Tools for growth

Lent Devotional

Lent is the time between Ash Wednesday, February 26, and Easter, and has often been observed and practiced as a time for introspection, prayer, and even fasting. As Jesus moved through his ministry and turned his focus toward traveling to Jerusalem and the cross, we join him in our own preparation for a life of greater devotion to Jesus and alignment with his mission. We are preparing a Devotional Reading for each day of Lent and will have it ready in early February. We hope you will join us in reading and reflecting as we prepare not only for Good Friday, but also for Easter Sunday.


The Lent Devotional will be available, here, early February.

Spiritual Gifts Assessment

Each of us play an integral part as we live and serve in the family we call the River Church, our community, and building the next generation of people to follow Jesus. Now is YOUR CHANCE to discover how God has uniquely gifted YOU to contribute to the exciting work in the kingdom of God! Have you ever been curious to discover what gifts have been especially endowed to you by the Holy Spirit? Ephesians 2:10 says that “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for the good works he created in advance for us to do.” Take your spiritual gifts assessment and send us your results! giftstest.com


Have you already taken the test and want to know more about your gifts? 

View a definition of each gift here. 

Daily Holy Spirit Prayer

Dear God, 

Let me be one of your chosen ones. I know that many are called but few are chosen. Choose me to do Your Will. 

Dear Jesus,

Show me The Way. Show me what I should do and say, every minute of every day.

Dear Holy Spirit, 

Give me whatever gifts I need so I can fulfill God's Will in Jesus's Way.

I especially request:

_______________,

_______________, and

_______________.

Thank you dear God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit.

Amen


Arise & Build Discipleship Tools

A disciple is a learner, a follower of Jesus, with the intention and practice to do what he modeled for us to do. Discipleship in relationship is an open, real, and honest spiritual dialogue with one another about being formed in Christ. When building and forming our lives after Christ we often benefit from some tools that can assist in the process. Discipleship is an intentional practice, we don’t get it right the first time. Use these tools alone, with a friend, or in your small group. Seek out help from a mentor.

  • If we pay attention, moments will come our way where God is breaking into our lives, wanting to speak and prompt change. We call these Kairos Moments. Use this tool to help process these divine moments. Spiritual growth happens when we stop and with a few close partners answer two questions: what is God saying to me right now; and what does He want me to do about it? As we respond and get answers to these questions, the trajectory of our life will change. We call this change discipleship. 

  • The Bible encourages us to “pray without ceasing,” but we often need a bit of help in how to pray consistently and effectively. The A.C.T.S. Prayer Tool is a guide to help us grow and mature in our conversation with God. It is a simple process where we start by adoring God, then move into confessing ways we rebel and resist Him, which leads into thanksgiving for His mercy and supply, and finally to supplication, which is a fancy word for bringing our daily requests before Him. Prayer is the foundation to walking with and following after Jesus.