Listen to the Lord by Susan Barclay

 

This month’s writing prompt talks about the heart “as the core of one’s being, composed of our mind, emotion, and will”, and asks us how we keep or guard our heart. How do we guard our mind? How do we guard our emotions? How do we guard our will?

The mind is a powerful force. Our thoughts direct our actions, so it is important to control our thoughts. While we may not be able to restrain an initial, impulsive thought reaction, we can decide that we aren’t going to continue down that path or dwell in a place of negativity, judgment, or anger. We can rein in our thoughts and redirect them. Scripture tells us to “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8).

Because I have someone in my life whose spirit is often critical, I am frequently reminded of how I don’t want to be. When I find myself responding to others with agitation and irritation (I am only human, after all!), I soon remember to examine my thoughts. Are they true? Are they honourable? Are they right, pure, lovely, admirable? If not, I need to change them. I must recall that my “adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). [W]e are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). The enemy seeks to stir up conflict and division, but God desires us to have an attitude of forgiveness, peace and reconciliation. Recently my husband shared with me an Isabel Allum video (begin at 22:47) that speaks to this, if you would like to watch it.

Emotions are also powerful and action-oriented. We need to pay attention to emotions because they can represent our gut reaction or instincts and at times can save us a boatload of trouble. At other times they can mislead us and put us in danger. God has emotions and we are created in his image. Having emotions or being emotional is not “bad,” however unlike God, our expressions of emotions are not always perfect or holy. We have a sinful nature and live in a fallen world of volatility, subjectivity, and recklessness. I’ll confess that I haven’t striven too hard to guard my emotions, largely because I struggle to be in touch with them and feel that, if anything, they are tamped down already. I did find a couple of what I think are good introductory articles on the subject. Check out these in PsychologyToday and MyWell Being.

What else is powerful? Our will. Just like our mind and emotions, our will drives our actions. Merriam-Webster defines “will” (noun) as a desire or wish, such as a disposition, inclination, appetite, passion, choice or determination. I once heard it said (or read) that “the heart wants what it wants,” a quote I see attributed to Woody Allen but could have been said by anyone. This is an expression of the will: we want what we want, and we do whatever is necessary and in our own power to make it happen, even if it’s to our own or others’ detriment. So we must guard what we want and seek to align our will with God’s. He has good plans for us to give us a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). We should “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). We should remember that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:17). Be careful what you wish for,” the saying goes, because things don’t always work out the way we expect. God’s will is much better than ours; trust in him and he will make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Rich Mullins is a favourite artist of mine and I leave you with this link to his song, Maker of Noses, for reflection. I hope you see the relevancy to our theme and enjoy Rich's writing as much as I do.

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c. Susan Barclay, 2025. For more about Susan and her writing, please visit www.susan-barclay.blogspot.com.

 

Dreaming of Things to Come by Susan Barclay

Getting on the fast-track

As I faced this month's writing challenge, initiated by me, I wondered what I had in mind at the time of suggesting it. Anything? Anything at all? Has God spoken to me about my writing or used it to speak to others about Him in a meaningful way? Is He speaking to me now?

If you count my contributions on Inscribe Writers Online, I have received positive feedback fairly often. Thank you for letting me know when a piece I've written speaks to your heart; it's greatly encouraging!

For this post, though, it's the present I latch onto: "...perhaps He is speaking to you now."

He is speaking to me now indeed. Whether it's about the writing or something else, I'm not 100% sure. What I am certain of is that it pertains to my work and that He is calling me to a new thing. This doesn't mean that I'm to stop what I'm currently doing, that I'm to resign my position at the library or step away from my writing commitments or forget about submitting manuscripts, poems, etc. It does mean that I need to pay attention, to look for doors that might be opening, to listen to the comments of others who may be dropping heavenly hints, to hear what God is saying to me through His Word, and to be in prayer, seeking His direction.

One way He has spoken to me recently is through a dream. While I won't go into its details, and I know that it may sound weird to some, a friend who is gifted in interpretation shared that God is entrusting me with something of great value and is putting me on the fast-track somewhere. Through the dream He says that He hears my heart and it matches His for this particular thing. He is present with me, even if I can't see Him. The dream is about something to come but also has a warning: this is the time to get ready, to prepare. A life-changing moment is coming. He will advise me what to do, and it will be done through Him, supernaturally.

If life has been "interesting" this past year (to say the least), it seems that the wow factor may just be ramping up. My desire is to be in the centre of God's will and to say yes to whatever He has for me. I trust that is the desire of your heart for your life as well. May God bless each of us as we respond in obedience and follow where He leads.

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Susan Barclay maintains a website at www.susan-barclay.blogspot.com and has practically given up on blogging there.

