Devoted magazine 22

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE – MindBodySpirit

Discover real life

Pedalling for a purpose

Dear reader, when last were you

devoted to something?

Greatness is a choice, not a given

Bill the road to success

SOLLY MSIMANGA, bent on ending corruption

I SSN2223- 473X

Issue 22

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Starting Ending

on 2 November 2016 from Wonderboom National Airport

on 15 November 2016 at Cape Town International Airport

Follow the journey on the Cycle Miles for Smiles, Capital to Capital Facebook page for further acknowledgements of other sponsors and contributors.

Email us on: editor@devotedmag.co.za

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38)

Thank you sponsors and contributors The founder and organisers of the Cycle Miles for Smiles, Capital to Capital event want to thank the people and organisations below for their selfless support, contributions and sponsorships:

GENESIS Projects & Services

For All Your Staffing Solutions

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE – MindBodySpirit

Discover real life

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

(2 Corinthians 9:7)

Ed’s Letter

Celebrating

Dear reader, when last were you

devoted to something?

In the article, Business basics – Adopt a kingdom attitude, by Stevie Ferreira he says, “You should live your life based on the principles, laws and ways of the kingdom of God in every area of your life: Through your lifestyle, your business, your family and friends. You should reflect heaven in all your decisions, faith and conduct. Your personality should reflect the positivity, joy, peace and wisdom as demonstrated by Jesus Christ. Your business and life should reflect the heart, nature and sensitivity of the Father. You represent heaven on earth.”

H

e explains that there is a big difference between a giver and a kingdom-builder: “A giver gives when they are in a position to give, whilst a kingdom-builder has made a decision to build God’s kingdom on earth as a priority and their life’s purpose. In a kingdom-builder’s life, decisions to give and support the kingdom always have priority above personal preferences.”

It is not by chance that I recently read two books on martyr ships and how godly men and women chose to sacrifice everything (including their lives) for the purpose of building the kingdom. The books, The Greatest Century of Missions (by Dr. Peter Hammond) and Foxe’s Book of Martyrs (by Johan Foxe) recorded how martyrs have used different platforms to do God’s work and paid the highest price for that. Harold J Chadwick asked the following question in the foreword of Foxe’s Book of Martyrs: “Could we, with our soft and self-serving modern Christianity, follow their examples of such courage and love for Christ that we would suffer being tortured, mutilated, and burned alive rather that recant our faith in Him?” This is a tough question and one that needs some reflection.

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We have become so busy with worldly things that we do not have time for the important things and each other nowadays.

You see it everywhere… people are so connected (attached, addicted??) to digital things that they totally disconnect from each other and from the world out there.

They think when they sit in restaurants with friends and family members, constantly being interrupted by SMSs and e-mails on their smartphones or iPads that they are connected with the world. The sad thing is that people have become so disconnected from the world and it has become so difficult to communicate with them, even with – or because of – the digital advances in the communications field.

When we are devoted to a higher cause, our lives are transformed. But a higher cause demands commitment, dedication, loyalty, and sincerity from us. Over the years, I have had the honour to meet a few people who really demonstrate these qualities through their conduct. These people are especially an inspiration to us in the way they serve God by serving the poor and the marginalised. They have open hearts and giving hands and they have learnt the secret that they can enrich their own lives by changing the lives of others

for the better. You can also read about those devoted people in this issue. I want to salute them all through this special edition by thanking them for being an inspiration to us all.

Which brings me back to the question: When last were you devoted to something?

We invite you to contribute to Devoted, as well as to the cause it supports, the Cycle Miles for Smiles campaign in general, but also the Capital-to-Capital event in particular, that aims to help the poorest of communities and the marginalised. People like Dr Tertius Venter cannot do it on their own. They need our time, our talents, our gifts, out finances…They need our support and contributions to continue doing what God has called them to do. I want to invite you to start being devoted to something, and to live a life of purpose! And, thank you to our wonderful supporters and sponsors for helping us to support the cause.

If you have a talent or gift to share, this platform is always open to you.

Until next time…

With love Gerda Potgieter

From the desk of Angus Buchan

Are you

devoted to God? 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (NKJV) “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.”

W

hile I was writing this, I was sitting quietly in my inner room and was reminded of how painful it is when someone is unfaithful to their spouse, to their partner in business or to their childhood friend. It is something that tugs at the heart of a person. Yet, 1 Thessalonians 5:24 reminds me that our God is faithful.

Thomas Brooks said: “A man were better to say there is no God than to say that God is unfaithful.”

Faithfulness is one of the most beautiful fruits of the Spirit of God. When we are unfaithful, He still remains faithful. In fact, Hebrews 13:5, says that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

In a society that has no or very little moral standards and where you cannot seem to trust anyone, it is so beautiful to know that our God remains faithful. Matthew Henry, a great theologian, said: “Though men are false, God is faithful.”

At the very least, we can be devoted to the One who always remains devoted. Having walked closely with the Lord Jesus Christ for close to 40 years, I can honestly say to you, my dear friend, He has never once let me down. His word, I have never once found Him to be untrue. He is indeed a friend who sticks closer than any brother.

So I would encourage you to get into your inner room and speak to the devoted One and He will give you godly counsel through His word and through His faithful servants. Then you in turn should remain devoted to Him.

The best gift ever…

Do you remember that wonderful story about the footprints in the sand, when the Lord was walking with one of His children on the sea sand and the young man said “Lord I have a question for You. Why was it that every time, when times were hard You seem to desert me, because I could see there was only one set of footprints left in the sand?” and the Lord said “But my son those were the times when I was carrying you.” That is often the case when times are hard… We think that the faithful One has deserted us, but nothing could be further from the truth.

I have found in my own life that the Lord Jesus Christ has been the closest to me in my darkest hours. What we need to do is open our hearts and see how much He loves us. People will come and people will go. Some will hurt us and some will disappoint us, but I can promise you one thing, our God will never ever leave us, He will never disappoint us, and best of all, He will never be unfaithful to us.

As things become darker in the world, we will see the faithfulness of God become brighter in our lives. You might not be able to trust your bank, the weather, the government, but you can trust the man from Galilee, Jesus Christ, who is faithful indeed.

May God bless you as you walk with your hand in His hand. He will not desert you.

Angus Buchan Shalom Ministries

Hardcover price: R459-95 LuxLeather price: R559-95

… The Bible with Grassroots reflections by Angus Buchan...

The Bible with Grassroots reflections by Angus Buchan combines the insight of 366 selected devotions with the complete text of the New King James Version.

Readers can now walk through the Bible with Uncle Angus. In truly Buchan-style he challenges readers to grow and live as God has destined them. Believers are guided in their Christian walk.

This devotional Bible includes: A one-year Bible reading plan - A list of Bible promises for tough times - Scripture for specific needs. Daily readings of this Bible will encourage readers and strengthen their faith as they walk with God.

Available at all Cum Book stores countrywide. www.devotedmag.co.za

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Sample Text

Sample Text

Cycle Miles for Smiles…

From Pretoria to Cape Town 2 – 15 November 2016

Dr. Tertius Venter, plastic and reconstructive surgeon, will cycle from the Wonderboom Airport to Cape Town International Airport in November this year. The Cycle Miles for Smiles event, linking the two capitals symbolically, will mark the 80th anniversary celebrations of the Wonderboom Airport.

Doctor Venter regularly cycles between cities to create awareness for the plight of the poor and to raise funds for the Africa Mercy Ship, the world’s largest non-governmental hospital ship that offers free health care to those who cannot afford it. Doctor Venter is a volunteer on the Africa Mercy Ship.

“A call to compassionate action in a hurting world bringing hope and healing, restoring dignity and self-worth.”

(Mercy Ships’ Mission)

Follow the journey on Cycle Miles for Smiles, Capital to Capital Facebook.

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LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE – MindBodySpirit

www.devotedmag.co.za

Discover real life

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Discover real life

Our Cycle Miles for Smiles, Capital to Capital tour (2 November to 15 November 2016) will bring smiles to the hearts and faces of people.

Read more on Pedalling for a purpose on pages 6-8.

Follow us on Facebook.

