As humans, we’re part of something vast and meaningful, even if we can’t fully understand it yet.

Before NASA’s recent mission, I didn’t realise how little I’ve really seen of the moon.

For something so familiar, so constant in the background of daily life, it’s easily reduced to something flat, pale and almost forgettable. And yet, watching the images beamed back from Artemis II, I’m confronted by how easily we mistake the known for the fully understood.

The moon has always been there. It hasn’t changed. But our ability to see it has.

It makes me wonder how often we live with the quiet assumption that everything can eventually be explained. That with enough knowledge, progress or discipline, the world will become something we can neatly understand and contain. And yet here we are, watching people who’ve seen further than most of humanity ever will, and their most truthful response seems not to be certainty, but awe.

Science can feel like the domain of specialists: astronauts are people trained to observe, to measure, to name and to explain with their own language, and infinite levels of precision and detail. And yet, as the Artemis II crew spoke about what they saw in orbit, their comments reached far beyond data alone.

These were people highly trained to make sense of complex and unfamiliar environments. And yet, when asked to describe the experience, there was a hesitation, as though language itself had reached its limit. It wasn’t polished reflection or triumphant clarity, but something far more human.

Emotion. Silence. Wonder.

Science and Faith

The idea that science and faith belong in separate places is a false divide we’ve inherited. The idea that science deals with facts, and faith deals with meaning. That one explains the world, while the other responds to it. But the Artemis II mission reminded us all that the two aren’t so easily separated.

Science allows us to look closely, to investigate, to analyse. Science gives language to distance, shape, movement and matter so we can weigh and measure them. It helps us notice what we’ve missed. But for Christians, that deeper understanding can also draw us back to God.

Because if creation is this vast, this intricate, this unexpectedly beautiful even in places we previously assumed were empty, what does that say about the One who made it?

Thanks to photographic advancements, the new images of the moon aren’t so much about discovering something new so much as learning how to see what’s always been there. The moon didn’t abruptly become more beautiful, but suddenly, we got to see it differently. What once looked distant, grey and flat, we can see is rich in colour, texture, variety and a quiet complexity. It had always been that way, but we couldn’t see it yet.

So much of God’s creation is like that.

Not hidden from us, but waiting patiently for us to pay attention. Waiting for us to look a little closer, move a little slower, lean in and recognise the beauty that’s always existed, even when it was hidden from our eyes.

There’s something profoundly humbling about the idea that we can advance so far, build the technology, train the minds, develop the capacity to reach beyond our atmosphere, and still find ourselves in a position of discovery rather than completion.

We aren’t arriving at the end of creation.
We’re really only just beginning to notice it.

And that, in itself, is awe-inspiring.

Even now, in a world that can feel familiar and mapped and explained, there are glimpses of wonder breaking through. Small reminders of intelligence and creativity are woven into the fabric of existence. More evidence that we’re not the authors of this story, but participants within it.

That is why awe matters.

Awe interrupts us. It humbles us. It refuses to let creation become merely useful, efficient or ordinary. It reminds us that the world isn’t simply something to be studied, managed or consumed, but something to be received and appreciated as a gift.

The more we learn about this universe, the more we’re led back to the One who formed it. Through colour, texture, variety, through vastness and intricate detail, we begin to understand not only what God has made, but something of who He is: His generosity, His creativity, His attention to beauty, His extravagant love.

Every detail, every discovery, every moment of wonder feels, in some quiet way, like an invitation. Not only to keep discovering what’s out there, but to allow it to reshape what’s in here. To let it slow us down. To let it humble us. To let it remind us that we’re part of something vast and meaningful, even if we can’t fully understand it yet.

Imagine if every new image, every discovery, every glimpse into the depth of creation led us toward wonder, humility and a deeper awareness of God.

Perhaps our eyes are still learning how to see.

Not just what is out there, but what has been here all along. To notice it. To sit with it. To let it lead us, quietly and patiently, back to the One who spoke it into existence.

Article supplied with thanks to Christian Media & Arts Australia.

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Many believe building wealth or thinking about finances is somehow selfish or unspiritual, which can lead to avoidance, instead of wise stewardship.

The knowledge needed to manage money well is rarely taught at school, and often not in families or at church either. So lots of people grow up with very few skills when it comes to practical financial education.

Money is a tool, not a god

There is an important distinction between money itself, and the love of money. The Bible warns about the love of money. Money becomes dangerous only when it becomes an idol.

‘For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil’ 1 Tim 6:10

Used correctly, money enables good things to happen. It provides for families, funds ministries, starts businesses and helps the poor. The problem is when money becomes the master instead of the servant. Guarding the heart is essential. The goal is not to demonise money, but to learn how to use it for Kingdom purposes.

