Title June 2025

LINDA CHEMCHEMI YA MOYO WAKO.

GUARD THE WELLSPRING OF YOUR HEART

Proverbs 4:23

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (NIV)

A spring is a source of water—it provides water for drinking and for sustaining plant life. When the spring yields bitter or salty water, it becomes useless. Life cannot thrive around it. Neither people, nor animals, nor crops can survive with such water.

But when a spring produces clean, fresh water, it brings life wherever it flows. People flourish, animals thrive, crops grow, and even the local economy benefits.

A vivid example of bitter water is found in the journey of the Israelites at Marah.

Exodus 15:22–25

“Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water.
When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah.)
So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, ‘What are we to drink?’
Then Moses cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became fit to drink. There the Lord issued a ruling and instruction for them and put them to the test.” (NIV)

The Bible compares our hearts to springs of water. This means that what flows out of our hearts can either bring life and fruitfulness—or corruption and destruction. Everything around us—our health, our relationships, our work, our education, our favor with people and with God—depends on what is flowing from within.

So what are these “bitter” or “sweet” waters?

Jesus gives us clarity.

Matthew 12:34–35

“You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.” (NIV)

Matthew 15:18–20

“But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.
For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.
These are what defile a person…” (NIV)

From this, we understand that things like lies, slander, adultery, theft, and murder come from the heart—and these are the bitter waters. They pollute relationships, ruin lives, destroy ministries, end marriages, and rob people of their divine calling.

Many have lost their purpose or blessings because their hearts have become corrupted springs—producing bitter water instead of life-giving truth and purity. Some have lost favor with God and man because of unfaithfulness, deceit, or sin. Others have seen their once-thriving ministries or marriages fall apart because of impurity flowing from within.

James 3:8–12

“But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.
Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?
My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.” (NIV)

If what flows from our hearts is good—things like love, truth, kindness, patience, holiness—then we are like a pure spring. Our words and actions will bring life. Our salvation, ministries, marriages, and work will be fruitful. Our influence will be holy and life-giving.

So, what kind of water is your heart producing? Sweet or bitter?

If it’s bitter—there is hope! The remedy is the Holy Spirit. Believe in Jesus Christ, and be filled with the Holy Spirit, who purifies the heart freely and completely.

Once the Holy Spirit fills your heart, the dead things in your life—your marriage, ministry, calling, or education—can be revived. Because now the water flowing from within is pure and life-giving.

But even if your heart is already producing clean water, there is a command: Guard your heart. Protect it from corruption. Keep it from the influence of this sinful world.

Proverbs 4:23

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (NIV)

How do you guard your heart?
Through prayer, by reading and meditating on the Word of God, by avoiding worldly influences, and by regularly fellowshipping with other believers.

May the Lord bless you.
Share this message of hope and truth with others.

 

 

 

 
 
 

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MANENO YASIYO NA  MAANA

BEWARE OF CARELESS AND MEANINGLESS WORDS


“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
—Matthew 12:36–37 (NIV)

The Lord Jesus gives us a sobering warning: every careless or meaningless word we speak will be brought to account on the Day of Judgment. Words are powerful. They carry weight in the spiritual realm, and God keeps record of what we say.

Examples of meaningless or careless speech include profanity, blasphemy, mockery, coarse joking, ungodly competition, filthy conversation, worldly songs, and many others like these. Let’s explore them in detail:

1. Joking with the Word of God

Some use Scripture or biblical stories as material for jokes or comedy skits. But God’s Word is holy, not entertainment.

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers.”
—Psalm 1:1 (NIV)

Mocking or making light of the Word of God is not only disrespectful, but spiritually dangerous.

2. Scoffing and Mocking

When we scoff at the things of God or mock true servants of Christ, we are not simply expressing an opinion—we are heaping judgment upon ourselves.

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
—Galatians 6:7 (NIV)

God takes mockery personally, especially when it targets His truth or His people.

3. Arguments and Debates

Engaging in religious arguments just to prove a point or win a verbal battle is also meaningless and spiritually unprofitable.

“Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge.”
—1 Timothy 6:20 (NIV)

Debates that stem from pride or a desire to appear knowledgeable lead only to division, not godliness.

4. Blasphemy

Blaspheming the work of the Holy Spirit, or speaking evil of something we know is truly of God, is a grave offense. This is what the Pharisees did when they accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Satan.

