If we're honest, most of us treat our homes just like everyone else in our culture, like personal fortresses designed for comfort, relaxation, and privacy. We eat, sleep, relax, and entertain ourselves behind closed doors, often alone or just with family. After almost two decades of ministry, I've seen firsthand how deeply this mindset shapes our lives. It's comfortable, sure, but it also isolates us and subtly pushes against God's invitation to live on mission. Here's the thing: biblical hospitality isn't just another event to add to your schedule, it's a way of life, a heart posture. It's about opening your door, setting a place at your table, and inviting people in. Not just friends, but neighbors, coworkers, strangers or whoever God puts in your path. As we approach The Table at Your Table, here are some practical, Gospel-centered ways you can lean into intentional biblical hospitality: 1. Pray for Open Eyes Start by asking God to help you see the people around you the way He does. Pray specifically for your neighbors or coworkers by name. Pray that your home becomes a place of refuge, healing, and grace for someone else. 2. Simplify Your Hospitality Hospitality doesn't have to mean a spotless home or elaborate meals. Your willingness to open your door and heart is enough. Think simple meals and casual hangouts. 3. Let Go of Performance Remember, the goal isn't to impress, it's to connect. People don’t need a perfect experience, they need genuine connection. The pressure to perform fades when your hospitality is rooted in real authenticity. 4. Be Interruptible Hospitality often comes at inconvenient times. Practice saying "yes" when interruptions come your way (unexpected visitors, last-minute invitations, or spontaneous conversations). These moments are often divinely orchestrated. 5. Share Stories, Share the Gospel Use the table as a place for storytelling. Listen to the stories of others and be ready to share your own, always pointing to Jesus as the hero. Gospel hospitality isn't just about food, it's about sharing the feast of God's grace made available through Jesus. 6. Model Imperfect Hospitality If you're feeling insecure, remember that your hospitality doesn't have to be flawless, it just has to be faithful. Let your guests see real life, messiness and all. This transparency creates spaces where grace can be truly experienced. The Gospel is Our Hospitality Blueprint Jesus welcomed us into God's family not because we were perfect guests, but because He is the perfect host. He sets a table overflowing with grace and invites us to feast freely. When we open our doors and lives to others, we reflect His extravagant welcome. Let's embrace biblical hospitality together. Not as another box to check, but as an overflow of the grace we've received. Your table can become a powerful tool for the Gospel to take root in the lives of people God puts in your path.

There’s a question that Jesus asked people several times in the Gospels, and He continues to ask you and me today: “What do you want me to do for you?” At first glance, this seems like a simple question. But Jesus didn’t ask because He lacked information. He asked to invite people into deeper honesty about what was really going on inside their hearts. In Mark 10, we see two clear examples of how differently people can respond when faced with this question. Bartimaeus: Honest and Humble (Mark 10:46-52) Bartimaeus, who was blind, desperately wanted healing. When Jesus asked him, Bartimaeus was clear and straightforward: “Rabbi, I want to see.” His longing was honest and real. Jesus honored that honesty and healed him. James and John: Ambitious but Misguided (Mark 10:35-45) Just before this, two of Jesus’ disciples, James and John, were asked the same exact question. Instead of sharing genuine, humble desires, they requested positions of honor: “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” Their longings were misguided. They were looking for status and recognition instead of what truly matters. Jesus lovingly corrected them, teaching that greatness in His Kingdom looks like humility and serving others. An Invitation to You and Me When I finally slowed down enough, stopped talking, and simply sat in God’s presence, I felt Jesus asking me that same question clearly: "Daniel, what do you want me to do for you?" In that quiet moment, I realized something important: Jesus wasn’t looking for me to give Him a list of what I thought I needed or wanted from Him, like He didn’t already know. Instead, He was inviting me to be honest about my deepest desires, to name them, to bring them into His presence, and to allow Him to shape and transform them. What I found is that my deepest desire is simply to be made whole. To be healed. To become exactly the person God originally created me to be. One of the best ways I’ve learned to share my deepest longings honestly with Jesus is through journaling. I know journaling can feel awkward at first. But I promise you, the more you practice, the more natural it becomes. I want to encourage you this week to use journaling as a way to respond to this invitation from Jesus. Here are a couple of prompts to help you get started: “Jesus, the honest longing deep in my heart today is…” (Share openly with Him.) “One longing I've been hesitant to admit to You is…” (Jesus welcomes your honesty.) Jesus is asking you right now, just as He asked others so long ago: “What do you want me to do for you?” He's inviting you out of hiding, asking you to be real, vulnerable, and authentic. Take time this week to respond, trusting that He's already waiting, ready to meet you right where you are.

