November 14, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . We Are Not Supposed To Have "Bad Hair Days" (Marti M)

Bible Study Verse Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men. (NASB)   Thoughts Do you ever sense the pressure to perform? At work we are not supposed to have "bad hair days," but we do from time-to-time. Even on fishing or hunting expeditions, there is that slight pressure to perform - to successfully land a large fish or bag some impressive game. We also want to be "up" for our friends, to encourage them, not to bring them down.    The harsh reality is, we aren't always "up" or at our prime 24/7. This is also true in our relationship with the Lord. We want to be at our best for Him, but we aren't 100 percent of the time. Do our real friends forsake us when we let them down? Does God condemn us when we let Him down? The answer is, No!  (Tom H) Action Point Keep relating to God, your family and your friends no matter what the circumstances. We all are in the same boat when it comes to good days and bad days. Let's extend grace towards family members and friends who may not be doing too well. We might be the one who needs grace the next time.  Sportsmen's Tip of the Day  Always have a roll of duct tape or, better yet, Gorilla tape handy. There is no end to how you can repair things with that stuff. I have patched inflatable boats and even mountain bike tubes with this incredible water-proof tape. It's not a permanent fix, but it may get you home. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

November 13, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Don't Fall For Worthless Bait (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Job 15:31 Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless, for he will get nothing in return. (NIV)   Thoughts I was surf fishing a couple of weeks ago when a fleet of shrimp boats came in to fish just on the other side of the beach sandbar. I had never seen the boats come in that close, less than a hundred yards from the beach, almost within casting distance, and they must have really been hauling in the shrimp. Wave after wave of boats came through, dragging their nets on the bottom, and hauling those tasty prawns onto their decks. Once the waters were stirred up and the shrimp were on the move, the fishing seemed to pick up a bit. It appeared that the fish couldn't tell the difference between the shrimp that were swimming for their lives and the one that was dangling from my hook. (George B) Action Point If you think about it, fishing is all about deception. When we fish, we try to trick the fish into biting our bait or lure in the hope that we can catch a trophy. It is great for us when we land that trophy; but from the fish's perspective, it's definitely not so great. He thought he was getting a meal. Instead, he became a meal. How often are we deceived in our lives by trusting the worthless bait of the world? How often do we try to reach and take hold of what is worthless, material things, when all the while the truly valuable things of God are already available for us?    Do not be deceived. Don't fall for worthless bait. Before you even realize it's happening, you may find yourself hooked and trapped in sin. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day  Fresh shrimp is usually the bait of choice when surf fishing. Fresh shrimp will almost always guarantee a bite and some action. