Joe Barnett

Set them an example by doing what is good.                                —Titus 2:7 When nineteenth century preacher Phillips Brooks was asked why he was a Christian he replied, “I think I am a Christian because of my aunt, who lives in Teaneck, […]

What is man that you are mindful of him?                           —Psalm 8:4 There are three ways you can look at life. A bombastic accident. Big bang! Twenty billion years ago—give or take a few billion—all matter was compressed into a dense hot mass

My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.             —Isaiah 55:8 We know how the situation should be handled, so we set out to handle it. When it becomes obvious that we can’t handle it, we put in a call to God and tell him how

From my birth he has made mention of my name.                                     —Isaiah 49:1 Off the top of your head can you spit out your Social Security number, driver’s license number, credit card number, vehicle VIN number? Reducing people

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord.                           —Jeremiah 17:7 “How are you?” “I’m fine.” A common exchange. I prefer the response of my friend . . . “How are you?’ “I’m blessed.” It isn’t a glib response; it’s an acknowledgment

I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.                       —Psalm 23:6 Suffering, brokenness, and pain sooner or later come to all. It’s included in the package labeled “Life.” Even if your personal circumstances are prosperous and comfortable, you sometimes find yourself in the

The Lord your God is with you . . . he will quiet you with his love.        —Zephaniah 3:17 Madeleine L’Engle somewhere told of a rabbi who was approached by a devoted disciple . . . “My master,” he exulted, “I love you!” The old teacher asked, “Do you know what hurts me,

A gossip separates close friends.           —Proverbs 16:28 “I’m going to tell you something,” she whispers, “but you mustn’t tell a soul.” She won’t—except her friends; and that only after they promise they won’t tell a soul. They won’t—except their friends. And there you go. What you say is out of

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.         —1 Corinthians 3:6 Here are two opposite-outcome scriptures. The first is tragic . . . “The people worshiped God throughout the lifetime of Joshua and the time of the leaders who survived him . . . Eventually that entire