The Lighthouse Church Here you will discover all about The Lighthouse Church. https://www.tlhc.church Sun, 04 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Sun, 04 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000 hourly 1 3600 SnapPages.com Day 21: Faithful and Reliable https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/24/day-21-faithful-and-reliable Sat, 24 Jan 2026 17:23:20 +0000 https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/24/day-21-faithful-and-reliable


SENT: 21-DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING

Faithful and Reliable

Written By: Ashley Gabriel

Read 2 Timothy 2:1-2 and Matthew 25:21
When we planted the church ten years ago, I had no idea how much I would grow or how much God’s grace would sustain us. One lesson has remained constant through every season, especially the challenging ones: reliability. Reliability is simply faithfulness in action. It is the practical, consistent expression of a faithful heart. It means showing up, serving, and staying committed even when it is difficult. I have known gifted people who began with great promise but faded because character and consistency were missing. Gifts can start something, but faithfulness is what keeps it going.

As we finish these 21 days of prayer and fasting, my prayer is that our hearts have been stirred again for the mission of Jesus. The gospel must be preached, disciples must be made, healthy churches must be formed, and leaders must be raised. None of this can happen without faithful and reliable people.

Paul instructed Timothy to entrust the gospel to reliable people who would be qualified to teach others. Scripture connects reliability with faithfulness. Jesus said, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” God honours those who are steady, dependable, and consistent before Him.

As we sense the call to plant churches in the future, we need men and women of character, people who count the cost, embrace sacrifice, and stay steady through highs and lows. Ability matters, but reliability matters more. It is far easier to develop ability in a reliable person than to build reliability into someone who only has ability.

Perhaps during these 21 days the Lord has stirred your heart to be part of a church plant or to be rooted in your existing church. Speak to the elders and discern God’s leading. Whatever He calls you to, be faithful. Be reliable.

Reflect

Am I being faithful and reliable with what God has entrusted to me?
Faithfulness in the small prepares us for greater responsibility.

Prayer

Lord, make me faithful and reliable in all You have entrusted to me. Strengthen my character, steady my heart, and help me serve Your mission with endurance and joy. Amen.
]]> Day 20: Partners in the Gospel https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/23/day-20-partners-in-the-gospel Fri, 23 Jan 2026 17:03:27 +0000 https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/23/day-20-partners-in-the-gospel


SENT: 21-DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING

Partners in the Gospel

Written By: Ashley Gabriel

Read Philippians 1:3-11
We were told when preparing to buy a rabbit that we should not get just one. Rabbits can become withdrawn and unhealthy when isolated, but they thrive with companionship. Scripture shows the same truth about people. From the beginning God said, It is not good for man to be alone, and created community. Even within the Godhead we see relationship and unity between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Church is therefore designed to flourish through partnership, not isolation.

Paul experienced this deeply with the church in Philippi. He planted the church and remembered them with joy because of their partnership in the gospel. The word he uses is koinonia, meaning shared life, mutual participation, and deep relational fellowship. This goes far beyond a network where churches simply exchange resources. True partnership is a joining of hearts for the advance of the gospel.

Yet insecurity can tempt leaders to lead alone. Some want to start their own ministries or movements without integration, accountability, or connection. But the Church was never meant to function as separate islands. As we plant and multiply, it is essential to recognise the strengths in every congregation and to work together. There is safety in community, humility in shared leadership, and strength in being accountable to one another. Solo ministry is neither biblical nor sustainable. Partnership is God’s design.

No single church carries the full measure of gifting needed for maturity. Christ gives apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip His people, often through the wider body. When we partner well, the Church is strengthened across regions and nations.

Reflect

Am I actively partnering with my local church?
How can I contribute to unity so that we build together as one Church rather than drifting into isolated or independent ministry?

Prayer

Lord, guard us from isolation and pride. Help us walk in joyful partnership with believers locally and globally so that Your kingdom advances and Your Church is strengthened. Amen.
]]> Day 19: The Gospel Is Unstoppable, Even in Chains https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/22/day-19-the-gospel-is-unstoppable-even-in-chains Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:21:50 +0000 https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/22/day-19-the-gospel-is-unstoppable-even-in-chains


SENT: 21-DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING

The Gospel Is Unstoppable, Even in Chains

Written By: Dele Bamgboye

Read Acts 28:23-31 and Romans 1:16
Obedience to God can sometimes place us in difficult situations. Following Jesus carries a cost, despite what some may claim. Scripture even says that we are granted not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for His sake. So it is no surprise that Paul often found himself imprisoned because of the gospel. In Rome he was viewed as a troublemaker and placed under house arrest, chained to a guard.

Yet despite his chains and restricted circumstances, Paul refused to let anything hinder the mission God had given him. He continued to preach boldly. He remained confident in the power of the gospel, convinced that it brings salvation to everyone who believes. His body may have been chained, but his message was not. The gospel he proclaimed broke spiritual chains even while he wore physical ones.

