Matama 1 - 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?

Kumilika mu Horebu

1 Awa matama akalebgwa ndi Mushe ku Baiziraela bose ku bhezhuba kwe Jorodani mu tjilambanyika, mu Arabha kulingisana ne Sufu pakati kwe Parani ne Tofeli ne Labani ne Hazeroti ne Dizahabhu. 2 Kotola gwendo gwe mazhuba ali gumi lina zhuba ling'ompela kudwa mu Horebu kunoti ku Kadeshibhareneya nthu eyenda nge zila ye Dombo le Seiri. 3 Ngono mu gole le bumakumi manna (40), mu zhuba le kutanga le mwedzi we bugumi lina zhuba ling'ompela badwa mu Egipiti, Mushe kalebeleka ne bathu be Iziraela nge kwakose Yahwe kwabakapa Mushe uli nlayo kubali, 4 asinokunda Sihoni mambo we Baamori wakabe egala ku Heshibhoni na Ogi mambo we Bhashani wakabe egala ku Ashitaroti ne ku Edireyi. 5 Kwakabe kuli seli ye Jorodani mu shango ye Moabu, Mushe etjenesa nlayo iwoyu eti, 6 Yahwe Ndzimu wedu bakati kutili tili ku Horebu, “Imwi magalisa pa dombo ileli, 7 shandukani mutole gwendo gwenyu muyende ku shango ye matuthu ye Baamori ne ku babakidzani babo mu Araba ne mu shango ye matuthu ne shango yakawila ne ku Negebu ne ku tjekelo dze gungwa ne ku shango ye Bakanana ne ku Lebanoni bukule kunoswika ku gwizi bukulu Yufuratesi. 8 Bonani, ndabiga shango mbeli kwenyu, nginani mutole shango iyo Yahwe yabakatuna kuti banoipa botate benyu bo Abhurahama na Isaki na Jakubo ne bana babo banowozha shule kwabo.”

Mushe unoshalula basumikilisi

(Kufuluka 18:13-27)

9 “Mu tjibaka itjetjo ndakati kumuli, ‘Anditotubula ndili ndoga kumubhabha. 10 Yahwe Ndzimu wenyu wakamuwandisa ngono bonani, nasi monga nyenyedzi dze kudzimu nge bunji. 11 Tshene Yahwe Ndzimu wa botate benyu bamuwandise mbalo yamuli iyo kanjinji nge tjiwulu bamukombolele sekwa bakagadzabgwe. 12 Ndingasenga tjini ndili ndoga ntolo unolema wenyu ne ndebo dzenyu? 13 Shalulani balume bakatjenjela banohwisisa bana zibo, banozibika mu njudzi dzenyu ngono ndowobabiga kube batungamili benyu.’

14 “Makadabila muti, ‘Tjawaleba leba tjakalulwama kutili kuti titjishinge.’

15 “Ndizo ndakatola batungamili be njudzi dzenyu, balume bakatjenjela bana zibo ababiga batungamili benyu, batungamili be bali zwiwulu ne batungamili be bali mazana ne batungamili be bali makumi mashanu ne batungamili be bali gumi ne makulukota mu njudzi dzenyu. 16 Ngono ndakalaya basumikilisi benyu tjibaka itjetjo nditi, ‘Ihwani ndebo ipakati kwe zwikamu zwenyu ngono musumikilise nge ndulamo pakati kwe nthu ne ikamu tjitje kene pakati kwe nthu ne ntaya unamwi. 17 Musitongobe ne shalawulo mu kusumikilisa, muhwe batukunu ne bakulu nge kunofanana, musitongotja buso gwe nthu ngoti kusumikilisa ngekwe Ndzimu. Ndebo inomulemela muizhise kundili ngono ndowoyihwa.’ 18 Ngono mu tjibaka itjetjo ndakamubudza kose kwa makafanila thama.”

Shodzi dzotumiwa kudwa mu Kadeshibhareneya

(Mbalo 13:1-33)

19 “Ngono tikamilika mu Horebu tikayenda tipalama tjilambanyika itjetjije tjikulu tjakabangalala tjamakabona tiyenda ku shango ye matuthu ye Baamori sekwa takadwiwa ndi Yahwe Ndzimu wedu, ngono tikaswika ku Kadeshibhareneya. 20 Ipapo abe nditi kumuli, ‘Maswika ku shango ye matuthu ye Baamori iyo yatinopiwa ndi Yahwe Ndzimu wedu. 21 Bonani, Yahwe Ndzimu wenyu wabiga shango iyeyi mbeli kwenyu, yendani muitole sekwa madwiwa ndi Yahwe Ndzimu wa botate benyu, musitje kene kuli kutemeka mafupa.’

