Author Archives: Julianne Winkler Smith

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 Many (most) of you all reading this probably grew up doing some type of competitive sport or activity—maybe dance, track, tennis, or swimming. For me, it was soccer.Continue reading “reward vs. gift”

It was to show His righteousness at the present time, so that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:26 “Justice” is an easily defined word: “the maintenance or administration of what is just, especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment ofContinue reading “justice that justifies”

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. Matthew 5:13 What do you prefer—chips or candy? Popcorn or cake? Doritos or Nestle Toll House? In otherContinue reading “salty or sweet?”

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. Ephesians 1:7-8a Grace is an amazing concept. It’s defined simply as getting what we don’t deserve. And it’s especially astounding in the context of God’s grace toward us. While weContinue reading “lavish grace”

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless and with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Jude 24-25 ThisContinue reading “facts to get excited about”

Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I get up; You understand my thought from far away. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, Lord, You know it all. You have encircled me behind and in front,Continue reading “known”

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 As I was throwing on my sweats and a t-shirt for the 623rd day in a row workingContinue reading “casual Friday”

The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:18 I know the following idea flies in the face of political correctness and modern feminism (although, does “feminism” exist anymore since “gender is a social construct” and no oneContinue reading “why we love a love story”

For certain persons have crept in unnoticed…ungodly persons who turn the grace of God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Jude 4 Licentious is not a word that’s used often (if ever) anymore. But it is a stellar word, full of accurate meaning in today’s culture. So, how can itContinue reading ““Cultural Bond, James Bond””

But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 Do you ever have those days when you feel unlovable? Like you can’t do anything right or say anything right. (You know this because others get irritated with you, and you’re not sure why exactly.)Continue reading “beloved”