Makungulupeswa 16 - Kalanga Bible (KBTP)

And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

When you think of a successful businesswoman, what comes to mind? Maybe someone who is independent, hardworking, and respected. Now, imagine someone like that but also deeply committed to God. That’s Lydia, a business-savvy, God-fearing woman who played a major role in the early church.

Lydia wasn’t a preacher or prophetess, yet her faith, generosity, and leadership helped spread the gospel. Her story shows that you don’t have to stand on a stage to make an impact, you can serve God right where you are. Let’s dive into seven powerful lessons from her life!

1. She Made Time for God, Even with a Busy Schedule

Acts 16:13 (KJV) – “And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a riverside, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.”

Lydia was a businesswoman who sold purple cloth, a luxury product in her time. She had money, influence, and responsibilities, yet she still made time to seek God. When Paul arrived in Philippi, she was already at a prayer gathering with other women.

In today’s world, it’s easy to say, “I’m too busy for God.” School, work, and life keep us occupied. But Lydia shows us that no matter how full our schedules get, seeking God should always be a priority.

2. She Had an Open Heart for God’s Word

Acts 16:14 (KJV) – “And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.”

Lydia was already a worshipper of God, but when she heard Paul preaching about Jesus, she embraced the gospel fully. She didn’t just listen, she responded.

Many people hear about Jesus but never truly respond. Lydia didn’t just agree with what Paul said—she let God change her heart. Are we open to God speaking to us, or are we too distracted to listen?

3. She Took Immediate Action in Her Faith

Acts 16:15 (KJV) – “And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.”

Lydia didn’t hesitate. As soon as she understood the truth about Jesus, she took action, she got baptized, and she made sure her whole household did too.

Sometimes, we feel God calling us to take a step, maybe to get baptized, start reading the Bible more, or make a change in our lives. But we hesitate, waiting for the “perfect moment.” Lydia teaches us that when God moves in our hearts, we need to respond quickly.

4. She Used Her Resources for God’s Kingdom

Acts 16:40 (KJV) – “And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.”

Lydia was wealthy, but she didn’t keep her blessings to herself. She opened her home as a meeting place for believers, making it a safe space for the early church to grow.

Many of us want God to bless us with success, but are we willing to use our blessings for Him? Lydia’s generosity helped spread the gospel. How can you use what you have, your time, money, talents, or even your home—to serve others?

5. She Had a Generous Spirit

Proverbs 11:25 (KJV) – “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.”

Lydia didn’t hesitate to give, whether it was her home, resources, or hospitality. Her generosity fueled the mission of the early church, proving that faith isn’t just about what we receive but also about what we give.

In a world that tells us to chase wealth for personal gain, Lydia shows that true prosperity comes from a generous heart. Success is great, but helping others along the way is even greater.

6. She Was a Leader in the Faith

Philippians 1:3-5 (KJV) – “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.”

The church in Philippi, which Lydia helped start, became one of the strongest early Christian communities. Paul later wrote to them, thanking them for their faith and generosity.

Lydia’s faith didn’t just affect her, it built up an entire community of believers. She reminds us that our faith isn’t just for us; it’s meant to impact those around us.

7. She Shows That Faith and Success Can Go Together

Matthew 6:33 (KJV) – “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Lydia was a successful businesswoman, but she put God first. She didn’t see faith and success as two separate things—she used her success to glorify God.

Many people think they have to choose between faith and success, but Lydia proves you can have both. When you put God first, everything else will fall into place.

Conclusion

Lydia was a real-life boss lady who put God first and made a lasting impact. She proves that you don’t need a pulpit to be a leader in God’s kingdom, you just need a heart that’s willing to serve.

So, how can you be like Lydia this month?

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.

1 Ndongoloso inodwa mu moyo we nthu,

koga dabilo ye lulimi inodwa kuna Yahwe.

2 Zila dzose dze nthu imbuyanana mu mesho awe,

koga Yahwe ndibo banoyela meya.

3 Yisa tjimwe ne tjimwe tjaunoshinga kuna Yahwe,

ndizo zose zowopunduka.

