Author Archives: Julianne Winkler Smith

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.  Isaiah 53:5 Do you get this? Really? If you’re a new Christian, the astounding fact of Jesus’ sacrifice—His brutal crucifixion to take the penalty we deserve—may be fresh inContinue reading “in awe of the wounding (reprised)”

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?””

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being. John 1:1-3 Words. I love them. In fact, I make my living byContinue reading “the Word”

How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those whoContinue reading “beautiful feet”

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10 Are you a “cruiser”? My husband and I just went on our first one—in fact, it was the first weeklong vacation the two of us have taken in our 30 years of marriage.Continue reading “fighting pirates”

“I heard the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid.” Genesis 3:10 Although I’ve read Genesis many times over at this point in my walk with Christ, a wonderful Lent devotional I’m doing this year included Genesis 3:10, and four words popped out at me as if I’ve never seen them: “andContinue reading “toddler observations”

How much more severe punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?  For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge HisContinue reading “mercy without judgment or judgment without mercy”

Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.… And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:13, 17 Time for an embarrassing confession. (You can laugh out loud, roll your eyes,Continue reading “holy headgear”

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world… Philippians 2:14-15 I’m a cold-natured person—I always seem to be freezing. When we moved to Florida, I was so excited to bask in the year-roundContinue reading “thermostat living”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the Law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:56-57 I love my church. Our leadership (and hence all the worship—in teaching, song, activity) is Bible-based and Gospel-centered. We constantly celebrate the amazing gift of saving graceContinue reading “This is war.”