What financial education and stewardship look like in everyday life

Stewardship simply means managing well the things that have been entrusted to us. That includes time, talent and treasure. There is a spiritual side and a practical side.

Spiritual aspects

Living generously and sacrificially. Guarding against greed and idolatry. Inviting God into financial decisions and seeking wisdom.

Practical habits 

Living within your means. Avoiding unnecessary debt. Saving wisely and planning for the future. Allocating money intentionally for giving, needs and goals.

All of these practical actions are consistent with biblical teaching. Honouring God with our finances is both spiritual and practical.

The biggest money mistake: no plan

One of the most common mistakes is living without a plan. Without a budget or clear goals people tend to react to circumstances instead of directing money towards what matters. The consequences are predictable. Debt creeps in, giving becomes a challenge and stress grows.

When you use your financial education to build a simple plan and allocate money intentionally, it changes behaviour and creates peace. Commit those plans to God and ask for wisdom as you plan.

How to get started when you feel overwhelmed

If you are feeling pressure from the cost of living or just uncertain where to begin, start small. Little steps compound over time. A simple starter routine looks like this.

1. Track every expense for a month. Write down every transaction so you know exactly where your money goes.

2. Set simple goals. Decide how much to give, save and use for essentials. Even modest percentages move you forward.

3. Create a basic budget. Allocate income toward needs, debt repayment, savings and generosity.

4. Make a debt plan. Choose a method to pay down debt and be consistent.

5. Invite God into the process. Ask for wisdom, then act with faith and discipline.

Tracking your spending is the single most powerful first step you can take in managing your money wisely. Awareness builds control and reduces reactive decisions.

Generosity as a financial posture

Generosity should be central to a Christian financial life. Jesus modelled radical generosity. Our response to that grace is to live generously toward others. Generosity does more than help people. It also breaks the power that money can have over us. Giving shifts the heart away from hoarding and toward service.

Generosity produces joy and shows tangible impact. When money is used to help others, support ministry and meet real needs, it creates meaning beyond mere accumulation. Start small and increase as you are able. The habit of giving reconfigures priorities and frees you from the fear of scarcity.

Practical checklist to start right away

Write down every expense for 30 days. Set one short-term financial goal and one long-term goal. Create a simple monthly budget and stick to it for 90 days. Allocate a fixed amount for giving, even if small. Begin a debt repayment plan with measurable milestones. Pray and ask for wisdom as you make financial decisions.

FAQs

Q1. Is it unspiritual for Christians to think about money or build wealth?
No. The Bible warns about the love of money, not money itself. Managing finances wisely is part of biblical stewardship. When handled correctly, money becomes a tool to bless others, support ministries, and provide for your family.

Q2. Why do many Christians feel stressed or guilty about money?
Most people never receive proper financial education—at home, school, or even church. On top of that, Christians often feel tension between being spiritual and dealing with real financial responsibilities. This leads to mixed messages, guilt, and uncertainty.

Q3. What is the biggest mistake Christians make with their finances?
The most common mistake is living without a plan. Without a budget or clear goals, people react to expenses instead of directing their money intentionally. This often results in debt, stress, and difficulty giving generously.

Q4. How can I start improving my finances if I feel overwhelmed?
Financial education begins with small steps: track every expense for 30 days, set simple goals, create a basic budget, and start a debt repayment plan. Invite God into your decisions, ask for wisdom, and build habits gradually. Small actions compound into long-term financial freedom.

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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Ever feel like you can’t pray because you don’t feel ‘good enough’? Spoiler alert: God knows we don’t have it all together and welcomes our messy imperfection. 

I was doing my bible reading recently. The summary of the day’s reading said: “God invites us into conversation even when our prayers are unpolished, and our thoughts are in disarray.” This thought resonated with me deeply. It was in relation to Psalm 120, which is a Psalm of lament.

‘I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me. Save me, LORD, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues. What will he do to you, and what more besides, you deceitful tongue. He will punish you with a warrior’s sharp arrows, with burning coals of the broom bush. Woe to me that I dwell in Meshek, that I live among the tents of Kedar! Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.’ Psalm 120

David, who wrote the Psalm, is on the run in the wilderness, the King is trying to kill him, and he is scared for his life. The Psalm is really short, and it reads as though David just blurted out his anguish at his situation. Many of the Psalms are laments, but they end with praise. However, this one doesn’t; it’s just David’s thoughts, fears and frustrations.

