Author Archives: Julianne Winkler Smith

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Seeking true refreshment for your soul? Here is part 2 of the answer… 2. NOURISH YOURSELF WITH GOD’S WORD. Just as our physical body needs both water and food to survive and thrive,Continue reading “want to refresh? (part 2)”

As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Psalm 42:1-2 It used to be when you asked someone how they were doing, the pat answer was, “fine”—no matter what was going on. The past few years, however, that standard go-to answer seems toContinue reading “want to refresh? (part 1)”

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 One of the many (many) things I love about living in Florida is the presence of all the fruit trees randomly growing in people’s yards—oranges, lemons, limes, andContinue reading “essential Light”

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  Hebrews 10:24-25 Some of you may recall watching a fascinating show called “Mutual ofContinue reading “isolation kills”

But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his trickery, your minds will be led astray from sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3 Land mines have a long history in global wartimes. Starting in ancient Rome, when spikes were buried to thwart forward movement by the enemy, through the MingContinue reading “mindfields”

I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Ephesians 3:16-17 This is going to sound strange, but I absolutely love to de-clutter and purge and deep clean. Maybe that doesn’t sound too odd to you…but I really, reallyContinue reading “the purge”

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.  Ephesians 4:32 I’m studying Ephesians now, so I thought it would be nice to revisit this devotion I wrote in 2019, posted here in February 2020. Enjoy—and maybe be convicted… The Bible says a lot about forgiveness. Throughout theContinue reading “how dare you?”

Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:7 Were any of you cheerleaders? I was. Just for one year—during my sophomore year in high school. I must say, it was really fun. Shouting rhyming cheers to choreographedContinue reading “cheer squad”

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 Have you ever heard someone say, “Oh, she knows I love her”? Sometimes this concept is also stated as, “I know he lovesContinue reading “love on display”

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 The word “new” can be used in a lot of ways. I’m a huge fan of recycled clothes, hitting thrift stores and consignment shops regularly. When I make awesome finds (which I do too often),Continue reading “what’s new?”