Joe Barnett

Listen to advice and accept discipline.                   —Proverbs 19:20 (concluded) Be thankful for the blessings you have, and for the problems you don’t have. Tell the truth, and you don’t have to remember what you said. Be careful how you use time and words. You can’t get […]

The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.                       —Proverbs 18:15 (continued) Nothing can control your attitude without your consent. Problems are inevitable. Gratitude is optional. You don’t have to be successful to start, but you have to start to be successful Measure what God thinks

Wisdom is found in those who take advice.                             —Proverbs 13:10 (continued) Today is a new day. Yesterday died last night. You never finish what you never start. Peace comes from inside out, not outside in. Don’t let your attitude, words, and

The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.         —Proverbs 12:15 (continued) See opportunities where others see obstacles. Think progress, not perfection. Ask yourself, “Is this necessary?” Lighten up. Focus on what you can control. “What would Jesus do?” If you wouldn’t want it known who

Blessed are those who find wisdom.                    —Proverbs 3:13 Based on things I’ve read, advice I’ve received, and personal experience, I’ve cataloged more than a thousand aphorisms through the years. May I share some of them with you this week? Maybe you’ll find one to put in

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