I was reflecting on times in my life when I have felt the need to censor myself before God. For me, this comes from two things: a need for control and wanting to have it all together. Sometimes, it feels like if I admit in prayer how much I am struggling, then I am also confirming that nagging feeling deep inside that I am not as in control as I would like to think I am. God actually knows I don’t have it all together – He made me. He invites us, in Matthew 11:28-30, to walk with him and learn from him, and to share our burdens with him, because he gives us rest.

Sometimes I almost feel like I don’t want to bother God with my problems. I say a polite prayer and go on my way, closing the door on deep pain that He invites me to share with Him in a real relationship. The Psalms are an example of what it looks like to share your heart with God: the fear, the pain, and the joy. In fact, when you don’t have the words to know what to pray for, praying through the Psalms is a great place to start.

We don’t need to wait for the perfect time or for our lives to be perfect. We don’t need to wait until we are good enough, either. The death and resurrection of Jesus on the cross gave us a direct path to a relationship with God. We can come to Him and share it all, unfiltered, messy, and just as we are. 

Article supplied with thanks to Lorrene McClymont.

About the Author: Lorrene McClymont is a writer and photographer from Hope Images. On her blog ‘Moments to Rest’, she shares about rest, faith, and family.

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What transforming conversations I’d have if I could see the world with the eyes of Jesus.

It was one of the odder conversations I’ve had. We had just moved to New Zealand and were in a temporary house while the church manse we were to stay at was being finished. Being new, I wanted to get to know our neighbors and seeing the one on our left hand side in his yard, I popped my head over the fence to say hello. He was very friendly and showed interest in who I was and where I was from. I felt welcomed and as though we could become friends. And then a  strange thing happened. “This is such a perfect country” he said. “And it would be completely perfect if it weren’t for all the **** immigrants who are flooding in. They are taking our country over. It’s an absolute disgrace.” On and on he went about how awful immigrants are.. And then he stopped, handed me his hand to shake, and said, “Lovely to meet you. I hope you will be very happy. Welcome to New Zealand. I’m so glad you are here.”

I was left feeling – “Well I don’t know what that was about. Should I feel insulted and defensive because I am one of these dreadful immigrants ruining the country, or should I accept his welcome at face value?” Slowly it dawned on me. His welcome of me was as genuine as it was warm. He was glad I was in the country, glad I was his neighbour. Even though I was an immigrant, he didn’t think of me as one. Why? I’m not sure. I had told him very clearly where I was from and he had asked me lots of questions about it. But in spite of that, he didn’t think of me as an immigrant. Perhaps it was because English is my first language and I speak it pretty well, or perhaps it was my skin colour, or perhaps it was because I had started by giving him a few lemons off our tree – I really don’t know, but whatever the reason was, he considered me part of “us” not part of “them”.

It’s lovely to belong – to feel part of something, to feel that you fit in. But so very many don’t…

Think of the astonishing account recorded in John 4, when Jesus had a conversation with a Samaritan woman who was drawing water from a well at midday. 

If you are versed in the Jewish culture of Jesus’ time, there are enough clues to alert you that this conversation shouldn’t have been taking place.

Put them together:

• Jesus was Jewish but was passing through Samaritan territory. Jews and Samaritans hated each other in the way that only “sort of but not really” relatives could – for indeed, the Samaritans had been part of Israel until the conquest of the Northern Kingdom by the Assyrians in 722BC had seen their land decimated and intermarriage with the victorious Assyrians become common. While Samaritans held on to vestiges of Judaism, they had intermarried, worshiped at a different temple, understood the Torah differently, and were beyond the pale so far as the Jews were concerned. Jews and Samaritans kept their distance from each other.

• Second. Jewish males did not engage in casual conversations with women. That would be seen as deeply inappropriate. Realistically, it would have  been strange if Jesus started a conversation with a Samaritan man, but for him to do that with a Samaritan woman – well really, what was he thinking?

• Third, this was midday and the woman was drawing water alone. Big clue that. In a highly sociable society, why would she be drawing water in the heat of the day when it was a start of the day task. You didn’t have to be too smart to pick that she was an outsider. The other women wouldn’t talk to her. She was ostracized – forced to go about her life on her own. And soon the reason for that becomes clear.

• Fourth  – it wasn’t just that she was an outsider, she was a most dubious outsider. She had 5 previous marriages – seriously 5 – and what was worse, the man she was now living with was not her husband. Clearly she was bad news, not the sort of woman you would want your husband to chat to.

So why does Jesus stop and chat to her? 

It’s a good question. Clearly he wasn’t interested in appearances, because this wasn’t a “look good” moment. People would question his judgment about this. 

So why does Jesus speak to her?

