Tabla de contenidos para February/March 2025 en JOY! Magazine

Vision JOY! Magazine seeks to glorify God by educating and informing Christians of a biblical worldview and applying the Lordship of Jesus Christ to all areas of life. Values Strive for excellence and integrity in all UIJOHT • SPWJEF JOUFSFTUJOH BDDVSBUF and honest reporting at all times • FTQFDU BMM ISJTUJBO EFOPNJOBUJPOT • ODPVSBHF SFBEFS QBSUJDJQBUJPO • BLF QFSTPOBM SFTQPOTJCJMJUZ • MXBZT seek to unite the Body of Christ • WBMVBUF FWFSZUIJOH JO UIF MJHIU PG UIF JCMF • SPWPLF SFBEFST UP GVM M UIF biblical mandate to be salt and light in TPDJFUZ • PUJWBUF SFBEFST UP BDUJPO • F TPMVUJPO GPDVTFE…

I’m an A-type personality – I love lists, organisation, and planning. While I can cope in chaos, I thrive in order. I prefer to be proactive rather than reactive, and I’ve found that proper planning often prevents problems (how’s that for a tongue twister!). Recently, I faced a challenging situation that was completely out of my control. It reminded me that when I try to fix and solve everything myself, I often leave little room for God to work a miracle. It’s in those moments of weakness that we truly find strength in Him. Trusting God over self-sufficiency The Bible tells us it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God (Matt 19:24). Why?…

Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on 20 January. He got to work “with historic speed” signing more than 200 executive orders – dramatically reforming US policy on immigration, energy, the economy, and domestic and foreign policy. A new course for faith However, Trump’s reversal of his predecessor’s policies on the sanctity of life, the primacy of the family, upholding parental authority, the protection of innocent children in education, and religious freedoms will set a new course for faith, family, and freedom – globally. A productive first day On his first day in office, President Donald Trump repealed 78 executive orders signed by his predecessor. Trump rescinded executive orders that promoted “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) and “the promotion of LGBTQ rights”.…

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”– Psalm 84:11 Psalm 84 has been a banner text over my life, Shelley’s life, and our ministry. It’s where we got the term “doorkeeper” or “door holder” to describe the kind of people we wanted to build the Passion Movement with. It’s where I’ve returned time and time again for encouragement of God’s blessing, strengthening, and provision for all those who dwell near to Him; even the lowly sparrow has a home near His altar. “The Lord will give grace and glory. No good thing will He withhold.” It’s a stunning promise, one that I believe can change everything for you if you…

Stewardship isn’t just about managing things well; it’s about holding them loosely. We packed up our home in Joburg for a move to Cape Town, a new start in a new city. The movers arrived, and our belongings were loaded into their truck. Little did we know, that truck would vanish along with everything we owned. A terrible experience After we arrived in Cape Town, phone calls to the moving company went unanswered, and the tracking details led nowhere. My husband and I were left in an empty house, sleeping on borrowed mattresses while trying to comfort our two children. Somewhere out there, our prized possessions – photo albums, childhood keepsakes, and all our furniture – were in the hands of strangers. Frustration and despair At first, I was consumed…

There are few followers of Jesus more influential than our Biblical character this month, the Apostle Paul. Last month, we looked at Paul’s pre-conversion life when he was known as Saul of Tarsus. With this article, we’ll consider Saul’s life when he became better known by his Roman name, Paul. Changing names? Let’s get a common misconception out of the way. God didn’t change Saul’s name to Paul after his conversion and commission as an apostle. Many people in the ancient world had different names depending on the culture and language. In the case of Paul, his Hebrew name was Saul but, being a citizen of the Roman Empire, he also had a Roman name that he used. Luke makes this evident in Acts 13. Here Luke records the commissioning…

The story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 is a powerful reminder of compassion and selfless love. In my life, no one embodies this more than my sister, Tayla. She has been my biggest supporter, refusing to walk past or overlook me because of my disability. A SISTER’S UNWAVERING SUPPORT Growing up as a paraplegic, I always felt like Tayla saw me not through my disabilities, but through my potential. Our parents, Hadley and Anthea, created a loving home where kindness and acceptance were everything. They always made sure I had a safe space to grow, socially and emotionally. Tayla has always been my biggest supporter, just like the Good Samaritan who refused to walk past someone in need. She made sure that I was included and cherished, no…

