September 20, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . I Like To See What's At The Bottom Before I Leap . . . My Decisions Were Mine And Not The Ramblings Of The Crowd (NPS)

Bible Study Verse

Isaiah 56:1

"Maintain justice and do what is right, for My salvation is close at hand and My righteousness  will soon be revealed." (NIV)

 

Thoughts

With all that is going wrong in the world today, with all that is evil, with all that is tempting, it's not easy to have morals or stand for what we as individuals believe in.  

 

Society wants us to conform.  Conform to their ways.  It's easier, it's better, so they tell us. 

 

That's where I differ.  The easier way is seldom the correct way. Just because other people jump off a cliff, I like to see what's at the bottom before I make the leap.  

 

Stand for what YOU believe in and pass that on to your kids.  Make a stand, take a stand and do not waiver if in your heart you feel you are just!!! 

(Jim C)

 

Action Point 

As an only child, I remember being an outsider to a group of so called "friends" because I would not go along with what they were doing.  I was teased and laughed at.  

 

Thank you God for those early experiences!!!  Those circumstances made me stronger. As I grew stepping out from the crowd and doing and saying what I believed in became easier.  I learned that by trusting my heart and my "gut" that not only could I sleep at night. My decisions were mine and not the ramblings of the crowd. 

 

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Calling to geese on a short reed goose call, takes time, patience and a lot of practice. In a hunting scenario remember that there is no "stage calling required." Calling to people never put many geese in the freezer! Practice on your honks, clucks and moans that will help you to be a better more consistent hunter.

September 19, 2012

Today's Photograph . . . . Sometimes The Best Place For Your New Duck Call Is, In Your Pocket  (NPS)

Bible Study Verse

Deuteronomy 20:1 

When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, Who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. (NIV)

Thoughts

This verse can apply to so much.  There are many ways to go to war.  There are days when it feels like I'm outnumbered by simply going into work!  

Just the hectic lives we lead can make us feel outnumbered and surround by chariots that are not our own.   

Keep your eye on the prize; stay focused on who is in charge.  I'm saying this for my sake as well as yours.  God is with us!!!

(Jim C)

Action Point

No matter how busy you are or how overwhelmed you can become, take a minute, take a breath, look to God, and ask for comfort.  

You will be surprised at how, by putting Him first, your objectives become so much clearer and your focus returns. 

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Thank God for duck season!  One of the best tips I ever received when I first started hunting is that sometimes the best place for your new duck call is, in your pocket!  If the ducks are coming in on their own, don't call to them, let them come!

September 18, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . God Is, Was and Always Will Be The Answer   (MQ)

Bible Study Verse

Psalm 44:1

We have heard it with our ears, O God; our ancestors have told us what you did in their days, in days long ago. (NIV)

 

Thoughts

Reading through the Bible and seeing what Jesus did in those days, I wonder how people of today would act.  We are a sinful group with more faith in man at times.  Those times never prove to be a solution to anything.  

(Jim C)

 

Action Point

Sometimes when you have a day that makes you so angry, you can feel yourself shake.  It might be a good idea, to get away from the situation that has put you in that mood.  Walk in the woods, down a quiet path and ask God to talk with him for a bit.  

 

The calming sensation can clear your head and lead you to a better situation with clearer thinking. 

 

God, is was and always will be the answer.  Put your trust in Him!!!  

 

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

After losing a fish that you just hooked, take a second, a deep breath and don't let it ruin your day. Think about why it could have happened, realize it did, and move on. There are plenty more fish in the sea.  

September 17, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . You Must Without Question Stand   (MQ)

Bible Study Verse

Psalm 37:5 

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this. (NIV)

Thoughts

Sometimes it is not easy when others say one thing and you feel differently.  

There are times that no matter what you say, the facts and logic that you present will never change their mind, or at least see your point. 

If your cause is rooted in God, the results in the end will be in your favor.

(Jim C)

Action Point
Do not give in to peer pressure. You must without question stand for something, or you will fall for anything.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Know your limits of whatever you fish or hunt for. Stick to those limits and be an example to those around you.

