Many of the toughest battles are fought quietly in the mind.

Life often has a way of presenting us with many challenges we didn’t see coming. Some of these can be external, where we have little control. But many of the toughest battles are fought quietly in the mind. We can find ourselves becoming overwhelmed, exhausted, and worn down by consuming thoughts that feed our doubts. Living the Christian life means learning the practice of overcoming doubt with God’s Word, anchoring ourselves in truth when uncertainty tries to take hold.

Joyce Meyer reminds us of the holy and living power that we have in Christ Jesus. When we truly take hold of the truth and base our identity on God’s Word, the enemy loses his influence. Joyce encourages believers to take hold of the spiritual weapons God has given them so they can live with freedom and confidence in Christ.

Using God’s Word to Overcome Doubt and Fear

How much time do you spend speaking the Word of God out loud? For many of us, it isn’t nearly enough. When the truth is not spoken consistently over our lives, it becomes easier for doubt and overwhelming thoughts to creep back in, slowly distorting our vision.

The truth is, the battle against these consuming lies has already been won. Through Christ, we have the victory. What remains now is our responsibility to boldly declare that truth and actively practise overcoming doubt with God’s Word. Joyce stresses the importance of speaking this truth, focusing on the good things that God has done for us.

“When you do this, you’re feeding your faith instead of feeding your doubts.”

Rather than falling into the enemy’s traps, we turn our hearts towards Jesus and allow the truth of who He says He is to pull us out of discouragement. Choosing God’s Word over fear strengthens our faith and renews our minds.

Praise as a Weapon in Overcoming Doubt with God’s Word

Praise also serves as a powerful spiritual weapon. When we sing, we should sing with intention and purpose, declaring God’s victories over our lives. Praise shifts our focus away from fear and helps us see ourselves through the lens of who God has called us to be.

As we praise God, we reinforce the truth of His Word in our hearts. This practice strengthens our ability to stand firm and continues the process of overcoming doubt with God’s Word, even in challenging seasons.

Developing Spiritual Strength to Stand Against Doubt

Standing against the enemy requires a holy and determined spirit. We cannot simply remain passive when lies try to take root in our minds. Joyce reminds believers that Jesus died on the cross to give us complete victory, and that victory is available to us today.

Referencing Romans 10, she explains that “whosoever will” receive God’s promises must hear the Word of God. Faith grows when we consistently expose ourselves to the message of Christ and learn to stand firm in truth when doubt arises.

Why God’s Word is Medicine for Your Soul

The Word of the Lord is not simply information to be learned, but nourishment for the soul. Just as the body cannot thrive without healthy food, the spirit cannot thrive without consistent time in Scripture.

Rather than approaching Scripture as a task or obligation, Joyce encourages believers to develop a genuine hunger for the Word. God’s truth brings life because it meets us where we are, addressing the places that need healing most.

“It has inherent power in it that will heal your life.”

Over time, reading Scripture doesn’t just inform us. It strengthens us, helping us to stand firm when challenges come and reminding us of who we are in Christ.

The Victory is Won

The challenges we face may not disappear overnight, but the way we face them can change. Joyce encourages believers to be intentional about what they feed their minds and spirits, knowing that God’s Word has the power to restore, renew, and transform.

As we choose to speak truth, praise with purpose, and hunger for Scripture, we position ourselves to walk in the freedom Christ has already secured for us. In doing so, we discover that the Word truly is medicine — bringing clarity, strength, and life in every season, and leading us continually towards overcoming doubt with God’s Word.

Article supplied with thanks to Vision – a non-profit, follower-funded Christian media ministry taking God’s Word to every corner of Australia and beyond through broadcast, online and print media.

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It’s possible to build a financial plan that’s both resilient and biblical. True wealth is built over time. 

Many Christians wonder how to build wealth that lasts without compromising their faith. In 2026, with economic uncertainty, market fluctuations, and rising costs, planning for the long term can feel overwhelming. But building a financial plan that is both resilient and biblical is possible. 

