October 16, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Make Sure That You Invest Today And Every Day In The Things That Really Matter To Christ   (MQ)  Bible Study Verse Ecclesiastes 3:20 All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return. (NIV)   Thoughts Do you have someone you love listening to when it comes to telling about an outdoor adventure? Well, this past week I had the privilege of seeing two family patriarchs laid to rest - my wife's grandpa and a very good friend from work. Both of these men lived for Christ and dedicated their lives to making a difference for their savior. I loved listening to my wife's grandpa tell his hunting stories. His eyes would light up when he started to share them, usually accompanied by a sheepish grin. As a young Christian and entering my wife's family through marriage, Grandpa became an important part of my own faith journey. As I was just getting grounded in the faith, we would have a family gathering - Thanksgiving, Christmas, or maybe the 4th of July. He was always there, and he was always quietly living out his faith. In his humble unassuming way, he was a steadying influence for all of us in the family.    As his wife faced Alzheimer's, he visited her every day in the nursing home for over a year. Most days, she didn't know who he was, but it didn't stop him from loving her until she passed. After she passed on, he moved to northern Michigan to live in his cabin. He pressed on for ten more years - until the age of 93, finding ways to contribute to his local church, neighborhood, and our family.    He encouraged me and helped build my own faith - just by watching the way he lived his life. He was a true Christian Patriarch for our family. (Dave M) Action Point I recently read that you really will never know the quality of a person until their later years in life: Why do the kids keep visiting?  Why do the grandkids keep stopping by?  Why are the neighbors always going over to that house for coffee?  When you've spent your life investing well in the things of God, there will be fruit - but it may not be seen until many years have gone by.    If you are like me and living a very busy life, just pause and take some time today to reflect on the quality of the life that you are living. Are you giving everything and every day to Christ?  There's going to come a time, when you and I are no longer on this earth. We will be dust. Make sure that you invest today and every day in the things that really matter to Christ.  I will miss Grandpa and my work buddy, but I know that they invested well and they are with Jesus today. I can only hope that one day, my life and the fruits of it will look like theirs.   Sportsmens Tip of the Day If you have specific desires about passing on pieces of your outdoor legacy to your kids or grandkids, make sure to include specifically who the equipment is to be given to in your will. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

October 15, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Sadly, That Probably Applies To Christians As Well  (USWS)

Bible Study Verse Luke 9:23 Then He said to them all, "If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me." (HCSB)   Thoughts I conduct seminars at fishing shows, tackle stores and Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) meetings throughout Texas.    One of my most prevalent speeches is what I term, "Little Things Make a Big Difference." In the seminar, I speak about the importance of keeping a log of your fishing trips, knowing when the tide is falling and rising, knowing when the moon is rising, falling and setting, taking care of your tackle before you hit the dock. Often, it is these little things that determine harvest success; and, to me, they are so simple to know and prepare before you go fishing.  (Bink G) Action Point As Christians, the little things determine how close our relationship with Jesus is. Praying and reading your Bible daily, serving others before self, tithing regularly and being prepared to share the Lord when given the opportunity are spiritual disciplines we have heard all of our lives. But, how many of us take these simple practices and apply them daily?    Ever heard the saying, "Ten percent of the fishermen catch 90 percent of the fish?" Sadly, that probably applies to Christians as well. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Keep of log book of all your hunting or fishing excursions. Make a note of the tides, moon, winds and what part of the day you caught fish or saw game. It could help you next year, and the next and the next. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

October 14, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . We Have To Know His Voice, Listen When He Is Calling And Talking To Us (Tom B)

Bible Study Verse John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (NIV) Thoughts My dogs are Golden Retrievers. They are about as loyal a dog as you can ever own. Wherever I go, whatever I do, my dog is following me. I have had them fishing in my boat with me, sitting in duck blinds, walking and running the fields. They are eager to do whatever I am doing and go wherever I go. They have been with me through good times and bad. I remember a day a few years back when I was having an especially hard time. My dog, Sam, and I were out in the garage. I had sat down on the floor, trying to make sense out of some things that were happening.  Sam came up to me, not jumping all over me, but just standing in front of me--those two big brown eyes looking and saying something such as, "I know how you feel and what's happening. I'm here for you."  Sam and all of my other dogs have known my voice. They have known me and I have known them. A big part of their life was and is spent just wanting to be around me.  (Tom B) Action Point We are like the sheep, or the dog, who surrenders his or her complete loyalty to their master. Our master is our Heavenly Father who loves us and wants only the best for us. He is our protector and provider. He knows what's going on within us even when we don't actually say it. He just really, really enjoys us following Him around, being with Him. For me, His voice is usually a still, small voice, kind of like that of my dog when she comes up to me, looks at me, and maybe nuzzles my hand. I know she is telling me something and I need to listen. However, we have to know His voice, listen when He is calling and talking to us. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day One of the ways to instill loyalty between dogs and their master is to allow the dog to spend some time in the house with you as a pup. Dogs, by their nature, seek to serve someone even if they are kept in an outside kennel, but the bond becomes even deeper if they are allowed to spend some close time with their master. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