September 16, 2012

Today's Photograph.... Friction Can Be A Good Thing (MQ) Bible Study Verse Philippians 2:1-4 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. (NIV) Thoughts We read and hear a lot about friction between Christians and atheists, Christians and Muslims, and Christians and other groups. We also sometimes experience friction between Christians, whether it's husband and wife, two co-workers, or people in the church. We even see some of it in the Bible. The solution to conflict is very simple - it's to look out for the interests of the other person. Remember - the grace we have been given is grace we don't deserve. We should return that grace to other people. (Steve S) Action Point Did Christ experience conflict? We only have to recall the Easter story to know the answer is yes. So, we won't always avoid conflict. But with those who have the same goals, the same purposes, and the same Lord, we can live at peace by keeping those goals and purposes in mind. We need to remember that the mission Christ calls us to is larger than any of us.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Friction can be a good thing. When camping on a cold night, get into your sleeping bag and create friction to get warm. You'll be surprised how much warmth you can create by rubbing your legs and feet together.

September 15, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . HE Wants Us To Be Content With What We Have and Be Able To Share Our Resources To Help Others  (MQ)

Bible Study Verses

Mark 10: 21-22

Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," He said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me." At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. (NIV)

Thoughts
The excitement and anticipation starts weeks before the season begins. Over the years, elk camp has gotten more and more comfortable:

• The kitchen tent has plywood tables and counters, bear proof upright cabinets, running water to the kitchen, and corral from a hose in a stream above the camp 
• The sleeping tents all have woodstoves, gas lanterns, and cots with foam mattresses.  
• The biffy is almost as nice as home. (Lacking a few things, of course) 

Packing into camp seems to take a few more horses every year. We've even got a few more mules in the past few years because they carry heavier loads. 

(Tom L)

Action Point
It seems like we add a few more things to our lives every year. The question is:  Are all these things wants or needs? I know I have to ask myself this question often. Do we really need to upgrade our fishing and hunting equipment or is the equipment doing the job? Are there people in the community that don't have the essential needs that can benefit from our help?

The rich man in the scriptures was obsessed with his riches. He wasn't willing to make any sacrifices. 

Jesus wants us to have the right attitude about our possessions. He wants us to be content with what we have and be able to share our resources to help others.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Because of the uneven terrain and mountain trail switchbacks, make sure you practice mounting your horse from both sides. 

September 14, 2012    Today's Photograph . . . . How Much Are We Willing To Do and How Far Are We Willing To Go To Worship Jesus   (Tim B)

Bible Study Verses Matthew 2:1-2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the East came to Jerusalem  and asked, "Where is the One Who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him." (NIV) Thoughts Prior to the elk season two of my hunting buddies moved away. Being 65 and hunting elk in bear country, I decided not to pack in on horseback to my favorite elk hunting area. Instead, I decided to team up with my pastor and to do a lot of hunting on foot.  We walked for miles tracking elk. We did a lot of glassing and scouting looking for elk feeding in the evening and hoping to catch them in the same meadow early in the morning. That was the toughest elk season I had ever hunted. We were willing to put in hundreds of hours and miles to harvest an elk. (Tom L) Action Point How much are we willing to do and how far are we willing to go to worship Jesus? The Magi traveled approximately 500 miles to see Jesus and presented valuable gifts as a religious act of worship.     Let's evaluate our efforts:  Is our worship for Jesus real?  Is our worship a true act of expressing reverence to God?  Are our priorities in order? (God 1st, family 2nd, job 3rd, etc.)  According to John 4:24, Do we worship in spirit and truth?  Do we worship the God revealed in the Bible through Jesus Christ?  Is our worship more than an outward motion?  Do we TOTALLY submit ourselves to God? Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When looking for sheds, use your binoculars to scan the hillsides. You'll cover a lot more ground.

September 13, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Pray Asking, God Will Give You Passion and Opportunities To Share Christ    (Sharon L)

Bible Study Verses

Matthew 9: 36-38

When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field." 

Thoughts

When visiting my son and his family in the Florida panhandle, we try to spend several days fishing on the 1400 ft. Navarre pier. We generally fish for redfish, king and Spanish mackerel, sheephead, pompano, and whiting. 

Starting in March, hundreds of cobia fishermen hang out on the pier for hours sight fishing for the prized cobia. When one is sighted, they run down the pier toward the fish casting their bright colored jigs hoping to catch one of these large and aggressive cobias. I have never seen such passion to harvest a fish.

