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.