a gift is not measured by its size but by the sacrifice and faith it represents. Her act challenges us to consider what we’re willing to give, even when it feels like we have little to offer.

2. The Boy with Loaves and Fish

“Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” (John 6:9)

A young boy offered his small and inadequate lunch to Jesus, and it became the catalyst for one of the greatest miracles, feeding over five thousand people. His offering was small and ordinary, yet in Jesus’ hands, it became extraordinary. This story reminds us that God can take what little we have and multiply it beyond our imagination when we give with an open heart. The boy’s willingness to share what he had shows us the importance of trusting God to use our contributions for His glory.

3. A Cup of Water

“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” (Matthew 10:42)

A simple act of kindness, like offering water, does not go unnoticed in God’s eyes. Jesus emphasizes that even the smallest gesture, done with love and for His sake, carries eternal significance. Small gestures of kindness can make a significant difference in someone’s life and are cherished by God. This verse inspires us to recognize the value of everyday acts of kindness and how they reflect God’s love to those around us.

4. Faith as Small as a Mustard Seed

“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)

This verse reminds us that even the smallest contributions, when paired with faith, can achieve monumental results. Just as a mustard seed grows into a mighty tree, small acts of giving can create ripples of change. It’s not about the magnitude of what we bring, but the faith with which we bring it. When we trust God, even the smallest step can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

5. The Generosity of the Macedonians

“Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” (2 Corinthians 8:2)

The Macedonian believers gave generously despite their poverty, demonstrating that generosity is not about wealth but about a willing heart. Their joy in giving came not from abundance but from their love for God and others. They saw giving as a privilege rather than a burden. Their example encourages us to give cheerfully, no matter our circumstances, trusting that our contributions, however small, can make a meaningful difference.

6. The Woman Who Anointed Jesus

“She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.” (Mark 14:8)

The woman who anointed Jesus with perfume gave what she had, and her act of devotion was celebrated by Jesus. Though her gift may have seemed small in the world’s eyes, it carried eternal significance. Her act of love and sacrifice demonstrates that giving is not always about meeting physical needs but can also be an expression of worship and honor. This story challenges us to consider how our gifts reflect our love for Christ.

7. The Power of Partnership

“For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.” (2 Corinthians 8:3-4)

This verse highlights the collective power of small contributions. The Macedonians gave beyond their ability, showing that sacrificial giving often comes from a deep desire to serve. When we come together to give, even small gifts can combine to create a big impact, supporting God’s work in powerful ways. Their story reminds us that generosity is not limited by our resources but by the willingness of our hearts.

Conclusion

The Bible teaches us that small gifts, when given with a pure heart and faith, can have a big impact. Whether it’s a widow’s coins, a boy’s lunch, or a cup of water, God sees and honors every act of generosity. These stories remind us that in God’s hands, no gift is too small. This Christmas, let’s be inspired to give what we have—no matter how small—and trust that God will use it for His glory and the good of others. Even the smallest gift can be a seed for miracles in God’s hands.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

The season of harvest is a time of gratitude, reflection, and abundance. For farmers, it signifies the end of a season of hard work, when crops are gathered, and the fruits of labor are celebrated. Spiritually, it reminds us of God’s faithfulness and the importance of sowing seeds of righteousness in our lives. The Bible speaks of harvest not just as an agricultural event but as a symbol of spiritual growth, provision, and God’s blessings.

Here are seven Bible verses that reflect the beauty, meaning, and significance of harvest time:

1. Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Just as the harvest comes after a season of hard labor, our spiritual harvest will come if we remain steadfast in our efforts to live righteously. God’s timing is perfect, and we must trust that our diligence will bear fruit.

2. Matthew 9:37-38
“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”

Here, Jesus calls on us to be workers in this field, sharing the good news of salvation and helping to bring others into the kingdom of God. Harvest time is not just about receiving but also giving — sharing God’s love with the world.

3. Psalm 126:5-6
“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.”

We may endure seasons of sorrow, but God promises that those who faithfully sow, even through hardship, will one day reap a harvest of joy. There is hope in the midst of trials, and the harvest will be a time of celebration.

4. Proverbs 10:5
“He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.”

Just as a farmer must be attentive during the harvest to gather his crops, we must be alert and ready to seize the spiritual opportunities that God places before us. Laziness and neglect lead to missed blessings, but diligence ensures that we reap the benefits of our labor.

5. 2 Corinthians 9:10
“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.”

God is the provider of all things, and He ensures that those who sow will have what they need to reap a harvest. Not only does He provide materially, but He also increases the harvest of righteousness in our lives, enabling us to grow in character, faith, and good works. Our trust in God’s provision is important to experiencing His abundance.

