March 17, 2013

Today's Photograph . . . .  And God Saw That It Was Good,  Ohrid Lake (Tom L)

Bible Study Verse Genesis 1:20-21 And God said, "Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky."  So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.  (NIV)     Thoughts This past summer, five of us from our church went on a mission trip to Albania. We stayed in Pogradec which lies along the shores of Ohrid Lake, one of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes lying in the mountainous regions of Albania and Macedonia. Ohrid has over 200 endemic species including the Ohrid Trout. Some say it is part of brown trout complex, but is genetically sufficiently distinct and is a delicacy in Albania and Macedonia.  The taste is described as a cross between brown trout and Atlantic salmon. In recent years, extensive fishing, building tourist facilities directly at the shore, destruction of spawning grounds, and serious pollution have caused this species to be on the verge of extinction. Consequently, the Government of Macedonia has placed a seven year ban on the harvesting of the Ohrid Trout.  The population continues to decline due to the value, the demand, and consequently illegal fishing. (Tom L)    Action Point God saw that it was good. Because of man's disregard for His creation, this situation is not good.  To think that some species of God's creation will be eliminated is appalling. Let us strive to be better stewards of God's creation by taking an active part in preserving our natural resources.   Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Join a conservation group that promotes habitat improvement and always leave an area better than you found it.

March 16, 2013

Today's Photograph  .  .  .  . Those Who Belong To Christ Jesus Have Crucified The Sinful Nature With Its Passions And Desires   (Ron H)

Bible Study Verse Galatians 5:22-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (NIV)   Thoughts Most sportsmen belong to conservation organizations like Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Trout Unlimited, and The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. The purposes of these groups include: stewardship, conservation, education, public awareness, and habitat improvement. There is no doubt that these organizations have helped to improve the quality of hunting and fishing in North America.  One of our basic human needs is acceptance which includes the feeling of belonging. (Tom L)   Action Point Just as belonging to conservation groups have improved the quality of hunting and fishing, belonging to Christ will improve the quality of your spiritual life by crucifying the sinful nature. If we live by the Spirit, the sinful nature will be replaced by the fruit of the Spirit.    Do you know Christ as your personal Savior? If you do, are you living as the light of the world?  Can people see clearly that you belong to Christ? Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Join a sportsmen's organization and get actively involved in the projects. It will be a very satisfying experience.

March 15, 2013 Today's Photograph . . . . Many Seek Safety In A Narrow Tight-Rope-Walk Right Down The Middle   (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Psalm 145:14 The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. (NIV) Thoughts There are many polarizing issues affecting fisheries and wildlife management in our world today. Invasive species wreak havoc in both our seas and on our hunting fields. These as well as many other issues have long term effects on the outdoors. Fortunately, by aligning ourselves with conservation groups who choose a side, we can be involved. (Will D) Action Point Status quo. Middle ground. Riding the fence. The world likes to play tug-of-war with Christianity. Choose a side and you get a label. Too much is radical. Too little is a lack of morality. Many seek safety in a narrow tight-rope-walk right down the middle. A devilish three-ring-circus of compromise. Living this way is like swinging in a netless trapeze act. A fall is coming. Resist the temptation to play it safe. Choose the side of God. He upholds a fall and lifts our spirit. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day There are many groups that promote conservation and the best for our resources. Investigate them carefully. Make sure they carry out what they sell and promote. Support the ones that do.

March 14, 2013   Today's Photograph . . . . Red Sky in Morning, Sailor's Warning (Will D)

Bible Study Verse John 14:5-6 Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we don't know where You are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (NIV)    Thoughts Point A to point B. Navigating a true course. It's hard to do when a violent storm descends upon your craft. When the skies above the sea turn black we usually turn white.    To avoid mountainous waves, we tack our way around them. We side-step the lightning. We retreat.  (Will D) Action Point The world offers up many paths; corridors with little promise. Intersections of insignificance.    Thankfully for us, God's word blazes a trail. A point A-to-B map that begins and ends with a tiny dot. I always replace that mark with the word that it represents. Try it. No one comes to the Father except through Me (period). Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Internet weather forecast services help plan many trips. Keep several in your favorite's file and study them before headed out to sea.

