“DEVOTIONALS – T to Z” Lesson 186

Tact: Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger”. Think of the word “tact” as being a “tack” with the pointed barb removed. This will leave only the “head” which holds wisdom which is another word for “tact”. Paul used tact in his preaching in order to win people to Christ (1 Cor. 9:19-23), all for the sake of the gospel, sharing its blessings. He used wisdom and tact in stimulating benevolent giving (2 Cor. 8:15, 9:1-7), and in arraying the two religious factions of the Jews against each other when he was in trouble (Acts 23:3-11). Jesus used the utmost tact when the Pharisees tried to trap Him about paying taxes (Mark 12:13-17). Father, help us to add tact to our faith, along with goodness, knowledge, self-control and brotherly love and kindness.

Unpardonable Sin: Matthew 12:31 – “Blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven”. Blasphemy against the Spirit means someone denies that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Some of the people questioned the authority of Jesus, attributing to Satan the work of the Holy Spirit through Jesus, or rejecting the testimony of the Holy Spirit regarding the person and the work of Jesus (Luke 11:14-16). This is most probably the sin that leads to death (spiritually) spoken of in 1 John 5:16b. Thank you Father, for faith to believe in the Son of God, that we might be called the children of God, having victory in Jesus (1 John 5:1-5).

Vanity: Ecclesiastes 5:7, KJV – “For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities; but fear thou God”. With modern translations of the word “hebel”, the word vanity is replaced with futility (Job 7:3), what is worthless (Job 15:31) or meaningless (Ecc. 5:7). In Hebrew the word hebel refers to lack of permanence rather than lack of value. Hebrew translation means a puff of air, a breath or a vapor (Ps. 39:5, 144:4). The prophet Jeremiah used the word hebel to imply that idols are air like and lacking in substance and warns those who worship idols will become worthless themselves (Her. 2:5, 2 Kings 17:5). Father, even though our lives are but a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes (James 4:14), we praise you, Lord, that our sins to you are the same. “I have swept away your offenses like a cloud; your sins like the morning mist” (Isa. 44:22). Thank you Father!

Watchfulness: Proverbs 8:34-35 – “Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors”. Jesus refers to Himself as the Door by which all must enter (John 10:1-18), and also He is the Watchman who opens the gate. Some of the Scriptural people waiting at the Door for Jesus were the sick gathered at the door of the mother-in-law of Peter wanting to be healed (Mark 1:33), Peter at the door of the courtyard (John 18:16) and Paul at the door the angel opened in the prison (Acts 12:6-11). Figurative meanings are Christ’s coming (Matt. 24:33) and we are warned by Jesus to be watchful because we do not know then He will come again (Matt. 24:42-44). Christ stands at the door and knocks, waiting for you to open your heart to Him (Rev. 3:8). Father, we never want to turn a blind eye to your gospel or plan of salvation. We must be ever watchful for false prophets (Matt. 7:15), keeping watch over ourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made us overseers (Acts 20:28).

Xerxes: Esther 2:1 – “Later, when the anger of King Xerxes subsided, he remembered what he had done”! A great lesson is to be learned from this drinking, self-serving, high tempered king. Anger and pride go hand in hand (Prov. 21:24), as does anger and cruelty (Prov. 27:4). Malice, slander, strife and contention all stem from anger (Col. 3:8, Prov. 21:19, 29:22). Heavenly Father, we must remind ourselves daily to read the writings of James, warning us that the tongue is a restless evil full of deadly poison (James 3:8). Hold tight to our anger, Lord, lest it spew words of irreparable damage from our mouths. Thank you, Jesus, for giving Xerxes as an example to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did (1 Cor. 10:6).

Youth: Psalm 25:7 – “Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways”. The Scripture is filled with youth, children or as Proverbs refers to them, my son, meaning both male and female children. A child is known by his actions (Prov. 20:11), are protected by angels (Matt. 18:10), accepted by Jesus (Matt. 19:14) and are subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by their fathers (Gal. 4:2). A son (child) honors his father (Mal. 1:6) and is a joy to his parents (Prov. 10:1, 15:20). Older members of the Body of Christ are to teach younger women and encourage the young men to be self-controlled (Titus 2:4-6). The prayer of the youth should be that God be in complete control of their lives. It should be the prayer of parents, friends and the more spiritually mature to guide and teach the youth with love and respect. Father, we as youth pray for godly examples to be set before us that we may be a blessing to our parents and elders and glorify God. Father, we as elders pray for your guidance to set this example that our youth, the future leaders of the Body of Christ, will follow the Holy Spirit all the days of their lives.

Zion: Hebrews 12:22 – “You have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the City of the living God”. This is the City John saw when he looked and saw the Lamb and heard the roar of heaven (Rev. 14:1-2). This is the New Jerusalem that will come down from heaven to become our eternal home with God. It will shine with the glory of God, like Jasper, clear as Crystal. Made of pure gold, the foundations decorated with precious stones, and the glory of God will give it light. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will enter (Rev. 21:1-27). Father, thank you for preparing this beautiful City for those who love and accept you! We know you are coming soon and we pray the Holy Spirit keep prompting us to keep the Words of the prophecy of the book of Revelation! “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with God’s people. Amen”. (Rev. 22:2-21).