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
Self-Discipline Required
By Joe Barnett |
Run in such a way as to get the prize. —1 Corinthians 9:24 When Houston Texans’ owner Bob McNair rewarded J.J. Watt with a $100 million contract, J.J. opened the door and turned on the lights at 2:00 a.m. the following morning at the Texans’ training …
You’ll Beat This Bully
By Joe Barnett |
For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. —1 Corinthians 15:22 We exercise, we watch what we eat; which may—or may not—delay death. At best, it only postpones it. Death is the biggest bully in the building. Fear is his most forceful weapon. Hebrews pictures …
God Made Me Do It
By Joe Barnett |
God left them and let them go their sinful way. —Romans 1:24 Flip Wilson’s signature line, “The devil made me do it,” was catchy comedy. In real life, however, flippantly passing off misbehavior by blaming old Scratch doesn’t move the needle on the laugh meter. You lied to your spouse? Or filched a …
Don’t Quit
By Joe Barnett |
Don’t get discouraged and give up. —Galatians 6:9 Opera buffs know the meaning of “It ain’t over ’til the fat lady sings.” John Greenleaf Whittier’s encouragement poem, Don’t Quit, begins: When things go wrong as they sometimes will When the road you’re trudging seems all up hill, …
Slow to Speak
By Joe Barnett |
Be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. —James 1:19 I had an email last night from the daughter of a man I’ve known and admired for years, informing me that he had passed away. I suppose he had some flaws; if so, I never saw them. The first verse that …
Run the Right Direction
By Joe Barnett |
Run away from all those things. —1 Timothy 6:11 Elizabeth’s three children were quiet. Too quiet. Checking on them, she found them feeding a brood of baby skunks. “Run kids, run!” she screeched. Each grabbed a skunk and ran. When temptation comes knocking at your door, it’s time to …
