by Susan Barnes | 14 Sep 2022 | Devotions
To experience hope, we keep our eyes on the long term purposes of God, knowing that while our plans may be thwarted, God’s are not. God is running his world according to his timetable and agenda, not ours. We can trust God because he always has good outcomes in mind...
by Susan Barnes | 2 Sep 2022 | Devotions
As I was thinking about hope this week, I came across this verse: “Let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet” (1 Thessalonians 5:8 NIV). The hope of salvation is a helmet that protects our minds from...
by Susan Barnes | 31 Aug 2022 | Devotions
God gives us hope, a hope that is sure, steadfast, unwavering, and unshakable despite any upheavals in the world or our lives. It’s a hope not based on circumstances but on God’s character. We have a safe place in him. Our future is secure. Luke 5:5John 1:21John...
by Susan Barnes | 24 Mar 2022 | Book Reviews
Eddie Jaku was a Jew born in Germany in 1920. He lived to 101 years old and died in Sydney. He survived the Holocaust. His story is remarkable and in the first two-thirds of the book, he describes his experiences during World War 2. He nearly died on many occasions,...
by Susan Barnes | 20 Feb 2022 | Short Devotion
Read more of my short devotions on this blog or on Pinterest. “Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold” 2 Corinthians 3:12 Our hope isn’t wishful thinking or positive good wishes or empty promises—like crossing your fingers. These have no...
by Susan Barnes | 14 Sep 2021 | Women in the Bible
This article first appeared on Christian Today Once upon a time, a beautiful young woman falls on hard times as a result of a tragic death in her family. She is forced into manual labour. Then a complete reversal occurs. She fortuitously meets a wealthy,...
by Susan Barnes | 24 Sep 2020 | Book Reviews
The Voyage of the Sparrowhawk is an exciting, fast-paced adventure. The heroes of the story are Ben and Lotti who are both 13 years-old and orphans. They set out to find Ben’s brother who has been declared missing in France, following the aftermath of World War I....
by Susan Barnes | 21 Jul 2020 | Guest blogs
Travis Barnes lives in central Victoria with his wife and two daughters. He is an associate minister with the Churches of Christ denomination. Travis loves to help people find their God-given calling and encourage people to walk with Jesus into the unique adventure he...