6. James 3:18
“Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”

When we sow seeds of peace and righteousness, we reap a harvest of goodness and integrity. Just as the farmer carefully chooses what to plant, we must be mindful of the seeds we sow in our relationships and daily actions.

7. John 4:35
“Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”

The time for action is now, not later. The fields are ripe, and God is calling us to step into His work, sharing His love and truth with those who are ready to receive it. There is an urgency in the harvest, and we are called to respond.

Conclusion

Harvest time is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and the spiritual principles of sowing and reaping. Whether we are harvesting crops or gathering the fruits of our spiritual labor, we are called to trust in God’s provision and timing. As we reflect on these Bible verses, may we be inspired to continue sowing seeds of righteousness, peace, and faithfulness, knowing that in due season, we will reap a bountiful harvest.

Addictions come in many shapes and forms, whether it’s lust, alcohol, substances, gambling, gaming, or even excessive use of your mobile phone and social media. There is professional help to get as well as counselling from your priest or pastor.

Also, read the Bible and lay your addiction before God in prayer. Here are some passages from the Word of God to reflect upon.

James 1:14-15 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

We all have weaknesses within us that can make us fall and lead to an addiction. Acknowledging this, and admitting that you struggle with addiction is an important step to be free from it.

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.

Addictions don’t come from God, but from the world and our desires, lusts and pride. We can rely on God wanting us to be free from any addiction.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

You may feel that you can’t break your addiction. But the Bible tells us that God can. God will provide the way of escape. Turn to God, turn from your addiction. Let God fill you with his presence.

1 Corinthians 6:12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.

Addiction is many times when something takes control over you. Those things that are not helpful in your life and dominate your thoughts and desires you may need to cut out of your life.

1 Peter 2:11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.

Addictions come from this world and not from God. In the end, addictions replace God as the number one in our lives. It’s not just about addictions, but also about our souls.

Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Lay your struggles before God. Ask for God’s protection and deliverance.

John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

This is the promise of Jesus Christ, that when he sets us free, it is real freedom.

This article is not intended as a replacement for medical or therapeutic help or treatment for addiction, but a complement and inspiration to those who battle addiction.

Jesus Chooses His Twelve Apostles

(Mark 3.13-19Luke 6.12-16)

1 Jesus called together his twelve disciples. He gave them the power to force out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and sickness. 2 The first of the twelve apostles was Simon, better known as Peter. His brother Andrew was an apostle, and so were James and John, the two sons of Zebedee. 3 Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew the tax collector, James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus were also apostles. 4 The others were Simon, known as the Eager One, and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Jesus.

Instructions for the Twelve Apostles

(Mark 6.7-13Luke 9.1-6)

5 Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions:

Stay away from the Gentiles and don't go to any Samaritan town. 6 Go only to the people of Israel, because they are like a flock of lost sheep. 7 As you go, announce that the kingdom of heaven will soon be here. 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead to life, heal people who have leprosy, and force out demons. You received without paying, now give without being paid. 9 Don't take along any gold, silver, or copper coins. 10 And don't carry a traveling bag or an extra shirt or sandals or a walking stick.

Workers deserve their food. 11 So when you go to a town or a village, find someone able and willing to have you as their guest and stay with them until you leave. 12 When you go to a home, give it your blessing of peace. 13 If the home is deserving, let your blessing remain with them. But if the home doesn't accept you, take back your blessing of peace. 14 If someone won't welcome you or listen to your message, leave their home or town. And shake the dust from your feet at them. 15 I promise you the day of judgment will be easier for the towns of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.

Warning about Trouble

(Mark 13.9-13Luke 21.12-17)

16 I am sending you like lambs into a pack of wolves. So be as wise as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17 Watch out for people who will take you to court and have you beaten in their synagogues. 18 Because of me, you will be dragged before rulers and kings to tell them and the Gentiles about your faith. 19 But when someone arrests you, don't worry about what you will say or how you will say it. At that time you will be given the words to say. 20 But you will not really be the one speaking. The Spirit from your Father will tell you what to say.

21 Brothers and sisters will betray one another and have each other put to death. Parents will betray their own children, and children will turn against their parents and have them killed. 22 Everyone will hate you because of me. But if you remain faithful until the end, you will be saved. 23 When people mistreat you in one town, hurry to another one. I promise you before you have gone to all the towns of Israel, the Son of Man will come.

