Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule:
Matthew 15; Mark 8
Matthew 15:10-14
10 And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:
11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
12 Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?
13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
God makes it very clear that the tongue is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. It can be like a fire completely out of control, which devours everything in its path. I believe we have witnessed that in the uncontrolled media and the deceit, detestation, and destruction they have instigated toward our president and conservative values. Maybe you have seen this uncontrolled tongue destroy a marriage, family, church, or workplace. It is sad and completely contrary to the design of God for a society. However, the Devil is a destroyer and He has never been more satisfied than when people choose to be selfish with their tongue.
Jesus tells the Pharisees in our text that a man is defiled by what comes out of the mouth. He makes it clear that they are blinded by their own selfishness, by their own schemes, and by Satan himself. They are clearly in bondage. So why would Christians who are freed from such bondage and have, the Spirit of God to open their eyes and the word of God to direct their tongues, ever fall prey to this tactic? Unfortunately, it is the same reason. Christians often give way to selfishness, schemes, and Satan. They serve their flesh and end up conformed to the world, and a tool of Satan.
May we properly represent the character of Christ by being conformed to His image. May we truly discipline our tongue to speak grace, and use words that edify the person, and brings glory to God. May we seek to be a useful vessel for the Lord instead of a tool of the Devil.
Prayer Requests:
Personal
- Lord, please help me to use words that edify those who hear them.
- Lord, please help me to use words that glorify my Savior.
- Lord, please help me to use words that are consistent with your word.
Political
- Representative Gary Eisen
- Representative Brian Elder
- Representative Jim Ellison