The first thing to understand is that wealth isn’t just about accumulating money, it’s about stewardship. Scripture encourages believers to plan wisely, save diligently, and give generously. A long-term plan is not a sign of doubt in God, but an act of faithful preparation. 

Why Resilience Matters More Than Returns 

Life rarely goes as planned. Unexpected events like job changes, health challenges, or market downturns can quickly disrupt finances. 

Jesus teaches in Matthew 7 about building your house on a solid rock. Similarly, aligning your finances with God’s principles creates a foundation that can withstand life’s storms. The goal is not to chase the highest returns but to build financial resilience that protects your family and allows you to serve God faithfully. 

What Does the Bible Say About Planning Ahead? 

Some Christians worry that planning for the future shows a lack of faith. But the Bible tells a different story. 

In Proverbs 13:22, it says: 

“A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children.” 

This verse encourages forward-looking stewardship. Planning for the future, saving for your family, investing wisely, and preparing for emergencies, is an expression of faith, not doubt. 

Four Pillars of a Resilient Financial Plan 

Building a long-term plan starts with four key principles:

1. Margin: Live Below Your Means

Create room in your finances by spending less than you earn. A simple framework is the 80-10-10 rule: 80% for living, 10% for saving, and 10% for giving. Margin allows you to handle unexpected expenses and give generously.

2. Protection: Prepare for Life’s Risks

Emergencies happen. Having an emergency fund (about 3–6 months of expenses) and appropriate insurance protects you from unexpected setbacks and ensures your family is cared for if something goes wrong.

3. Consistency: Build Faithful Habits

Wealth is built little by little through steady, disciplined habits. Automate your savings, practice regular giving, and stay consistent. Over time, small, consistent actions make a significant difference.

4. Diversification: Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket 

Investing in a variety of assets protects your finances from market fluctuations. As Ecclesiastes 11:2 says, diversify because we don’t know what challenges may come

Avoiding Short-Term Thinking 

We live in a results-driven culture that pushes quick wins and instant solutions. But financial success is achieved in seasons, not overnight. 

Patience, consistent saving, and long-term planning are critical. Christians are encouraged to adopt an eternal perspective, using money to serve God, bless others, and leave a lasting legacy, rather than chasing immediate gratification. 

Keeping Money From Becoming an Idol 

Jesus warns that we cannot serve both God and money. Wealth becomes dangerous when it dominates our priorities or becomes the measure of success. 

The solution is to step back and ask: 

• What is the purpose of my wealth? 
• How am I using it to serve others? 
• What legacy will I leave? 

When we see money as a tool we get to use for godly purposes, it stays in its proper place. 

Preparing Without Predicting 

It’s tempting to try to predict economic downturns, market crashes, or global events. But no one can foresee the future. 

The goal is not to predict, but to prepare: 

• Spiritually: Trust God with what you cannot control. 
• Practically: Build margin, save consistently, diversify, and protect your family. 

A combination of spiritual and practical preparation creates a plan that is resilient and faithful. 

Final Thoughts 

The Bible does not condemn planning or saving for the future. Instead, it calls believers to stewardship, wisdom, and faithful preparation. 

True wealth is built over time: 

• Faithfully: Trusting God in all things 
• Wisely: Making disciplined, practical decisions 
• Purposefully: Using resources to bless others and advance God’s kingdom 

In 2026, Christians can build long-term financial plans that are both resilient and rooted in faith, creating security, freedom, and the ability to give generously. 

Article supplied with thanks to Wealth with Purpose.

About the Author: Alex is a licensed financial planner and the founder of Wealth with Purpose a Stewardship Ministry that helps Christians handle their money God’s way.

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When approval becomes a trap.

I was talking with a friend the other day. She has just taken on a new role in her workplace. She knows she needs to speak up more in meetings. She knows she doesn’t because she worries what people think of her.

I thought that the opinions of other people didn’t bother me so much. How wrong I was!

I started thinking about a work context where I am more than happy to contribute my ideas. I began to realise that a lot of that desire is driven by a need to prove why I’m in the room. I worked this out from the way I respond when my shared ideas encounter feedback. I take it way too much to heart. This is because in rejecting my idea, they are also rejecting me.

