Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. (Matthew 6:9-13)
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” [Exodus 20:12] Holy Spirit, I understand that this means more than just my biological parents; it also means those who parented me in the faith. I have walked this earth long enough to know what it is to be a son, grandson, father, and grandfather. I trust that in my life I have fulfilled this commission to honor those who reared me both physically and spiritually. I have done my best to show honor. I also know this does not mean I will always agree or see life the way they see it. I will not take advantage of my parents, and I will always give deference to their place in my life. I also know that if I continue to live and honor You, I have honored them, for their desire for me is to be a true follower of You.
But, beloved, remember the words that the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ previously spoke. They said to you, “In the last days there will be scoffers who will walk after their own ungodly desires.” These are the men who cause divisions, sensual, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith. Pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God while you are waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, which leads to eternal life. On some have compassion, using discernment. And others save with fear while pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. Now to Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with rejoicing, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen. Jude 17-24 (MEV)