Matama 3 - 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?

Iziraela Inokunda Mambo Ogi we Bhashani

(Mbalo 21:31-35)

1 “Kudwa ipapo tikashanduka tikalinga ku Bhashani ngono Ogi mambo we Bhashani kabhuda kubhayana naswi, iye ne bathu babe bose kugwa naswi pa Edireyi 2 Koga Yahwe bakati kundili, ‘Usintje ngoti ndakupa iye ne bathu babe bose ne shango iye. Unthamile sekwawakathamila Sihoni mambo we Baamori bakabe begala ku Heshibhoni.’ 3 Ndizo Yahwe Ndzimu wedu balonga Ogi naiyebo mambo we Bhashani ne bathu babe bose mu maboko edu ngono tikababulaya kudzina kusala kusina unotjila. 4 Ngono tikatola mizi iye mikulu yose mu tjibaka itjetjo, akuna nzi wakasala watisakatola mu bali, mizi mikulu ili makumi ali kutathatu (60), ntuthu wose we Arigobi, shango yose ya Ogi yaakabe ebusa mu Bhashani. 5 Yose iyeyi yakabe ili mizi mikulu ye matizhilo yakasima, ina makuma malefulefu ne mazhalilo ne makwasayile kuzhe kwe mizi minjinji yakabe isakabakiligwa. 6 Ngono takabalobesa tjoselele sekwatakathamila Sihoni mambo we Heshibhoni tikolomodza nzi mmwe ne mwe ne balume ne bakadzi kose ne bana. 7 Koga ng'ombe dzose ne thundu ye mizi mikulu takazwitapa. 8 Ndizo tikatola shango mu tjibaka itjetjo mu maboko a bomambo ibaba babili be Baamori bakabe bali seli kwe Jorodani kudwa pa lukoba gwe Arinoni kunoti ku Dombo le Hemoni. 9 (Basidoni banodana Hemoni beti Siriyoni, koga Baamori banolidana beti Seniri). 10 Takatola mizi yose ye lubala gwakamilika ne Giliyadi ne Bhashani yose bukule kuyenda kunoti ku Saleka ne Edireyi, mizi mikulu ye mbuso wa Ogi mu Bhashani. 11 (Ngoti Ogi yega mambo we Bhashani ndiye wakabe asala we malimbelimbe e Barefaimu. Bulawo gugwe gwakabe gwakathamiwa nge butale, gutjimu Rabha nzi nkulu we Baamoni.) Bulefu gwago guli thambo dzili zhanalume, bupabi guli thambo dzili nna kuyendidzana nge kubala kwa ngwenu.

Njudzi dzakagala ku bhezhuba kwe Jorodani

(Mbalo 32:1-42)

12 “Takati titola shango iyeyi kube yedu mu tjibaka itjetjo, ndakapa Barubheni ne Bagadi ntuthu kutangisa pa Aroeri umu tjekelo dze lukoba gwe Arinoni ne gwamu le shango ye matuthu ye Giliyadi ne mizi mikulu yayo. 13 Kose kwakasala kwe Giliyadi ne Bhashani yose kwakabe kubusa Ogi, kodwa kuti ntuthu wose we Arigobi ndakakupa gwamu le ludzi gwa Manase. (Bhashani yose inodang'wa shango ye Barefaimu. 14 Jairi wa Manase wakatola ntuthu wose we Arigobi, kodwa kuti Bhashani bukule kunoti ku n'gathu we Bageshuri ne Baakati ngono kadana mizi iyeyo nge zina lile eti Havotijairi sekwakuliiko kuswikila mu zhuba ileli.) 15 Makiri ndakampa Giliyadi. 16 Barubheni ne Bagadi ndakabapa ntuthu unodwa pa Giliyadi kuyenda bukule gunoti ku lukoba gwe Arinoni, n'gathu uli pakati kwe gwizi, kuyenda bukule kunoti ku lukoba gwe Jabhoki n'gathu we Baamoni. 17 Araba ne Jorodani uli n'gathu kudwa mu Khinereti kuyenda bukule kunoti ku Gungwa le Araba ne Gungwa le Mwenyu kusi kwe panotathila pe Dombo le Pisiga ku bhezhuba.”

