Joe Barnett

The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.     —Matthew 20:28 If you need a mission statement, you couldn’t do better than adopt and adapt Jesus’ words. Put it this way: I am not in this world to be served; I am in this world to serve. Today, you […]

Freedom from Separation (Romans 8:31–39) [Nothing] will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.                                 —Romans 8:39 We are not promised immunity, but we are promised victory. “Since God is

Freedom from Frustration (Romans 8:18–30) In all things God works for the good of those who love him.      —Romans 8:28 Time exacts a price in trials and troubles. But “our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed” (v. 18). Our present troubles are “light and momentary,” but

Freedom from Abandonment (Romans 8:14–17) [We] are the children of God.             —Romans 8:14 In each of the four verses of Romans 8:14–17, the Holy Spirit identifies us as God’s children and accompanies us on our journey. Led by the Spirit, we are identified as the children of God (v.

Freedom from Condemnation (Romans 8:1–4) There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.                        —Romans 8:1 Romans 3:20 declares the “therefore” of condemnation: “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law.” Conversely, Romans

Don’t you remember?    —Matthew 16:9 “My life has been full of terrible misfortunes, most of which never happened,” wrote French philosopher Montaigne. Is your happiness being sabotaged by anxiety over things that may never happen? Jesus’ disciples had taken a hike without packing a lunch. Now, they were grumbling because their stomachs were growling.

I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.                              —1 Timothy 2:1 I always grow a bit nostalgic on Thanksgiving. I remember childhood school days when we stood, hands over hearts, and sang songs of patriotism. Today,

Let us come before him with thanksgiving.                                 —Psalm 95:2 Thanksgiving. My favorite holiday. A day to put gripes and grumbles on the back burner, remember past and present blessings, and be grateful. A day to look around, look within,

Turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.                                             —Acts 3:19 It blows my mind that God makes us sinners sinless. When he forgives, our sins are gone and forgotten (Heb

He chose us in him.    —Ephesians 1:4 Before ending his personal ministry on earth, Jesus made provision for its continuance through appointed messengers after his departure. As he was about to ascend to heaven, Luke tells us he was with “the apostles he had chosen” (Acts 1:2). In the appointment of the apostles, he