October 13, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Sometimes You Just Have To Set Someone Else Up To Succeed  (MQ) Bible Study Verses 1 Corinthians 3:5-8 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe-as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, Who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. (NIV)   Thoughts It was a new stand. We had just stood it up on the pipeline the previous day; yet, there I sat, wondering if it would be a good spot. An hour later, I was admiring a small buck that I had just taken.    On the way back to get the four-wheeler, I saw a huge scrape that I had not seen before then. It was fresh, and its size told me that a good-sized buck had been tending it. I was leaving for the weekend, so I told my Dad about the scrape and urged him to go sit in that stand.    In the rain the next morning, he shot a huge nine-point. Sometimes you just have to set someone else up to succeed in order to accomplish a common goal. In our case, it was fresh deer tenderloin and a mount to go in the game room. His reward was a filled tag. My reward was having helped him to succeed.  (Brian H) Action Point Our society puts too much emphasis on having the spotlight firmly on ourselves. But God's ways are not like our ways.    In the passage above, Paul and Apollos were working hand-in-hand for a common goal--to see people come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Sometimes Paul would preach and then Apollos would go talk to the people one-on-one, and they would be saved. Basically, Paul says, "I don't care who gets to lead them to the Lord as long as they get saved!"    Sometimes we're called to plant a seed. Sometimes we're called to water it. Other times, we get to harvest. But don't forget that we do exactly what God calls us to do--and nobody harvests unless God makes our efforts grow.    The spotlight is not on us. We're in the shadows. The spotlight is right where it belongs--on our great and glorious God! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Keep your eyes open for unusual forage no matter what you're hunting. Sometimes you might think that game would be hitting one food source hard only to find that they're interested in something else. Scout hard and don't overlook lesser food sources.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

October 12, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . We've Been Really Blessed.  Count Your Blessings  .   .   .   (Sharon L)

Bible Study Verse Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. (N IV)   Thoughts After my grandson was born, my son Shawn called to inform me that a geneticist confirmed that William had Down's Syndrome. I asked if his organs were healthy. My son replied that the doctor informed him that William was doing fine and had a healthy heart. Shawn then said, "You know, Dad, if you look at the 'big picture,' we've been really blessed!" Then after some silence, he said that William was going to make a heck of a fishing partner. My wife and I had the awesome privilege of having the whole family drive from Florida to visit us this past summer in Wyoming. We fished the streams and lakes for trout, rode ATV's, hiked, jeeped the back country, and visited Yellowstone National Park.    My three grandsons turned out to be great fishing partners. The boys loved riding the ATV's. Even when the ride was finished and the ATV's were parked, William sat in the seat awaiting the next ride. I think he would have sat in the seat all night if we would have let him. As we were getting ready to leave Florida, William (now 12) followed us out to our vehicle and said to his family that we need to pray for grandma and grandpa's safe travel back to Wyoming. William thanked God for everyone and prayed for safe travel. When we went back to Florida last spring, William left the field during the baseball game, ran up to the bleachers to hug us and express his love.    The people in the stands were awe struck. Yes, like my son said, " We are really blessed." (Tom L) Action Point Are we spontaneous in our expression of love for our Lord and for others?    God's purpose for William is to set an example of expressing love for all of us. Do we look at the "big picture" in all circumstances and count our blessings? Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Always carry an ATV tire repair kit and an air source when traveling long distances off-road.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

October 11, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . God Wants Us To Pray Whether Or Not We Get A Harvest  (MQ)