“If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24)

Credits

I n t h i s i s s u e

MANAGING EDITOR Gerda Potgieter • E-mail: editor@devotedmag.co.za

EDS LETTER When last were you devoted to something? 2 FROM THE DESK OF ANGUS BUCHAN Are you devoted to God? 3 COVER STORY Pedalling for a purpose 6

CAPE TOWN OFFICE: Publishing World SA • Tel: 021 591 0309 E-mail: devoted@publishingworld.sa.com LANGUAGE EDITOR Mignionette Fair ASSISTANT EDITOR Jeannie Millington

GETTING TO KNOW Solly Msimanga, bent on ending corruption

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ATTITUDE You decide the way you see it

CREATIVE AND DESIGN TEAM Annerine Lubbe (Square d’zign studio)

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INSPIRATION Greatness is a choice, not a given Bill the road to success The frontline of grassroots

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CONTRIBUTORS Angus Buchan • Gugu Ndlovu • Elizabeth Bekker Janet Potgieter • Johan Terblanche • Mignionette Fair Suzette van Huyssteen • Stevie Ferreira • Dr. Hanlie Meyer

THE CONVERSATION Stand up against racism

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DESTINY Travel with a purpose

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ACTUAL Surf safe on the internet ATTITUDE Turn your pain into pearls Burn the boats

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PRINTERS Shereno Printers SALES AND MARKETING Alicia Potgieter • Cell: 074 460 4123 E-mail: aliciajorge26@gmail.com sales@devotedmag.co.za WEBSITE DEVELOPER Tony Hendricks SOCIAL MEDIA just plain IT

Contact Details

WELLNESS Boundaries

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BUSINESS Business basics – adopt a kingdom attitude

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FAIR FLAIR Fellowship with God

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Editor: Email: editor@devotedmag.co.za Sales - National:

Book your advertising space for the next issue, contact Alicia Email: aliciajorge26@gmail.com

Content disclaimer: Devoted is published by DeVine Publishers. All rights reserved. While every precaution has been taken to ensure accuracy of information, the managing editor, Devoted and the publisher cannot accept liability of whatever nature arising out or in connection with the contents of this magazine. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of any of the Devoted team and remains the sole responsibility of the writers.

074 460 4123

Plagiarism disclaimer: It was confirmed by our writers and contributors that no part of the written submissions has been copied from either a book or any other source, including the Internet, except where such sections are clearly shown as quotations and the sources have been correctly identified within the text or in the list of references.

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Pedalling for a purpose

People get involved in events for a variety of reasons. They may be personally motivated because of an event in their lives, or they may receive an invitation to participate from someone they regard highly, or because they want to make a difference in the lives of others.

The Cycle Miles for Smiles campaign reaches out to the poorest and most destitute; simultaneously it aims to bring South Africans together in a unique way so they can be united in their efforts to make the world a better place for all, one smile at a time. The Capital-to-Capital leg of the campaign will be launched from the Wonderboom National Airport on 2 November 2016 and the launch will see a number of like-minded people demonstrating their support for the event in an effort to make a change. By reaching out to those less privileged than us through this event, we show compassion and bring hope.

We asked some of the contributors to Cycle Miles for Smiles, Capital-to-Capital why they decided to join and make a difference in whichever way.

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of the pital-to-Capital leg manager of the Ca t sation en er ev nv e co th is in is er e Gerda Potgiet ove picture, sh ab e th In n. ig lr. pa iles cam hwane, Cl Solly Cycle Miles for Sm or of the City of Ts ay m ive ut ec ex cted the event. with the newly ele sing the details of Msimanga, discus

“D

octor Tertius Venter, a volunteer on the Africa Mercy ship and founder of the Cycle Miles for Smiles campaign, was brought to my attention by Karin Duranti from Surgical Guidelines in the United Kingdom. This was not a coincidence, but a Godcidence!

“I visited a Mercy Ship in East London (the Anastasis) sixteen ago and I was touched by the wonderful work the volunteers do on board for people they do not know and would probably not meet again afterwards. I just knew that God had brought me to the ship for a very good reason and decided that I had to become involved in some way.

But a few years had to pass so I would be better prepared…

“God has His own timing, which usually does not coincide with ours!

Although we did not meet then, I would later find out that I was on board the same ship where Doctor Tertius (see his article below) was called by God to serve Him by serving the poorest as a full-time volunteer.

“Through his story and discussions with him many years later, I just knew

that I had to become more actively involved. A plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Doctor Venter devotes his life to helping the most destitute by doing life-changing operations on those poor and hopeless. Never before have I met a person with such love for the Lord and His people, a person with such dedication…

“I was looking for ways to assist so that Doctor Tertius could continue with reconstructive and plastic surgery in his quest to put smiles on the faces and in the hearts of people. Doctor Tertius also volunteers with the Pan African Academy for Christian Surgeons (PAACS) and Operation Smile, and these organisations depend solely on sponsorships and donations to help the poor and the marginalised who do not have access to basic medical and surgical care - and they also simply cannot afford it. They are struggling to make ends meet with less than a dollar a day! The lack of medical attention results in devastation and severe medical challenges for patients, so much so that they struggle to live a decent life.

Cover Story “Doctor Tertius founded the Cycle Miles for Smiles campaign to create awareness for the plight of the poorest and to create funds to enable him to continue with his work as a full-time volunteer with all these above organisations. He cycles across continents in his willingness to stay true to his calling, although he is not a professional cyclist.

“I strongly believe that God gave us all talents to use for His glory, but also to help each other. I have a talent to write and organise. So, I write about DoctorTertius’ work – life-changing surgeries and giving hope where there seems to be none .

I also write about the causes he supports and now I am also organising the Capitalto-Capital leg of his campaign while also promoting daily return flights from the Wonderboom National Airport and Cape Town International Airport… What better way to promote a Capital-to-Capital link than a link of compassion?

“My involvement in this event demonstrates that you can use any platform to do God’s work and take care of His people - even your workplace. I will, however, not cycle with the group, but will drive down alongside them. This is to make sure they are doing fine and that their needs are taken care of. Somebody must enjoy the trip in comfort, and it might as well be me!

“You can also get involved, even if you cannot cycle. You can provide accommodation, food or any comfort items for the cyclists. You can also make a donation towards the cause, no matter how small the amount. Or, you can sponsor Doctor Tertius’ costs for the cycling tour at R10,00 per kilometre – he will eventually cycle 1 999 kilometres from capital to capital”

Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane, Cllr. Solly Msimanga, sees the cycle tour as a symbol of the journey he embarked on for the capital city… a journey to prosperity and growth.

“Cycling from the Wonderboom National Airport is a great personal challenge. And if we can grow the tourism potential of the airport at the same time that devoted fundraisers can raise money for the poorest of the poor it’s even better. This is why I support this event wholeheartedly. I do not only support it, I am also going to participate in it to demonstrate my commitment! I hope that others will follow too…

“This is a joint venture with a heart…

Providing services while creating awareness for the plight of the poor – those poor and destitute people who were born into poverty and who do not have a voice to make their challenges and daily sufferings known.

“The City of Tshwane Municipality is the license holder of the airport and in 2015, the municipality, in collaboration

with its partner, Airlink, has introduced daily scheduled flights between the two historic capitals. This forms the basis for the development of other joint ventures between Tshwane and the Mother City and also the opportunity to enhance tourism. Now that both the capitals are managed by DA governing bodies, it creates a powerful platform for joint ventures and friendships that will benefit all parties involved.

“I am partaking in the first leg of the Cycle Miles for Smiles, Capital-to-Capital event to demonstrate my support for this cause. Unfortunately, due to other engagements as part of my duties as newly elected mayor of the magnificent capital, Tshwane, I cannot afford to stay away from the office for longer than one half-day. I have made commitments to our people that the new governing body of Tshwane will bring change, and will bring it quick! However, I wanted to demonstrate my full support for this event and I hope to do it in this way by cycling a part of the journey, part of the beginning leg, with them.

“This cycle tour is symbolic of the journey I embarked on in Tshwane, namely to bring hope back to our people, and to make them smile again. We will do this by delivering better services to all our people and to do everything in our power to fight poverty. We will use all avenues to bring the plight of the poor to the attention of those who can, and have the responsibility, to help. This is a journey I started, namely to end poverty in our communities by ending the corruption and mismanagement that has held Tshwane back for too long, and which allowed progress to stall.

“Tshwane is not just any city, but our capital. We have a responsibility to ensure that we set the highest possible standard for the rest of the country, and for the continent we are a part of. We must be a shining example for all our people across South Africa and in Africa, our beloved

Pedalling for a purpose

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Cover Story continent. And taking hands with our Mother City, Cape Town, in this unique way makes absolute sense to me. We have started on the exciting journey to spread hope and compassion from capital to capital and I hope that all our people will join us on this journey!

“My commitment to the people of Tshwane is to be a government they can be proud of. And the Cycle Miles for Smiles, Capital to Capital event shows that we care, that we are responsibly taking care of the poor and the marginalised. This is only the first step on this journey, but we are taking it diligently and with compassion…

“I will be sending a Baton of Friendship with the cyclists, which they will then hand over to the executive mayor of Cape Town when they arrive in the Mother City. This is symbolic of my intention to take the lead in working together with the Cape Town governing body as well as all those that want to work with us for a better South Africa; and to fight poverty collectively.”

Mercy Ships. So far I have cycled thousands of kilometres across the globe and over many landscapes (including Europe, the United States and United Kingdom) to make people aware that one-third of the world’s population do not have access to basic medical care. A simple condition that we can have treated immediately in our country by our doctors can quickly turn into a disaster for them, just because they do not have that same access. The only difference between them and us is the place where they were born…

“I also use this platform to raise money to serve those people who cannot afford medical and surgical care but desperately need it. If you work on a Mercy Ship as a volunteer, it is expected that you will pay your own costs to get to the ship (the air ticket), as well as the day-to-day accommodation and meals. Because I gave up my practice to volunteer full-time for the above organisations I do not have any income and I am dependent on the help, goodwill and donations of others to be able to continue with my work.