That’s why Jesus warned:

“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”
—Matthew 12:36 (NIV)

5. Worldly Songs

Lyrics in many secular songs are filled with immorality, pride, lust, and messages that glorify the enemy. Singing or enjoying such songs invites spiritual harm.

“You strum away on your harps like David and improvise on musical instruments.”
—Amos 6:5 (NIV)

These were not songs of worship, but of vanity and self-indulgence.

6. Filthy or Vulgar Talk

Dirty jokes, sexual innuendo, abusive language, and talk that promotes sin—these are not just casual words. They corrupt the speaker and the hearer.

“Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”
—Ephesians 5:4 (NIV)

“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
—Colossians 3:8 (NIV)

What Does It Mean to “Give an Account”?

To “give an account” means to explain in detail why we said what we said. For example, if you insult someone and call them a dog, you will be asked to explain why you used such a term. Was the person truly what you said, or did you speak out of anger or pride?

What we speak lightly here on earth may become lengthy, serious matters before the judgment seat of Christ.

Conclusion: Guard Your Tongue

Our words matter. They are recorded in heaven. If we have spoken carelessly, we must be quick to repent—to those we wronged and before God.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
—1 John 1:9 (NIV)

Let us turn to Christ while there is still time. Let us believe, repent, and hold firmly to our confession of faith.

Judgment is coming. Let us be ready.
Share this truth with others and be a vessel of light in a dark world.

God bless you.


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Did Jesus Christ Have Brothers and Sisters?

Question: Did Jesus have brothers and sisters like other people?

Answer: Yes! Our Lord Jesus Christ had biological brothers and sisters, born to Mary, His mother. This is confirmed clearly in Scripture, for example in Matthew 13:54-56 and Mark 6:3.

Matthew 13:54-56

“And coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, ‘Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?’”

The passage mentions Jesus’ family in a straightforward way, identifying Mary as His mother and naming His brothers and sisters as distinct individuals. This strongly supports the understanding that Jesus had siblings in the normal biological sense.

The Perpetual Virginity of Mary

Some traditions, especially within Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, teach the Perpetual Virginity of Mary, meaning Mary remained a virgin before, during, and after the birth of Jesus. According to this view, the “brothers and sisters” mentioned are interpreted as either cousins or children from a previous marriage of Joseph.

However, the plain reading of the text challenges this view:

  • The Greek words used for “brothers” (adelphoi) and “sisters” (adelphai) typically refer to siblings born of the same parents unless otherwise specified.
  • The text distinguishes Mary as the mother, not the aunt or other relative, and explicitly names these individuals as Jesus’ brothers and sisters.
  • There is no biblical mention of Joseph having a previous marriage, making the “step-siblings” theory weak.
  • Luke 2:7  confirms Mary “gave birth to her firstborn son,” which implies more children followed.

God’s Plan and Human Reality

God’s plan involved Mary and Joseph as husband and wife, and it was normal for them to have children after Jesus. This is seen in:

  • Matthew 1:18-25: Joseph accepts Mary as his wife after the angel’s message, implying their marriage relationship was intact.
  • The angel’s message does not command Joseph to divorce or leave Mary but to take her as his wife (Matthew 1:20-21).
  • Luke 8:19-21 : Jesus defines His true family not by biological ties but by obedience to God’s will:

    “Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they were not able to reach him because of the crowd. And he was told, ‘Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking for you.’ And he answered them, ‘My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.’”

This statement emphasizes spiritual kinship as primary but does not deny his biological family.

Biblical Authors Who Were Jesus’ Brothers

Among Jesus’ brothers were James and Judas (Jude), who became prominent leaders in the early church and authored the epistles named after them. This connection is significant because it shows that Jesus’ siblings played important roles in the growth of Christianity.

Have you accepted Jesus? Are you part of His family by faith—by hearing and obeying God’s Word? If so, you are truly His brother or sister.

Jesus is coming back.

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Roho Mtakatifu amzuie Paulo

Why Did the Holy Spirit Prevent Paul from Preaching the Gospel in Asia? (Acts 16:6-7)

Answer: Let’s take a closer look at the text in the book of Acts and explore the theological significance.

Acts 16:6

They traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, but the Holy Spirit forbade them from preaching the word in Asia.

