A Word From Joe Barnett
This site is about words.
First, about God’s authoritative, inspired Word.
Second, about my non-authoritative, non-inspired words—nevertheless, written in hope that they will encourage those who read them, and above all that they will point the reader to God’s Word.
Here are the regular features you will find here.
- Today’s Walk in the Word. A brief devotional that appears Monday through Friday. Each entry is based on a single verse of Scripture, followed by my comments related to it, and ending with a summary aphorism. To access the latest devotional click on "Today’s Walk in the Word" below. To access previous messages click on "Archives/A Walk in the Word" in the top menu.
- On My Mind. Messages on varied topics that appear on this site occasionally. To access the latest entry click on "On My Mind" below. To access previous messages click on "Archives/On My Mind" in the top menu.
Each of these features can also be fed directly to your email box if you wish. Just click here to sign up.
And yes, you are permitted—in fact, encouraged—to pass along any of these messages to those you feel will benefit from them. Just click on the “Forward to a Friend” button. Your participation in this way makes this “our” ministry instead of “my” ministry.
If you find anything here that brings you, or those with whom you share these messages, into a closer relationship with the Lord, I praise God and thank him for permitting our paths to cross.
Thanks for dropping by. I hope you will do so often.
Today's Walk in the Word
The Fool’s Biography
By Joe Barnett |
When it is full-grown, [it] gives birth to death. —James 1:15 “Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and […]
A Subtle Temptation
By Joe Barnett |
No one should say, “God is tempting me.” —James 1:13 Trials are seldom silent. They’re loud. Chaotic. Hostile. Malicious. In-your-face. Temptations, on the other hand, are subtle. Shrewd. Devious. Cunning. Sneaky. James wrote of the blessedness of the person who “perseveres under trial” (Jas 1:12). And Peter wrote of those who suffered “in […]
You Say . . . God Says . . .
By Joe Barnett |
Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you. —Psalm 50:15 You say: I can’t go on. God says: My grace is sufficient for you (2 Cor 12:9). You say: I’m tired. God says: I will give you rest (Mt 11:28). You say: I can’t do […]
Getting It Right
By Joe Barnett |
To me, to live is Christ. —Philippians 1:21 Living a good life. Attending church. Knowing the right doctrines. All are important, but do they capture what Paul meant when he wrote, “To me, to live is Christ”? In Philippians 3, Paul draws up his profit-and-loss account. In one column, he lists the things that […]
Be Selective
By Joe Barnett |
We have different gifts. —Romans 12:6 He had an agenda. It wasn’t an agenda for him; it was an agenda for me. He was tenacious: there was no doubt in his mind about what I should do. When I hesitated, he said, “Do you have anything to do that’s more important than this?” […]
What Are You Good At?
By Joe Barnett |
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others. —1 Peter 4:10 I often think of people I’ve known who have used their gifts to bless others. I think of Don. He was a dud at public speaking, but a genius […]