Because Jesus sees her in a way no one else does. While others wrote her off as a dodgy Samaritan woman with a compromised past and an equally compromised present, Jesus sees her as a woman made in the image of God – a woman who in her own way was searching for God and the presence of God. Strip all the trivial surface details away, and you see not a compromised woman, but a wounded image bearer, longing for home, longing for God, longing to belong.

It is the deep empathy of Jesus that helps him see beyond the surface – helps Him to see the God image in her.

In a world divided by “them and us” “insiders and outsiders”, a new way of seeing is needed. There is how I see the world – and then there is how Jesus sees the world. If I could more often see the world with the eyes of Jesus, what transforming conversations I would have…

Article supplied with thanks to Brian Harris.

About the Author: Brian is a speaker, teacher, leader, writer, author and respected theologian who is founding director of the AVENIR Leadership Institute, fostering leaders who will make a positive impact on the world.

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Dear Australians, I would like to share the faith lessons I’ve learnt from leaving everything I knew behind. I hope you can also hold onto hope in these uncertain times.

I am a Ukrainian who had to relocate with my family to Australia four years ago because of the war. I was born at the time of the collapse of the communist Soviet Union, in an era marked by shortages and instability. I have lived through crisis, corruption, the pandemic, and now a war threatening to completely destabilise the world again.

As the world, including Australia, begins to feel unsettled, I have a personal story of resilience and hope to offer those who are feeling scared, defeated, anxious – or maybe can’t put a name to what you’re feeling yet. 

After four years, I am still learning to understand Australian society. It feels like a mosaic made up of different cultures and stories. To me, “Australians” are those who have lived here for a long time, who have become part of this community, who were born here generations ago.

They are open, kind, and in some ways even trusting people. Many live with a sense that Australia is its own world, a kind of island continent where life moves at a steady, calm pace. There is sunshine, the ocean, and a comforting sense of work-life balance.

At times, it feels as though all of this exists inside a kind of “glass room” with walls that are slowly, but steadily, closing in. For a long time, global events seemed distant, something happening far away in Europe or the Middle East, outside of everyday life. But recent events have shown that this is no longer the case.

The tragedy in Bondi was a sobering shock for everyone. I knew people who were personally affected by the attack. The response showed that society here was not prepared for something like this. It became a moment of realisation that global instability can reach even here.

Then came another, more everyday but equally noticeable pressure, rising fuel prices. This was a second signal that Australia is part of a globally connected world. What happens elsewhere does affect life here.

It is important to acknowledge that we do not live in isolation.

Not to become pessimistic, but so as not to live in denial; to be realistic and maintain inner stability in any circumstance, like a house built on rock.

Personal experience: loss and new beginnings

Who am I to say this? Here is my short story…

Back in 2014, when conflict began in eastern Ukraine, our family moved to Kyiv. Our familiar life, relatives, home, friends, church, the streets we grew up on, all stayed behind in memories and blurred photos. That was our first major reset.

But that experience shaped us. We lost a lot, but we gained a deeper understanding of God’s will and His love. In Kyiv, we learned to start again. Step by step, year by year. My wife served in a church campus with creative teams, and I continued building my career in marketing and communications. Our children were born there.

After that first move, we saw stability differently. Where others saw certainty, we recognised that comfortable seasons are often preparation for future challenges.

Then came 2022. A turning point not just for Ukraine, but for the world. Many Ukrainians were forced to relocate to different countries. For our family, that journey led us the furthest, to Australia.

And this move felt like a miracle. The local church community supported us in extraordinary ways. People helped with flights, accommodation, essential items, and work. It was a continuous flow of care and generosity, something that is hard to explain as anything other than God’s love in action.

I sincerely empathise with Australians who remember the weight of COVID restrictions. Life seemed to be returning to normal, and then new pressures began to emerge.

Here are three reflections that may be helpful in this season.

1. Accepting God’s will and your time are probably not the same

I used to ask God, “Why?” Now I ask, “God, what is the next step?”

Do not be afraid when things do not go according to your plan. They may not follow your plan, but they are still within God’s plan. This brings a sense of inner stability, even in unpredictable times, when unexpected events seem to gather overhead.

God cares for us. He knows every grain of sand on the beautiful Sydney beaches or the park where your children play and is every step ahead of you. You are part of His plan.

2. Rethinking what matters: letting go of attachment to things

The Bible says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”.

When we arrived in Australia, our entire life fit into four suitcases. Recently, when we moved to another suburb, it took a full van to carry everything. But that is not where our treasure lies.

In reality, we do not need much to live, and even less to endure difficult seasons. Happiness is not defined by fuel prices or numbers in a bank account.