Both my friend and I have fear of other people’s opinions – it just manifests itself in different ways. In some situations it keeps me talking – while for my friend, it keeps her silent.

What is FOPO?

Fear of other people’s opinions – or FOPO- is a term coined by high performance psychologist and author Michael Gervais. FOPO is having an unhealthy fixation on what other people think of us. It can be distracting, limiting or even debilitating. It can stop us putting forward new ideas (or in my case, being overly sensitive to the reception of ideas), speaking up in meetings, having difficult conversations, or trying something new.

FOPO traps us into devoting our energy, attention and focus on attempting to manage what other people think of us. Which, when you think about it, is a losing battle because we really can’t control other people’s opinions. And it’s exhausting. As another friend of mine says: “You’ll be that puppy dog constantly after the next pat on the head. And that’s quite an exhausting way to live, and it’s really unpredictable and inconsistent.” Devoting our energy, attention and focus in this way means we are less able to bring our best selves into the room.

So what’s the solution?

Do we just need to be braver? How do we become braver?

It strikes me that what we need is something to anchor ourselves for those times we can get buffeted by the opinions of others. And it’s best to work out what those anchors are when the waters are calm.

The anchor could be, for example, the opinion of a trusted friend or mentor. That can give us perspective and help us to filter or assess the opinions in the room. Or it could be something we say to ourselves in opinion-threatening situations. For me, I can remind myself that my ideas should be more about the good of others and less about others feeling good about me.

While that thought might anchor me in the moment, it comes because of an even deeper anchor it is attached to. As a follower of Jesus, there should be something even more important to me than the opinions of other people.

“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:4-7

Jesus says the only one who should be feared – and rightly feared – is God himself. And yet that fear is from a place of safety and security because of how valuable Jesus’ followers are to God.

I find those words both challenging and comforting. Challenging because I need to fear God more than I fear people. Comforting because I am valuable to God – I matter to him. The way for me to become braver is to fear God more, because then the opinions of others will matter less.

Knowing that my worth comes from God means I am freer to act for the good of others, and so I can bring more of my best self into the room. Sharing my ideas becomes less about wanting others to feel good about me, and more about what is good for others. It then becomes a less opinion-threatening situation. And I can then more thoughtfully and calmly assess the feedback on my ideas.

Questions

1. Have you observed any FOPO behaviours in yourself?
2. What could your anchors be in opinion-threatening situations?
3. How could you see this making a practical difference?

Article provided with thanks to City Bible Forum.

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NDIS funding changes are increasing pressure on families. Here are practical ways churches can support people with disability and their families.

According to ABC News, the NDIS minister Mark Butler said funding amounts for social and community participation would be “reset” to 2023 levels, around $500 a week, with measures aimed at preventing further “runaway growth”.

Budgets for social participation activities are expected to be progressively reduced from October this year, pending the passage of legislation in June. These supports often fund group programs, outings and community engagement, meaning many families could face fewer opportunities for connection and inclusion.

As formal supports shift, the role of the local community becomes even more important. Churches are not only a place to worship God, but also a place of belonging. This creates an opportunity for churches to step in with practical care, inclusion and genuine connection.

Create a culture of welcome

Inclusion starts before any program begins.

In practice, this can be as simple as having a team that is attentive and prepared, greeting people personally, offering help in a natural way and making it clear who to approach for support. Some churches create quiet or sensory-friendly spaces where people can step out if needed or ensure there is consistency in who families interact with each week so trust can build over time.

Jesus consistently made space for those on the margins. Churches are called to reflect that same heart.

Make spaces accessible

Physical accessibility is essential. This includes ramps, accessible bathrooms and clear signage.

Accessibility also goes beyond buildings. It includes how services are structured. Clear communication, predictable routines and sharing what to expect ahead of time can help reduce anxiety. Small adjustments such as lowering volume levels, providing captions for online content or simply making spaces easier to navigate can make a significant difference for someone trying to engage.