By embracing cultural diversity as rooted in the image of God, students learn to communicate the Gospel in ways that resonate with different cultural contexts. In South Africa, our vibrant rainbow nation bursting with cultural richness, the idea of “culture care” takes on a profound significance. Missional University (MU), an innovative online institution, is at the forefront of embracing this cultural diversity and bridging the gaps that often divide communities. Through its unique approach to culture care, MU equips individuals to not only celebrate cultural differences, but also learn to understand and navigate these differences in order to effectively communicate the Gospel. What is culture care? All human beings were created in the image of God, and were designed to be image-bearers that live out the profound truth that humans…

“It was He who ‘gave gifts to people’; he appointed some to be apostles, others to be prophets, others to be evangelists, others to be pastors and teachers.”QIFTJBOT Ever since I got saved and was called by God into ministry, I’ve had a passion for others to experience the joy of salvation too. Jesus has protected, guided, and loved me all the days of my life. He ordered my footsteps, and that included leading me to wonderful, honourable mentors, pastors, and teachers who have, and still do, disciple me and teach me the Word of God. A journey from childlike faith to being born again My experience was a little different to others in that I was taught to love and trust the Lord from a very young age. I…

GENESIS 32:1-32 ABRAHAMAPPEASEBLESSBROOKDELIVERDESCENDANTSDISTRESSEDDWELTEDOMESAUHIPHUNDREDISRAELJABBOKJACOBJORDANLABANLIMPEDLODGEDMAHANAIMMULTITUDEMUSCLEPENIELPENUELPRESERVEDPREVAILSEIRSHRANKSOCKETSTRUGGLEDSUCCESSIVEWRESTLED This word search was crafted by Theresa Denson Jones, a Cape Town-based author. Theresa has recently brought out her own fun book of biblical word searches and multiple choice questions. If you would like to order a copy for only R90, email holyspiritinspirations@gmail.com Test your BIBLE KNOWLEDGE See how many of these you can fill in before checking the answers on page 65. After you test yourself, try reading the questions aloud to a friend or family member and see how they do! 1 Who took the body of Jesus off the Cross? 2 What is the period between the Old and New Testaments referred to as? 3 John the Baptist wore clothes made from the hair of which animal? 4 The oldest inhabited city in the…

“Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”– Matthew 6:26 (ESV) As this issue of JOY! is our “love issue”, I had initially planned to write my column on loving one another. However, a moment on the porch with my amazing mother changed my direction entirely. We sat together, soaking in the late afternoon sun, watching the birds flying in and out of the water spray from the garden sprinklers. Their carefree playfulness caught our attention. We marvelled at how these tiny creatures – seemingly insignificant – are cared for daily by the Creator of the universe. God is in control We spoke about God’s overwhelming and…

Watching the news about Israeli hostages being released is an incredible joy and brings tears to my eyes. It reminds me of my release from prison after being sentenced to death by hanging in Iran for the crime of converting to Christianity. I endured months of mental and physical hardships, and intense interrogation in Evin prison – one of the most brutal prisons in the world. Bittersweet emotions As much as I was happy to be free from that dungeon, I felt profound sadness knowing I was leaving behind friends and many innocent prisoners who had no voice. I left prison with a big burden and heavy heart. I was also bitter and angry having witnessed the execution, sexual abuse, and torture of my cellmates. Among the remaining 94 hostages,…

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”– John 10:11 Nothing on this earth will ultimately satisfy the thirst in the human soul. Yet in a world that constantly compares everything, we oftentimes feel like we’re missing out or falling short. For you, is this a job? A relationship? Money? In John’s gospel, however, we read that the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy (10:10). He wants to steal your contentment by always highlighting what you’re lacking. But that’s not the end of the story. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, also comes. And when He does, He brings with Him new life. And not just life, but life to the full! For those of us who have been brought to spiritual life, that…

Patience... The Bible has many great role models who uphold this fruit of the spirit well, and have been patient and faithful in their situations. We’re looking at five of these individuals, and some things we can learn from them. 1 DAVID In 1 Samuel 16, David was anointed to be king – but it was only around 15 years later that David was actually crowned. In the time between his anointing and coronation, David had: • Slain Goliath (1 Sam 17)• Narrowly avoided being killed by Saul (1 Sam 18-23)• Spared Saul’s life twice (1 Sam 24, 26)• Married Abigail (1 Sam 25)• Been rejected by the Philistines (1 Sam 29)• Lost his best friend Jonathan who died along with Saul (1 Sam 31)• Fought a war against Ishbosheth…

