--Are You Missing The Mark?

--"Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy; when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me."
--[Micah 7:8]
--[Please Read/ Philippians Chapter 3] --

--It was a drizzly winter day. My companions and I were spread out on the round bales of hay behind a neighbor's hay shed, overlooking a hay field on one side and some timber and brush on the other. A perfect setting for hunting coyotes. Suddenly my friend Clay pointed and said, "There's one!" A coyote stood in plain sight, just outside the woods, but it was leery. It turned and started back into the timber, then stopped. My brother shot and missed and the coyote ran off, disappearing into the woods. What a disappointment!

Have you ever missed the mark? Maybe you have a goal, a high point you are trying to reach, but you're not there yet. Perhaps you've fallen into sin; it could be anger, gossip, or impurity in your personal life. You've tried and tried to overcome but have fallen again. Maybe you are a father or minister. Life and circumstances have not gone the way you envisioned, and you feel like a total failure. Or you may be a husband or wife. Your love has cooled, resulting in a tense atmosphere and sharp words.

Do not let Satan discourage you by making you think, "It's hopeless. I'm just a big failure." There is hope! In today Bible reading [Philippians 3], Paul revealed his secret for overcoming no matter what things are in the past. "Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark." Today, make a fresh start toward God! Jesus is our Advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1). He offers forgiveness, cleansing and power to overcome every temptation or sin. Keep your eyes on Jesus and the Cross, where He paid all your sin-debts, by dying for you.

--BSW/NW