In a world filled with endless opinions, debates, and hot-button issues, it's easy to feel pressured to have an opinion about everything. But as followers of Jesus, we have a different calling, a higher priority. Our primary purpose is not to have all the answers to every cultural or political controversy but to clearly point to Jesus, proclaim His Gospel, and let our lives reflect His Kingdom above all else. Sometimes people ask why I don't speak publicly on certain issues. At the heart of my response is a simple conviction: I'm not always qualified to speak with authority on every cultural or political topic. Like Paul, I've decided to "know nothing among you except Christ and Him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2). Governments and political systems come and go, but the Gospel remains forever. According to Ephesians 4, my role as a pastor is to equip you, the saints , for the work of ministry, guiding us all toward spiritual maturity and unity in Christ. The purpose of this focus is clear: to prevent us from being tossed about by every passing wind of doctrine, cultural trend, or political debate. Keeping Christ central ensures we grow into maturity...rooted, steady, and wise. My hope for our church family is that we remain deeply anchored in the Gospel, letting the eternal truth of Jesus guide how we engage with the ever-changing world around us. Let’s keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, trusting that His Kingdom, above all others, is what truly shapes and transforms lives.

This past Sunday, we talked about how hospitality isn’t just a good idea...it’s a Gospel calling. We looked at how God has welcomed us in Christ and how we, in turn, are called to make room for others. But after the message, a couple of great questions came up: What if I don't have the ability to invite someone over? What if I want to open my home, but my spouse isn’t on board? I want to take a moment to encourage you if you’re in this place. Hospitality is a Posture, Not a Location For some, opening your home feels challenging right now. Maybe your spouse isn’t on the same page, or your living situation isn’t ideal. Maybe life feels chaotic in this season, and the idea of hosting others feels overwhelming. If that’s you, hear this - hospitality isn’t about perfection, and it’s not limited to your home. There is grace to start where you are. Hospitality isn’t about a location - it’s about a posture. It’s about creating space for people to feel seen, valued, and welcomed . That can happen in a home, but it can also happen in a coffee shop, a restaurant, or over a lunch break at work. There's something special about sharing a meal or a cup of coffee with someone - no matter where it happens. Food and drink have a way of breaking down barriers, disarming walls, and allowing conversation to unfold naturally. When we slow down, sit across from someone, and share in something as simple as a meal, we create space for real connection. So if opening your home isn’t an option right now, that’s okay. You can still live a life of hospitality by intentionally inviting people into your rhythms—meeting for breakfast, grabbing coffee, or simply making time for real conversation in places where life already happens. Why We Opened The Pinery This is one of the reasons why we felt called to open The Pinery Coffee Co. From the very beginning, we saw the coffee shop as more than a business - we saw it as a place for true hospitality. A place where conversations could happen, where strangers could become friends, and where people who might never step into a church gathering could experience Gospel-centered community in an everyday setting. We believed (and still believe) that hospitality doesn’t just happen inside homes—it happens in the everyday rhythms of life. But Hospitality in the Home Still Matters Now, with all that said, there’s something incredible about opening your home. While hospitality can happen anywhere, the home is where the realness of life is best displayed. A coffee shop can be a great place to connect, but it’s still a neutral space - a shared public setting where people often present a curated version of themselves. The home, however, is where real life happens. It’s where people see the beauty of authenticity—the kids running through the living room, the laundry pile in the corner, the imperfections that make life real. It’s where we invite people not just into a moment, but into our actual lives. It’s where the walls come down, and people see us as we truly are—not polished or put-together, but welcoming them into the everyday rhythms of life. Rosaria Butterfield says it this way in The Gospel Comes with a House Key : “Our homes are not museums—they are incubators and hospitals. They are places where people gather, and life happens. Stop being afraid of the mess.” There’s something incredibly disarming and healing about being welcomed into someone’s home—not to be impressed, but to be included. This is why The Table at Your Table is such an important shift for us as a church. We’re not just trying to create events - we’re trying to create spaces where people can experience the realness of Gospel community. The Grace to Start Where You Are So here’s the encouragement: If you can open your home, do it. Not because you have to have it all together, but because people need real, authentic spaces to experience love and belonging. If your home isn’t an option right now, don’t let that stop you—make room wherever you can. Hospitality can happen over coffee, in a restaurant, or in the places where life already happens. Whatever you do, make room. Not just for food and conversation, but for people to be seen, known, and loved. What ever you do... “Live a life that demands a Gospel explanation.” That doesn’t require a perfect house or even a house at all. It just requires a heart that says, “God, I’m available.” What Can You Do This Week? If home hospitality feels overwhelming, who can you invite to coffee or lunch? If your spouse isn’t on board with hosting, how can you still cultivate hospitality in small, personal ways? If you feel limited by time, space, or resources, how might God be asking you to take a step of faith anyway? Let's be a church family that lives in a way that demands a Gospel explanation. Let’s open our lives, share our tables - wherever they may be - and invite others to experience the love of Jesus. Who is God calling you to make room for this week?

