Joe Barnett

[Be] strengthened in the faith . . . and overflowing with thankfulness.                 —Colossians 2:7 My physician says the “Greatest Generation” had almost no feeling of entitlement, but a huge sense of responsibility; and that today’s generation has a huge sense of entitlement, but almost no feeling of […]

Generations come and generations go. —Ecclesiastes 1:4 Today’s obituaries will be largely forgotten before the week is over. But not by those who deeply loved one of the dear departed. A glance at a shelf across the room reveals adored faces, lovingly framed. There’s your dad. You remember his smile, his smell, his gait, his

Remember me when you come into your kingdom.                                 —Luke 23:42 Eat the bread. Drink the wine. “In remembrance of me.” In our worship, when we hit the pause-the-noise button and sit a few moments in silent remembrance of him,

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,