Joe Barnett

The memory of the righteous is a blessing.                               —Proverbs 10:7 I recently came across this quiz. See how you score. Name the ten wealthiest people in the world. Name the last ten Heisman Trophy winners. Name ten people who have […]

Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. —1 John 2:6 When Jesus invites people to come to him, he says, “For I am gentle and humble in heart” (Mt 11:29). God wants to conform us to Christ’s image (Rom 8:29). In other words, he wants

Let us come before him with thanksgiving.                                  —Psalm 95:2 Spend some time today just thanking the Lord for blessings that come to mind. Here’s a Starter Kit. Look up. Thank you, Lord, for your Word that gives me guidance,

Treat others as you want them to treat you.                                —Matthew 7:12 The kids had finished building their clubhouse. A clubhouse must have rules, so they came up with two and nailed them on the front door: Nobody act big. Nobody

Salvation is found in no one else.                         —Acts 4:12 When John opened his Gospel, pointing to Jesus as the Life and the Light (Jn 1:4), he eliminated comparison, competition, or compromise. “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his

In my distress I called to the Lord.                    —Psalm 18:6 Charles Swindoll tells about a flight in 1968 when the plane’s landing gear failed to engage. The pilot announced: “We are beginning our final descent. In accordance with International Aviation Codes established at Geneva, it is

[God’s mercies] are new every morning. —Lamentations 3:23 An Ironman Triathlon is an arduous challenge: a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile run. One Ironman triathlete said, “You last the long race by conquering the short ones.” In other words, don’t think about swimming 2.4 miles; just swim to the next buoy. Don’t think

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.            —1 Thessalonians 5:16 Timmy’s Little League team—like Charlie Brown’s—hadn’t won a ball game all season. Today, they would be squaring off with the top team in town. “We’re going to get slaughtered,” Timmy whined. “Timmy,” said his mom, “you have to

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.                  —John 1:4 The last prophetic voice of the Old Testament belonged to Malachi. There wouldn’t be another until John the Baptist, four hundred years later. Malachi is a somber book—God’s people had become spiritually

Seek the Lord while he may be found.                        —Isaiah 55:6 Decisions are the indispensable building blocks of life. However, the timing of decisions is essential to successful outcomes. Frank was extremely overweight but was determined to master the skills of mountain climbing. Through hard