4 Yahwe bakathama kuti tjimwe ne tjimwe tjibe ne nshingo watjo,

ne babi bakathamigwa zhuba le zwakabipa.

7 Bible Verses about The Power of the Tongue

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.

Mmwe ne mmwe una mazwikudzo unoshimisa kuna Yahwe,

nge malebeswa, aangaletjedziwe asalobgwa shamu.

6 Nlandu unozwimbiwa nge ngoni ne malebeswa,

ne kutja Yahwe kothama nthu kuti aleye bubi.

7 Ha zila dze nthu dzishathisa Yahwe,

unothama kuti ne babengi babe bagale naye nge kunyalala.

8 Koyita kube ne kushomana kuna ndulamo,

pana kube ne fumwa nji kusina kutambunuka.

7 Bible Verses to Start Your Day

When you wake up in the morning, start your day with a verse from the Bible. Before you get out of bed, take a moment to pray.

9 Nkumbulo we nthu unoluka mano e zila iye,

koga Yahwe ndibo banontendeka thambo dzaakafanila tola.

10 Mambo unoleba zwadwa mu Ndzimu,

nlomo uwe autoleba nge kusakatambunuka.

11 Zwiyelo ne zwilizanyo zwakatambunuka nge zwa Yahwe,

mabgwe amu hwomo mishingo yabo.

12 Kuthama tjakabipa koshimisa kuna bomambo,

ngekuti tjigalo tje bumambo tjothumbidziwa nge ndulamo.

13 Milomo yakatambunuka inoshathisa bomambo,

kakale banoda iye unoleba zwakalulwama.

14 Kugwadzamoyo kwa mambo ntumwa we lufu,

ngono nthu wakatjenjela unogutebamisa.

15 Mu kushatha kwe tjiso tja mambo kuna butjilo,

ludo gugwe gonga gole le vula ye nyawuko.

16 Kuwana butjenjedu kopinda kuwana golide,

ne kuwana kuhwisisa kopinda kuwana siliva.

17 Zila ye bakatambunuka inoleya mbipo,

iye unolondolodza zila iye unotjengeta butjilo gugwe.

18 Kuzwida kotangila kukolomoka,

ne meya ye kuzwikudza inotangila kuwila pasi.

19 Koyita kuzwiyisa pasi mu meya kulizana ne bashayi

pana kukobana zwakatapiwa ne banozwikudza.

20 Iye una njele nge dama unowobhudilila,

iye unogalabgwe Yahwe una kushatha.

21 Una moyo wakatjenjela unodang'wa una hwisiso,

ne ndebeleko mbuya inokulumbidza kudiyika.

22 Butjenjedu nsenya we butjilo kuna unago,

koga bulengwe i shamu inoloba zwilengwe.

23 Nkumbulo we ntjenjedu unodiya nlomo uwe,

upaphidza bunyambi gwe ndebo mu milomo iye.

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Day 4: Speak Life

Our words have power! Let’s use them to uplift, encourage, and bring joy.

24 Matama anozipa anonga mape e nyutji,

anozipisa meya ne kumusa mbili.

25 Kuna zila inolingika yakalulwama ku nthu,

koga bhelelo layo ino yesa ku lufu.

26 Zhala ye nshingi ino nshingila;

nlomo uwe unonkulumbidza.

27 Nthu usina nshingo uno lukila bamwe zwakabipa,

ne ndebo iye inonga moto unong'ora.

28 Nthu usi iye unogwisanya,

ne nnyeyi uno thubukanya bazwalani.

29 Nthu unomanikidza zwithu unokwekweredza mbakidzani naye,

e nkwebela kuthama zwisi izo.

30 Nthu uno vuna zhisho uno luka bupitipiti,

iye unomuma nlomo unoti kusi lebgwe bubi gwaka etikala.

31 Nsholo ntjena tjiala tjinokudzika,

unowanika nge zila ye bululwami.

32 Iye una moyonlefu unopinda una simba,

na iye unozwibhata unopinda uno tapa ntuthu.

33 Unga posa zo madaiza,

koga Yahwe ndiye unotola thambo ye zwinowoyitikala.