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.
PATIENCE & JUDGMENT + PODCAST & BOOK PROPOSAL NEWS
Dear Readers,
As this update takes shape, I’m seated in my newly redecorated office. It feels so good to be back in my original spot, which temporarily belonged to my graphic designer daughter, who sweetly told me I could have my creative space back. It’s a wonderful reunion.
I’ve cleaned the room from top to bottom (well, almost—I can’t quite reach the uppermost parts of the cathedral ceiling). The windows sparkle, the brick floor lends a warm red hue, and my new black desk adds style. Plus, the bookshelf I rescued from the garage and painted Williamsburg red contributes character. Though I still have other painting and needs to care for, everything feels fantastic overall. I’m so grateful the Lord allows me to do what I love—to write and speak for Him—in a place I love. And see that mic stand in the photo below? It belongs to my son, but he’s letting me use it for my podcast 😊.
Once again, thank you for your interest and prayer support of this ministry. To God be the glory! Here’s the latest…
THE GLORY OF JESUS: PATIENCE
“Then he said, ‘Oh may the LORD not be angry, and I shall speak only this once; suppose ten are found there?’ And He said, ‘I will not destroy it on account of the ten’” (Genesis 18:32, NASB).
God displayed amazing mercy in His willingness to withhold judgment on Sodom if He found at least 10 righteous people in it. Since I reflected on mercy in last month’s update, however, let’s meditate on patience. Because we certainly can see the LORD’s patience in this instance.
I cannot imagine the depravity God beheld day after day in Sodom. Evil reached a pinnacle when men from every part of the city demanded to have relations with Lot’s angelic visitors. Lot pleaded with them to stop and offered his two virgin daughters instead, granting his wicked neighbors permission to treat his own flesh and blood in whatever manner they liked. It sobers me to contemplate the horror of this moment alongside the people’s daily defiance of God’s ways.
The LORD exhibited patience in not destroying Sodom at an earlier time, and He exercised patience with Abraham, who sought God’s mercy on Lot’s behalf. I tend to think Abraham knew there weren’t 50, 45, 30, 20, or even 10 righteous people in Sodom. But love for his nephew compelled him to speak, and the Lord patiently listened. God also agreed to spare the city if Abraham’s criterion was met.
It wasn’t. Our Lord, the righteous Judge, rained brimstone and fire on Sodom, Gomorrah, and their inhabitants. Not a soul survived except Lot, his wife, and their two daughters. Out of those four, only three remained because Lot’s wife didn’t heed the Lord’s instruction not to look back. She couldn’t control herself, and in peering behind, she turned into a pillar of salt.
Yes, God is amazingly patient. Second Peter 3:9 explains, “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.” At the same time, He is righteous and just. He doesn’t overlook sin. And all who reject God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, will undergo severe judgment for all eternity.
If you don’t have a relationship with God through faith in Christ, please believe in the Lord Jesus today. He is God in the flesh, who died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. He loves you and is waiting patiently for you to repent—meaning, change your mind. Trust in JESUS rather than yourself. He said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6).
May the Holy Spirit search our hearts, leading us to imitate the Lord’s patience and walk increasingly in His ways.
HOMELIFE
Remember the unexpected request from my editor? I asked you to pray for words to flow, and they did! God be praised. Thank you so much for praying. I was able to submit my article on September 27, and it’s scheduled to appear in the March 2023 issue.
BOOK PROPOSAL
Plans regarding my book proposal might sound redundant. After all, I’ve shared more than once about my intention to write a proposal for my Acts Bible study. It’s yet to be written, but I cannot give up. Because shortly after the Lord impressed upon me to write this material, He gave me a Bible verse to confirm His will. He spoke very clearly through 2 Corinthians 8:11, which reads as follows:
“But now finish doing it also; that just as there was the readiness to desire it, so there may be also the completion of it by your ability.”
So, my dear readers, would you join my prayer team and me as we pray over this important task? I’d be very grateful. Thank you so much.
PODCAST NEWS
Launching my podcast holds first priority this month, and I hope the following introduction garners your interest:
Did you know that in Christ you have an indestructible life? This is fantastic news all the time, but it’s especially encouraging when life gets hard or feels uncertain. Don’t give up! Satan can’t have you, the world can’t overcome you, and the challenges you face can’t stop you. In Christ, you’re indestructible.
Ta-da! That’s part of the opening, and I personally invite you to hear more on October 25, 2022. Lord willing, the link to listen will be included in my Heart Stirrings post on the same day. Also, I intend to share a new podcast episode every second and fourth Tuesday, so there’s lots to come.
Please keep this endeavor in your prayers. Thank you. May God use me in this venue to reach more women for Christ.
HEART STIRRINGS SCHEDULE UPDATE
Due to my upcoming podcast schedule, my Heart Stirrings posts will be adjusted accordingly:
- 1st Tuesday: Ministry Update
- 2nd Tuesday: Podcast
- 4th Tuesday: Podcast
So, if you’re one of my wonderful subscribers (you can subscribe below), please expect an e-mail from me every first, second, and fourth Tuesday beginning November 2022.
UNTIL NEXT TIME
I’m trusting the Lord will enable us to connect in a new way through my podcast on October 25. I’m so excited to share the messages God gives me about people in the Bible, relating them to our lives. Most importantly, I’m looking forward to learning more about our awesome God and communicating that truth to all who will hear.
“Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest” (John 4:35b).
In Christ’s Love,
Emily Wickham is starting a podcast on October 25, 2022! Discover more in this post, and learn more about her latest ministry endeavors, too. #Christianpodcast #ministry Share on X
Praying you through it all Ms. Emily. Great looking office ma’am.
Thank you ever so much, J.D.! May the Lord bless you for your faithful prayers and encouragement.
In Christ,
Emily