Table of contents for August 2021 in JOY! Magazine

Last year in the beginning of the hard lockdown I clearly heard God say 3 things to me: (1) I am your Provider, (2) Keep on ploughing and sowing in the land. I will bring the harvest, and (3), Be selective to what you put into your body and mind. Keep focused on His Word These truths are definitely what kept me going when I felt like giving up. Yes, we all wake up some mornings where it feels as if the world is against us and we don’t want to face the challenges. However, this is normally short lived when I start praying faith scriptures over myself, my family, and our business. Prayer affects your brain In Dr Caroline Leaf’s book, Switch On Your Brain, it was found that…

I am so worried about the Covid-19 vaccination, I can’t sleep at night. Should I take it or not? There are so many strong but conflicting opinions. I am totally confused because people even quote the Bible to back up their beliefs. A. My best advice is to go directly to the Lord Jesus Christ and ask Him for wisdom. He knows exactly what is happening in our sad world and how we must respond. “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking” – James 1:5, NLT. When Moses called on the Lord and the Red Sea was opened, the Israelites had the assurance it was the will of God for them to cross over, and…

I met a young man in one of our church services who was very serious about changing his life. He told me that when he was younger, his time in high school was the most stressful as he lived in a gang-stricken community, and this meant that he had no choice but to go to school every day with an illegal firearm in his bag to protect himself. The gang violence was very unpredictable and could erupt at any time within the school or his community. As a result, he dropped out of the educational system after his matric year, he did not further his studies nor did he find a job, and he later became part of an armed robbery incident. Bringing light into darkness It was never his…

Hollywood is known for its lack of morals, its advocacy of debauchery, and its blatant disregard for our Christian faith, and all that we hold dear. Born in Cape Town, Stelio Savante has a powerful testimony and an outright love for Jesus. He stands out amongst the thorns in a city of sin. He is a multilingual SAG Awards Nominee and American Movie Award winner with over three decades of award winning individual performances in highly acclaimed independent and international theatrically released films. Q How does your faith in God impact your life as an actor, husband, and father? “Life is short, why not learn the purpose for which you’ve been created, and then become the best that you can be. Take risks, be fearless.” My walk and my relationship…

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you.” – Psalm 42:5-6 These great words of our Lord have been a balm to millions of weary Christians. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28. These great words of our Lord have been a balm to millions of weary Christians. God does not promise a life devoid of hardship, but for those who have attempted to carry their own burdens and earn their own salvation, it is water to a man in a desert who is dying of thirst. Jesus…

As the pandemic drags on through the various lockdown levels, society has become extremely fragile. Tensions and fears ebb and flow as individuals and communities strive to deal with life under all the various measures. Social distancing, the coronavirus, economic fallout, and the loss of jobs and businesses has affected each of us in some way or another – causing much psychological anxiety and depression. The pandemic has been devastating This pandemic has taken its toll, not only on our physical health and our mental life, but also on our spiritual well-being. As believers, church life and the fellowship that we used to enjoy has been significantly altered. Yes, the Church has tried to go digital, with many able to watch church services online and send the link to family…

Everything that we’ve learnt about God so far in this series has suggested that God is different than any other being we can think of. He alone is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-present. He is the only being who is unchanging and completely independent. Is it any wonder that God says to us, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa 55:8-9)? God’s transcendence We call this concept of God being higher than us His “transcendence.” Whatever you may say about humans, or angelic beings, or any wondrous thing in creation, God is higher than them all. We don’t…

Why did you start the Church Of God International Bible College (COGIBC)? There are more than 3 million untrained preachers in the world today – only 7% are theologically trained! The short answer is to equip the 93% of untrained preachers for their ministry on a global scale. In light of the fact that the Church of Jesus Christ will celebrate its 2000th anniversary in 2030 (God willing), we have made it our goal to train, equip, and inspire preachers, church leaders, evangelists, and the Body of Christ on a global scale so that spiritual formation can take place. Q Who will benefit from your course? In many African countries, churches have – on average – one trained pastor for every 50 churches! The aim is therefore to provide training…

