Passage of the Day:
Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon left, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed. 15 But some of them said, “By Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he is driving out demons.” 16 Others tested him by asking for a sign from heaven. 17 Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall. 18 If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? I say this because you claim that I drive out demons by Beelzebul. 19 Now if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your followers drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. 20 But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you, Luke 11:14-20.
Reflection:
Following the Industrial Revolution of the late 1800’s, America had the technology to create a light bulb that would last 100 years like the Centennial Light. Meanwhile, in the early 1900’s, doctors and scientists joined forces to develop vaccines for diseases which once was a death sentence to those who contracted it. Unfortunately, in this age of political correctness, modern medicine isn’t what it once was. While there may be some birth related conditions that cause children and adults to stutter, Jesus shines light on the spiritual realm in today’s passage. If a demonic spirit was preventing a first century individual from speaking, perhaps a similar spirit may be the root cause for those battling stuttering today. This may be what’s got your tongue.
Prayerful Action:
Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. 11 What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them,” Matthew 15:10-11.
Setting Clear Boundaries to Live By:
Stammering or Stuttering is one of those childhood conditions that has a tendency to stick around into adulthood. While there are breathing exercises that have helped slow stuttering fits, this is one of the most frustrating disabilities for those who love to talk. Despite my initial fears of embarrassment, I continued to volunteer to pray at public events or meetings. I recall numerous Christians who placed their hands on my shoulder as I wrestled to get a word out of my mouth. If you surround yourself with caring and loving believers, may the root of what’s got your tongue is brought to light. Pray for the loosening of these tongues and if necessary, the casting out of the demon/spirit preventing you from expressing yourself.
Song of the Day:
Desperate times call for desperate measures. May the words of today’s song give you hope to help you better understand what’s got your tongue.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 