22 “Ipapo mose mukazha kundili mukati, ‘Ngatitumeni balume banotisholela shango babuye batibudze zila yatingayenda ndiyo nenge kwe mizi mikulu yatinowongina.

23 “Nkumbulo ihwoyo ukalingika wakalulwama kundili, ngono atola balume bali gumi lina babili mu muli, nlume ng'ompela kudwa mu ludzi gung'ompela. 24 Ngono bakashanduka bakayenda ku shango ye matuthu bakaswika ku Nkuku we Eshikholi ngono bakawushola. 25 Ngono bakatola mimwe ye mitjelo ye shango iyeyo bakazha nayo kutili, bakazhisa mbiko kakale beti, ‘I shango yakanaka Yahwe Ndzimu wedu yabanotipa.’ ”

26 “Koga mukaside kuyenda, mukapandukila nlayo wa Yahwe Ndzimu wenyu.” 27 Makang'ong'ola muli mu mishasha yenyu mukati, “Ngoti Yahwe banotibenga bakatidusa mu shango ye Egipiti kutilonga mu maboko e Baamori kutilobesa. 28 Toyenda ngayi kene? Zwikamu zwedu zwatinyadza moyo azwiti, ‘Bathu bako bakulu kakale balefu patili, mizi mikulukulu kakale yakasima ina makuma akakula, pezhugwi kwa ikoku tabona bakololo be Baanakimu.’ ”

29 Ipapo abe nditi kumuli, “Musipaluke moyo kene kuli kubatja. 30 Yahwe Ndzimu wenyu ibo bakamutungamila banowomugwila sekwa bakamuthamila mu Egipiti makalinga, 31 ne mu tjilambanyika kwamakabona Yahwe Ndzimu wenyu sekwa bakamubhabha se nlume ebhabha nkololo uwe, bakamubhabha gwendo gose gwamakayenda kudzina muswika mu magalo iyawa.” 32 Nenguba kwakajalo amuzogalamoyo Yahwe Ndzimu wenyu 33 ibo bakamutungamila nge moto busiku kumushakila magalo amungabaka mishasha yenyu muali, umulakidza kuti muyende tjini, masikati bemutungamila nge gole.

Yahwe banoloba shamu Iziraela

(Mbalo 14:20-45)

34 Ngono Yahwe bakahwa matama enyu ngono bakagwadza moyo bakatuna beti, 35 “Akuna ne ng'ompela we balume ibaba be tjizekugwana itjetji tjibiibi unowobona shango mbuya iyo yandakatuna kuyipa botate benyu, 36 kuzhe kwa Khalebu nkololo wa Jefune, iye unowoyibona. Iye ne bana babe ndowobapa shango yaakatongo tshamba nge kuti iye wakatobela Yahwe nge buzhalo.” 37 Yahwe bakandigwadzila moyo bo ngekwenyu bakabe beti, “Nawebo autowongina ikweno. 38 Joshuwa nkololo wa Nuni, nlanda uwo unowongina, unkulumbidze ngoti unowothama Iziraela kuti baigale thaka. 39 Pezhugwi kwaikoku bana benyu batukununu basathu bakaziba ndulamo kene mbipo banowongina ikweno ngono ndowobapa iyo, banowoyithuwa. 40 Koga imwi shandukani mutole gwendo mu tjilambanyika makalinga ku lubizho gwe Gungwa Shaba.”

41 Ipapo mukandishandula muti, “Tatjinya kuna Yahwe, towoyenda tikanogwa koga sekwatadwiwa ndi Yahwe Ndzimu wedu.” Ndizo mmwe ne mmwe wenyu kadedela mathumo awe engwa mukakumbula kuti kulelulelu kutathila ku shango ye matuthu. 42 Ngono Yahwe bakandidwa bakati, “Ubadwe uti, ‘Musiyende ne kugwa musigwe ngekuti andite ndili pakati kwenyu, musitongodwa mu kundiwa nge zwita zwenyu.’ ” 43 Ndizo ndakalebeleka namwi ngono mukasitongo hwilila koga mukapandukila nlayo wa Yahwe, mukabe ne manyimwe mukatathila ku shango ye matuthu. 44 Ipapo Baamori bakabe begala mu shango iyeyo ye matuthu bakamushangamidza nge ngwa bakatatana namwi se nyutji bakamutemela pasi mu Seiri kunoti ku Horima. 45 Makashanduka mukalilila mbeli kwa Yahwe, koga Yahwe bakasimuhwilile kene kumuteedza. 46 Ndizo makagala mu Kadeshi mazhuba manjinji, tjibaka tjose tjamakapitsha ikweno.