We all know that Sunday sermons are meant to equip us, challenge us, and send us out, but what happens after Sunday? How do we actually live out what we hear in a way that transforms our everyday lives? This past week, we talked about good works. Not as something we do to earn God’s love, but as something we step into because His love is already ours in Christ. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are "created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." That means good works are not about proving anything. They are about walking in the life we were designed for. They are about seeing every part of life through the Gospel, not separating faith from work, home, or relationships, but living in a way that demands a Gospel explanation. Bringing the Gospel Into Every Part of Life For a lot of us, good works can feel vague. We may think it means serving in a ministry, volunteering at a shelter, or going on a mission trip. While those are amazing things, and incredibly important for us to do, the good works God has for you are not just found in big moments. They are woven into your everyday life. Good works happen at home in how you love and serve your family and how you extend grace when it is hard. They happen at work in the way you treat your coworkers and how you reflect Jesus in your integrity and effort. They happen in conversations through the words you choose, the way you listen, and the encouragement you give. They happen in your neighborhood when you engage with the people around you, show hospitality, and care for others. There is no sacred or secular divide in the life of a follower of Jesus. Jesus did not just preach in synagogues. He met people in homes, at wells, and in workplaces. His ministry happened in the everyday rhythms of life. That means your good works are not separate from your "regular" life. They are what happens when you live life through the Gospel. How Do We Actually Live This Out? So how do we move from just hearing about good works to actually walking in them? Here are a few practical ways to start. 1. Abide in Jesus (John 15:4-5) "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." Good works do not start with trying harder. They start with abiding in Jesus. If we are not connected to Him, we will burn out, become exhausted, or start doing things for the wrong reasons. The more time we spend with Him through prayer, Scripture, and listening, the more His Spirit transforms us to walk in the works He has prepared for us. 2. Ask God to Show You the Good Works Around You Sometimes we miss the good works God has for us because we are looking for something bigger. But walking in good works is about obedience in the small things. Ask yourself where God has already placed you. Who has He put in your path today? What need do you see around you that you could meet? 3. Walk in Obedience, Even When It Is Hard James 1:22 reminds us, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." It is easy to hear a message and feel inspired, but walking in good works means acting on what we know. Maybe that means forgiving someone, stepping into a conversation about faith, or serving in a way that stretches us. Obedience is what moves our faith from theory to reality. 4. Invite Others Into the Journey We grow in walking out our faith when we do it together. Find people who are committed to living out the Gospel and encourage each other. Pray together, challenge each other, and share where you see God working. Want to Keep Digging Deeper? If you want to keep growing in this, here are some incredible books that have helped me and a lot of other followers of Jesus see good works as a natural part of everyday life. Gospel Fluency by Jeff Vanderstelt – A powerful book on learning to see and speak the Gospel into every part of life. Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren – A great resource for recognizing how everyday routines can become acts of worship. Every Good Endeavor by Timothy Keller – Explores how faith and work are connected, helping you see your job as a place of calling and mission. The Call by Os Guinness – A deep look into what it means to live out your God-given purpose in every part of life. Work Matters by Tom Nelson – A book that helps believers integrate faith into their daily work, reminding us that our jobs are places where we live out our faith. Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence – A classic that teaches how to experience God’s presence in even the smallest tasks. Your Next Step This week, ask God to open your eyes to the good works He has already placed around you. Step into them, not as a way to prove yourself, but as a way to live out who you already are in Christ. You were designed for more. Now, go walk in it.

