Author Archives: Julianne Winkler Smith

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 If you have a job, you probably have a boss. (Well, you actually may be the boss—but we’ll get to that in aContinue reading “who’s the boss?”

Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel.” 1 Mark 14-15 Repent. For many of us, this word harkens back to preachers long gone and old-time tent revivals. The Reverend Billy GrahamContinue reading “think again.”

For we live by faith, not by sight.   2 Corinthians 5:7 Not long ago, during a rare occasion when we had the whole family at home (albeit momentarily), we decided to go for a drive together on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We were all excited to relish the stunning skyline views of mountains andContinue reading “in the fog”

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 Times are dark. And, frankly, it seems like people are getting uglier. I’m not talking in terms of aesthetics (although, I for one, have succumbed to 24/7 stretchy pants and mascara-less eyes most days).Continue reading “living a fruity life”

Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 Do we trust God—really trust Him? We make our plans and plots. We say, “Oh, this is what I’ll be doing for the next year,” or “I’ll do this, and then this…” I My friends can attest to my proclamationsContinue reading “for such a time as this”

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1 Yes, life is crazy right now for everyone. I mean, all of us will always have a bit of insanity going at any given time—family drama, job stuff, financial challenges, health worries. And, of course, in this moment of history, we have a greater divisiveness inContinue reading “Praise You, Lord!”

“Then Daniel went to his house and informed his friends, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, about the matter, so that they might request compassion from the God of heaven…” Daniel 2:17-18 The Old Testament Book of Daniel is pretty exciting. Even if you haven’t read it through, you’re probably familiar with at least a couple of its action-packed events.Continue reading “circle of friends”

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 How can we really be sure what’s right and wrong? How can we know God’s will for our lives—the moment-by-moment guidance and the big-picture direction andContinue reading “profitable”

When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?   Psalm 56:3-4 These verses from David, as he was on the run from King Saul’s murderous pursuit, may seem contradictory atContinue reading “trusting God through fear”

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 Uncertainty. Anxiety. Fear. These thoughts and emotions are among the most prevalent in today’s “unprecedented” times. (Well, they’re not that unprecedented, but that’s another story.)  In fact, the CDC—rightContinue reading “a sure thing”