Paul spent two years welcoming visitors, explaining the Scriptures, and sharing the good news of Jesus from that small rented house. His persistence challenges us to consider how deeply we value the gospel ourselves. One preacher once said, We can never get tired of the gospel. That ongoing appreciation should shape our attitude as believers. The gospel is not a bedtime story. It is the living, transforming, chain breaking power of God.

In a world that often tries to silence the Church, Paul’s example reminds us that the gospel is unstoppable. Difficult seasons, opposition, and limitations cannot restrict what God can do through a willing believer.

Reflect

Is there an opportunity to share the gospel even within the difficult situation I am facing?
Do I truly believe in the power of the gospel?

Prayer

Father, give me a fresh desire to share the gospel with those around me. Help me to be a faithful witness even in hard times. Let me experience the power of the gospel in my life and through my life. Amen.
]]> Day 18: Not an Empty Shell Walking With the Holy Spirit https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/21/day-18-not-an-empty-shell-walking-with-the-holy-spirit Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:14:17 +0000 https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/21/day-18-not-an-empty-shell-walking-with-the-holy-spirit


SENT: 21-DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING

Not an Empty Shell Walking With the Holy Spirit

Written By: Marvin Luzinda

Read Acts 19:1-20 & Ephesians 2:14-16
The city of Ephesus was a melting pot of religions, idols, and competing voices. When Paul arrived, he encountered people who called themselves disciples, yet they had never heard of the Holy Spirit. They knew about John’s baptism, but not about Jesus. They had fragments of truth, but they had not yet encountered the fullness of life found in Christ.

As Paul later wrote to the Ephesian church, he began by pointing them back to God’s grace, the cross of Jesus, and the miracle of Jews and Gentiles being united as one family. Reflecting on this caused me to think about different seasons of my own life. Seasons where responsibilities increased through work, family, ministry, and caring for my health. In those moments, I noticed how easily my time of stillness with God could shrink. Prayer became shorter, and the space where God refreshed my soul was reduced.

Before long, I found myself busy with good things. Serving others, starting new ventures, and doing meaningful work, yet my intimacy with God felt quiet and stale. I was active, faithful, and productive, but inwardly I was becoming an empty shell. Full of good works, yet lacking depth of fellowship with the Lord.

Good works, discipline, and ministry are gifts from God, but they were never meant to be carried out in our own strength. In Acts, some tried to imitate Paul’s power without sharing his dependence on the Holy Spirit. Paul’s boldness did not come from ambition or self effort, but from a life yielded to God.

The Lord invites us to live from fullness, rooted in His love and continually filled with His Spirit. When our hearts remain anchored in what Jesus has done, our lives point people to God, not to ourselves.


Reflect

Are you serving God from intimacy with Him, or from habit and routine?

Prayer

Father, thank You for Your grace. Forgive me for relying on my own strength. Fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit and draw me back into deep fellowship with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
]]> Day 17: How to Deal with Mess https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/20/day-17-how-to-deal-with-mess Tue, 20 Jan 2026 07:28:39 +0000 https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/20/day-17-how-to-deal-with-mess


SENT: 21-DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING

How to Deal with Mess

Written By: Joel Fadojutimi

28 And we know that God causes everything to work together[a] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Romans 8:28
I love order. I thrive when everything is predictable and structured. I even love creating order for others, which is why teaching brings me so much joy. But when I had my first child, all sense of predictable order disappeared. Every parent knows that no matter how much you plan, a day can go in directions you never expected. My daughter completely reshaped my view of mess. I learned that sometimes, I simply need to embrace it.

God is a God of order, yet He often works powerfully in messy places. The church in Corinth is a perfect example. In Acts 18 we see that Paul planted the church through opposition and difficulty, yet God told him, Do not be afraid, I am with you, and many in this city belong to me. Later in 1 Corinthians, Paul describes the same church as enriched in every spiritual gift. They were growing, gifted, and full of potential. Yet they were also messy. Their issues were so significant that Paul wrote long letters to address division, immorality, confusion, and pride.

The mess did not mean Christ was absent. It meant they needed more of Him. Spiritual growth and spiritual mess often coexist. God does not abandon messy churches or messy people. He transforms them.

So why does God allow mess in our lives? Because when everything feels in our control, we stop depending on Him. Mess humbles us. It reminds us who is truly in charge. Paul prayed earnestly for the Corinthians because he knew only God’s wisdom and power could straighten what was crooked.

Our response in the mess:
Focus
Do not fixate on the chaos. Fix your eyes on what God is saying. Like Joshua, we need God’s perspective before we step into difficult places.
Trust
We may not understand the why, but we can trust His character. Return to the Word and let faith rise.
Obey
Be ready for His instruction. Peter obeyed Jesus and let down his nets again, even when it made no sense, and breakthrough followed.