There is something in me that so often drifts toward the law. The to-do lists. The striving. The mindset that says, if I just do better, try harder, and get it right, then I’ll be good with God.  Maybe you’ve felt it too - the pressure to prove yourself, to measure up, to earn His love through good behavior. But this morning, as I was reading 2 Corinthians 3, I was reminded again that this way of living isn’t just exhausting - it’s not the way we were meant to live at all. Paul calls the law “the ministry of death” (2 Cor. 3:7). That might sound harsh, but here’s what he means: the law was glorious when it was given to Moses, but it was never meant to bring life - it was meant to expose sin (like we talked about on Sunday in Romans 3). It revealed God’s holiness, but it also revealed our inability to meet His standard. And when we try to live by the law alone, it doesn’t set us free...it actually puts a veil over our hearts (2 Cor. 3:14). But Paul doesn’t leave us there. He says, “When one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed” (2 Cor. 3:16). The law exposes, but Jesus transforms. The law reveals our sin, but Jesus removes our shame. And in the most freeing truth of all, Paul reminds us: “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Cor. 3:17). Freedom from striving. Freedom from shame. Freedom from the crushing weight of trying to be "good enough". And what happens when we live in that freedom? We don’t just follow rules - we "behold" Jesus. We become transformed by Him. “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another” (2 Cor. 3:18). This is the invitation: stop striving, start beholding. Instead of trying to work your way into God’s love, let His Spirit do the work in you. Instead of obsessing over religious to-do lists, fix your eyes on Jesus and let Him transform your heart. The law is good - but Jesus is better. So let’s turn to Him, and let’s live in the freedom He has already won for us.

As a church family, we’ve been diving into the book of Romans, and this week’s message from Romans 2, reminded us of an incredible truth: God cares deeply about the condition of our hearts. His kindness, patience, and mercy aren’t meant to make us comfortable in our sin, they’re meant to lead us to repentance and transformation. We know that conversations about faith can sometimes be hard to start at home, so we’ve created a simple resource to help you and your family think about God’s kindness and how it shapes our lives. Whether you’re sitting around the dinner table, gathered in the living room, or riding in the car, this is a chance to dive deeper into the truths we’re learning together. Watch the Devotional Video Before you begin, we encourage you to watch this short devotional video together. In it, we unpack Romans 2:4 and explore how God’s kindness invites us to turn away from sin and turn toward Him. This is a great way to set the tone for your family time! Family Discussion Resource Read Together: Start by reading Romans 2:4-11 as a family. Discuss what it means that “God’s kindness is meant to lead us to repentance.” Discussion Questions: Why do you think God cares more about our hearts than our outward actions? Can you think of a time when you experienced God’s patience or kindness? What are some ways we can live out our faith as a family? Family Activity: Write down examples of God’s kindness that your family has experienced. You could even turn it into a “kindness collage” to display somewhere in your home as a reminder of His goodness. Prayer Time: Spend time praying together, thanking God for His kindness and asking Him to transform your hearts. You can take turns praying or share one big prayer as a family. Why This Matters Leading your family in a conversation about faith doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s not about having all the answers, it’s about creating space for God to work in your hearts and your home. As you walk through this simple resource, remember that the goal isn’t perfection. It’s about connecting with one another and with the God who loves us more than we can imagine. We’re praying that this time together will be a blessing to your family, and we can’t wait to hear how God moves in your lives! Let us know how this resource has impacted your family by leaving a comment or sharing a story. We love hearing how God’s Word is transforming lives!