“I also use this platform to put smiles on the faces and hearts of people. It is my hope that South Africans will lovingly unite in their willingness to help me, and others like me, to continue with our volunteering work.

“And although I now reside in Cape Town, Pretoria is close to my heart and I have family members living here. The Capital to Capital link also symbolises the bond between family members for me.”

Doctor Tertius Venter is a reconstructive and plastic surgeon and full-time volunteer on the Africa Mercy ship. He is also the founding member of the cycling team that will cycle from the Wonderboom National Airport to the beautiful Mother City, Cape Town.

“God took me to a hospital ship on the west coast of Africa in 2000 and touched my heart with the outcry of the poor. My life was changed forever on this ship, the M/V Anastasis. I closed my practice in 2006 and serve God by serving the poor through Mercy Ships, now on the Africa Mercy.

“I founded the Cycle Miles for Smiles campaign to create awareness for those who do not have any access to medical care and to raise funds for the work on

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many lessons. One thing I realise today is that no matter how sad it may seem, there is NOTHING I can do for my child anymore. I cannot buy her anything, I cannot communicate with her and I cannot hug her, and I cannot bring a smile to her face… there is nothing I can do.

“This leaves a parent with an empty void, a lack of energy that should be given to your beloved child, now gone forever from this space in time.

“In place of all the tears and heartache I went through, I would now like to start giving back to other children who can still receive hugs, joy and smiles from me. Yes, it can never be for my child, but it can make a difference to another child.

“This tragedy has transformed me, it has changed my mind-set to realise how very short this life is, and that we should do what we can while we still can. We should strive to be significant, to make a difference and to follow our dreams.

“I am exchanging my tears for one smile at a time. I am an athlete and I wanted to use what I can to take part in this amazing campaign to help transform lives.

“Children born with a deformed body or face do not have to live in this tragedy forever. Any tragedy has the ability to destroy a person, but I am a living example that tragedy can be overcome and an abundant life can still be lived. I came out of my tragedy and I wanted to be part of something where I could also help get another person out of their tragedy.

“There is still a beautiful, fulfilled life for these children if we make the effort to be part of this campaign. I will cycle with all that is within me to bring smiles to those facing tragedy today.

“Yes, I know it will never bring my child back, but it makes my life more significant,

Pedalling for a purpose

Karen Coomber, the author of 100 Minutes of Grace, is the only rose among the cycle thorns, so to speak.

This is not just another journey for her but one that will bring her closer to complete healing.

“My personal journey to overcome the tragic death of my daughter taught me

MERCY SHIPS We serve a compassionate God… a God of love. And we were made in His image. The founders of Mercy Ships, Donald and Deyon Stephens, took this calling to heart when they started Mercy Ships 35 years ago. Their ship, Africa Mercy, has state-of-the-art medical facilities and also offers clean water, reliable electricity and care centres. The organisation depends entirely on volunteers who lay down their lives to help the less fortunate. Below are some stats to showcase this amazing organisation.

Annually over 1 600 volunteers from

“BE MERCIFUL, EVEN AS YOU FATHER IS MERCIFUL.” – LUKE 6:36

81 000

Life-saving surgeries performed since 1987

589

45 nations

Ports visited since 1978 Over 200 000 local professionals trained 1 100 infrastructure projects 16 572 ton Africa Mercy ship 377 000 dental procedures Services provided worth $1.2 million

Africa Mercy is the world’s largest civilian hospital ship and serves the nation of Africa

Statistics from Mercy Ships ....

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MILLION PEOPLE IMPACTED Mercy Ships seek to: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Love God (faith) Love and serve others (love/compassion) Be people of integrity (integrity) Be people of excellence in all we say and do (professionalism/quality/responsibility

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Getting to Know

Cllr Solly Msimanga bent on ending corruption

By Gerda Potgieter

The newly elected executive mayor of the City of Tshwane is putting his money where his mouth is, so to speak. Cllr Solly Msimanga has given the first bold steps on his journey to end corruption and bring muchneeded change to the capital city. He is clearly a man of action and for the citizens who have become accustomed to empty promises from politicians this is music to their ears!

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“The people of Tshwane are saying they are tired of corruption; they are tired of nepotism; they are tired of cronyism... The people of Tshwane are saying they are tired of billions that have disappeared time and time again but they want service delivery.” (Cllr Solly Msimanga, executive mayor of Tshwane) Yes, Cllr. Msimanga is indeed talking the talk AND walking the walk! Within days after becoming the first citizen of Tshwane he immediately cut costs by banning the blue lights which were previously abused by so many politicians (and high-ranking officials). He also put a stop to expensive celebrations and inaugural parties and celebratory dinners and lunches which only benefit politicians. He placed a moratorium on overseas trips for politicians and officials and also on new appointments. He promised taxpayers that their money will be spent more wisely and that nepotism and corruption, that have been so rife in the capital’s administration, will come to an abrupt end. “My focus now is to assess the massive issues we have inherited in Tshwane, and there is no time to stop for lavish dinner and lunches,” he says.

“Change has come to Tshwane”, he says. He has pledged to bring change and

much-needed services to the people of Tshwane and categorically stated: “No more will our people suffer at the hands of the ANC (referring to corruption and mismanagement).”

To ensure that he caters to the needs of the diverse citizens, he appointed the most diverse mayoral committee the city has ever seen. “I am proud to lead this team. We are ready to govern with humility and listen to the people who voted so that change can bring a better future for all citizens of the capital”.

Getting the finances right, creating jobs, delivering better services and ending corruption will form the core mandate of the mayor’s new team. While introducing the members of the mayoral committee (MMC) in August he confirmed that his team is “fit and ready to serve the people and ready to bring the change Tshwane needs.”

“On the third of August the people decided which way they wanted this city (Tshwane) to go; and it is not the direction it has been taken in the last 15 years.”

But who is this man who boldly declares war against corruption and mismanagement? Who is Solly Tshepiso Msimanga (his nickname is Tshepi) when he is not sitting in the hottest seat in the city?

Well… He is only 36 years old and has

Getting to Know a BCompt degree. He is married to Monde and the marriage has been blessed with two sons. His career choices include being a Sales Development Executive at Ask Afrika and a short, but successful career in politics as Member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature; National Director for LEAD by the DA (2008) and later the Provincial Director of Operations; Councillor for the Tshwane Municipality (2011–2014); Gauteng North Regional Chairperson for the DA from 2011; and the DA Gauteng Chairperson (from 2014).

He has a heart for the suffering of people and a passion for the upliftment of the poor and marginalised. It comes as no surprise that he is involved in a number of organisations that educate and create awareness of HIV/AIDS. This godly man is also a devout Christian and plans to run the city according to biblical principles. He also pledged his support to the Cycle Miles for Smiles, Capital to Capital event that will take place from the Wonderboom National Airport from 2 -15 November. This event will ultimately benefit the poorest of the poor while it simultaneously create a capital-to-capital link between Tshwane and Cape Town with a baton of friendship that will symbolise the cities’ intention to work together to enhance tourism.

We should not forget that Cllr. Msimanga has a daunting task ahead of him and he will need all the help and support he can get. The Tshwane Metro’s finances are in the red, its salary bill is bloated and it is in danger of a ratings downgrade as a result of the mismanagement of funds and the high level of corruption that have plagued the city’s administration for far too long.

During the so-called PEU investigation by Minister Pravin Gordhan against corruption in Tshwane, Cllr. Msimanga’s quote stood out: “This investigation is a welcome step against the corrupt ANC government of Tshwane, however, the next step must be to vote this government out and to replace it with a government that will stop the cancer of corruption, grow the economy, create jobs and will ensure that all citizens have access to services and opportunities.”

And the people have indeed spoken. For the first time in many years, the City of Tshwane is governed by the DA, a government that has promised change. I must admit, I am biased. The first time I have met this Godly man more than a year ago, I was hooked. Once you meet with him in person and talk to him about his inspirations and vision for the people of the administrative capital, you just know instinctively that you can look forward to a better life for all under his ethical leadership. We wish him all the luck he needs, and will keep supporting him to take the Capital forward.

SIDEBAR There are a number of issues that jeopardise the success of the new executive mayors’ term in office. For instance the low staff morale will have to be dealt with immediately before progress can be made.

We also do not have to debate the issue of corruption the previous government has left behind, those have been recorded through various media platforms for all to note.

However, within a very short space of time, Cllr Msimanga has managed to bring about change where the impact can be felt immediately and for years to come. He put, among others, a stop to • inaugural parties and catered inaugural events for Tshwane’s new executives; • exorbitant amounts on food and parties for politicians; • international travel for politicians and officials of Tshwane; and • abuse of blue lights by politicians and highranking officials.