Reflect

In this season, how focused am I on Christ? 
What instruction is God asking me to obey?

Prayer

Teach me, Lord, to draw closer to You even in the messiest seasons of my life. Amen.
]]> Day 16: What Is Your Reputation Saying https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/19/day-16-what-is-your-reputation-saying Mon, 19 Jan 2026 16:37:02 +0000 https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/19/day-16-what-is-your-reputation-saying


SENT: 21-DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING

What Is Your Reputation Saying

Written By: Dele Bamgboye

Read Acts 17:1-9 and 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8
We have all experienced this moment. You introduce yourself to someone and they respond, “Oh, you are that person. I have heard so much about you.” And if you are anything like me, your immediate thought is, “I hope it is good things.” This is exactly what it means when we say, your reputation precedes you. People form impressions of you long before they meet you.

Paul’s letter to the church in Thessalonica shows us the power of a godly reputation. Their faith had become known everywhere. Their example encouraged believers far beyond their city, and even today we still read about their steadfastness. What an incredible testimony for a local church.

But why was their reputation so strong, and why does Paul urge other believers to model them? Scripture tells us that the Thessalonian church faced severe persecution. Imagine gathering for a life group and officials forcing their way in to arrest you because of your faith. This was the reality they lived in. Paul wrote that their suffering mirrored the persecution of Christ Himself.

Yet despite intense pressure, their faith did not weaken. They maintained a Christlike attitude. Their endurance, joy, and love caused the gospel to spread and the church to grow. Their reputation was not built on comfort but on conviction. It was shaped in hardship.

The same is true for us. Our lives speak constantly, not just our words. Our families, colleagues, and neighbours see our faith most clearly through how we respond to trials. A Christlike reputation is built daily through steadfast faith, love, and resilience that reflect the transforming power of the gospel.

Reflect

What is my reputation known for when it comes to my faith?
How do I respond to difficult situations?

Prayer

Lord, help me to have a Christlike attitude in every situation. Fill my heart with Your joy, strengthen my faith in trials, and let my life reflect You in all I do. Amen.
]]> Day 15: Open Hearts, Open Homes https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/16/day-15-open-hearts-open-homes Fri, 16 Jan 2026 07:51:23 +0000 https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/16/day-15-open-hearts-open-homes


SENT: 21-DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING

Open Hearts, Open Homes

Written By: Jide Olukole

Lydia of Philippi Believes in Jesus

11 We boarded a boat at Troas and sailed straight across to the island of Samothrace, and the next day we landed at Neapolis. 12 From there we reached Philippi, a major city of that district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. And we stayed there several days.
13 On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we thought people would be meeting for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there. 14 One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. 15 She and her household were baptized, and she asked us to be her guests. “If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my home.” And she urged us until we agreed.
Acts 16:11-15
Growing up, hospitality was a regular part of life in our home, yet I still found it hard to understand. With a family of seven, space was already tight, but my parents often welcomed relatives and friends for long visits. As a child I could not understand why the aunties they invited would stay for weeks. Hospitality felt normal to my parents, but it did not make sense to me at the time.

Yet throughout Scripture we see hospitality modelled again and again. Abraham and Sarah welcomed three strangers into their tent and served them a meal, not realising they were entertaining angels. The Shunammite woman built an upper room so that Elisha had somewhere to stay whenever he travelled through. And Lydia, after the Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message, immediately invited Paul and his companions to stay in her home. It was a bold and faith filled welcome.

Jesus Himself lived a life of hospitality. He invited people into His space, shared meals with them, walked with them, taught them, and gave His life for them. His ministry was an open invitation.

The gospel is God’s hospitality toward us. Ephesians tells us that we are no longer foreigners and strangers but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of His household. If God has welcomed us into His family, how can we withhold welcome from others?

Only as I grew older, both hosting and being hosted, did I see the blessing of true hospitality. Spontaneous worship, honest conversations, prayer, encouragement, and deep connection often happen in homes that are open to the Lord and to others.

Reflect

Who is God calling you to welcome, pray with, or encourage so that His presence can be felt through simple, intentional hospitality?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for showing hospitality to us and welcoming us into Your family. Help us open our hearts and homes so that others may experience Your love through us. Amen.
]]> Day 14: Unity Over Uniformity https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/16/day-14-unity-over-uniformity Fri, 16 Jan 2026 06:56:39 +0000 https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/16/day-14-unity-over-uniformity


SENT: 21-DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING

Unity Over Uniformity

Written By: Akin Moronkeji

Read Acts 15:1-21
School uniforms may make students look the same, but they cannot remove the differences between them. In the Church, our unity goes far deeper than outward appearance. We are held together not by sameness but by the love of God, first received from Him and then shared with one another. Love is our distinguishing mark. Love is our true uniform.

