Beauty & The Gospel Issue no 11

Beauty & The Gospel MADE PERFECT THROUGH JESUS CHRIST

EXCLUSIVE !

the transition with~ CHURCH BOYY BIZNESS happy holidays THE KING'S BIRTH MONTH !

the benefits of meditation ~ PROPHET DONALD

GATE WAYS OF YOUR: SOUL BODY SPIRIT (part 2)

THE IMPORTANCE OF RESPECT _ ANGUS BUCHAN

wicked , scheming & destructive people !

ISSUE NO 11 DECEMBER 2018

FREE PLUS!

IT WAS THE HAND OF GOD + young , married and born again & CREATIVE IN CHRIST

TABLE OF CONTENTS Editors Note EXCLUSIVE: CHURCH BOYY BIZNESS

WICKED, SCHEMING & DESTRUCTIVE PEOPLE THE BENEFITS OF MEDITATION BY: PROPHET DONALD

GATEWAYS TO YOUR : SOUL (part 2) 10 reasons why tongues are important

THE IMPORTANCE OF RESPECT: ANGUS BUCHAN monthly devotion creative in Christ

SECTIONS

christian blogger young, married & born again words of wisdom

EDITOR'S NOTE Your majesty PARENTS! WATCH AND PRAY. So, a couple of weeks ago I was exposed to a con artist. Now you are about to be shocked because I know when I say ‘con artist’ you have an image of a mature man or woman, well not in this case. This one is different and it’s the reality of what is going on in this world!

This con artist happens to be a very young girl who is 10 years old and has recruited a 9 year old boy and 7 year old girl. No, they are not recruited by any old person but the enemy. I won’t get into detail of what happened as it would take pages, but I just want to share with you beloved, that pray for your children.

Whether you have children or not, pray for others as well. My prayers have been focused on the youth not knowing that even the young ones are already being used by the enemy. So, by the time they reach their teen years it’s a mess.

Surely our Father did say that the enemy has come to steal, kill and destroy but my question is: He has warned us but what are we the Church doing about this? Whilst kids are spending most of their time at school, are we praying for them? Because unfortunately we cannot be with them during those hours physically but in prayer we can. The government has taken God out of the schools. Do you know who is teaching your kid and who are they hanging around with? Have you taught them the ways of the Lord as the book of Proverbs 22 v 6 says “Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their lives” or are you leaving all that to the school?

Let’s not even talk about the television shows they are exposed to and the social media. With everything advancing so quickly and easily accessible, are you aware of what they are watching or are you letting the TV raise your kids for you? What’s shocking is, most of them don’t even know the Lord’s Prayer which is even much alarming. Church, as our Father instructed us, let us watch and pray because we have an enemy that doesn’t sleep!

BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY OUR GOD IS BIGGER AND MAY HE BE MAGNIFIED! Look out for the editors letter to you. Meditation has never been as important as it is in these last days we are living in , Prophet Donald explains all. Check out M.K's article that always leaves one introspecting not forgetting our favorite:Uncle Angus. Lastly read every page, they have all been put together specially for you!!!!!! :-) If you happen to be a new reader, WELCOME ABOARD BELOVED. That’s it for now till 2019, you’re loved by Him and I.

EMPRESS_TEEKAY

Monthly Devotion I’ve come across books that were written in the 90’s by Radio Pulpit titled “Bread upon the waters”. They are books written so we could have a daily devotion. What’s so amazing about these books is the fact that till this day they are so informative and relevant more than ever.

In this one is based on the book of 1 John with the heading: BE RIGHTEOUS & DO RIGHTEOUSNESS! Read 1 John 1:5-7 Antinomianism is the big word that describes those who claim to be followers of the Lord Jesus Christ yet live lives that are openly sinful and worldly. By their very habits they deny the truth they profess. They claim to walk in the light of God’s presence yet what they do evidences their sinfulness and love of darkness.

God is light: He is Holy and Pure. With Him there can be no shadow even of sin. Therefore, it follows that those who claim to be in accordance with His wishes should reflect a similar nature- they should also be Holy and live Holy lives. Such a statement is self-evident. Yet there are many who claim to be Christians, but their lives do not match their professions. John challenges these false professors with some strong language. He calls them liars.

On the other hand, there are those who walk with God by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. They are very much aware of their sins and sinfulness. Yet because the light of God has shined into their hearts they continually confess their sinfulness and claim God’s promise for forgiveness. Thus, keeping short accounts with God, they enjoy fellowship with other believers and so with the Father and with the Son. And they discover, to their great joy, that they are continually being cleansed through the blood of Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, help me to walk in the light with You.

EXCLUSIVE

CHURCH BOYY BIZNESS WE GOT THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHAT WITH SOUTH AFRICA'S TALENTED HIP HOP TRIO: CHURCH BOYY BIZNESS. AS THE BIBLE SAYS: THERE ARE DIFFERENT WAYS OF SERVING , BUT THE SAME LORD IS SERVED! 1 CORINTHIANS 12;5 TALK ABOUT LIVING FOR GOD AND STILL BEING DOPE! (Q)Who is Church Boyy Bizness, personally and professionally?

(A) It’s a trio of brothers, 2 rappers and one vocalist. We all have a passion for using our gifts for the kingdom of God to advance it and spreading the good news.

(Q)How and when did you become Born Again?

YUNG JOSH- It was 2012 and I was 14 years old. I was driven to know this God that my senior sister was talking about. So I went to church for the first time in my life, from there I went for the altar call and since then my life changed.

JORIMM- I got born again a year and half after high school when me and a close friend started hearing about the end times and coming across great eschatology material that made us to question the reality of the end times. I realized, I need to be saved too and need a Messiah and in that time that’s when Christ saved me.

RT - I became born again in 2013

(Q)When I say the name Jesus what come to mind?

YUNG JOSH- Mercy and Grace JORIMM- So many good things about that name come to mind but what sticks out is, Saviour of my life and Healer of my soul RT - Power and Strength (Q) How did you decide to combine Hip Hop with the Gospel?

YUNG JOSH – I was a hip-hop fan while growing up. So, when I got born again, I decided to centre my lyrics around Christ.

JORIMM- It took a while for me to get the idea to flow but the light bulb lit when I was wondering how to do it. I saw a music video from Trip lee and Lecrae on tv about 6-7 years ago that’s when I got sort of like a blueprint on how to do it.

RT- We saw that there was something missing in the music culture. So many youth can’t relate or don’t enjoy traditional gospel music, so we came to together and combined our gifts to fill that space...

(Q)When writing material, what goes into that?

YUNG JOSH – I try to speak about Christ’s impact in my life and try to see how it can inspire someone else JORIMM - The foundation is prayer and the word of God! Then it’s a dynamic process that happens whereby sometimes it’s a concept of a certain message we want to express. Then we write or a beat can lead us to write something, or something we have premeditated for a while eventually becomes more vocal when we put into rhythm, rhyme and sound which becomes a long line of songs in that notion.

RT - We first pray then we try to refer every word we say or sing or rap to the Word of God...

(Q)You have recently released an EP titled “THE TRANSITION”. What is it about and how did the name come about?

JORIMM- This project is more like a bridge that connects the story line of two projects which are the first mixtapes we released. The first album we released, it was a very experimental and learning curve project for us .We had a different name before then our manager suggested we use ‘’THE TRANSITION’’ cause it summarized the whole essence of the project and it was more like defining the season, mood and moment we were in.

YUNG JOSH - We were supposed to release an album, after the Prodigal Son Rhyme Book. We brought it down to an E.P. because we wanted to highlight the part were the prodigal son was going through a transition in his life and coming back to his father.

