"Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad." Proverbs 12:25

But why is it that affirming words are so pitifully rare in our conversations, especially when so many many people are anxious, discouraged, and depressed by all the negativity in this life? We're living in a world that's constantly knocking us down, from cradle to grave. Is it any wonder that anxiety and depression are rampant at every age level? But notice the advice that Solomon gives – a good word makes the heart glad. We should take this to heart. A compliment or blessing can be one of the greatest motivators, and can be truly life changing. And every one of us needs this kind of encouragement to run the race of this life. Brothers & Sisters give a good word!,let's be people of encouragement, looking for the word which will lift another person up and bring healing and hope to his/her soul. A good word will also do wonders for our own hearts.

"Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." 1 Corinthians 4:2

In the early 1800's a preacher gave a message to call men to join him on the mission field in Africa. In the audience were only a few women along with a boy. The pastor knew that few women were expected to volunteer to face harsh African jungle conditions. However, he gave the message; and no one responded. What he didn't realize was that he had touched the heart of a little boy whose name was David Livingstone. This boy would grow up to spend the rest of his life ministering to Africa's unreached tribes. David Livingstone was touched by the faithfulness of a pastor who gave his message when there seemed to be no obvious fruit from its delivery – and that made all the difference! The lesson is this: we are not in charge of results, but only responsible to be faithful to what God has given us to do. You may not be seeing any fruit from your obedient labor at the moment – it may appear next week, next year or a century from now, but in its time the fruit will appear, and may be greater than you could have ever imagined. Heaven will, one day, reveal the fruit of lives we have touched by our faithfulness! Brothers & Sisters, be encouraged – and don't give up. Your faithful stewardship will produce its true harvest which will never fade or pass away!

"Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.Psalms 2:10-12.Revelation 5:12-13 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever."

In the beginning of Psalm 2, David points out that the kings of the earth are against the Lord and his “anointed” [Mashiach “Messiah” in Hebrew]. David recognized the true authority of God and advises the kings and rulers of the world, as well as their subjects, to “kiss the Son, lest he be angry.” The act of “kissing the Son” would be one of homage to a king, and would indicate submission to the kingship of the Son. Those who are wise will do so before the Son, the Messiah, comes to judge the world! Men have often tried to appear holy and righteous before other men – but God is seeking those who will worship Him in "spirit and in truth". Brothers & Sisters, let's be sure that our worship of God is true and faithful and that we aren't trying to please men in doing so. Serve the Lord with a Godly reverence for who He is, and what His Son has done for you, since He is worthy of your worship, and... He is looking at your heart.

"The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge." Proverbs 18:15

I'm not sure where I read it, but the idea has always been ingrained in my mind if you want to be a good teacher, be a good student. When (Jesus) lived on the earth, his disciples were called "talmudim". The Hebrew literally means "students". "Talmudim" comes from the verb, "Lilmod", "to learn". In essence, talmudim are learners. We who know Jesus as Lord consider Him our Rabbi or Teacher, and ourselves, His talmudim. As such we continue to learn and grow in His wisdom, love, and character. This learning process involves regular tests from our Lord as He leads us from one level of faith to the next. I recall years ago when I was in school, never being a huge fan of tests -- in fact, rather disliking them quite a bit. I'd often find myself attempting to cram mountains knowledge into my poor brain the night before an important exam. Then, after completing the test I would quickly forget most of what I had crammed and scarcely absorbed. Doubtless had I been required to retake the test a week later, I'd almost certainly have failed it. But in the testing of faith, we cannot cram knowledge or understanding and still hope to pass. If we try this shoddy and superficial approach to learning we will simply find ourselves retaking the test, over and over again. If we are truly His talmudim, we will study, pray and delve deeply into the challenging material at hand, to learn and absorb the lesson well, so that we are educated, transformed, and well equipped to move forward in the Lord. Jesus wants us to learn today's lesson – because He has a new lesson for us tomorrow! Brothers & Sisters, what lesson is today's important lesson? Be diligent to understand and apprehend it, and even to begin applying it. So doing you'll be thoroughly equipped and prepared for the one your Rabbi will send next...maybe even, tomorrow!

