Whitney Houston - When You Believe Just believe in His Word

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LIVE BY THE SPIRIT AND NOT BY THE FLESH

Galatians 5:13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.  16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Life is a constant battle between our Spirit and our flesh, so we must study the Word daily; if we want to keep our flesh at rest, and win this battle.  We have been serving our flesh longer than we have served our Spirit, so our flesh is stronger than our Spirit; and we need Jesus to help us fight this battle if we want to be victorious.

Father, help us live in the Spirit, by developing our fruit; the fruit of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, against these there is no laws.  Then, Lord, we will be Your people who are called by Your name, we have crucified our flesh through our faith in Christ; so Christ can live in us, and remove all envy, hate, jealousy, and strife.  Father, keep us humble and lead by the Spirit, remove everything that keeps us from sitting at Your feet; remove every generation curse, every demonic Spirit from us.    Lord, there are so many things we cannot do in the flesh that we can do in the Spirit: so give us the Spirit of forgiveness and love for our enemies and those who have wronged us. Father, give us Your courage to love those that do not love us and witness to those that need to hear the Word.  Father, continue to work in and through us, to help build up Your Kingdom; and lift up our brothers and sister, in Jesus name Amen

JESUS WILL RETURN

Revelation 19:11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice, He judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on Him that no one knows but He Himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood and His name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following Him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Coming out of His mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.”15 Psalm 2:9 He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16On His robe and on His thigh He has this name written:
king of kings and Lord of lords.

The Lord Jesus Christ comes out of Heaven as the leader of an army that goes to fight the nations of the world at the battle of Armageddon. He rides on a horse to indicate that He comes to fight a war. He is clothed with a vesture dipped in blood to indicate that He has finished one battle already. It was the battle at the cross where He fought for us, rebellious sinners, but elect of God, and our blood has stained His vesture. And when He comes again He shall bring all the souls of all the saints with Him, as we have read in 1 Thessalonians 3:13 and 4:14, and God will raise up the bodies of all those who have died, “some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt

Father, we have been sinning for over two thousand years, and some may feel we have gotten away with our iniquity; but the Word tells us Jesus will return and we must be ready when our name is called.  So Lord, prepare us for Your return, open our hearts and minds and fill us with the Holy Spirit so we will have the same love for You and Your Word as Jesus.  Father, when You raise the bodies of all those who have died, please receive our loved one's souls to everlasting life.  Lord, help us overcome the trials of our faith so we may be given the right to rule with You on Your throne.  Father, give us Your strength and courage, to stand on Your Word without wavering; so we can be faithful because faithfulness will end in victory, in Jesus name Amen

Now Behold The Lamb, music helps set the atmosphere for praise

FREEDOM IN CHRIST

Galatians 5:4 we who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

We are justified by an act of grace, our free, unearned favor, on the part of God. He who seeks for justification in any other way loses his grace. Grace is not a state or disposition in the believer, but a divine act of God

Father, Your Son, is the sacrifice for anyone who relies upon Him as their only Savior.  Father, let us take heed to the warnings and persuasions of the steadfastness in the doctrine and liberty of the gospel.  Lord, fill us with the Holy Spirit which helps us wait for eternal life, the rewards of righteousness and the object of our hope.  Father, thank You, for the gift of grace that is our through faith in Christ, and not of our own works; our privilege or profession, but acceptance from God.  Lord, we can do nothing without You, or without sincere faith in Christ our Lord.  Father, we understand that faith, working through love is all that matters to You, and all else is worthless and of no value.  Father, forgive us of our sins and give us Your strength and courage to forgive others, in Jesus name we pray Amen

THE FAITHFUL ARE UNDER CONSTANT CARE OF ANGELS

Psalm 91:11 For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. 12 In their hands, they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.  13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

The faithful are under the constant care of angels, who guide us and direct us perpetually. Satan made a crafty use of this promise when he tried to tempt our Lord (Matthew 4:6; Luke 4:10, 11). No doubt it applies to him pre-eminently, as the specially "Faithful One." Once we receive Christ as our Savior, His Father gives us the same rights and authority, although we are still sinners; the Christ who lives within us will empower us through grace, and we will walk through lions and serpents without fear.