(Tom L)

Action Point

Passion is a strong intense emotional desire that leads to an action. Jesus' journey to the Cross has been called the Passion. He paid the price to redeem us and save the lost. 

Matthew 9:37b tells us, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few," (NIV).  

Start with prayer and God will give you that passion. Pray for the lost and God will also give you opportunities to witness.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
When fishing the ocean, carry a resource to identify your catch. There are size and seasonal restrictions.

September 12, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . More Than The Fear Factor Of God's Justice Should Be The Love Of Christ In Our Hearts For Others   (MQ)

Bible Study Verses

Matthew 25: 34-36, 41

Then the King will say to those on His right hand, "Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:  for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me." 

"Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.' " (NKJV)

Thoughts
During last year's bow season we saw quite a few elk. I drew on five elk, but never had a good shot to vitals, so I passed on all five shots. Bow hunting did give me an opportunity to learn where the elk were located, thus giving us an advantage to the beginning of the rifle season. I was especially looking forward to the rifle season because two of my friends from Minnesota were coming to Wyoming to hunt with me.

 On opening day we saw some cow elk. I knew there were bulls in the area because we had seen them just days before. 

That afternoon prior to the evening hunt, I was hospitalized for kidney stones. After a couple of weeks the stones were removed surgically. Fortunately, one of my friends was able to connect on a nice bull.  

Not being able to hunt with my friends and sitting around the house for a couple of weeks was disappointing, but looking at the big picture, the whole ordeal turned out to be a blessing. 

The visitation and encouragement that I received from my friends, pastor, and church family made me realize why it was so important in Christ's ministry. The Lord had changed my heart to be more sensitive and encouraging to those who are sick or in need. 

(Tom L)

Action Point
The Lord makes it clear in Matthew 25: 34, 41 what the outcome will be based on our attitude toward others in need. More than the fear factor of God's justice should be the love of Christ in our hearts for others that should motivate our actions. 

Spend time in the Word, in prayer, and in fellowship. Visit the sick, elderly and serve those in need. Bring a dish, dessert, and the communion elements. Both of you will be truly blessed!!!  

 

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day 

The doctors attributed the kidney stones to severe dehydration. While pursuing any game, take time to hydrate often.

September 11, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . May We Keep God Truly The One In Whom We Trust  (MQ)

America Remembers . . . September 11, 2001

Bible Study Verse
Malachi 3:12
"And all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land," says the Lord of hosts. (NKJV)

  

Thoughts
September 11, 2001, the day that the United States of America was attacked by 19 foreign terrorists. Two-thousand, nine-hundred ninety-eight people were killed, and not only Americans. Over 80 different countries mourned their own nationals who were among the casualties. It was a tragic day in world history.

The United States of America stands tall as the land of the free and the home of the brave. We stared tragedy in the face and solemnly reacted when war was declared on us. For the safety of all Americans and in defense of freedom, we transferred that war from our turf to the sands from which it emerged.

Throughout our nation's history, we have won freedom for millions, both here and abroad. We stand in the line of fire against tyranny. We sacrifice uncountable numbers of our own for liberty and justice around the world. We embrace and lift up impoverished nations. We establish democracy where no one dares think it possible. We are truly a blessed nation, a delightful land. Our enemies know this. Too many nations loathe it. But some do, indeed, recognize it and gladly call us friend. 

(Don H)

Action Point
These words in Malachi are a promise God gives to those who fully trust in Him. It's actually part of a series of promises God makes. In Malachi 3:10, He challenges people to bring all the tithes into the storehouse and to try Him in this--if He will not pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. 

May we as a nation keep God truly the One in whom we trust.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Keep copies of The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and The Bill of Rights near your reading area or with your Bible. Read them often. Christians should be on the front line of knowing the contents of these precious documents.  

Please pray for our upcoming presidential election .. . . America needs God's help more than we have ever needed Him before . . .

September 10, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Give People The Most and Watch God's Blessings Heaped . . . (MQ)

Bible Study Verse

Proverbs 11:1 

Dishonest scales are detestable to the Lord, but an accurate weight is His delight. (HCSB) 

Thoughts

Some days the conditions and ability of my charter anglers require me to fish with live shrimp to maximize catching opportunities. Bait camps operators make most of their living on the sale of bait, especially shrimp.