"I will not die, but live, and I will proclaim what the Lord has done."Psalms 118:17

For those of us who are walking with the Lord today, be encouraged! Our enemy knows that we have potential to do great things for God, and out of fear, he'll try anything to take us out. This is so very evident by the constant battle we all face. Brothers & Sisters, let's stand strong against the devil today! And rise up to the Lord's calling upon our lives! We will fight and we will WIN! Because if God is for us, who can be against us?!

"Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done."Matthew 21:21

An elderly teacher, with a pupil by his side, took a walk through a forest. Suddenly he stopped and pointed to four plants close at hand. The first was just beginning to peep above the ground, the second had rooted itself pretty well into the earth, the third was a small shrub, while the fourth was a full-sized tree. The tutor said to his young companion, 'Pull up the first plant.' The boy did so eagerly, using only his fingers. 'Now pull up the second.' The youth obeyed but found the task more difficult. 'Do the same with the third,' he urged. The boy had to use all his strength to uproot it. 'Now,' said the instructor, 'try your hand with the fourth.' The pupil put his arms around the trunk of the tall tree and couldn't even shake its leaves. 'This, my son, is just what happens with our bad habits. When they are young, we can remove them readily; but when they are old, it's hard to uproot them, though we try and struggle ever so sincerely.'" We all have weeds and even enormous Redwoods that need uprooting in our lives. It takes a LOT of effort to get strong enough to move those big ones on our own. Instead, let's take that same effort and start practicing faith in the Lord! Brothers & Sisters, perhaps you're weary of pulling. God doesn't expect us to pull these bad habits ourselves. Let's ask the Lord to do the uprooting today and watch Him gain the victory!

"(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)"2 Corinthians 5:7

Many of us don't think about it but we, as humans have such a problem with fear -- fear that God won't come through when we're in need. We want insurance -- insurance for our cars, insurance for our houses, for our health and for our lives. We want to be insured that we’ll be okay if something happens. It has become our way of life in this world. Now, we're not saying go and cancel all your insurance plans -- but at the same time, God wants us to trust in His provision in our time of need! In our time here in Zimbabwe, we have truly learned the meaning of "never early, never late". Every single day since we have been here our faith has been tested and time and time again, God has provided for us in ways we could never conceive -- physically, spiritually, emotionally, financially and in every other way -- never early, never late -- always just when we need it. Brothers & Sisters,the Lord has us covered! we need not fear anything that is before us. God will give us the strength to endure anything that comes our way. He has our ticket!

"And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not: for, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the LORD: but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest." Jeremiah 45:5

Brothers & Sisters, develop Godly ambition! if we truly want to be great in God's kingdom, we will decide to transform worldly "ambition" into "Godly ambition". We will not seek honor, but humility. We won't desire power to rule, but to become the greatest servant. Beyond everything, we will long to be great in His love…and through His love, influence and transform the world around us. These are "ambitions" worthy of our Lord and Savior, who, because of His great love and humility, was exalted above every other name, and also promised that He will humble the exalted...and, exalt the humble.

"Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:19

The Hebrew word for a dried up river bed is "Nachal". Israel has many of these. In Israel it rains in winter, but not in summer. In the summer, these places stand as a testament of the rains that once fell and of the rains yet to come. Then, when they do come, the Nechalim (nachal plural) almost instantly fill with water. This is what the Scripture means when it says, "I will give you rivers in the desert." There is a promise in that for us. We, like the Nachal, were made to flow with the water and the life of the Spirit of God. When we are not connected to God, to His flowing waters, we feel dry and empty -- without purpose. But we were meant to be overflowing! Maybe you are feeling dry and empty in your life and walk? Praise the Lord! What an opportunity to allow God to fill you with His rivers of living water! Brothers & Sisters are you thirsty? , if you’re dry and thirsty, turn to the Lord today and the waters will flood in again!