7 When they came to Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them.

8 So, they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.

At first glance, it may seem puzzling that the Holy Spirit would prevent Paul and his companions from preaching in a region that was in dire need of the Gospel. However, understanding the broader biblical context and God’s sovereign plan helps clarify why the Holy Spirit took this action.

1. The Timing of God’s Plan for the Gospel

Theologically, this incident highlights the sovereign will of God in determining the timing and spread of the Gospel. There are strategic moments in God’s redemptive plan, and the Gospel is not to be preached everywhere at any time—God has set the times and seasons. As we see throughout Scripture, God’s mission unfolds according to His divine timeline.

In the Old Testament, God often appointed specific times for His messages to reach His people. For example, in the book of Ecclesiastes, we read:

Ecclesiastes 3:1

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.

Similarly, Jesus emphasized the divine timing for the expansion of the Gospel in Matthew 10:5-6, when He instructed His disciples to focus their mission on Israel before the broader Gentile world.

Matthew 10:5-6

These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, ‘Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

The timing of the Gospel’s spread to Asia may have been part of God’s redemptive timeline. The Holy Spirit’s prohibition on Paul’s preaching in Asia demonstrates that God was guiding His apostles according to His perfect will and purpose, which had a specific order.

2. God’s Will to Protect and Direct the Mission

Another theological consideration is God’s active guidance and protection over the mission of His church. The Holy Spirit’s leading was not simply a prohibition; it was a redirection. God had another path for Paul to take, one that would be more fruitful for the spreading of the Gospel at that specific time.

Acts 16:9

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.

Here, God provided Paul with a vision to redirect him toward Macedonia, where Paul would eventually plant churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth. This guidance emphasizes that the Holy Spirit’s restrictions were not random, but part of God’s plan to ensure the Gospel reached the right people at the right time.

Romans 8:14

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

This verse points to the deep relationship between believers and the Holy Spirit. When Paul was redirected, it was an example of how believers are to be responsive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, trusting that His direction is always for God’s glory and the good of His people.

3. The Role of Other Servants in the Mission

God’s plan for reaching the world through the Gospel is not solely dependent on one individual or one group of believers. It is a collaborative effort. In this case, while Paul was prevented from preaching in Asia, other servants of God may have already been sent to these regions or were later prepared to take the message to Asia at the right time.

Romans 15:20

And thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation.

This principle is echoed in Paul’s own writings—he respected the work of others and understood that the Gospel is spread through many different hands. Just because Paul could not go to Asia did not mean the people of Asia would be left without the message of Christ. God often uses different vessels at different times for His mission.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul reminds the church that one plants, another waters, but it is God who gives the increase.

1 Corinthians 3:6-7

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.

4. Rejection of the Gospel: The Hardening of Hearts

A final theological point to consider is the possibility of rejection. The Bible teaches that when the Gospel is preached, some will accept it, and others will reject it. There comes a point when God allows people’s hearts to harden, especially when they continually reject His message. This theme appears throughout Scripture, particularly in passages where God allows people to follow their own desires, leading to judgment.

Matthew 13:14-15

Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: ‘You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive. For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.

Jesus’ words reflect a deeper reality about the rejection of the Gospel. There is a point at which a city or a people becomes so hardened in their rejection that God no longer sends messengers to them. In Acts, we see this principle in action when Paul shakes the dust off his feet after facing resistance in places like Antioch (Acts 13:51).

Acts 13:51

But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium.

This action symbolized the rejection of the Gospel and the sealing of judgment. Perhaps, in Asia, there had already been enough rejection, and the Holy Spirit had determined that it was not the right time to bring the Gospel to these cities through Paul.

Lessons for Today: The Sovereignty of God in the Spread of the Gospel

Theologically, we are reminded that the mission of God is not solely dependent on human efforts, nor is it limited to any one person or method. It is God’s mission, and He directs it according to His sovereign will and purpose. Our role is to be faithful to His guidance, to trust in His timing, and to recognize that He is always at work—even when we don’t fully understand the reasons behind certain delays or redirections.

Isaiah 55:8-9

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

As believers, we must embrace the mystery of God’s plan, recognizing that His ways are higher than ours. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit might guide us in ways that seem puzzling or even frustrating, but we can trust that His will is perfect and always for our good and His glory.

 

 

 

 

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Prayer as Part of a New Believer’s Life

The new life that begins at salvation is sustained through prayer. If God’s Word is our spiritual food, then prayer is our spiritual water. Just as our bodies need both food and water to live, the Christian life cannot thrive without prayer.