(Q)To someone listening to THE TRANSITION, what do you want them to know and impart?

YUNG JOSH-That God can change anything, but He can be changed by nothing!

JORIMM -That change is good, and it will require you to be uncomfortable to be comfortable. Change sometimes is not a one-day thing but a process and that process is the beautiful part of change.

(Q)You talk boldly about purpose, how can one who has no idea what theirs is, identify it?

YUNG JOSH - Whatever you are passionate about, do it with all your heart. God will position you where you supposed to be!

JORIMM –Usually the answer is buried in your passion, gifting, talents or dreams you aspire to reach. It’s that burning desire that you want humanity to experience for their good is probably how to identify it.

RT - they firstly need to have an encounter with God, then locate what they are passionate about.

(Q)What are the perks of being Born Again?

YUNG JOSH- You your life is in the right hands.

JORIMM- sense of identity and eternity at the end (Q) How would you elaborate the verse “Do not be conformed to the standards of this world but instead be transformed by the renewing of your mind”?

YUNG JOSH- That don’t do things by the patterns of this world in order to be successful or to obtain your desire, follow Gods way.

RT – I believe everything that a person will become, comes from the mind. And renewing your mind brings transformation to an individual...

JORIMM- The way I see it, it’s asking the born again new man to change his thinking patterns of his old systemic ways that are not Christ conscious but to build new ideologies of life with the mind of Christ which is acquired by constantly studying the word of God.

exclusive

(Q)What challenges have you faced or are still facing as a Born Again Christian males?

YUNG JOSH - Trying to be different in a generation filled with lustful males/youth RT - it’s the flesh. We know that the bible says the flesh is contrary to the spirit...

JORIMM- Its challenging most of the time. To stay pure and morally inclined in a world were doing so is like swimming upstream cause you going against the norm for example: holding your sexual purity for marriage commitment, where most folks believe and practice the opposite for fun and the pressure to act the same is always being piled up by media content that isW O 70% R D Ssexualized B Y S A R in A Hunmoral ways.

(Q)If Jesus were to visit you for one day, what would you say to Him and how would you spend the rest of the day with Him? YUNG JOSH - I’m trying to be an example and to carry out His assignment for me. And most importantly I’ll be telling Him how much I need Him. RT- I would ask Him a few questions about myself JORIMM- I would thank Him for what He did for me. Then honestly pull out one book of personal questions and probably spend the time with Him at a quiet place chatting and eating treats (Q)If you could change something’s about the modern church, what would it be?

YUNG JOSH- Stop the church from fighting against each other and focus on the real enemy the devil RT- I would change the packaging. I know many churches that are behind from the current view of things JORIMM –Advise them to take the young people more seriously

(Q)What can you say to the young Christian who has decided that they will become committed to Jesus and the gospel when they are older?

YUNG JOSH - That tomorrow is not guaranteed for us. You are not the one to determine tomorrow. If play now you pay later. Invest in the time you have because you can never get it back JORIMM -The younger the better cause when you get older there are things you can’t do when you older and I have seen a lot of older people regret that they wish they had begun serving at a younger state. The other benefits of starting early is, you get to eat the seeds you sowed in your early stages, like my pastor used say: “if play now, you will pay later, but if u pay now you will play later” (Q)Last words or rather advice for Christians?

YUNG JOSH - We are in the world but not of the world JORIMM- In all to keep the main thing the main thing which is eternity and to keep gaining ground for the Lord by purposefully living their lives.

(Q)Plans for the reaming months of 2018?

YUNG JOSH - Preparing for next year’s album JORIMM- We got few a concerts lined up and preparing for 2019 (Q)How can people get in touch with you?

Facebook –CHURCH BOYY BIZNESS INSTAGRAM- @churchboyybizness TIWTTER - @churchboyybzn1 Or on our websitewww.divinemovementmedia.com

1. On the weekend you will find me ….?

YUNG JOSH- (Church) JORIMM- at home if not on the road to a concert and at church 2. Can’t live without?

YUNG JOSH- (Gods presence) JORIMM- GOD 3. I dream of …..?

YUNG JOSH-(Helping those who can’t help themselves) JORIM- Touring around the world with this music seeing it make impact on people’s lives 4. 2018 was.....

YUNG JOSH- (A year of new beginnings) JORIMM- a year that was full of challenges beyond my expectations 5. What people don’t know is that I …….?

YUNG JOSH-(I love biscuits and sweet stuff) JORIMM- I was once worked in a pizza shop

6. If it weren’t for Jesus I would …….?

YUNG JOSH- (Had no direction in life) JORIMM- Dead 7. Can’t stop thinking about?

YUNG JOSH(Destiny) JORIMM- Eternity 8. Daily mantra?

YUNG JOSH- (What next?)

JORIMM- ) Prayer 9. Purpose is…….?

YUNG JOSH- (Serving the poor) JORIMM- Fulfilling destiny, living this earth empty of what God had filled me with to pour out 10. Best advice ever received?

YUNG JOSH (If you can be genuine you can have whatever you want in life) JORIMM - Preparation is the only defence for failure

@churchboyybizness

WICKED, SCHEMING AND DESTRUCTIVE PEOPLE? WRITTEN BY: M.K Wicked, scheming and destructive people!

Proverbs 6:12 – Worthless, wicked people go around telling lies. They wink and make gestures to deceive you, all the while planning evil in their perverted mind (heart), stirring up trouble everywhere. 13-15: Because of this, disaster will strike them without warning and they will be fatally wounded (suddenly will be destroyed without remedy).

7 things that the Lord hates 1. A PROUD LOOK: You think you are better than everybody else. Galatians 6:3 – I can speak better English, I can dress better and preach better. I’m better than her; hence her husband approached me for an affair (if you were so better why are you not married, or why is he not marrying you). I can do this and that.

2. A lying tongue: Always cooking up stories about others. When someone says something, you twist it and make it so believable to put others in bad light. Rev 22:15- You will be destroyed just like your father the devil who is the father of lies.

3. Hands that shed innocent blood (murderers): Rev 22:15 – Some people kill peoples’ spirit.

4. A mind (heart) that think up wicked plans. (You are a Pharisee). Your mind is full of evil and ways of destroying other people. You don’t renew your mind Rom 12:2 with the Word of God but with evil. You are so happy when people cry because of you.

"WORTHLESS, WICKED PEOPLE GO AROUND TELLING LIES. THEY WINK AND MAKE GESTURES TO DECEIVE YOU, ALL THE WHILE PLANNING EVIL IN THEIR PERVERTED MIND (HEART), STIRRING UP TROUBLE EVERYWHERE." PROVERBS 6:12 5. Feet that are quick to rush to do evil: When you hear something about someone, you cannot wait to go house to house to disseminate the information. Most time it may be wrong and unfounded but you don’t even wait to verify to see if it’s true. You are the first to tell all the bad news or downfalls about other people. You are at the forefront of all the rebellious or opposers. Wherever there’s a riot or unrest you are ALWAYS one of the leaders. All the directions come from you. You are the leader. In the middle of every destruction.

6. A false witness who tells one lie after another. Because you want to be accepted, favored or belong, you agree to give witness on false matters just like in the time of our Lord Jesus and the stoning of Stephen. If a Pastor commits an error, you blow it out of proportion and at the end the victim is proven to have not done what you bore your false witness to. You lose what you have (relationships) for something non-existent.

7. Someone who stirs up trouble among brothers-friends: Planting hatred and causing division among friends, brothers, people and brethren. She is always in the middle of every conflict. You don’t tell them what you said. Every conflict, the source is you. You have no peace, joy and contentment and you want to make sure that everyone around you goes through the same just like your father the devil who is the owner of confusion and contentions.