24 Students are not better than their teacher, and slaves are not better than their master. 25 It is enough for students to be like their teacher and for slaves to be like their master. If people call the head of the family Satan, what will they say about the rest of the family?

The One To Fear

(Luke 12.2-7)

Small Gifts, Big Impact

Don't be afraid of anyone! Everything that is hidden will be found out, and every secret will be known. 27 Whatever I say to you in the dark, you must tell in the light. And you must announce from the housetops whatever I have whispered to you. 28 Don't be afraid of people. They can kill you, but they cannot harm your soul. Instead, you should fear God who can destroy both your body and your soul in hell. 29 Aren't two sparrows sold for only a penny? But your Father knows when any one of them falls to the ground. 30 Even the hairs on your head are counted. 31 So don't be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows.

Telling Others about Christ

(Luke 12.8Luke 9)

32 If you tell others you belong to me, I will tell my Father in heaven you are my followers. 33 But if you reject me, I will tell my Father in heaven you don't belong to me.

Not Peace, but Trouble

(Luke 12.51-53Luke 14.26Luke 27)

34 Don't think I came to bring peace to the earth! I came to bring trouble, not peace. 35 I came to turn sons against their fathers, daughters against their mothers, and daughters-in-law against their mothers-in-law. 36 Your worst enemies will be in your own family.

37 If you love your father or mother or even your sons and daughters more than me, you are not fit to be my disciples. 38 And unless you are willing to take up your cross and follow me, you are not fit to be my disciples. 39 If you try to save your life, you will lose it. But if you give it up for me, you will surely find it.

Rewards

(Mark 9.41)

40 Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me. And anyone who welcomes me also welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Anyone who welcomes a prophet, just because that person is a prophet, will be given the same reward as a prophet. Anyone who welcomes a good person, just because that person is good, will be given the same reward as a good person. 42 And anyone who gives one of my most humble followers a cup of cool water, just because that person is my follower, will be rewarded.

Batumwa ba Jesu

(Mako 3:13-19Luke 6:12-16)

1 Jesu wakadana badiyiwa babe bali gumi lina babili kabapa ndaulo pezhugwi kwe meya mibi, kuti baiduse ne kupodza bugwele ne buworoworo gumwe ne gumwe. 2 Awa ndiwo mazina e batumwa bali gumi lina babili. We kutanga ndi Simoni iye unoyi Pita na Enduru nnung'una uwe na Jakubo nkololo wa Zebhedi na Johani nnung'una uwe, 3 na Filipo na Bhatolomeo na Tomasi na Matewu wakabe ali nkhethisi na Jakubo nkololo wa Alifeo na Tadeo 4 na Simoni wakabe egwila sununguko ye bathu na Judasi Isikariyoti, iye wakawonga Jesu.

Thumo ye bali gumi lina babili

(Mako 6:7-13Luke 9:1-6)

5 Ibaba bali gumi lina babili, Jesu wakabatuma ebalaya sahwoku, “Musitongoyenda pakati kwe Bezwitjaba kene kuli kungina mu mizi ye Basamariya. 6 Koga yendani ku pkhwizi dze ng'umba ye Iziraela dzakalashika. 7 Muyende musumikila muti, ‘Bushe gwe kudzimu gwasedzela.’ 8 Mupodze bagwele, mumuse bafi, mupodze banogwala mapele. Muduse meya mibi. Makapiwa musingalipisiwe, namwibo ipani musingalipise. 9 Musitongosenga golide kene siliva kene khopa mu mwandabula yenyu. 10 Musitongosenga gobhodo mu gwendo gwenyu kene zwiambalo kene bokhwebana kene ludozo, ngobe nshingi unofanigwa ngopiwa zojiwa zwizwe.

11 “Nzi mmwe ne mmwe kene nzana wamunoswika muuli, shakani nthu wakafanila mugale naye kuswikila mubhuda ipapo. 12 Muti mungina mu nzi mudumilise. 13 Ha nzi iwoyo wakafanigwa nge kunyalala, kunyalala kwenyu kube muuli, ha usakafanila, kunyalala kwenyu ngakubgwilile kumuli. 14 Iye usingawomuamutjila kene usingawohwilila matama enyu muwole gumbo lenyu ha mubhuda mu ng'umba iyeyo kene nzi iwoyo. 15 Ndolebesa tjose nditi, sumikiliso inobendelu mu mizi ye Sodoma ne Gomora mu zhuba le kusumikilisiwa kupinda ye nzi iwoyo.