Because we are called by Your name, please rescue us and protect us as we acknowledge You. Father, be with us in troubled times and deliver us from evil so we may honor Your name, and proclaim Your love in the morning and Your faithfulness at night.  Thank You, Lord, for our guarding angles that helps us when anxiety is great within us, and their constant care that helps brings joy to our souls.  Father, remove immorality from us so You will have a clean vessel which will serve Your purpose; and allow us to hear Your voice, in Jesus name Amen

DO NOT RETURN TO WALLOW IN THE MIRE

2 Peter 2:22 It has happened to them according to the true proverb, "A DOG RETURNS TO ITS OWN VOMIT," and, "A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire.

So many times when we face adversity our faith is weakened we return to our comfort zone; the principles and practices of our sinful nature.   God can and will take us out of the mire and dirt and wash all our filth away, but we must also practice what is written in the Word to remain clean

Father, help us lay down our former manner of life, which brings corruption, lustful deceit, and death.  Lord, help us crucify our old self with Jesus on the cross so that our sinful nature will be put to rest.  Father, give us a desire for the things of the Spirit, so we will no longer be slaves to the sins of this world.  Lord, let our deeds of immorality, impurity, idolatry, strife, jealousy, drunkenness, and things of the flesh; be removed from us, because we cannot please You in the flesh.   Lord, thank You, for Your Son's sacrifice so that we could be born again of the Spirit; and not continue wallowing in the mire and our own vomit, by returning to the things of the flesh.  Now Lord, let the God of hope, strengthen our faith, so we will practices what is written in the Word and follow Your principles, in Jesus name, Amen

SOME PEOPLE ARE SO WORLDLY GOD SEED WILL NOT GROW

Matthew 13:4 as he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the birds came and devoured them.

 Some people are so worldly that nothing they read or hear from God register.  As soon as something comes into their lives they forget about God, a better job, more money, a new car/house, or a new relationship God is put on the back burner.  Because God’s Words were not in their heart, so the material things of the world consume them.

Father, in Your presence we find joy, peace, grace, and favor; please give us a strong desire for Your Word, open our hearts and minds and fill us with the Holy Spirit.  Father, transform us from the inside out so this world will not devour the seed You have planted in us, from birth.  Lord, give us Your daily bread, that will nourish our Spirit, as food nourishes our bodies.  Lord, lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one and our enemies.  Father, give us eyes that see and ears that hear and receive Your Word and wisdom; give us the knowledge to implement You into our daily lives and the lives of others.  Father, give us the same ambition that Christ has, to please You, in Jesus name Amen

LET GOD FIGHT OUR BATTLES

Deuteronomy 20:1-9 "When you go out to battle against your enemies and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you. "When you are approaching the battle, the priest shall come near and speak to the people. "He shall say to them, 'Hear, O Israel, you are approaching the battle against your enemies today. Do not be fainthearted. Do not be afraid, or panic, or tremble before them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you

When people slander our name and try to cause us grief; our first thought is to “show them what for” but anger, hate, and backbiting, is not the way to handle our problems, Jesus. When we have no job, no money, and no place to turn; turn to Jesus and believe what He says, trust in His promise. When our hearts are pure and clean of the situation, we should pray and give it to God.  Let Him, fight our battles for us, in His will; and we will learn a lesson in the process.  Although we can’t see Him working our problems out, we will know it’s Him, when He’s done.  So, “let God fight your battles”, He can handle what we cannot because He sees all, hears all, and know all.  God, will give us eye that sees the enemy plotting against us, if we tame our tongues, be still and stay out of His way, He will fix it.  When we are connected to Christ He, walks with us; and when He walks with us, “No Weapon Formed Against Us Shall Prosper, it wants work” God will turn it around in our favor.

Father, we come to the altar with clean hearts, to say thank You, thank You for the hedge of protection You have around us.  Lord, continue working in and through us to lift others and build up Your Kingdom.  Father, right now we pray for all those who asked for prayer, Lord, You know them name by name and need by need; bless them according to Your will, not our will.  Father, we thank You for another day, because so many were called home; but You kept us, and we are so grateful.  Lord, we pray for those who were caught in the path of the storm; give those who loss loved one's strength, courage, and understanding, to help them get through their grief.  Lord, let us have the same unity and support we have in times of troubles every day; so we can function as one body in Christ, and love each other as we should.  Lord, thank You for those who volunteered their time and finances; to help those in need, and serve justice to those who take advantage of the situation.  Father, let the love and unity spill over into our daily lives, to help us through our day to day struggles and this walk with You.  Lord, touch our hearts and minds, help us release any anger, hate, or strife and replace it with understanding, love, and compassion. So, Lord, we bring the battle of addiction to You, the battle of adultery to You, the battle with our enemies to You, the battle of our finances to You, the battle of our weight to You, and all other battles we are fighting with or through.   Father, we surrender the throne to You, and we put our battles at Your feet; so we can be victorious and at peace, in Jesus name Amen

LORD GIVE US AN UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR WISDOM

Matthew 13:8 8 But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears to hear let him hear!”