Train and equip volunteers

This might look like running simple workshops, offering practical guidance on communication or creating a clear approach to how volunteers can respond when someone needs support. One of the most effective ways to learn is by listening directly to people with disability and their families, allowing real experiences to shape how a church responds.

Volunteers can also access formal training online. The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission offers free courses and certifications that help build understanding and practical skills when supporting people living with disability.

You can explore training here.

Support the whole family

Families of people with disability often carry a significant emotional and physical load.

Support can extend beyond Sunday services. It may include pastoral care at home, personal catch-ups during the week, involvement in small groups or simply spending time together and studying the Bible in a more informal setting. For many families, these moments of connection outside the church building are where real support is felt most deeply.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2 NIV)

For many families, this kind of consistent and relational support is what makes the greatest difference.

Involvement in church life and serving

Inclusion is not just about access. It is also about being part of something.

Often, when people are given the opportunity to give rather than only receive, it shifts the focus away from limitations and towards purpose and contribution.

This can mean adapting roles, creating space for different abilities and recognising the value each person brings into the life of the church.

“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” (1 Corinthians 12:12 NIV)

When everyone has a place, the whole community becomes stronger.

A community that reflects Christ

While systems like the NDIS play an important role, they cannot replace the power of genuine community.

For churches, this is an opportunity to reflect the love of Christ in practical ways. To see people, to include them and to walk alongside them.

Where a church may not have the resources or programs to meet every need, there is also value in looking beyond its own walls.

In a time when some supports are being reduced, the presence of a caring and consistent community can make a real difference in everyday life.

This article was prepared with AI assistance and then carefully reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by our Digital Team.

Article supplied with thanks to Salt 106.5.

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When we run into trials in life, sometimes we stop using our God-given gift.

Each of us has a God-given gift or ability, something that we’re able to do better than just about anyone else. But when we run into opposition and trials in life, sometimes the first thing we want to do is stop using that gift. We stop living out who God made us to be.

Berni Dymet encourages us to discover the hidden gems within ourselves. God’s gifting can actually serve as a springboard for achieving our dreams – no matter what obstacles we may face.

Though life can present its share of challenges, adversity doesn’t have to keep us from making the most out of our unique gifts and blessing others. Although it’s easy to be discouraged, we can trust God to bring good out of every challenging situation.

Using Our God-Given Gifts

The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 1:6, to rekindle the gift of God that is within us through the laying on of hands. Then in 2 Timothy 1:14 it says to guard the good treasure entrusted to us with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.

‘Timothy was struggling amidst the adversity of pastoring a growing church,’ says Berni. ‘He was at risk of losing sight of his God given gifts. So the Apostle Paul writes to him, exhorting him to rekindle that gift. Why? Because adversity was tearing away at him.’

The Bible tells us distressing times will come. Yet it seems that Timothy, perhaps like us, wasn’t expecting adversity. It’s not something we hope for or look forward to. And invariably one of the biggest impacts on us is that sense of surprise.

‘But Paul says this is the reality,’ says Berni. ‘This is what’s going to happen. Don’t be surprised. People are going to come against you. They’re going to be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, haters of good. Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.’

Encourage And Comfort Those Around Us

We don’t expect to find those people in our churches, families or workplaces. But Paul is warning us they are there. Adversity is not an excuse to give up on doing good. We can’t give up using our God given gifts to love, bless, encourage and comfort those around us.

‘I believe this is reality,’ says Berni. ‘In the harsh light of day with people like this around, God is calling us to rekindle the gift that He placed in us when He hand-crafted every strand of our DNA in our mother’s womb. I know without a doubt that for some, the dream of using their God given gift has grown cold.’

Just imagine where we would be today if Jesus had turned back from the cross because it was all too hard. Adversity is the very place where we are called to grow and exercise our gift. We are to use that gift from God to make a difference in other people’s lives.

‘Adversity is not our excuse for giving up on our God given gift,’ says Berni. ‘It’s the trigger to use it even more to bless others. Because where there is opposition and adversity, more love and more grace is actually required.’

