Author Archives: Julianne Winkler Smith

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are fullContinue reading “call them out”

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Romans 5:9-10 In 1970, Stevie Wonder releasedContinue reading “delivered, signed, sealed”

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-4 What would your answer be if I asked, “Do you love Jesus?” If you are a Christian, you’d likely reply with a hearty, “Yes, of course!” YouContinue reading “what would we risk?”

For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14 There’s a lot of “Christianese” out there that, to the unbeliever, can sound pretty intimidating. In our efforts to share the Good NewsContinue reading “rescued”

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 Our culture today is all about entitlement. A whole generation has been raised to believe that they should win, regardless of their efforts. (“Everyone gets a trophy!”) And for those who work hard to excel, well, they have to give in (and giveContinue reading “you deserve it! (not.)”

For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.  Hebrews 8:12 Here comes another one of those moments of transparency: I am getting forgetful. Thankfully, this is not applicable to my work—somehow, I manage to keep all my plates, cats, and fiery batons in the air and move from one thingContinue reading “forgetful”

“And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 24:12-13 The confusion and chaos in our country are undeniable—and can be overwhelming. A football coach is fired for praying with his team. College students are being kicked out of clubs and sororities forContinue reading “falling together”

Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that. James 4:15 As the years of my Christian life progressed through various towns and churches, there have always been precious friends around me who, whether in prayer with me or simply in daily conversation, use the phrase, “Lord willing.” ItContinue reading “Lord willing”

Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.   1 JohnContinue reading “yeah, but”

But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. James 2:18 I wrote last time about my three-decade effort to ensure my “good vs. bad” tally sheet was heavier on the “good” side so that I would be destined forContinue reading “work because, not to”