In 2018 my life changed dramatically. After being married for almost three years, adopting my brother’s son, studying law, and being very successful in my career at MTN, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lymphoma Cancer. My world shattered – every aspect of my life changed. My husband was forced to take care of me on a full time basis. Not knowing anything about this disease, I was completely in the dark (not to mention having the greatest fear of dying). My dream was always to fight for people who are unable to fight for themselves as a lawyer and later hopefully a magistrate, but little did I know that I had to prepare for the greatest fight of all – the fight for my life. Trying every potential solution…

The controversy over whether divorce and remarriage is allowed according to the Bible revolves primarily around Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:32 and 19:9. The phrase “except for marital unfaithfulness” is the only thing in scripture that possibly gives God’s permission for divorce and remarriage. Many interpreters understand this “exception clause” as referring to “marital unfaithfulness” during the “betrothal” period. In Jewish custom, a man and a woman were considered married even while they were still engaged or “betrothed.” According to this view, immorality during this “betrothal” period would then be the only valid reason for a divorce. Marital unfaithfulness A divorced or remarried believer should not feel any less loved by God. However, the Greek word translated “marital unfaithfulness” is a word that can mean any form of sexual immorality.…

—by Tendai Chitsike Over the past century, we as Christians have developed the tragic habit of lumping rampant godlessness within culture together with the cultural institutions themselves. As a result, we spend a lot of our time and energy critiquing culture, but very little time creating culture. We seem to have lost much of our once-held creative spirit, limiting our vision at present to not becoming like the world. Once on holiday, I visited a family-friendly venue. At the entrance, what caught my attention was a long list of No’s: activities that were not permitted on their grounds. I went away thinking: “Are we often like this as the Church, with a strong emphasis on what we don’t do, but no vision or direction as to what we should do…

A little while ago, my human family went away for the weekend and so my Arnie (Aunty Trish) had to look after both me and my ‘cousin’ Olive (also a rescue dog) together for the first time! We are very different in every way, but in our eyes, each of us think that we are her favourite! However, Arnie said she decided to accept how we are, not to compare, and that we must all just get on in our own ways. She said – like part of a quote she read – that we are both different, we are both special, and we are both beautiful gifts from God. However, Olive was always famished and had an annoying habit of eating my food if she could get to it…

In Exodus 14 we read the story where Israel had just left Egypt. They were between a rock and a hard place; the Red Sea lay ahead and the armies of Egypt pursued from the rear. Moses gave them a word to remain confident because God was fighting for them and would bring about their deliverance. Exodus 14:15-16 “And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.’” Pursue God’s plans This is also God’s response to us. God is fighting for us and is bringing about our…

Countless Christian singles desperately want to meet that special someone—but when they don’t make a love connection, they’re plagued with doubt. Perhaps as a Christian single, you’ve asked yourself: • “Why is it so dicult to nd the perfect partner” • “s there something wrong with me” • “Will ever meet someone” Author David Brühlmann tackles these questions—and more—head-on in his honest, heartfelt book, Single for a Season while offering inspiration and hope to those who are frustrated or worried about being single. Like so many other Christian singles, Brühlmann also struggled to find a soulmate. With each failed relationship, rejection, and dateless night, he wondered if there was something wrong with him. Fortunately, as he turned to the Bible, David quickly discovered the message he’d been seeking: God does have a purpose…

Giving children up for adoption can be a loving alternative for parents who may, for various reasons, be unable to care for their own children. It can also be an answer to prayer for many couples who have not been able to have children of their own. Adoption is, for some, a calling to multiply their impact as parents by expanding their family with children who are not their own, biologically. Adoption is spoken of favourably throughout Scripture. Moses was adopted We should all prayerfully consider adopting children into our own physical families. The book of Exodus tells the story of a Hebrew woman named Jochebed who bore a son during a time when Pharaoh had ordered all Hebrew male infants to be put to death (Exo 1:15-22). Jochebed took…

