How to do life
At one time, I was a very sad, very alone and very bitter person. One day, I was talking to my pastor about some things that weren't right in my life and he told me to go to a meeting at my church. He said it would help. I didn't know what I was getting into. The meeting was sort of like an AA meeting, complete with "I'm Fred;" "Hi Fred." They weren't trying to copy AA -- they just wanted everyone to know who everyone else was and they wanted it to be a safe, friendly, open place. They wanted it to be a place where people could say, "Hey, I have issues" and there would undoubtedly be someone who had similar issues. You don't have to hide things there.
I was very uncomfortable. I swear I'm the only person who has ever gone to these meetings that didn't have some chemical dependency at one time in their life. I felt so out of place -- but the people there became my friends. Honestly, for a while, my only friends were ex-crack addicts and alcoholics. But they loved me. They were Jesus to me. They said, "We don't have it all together, but Jesus helps us like you anyway."
I don't go to these meetings every week anymore. I'm just too busy. I've been going for the past few weeks and I've been reminded of something that I began to learn when I went for the first time. It's How To Do Life. It's called "The Ten Attitudes of Victorious Living." At every meeting, the ten attitudes are read. I think they are absolutely beautiful.
The only way to do life is like this:
I was very uncomfortable. I swear I'm the only person who has ever gone to these meetings that didn't have some chemical dependency at one time in their life. I felt so out of place -- but the people there became my friends. Honestly, for a while, my only friends were ex-crack addicts and alcoholics. But they loved me. They were Jesus to me. They said, "We don't have it all together, but Jesus helps us like you anyway."
I don't go to these meetings every week anymore. I'm just too busy. I've been going for the past few weeks and I've been reminded of something that I began to learn when I went for the first time. It's How To Do Life. It's called "The Ten Attitudes of Victorious Living." At every meeting, the ten attitudes are read. I think they are absolutely beautiful.
The only way to do life is like this:
Humility
Jesus said: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3
I admit I am powerless over the affects of drugs, alcohol and self-centered behavior. My life is unmanageable.
Repentance
Jesus said: Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4
I believe Jesus Christ can and will create in me a new way of life.
Submission
Jesus said: Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5
I give my will and my life to Jesus Christ.
Honesty
Jesus said: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6
I honestly examine myself in the light of God's word.
Mercy
Jesus said: Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Matthew 5:7
I humbly ask God's forgiveness for my sinful past. I am able to forgive those who have hurt me.
Obedience
Jesus said: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5:8
I desire to live under God's Holy Spirit, day by day.
Reconciliation
Jesus said: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9
I ask forgiveness from all those I have hurt or dealt with unfairly.
Faith
Jesus said: Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10
I trust in the power of Jesus Christ when I face hardship and trials.
Perseverance
Jesus said: Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven. Matthew 5:11-12
I stand firm in my faith that Jesus is in control of all things.
Loving Servant
Jesus said: You are the salt of the earth . . . You are the light of the world . . . Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven.
Matthew 5:13-16
As a new creation in Christ, I share with others the good news of a risen Savior who makes His people whole.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness
and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 6:33
For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.
Titus 3:3-8
I admit I am powerless over the affects of drugs, alcohol and self-centered behavior. My life is unmanageable.
Repentance
Jesus said: Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4
I believe Jesus Christ can and will create in me a new way of life.
Submission
Jesus said: Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5
I give my will and my life to Jesus Christ.
Honesty
Jesus said: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6
I honestly examine myself in the light of God's word.
Mercy
Jesus said: Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Matthew 5:7
I humbly ask God's forgiveness for my sinful past. I am able to forgive those who have hurt me.
Obedience
Jesus said: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5:8
I desire to live under God's Holy Spirit, day by day.
Reconciliation
Jesus said: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9
I ask forgiveness from all those I have hurt or dealt with unfairly.
Faith
Jesus said: Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10
I trust in the power of Jesus Christ when I face hardship and trials.
Perseverance
Jesus said: Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven. Matthew 5:11-12
I stand firm in my faith that Jesus is in control of all things.
Loving Servant
Jesus said: You are the salt of the earth . . . You are the light of the world . . . Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven.
Matthew 5:13-16
As a new creation in Christ, I share with others the good news of a risen Savior who makes His people whole.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness
and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 6:33
For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.
Titus 3:3-8
posted by Mari Kate @ 9:41 PM
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