Author Archives: Julianne Winkler Smith

“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”

Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men. Psalm 107: 8 (& 15 & 21 & 31) Psalm 107: 8 (& 15 & 21 & 31) My boys may be beyond the age of that particular incessant request on my part,Continue reading ““what do you say?””

Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105 When you purchase a piece of furniture in a box that’s clearly marked “some assembly required,” what do you feel? Dread? Excitement? Anticipated frustration? This line of questioning begs another: Do you carefully follow the directions or throw cautionContinue reading “it’s all in there”

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13 I need to share a secondhand experience. Not to gossip, but to serve as an example—a burst of revelation akin to seeing the brightest explosion of fireworks that in mereContinue reading “convicted by the unconscionable”