All I Want for Christmas by Susan Barclay

Weeks ago my young adult children started asking what I wanted for Christmas. Of course they wanted ideas of things that are tangible, things their money can buy, whereas the older I get, the less I need or want material objects. I know not everyone is like this - those whose love language is gifts, for example - but as we age, many of us feel the urge to purge and get rid of stuff, rather than accumulate more. The majority of us can buy our own clothing, jewelry, scented items, small appliances, entertainment, etc., and would rather do so than receive something that isn't quite to our style or tastes.

The fact is, the things I really want (for Christmas or sooner!) aren't things at all. 

I was reminded recently of a question Jesus asked in Mark 10. When Bartimaeus cried out for the Son of David to have mercy on him, Jesus said, "What do you want me to do for you?" (v 51). The blind man replied, "Rabbi, I want to see."

I think God asks us the same question when He tells us to "present [our] requests to [Him] (Philippians 4:6b), so lately I've been phrasing my prayers a little differently, albeit with thanksgiving as Philippians 4:6 also instructs.

This is what I want:

I want God to turn the hearts of unsaved family members and friends toward Himself. I want Him to keep pursuing them like the good shepherd He is, rescuing every lost sheep.

I want the Holy Spirit to open eyes, ears, hearts and minds, that unbelievers (especially "mine") might know and receive the Truth about who God is and what God has done for them. I want the Holy Spirit to convict and bring people to repentance that they might experience the fullness of His love, grace, mercy and peace.

I want God to heal people of their hurts, to redeem and restore them, to redeem lost years, to do something new in them. I want Him to protect them from the schemes and plans of the evil one and help them to put on the full armour of God that they might be able to stand against the devil and his darts.

I want Him to heal people physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually so they are free to trust Him completely and live abundant lives, free from fear, anxiety, depression and discouragement. I want Him to give them a hunger and thirst for His Word so they might be nourished, remain in the vine and bear the best, sweetest, juiciest fruit.

I want God's will to be done, in my life and in the lives of those I love, that He might be glorified in us and through us, and that His kingdom might be built on earth as it is in heaven.

1 John 5:14 says, " This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." I believe that my "wants" are within the scope of God's will and so I know He hears me and the answer is already on the way (v. 15). Praise God!

Jesus healed the blind Bartimaeus and gave him the gift of sight. God has read my Christmas list. It lifts from my heart to His like balloons in the sky. All I want for Christmas may be a lot, but nothing is impossible for Him! 

Susan Barclay maintains a website at www.susan-barclay.blogspot.com. She is also the new writing groups coordinator for Inscribe.

Thankful for Cancer by Glynis M. Belec

          I would never ‘in’ this world be glad that I had cancer.  Yet, from a life-learning, God-honouring, spirit-living, ‘out’ of this world, perspective, I am thankful that I did.

          I know that sounds weird and even a little foolish - how can anyone utter those two words in the same sentence; glad and cancer? But I am glad.

          I am not glad that those wretched, devouring cells wreaked havoc in my body. I am not glad that I had to have 6 months of intensive bittersweet poison course through my veins traversing - not differentiating between the healthy and the hideous untoward. I am not glad that my family and friends were sent into turmoil as they tried to figure out how to help.

But I am glad for a million other reasons.

1. God got my attention
2. I learned to lean on Him alone
3. I realized that I am NOT in control of anything
4. I learned to love deeper
5. I learned to speak sweeter
6. I learned to listen better
7. I learned to forgive quickly
8. I learned to judge slowly
9. I found out that some things don’t really matter and it’s not important for me to win all the battles
10.  I learned the value and importance of family
11. I discovered what unconditional love means.
12.  I learned that when I don’t allow people to help me, I am actually stifling the God-given gifts of others
13. I found out that death is nothing to fear
14.  I learned the importance of giving hope to others
15. I found out that God doesn’t need me to defend Him. He just needs me to serve Him.
16. I found out that ‘paying it forward’ is the best way to pay someone back
17. I learned that gratitude is more than an emotion – it is an action
18.  I came to the conclusion that gratitude is also an attitude that can change perspective and promote well-being
19. I learned to give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for me...

          No, cancer is not something I would wish for anyone to go through. But even seven years later as I give thanks to God that he chose for me to survive the battle, I am still learning. God is not finished with me yet, and I know every morning when the sun comes up I am filled with the love of Jesus and the hope in His promises and the peace that passeth all that understanding [that I thought I had.] As I think upon these things I know I have two choices when I roll out of bed – wallow in self-pity, bemoaning all that I have been through and all the troubles that lie in wait OR I can put a smile on my face and say – “Okay, God – what are we up to today?”

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          And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.                                                                                 Colossians 3:15-19

What Concerns Me? -- Sharon Espeseth

James of the New Testament says, "What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."I can identify with that, because right now my life seems to be flying at warp speed and I do feel a bit "misty" about that. Writing to the newly converted Jew, James writes about practical Christianity. But like the rest of God's word, the messages James writes apply equally well today.

