Marksmanship
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Marksmanship
Being a good marksman is a science. The good marksman knows everything about what can be expected from his particular firearm. He knows all sorts of information about the bullets that will work best for each situation and in consideration of all sorts of weather factors. But, that is just the beginning. He also needs disciplined and diligent practice; strength to hold his firearm correctly with a strong, controlled grip for proper trigger control; good concentration; knowledge of the proper stance; and the ability to line up on target rightly with his aiming eye.
Championship marksmen have disciplined control and knowledge of how to hit their mark.
The good marksman has to be able to keep his mind and eye on the target. Christians have a target — a goal in mind. It is essential to keep our mind and eye on our target, which is eternal life in heaven with Jesus, the LORD of lords. If we miss Jesus, our target, we will not get the prize.
Just as a champion marksman knows for sure exactly where his bullet will end up, Christians need to know exactly where their faith, hope, and love for Jesus will land them.
As a good Christian, we need to know about what we can expect from God’s word as our appropriate weapon of choice. We need to consider how trust in God’s word is the only way we will be enabled to reach heaven. Other religions and philosophies are no better than a malfunctioning plastic toy. They are totally incapable of hitting the distant target. No champion marksman would ever consider using a toy to hit the bull’s eye hundreds of yards away. That would be totally ridiculous. Likewise, Christians need to realize that it is ridiculous to use cults, false religions and philosophies in their quest for heaven.
As a good marksman needs to have an accurate knowledge of his gun and bullets, the Christian needs to attain accurate knowledge of God’s word and how to use the Bible correctly. You don’t put a .22 caliber bullet into a .50 caliber gun. Likewise, you don’t take a Bible passage out of context and expect it to hold true in dangerous situations. Learn to know the Bible as God has given it to us — not as the sinful human mind desires to twist it.
Good marksmen consider all sorts of weather factors that affect ballistics. Christians also need to consider the effects of the sinful world around us. We need to concentrate on our target and realize the effects of temptations in our lives, false preachers, disastrous situations, and everything else that affects our faith. As a good marksman takes all conditions into consideration, we need to realize how all outside influences will prevent us from hitting our target.
With the right stance on God’s word, a strong grip on God’s truths, diligent practice in learning God’s word, and keeping our eyes on our target, Jesus, we will be sure to receive the trophies of a true champion in heaven. Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us of these concepts,
Let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Let us diligently discipline ourselves to use God’s word rightly with all the power of its truth and keep our eyes on Jesus, as we take aim at eternal life with the Lord. Then, following all the training that God leads us through, we will hit the mark and say, “Hallelujah! My Lord, it is only Your blood shed on the cross that gives me a victorious championship in this life.”
Love,
Margaret
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A Christian devotional to glorify the LORD of lords and God of gods
This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
The word of the LORD is tried;
He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
Psalm 18:30
Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming to the upright.
Psalm 33:1
How blessed are those who dwell in Thy house!
They are ever praising Thee.
Psalm 84:4
Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 107:1
Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
Psalm 105:3
Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that
I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12
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