TO ACCEPT JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOUR SAY THIS FOLLOWING PRAYER

FEATURED

TEN REASONS WHY EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD SPEAK IN TONGUES! written by: Kenneth E. Hagin

“And these signs shall follow them that believe…. they shall speak with new tongues” Reason 1- Tongues, the Initial Sign Acts 2:4 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The Word of God teaches that when we are filled with Holy Spirit, we speak with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives utterance. It is the initial evidence or sign of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the first reason people should speak with other tongues is- this is a supernatural evidence of the Spirit’s indwelling.

In the tenth chapter of Acts we read where the Jewish brethren who came with Peter to Cornelius’ house were astonished when they saw that the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Gentiles. They thought it was just for the Jews. How did these Jews know that Cornelius’ household had received the gift of the Holy Spirit? “For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God”. (Acts 10:46). Speaking in tongues was the supernatural sign which convinced them the Gentiles had the same gift as they.

Reason 2- Tongues for Spiritual Edification 1 Corinthians 14:4 4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself.

In writing to the church at Corinth, Paul encouraged them to continue the practice of speaking with other tongues in their prayer lives as a means of Spiritual Edification. Greek language scholars tell us that we have a word in our modern vernacular which is closer to the meaning of the original than the word “edified”. That word is “charge”- as used in connection with charging a battery. Therefore we could paraphrase this verse, “He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifies, charges, and builds himself up like a battery”. And this wonderful, supernatural means of spiritual edification – notice that it is neither mental nor physical edification; it’s for every one of God’s children.

1 Corinthians 14:2 2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

Weymouth’s translation of this verse says, “He speaks divine secrets”. God has given to the church a divine, supernatural means of communication with Himself.

1 Corinthians 14:14 14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

Notice that this says, “my spirit prayeth”. The Amplified translation reads, “my spirit, by the Holy Spirit within me, prays.”

God is a Spirit. When we pray n tongues, our spirit is in direct contact with God, who is Spirit. We are talking to Him by a divine, supernatural means.

It is amazing how people can ask in the light of these scriptures, “What is the value of speaking in tongues?” If God’s Word says speaking in tongues is of value – then it is of value. If God says it edifies – then it edifies.

If God says it is a supernatural means of communication with Himself – then it is a supernatural means of communication with Himself. If God says every believer should speak in tongues – then every believer should speak in tongues. Jesus did not say that just a few should speak in tongues. He said, “And these signs shall follow them that believe…..”

“Them” is plural- it means all. And one of the signs was, “… they shall speak with new tongues…”

Reasons 3 – Tongues remind us of The Spirit’s Indwelling Presence John 14: 16-17 16 And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; 17 Even the Spirit of Truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Howard Carter, who was general supervisor of the Assemblies of God in Great Britain for many years, and founder of the oldest Pentecostal Bible school in the world, pointed out that we must not forget that speaking with other tongues is not only the initial evidence of the Holy Spirit’s infilling, but is a continual experience for the rest of one’s life. For what purpose? To assist us in the worship of God. Speaking in tongues is a flowing stream which should never dry up, and will enrich the life spiritually.

Continuing to pray and worship God in tongues helps us to be ever conscious of His indwelling presence. If I can be conscious of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit every day, it is bound to affect the way I live.

A Minister’s twelve-year-old daughter once lost her temper and was talking rudely and hatefully to her mother. A visiting evangelist overheard the scene. When the girl looked up and saw him, knowing he had witnessed her tantrum, she was embarrassed and broke into tears. “I’m so sorry you saw me act this way and heard what I said”, she cried.

“Honey ”, he said, there is One greater that I am saw you and heard you. You are a Christian, aren’t you?

“Yes.” “And filled with the Spirit?” he asked.

“Yes.” “Well then, the Holy Spirit is in you. He knows what you said, and how you acted. But if you will repent, the Lord will forgive you”. They prayed together. She repented and in a little began to worship God in tongues. Then he said to her, “Here is the secret that will help you curb your temper. If you will pray and worship God every day in tongues, it will help you to be conscious of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. If you will remember that He is in you, you won’t act that way”.

Some years later the Evangelist returned to preach at that church, and the Pastor’s daughter told him, “I have never forgotten what you said. Every day for the past few years I have prayed and worshiped God in tongues and I have never lost my temper again.”

Unfortunately, we all know people who have been filled with Holy Spirit, yet still lose their temper and say and do things they shouldn’t. This is only because they haven’t been walking in the Spirit as they should. It is so easy, when we are not conscious of His Presence, to become irritated and frustrated. But if we will take time to fellowship with Him, we can be ever conscious of His indwelling presence.

Look out for the next issue with the continuation of the reasons!

FEATURED

the importance of respect We are so honored to share this beautiful article written by Uncle Angus Buchan . A Born Again spirit filled servant of the Gospel. Thanking you once again Angus for sharing this article with us . He is an Author, Farmer, Husband, Father and Grandfather. the imporatnce of RESPECT Respect is a ‘feeling of admiration for somebody or something because of their good qualities or achievements’. Proverbs 13:5 tells us: “A person with good sense is respected.” Respect can never be demanded. It has to be earned. Someone doesn’t necessarily deserve respect because of their position. You may have to obey their instructions, but that doesn’t mean you have to automatically respect them.

Respect comes from leading by example. A person I respected greatly was a lady by the name of Peggy O’Neil. Aunty Pegs, as we affectionately called her, went home to be with the Lord Jesus. She suffered

The problem today is that people demand respect because of the office they hold. They don’t realize that people may say they respect you, but in their hearts despise you. The

considerable physical pain, especially in the

people employed by you may be doing what you tell them

latter years of her life, yet I never once saw

to, but are you sure they respect you? Often, once you’ve

her ‘lose it’. She and her husband were dairy

earned their respect, those who used to only do the bare

farmers in the early years of her life, and she

minimum of work, will now go the extra mile for you. But it

understood the hardships of farming. If I

takes time. You can’t earn the respect of somebody in a day,

needed Godly counsel, I would visit her. She

a month or even a year – it takes a lifetime. Respect is also

would say very little, but when she spoke it

not about making huge amounts of money. It’s about

was as if I was hearing words straight from Heaven.

I’m an impulsive person by nature, and she’d listen to me going on about this and that, what I was going to do here and what I was going to close down there. Then, quietly, she’d say something like: “Angus, have you prayed about what Jesus would do in that situation?” Of course, in the heat of my quandary I hadn’t, and of course that would change my whole outlook on the

lifestyle.

My father didn’t have much in the way of material things to give me, but I knew he loved me. And he always had time for me. I could always sit down with him and have a cup of tea and a chat.

My dear friends, we need to imitate our Lord Jesus Christ.

He never wrote a book, never travelled out of Israel, but He is the greatest man who’s ever lived. It is He alone who I try to imitate.

In Matthew 16:24, we’re told: “Unless we deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him daily we cannot be His disciples.”

decisions I had to make. Everything Aunty Pegs said was based on the Word of God,

The bottom line is, if we want people to respect us, we need

and that made a tremendous difference in

to put other people first in our lives and look after their

my life.

well-being. Then they’ll respect and honour us.

the KING'S birth month BY: m.k This is a very special month in the Christian’s life and

Whose birthday is it anyways?

calendar. This is the time of our Lords birthday. Some

December 25th is our King’s birthday. Let’s wake up

people argue that the 25th December is not Jesus”

in the morning and greet Him, sing a Happy Birthday

real birthday. I believe it doesn’t matter at all

song to Him instead of ignoring Him. We go to

because we don’t know the exact date but the fact is

church but is it really about Him or we are doing that

that we get to focus on Jesus only. We celebrate and

out of routine? Let’s live our lives striving to please

wish Him a Happy Birthday.

