Author Archives: Julianne Winkler Smith

“Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?” Matthew 16:9-10 Don’t you just love the timeliness of God’s Word? For me, there are mornings of reading when the verses seem written directly to me,Continue reading “forgetful”

For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16 Sadly, walking our two dogs through our neighborhood every morning is not always a pleasant experience. More often than not,Continue reading “yard dog”

One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.       John 9:25 As Christians, we are called to tell others about Jesus—to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). And, as much as we love Him and have surrendered to Him, it can be intimidating to share our faith in Him. We’re afraid ofContinue reading “one thing I know”

And then (Jesus) added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.” Mark 7:20-23 Our culture is veryContinue reading “a defiled heart”

Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.  John 8:36 Freedom. During an election season like we’re now in, we all certainly think about this concept. And no matter your political persuasion, we are in fact citizens of the freest nation on the planet. The liberty we enjoy is truly aContinue reading “free indeed”

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”