Tabla de contenidos para August 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 things • Provide interesting, accurate, and honest reporting at all times • Respect all Christian denominations • Encourage reader participation • Take personal responsibility • Always seek to unite the Body of Christ • Evaluate everything in the light of the Bible • Provoke readers to fulfil the biblical mandate to be salt and light in society • Motivate readers to action • Be solution-focused…

I am a teacher by profession. God made me fall in love with teaching. I simply want to inspire teachers to seek all their guidance from God. Why am I teaching? How did I get here? Why did I choose this profession? Why am I still here? These are questions most teachers ask themselves. You and I included. We’ve probably asked them at some stage. Teaching in a difficult season If ever there was a time when teaching felt almost impossible, this is it. Teaching today’s generation is challenging and draining. This is a generation that thinks they’ve figured it all out. They trust Google more than God. It’s the “cyber-generation”. Their world revolves around technology. They skip the teenage years and jump into adulthood – only to hit a…

Flogged and rejoicing After being beaten, the apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Jesus (Acts 5:40-41). Leapt in the womb When Mary greeted Elizabeth, John leapt for joy in the womb – filled with the Holy Spirit before birth (Luke 1:41-44). 10 more children After his suffering, God gave Job seven sons and three daughters – the same number he lost (Job 42:13). Unfinished tower The Tower of Babel was unfinished. God confused their language before the tower was complete – it was abandoned mid-project (Gen 11:5-8). Crushing a king A wise woman dropped a millstone on Abimelech’s head from a tower – he died from the blow (Judg 9:53). Struck by an angel Herod accepted praise as if he were a god – so an…

South Africa’s rising cost of living isn’t just a financial inconvenience – for many, it’s a daily crisis. Millions are facing hunger, job loss, and despair as food inflation continues to outpace salaries. More than half of the population lives below the upper-bound poverty line. Soup kitchens are overwhelmed, and NGOs are stretched thin. In this climate, Christians are being challenged not only to trust God for their own needs, but to become part of the solution. When poverty surrounds us, how does our faith respond? Prices are climbing You don’t need an economist to tell you that prices are climbing. You’ve probably noticed it at the till – when you tap your card to pay for bread, milk, and a few basics, the total feels higher than ever. And…

“I cancel every demonic covenant, every spirit of witchcraft,” declares a viral TikTok prophet. “I detach you from all you have renounced – now, in Jesus’ Name.” If you’re on TikTok, you know – just a few swipes is all it takes to find the prophets of TikTok calling down fire from heaven. It’s all happening live, reaching millions of South Africans right now. Casting out demons, declaring healing, promising prosperity – all through a cracked iPhone screen. For a growing number of young Christians, TikTok is more than entertainment. It’s a church. Short-form sermons, spiritual influencers, and monetised miracles dominate the feed. The question we must ask is this: Is this the work of the Holy Spirit, or is digital culture discipling our faith? Why it spreads South Africa…

In this final article of our four-part series, we answer a few more frequently asked questions about prayer. How do I know if I’m praying in line with God’s will? Why do Christians pray before meals? Should we pray to the Father, the Son, or the Holy Spirit? And what does “Amen” actually mean? Let’s look to Scripture for clarity and encouragement. HOW DO I KNOW IF I’M PRAYING IN LINE WITH THE WILL OF GOD? First John 5:14-15 says, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.” How can we…

“As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him, and everything Samuel said proved to be reliable.” – 1 Samuel 3:19 I came upon the Scripture above recently and pondered on it for a while. What stood out for me was that “everything Samuel said proved to be reliable”. I am sure we would all want that to be said about us. What a noble characteristic and testament to one’s reputation and faith. It reminded me once again that we don’t need to be confused, doubtful, or double-minded when facing decisions. We need to trust and get our answers from the Word. Jesus has always been – and still is – the answer to all our choices, concerns, and troubles. We just need to involve Him in every situation. Bring…