You can buy it by the pint ($15), or quart ($20), or by the shrimp ($.25) in some bait camps in Corpus Christi. Normally, with three anglers, two quarts will get it done. 

However, if you buy from Rawlings Bait Camp in Matagorda, a quart and a pint are plenty. For years Rawlings has been known to give you more than you pay for, and the quality of the shrimp are the best in Matagorda. That's a tribute to Mike Talasek, who runs the place and catches the shrimp.

(Bink G) 

Action Point

Anything detestable, dishonest or shady is not from God. If you claim to be a follower of Christ, everything you do should be of the utmost to glorify God. Naysayers are always watching, waiting, looking at how you react to certain situations. The world says it is alright to lie, cheat and steal - some claim it is "normal business." However, Christians live by a different code of conduct. If you claim to be a follower of Christ, yet follow the ways of the world, your faith is worthless.

You want the most for your money, so give people the most and watch God's blessing heaped on you for honoring Him.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Keep live shrimp alive in the heat of the summer by keeping the water cool with cubes of ice. Cooler water holds more molecules of oxygen, which keeps shrimp frisky.

September 9, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Seek The Maker Of The Stars, Not The Stars . . .   (MQ)

Bible Study Verses 

I Timothy 4:7-8

But have nothing to do with irreverent and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in godliness, for

the training of the body has a limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. (HCSB)

Thoughts
As a former college and professional baseball player, I saw superstition daily: 

• Never wear the same shirt under the uniform - without washing it - during a hitting streak. 
• Never eat a certain meal, like chicken (Wade Boggs), before a game. 
• Never losing the thoughts there were hexes put on their bats when they were in a slump.
• Never putting on your socks unless you put on the right sock first. 
• Never touch the foul line - that was a definite no-no.
• Never calling the manager "coach"

 (Bink G)

Action Point
There is an old mariner's tale that says bananas on boats bring bad luck. There are a few friends of mine in the chartering business who take it to heart and get really upset when a customer brings the yellow fruit on board. I kind of have fun with it and hide a banana occasionally on my buddy's boat to get a rise out of him. 

Why do so many look to the stars, horoscopes and psychics to find the answers to life? The world may be changing, but the Word has not and will not. Seek the Maker of the stars - not the stars. 

 

Back to baseball, my ritual was to draw a cross in the dirt at home plate before every at-bat. It wasn't a superstitious act, just an act of honor and reverence. Did I get a hit in every at-bat? Of course not - there was only one Man who walked on water!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

When taking kids fishing, take lots of snacks to keep them occupied in case the action is slow. Yes, bananas are acceptable. 

September 8, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . I Knew It Was Because God Was There Too   (MQ)

Bible Study Verse

Exodus 4:1  

Then Moses answered, "What if they won't believe me and will not obey me but say, 'The Lord  did not appear to you'?" (HCSB)

Thoughts

Moses was afraid to accept the challenge God gave him to lead the Israelites out of the bondage of Egypt. 

To prove to Moses and the rest of the Israelites that God was in charge, He told Moses to throw down his staff, which turned into a snake. 

Here is the tough part for me, God then told Moses to pick it up by the tail. 

Moses did, and the snake became the staff again; however, the staff was no longer a shepherd's staff, but a staff for leading God's people to the Promised Land.

(Bink G)

Action Point

God challenges us from time to time to leave our comfort zones and take a leap of faith and obey His will. It would definitely take an act of God for me to pick up a snake by the tail. 

As anglers, we all have our favorite fishing spots; and, we fish these spots 90 percent of the time. We rarely look at new water for fear of failure, especially when we have paying customers.

God challenged me one day to seek out a dear friend who was having family problems. Honestly, I did not want to do it - I wanted to stay out of it. But, God burdened me to leave my comfort zone and talk to my friend about being a godly man and doing what is right. 

My friend, a proud man, was very receptive to the discussion; and, I knew it was because God was there too, leaning against the truck with us.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Fishing on days when the weather is not the most conducive to catching makes us better anglers. We must seek out new water and read patterns and tides to find fish. In the process we become better fishers, and add a few coordinates to the GPS. 

