JOY! Magazine July 2017

“ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” AND HE WAS CALLED GOD’S FRIEND. - JAMES 2 :23 Oh what a beautiful verse – how blessed to be called God’s friend. Wouldn’t we all want to be called that? The reason Abraham was called that is because he believed God. Do you believe God? I receive many letters from Christians who want to debate God’s promises or laws. It can be disheartening at times, as many of these letters’ authors are Pastors. The most common topic is creation. I am astounded at how many Pastors don’t believe the literal creation account in the Bible and lean toward evolutionary theology (if one can call it that). I purposely don’t publish these letters as we believe that we are…

“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfil my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:1-4. Genuine personal interest One primary ingredient that is missing in our Churches today is genuine personal interest and care for God’s people. The absence of authentic relationships makes it impossible to build solid bonds, which offer support and individual acknowledgment. Our Churches are full of lonely…

In this last period of time, I have experienced so much doubt, fear, and what I call ‘hearts of unbelief’ in many believers. What is so concerning is that many of these folk attend prayer meetings and profess to be prayer warriors. They fear the state of the nation, financial collapse, political unrest etc. I have confronted several and asked the question, “Do you believe what you are praying for?”This may appear to be a simple question, but it is a huge dilemma when the answer is NO! What then is the purpose of prayer if we don’t have faith that what we prayed for will come to pass? Vision of the shattered clay pot Early in this year I saw a huge clay pot falling to the ground and…

God has a time for joy, and a time for sorrow; a time to laugh, and a time to weep. Take a break to the country, and watch as the sun sets over the distant horizon with all its radiant glory, as the night slowly edges in, pushing its way through twilight, and ultimately covering all with darkness, which you feel you can almost touch. Watch the moon rise like a huge glowing balloon, as it reflects the light of the hidden sun shining on another part of the earth. And test the aroma of the earth at night as it responds with its perfume, different from the day. Mark the stars, and watch them move ever so slowly, as earth twists around its invisible axis, giving the whole world…

Sex education in schools Errol Naidoo gave us a glimpse of the current sex education programme at our schools. I have never been so disgusted with watching something as this. How can this be allowed? I am speechless! That children should be exposed to such filth is beyond me. I couldn’t watch it. Our children are under attack. Satan has won the day. What kind of corrupt sexual outlook will our children grow up with?? They certainly don’t need this in a life time. Who was so sick to even allow this in our schools. This has to be stopped and whoever is responsible should be fired. Society is so sick already where so many are being raped every day and now to expose this to more potential rapists, can…

You had an article called ‘influence comes with responsibility’ in your April issue. How true are the words of the writer! Every parent should read and reread and re-read this article. The influence and effect that parents’ behaviour have on their children will directly influence how they will turn out. It’s common place nowadays to hear moms and dads swearing at and in front of their children, both teenagers and toddlers. It’s quite disgraceful but a daily reality. Some and probably most don’t even realise that they are swearing, as bad language has become so part of their daily vernacular. I dread getting older and having to face the next generation. People who will have no personal values to define their contribution to society and little respect for others. Only…