Him because life is too short. Let’s share our food on the day with the less privileged and also share the

What gets me excited is that “EVERYBODY” in the

Gospel of Jesus Christ with them for the glory of God.

whole world knows and acknowledges that it is

Let’s spend less on us and more on others.

Jesus’ birthday. Even the business people who hate Him look forward to this time because this is when

Jesus is our gift from God John 3 :16. Rejoice in the

they make most of their money. They all get to stock

Lord always. Celebrate Jesus celebrate!!!

up on paraphernalia about Christmas and their

Happy Birthday King Jesus. Glory, Power, Honour and

businesses are booming with people buying those.

Praise belong to You!!

They benefit because of our Saviour.

Merry Christmas to you all!!!!!!

For us Christians, the 25th December is the real celebration and one of the most important days of the year. We see even the enemy has tried to shift the focus from the King of Glory by bringing this fat old man in a red suit and a white beard.

@beautyandthegospel

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contributor

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good, acceptable and perfect will of God".

Romans 12:2

I love God’s Word and delight in its truth. Yet too often, I find that after reading my Bible or hearing a sermon, the truth, so necessary to the well being of my soul, can too easily slip away.

The truth that had for a moment captured my attention and my affections can quietly fade amidst the clutter and noise of the day.

3.He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

One of the best ways to remedy this is to practice the spiritual discipline of meditating on God’s Word. It is a discipline that takes time and intention, but one that brings great benefit to the soul.

We need to carve out time to lay hold of the truth of God’s Word.

Gods word in Psalms 1 tells us that if we meditate we will prosper in everything we do because the power of meditating Gods word makes us to be closer to Gods presence. Jesus is the Word itself, so when we meditate the Word we get more revelations about Him,who saved us. Paul the Apostle of the most High God, got a revelation and shared the revelation with in the book of Romans Chapter 12:1-2

God didn't command us to read the Word but to meditate the Word. Psalms 1-2. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.

2.And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good, acceptable and perfect will of God.

God is commanding us in this revelation which Paul received that we must be renewed in our mind. How can we renew our mind?

That is the question most Christians have and the answer to that question is: meditating Gods word, because when we meditate we speak the word in our mind and the inner man is renewed.

The Hebrew word for meditate is called Haw-gaw and its pronounced as hagah meaning to think the deep thoughts of God. From today I hope you hagah the Word of God and prosper in everything you Do stay Blessed. #SaintDonald

IT WAS THE HAND OF GOD You know so many times as Christians, wait let me say as human beings we face encounters that can only be solved by Jesus. These types of situations once solved, make you sit and be in awe of how a human could have never survived that. In everyday life we get to see the hand of God by merely being alive , we get to experience what an awesome God we serve . In every issue we feature a story that will change your life in every way. If you have no idea what God can do , this is one true example . This story is by TSAKANI MHLONGO. You can also share yours with us at: beautyandthegospel@gmail.com.

Indeed we serve a God of love It was a fateful day on the 1st of November 2018. I was scheduled for a dentist appointment then would later go to the mall. But something supernatural happened after my appointment. I was on my way to my car and when I arrived, I found a parking ticket on the car window that I had no choice but to go and pay it. There went my plans of going to the mall.

I later went to the post office to fix the ticket issue. The place I went to had technical glitches, so I had to go to another post office that was not in the same area. My heart though was still set on going to the mall, but the Holy Spirit was ministering to me that not today. I later went to the other post office and when I parked the car and got out. The car guard was a young fella. He saw the sticker that is at the back of the car written “JESUS IS COMING, ARE YOU READY?”. He told me how that sticker was ministering to him.

I was so intrigued and said a few words then hit the post office. When I got out it was raining. I was half way to the car when I heard the Holy Spirit say; “turn back and go talk to that boy”. I instantly obeyed and turned back to go speak to him. As I was with him, I was talking to the Holy Spirit in my heart saying; “Lord please help with words to say to your son”. And indeed He did. As we were conversing, I discovered that he was a Born Again Christian but later lost his parents. That was the beginning of him losing his Faith in our Lord.

There is something he said that touched my soul and that when he said that growing up his desire was to be an Evangelist. That went home, and I knew clearly that by the Lord detouring my plans was not in vain. I knew there and then that I had met a child of God that was in need of help, not only that, but was an orphan that needed a family and hey we have plenty of space.

There was also something he said that hurt me as I asked him questions like; where are the Christians that he used to fellowship with? And his answer didn’t surprise me because that’s what Christians are doing, they are talking about love but not living it. He said they didn’t do a follow up and when they did bump into him, they didn’t seem to care but would preach how things would look up. How do you say that to someone who has no home, parents, clothes and food?

With that being said I felt the urge to buy him some food and give him a Bible. He later said how happy he was to receive the Bible because when he was Born Again, he had an NIV Bible but later tore it apart because he was frustrated. Only to find out that the one I had given him was actually an NIV version. That touched me, and I saw the power and love of God. Let us not forget to take care of each other. Most importantly let’s love one another not in words but in action. Remember the Kingdom of God is not a matter of words, but of power and power consists of action

T A K E N

F R O M :

W W W . G O D T A L K S . C O

gates of the body , soul and spirit! (part 2) We may have inadvertently given demonic forces legal access and legal rights to sit in the gateways to dominate. Our ancestors may have given legal right to a demon. That legal right may still be there.

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20. What is the door?

What is the gateway?

In this issue we will be looking at the :

SOUL GATEWAY These are the seven gateways of the soul: ♦ Conscience ♦ Reason ♦ Imagination ♦ Mind ♦ Emotions ♦ Choices ♦ Will Letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Romans 8:7 -

0 3 -

I.e., the biggest battle is in the mind. The only way to have a real life is to let Christ control our mind.

Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12. The soul gateways are usually influenced by demonic spirits.

Take possession of each of those 7 gateways and place Christ in the centre of them.

Pray for the gateways, especially conscience: ♦ Repent for allowing demonic spirits access to the gateways. ♦ Acknowledge your sin and take responsibility for not guarding the gate. ♦ Taking the blood by faith and wiping the gateways clean.

Pray something like “My heavenly father, in Jesus’ name, I bind the spiritual force or condition that is resistant to the flow of God in me. I loose it and cast it out of this gateway. I make and place Jesus as Lord over this gateway today.”

To remove the images from your memories: ♦ Acknowledge their presence in your life. ♦ Own the sin and the image. ♦ Bring it into the light. ♦ Take the blood of Jesus and apply it to the image like a paintbrush painting over a picture.

IMAGINATION

When I say that I AM A CHRISTIAN, I am not shouting that I am clean living.

I’m whispering I was4:8lost, but now I’m anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.Philippians found andPhilippians forgiven.

A good way to control the imagination is to immediately quote 4:8 whenever an ungodly imagination shows up in your soul. After that youWhen can askI the to remove the image thatI caused imagination start working. sayLord I AM A CHRISTIAN, don’t the speak of thistowith pride. I’m confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be MIND my guide.

There are 3 doors to the mind: When I say I AM A CHRISTIAN, I’m not trying to be strong.

1. Conscious memories I’m professing that I’m weak and need His strength to Bondage can be here — usually through some sort of control. carry on.

Jesus must control our conscious mind.