In Acts 15 the early Church faced real tension between Jewish and Gentile believers. Their backgrounds, customs, and cultures were very different. Yet the apostles recognised that Gentiles did not need to become Jewish in order to belong. Unity was not found in becoming alike but in the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Their shared faith, not their shared culture, held them together.

The same is true for us today. We bring unique gifts, cultures, perspectives, and experiences into the body of Christ. The Gospel gathers us and makes us one family. Our differences do not weaken the Church. They enrich it. What unites us in Christ is far stronger than anything that makes us distinct. In Him, our diversity does not divide us. It displays the creativity, wisdom, and generosity of God.

Where the world seeks uniformity, Jesus brings unity.

Reflect

How can I focus on what unites us as brothers and sisters while still honouring the God given differences that enrich our community?

Prayer

Father, thank You that in spite of our differences we are united as one through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to love one another deeply and serve one another with humility as one family in Christ. Amen.
]]> Day 13: Appointing Elders https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/16/day-13-appointing-elders Fri, 16 Jan 2026 06:51:17 +0000 https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/16/day-13-appointing-elders


SENT: 21-DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING

Appointing Elders

Written By: Ashley Gabriel

Paul and Barnabas Return to Antioch of Syria

21 After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, 22 where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God. 23 Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders in every church. With prayer and fasting, they turned the elders over to the care of the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
Acts 14:21-23
As the gospel is preached and people respond in faith, churches are formed and strengthened. Yet for a church to remain healthy, it must have godly leadership. Just as a child moves from simple learning to deeper understanding, a growing church requires mature leaders who can guide, protect, and nurture God’s people.

When Paul and Barnabas revisited the cities where new disciples had been made, they did something essential. They appointed elders in every church and committed them to the Lord with prayer and fasting. This was not guesswork or a response to charisma. Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit Himself calls and appoints overseers in the church. These leaders were recognised by their character and maturity, in line with the qualifications found in Titus and Timothy.

A church may begin with passionate new believers, but passion alone cannot sustain long term growth. Just as classrooms need the right teachers for each stage, the church needs elders who can shepherd the flock, guard sound doctrine, and provide spiritual oversight. Without elders, a church lacks the structure, wisdom, and safeguarding needed to flourish and to reproduce through church planting.

As we pursue the Great Commission, we must also pursue the raising, recognising, and releasing of elders. Healthy churches require healthy leaders. When we invest in developing elders, we build churches that endure, disciple well, and multiply.

Reflect

Are we praying for and supporting the development of future elders?
Are we willing to submit to and honour the leaders God places over us?

Prayer

Lord, help us recognise and raise up elders who reflect Your heart. Establish leaders of character, faithfulness, and humility for the strengthening and expansion of Your church. Amen.
]]> Day 12: When God Sends You https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/15/day-12-when-god-sends-you Thu, 15 Jan 2026 22:53:05 +0000 https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/15/day-12-when-god-sends-you


SENT: 21-DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING

When God Sends You

Written By: Ronnie Adom

Exodus 3:7–10 and Acts 9:10-19
When God called Moses at the burning bush, Moses was not looking for a great purpose or trying to become a leader. He was simply tending sheep in the wilderness. Yet in that ordinary moment, God spoke and revealed something extraordinary. He said, I have seen the misery of my people. I have heard their cry. I know what they are going through. Now I am sending you.

The calling did not begin with Moses. It began with God’s heart. Before Moses ever had an assignment, God made it clear that He had been watching, listening, and fully understanding the pain of His people. Moses was not chosen because he was impressive or qualified. He was chosen because God loved His people and intended to act on their behalf.

What is surprising is that instead of fixing the situation instantly, God said, I am sending you. God’s response to the cry of Israel was to send a person. Moses was invited into a problem because God cared too much to leave that situation unchanged. This is often how God works. We ask Him to move, to intervene, or to reach someone, and sometimes His answer is to send us into the very place we have been praying about.

Moses felt unqualified and unsure. Many of us feel the same when God nudges us toward something difficult or unfamiliar. But the calling was never based on Moses’ ability. It was rooted in God’s compassion and God’s power. Where God sends you, He also equips you. The burden that stirs your heart may be the very area God is asking you to step into.

Reflect

Is there a need, a person, or a situation that has been weighing on your heart?
What small step could you take today to be part of God’s answer?

Prayer

Father, thank You for seeing and hearing the needs around me. Show me where You are sending me. Strengthen my obedience and give me the courage to respond. Amen.
]]> Day 11: A Scattered Church https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/13/day-11-a-scattered-church Tue, 13 Jan 2026 08:49:12 +0000 https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/13/day-11-a-scattered-church


SENT: 21-DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING

A Scattered Church

Written By: Ashley Gabriel

The Church in Antioch of Syria

19 Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen’s death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to Jews. 20 However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles[a] about the Lord Jesus. 21 The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord.
22 When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. 24 Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord.
25 Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to look for Saul. 26 When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers[b] were first called Christians.)