He immediately started to focus on: • assessing the issues he and his team have inherited; • cleaning the corrupt administration; • getting the right people into the right positions to do the right job; • cleaning up the Municipality’s procurement office; • unravelling entrenched patronage networks; • dealing with low morale of officials in general, but especially those who choose not to get involved in corruption or mismanagement of funds and who have been ostracised, intimidated or edged out of their positions by the previous government as a result.

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Attitude

You Decide The Way

You See

During my latest visit to a local high school, I shared on a subject that I’m kind of obsessed with... sight.

I’m obsessed with it because it’s everywhere in the Bible. God made a point of working with people who could see. Remember Abraham and the stars? Jeremiah when he was called? How about Hagar who couldn’t see the provision of water that was staring her in the face? Then there’s Elisha’s servant who couldn’t see the horses and chariots of fire that were on their side. The list is endless. Even Jesus showed a concern for sight among the blind and not only those who were physically blind, but those who couldn’t see the very Messiah they had been praying for standing before them.

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od laid it on my heart to link sight and decisionmaking, which is imperative to young people, because the decisions they make in their youth shape and influence their entire adulthood. Our decisions (yes I’m a youth too, though no longer a teenager) are a reflection of our sight.

My ability to see and the way in which I see (perspective) is reproduced in the decisions I make. I’d like to address two areas in which this is relevant. Firstly, the decisions I make echo how I see myself. Secondly, the decisions I make reflect where I see myself. We’ll deal with the first in this article.

Self-esteem or self-worth (the way you value/see yourself ) is one area a lot of teens struggle with. In a world where you could literally be anything, it becomes difficult to choose what you’ll be. But if you ask me, I’d say, be anything on the basis of who are.

Sounds confusing huh? I’m just trying to say, be what you want to be on the foundation of who you already are. And who are you? The child of the most high God, created in His image and likeness, destined for life in abundance.

If I understand this, I’ll see things that defy who I am and won’t decide to be any of them, no matter how much

(Part 1)

By Gugu Ndlovu

pressure is around me to be those things. Society doesn’t make it easy for young people. There is pressure from all sides to be what the world approves of, to be what they deem acceptable at the expense of what God has said about you. But if I understand who I am, I won’t dress to impress, exposing my body and attracting the wrong attention. If I see myself the way God sees me, I won’t smoke that or drink that or go there or be with that person just to fit in, only if I see myself in right light.

The most amazing part about who I am is that, unlike what I am, it never changes, just like God. This means that no matter what I’ve been as a result of my blindness and impaired eye sight, I can always change, I can always alter what I am to reflect who I am. It’s never too late, as long as there’s still breath in your lungs, to be who God sees you to be.

I challenge you today to find out how God sees you through His Word.

Align your sight with His, and watch the transformation! Watch your low self-esteem change to a high selfesteem, watch your self-loathing change into self-love, watch your insecurities turn into strengths, watch your life change for the better from the inside out!

Sample Text

Illuminate your skin

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Firmer skin.

No skin irritation.

Revives mature skin.

New Br ea eu ien kth r ulatsio roughk rrm Fo mul a

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Inspiration

A choice, not a given The book, The Greatest Century of Missions by Dr. Peter Hammond tells the stories of the lives, passions and hardships of missionaries in the 19th century. Against all odds and amidst countless hardships, these wonderful people obediently followed their calling and used different platforms, and because they were passionate about what they did, they succeeded. This article is the first in a series written by Elizabeth Bekker that we hope will inspire you to go further for God!

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hey say some people are born into greatness, some achieve greatness and some have it thrusted upon them. I don’t completely agree with this. I believe and am convinced that we are born without greatness. Greatness is a goal, an idea and vision that we would like to accomplish. We all want it and we all have to work for it. You can be born into the richest and most privileged family in the world, but it is still up to you to make something of your life. The world is filled with stories about people who overcame many obstacles and hurdles to achieve something.

Nothing worthwhile ever just falls into our laps… It can’t be downloaded and there isn’t an app for that. We can download books and applications to help us in our quest for greatness, but ultimately it depends on you and the actual work you put into it. One man did achieve greatness; in fact he surpassed it and changed the fortune of countless people. He did it without an app, the internet or any modern means.

On 24 August 1759, William Wilberforce was born in England without greatness. He didn’t even acquire it as a child, it took his entire life and an unparalleled amount of work and determination to achieve it. But he did achieve greatness and it changed his life and the lives of those around him…

William started his political career at 21 and he worked his way up the political ladder. Between 1784 and 1712 he was an Independent Member of Parliament. He did his job, was married and had children, but the defining moment of his life came in 1785. He had a spiritual awakening according to records and history. I am of the opinion that he was born again and met God for the first time in his life. The real God and he finally understood what it meant to be a Christian and a historymaker. This encounter changed the way he lived and his perspective of the world. He became more focused and more determined to change lives, not just socialise and have parties.

Two years later he came in contact with Thomas Clarkson and a group of anti-slave trade activists.

This meeting led to William becoming the leading English abolitionist of the time. It was more than a normal happenstance encounter; it fuelled his

The story of William Wilberforce cause and goals like nothing else. He decided to dedicate his life to stop slavery and to free the oppressed.

Wilberforce did succeed in this mission.

However, this dream and vision didn’t happen overnight. He led the parliamentary campaign against the British Salve Trade for 20 years until the Slave Trade Act was passed in 1807. The act did not free slaves who were already in slavery, but it ended slave trading. It was a pivotal moment in history.

It took William another 23 years to get the entire slavery act abolished. In 1833, the Slavery Abolition Act was passed. This meant that every person in slavery was free. He devoted his entire life to this cause and several others. It is said that at one point in his life he was active in almost 90 different campaigns, acts and causes.

One man’s dream became his life’s goal and work. He changed the lives of so many people.

He died three days after the last act was passed.

His mission on earth had been completed. His work and the legacy he left behind changed the world and keeps on inspiring others to go after greatness. Matthew 19:26 “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

The Conversation

Stand up against Racism is defined as “the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics, abilities or qualities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races”. And, “prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one’s own race is superior.”

This Conversation is about racism and how it impacts us.

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Double standards on racism increase problem – Wilhelmina Bekker

I want to categorically state that it is my opinion that all forms of racism are wrong and cannot be justified by any standard!

Sadly, in South Africa specifically, when racism is mentioned, it is widely (incorrectly) seen only as a “white against black” social ill due to our history, as well as those who use the race card for their own (mostly political) agendas. Unfortunately, “black against others” is seemingly not regarded as racism by many – although examples of these kinds of racism are now all over social media. Even our government of the last years believe that only white people can be racists, while some of them are prime examples of intolerance against others!

We find many examples of the institutionalisation of double standards of racism by the mainstream media, government institutions, corporates, academics, politicians and also the public at large on a daily basis. By this I mean that not all racial comments, unfortunately, are treated with the same dismay. For instance, the hurtful replies and equally racist remarks and hateful comments against whites, coloured and Indians are not condemned with the same vengeance and are sometimes even ignored!

Therefore it will continue…

People in powerful and influential positions have been heard making unnecessary hateful comments that tend to fuel the problem. In this time in our country, where everybody in the political arena wants to score brownie points, it even seems that some political parties deliberately fuel racism and/or use it for their own private agendas. From my point of view, this is also hurting our country deeply and should not be tolerated by peace-loving South Africans any longer...

It is my experience that South Africans are in general much more tolerant, loving and anti-racist than politicians and some media platforms want us to think. Every day I see people of all spheres of life and from different races and cultures working together peacefully and in harmony, until one individual allows us to label people in terms of race and culture, based purely on the actions of individuals.

It is true that biases, unfortunately, entrenches racist stereotypes. The unemotional, true fact is that racism in ALL its forms should be criminalised and outlawed. Whether it is blatant or “soft” (subliminal) racism - it should not be condoned.

Discrimination in any form and this includes racism and xenophobia, do not have a place in any democratic, multi-cultural society.

And our political leaders should set the example in this, and not fuel the problem to win votes!

Deep down we are all the same! – Janet Potgieter

During my reign as Mrs. Africa 2014, I competed in the Mrs. Globe Classic pageant in Las Vegas and Mrs. Universe pageant in Belarus where I met over 70 women from countries all over the world. I also travelled extensively in Africa where I met more extraordinary women from different cultures. Getting to know these women around the globe, I realised that although our cultures and customs differ, our dreams and hopes were the same. In South Africa, I have many dear friends across cultural borders and again the situation is the same here. I have seen that the more we understand each other’s culture, we can respect our differences and live in harmony. The problem with racism is that it is almost always politicallydriven. People will use the race card in any way to get power or stay in power. They know that united

The Conversation we are invincible and will stand together against corruption etc., so they have to create division and the easiest way is to entice racism.