“Hospitality is the simplest way to change the world because it is a simple way to embody the story of the Gospel in the context of everyday life.”— The Simplest Way to Change the World What is Biblical Hospitality? When we hear the word “hospitality,” a lot of us think about entertaining: spotless homes, elaborate meals, and fancy table set up. But biblical hospitality is much deeper. It’s not about impressing people it's about welcoming them ...into our homes, our stories, and ultimately, into God’s story of redemption. In The Simplest Way to Change the World , Dustin Willis and Brandon Clements say that the home - our living rooms, backyards, and kitchen tables - can become the most powerful mission field we have. By inviting neighbors, friends, coworkers, and even strangers into our everyday spaces, we can begin to demonstrate the love of Jesus in tangible ways. Why Does Hospitality Matter? It Reflects God’s "Welcome". The Bible is filled with references to God’s heart for outsiders. Just as He welcomes us in Christ, we are called to welcome others. Our open homes become a living illustration of the gospel, showing that everyone is invited and accepted through Christ’s work on the cross. It Transforms Ordinary Moments. Hospitality doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Often, the most meaningful connections happen in everyday moments...gathered around a simple meal, laughing over stories, or sharing one another's burdens. “Ordinary people doing ordinary things with gospel intentionality can make an eternal impact.” It Breaks Down Barriers. There’s something uniquely disarming about a dinner table. Cultural differences, age gaps, and even religious backgrounds often fade in a genuine "welcome". When people experience unconditional acceptance and kindness in our homes, their hearts tend to be open to deeper conversations about God’s love, grace, and hope. Steps to Practicing Hospitality 101 Start with Prayer. Pray for open eyes to see who needs an invitation. Pray for boldness to extend that invitation. And pray that your home would become a place of peace and belonging. Keep It Simple. You don’t need a perfectly crafted space or gourmet cooking skills. A pot of chili, a pizza night, or even a box of store-bought cookies can suffice. According to The Simplest Way to Change the World , focusing on people over presentation is key. “People won’t remember the menu, but they will remember how you made them feel.” Be Present. Turn off the TV, put phones away, and be fully engaged. Ask questions. Listen to stories. Share laughter and heartaches. When you’re genuinely present, people feel valued and the seeds of deeper relationships start to take root. Integrate Gospel Conversations Naturally. You don’t need a sermon prepared, instead, look for natural segues. Willis and Clements in their book encourages us to simply aim to share the reason for your hope in everyday language, not forced but authentically tied to your own life experiences. Overcoming the Common Barriers Busyness : We all have packed schedules. But hospitality is one of those things worth making time for. Intentionally setting aside the first Wednesday of every month for others can spark profound change in your relationships and neighborhood. Fear of Rejection : Extending an invitation can be intimidating. Remember, hospitality is an act of obedience and love, not a performance. Whether or not people accept, we honor God by simply being faithful to invite. Perfectionism : If you’re worried about messy floors or mismatched dishes, release that pressure. People are drawn to authenticity, not perfection. A well-lived-in home can actually make guests feel more comfortable than a pristine showpiece. The Bigger Picture Hospitality is a simple act, but it mirrors God’s extraordinary kindness. It’s easy to underestimate how God can use a small invitation - a simple text saying “Want to come over for dinner?” - to build friendships and create lasting Gospel impact. “Hospitality is not an event, but a way of life.” When we open our doors and our hearts, we not only bless those who enter, but we ourselves grow in Christlike love. Through ordinary moments around our tables, we participate in God’s grand story of reconciling the world to Himself. Ready to Take the Next Step? Pray : Ask God who you should invite. Plan : Choose a simple meal, and send the invite. Prepare : Clean up (just a bit), then open your door with a smile. Engage : Be present, listen well, share stories, and watch how God moves. Remember : A simple meal around a table can be the seedbed for transformation, both in your guests’ lives and in your own. The key is opening the door in faith, trusting that God will do the rest. “Practice hospitality… simply, generously, and regularly...this is the simplest way to change the world.”

Fasting isn’t just about giving something up, it’s about making space for the presence of God to fill. When we fast, we intentionally remove distractions to deepen our connection with Him. Whether you’re fasting from social media, a favorite food, or another habit, the spiritual benefits can be life-changing. 1. Deepened Dependence on God In Matthew 4:1–2, Jesus fasted in the wilderness, showing us that physical hunger can heighten our awareness of spiritual needs. Fasting reminds us that true satisfaction comes from God alone. When we feel the ache of a fast, it’s an invitation to turn to Him in prayer and rely on His strength. 2. Heightened Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit By “turning down the noise” of daily life, we open ourselves to hearing God’s voice more clearly. As we resist our usual go-to comforts (like social media or certain foods), we become more attuned to the Holy Spirit’s leading in areas we may have overlooked before. 3. Renewed Focus on Prayer Fasting and prayer often go hand in hand. Every time you feel the urge to check your phone or reach for that snack you’ve given up, consider it a prompt to pray. Lift up your needs, intercede for others, or simply express thankfulness for God’s faithfulness. 4. Growth in Obedience and Humility Fasting is a spiritual discipline that humbles us, reminding us we’re not as self-sufficient as we like to think. In James 4:10, we’re encouraged to humble ourselves before the Lord so that He may lift us up. Fasting helps us cultivate an obedient, surrendered heart. Ultimately, fasting is about drawing near to God and experiencing His presence in fresh ways. We’re excited to see how He renews and revives our church as we journey together through this season of prayer and fasting. If you’re feeling stretched or challenged, remember that God honors our hearts when we seek Him first. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” – Matthew 5:6 (ESV)

