10.12.2026 - Jeff Mercer

Introduction:

My name is Jeff Mercer, and I have the privilege of serving as Music and Worship Director at The River Church. It is a humbling honor to write this week’s devotions.

This week, I’m taking a slightly different approach. Each day, we’ll explore our theme, “God Builds His Church Within the Body — Discipleship,” Focusing on one of the songs we will be singing this coming Sunday October 18th. 

Music not only helps us understand and remember truth; it helps form how we respond to God and His Word. My hope is that these songs become more than something we sing—they become reminders of how God is shaping us as disciples and as His body.

For Today and This Week

Read 1 Samuel 3:1–21, paying special attention to Samuel’s response to God: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”

God speaks not only to inform us, but to form us. Through His Word, our worship, our prayers, and the songs we sing, God shapes who we are and how we respond to Him.

As you read this week, consider two questions:

What is God saying?

How is God forming me through what He is saying?

Monday October 12th, 2026

Day 1 — “I Belong” by Tim Timmons

Song lyric of focus: 

“Here I am, in the presence of the great I Am”

Theme: Discipleship begins with belonging to Christ

Road map:

Before we can talk about what we do as disciples, we need to understand whose we are. The church is built from people who have been brought into relationship with Christ and with one another. Our identity isn't found in our position, gifts, accomplishments, or usefulness—we belong to Jesus.

Reflection:

Discipleship begins with a simple but profound truth: I belong to Jesus. Because we belong to Him, we also belong to His body. God builds His church by bringing individual people into a community where they can know Christ, grow in Christ, and help others grow in Christ. Before God asks us to serve, lead, teach, or accomplish anything, He calls us to Himself.

1 Corinthians 12:27 says…

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

Key take away: I don't just attend the church—I belong to Christ and am part of His body.