James 3 - CEVUS06 & HBN

He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.

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.

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

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.

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.

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!

The Tongue

1 My friends, we should not all try to become teachers. In fact, teachers will be judged more strictly than others. 2 All of us do many wrong things. But if you can control your tongue, you are mature and able to control your whole body.

3 By putting a bit into the mouth of a horse, we can turn the horse in different directions. 4 It takes strong winds to move a large sailing ship, but the captain uses only a small rudder to make it go in any direction. 5 Our tongues are small too, and yet they brag about big things.

It takes only a spark to start a forest fire! 6 The tongue is like a spark. It is an evil power that dirties the rest of the body and sets a person's entire life on fire with flames that come from hell itself. 7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and sea creatures can be tamed and have been tamed. 8 But our tongues get out of control. They are restless and evil, and always spreading deadly poison.

9-10 My dear friends, with our tongues we speak both praises and curses. We praise our Lord and Father, and we curse people who were created to be like God, and this isn't right. 11 Can clean water and dirty water both flow from the same spring? 12 Can a fig tree produce olives or a grapevine produce figs? Does fresh water come from a well full of salt water?

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 any of you wise or sensible? Then show it by living right and by being humble and wise in everything you do. 14 But if your heart is full of bitter jealousy and selfishness, don't brag or lie to cover up the truth. 15 This kind of wisdom doesn't come from above. It is earthly and selfish and comes from the devil himself. 16 Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things. 17 But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. 18

When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they will harvest justice.

Dhuŋun dhadhireje dhiŋila

1 Limaguri lai, athanya rui muⓐallimiin loinyadho no, nyabi liŋa darnu alŋa laji lapai ẖukm gwina gwibuthanu. 2 Gi ŋidi ŋoinyadho alŋa peth lathidikajini. Ada gweta gwati gwimadikajini gi dhuŋun dheda no, a kwiji ibigwa gwaro didima, gwuthi ŋoma ko dimutha aŋina yuŋun peth. 3 Ada alŋa limunije limurtha ŋwujam ŋwinyu ganu ŋwegen diji uthejo nyuni; luthi ŋoma dilurle aŋina galo yegen peth. 4 Aŋadhul ko sufun lina lipilipa, athilbi karun gina gipa romaje, alurle galo kwoŋ gwai gwina gwitiny gwuleny, ŋwugwela kalo gina gan kweleny gwa safiina are. 5 A minoŋ ko dhiŋila dhiro dheta dha aŋinu dhina dhitiny, athuŋwbi are ŋamilai ŋwubiŋiye gwidom gwuŋun gwuleny. Aŋadhul iga ko ina itiny athuŋwbi duni ŋida peth. 6 A dhiŋila dhiro iga, a gidhila ga ŋidi ŋina ŋike; a minoŋ ko dhiŋila dhimagitini kaŋinu yega, dhina dhathiruje aŋina peth ŋirle, ŋwuduni luwadheny la dhuŋun dhina dhigitinu kidhila; ŋwudunini gi Jahannam. 7 A ŋidi peth degenuŋw gweta gweta owaŋ, a nyira, a ŋidi ŋina ŋathelila galo nyari nyai, a ŋina ŋathije baẖr ganu iredhini, a ŋimal kwiji ireje. 8 Abi kwiji gwate gwina gwuthi ŋoma gwireje dhiŋila no; dhiro dhuŋun dhina dhike dhina dhathabiŋi buiny, dhoinyadho ŋiya ŋina ŋathirinyiye. 9 Dhiŋila dhai alŋa lathorthadha Kaloŋa gina giro Babo; a dhiŋila dhai aldhilo lijo lina ligetilo Kalo liro ŋinena s̱uura gwuŋun. 10 Gi linyu letipo baraka gwathi tuya a lo. Dhati dhiŋir, limaguri lai, di dhuŋun ibidhe ro minoŋ no. 11 Lijigeny luthi ŋoma lire ŋau ŋina ŋama a ŋina ŋire gi dhimireny dhetipo a? 12 Limaguri lai, gwudha gwuthi ŋoma gwarire fruuta gwa zetuun a? i dhugur dhuthi ŋoma dharire ŋwudha a? a minoŋ lijigeny lati luthi ŋoma lire ŋau ŋina ŋiro mudha a ŋina ŋama no.

Bebra gwina gwiro ŋidhuŋun a gwina gwiro titiganu

13 Ei gwiro gwina gwibebra a gwiliŋidhi dhuŋuna dagalo ganu? Abricul ŋwaŋiye ŋiro ŋuŋun midhe gwai gwina gwiŋir darnu ŋimapini ruini gwai gwitiny gwa bebra. 14 Abi ada nyaŋa limuthi ŋidunyu ŋina ŋire a kaijiye gi je gi dugor ganu dalo, athanya aro ŋamilai, a nyagatho ŋidhuŋinaŋa gi dhuŋun dhina dhiro titiganu no. 15 Bebra ibigwa gwati gwulo kabo no, ŋwubiro gwa kwiyaŋ, a gwuthi dhuŋuna ganu dhina dhike dha aŋinu, a dha Sheṯaan. 16 Kalo gina gathin ŋiduiny je a kaijiye gi je, mine dhuŋun dho dhina dhilagudhinu ganu a ŋiro peth ŋina ŋike. 17 Abi bebra gwina gwidhi kabo gwiro gwina gwijuro kwerkwereny, ŋwubaji ŋwuthi audhaijiyuŋw galo gwa ŋimedhiga, a ŋwuthi ŋimira, a ŋwuminyi didiŋini dhuŋuna dhina dhabiŋu liji liter dhina dhiŋir, a ŋwoinyadhe inaŋw, a ŋwuthi fruuta gwina gwiŋir, gwina gwati gwuthi dhuŋuna dha dhuminyuni gweta gi gwiter gi dhuŋun dhina dhiro ganu ram no. 18 A fruuta gwa dhuŋun dhina dhiŋir gwimakwuini gi audhaijiye galo gwa ŋediŋa lina lathapai ŋiro ŋadhi audhaijiye galo.