Joshuwa 9 - 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?

Bagibiyoni banotjengela Joshuwa

1 Kwakati bomambo bakabe begala kunomila zhuba kwe gwizi gwe Jorodani mu shango ye matombo ne shango yakawila ne yakabapisa Gungwa Bukulu kuyendila ku shango ye Lebanoni neye Bahiti neye Baamori neye Bakanana neye Baperizi neye Bahivi neye Bajebusi behwa ngekwe kukunda kwe Baiziraela, 2 bakazwibhatshanya bakabe tjithu tjing'ompela kugwa na Joshuwa ne Baiziraela.

3 Bathu be Gibiyoni bakati behwa kuti Joshuwa wakathamilani nzi we Jerikho ne we Ai, 4 naibo bakaluka maano, bakatola masaka akashakala ne makukhwa e nkumbi we zhambi akalongwa zwibata, 5 bakaambala bokhwebana bakaphetjiwabo ne zwiambalo zwakashakala. Zojiwa zwabo zose zwakabe zwakawomelela kakale zwakavuva. 6 Ngono bakayenda kuna Joshuwa ku bukotokelo gwe Baiziraela ku Giligala ngono bakaswika bedwa Joshuwa ne balume be Baiziraela beti, “Todwa ku shango ikule kule ngono tokumbila muthame tjidumano tje mbakiso naswi.”

7 Ngono balume be Baiziraela bakabhuzwa Bahivi ibaba beti, “Ngatitini mogala pejo naswi, tingathama tjidumano tje mbakiso namwi tjini wali kene?” 8 Ngono bakashandula Joshuwa beti, “Ti balanda benyu.” Koga Joshuwa kababhuzwa eti, “Ndimwi boani kakale modwa ngayi?” 9 Bakanshandula beti, “Balanda benyu, banodwa ku shango ikule kule ngekwe ndumbidzo ya Yahwe Ndzimu wenyu na zose zwabakashinga ku Egipiti 10 ne tjimwe ne tjimwe tjabakathama bomambo babili be Baamori, Sihoni mambo we Heshibhoni na Ogi mambo we Bhashani wakabe egala ku Ashitaroti. 11 Batungamili bedu ne bathu bose be shango yedu banogala mu shango yedu bakatidwa beti, ‘Tolani mbuba mululwamisile gwendo munoshangana nabo ngono muswike mubadwe muti, “Ti balanda benyu, thamani tjidumano tje mbakiso naswi,” ’ 12 Bonani zojiwa zwedu, zwakabe zwipisa patakamilika tizha ngeno ngono ngwenu bonani zwatjiwomelela kakale zwavuva, 13 makukhwa edu e nkumbi we zhambi akabe ali matshwa patakaadila nkumbi ngono ngwenu sekwa munobona atjipubuka. Zwiambalo zwedu ne shangu dzedu dzatjishakala nge gwendo bulefu.” 14 Baiziraela bakanokola zojiwa bakalabila basashakisisa nge kwako muna Yahwe. 15 Ngono Joshuwa kathama tjidumano tje mbakiso nabo kabaletjedza bakagala nabo, ne batungamili be gubungano bakasisithila nge kutuna.

16 Kwakati shule kwe mazhuba matatu basino thama tjidumano tje mbakiso ne bathu be Gibiyoni, Baiziraela bakahwa kuti Bagibiyoni babakidzani babo. 17 Ndizo Baiziraela bakamilika bakatola gwendo kukati shule kwe mazhuba matatu bakanoti ku mizi yabo ye Gibiyoni ne Khefira ne Bheeroti ne Kiriatijearimu. 18 Koga Baiziraela bakasibanginilile ngobe batungamili be gubungano bakabe batuna na Yahwe Ndzimu we Iziraela. Gubungano lakang'ong'ola ngekwe batungamili nge kwako 19 koga batungamili bakadwa gubungano beti, “Takatuna kale na Yahwe Ndzimu we Iziraela, kuti atingalonge bathu ibaba luboko. 20 Ngono ngwenu etji nditjo tjatinowothama nge kwabo. Ngobe takatuna kale towobaletja bakatjila kuti ndizo bushongola gwe Ndzimu gusitiwile ngosashingikadza Tjidumano tjedu nabo.” 21 Batungamili bakabadwa beti, “Mubaletje bagale, koga banowobe batemi be hwuni ne batjeli be vula betjelela gubungano lose.” Ndizo batungamili bakashingikadza tjabakabe bagadzabgwe.

