Joe Barnett

A man reaps what he sows.          —Galatians 6:7 You harvest what you plant. It is that simple. And that certain. Some people limp through life feeling mistreated—by spouse, parent, child, teacher, employer, co-worker, friend. And maybe they are. You may have been dealt a sorry hand and have a long list […]

Carry each other’s burdens.          —Galatians 6:2 Some scriptures wait on us for their fulfillment. For instance, the words “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thess. 5:11) just sit on the page until we act on them and make them come alive. Here’s a way to breathe life into

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.                —Galatians 5:25 Murder, hatred, adultery, idolatry, envy, drunkenness, gossip, selfishness. Run your eye over that list and divide it into “Big Sins” and “Little Sins.” Murder and idolatry probably made your “Big Sins” list.

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.                               —Galatians 5:24 Michael Gay received third-degree burns pulling Jodi Oakes from her burning car. “It’s only because of him that I’m alive today,” she

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious.                         —Galatians 5:19 The light rail line in Houston, Texas, has been a fiasco of cars crashing into trains. In spite of dozens of posted “Do Not Turn” signs, illegal turns have been the cause of

When the time had fully come, God sent his Son.                                 —Galatians 4:4 She had made some bad choices and was now trying to turn her life around. “I have taken the first step toward God,” she said. “I’m hoping

Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor.     —2 Corinthians 8:9 Jesus’ sacrifice wasn’t only in what he gave, but also in what he gave up. He gave up heaven for earth, divinity for humanity, a throne for a cross, and wealth for poverty. Here is a verse that should

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.                            —2 Corinthians 5:21 Charles Darnay was scheduled for execution in less than an hour. Sydney Carton, who could have

What is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.      —2 Corinthians 4:18 Babylon, once the largest city in the world, is no more—just rubble and ruins. Ephesus, once a jaw-dropping monument to opulence, is no more—just rubble and ruins. Today’s cities are exhibits of eye-popping prosperity—stunning skyscrapers, upscale shops, luxurious houses,

Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.                    —2 Corinthians 4:16 Barring an early exit, you’re going to grow old. Repairs on the house you live in increase with age; no sooner do you get one body part fixed