These signs haven’t always been present. Generations of Christians lived and died without witnessing any of these signs. For centuries of Christian history, none of these signs were present. Today, they all are. The past year has been a wake-up call for many people. A global pandemic, riots and social unrest in countless nations, fractures in the global economy, and most recently Israel and Hamas at war. Everywhere you look, it seems as though the end is near. Is it? What does the Bible say? Are these signs of the Second Coming? Are these events pointing to the soon return of Jesus Christ? The Bible is very clear Everywhere you look, it seems as though the end is near. Fortunately, we don’t have to guess. Jesus Himself told us how…

When we are discouraged, we have lost the motivation to press forward. “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.” – Joshua 1:9 The word ‘discouragement’ comes from the root word ‘courage’. The prefix dis- means “the opposite of.” So, discouragement is the opposite of courage. When we are discouraged, we have lost the motivation to press forward. The mountain seems too steep, the valley too dark, or the battle too fierce, and we lose the courage to continue. Be strong and courageous In many places throughout scripture, God commands His people to take courage (Psa 27:14; 31:24; 2 Chro 32:7; Deut 31:6). When God selected Joshua to replace…

Not too long ago we celebrated Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. We were reminded of the importance of godly parents. This month we’ll take a look at heritage and how godliness does not automatically pass from one generation to the next. North and South While Hezekiah began well, he did not finish well. He suffered from a proud heart. After King Solomon’s reign, Israel split into halves. The northern kingdom comprised ten tribes while the southern only two. Each of the North’s nineteen kings were evil in God’s eyes, introducing idolatry into Israel’s worship and building temples and shrines for Canaanite gods. In 722 BC, God sent the Assyrians to conquer them; the northern tribes never returned. The southern kingdom, dominated by the tribe of Judah, fared better. It too…

When discussing what the Bible says about divorce, it is important to keep in mind the words of Malachi 2:16, “I hate divorce, says the Lord God.” Whatever grounds the Bible possibly gives for divorce, that does not mean God desires a divorce to occur in those instances. Rather than asking “is ______ a grounds for divorce,” often the question should be “is _______ grounds for forgiveness, restoration, and/or counselling?” A last resort The Bible gives two clear grounds for divorce: 1: sexual immorality (Matt 5:32; 19:9) and 2: abandonment by an unbeliever (1 Cor 7:15). Even in these two instances, though, divorce is not required or even encouraged. The most that can be said is that sexual immorality and abandonment are grounds (an allowance) for divorce. Confession, forgiveness, reconciliation,…

What is the Rule of Law? The Rule of law guarantees the equality of all individuals in society. It is based on the principle that every person is equal before the law and the law must be applied equally without fear or favour. The Rule of Law must be applied across board. It cannot be limited in application to individuals of certain ethnicities, tribal affiliations, social standing, or influence. Nor should the Rule of Law be limited in application by virtue of gender, age, or otherwise. Inconsistent and arbitrary application of the Rule of Law makes a mockery of the term. The Rule of Law sets the basis for equal opportunities for all individuals and establishes barriers against corruption, corrupt policies, and the depletion of a nation’s wealth and natural…

Everyday life for Christians in urban and rural India has become an excruciating struggle to earn a living, while at the same time fighting to stay alive – all because of their faith in Jesus Christ. They must practise their faith under the radar of the far-right Hindutva organisation that now dominates the Indian public and political spheres. An unthinkable reality This situation seems unthinkable in the world’s largest democracy, but India is currently the tenth most dangerous country worldwide for Christians. The violent persecution of Christians in India has increased significantly during the past five years, with Hindu extremists spreading lies and propaganda to stir up hatred and violence against Christians. Their goal: To rid the country of all non-Hindu religions and eradicate the Church by the end of…

Winter has arrived in South Africa and temperatures are dropping to zero in places. Some cities are battered by nature, with gale force winds howling and rain pouring down relentlessly for days. Tragically, many unfortunate animals are left outside to cope on their own with no, or inadequate shelter. What an utterly miserable and sad existence this must be for helpless animals. Animals thrive in a warm, cosy environment The whole planet deserves good and fair treatment. It is God’s mandate from heaven. Animal suffering is often due to people having a misconception that animals do not get cold and that they belong outside no matter what. The truth is that animals do get cold, and quickly so! One can watch any animal, tame or wild, and you’ll see them…

