DON'T TALK ABOUT IT, DO IT! by Margaret Baldwin

 “How happy are those who hear the word of God and obey it!” Luke 11:28 (GNT)

Did you realize that Jesus says you can be more blessed than his own mother, the Virgin Mary, is/was—the woman who was impregnated by the Holy Spirit and gave birth to the Son of God? I learned that as I studied several translations of the above text in its context.

Jesus was teaching crowds of people when one listening lady became so filled with emotional intensity that she spontaneously raised her voice and called out a blessing on Jesus' mother for having given birth and nurture to Him. Jesus heard her clearly and immediately responded with BUT “Blessed—happy and 'to be envied'--rather are they who hear the Word of God and obey and practice it!” (The Amplified Bible)

When you listen, do you truly hear? To me this means swallow it, consume it, analyze it, rehearse, digest, and attempt to encompass it--look at all sides of it and comprehend its various extended values. God's Word is life (John 6:63). I want enjoyable life, and I want it abundantly, (John 10:10) “to the full, till it overflows.” (The Amplified Bible) I want to be blessed, happy and envied by others when I am actually acting on what I believe. I want to be constantly living in Him so closely and intimately that I will sense His daily direction, His urgent prodding and His thrilling commendation. I want to sense His pleasure in accompanying me in that obedience, in living that solid, Christ-life daily.

Can you imagine being in such a loving relationship with Jesus that you thrill with His excitement in your spiritual growth?   Can you imagine being energized by His commendation of your commitment?  Can you imagine experiencing His peace and pleasure in your fellowship?  Can you imagine being so wrapped in His love and contentment that others will be drawn to you?  They may notice you are different, and want to know how you got that way. Perhaps they might even envy your ability to live an open, Jesus-centered, flourishing and joy-filled life.

Let's start practicing the Word! Being a musician and music teacher, to me means DAILY, “twenty-four-seven”—PRACTICE! The result will be the Holy Spirit impregnating your heart and mind with Himself. You will be living Christ's life within the exquisite parameters of your own personality, education, interests, hobbies, talents and chosen life work. You will become the most attractive and unique YOU possible. And you may be envied! Just enjoy it!

M.B.

Think about it:  What words of Christ do you need to act on today?