Author Archives: Julianne Winkler Smith

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:14 Moderation is a tough thing for me. From my perfectionist and control-freak personality, to my waning addictive tendencies, I am inclined to overdo—not to be moderate. In my BC days (that is, “before Christ”), I would never haveContinue reading “when moderation isn’t a good thing”

Be on the alert then, because you do not know the day nor the hour. Matthew 25:13 In looking around, listening, and reading, do you sense it? There seems to be an acceleration of, well, crazy. Right is wrong, and wrong is right. A mob mentality is creating lemmings who aren’t thinking straight—or even thinking forContinue reading “choosing sides”

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20 As I sit down to write this, I’m am actually taking a respite from unpacking boxes and trying to figure out—once again—what we really need and where we should put it all. You see, over my 26-year marriage,Continue reading “just passing through”

Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him! Psalm 2:12 Here’s a strange (and disturbing) thought: What if one of the world’s most evil criminals, having instigated horrific atrocities against men,Continue reading “convicted, not yet imprisoned”

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Colossians 4:6 “Speech” today is a hot topic, for sure. In fact, freedom to speak our minds—one of the key foundations of our great nation—is under fire and, as Christians, we must be in prayer for the preservation ofContinue reading “THINK before you speak”

“If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods nor worship the golden statue that you have set up.” Daniel 3:17-18Continue reading “but even if He doesn’t”

You who love the Lord, hate evil! Psalm 97:10 Hate. The word itself elicits emotions—particularly in our current raw and divisive world. In fact, the hate in our country is practically palpable. We hate a particular political platform, we hate the words and actions of others, and—dare I say—we hate one another, even those we don’t knowContinue reading “a time to hate”

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. 2 Corinthians 5:20 It’s probably been a while since you went anywhere that necessitated a nametag. But think back to those good ol’ days (um, a year ago) when there were live conferences, work meetings, group service projects, etc.—any gathering where itContinue reading “what kind of name tag do you wear?”

And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” Matthew 9:28 You’ve probably heard it said by well-meaning Christians and non-Christians alike: “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” Really? What about all the mindless escapism into social media or binge-watched shows? What about the rampant alcohol andContinue reading “unbearable”

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8 When aContinue reading “rooted”