You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” ~Romans 2:23-24 Whether we’re reading the words of Jesus in the gospels or any of the New Testament writers, there’s a consistent theme when it comes to the Pharisees (Jewish religiousContinue reading “because of me”
Author Archives: Julianne Winkler Smith
what must I do? (An Easter invitation)
A ruler questioned Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” ~Luke 18:18 “What must I do?” Isn’t this the cry of us all? Being good enough. Doing enough good. The general consensus of our day (and of humanity throughout history) is that we just have to reach that “good-over-bad” tippingContinue reading “what must I do? (An Easter invitation)”
in pure pursuit
One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple. ~Psalm 27:4 “What do you want to be when you grow up?” This question has been asked ofContinue reading “in pure pursuit”
so that
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. ~Matthew 5:16 As followers of Jesus Christ, we’re to, well, follow Him. How do we do that, since He’s not actually walking among us at this time? TheContinue reading “so that”
provoked
Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. ~Acts 17:16 Although I’m abstaining from news (real, fake, deep fake, or otherwise), the 24/7 media bombardment in our society is very challenging to ignore. Especially as global and cultural upheaval continueContinue reading “provoked”
identity theft
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. ~1 Corinthians 19-20 My accountant contacted me the other day to let me know that my tax filing (whichContinue reading “identity theft”
recognized
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. ~Acts 4:13 The book of Acts in the Bible depicts the extraordinary transitional era bridging the Incarnation of Jesus to the Church Age—it’s the veryContinue reading “recognized”
one more lesson from my rescue dog
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:21 If you’ve been reading these devos through the years and have caught my written reflections of God’s grace, today’s inspiration (my dog Caroline) may seem familiar. The Lord has usedContinue reading “one more lesson from my rescue dog”
standing on God’s Providence
“For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’… ~Isaiah 46:9b-10 Life is hard. We live in a fallenContinue reading “standing on God’s Providence”
those people
And opening his mouth, Peter said: “I most truly comprehend now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the one who fears Him and does righteousness is welcome to Him….And all the circumcised believers who came with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. ~Acts 10:34-35; 45Continue reading “those people”
encouraged by grace 