Acts 11:19-26
In Exodus we read that the more the Israelites were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread. What was intended to suppress them actually caused them to grow. I am reminded of this whenever I think about the early days of The Lighthouse Church. We met in two different venues before arriving at the cinema. In each location we faced challenges that forced change, yet every move resulted in unexpected growth. What looked like disruption became preparation for multiplication.

The early church experienced something similar. After the persecution that followed Stephen’s death, many believers fled Jerusalem in fear and uncertainty. Yet even in unfamiliar places, their priority was not rebuilding their lives but proclaiming the gospel. Scripture says, Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Their scattering did not silence them. Out of persecution came proclamation and out of disruption came salvation.

Some believers travelled as far as Antioch where they began sharing the good news not only with Jews but also with Greeks. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. Antioch became a model church marked by diversity, discipleship, and strong leadership. It was from this scattered and unlikely community that Paul and Barnabas were commissioned and sent out to the nations.

I believe churches will naturally plant churches when they are aligned with and committed to the Great Commission. Wherever God places us, whether by choice or circumstance, we are carriers of the gospel and builders of His Church.

Reflect

Are you intentionally sharing the gospel with those around you, whether at work, in your neighbourhood, or at the school gate? 

Prayer

Lord, help us see opportunity in adversity. May we carry the gospel wherever we go and build diverse, disciple making communities that reflect Your heart for all nations. Amen.
]]> Day 10: A Sending Church https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/13/day-10-a-sending-church Tue, 13 Jan 2026 08:40:40 +0000 https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/13/day-10-a-sending-church


SENT: 21-DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING

A Sending Church

Written By: Ashley Gabriel

Barnabas and Saul Are Commissioned

13 Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called “the black man”[a]), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas[b]), and Saul. 2 One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” 3 So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.

Acts 13:1-3
Since 2020 we have received several prophetic words about planting churches. The thought of sending people naturally raises questions. Who will go? How will we manage here? What will the future look like? Yet, like the church in Antioch, we are called to trust the leading of the Holy Spirit and discern His voice through fasting and prayer.

The believers who were scattered and later gathered in Antioch formed a diverse and vibrant church. It grew significantly and was marked by strong leaders including apostles, prophets, and teachers. Antioch could have become insular, holding tightly to its gifted people. Instead, through prayer and fasting, they obeyed the Holy Spirit and released two of their strongest leaders, Paul and Barnabas. Their obedience led to new churches being planted and the gospel spreading across the known world.

Paul and Barnabas were not self appointed. They were sent by the church. The will of God was discerned in community. At times individuals feel called to plant churches or join new works, yet their sense of calling is not affirmed by spiritual leadership. Scripture shows that we are meant to be sent ones, not went ones. Some are called to go and others are called to remain, but all of us are called to obey the Holy Spirit.

Antioch reminds us that the mission of God reaches beyond our local context. We are called to disciple nations and release people to take the gospel where we cannot go ourselves. Jesus said, As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. A sending church invests, equips, and releases disciples for the Great Commission.

When we release people in obedience to God’s call, the gospel multiplies and lives are transformed.

Reflect

Are we ready as a church to send leaders and members to advance the gospel?
Are you personally ready to be sent if the Lord is calling you?

Prayer

Lord, shape us into a true sending church. Give us courage to release those You are calling and prepare our hearts to obey. May we joyfully participate in the Great Commission and see the gospel multiply through our obedience. Amen.
]]> Day 9: The Hesitation of Ananias https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/13/day-9-the-hesitation-of-ananias Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/13/day-9-the-hesitation-of-ananias


SENT: 21-DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING

The Hesitation of Ananias

Written By: Paul Oguntimehin


Acts 9:1-19
When I was at university in Guildford, the church I joined was nothing like what I was used to. Many were students from Afro Caribbean backgrounds. Others were long established residents who were older, wealthier, and culturally very different. Two groups from different worlds, divided socially, generationally, and racially.

What I noticed, however, was a shared hesitancy. When new people arrived, both groups held back from building relationships with those who were not like them. Yet, whenever they pushed past that discomfort, something beautiful happened. It was not a picture perfect community, but it was deeply life giving because underneath the differences was a shared truth. We are sinners redeemed by our Saviour.

In Acts 9, when the Lord told Ananias to go and pray for Saul, his hesitation made complete sense. Saul had a reputation. Ananias had every logical reason to question God’s instruction. His hesitation was not only fear. It was his own wisdom rising above God’s command.

Meanwhile, our hesitations today are far easier. Mine in Guildford were about awkward conversations and cultural differences, not the threat of violence. Yet both hesitations, his and ours, hold the same danger. They can keep us from obeying God.

Jesus has already told us to make disciples of all nations. That includes people who are different from us. Jesus even asked in Matthew 5:47, what are we doing more than others if we only greet our own people. There are people around us whom God is shaping and calling us to walk with. Like Ananias, we often hold back at the very moment God is inviting us to step forward.

