Emily Wickham began her writing and speaking journey in 2005. She writes for Lifeway Christian Resources and enjoys serving the Lord as an author, speaker, and podcaster. She teaches via Indestructible Life, a podcast that helps women discover the life Jesus is and treasure the life God's Word gives. Emily also shares brief messages about the return of Christ on her YouTube channel. Please connect with Emily by subscribing below to her blog, Heart Stirrings.
ONE TEAM, YOU’RE INVITED, HELP FOR WRITERS & MORE!
Dear Readers,
It’s already February. Memories of my mom’s hourglass filled with sand flit through my mind, emphasizing the sense that time is passing more and more quickly. It never stops. And one day soon the Lord Jesus Christ will return in the air, but until then, may we use every moment for His purposes and glory.
So here’s the latest…
THE GLORY OF JESUS: OUR FOCUS
“Greet Prisca and Aquilla, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus” (Romans 16:3, NASB).
The Apostle Paul’s ministry captivated me when I read through Acts, so I decided to read his epistles. One of his letters, Romans, overflows with vital doctrine concerning the gospel and more. Despite the importance of everything God used Paul to accomplish, however, the last chapter of Romans highlights a key point: Paul was part of a team—not a stand-alone minister who served the Lord all by himself.
Don’t we sometimes admire others so much we set them up a notch or two? Don’t we compare ourselves, thinking he or she is serving the Lord to a greater extent than we are? Brothers and sisters, we’re part of a team … the same team: TEAM JESUS, as others have expressed.
The Lord Jesus Christ is our focus as Christians.
- Because of Jesus, we serve.
- By Jesus’ strength, we serve.
- In Jesus’ name, we serve.
- For Jesus’ glory, we serve.
Let’s keep our hearts fixed on JESUS.
JOURNEY
It always delights me to receive an e-mail from my editor, which happened this past week. She reached out to ask if I’m interested in writing seven devotions for summer 2023, and of course, I am! It’s an honor to share the messages God gives me—LifeWay remains a huge blessing to work for.
Journey is changing from a monthly to quarterly publication, and I trust the Lord will use this new format to encourage even more women. The devotions are engaging and very applicable to daily life. If you’re looking for material to complement your personal Bible reading, or you’d like to gift someone in a special way, please consider a subscription to Journey. I’d love to connect with you from time-to-time through this magazine.
A WOMEN’S EVENT
God has kindly opened the door for me to lead women’s ministry at my church, The Cove Church, Denver. He has blessed me with a fabulous team, and we’re scheduled to hold another event on February 19 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. I’d love for you to bring a friend and come!
Magnify is a gathering designed for women to draw closer to one another and the Lord. Please join us as we as we ponder the theme, “All About Love.” We’ll start the morning with a delicious brunch, and we’ll also have a fun photo booth set up for you and your friends. Then, we’ll transition into the auditorium for live worship, followed by a testimony time, a devotional message (by yours truly), and small group discussion.
An extra sweet part of this event touches my mama heart: my son, Brennan, will be leading worship alongside another leader, Harriet Jenkins. God is SO good!
To register for this FREE event, CLICK HERE.
HELP FOR WRITERS
I received a couple of unexpected requests one week apart. Just when I thought my schedule was mapped out, two of you contacted me for help with devotional writing. Though teaching wasn’t penciled in on my 2022 planner, God has granted clarity through prayer.
Some of you might remember my workshop, “How to Teach Devotions That Impact Lives.” I assumed it was relegated to the past, but God has used these recent requests to bring it back into the picture. My material needs adjustment, but the end result should be two teaching videos for two different audiences.
I’m excited! I love talking about all things writing. Please pray as I seek to complete this project by February 28. May the Lord use these instructional videos to equip and strengthen many others who aspire to write for Him.
ANSWERS TO LAST MONTH’S PRAYER REQUESTS
- God enabled me to plan the beginning portion of 2022, scheduling daily writing/speaking plans.
- The YouTube person who asked about “the key to getting saved” never responded to my reply. Yet God is able. And maybe He wants to use the answer I posted in someone else’s life.
- I watched the webinar by Thomas Umstattd Jr. and Steve Laube, but time ran out before I could receive an 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? Even so, I plan to move forward with my YouTube messages and the videos about devotional writing. It’s always interesting to see how God directs, opening and closing doors.
- I took a different blogging course than anticipated, and it was great to learn from a very accomplished blogger. After implementing her recommendations, I wait to see results.
- I’m scheduled to begin writing my new Bible study on Wednesday, March 2. Please continue to pray about this, particularly for God’s protection over my allotted writing time.
Thank you ever so much for your valuable prayers.
UNTIL NEXT TIME
As the sands of life keep shifting and flowing, “May grace and peace be yours in fullest measure” (1 Peter 1:2c). Let’s keep our hearts fixed on JESUS.
In Christ’s Love,
Check out these posts for more inspiration:
- Seven Ways to Keep Your Focus on Jesus by Amy Blossom
- Filling up with Jesus by Emily Wickham
Join the community!
Stay updated about my writing/speaking journey & learn biblical truths. My Heart Stirrings posts will enable us to connect twice per month as I share the joy of God's work and Word.
In Christ's Love,
Wherever our Lord leads you, know that I will be there lifting you up in prayer sweet sister in Christ. Thank you for another dose of inspiration and encouragement. Praying God’s mercies in your travel and safety in all your days. God’s blessings sweet friend; I can’t wait to hear of the lives you have impacted for the kingdom through your efforts to bring Him glory.
Thank you so very much, J.D.! Your encouragement and prayers mean so much to me. I pray for you, too, knowing God is glorified through your words and actions.
In Christ,
Emily