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.
A BOOK EXCERPT, AN EDITOR, & NEWS FROM HOME
Dear Readers,
I pray you’re doing well and seeking the Lord day by day. We’re always nourished by time with Him—comforted, encouraged, inspired, and more. May you sense His presence even as you read this update.
My post will be brief since I have limited time today, but I’m honored to write about meaningful ministry moments from the past month. I’m also pleased to share a book excerpt from my Portraits of Prayer Bible study. Thanks for joining me…
THE GLORY OF JESUS: HUMILITY ( a book excerpt from Portraits of Prayer, which my ladies life group is using)
“And He also told this parable to certain ones who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt” (Luke 18:9, NASB).
Because He possessed tremendous wisdom and insight, Jesus communicated this parable to this particular group of religious leaders. He knew how they truly viewed others and themselves: “He did not need anyone to bear witness concerning man for He Himself knew what was in man” (John 2:25). Like an arrow racing toward its target, Jesus’ words aimed for their hearts.
The Pharisees considered themselves righteous, as though they met God’s standards on their own merit. Looking down on others, they elevated themselves. Jesus boldly addressed their pride. Unimpressed that they instructed His people in spiritual matters, the Lord refused to overlook the Pharisees’ sinful thoughts.
As those who belong to the Lord but still possess sinful natures, we’re susceptible to skewed perspectives, too. The Lord desires to deal with any incorrect views we hold. After all, He didn’t suffer and die on the cross so we can retain pride and judgmental attitudes. He promises “to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9) when we confess our sins to Him.
We might attend church faithfully, serve sacrificially, study God’s Word, and help the needy. But hidden in our innermost thoughts, do we consider ourselves basically good, relying on our biblical knowledge and Christian deeds to please the Lord? Do we secretly disdain others who don’t meet our standards? Let’s be honest: a little bit of Pharisee in us equals pride in one of its basest forms.
Jesus, our perfect example, shows us the path to humility. It involves leaving a place of favor in order to reach the lost. It includes self-denial and a willingness to suffer on others’ behalf. Humility costs us ourselves but grants us eternal gain.
AN EDITOR
Thank you for your prayers regarding work on my current Bible study manuscript. I completed three lessons but decided to contact an editor before writing a full book proposal. Since I’ve communicated with her in the past, and she responded to a similar inquiry favorably, I sensed this would be acceptable.
So, praise the Lord! I just e-mailed a premise statement and one lesson to this editor. Please pray with me that God will grant favor in this endeavor. I’d love to receive positive feedback with hopes of publication, yet I desire God’s will most of all. Your prayers are most appreciated, and I’ll keep you posted.
A WRITERS CONFERENCE
I’ve been back and forth on whether or not to attend the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. I love the interaction with other writers, and it’s also a terrific way to connect with publishers and agents. But, the time. The cost. I wonder if I should invest both of those right now. On the other hand, maybe it’s the right next step for my writing and speaking. I value your prayers, and if you see photos of me at this event in early June, you’ll know how the Spirit led. Until then, please pray for clarity of God’s will in this matter. Thank you!
NEWS FROM HOME
Since my last update, we’ve celebrated Easter and Mother’s Day. Mark and I have traveled to the beach and enjoyed time with our dear friend, Linda Troutman. We’ve also bid farewell to new friends from church, who moved to Wisconsin. Joyful moments with our children, extended family, and my ladies life group have impacted me, and the quiet moments on my front porch have refreshed me. Another ladies event plus a marriage retreat also inched into my schedule—life is full!
God is good, my friends. Always. And I continually thank Him for my sweet husband, Mark, who loves the Lord and me very much. I also thank the Lord for you, my faithful readers and friends of this ministry. Glory to God for His kindness in connecting our paths.
UNTIL NEXT TIME
May JESUS fill our thoughts and direct our steps.
In Christ’s Love,
I thank the Lord for you, my faithful readers and friends of this ministry. #Update #GodIsGood Click To Tweet
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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,
Always blessed by your words, actions, and heart for God my friend. We’ll be continuing in prayer each day for you.
Hi, J.D.,
Thank you very much for your continued prayers! I appreciate them and value your friendship. May the Lord bless you for all you do to encourage and support others.
In Christ’s Love,
Emily