Bible Study Verses James 4:2-3 You want things, but you do not have them. So you are ready to kill and are jealous of other people, but you still cannot get what you want. So you argue and fight. You do not get what you want, because you do not ask God. Or when you ask, you do not receive because the reason you ask is wrong. You want things so you can use them for your own pleasures. (New Century Version)   Thoughts "God, I ask you to bless me to harvest an animal today. Give me clear senses to make wise choices and cause the ability you gave me to make the arrow fly true." The deer came in like a ghost. I never heard even the faintest footfall. She was healthy and strong. Very aware of her surroundings, she kept a watchful eye on every tree branch and leaf that moved.    She led what seemed to be a herd down the worn path toward the fence crossing. When she stopped, all the other deer started to feed on the acorns on the ground; but she was the matriarch--on guard and continuously snapping her head up and sniffing the air. I waited for her to be quartering away and head down, feeding, before I slowly drew my arrow and string backward. My drop away rest ticked as it set itself in the upright position and her head snapped to attention. She looked at the base of my tree searching for the unfamiliar sound. I locked my sight pin on a hair on her side and pulled through my release. "Thank you, God, for this moment in the field, for the hunt I experienced and for the animal you have given me. I am grateful for just being in the woods, but today, you have truly blessed me; and I give You the glory for the harvest."  (Dennis W) Action Point Start now to pray with your spouse, children, or hunting partners before and after a hunt. God wants us to pray whether or not we get a harvest. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Deer are wary creatures, always looking for danger. Hunting from a tree stand in the eastern U.S., means hunting as high as possible, or being concealed in a blind. Don't let them see you. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

October 10, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . What We Often Fail To Recognize Is That The Civilization We Seek To Escape Is Also A Wilderness  (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Deuteronomy 8:3 He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. (NIV)   Thoughts Throughout history, the wilderness has been a hostile, dangerous and challenging place. Hunters and fishermen often seek to get away from civilization in order to experience and conquer those challenges.    What we often fail to recognize is that the civilization we seek to escape is also a wilderness--a moral wilderness--when we don't acknowledge the authority of God over us. And without the voice of God, we're lost in that wilderness. People often seek what the "authorities" have to say. We follow the person with charisma, accept the latest fad, or rely on our own resources. Sometimes we even accept the world's value system which comes to us through music, magazines, social media, and movies. We become subject to the things we listen to.  (Steve S) Action Point Do we worship a God who has nothing to say; or are we people who will not listen?    Look for God to speak, and look in the primary place where he has chosen to speak. We will always find the Bread of Life in the Bible. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When one of your socks gets a hole in it, don't throw it away. Recycle it as outdoor gear. Slip a thermos into one; it will help insulate your coffee and quiet any sounds that the thermos makes when it bumps against other equipment. Slip your camera, GPS, or other electronic items protecting against bumps and damage.    Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

October 9, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Just One Day Away And We Begin To "Lose It"  (MQ)  Bible Study Verse Romans 7:19-25 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God-through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin. (NKJV) Thoughts A friend of mine recently wrote about how disappointing the first day of dove season was--clouds of dove in the air, but his poor shooting caused him to miss more than he hit.  The skill of wing shooting is one that takes practice, practice, and more practice. Time spent in clays shooting helps develop the timing and proper lead necessary to hit the target. As they say, "If you don't use it, you lose it." (Byron S) Action Point Paul wrote those words in Romans because he really knew who Jesus is and what it takes to stay in relationship with Him. It takes perseverance and walking daily with Him. Just one day away and we begin to "lose it."  Make time to take time with Him every day, even if just for a few moments. This will keep your timing in good order and give you the proper Lead. Just follow Him. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Clays shooting is inexpensive and fun for the whole family. For a few dollars you can buy a small "trap machine" that will allow you to throw targets just as they do at the shooting range. Being a club member at a local clays range can also offer a way to cut the cost of just going out to the range, as the rates are usually discounted. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

October 8, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Consider The Cost Of Your Decisions And Choose To Honor Christ In All That You Do  (MQ)

Bible Study Verses Jude 1:24-25 To Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy - to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. (NIV)   Thoughts A couple of weeks ago, I pulled a dumb-head move. I was setting up a tree stand and needed to knock down a few more pine branches just above the seat of the stand. I didn't want to take the stand down as I already had it leaning up against the tree, so I just told my son to hang on to the ladder at the base while I climbed up to the top to finish off a couple of branches.    The brace on the ladder was leaning up against the tree, and as I cut through the first branch above the seat, my momentum shifted and knocked the brace off the tree down below me. I could see it happening, and it seemed like everything was in super slow motion for a moment. I quickly looked up and tried to grab a branch. The ladder stand started to buckle in the middle, and I could tell that I was headed backwards. As the ladder started to come off the tree, I could see that I had about a 6' gap between a tree and some logs in which to land. I pushed myself away from the platform as I was falling - landed on my feet and rolled onto my posterior and then onto my back.    Fortunately, it was pure moss where I landed, and I didn't end up with anything really hurt other than my pride. (Dave M) Action Point I knew better, but I did it anyway. I thought it would save time, and never did I really think that I would hurt myself by what I was doing. Spiritually, we can fall pretty seriously too.    We try to justify our behaviors or actions because of convenience at the time - not really taking the time to think through the potential consequences. No one is perfect; that is for sure. But, we need to be conscious of our potential areas in which we might fall. The collateral damage could be great - from your wife . . .  to your kids . . . to your reputation. Consider the cost of your decisions and choose to honor Christ in all that you do! Sportsmens Tip of the Day If you are putting up a ladder stand, make sure to screw in the bracket on the tree before you do any climbing.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