Article supplied with thanks to Vision Christian Media – a non-profit, follower-funded Christian media ministry taking God’s Word to every corner of Australia and beyond through broadcast, online and print media.

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Sometimes, everything goes smoothly in life. But can there be beauty in the waiting, when God asks us to stop, wait and pause?

The Green Light Experience

Green light experiences are those moments when things are moving ahead, doors are opening, plans are coming together, the kids are happy and healthy.

“But what do you do when life hits a red light?” asked Pastor Brad, also known as The Shearing Pastor.

“Those times in life when a job opportunity stalls. If something goes wrong, a relationship you thought was going to work out just stops. Something you’d hoped for. And it feels like you’re sitting at a red light. I’ve noticed that we rarely ever question green lights, but we always sit at the red light, asking, ‘Why?’

Why We Wait

As a shearer and a pastor, Brad considered to his sheep.

“There’s a thing in the shearing and sheep industry called low stress stock handling. It is about getting sheep from one destination to another.”

In the old days, shepherds would scream at the sheep and use scare tactics, chasing them to the point where the sheep were terrified.

“With low stress stock handling, the farmer simply positions himself and moves the sheep from one destination to another by his presence, rather than fear.”

Low Stress Stock Handling

According to Brad, this process takes longer because the sheep have to stop and wait- just like people at a red light- but the results are better.

“When the sheep get to their destination they are calmer, more relaxed, and it’s easier for both them and the shearers.”

They Who Wait

Overall, Brad’s encouragement is to stop asking, “Why?” the next time you find yourself at the red light. Consider the fact that perhaps it isn’t rejection. It could be protection.

“Who knows what is around the corner?” asked Pastor Brad. He referred to the scripture in Isaiah 40:31: “But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

“Maybe the red light isn’t for just stopping, maybe it is for strengthening you as you wait. Over the years, I’ve learned that the waiting times are never wasted when we trust in God.”

“Always resist thinking that it’s rejection. It may just be protection.”

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

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From failure to unexpected hope

In 2012, a story rocked the art world and made headlines worldwide. It centred on a mural by the nineteenth-century artist Elías García Martínez, painted on the wall of a small church in the Spanish village of Borja. A tender portrait of Christ gazing to heaven, this beautiful piece was flaking through age and in desperate need of restoration.

That’s where Cecilia Giménez stepped in. Picking up her paint set, the amateur artist tried her hand at restoring the mural herself—to catastrophic effect. Soon Martínez’ gentle brushwork was replaced with what looked like a crayon drawing of a monkey in an Eskimo suit. Nicknamed ‘Monkey Christ’, the botched job went viral, and as the world laughed and conservator’s wept, Giménez retreated to her bed, ill from the stress of global condemnation.

An Unexpected Twist

Left there, the Monkey Christ story could be a tragic tale of amateurs overestimating their abilities. But Giménez’ heart seemed in the right place. Widowed young, she’d raised two disabled children alone, and in her village, everyone stepped in to fix what was broken. She’d only been trying to help.

Cecilia Giménez died December 2025, aged 94, prompting journalists to return to Borja, where they found the story had taken an unexpected twist. With her newfound fame, Giménez’ own artworks had started to sell, with the proceeds of which she donated to charity. The little village of Borja had become a tourist destination, with thousands flocking to see the internet-famous painting, and the income from that now supported a care home for the elderly. The ‘worst restoration in history’ ended up restoring many peoples’ lives.

Hope for Your Next Miss-Step

It isn’t the first time a positive has emerged from a tragedy. And at the centre of the story is the face of Christ—disfigured this time from paint, and originally from a crown of thorns. Once ridiculed, unexpected twists follow wherever he goes, which is why Christians like me love him. And that, for me, sounds a note of hope for our own miss-steps and botch-ups:

When he’s in the picture, a catastrophe can become the raw materials for a miracle.

Article supplied with thanks to Sheridan Voysey.

About the Author: Sheridan Voysey is an author and broadcaster on faith and spirituality. His latest book is called Reflect with Sheridan. Download his FREE inspirational printable The Creed here.

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Psychologist Anna Ponnudurai reflects on how Scripture and neuroscience intersect.

