1 Pita 5 - KBTP & GNTD

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come The old has gone, the new is here!

When Jesus rose from the dead, He didn’t just conquer sin and death. He also opened the door for us to live in a brand-new identity. We’re not who we used to be. We’ve been transformed, set apart, and empowered to live differently. Yet, in a world that constantly tries to define us, we need to be reminded of who God says we are.

Day 1: A New Creation

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

Reflection:
You are not your past. You are not your failures, your mistakes, or even your greatest accomplishments. In Christ, you’ve been made new. The resurrection means that your old life is buried, and what rises with Him is a redeemed you.

Day 2: Chosen and Royal

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession…”

Reflection:
You’re not invisible. God chose you. You have access to His presence like a royal priest, and He calls you His own. This isn’t based on how good you are, but on how gracious He is.

Day 3: Child of God

John 1:12 (NIV)
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

Reflection:
The resurrection isn’t just an event, it’s the doorway to a relationship. You’re not just a believer, you’re a beloved child. You have a Father who delights in you.

Day 4: God’s Masterpiece

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works…”

Reflection:
You were handcrafted by God, not mass-produced by the world. You were created for purpose, unique, intentional, and beautifully equipped to reflect His glory.

Day 5: Free and Forgiven

Romans 8:1 (NIV)
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Reflection:
Shame is no longer your name. Condemnation no longer fits you. You’ve been forgiven, not because of your perfection, but because of His resurrection. Walk in freedom.

Day 6: Ambassador of Christ

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV)
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”

Reflection:
Your identity comes with a mission. You represent heaven on earth. In how you love, speak, and serve, you’re carrying His message to a world in need.

Day 7: Victorious in Christ

Romans 8:37 (NIV)
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

Reflection:
Because He rose, you rise too, not just to survive, but to overcome. You’re not a victim of your circumstances. In Christ, you’re victorious. Always.

Conclusion

You may forget who you are at times. Life may try to define you by your lowest moments. But God sees you through the lens of His Son, risen, redeemed, and radiant. When we know who we are in Christ, we begin to live like it. And when we live like it, the world sees Him in us.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, is something everyone seeks at some point in life. In times of suffering, pain, or brokenness, the Bible offers comfort, hope, and promises of restoration. God is described as the Great Healer who mends our wounds and brings wholeness to every aspect of our lives. Scripture reminds us of God’s ability to restore not just the body, but also the heart, soul, and mind.

Here are seven Bible verses that speak to God’s healing power and offer encouragement for those in need of restoration.

1. Jeremiah 30:17
“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord.”

God’s promise in this verse is one of restoration. No matter how deep the wound or how severe the brokenness, God assures His people that He will bring healing. This verse serves as a reminder that nothing is too far gone for God to repair. His desire is to bring health and wholeness to His children, both physically and spiritually.

2. Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

While physical healing is important, God also tends to the brokenness in our hearts. When we feel crushed by life’s circumstances or overwhelmed by grief, He is near, offering comfort and healing. He binds up the wounds that no one else can see, restoring our inner peace.

3. James 5:14-15
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.”

God invites His people to seek healing through prayer and the support of the community of believers. The act of calling on others to pray in faith demonstrates a trust in God’s ability to heal. This scripture reassures us that God hears and responds to prayers offered in faith.

4. Isaiah 53:5
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

Through Christ’s suffering and death, spiritual healing is made possible for all. His wounds bring us salvation, and in that salvation, we find the ultimate healing for our souls. This verse serves as a reminder of the eternal healing that comes through Christ’s sacrifice.

5. Exodus 15:26
“He said, ‘If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.'”

God reveals Himself as “Jehovah Rapha,” meaning “the Lord who heals.” This verse underscores God’s power and desire to bring healing to His people. It is a reminder that God not only heals, but He also protects and preserves His people when they walk in obedience to His word.

6. Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

True healing is found in coming to Him. When life’s burdens become overwhelming, Jesus offers rest and restoration for the soul. His gentleness and compassion bring peace and relief to those who are weary, making Him the source of ultimate healing for our emotional and spiritual struggles.

7. 1 Peter 2:24
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”

Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, we are offered new life, free from the bondage of sin. The healing referred to here is both spiritual and physical, pointing to the completeness of the restoration that Jesus offers.

