Joe Barnett

Look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.                —Philippians 2:4 Her grocery cart was packed with enough junk food to clog the arteries of half the population of Chicago. Seeing the shopper behind her eyeballing her heart-attack-waiting-to-happen grub, she laughed and said, […]

Be quick to listen, slow to speak.                  —James 1:19 The bumper sticker caught my eye: “My wife says I never listen to her—or something like that.” Are you a good listener? It’s easy to get in the habit of tuning out when we should be tuning in.

Let the wise listen and add to their learning.                            —Proverbs 1:5 It was printed in the church bulletin: “There will be no service on Wednesday night before Thanksgiving.” Ditto in the Sunday handout: “There will be no service on Wednesday night before

Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.         —Matthew 6:21 Most of us are outlandishly rich compared to those who populate the world’s poorest places. With a super market around the corner, a late-model car in the garage, and a house filled with enough stuff to make the queen

I will come back and take you to be with me.           —John 14:3 “I will be with you only a little longer,” Jesus told his friends. They were like children playing with their toys when they see Mom and Dad put on their coats and head out the door. They

What shall I do, Lord?            —Acts 22:10 God ordered Saul to destroy Amalek—every last person, every last head of livestock. After trouncing them he pranced back home—with Amalek’s King Agag and Amalek’s choicest livestock in tow. Confronted by Samuel, Saul whimpered that he spared the spoils because his people demanded

Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.       —Luke 10:20 Someone at the Social Security Administration hit the wrong key and zapped Laura Brooks’ name, digitally killing her. Laura is just one among thousands of still-breathing people in the Social Security graveyard. Some victims have spent as long as 18 years proving

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you.                —Hebrews 13:7 Can you remember a teacher who took an interest in you and made you feel special? Or a grandparent who loved you, listened to you, and assured you that everything was going to be OK?

Do this in remembrance of me.                  —Luke 22:19 Jabesh Gilead was in the crosshairs of the sadistic King Nahash. “I’m going to mark you as mine by gouging out the right eye of every last one of you,” said Nahash. “You can fight me and die, or

Make every effort to live in peace with all men.                            —Hebrews 12:14 Where there are people there will be conflicts: in community, workplace, family, even church. (There must be a scripture somewhere that says, “Where two or three are gathered in my