Author Archives: Julianne Winkler Smith

Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life…                   Deuteronomy 30:19 I was reading Isaiah’s astoundingly accurate prophecy of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. How He was pierced for our rebellionContinue reading “criminal’s choice”

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 Like smoke from a smoldering campfire, hate seems to be rising to permeate the air. The media message repeats, “division, division, division,” generating anContinue reading “a reminder from a reluctant prophet”

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9 “Just follow your heart!” We hear it all the time, especially among friends or acquaintances discussing big (or not-so-big) decisions to be made. You and I have most likely been given this counsel—or maybe even given it. But, accordingContinue reading “follow your heart?”

“I am the LORD, and I do not change.”     Malachi 3:6 You hear it constantly. Things like, “This is the new norm,” and “it’ll never be the same,” and, of course, “everything’s changed.” Yes, this is most certainly true when we look around at our circumstances. In fact, I don’t even know what would be on aContinue reading “nothing’s changed”

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15 Maybe it’s because I was alone for 24 hours in my house (which generally isn’t the case). But, despite the waves of blaring praise music and inspiring podcasts and completeContinue reading “what makes you bold?”

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10 Have you ever been in a crowd of people—even among friends—and still felt all alone? Or, maybe, you’ve experiencedContinue reading “fully known. completely loved.”

Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.  Matthew 7:15 Throughout the Bible—in both the Old and New Testaments—we are warned about false teachers and deceptive teaching. For example, Ezekiel and Jeremiah cautioned the Israelites of “prophets” going around proclaiming that their words were from God.Continue reading “hunting wolves”

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 Turn on the news—where is the peace? Look in your own community—where is the peace? Even in our own homes, we can ask, “Where isContinue reading “choose peace”

And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Acts 4:29 I am 53 years old. I have been blessed to live in this great nation my entire life, enjoying American liberties and the privilege of free speech. And I have been a Christ-follower for 23Continue reading “it’s getting real”

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.   1 Peter 5:8 I’m not sure if schools today still have field day. When I was young—and when my kids were young—field day was awesome. A whole day outside, unconfined by classroom walls.Continue reading “satan is having a field day”