"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." John 10:28

I read a story about a new young partner in a law firm. The senior partners had set extremely high standards and had coached him carefully. He did well in some minor trials but he lost his first big case. When the partners reviewed the trial, they pointed out his errors and suggested different strategies. Even with all their critique, he lost the next big one. He felt terrible. Were they ready to give him the boot? Then one of the partners took him aside. "Look," he said, "you're learning. Just keep going. You'll start winning. Meanwhile, your position is secure. You're one of us." Those words were exactly what he needed to hear. Have you ever experienced this kind of compassion when you were feeling hopeless? If we’re believers, we have. The Lord has taken us aside and said, "Yeah, you’ve made some mistakes, but don’t worry -- your position is secure." Brothers & Sisters , keep your head up! know that God has provided your security today. Rest assured in Him -- and be sure to convey that same kind of compassion to struggling siblings in the faith. All of us need to be reassured once in a while

"Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."Psalms 55:22

One of my favorite heroes of the faith is Hudson Taylor. For those who are unfamiliar with him, Hudson Taylor led a great awakening in China which continues to this day. At one point during his ministry, he was deeply distressed by many burdens. As he prayed for strength to carry on, he came across Psalm 55:22 -- "Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain thee." Suddenly this truth entered his heart and he sprung to his feet and cried, "This fear-allaying truth has evaded me too long! I see it all now. If we are obeying the Lord and still run into difficulty, the heavy responsibility rests with HIM, not with us!" Then he prayed, "Lord, you shall carry all the burden! At your bidding I will go forward, leaving the results with You!" With the burden lifted from his shoulders, Hudson Taylor went on to establish a great work in China. Brothers & Sisters lay it down, are you burdened today? Whatever your burden may be -- cast it upon the Lord -- He will carry it, and free you to serve Him with His peace and power!

"I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels." Isaiah 61:10

In Paul's letter to the Ephesians he says this: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church." In another place he says; "For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ." In some profound and mystical way our relationship to (Jesus) is powerfully portrayed by the marriage relationship between a man and a woman. This means that we have been created and redeemed for intimacy with our Lord. He deeply desires us to be close with Him just as a husband desires his wife. Without a place of intimacy, our relationship will become dull, stagnant and eventually turn cold and lifeless. Our spirituality will also become ritualistic, performance oriented and deeply discontented. This is not the Lord's will, desire, or intention for us. Brothers & Sisters, renew the place of intimacy, your spiritual "marriage room", with your Heavenly Husband; it's the place where the fire of love burns – He's waiting for you!

"Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." Joshua 1:3,7-8

As Joshua is about to enter the promised land, God reassures him and affirms the promise that was given to Moses, saying, "Wherever you place your feet – it shall be given to you!" God reveals His will, makes an amazing promise, then gives His servant a practical principle for working the promise out and claiming it, telling Joshua to literally step into His will. This is true for every believer. Our mandate is to know, understand and step out into the will of God. How can we know God's will?" "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." [Romans 12:2] But once we know His will we need to have the faith and courage to step out into it. If you don't step out – you can't receive it! Who knows how many blessings we've passed on because we were too afraid to step out! So become like Joshua today! Step out in faith! The enemy of our souls is desiring to prevent us from stepping out – but the promise was given that we should "tread upon the power of the enemy" [Luke 10:18-20]. Brothers & Sisters, step out in His will, claim the promise He has spoken to you– and it shall be given to you! Step out – press through – and know the promises are sure to follow – God has spoken, your part is to step out!