Registered psychologist Anna Ponnudurai says the Bible’s description of the human mind is both poetic and profoundly accurate.

Referring to Psalm 139:14, Anna explains that our brains are “fearfully and wonderfully made”.

“It’s just a beautiful passage in the Bible about how our brains are so connected and created,” Anna said.

“It was designed by God and it’s the organ of thought, emotion and decision making. So it’s God’s incredible design for relationship and growth, really.”

Throughout Scripture, the importance of the mind is repeated. Anna points to Romans 12:2, which speaks about the renewing of the mind.

This ability of the brain to change is known as neuroplasticity. While it begins in childhood, it continues into adulthood. But Anna is clear – change takes time.

“That takes a lot of time. It takes a lot of effort. It takes a lot of practice,” she said.

“What we really ruminate on, what we think about, really matters. We actually have a lot more power over our thoughts, over our behaviour than we realise.”

Anna believes that, with intentional effort, we can learn to shape our thinking.

“Yes, we do have the power to control our thoughts,” she said.

The Bible also urges believers to guard what enters their hearts and minds. Anna says this wisdom is highly relevant in today’s world.

For those wanting a practical starting point, Anna offers a simple reflection exercise.

“Every time you think of something, every time you hear something, ask: Is that thought real? And what do I want to do with that?”

It’s a small but powerful question – one that reflects both biblical wisdom and modern neuroscience.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope 103.2. Chris is the host of Hope Drive, bringing light, uplifting stories and thoughtful conversation to listeners every afternoon. Chris initially studied science before diving into an IT career before following his life-long passion (talking!) and joining the Hope team.

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God is up to something in our world. Have you noticed?

Every day the headlines bring another exposure: hidden abuse, financial corruption, and insidious cover-ups. Sin is being uncovered across the globe, and we are confronted almost daily with humanity’s frailty.

The Epstein files are one recent example. Politicians, business leaders and members of royalty have been named in connection with the abuse of young women and children. Where wealth and status once offered a shield from scrutiny, perpetrators are now being called to account.

We saw it in the #MeToo movement — a tidal wave of women courageously naming abuse by powerful men. Entire systems of entrenched misogyny are now beginning to crumble.

We’ve seen it in the exposure of institutional child sexual abuse. In Australia, the 2013 Royal Commission revealed horrific patterns of systemic failure, with trauma still reverberating through families and generations.

We’ve seen it with the violent mistreatment of indigenous peoples in our colonial past. In Australia we’ve realised that as we’ve studied the travesties in Europe, we’ve omitted the atrocities against the Aborigines and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our own land.

We’ve even seen it in the Church. Pastors and leaders who once enjoyed global accolades have suddenly been exposed for abusing wealth and position in the name of God.

It’s shocking. It’s humiliating. It’s ugly. Our trust in leadership has been broken, our role models smashed. We’ve found ourselves disillusioned by the disturbing mismatch between public image and the private character of those we once looked up to.

But in the midst of the darkness, can you see the Holy Spirit at work?

The Holy Spirit is a Truth Teller

Jesus said that one of the roles of the Spirit is to convict us of sin and lead us into truth (John 16:3,8). The Holy Spirit is a truth-teller, exposing lies and deceit so that freedom can be found. The author of Hebrews describes the Spirit’s revelation as a “double-edged sword.” Piercingly accurate, it separates truth from the false, penetrating our thoughts and attitudes so that everything is “uncovered and laid bare.” (Heb. 4:12,13) Truth-telling is a work of God.

For all the grief of exposure, there is an upside.

The sins now being uncovered are not new. Adultery, hypocrisy, abuse of power and exploitation of the vulnerable are age-old symptoms of the human condition. What is new is the willingness to confront them. For generations, society has looked the other way. We’ve denied, deflected and protected the status quo. Leaders in the media, business, politics and the church have all been complicit.

But now, we’re opening our eyes and having the courage to see it.

