Joe Barnett

I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.               —Matthew 16:18 When Jesus said, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it,” he was pointing to his resurrection. He would soon be crucified, and the gates of […]

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.       —Philippians 4:11 If you are defined by your possessions, you’ll feel great when you have a lot, and lousy when you don’t. A new car, a new house, a new smart phone, a stout 401(k), a healthy bank balance. O joy! But the

Do not fret. —Psalm 37:1 When things seem to be spinning out of control and evil seems to be winning Psalm 37 serves up this advice: Keep your eyes on the Lord; trust him and wait patiently for him to act . . . Trust in the Lord (v. 3); Delight in the Lord (v.

He changes times and seasons.                 —Daniel 2:21 My friend, minister/author Gene Shelburne, reminds us that in the 1970s the scariest threat we faced was what the Washington Post called a “new ice age.” According to Time magazine, Shelburne says, “the earth had been cooling at an unprecedented

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.                           —Luke 6:36 Big poohbahs surround themselves with a cadre of aides whose job is to protect them from interruptions. Jesus’ disciples were inclined to erect protective walls . . . “Send the crowds away,”

Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.     —Psalm 136:26 You search the Hallmark rack for the just-right card for your spouse; the card that eloquently articulates your love that your own words can’t express. You hold a picture of your child, fondly observing every feature of that handsome face.

[D]o this in remembrance of me.                 —Luke 22:19 When Jesus inaugurated the Lord’s Supper, he told his disciples to remember him every time they ate from the loaf and drank from the cup. I contritely confess that sometimes I am distracted during communion. In Gethsemane, Jesus asked

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.                 —1 Timothy 1:15 Noting that financial wizard Warren Buffett allegedly won’t do business with anyone unless they have failed at least twice in business, my friend Gene Shelburne asks, “Have you ever considered

When I say to a wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn him . . . I will hold you accountable.                                 —Ezekiel 3:18 In 16th century England, horsemen were dispatched to deliver the king’s messages.