March 13, 2013   Today's Photograph . . . . It's The Actions We Take That Set Us Apart And Grow Us  (Will D)

Bible Study Verse Leviticus 19:18 You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD. (NASV)    Thoughts It's a long ride to the dock when you lose two blue marlin - especially if they would have won a tournament.    I wrestled with what went wrong as the boat laboriously climbed each passing wave. To overcome frustration and defeat, I began the blame-game; perhaps dull hooks or poor rigging produced this failure. Pointing fingers seemed to alleviate my frustration.    Blame placed and frustration quelled, I could feel revenge building up inside me like a summer squall. It was then I saw a revelatory cloud from Heaven.    I smiled. I knew the only revenge I would have would come in the form of another opportunity. (Will D)    Action Point As Christians we do not always get do-over's. There is no instant replay in the game of Grace. And while we may get wronged every day by people who don't play by the Lord's same set of rules, it's the actions we take that set us apart and grow us.    Consider frustrations and misses as opportunities!!!     Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Tournament fishing is all about your gear and nothing is more important than the lure's connection to your reel. Check and recheck your line after every bite or near miss.

March 12, 2013 Today's Photograph . . . . Lost . . . (Will D)

Bible Study Verse John 14:16-18 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.  I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. (NIV) Thoughts As spring transitions into summer our outdoor plans are sometimes delayed by what seems like meteorological warfare; strong southerly winds take their stand against winter's persistent northerlies. Like lines drawn in the sand, the battle is played out in a front-line-barrage of incessant lightening, powerful tornadoes, and seemingly limitless precipitation. Our only indication of peace between them is when both sides stall; calm winds prevail. However, we are usually reminded of the aftermath by blinding and blanketing fog. (Will D) Action Point Lost. Lost in the woods. Lost in the world. Lost in the fog. A lost life. No one likes the "L" word. Yet sometimes that's right where we find ourselves. The world teaches us to get ahead by clawing and scraping, battling one another for position. We take on the fight. Yet, in the midst of life's wins and losses we seem to just get lost along the way. We become disillusioned. It's not at all how God intended us to live. When we call on His Son, He sprints to our side. Guiding us out of the fog with safe light. He never leaves us!!! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Like many electronics, digital radars are getting smaller and smaller. It won't be long before they are affordable and usable on small craft.

March 11, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . .  Bitten By The Bass Fishing Bug (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Luke 1:1-2 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us,  just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. (NIV) Thoughts Way back in the 70s I was bitten by the bass fishing bug big time time. I joined BASS and attended all the seminars put on by fishing professionals. I purchased all the bass fishing magazines available, even a few books on the subject, and mined the information to make me a better angler. One of the things the anglers in the know always brought up was keeping journals or notes of every fishing trip they made, good or bad. Record everything . . . where you fished, location on the lake where you fished, date, high and low temperatures, barometric pressure rising or falling, fish caught, when the fish were caught, lures used, time of day when they were caught, etc. The professionals stressed if an angler did this after every trip, after a period of time recording these the notes on a trip, you would become a better bass angler. Of course, the bass fanatic that I was, I bought a notebook and started recording my fishing trips. Great idea, and it did work. But, I had to discipline myself to make the entries the same day of the trip. I have to admit, sometimes I was too busy, or for some other reason the recording wasn't entered. (Tom B) Action Point Luke 1:1-3 is such a simple couple of verses. Luke is identifying himself to those who read in the future what he has witnessed. Do you keep a journal of the good and bad things that have happened in your life each day? If not a written account, how about a mental rehashing at the end of the day before you go to sleep? Recall what happened during the day. Thank the Lord for each thing that happened and each person that He put in your path. Pray for that person. Don't forget the bad things. Ask the Lord for forgiveness when you tripped and fell in your daily walk; thank Him for helping you get back up, forgiving what you did wrong. Journaling, and/or mentally reviewing your day will make you a better person. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Purchase a small notebook that will fit in your tackle box, glove box on your boat, or your car or truck. Keep it in a zip top bag to keep it safe from the elements. Don't forget a pencil or pen. Record what happened through the trip. Some outdoors people like to transfer the recorded  data to an electronic journal once they are home. FisherMan'sLog.com http://www.fishermanslog.com/ and Fish Swami's Online Fishing Loghttp://www.onlinefishinglog.com/ offer free electronic fishing log services.