18 “Ngono ndakamudwa mu tjibaka itjetjo ati, ‘Yahwe Ndzimu wenyu bamupa shango iyeyi kube yenyu. Koga benyu balume bakasimila ngwa banowotjulukila seli bakatungamila zwikamu zwenyu Baiziraela bakashakatila zwibhayano. 19 Koga bakadzi benyu ne bana benyu ne zwithuwo zwenyu (Ndoziba kuti muna zwithuwo zwinjinji) banowosala mu mizi mikulu yandakamupa 20 kuswikila Yahwe bepa zwikamu zwenyu kunyaluluka sekwabamupa, ngono nayibo batole shango yabanopiwa ndi Yahwe Ndzimu wenyu seli kwe Jorodani. Ipapo mowoshanduka mwe ne mmwe eyenda ku gobe lile landampa.’ ” 21 Ngono ndakadwa Joshuwa mu tjibaka itjetjo ati, “Wakabona kose Yahwe Ndzimu uwo tjabakashingila bomambo ibaba babili, ndiko Yahwe kwabanowothamila mibuso yose yamunoyenda kuyili. 22 Musitongobatja ngoti Yahwe Ndzimu wenyu ndibo banomugwila.”

23 “Ngono ndakakumbila Yahwe mu tjibaka itjetjo ati, 24 She Yahwe, imwi matangisa kulakidza nlanda wenyu bukulu gwenyu ne tjiazha tjenyu tjina masimba. Ngoti ndzimu upi kudzimu kene mu shango ungathama mishingo inonga yenyu kene? 25 Mundiletje nditjulukile seli, ndomukumbila, ndibone shango mbuya seli kwe Jorodani, shango iyeyo mbuya ye matuthu ne Lebanoni.”

26 Koga Yahwe bakabe bandigwadzila moyo ngekwenyu ngono bakasitongo ndihwilila. Ngono Yahwe bakabe beti kundili, “Kwalizana, usilebe ngekwa ikoku kundili kakale. 27 Tathila pezhugwi kwe Pisiga umilidze mesho ulinge ku golombedzo ne ku bunandzwa ne ku burwa ne ku bhezhuba ulinge uyibone nge mesho awo, ngoti iwe awutowotjuluka. 28 Koga ulaye Joshuwa unkulumbidze unsimise ngoti unowotjulukila seli akatungamila bathu ibaba, ngono unothama bathu ibaba kuti bathuwe shango iyeyi yaunowobona” 29 Ndizo takagala mu nkuku kwakabambana ne Bhethipeori.

1 Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei. 2 And the LORD said unto me, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon. 3 So the LORD our God delivered into our hands Og also, the king of Bashan, and all his people: and we smote him until none was left to him remaining. 4 And we took all his cities at that time, there was not a city which we took not from them, threescore cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan. 5 All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside unwalled towns a great many. 6 And we utterly destroyed them, as we did unto Sihon king of Heshbon, utterly destroying the men, women, and children, of every city. 7 But all the cattle, and the spoil of the cities, we took for a prey to ourselves. 8 And we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites the land that was on this side Jordan, from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon; 9 (Which Hermon the Sidonians call Sirion; and the Amorites call it Shenir;) 10 All the cities of the plain, and all Gilead, and all Bashan, unto Salchah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan. 11 For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits was the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.

12 And this land, which we possessed at that time, from Aroer, which is by the river Arnon, and half mount Gilead, and the cities thereof, gave I unto the Reubenites and to the Gadites. 13 And the rest of Gilead, and all Bashan, being the kingdom of Og, gave I unto the half tribe of Manasseh; all the region of Argob, with all Bashan, which was called the land of giants. 14 Jair the son of Manasseh took all the country of Argob unto the coasts of Geshuri and Maachathi; and called them after his own name, Bashan-havoth-jair, unto this day. 15 And I gave Gilead unto Machir. 16 And unto the Reubenites and unto the Gadites I gave from Gilead even unto the river Arnon half the valley, and the border even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon; 17 The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast thereof , from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, under Ashdoth-pisgah eastward.

18 ¶ And I commanded you at that time, saying, The LORD your God hath given you this land to possess it: ye shall pass over armed before your brethren the children of Israel, all that are meet for the war. 19 But your wives, and your little ones, and your cattle, (for I know that ye have much cattle,) shall abide in your cities which I have given you; 20 Until the LORD have given rest unto your brethren, as well as unto you, and until they also possess the land which the LORD your God hath given them beyond Jordan: and then shall ye return every man unto his possession, which I have given you.

21 ¶ And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the LORD do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest. 22 Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you. 23 And I besought the LORD at that time, saying, 24 O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might? 25 I pray thee, let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon. 26 But the LORD was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the LORD said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter. 27 Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan. 28 But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see. 29 So we abode in the valley over against Beth-peor.