September 7, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Because The Next Day The Wind . . .  (MQ)

Bible Study Verses

Proverbs 27:1-2

Don't boast about tomorrow, for you don't know what a day might bring. Let another praise you, and not your own mouth - a stranger, and not your own lips. (HCSB)

Thoughts

In the charter boat business, one day you might be a hero with full limits, then the next day conditions change, the fish don't bite, and you struggle. You can spot a rookie guide from a mile away when he struts around the dock with a cooler full of fish and proclaims himself as the greatest. Then, on a tough day, he tucks his tail between his legs and mopes.

The truth of the matter is, we all have great days, good days, average days, slow days and downright poor days. The veteran guide knows this, and keeps his cool and confidence when things are going good and when it is tough to get a bite.

(Bink G)

Action Point

Proverbs was written as a practical guide to everyday living. The above scripture instructs us to be humble in our successes, because the next day the wind may be blowing 25 knots from the southwest, or the fish may not be hungry. 

Nobody likes the clamor from the self-righteous. If you must boast, boast in the Lord, even if you only have a few fish to clean.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

When fishing conditions are tough, it is even more important to know your tides and moon phases. The fish may only bite for an hour that day, so you better be there when they feed.

September 6 , 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Fog Traveling The Cumberland Gap  (NPS)

Bible Study Verse

John 14:6 

Jesus answered, 

"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (NIV)

 

Thoughts

There's something magical about hiking in a historical area! As my family and I hiked several trails in the Cumberland Gap on the borders of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia this past year, we found ourselves surrounded by a sense of awe and wonder at what the past held in that very gap. 

We stood peering around in the middle of a 12mile-long opening of the Appalachian Mountains. For hundreds of miles to the north and hundreds of miles to the south, the Appalachian Mountains seemed impenetrable to the early settlers. 

Daniel Boone had been sent out through this wilderness to explore and carve a road to Kentucky and the Ohio River Valley. With 35 men at his side, they cut down trees and developed a road that wagons could travel. Access to the West became an option for the pioneers due to the labor of these men. As many as 200,000 to 300,000 immigrants passed through on the Wilderness Road.

During the Civil War, this same gap was a key to travel for both the North and the South as it served as an entry point to both sides. Supplies and troops made their way to the other side through this gap, on some occasions even crossing through the gap at the same time and leading to skirmishes along the way. Though no major military battle occurred here, the fortifications located in the gap changed hands four different times by the time the war was over. It was an important location in our nation's history! It was the only way through to freedom--freedom that the West could bring for immigrants and settlers, and freedom for a country united, rather than torn apart. 

(Dave M)

Action Point

We frequently celebrate the founding of our country and the freedom that it holds dear; but we have a daily opportunity to celebrate the freedom that we have in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the only way through to true freedom. He broke the chains of bondage through His shed blood at Calvary. If you have not accepted Him as your Savior, make today the day--the day of freedom!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

When hiking through a historic area, it's a nice surprise to your hiking party to pull out a small book or pamphlet that details the history of the exact spot you that you're hiking. Besides that, it's a break!

September 5, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . We Know Ahead Of Time That We Are Headed Into Dangerous Territory Before We Ever Arrive . . .  (Dave M)

Bible Study Verses

Genesis 18:16-17 

When the men got up to leave, they looked down toward Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way. Then the Lord said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? (NIV)

Thoughts

At the beginning of a hike, there is always a sense of anticipation and excitement for our family as we begin to pack up to head out. Usually, we'll have our water bottles all filled up, back packs filled with emergency medical supplies, snacks to keep everyone energized, and a map in hand to figure out where we're going. 

Oftentimes, there is a sign at the trailhead to give last minute details and warnings about the trail ahead. The most unique trailhead I've ever encountered was at Parker Ridge, up by the Athabasca Glacier near Jasper. As we headed up the trail, the trailhead sign showed an image of what looked to be bomb. 

As we approached the sign, sure enough, there was a detailed explanation given on this sign about how this area had been a practice range for the military to drop bombs back in the World War II era. Unfortunately, not all of the bombs exploded on contact, and there were some still left in the area. The sign instructed all hikers to report any sightings of bombs and not to go near them.

