Author Archives: Julianne Winkler Smith

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6-7Continue reading “refining pain”

For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”  Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.”The law is not based onContinue reading “lay down the law”

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 We received another one of “those” calls. No matter your age, you likely know what I’m talking about. It’s often “too early” or “too late” for the phone to be ringing—so you sense something is wrong. You answer, hoping beyond hopeContinue reading “crushed”

Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:36 We all just celebrated the 4th of July—the birthday of this great nation we are blessed to live in. You may have gotten together with friends or family for a cookout, or perhaps you attended a baseball game. Depending on what stateContinue reading “dependence day”

For He Himself is our peace…      Ephesians 2:14a Peace. Oh, how we all long for it. We look around at the divisiveness being fostered in our culture, and we cry out for peace. Family members fight and push each other away (sometimes establishing permanent chasms), and we are helpless to create peace. Inside our ownContinue reading “peace”

But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge. Psalm 73:28 With so many of us struggling right now, it’s easy to look around at others with eyes and hearts of envy. Whether our battles are with health, family circumstances, or finances, we can slip into frustration, despiteContinue reading “better than bitter”

In pointing out these things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the good doctrine which you have been following. 1 Timothy 4:6 So, as is my cyclical preoccupation, I’ve got eating on the brain again (well, not eating, actually). Even though my health/fitness isn’t theContinue reading “nourish yourself”

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.   Ephesians 2:8-9 It’s always a wonderful thing to discover what you truly want to be “when you grow up”—whether you’re six orContinue reading “no prerequisites required”

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 *This is a repost, but I was reminded of it after having dinner with friends the other night. Enjoy!* Has it happened to you? You’re enjoying a delicious dinner out with friends, talking and laughing the hours away. A few sweet teas intoContinue reading “mirror, mirror”

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called yourContinue reading “when will you come to your senses?”