Do not be afraid of losing things. Be concerned about losing your relationship with God.

3. Do not live in false expectations; live by faith

In both 2014 and 2022, many people I know left behind their homes and belongings, holding on to the belief that everything would soon return to the way it was. But it will not.

Living in the past can prevent you from fully living in the present.

Instead of holding on to false expectations, choose faith. Faith does not expire. Faith brings the understanding that, in the end, God has already won.

There is a phrase I appreciate: “In the end, everything will be OK. If it is not OK yet, then it is not the end”.

Easter is a reminder of what truly matters

Easter is a time that brings us back to the foundations of faith.

For me, Easter has always carried more weight than Christmas. Christmas marks the beginning, the arrival of hope. But Easter reveals the outcome.

Jesus died for our sins and rose again, offering us life, eternal life, and a restored relationship with God.

If you feel the current pressures are shaking your foundation, start with something simple. Begin to pray. Begin to trust God. Open the Bible. Come to church. Reflect, share, and support one another.

It may seem simple, but this is exactly what the devil tries to take from us, especially when we are standing in line at the petrol station.

Written by a Ukrainian living in Sydney.

Article supplied with thanks to Christian Media & Arts Australia.

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Holy Week marks the highest Bible engagement days in YouVersion history for Australia, as new data reveals deeper spiritual curiosity.

In Australia, Bible engagement increased by 17.6% across the YouVersion Family of Apps during Holy Week compared to last year, with more than a quarter of a million Australians engaging in the Bible on Good Friday. In fact, Easter Friday and Saturday are ranked as the highest days for Bible engagement ever recorded nationally, and Easter Sunday also ranking among the highest days in YouVersion Australia’s history.

The surge reflects not just a seasonal moment, but a broader pattern emerging in how Australians are engaging with questions of meaning, hope and faith. The Bible App has now been installed more than 8.2 million times in Australia and is opened more than 200,000 times every day.

While Easter has long been a focal point, in 2026 it has coincided with an unusual and sustained surge in engagement. Nine of the top ten days for daily active users in Australia have all occurred this year. Even outside traditional peaks, engagement has remained elevated, pointing to a deeper shift beyond seasonal patterns.

YouVersion Australia Hub Leader Dave Adamson said the data points to a shift not always captured in headlines or census data.

“This data suggests a shift in how Australians are engaging with the Bible,” he said. “While public narratives often emphasise decline, everyday habits are pointing to something more.”

Part of this reflects the rhythm of Lent, a season historically associated with reflection and return. It also coincides with a broader global atmosphere of uncertainty, where people are often drawn to deeper questions of hope, peace and meaning.

“Faith tends to surface most clearly in lived experience and it often becomes visible in how people navigate uncertain or challenging moments. We’ve never had more access to information, yet many people feel more uncertain about what it all means,” Adamson said. 

“And increasingly, their deeper questions are showing up in search bars. In fact, four of the top five searches are positive: love, hope, healing and peace. That’s not people running from something. That’s people reaching for something deeper.”

Easter remains one of the most significant moments for Bible engagement each year, with Australians, from lifelong Christians to the spiritually curious, turning to Scripture during Holy Week. Last year, the most read verse in Australia during this period was John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” In 2026, Matthew 28:6 emerged as the most popular Holy Week passage. 

Globally, 21.6 million people engaged with the Bible on Easter Sunday across the YouVersion Family of Apps, continuing a series of record-breaking days following an historic milestone of one billion installs last year.

YouVersion Founder and CEO Bobby Gruenewald says: “Over the last several months, worldwide interest in the Bible has continued to increase. It’s encouraging to see people searching for and consistently coming back to Scripture for guidance, encouragement and answers. We especially see this at Easter where more people are either reflecting on their faith or trying to understand who Jesus was for themselves. Seeing people around the world encounter Scripture, many for the first time, is exactly why we exist.”

About YouVersion

Created by Life.Church, YouVersion designs free, biblically centered experiences that encourage and challenge people to seek God throughout each day. The YouVersion Family of Apps—including the Bible App, Bible App Lite, and Bible App for Kids—has been installed on more than one billion devices worldwide. The Bible App offers a Bible experience in more than 2,400 languages and helps people deepen their relationship with God. Bible App Lite is optimized for offline use and helps people access God’s Word in markets with device and data limitations. Bible engagement is measured by Daily Active Users (DAU) across these three apps, an industry-standard data point reflecting the number of unique users opening one of the apps on a given day. Developed in partnership with OneHope, the Bible App for Kids helps children engage with the Bible through interactive animations and fun activities. For more information about YouVersion, visit youversion.com. 