Education goes hand-in-hand with this. Educated people can’t be manipulated, so all these sinister people have to do is ensure that our education system falls apart and through hate speech they are successful in dividing our beautiful rainbow nation. The average citizen wants a good life but we have to start integrating with one another to learn, understand and respect each other’s worlds. There also need to be strict laws against racism and hate speech. God created different nations to spread over the world and prosper and as His children, we have to walk the extra mile in combatting racism wherever we can.

Those dreams and visions for a prosperous country are hanging in the balance because of racism. I can’t help but wonder whether a street name, or a university name, or race and colour will be the one thing that will tip the scales. Shouldn’t our hearts and our dreams for the future rather tip the scales? Instead of being consumed by our past and the pain of yesterday, shouldn’t we rather be inspired by a new tomorrow?

(Source: https://www.google.co.za/search?q=what+does+racism+ mean&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari)

Note from the editor: The Conversation, initiated

by Random Moments of Faith, is a collaboration between this faith-based website and Devoted that aims to inspire people to express their views on things that matter. We print the views from our readers because we want to allow them to share their views on matters and issues that affect us all.

Please note that all views published here are of the writers themselves and are not necessary the same as any of the parties involved.

The fine line between racism – Elizabeth Bekker Racism… Just the word is enough to make your blood boil or send a shiver down your spine. Either way, it’s a subject that everybody wants to avoid and if it does enter a conversation, you subtly look around to see if anyone else heard and you wonder whether you can quickly change the subject to friendlier ground.

Let’s be honest, the ground racism treads on is tarnished with pain, anger and suffering. If you claim to be colour-blind, you get criticised for not seeing the person. I recently saw a picture on Facebook: “Never trust anyone who says they don’t see colour. This means to them you are invisible.” On the other hand, if you do see colour, you objectify and focus on race. So what do you say to be politically correct, democratic, considerate, objective and nonoffensive?

There is such a fine line between the discussion of racism and the subjectivity of racism and these days it seems as though the line is becoming finer.

Our next topic will be “How does corruption impact the financial growth of a country? Please e-mail your contribution to: editor@devotedmag.co.za.

The conversation Collaboration between Random Moments of Faith and Devoted

There is a time for silence, and there is a time to speak or act. Now is the time to speak out and act - or as you would say in isiXhosa: “Sekunjalo”!

We can no longer turn a blind eye to the social ills that have impacted so negatively on our country and its people. We invite you to join the conversation LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE – MindBodySpirit

Discover real life

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.”

- Martin Luther King Jr. -

Website: www.rmof.org.za Facebook: RANDOM MOMENTS OF FAITH Email: Jacques@rmof.org.za Website: www.devotedmag.co.za Facebook: Devotedmag Email: editor@devotedmag.co.za Follow The Conversation on the website: http://rmof.org.za Learn more about Devoted on: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LkCD0qUCw9M

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Destiny

purpose Travel with a

By Gerda Potgieter

“Real travel is not just about seeing new things, but also about seeing things with a new and refreshed perspective. It’s important to take a step back and simply enjoy the moments you spend visiting another country or place.”

(Alessandra S, writer at Elite Daily)

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aint Augustine said that “The world is like a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” Now why would you do that?

There are many reasons why people travel.

Some go on educational travels to learn more about a topic, cultures, people or things. They travel to achieve personal growth. They work alongside local communities for unique and life-changing experiences. Although they have a great time, their focus is on making the place they visited a better place. Travelling is about learning for them. It is about expansion, adventure, cultural exchanges and the end result is always transformation.

Then there are the active travellers… the explorers. They are the crazy ones who will climb the highest mountains, swim the deepest (and most dangerous) rivers, do bungee jumping from the highest bridges, catch snakes in dangerous forests, go to war-ridden countries… all for that adrenaline rush that keeps them going.

Sometimes you get travellers who want to have the best of both worlds: they want to explore while they pay it forward – and in the process they aim to change the lives of those they come into contact with and end up having their own lives changed.

Over the years I have heard many testimonies of people who travelled to other countries to experience the cultures and in the process they were touched by the plight of the poor and the marginalised - to such an extent that they decided to devote the rest of their lives to help those who are less fortunate. The world needs more people like this so we can make this planet a better and safer place.

I cannot deny the fact that I love to travel. I have been to more than 45 countries – and some of them I visited more than once. And what have I learnt from all these travels? I have learned the universal truth that the more we differ from each other in colour, culture, beliefs, habits, experiences etc., the more we have in common. I have heard people from all over the world wish for peace and stability so they can raise their families. In our country we have the same wishes.

Unfortunately not all of us have that privilege and in some countries, people only know the hardship of war and instability. They suffer from the consequences of poverty, hardship, poor

service (if there is any), no schooling, and little or no access to medical care.

Those of us want to travel with a purpose have so many choices of cultures where we can pay our knowledge, experiences, expertise and our goodwill forward. There are various social and educational upliftment programmes to choose from such as Doctors without borders programme and Mercy Ships. Mercy Ships is an outreach programme (about 60 years old) that makes a difference where it counts, namely to help people to get basic medical care and also specialised surgical medical care.

The newest addition to their fleet of hospital ships, the Africa Mercy, and its beneficiaries, are the worthy causes that the Devoted team chose to support.

We also asked a few other people why and how they travel with a purpose and these are their stories: Brenda van Straten(photo above) currently is the National Director of Mercy Ships South Africa, but she has served many years on the Mercy Ships: “With my step into the unknown with God I came to know Him to a degree I never dreamed possible. I’ve been able to serve Jesus in more than 12 nations (through the Mercy Ships) - many of them so poor that the average person earns no more than $1 per day. It’s still staggering to me - a day’s wage that is less than what the average cup of coffee costs’.

‘God has used the lives of the poor to teach me so many things. I have learned to love more deeply; to extend forgiveness time and time again; to feel pain and as a result, a deeper level of compassion. I’ve learned to feel and express anger at inexplicable injustices and to experience His peace and joy that is beyond explanation.

Through Mercy Ships, I have had the privilege of meeting some of the most resilient and beautiful people in the world. So many times I’ve looked into the faces of men and women with massive tumours growing from their faces and necks, hoping they will see in my eyes how dearly they are loved by God. I’ve held too many dying babies, whilst seeking to comfort their mothers and feeling completely out of my depth. I’ve smiled at those who have been blind for decades because of cataracts, knowing that in 24 hours they will be able to see my smile”.

Destiny Janet Potgieter is known as Janny Djan by her Devoted fans, but she is also a well-known businesswoman and has won a number of beauty pageants, including the Mrs. Africa pageant in 2014. “Winning Mrs. Africa changed my life forever. Six weeks later I travelled to Rwanda and war-ridden Eastern DRC on the invitation of Latlong International. I visited displacement camps, orphanages and had the honour to see the endangered mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, the oldest national park in the world. I met extraordinary women in the most horrifying circumstances, as well as real life angels at the World Food Programme, HEAL Africa, The International Rescue Committee and our own SANDF UN division. Mrs. Africa also took me to Las Vegas and Belarus in Eastern Europe and my journey has only begun. I am living proof that you can live your dreams of helping the poor and see the world!”

Doctor Luc Malemo Kalisya (MD) is a family physician who was educated at the Limpopo University of South Africa.

He has a Master’s of Medicine (MMed Surgery) Makerere University in Uganda and is the director of HEAL Africa Hospital in Goma and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

He also shared his view on travelling with a purpose: “I wanted to experience what it was like to work in another country. As a life-long learner, I have made several clinical attachments abroad in the last few years. Apart from South Africa, I worked in Rwanda for nine months - first as a physician at the Mudende Refugee Camp and then at Shyira Hospital. In 2006, I spent six weeks at Fort Atkinson Hospital in Wisconsin in the USA for a clinical rotation in family medicine and surgery. I also worked as a senior house officer at Mulago Hospital in Kampala for three years (2007-2010).

I spent four months at Cure Children’s Hospital of Mbale in Uganda in 2013 and then spent four weeks at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, Australia.

“Most recently, I travelled to New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Switzerland

Janet and friends

and the United Kingdom to share my experience and learn more about global health issues. During these trips, I had the opportunity to experience living, travelling and working in another culture and medical environment. These experiences have made a profound impression on me and confirmed the desire in me to continue working hard in order to reach global health standards in Africa.

“I have visited many African countries.

I have travelled through the rural areas with mobile clinical missions and I have witnessed the limited resources and challenges of the rural African communities.

“And what have I learned? I have seen happy and unhappy people on both sides. I have met pygmies that had no house, no clothes and had no big ambitions, but they were happy people.

I have also met some important, but humble people and they have taught me to be humble and to serve.

“As peace comes to DRC, I would like to travel into the rural areas more often to bring healing and to use my gift as a doctor for those who need it the most. I can hear God telling me “Do not love me, but love my children. Do not serve me, but use your energy to do good to my children.”

