“Dear friends, I urge you…to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.”
Father, help me live this kind of life. I am bombarded every day by media who through advertising and entertainment would have me believe that worldly values and immorality are the only way to be happy. Many of these skewed values presented would lead me into sin.
Father, if I have embraced these desires, take them away from me. Let me be so busy enjoying doing good and pleasing You, that I do not even think about, or have time to be involved in ungodly activities. Bring opportunities to me that will use my gifts and bless others so You will get the credit. Help me make choices that will honor You.
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority…” I do not wish to be a doormat for others. I believe by “submission” You mean power or strength under control. While in the flesh, Jesus, You had all the power in the world, but it was still “submitted to” or “under the control of” God the Father’s will.
Let me learn humility and submission by Your example. Give me Your strength, and help me submit it to Your will.
Help me live in submission to the authorities You place in my life. This would be legal and government officials, those in positions of authority as I work and minister, and those You place in my personal life.
Peter says “you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
Ultimately, I am a sheep, Your sheep. Father, let me flourish in Your flock, and always be near to and obedient to You, my Shepherd. Amen
Daily Bible Prayer 