Joe Barnett

If God is for us, who can be against us?                         —Romans 8:31 The battleground where the war between good and evil is fought isn’t a place; it’s a person. Paul identifies two forces on this battleground. The first force is the enemy. This […]

In all things God works for the good of those who love him.             —Romans 8:28 Many of us first learned this verse in King James language: “All things work together for good to them that love God.” That’s quite a statement coming from a man who had been frequently

These things occurred as examples.              —1 Corinthians 10:6 Paul cited Israel’s back-then wrongdoing to give a here-and-now warning. “Do not be idolaters, as some of them were. . . . We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did. . . . do not grumble, as some

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought.            —Romans 12:3 Self-praise stinks up the place. Conceit smells bad in any setting. There is no greater deception than self-deception. Those who achieve success are especially vulnerable. Achieve—but get over it. Scholars are particularly susceptible. A good education is an

The Lord is compassionate and gracious.                           —Psalm 103:8 I woke up before the alarm went off, with this question on my mind: “God, why are you so good to me?” I could think of reasons why he shouldn’t be. But measuring life

The mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.                                  —Romans 8:6 Your financial circumstances may be bleak, your schedule demanding, and your health dubious. Even so, you may be at peace. On the other hand, you may have

There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.              —Romans 8:1 We have sinned, but we won’t be convicted. Justice demands that we pay the price for our transgressions. But in an act of grace that defies human understanding, the penalty for our sins has been

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely.                        —Proverbs 10:9 I came across a note in my files listing the following character traits. You may find one or more to polish and make your own. Determination. “Stick with it—regardless.” Honesty. “Speak and live the truth—always.” Responsibility.

Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.                         —Romans 4:7 In my youth, I pictured God toting a legal-size yellow pad, writing a list of my sins and stumbles. It was terrifying. And it was the wrong view. My Father

We have left everything to follow you.                  —Matthew 19:21 How much does it cost? What is it worth? Ask a salesperson either of those questions, and the answer will be the same: they’ll give you the price of the item. But there’s a big difference between the