James 3 - GNTD & KBTP

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.

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.

The Bible is rich with wisdom regarding the power of our words. Throughout Scripture, we are reminded that the tongue—though small—holds the capacity to uplift, destroy, heal, or harm. The words we speak can shape destinies, mend relationships, or cause deep wounds. Let’s explore seven Bible verses that illuminate the profound power of the tongue.

1. Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

The words we choose to speak can bring encouragement, love, and healing, or they can cause hurt, division, and destruction. The “fruits” we reap from our words reflect their power—whether for good or ill.

2. James 3:5-6 – “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness.”

Although it is a small part of the body, the tongue can cause significant harm, much like a small spark can ignite an entire forest fire. James warns believers of the dangers of careless speech, reminding us that words can spread like wildfire, causing damage that can be difficult to undo.

3. Proverbs 12:18 – “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

Words spoken in haste or anger can cut deeply, inflicting pain and damage similar to physical wounds. Conversely, wise and thoughtful words can bring comfort, peace, and restoration, highlighting the importance of controlling our speech and choosing our words carefully.

4. Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

We are urged to avoid corrupting or harmful talk and instead speak in ways that edify and encourage others. Words have the power to build up or tear down, and we are encouraged to use our speech to impart grace and support to those around us.

5. Proverbs 15:4 – “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”

A gentle tongue, like a tree of life, offers nourishment, strength, and growth. In contrast, perverse or harsh speech can crush a person’s spirit, leading to discouragement and despair. The verse encourages us to speak with kindness and gentleness, fostering life and growth in others.

6. Matthew 12:36-37 – “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Jesus’ words in Matthew are a sobering reminder of the accountability we have for our speech. Every word we speak—careless or otherwise—will be subject to judgment. Our words reflect our hearts, and they play a role in our justification or condemnation. This verse underscores the importance of being mindful of our speech, knowing that it has eternal consequences.

7. Proverbs 16:24 – “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”

Words that are kind, loving, and considerate are likened to honeycomb—sweet and nourishing, bringing joy and health to both the speaker and the listener. The verse encourages us to speak in ways that bring sweetness and well-being to others, reflecting the love and grace of God through our words.

Conclusion

The Bible consistently teaches that the tongue, though small, wields immense power. It can bring life or death, healing or harm, joy or sorrow. As followers of Christ, we are called to use our words wisely, to speak life, and to reflect God’s love through our speech. By guarding our tongues and choosing our words carefully, we can positively influence those around us and honor God with our speech.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Birthdays are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate life, reflect on our journey, and give thanks for the blessings we’ve received. The Bible offers numerous verses that can inspire and uplift us on these special occasions. Here are seven Bible verses that are perfect for celebrating birthdays:

1. Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

A birthday is a powerful reminder that God has a plan for each of us. As we celebrate another year of life, it’s comforting to know that our future is in His hands, filled with hope and promise.

2. Psalm 139:13-14

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Celebrating a birthday is a perfect time to reflect on the wonder of our creation and the love that God has for us.

3. Proverbs 9:11

“For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.”

Blessings come with living a life guided by wisdom. It encourages us to seek wisdom in our daily lives, promising that doing so will add to our days and enrich our years.

4. James 1:17

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

Birthdays are a celebration of the gift of life, and this verse reminds us that every good thing we have comes from God. It’s an opportunity to give thanks for the blessings we’ve received over the past year.

5. Psalm 91:11

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”

As we celebrate birthdays, it’s reassuring to remember God’s promise of protection. This verse assures us that God watches over us and sends His angels to guard us in all our endeavors.

6. Lamentations 3:22-23

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Each birthday is a testament to His compassion and a new beginning filled with His mercy and love.

7. Philippians 1:6

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

We are encouraged to trust that God is continually working in our lives. Our birthdays are milestones in the journey He has set for us, and He will faithfully complete the good work He has begun in us.

Conclusion

Celebrating birthdays with these Bible verses can bring a deeper sense of meaning and gratitude to the occasion. Reflecting on God’s promises, His love, and His plans for our lives adds a spiritual dimension to our celebrations, reminding us of His presence and purpose in our journey. Happy Birthday!

Do you know God’s grace? Here are 7 Bible verses to inspire you to understand this grace.

Romans 3:23-24 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus

To understand God’s grace, we have to acknowledge that we have done what is wrong in God’s eyes. We have sinned. We are in need of forgiveness and redemption.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

God’s grace is a free gift that doesn’t depend on any good deeds you have done. God’s grace is for all who believe in Jesus Christ.

James 4:6-7 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

In humility we turn to God and confess that we have done wrong. In humility we receive God’s grace and he will lift us up.

John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

God isn’t a distant God. He came to us and lived among us as one of us. Jesus is full of grace and truth.

Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

You can come to Jesus, just as you are. He knows our weaknesses. Because of the grace of God, we are forgiven our sins.

Titus 3:4-7 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

We don’t earn or deserve God’s grace by our good deeds, but it’s given according to God’s own mercy. By grace we are saved through our faith and even become heirs to the kingdom of God.

Revelation 22:21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.

This is the very last verse of the Bible and it reminds and expresses the wish for God’s grace be with you. “Amen” means “surely”, “truly” or “so be it.” We live by the hope and trust in God’s grace every day.