Note from the editor: William Barclay said “There are two great days in a person’s life – the day we are born and the day we discovery why.” If you have volunteered on the Africa Mercy or any other outreach travel programme and your life was changed by it, please write to us and tell your story. We would love to share it with as many people as possible. Write to us on Email: editor@devotedmag.co.za

Janet and Doctor Luc

Janet Potgieter with patients in DRC

Doctor Luc

Brenda van Straten and Mercy Ship volunteers

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Inspiration

BILL the road to success

By Mignionette Fair

Brian Kally was a happy little boy without a care in the world. That is, until his world came crashing down around him. At the tender age of four he lost his father, who was a very successful business man. Due to complications with his father’s will and business, the Kally’s went from luxury, to extreme poverty.

In Brian’s TEDxUFS talk, he paints a picture of what their family went through.

He jokes: “We were so poor that I couldn’t afford to pay attention.”

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rian decided to quit school to provide for his family, as he was determined to never see the look of despair on his mother’s face again. Today, Brian is the CEO of Arrow Logistics, a successful logistics company based in Bloemfontein. He rose out of the ashes of poverty and the mind-set of poverty to become a fruit-bearing business man with the Lord’s hand upon him and his family.

Brian discussed the following topic during his TEDxUFS talk: BILL the road to success.

Devoted believes in equipping our readers and Brian has a wealth of experience to share and below are just some of the nuggets of wisdom from his talk.

The four personalities that we encounter in life and business: 1. The bully – These people use intimidation, belittling remarks and manipulation to bring you down. You can’t attempt anything without them, and when you do, they threaten you and they try to put fear into your heart. Karen Salmansohn said: “If someone’s trying to pull you down that means they’re already beneath you.”

• How to deal with a bully? Don’t give in.

Have faith in God and yourself. Ignore their remarks and let their comments roll off you. Remember, David brought

down the bully, Goliath, and you can too!

2. The influencer – There will always be people who will want to influence us – negatively or positively. The ones who try to bring you down will always voice their opinion and give their advice, but they add little or no value to the achievement of your goals and dreams.

• How to deal with an influencer? Be careful who you listen to. It’s like the story of the father and son with their donkey. Some people were complaining that the father was riding on the donkey and the son was walking. So they swopped. But people still weren’t happy.

Then they both got off and people were complaining that they weren’t using the donkey’s potential. Finally, they ended up carrying the donkey. Choose carefully who you will listen to.

3. The lure – Brian says: “I’ve learnt that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Perhaps the only exception is the gospel. Raymond Ackerman said: “Lunch paid for by someone else is seldom free.”

• How to deal with a lure? Keep in mind that owing favours distorts the natural decision-making process. Be careful who you collaborate with.

Inspiration 4. The lion-heart – These people have the right ingredients to be successful. They believe in integrity, hard work and they mentor others to become lion-hearted people as well. Brian told the story of Jack who went for a job interview. He got into the elevator and then three floors below his destination, the elevator stopped working. Jack was determined not to miss his appointment, so he rallied the people in the elevator to lift him through the trap door above. He used the greasy cables to pull himself three floors up. He was a mess and he was late for his interview. They told him he had missed his opportunity. He just sat down in the office to try and digest what had happened when the doors of the interview room opened. The panel told Jack that they were so impressed with his leadership skills in the elevator; his perseverance in climbing up the greasy cables; his confidence to walk into the office looking like a mess; his boldness in still coming in, even though he was late and; his lion-hearted determination to still stay seated after they had rejected him.

• How to become a lion-heart? Get out of your cage of comfort. There is no time to feel afraid. You need to act! Brian says: “I could feel the roar within me.”

Make bold, dangerous, but well-calculated decisions.

Brian Kally recently wrote his autobiography: Poverty: A Mindset. It is an inspiring story of how a boy went from extreme poverty to becoming the CEO of a hugely successful logistics company (Arrow Logistics). An amazing testimony of God’s faithfulness and one man’s determination.

The book is available for purchase from the CRC bookshop in Bloemfontein and Pretoria, as well as online at www.povertyamindset.com.

Brian Kally

012 809 0727 hugo@autowiel.co.za

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Actual

Surf safe on the

internet Have you ever noticed that when you log onto the internet, you are giving permission for your life to become an open book – or its own webpage? The thing is, when you log into your browser, there is no warning sign, no ‘beware your life will become the world’s playground’ or something like that.

There ought to be

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By Elizabeth Bekker

was in high school when we got internet for the first time, but I held out until I was in university before I opened my first Facebook account.

It’s been years and, in all honesty, my relationship with the internet has more than doubled. Think about it… A Twitter account, an Instagram account, alongside your Facebook account and probably Snapchat as well. Just by buying a new smart phone you get either an Apple account or a Samsung account or Blackberry and so forth. This account stores your information and if you have more devices of that particular brand, you can even synchronise them with one another and to your PC at home.

Let’s go back to the basics, namely internet safety. Not just for you, but also for your children.

Just to give you some idea of what’s out there and the statistics involved: • 93% of teenagers use the internet meaning that out of 100 people, only seven do not use the internet.

• 83% of cyber stalkers use social media to get information on you and your family. It makes me think twice before I post another picture of myself or my family.

• 65% of cyber stalkers discover your school, business and home information via social media.

• 75% of children are willing to share personal information about themselves and about their family to a complete stranger in response for goods or services.

• 90% of children have witnessed cyberbullying, but only 10% report it.

• Girls are twice as likely to get cyberbullied.

A few basic principles and precautions will be more than enough to give you a more restful night.

Here are some tips if you’re a parent: • Concerning social media, only allow your kids to open accounts at a certain age. Ask yourself if a 12-year-old really needs a Facebook page or a Twitter account?

• Make sure they are aware of the dangers out there and can be responsible when using the internet.

• Have a cut-off time. There’s really no good and valid reason to be online in the middle of the night or after a certain time. Instigate a curfew and make sure they stick to it.

• Online chats: Be vigilant and aware of who you and your child are conversing with and the contents of the discussion. Stay away from precise personal discussions. Be vague.

However, there is nothing wrong with, “I’m having a bad day, because I stood in a queue for hours”.

• E-mail: Don’t just give out your e-mail information to every stranger. It is traceable. If you do need to give it out, create an anonymous e-mail for certain purposes.

• Games: Did you know you can be traced by the online games you play?

Be careful what you save and what you do online.

• Bookmarks: As great and convenient as bookmarks are, be careful with them and always check what your children bookmark for later.

The internet is a wonderful thing, but it can also be dangerous. Be safe out there!

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Attitude

Turn your pain into

pearls

By Elizabeth Bekker

When you think of pearls, your mind probably conjures up an image of Audrey Hepburn or your grandmother’s jewellery box. You might think of queens and princesses.

Pearls are associated with status, quality, prestige, and a symbol of beauty, wisdom, integrity, purity, wealth, fidelity and spirituality.

You can find pearls in old legends, great myths and even today, a pearl is a marvellous beauty.

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e all know pearls come from oysters, but the creation of pearls is actually a magnificent story and inspiration.

Pearls start as a grain of sand, hard to believe, but it is in fact an irritation in an oyster’s shell. The shell of an oyster is known as mother-of-pearl due to its iridescent and shiny appearance – but its scientific name is nacre. The shell and the inside of the oyster are quite happy until the grain of sand comes along. When this little grain of sand enters, the oyster is aggravated and takes precautions to get rid of the irritation. It releases more nacre to cover and surround the grain of sand to form the pearl.

Although the pearl is round and smooth, it is still something that did not belong there. The pearl is a thing of beauty in our eyes, whereas from the oyster’s perspective it’s probably one big bad memory and obstacle it had to overcome. Pain is just an undercover pearl in our lives.

We face new challenges, setbacks, hurdles and obstacles every day that can make us despondent and cause irritation in our lives.

We wish it away. We ask ourselves why we are going through this. Why did this have to happen to us? We start to question our choices and decisions, trying to pinpoint where exactly we did something so bad that this irritation, this pain, this setback, had to enter our lives.

You won’t find it. The simple answer is that things happen. Good or bad, we all have to go through seasons, we all have to get to a place where the only way out is up. We have to go through a moment of such darkness, doubt and pain that we

have no other choice but to keep going. To cover the grain of sand with as much faith, love, determination and preservation as we can. Because if we don’t, it will destroy us.

Considering that we are covering the pain with God’s grace and His Word, that small irritation has the potential to become your most beautiful pearl.

We just have to remember that although we live in an instant world, where everything is nearly instantaneous and requires the minimum effort, the same can’t be said about our lives. There is no quick fix to the pain inside of us, to the obstacles that hinder us from our true potential.

Sometimes the seasons we go through last years instead of months.

Trust me, I know how hard it is to keep smiling when you want to cry and shout to the world. I know how it feels when you’ve become so accustomed to pain and the negative that you can no longer cry. I know how it feels to be in survival mode, where you refuse to think and contemplate deeper than the here and now, that you literally live for the moment, just to keep breathing, just to make it through the day. But, I also know with absolute certainty that this too will pass. There will be a moment when our shells are opened up and we can present pearls instead of grainy sand.