In the little village of Meapleu, teaching about a new religion draws fierce resistance. “Any evangelism group visiting is chased away with stones,” explains missionary pastor Philippe Makaye, the Dan region manager for the Facility Foundation Côte d’Ivoire, a TWR partner. However, radio evangelism penetrates homes using the airwaves, reaching even the most resistant individuals. According to Makaye’s email, this approach has led entire families to embrace Christianity and transformed the community. “Radio evangelism uses airwaves to reach the hearts of the most hostile in their homes.” The Dan people of Côte d’Ivoire The Dan people, numbering nearly 2 million, predominantly reside in Côte d’Ivoire, with smaller populations in Liberia and Guinea. In Côte d’Ivoire, one-third identify as Christians, with about 15% being evangelical believers. These figures are lower in…

Dear readers, we love to hear your thoughts on the stories that we publish, what is going on around the world, and what the Lord has placed on your heart! Email your letter through to editor@joymag.co.za for a chance to be featured – please try to keep letters to 150 words as we have limited space. Cover to cover Thanks for this informative and encouraging magazine. I have read my copy from cover to cover already. I am eagerly waiting for the new JOY! Magazine. Citty PL Top of the pops I have been blessed so much over the years by the JOY! Magazine. The January issue (layout and content) is top of the pops. Keith Johnson Did you miss an issue of JOY! Magazine? Access past copies of JOY! Magazine (print…

Noah Noah was over 500 years old when he had children (Gen 5:32). Skin disease After being inflicted by satan, Job scraped his sores with a piece of broken pottery (Job 2:7-8) Snakes Pharaoh’s magicians turned their staffs into snakes, but Moses and Aaron’s snake ate theirs (Exo 7:10-12). Millstone One woman killed Abimelech by dropping a millstone on his head from a tower (Judg 9:53). Unique marriage law If a man died childless, his brother was required to marry the widow (Deut 25:5-10). Honey from a carcass After killing a lion, Samson found bees and honey inside the carcass and ate the honey (Judg 14:8-9). Unfaithful wives In ancient Israel, a husband could bring his wife to the priest for a jealous ritual involving bitter water, testing for unfaithfulness…

Scan this QR code on your smartphone to sign up to our newsletters www.joynews.co.za Students join Biblical Worldview Summit camp in Cape Town, take the streets with evangelism Frontline Fellowship recently hosted their annual Biblical Worldview Summit in Cape Town, a week-long camp that trains and equips students to fervently share the Gospel. At the end of this camp, students were encouraged to take the streets of Cape Town and share the Gospel. Dr Peter Hammond, the founder of Frontline Fellowship, shared, “By God’s grace, participants of the Biblical Worldview Summit have had the opportunity to distribute thousands of Gospel booklets and evangelistic tracts and pray with dozens of responsive people on these streets of Sea Point and Rondebosch.” CUBAN PASTOR RELEASED AFTER YEARS OF IMPRISONMENT Pastor Lorenzo Rosales…

Demi-Leigh Tebow is no stranger to overcoming challenges and walking boldly in her faith. As a South African with a heart deeply rooted in God’s Word, Demi shares wisdom and encouragement for navigating life’s uncertainties. From trusting God’s plan to nurturing a Christcentred marriage with her husband Tim, her journey inspires hope and faithfulness. Q You and Tim are both incredibly accomplished. What advice would you give to young South Africans pursuing their dreams? My best advice would be to put your full trust in God’s plan. I’m so grateful for all of the doors God has opened (and closed!) throughout my life. It won’t always be a straight path, and sometimes things don’t unfold the way you expect. There will be setbacks, interrupted plans, and challenges – but those…

In order to get “right” with God, we must first understand what is “wrong”. The answer is sin. “There is no one who does good, not even one” (Psa 14:3). We have rebelled against God’s commands; we “like sheep, have gone astray” (Isa 53:6). We are redeemed The bad news is that the penalty for sin is death. “The soul who sins is the one who will die” (Eze 18:4). The good news is that a loving God has pursued us in order to bring us salvation. Jesus declared His purpose was “to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10), and He pronounced His purpose accomplished when He died on the cross with the words, “It is finished!” (John 19:30). The first step Having a right relationship with…