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Articles by Emily Wickham

Someone God Can Work With. And Through.

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“For how can I endure to see the calamity which shall befall my people, and how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?”

Esther 8:6, NASB

Someone God Can Work With. And Through. ID-10075996Her heart for her people transcends time. Queen Esther’s sacrificial concern for fellow Jews still stands out, beckoning us to care that much. Or at least some. Any depth of concern for our neighbors, acquaintances, and loved ones is something God can work with.

Recently my husband preached about the Great White Throne, and the truth of this coming day sobers me:

“And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15

After the service, I thought about a dear man we see regularly. He’s kind and talented, professional and generous. But he doesn’t know Christ. If we as the church witness Judgment Day, I can’t imagine looking our friend in the eye at that time, knowing I didn’t share Christ with him on earth. I can’t imagine the horror of seeing him thrown into the Lake of Fire. Forever…

Because that’s what awaits those who don’t trust Christ as Savior.

Remember Queen Esther? She risked her life to save her people from annihilation. Their existence meant a tremendous deal to her, so she took her feelings and put them into action. Willingly, she spoke on their behalf–to the king. Seeking his help, she pleaded for Jewish lives.

Esther’s desperate request changed everything. Though she appeared uninvited before the king, he responded favorably and allowed defensive measures to be instituted for God’s people. When destruction day arrived, the Jews fought back and protected themselves. Sovereignly, God used an orphan girl turned queen to deliver a nation.

Unlike Queen Esther, we possess a standing invitation to enter our King’s presence. Will we take advantage of this incredible opportunity to plead for those He’s placed in our lives? Do we really care? Are we willing to sacrifice?

I don’t know about yours, but my life feels like an accelerator stuck on 120 mph. Noticing individuals who need Christ and praying faithfully for them–let alone sharing the Good News with them personally–requires time and effort. But if God strengthened Queen Esther to overcome the obstacles she faced, surely He can strengthen us to reach others with the Gospel.

Because Judgment Day is coming.

I want to be someone God can work with. And through. I long to care deeply for others and Do. Something. About it. God will use us just as He used Esther if we yield to His will.

Loving Father in heaven, we bow before Your throne and acknowledge You as the one true God. You are holy, righteous, and just, as well as gracious and compassionate. We lift up the non-Christians You’ve put in our lives, boldly asking You to draw them to Your Son, Jesus Christ. Please save them. Remind us to pray faithfully for these dear ones with Godly care and Christlike love. Speak truth through us, and build Your kingdom as we reach out to others. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Emily

Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Okay Lord, Now I Need … a Piece of Chocolate

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“Now it came about that when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became furious and very angry and mocked the Jews … But we prayed to our God … So we carried on the work…”

Nehemiah 4:1, 9, & 21, NASB

Chocolate ID-10054941I walked into my kitchen and totally forgot what I was aiming to get. (Can this be happening to me already? Sure is … so frustrating!) As my mind scrambled to recall why I stood there, I good-naturedly spoke, saying, “Okay Lord, now I need …” And since I couldn’t recall the item, I filled in the blank with–you guessed it– “a piece of chocolate.” After eating said piece of chocolate, I’m trying now to focus.

Life gets crazy sometimes, and responsibilities bulge like an expectant mom ready to give birth. While God provides the strength and diligence required, I’ve been known to wander in circles before buckling down to work. Distractions, unexpected situations, procrastination–all of these can sidetrack me in my attempts to do what needs doing. Thankfully, God brings me around to the place where I accomplish the necessary. Despite me or life’s circumstances, He always finishes what He begins.

We might face opposition and obstacles on the way, but as long as we press forward with God’s will, we Will. Make. Progress.

Take Nehemiah for example. God called him to rebuild the wall, and he faithfully set about the task. Regardless of others’ anger, belittling, and threats, Nehemiah resolutely carried on his work. He knew what the Lord desired, and he didn’t allow anything to stop him. I’m so encouraged by his example: He prayed … and worked. Prayed some more … worked some more.

Now, I’m not facing anything as daunting as rebuilding a wall. Yet honestly, writing today’s devotion feels like a wall. I’ve struggled for a topic and delayed writing for that very reason. Dishes, laundry, and unpacking have claimed my attention. Then, after finally settling on this passage from Nehemiah, something unexpected–but very worthwhile–arose.

Dear friend, can you relate? What “wall” has God called you to rebuild? Does it stress and overwhelm you? Are others attempting to prevent your progress? We can combat our enemies the same way Nehemiah did: Pray and work. Pray some more … work some more. 

And hey–a piece of chocolate doesn’t hurt either :) .

Love to you in Christ as you labor for His glory,

Emily

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Piece of Art

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“For Thou didst form my inward parts; Thou didst weave me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Thy works, And my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:13-14, NASB

16809784779_e90b547c98_bFaithful. Loving. Creator of beauty.

Recently, my Tidbits of Truth segment ended with a question: “What will  you and I treasure about Christ today?” And I jotted down the above–snippets of who God is.

GOD IS FAITHFUL…

I always come back to this characteristic. Knowing the Lord will never leave me hanging and never leave period fills me with tremendous comfort. Whenever the road of life curves into darkness–leaving me anxious, afraid, or perplexed–I know God is faithful. I’ve experienced His faithfulness many times over. Though undesirable circumstances sometimes occur, I always can count on God’s resilient reliability. He’ll come through whether I understand details or not. He won’t fail.

GOD IS LOVING…

He loves me more than I can imagine. How could He Send. His. Son. to die … for me? I’m so accustomed to hearing this awesome truth that honestly, the wonder doesn’t always wash over me. But maybe if I’d witnessed Jesus’ precious back torn by whips or His strenuous walk bearing the cross on open wounds–His blood dripping from above onto the dust from which He made man–maybe then the wonder of His love would permanently penetrate me every waking minute. Yet even though I lack so much in my response to Him, He loves me still because God is love.

GOD IS CREATOR OF BEAUTY…

I live in a family of artists. Painting, drawing, music, and other art forms touch my life through loved ones. The older I get, the more I  appreciate God-given talent and skill. I love to hear artistry flow through my son’s guitar and my husband’s drums. I’m impressed beyond words with my daughter’s sewing expertise and the dresses she creates. To know God placed these talents in them in the womb makes me smile. Certainly He delights in seeing the results. When we use the abilities God has entrusted to us, we express beauty designed by Him. He’s the ultimate artist, shaping us body and soul.

Gods-Character-300x271

Dear one, are you anxious, afraid, or perplexed? God is faithful.

Do you possess a deficient response to God’s amazing heart? He loves you still. 

Are you using the the incredible skills He wove into the core of your being? YOU are His piece of art.

Treasure these truths with me today.

Emily

 

Top photo credit: Geranium vases 1 step 2ab xero a multi specks via photopin (license)