Email your questions to: info@joymag.co.za I have bitterness and anger towards someone. I can’t speak to them about it, and I don’t want to carry this any longer. What must I do? Pray the Lord’s prayer daily. When you reach “forgive my debts”, pause and confess your feelings honestly to the Lord in repentance. Then, at “forgive my debts as I forgive others”, choose to forgive that person daily until it becomes real in your heart. Begin to pray for them in the areas mentioned in the Lord’s prayer, including their daily needs, their need to be forgiven, to forgive others, and to be led, guided, and protected by the Lord. A simple prayer to begin with is: “Lord, please bring beautiful things into [NAME]’s life. Bless and honour [NAME].…

Jesus, I believe that You died on the Cross for me. There You were wounded for my transgressions, You were bruised for my iniquities; and the punishment for my peace was upon You. I have been like a lost sheep, I have turned to my own way, but I believe that God laid my iniquity upon You. You died for me. Then You rose from the dead, You ascended into Heaven, and are now seated on Your throne as Lord of all. Jesus, forgive me. I now turn away from my sin and put my trust in You. Fill me with Your Spirit, cleanse me, and take me as Your own. Amen XHOSA Yesu, ndiyakholwa ukuba wandifela emnqamlezweni. Apho walinyazwa ngenxa yeziphoso zam, Walinyazwa ngenxa yobubi bam, ubetho loxolelo lwam…

CeCe Winans returns to South Africa for worship tour Beloved gospel artist CeCe Winans, who featured on JOY’s cover last year with a powerful interview, is returning to South Africa this August as part of her More Than This world tour. Known as the most-awarded female gospel singer in history, CeCe will lead worship in Randburg on 19 August (Rhema Bible Church), and in Cape Town on 22 and 23 August (Grand Arena, GrandWest). Fans around the world have called her recent concerts Spirit-filled and deeply moving. The setlist includes favourites like “Goodness of God”, “Holy Forever”, “That’s My King”, and new songs from her latest album. Tickets are available via bandsintown.com. ANDREW SELLEY “Do not fear what is happening in the nations. God is working history out, in accordance…

This month’s Biblical character is someone who pops into the Genesis narrative, plays a major role for two decades, then vanishes from the narrative entirely, never to be mentioned again in the Bible. Disappearing act Laban’s name appears nearly 50 times in Genesis, starting in chapter 24 when he gives his daughter, Rebekah, to be Isaac’s bride, until chapter 46 when he is mentioned as a relative in Jacob’s clan. But his actual account occurs from chapters 29-31 as he plays the role of secondary character in the Jacob narrative. That means that Laban’s life comes and goes in just three chapters that cover 20 years of history (Gen 31:41). This is a significant feature of Genesis. Following the lives of the patriarchs, the Genesis narrative often features “minor” characters…

In 2016, my life was marked by one of the most defining and painful seasons I have ever walked through. I faced a wave of rejection, emotional abuse, substitution, and a deep sense of being unseen and undervalued. These were not just passing experiences – they pierced the core of who I was. I remember asking God, in a moment of deep anguish, “Why would You allow me to go through this? Why this level of pain, why this stripping away?” And the Lord responded with clarity that shook me to my core: “Because your pain carries healing power for the next person.” Birthed in brokenness It was through that sacred encounter that Ladies’ Dwelling Place ministry was birthed – not out of ambition or recognition, but from the pain…

Award-winning singer-songwriter Amanda Cook will be in South Africa next month as part of the Worship Works Wonders tour. Known for her poetic worship style and heartfelt lyrics, Amanda’s music has resonated deeply with believers around the world. Songs like “You Make Me Brave”, “Pieces”, and “Mercy” have made her a trusted voice in the global worship movement. Yet beyond the stage, Amanda is a thinker, a seeker, and a soul drawn to stillness. In this candid conversation, she reflects on her faith, the gift of quiet spaces, songwriting as prayer, and her hope for South Africans ahead of the upcoming tour. “Stillness is confronting. In quiet spaces, there’s no performing – just presence.” Q You’re visiting our beautiful country next month – have you ever been before? Yes –…

