This week on LOVECHURCH — The Podcast, Ron Jenkinson and Helen Davies share powerful stories of hope from Christians Against Poverty (CAP) and Love Your Neighbour (LYN).

CAP works to lift people out of debt and hardship, helping individuals and families find freedom and a fresh start. LYN is a national alliance of churches and organisations partnering to bring lasting change on the frontlines of UK communities.

Together, these two movements remind us that the Church is called not just to believe, but to act — bringing hope, healing, and transformation wherever it’s needed most.

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It’s day 24 of our daily Pentecast on LOVECHURCH — The Podcast. Today’s guest is Abosede Oriolowo, joining Tim Matthews on her wedding anniversary to reflect on Luke 4:14–30 — the moment Jesus declares his mission to the world.

Reading from Isaiah, Jesus proclaims freedom for the oppressed, sight for the blind, and the year of the Lord’s favour — a bold, kingdom-defining manifesto. Abosede reminds us that if we follow Jesus, we take up that same mission: to bring light where there’s darkness, hope where there’s despair, and love where there’s hostility. In our everyday lives — our homes, workplaces, and communities — we’re called to be visible carriers of Jesus' compassion. And when Jesus refuses to include vengeance in his reading, he signals the radical nature of his kingdom: love even for enemies.

Their prayer is for courage — to live out this gospel with grace, mercy, and conviction. Wherever we are, may our lives shine with the love of Christ. See you tomorrow for Day 25!

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It’s day 23 of our daily Pentecast on LOVECHURCH — The Podcast. Today’s guest is Steve Hynde, returning to join Tim Matthews for a celebratory look at John 2:1–12 — Jesus’ first public miracle: turning water into wine at a wedding.

It’s a moment packed with meaning. Tim draws out the deeper theology: this miracle launches Jesus’ ministry and hints at everything to come — joy, abundance, inner transformation, and a kingdom that begins not with rules but with celebration. It’s also a foreshadowing of the heavenly banquet and of Jesus’ blood poured out in love. But Steve offers something just as important — a reminder that this story is also profoundly relational. Jesus is at a wedding, surrounded by friends and family. His first miracle isn’t showy or staged — it’s intimate, generous, and deeply human. As Steve puts it, “naturally supernatural.”

Their prayer invites us to receive this joy — not a distant, religious formality, but the rich, relational, celebratory love of Jesus. The kind that transforms everything, from the inside out. See you tomorrow for Day 24!

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It’s day 22 of our daily Pentecast on LOVECHURCH — The Podcast. Today’s guest is Ella Jenkinson, returning to reflect with Tim Matthews on two short but powerful passages: Luke 3:21–23 and Matthew 4:1–11 — the baptism and temptation of Jesus.

These moments couldn’t be more different: first, the sky opens and God speaks identity over Jesus — “This is my Son, whom I love, with whom I am well pleased.” Then, Jesus is led straight into the wilderness to face testing and lies. Ella and Tim explore how deeply connected these two moments are. Knowing God's love is the bedrock for resisting temptation. If we’re not grounded in what God says about us, we become vulnerable to the world’s twisted messages — just like the enemy tries with Jesus. But Jesus fights back with truth — the Word of God rightly held.

Their prayer is for deeper security in God’s love. If you’ve been feeling unsure, worn down, or tempted, today’s a reminder: God still says over you, “You are my child, whom I love.” And that truth gives us strength to stand. See you tomorrow for Day 23!

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It’s day 21 of our Pentecast on LOVECHURCH — The Podcast. Today’s guest is Lewis Parker, joining Tim Matthews to explore two remarkable New Testament passages: Luke 2:40–52 and John 1:1–18 — two very different portraits of Jesus, but both full of power.

Tim and Lewis reflect on teenage Jesus — that rare window into Christ’s youth when he goes missing, only to be found in the temple. It’s both funny and profound. “Where did you think I’d be?” Jesus says. And it’s a line that speaks right to us when we feel like we’ve lost track of God. He hasn’t gone anywhere — he’s always right there in the Father’s house, waiting to be found in worship and prayer. The conversation shifts to John’s Gospel, which begins with “In the beginning” — a fresh start, a new creation in Jesus. When we need to begin again, this is the place to return to.

Their prayer is for renewed closeness — to find Jesus not by striving, but by simply returning to worship, word, and presence. Whether you’re feeling lost or just in need of a reset, Jesus is closer than you think. See you tomorrow for Day 22!

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It’s day 20 of our daily Pentecast on LOVECHURCH — The Podcast. Today’s guests are Mark & Celina Timms, joining Tim Matthews to celebrate a joyful milestone — the journey now brings us to the New Testament, and the familiar nativity stories in Matthew and Luke.

We all know the Christmas story, but today the spotlight turns to the quiet, courageous trust of Mary and Joseph. Tim, Mark and Celina reflect on how their obedience wasn’t comfortable — it cost them reputation, stability, and safety. And yet, they didn’t resist or bargain. They simply trusted God. Mary says, “I am the Lord’s servant,” and Joseph accepts a calling that would have turned his world upside down. As Celina beautifully puts it, “Not every gift from God is welcome — but it’s often exactly what we need.”

Their prayer is for that same trust: to not be afraid, to say yes to God even when it’s costly, and to believe that the Holy Spirit is at work — even when it feels inconvenient or uncomfortable. See you tomorrow for Day 21!

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It’s day 19 of our daily Pentecast on LOVECHURCH — The Podcast. Today’s guest is Abi Andrews, reflecting with Tim Matthews on the wisdom and power of the minor prophets — short but mighty books like Joel, Amos, Micah, and Malachi.

These prophets weren’t introducing new laws — they were calling God's people back to living out their faith with integrity. Abi is struck by Micah 6:8 — “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” She shares how humility and mercy become real when we’re faced with the challenge of loving those who’ve wronged us. Together, they reflect on how God uses even the briefest verses to pierce our hearts — and how these ancient messages still speak prophetically into our lives today.

Their prayer is for open hearts and fresh outpouring — to walk humbly, show mercy, and live justly. Just as Joel promised, “I will pour out my Spirit on all people,” and just as Peter would echo at Pentecost, that promise is still alive today. See you tomorrow for Day 20!

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It’s day 18 of our daily Pentecast on LOVECHURCH — The Podcast. Today’s guest is Lizzie Redman, joining Tim Matthews for a fresh look at two often-overlooked books in the Old Testament: Ezra and Nehemiah.

These books tell the story of Israel's return from exile. With Jerusalem in ruins, the people begin to rebuild — not with bricks first, but with worship. Ezra leads the charge, restoring the altar and putting God at the centre. Lizzie and Tim reflect on the importance of that order: when we prioritise God's presence and commit to prayer, everything else flows from that. It’s a simple but profound reminder that a healthy life, like a healthy city, starts by building the altar first. Nehemiah later follows with bold leadership and persistent prayer, showing us that restoration is possible — but not without determination and faith.

Their prayer today is a call to stay committed — to keep praying, keep prioritising, and keep putting God first, even when the answers don’t come quickly. It all starts with worship. See you tomorrow for Day 19!

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