Author Archives: Julianne Winkler Smith

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness. Isaiah 61:10 Confession time: I’ve been kind of a mess lately. Looking at both macro and micro issues, so to speak,Continue reading “a whole new wardrobe”

Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands. Isaiah 49:15-16 Mom. What a weighty word that is. To some, it’s a beautiful word and instantly brings a smile. ToContinue reading “inscribed”

…the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone He chooses.  Daniel 4:25 In today’s era of social media and cults of personality, “leaders” are thrust into the culture to direct the masses, whether in politics, entertainment, media, or even some unsuspecting citizen. I don’t know about you, butContinue reading “heaven rules”

The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Acts 12:6 I wish I could say I wrote this, but it was penned by another: There is no softer pillow than the Sovereignty of God. God is in control.Continue reading “rest easy”

“The Israelites secretly did against the Lord their God things that were not right.”  2 Kings 17:9a Reading the history of the Israelites between their walkout from under Pharaoh’s thumb in Exodus through the books of Kings and Chronicles can be fascinating, inspiring, and very exasperating. They experience miraculous freedom and provision from their omnipotentContinue reading “no secrets”

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 In this time of tumult, when everything seems upside-down, it’s hard to talk about things other than all the insanity. Whether it’sContinue reading “get me outta here”

Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness.  Psalm 145:3 Frustration happens. Whether it’s little things, like hitting every red light, or bigger things, like dealing with those “sandpaper people” at work. Yes, and there are the really big things as well—cultural, political, even global issues we really can’t doContinue reading “if you must vent, vent to God”

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?”