Scan this QR code on your smartphone to sign up to our newsletters www.joynews.co.za LOCAL PASTOR COMBATING GANG VIOLENCE IN CAPE TOWN Pastor Craven Engel of Hanover Park, Cape Flats, leads weekly prayer walks and violence-interruption efforts through Ceasefire, an NGO he founded in 2013. Featuring ex-gang members as mediators, the team treats gang violence as a disease – working to detect outbreaks, broker ceasefires, and change mindsets in one of Cape Town’s most troubled communities. Despite funding challenges, Engel’s blend of faith, personal courage, and community resilience has seen 168 high-risk gangsters rehabilitated, offering a beacon of hope amid daily bloodshed. UK LEGALISES ABORTION UP TO BIRTH ON JUNE 17, 2025, THE UK HOUSE OF COMMONS VOTED 379-137 TO EFFECTIVELY DECRIMINALISE ABORTION, UP TILL BIRTH, IN ENGLAND AND WALES.…

Send your letters to editor@joymag.co.za 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. Grateful for every issue Thank you for being able to enjoy and appreciate your wonderful magazine. I look forward to each one and am truly blessed with each article, message, Did You Know, and I even enjoy your JOY! News website. God bless you all. Faith Peters A happy subscriber! Thank you so much for my JOY! Magazine, which has arrived safely, and just looking at the contents, I…

WORD SEARCH REVELATION 12:1-17 ANGELSBIRTHCHILDDECEIVESDIADEMSDRAGONEAGLEENRAGEDHEADINHABITANTS LABORMICHAELMOONOFFSPRINGPERSECUTEDPREPAREDPREVAILRULESALVATIONSATAN SERPENTSUNSTARSSWALLOWEDTESTIMONYTHRONEWARWILDERNESSWOMAN 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 59. After you test yourself, try reading the questions aloud to a friend or family member and see how they do! 1 What type of tree was Jonah unhappy about when it withered? __________________________ 2 Which disciple walked on water with Jesus? __________________________ 3 What did God use to convince Pharaoh to release Israel from slavery? __________________________ 4 How…

The Bible says that God created all things – including us – for Himself. He is glorified in His creation. “From him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen” (Rom 11:36). It may be hard to see how Adam and Eve’s falling into sin could bring glory to God. In fact, some might even wonder why, if God knew ahead of time all the trouble they would cause, He made them in the first place. God is omniscient (Psa 139:1-6), and He knows the future (Isa 46:10). So, He definitely knew that Adam and Eve would sin. But He created them anyway and gave them a free will with which they chose to sin. Part of God’s plan We must carefully…

“Worship isn’t about helping people sing – it’s about helping them see Jesus.” For more than three decades, Matt Redman has helped shape the sound of modern worship across the globe. His songs have become anthems in churches on every continent – yet his heart remains focused on one thing: helping people see Jesus. As he prepares to return to South Africa this September for a series of worship nights, Matt reflects on reverence in worship, songwriting that holds to truth, and what it truly means to keep Christ at the centre. Q How do you stay spiritually grounded while travelling and leading worship across different nations and time zones? I’ve loved the privilege of getting to see so many glimpses of what God is doing in the nations. I’ve…

In South Africa, many people still identify as Christian – but that doesn’t always mean they follow Christ. Our public holidays, school assemblies, art, music, family traditions, and culture largely reflect a Christian influence. It’s something to be grateful for – but it can also be dangerous. When the message of Jesus becomes so familiar that we assume we’ve already responded to it, we risk mistaking cultural exposure for saving faith. Not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” Jesus gave a stern warning in Matthew 7:21-23: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven ... Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!’” These are not atheists or agnostics Jesus was speaking to – but people who assumed…

August is the month in which we celebrate women in South Africa. Women’s Day commemorates the 1956 women’s march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where more than 20 000 women marched in protest against the apartheid pass laws. Whilst celebrating women is certainly a worthy cause, we need to move beyond honouring women for one month, only to see them being raped, molested, and murdered in the months that follow. We must build a culture of protection As a nation, we need to inculcate a lifestyle and culture of protecting and encouraging women consistently – and the Church must lead in this regard. A nation that encourages, trains, and equips its women (spiritually, politically, economically, and socially) is a nation that is blessed and will experience accelerated progress. This…