Give me the desire to obey your laws rather than to get rich.

Keep me from wanting to do wrong and from joining evil people in their wickedness. May I never take part in their feasts.

"Then get rid of those foreign gods that you have," he demanded, "and pledge your loyalty to the LORD, the God of Israel."

may he make us obedient to him, so that we will always live as he wants us to live, keeping all the laws and commands he gave our ancestors.

But even so, there is some good in you. You have removed all the symbols of the goddess Asherah which people worshiped, and you have tried to follow God's will."

because God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose.

Teach me, LORD, the meaning of your laws, and I will obey them at all times.

I will always obey your law, forever and ever.

So then, have your minds ready for action. Keep alert and set your hope completely on the blessing which will be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Don't be afraid of anything you are about to suffer. Listen! The Devil will put you to the test by having some of you thrown into prison, and your troubles will last ten days. Be faithful to me, even if it means death, and I will give you life as your prize of victory.