Now for those that accept Christ, study His word, pray without ceasing, praise, worship, and surround themselves with things of the Spirit, they will begin to develop fruit.  Once we start to produce fruit our faith will mature, our character will change, and our relationship will grow stronger.  Then the Holy Spirit will take over our bodies; we will begin to understand the parables and how to implement God’s commands into our lives.

Lord, give us Your wisdom so we can understand Your parables, and the knowledge to act on Your Word daily.  Father, show us how to be disciples so that we can become part of Your Kingdom.  Lord, give us the desire to study Your word daily, so we may hear them with our ears and understand them through our hearts.  Father, keep us focused on the things of the spirit, not of the world so we will believe in the things that are not seen.  Lord, help us surrender all to You so we can help others see and hear You through our actions.  Lord, continue working in and through us so we can become vessels of the Good News, and lead the lost to You.  Lord, keep us Humble and in Your will so we can understand it is not about us, but it is all about You.  In Jesus name Amen

FATHER DIRECT OUR THOUGHTS AND ACTION

Matthew 13:5-6 5 other fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil; and they immediately sprang up because the soil was not deep. 6 So when the sun was up, they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away.

Our spiritual walk is a process, and we are not in control of anything.  Once we accept Christ as our Savior, we have taken the first step of our journey.  Now we have to develop a relationship with Christ through studying the Word.  If we do not study the word we will never be rooted so we will not produce fruit.

Matthew 13:7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them.

When we accept Christ as our Savior, we have to let some things and some people go.  We cannot hold on to things that are not of Him because it will always be a distraction. Anything in our lives that is not of the spirit will try to hinder our relationship with Christ.

Lord, direct our thoughts, words, and actions, cleanse us in the immaculate Blood of the Lamb and fill our hearts with the Holy Spirit.  Mold us daily into the likeness of Thy Son Jesus Christ and do not let us grow weary of doing good.  In Jesus name

Amen

JESUS WILL CALM THE STORM

Mark 4:38But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him and said, “Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?” 39Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. “Silence! He commanded. “Be still!” And the wind died and it was perfectly calm. 40“Why are you so afraid?” He asked. “Do you still have no faith?”…

This is one of the most exciting stories in the Bible when Jesus woke up and calmed the storm; Jesus even has authority over the elements of nature, just as He has authority over sickness, death, demons, sin and our lives.  Jesus is Lord, and He has never let us down, He is always with us; we just have to call on Him with the faith of a mustard seed, and trust that He will answer our request.

Father, You are not just a King over the people, but King over all nature as well; so we put our trust in You, that this storm too shall pass. Father, whenever we face a storm our faith gets weak and we turn to man for protection and guidance; even though we have been misled by man before, we still trust what we can see.  Lord, strengthen our faith and help us with our unbelief’s so we will trust what we cannot see, You.  Lord, remove all doubt and fear; and replace it with Jesus faith and courage so we will stand on Your Word without wavering.  Father, let us rejoice in You knowing that You will never leave or forsake us, and help us do our part.  Father, everything we have is Yours, even the elements of nature; so let us not be afraid, because You are still in control.  Father, teach us to turn to You in the midst of trouble, and forgive us for trying to handle things ourselves; Lord lead us to the peace of trusting in You, in Jesus name Amen

KEEP US HUMBLE AND WILLING TO LEARN

Daniel 5:20 "But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit became so proud that he behaved arrogantly, he was deposed from his royal throne and his glory was taken away from him.

