Isaya 43 - KBTP & KJV

Have I not commanded you Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

As we step into a brand-new year, it’s easy to get caught up in the “New Year, New Me” vibe. Social media is buzzing with resolutions, glow-ups, and vision boards. But let’s pause for a second, what if a fresh start isn’t just about what we do but about what God is doing in us?

1. A Promise of Renewal

The Bible is full of stories where God hits the reset button. Think about Noah. After the flood, God gave humanity a second chance. The rainbow became a symbol of His promise to never give up on us. Genesis 9:13 says, “I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.” This covenant reminds us that no matter how overwhelming life gets, God is always faithful to renew His relationship with us. He’s not just a God of second chances but of endless chances, each wrapped in His love and grace.

2. Grace for the Israelites

The Israelites messed up countless times, yet God’s grace led them into the Promised Land. His faithfulness shows us that no mistake is too big for a fresh start. Deuteronomy 31:8 reminds us, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Even in seasons of wandering and waiting, God was their guide and protector. This narrative is a powerful reminder that God’s presence remains constant, even when we lose our way.

3. Becoming a New Creation

Through Jesus, we’re not just given a clean slate, we’re made new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This verse is a reminder that God’s transformation starts within. Being a new creation doesn’t mean life gets easier; it means we’re empowered by the Holy Spirit to live differently. It’s about leaving behind the labels and lies that once defined us and stepping boldly into the identity God has given us.

4. Letting Go of the Past

Sometimes life feels messy, and it’s hard to move forward. But God’s Word encourages us to release what’s behind. Isaiah 43:18-19 says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” God’s plans for us are always forward-focused. Letting go doesn’t mean pretending the pain or mistakes never happened. It means trusting God to use even our brokenness for His glory and to lead us into something better.

5. Daily Renewal Through Mercy

God’s mercies aren’t just for the start of the year, they’re new every single morning. Lamentations 3:22-23 proclaims, “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.” This means every day is a fresh start. No matter how badly yesterday went, today is a chance to start over with God’s compassion as our foundation. His love is unshakable, and His faithfulness is unending.

6. Bold Steps of Faith

A fresh start often requires bold moves, like stepping out in faith. Joshua 1:9 encourages us, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Trust that God’s got your back as you move forward. Taking bold steps can feel scary, but it’s often where we grow the most. It’s in these moments of uncertainty that we discover the depth of God’s strength and provision.

7. Trusting in His Plans

As we embrace a new year, we can find peace in knowing that God’s plans are always for our good. Jeremiah 29:11assures us, “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.” This promise doesn’t mean life will be problem-free, but it does mean that God’s purposes are perfect. Even when things don’t make sense, we can trust that He is working all things together for our good.

How to Make It Practical

Pray About It: Ask God to show you what areas of your life need a reset. Be honest with Him; He can handle it.
Find Your Squad: Surround yourself with people who point you toward Jesus. Life hits different when you’ve got a community that lifts you up.
Set God-Centered Goals: Instead of just focusing on fitness or finances, think about how you can grow spiritually this year. Maybe it’s reading your Bible daily or serving others.

A Fresh Start for Everyone

Whether you’re stepping into this year with excitement or dragging last year’s baggage behind you, remember this: God specializes in fresh starts. He’s not limited by our failures or fears. His love is bigger, His grace is stronger, and His plans are better than anything we could imagine.

So, as you kick off this year, don’t just strive for change, invite God into your journey. He’s ready to write a new chapter in your story. Are you?

Ndzimu unogadzabgwe kugwila bathu bawo

1 Ngono ngwenu yetji nditjo tjinolebgwa ndi Yahwe,

ibo bakakubumba iwe Jakubo,

ibo bakakuthama iwe Iziraela bakati,

“Usitje, ngoti ndakakudzutunula,

ndakakudana nge zina, iwe uwangu.

2 Unowoti upalama vula, ndowobe nawe,

kene utjuluka njizi adzitowokusenga.

Ha upalama moto awutowokupisa,

mithuto yawo ayitowokupisa.

3 Ngoti ndimi Yahwe, Ndzimu uwo,

ndi Wakayengemala we Iziraela, Ntjidzi uwo.

Ndodusa Egipiti se tjidzutunulo tjitjo,

ne Etopiya ne Seba ndobatenganya nawe.

4 Se udika kundili kakale ukudziwa,

kakale ndikuda,

ndodusa bathu mu tjimo tjitjo,

ndokutenganya ne zwitjaba kuti utjile.

5 Usitje, ngoti ndinawe,

ndowodusa bana babo kudwa ku bhezhuba,

ndowobakubunganya

ne kudwa ku golombedzo.

6 Ku bunandzwa ndowoti,

‘Ubazhise.’ Burwa ndowogudwa ati,

Usibabhatilile. Zhisani bakololo bangu kudwa kule,

ne bakololokadzi kudwa ku ndzibo we shango.