1 These be the words which Moses spake unto all Israel on this side Jordan in the wilderness, in the plain over against the Red sea , between Paran, and Tophel, and Laban, and Hazeroth, and Dizahab. 2 (There are eleven days’ journey from Horeb by the way of mount Seir unto Kadesh-barnea.) 3 And it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spake unto the children of Israel, according unto all that the LORD had given him in commandment unto them; 4 After he had slain Sihon the king of the Amorites, which dwelt in Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, which dwelt at Astaroth in Edrei: 5 On this side Jordan, in the land of Moab, began Moses to declare this law, saying, 6 The LORD our God spake unto us in Horeb, saying, Ye have dwelt long enough in this mount: 7 Turn you, and take your journey, and go to the mount of the Amorites, and unto all the places nigh thereunto, in the plain, in the hills, and in the vale, and in the south, and by the sea side, to the land of the Canaanites, and unto Lebanon, unto the great river, the river Euphrates. 8 Behold, I have set the land before you: go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give unto them and to their seed after them.

9 ¶ And I spake unto you at that time, saying, I am not able to bear you myself alone: 10 The LORD your God hath multiplied you, and, behold, ye are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude. 11 (The LORD God of your fathers make you a thousand times so many more as ye are , and bless you, as he hath promised you!) 12 How can I myself alone bear your cumbrance, and your burden, and your strife? 13 Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you. 14 And ye answered me, and said, The thing which thou hast spoken is good for us to do. 15 So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes. 16 And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear the causes between your brethren, and judge righteously between every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him. 17 Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God’s: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it. 18 And I commanded you at that time all the things which ye should do.

19 ¶ And when we departed from Horeb, we went through all that great and terrible wilderness, which ye saw by the way of the mountain of the Amorites, as the LORD our God commanded us; and we came to Kadesh-barnea. 20 And I said unto you, Ye are come unto the mountain of the Amorites, which the LORD our God doth give unto us. 21 Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it , as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.

22 ¶ And ye came near unto me every one of you, and said, We will send men before us, and they shall search us out the land, and bring us word again by what way we must go up, and into what cities we shall come. 23 And the saying pleased me well: and I took twelve men of you, one of a tribe: 24 And they turned and went up into the mountain, and came unto the valley of Eshcol, and searched it out. 25 And they took of the fruit of the land in their hands, and brought it down unto us, and brought us word again, and said, It is a good land which the LORD our God doth give us. 26 Notwithstanding ye would not go up, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD your God: 27 And ye murmured in your tents, and said, Because the LORD hated us, he hath brought us forth out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us. 28 Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there. 29 Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them. 30 The LORD your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes; 31 And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the LORD thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place. 32 Yet in this thing ye did not believe the LORD your God, 33 Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents in , in fire by night, to shew you by what way ye should go, and in a cloud by day. 34 And the LORD heard the voice of your words, and was wroth, and sware, saying, 35 Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers, 36 Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the LORD. 37 Also the LORD was angry with me for your sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither. 38 But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it. 39 Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it. 40 But as for you, turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea. 41 Then ye answered and said unto me, We have sinned against the LORD, we will go up and fight, according to all that the LORD our God commanded us. And when ye had girded on every man his weapons of war, ye were ready to go up into the hill. 42 And the LORD said unto me, Say unto them, Go not up, neither fight; for I am not among you; lest ye be smitten before your enemies. 43 So I spake unto you; and ye would not hear, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD, and went presumptuously up into the hill. 44 And the Amorites, which dwelt in that mountain, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and destroyed you in Seir, even unto Hormah. 45 And ye returned and wept before the LORD; but the LORD would not hearken to your voice, nor give ear unto you. 46 So ye abode in Kadesh many days, according unto the days that ye abode there .