For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God. Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken later; but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house—whose house we are, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the boast of our hope. ~Hebrews 3:4-6Continue reading “seeing myself in the wandering”
Author Archives: Julianne Winkler Smith
mirror, mirror (reprise)
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. ~Romans 8:1 Has it happened to you? You’re enjoying a delicious dinner out with friends, talking and laughing the hours away. A few sweet teas into the evening, you hit the restroom and gaze at your reflected smile…only to see a big green hunk ofContinue reading “mirror, mirror (reprise)”
life, liberty & the pursuit of joy (reprise)
“I (Jesus) came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” ~John 10:10b Happy 250th Birthday to our great nation! To celebrate, I’m reposting a devo from last year…enjoy! And may God bless America! On July 4, 1776, the new Congress of what would ultimately become the United States of America, put forth aContinue reading “life, liberty & the pursuit of joy (reprise)”
celebrating freedom
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. ~John 8:36 For the past few weeks, our great nation has been host to the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament, with tens of thousands of people coming to the US from around the world to cheer on their national teams. And if you’veContinue reading “celebrating freedom”
a season of stop
“In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength.” ~Isaiah 30:15 Even before I surrendered to Jesus at age 30, jumping into leadership roles was always my thing, from sports teams and student government to professional management and friend-groups. So, this pattern naturally continued in my Christian journey, fromContinue reading “a season of stop”
cleaning service
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. ~Psalm 51:17 Growing up Catholic, my theological view was all about the “do”—boxes to check to stay on God’s good side. Weekly Mass, regular visits to the priest for confession (where a few Hail Mary andContinue reading “cleaning service”
let’s join in
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. ~Galatians 6:9-10 I met someone at church not long ago who was visiting our campus.Continue reading “let’s join in”
miracle in the mirror
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled,Continue reading “miracle in the mirror”
waves of grace
Therefore, we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. ~Romans 6:4 On Sunday, May 17, in Jacksonville, FL, about 14,000 witnesses streamed onto the beach as 2,552 people (ages 6 to 86)Continue reading “waves of grace”
rollercoaster living
Now on one of those days Jesus and His disciples got into a boat, and He said to them, “Let’s cross over to the other side of the lake.” So they launched out. But as they were sailing along He fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger. They cameContinue reading “rollercoaster living”
encouraged by grace 