Author Archives: Julianne Winkler Smith

“Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders? Exodus 15:11 There is a song we sing at my church (cowritten by one of our music ministers, along with Shane & Shane) called Wholly Yours (Ephesians 3:18-19)—you can listen to it here. The words are very powerful,Continue reading “holy, wholly”

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!   Philippians 4:4 Did you know that joy is not a feeling? It is a choice—no matter our circumstances. This is actually true for Christians and non-Christians alike. But here, I want to speak to believers, because we have a great advantage in leading a joy-filledContinue reading “choosing joy”

Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written: “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1Continue reading “staying sane”

Now He (Jesus) also spoke a parable to them: “A person who is blind cannot guide another who is blind, can he? Will they not both fall into a pit? Luke 6:39 I gave up social media a long time ago (a very odd choice for someone who spends the work week doing marketing activities). Sure, I missContinue reading “following blindly”

“People are to call on God vehemently, and they are to turn, each one from his evil way, and from the violence which is in their hands. Who knows, God may turn and relent, and turn from His burning anger so that we will not perish.”   Jonah 8b-9 I’ve got some mind-blowing news for you: You’re not God. NeitherContinue reading “who knows”

For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. James 2:26 The book of James, especially chapter 2, can be a real challenge for believers, often causing some confusion about the nature of salvation. But there is no contradiction from Jesus’ half-brother James as compared to other New Testament writers—orContinue reading “you do you.”

But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved). Ephesians 2:4-5 Don’t you love a good visual aid? Maybe it’s some awesome presentation graphic that allows you to quickly grasp theContinue reading “visual aid”

Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.   8:36 John 8:36 Freedom. As we celebrate Independence Day, we all certainly think about this concept. And no matter your political persuasion, we are in fact citizens of the freest nation on the planet—and we express our gratitude with amazing fireworks displays, fromContinue reading “free indeed (reprise)”

Let your light so shine before others, so that may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 Have you seen, heard, and experienced it, particularly over the past three years—ever-expanding, like a growing mold? Apathetic indifference (at best) and narcissistic malice (at worst). In the workplace and marketplace,Continue reading “that they may see”

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 Outside of Christian circles, the word “steward” is not often used in today’s vernacular. Basically, it means “manager”—a steward looks after, directs,Continue reading “are you a good steward?”