2. Subconscious memories When I say I AM A CHRISTIAN. I’m not bragging of Some people call this “thought that isI’m covered by a veil”.I have failed and need God to clean success. admitting Sometimes powerful demons reside over the subconscious my mind. mess.

3.Unconscious memories When I say I AM A CHRISTIAN, I’m not claiming to be Activities & actions that we do without conscious thought. perfect. My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am In this area are images, situations and actions that have taken place that we do not remember. worth it.

When I say I AM A CHRISTIAN, I still feel the sting of pain.

CHOICE I have my share of heartaches, soaffected I call by upon His name.

We have the choice to do something or not.

The choice gateway can be the heredity of our forefathers. Faith declaration of scripture is an important of rebuilding and energizing this gateway.

When I saypart I AM CHRISTIAN , I’m not holier than thou, Once the choice is made to I’m do something, the worksinner begins to bringreceived it about. God’s good grace, just a simple who The things I want to do I don’t and the things I don’t want to do I do. Romans 7:18 By releasing the flow of God through somehow!

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if

your choice faculty, you begin to make the right choices.

The conscience is linked to the choice gateway. The conscience is the voice that says “I shall” or “I shall not”.

THE WILL The will says “I will” or “I will not”. A person may be under the control of a spirit or else a dominating human. In that case the will is being controlled by an ungodly influence. Our will must be crucified and put to death so that we can do His will.

To become holy our will gateway must become submitted to the kingdom of heaven. We must know the will of God for our lives. Much of that can be found in the Word of God. Reading the Word of God allows revelation of God’s will for our lives to flow from our spirit gateway into the will gateway and into the actions of the body gateways.

SCRIPTURE OF THE MONTH

They will perform miracles and wonders in order to deceive even God's chosen people , if possible! Be on your guard! I have told you everything before the time comes. Â

MARK 13: 22-23

YOUNG, MARRIED &

BORN AGAIN

Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate .

-Ecclesiastes 4:12 A wedding is a ceremony where two people are united in marriage. Created by God for us.

This issue focuses on the Godly marriage of Nyiko and Mbali Mhlongo.

1. Who are you individually(personally & professionally ) nyiko: I am a father of 2 handsome boys and a brother to a very beautiful sister. I was raised by both parents and I grew up in a Christian house hold.

I’m currently staying in Centurion with my wife and kids.

Professionally, I’m a financial adviser, currently working for one of the biggest insurance firms in South Africa I love Jesus because He loved me first! mbali: A mother, wife, sister and a daughter to the most amazing beings. I was raised in Germiston and very blessed to have been brought up in a home of stern believers of Christ. I live in Centurion which is a lot closer to work and get to spend more time being a full-time mom. I must say, best times are spent with family. I’m also in the insurance industry however in client services, based in Centurion. I really enjoy what I do. It has its ups and downs but a challenge every day.

2. How and when did you meet?

We met 8 years ago August 2010. It was through a mutual friend who was very keen on hooking us up. Even though we had two very different personalities and it seemed almost impossible for us to be together but here we are 8 years later, with two children and happily married.

3. How long did you date before you got married?

After two years of dating her, I knew I had to do something to show her that I mean business.

4. How did you individually know that He, She was the one? nyiko: I met Mbali at a time where I was extremely vulnerable to the things of the world.

I was a typical young guy who lived for now. I lived to please my friends. At that time, I hardly slept home on weekends, was always out with friends, drinking till the sun comes out with no purpose really. When I met my wife. I knew I was not her type, but I was sure about one thing that she was mine. However, I was still wreck less and ended up with a child out of wedlock. I sat down and had to decide what direction to take with my life, and every time I looked at her, I knew there was more to live for. I knew I had a future with her, a bright future that is! mbali: His perseverance was out of this world.

He never gave up on me, regardless of what I would do or say. It was like he knew I was his from the first day he saw me. He was true, reliable and had so much respect for me as a woman. He was just that amazing guy that I could hang out with for hours and still want to do the same thing the very next day and the day after that for the rest of my life.

5. When did you get married?

It’s funny, because we didn't just get married first. In South Africa our tradition requires the male to pay dowry to the female’s family before actual wedding celebration. So, his family came to my house to officially ask for me to become their bride and payed dowry. Then in 2017 May, we had a wedding ceremony at God Reigns Int Church.

Our rings were blessed on that same day and we got legally registered as husband and wife, which was followed by a lovely lunch with our Pastor, Ps Lungi Ndala and a few family members.

Then finally, it was the big day that every girl dreams about from when they are a little girl.

The day we got to celebrate our union/love was on September 30th 2017. Thank You King Jesus!

6. Take us through the process of the wedding celebration how was that and if there are any changes you could have made?

It was beautiful! Better than anything we could have ever imagined. The outfits, decor, catering, cake and photographer, everything was just beautiful. We decided to do the wedding ourselves. We didn’t feel the need to hire a wedding planner to put this all together as we knew what we wanted and had confidence that nothing is impossible with God. For the first time we started praying together. The journey wasn’t easy it required us to be spiritually woke, as something as big as this would frustrate the enemy at the end of it all. But with the strong support we had, it all came together perfectly. There was a lot of support from both sides of the family emotionally, financially and spiritually we had a lot of support.

7. Has your relationship changed from dating to marriage?

Not at all! We have always been very open with each other and from the beginning of our relationship we became friends first. We shared the same group of friends which made it a lot easier. Later in the relationship, we eventually got to a point where we became best friends Our circle just became smaller and our friendship became stronger. Which is very important when getting into a marriage you need to dedicate your time to God and your family.

8. If you could change the perception that people have about marriage, what would it be?

Marriage is not a life sentence to prison. You shouldn't be forced to get married. It’s a decision/choice that both you and your partner make. So, you don't have to change and become someone you are not for the sake of pleasing someone.

9. For the single person out there, wondering when they are getting married, what advice would you give them?

Wait upon the Lord, be patient with Him. When He sends the right man or woman you will know that this is the one for you. As young people, we often feel the NEED to always be with someone to an extent that we even resort to settling for anything and compromising the attributes you want in a partner to suit the "one " you are with.

10. How do you deal with problems that you encounter as a married couple? . It’s not easy, at the end of the day we are human. So, praying about it first and try make sense of things by trying to put yourself in the other persons shoes. Don’t wait for things to build up inside of you, communicate, try different ways of approaching situations.

11. Challenges you’re facing as a married and born-again couple?

Having to always remember that wherever we may be even when we are not together, we need to constantly remember that we are a perfect example of what is blessed by the Lord. It is pure, loving, kind, it is respectful and does not fear anything or anyone but Jesus Himself 12. Things you wish you were told about marriage? nyiko: You won’t always agree on things. mbali: the little things matter

13. Who is Jesus Christ to you individually and as a couple? nyiko: Jesus the Name above all names, the King of kings.

With Him there is nothing impossible.

I wouldn't be who and what I am today if it wasn't for His love and mercy.

He has really done a lot for me.

Jesus, I love u mbali: He is my Saviour, the reason I am breathing, He is my Jesus. I don't know how I would be able to even leave the house and make it back without Him. I sometimes sit back and wonder or feel sorry rather for the Joy and the love that non-believers are missing out on the security we have in Him. Us: He is the Pillar of our union. Our relationship would not have gotten this far had it not been for His love, grace and mercy. On a daily basis we see the things He does in our lives. We are reminded that He loves us and has favoured us. When we decided to set a date for the wedding celebration, we got to experience the power of the Lord and His greatness together for the first time as a couple.

