 The Call to Relationship
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When it pleased God
who separated me from my mother's womb
and called me through His grace,
TO REVEAL HIS SON IN ME,
so that I might preach Him.
Galatians 1:15-16
I love how this verse reveals that we, as God's children, are not called to do anything for God, but that, first and foremost, we are called for God to do something most glorious for us:
TO REVEAL HIS SON IN ME!
When God the Father reveals the life of His Son in us, He is moving us to do everything in relation to His Son. In the above verse, only after Christ was revealed in Paul was Paul moved to preach Christ (and not to preach about Christ).
NOT BETTER, BUT DEPENDENT
The following biblical-based notes by my friend Mike Daniel have encouraged me during trying circumstances this year. You can read more at www.StoneLife.org.
God has designed every single circumstance in your life, no matter how small or how large, to have a relational purpose with His dear Son.
God is not calling you to overcome circumstances. He is calling you into a deeper reliance and relationship with the indwelling Christ in the circumstances.
God is not calling you to be better at your finances. He is calling you into a deeper reliance and relationship with Him as your Source of all your provisions and as your Wisdom with what you do with your finances.
God is not calling you to be a better spouse. He is calling you into a deeper reliance and relationship with Him to love your spouse through you with the very love of Christ.
So, God's grace in and through you by the life of Christ is for His renown to be increased, not yours.
NOT INITIATING, BUT RESPONDING
In our Rest Stop verse, Paul responded and related to the revealed life of Christ in him. It is God's grace that initiates everything in your life. God is the Source of true life. Christ is true life in you.
When you think that you are initiating something in relation to God, you are deceived. God is the great Initiator. Christ is always initiating life (His life) in you.
And God is the gracious Inviter. He is always inviting you to relate to Him in His grand redemption plan for this world. What a glorious invitation!
Ian Thomas well said: Faith is not you getting God engaged in your agenda. Faith is God drawing you to be personally engaged with Him in His agenda.
And Corrie Ten Boon well said: It is not my ability but my response to God's ability that counts.
CLOSING
I love how this picture shows a child continuously connected to the risen Christ by holding His glorified, yet still nail-scarred, hand. The child is simply relating to Jesus as they walk and talk together.
And this precious child (you) can be sure Jesus is leading you in paths of righteousness and for His Name sake!
This relationship is thriving in you each moment through the Holy Spirit! You are united with the life of Christ and God your Father is providing you, His child, every need to fulfill the purposes He invites you into with Him!
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PS
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GOD'S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE
by Mike Daniel
It seems that when people pray for God's will, they actually mean, "Give me a map so that I can take control." This, of course, is the opposite of God's will for us.
Isn't God always leading us? Isn't God capable of bringing about His will for us?
Perhaps this year can be less about goals to accomplish and more about the relationship God wants to build in your life.
Perhaps this year can be less about your improvement and more about the manifestation of Christ's life in you.
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About 
Discipleship through
Counseling
Teaching
Training
Gregg Gibbons
Pastoral Director
Michael Chalmers
Training Director
Kellie Boggs
Fellowship Director
Joy Gibbons
Ministry Assistant and women's ministry coordinator
Carole Blyth
Board member and women's ministry coordinator
Randy Garrick
Board member and Elder Holly Ridge Baptist Church
Paul Crews
Board member and Pastor Mountain Creek Baptist Church
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Partnership
I believe with all my heart that ministry is through relationships.
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you for your partnership in the gospel (Philippians 1:3, 5).
YouTube link below of my ministry commissioning service that included testimonies from several partners, including Bobby Richardson, former 2nd baseman for the NY Yankees.
Please contact me to learn more about partnering with me. I'd love to hear from you!
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Ministry News
Next 8-month Advanced Discipleship Training to start January 2013.
Gregg teaches freedom from anger through Christ at the Haven of Rest mission in Anderson, SC Mondays 6:00-6:45 pm. You are welcome to attend with Gregg anytime!
Gregg is mentoring men and couples in an office at Holly Ridge Baptist Church in Simpsonville SC and at an industrial plant in Duncan SC.
Michael is mentoring men and couples in an office provided by Mountain Creek Baptist Church, Pendleton Street Baptist Church,
and Earle Street Baptist Church
all in Greenville SC.
Carole and Joy, along with 8 ladies trained through Journey in Christ, to provide more discipleship training to female employees at an industrial plant in Aug 15 through Oct 3.
Michael taught the second session of our 8-month Advanced Discipleship Training July 12-14. Key topics were law and grace, guilt, and security..
Michael teaching a couples retreat for Mountain Creek Baptist Church this Fall.
Michael teaching a Grace Life Conference at Earle Street Baptist Church in Greenville SC August 3-4. Click this link for more details!
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Archives
Link for Rest Stops
since August 2010:
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Contact Info
JOURNEY IN CHRIST, INC.
926 N.E. Main Street
Suite F-155
Simpsonville SC 29681
(864) 483-3201 (Gregg cell)
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