(Dave M)

Action Point

There are times in our lives where we know ahead of time that we are headed into dangerous territory before we ever arrive:  

•  A delicate family situation dealing with difficult personalities. 
• A serious illness that will require all your efforts to get through. 
• A troublesome parenting problems during the teen years.

  . . . whatever the situation, you know it's coming!!!  As a believer in Christ, the best thing we can do with these difficult situations is to take them to God in prayer. 

Why wait until something bad happens? Start praying ahead of time: 

• Ask God for wisdom and for Him to lead you through. These situations are difficult enough - don't face them alone. 
• Ask God to walk with you through every aspect of it and to daily meet your needs. 
• Ask for God to miraculously use you in the midst of turmoil. 

Often, this is where God does His greatest work - for you and others.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
If the wind is too much while you are hiking, build a wind break by stacking stones on top of one another until it's high enough to break the wind for you. 

September 4, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Don't Let The  . . . . Hold You Back or Define Your Life   (ESRL NOAA GOV)

Bible Study Verses

Genesis 45:4-7

Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping.  But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.  (NIV)

Thoughts

The southern part of Michigan, for the last couple of decades, has been known to produce the largest bucks in our state. The food supply is great there, since it is a big farming area. There are lots of cornfields, bean fields, and hay fields. It's a perfect smorgasbord for any white tail buck looking to grow to his maximum potential.

Right smack dab in the middle of this area is an old shell of a house. It sits right in the middle of a corn field. Back in the 70's when the economy was booming in Michigan, a family started to build a beautiful house that would be surrounded by cornfields, wildlife, and especially - big bucks. However, things didn't work out the way they had dreamt, and they had to stop building the house.

Today, it still stands unfinished in the very spot dreams were supposed to have been lived out. All that is left is a shell.

(Dave M)

Action Point

Life takes its toll doesn't it? We all have had dreams about what we wanted life to be. Some of them have probably come true, and some of them haven't. Unfortunately though, some people stop living when their dream is unfulfilled. Life goes on, and they continue to exist, but in their heart of hearts - they haven't moved forward from the failure of their dream. They have become a shell. On the outside, they look the same, but on the inside - they are simply numb and incomplete. 

Being a believer requires us to move forward and not dwell in the past! Each day - every day is a day that God has given to us to live out and make a difference for Him. No matter the hurt of the previous day, week, month, or years, we must move forward with God!!! 

If we don't move on, we prevent ourselves from being useful in the present. Maybe, just maybe . . . God wants to take your broken dream and have you help someone else who is, also, in the midst of a broken dream or life. 

Don't let the failure of your dream hold you back or define your life. Don't become a shell!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of  the Day
Check to see if your area has a food bank that will accept your wild game . . . deer, elk, moose, ducks, fish . . . I know in our area, our local soup kitchens and shelters are very appreciative of food donations made to them. 

September 3, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Debt   Free!!!   Real   Men   Choose   Jesus    (MQ)

Bible Study Verse

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV)  

 

Thoughts

When we're not off hunting or fishing, we all work for a living. I know, more time hunting, less time working! We trade our time, knowledge, skills, or expertise for money, our wages. We earn our wages; they're due us for what we do.

In addition to our wages, many of us have taken on debt to have a house, a car, maybe to put the kids through college. We earn money to pay off these debts, but for some reason, we never seem to get debt free. 

Now, suppose that you are at work and an individual walks up to you and hands you an envelope. Inside the envelope is a check made out to you, for enough money to pay off all of your debts so that you'll never have to work another day in your life! But, here's the catch:

• You have to quit your job.
• You have to give up your steady wages.

What would you do? Would you accept the gift, and go home to your family rejoicing for your good fortune? Or would you tell the stranger to give the gift to someone else and keep right on working because you're a real man who is going to do this on your own?

(Cliff S)

Action Point 

Well, God has given us a choice. We can work forever to try to pay the debt of our sins, and fail, and die in those sins. Or, we can accept His gift, the gift of salvation through Jesus' death on the Cross, and have forgiveness for all of our sins and eternal fellowship with God. His Gift or my wages?

 

Jesus has paid all of our sin debt. We just need to accept the gift and cash the check. Accept Him and enter into the fellowship of the Father, debt free!!! Real men choose Jesus!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

A lot of us are tempted by ads to buy that boat, quad, 4X4, or special gun, or to pay for that special hunt by incurring debt. Don't do it. Save your money and pay cash. You'll enjoy the hunt far more when you're not worrying about how you'll pay for it later.

