Joe Barnett

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection.        —Philippians 3:10 It was a devastating day when death dropped by the Bethany home where Jesus had often enjoyed the company of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Looking into the eyes of a grieving sister, Jesus said, “Your brother will rise again […]

Your faith has healed you. —Mark 10:52 Leonard Burford was born with retinitis pigmentosa. He was reading Braille at fourteen and was totally blind at twenty-eight. Even so, he graduated college with honors, studied at the renowned Juilliard School, received his doctorate from Columbia University, and chaired the Music Department at Abilene Christian University for

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.                    —Psalm 118:1 The kid was throwing a supermarket fit. He didn’t look or sound like he’d often been denied. But mom said “No” to candy. Kinda reminds you of mother Eve, doesn’t it? Eat all you want.

Five Days of Hymn Stories 5 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross [T]he message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.                         —1 Corinthians 1:18 Isaac Watts is

Five Days of Hymn Stories 4 What a Friend We Have in Jesus I no longer call you servants . . . I have called you friends.           —John 15:15 The day before his wedding, Joseph Scriven’s betrothed died in an accident. Scriven dealt with his grief by leaving his native

Five Days of Hymn Stories 3 Amazing Grace God is able to make all grace abound to you.                  —2 Corinthians 9:8 John Newton was a licentious seaman and slave trader. A violent storm off the coast of Ireland in 1748 moved him to beseech God for mercy.

Five Days of Hymn Stories 2 Just As I Am [W]hoever comes to me I will never drive away.                                  —John 6:37 “I want to come to Jesus, but I don’t know how,” lamented the bedridden thirty-two-year-old Charlotte Elliott, to

Five Days of Hymn Stories 1 Abide with Me Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.        —Luke 24:29 Abide with Me is one of the best-known and most-loved hymns of the past two centuries. It was composed by Scottish Anglican Henry Francis Lyte in 1847, the same

[M]ay the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.                —2 Thessalonians 3:16 In preparing his disciples for his death and departure, Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me” (Jn 14:1). “Peace I

[W]ithout faith it is impossible to please God.                          —Hebrews 11:6 Here are three stunning stories of faith. 1 Abraham rises early in the morning to begin the trek to Moriah, where he will obey God’s command to sacrifice his only son (Gn 22;