Joe Barnett

I the Lord do not change.         —Malachi 3:6 You have known a kind, lovable person who became bitter and belligerent, right? An optimistic, compassionate person who became cynical and cold. That isn’t God’s persona. He is faithful, merciful, just, good. Always has been; is now; always will be. Your word, O […]

You know God—or rather are known by God.                          —Galatians 4:9 You were known by God before he was known by you. He singled you out—chose, called, and saved you. Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.             —Philippians 4:12 I can’t wait until Christmas … until I get my driver’s license … until the kids grow up … until I retire … When something bad happens you can’t wait until it’s in the

We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.                                                —Ephesians 2:10 “I don’t amount to anything; I’ll never make a

Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.               —Psalm 127:3 Always listen to your children. Find something in them to praise; compare them favorably—never unfavorably—with others. Urge them to do their best, but make sure they know that your love is not based on

Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.        —Philippians 1:27 Admirable can morph into obnoxious in short order … from self-disciplined to self-centered from confident to cocky from zealous to fanatical from courageous to impetuous from steadfast to stubborn from conscientious to self-righteous from faithful to factious from resolute

You are the salt of the earth.        —Matthew 5:13 Reject the false notion that what you do in your little corner of the world doesn’t matter. Our world is shaped by the highly publicized moves of the powerful and well-known; but also by the unpublicized moves of the powerless and unknown. Who

He who watches over you will not slumber.                          —Psalm 121:3 Rhea knew that this visit with her friend Andrea would probably be her last; the twenty-two-year-old was dying of cancer. “Promise me,” Andrea said, “that you won’t forget me. Think about me now

Wisdom is more precious than rubies.                         —Proverbs 8:11 You don’t have to attend every argument you’re invited to. Today you are the oldest you’ve ever been—and the youngest you’ll ever be. God has made you good at something. Every talent comes with a

Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.                             —Proverbs 1:8 The Golden Rule only works when you realize that it’s your move. Those who do the most good usually make the least noise. If you