“And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil…..
And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.”
Reading: Hebrews 4.14-16 NLT
“So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me… a sinner. Write your Word on my heart today. And lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil. Amen.
One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. As he was praying, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”
Reading: Psalm 40.3 NLT
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, fill me with your Spirit so that I might bring You joy. And place a new song of praise in my heart … in the new year. I ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Spiritual Song: “Let the wold see joy” (Resurrection Church) Please click on audio player –
Luke 2:40 ESV
“And the child (Jesus) grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.”
Prayer: Holy Spirit – strengthen us and fill us with your wisdom and grace. And today, I particularly pray for my children and grandchildren – Josh, Robin, Calvin, Carter, Caleb, Camille, Amy, Shane, Mia, Noah, Jacob, and Mason. Lord Jesus – help them to become more like you. Amen.
“Begin with the end in mind.” Steven Covey (7 Habits… # 2)
I’m a guy who likes to know where I’m going and what I can expect along the way. I don’t need all the details filled in, but I do need to know my general direction. “Whatever” doesn’t cut it for me. But that has not always been the case here in The Peanut Gallery… particularly during the last election cycle. At times I’ve been disoriented… off on tangents. So, I’d like to re-focus in 2013.
Refocus with the end in mind.
As I see it, America has crossed the spiritual/cultural “Rubicon” – our nation is rapidly moving into post-Christian territory. Where it will all end, I don’t know. But the failed secular/socialist European states have become our government’s role model. And, to turn a phrase, “I have never been more ashamed of my country.” Truth be told, I never thought I would ever say those words about America. But the lights are dimming on “the shining city on a hill.”
And… there is absolutely nothing I can do about it. I’m a dinosaur… a Christian social, economic, constitutional, and national security conservative… one of the aging remnant – yesterday’s news. So what now?
Live knowing the end is near.
“Live life, then, with a due sense of responsibility, not as men who do not know the meaning and purpose of life but as those who do. Make the best use of your time, despite all the difficulties of these days. Don’t be vague but firmly grasp what you know to be the will of God.” Ephesians 5. 15-17 (Phillips NT)
At my age, the end will come sooner… rather than later. My 4 year old grandson asked me, “Poppa, how old are you?’ I said, “I’m old.” But he wanted a number, and pressed, “But how old?” I said, “I’m 72.” He said, “That is old.” Then thought about it, and added, “I can’t even count up to 72.”
So the Apostle Paul’s counsel “to make the best use of [my] time… and live life as one who knows its meaning and purpose” is a timely word to me… especially in relation to The Peanut Gallery. I want to address the issues that I believe are important to God, to the future of my grandchildren, to America and to the world.
“Jesus at the center of it all” will be the theme of The Peanut Gallery in 2013 – offering “help and hope” as best I can… albeit from an old guy’s perspective, sitting in the cheap seats.
Thank you for reading this far. And thank you for your insights and blogging contributions that broaden my Christian world view. You are greatly appreciated.
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.”
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Prayer: Holy Spirit – strengthen us and fill us with your wisdom and grace. And today, I particularly pray for my children and grandchildren – Josh, Robin, Calvin, Carter, Caleb, Camille, Amy, Shane, Mia, Noah, Jacob, and Mason. Lord Jesus – help them to become more like you. Amen.
Reading: John 3.16-17 NLT
The Peanut Gallery 