In Dec 2016, one day we decided to go to the mall and have a look at rings on our way back we set a date for the wedding. At the time, financially things were not great as he was not working and had been looking for a job for months but we knew we are getting married. How it was going to happen we left it to God. In January Nyiko got a call for a vacancy he did not even apply for. Miraculously things started coming together 14. One word, if possible to describe your marriage?

Beautiful 15. What advice to those who are in the process of getting married would you give?

Know and understand what you are getting into. Pray about it! Also learn to always put God first. Go for it and go big, do not limit your faith. There will always be hurdles and you will have to overcome. We are all human at the end of the day and we are tested daily. When faced with a situation pray and try see the blessing or lesson in that situation

16. The best advice ever received?

Marriage should be fun

nyiko & mbali

mhlongo

Monthly Devotion THE MAN AND HIS MESSAGE! Read JUDE 1,2 Jude introduces himself as the slave of Jesus and the brother of James.

James, we know as the brother of Jesus. This is the James who came to be the leader of the Jerusalem church. Jude does not claim the status of ‘brother of Jesus’. That is too grand a title. He is the slave of Jesus. What a contrast to what we have just been reading about abusive leaders. Jude has learned to play second fiddle even to his own brother, James. He is content to work in the shadow of James and most definitely live as the slave of Jesus Christ, his Saviour and Lord.

Jude writes to people he designates as being called, loved and kept. In these words, he describes what God does for us in salvation. Firstly, we are called.

The Holy Spirit goes to work on our dead hearts and awakens us to our sinfulness and the offer of salvation. By the mercy of God, we are able to respond and take Jesus as our Saviour. So great is the love of God for us that even while we were sinners Christ died for us. How much more do we not experience the love of God now that we have become His children! But having been born again we now need to be protected in this new life.

We are in danger on all sides from the attacks of the evil one. But we are kept by Jesus and kept for Jesus. Jude’s greeting is significant. Mercy is often prayed by the Biblical writers when the church is faced with heresy and false teachers.

Prayer: Lord, may I always be Your servant and slave.

MAKEUP N MINISTRY BY:

MADDIE

WE ALL HAVE A STORY TO SHARE ABOUT THE GOODNESS OF JESUS CHRIST. IN THIS ISSUE MADDIE SHARES HERS ON HOW FAITHFUL AND INTENTIONAL GOD IS! It all started in church. I was sitting in a

I emailed the director later that day and was

plush patterned chair in the second row

accepted to assist- I had no idea how that simple

when my dad handed over the bulletin, on

act would impact the trajectory of my life forever.

which he had circled the words “makeup

Showing up to set on the heels of my first days of

artists wanted.” Our church was producing

sophomore year, I was excited and terrified all at

a feature film to bring awareness to the

the same time. The twelve-hour shoots were

people they were serving in India, and in addition to the film professionals they hired, they needed makeup assistants.

Being 15 at the time, I laughed and wrote “I’m too young” next to his circle of blue ink. We spoke after church and I decided that I really had nothing to lose!

exhausting, but I was elated watching these makeup magicians produce stunning work. I watched, wideeyed, as the two pros airbrushed each individual to complexion perfection. I soaked everything in as the days went along, asking all the questions I could and jumping in to help at every turn. The first day I didn’t sit down for hours, I wanted to appear professional and ready to jump in at every moment.

My body was sore from this choice the

I felt alive and understood working in this

following days, but I didn’t care.

capacity, and I knew I wanted to continue making

For perhaps the first time in my life I felt

people look, and more importantly, feel beautiful.

deep purpose and fulfillment, I knew that

As I continued to work in film, and moved over

this was what I wanted to do. This form of

into retail as well, the fulfillment I had felt so

art spoke to me in a way that no other ever had, and I quickly began learning all that I could, as often as I could.

I began to read books, watch videos, and practice on anyone that would sit still long enough. This was before the boom of youtube influencers, so the resources weren’t as readily available, but I was hungry to learn more and determined to find ways to do so. I jumped into the (somewhat non-existent) makeup department at my high school’s theatre

strongly began to fade. The looks I created were beautiful and I was proud of them, but I couldn’t help but ache for the people I would meet that used makeup solely to cover themselves and their imperfections. As much as I encouraged them and spent time showing them how beautiful they really were, there was a deeper problem that I couldn’t fix as a makeup artist- people felt unseen, unloved, and unknown.

They couldn’t confidently present themselves to the world, and this manifested in timidness and self-deprication. My interactions with them were

department and became the lead makeup

joyful and encouraging, but that only helped

artist and designer. The process of creating

alleviate the symptom of insecurity, not the

unique character looks was challenging and

deeper issues of loneliness, fear, or grief. It was in

exciting, and I look every chance I could to

this season that I felt my calling in life shift from

better myself. I did my friend’s hair and

outward to inward beauty. I would always be

makeup for school dances, I helped my

passionate about makeup artistry, but the people

teammates on dance team with their looks,

that sat in my chair represented a whole

I did whatever I could to practice this beautiful craft of makeup artistry.

High school ended and I jumped right into full time schooling at the world renowned Makeup Designory in Burbank, California. As a bright eyed 18 year old, I was the youngest in the class, and definitely the most naive. I went in each day excited to learn, expectant to grow, and ready to take on any challenge they presented us with. The schooling process was definitely a challenge, being in class from 8-4 each day, and learning

population of hurting people, and I knew I had to do something to help them.

Throughout this time of going to makeup school and beginning my career, I had been volunteering with the junior high group at my church and I loved it. The girls I was with were so full of joy with their whole lives ahead of them, and I felt honored to be a part of their journey for even a little bit. When I felt the tug to bring out deeper beauty in those around me, my mind often went to the girls in my junior high group. The conversations I had with them taught me more about Jesus than perhaps any other, and I began

everything from beauty makeup to special

to wonder if ministry was the direction God was

effects, but it was incredibly rewarding and

calling me to. “Ministry? Really?” I thought. My

I felt utterly at home. The program ended

whole life, I had been working towards a fabulous

and I began building my network and

career in makeup artistry, and now God was

working on film projects. I widened my net

calling me into ministry? It didn’t really make

and met new people, worked in film and

sense, but I decided to listen and go back to

print, and eventually received a nomination

school for ministry, youth and family ministry to

for Best Hair and Makeup from the 168 Film Festival, for my work on a special project called “Birdie’s Song.”

be exact.

I jumped into this new season, hesitant, but soaring with the thought that I was boldly following God’s plan for my life. This couldn’t be a selfish decision, because I didn’t want it to begin with! I strutted into my classes, holding tightly to the end goal of helping people, and trusting that it would be worthwhile. It was during this transition that I was blindsided by the biggest crisis I had yet to face in my life.

My family crumbled before my eyes and I was

This process through pain solidified my calling

left standing in the rubble trying to make

to do life with people, to know them, to

sense of what had just happened. Here I was,

laugh and mourn with them, to point them

going to school to serve God, changing the

towards the Healer, the Savior, our King Jesus.

entire direction of my future to be obedient, and from out of the blue I was struck by betrayal, trauma, and grief. What I had known for so long was obliterated, the security I felt was viciously taken away- It felt like everything I relied on was stripped from me.

This season, this process of sitting in the reality of what happened and trying our best to move forward as a family, was painful, sometimes impossible. We did our best to work through the underlying issues and move

This very experience, the one I thought I would never get through, has been the biggest source of hope for restoration, redemption, reconciliation. God has and is continuing to use this experience to minister to others that are currently wading through grief, and for that I am deeply humbled, honored, and grateful. In 2016, I felt God telling me to write about my journey, to take down my thoughts, feelings, prayers. I listened, not knowing where it would go, and

towards restoration, but as those of you that

began to piece together my memories from

have encountered pain know, this isn’t a

those days with encouragement for anyone that

quick process. The years of rebuilding what

was walking down that path. A few months later,

one person’s actions had destroyed were

I felt the distinct direction to make it into a

excruciating. But God, in His Faithfulness,

book. This was a crazy instruction from God! Me?

took the ashes of our family and made them

Write a book? Really? I grappled with what this

into something stunning and new, something

would look like, if anyone would even want to

beautiful.

hear my story, how it would be written.

