Devotions with Pastor Marty DeVader

The Greek word Sin hamartia (G264) is derived from the root word hamartanō (G266) which historically was an archers term that means to "miss the mark".
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Archery is one of those things that will always be a part of my life, I have enjoyed this sport from the very beginning when I first started shooting. Many years ago I connected with some Christian brothers and we started On Target for Christ. The concept is to use archery as a tool to connect with youth, sharing with them my past and how negative choices almost took my life. The main focus of the ministry is to share the gospel with those who may not have a relationship with the Lord. Allowing those who may not be gifted in the sports arena to try a sport that anyone could do with some proper teaching and practice. Its like our relationship with the Lord, proper teaching and practice.

A man’s heart plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9

We can think in our minds all we want that we have life figured out, but in the end we learn that we really don’t have life figured out. It is only by the power of the blood of Christ, the grace and mercy that we receive are we able to be On Target. We all miss the mark from time to time, we are human. When our focus is on the cross and not the world we can have a better view of where our aim should be.

10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

 Where have we placed the desires of our hearts? Who do we turn to in this life that we live?  I have found that in sharing what Christ has done in my own life  and the scars I carry are healing to another. I have watched a simple ministry change someone from not feeling worthy to someone who finds they are worthy, through the shed blood of the cross and the grace and mercy of a loving Father who knows that we will miss the mark but yet he loves us all the more. That their identity is in Christ not who the world says they are. 
It’s really cool to watch someone change in front of you and to see the transformation of a life changed. But more than that to watch them over time grow into the person God created them to be is really, really cool.
I have heard it said that the two most important days of our lives are “The day we are born, and the day we find out why we were born.”  May we through prayer and faith in God be the person who helps another find the “Why“ in their lives.

Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman; And I was daily His delight,
Rejoicing always before Him, Proverbs 8:30

Have an amazing day!
Marty