The Tongue

1 My friends, not many of you should become teachers. As you know, we teachers will be judged with greater strictness than others. 2 All of us often make mistakes. But if a person never makes a mistake in what he says, he is perfect and is also able to control his whole being. 3 We put a bit into the mouth of a horse to make it obey us, and we are able to make it go where we want. 4 Or think of a ship: big as it is and driven by such strong winds, it can be steered by a very small rudder, and it goes wherever the pilot wants it to go. 5 So it is with the tongue: small as it is, it can boast about great things.

Just think how large a forest can be set on fire by a tiny flame! 6 And the tongue is like a fire. It is a world of wrong, occupying its place in our bodies and spreading evil through our whole being. It sets on fire the entire course of our existence with the fire that comes to it from hell itself. 7 We humans are able to tame and have tamed all other creatures—wild animals and birds, reptiles and fish. 8 But no one has ever been able to tame the tongue. It is evil and uncontrollable, full of deadly poison. 9 We use it to give thanks to our Lord and Father and also to curse other people, who are created in the likeness of God. 10 Words of thanksgiving and cursing pour out from the same mouth. My friends, this should not happen! 11 No spring of water pours out sweet water and bitter water from the same opening. 12 A fig tree, my friends, cannot bear olives; a grapevine cannot bear figs, nor can a salty spring produce sweet water.

The Wisdom from Above

Embracing the Season of Harvest: 7 Bible Verses for Reflection

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.

13 Are there any of you who are wise and understanding? You are to prove it by your good life, by your good deeds performed with humility and wisdom. 14 But if in your heart you are jealous, bitter, and selfish, don't sin against the truth by boasting of your wisdom. 15 Such wisdom does not come down from heaven; it belongs to the world, it is unspiritual and demonic. 16 Where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is also disorder and every kind of evil. 17 But the wisdom from above is pure first of all; it is also peaceful, gentle, and friendly; it is full of compassion and produces a harvest of good deeds; it is free from prejudice and hypocrisy. 18

And goodness is the harvest that is produced from the seeds the peacemakers plant in peace.

Lulimi

1 Zwikamu zwangu, musitongobe badiyi muli banjinji, ngobe moziba kuti iswi badiyi towosumikilisiwa kwakasima kupinda bamwe. 2 Nge kuti tose toti tikapambuka kanjinji, ha kuli kuti kuna usingatongopambuka muna tjaanoleba, nthu wakajalo wakalulwama kwakapelela, ngobe unotubula kulaula mbili uwe wose. 3 Ha tilonga dzitomu mu milomo ye mbizi kuti dzitihwe, tobetiti tilaule mibili yadzo. 4 Bonani zwikepe naizobo, nenguba zwili zwikulu kungapani, zwitutudziwa nge phepo dzina masimba makulu kwazo zolaugwa nge n'goti ntukununu kuti zwiyende kumwe ne kumwe kunoshakiwa nge n'yendisi wazo. 5 Sa ikoko lulimi gutukununu mu mbili, koga gozwikudza nge zwithu zwikulu kulu.

Bonani, shango isi shoma inopisiwa nge moto ntukununu. 6 Ngono lulimi gonga moto. I ndungululo izhele bubi mu mibili yedu ngobe gobipisa mbili wose gulonga moto mu butjilo gwedu gose. Gobhatidziwa nge moto usingadzimike. 7 Nge kuti phuka imwe ne imwe ne nyuni ne zwitjili zose zwinosoba na pasi ne zwitjili zwimu gungwa, zokatisiwa kakale zwagala zwikatisiwa nge bathu. 8 Koga akuna nthu ungakatisa lulimi. Agutolaulika guzhele bubi kakale guzhele bushungu gunobulaya. 9 Tokudza She Tate nge lulimi, tikabuya tilonga bhiso mu bathu ndigo zwago, ibo bakathamiwa mu tjifano tje Ndzimu. 10 Mu nlomo uli nng'ompela kodwa dothodzo ne bhiso. Zwikamu, akuzofanila kuti kube saikoko. 11 Apa makatongo bona tshime lidwilila vula inobaba ne inozipa lubaka gung'ompela kene? 12 Mpaya aungazwale matoba ne nzhambi aungazwale phaya. Ndizo nditi akuna tshime lingadwilila vula inobaba ne inozipa lubaka gung'ompela.

Butjenjedu gunodwa kudzimu

13 Ndiani wakatjenjela unohwisisa pakati kwenyu kene? Ngaalakidze mishingo iye nge butjilo gugwe gwakalulwama nge kuzwiyisa pasi kunozwagwa nge butjenjedu. 14 Koga ha muna fupa ne njemulo mu mimoyo yenyu dze kuzwishathisa musizwikudze munyepela malebeswa. 15 Butjenjedu gwakajalo agutodwa pezhugwi, nge gwe shango, ategwe Tjimeya ngegwa Satani. 16 Nge kuti pana fupa ne njemulo dzakabipa, pakashangashangana kakale kuna mishingo yose mibi. 17 Koga butjenjedu gunodwa pezhugwi gwakatjena, goda mbakiso, bunyolo kakale gohwisisa, guna mahwilo zogwadza ne mishingo mibuyanana nge buzhalo, aguna shalaulo kene butjengedzi. 18 Ngono ntjelo we ndulamo unodzwagwa nge mbakiso nge banothama mbakiso.