Reflect

What hesitations keep me from doing life with the people God is calling me to disciple?

Prayer

Lord, remove every hesitation that holds me back from obedience. Give me the courage of Ananias to go, to speak, and to love those You are calling me to. Help me to see people through Your eyes and to step toward those I would naturally avoid. Use my obedience to bring transformation to others. Amen.
]]> Day 8: Scattered but Not Silent https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/12/day-8-scattered-but-not-silent Mon, 12 Jan 2026 17:16:00 +0000 https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/12/day-8-scattered-but-not-silent


SENT: 21-DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING

Scattered but Not Silent

Written By: Phillip Dick

And Saul approved of their killing him.

The Church Persecuted and Scattered
On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2 Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. 3 But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.

Philip in Samaria
4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. 5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. 6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7 For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city.
Acts 8:1-8
If the early church had a WhatsApp group, Acts 8 would have blown it up:
“BREAKING NEWS: Massive persecution. Everyone scattered. Philip ends up in Samaria. Revival breaks out.”

What looked like chaos was actually a Kingdom strategy. The believers were scattered, but they were not silent. They did not simply run away from persecution; they were pushed into their next assignment by the very pressure that came against them. God turned scattering into sending.

Sometimes we treat inconveniences like a spiritual Wi Fi dropout. One disruption and we assume God has left the chat. But Acts 8 reminds us that scattering is not the end of the mission. It may be the beginning of new ground. The gospel travelled faster under pressure than it ever did in comfort.

Philip did not plan for Samaria, but Samaria was waiting for Philip. And wherever God has scattered you, whether your workplace, family conflict, financial challenge, or unexpected detour, there may be a Samaria moment waiting on the other side of your obedience.

Multiplication is not only about leadership. It is also about willingness. God expands the church through ordinary believers who show up with faith even in uncomfortable places. Pressure can either silence us or position us for purpose. The believers in Acts chose the latter.

Reflect

Where might God be strategically redeploying you right now?
What pressure, inconvenience, or unexpected situation might become a platform? 
What would it look like to be faithful and audible in the very place you did not choose?

Prayer

Lord, when life scatters me, keep my voice steady. Turn my disruptions into divine appointments. Give me the courage of Philip to speak, serve, and shine wherever You send me, especially in the places I did not choose. Expand Your church through my obedience and faith, even in uncomfortable moments. Amen.
]]> Day 1: The Cost of Following Jesus https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/04/day-1-the-cost-of-following-jesus Sun, 04 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/04/day-1-the-cost-of-following-jesus

SENT: 21-DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING

The Cost Of
Following Jesus

Written By: Ashley Gabriel

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19–20
When I was younger, my dad would buy the newspaper, and I often noticed adverts for phones that seemed unbelievably cheap. Only later did I learn to read the small print, where the real costs were hidden. Many people approach Jesus in the same way. They are drawn to what the church appears to offer, treating discipleship like an appealing advert, not realising that following Jesus carries a real and significant cost.

Jesus made this clear: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Following Him is not a hobby or an occasional interest. It is a daily surrender. Gathering a crowd is easy; making disciples is costly. It requires teaching, accountability, obedience, and walking with people beyond the surface.

Paul was able to say, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1) because discipleship had shaped his entire life. True discipleship is sacrificial. It calls us to lay down our comfort, preferences, and personal desires so that Jesus alone becomes Lord.

“Come as you are” is a beautiful invitation of grace, but no one who truly follows Jesus stays as they are. He transforms us through obedience, perseverance, and a willingness to submit to His will. Following Him is not always easy, but it is always worth it, because we walk with the One who promised, “I am with you always.”

Reflect

Does your life reflect the cost of following Jesus?
What practical steps could you take today to deny yourself and follow Him more sacrificially?

Prayer

Father, help my life to show that I am truly following You. Give me strength to lay down comfort, choose obedience, and make disciples who walk faithfully with Christ. Amen.
]]> Day 7: Leading through Growth https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/04/day-7-leading-through-growth Sun, 04 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/04/day-7-leading-through-growth


SENT: 21-DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING

Leading Through Growth

Written By: Ashley Gabriel

The Choosing of the Seven
6 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews[a] among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
Acts 6:1-7
Revelation gives us a breathtaking picture of every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne and worshipping the Lamb. I remember experiencing something similar when I was part of a mission organisation that gathered in Rome for a global conference. Seeing believers from so many nations worshipping Jesus with one heart and one purpose reminded me of the beauty of the global church.

As the early church grew, it became increasingly diverse in culture, background, and need. This kind of growth requires intentional leadership. Multiplication does not happen by accident. It happens when leaders create space for new believers to be discipled, empowered, and released. Diversity is a sign of God drawing people from every walk of life, but without structure, care, and wise leadership, growth can become strained. Strong, Spirit led leadership ensures that every believer is cared for and equipped so the church can continue to multiply.