Let us not see ourselves as "wise in our own eyes" but let us become humble and willing to learn from God and others!  "Galatians 6:3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself."  We all struggle with pride in life! Sadly, many of us do not realize the potential that waits for us if we just let go of our pride and move forward with God's plan

Lord, You love us with a love we cannot fathom in our humanness. Yet You also call us, as Your children, to love others in that same way You love us.  Lord, thank You, that Your love does not brag and is not arrogant, please help us not to live with pride or arrogance, but to choose to walk with humility and grace. By Your grace help us to show Your patience and Your kindness to all of those we encounter, but especially in our homes.  Lord, help us to extend kindness instead of rudeness towards others; and let us not think too highly of ourselves, but boast only of You. Help us to lay aside the critical tone and tearing down with our words, so that we can truly walk in peace. Father, cause us not to envy, convict us when our pride begins to show its ugly head, may our response to our own sin against one another be repentance and humility.  Father, thank you that true love does not seek its own, Father, help us not to live selfishly, looking only to our own interests.  Father, thank You that true love is not provoked. Lord, help us not to become easily angered. Father, help us not to be so quickly reactive, but instead slow to speak and slow to become angry.  Lord, help us to seek Your heart and not our own desires, help us to fix our eyes on You and not the evil around us. In Jesus name Amen

THERE IS NO HATE IN GOD'S TEMPLES

1 John 4:12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.  Colossians 3:14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity

If we cannot love all people, then Christ does not live in us; so do not be misled, there is no room for hate in God's temples

Lord thank you that your love does not take into account a wrong suffered. Lord help us not to hold grudges, but to choose to forgive, even when it’s difficult.  Lord thank you that your love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. Lord help us to love your words of truth, may we walk in your freedom and wisdom. Let it be what drives our lives and choices every day.
Lord thank you that your love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, thank you that your love never fails.  Help us to love as you love. Fill us with your Spirit so that we can choose what is best. We are weak Lord, but we know also, that even when we are weak, you are strong within us. Thank you that it’s not all up to us. Thank you that you equip us to face each day with the power of your love, your forgiveness, and your grace.  We love you Lord, and we need you today, and every day, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TEACH US HOW TO LOVE LIKE CHRIST LOVE'S US

Love is the gift that matters when other gifts become too showy, too pricey, or too self-serving.  Love heals when other gifts injury,  Love, listens when other gifts get gabby.  Love serve when other gifts want to be served and love has two wonderful friends, faith and hope; when we have all three, wisdom and knowledge takes resident in our hearts.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8: “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil, does not rejoice in iniquity but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

Dear God, Thank You that You are a loving, gracious God. Thank You that You’ve offered us forgiveness and the gift of new life in You. Thank You that Your love is perfect, it never fails, and that nothing can separate us from Your love.  We pray that our lives would be filled and overflow with the power of Your love and grace so we can make a difference in this world and bring honor to You. We ask for Your help in reminding us that the most important things are not what we do outwardly, it’s not based on any talent or gift, but the most significant thing we can do in this life is simply to love You and to choose to love others.  Lord thank You that Your love is patient. Help us show patience with those around us.  Lord thank You that Your love is kind and help us to extend kindness to others. Lord, thank You that true love is not jealous, envy, or judgemental;  help us cast aside feelings of jealousy or hatred towards others, and let Your love in us bring us together in unity. I Jesus name Amen

INTO YOUR HANDS WE COMMIT OUR SPIRITS

Psalm 31:3-5 For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name’s sake, Lead me and guide me.  4 Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, For You are my strength.  5 Into Your hand I commit my spirit;

God can only be a fortress if we stand behind and on His Word.  We cannot lead and expect God protection, God will help us when we are in distress, but we must be patient and wait on Him.

In You, Lord, we put our trust; let us never be ashamed of You; deliver us in Your righteousness.  Lord, please bow down Your ears to our prays, adversity, and deliver us speedily; be our rock of refuge, a fortress of defense to save us.   Father,  pull us out of the net which our enemies have secretly laid for us, for You are our strength.  Into Your hands we commit our Spirit; You have redeemed us, oh Lord of truth.  Have mercy on us, Lord, for we are in trouble; do not let our eyes waste away in grief, please save us.   Father, we are all broken vessels, but we see fit to slander and take counsel against each other; Lord, deliver us from the hands of the enemies, all demonic spirits, generational curses,  and those who persecute us.  Lord, let Your light shine upon us and save us for Your mercy sake.   Oh, Lord, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men!  You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man, evil and our enemy.  In Jesus name Amen

Psalms 31:1-24. The prayer of a believer in time of deep distress. In the first part, cries for help are mingled with expressions of confidence. Then the detail of griefs engrosses his attention, till, in the assurance of strong but submissive faith, he rises to the language of unmingled joyful trust and exhorts others to like love and confidence towards God.

