Near Misses

"MISS!" Enemy boats surrounded on every side yet nary a hit.

Close did not get me the victory.

It just gave me another peg to add to a sea of white pegs. Reminders of all my other missed calls. Hopefully they will prevent me from repeating the same errors.

Yet another defeat - thankfully it was just a game of Battleship!

Make every effort to live in peace with all men

and to be holy;

without holiness

no one will see the Lord.

[Heb 12:14]

Can the same be said of living a holy life? Thankfully God gives us grace for our failed attempts at godly living. How can I avoid the near hits that fall short? Here's what I found:

1) Reverence for God

"Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." [2 Cor 7:1]

2) Obedience to God

"This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." [1 Jn 5:3-5]

3) Reliance upon God

"The men of Israel were subdued on that occasion, and the men of Judah were victorious because they relied on the LORD, the God of their fathers." [2 Chronicles 13:18]

Reverence ~ Obedience ~ Reliance. All three help to ensure a hit in the holiness department everytime. Now if I could only find that Patrol Boat - "J1!"

Most Holy Father; I praise You Jesus, the Holy One of God, for You are our holiness. Give me wisdom to fear You, strength to obey You and faith to trust You. Holy Spirit, perfect holiness in my life and grant me aid to clothe myself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. In Jesus Holy Name, Amen