"And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, you. because your names are written in heaven."Luke 10:18-20

Returning from their 'mission' trip, the 72 disciples of (Jesus) were filled with joy. "Even the devils are subject to us through your name", they exulted. Yeshua responded that He saw Satan fall like lightening from Heaven and that He had given them authority to trample snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy. The nature of the enemy is to fall. His destiny and his eternal condition is Fallen. Thus, Satan and his demons want to pull us down with them. Their schemes are subtle, as they watch carefully for opportunities, when our own evil desires rise up in us; [James 1:14]. However they can do it, these evil spirits will seek to drag us down into the miserable fallen condition they are in. In every temptation the enemy is present seeking to pull you down with him. But our calling and destiny is not to fall, it is to rise. Our identity and our authority as the children of God is with the resurrected Messiah. And it's His resurrection life and power that gives us authority over demons and victory over sin – to rise above temptation through a life of spirit-empowered obedience. "For He has rescued us from darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves", [Col 1:13] Brothers & Sisters rise up, You are no longer under the power of fallen angels, but in the power of a risen God. Rise above temptation. Exercise your authority to tread upon the powers of darkness in your own life, and be led by His Holy Spirit, even to deliver others from their power as well. Exercising the authority of our risen Lord over evil is one of our great living testimonies to His goodness and salvation!

JOBHO

JOBHO Nyaya yaJobho inowanikwa muzvitsauko zviviri zvokutanga uye nechitsauko chokupedzisira chebhuku iri. Satani akatenderwa kuti auyise matambudziko makuru akasiyana-siyana muupenyu hwomurume uyu akanga akanaka uye achinamata Mwari. Chikamu chikuru chebhuku iri ihurukuro pakati paJobho nneshamwari dzake nhatu (yechina inongouya kwechinguva)pamusoro pokuti sei Jobho akanga ari mumatambudziko makuruakadai). Mubvunzo unobvunzwa apa, kwete pamusoro pokutambudzika kwavanhu chete, asiwo pamusoro paMwari inoti: Anoita zvakaenzana here? Iye wacho akanaka here? Mhinduro dzenguva dzose dzinoratidza kuti hadzina kukwana.

ESTERI

ESTERI Nyaya iyi yakaitikira mumuzinda wamambo wePezhia panguva imwe cheteyo yaEzira naNehemia. Esteri muJudha akava mambokadzi wePezhia uye akakwanisa kuponesa vaJudha vaiva munyika yePezhia kubva paurongwa hwokuvaparadza.

NEHEMIA

NEHEMIA Mumwe wavatungamiriri veguta idzva, Nehemia, akatungamirira pakuvakwa kwamasvingo akanga akakomberedza Jerusarema, aikosha chaizvo pakudzivirirwa kweguta (zvitsauko 1-7). Mushure mokunge izvi zvaitwa Ezra akaverenga murayiro (kubva mumabhuku mashanu okutanga omubhaibheri) kuvanhu uye akavatungamirira pakureurura kusateerera kwavo kuna Mwari uye mukuvimbisa kuti vaizomuteerera mune ramangwana (zvitsauko 8-10). Nehemia akauyisawo shanduko dzakasiyana-siyana pamagariro evanhu (zvitsauko 11-13).

"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness."Acts 4:31

The disciples,were terrified on the night of Jesus' death, were transformed into bold saints of God; and that fishermen, tax collectors, and housewives -- normal everyday people -- became empowered, and turned the Roman Empire inside out and upside down! In Acts 2, we read about the initial outpouring of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Just a few chapters later the same saints who had been once filled to overflowing, sought to be refilled again [Acts 4]. It was not a one time experience, but rather a constant refilling of the Spirit which they needed to change their world. They repeatedly sought to be empowered to accomplish whatever task God assigned to them. They just kept going back, to the well that never runs dry, and so they kept getting filled -- and refilled -- and refilled again! Brothers & Sisters be empowered ... again, don't ever become spiritually "satisfied"! Seek to be filled — once filled — seek to be refilled! And refilled again! How do we live in a constant state of revival? By always seeking MORE! In doing so, God will empower everyday folk like us to turn our world inside out and upside down!