Article supplied with thanks to YouVersion Australia.

About the Author: Dave Adamson is the Australia Hub Leader for YouVersion. A former TV reporter turned digital ministry pioneer, he was one of the world’s first online pastors and now helps global audiences engage with the Bible in a digital age.

Feature image: Supplied

Last week I looked at the journey from loneliness to solitude, the first of the three movements towards spiritual growth outlined in Henri Nouwen’s inspiring book Reaching Out.

Today we look at the second transformation – a journey described by Nouwen as being from hostility to hospitality.

When Hostility Hides in Plain Sight

Perhaps like me, your first response to this invitation is a defensive, “No, I don’t think this one has anything in it for me. I’m not an aggressive person, and what’s more, I like a wide range of people (I genuinely do), and my natural posture towards others tends to be open not closed. In short, I think I can tick the ‘already achieved’ box on this one.” Fortunately our first response does not have to be defining, and the more I have mulled this over the more I realise I still have some way to go.

Difference and Distance: The Breeding Ground of Suspicion

There are many reasons we might not see another person well. I have previously written about the dangers of difference and distance, so soberly unpacked in the biblical story of Joseph, where his brothers sell him into slavery because his coat of many colours marked him as being different, while his father’s decision to keep him at home created distance between him and his siblings. If people seem a bit different and we don’t bump into them in any meaningful way, suspicion and hostility is often an automatic response. “You are not one of us” we quickly conclude, and when we view someone as being an outsider, it is only a short step to thinking that the respect, affection and concern we show to those in our circle can be dropped.

Creating Space for Strangers

Nouwen talks about providing space for strangers to “cast off their strangeness and become fellow human beings.” It is about spotting what we have in common, rather than what keeps us apart. It might take a bit of time, especially if our different cultural backgrounds mean humour is not understood, and priorities seem to be different. It can take a while before we see how superficial these differences are.

A Counter Cultural Kind of Love

At a time when many Christians are stridently insisting that Christians should be seen to be different to the prevailing culture, I wonder if this is a way we can do it. Loving the stranger is rather Jesus like – and it is counter cultural – especially at this perplexing time. After all, in Luke 10:25-37 Jesus weaves a story where the dreaded Samaritan is the hero of the day. Despite the “otherness” of being Samaritan, when confronted by a beaten and broken man on a lonely road, he immediately realised that love demanded that he stop and help. Others passing by had more compelling agendas. Their tasks seemed more important to them, so they hurried on to make sure they did not miss their appointment with trivia. It’s pretty counter cultural to love those who aren’t part of your circle. It’s challenging to tell stories where the supposed villain turns out to be the saint, and the home team is portrayed as mean and small. Jesus took that risk – and risk it was… certainly it impacted his poll ratings to the point where the majority cried out “crucify him crucify him”. We really don’t like it when people tell us to love our enemies.

Moving Beyond Labels

There is a trickiness to this for Christians. Ironically, because we follow Jesus, we often divide the world into Christians and non-Christians. I grew up in apartheid South Africa. It was a society where people were classified as “white” or “non-white”. It’s both alienating and insulting to classify people as “non” something, especially if the thing that is getting all the nods of approval is what they are not. To be honest, I don’t know what to do about this. Following Jesus is a big deal and does make a real difference. If you think it doesn’t, it could be that it’s not Jesus you are following. Can we be genuinely open hearted and hospitable to those we consider to not have made the most significant and important decision of all – the decision to follow Jesus?

Actually, I suspect that is where the magic of Christian witness begins. If I am truly hospitable, I see what Jesus wants me to see. Here is someone originally made in God’s own image, loved by God, and having endless dignity and worth because of this. What is more, this is someone God has brought across my path – so of course I must be open to them. I look for what unites us – our common humanity – and celebrate this. I remember that I was once a seeker – and to be honest, still am – not because I think there is someone other than Jesus to be found, but because I want to know Jesus more deeply. There is a hunger that leads us into God’s kingdom, and there is a hunger that leads us on in God’s kingdom. We are probably both hungry for more. And yes, we have both made mistakes and need forgiveness.

Does that lead to words of witness and gentle persuasion to at least give God a chance? How can it possibly not? It is not my own life I am sharing if I let you into everything except that which matters most to me. And if you reject it… well love is not conditional, and we can still joke about the footie, and marvel at rainbows, and weep together over the dreaded C word, or tut tut over the price of fuel. And in God’s own good time – well actually it is up to God what God does in God’s own very good time.