At three years old, Thabo* was placed in the baby box, together with Sophie*, his 6-month-old sister. He soon found out there was a special song waiting for him – a song he would share with a man who had a similar story. But Thabo didn’t understand. Why was he here? Who were all these new people? He struggled to adjust. Shannon, one of the ladies caring for him, was struggling too. How could she help him?“He’s hurting,”Shannon prayed,“he’s fighting with us and the children. He won’t even talk to us. God, please help.” Lavished with love “He’s hurting,” Shannon prayed, “he’s fighting with us and the children. He won’t even talk to us. God, please help.” Thabo was moody – one moment happy and sad the next. Sophie, his…

One of the great sins of King Manasseh was that he participated in the worship of the despicable Canaanite god Molech. Molech was depicted as a bull made of bronze, with seven chambers into which a sacrifice could be laid. Each chamber had an increasing value placed on the sacrifice. For example, a bird could be sacrificed in the first chamber, all the way up to the seventh chamber where one’s child would be sacrificed. Manasseh is said to have “made his son pass through the fire” (2 Kings 21:6), which may be a reference to this practice. God forbade the Israelites from participating in such sacrifices (Lev 18:21).…

If you’ve experienced grief, then you probably know how difficult it can be to voice your pain. Especially before God. We’re generally more comfortable expressing positive emotions. It’s a different matter with negative ones. Maybe it’s because we don’t want to come across as irreverent in our expressions of sorrow. Maybe it’s simply that “in our weakness … we do not know what to pray for as we ought.” – Romans 8:26 Tradition of lament in scripture If this is your experience, I hope to introduce you to a lost language: lament. May the rediscovery of this lost language help you to authentically voice your sorrow. It’s evident that this language is lacking from the neglect of grief expressions in private and corporate worship today. But there’s a robust tradition…

In 2015, my marriage was on the rocks. We had been kicked out of our rental house because the landlord wanted to give the house to a family friend. We had two young kids at the time and were far from any family or friends. My work situation wasn’t the best and my wife had left her job to stay home with the babies. We couldn’t even have a conversation without blowing up and getting into a fight. Contemplating divorce is not where we wanted to be—but there we were. Don’t give up During one fight, I remember walking out the door and going for a walk because I couldn’t take it anymore. When I returned, my wife asked me a question I will never forget: “Do I need to…

Mozambique, albeit a beautiful country, has over the past years been targeted by radical religious terrorists, leaving many survivors displaced and desperate. “I saw a convoy of terrorists coming into the Mozambican city of Palma with their helicopters,” says Philemon*, a survivor describing his rescue. “They cleared the perimeter to get at least four helicopter loads of people out. There were 23 of us. I was to be on the last helicopter out, but fortunately, they stopped loading the helicopters because of a lack of fuel and daylight. In the process, my leg was destroyed.” Philemon further describes having to hide while waiting to be rescued by boat from Palma where he saw headless bodies left lying on the road. Dozens are still missing. TWR’S INTERVENTION PROGRAMME Over the past…

Public overwhelms email limits of Department of Justice, Christians say NO to proposed PEPUDA Amendment Bill Never miss out on breaking Christian news! The proposed Promotion of Equality and the Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Amendment Bill (PEPUDA) is a serious threat to religious freedom in South Africa. This Bill, if passed, could be used to dictate to religious people and institutions: what we may, or may not, say, what we may, or may not, do and what we may, or may not, believe. Over the last few months, JOY! has worked with Freedom of Religion South Africa (FOR SA) and has shared many articles on the PEPUDA Amendment Bill, including pleas for the public to write to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and voice your concerns. The deadline for these…

Fathers and husbands are required by almighty God to provide for their families. This includes not only providing food, housing, clothing, education, medical care, love, discipleship, and spiritual guidance, but also protection. Of what worth is all the other provision if one does not provide protection as well? Anyone who fails to provide for their family has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. In fact, those who refuse to protect their young are worse than an animal. What animal will not fight to protect its offspring? God has endowed His creatures with claws, talons, horns, sharp teeth, stings, venom, swift wings, and other means for fight or flight. Self-defence is built into nature. It is the murderer’s heart that is the problem, not the weapon used. Deal…