March 10, 2013   Today's Photograph . . . . Made Yourself Nothing, Taking The Very Nature Of A Servant  (Tom B)

Bible Study Verses Philippians 2:6-7 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (NIV)    Thoughts FF Bruce paraphrases Philippians 2:6-7 saying, "Christ made Himself nothing instead of  exploiting His equality with God for His own advantage...He emptied Himself, divested Himself, not of His divine nature, but of the glories, the prerogatives of Deity." A few years back I used to receive regular invitations to attend the Bassmaster Classics as a press observer. The takeoffs each morning from the designated marina were truly impressive, 50 boats all lined up in the correct order. The pro anglers drew the night before for their starting position.    As soon as the starting flag was dropped, the angler would slam the throttle forward, the outboard engine erupting in a blast of ear splitting noise, the boat literally jumping out of the water,  and boat and angler racing to be the first angler at the planned fish holding spot. Many times these first runs would be 20-30 miles. (Tom B)    Action Point In our personal, business, working, and even in fishing and hunting lives, the drive is to be first, "get there with the most." There is nothing wrong in wanting to do your best, but stop and take a look around. See those who can't be first; they don't have a literal sleek bass boat with a 250 hp engine hanging on the transom. How can we follow Christ's example, "...made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant." Maybe it's the best parking spot at grocery store; take the worst parking spot and leave the best ones to others.    Maybe it's the best fishing spot; back off and let others have a chance to sample the fishing action. In bass or saltwater fishing, the person in the front of the boat always has a better chance to catch more fish because he gets first shot at the fish. Let the other angler in the boat choose a spot where they want to try their luck, maybe even let him or her run the trolling motor. Boats are big and wide enough now that two anglers can fish off the front deck. Share the front deck and the fish. Maybe it's controlling the TV remote. Let the other person choose the program to watch. It feels good sometimes to not be number one and help others have their day in the sun.    Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When attempting to find fish and what they are biting on, your partner and you need to fish as a team. He tries one bait and you a different bait. Maybe it's the same bait, but each of you is using a different color. Give the fish a choice of more than one bait. You can always change to the fish catching lure or color when you find what is the menu for the fish.

March 9, 2013   Today's Photograph . . . . I Was Still A Neophyte In Hiking   (MQ0

Bible Study Verse John 4:14 "But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (NIV)     Thoughts I have a friend who shared the same passion for hiking as I do. We would meet once a month and hike part of the Lone Star Hiking Trail in the Sam Houston National Forest.     On one summer Saturday we were hiking a five mile section of the trail along with a group of other hikers. The heat and humidity in southeast Texas can be stifling at this time of year.     At the time I was still a neophyte in hiking. I packed one pint sized bottle of water along with other items in my backpack and thought I was ready for the trail. Within about a mile and a half I was feeling the heat, falling behind the rest of the group. Ken would break off from the rest of the group periodically checking on me, cautioning me to drink water regularly, however I was out of water.     At about the two mile mark there was about an eighth-of-a-mile off-shoot that led to a parking spot along the trail. One of the hikers who had left her car in this parking spot, volunteered to lead me to the parking lot. Ken gave me his car keys. She then drove me to where we had left Ken's car and I was able to go somewhere and get rehydrated. I was very close to heat exhaustion. A cold drink and air-conditioning never felt so good. (Tom B) Action Point Not packing enough water was really stupid on my part. Without the extra water that I was able to attain, I would have been in serious trouble.     Without God's replenishing water along the trail of life, our lives can be in serious trouble. "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters . . ." Isaiah 55:1a (NIV).     The waters that flow from Jesus Christ keep us spiritually hydrated. We will never thirst if we drink from His spring. How do we replenish ourselves from Christ's water? By reading His Holy Word regularly and applying the wisdom to our lives and by letting His grace soak into us from the out flowing of Christian worship, prayer, and attendance in where His Words are taught. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day You need at least three quarts of water per day. Check with your doctor on your specific need to be safe. . Before hiking, hunting, or fishing in the hot summer, drink plenty of water to get your body well hydrated before you depart on the trip. A hydration system that carries water on your back, such as Camelbak, is a popular, flexible way to take water along instead of carrying water bottles.

