Heart Stirrings: CHANGE, SURRENDER, FOCUS, & MORE

Heart Stirrings: CHANGE, SURRENDER, FOCUS, & MORE

 

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Dear Readers,

 

Change. It can sweep over us and bring delight, or it can drench us in misery. It also can waver on the edges, gradually washing over us. Change is a part of life as we’ve often heard, but through it all, the Lord remains steadfast and sure.

 

Over the last year and a half, I’ve been sensing time is short because I believe the Lord is returning soon for His bride, the church. This has led me to reevaluate ministry in an effort to utilize time most effectively. And lately, I’ve been struggling to understand where God wants me to focus. It feels like I’m at a crossroads, anxiously attempting to determine which way to go.  

 

Welcome into this portion of my journey…

 

THE GLORY OF JESUS: AUTHORITY

 

“And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, ‘Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night’” (Revelation 12:10, NASB).

 

Won’t it be wonderful to have Someone in charge of this world who knows exactly what He’s doing? Someone who calmly approaches every challenge with absolute confidence and ability? Someone who does the right thing in every situation—who perfectly interacts in justice and righteousness?

 

His name is JESUS.

 

Christ alone possesses the authority to rule mankind. He’s the only One who is truly capable, and He’s the only One who deserves this position. HE is Lord of lords and King of kings. We can look forward to His millennial reign with hope and joy because He’ll make all things right on this earth.

 

Sometimes I feel especially weary of this world. Can you relate? But I’m reminded of God’s patience: “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). God’s goal for every Christian is to help others know Jesus, and we must use time toward that end.

 

Speaking of Jesus’ authority, it’s good to reflect on His reign in my heart. I encourage you to think about it, too. Is Jesus directing our actions and steps today, or are we resisting Him? It’s human nature to push for our own desires, but when we yield to the Lord day by day, we experience the abundant life He came to give. Let’s surrender, my friends. Life is so much better that way.

 

FOCUS

 

I’m contemplating changes to my website, and more specifically, to my ministry. Unfortunately I’ve gone round and round, trying to establish exactly what my heart longs to do … attempting to zero in on what God wants me to do. He’s made it clear in times past that He wants me to write and speak for Him, but I’m having trouble identifying a niche. A focus. Of course, I’m passionate about Bible study—it’s always a delight to teach God’s Word to women. I also enjoy writing devotions and magazine articles as well as creating videos with a biblical message.

 

All that being said, I seriously want to meet your needs, but I’m struggling to make a complete connection. Would you please pray about this? Thank you. And if you’d like to impart your thoughts/needs/other, please let me know via the link below.

 

MINISTRY NAME CHANGE? BI-MONTHLY BLOG POSTS?

 

I’m also leaning toward a ministry name change. The primary one I’m considering is HEART STIRRINGS, which probably isn’t surprising since I’ve been using this title for ministry updates all year. I’m praying about using it to replace “Proclaiming Him to Women Ministries” although I have another name in mind, too. Your input would be valuable!

 

In addition, I’m pondering whether to write blog posts on a bi-monthly schedule again. I’d continue to send my ministry update on the second Tuesday, followed by a blog post every fourth Tuesday.

 

I’d love to receive your feedback! Please complete my three-question survey by selecting a multiple-choice answer at this LINK.

 

AN EDITOR’S RESPONSE

 

I continue to wait on an editor’s response regarding a new Bible study manuscript. Lord willing, she’ll contact me soon with favorable news. I’ll keep you posted.

 

PORCH TALKS

 

One of the perks of our home remodel has been a new front porch. I had no idea how partial I am to these spaces—there’s something about sitting outdoors with shade overhead and nature in view that nourishes my soul. And one of my favorite things would be to welcome you as my guest so we could chat on my porch. Since that isn’t possible for the most part, PORCH TALKS is designed with you in mind. We can imagine sitting together in that place, talking about God’s Word + Life. Please join me as I share these videos on Facebook. Your friends are invited, too 😊.

 

UNTIL NEXT TIME

 

I pray this update leaves you with important words to consider: Change, Surrender,  & Focus. Which one stands out to you the most? May we follow the Lord, our gentle Shepherd, as He reveals our next step.

 

“He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake” (Psalm 23:2-3).

 

In Christ’s Love,

 

The post, Heart Stirrings: CHANGE, SURRENDER, FOCUS, & MORE, first appeared on Proclaiming Him to Women Ministries on 7-13-21. To read previous posts about Emily Wickham’s ministry to women, please click HERE.

 

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