For my part, I am called to journey from hostility to hospitality. That means I don’t lean in to “othering” stories that tell how awful “they” are. Actually, the more confronting “they” are, the more I ask that Jesus would open my eyes and heart, and that there would be a way to turn the enemy into a beloved friend.

Article supplied with thanks to Brian Harris.

About the Author: Brian is a speaker, teacher, leader, writer, author and respected theologian who is founding director of the AVENIR Leadership Institute, fostering leaders who will make a positive impact on the world.

Feature image: Canva

God’s Church has a vital role to play in ending the isolation of financial struggle

After 25 years of partnering with churches nationwide, Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Australia is launching a new name and brand: Hope Economy.

Chief Executive Officer Rosie Kendall said the brand change reflects a deep, multi-year evolution of the organisation in response to the significant problem of people in Australia struggling with financial pressure in isolation.

“Over the past seven years we’ve been through a significant season of rebuilding and alignment, internally, culturally and strategically,” Rosie said.

“This moment is the final step of that journey.

“Our conviction is as strong as ever: Jesus offers whole-life transformation, and God’s Church has a vital role to play in ending the isolation of financial struggle in our nation.”

Research highlights the urgency of this moment. Almost one in two Australians report experiencing distress from financial pressure, with financial challenges identified as the leading cause of distress impacting mental health and wellbeing nationwide (Beyond Blue, 2024).

At the same time, financial hardship and loneliness are increasingly linked, with people whose financial needs are poorly met far more likely to experience persistent isolation (Ending Loneliness Together, 2024).

According to Foodbank’s 2025 Hunger Report, almost 3.5 million Australian households experienced food insecurity in the past year, with rising living costs placing increasing pressure on families and individuals across every community.

Rosie said these realities sit at the heart of why Hope Economy exists.

“Financial struggle is rarely just about numbers on a page,” Rosie said.

“It’s deeply connected to anxiety, shame and isolation. We believe the love of Jesus transforms the way we see and respond to that struggle and that the local Church is God’s answer to people feeling alone.”

Founded in Australia in 2000, CAP Australia began with partnering with churches to provide debt management assistance to people facing financial hardship. In recent years, the ministry has intentionally broadened its focus, moving beyond an emphasis on debt alone to partnering with churches and equipping God’s people to walk alongside anyone who may be struggling with their financial situation.

Rosie said the new name ‘Hope Economy’ reflects how the ministry has grown and diversified in Australia.

“Our core mission hasn’t changed, and Jesus remains at the centre of everything we do,” she said.

“What has changed is our desire to speak more clearly into the realities people are facing today, and to invite the Church into a hopeful, counter-cultural way of responding.”

Rosie said the new brand is intended to help the organisation partner with churches across the country, equipping everyday Christians to confidently and compassionately support people who are financially vulnerable in their communities.

“We are passionate about people coming to know Jesus and want to help churches be places of healing and connection for people currently experiencing isolation,” Rosie said.

Hope Economy will continue equipping local churches with training and resources to support people experiencing financial pressure, while calling the wider church to a deeper discipleship journey that reshapes how Christians relate to money and leads them toward deeper care for those who are financially vulnerable.

The rebrand follows a 12-month process of research, testing and consultation with church leaders, supporters, staff and the Board, supported by external expert agencies.

Hope Economy remains an active and committed member of the global CAP community, with CAP International offering its full support for the change.

Rosie said the launch of Hope Economy is ultimately an invitation.

“This isn’t about re-inventing ourselves,” she said.

“It’s about opening new doors, reaching new audiences, and helping the Church in Australia be known for the hope it stands for, especially in a time when so many are struggling.

“Money can be complicated. And when it’s tangled up in shame, isolation, and systems that feel too big to change, it’s easy to feel disempowered. “It’s about opening new doors, reaching new audiences, and helping the Church in Australia be known for the hope it stands for, especially in a time when so many are struggling.

“Money can be complicated. And when it’s tangled up in shame, isolation, and systems that feel too big to change, it’s easy to feel disempowered. But in God’s Kingdom, money can tell a different story, not of lack, but of love. And that’s what Hope Economy is all about.”

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With thousands of charities to choose from, how do you decide which one is right for you? Here’s what to look for and why it matters.

With over 60,000 registered charities in Australia, the not-for-profit sector plays a vital role in supporting communities and causes across the nation, but how do you choose which charity to support?

That is one of many questions discussed with Marion Bennett (Mission Australia‘s Executive of Practice, Evidence and Impact), Joe Ware (CEO of the Chatleigh Foundation), and Pip Kiernan (Chair of Clean Up Australia and daughter of late founder Ian Kiernan).

Why Charities Matter

Joe explains that charities often excel where government and private entities cannot. 