March 8, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center Years Ago (Tom B)

Bible Study Verses:  Ephesians 3:14-21 For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in Heaven and on Earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.  Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us,  to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (NIV) Thoughts Several years back I invited a friend to go bass fishing with me. He had never been on my bass boat before. The bass angler of today has to have several different rods/reels set up for different types of lures and fishing. I think at that time I probably had 4 or 5 rod/reel combinations set up ready for use in the boat.   Lures...of course you need a supply of the lures that have caught fish. Different weights, different colors and patterns. Plus, doesn't it make sense to make sure you have a couple exact duplicates of the lures that really catch fish? You don't want to be without a backup to the best lure in the tackle box, do you? In addition, when you own a boat, you need life jackets, rope, anchors, flashlights, sunscreen, bug repellent, rain jacket, etc.. It wasn't long after my friend was in the boat when he made the comment, "Gee, this is just like a mini tackle shop!" He was right, but at the time I thought he didn't know much about bass fishing. (Tom B) Action Point What about prayer? Is more always better? When I was a small boy I was taught to memorize a couple of prayers. Soon I learned a couple more prayers. Before I went to sleep I had this long list of prayers I would recite before I went to sleep. After awhile I became frustrated on having to recite the long list, and finally quit saying them. I just wanted to drop off to sleep. Should prayer be formulaic? Prayer is communication with God. It should be spontaneous and affirming. Spontaneity among many men is not one of their gifts. Men have a habit of starting, or ending conversations before they even get started with "How are you doing" and the stock answer "Good, how about yourself?" Think about it . . . pretty boring.  How many times have you heard a woman begin a conversation with another woman with "How are you?" - not many times. The sad part about this, a woman maybe hears her husband use this conversation opener so many times, she starts opening her conversations with him in this manner.  Prayer, as with conversation should be spontaneous, affirming. Check out how Jesus prayed in Matthew 11:25, " At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children, ' " (NIV). Again how about Paul's beautiful, heartfelt prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21, "For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in Heaven and on Earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen," (NIV) Can't you just feel the spontaneity and affirmation in these prayers? Nothing boring there. Praise and thank God for everything in your life, and for who He is. Next time you meet your fishing buddy, start the conversation with praise on the great fish he caught on the last trip. What do you think will happen after that? Your conversation and prayer will continue. Sportsmen's Tip of the DayYou don't need to take every lure you have when you go fishing. For example this Spring, spinner baits are always good on bass. Tie on a chartreuse with gold blades for early in the morning. Then switch to a white or yellow with silver blades later when the sun is up.