Kudziyidzika kunozha

(Mako 13:9-13Luke 21:12-17)

16 “Mubone! Ndomutuma munga pkhwizi dzipakati kwe phele. Tjenjelani se nyoka mube basina nlandu se njiba. 17 Yelani njele bathu, ngobe banowomuyisa ku makulukota bakamuloba mu ng'umba dzabo dze mitembezelo, 18 banowomukwebela mbeli kwe balauli na bomambo nge kwangu. Ngekujalo mowobe mupa butendeki mbeli kwabo ne Bezwitjaba nge kwangu. 19 Ngono ha bemusunga musidziyidzike ngekwe kuti mowolebani nenge kuti mowotjileba tjini. Nge tjibaka itjetjo mowopiwa tjamunowoleba, 20 ngobe kowobe kusingalebeleke imwi, koga kowobe kulebeleka Meya ya Tate benyu.

21 “Nthu unowosungisa ikamu tjitje kuti tjibulawe na tate bakasungisa mwana wabo kuti abulawe, bana banowopandukila bazwadzi babo bakabasungisa kuti babulawe. 22 Bathu bose banowomubenga nge kwangu, koga iye unobhatilila kunoti ku bupelo unowotjidziwa. 23 Ha mudziyidziwa mu nzi mmwe tizhilani ku mmwe. Ndolebesa nditi, amutowoyenda mukashanganya mizi yose ye Iziraela Nkololo we Nthu asathu kazha.

24 “N'diyiwa aangabe nkulu mu n'diyi uwe, kene nlanda aangabe nkulu muna tetshi uwe. 25 Kwakalizana kuti n'diyiwa alizane ne n'diyi uwe ne nlanda kuti alizane na tetshi uwe. Ha iye nsholo we nzi akadang'wa kuyi Bheelizebhuli, be nzi uwe ibo banowodang'wa saikoko kungapani kene!

Iye wamakafanila kutja

(Luke 12:2-7)

26 “Ndizo musibatje, ngoti akuna tjakazwimbiwa tjisingawozumbunugwa kene tjakasumbikala tjisingawozibgwa. 27 Tjandinomubudza mu zhalima mutjilebe mu tjedza, tjamunohwa tjinyebezegwa mutjiandamise. 28 Musitje ibabo banobulaya mbili koga basingatubule kubulaya meya. Bukulu itjani iye iwoyo ungalobesa kose meya ne mbili mu moto usingadzime. 29 Apa zhazho mbili adzitotengesiwa nge peni ing'ompela, koga kusina ing'ompela yadzo ingawila pasi kuzhe kwe kuda kwa Tate benyu kene. 30 Nenge mavudzi e nsholo wenyu akabagwa wose. 31 Ndizo musitje, ngobe mopinda zhazho dzili njinji.

Kuma na Jesu ne kunzwilandula

(Luke 12:8-9)

32 “Iye unowoleba kuti unami mbeli kwe bathu, namibo ndowoleba kuti ndi naye mbeli kwa Tate bangu ba kudzimu. 33 Koga iye unowondizwilandula mbeli kwe bathu, namibo ndowonzwilandula mbeli kwa Tate bangu ba kudzimu.

Ate mbakiso ithumo

(Luke 12:51-53Luke 14:26-27)

34 “Musikumbule kuti ndakazha kuwozhisa mbakiso mu shango. Aandizozha kuwozhisa mbakiso koga ndakazhisa thumo. 35 Ndazha kuwogwisanya nthu na Tate babe, nkololokadzi na mmeyabe, nlongo na mmezwale babe 36 zwita zwe nthu kowobe ibabo be nsha uwe!

37 “Iye unoda tate babe kene mmeyabe kupinda imi aazondifanila na iye unoda nkololo kene nkololokadzi uwe kupinda imi aazondifanila. 38 Na iye usingatole tjileyanyo tjitje kanditobela aazondifanila. 39 Iye unowana butjilo gugwe gowonlashikila. Iye unolashikigwa nge butjilo gugwe nge kwangu unowoguwana.

Mbhayilo we butumwa

(Mako 9:41)

40 “Iye unomuamutjila unoamutjila imi na iye unoamutjila imi unoamutjila wakandituma. 41 Iye unoamutjila nlebesambeli, ngobe ali nlebesambeli unowoamutjila mbhayilo we nlebesambeli, na iye unoamutjila nlulwami, ngobe ali nlulwami, unowoamutjila mbhayilo we nlulwami. 42 Iye unopa mmwe wa ibaba batukununu kene uli nkombe we vula inotothola, ngobe ali n'diyiwa, ndolebesa ndoti kumuli, aatowolashikigwa nge mbhayilo uwe.”