October 7, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Canadian Rockies  (Dave M)

Bible Study Verse II Kings 6:6 The man of God asked, "Where did it fall?" When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it there, and made the iron float. (NIV)   Thoughts On a recent trip to Canada we were filming for my internet show when our camera fell overboard. A sick feeling came over my team as we worried what to do next.    Although difficult at first, we gathered ourselves and formulated a plan to still make the trip very successful. After reading the above verse, I wished Elisha was there. LOL    The camera was recovered, fixed and film was salvaged. Thank you, Jesus!  (Jim C) Action Point When you have a chance read over II Kings 6. It's an awesome story about how God worked through Elisha and the power of God over men and steel.  Without question God makes the impossible, possible and those who believe in Him have more power to succeed in all they do by being lead by Him.  You see that is part, only part of the awesome relationship God wants to have with us. A loving God that will mold you through trials and success to be more like HIM. Think about that! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Polarized glasses are not only essential for cutting down the glare on the water's surface, they will keep you from getting a headache from hours of that glare. They can also protect your eyes from a lure coming back after a missed hook set. I have had it happen to me and I'm here to tell you I always where those glasses, they saved my eyes! Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

October 6, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . A Great Time Fishing For King Salmon  (FWS)

Bible Study Verses Job 8:6-9 If you are pure and upright, even now He will rouse Himself on your behalf and restore you to your rightful place. Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be.  "Ask the former generations and find out what their fathers learned,  for we were born only yesterday and know nothing, and our days on earth are but a shadow. *NIV)  Thoughts As a kid growing up in Chicago I never thought my life would be so geared towards the outdoors. The beginning was very humble and the future that laid ahead became very prosperous.  I'm not talking money here. My love for God's outdoors grew so that numerous friends and acquaintances, business relationships, stories and memories have filled my heart and soul.  God gave me a place and treasure worth, to me, more than gold. I can never thank Him enough but I will humbly try. (Jim C) Action Point In today's world of the detestable now acceptable life styles, we must stick to our beliefs and stand for them. The politicians strive to divide us because their fame is fleeting.  A solid belief in God and yourself though His strength will serve you more than their empty words and manufactured smiles. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day My records show that July through August can be a great time fishing for King salmon on Lake Michigan. I do it every year for a couple of reasons:  It's great to fish on a charter with friends.  It's an awesome way to fill your freezer. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

October 5, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Pronghorns Are Not Related To Goats Or Sheep As Some May Think; They Are One Of A Kind, And The Only Horned Animals To Shed Their Horn Sheaths  (Ron T) Bible Study Verse II Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (NKJV)   Thoughts If I had to pick a favorite animal, I believe it would have to be the pronghorn antelope. It is truly an icon of the American West and unique to North America. As the fastest land mammal in North America, everything about the pronghorn is designed for speed--an oversized windpipe, huge lungs, and a large heart.  Pronghorns are not related to goats or sheep as some may think; they are one of a kind, and the only horned animals to shed their horn sheaths. They shed their sheaths every year. In my area they usually drop in early November. The new sheaths start to grow soon after the old ones are gone.  (Ron T) Action Point The pronghorns get rid of the old beat up, broken horns. They fall to the ground and there they stay until the elements and rodents reduce them to nothing. When we receive Christ, we are born again. Our old self is gone, forgotten. We are a new creation.    "Jesus answered and said to him, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God," John 3:3 (NKJV). To be born again--to be "in Christ"--one must confess with his mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in his heart that God raised Him from the dead. Do this and he will be saved. This simply truth is found in Romans 10:9-10, "If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved," (NIV)..    When this transformation takes place, the person is a new creation. The old has gone and the new has come! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day To keep your rifle scope clean and dust away from your lense, try making your own scope cover. Cut a section about a ½ inch wide out of an old tire inner tube, cut the ends about an inch wide, depending on the size of you scope. It will look like a big rubber band when you done.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

October 4, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Like The Porcupine When Threatened We Can Use The Armor of God (JD)