“Revival can’t be worked up, it has to be prayed down.” This is one of my favorite reminders when it comes to seeking God in deeper ways. We can’t manufacture revival by our own strength...it starts in our hearts, just like David prayed in Psalm 51:10 (ESV), “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Fasting is one of the ways we can intentionally step back from everyday distractions so that our hearts are more receptive to God’s voice. Hebrews 12:1 (ESV) tells us, “Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely.” A “weight” doesn’t always have to be a sin, sometimes it’s just something that holds us back or dulls our spiritual senses. Fasting helps us identify and remove those weights, whether it's social media, certain foods, or anything else that can trip us up. So, if you’re feeling led to fast with us for these 21 days (or at any time, really), here are a few different ways you can consider setting aside the weights: 1. Social Media Fasts Let’s be honest: scrolling through endless feeds can eat up hours of our day, sometimes leaving us drained or discouraged. What it looks like: Deleting certain apps, logging out of social platforms, or reducing screen time for a set period. Spiritual benefit: Instead of scrolling, fill that time with prayer, Scripture reading, or simply being quiet before the Lord. 2. Different Food Fasts There’s a long biblical tradition of fasting from food in some way—just look at Daniel (Daniel 1:12; 10:3) or Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–2). Types of Food Fasts: Full Fast: Consuming only water (typically not recommended for extended periods without medical supervision). Daniel Fast: Focusing on fruits, vegetables, and water, avoiding meats, sweets, and rich foods. Partial Fast (Time-Specific): Skipping a meal or two and eating only within certain hours of the day. Spiritual benefit: Physical hunger can remind us to pray and depend on God, aligning our hearts with His. 3. Giving Up Other “Weights” Maybe food or social media aren’t the main things consuming your time or dulling your spiritual senses. Alcohol, Sweets, or Caffeine: If you notice these have a significant hold on you, fasting from them can be a powerful step toward freedom. Entertainment or Hobbies: It could be taking a break from TV, gaming, or even certain reading material. Any Activity That’s Become a Distraction: Pray and ask the Lord to show you if there’s something specific that’s become more of a “weight” than a life-giving gift. How to Decide Pray First Simply ask, “Lord, what would You have me set aside so I can focus on You?” Trust that He’ll guide your choice. Start Simple Don’t feel the need to take on an extreme fast right away. Begin with something you know you can sustain while still feeling the stretch of stepping out in faith. Plan Ahead If you’re fasting from social media, remove the apps in advance. If you’re doing a food fast, stock up on whatever you’ll need. Stay Connected Fasting doesn’t mean living on a desert island. Stay in fellowship—share what you’re learning with a trusted friend or small group for encouragement and accountability. Revival Starts in Us Remember, the goal isn’t to impress God or other people. Fasting is about removing distractions so we can love God more deeply, hear His voice more clearly, and experience renewed intimacy with Him. Let’s approach this 21-day fast with expectant hearts, believing that God will do a new work in us from the inside out. Let’s lay down whatever might be weighing us down. Let’s ask God to revive our hearts as we seek Him. I’m excited to see how He moves among us in the days ahead! — If you have any questions or need more resources on fasting, feel free to reach out or check out the weekly devotionals we’ll be sending. We’re in this together, trusting the Lord to work powerfully in each of our hearts.

For the first two years of River City, we’ve gathered on the first Wednesday of each month for The Table - a big family-style potluck where we came together to share a meal, connect, and build community. But as we grow, we feel God leading us to reimagine The Table with a new focus: practicing biblical hospitality in our own homes. That’s why we’re excited to introduce The Table at Your Table . Instead of gathering in one big group, we’re inviting each of you to open your homes, your tables, and your lives to those around you. The first Wednesday of each month is still The Table , but now it’s happening at your table—across our city, in homes, neighborhoods, and spaces where relationships can flourish and the Gospel can be shared. Check out this short video where I share the heart behind this change and how we can all take part in this new vision: Let’s embrace this opportunity to live out biblical hospitality, inviting neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family to experience the love of Jesus through something as simple as a shared meal. Thanks for being part of this journey, River City! I can’t wait to hear the stories of how God uses The Table at Your Table to bring people together and share His love in powerful ways. Let’s open our tables, love our neighbors, and live on mission.