Joe Barnett

Make it your ambition … to mind your own business.    —1 Thessalonians 4:11 Each of us has God-given work to do. Paul spells it out in Ephesians: He chose us before the creation of the world (1:4). He designed and assigned specific works for each of us (2:10). He gave us the gifts needed

Surrender your whole being to [God] to be used for righteous purposes.              —Romans 6:13 TEV Have you given serious thought to how God wants to use you and how you qualify for the job? If you’re evading the contemplation, it probably comes down to one of two words: disqualified

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.                                          —Philippians 4:7 Jesus said, “My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the

Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.                          —1 Corinthians 10:31 In a Peanuts cartoon strip, Linus told Lucy, “I think there’s something you should know.” “What’s that?” she asked. “The world does not revolve around you,” he said. With

Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me?            —Matthew 18:21 Rabbinic teaching limited forgiveness to three: “If a man commits a transgression, the first, second, and third time he is forgiven, the fourth time he is not.” Peter was more generous: “Lord, how often should I forgive

Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees.                          —Psalm 119:33 Irv Gordon’s 1966 Volvo clocked its 3 millionth mile in September 2013, the most miles ever driven by a single-owner of a non-commercial vehicle, said Guinness. Asked the secret of his car’s longevity,

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.                         —Romans 12:6 In his book, The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren proposed five core purposes of human existence: Worship: knowing and loving God. Fellowship: belonging to God’s family. Discipleship: growing

The troubles we see will soon be over.            —2 Corinthians 4:18 NLT You can deal with trouble, disappointment, and pain as long as you have hope. Give up hope, and you give up. God offers the only hope that has an “eternal” guarantee—it’s in a small nest of three things

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.                                   —Jeremiah 1:5 Aptitude Tests and Career Coaches identify personality traits, skills, and interests, from which they suggest vocational fits. But this is clear: you can’t advance while looking

I am he who blots out your transgressions . . . and remembers your sins no more.                    —Isaiah 43:25 The director of an English mental hospital said, “I could dismiss half of my patients tomorrow if they could be assured of forgiveness.” Most of us have