Joe Barnett

He is nearsighted and blind.             —2 Peter 1:9 The apostle Peter tells us that if we are not adding spiritual qualities to our life, we are nearsighted. Other translations have it “shortsighted” or “seeing only what is near.” We think of the “real” as being near—what we can see […]

Be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure.                  —2 Peter 1:10 You know someone who blabs ad nauseam about her family, her job, her stuff. She has an investment in those things so they’re at the top of her mind and on the

He … became obedient to death —even death on a cross!     —Philippians 2:8 Have you visited the Alamo, that grand old mission in San Antonio? Swing by if you get a chance. The Alamo is the cradle of Texas’ liberty. Observe bullet holes in the walls; relive the thirteen days when 180 valiant

Train yourself to be godly.          —1 Timothy 4:7 We want to get the most bang for our buck; want to be sure that when we lay down the dough we’re getting something that’s worth more to us than what we’re giving up. Savvy marketers try to put themselves in the shoes

We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.     —2 Corinthians 4:18 He’s a high school senior; set on getting a university degree. He has a carefully mapped plan for achieving that goal. She’s a graduate student with a clearly-defined career target. She has a step-by-step plan in

Here am I, and the children God has given me.                                  —Hebrews 2:13 What do we have to show for our years of serving Christ? Much! Moved by mercy he has not treated us as our sins deserve. Moved by

Because he himself suffered … he is able to help those who are being tempted.                   —Hebrews 2:18 Returning home after a lifetime on the seas, the old salt was taunted … “You don’t have much to show for all those years, do you?” “No, not much,”

Fix your thoughts on Jesus. —Hebrews 3:1 The Hebrew writer describes Jesus as the captain of our salvation, “bringing many children to glory” (Heb. 2:10). Walt Whitman’s O Captain! My Captain! was a tribute to Abraham Lincoln and a celebration of the end of the Civil War: O Captain! My Captain! Our fearful trip is

Wisdom is found in those who take advice.                                   —Proverbs 13:10 Here is a second helping of counsel from Proverbs—advice about … Laziness: If you are too lazy to plow, don’t expect a harvest (20:4). Worry: Worry weighs a person

Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise.       —Proverbs 22:17 Here, from various translations of Proverbs, is advice about … Talking too much: Don’t talk so much … Be sensible and turn off the flow! (10:19). Being a grouch: Being cheerful keeps you healthy. It is slow death to be gloomy