For it does take courage… to keep the lights on when we want to close our eyes. To sit with the ugliness of sin instead of reaching for fig leaves. No wonder we deny it, deflect it and cover it up. We’d rather walk on by, circle round the pretence and maintain the status quo. We all do it. Who wants the toxicity of our hearts to be seen? Who wants the masks of pretence to be removed? Like the accused standing in the dock, we hang our heads, pick up fig leaves and cover our shame. Yet, the Spirit comes like fire, seeking to burn away what is false (Heb. 12:29) – not to destroy but to purify.

The Gift of Truth

We must not miss this moment. For without truth, there can be no grace.

Indeed, truth is a gift of God – first for the victims; for the protection and the healing of the women, the children, the indigenous, the poor and the vulnerable. Trauma cannot be fully healed without first being acknowledged.

But truth is also a gift for the perpetrators; for the freedom and redemption of the Epsteins, the abusers and those confined to prison cells. Restoration cannot be received where sin is denied. God’s conviction is not condemnation; it is an invitation to freedom (John 8:32).

This is the ultimate aim of our sovereign Truth-teller – freedom through grace.

What About Us?

As we watch truth surface at a societal level, we must ask what God is doing within us.

Macro exposure invites micro reflection. As we witness truth-telling around us, we’re invited to see it in our own hearts. We must take the log out of our own eye even as we see the speck in others (Matt. 7:3). Where is the Holy Spirit shining a light in my own heart? Where is God inviting deeper honesty?

It may not be as serious as an extra-marital affair or criminal activity. It may simply be that subtle exaggeration, a quiet resentment, a sideways comment, the need to protect image, the instinct to hide weakness. The same Spirit exposing corruption in systems uncovers hidden motives within us.

As we read the headlines, can we also read our hearts? This cultural moment is not only a reckoning; it is an invitation. Truth sets us free – but only if we are willing to see it.

Article supplied with thanks to God Conversations.

About the Author: Tania Harris is a pastor, speaker, author and the founder of God Conversations.

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Dreams are so bizarre. Our minds have these entire experiences that are worked out while we sleep, consolidating memories, processing the day and sometimes, giving us what feels like divine insight into the challenges of our waking hours.

But how do we distinguish between regular brain function and spiritual revelation?

For most of her life, media entrepreneur and filmmaker Paige Collins thought her vivid dreams were just part of how her mind worked.

“I dream almost every night,” Paige said.

“That’s been a very normal thing for me my entire life.”

Everything shifted about eight years ago, when she woke from a dream to the sound of her own voice praying.

“I was asking God to give me an interpretation for what it was that I had just dreamed [and] that was the moment that I realised my dreams might not just be mind-clutter,” Paige said.

That moment marked the beginning of what Paige now calls being “a God dreamer.” Before then, she hadn’t considered dreams as spiritual.

“I grew up in the church, but I didn’t grow up in a church community that really emphasised the supernatural,” Paige said.

“He’s going to give people business [ideas in dreams], he’s going to give them creative works, he’s going to speak into our personal lives as well as our professional lives in this way.

“I feel very strongly about that. And if we’re not listening, we might miss some things.”

Since Paige began journalling her dreams and praying through them, “God just began to take me through a season of training in my own dream language” using scripture as an anchor.

“God speaks in dreams throughout scripture,” Paige said.

“He gives warnings [and] He gives really beautiful prophetic images.”

Having that Biblical grounding is vital, so you know it’s God shaping how you interpret the dream.

“We have to allow the Lord to bring the ultimate revelation and clarity,” Paige said.

“We don’t need to jump to conclusions.”

Over time, Paige believes God teaches each person how He communicates with them, revealing things about calling and destiny, but also personal wellbeing.

“There are very personal conversations happening between us and Him,” Paige said.

“Some of the most important dreams in my life, although they were a bit uncomfortable, brought about healing.

“They showed me unknown things I needed to deal with, and I think anything that’s going to lead me into intimacy with the Lord is something I want to say yes to.”

Paige Collins’ Awaken Dream Journal is out now.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

About the Author: Laura Bennett is a media professional, broadcaster and writer from Sydney, Australia.

Feature image: Supplied