Author: Rev. David Gray

It’s one of the hardest decisions a family can face. Your parent is getting older. They’re struggling to manage alone. Maybe they’ve had a fall. Maybe their memory is slipping. Maybe you’re exhausted from trying to help while juggling work, children, and your own health. Someone suggests a care home. It seems like the sensible option. After all, professionals can provide round-the-clock support. Your parent will be safe. You’ll get your life back. But something doesn’t sit right. A quiet voice whispers: Is this what I’m supposed to do? Is this honouring my parent — or abandoning them? If you’re…

When you’re young, bath time is chaos — splashing, laughing, soap in your eyes, your dad pretending the rubber duck can talk. Years later, you might find yourself helping that same man into the tub. No one’s laughing now. An old Turkish proverb puts it this way: “If a father bathes his children, both will laugh. If a son bathes his father, both will cry.” This simple saying is sweeping across social media, shared by millions who recognise something painfully true in its words. In two sentences, it captures the entire arc of human life — from joyful dependence to…

Who Was Thomas? Thomas — also called Didymus, meaning “the Twin” — was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. Despite being a faithful follower throughout Christ’s ministry, he’s remembered primarily for one moment of doubt. That single incident earned him a nickname that has stuck for two thousand years: “Doubting Thomas.” But is that label fair? And what can we learn from this honest, questioning disciple? As it turns out, Thomas’s story offers profound encouragement for anyone who has ever wrestled with faith. His journey from doubt to declaration — “My Lord and my God!” — remains one of the most…

Why the Resurrection Matters The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands at the centre of the Christian faith. Without it, Christianity crumbles. However, because Jesus rose from the dead, we have forgiveness, hope, and the promise of eternal life. Scripture is filled with passages that proclaim and explain this glorious truth. Whether you’re preparing for Easter, strengthening your faith, or simply wanting to meditate on God’s Word, these ten verses will anchor your heart in resurrection hope. 1. Matthew 28:5-6 — He Is Not Here; He Has Risen “The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know…

What Is Easter? Easter is the most important day in the Christian calendar. On this day, Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead — the event that proves His victory over sin, death, and the grave. In 2026, Easter Sunday falls on April 5th. Without Easter, Christianity collapses. If Jesus stayed dead, then His claims were false, His sacrifice was meaningless, and our faith is worthless. However, because He rose, everything changes. Death no longer has the final word. Consequently, those who trust in Christ have the promise of eternal life. 1 Corinthians 15:17-20…

What Is Good Friday? Good Friday is the most solemn day in the Christian calendar. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and His death at Calvary — the moment when the sinless Son of God took upon Himself the sins of the world and died in our place. Good Friday falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday, during the final week of Lent known as Holy Week. In 2026, Good Friday is observed on April 3rd. For Christians, this day is not merely a historical remembrance. It is the hinge of human history — the day when God’s plan…

Word for Today: You Don’t Have to Carry It Alone Today’s Scripture: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 (ESV) Today’s Devotional: You’re tired. I know you are. Not just physically tired—but soul tired. Worn down by worry. Exhausted from carrying burdens that were never yours to carry. Jesus sees you. And this morning, He’s inviting you to come. “Come to me, all who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Not “figure it out first.” Not “clean yourself up.” Not “try harder.” Just come. Bring…

There’s something sacred about the morning. Before the rush begins—before emails, deadlines, and demands pull you in a hundred directions—you have a choice. You can stumble into the day unprepared, or you can anchor your soul in the presence of God. Morning prayer isn’t about finding the perfect words. It’s about turning your heart toward the One who holds your day in His hands. It’s about acknowledging that you need Him before your feet even hit the floor. Here at Higher Praise, we believe that how you start your morning shapes everything that follows. When you begin with prayer, you…

Scripture is clear: God’s people are called to help others. From the Law of Moses to the teachings of Jesus to the letters of Paul, the Bible overflows with commands, examples, and promises related to generosity, compassion, and self-sacrifice. But if we’re honest, this doesn’t come naturally. We’re prone to self-interest. We hold tightly to what we have. We find reasons to look the other way. That’s why we need God’s Word to continually reshape our hearts. Here at Higher Praise, we’ve compiled 50 Bible verses about helping others, organized into 8 biblical themes. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, conviction,…

The End of an Era Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader for over 36 years, was killed today in a joint U.S.-Israeli military operation. President Trump confirmed the 86-year-old’s death on Truth Social, calling him “one of the most evil people in History.” For Iranian Christians, dissidents, and women who have suffered under nearly five decades of Islamic theocracy, this moment represents something they have prayed for, protested for, and died for: the possibility of freedom. Here at Higher Praise, we believe this is a pivotal moment not just for geopolitics—but for the future of religious liberty in one of…