Joe Barnett

Bless those who curse you.           —Luke 6:28 Some of Jesus’ teachings are out of sync with the mindset of our times. Some of us go to church these days to hear a message that will make us feel good about ourselves. Words like “ought” and “must” and “should” give us […]

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.        —Philippians 3:13 I’ve been in this apartment fourteen years. It’s time for a change. I’m moving. If you remember your last move, you know why I get chills thinking about it. What to keep? What to toss? Most of my stuff is

What do I still lack?  —Matthew 19:20 He was rich, but unfulfilled. So he came to Jesus with a question: “What must I do to get eternal life?” Obey the commandments. Done that. What else must I do? Sell your possessions and give to the poor. That hill was too steep to climb, for he

I thank my God every time I remember you.                               —Philippians 1:3 When someone posts you a birthday card or texts you a Thank You note, you’re being told that you are special to them; that you have implanted a bit

He did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.        —Matthew 13:58 The big fish in Jesus’ hometown were amazed at his teaching—and he was amazed at their lack of faith (Mk 6:2, 6). They’d known him since he was a kid riding his bike on their sidewalks. They

What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?                      —Mark 8:36 One of the temptations Satan threw at Jesus was this: showing him all the kingdoms of the world, he said, “I will give it all to you

If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.                          —Mark 4:23 God’s grace includes anyone who will accept it . . . “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink” (Jn 7:37). “If anyone is in Christ, he is a

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.           —Romans 12:6 You’ve read stories about the extraordinary faith and works of people like Albert Schweitzer, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Mother Teresa. Inspiring. And depressing. Because you think if that’s what it takes, you’ll never make it. You’re not planning on

Run in such a way as to get the prize.               —1 Corinthians 9:24 I see the lady several mornings a week, walking her dog; a funny looking greyhound. There used to be a dog track south of town on I-45. Maybe that’s where she got her greyhound; some

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.                   —Philippians 2:4 The man of the house read the paper while his overnight guest played with his kids and thrilled them with magic tricks. The father put his