Dear Grace River Family,
As we step into the heart of summer, the sun is high, the temperatures are hot, and schedules often slow down. It’s what we call the “dog days of summer.” Yet, even in the hottest, driest seasons—both physically and spiritually—God is still at work, and He’s calling us to be ready.
Desert Places and Divine Appointments
In Acts 8, Philip was led by the Spirit to a desert road. It seemed like an unlikely place for ministry. Hot, isolated, quiet. But there—precisely there—God had orchestrated a divine appointment. A high-ranking Ethiopian official was returning from Jerusalem, spiritually hungry and searching for truth. Philip, fully available, obedient, and empowered, used his gifts to explain the Scriptures and ultimately lead the man to Christ. What seemed like a detour was destiny.
Don't Underestimate Your Season
Maybe this summer feels like a dry time for you—emotionally, spiritually, or even relationally. Maybe your normal rhythm is disrupted, or you’re just trying to “make it through” until fall picks up again. But don’t underestimate what God can do in a “desert place.”
God doesn’t wait for perfect conditions to do His perfect work. He simply looks for available people—people like Philip, and people like you—who are willing to say, “Yes, Lord, here I am. Use me.”
Your Gifts Matter Right Now
Each of us has been given gifts and talents uniquely shaped by God. Whether it’s your ability to listen, encourage, teach, serve, or simply show up—those gifts matter. And they’re not meant to be tucked away during the summer months. You never know when God is setting the stage for a conversation, a kind gesture, or an opportunity that will impact someone’s eternity.
Your smile might be the open door for someone to feel seen.
Your words might be the answer to someone’s quiet prayer.
Your presence might be the bridge to someone’s breakthrough.
Like Philip, we may not get advance notice. But we can live each day expectantly—looking for those divine appointments God places in our path.
Summer Challenge: Serve and Shine
This July, we’re challenging every member of Grace River to:
Ask God each morning to lead you to someone who needs encouragement.
Use at least one of your spiritual gifts this month to serve someone inside or outside the church. VBS is a perfect opportunity.
Be present. Be willing. Be bold—even in the “desert.”
You may be surprised how often the heat of the season becomes the fire of opportunity.
Stay cool, stay faithful, and stay ready. God is still moving—yes, even now. Let’s be like Philip—faithful in the desert, prepared to speak life, and willing to follow the Spirit’s lead.
In Christ’s Service,
Dr. John McCloud
Senior Pastor – Grace River Church