22 Ndizo Joshuwa kadana balume be Gibiyoni ngono kabadwa kati, “Ini matitjengela nge kutidwa muti, ‘Togala kulekule namwi,’ koga mu gala ipapa pejo pejo naswi kene? 23 Muna bhiso, mowogala koga muli batemi be hwuni ne batjeli be vula be Ng'umba ye Ndzimu wangu kuswikilila.” 24 Bakadabila Joshuwa beti, “Balanda benyu bakabudziwa zubuyanana kuti Yahwe Ndzimu wenyu bakadwa nlada wabo Mushe kuti amupe shango yose ne kuti mulobese bagali bose bayo. Ndizo takatja nge kwenyu tibetithama saikoku. 25 Tabe mu maboko enyu ndizo mungathama tjimwe ne tjimwe tjamunobona tjakamululwamila nge kwedu.” 26 Ndizo Joshuwa kabatjidza mu Baiziraela kakale bakasibabulaye. 27 Koga Joshuwa wakabathama batemi be hwuni ne batjeli be vula ye gubungano lose neye tjibeso tjinopisigwa zwibhayilo tja Yahwe. Na nasi kose batjathama saikoku mu magalo ashalugwa ndi Yahwe.

1 And it came to pass, when all the kings which were on this side Jordan, in the hills, and in the valleys, and in all the coasts of the great sea over against Lebanon, the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, heard thereof; 2 That they gathered themselves together, to fight with Joshua and with Israel, with one accord.

3 ¶ And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done unto Jericho and to Ai, 4 They did work wilily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks upon their asses, and wine bottles, old, and rent, and bound up; 5 And old shoes and clouted upon their feet, and old garments upon them; and all the bread of their provision was dry and mouldy. 6 And they went to Joshua unto the camp at Gilgal, and said unto him, and to the men of Israel, We be come from a far country: now therefore make ye a league with us. 7 And the men of Israel said unto the Hivites, Peradventure ye dwell among us; and how shall we make a league with you? 8 And they said unto Joshua, We are thy servants. And Joshua said unto them, Who are ye? and from whence come ye? 9 And they said unto him, From a very far country thy servants are come because of the name of the LORD thy God: for we have heard the fame of him, and all that he did in Egypt, 10 And all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites, that were beyond Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, which was at Ashtaroth. 11 Wherefore our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spake to us, saying, Take victuals with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and say unto them, We are your servants: therefore now make ye a league with us. 12 This our bread we took hot for our provision out of our houses on the day we came forth to go unto you; but now, behold, it is dry, and it is mouldy: 13 And these bottles of wine, which we filled, were new; and, behold, they be rent: and these our garments and our shoes are become old by reason of the very long journey. 14 And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD.

15 And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.

16 ¶ And it came to pass at the end of three days after they had made a league with them, that they heard that they were their neighbours, and that they dwelt among them. 17 And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjath-jearim. 18 And the children of Israel smote them not, because the princes of the congregation had sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel. And all the congregation murmured against the princes. 19 But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them. 20 This we will do to them; we will even let them live, lest wrath be upon us, because of the oath which we sware unto them. 21 And the princes said unto them, Let them live; but let them be hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation; as the princes had promised them.

22 ¶ And Joshua called for them, and he spake unto them, saying, Wherefore have ye beguiled us, saying, We are very far from you; when ye dwell among us? 23 Now therefore ye are cursed, and there shall none of you be freed from being bondmen, and hewers of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God. 24 And they answered Joshua, and said, Because it was certainly told thy servants, how that the LORD thy God commanded his servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you, therefore we were sore afraid of our lives because of you, and have done this thing. 25 And now, behold, we are in thine hand: as it seemeth good and right unto thee to do unto us, do. 26 And so did he unto them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, that they slew them not. 27 And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD, even unto this day, in the place which he should choose.