March 7, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . But, Just Like David, God Takes Me By The Hand and Keeps My Feet On Firm Ground   (NPS)

Bible Study Verses Psalm 37:23-24 The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand. (NIV)  Thoughts On my son's first Javelina hunt (at age 10), we found a herd of pigs and he got off a shot but missed. He had failed to make the kill.  That could have been the end of his hunting career right then and there if I had left it up to him. But, being a loving father, I kept encouraging him to stay in the field until we got another chance (notice here that I said "we", my son was never alone on the hunt, I was always by his side). I held his hand, so to speak, and didn't let him fall. I knew that his miss didn't make him a failure, just a regular hunter that had to keep trying in order to be successful. He learned that two days later when he scored on his first big game animal. He has since gone on to make several javelina kills, three elk, two deer, coyotes, and so many doves that we have lost count.  (Cliff S) Action Point King David in the Old Testament is one of my favorite Bible characters. Why? Because I see myself in him. David was a man after God's own heart, but he failed, he sinned. I try but I make mistakes. I fail. I sin. But, just like David, God takes me by the hand and keeps my feet on firm ground. The other reassuring thing about David is that, even after his failures, after he had sinned, God still used David mightily for His purposes. God even promised David that the coming Messiah, Jesus, would be from his family. Even though David had failed God, God still used him! Because of that example I can rest in God's promise that He will use me in spite of my failures if I have a heart for Him. Yes, I stumble, but I don't fall because God is holding tightly to my hand. And, God will use me if I hold tightly to His hand. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day As a Hunter Ed instructor I had a chance to be an encourager to my students. I, also, got to help experienced hunters learn how to encourage their kids and spouses and how to hold their hands when they missed. Be careful to let them be kids and rookies. Let them miss, but keep them shooting. The hits will come.

March 6, 2013   Today's Photograph . . . . I Can Be At Peace With God and Be Sure Of My Salvation   (Cliff S)

Bible Study Verse Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. (NIV)     Thoughts The place: Wrangell, Alaska.  The vessel: The Navigator, piloted by my cousin, Rob.  I have been on several boats on the ocean, mostly scuba diving.  This time we (Rob, five friends, and the deck hand, Caleb) were on a fishing boat headed out for five days in a secret spot that only Rob and the halibut knew about, or so Rob had promised us.     The morning we were to head out dawned with a dense fog that severely limited our visibility.  It was that way until about 10:00 in the morning.  As we pulled out through the fog and into the open sea on the way to the secret spot, I had to put my complete faith in Rob's skill as a skipper.  I didn't know where the channel and underwater rocks were.  I didn't know how to utilize the depth finder or the GPS system.  I had never seen an oceanic navigational chart before.  And, there was absolutely nothing I could do to help Rob that would make our trip safer.  But, I had complete confidence in Rob's skills and judgment.  Therefore, I was at peace as we headed out, and was excited about the week's adventure that lay ahead.  By the way, the halibut were there.  (Cliff S) Action Point Jesus and the Apostles taught very clearly that there is nothing we can do to earn our salvation, that it is a gift from God.  I am so glad it is this way.     I can't imagine what I could do to make myself worthy of God's love and forgiveness.  And, could you imagine what it would be like if we had to earn our salvation?  We would never know for sure if we had worked enough.  We wouldn't know if our good deeds outweighed the bad.  We would never be able to be at peace with God during our life here on earth not knowing for sure if we were good enough to win His favor.     Praise God, that isn't the way it is.  Jesus said that if I believe in Him and have faith that He has forgiven me of my sins, that I am saved from an eternity of separation from God in a place called hell.  And, I can be at peace with God and can be sure of my salvation now because of the promise of His grace, not because of my works, but because of my faith!  I like being at peace, don't you?   Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Be sure to check the references of the guide with whom you are going to hunt of fish.  It doesn't always guarantee a good experience, but it will help to keep the guide honest in his representations to you if he knows that you're going to be verifying his claims.