7 Mmwe ne mmwe wandakadana nge zina,

wandakabumbila gudzo langu,

wandakabumba kakale athama.”

8 Zhisani bathu ibaba bana mesho basingabone,

bana zebe koga abatohwa.

9 Kubunganyani zwitjaba zose,

bathu ngabakubungane.

Ndiupi mu bali wakaleba ikoku,

katibudza kutji kale zwithu zwe kutanga?

Ngabazhise batendeki babo kutendeka kuti banolebesa,

kuti bamwe bahwe bati, “Ku malebeswa.”

10 Imwi mu batendeki bangu,

kojalo Yahwe ne nlanda wangu wandakashalula,

kuti muzibe mugalemoyo mu ndili ne kuhwisisa kuti ndi iye.

Akuna ndzimu mmwe wakatongo bepo mbeli kwangu,

naiko akuna unowobepo shule kwangu.

11 Imi, ndimi Yahwe,

kuzhe kwangu imi akuna ntjidzi.

12 Ndakakuleba kusathu kukabepo atjidza azibisa

pakabe kusina ndzimu we butaya pakati kwenyu,

kakale mu batendeki bangu,

koleba Yahwe.

13 Ndi Ndzimu ne kuyenda mbeli ndowogala ndili iwo.

Akuna ungasunungula umu maboko angu,

tjandinothama akuna ungatjibgwiliza shule.

Pudzumuka mu Bhabhiloni

14 Yahwe banolebeleka,

ibo Ndzutunuli wenyu, ibo Wakayengemala we Iziraela bakati,

“Ndowotuma ngwa kunobhayana ne Bhabhiloni nge kwenyu,

ndowovuna panda dze mikoba,

Bakhaladiya mima yabo inowobe ye tjililo.

15 Ndimi Yahwe, ndi wenyu Wakayengemala,

mbumbi we Iziraela, mambo wenyu.”

16 Yahwe banolebeleka,

ibo banozhula zila mu gungwa,

banozhula zijana mu vula dzina masimba,

17 ibo banokunda koloyi dze ngwa ne mbizi,

ngwa ne babhayani, banowila pasi,

bakasitongo muka kakale,

kobe kwapela ku bali,

bakanga luvone gwadzimiwa.

Out with the Old, In with God’s New Blessings!

This means every day is a fresh start. No matter how badly yesterday went, today is a chance to start over with God’s compassion as our foundation. His love is unshakable, and His faithfulness is unending.

18 “Musialakane zwithu zwe kutanga,

kene kukumbula zwithu zwa ntolo.

19 Bonani, ndabe pejo ngothama tjithu tjitshwa,

ngono tjoshingikala kale,

amutotjibona kene?

Ndowozhula zila mu tjilambanyika

ne njizi mu shango yakawoma.

20 Phuka dze shango dzowondikudza,

phungubgwe ne fukumudzi,

ngoti ndodzipa vula mu tjilambanyika,

ne njizi mu shango yakawoma,

kupa bathu bangu, bashalugwa bangu, vula kungwa.

21 Bathu bandakazwibumbigwa,

kuita kuti bandikudze.

22 “Koga amuzondidana, iwe Jakubo,

koga ndakamunyadza, iwe Iziraela.

23 Amuzondizhisila pkhwizi dze zwibhayilo zwinopisiwa,

kene kuli kundikudza nge zwipo zwenyu.

Andizomulemesela nge zwipo zwe mathunde,

kene kumunyadza nge motsha.

24 Amuzotongo nditengela pkhwe inozipa nge mari,

kene mukandigutsha nge mafuta e zwipo zwenyu.

Koga makandikhiga ntolo we zwibi zwenyu,

makandinyadza nge milandu yenyu.

25 Imi, ndimi tshumula matjinyo enyu nge kwangu,

kakale andingakumbule zwibi zwenyu.

26 Ngati yendeni ku lubazhe,

munondilakidza nlandu wangu.

Bikani ndebo yenyu,

ndizo mutendekegwe kuti makatambunuka.

27 Tate benyu be kutanga bakatjinya,

balebelekeli benyu bakandipandukila.

28 Ndizo wali ndolingila pasi

batungamili be bugalo gwakayengemala,

ngono ndowothama kuti Jakubo akolomodziwe,

Iziraela unowosapugwa.

1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. 4 Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. 5 Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; 6 I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; 7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

8 ¶ Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears. 9 Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, It is truth. 10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. 11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. 12 I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God. 13 Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?

14 ¶ Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships. 15 I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King. 16 Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters; 17 Which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinct, they are quenched as tow.

18 ¶ Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. 19 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. 20 The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen. 21 This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.

22 ¶ But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel. 23 Thou hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt offerings; neither hast thou honoured me with thy sacrifices. I have not caused thee to serve with an offering, nor wearied thee with incense. 24 Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities. 25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. 26 Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified. 27 Thy first father hath sinned, and thy teachers have transgressed against me. 28 Therefore I have profaned the princes of the sanctuary, and have given Jacob to the curse, and Israel to reproaches.