Paul reminded the believers in Ephesus that Christ has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility. In Christ, cultural and social divides are removed and replaced with unity, humility, and shared purpose.

However, with growing diversity comes the potential for misunderstanding if leadership is not strong and Spirit led. In Acts 6, when complaints arose about food distribution, the apostles responded with wisdom. They committed themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word, while appointing seven trustworthy men to oversee practical needs. Their willingness to delegate and empower others protected the unity of the church and allowed the gospel to continue spreading.

Discipleship is more than preaching and teaching. It happens in community through serving, meeting needs, sharing responsibility, and empowering others. When every part of the body functions together, the church multiplies.

Reflect

Does my church reflect the diversity of my community? 
How can I help bridge cultural gaps and create space for others to belong and serve?

Prayer

Lord, help us be a diverse and unified people. Grant us wisdom to lead well, courage to delegate, and grace to embrace all nations as one body in Christ. May our church multiply disciples for Your glory. Amen.
]]> Day 6: I Will Not Be Silent https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/04/day-6-i-will-not-be-silent Sun, 04 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/04/day-6-i-will-not-be-silent

SENT: 21-Days of prayer and fasting

I Will Not Be Silent

Written By: Ashley Gabriel

Read Acts 4:1- 31
I remember being a new convert, full of zeal and eager to share Jesus with anyone I met. I shared with family, friends, and even strangers. One day on Tottenham High Road, I found myself speaking to a couple of Muslims. The small conversation quickly grew until I was surrounded by a group who challenged me strongly. Even though I was alone, I did not shrink back from sharing the gospel.

I remember another time in a sauna where I regularly shared my faith. I would speak about Jesus, step out for cold water, then return and continue the conversation. Everyone inside, all older than me, listened respectfully, and some even allowed me to pray for them. Those early moments shaped my confidence in the gospel.

However, zeal at the start does not remove the reality of opposition. Persecution, hostility, or even simple discouragement can pressure believers into silence. Maybe family members have been dismissive, maybe colleagues mock your faith, or perhaps you have felt threatened or misunderstood. Yet Scripture calls us not to be silent.

In Acts 4 the disciples were arrested, threatened, and beaten, yet they prayed for boldness and continued to preach. Their confidence was not in themselves but in the Holy Spirit who empowered them.

Paul wrote from prison, “the word of God is not chained” in 2 Timothy 2:9. Our circumstances may try to limit us, but nothing can limit the gospel. Our call is to speak, to share, and to stand firm in every season.

Reflect

How eager am I to share my faith?
What fears or obstacles hold me back, and how can I press through them with the help of the Holy Spirit?

Prayer

Lord, strengthen me so I do not shrink back or stay silent. Fill me with boldness to proclaim Your Word in every season. Amen.
]]> Day 5: Devoted Hearts https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/04/day-5-devoted-hearts Sun, 04 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/04/day-5-devoted-hearts

SENT: 21-Days of prayer and fasting

Devoted Hearts

Written By: Joshua Etienne

The Fellowship of the Believers
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47
Acts 2:42 to 47 has always stood out to me because of one simple phrase: “They devoted themselves.” The believers on the Day of Pentecost did not just have a powerful spiritual encounter. They repented. They were baptised. They experienced the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. But the true evidence of their transformation was seen in their devotion.

To be devoted means to be dedicated, committed, and set apart for a purpose. Devotion reveals the heart. It shows what we value, what we prioritise, and what we truly desire. Growing up in church, I saw many sincere moments of repentance and powerful encounters with God. Yet I also learned that there is a difference between experiencing God and continuing in that experience daily.

When encounters with God do not lead to devotion, our Christian life becomes inconsistent. Faith looks alive on Sunday but fades during the week. The believers in Acts 2 refused to live like that. They allowed what God had done in their hearts to shape their everyday lives through teaching, fellowship, generosity, prayer, and shared community.

I remember praying once about wanting to be more consistent in my walk with God. Life felt busy, and I wanted to give Him more of my heart. As I prayed, the Lord spoke something that stayed with me: “You are consistent. Everyone is consistent. You consistently work. You consistently follow your routines. But am I in your routines? That is where you will find your true devotion.”

In Acts 2, we see awe, miracles, unity, generosity, and a growing community. God responded to their devotion by adding to their number daily.

Reflect

Devotion is revealed in our rhythms, our priorities, and our daily choices. Ask the Holy Spirit to deepen your devotion so that your faith becomes lived, not just felt.

