Entries by John Barton

Are You Giving or Taking?

In life, there will always be two groups of people—givers and takers. Takers are those who are only concerned about benefiting from others. Givers are concerned about how they can add value and be a blessing to others. What does it mean to add value to others? It means to be intentional about serving others. […]

What is the Key to Victorious Living?

So often in life we are faced with insurmountable obstacles that come to deter us from living victoriously. As a result, we tend to talk ourselves into living miserable, defeated lives. When these challenges come, you can choose to wallow in self-pity and carry around a woe-is-me attitude. Or, you can choose to face your […]

God Goals

Are the goals you have the kind of goals that God can bless? If not, you need to set what I call “God goals.” What are God goals? The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV), “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” That means if […]

When Life is Unclear

So many people struggle when their vision or plans for life are unclear. They don’t know where to start or how to move forward. As a result, they do the absolute worst thing—quit. Instead of asking God for the entire picture, ask Him to show you the next step. Rather than fretting over what He […]

A Fresh Start in 2023

Happy New Year! God has graced us to see another year. But what are you going to do with it? Are you going to replay the painful memories of your past? Or will you embrace the new opportunities God has before you? A new year is like a brand new book containing 365 blank pages. […]

Calling Over Comfort

Dear Friend, Should we expect following God’s plan for our lives to be without discomfort? People enjoy feeling comfortable. Whether it’s eating at their favorite restaurant, or enjoying their favorite movie, everyone has their own favorite things in life that make them comfortable. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to feel comfortable; it’s human nature. However, […]

Be Careful With Your Words

Dear Friend, Do you know the words you speak can impact the outcome of your situations, and in fact set the direction of your life? The tongue, though a small part of the body, is capable of unleashing tremendous power. Proverbs 18:21 says: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those […]

What Does It Mean To Let Go?

Dear Friend, I believe that one of the hardest lessons in life is learning to let go. Whether it’s hurt, anger, failure, or control, letting go is never easy—especially when you’ve held on for a long time. However, letting go is oftentimes the only path forward to peace and freedom. It clears out toxic thoughts […]

Greater Than Ever

I want you to take a moment right now and reflect on God’s goodness in your life. Do you realize that it is only by His grace and mercy that you are still here today? If it had not been for the Lord’s hand of favor on your life, the enemy would have destroyed you! […]

Are You Ready?

I often find that whenever God is about to do something new in my life, it always comes with a fresh sense of excitement and expectation in my heart. Excitement, because something new is about to spring forth. Expectation, because I am ready to lay hold of it. And I hope and pray that you […]