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 at least once a month. 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
Traitor or Loyalist?
By Joe Barnett |
[Onesiphorus] often refreshed me. —2 Timothy 1:16 Disciples were abandoning Paul like rats on a sinking ship: “Everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me,” he wrote. Two of those—possibly leaders of the deserters—are named: Phygelus and Hermogenes (2 Tm 1:15). Their opposite was …
Two-Way Trust
By Joe Barnett |
Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you. —2 Timothy 1:14 2 Timothy 1 paints a picture of two-way trust. Our Trust in God “[I] am convinced that [God] is able to guard what I have entrusted to him,” writes Paul (v. 12). The apostle entrusted his work, his soul, and …
Don’t Sigh, Sing
By Joe Barnett |
Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord. —Ephesians 5:19 Music has always played a central role with God’s people. When the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, they sang a celebratory song (Ex 15:1–21). When the temple was dedicated, they praised God in song (2 Chr 5:12–13). New Testament worship includes …
Your Assignment for Today
By Joe Barnett |
We are . . . created in Christ Jesus to do good works. —Ephesians 2:10 Ernest and Sarah were on vacation in a city that was new to them. When a stranger approached them and said, “Tourists, huh?” they froze. He smiled and said, “Welcome to our city.” He …
Prayer for Today
By Joe Barnett |
If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. —1 John 5:14 Dear Lord, As I confront this day, keep me from being frustrated by its demands or intimidated by its associations. Help me to seek your presence and listen for your voice above all others. Remind me that in …
You Have a Load of Debt
By Joe Barnett |
You owe me your very self. —Philemon 19 Paul reminded Philemon, whom he had led to Christ, “you owe me your very self” (Phlm 19). William Barclay wrote, “Philemon is turned from creditor to debtor in the space of two verses, and loaded with a debt so large …
