We couldn’t go into the streets without danger to our lives. Our end was near; our days were numbered. We were doomed! (Lamentations 4:18 NLT) Much is transpiring in the United States of America today. Many have blamed our decline on failed political policies, which may be partly true, but could there be a deeper and […]
Author Archives: kenbarnes
26
Oct
Oct
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3 NASB) Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, laid out for us what it means to be truly blessed. The first virtue mentioned in the Beatitudes (the beautiful attitudes) is the poverty of spirit. Humility is always the door to […]
20
Oct
Oct
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. (I Corinthians 10:13 NASB). God has […]
17
Oct
Oct
“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord, “that I will punish all who are circumcised and yet uncircumcised— (Jeremiah 9:25 NLT) The Lord’s greatest condemnation is for people who have an outward façade of religion but lack an inward heart transformation. I made a profession of faith, as you were supposed to do as […]
12
Oct
Oct
John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am a voice shouting in the wilderness,‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!’” ( John 1:23 NLT) Keys to the preaching of John the Baptist may have been humility of character and the simplicity of his message. Billy Graham, at one of his crusades, had […]
06
Oct
Oct
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28 NLT) Jesus’ disciples were a needy bunch who the Lord pointed to a life of service epitomized by the Cross as the solution for their needs. The Mother of […]
29
Sep
Sep
Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. (Psalms 126:5 NASB 1995) Our tears are like seeds we plant that will lead to joyful shouting. The commentator Matthew Henry said, “Weeping should never stop our sowing; when we suffer ill, we must continue to do good.” The tears we sow might be for a […]
26
Sep
Sep
Cletus Hull Serving as a pastor with a church in Pennsylvania, someone once called me with a personal concern. As the conversation ended, I asked if I could pray with him. Sounding surprised, he asked, “Can we do that over the phone?” Praying over the phone was new for him. Maybe it doesn’t sound strange […]
22
Sep
Sep
For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. (Galatians 6:8 NASB 1995) Just as there are two types of sowing, there are two kinds of reaping. One sort of sowing leads to death, […]
13
Sep
Sep
For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. (1 Samuel 1:27 ESV) Hannah, the mother of Samuel, the Prophet of God, never gave up a desire for a child. Is your desire part of God’s plan for your life? When my wife and I were […]