Beyond Recovery

There's something special about starting off a brand new year. It's always a good time to look back to assess where I've been and to take a few moments to reflect on what I might do in the coming year to become more effective in my ministry.

Urban mission work is certainly unique. The rewards can be tremendous, as well as at the discouragements. So, here are a few things I thought about as I looked at the new year ahead:

A. Keep a life for yourself
I often struggle to the find the balance between personal priorities and ministry opportunities. It's easy to get caught up in ministry and put my own needs on the "back burner." Because urban missions can be a very stressful place to work good, "self care" practices are essential. One of the most important of them is to cultivate a life that is separate from the mission and its staff and clients. We need to leave work stress behind and pursue our own interests and relationships. For people who live in the mission facilities, failing to develop meaningful outside relationships and activities is a sure path to "burn-out."

The more I think about it the more I’m convinced that the notion of “special needs” isn’t biblically sound.

My friend Tim pastors a church in Denver, and he talks a lot about the “Y’all Come In” mentality. In that view, if the church opens the door and puts down a welcome mat, that’s enough.

Except that it’s not enough.

At Tim’s church they send people to homeless shelters and by-the-week motels. They sit with people one-on-one, talk with them, assure them they’re valued and needed.

All law is based upon morality, and morality is itself based upon religion. Therefore, when the religion of a people is weakened, so also is its morality undermined. The result is a progressive collapse of law and order, and the breakdown of society.

Men, though, see law as a limitation on their liberty, and Christianity is held to be the most restrictive with its emphasis upon Biblical law as the foundation for morality and liberty. Humanistic man wants total liberty, but he does not realize that total liberty leads only to total anarchy, and that leads to the death of law and liberty. Unless every man's liberty is limited by law, no liberty is possible for any one.

note: Members may discuss this workshop in the Message Boards HERE

Obie-Host Hello and welcome to CIR's latest Workshop:
"Life is Not a Game: Rules, rebellion, and freedom as a follower of Jesus" given by Rich Dixon.
Rich is a respected speaker and the author of "Relentless Grace: God’s Invitation To Give Hope Another Chance".
You are invited to visit Rich's web site: http://www.relentlessgrace.com
where you can learn more about Rich and his writings and you can also purchase his book.
You may download the booklet for free which this workshop is about here:

We will open with prayer, after which Rich will speak for several minutes. When he is through speaking

Have you ever wondered if Biblical Law is still relevant? Does it matter anymore? Did Christ's coming do away with the Law?

Proverbs 3:4-5 KJV
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

I’ve been spending a lot of time recently with a young man who’s on a difficult journey. He wants everyone to learn from his experiences.

Everyone.

I believe your story might be your greatest gift.

We all live in stories. God reveals Himself through stories. Your particular story incorporates a unique combination of experiences and relationships. It’s a gift, and the highest use for any gift is to enjoy it and share it in service to others.

Matthew 8:26 KJV
And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

One day at a time, one job application at a time, God will help you navigate through the rough seas of the job market.

One of the most important aspects of your search for employment is to have a realistic plan. If you maintain a positive outlook and set realistic goals you will get what you want. Looking for work can seem like a full time job just by itself.