What Is Prayer?

Prayer is communication with God—not only speaking to Him but also listening to Him. It’s not just a routine or a string of empty words. It is a living relationship between us and our Heavenly Father.

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
— Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
— Psalm 145:18

When Should We Pray?

Scripture places no limit on when we can or should pray. On the contrary, we are encouraged to pray continually.

“Pray without ceasing.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV)

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
— Ephesians 6:18

Prayer is meant to be a constant, ongoing part of our daily walk with God.

“In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”
— Psalm 5:3

Blessings of Prayer for the Believer

1. We overcome temptation

“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
— Matthew 26:41

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:13

2. We are filled with the Holy Spirit

 “When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as He was praying, heaven was opened…”— Luke 3:21

Prayer invites the Holy Spirit to work in and through us, empowering us to live a godly life.

3. We experience breakthrough in our problems

“Truly I tell you, 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. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
— Matthew 17:20–21

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
— James 5:16

4. Our needs are met

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
— Philippians 4:6

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 4:19

Types of Prayer

There are many forms of prayer—thanksgiving, confession, intercession, petition, worship, and more. Each has its place in a healthy spiritual life.
🔗 How Many Types of Prayer Are There?

How Should We Pray?

Jesus gave us a perfect model in what is commonly known as the “Lord’s Prayer.”

🔗 How to Pray the Lord’s Prayer Effectively

This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…’”
— Matthew 6

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What Is “toilsome”? (Ecclesiastes 4:4)

Question: What does the word toilsome mean?
Answer: Let’s explore it through Scripture.

Ecclesiastes 4:4 (ESV):

“Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.”

The Hebrew word “toilsome” (עָמָל), from which Amali is derived, generally refers to toilsome, burdensome labor—work that is not only physically draining but often emotionally and spiritually exhausting. It carries the idea of labor born out of struggle, and often in vain.

So, Ecclesiastes 4:4 can be paraphrased this way:

“Then I observed all the difficult and wearisome labor, and every impressive skill in work, and I saw that it often arises from rivalry or competition between one person and another. This too is meaningless—a chasing after the wind.”

Solomon, the writer of Ecclesiastes, recognized that many people’s hard work is not rooted in divine purpose, but in envy, ambition, and comparison. The implication is that even skillful work—if it is driven by jealousy or the desire to outdo others—is ultimately vain (hebel), which in Hebrew means empty, fleeting, or meaningless.

This does not mean that all hard work is sinful. In fact, Scripture elsewhere commends diligence and responsibility. However, when labor is disconnected from God, or fueled by carnal motives like greed or pride, it becomes vain toil, with no eternal value.

Ecclesiastes 4:8 (NIV):

“There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. ‘For whom am I toiling,’ he asked, ‘and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?’ This too is meaningless—a miserable business!”

This verse reveals the emptiness of labor when it lacks relational and eternal purpose. A person can work endlessly, yet never find fulfillment, because material success without spiritual alignment leads to emptiness.

Not All “toilsome” Is Evil

It’s important to clarify: Not all who labor hard do so from envy or sinful ambition.
Some people work with integrity, with good intentions, and with the fear of God. They seek to provide, to serve, or to fulfill a calling. For them, labor is a form of worship and stewardship.

And the Bible affirms this:

Ecclesiastes 5:19 (AMP):

“Also, every man to whom God has given riches and possessions, He has also given the power and ability to enjoy them and to receive his allotted portion and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God.”

Ecclesiastes 8:15 (NIV):

“So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.”

When our labor is surrendered to God, it becomes meaningful. God gives joy in the work of our hands when it is done with reverence and purpose.

Jesus Gives True Rest

If your work feels burdensome, if you’re exhausted mentally and physically, and you don’t see lasting fruit—turn to Jesus. He invites all who are weary to come to Him.

Matthew 11:28–30 (ESV):

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Psalm 127:2 (ESV):

“It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.”

Conclusion

“Amali” (toilsome labor) can be either vain or valuable—it depends on the heart behind it. Work done for selfish gain or comparison leads to emptiness. But work offered to God, with godly purpose, is rewarded with peace, joy, and eternal value.

May the Lord bless the work of your hands.
If you’ve been encouraged, please share this message with others—this is part of spreading the Good 

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