Thursday, January 3, 2013
















January 3, 2013   

Today's Photograph . . . . Bear Print, Alaska  (Marshall M)
Bible Study Verse
James 1:12 
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him. (ESV)

Thoughts
The bear was quick to strike, and Gene Moe found his arm in a vice grip. The giant Kodiak bit into his right arm, just above the elbow, and didn't want to let go.

He fought back, as best as he could, and began to hit and jab his fingers into the bear's ear. This was enough to loosen the bear's clenched teeth. He was able to pull his arm free. A wrestling match ensued and the old hunter found out the hard way that he was in the wrong weight class. The bear easily sent him flying to the ground.

The hungry, determined sow rose up on her hind legs circling her prey waiting to deliver the knock-out punch. Familiar with bear behavior, Gene was ready for the swipe of her claw. The bear missed, but not without slicing his earlobe in the process. Immediately, the frustrated bear dropped to all fours and knocked him flat on his back.

Using his heavy boots he kicked up as hard as he could into the bear's chest. The bear rolled to the side and he sprung to his feet before the bear could get up. The female, who was extremely unhappy that someone would try to stand in the way of dinner, came barreling back at him. She managed to bite into his right leg, just above the knee.

Fighting through the intense pain, he was able to wrap his arms around the head of the deranged beast and began stabbing and slicing into the bear's neck and vertebrae with his knife.

Surprised by this sudden attack, the bloody bear moved just outside of the battle torn arena. Determined to beat down this wounded man, the evil one took one last charge in hopes of finishing off her prey. 

After crying out to God for help, Gene was now armed with a new boldness and confidence. He took on the bear and stood his ground. He did not retreat. His left fist smacked the angry sow square in the nose. The impact from his punch forced the bear to the ground, where her nose burrowed into the moss, which never flinched as he put two bullets into his adversary.
(Michael T)

Action Point
If you are faced with a trial packed with danger, how will you handle it? Will you be defeated or will you stand firm? Will your attitudes and actions bring honor and glory to God the Father?

Only by the grace of God did Gene make it down the mountain. He required massive amounts of treatment and surgery to put his body back together. It was a difficult ordeal for this Christian man to go through, but Jesus Christ sustained him through it all. He was able to remain steadfast through his terrifying ordeal. As a result, God is using his story and personal testimony to bring honor and glory to Him.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Purchase a small first aid kit that you can keep in your backpack. Find some old t-shirts and cut them into long strips to be used as tourniquets. Also, remember that many of your pack items can be used in treating wilderness wounds. Be creative if a situation arises, you can always replace it later.