March 5, 2013   Today's Photograph . . . . Gladiator Fire (MQ)

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 2011)    Genesis 50:19-20 But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (NIV 2011)    Thoughts There are three special young men in my hunting circle that I have so much respect for.  You see, these three young men are fire fighters.  All are trained in what they do and all have been involved with wild lands fire fighting at one time or another.  Wild land fire fighters go into some of the toughest circumstances we can imagine - tough terrain, tough heat, and tough fires.     Several years ago and again this past year in Arizona, we had a wild fire that consumed 16,420 acres of forest and rangeland.  How do you stop a monster like that?  How do you even step out of your vehicle and get on the fire line when you know this fire can run with the wind faster than you can get out of the way?     I don't know how they do what they do, but these young men and their fellow fire fighters go anyway.  My guess is that they have to believe deeply that what they are doing will save people and the forest from certain destruction.  Why else would they go into such dangerous harm's way?     (Cliff S) Action Point  Many times as Christians we wonder what God is up to and why He has put us into the circumstances that we're in.  Joseph certainly had to ask himself that question a bunch of times.  But, look at his answer, "It was for good and to save lives!"  Now, fast forward a little to Christ.  What was Christ here to do?  To do good by giving His life to save lives.  So, what are we here for?  To do good for God's kingdom and to save lives by sharing our faith in Christ with those we interact with.  Wherever you are in life, whatever is going on with you, you are God's representative to the world around you.  He has put you exactly where you are for His purposes.  Wherever you are, God has you there to do His work - to do good and to save lives by leading others to faith in Christ! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day  Be responsible with fires.  Always save some water to drown your camp fire and never leave a hot fire unattended.

March 4, 2013      Today's Photograph . . . . Continually Set Our Path & Mark Our Position According To His Word (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Psalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. (NLT)    Thoughts Knowing I would be returning to my truck after dark, I prepared accordingly.  Prior to setting out, I checked the batteries of my hand held GPS unit and, also, my flashlights.  Upon fastening everything inside my cold weather coat, I set off. Several hours later, it was time to begin the trek back to the truck. I pulled out the GPS unit only to find that while it was on, I had failed to mark the coordinates of the truck.  Soon after my main light failed and I was left with only two smaller secondaries which afforded enough light to see just the ground around my feet.  Being a virtually starless, moonless night, it was completely black.     Slowly making my way in the direction where I felt I would find the truck, I noticed two familiar house lights in the distance shining brightly in the utter darkness.  Upon recognizing these lights, I realized I'd been traveling in the wrong direction for the entire time.  Nonetheless, these lights afforded me the ability to re-orient my position and get back to my truck. (Jay C)    Action Point God's Word, while fully and completely capable of being a lamp unto our feet, cannot be an effective guide in our daily walk if we do not include it in our daily preparations.     The GPS unit, while functioning correctly, had not been utilized completely prior to being needed rendering it effectively worthless.     In the same way, we must   continually set our path and mark our position according to His Word  in relation to His calling in order to remain and follow the unique path He has set for each us.     Likewise, as believers, we must not betray our responsibility to be predictable and dependable Lights for others, who aren't well prepared for their journey and are now struggling in darkness. The Lord wants to  use us, even unknowingly and from a distance, to lead them back to Him and into His will for their lives.    Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Especially when trekking after dark, plan and prepare thoroughly.  Completely set your GPS, check all batteries in your electronic gear, and continually search for and record recognizable, geographic points of orientation along your trek.

March 3, 2013   Today's Photograph . . . . Endangered Species, Mountain Quail and Our Children . . . (FWS)

Bible Study Verse Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? (NLT)    Thoughts I've been keeping some of my teens in prayer recently.  They've had a bomb dropped in the middle of their world.  There is a new "Normal" and it's still being defined.  It struck me as I unsettled a group of birds earlier that I do the same thing on a regular basis.     It will take them time to realize and understand the new "Normal". Even after they do, they will still be unsettled for a long time afterwards.  Trust, Safety, and Peace are concepts that will take time to restore. (Jay C)    Action Point I still hunt.  I still fish.  That has not changed. My perspective has changed!  Each animal harvested will now be a reminder that even in uncertainty; even when the bottom falls out; even when there is no "Normal", My God, My Father is in control.     He will provide for me a new "Normal".  He has assured me that I am far more valuable to Him than the rest of His creation.    Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Always wear plenty of hunter orange when bird hunting during periods when there are other seasons open.  Particularly here in the west, where shots on big game can be several hundred yards. You may not be aware that you have walked into another camouflaged hunter's field-of-view and the distance may make it impossible for him to alert you to his presence.