"For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring." Isaiah 44:3

How does this speak to us, obscure, unknown individuals? It shows us that a true and deep hunger for God can grow into a significant and powerful calling on our lives -- a specific mission which God Himself will empower! It doesn't matter if you are rich or poor, old or young, educated or uneducated -- each of us has a potential destiny to accomplish great things for the Kingdom of God! But in order to go on and do those awesome works in His name, we need to be in a state of revival! Brothers & Sisters,go through a personal revival! -- let us seek hard after our own personal revival! We're alive for such a time as this -- to be spirit-filled vessels of revival to this lost and dying world! Press in, press on, and go forth in His Power...because there is so much work to be done!

EZIRA

EZIRA Bhuku iri rinotevera 2 Makoronike. Mambo wePezhia akatonga kuti vaJudha vadzokere kuIsraeri uye kuti vandovakazve Temberi yeJerusarema. Muzvitsauko 3-6 tinodzidza kuti pakutanga aritari yakvakwazve uye zvibairo zvakatanga kubayirwa, asi vapikisi vakamisa kuvakwa kweTemberi kwamakore mazhinji. Pakupedzisira yakazopedziswa uye ikakumikidzwa. Munguva yakazotevera (zvitsauko 7-10) Ezra, nyanzvi pamurayiro weJudha, akatumwa kubva kuBhabhironi kuti andobatsira uye atungamirire guta iri idzva rakanga richangotanga. Dambudziko guru rakanga riri rokuti vaJudhaa vakanga vava kuroorana navanhu vamamwe marudzi, naizvozvo izvi zvaizokanganisa rudzi.

2 MAKORONIKE

2 MAKORONIKE Soromoni muvaki weTemberi, ndiye ari kutaurwa nezvake muzvitsauko 1-9. Zvinobva zvava pachena kuti zvitsauko zvasara zvichangitaura bedzi pamusoro penhoroondo yeJudha, nyika yaizoshandiswa naMwari kuzadzisa zvinangwa zvake. Madzimambo aya akakurudzira rumutsidziro muchinamato anotaurwa nezvawowo. Magumo abhuku anoenda mberi kupfuura panogumira 2 Madzimambo nokuti anotaura kuti nguva youtapwa muBhabhironi yakanga yava padyo nokuguma, Pezhia yatorera Bhabhironi utongi.

1 MAKORONIKE

1 MAKORONIKE Mabhuku maviri aMakoronike anobata nguva imwe chete yaSamueri naMadzimambo asi zvichibva pane maonero akati siyane. Munyori wacho anonzivikanwa so'Muunganidzi weNhoroondo' anoratidza kuti Dhavhidhi ndiye akateya nheyo dzeIsraeri panyaya dzokunamata, kunyange zvazvo asiri iye akavaka Temberi. Muzvitsauko zvipfumbamwe zvokutanga anoshandisa nhoroondo dzemhuri kuti atevedze nhoroondo yeIsraeri kubva kuna Adhamu kusvikira kuutapwa, achiratidza kuti vaJudha vanhu vaMwari zvamazvirokwazvo.

"And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all." Acts 4:33

According to church history, the apostle Thomas, died in Calamina, a city in the East Indies. While there, Thomas had put a stop to the idolatry that was running rampant in the land. The idolatrous priest was not happy about this at all and accused him before their king. The king sentenced Thomas to death -- first to be tormented by red hot plates and then cast into a glowing furnace and burned. When the priest saw that the fire was not hurting him, he pierced Thomas' side with spears and javelins, and finally Thomas died. What turned the disciple who had fled Messiah during his trial and crucifixion, into a powerful saint of God? What turned turned his fears and doubt into powerful faith that was able to persevere through torture and fire? He had seen the Lord resurrected from the dead! He had witnessed His resurrection power! Would you die for a lie? Of course not! Neither did the Apostles. Eleven of the twelve apostles suffered similar fates as Thomas. The same power which rose (Jesus) from the dead also gave Thomas and the other disciples the faith to endure --- and that same power is available to us! Brothers & Sisters, however your faith is being tried today, know that God has given you the power to overcome every doubt, every fear, and every attack of the enemy!