As writers, we set goals, make commitments, and accept assignments with deadlines. That is the nature of our work, but some things always, at least often, attempt to throw us off our course. Right now I am going through one of these periods when there are time demands on many fronts.

Commitments have been made, so I will have to juggle my priorities again and maybe gear down on my expectations of what I can do or how well I can do it. Perfections is my old nemesis. Our friend's family history may not read like a Dicken's novel, but it will get done. I will attend my husband's medical appointments. When the kids and grandkids arrive shortly, accomodation and meals will be less than standards at The Ritz, but there will be plenty to eat. I may only get one entry ready for the Inscribe Fall Contest, but one is better than none.

Yes, I'll be short on attaining all my goals and some may be done to a lesser standard, but I will do my best. I will pray for peace of mind, patience, and understanding--of others, even of myself. Thankfully, the love I feel for my family will never be in short supply.

I may be a mist passing briefly through this life, but I still need to do the best I can with the time and talents I have. Crises of time remind me what matters most.

James addresses all Christians when he says, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." To that he adds, "Why, you don't even know what will happen tomorrow." I agree with James totally, but that doesn't excuse me from procrastinating, getting side-tracked, being undisciplined, or wasting precious moments while the mist that is my life evaporates.

If I didn't feel called and gifted to write, I would have given this up long ago. I am passionate about my faith and I try to live as God calls me to live. Through my human frailty, I learn. I grow. If I openly and honestly share my experience with others when I write, I may help them to see how God cares for all of us and watches over us.

When rushed and stressed by pressures, I do more foolish things than normal. Recently I lost my glasses when we were hurrying to an appointment. I thought I had left them at home, but they weren't there. I returned to where we had parked our vehicle in case my specs had fallen off my lap. They weren't there either.

I prayed about it. I asked St. Anthony, patron saint of lost things, to help me find my specs. Next morning, I went back to the spot once more, and there, sparkling with dew were my expensive, trifocal glasses that I really need. I offered a grateful prayer of thanks and praise.

If God calls me to share my experiences with others, I will do that. Speaking of practical Christianity,
James says, "Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins."

Instead of boasting about the goals I will accomplish next month or next year, I will remind myself of James's admonition to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." Putting this verse in writer-ease, I will say, "If it is the Lord's will, I will get this or that written, this or that published."

David the Psalmist said, "The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; . . . do not abandon the work of my hands."

Readings from James 4:13 -- 17 and Psalm 138.8

Redeeming the Time - Ruth L. Snyder

"Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:16 KJV

The above verse is short, but challenging. (If you want to research this verse in detail, check out Biblios). The first part of the verse tells me I need to consciously choose to make good use of my time, every day. The second part of the verse reminds me there are many things which can distract me from making the best use of my time, and many of the distractions will lead me away from God and His purpose for my life.

I am a Christ follower, mother of five young children, wife of a loving husband, a church member, a school board trustee, a piano teacher, a community member, a writer, an InScribe member and executive member, and the list goes on. Each of these commitments brings certain expectations and responsibilities. I have been wrestling with choices lately. How do I know which activities and responsibilities I should take on? Or which ones to get rid of? Other people often have a different perspective. When they criticize me for my choices, how do I respond? I only have limited time and energy. If I say "yes" to everything I enjoy and am interested in, I will go crazy or at very least do a poor job. How do I pick priorities and schedule my days?

When I was in Bible College, a teacher showed me one way of sorting through choices - POGAS

PURPOSE: What is the overarching purpose of my life? The big picture that helps keep the little things in focus? The Westminster Catechism gives one possible example:

"Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God,[1] and to enjoy him forever.[2]"

OBJECTIVES: When I look back on my life, what do I want to be able to say I accomplished? These are the different facets that work together to help achieve my life purpose. Examples could be: Relationship with God, Family responsibilities, and Impact on my community.

GOALS: Under each objective, I should set goals. What do I want to accomplish this month or this year? Some goals will be short term. Some will be longer term. Others may be life long. For example, I am working on reading through the Bible again. I have also just started a new course with Long Ridge Writers' Group, learning how to write a novel. I find it helpful to write my goals out, because it gives me something I can check back on. Even if I need to adjust my goal, it keeps me motivated and consciously working towards something I have decided I want to do.

and SCHEDULE: How can I break my goals up into bite-sized pieces? Every day I have time that I need to use wisely. By using my goals to set my schedule, priorities and choices become easier to make. For instance, in order to read through the Bible in a year, following a daily schedule is helpful. I also need to figure out what time of day works best to do my daily reading and meditation. For me, that means getting up early and having my devotions first thing in the morning. In order to complete my writing course, I have deadlines for assignments. However, it is also helpful to carve out a specific time of day to spend on my writing. With all the responsibilities I have, this is a challenge. However, I have discovered I focus best after I put my younger kids to bed and have an hour or two to devote to writing. If I find I consistently have more to do than fits on my schedule, I need to go back to the proverbial drawing board.