September 2, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . First Take The Plank Out Of Your Own Eye . . .   (MQ)

Bible Study Verse

Matthew 7:3-5 

 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. (NIV)

Thoughts

In hunter education classes we always had some fun trying to figure out which eye was our dominant eye. This comes into play big time when aiming a shotgun, rifle or bow. I saw this first hand once at the shooting range during our live fire when a student hadn't hit a paper target once out of fifty tries at 25yd. 

His grandfather came to me and asked for my help. The boy was in tears because of his poor shooting. You see, his father, a member of the U.S. Navy, had made a special trip from San Diego to Phoenix for the field day to watch and support his son; and his son felt like he had failed his father. It took about five seconds to see the problem. The boy was shooting right-handed, but was left eye dominant; therefore, he was trying to aim with his left eye! It took a little work to get him to close his left eye and aim with his right eye, but the result was fifty bullets in a four-inch circle!

Now I have a confession. Just like this young shooter, I sometimes have a problem with looking out of the correct eye, and then it may still have a "plank" in it that keeps me from seeing things as I should see them. Most of the time that "plank" is pride. You see (no pun here), I have an insecurity that goes back to my childhood, a plank, so to speak. That insecurity surfaces anytime I experience rejection and believe my thoughts and ideas are considered invalid. This insecurity resulted from seemingly never being able to do anything that was considered good enough by those who were important to me. In my adult life, the insecurity can even strike while doing such worthwhile things as writing these devotionals. Yes, pride can strike even here. I want my way and am desperate for validation, desperate enough that I may even offend others around me while striving for that validation.&nbsp ;

(Cliff S)

Action Point

When a "plank" blocks my vision, I find that I have to go to God and seek His forgiveness, direction, and yes, His validation. It usually takes some time for me to think through the situation and seek God's guidance as to what He wants me to do and how He wants me to handle the situation. 

If I'm yielded to Him, He'll remove the "plank" and make known to me what He wants me to do and how to correct the problem. Sometimes He tells me that I'm right and to stand my ground. Other times He reveals my sin and tells me that I need to seek not only His forgiveness, but also the forgiveness of those that I have offended. Either way, it reminds me that my motives for what I am doing, even writing devotionals, have to be ones that further the Kingdom of God, not myself (Matthew 6:33). 

I promise you that as I write, I will pray that God will give me the correct words and attitude to serve Him, and to provide a blessing to you, our readers. And, I ask you to pray for me and our entire Sportsmen's Devotional Team, too.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

If you're having trouble with marksmanship, be sure that you're shooting with the correct eye. You may have to retrain yourself to keep the opposite eye closed and/or learn to shoot from the other side of your body. Tape over the lens of your glasses, or an eye patch from the local drug store can help.

September 1, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . If Our Faith Is Tied Securely To Jesus, It Doesn't Matter That The Winds Blow and They Will (MQ)

Bible Study Verses

Hebrews 6:16-20 

People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,  where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a High Priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. (NIV)

Thoughts

Years ago (I hate that phrase, it makes it sound like I'm some kind of an old gummer) a friend and I were fishing on a lake here in AZ. We knew where there was an underwater ridge that was a perfect place for dragging plastic worms in front of the hungry fish. The wind was pretty stiff that weekend and we were having trouble staying where we had found a pocket of bass. 

At the time I was a salesman for a John Deere dealership and had borrowed an 87 pound tractor front end weight for a boat anchor. We dropped it in the water and it held us right where we wanted to be. 

That evening everybody in camp was complaining that the wind had blown them all over the lake and had made fishing difficult. Not so for us. The boat's anchor rope was tied to that weight and we didn't move at all! That "anchor" held us right where we wanted to be. We had a pretty good day of fishing. 

(Cliff S)

Action Point

We all need an anchor in our spiritual life just as we need an anchor in our boat. The anchor holds us safely in position, firm and secure. Jesus is that spiritual anchor. If our faith is tied securely to Jesus, it doesn't matter that the winds blow and they will. 

When the winds do blow, we will stay right where He wants us to be, right next to Him.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Always have two anchors in your boat, one to lose and one to use!