May 2, 2013   Today's Photograph . . . . We Are To Be Receptive To and Seek Godly Counsel From Others As He Seeks To Use Them For Our Personal Growth   (NPS)

Bible Study Verses Hebrews 10:24-25a Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near. (NLT)    Thoughts I enjoy a good day in the field hunting and chasing wild quail.  Earlier this year, Junior, my German Short Haired Pointer, located several nice sized coveys.  After my initial shots, some better than others - I'll give him credit for being exceptionally forgiving; he and I spent several hours locating many singles and doubles.     Quail have an incredible ability to just disappear though. Despite his best effort tracking scent, often they just vanished.     Later in the afternoon, sitting on the tailgate of the truck looking out over the wash we had been hunting I could hear the quail calling to each other beginning the process of gathering back together.  From where I sat and listened it almost seemed as though they were taunting our efforts at finding them . . . probably not.     I think I just watched too many roadrunner cartoons as a kid.  It did serve as a reminder though that our Father did not design us to live in isolation any more than He designed the quail to live apart from each other for very long.  They have to stick together for support, encouragement, and survival.  They look out for each other.  They need each other's company. (Jay C)    Action Point It is good and healthy to seek time alone.  Jesus modeled this for us.  He sought quiet places; isolated places regularly to regroup and commune with God.  We need to do the same. God desires to fellowship with us personally each day.     However, we are also given the responsibility to gather together regularly for the purpose of providing support, encouragement, and wisdom.  We are to seek out others for the purpose of allowing Him to work through us for the benefit of serving and supporting others for His purpose and glory.     In the same way we are to be receptive to and seek out godly counsel from others as He seeks to use them for our personal growth.    Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Be mindful and aware of the covey sizes in the area in which you are hunting - particularly late in the season.  If the coveys are too small, as responsible hunters we should move to another area.  It is to the benefit of all to assist in maintaining the health of the quail populations.

March 1, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . When Is The Best Time To Seek The Lord   (Tom B)

Bible Study Verse  II Corinthians 2:16 To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? (NIV) Thoughts   Which US president . . .  Was the most dedicated to fishing? Wrote a book about fishing? Produced more fishy sayings than any other president? I bet you never knew this one - Herbert Hoover. The title of his book is Fishing for Fun -- And to Wash Your Soul. Some of his fishy quotes include:  "Fishing is much more than fish. It is the great occasion when we may return to the fine simplicity of our forefathers." "Next to prayer, fishing is the most personal relationship of man." "Fishing is the chance to wash one's soul with pure air. It brings meekness and inspiration, reduces our egoism, soothes our troubles and shames our wickedness. It is discipline in the equality of men-for all men are equal before fish." "Lots of people committed crimes during the year who would not have done so if they had been fishing. The increase of crime is among those deprived of the regenerations that impregnate the mind and character of the fisherman." "There are only two occasions when Americans respect privacy, especially in Presidents. Those are prayer and fishing." (Tom B) Action Point What does God say in the Bible about a good leader, no matter whether he's a president who fishes or just you and me?  "I am about to go the way of all the earth," he said. "So be strong, act like a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to Him, and keep His decrees and commands, His laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go,"  I Kings 2:2-3 (NIV). "To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?" II Corinthians 2:16 (NKJV). This verse is especially relevant whether it be leaders of our country, or anyone who is in a position of authority. "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you," Hebrews 13:17. Pray for our President that he seeks out God, listens to God's voice in his tough job. Pray for all of our leadership.    Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When is the best time to go fishing? I think everybody knows the answer . . . any time you can! When is the best time to seek the Lord . . . all the time, any time. To borrow from President Hoover, "Return to the fine simplicity of our forefathers" in fishing and our relationship with God.