“Charities are really good at the learning process,” he says, noting how organisations like Mission Australia gather evidence on what works and adapt their programs and services accordingly. 

Marion continues by focusing on the people who work in the charity sector, saying, “They understand the communities that they live [and work] in, and they’re able to respond in a nuanced way” that government agencies and private entities are not equipped to respond to.

The Power of Volunteers

Clean Up Australia exemplifies volunteer power. With just 12 staff, it mobilises over one million Australians to pick up rubbish every year. 

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organisation,” says Pip. “It started with Dad seeing a problem … and 40,000 Sydneysiders joined him.” Today, Clean Up Australia has volunteers in every state who pick up thousands of tonnes of rubbish and waste, helping the environment and building friendships as well. 

Volunteers help charities across Australia to deliver many of their services, and provide exponential returns. In any given year, volunteers provide over $20 billion of value to the Australian economy.

Evidence and Impact

Marion explains Mission Australia’s approach to measuring their impact and reporting on their effectiveness. “We design well, we measure well, and we act well,” she says.

Mission Australia uses their feedback to develop programs across their range of services, which are more likely to deliver desired outcomes, and they continually reassess and adapt programs based on their ongoing evaluation processes. 

Joe says donors should expect the charities they support to continually evaluate their programs and processes, to ensure they are effective. “Most of the work that charities are trying to do is really difficult,” he says, “Donors should expect their charities to take that work really seriously and be constantly measuring it.” 

For Clean Up Australia, measurement includes volunteer numbers and an annual litter report. Recognising plastics make up around 80 per cent of items collected, they lobbied the government to start the Return and Earn glass and plastic bottle recycling program – which rewards Australians for recycling drink bottles and cans that would otherwise go to landfill.

Building Community Connections

Beyond financial and logistical measurable outcomes, charities can also build social cohesion in ways that government programs and private enterprises cannot. 

Clean Up Australia, for example, has an 89 per cent brand trust in the community, making it one of Australia’s most trusted organisations. This has been achieved over the many years of bringing people together in their communities to work towards a common goal, and creating personal connections along the way. 

“[Volunteering at Clean Up Australia is] a great antidote for loneliness,” Pip says. “You never forget the name of the person you cleaned up with.”

Choosing Where to Give and Who to Support

Joe, Marion and Pip agree on four common areas to consider when deciding which charity to support: 

• Follow your heart and choose a cause that resonates with you. 
• Look at impact and ask what difference the charity makes. 
• Check the sustainability and transparency of their services and programs, ensuring they do what they say they do. 
• Ask for evidence and data about their effectiveness.

Article supplied with thanks to Helping Hands TV.

About the Author: Helping Hands is an Australian produced TV program that airs on 9GEM, Channel 9 and 9NOW, and showcases people and organisations who make the world a better place.

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Some of my most precious memories of my dad revolve around a car—like picking me up from roller skating when I was twelve, and driving me to my first job out of school, and. . . the night I called him at 1am to say I’d missed the last train home.

He drove an hour in to the city to get me and went to work bleary-eyed the next morning. I promised I’d never do it again.

A few days later, I did it again.

A car, it turns out, plays a special role in my family history. My father first locked eyes on my mother at a party in London, and later asked her out for a country drive, picking her up in his 1950s Rover sedan. That car was his treasured possession. Mum and dad soon became an item, but there was a problem. Mum was about to move to Peru. Dad took her to the airport, then five months later arrived in Peru himself—to propose. And the best part of the story? 

He’d sold his beloved Rover to pay for the plane ticket.

Giving Up Something, Changing Everything

It makes me wonder what my own treasured possession is and who I’d give it up for. For my mum, dad selling his Rover wasn’t just about a plane ticket—it was a sign of her worth in his eyes.

Two biblical stories come to mind—the first, about a wealthy young professional who asks Jesus what he has to do to get to heaven. When Jesus tells him to sell his possessions and follow him, the guy walks away—he can’t let go of his goods. The second is about Jesus’ friend, Mary, who throws him a dinner party, and halfway through brings in a bottle of precious perfume worth a year’s wages. It’s probably a family heirloom, passed down through generations, deeply treasured. She breaks open the jar and pours it on Jesus—signifying his worth in her eyes.

The Question That Reveals What We Truly Treasure

I sometimes wonder what would’ve happened if dad had kept his Rover instead of buying that plane ticket. My brother and I might not even be here. If the direction of our lives depends on the quality of our questions, maybe this one holds the power to shape not just our own destinies but others’: 

What is my most treasured possession and who would I give it up for?

The answer would have to reveal where our true treasure lies.

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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