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

 

Pray for our country.

 

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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