Bible Study Verse Ephesians 6:10-11 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. (NASB) Thoughts While out checking on grouse hunters early one Fall morning, I noticed some men standing around a pickup. In the back of the truck were a couple of bird dogs, each with a mouthful of porcupine quills. Some of the men were holding the dogs down while others were trying to pull out the quills. The dogs were pretty vocal about their displeasure over the whole ordeal. When God made porcupines on the sixth day of creation, He equipped them with some pretty awesome armor. The porcupine can use that armor anytime he thinks danger is near.  Like the porcupine, God has given us His full armor that we can use in times of trouble. Even better than a coat of prickly spines, we are given the armor of Truth, Faith, Righteousness, Salvation, and the Word of God.  (Ron T) Action Point To utilize God's full armor: We must know God's Truth. The Truth will set us free - John 8:32.  We need faith that comes from hearing the Word of God - Romans 10:17.  We need righteousness, which comes from our faith in Jesus Christ - Romans 3:22.  With these, we will be able to stand firm in Christ in any situation. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day If your dog happens to stumble into a porcupine and receives a few quills, you can remove them fairly easily with a pair of pliers: Cover the dog's eyes with something.  Grab the quill firmly and close to the skin.  Give a pull and dislodge the quill. If there are a large number of quills or some deep in the mouth, call your veterinarian.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

October 3, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Gathering Of Turkeys (Jack M)

Bible Study Verse James 3: 11-18 Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh. Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (NASB) Thoughts On our hunts we know: No scouting, no harvest.  No target shooting or rifle sighting-in, no harvest.  No harvest, no great meat to devour or share. (Jo Q) Action Point Whatever short cuts we followed in our earthly wisdom that encouraged the end result of failing to harvest our meat are thrown out after failure. Determination is easy. We never look back! Not going to make the same mistake twice! Why is it so hard to make the same decisions in our spiritual lives or in our attitudes when we know our short cuts have brought relationship failure? Most of us pride ourselves in doing things that preserve peace. Even avoiding some family member due to our flawed thinking if they aren't around we will have PEACE when in reality due to their personality we lack peace. when they are present. Some people we just don't like and they just keep showing up. Travel to the conclusion that where there is pride, envy, jealousy, arrogance, selfishness, poor attitudes, etc., then there is sin. No peace, we have sin. No sin, we have peace. We choose. Want peace then you gotta sow it! Can't sow something you know very little about. Gotta learn! Ephesians 2:14 shows us, " For He Himself is our Peace, Who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall," (NASB). If you're short on Peace ask Him to fill your spirit with Himself and spend more time in His word. A good place to start is reading every verse which includes "peace". Sportsmen's Tip of the Day One of the most peaceful times is after He has blessed many of us with a fruitful harvest of meat. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

October 2, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . He Gives Us Instruction On How To Deal With The Rest Of The Story  (MQ) Bible Study Verse Romans 12:20-21 "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (NKJV) Thoughts Who is the enemy in your camp? They always have a name and a face. Heavy instruction to follow in the above verse, especially after a wounding and you're the bleeding wounded. Strange how God knew we would hurt one another. He gives us instruction on how to deal with the rest of the story. (Jo Q) Action Point Overcome the evil you're hurting from with good! Formula to follow - the more you hurt the more you pray and bless your enemy. Why? Cause He said so! Yep, obedience is the shortest way to His heart and out of your misery. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Being outdoors is a must for those of us who hunt, fish, and hike. Take your Bible, a coffee pot, matches, and a notebook to write down all the things that our loving Father will tell you and teach you when you get away just with Him. Enjoy Him, He's anxiously awaiting you! Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

October 1, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Maybe We Didn't Think We Needed Him. Maybe We Didn't Want Him (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 The Loop Current is a warm northward flowing ocean current that flows between Cuba and the Yucatan peninsula, ebbing and flooding its way toward the northern Gulf of Mexico. Rip lines of Sargasso weed and current breaks form where cobalt blue water juts against off-colored green seawater. Anglers are always searching and scanning the sea for these areas as pelagic fish species will congregate in this area to pursue bait fish. When I search the sea for that clear blue water, I think about how many of us once searched for God's role in our lives. Maybe we didn't think we needed Him. Maybe we didn't want Him. Regardless, self-fulfillment always seemed to manifest itself into daily or weekly wavelike repetitions of highs and lows of life. Yet when we come to the Cross, accept the calm offered us in a relationship with Jesus Christ, and make our decisions based on the Holy Spirit's lead rather than our own, Jesus thrives and grows in us. Our thoughts and decisions become as clear as that brilliant blue water. (Will D) Action Point We must consistently seek guidance from the Counselor within us. There will be times and situations when the Holy Spirit guides us with an unmistakable clarity. Other occasions will require diligent Bible study, prayer and patience. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Always carry binoculars on board your vessel. Constantly scan the horizon - be on the lookout for birds, debris, or other flotsam. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up