10/19/2026
❤️ MONDAY REFLECTION: COME ALIVE, WEEK 3
Yesterday Pastor Rod continued our COME ALIVE series with Ezekiel 37:8-10, and this week's message was about something I think a lot of us can relate to. The bones had come together, the tendons and flesh were there, and everything looked like it should. But there was still one very important thing missing. BREATH. They looked alive, but they weren't actually living.
Rod compared this to our spiritual lives and how easy it is to go through all the motions of being a Christian without really having a relationship with Jesus. I can relate to that because, growing up and even into my early adult years, I knew what I was supposed to do. I went to church, knew the songs, and did the things I thought Christians were supposed to do. But looking back, I don't think I fully understood what having a personal relationship with Jesus really meant.
I can say that has changed tremendously, and I give a lot of credit to The River West family, especially Pastor Rod and Dawn, for helping me grow in my faith. It's not necessarily one particular sermon or moment that made the difference, but watching their genuine passion for people and their desire to serve God. You can see that they truly love what they're doing, and more importantly, WHO they're doing it for. They're not just talking about God's love, they're living it, and that makes me want to do the same. I want to be part of what God is doing, not just at River West, but in the lives of the people around me.
And speaking of seeing faith in action, can we talk about our worship team yesterday?! We had FOUR young adults up on that stage who are absolutely amazing! I find myself so awestruck watching these young people boldly express their faith in prayer and use their vocal gifts to worship God. In a world where young people face so many pressures and distractions, seeing them so confident in their love for Jesus is just incredible. And what an example they're setting for the rest of us! ❤️
Now, does that mean I have it all figured out? Absolutely not! 😂 There are still Sundays when I'm standing there during worship and my mind wanders off to something I need to get done or something that's been worrying me. Then a certain song comes on, and it's almost like God is tapping me on the shoulder saying, "Hey, remember why you're here?" And I find myself drawn right back into worship.
I also have to remind myself that serving God and spending time WITH God aren't necessarily the same thing. I love being involved at River West, but it's easy to get caught up in the responsibilities, the planning, and everything that needs to get done. That's why I've been making a more intentional effort to slow down, open my Bible, pray, and give God some of my undivided attention. Not because I feel like I HAVE to, but because I WANT to.
One thing Rod talked about was the difference between condemnation and conviction. Condemnation pushes us away from God, but conviction through the Holy Spirit draws us closer to Him. I love that reminder because none of us is going to get everything right 100% of the time. We're going to get distracted, make mistakes, and have days when our hearts aren't quite where they should be. But that's where God's grace comes in. He doesn't expect perfection. He wants a relationship with us and a heart that's willing to listen and grow.
I want that relationship to be real, to keep growing, and to make a difference in how I live and treat the people around me. And when I look around at our River West family, from Rod and Dawn to those young adults leading worship, I see so many examples of what that looks like.
God, keep breathing life into me. ❤️
Peace 🕊️ Jeanette