Whatever you are going through, whatever you are facing, I beg you to just look at a pearl, even a fake one, and know that your pain has the potential to be released into a shinier, more iridescent testimony than the little grain of sand it started out as.

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Attitude

Burn the boats C

By Johan Terblanche

Hernán Cortés landed on the beach of Mexico in 1519 with only 600 Spanish soldiers. Their goal was to conquer Mexico. As they marched inland, Cortés ordered, “Burn the boats”.

With no way of returning home, all that was left for the soldiers was to fight and conquer. The soldiers had to choose: win the battle or die. And win they did, for Cortés and his soldiers were the first to successfully conquer Mexico in 600 years.

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ortés was not the first leader to give this command. A thousand years before him, Alexander the Great burned his boats upon arrival on the shores of Persia. At the time, Persia had the most powerful naval fleet in the world.

By burning his boats, Alexander committed his men to victory over the Persians, who far outnumbered the Greeks.

In both instances, the goal was to conquer and never retreat. These men of war knew that there was no turning back and that they had to move forward, even in the face of the enemy, even at the risk of dying.

When we accept Jesus Christ into our life, it’s as if we land on the shore and sign up for war.

Yes, in our daily walk as Christians, we will face the enemy, we will have to defend ourselves against the onslaughts of the devil and we will encounter trials and tribulations. We will face pain, sickness, hardships and difficulties. Sadly, it is in these times that Christians often go back to the land they come from, like the Israelites who longed to go back to Egypt. (See Numbers 14:3) I think, and this is my personal opinion, that too many Christians are leaving a back door open, docking their boats in case things do not work out and they want to return. Many times we commit ourselves to follow Jesus into this spiritual battle hoping to be blessed, hoping to be rewarded with life, both abundantly and eternally. But when the enemy comes, we want to go back and return to where we came from. Often we return to a life of unbelief, not believing that we have victory in Christ. Some

even return to a life of recklessness and sin, thinking that God will someday give them another chance.

Another problem I often see is that we treasure the past. Some of us hold on to the pain we have experienced. We cannot forgive and continuously remind ourselves of the harm that was done to us. Others will tell you about the things they have done, either bad or good while ignoring the current battle. We should not be holding on so tightly to the past, for then we will have no hands to grasp the future.

“Burn the boats” of the past. Forget what is behind. After all, when we are in Christ, we are a new creation, all things have become new.

(2 Corinthians 5:17) Like Paul, we too should say: “This one thing I do, I forget those things which are behind, and reach forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14) We will conquer, we will overcome, for in Christ we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). Going back is not an option. Let us press forward, let us run the race. Like that old song says: “I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back, praise the Lord, no turning back.”

(Pastor Johan Terblanche is from Christ Alone Minstries, an e-mail-based ministry and nonprofit organisation that offers weekly messages of encouragement, also to ministers, encouraging them to stand firm in the calling of God. Visit the website: www.christaloneministries.weebly. com or contact him on his E-mail: christalone@ telkomsa.net.)

Run TO the Roar!

Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of National Community Church, one church with eight campuses in Washington, DC. He is the New York Times best-selling author of The Circle Maker, and has also written a dozen other popular titles including If, Wild Goose Chase, and In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day. Mark has a doctor of ministry degree from Regent University and lives on Capitol Hill with his wife, Lora, and their three children. Learn more at www.markbatterson.com.

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Wellness

BOUNDARIES

By Dr. Hanlie Meyer

PART 4

We have previously focussed on God who, on the one hand, is THE ONE simplifying the religious and spiritual life of the Israelites – and ours – and showing us His heart on the other hand. This is also a warning as He is the only bridegroom and the One who brought them – and us – out of slavery

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H

e wants our full dedication.

No other gods before Him. He is a jealous Bridegroom!

He has bought us with the biggest dowry ever paid for a bride: His Son’s life. This reflects the purity of Jesus’ intentions and also His singleminded loyalty to His Father. Knowing that, we would never be able to keep our side of this marriage covenant.

He made this covenant on our behalf, while He fulfils both sides. His Spirit in us is the guarantee that the Father will ascribe righteousness to us as if we deserved it! This brings about the next boundary which Paul explains in Ephesians: • We are empowered to live the life of dedication to our Bridegroom that He envisaged when He came because He has done everything on our behalf and He fills us with mighty power by the Holy Spirit indwelling our innermost being and personality (Eph. 1–3). But we need to live this life – imitating Him in every aspect and area. We are enabled to do this through the Spirit who can be and wants to be the driving force behind our entire life. This dedication does not merely point to new beliefs as set

forth in Eph. 1 to 3, but to a new way of living: serving one another and reaching out to those in need.

As a church, we need to do this in unity, humility, diversity, maturity, purity, and victory (Eph. 4–6). We need to follow in His footsteps even when we suffer undeservedly (1 Pet. 2:18–23).

• This way of living will ensure that we do not take His Name in vain.

That we will not live in such a way that the hope that rests upon the Name of Jesus is disappointed. This commandment – or boundary doesn’t necessarily refer to swearing but to our lives being “mirrors” of His Being (2 Cor. 4:6–7). It refers to His grace, mercy, lovingkindness, patience, gentleness – all the attributes that depict His character (Gal. 5:22–23). The way in which Jesus lived out these attributes brought hope to the poor and afflicted and pointed out the vanity and emptiness of the lives of external law-abiding people, characterised by the church leaders of His day. His life also stood in stark contrast to the suppression and domineering government style of the Roman Empire. Merciless, selfish,

Wellness enslaving, cruel, double standards, fraud… Christ became a man and set Himself under the rule of the evil global empire. The Creator set Himself under the creature to demonstrate how to live under the evil of both the church of His time, whose leaders were pawns of the government, as well as the government.

Philippians 2 paints a very clear picture of how Jesus lived this life of dedication under the cruel and evil governors!

Demonstrating the love that Jesus illustrated is at the heart of the boundary of not taking His Name in vain. If love became a show of words and a string of beliefs, what is there left to live for? What will motivate us to get up in the morning and continue our struggle against the evil forces if we do not have an everlasting set of values by which we live? Why will we persevere in hardship to the point of crucifixion if we do not do this in the hope of His life being the actual reality that He wants to bring to earth through us?

Does this mean that we must do everything that is expected of us? That we may never say no? Not in the least! There is a huge difference between being self-centred and living with self-compassion. Self-centredness points to a life consumed with protecting its own hurt and fending for itself, building walls to protect itself, while this keeps the good out and keeps the bad inside! Living with self-compassion means that we live without judgement of ourselves and without a perfectionistic striving, which only leads to fear and procrastination but which is also caused by fear. Living with self-compassion means that you know your strengths and weaknesses, are willing to accept these, and

are open to allow inputs from those you trust to shed light on your blindspots.

As Christians, we have caring hearts and this very often leads to us not setting proper boundaries. In the end, we simply cannot deliver what we promised because there is not enough time.

We then have to withdraw or are forced to withdraw because of damaged relationships and resentment.

Living a life that does not disappoint the hope that rests upon the Name of Jesus does not mean being perfect – but to have the disposition of the Messiah!

In the next edition, we will continue our conversation on God’s boundaries and the implications thereof for our daily living.

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Inspiration

Karen and Sebastian in Pemba

Karen with her son

The frontline of grassroots

translation Karen and Sebastian Floor felt a calling from God at a young age to move to northern Mozambique and translate the Bible into the Kimwani language. They joined Wycliffe Bible Translators in South Africa and in 1989, they packed up their young family and moved to a then war-torn country. They lived there for 20 years of their lives, only returning to South Africa in 2009 30

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Karen home schooling her children

Y

ou may ask what made them leave their comfortable lives in South Africa to move to a country at war.

“The day we realised that having God’s word in our own language was a privilege that not everyone has, something shifted in our hearts to want to do something to rectify that”, Karen explains.

The young couple with two small children, the oldest being just three years old, set up on a small island called Ibo, where many Mozambicans had fled from the war.

Living conditions were not what the Floors were accustomed to and it took some time to adjust to their new surroundings. Although it was challenging on so many different levels, they knew with absolute certainty that they were exactly where God wanted them to be. They lived in a very old house with no electricity, telephone or

radio, drawing water from a well using a bucket.

“It was one of the most difficult times of my life,” said Karen, “partly due to the living conditions, but mostly because I could not communicate with the local people.” It was very frustrating for her and after a year or two, Karen was close to giving up. However, she persevered and after five years she reached a level of fluency that opened up new friendships within the community.

While Karen took care of the home and their children, Sebastian spent his days doing translation work, knowing that the home was well looked after. It was a powerful partnership between two people fully committed to the call of God upon their lives. The Floors spent six years in Ibo, learning the local language and culture, and raising their family. It was there where the groundwork and initial translation began.

