Joe Barnett

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.     —Matthew 5:8 Jesus deals with our conception of purity of heart later in this chapter, specifically citing the polluting influence of anger and lust, (vv. 22, 28). But expositors define the pure in heart in this verse as those who are single-minded; […]

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.                 —Matthew 5:7 Awareness of how merciful God has been to us should compel us to be merciful to others. “The Lord is compassionate and gracious . . . he does not treat us as our sins deserve”

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.                     —Matthew 5:6 Robust spiritual health requires a hearty appetite for righteousness. Unblemished righteousness is beyond our reach, but must never be beyond our longing. Jesus did not say, “Blessed are those

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.           —Matthew 5:5 The Greek word for “meek” means gentle, humble, considerate, courteous. Therefore, as John Stott observed, the meek person is one who exercises “self-control, without which these qualities would be impossible.” Meekness is not weakness; the meek are strong,

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.        —Matthew 5:4 The mourner here is not one who grieves over earthly loss, but one who mourns over their sin; their loss of innocence, righteousness, and self-respect. Our sins bring sorrow—causing grief to us, to those we love, to God . .

Today’s post begins the third volume of A Daily Walk in the Word. We have written and posted two years of 365 daily essays—a total of 730. Jesus began the Sermon on the Mount with the beatitudes, and I’ve felt an urge to begin this volume with those qualities. So the next eight posts will

Just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.       —1 Peter 1:15 What are you going to be when you grow up? Not what are you going to do; not what profession are you going to follow; not what role are you going to fill? But

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.             —Psalm 23:5 You like to dine with friends. But God sets a table for you in the presence of your enemies, for some foes—those that lodge within—are always present: terrorists of temptation, failure, sin; of envy, hatred,

I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David . . .             —Hebrews 11:32 Hebrews 11:4–31 chronicles the names and stories of people of faith. Then the author says he doesn’t have time to tell about others—but chisels the names of a few of them

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.            —Hebrews 13:8 Generations come and go: “Moses my servant is dead” (Jo 1:2); “When David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep” (Acts 13:36). Those we know and love have their day, fill their place, serve