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Note: This Rest Stop was my third Rest Stop originally published over 4 years ago.
By re-reading and re-publishing this Rest Stop, I am delighted to realize my heart and the biblical foundation for the discipleship ministry God has called me into over 4 years ago have not changed!
The Lord prepared me for more than 10 years to step out in faith to answer this ministry call. A key part of this preparation was when I lost my 31-year job in February 2010.
It was under this stressful situation that I sought the Lord with all my heart to know how to work diligently, but also restfully, in finding ways to provide for my wife, Joy, and me.
I also am considering returning to the brevity of these earlier Rest Stops. I hope you are blessed by this Rest Stop!
Working to Rest or Resting in Work?
For he who has entered His (God's) rest has himself ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest (Hebrews 4:10-11).
My new journey has me working long days establishing relationships for ministry. Deep down this work is a true delight. However, I am discerning more and more the temptations to make it a tiring duty.
I yearn to understand more personally and profoundly the seemingly contradictory "be diligent to enter His rest." Does this mean I have to work at resting?
Yes and no.
No, in regards to my working as self-effort.
Yes, in regards to my working as believing.
Believing is the work! Hebrews 3:19 says that the Hebrews did not enter the Promised Land not because of lack of effort, but because of lack of belief.
I believe with all my heart I have been united with Christ through the cross. This unity is so intimate that all He has is now mine, including His rest...His victorious rest from His finished work!
So, rest is not achieved on the weekends after I work myself into the ground during the week. Rest is received moment by moment from Christ who indwells me!
Although I am physically exhausted at night, I am sensing more joy and hope when I lay down...a pleasant joy reflecting on Christ having lived in me that day...a confident hope He will wake me up in the morning to continue our journey together.
May this rest stop encourage us to go rest!
P.S. Pray for me to rest in Christ...in His love, His grace, His confidence, and His hope...as I continue to reach out to enlist ministry partners.
JOURNEY IN CHRIST EVENTS
Gregg teaching God's Greatest Purpose for You
Haven of Rest Resuce Mission - Anderson, SC
August 23 7:15 am to 8:00 am
Grace Life Conference graduates
August 14, 2010
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LINKS AND MESSAGES |
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Have friends subscribe to
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I am a missionary
with Journey in Christ, Inc.,
a discipleship counseling
and training ministry.
I would love to hear from you!
Feel free to reply to this email or reply by clicking on
Let me know if you'd like
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JOURNEY IN CHRIST
Attn: Gregg Gibbons
655 Fairview Road
Suite H-188
Simpsonville SC 29680
(864) 483-3201 (Gregg cell)
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Matthew 11:28
Jesus said, "Come unto Me,
all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Jesus did not say
He would show us HOW to rest,
but that He would GIVE us rest.
These words were before the cross. After the cross, the Holy Spirit reveals the rest Jesus gives is HIS REST through His indwelling life.
Colossians 1:29
I labor to teach Christ to every person, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. |
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