Inspiration Kimwani was not a written language, so the first step was to learn the local language so they could interact with the local translation team. From there, an alphabet was developed, followed by grammar rules and a dictionary. After five years of intense preparation, translation finally began and from there it took the team 20 years to give the Mwanis the Good News in their own language.

Apart from very rudimentary, rural schools, there were no suitable schools in northern Mozambique, so the family homeschooled their children with the help of visiting teachers from time to time. “Home-schooling is not for everyone and there was a real need for educational support to keep the translation work going”, Karen says. Together with an itinerant teacher, who taught the Floors’ sons, they started up a school for all the families that were involved in the Bible translation.

In 2013, the Habari Ngema, Kimwani for Good News, was published and launched into the Mwani community. After 20 years in Mozambique, God led the Floors back to South Africa. By this time, their four sons were in high school and they sensed the need to reconnect with extended family who was carrying a heavy load in allowing them to remain on the frontline of grassroots translation.

The Floors unexpectedly found themselves appointed in leadership roles at Wycliffe South Africa with a platform to expand the work through Bible translation partnerships throughout southern Africa. Karen was appointed as CEO in 2010 and was excited to continue her quest to further Bible translation work.

“What a joy it has been to see the word of God transforming lives as the Bible translation movement spreads across southern Africa”, she says.

Much has changed since the Floors embarked on their 20-year assignment in Mozambique. With the advancement of technology and collaboration between like-minded organisations, translation projects are being completed at a much faster pace than before.

Therefore, Wycliffe’s vision to have a Bible translation in every language by 2025 is not by any means an insurmountable task.

NOTE: Editorial content was provided by Lauren Sprout. Wycliffe has helped people around the world translate the Bible into their own languages for more than 70 years. They also help with language development, literacy, and other spiritual and physical needs.

Almost one-third of the world’s 7 000 languages do not even have one translated verse of God’s word. This means that nearly 300 million people are still waiting for a translation of the scriptures into their mother tongue and they are kept from fully understanding God’s love and His ways.

Join the Devoted sales team and become a

Kingdom builder We would like to expand our sales team. If you have what it takes to be a successful salesperson, we would like to invite you to join the small Devoted team.

The funding of Devoted relies on selling advertising space to valuable clients. In this way the magazine will become financially independent and sustainable in the long run – and not be a burden on church resources.

Do you know of anyone who may be looking for an income opportunity? Could it be you? Or someone you know? This is your opportunity to be an independent salesperson offering a product with no current competitors.

You can become a Kingdom builder by helping us grow Devoted in this way; and you may earn valuable experience in this dynamic market.

Contact: editor@devotedmag.co.za or aliciajorge26@gmail.com or sales@devotedmag.co.za Call us on 074 460 4123 or 082 896 0955 www.devotedmag.co.za

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Business

Busines s basics

Adopt a kingdo m attitud e

By Stevie Ferreira

Devoted asked Stevie Ferreira, managing director of TruckFuelNet, businessman and man of God, to share his business basics with our readers. Through this threepart series (extracted from Stevie’s booklet – Doing business God’s way), we hope to help you build a business with God which cannot be shaken and to help you be more effective in reaching your world for Jesus through your business.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6

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“I

f you want to become a kingdombuilder on earth and you truly want to fulfil your purpose as a business person on earth, then you must read this. Everything in life is a choice! It is your choice whether you are going to be an extraordinary business person and kingdom-builder for God or just stroll through life. You will be rewarded for the choices you make. If you want to leave a legacy as a great man or woman of God, this is where it starts!

There is a big difference between a “giver” and a “kingdom-builder”. A giver gives when they are in a position to give, whilst a kingdom-builder has made a decision to build God’s kingdom on earth as a priority and their life’s purpose. In a kingdom-builder’s life, decisions to give and support the kingdom always has priority above personal preferences. The promises in God’s word that He will take away from the unrighteous and give to the righteous, are meant and are applicable to kingdom-builders, those who have accepted their purpose and position as God’s kings or queens on earth.

Before you can accept your appointment as God’s king or queen on earth, you need to know who you are and what your purpose is. Your identity, or knowing who you are, is the most important and powerful aspect to rule and reign successfully as a king or queen. You are a citizen of the kingdom of heaven assigned to colony earth. Although you are living on earth, you hail from heaven and your real home is heaven. You have been placed on colony earth as a temporary resident to show people how the kingdom of heaven

operates and to introduce them to God, His personality, character and love for His creation.

Therefore, you should live your life based on the principles, laws and ways of the kingdom of God in every area of your life: Through your lifestyle, your business, your family and friends. You should reflect heaven in all your decisions, faith and conduct. Your personality should reflect the positivity, joy, peace and wisdom as demonstrated by Jesus Christ.

Your business and life should reflect the heart, nature and sensitivity of the Father. You represent heaven on earth.

As children of God and through our businesses, we are instructed and authorised to rule on earth. Any kingdom needs rulers and leaders to advance it.

God appointed and gave all of us the opportunity to rule, however each and every person has to choose if they want to rule. Throughout the Bible, God was always looking for individuals who were prepared to do extraordinary exploits for Him. God is still looking for those business people who will dream and desire to do great exploits for the kingdom of God on earth.

Those who dream about financing a church-building or an orphanage! Those who have a heart for people and have the same desires for their staff as what they have for their own children! Those who love to see every person treated

Business fairly and for everyone to have enough to provide for their family!

Those who love to see people and families happy! Those who can provide for the needs of the poor and who simply want to be the ears, eyes, hands, feet and voice of Jesus to a lost world! The choice to be a king or queen is yours. You have already been offered the job, now you simply need to accept your appointment!

Your appointment to rule as a king or queen is an unconditional appointment. When you accept the appointment, God becomes your employer! When God is your employer, He will give you all the tools you need to reign successfully. He will give you favour, wisdom, resources and open doors to expand your business. As long as your intentions and dreams are the Father’s intentions and dreams, you will not see the end of your business expansion and success! Why? Because it is absolutely to His advantage if your business expands and you prosper and expand His kingdom on earth!

One of the qualifying criteria of your appointment is to adopt a heavenly mind-set. As a king or queen, you should have a different outlook on life. Nothing is impossible for your God. You can think big, you can dream big, because your God is bigger than any of your dreams! You can have faith and be an overcomer and conqueror. You can have no fear, because your faith is in God and you know nothing is too difficult for Him. You are the head and not the tail. You lend to nations and others borrow from you. You will be successful in everything you do. You will provide for your family and dependents and you will be the biggest giver on earth.

You should have a kingdom expectation; kingdom excitement;

kingdom faith; kingdom wisdom; kingdom favour. You should be creative and innovative! Your attitude should be based on the principles and promises of the word of God and His love for you! Kings and queens know there will be tough times, problems and difficulties, however, they also know that with the wisdom and favour of God, they can overcome any situation or problem.

They know they do not operate under the economy of the world, but under God’s economy! They are the most creative and innovative people in the world! They are the trendsetters and not followers! They have a kingdom of heaven mind-set and attitude!

Remember, you will never reach the palace talking like a peasant.

You are God’s child: Appointed and authorised to rule on earth for His glory and honour. Now go and rule!

Mike Murdock said: “You will never change what you believe until your belief system cannot produce something you want.” If you truly want to become a kingdom-builder, you must truly want or desire it!”

Keep an eye out for “Business Basics Part 2 – Understanding how God operates” in our next issue.

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Fair Flair

Fellowship with God Have you ever been in a new relationship?

It’s great isn’t it? You can’t find one flaw. You want to spend all of your time together. You want to know everything about each other. You read their texts as soon as they come through and you’d do almost anything for them. You are completely and deliriously in love

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B

ut, new relationships can also be a bit awkward. For example, holding hands or meeting their parents for the first time. Or the first time you fart in front of them! It takes time (and effort) to find your rhythm as a couple… To get to a place where you can be yourself… warts and all.

That’s exactly how our relationship with God is… We give our hearts to Him through Jesus and we are “walking on sunshine”. We can’t spend enough time reading the Bible, praising Him and telling others about Him. We can’t find one flaw. We are at His house all the time and we would do almost anything for Him. But, believe it or not, there are also awkward moments in your relationship with God. Praying out loud or for someone else for the first time.

Or praying in tongues (our brains seem to struggle with that one). Or when the Holy Spirit prompts you to do something completely out of your comfort zone.

To stay irrevocably in love with someone (and God), you need to find that rhythm that all good couples have. To find this rhythm takes some shaping and moulding. It requires a whole lot of love and some disagreement. It takes being content to just be with each other, but also having fun together. Most importantly, it requires (good) communication!

The Bible often refers to God’s desire to have fellowship with us. For example in John 17:23 Jesus said “I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” It also shows people seeking fellowship with God like this Psalm by King David that reminds me of a love letter: “O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory. Because Your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips. When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me.” (Ps. 63:1-8) I pray that you will seek God continually until you find your rhythm with Him. That place where you can just go and be still in His presence. The place where your love for Him matures into something beautiful. Happy fellowshipping!

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