STRIPPED

In all of my questions and uncertainties, I realized that God had given me this precious experience and it was His story to tell. If He wanted to tell it through a book, who was I to question it? From there, He and I began writing together, and Stripped was born.

As I prepare to launch this work of love, God has continued to use my background in makeup to connect me with people that are desperate for community. My small group, called “Beauty Loving Ladies” is a stunning mix of girls that love beauty and desire deeper community. Although it’s a newer group, God has used these ladies to minister to each other, as we all travel together through the ups and downs of everyday life. Ministry and makeup came together as I had the opportunity to create a scripture-inspired makeup look at my church’s art night. I got to create, in my favorite way, a physical, colorful expression of Genesis 2 and God’s creative power.

My experience of God’s direction in my life has been a divine dance, with His Supernatural guidance, and my decision to follow His lead. The tune has changed, the speed has fluctuated, the song itself has been switched, but the dance continues. I am in awe, as I look back upon the process thus far, of just how intentional God has been to weave so many beautiful experiences into my life. Beauty in these moments has not been determined by my happiness or success, but the way I have come to know God deeply because of them. I never expected makeup and ministry to be my motto, but the embodiment of that combination is truly who I was created to be. I don’t know where else He will lead me, whether the dance will be a tango or a waltz, but I’m excited to follow His footsteps, learning as much as I can every day, and helping others do the same.

You can stay up to date with Madison on Instagram at @makeupnministry and stay tuned for the release of Stripped, launching February 16th on Amazon.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

letter from the EDITOR @empressteekay I mean here we are sitting on issue 11, can you believe it?

What a Mighty, Sovereign, Loving , Patient , Kind , Merciful , Faithful and Graceful God I serve. Beloved, I say this because I experienced each one of these characteristics in this year of 2018.

Well I’m still in awe. I say this because this year has been one of the most challenging years I’ve passed through in my 26 years of living. My identity was attacked, my spiritual life was also attacked, and the things I thought, I knew without a doubt that I was being attacked. What a year!!

What a YEAR! WOW. As I write this I have no idea where to begin but can I say WOW one more time. 2018 started with a bang if I can say so. You know that beginning of the year, where in the month of December you have reflected on what you did in that year, and start analyzing what you could have done and will definitely implement it in the next year.

That’s the euphoria I was in in the beginning of 2018.

I learnt things like spiritual warfare ( by the way I never knew it had many dimensions to it or should I say I thought the last one I went through was THE LAST). I thought I was happy until I went through challenges and discovered that in this world there will be tribulations but we need to take heart because King Jesus has overcome.

I realized that I had created my happiness in the things of

If I must share, I’m a creative person and a lot goes on when it comes to that but I’m also a person who also procrastinates (still working on that). But the Lord this year helped me to accomplish each and everything that was written on my vision board! Can I get a Hallelujah!! One of them being this magazine. You know the way this magazine started is a testimony I will never forget. I saw God’s Grace and Favor like none other.

the world and not in Jesus Christ who is Joy . I realized I wasn’t as mature in the things of God as I thought I was. I also realized that I needed to be strong , endure, have patience and know that tests and temptations were part of life. Also how getting to the palace wouldn’t be a walk in the park and that’s when the stories of the Heroes of Faith like Esther, Joseph , Job , David , Ruth, The Apostles hey even King Jesus become more alive. I realized that, yes, I was living right but was more concerned with what people thought about me.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

I spent most of my time going to restaurants, events, looking good and taking pictures etc. Don’t get me wrong there is nothing wrong with that but for me personally it derailed my outlook on the reality of life that we are living

Because this world promises microwave miracles, we are not partakers of that, but we are Jesus Christ’s army interested in one thing, which is winning people to become our brothers and sisters. Because love looks around for those in need and in this case it’s Eternal Life.

in.

With Christmas on the way can I just send a shout out to That as Christians we are in a constant battle and are soldiers for the Kingdom and cannot afford to be caught up in such things. The more I realized that this year, the more the warfare increased and how much one needs to be 1 Peter 1:13-16 minded and equipped among-st other things. The more one goes through challenges, the more

King Jesus for the 25th Of December. Without Him it wouldn’t exist and how about we make it about Him in everything we do especially by feeding and providing for those in need. Be encouraged to send me feedback about this letter on my email address : beautyandthegospel@gmailcom .

one learns about themselves. Oh boy, I have learnt a lot about myself and God. I say this scripture with such confidence because I now see that throughout my life

I’d love to hear from you. You are loved. God Bless and Happy Holidays.

surely Hebrews 13- 5 “ I will never leave nor forsake you; I will never abandon you” has been fulfilled. I’ve asked myself and God like why did I have to go through sooo much in such a small space of time and why such challenges.

One man of God answered: “because we cannot grow spiritually until we go though challenges”. It’s funny how we as God’s Children want to serve God and grow spiritually but don’t want to go though challenges , tribulations , situations and trials. As my Spiritual father likes saying: “The devil doesn’t chase empty vessels”. I hope this letter encourages you today that no matter what we go through, Jesus Christ is with us and is taking us to our palace all for God’s Glory.

" there can be no testimony without a test ~ Joyce Meyer "

SAM&MARTHA

WE TALK BEING CREATIVE IN CHRIST

EXODUS 35:30-33 "See, the Lord has called by name Bazalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; and has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge , and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs. "

1. Who is “Sam & Martha” and where are you from?

• Samuel is originally from Tanzania and I am from Lephalale in Limpopo. We are a husband and wife musical duo, currently living in Pretoria, South Africa.

2. Who is King Jesus to Sam & Martha?

• He is the One who calls all the shots in our lives.

3. When I say the name Jesus what comes to mind?

• Friend and Comforter 4. You changed your name from Living Lights to Sam & Martha. What made you decide to make the change and when did you start your musical journey?

• Besides it being our real names, we felt like it was a better representation of what we want our music to sound like.

We want to make music that leads people to reflect, pray and pursuit intimacy with God so, “Sam & Martha” felt like a more personal way to engage with people.

5. You have a new album out “Hope”.

Take us through the process from the beginning to the end, what inspired you to write the songs and what is the meaning of the album title?

• We were inspired by the story of the birth of Jesus, His reasons for coming and the response we should have concerning the revelation of who He is.

So, we wrote songs about His mercy, His Love, His salvation and our response to Him as King.

.6. You released an album in 2016 titled “FAITH” what did you want to impart to the listener and is it still available for purchase?

Our first album, Faith, is about believing that God is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). So, the songs were meant to encourage a dependence on God and the conviction of knowing that He will do what He said He would.

Yes, the album is still available for purchase.

7. Who does what when it comes to composing the music?

• Both of us write songs individually and we then come together to critique and refine each other’s work. After that, Samuel takes over with the production, mixing and mastering while I give my opinion as we go along *insert hiding monkey emoji*

SAM & MARTHA

8. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a duo who is husband and wife?

• A great advantage is that, we easily understand each other’s passion for music and the arts, so our priorities and desires are usually in the same direction.

We’re usually pulling in the same direction, and because of that, we understand if there are any sacrifices that may need to be made at home if something work related issues arise.