Conclusion

Healing is a multifaceted process that touches every aspect of our being—our bodies, minds, hearts, and spirits. These verses remind us of God’s deep care and His promise to heal us in every way. Whether we are seeking relief from physical illness, emotional pain, or spiritual brokenness, the Bible assures us that God is the Great Healer, and His power is available to those who seek Him.

Gubungano le Ndzimu

1 Ndizo ndokulumbidza bakulu mu muli, ndili nkulubo samwi, kakale ndili ntendeki we kudziyila kwa Kirisiti, takashanganyila gudzo linowozumbunugwa. 2 Tjengetani gubungano le Ndzimu, ngobe mu balisi balo musingakombeledziwe, koga muda se Ndzimu uda kuti muthame, kusi kwe bugovu gwe mbuzilo koga kuli mazwimisilo enyu, 3 kusi kutshambilidza ibabo bamunolaula, koga muli zwilakidzilo ku gubungano. 4 Ha Nlisi nkulu eswika, mowowana tjiala tje gudzo tjisingafubale.

5 Sa ikoko namwibo batjetjana, muzwiyise pasi kwe bahwola. Mose muzwiyise pasi kwakapelela mmwe ku mmwe nge kuti “Ndzimu unonyanyayidza banozwikudza, koga unohwila ngoni banozwiyisa pasi.” 6 Muzwiyise pasi kwe simba gulu le Ndzimu, kuti nsi ha uswika Ndzimu umukudze. 7 Isani zose zwinomudziyidza kuuli, nge kuti ndiwo unomutjengeta.

8 Ibeni nge kuzwidziba, mutjengete. Tjita tjenyu Satani tjoyenda yenda tjibomba se shumba izhele bushongola, tjishaka watjingaja. 9 Lambanani natjo, mubhatilile mu bugalimoyo gwenyu, muziba kuti shango yose zwikamu zwenyu zodziyidzika kunofanana na ikoku. 10 Koga shule kwe madziyila kusi kungapani, Ndzimu we ngoni dzose, iwo wakamudana kuti muzhe ku gudzo lawo lisingapele muna Kirisiti, unowomuthama bakapelela, ukamubaka, ukamusimisa. 11 Simba ngalibe ku Ndzimu nge kusingapele kose. Ngakujalo.

Matama e bupelo

12 Ndakumbila Silasi kuti andikwalile lukwalo igogu. Iye ikamu tjinogalamoyo sekwa ndinonziba, ndamukwalila nge bufutshwanana, ndimusimisa ndileba kuti idzedzi ndidzo ngoni dze malebeswa dze Ndzimu. Imani makasimisila mu ngoni idzedzi.

13 Gubungano li ku Bhabhiloni, lakashalugwa samwi lomudumilisa, ngono ne nkololo wangu Mako unodumilisabo. 14 Dumilisanani nge butjilana kwe ludo.

Kunyalala kumuli mose bamuna Kirisiti.

The Flock of God

1 I, who am an elder myself, appeal to the church elders among you. I am a witness of Christ's sufferings, and I will share in the glory that will be revealed. I appeal to you 2 to be shepherds of the flock that God gave you and to take care of it willingly, as God wants you to, and not unwillingly. Do your work, not for mere pay, but from a real desire to serve. 3 Do not try to rule over those who have been put in your care, but be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the glorious crown which will never lose its brightness.

5 In the same way you younger people must submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you must put on the apron of humility, to serve one another; for the scripture says, “God resists the proud, but shows favor to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, then, under God's mighty hand, so that he will lift you up in his own good time. 7 Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you.

8 Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Be firm in your faith and resist him, because you know that other believers in all the world are going through the same kind of sufferings. 10 But after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who calls you to share his eternal glory in union with Christ, will himself perfect you and give you firmness, strength, and a sure foundation. 11 To him be the power forever! Amen.

Final Greetings

12 I write you this brief letter with the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful Christian. I want to encourage you and give my testimony that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.

13 Your sister church in Babylon, also chosen by God, sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14 Greet one another with the kiss of Christian love.

May peace be with all of you who belong to Christ.