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Emily Wickham

Savior of the World

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“And they were saying to the woman, ‘It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world.’”
John 4:42, NASB

crossSavior of the world … this One … we have heard for ourselves and know.

She went to the well to draw water but ended up being drawn to Christ. He engaged her in conversation. He pursued her heart. He revealed His identity.

In her excitement, this Samaritan woman “left her waterpot” (Jn. 4:28) and declared to the men of her city, “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is it?” (Jn. 4:29). She had discovered the Messiah sitting right near her—this One, Savior of the world. Because she shared her experience, “many of the Samaritans believed in Him” (Jn. 4:39).

But the time came when their belief wasn’t based solely on her word. They heard Jesus with their own ears and understood His message. Convinced of who Christ is, they recognized Him as the Savior of the world.

The Greek word for Savior, soter, is defined as “deliverer” (BLB). God sent His Son with a mission: to die for our sins. Jesus placed Himself on splintered wood, suffered the piercing nails as well as thorns, and paid the excruciating penalty for our sins. Three days later, God raised Him from the dead, proving Jesus’ deity once and for all. By faith in Christ’s Person and work, we’re delivered. But that’s not all—Christ also delivers us from sins we struggle with now. And in a coming day, He’ll deliver us from the presence of sin. Forever.Isn’t this awesome news?!

I want to be like that woman who left her waterpot, a critical vessel for daily sustenance, so she could tell others about Jesus and the living water He gives. I long to impact others with my words so they come to Christ. More than that, I yearn for those in my sphere of influence to “hear” Jesus for themselves and know He is indeed the Savior of the world.

The Savior of the world is alive, and people in each of our cities need to hear about Him through us. May God intensify our passion to share Christ, stirring us to “look on the fields, that they are white for harvest” (Jn. 4:35).

Much love in Christ,

Emily

Image by Brennan Wickham. Used with permission. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved.

El-Shaddai

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“From the God of your father who helps you, And by the Almighty who blesses you…”
Genesis 49:25, NASB

El-ShaddaiDear Friends,

Several days ahead of time, I consider which name of God to write about. I recently decided on El-Shaddai for this particular post.

And oh, it’s so appropriate for what’s going on in my life right now.

Today, hospice approved my beautiful mom for a transitional bed. Depending on her condition, she can stay at the Hospice home for 2-3 weeks. If she improves, we’ll need to move her, but we won’t be surprised if the Lord takes her home soon. She’s not doing very well as her Alzheimer’s disease progresses.

I’m finding much comfort in El-Shaddai—God Almighty.

“Power belongs to God; and lovingkindness is Thine, O Lord” (Ps. 62:11-12). Amen. He holds my mom in His hands. He helps her, and He helps us. Nothing escapes the Lord’s notice. He possesses all power in my family’s situation … and yours. He sovereignly oversees every detail, loving us so wonderfully all the time.

Isn’t that truth incredibly comforting? We don’t belong to a weak or incapable God. Our God is ALMIGHTY.

Whatever situation we face, El-Shaddai possesses all power over it.

Much love in Christ,

Emily

 

photo credit: MAM_7969-2 via photopin (license)

Jesus, Prince of Peace

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“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6, NASB

Jesus,_Prince_of_Peace_picturePeace.

It can be an elusive feeling … like last night when I turned into the Krispy Kreme parking lot. Cars looped around the building as people purchased donuts in a crazy mad rush. Or when I drove down the road, vehicles clogged my typically quiet route. The closer Christmas gets, the more I want to be done “out there” so I can retreat into the solace of my home.

Yet even in our homes—especially in our homes—peace can elude us. Familial tensions, simmering slowly and erupting suddenly, can invade the very place we expect to find peace … particularly during the holiday season.

Then there’s us: individuals filled with purpose or numb without purpose. Pressing and pushing through each day, we crave peace. Sadly, some never reach or attain it. Internal rest eludes them as they stumble along life’s pathway, hoping they’ll eventually find what they’re looking for.

But peace isn’t a feeling—it’s a Person. Peace isn’t a dream—it’s a reality.

On a hustling, bustling night over 2,000 years ago, peace came to earth wrapped in the skin of a tiny baby Boy. In the midst of a government ordered census that created crowds of weary travelers, into a world full of family dramas, and into the human realm comprised of seekers and finders, Peace entered.

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Luke 2:14

His name is Jesus, Prince of Peace.

The Savior of the world IS our peace. We can search our whole lives through, wrestle with truth, and deny ourselves of this pure and perfect One who grants peace. Or, we can place our faith in Him and allow His peace to wash over us. Like gentle water flowing into a parched land, Christ pours peace into the cracked places of our hearts and lives.

JESUS, Prince of Peace. He’s the Way, the Truth, and the Life who reconciles us to God, restoring our relationship with Him.

“For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross…” Colossians 1:19-20

Dear one, are you seeking? Christ is the only One who can blanket your heart with lasting peace. I pray you come to Him today, just as He came to earth so long ago. “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved” (Acts 16:31).

May the peace of Christ reign in our hearts today. Despite the world’s unrest and whatever turmoil exists in our lives, let’s trust the Prince of Peace to settle and sustain us.

Christ’s peace, secured through His blood, eternally wraps us in our Father’s embrace.

Until next time,

Emily

photo credit: Sunset Through Trees via photopin (license)