Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer person is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen;Continue reading “delighting in decay”
Author Archives: Julianne Winkler Smith
speak grace
Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29 If you’re looking for a particular book of the Bible to dive into this new year, I highly suggest Ephesians.Continue reading “speak grace”
confession of the do
And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 The most amazing thing about saving grace is that it is a free gift—not as a result of anything we do, so none of us can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). ItContinue reading “confession of the do”
preoccupied (reprise)
Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2 Christmas is almost here, and most of us can safely say we are preoccupied with it. Some of us are preparing our homes for family and friends, ensuring every room is clean, organized, and ready for our guests.Continue reading “preoccupied (reprise)”
hated
“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” Genesis 3:15 The Bible makes it very clear: If you are a child of God—a surrendered follower of Jesus Christ—you are an enemy of Satan (the devil) and allContinue reading “hated”
wedding supper
Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His Bride has made herself ready. Revelation 19:7 My niece got married this weekend—my brother’s daughter, Victoria. The venue was stunning. It was a 19th-century home-turned-winery in Buck’s County, PA, with a lovely upper room whereContinue reading “wedding supper”
get real
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20 I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how surreal everything around me seems. You can listen to a news anchor screaming something about the “other side” (I remember when news anchors had no “sides” at all—but there’s no suchContinue reading “get real”
grounded, growing & grateful (reprised)
Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. 2 Colossians 2:6-7 Accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior is a one-and-done decision. Once saved,Continue reading “grounded, growing & grateful (reprised)”
biblical accounting
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1Continue reading “biblical accounting”
won & done
He Himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world. John 2:2 When Jesus gave up His life on the cross, he said, “It is finished.” What was finished, exactly? The war. For individuals and the whole universe. This was the final sacrifice, patterned (but alwaysContinue reading “won & done”
encouraged by grace 