Before We Begin

RiverDay 1Day 2Day 3Day 4
Written By Aaron Mills

prologue

Ezekiel’s vision starts in the temple. He sees water trickling from beneath the threshold. As he follows it, step by step, the water deepens. Ankle-deep. Knee-deep. Waist-deep. Until it becomes a river that can’t be crossed, rushing with life.

Everywhere the river flows, things flourish and come alive. Trees grow on its banks. Leaves bring healing. Even the salty, lifeless places are made fresh. Nothing can stop the river’s life-giving current.

A few Sundays back, Jules shared this vision with us (Ezekiel 47:1-12), and we sensed God saying: This is for you now.

Here in Melbourne’s inner west, we know something about bodies of water. The Maribyrnong winds its way down from Mount Macedon, passing through Spotswood before it meets the wide, open waters of the bay. Moving with purpose and carrying life, stories, and connection wherever it flows. At Williamstown, the old piers stand where river meets sea. In Newport and Altona, the quiet lakes hold still, reflective waters. And here in Altona Meadows, there’s a creek I often walk beside. In the late afternoon it catches the light and draws in birdlife — herons, pelicans, small darting wrens. Every time, it wakes up my soul.

We believe God’s presence is moving like that in our community — flowing through our homes, streets, schools, cafes, and workplaces. Slowly but surely bringing life, even to places that have felt dry for a long time.

That’s why we’re stepping into River together — 21 days of noticing, listening, and responding, so our neighbourhoods can taste and see God’s goodness bringing life to even the driest places

Here’s how to join in:

  1. Read the devotion when it goes live each morning.

  2. Pray through the prayer points — let them shape your words and your day.

  3. Live it out by trying the daily action or reflection idea.

  4. Leave a comment — it could be as simple as an “Amen” to say you’ve done it, or a short note on how you’re responding, or a story of what God is showing you. It will be really fun to see everyone engage here.

  5. Encourage others — reply to someone else’s comment and cheer them on.

This isn’t just something to read
— it’s something to join.

REFLECT

Pause for a moment. Picture that river. Hear the sound of the water rushing. And imagine yourself stepping in — not to watch from the edge, but to be carried somewhere new.

PRAY

Father, help me make room for You in these days ahead. Clear away the noise and distractions so I can hear Your voice and see where You are moving. Prepare my heart to step into the river of Your presence. Ready to listen, ready to respond, ready to be carried deeper into Your life.

Also pray now that over these 21 days, our church family would slow down enough to notice You, create space to meet with You, and be changed by what You show us.

Aaron Mills