How about you? What have you found helpful when sorting out your priorities and choices? How are you redeeming your time?

Ruth L. Snyder

Check out Ruth's blogs: www.trusteesnyder.blogspot.com (Education information) www.ruthlsnyder.com (Ruth's writing and family life) and www.earlyyearssuccess.com (Information for caregivers of children ages 0-5)

Follow Ruth on Twitter: www.twitter.com/@wwjdr

Walk Hand in Hand With God to Make His Purposes Known - Janice Keats

In the beginning of my search for God, I became very inquisitive. I wanted to know all about God and why I was feeling the struggle of wanting to attend church and at the same time live my life of normality of the world. As time went on I found myself listening to Christian music, reading the Bible, and asking many, many questions. One such question I asked my friend was, “Why is it that when I am in church I feel really good and when I go home I fall into a slumber of emptiness again?” She replied, “You know Jan, you can take Jesus home with you.” After several more months of soul searching, I did take Jesus home with me. Those words have always remained on my mind.

In our Christian journey we are not only to take Jesus home but to take him along with us on our path in life. We are his hands extended. Even though we do not see his physical body walking beside us, we have his awesome power. We have the wonders of old to recollect, and we have his guidance and grace to fulfill his mission.

Jesus saw a need from the days of old. His people, the Israelites, were held in captivity in Egypt. Following the death of Joseph, a new king emerged who knew nothing about Joseph and his supremacy. The king saw that the Israelites became large in number and was threatened by this increase for fear that they may join forces with his enemies. God’s army would be greater and would in turn defeat the Egyptians. So, in attempt to halt God’s army, the king put the slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor. (Exodus 1:8-14)

God had a plan of action. How could God accomplish the task without the help of his people? He knew the need because of their cries to him. “God heard their misery and their crying out because of their slave drivers.” (Exodus 3:7) God hears the cries of pain and misery of his children everywhere, even right where you live. God already has a plan for their release from suffering. Who will go and deliver God’s message of love? Who will take God’s hand and walk into the community of needs? Who can hear the moans and groans of the sick and the lonely? Who will share the heart of God?

Out of compassion, God saw fit to send Moses and Aaron to rescue his people from the hands of the Egyptians. Was the task too hard for them? After all there were being sent to the ruthless one. It was no easy task. God is the leader; he leads the way to safety. He needs our help with his work!!! No one else can go or do with what God has planned specifically for you. It’s no use to tell God that someone else should go. The Lord did not accept that response when Moses suggested it.

If God is specifically speaking to you, he will give to you his power for the journey. God is pleased with His faithful ones. “You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.” (Psalm 77:20)
Look what two people can do with the help from on high!!! The Lord is my Shepherd; the Lord is your Shepherd. The Lord is Shepherd over all. Jump in on the journey and discover for yourself God’s purposes!

Janice Keats

Losses - Lynda Schultz

Loss dogs the steps of our daily lives, darkens the corners of our minds, and squeezes our hearts. Seventeen years ago, on September 26, my father passed into eternity. After such a long time, the date usually passes without too much notice but since I am reading through my father’s devotional book this year, I couldn’t help but be reminded.

Interestingly other events occurred this weekend to heighten the impression. On Saturday morning, I learned that my friend, Nancy, had lost her father the night before—the same date on which I had lost my own dad. Her experience brought back memories of my own.

On Sunday, I got word that another friend of many years had finally succumbed to cancer and was in the presence of the Lord. As I read the glowing words of praise for her life, I was reminded again that those dark corners in our life’s journey need desperately to be tempered by faith, hope and love.

The reading in my father’s devotional book for September 27 gave me a perspective on loss that sometimes gets overwhelmed by loss’s gloom. The author, James Hinton, writes: “Suppose you are bewildered and know not what is right nor what is true. Can you not cease to regard whether you do or not, whether you be bewildered, whether you be happy? Cannot you utterly and perfectly love, and rejoice to be in the dark, and gloom-beset, because that very thing is the fact of God’s Infinite Being as it is to you? Cannot you take this trial also into your own heart, and be ignorant, not because you are obliged, but because that being God’s will, it is yours also? Do you not see that a person who truly loves is one with the Infinite Being — cannot be uncomfortable or unhappy? It is that which is that he wills and desires and holds best of all to be. To know God is utterly to sacrifice self.”*

The style of writing takes a bit of analyzing to make it understandable, but the essence of the message is a reminder that trust in the dark places, as well as those places blessed with light, is essential and is evidenced not simply by a resignation to His plan, but by the embracing of it.

*Daily Strength for Daily Needs, Little, Brown & Company, Boston, 1920