Moving into the Current
Author John McPhee was on a white water trip through the Grand Canyon, doing research for an article. At one point the guide pulled over to the bank to get a look at the rapid ahead. He described how they were going to try to navigate, how they had to move around a boulder and only skim the main ‘hole’ created by a Niagra-like torrent pouring over another rock. John asked what would happen if they didn’t do it right. “You go into the hole.” Someone else asked, “What’s at the bottom of the hole?” The guide said, “a rubber raft.”
They got back in the boat minus one. The alleged bravest of the group, an accomplished alpinist and war veteran, decided to walk around the rapid. It was time to get started. As the boat entered the rapid, it hit more of the hole than intended, folded nearly in half, then popped out the other side. Somehow it all worked out; all were safe.
Tonight we enter into another season of Fall ministry– D-Groups, AWANA, Student Ministry, all kick off TONIGHT. Of course, given we’ve had a summer break, there might be some rough going in the first week or two as we sort out rooms and tech needs and get everyone registered, but that’s okay – it’s all part of it. Sometimes you just have to push that raft out into the current and get moving in the right direction.
We have some powerful D-Groups planned this round (D stands for ‘discipleship’). We’re launching a new group on Recovery and Freedom in Christ that many have been asking about since the day I started as pastor. The Jesus vs. Culture study will help equip you to defend and better understand your faith. The Women’s group will focus on the incredible power of hiding God’s Word in your heart. Once again we will feature the transformational study for married couples, “Love and Respect.” We have a Scripture-focused Finance study and, as always, we have an open study for any who are not in a D-Group that will be looking at portions of the book of Mark on the theme of Jesus as King. Sign up here.
Sunday we looked at 1 Peter 1:3-5. It’s a rich section focused on the need for praise in our lives. This upcoming Sunday we’ll be studying verses 6-9, with a focus on the results of trials. Read ahead and prepare your heart to hear from God when we gather together. Also pray about how God might prompt you to share what you’re learning in 1 Peter with someone else in the South End of Louisville. Pray that God would use Valley View to be a light to our community!