*Upon becoming a subscriber, you'll receive my HEART STIRRINGS posts twice per month. These will include ministry updates along with biblical, inspirational messages.*
After you get the password, click the FREE RESOURCES tab in my website menu, type in the password, and download the documents that meet your needs. To God be the glory!
JESUS SHINES, DREAM COME TRUE, EXCITING NEWS, & MORE ~by Emily Wickham
Dear Readers,
God is amazing.
One year ago today, I began teaching at Hickory Christian Academy. I wouldn’t forgo that experience because the Lord taught me incredible lessons—I was and am His student. Christ’s daily faithfulness during my time at HCA remains etched in my heart. I also carry the experiential knowledge that God is far greater than we can imagine.
So where am I a year later? Sitting in a lovely spot on a personal writing retreat, overwhelmed by God’s goodness and love. He brought me to this place (pictured above), which is filled with earthly beauty, peaceful quiet, and a magnified sense of His presence. All glory to our awesome heavenly Father, who loves us so well. He’s allowing me to do what I love: write and speak for Him. And everything about my writing retreat is a dream come true.
Please pray for me as I seek God’s will concerning ministry plans for 2022. My focus has sharpened since the pandemic began, and I’m finding new avenues to express my God-given talents and gifts. I am His, and He is mine. His will matters above all else. For now, it’s my joy to fill you in on the latest…
THE GLORY OF JESUS: HE SHINES IN OUR HEARTS
“For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6, NASB).
Darkness engulfed our hearts before Christ. It sobers me to picture what mine looked like before Jesus entered: a solitary, pitch-black place. Until one day the light of Christ broke through. God in His mercy and grace enlightened me to the reality I was a sinner headed for Hell, and JESUS was my only hope. I knelt by my bed at ten years old and asked Jesus to be my Savior.
As John Newton wrote in “Amazing Grace,” his famous hymn, “Once I was blind, but now I see.” The “glory of God in the face of Christ” continues to illuminate my heart, growing brighter as the Holy Spirit sanctifies me day by day.
In essence, every Christian shares this same experience although it materializes in different ways. We’re new creatures in Christ because God shone in our hearts, awakening us to our need for a Savior and drawing us to faith in Christ. Is that your story? I pray so, and I rejoice in God’s mighty work in our hearts!
HOMELIFE
So here’s the update I’m super excited to share: the editor retained the article I sent him last September for future use. Praise the Lord! In addition, he extended the opportunity to pitch a couple more articles for this year. The Holy Spirit prompted me with two ideas, and the editor liked both! He contracted with me for one, a 1500-word piece due February 15, and I’m hopeful for more contracts. God is so good! Thank you for your prayers—please keep them coming.
And… I couldn’t believe it! The place where I’m enjoying a writing retreat contains a bookshelf with limited reading material. Upon glancing through, however, I was elated to discover a previous issue of HomeLife, which includes an article I wrote about joy!!!
Isn’t God amazing? To think I’d stay somewhere I hadn’t visited in years and find one of my published pieces in that very location. It feels like a hug from the Lord and a confirmation of the work He’s enabling me to accomplish for Him. Wow. Just wow. God is amazing.
YOUTUBE
My YouTube ministry continues, and to God be all the glory. Someone recently asked about “the key to getting saved,” and the Holy Spirit helped me word my response, bringing pertinent Bible verses to mind. Please join me in praying that this dear one will place his/her faith in the Lord Jesus.
“Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation” (Romans 10:1). I’ll keep you posted, and Lord willing, we’ll celebrate a positive response!
My channel focuses on all things Bible prophecy, yet it’s fascinating how many Bible verses and passages cover this topic. My heart is to share about God’s plan for the future while providing hope and spiritual nourishment for today. Please join our community if you haven’t already.
ANOTHER GIFT FOR YOU
Remember the Bible Reading Plan I mentioned last month? WAITING EAGERLY is complete, and if you’d like a copy of my 17-Day Reading Plan + Videos on the Return of Christ, please contact me. I’ll be so glad to e-mail the PDF to you. Also, welcome to all of my new subscribers who joined for the purpose of this material. May God use this plan for His glory and your benefit.
CONTINUED EDUCATION
Whatever God calls us to labor at, we can keep learning all through life. And the Lord has provided an excellent webinar for me to attend this Wednesday while I’m focusing on my writing. Thomas Umstattd Jr. and Steve Laube, literary agent, will be answering questions on a live episode of the Christian Publishing Show. I’m registered to attend and already submitted a question. Plus, I was excited to see 500+ other registrants listed, so this promises to be a valuable connection.
Please pray for a clear answer to my question, In today’s Covid-world, what is the best way for a devotional/Bible study writer to grow her speaking ministry? I’d also appreciate your prayers for the Spirit’s leading in general throughout this event along with His guidance as I take an online blogging class. Thank you!
UNTIL NEXT TIME
God spoke to me today in the early-morning hours, outlining a new Bible study for me to write. I know, I know, you’ve heard me announce intentions like this before, so I hesitate to share. But! I’m very excited. This idea feels different because it goes along with my “Bible Study a New Way” method. It actually strikes me as doable—not overwhelming. Glory to God! Would you please pray for me in this endeavor? I’m facing current commitments but greatly desire to begin this project by writing three lessons, a book proposal, plus a one sheet by May 15, 2022.
Scripture reminds us, “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). May the light of God’s Word and Jesus’ presence guide each of us every day.
In Christ’s Love, Emily
Join Emily Wickham as she shares what God is doing through Proclaiming Him to Women. Be inspired to walk by faith! #Jesus #Faith Share on XCheck out these posts for more inspiration:
- Amazed by God by Doris Beck
- How Are You? God’s Remedy for Loneliness by Emily Wickham
Some call those (finding the magazine with your article in it) a “Godwink.” I often call them “Heart Hugs”, and cherish every one of them these days. Your post brought smiles, elation, cheers, and tears sweet friend. Know that I will continue praying for you and many other Christian writing friends each day, as God prompts. Enjoy your retreat and see His inspiration sweet sister in Christ.
Hello, J.D.,
Thank you for your prayers and encouraging words. I greatly appreciate the time to you take to lift me and this ministry up to the throne of grace. And, it makes me so happy to know my post touched your heart. To God be the glory ~ rich blessings to you in Christ our Lord.
In Christ’s Love,
Emily