Prayer

Lord, help us follow the example of the believers in Acts 2. Shape our hearts to be truly devoted to You. Amen.
]]> Day 4: Gospel Preaching https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/04/day-4-gospel-preaching Sun, 04 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/04/day-4-gospel-preaching

SENT: 21-DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING

Gospel Preaching

Written By: Dele Bamgboye

Read Acts 2:14-41
I will never forget a moment in university when I took part in a short play retelling the story of Jonah. I actually played Jonah. After the skit, a guest evangelist, clearly moved by what he had just seen, began to speak. It did not seem like he planned it, but he powerfully connected his own story of rebellion and God’s intervention to Jonah’s journey. Then he preached the gospel with such clarity and conviction that it felt like hearing it for the very first time. Despite growing up in church, something cut straight to my heart that day.

This memory comes alive for me every time I read Acts 2. I know what it feels like for a word to pierce the heart. Peter’s sermon was a demonstration of the Holy Spirit working through Scripture. He was not trying to be clever, creative, or strategic. He simply explained the truth of God’s Word, and that truth carried supernatural power.

The impact did not come from Peter’s skill but from the message itself, the proclamation of the resurrected Christ. And the result was astonishing. Three thousand people repented and were baptised in a single day. The power of the gospel has always rested in the truth of God’s Word, not the ability of the messenger.

This realisation transformed how I see preaching and evangelism. Many people feel nervous or inadequate when it comes to sharing their faith, but our confidence should rest in this: the gospel carries its own power. We simply proclaim it.

Reflect

Who can you share the gospel with today?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the gospel that has transformed my life. Give me boldness to share Your Word with those around me. Amen.
]]> Day 3: The Mission Advances https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/04/day-3-the-mission-advances Sun, 04 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/04/day-3-the-mission-advances

SENT: 21-Days of prayer and fasting

The Mission Advances

Written By: Marvin Johnson

The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost

2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[b] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”
13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”
Acts 2:1–13 (NIV)
I often think back to the moment I chose to follow Jesus. It wasn’t just a single prayer but the beginning of a lifelong journey of transformation. Over the years, I’ve seen how God has shaped my character, placed gifts within me, and equipped me to play my part in His mission.

Reflecting on my story always brings me back to the birth of the church itself. Before there were buildings, worship teams, programmes, or structure, there was a small group of believers waiting in obedience. They gathered in prayer, trusting that God would equip them for something far greater than anything they could accomplish on their own.

Acts 2 shows us that Jesus did not commission His followers without empowering them. The Holy Spirit filled that upper room, transforming ordinary disciples into bold witnesses. That same Spirit has been at work in my life, refining me, empowering me, and giving me courage to share the gospel.

Pentecost reminds us that the mission of the church has always been supernatural. The early church impacted the world not because they were skilled or strong, but because they were filled with the Spirit. And the same Spirit who empowered them empowers us today.

My transformed life is a testimony that I have not been equipped by my own ability but by the Holy Spirit. Everything God has done in me is ultimately for one purpose: to make Jesus known.

Reflect

How does your own story of transformation encourage bold faith?
Where might God be calling you to step out in obedience, just as the believers did in Acts 2?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit who equips and empowers us. Fill us with boldness, wisdom, and compassion so our lives reflect Jesus and draw others to Him. Amen.
]]> Day 2: Empowered by the Spirit https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/04/day-2-empowered-by-the-spirit Sun, 04 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.tlhc.church/blog/2026/01/04/day-2-empowered-by-the-spirit

SENT: 21-DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING

Empowered By The Spirit

Written By: Joel Fadojutimi

 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
When Jesus called His disciples, they followed Him completely. For three years they lived by His word, moved when He said move, and trusted His leadership even when others walked away. After His ascension, their sense of loss must have been overwhelming. Yet in His goodness, Jesus promised they would not be left alone. He would send the Holy Spirit, their Helper, because fulfilling their mission without divine empowerment would be impossible.

The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead now lives in every believer. Jesus Himself fulfilled His earthly mission through the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38). The apostles continued the mission in the same way. Paul reminds us that his preaching was not based on human wisdom but came “with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction” (1 Thessalonians 1:5). If we are to carry the work of Christ into our generation, we too must rely on the Holy Spirit.

So how do we become vessels the Holy Spirit can use?

Clean the Cup
We must first be cleansed. This begins with receiving Jesus as Lord and Saviour. He forgives, restores, and continually sanctifies us. Through Scripture, godly leaders, and community, He exposes what must be surrendered so His nature can shine through us.

Fill the Cup
A cleansed vessel must be filled. Scripture calls us to let the Word of Christ dwell richly within us (Colossians 3:16). When our hearts are set on Jesus alone, the Word fills us without contamination from worldly influences.

Be Poured Out
We are filled so that our lives can be poured out. God will call us to serve, give, lead, and sacrifice. This obedience is how the Spirit uses us to advance His mission.

Reflect

Am I living as a Spirit-led follower of Christ?
Am I a clean, filled, and obedient vessel?

Prayer

Lord, I choose to be a vessel You can use. Fill me, lead me, and pour my life out for Your glory. Amen.
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