Jesus performed yet another miracle. A man who could not speak was healed.

The crowd was amazed.

Yet some among them began to question the source of Jesus’ power. Others demanded he perform yet another miracle. As Jesus addressed their skepticism, countering their unbelief with great insight and wisdom, a woman in the crowd interrupted the debate. While there were those in the crowd who were more concerned about how this man was healed, questioning the source of Jesus’ spiritual authority, this woman stayed focused on the miracle itself.

A man who had suffered, who was unable to speak, was miraculously healed! The man who couldn’t speak a word could now praise the Lord with his own voice.

So with her voice, she shouted out to Jesus,

“Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.”                        (Luke 11:27 NIV)

Then Jesus immediately replied with these amazing words,

“But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” (Luke 11:28 NLT)

With this simple statement we see how important it is to the Lord that we put into practice His Word.  He bestows great blessing upon those who are not just “hearers” of God’s Word but are “doers” of it.  How imperative it is not just to say we are a Christian, but to be a Christian. For the truths of the Scriptures to become our way of life. To live our faith!

And that is not always easy. Why? Because of the thorns.

In one of Jesus’ most memorable parables, The Sower, he addressed the challenge of God’s Word being put into practice. Using the analogy of seeds being planted, Jesus warned us about the thorns.

 “Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants.  (Luke 8:7 NIV)

Then Jesus explained what the thorns represented.

“The seed among the thorns represents those who listen and believe God’s words but whose faith afterwards is choked out by worry and riches and the responsibilities and pleasures of life.” (Luke 8:14 TLB)

Another translation puts it this way:

“. . . but as time passes, the daily anxieties, the pursuit of wealth, and life’s addicting delights outpace the growth of the message (God’s word) in their hearts. Even if the message blossoms and fruit begins to form, the fruit never fully matures because the thorns choke out the plants’ vitality.”     (Luke 8:11 Voice)

Today my desire is to be transparent before the Lord. To look closely at these Scriptures – His “words” to me – to identify the thorns in my life that are sapping my spiritual vitality and need to be removed.  Where do my priorities need to be shifted? Where does my focus need to be changed?

Lord, reveal to me the thorns in my life. I want to live my faith more authentically. I want to be who I say I am with greater vitality. I want to hear your Words clearly and put them into practice – and be blessed.

NOTE:  Chapters 10-12 of “A Hand On My Shoulder” are now posted.  In these chapters M.D. Beall shares how she received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and began the journey of becoming a pastor.