We have learnt over the years not to take every work disagreement personally. However, one disadvantage may be that if we do find ourselves upset with each other, it becomes easy to carry that disappointment into our home. So, we constantly need to evaluate whether our negative emotions are appropriate or not.

9. Define purpose and how can one determine their purpose?

We believe purpose is found when you understand what God is doing with you at the current moment, then aligning into His thoughts and ideas. At various times one may tend to function outside the grace that God gives for your life or for that season and then frustration sets in. God’s grace which empowers us to succeed is given in specific ways or for specific functions which we are to seek God about for each our lives.

See Romans 12.

19. On the weekend you will find us… watching movies and eating vegan popsicles �� 20. Can’t live without… our laptops 21. We dream of… singing our songs to people all over the world.

22. 2018 is…a year that taught us a lot about ourselves 23. What people don’t know is that We… love spending time at home watching films (currently Eastern/ Asian films) 24. If it weren’t for Jesus, we would …have no purpose 25. Can’t stop thinking about…. Taking some time away from Pretoria.

26. Daily mantra… “Be faithful” 27. Purpose is…understanding your place in God’s family and the grace with which to serve?

28. Favourite Artist? United Pursuit, Gregory Porter, Brooke Ligertwood, Katie Melua…too many to name 29. we will retire the day …We don’t want to ever stop making music.

30. Best advice ever received… Be humble

"WE ARE ABOUT FAMILY AND INTIMACY WITH GOD."

10. How important is it to be around people with a purpose that is aligned to yours?

• I think if you are walking in God’s will for your life, He will connect you with people that He wants you to relate to. I wouldn’t limit my interaction with people purely because we seem to have nothing in common. Follow God and He will surround you with people you should be surrounded with, sometimes even the most unlikely relationships are for God’s glory. As believers we have a common purpose to serve the Lord, so we need to be open God using us in ways and with people we may never have thought of.

11. To you, what does it mean to be CREATIVE IN CHRIST? • Creative is a broad term for us. A scientist is a creative when he comes up with a new formula.

A computer programmer is creative when she programs a new algorithm.

Creativity isn’t bound to the arts (music, poetry, design etc.). If you are inspired by the Holy Spirit to come up with something new, you are a Creative in Christ.

12. Have you always aspired to be gospel musicians?

• We have always loved music, but I wouldn’t say we’ve always aspired to be gospel musicians. I would say that somewhere along the line we discovered that it was God’s plan for us and we are doing it wholeheartedly…and we’re having a great time doing it.

13. To someone going through the worst right now, what’s your message?

• There is hope for you. Don’t give up. What we often do in these times is read scripture privately.

If you can’t then listen to godly music or play an audio Bible to yourself. Psalm 119 says: “Your Word is my comfort and has given me life”. God’s Word will never fail to comfort us, we just need to try our best to open ourselves up to His voice again and He will comfort us.

@sam.martha.music 14. Beauty and the Gospel is about “living for God and still being dope” (biblically). You fit that so perfectly, so how do you then as young as you are, and a couple manage to do that especially in these times we are living in?

• We definitely wouldn’t consider ourselves to be “dope”. LOL, I think we’re pretty average. I think the more you get into God, the more comfortable you become with yourself, and the more comfortable you become with yourself, the more comfortable become with who you are. That’s where our ‘dopeness’ comes from.

16. When people hear the name Sam & Martha.

What do you want them to know?

• We are about family and intimacy with God. 17. How can people access your music?

• It is available on all online music platforms.

Monthly Devotion THE BEGINNING OF KNOWLEDGE ….

READ PROVERBS 1:1-7 Proverbs is a book of collected sayings of various people, mainly king Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived. In this book he shares some of that knowledge with us under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

These few verses explain the purpose of the book: namely, to instruct its reader on how to live life that is pleasing before both God and men. Verse 7 gives a kind of summary of the whole of the book, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge”. If we want to know how to act wisely in given situations, if we want to know what God expects from us as we face life’s changing situations, this is a book we need to know and understand. Its great aim is to teach us how to have this reverent awe of God that we call ‘fear’.

Many live with no regard for God at all. They do not care what God says or thinks about their behaviour. The Bible describes such people as ‘fools.’

They may be wealthy and successful as far as this world is concerned, but in the eyes of God they are fools, for they have ignored the most important factor in life which is God Himself.

Prayer: Lord, may I always live with You in focus and with You as the centre of my life.

Christian

BLOGGING 101

BY : EMPRESS TEEKAY

Who are you personally and professionally and where are you from?

My name is Abidemi but everyone calls me Bibi. People say I’m sunshine in a person because my presence makes everyone come alive. I identify as a daughter of God and a minister of the gospel.

Professionally, I am an international development practitioner. I currently work for an NGO that is working to improve people’s access to High-tech surgery in Nigeria. I am from Nigeria.

How and when did you become Born Again?

I was born and raised into a Christian family. So I have been exposed to the gospel for as long as I can remember. I intentionally gave my life to Christ in my teenage years while I was in a Christian boarding secondary school.

What is blogging?

Blogging to me is sharing my thoughts and opinions about pretty much anything. I think it’s a really wonderful avenue to connect with people all over the world with whatever you are passionate about. Blogging is fun!

What inspires your posts and what preparation goes into it?

My posts are often inspired by the conversations, experiences and things happening around me. Sometimes I wake up at 4 in the morning and I have words pouring out so fast that I have to write it all out on my phone. By the time I go through it mid-day, I have 2 pages of content that was inspired by the Holy Spirit. I start with writing out my content for the week, figuring out a title, designing the related graphics, and engage with people on social media about the subject matter. Then I go back and make new adjustments to the content before I publish it every Thursday at 7pm West African Time.

What do you want people to learn from your blogs?

I want people to understand that Jesus has died for their past, present and future sins. He is not angry with any one. I want them to approach Christian living from a place of loving Jesus and not the fear of hell.

@bibilamour04

Other Interests?

I’m also interested in lifestyle blogging, food and restaurant reviews, beauty (natural hair, make up, skin care), finances and professional development

What is the secret to authentic, thought provoking blogging?

Telling your truth apologetically even if it hurts. There may be someone on the other end that needs to hear those words no matter how it sounds What makes you different from other Christian bloggers?

There isn't much difference, we all share Christ. I think a difference would be that I also post content on food, lifestyle and the likes. We all talk about Jesus in our own different and unique ways.

Where would you like to see your blog in the next 2 years?

I’d love my blog to be a place where Christians of all ages, races and socio-economic status can continually understand the gift of salvation and how the gospel transforms them to be what God has already made them in Christ.

Who is King Jesus to you?

Jesus is the One that came to over pay for my sins even without knowing me. I was about to be sentenced to life imprisonment when He came and saved me. Without Jesus I am absolutely nothing but in Him I am more than a conqueror, I am righteous, I am Holy, I am a billion other things that I could never be. I owe Him my whole existence. Jesus is the debtor I owe and can never pay back. I intend to spend the rest of my life pleasing Him. Advice on how to start Christian blogging?

If it has been laid in your heart to do it, just start. You have to trust that you can never run out of ideas when it comes to sharing the gospel of Christ.

Misconception people have about Christian blogging?

A popular misconception to me is that people don't really go through Christian blogs because they feel the contents are very similar. However the goal is the same even if the paths are different. There is always something to learn regardless.

Last words to the Beauty and The Gospel reader?

You have been equipped to please God. Ask the Holy Spirit to continually help you so you don’t stuggle. You will be amazed by the results of yielding to the power of God! 2 Peter 1:3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.

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