WE WANT TO LIVE A LIFE FOR GOD

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

God's, wisdom will transform our hearts and minds, and help us develop a Christ-like character which helps us in our day to day struggles and walk with Him.  His wisdom teaches us how to love our enemies, so we do not miss our blessings for being angry or harboring hate for each other. 

GIVE 

US 

YOUR

HEART

FOR 

THIS

WORLD

WE

LIVE

IN
AND
TEACH
US
SELF
DENIAL

Lord fill us up with wisdom and the Holy Spirit then send us out into this lost world.  Father use us for Your purpose, give us guidance and protection; as we witness to the love and goodness of You, in Jesus name Amen

WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT

Since Satan is a roaring lion on the prowl to devour our flesh, we must learn the art of faithfulness to survive.  Satan fears God and our faithfulness to God because our faith gives us strength and makes us lion slayers.  Faithfulness will have its great rewards, for those who never stop believing and acting in the name of Christ.  Never feel that our faith has gone unnoticed, so stay faithful even to the point of death and God will give us the crown of life.

Matthew 25:23 "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.'
Deuteronomy 7:9 "Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments;

Lord, help us to walk in Your ways, keep Your statutes and commandments, according to what is written in the Word; so we will succeed in all that we do and receive Your promise.  Father, we fear You, when we do not obey Your commands, so please give us the wisdom to serve You in sincerity and in truth.  Father, remove from us all the world desires and replace them with the desires of the Spirit. Lord, open our hearts and minds and fill us with Your knowledge, so we will trust in You with all our hearts and let us not lean on our own understanding; but lean on You and all that's written in the Word.  Father, help us in all our ways acknowledge You, so You will make our paths straight and fulfill Your plan in our lives, in Jesus name Amen

WE MUST LEARN THE ART OF SUFFERING

Romans 5:3-5 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

We must learn the art of suffering and receive the meaning of what it is to be a part of God’s family.  We must honor His family by seeking deliverance from sin through salvation and faith in Christ.  The Word encourages us to stand fast in the faith that a Holy life is not only possible, but it is the most desirable way to live.  Knowing God does not mean we are exempted from suffering because Christ suffered for us and we must also suffer for Him in return.  Suffering produces perseverance and perseverance produce Christ like character; besides God knows if we did not suffer we will never call on Him because when all is well in our lives He is forgotten.

Father, when suffering comes upon us to test our faith, give us Your courage and strength; so we can rejoice as we share in Christ suffering, so we can also share in His glory.  Lord, let us not worry about the insults we receive in Christ name because His Spirit rest upon us.  Lord, let us glorify You at all times, especially in times of suffering, because we know suffering produces endurance and endurance produce character, and character produces hope.  Because after we have suffered a little while, You will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us in Your Kingdom.  Lord, we will count it all joy, when we meet trials of various kinds; because we know the test of our faith produces steadfastness, so we may be perfect and complete lacking in nothing, in Jesus name Amen

THOSE WHO OVERCOME THE WORLD

Revelation3:21 To those who overcome, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne.  22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Church.

When Jesus re-entered heaven God asked Him, “Son, have You redeemed the world I sent You forth to save?”  I have, said the Son, were You successful in redeeming the world?  Some were saved, some asked the Father; I know twelve or so were saved, what no more said the Father?  Have You any evidence that Your mission was a real struggle to redeem the world?  These He said, Jesus lifted His hands; I gained the holes in my hands and my feet, I have no other evidence but these.  The Father gazed upon His hands and feet and wept, the Father tears were molten gold; and as they fell they collected into a circlet of bright light, then He took the crown fashioned from His tears and set it on our Saviors head.  Our tears and suffering are the stuff our crown will be made of, once we overcome this world.

Father, Your Son suffered immensely for our sins, please help us through the suffering we must endure.  Give us Christ like courage and faith, so we too will overcome this world.  Father, remove the obstacles that hinder us from Your plan for our lives; and fill us with the Fruit of the Spirit, so we will become the people You created.  Lord, we thank You, for receiving us into Your royal family; even though we are still sinners, and giving us the same rights as Your Son.  Father, let not the power and wealth of this world, make us reluctant to practice self-denial; but give us a strong desire for the things of the Spirit, and all that is of You.  Father, fill us with Your wisdom and the knowledge to implement You into our daily lives.  Lord, prepare us for Your return before the great scroll of final things are open; and let our names be written in Your Book so we may sit at Your feet, in Jesus name Amen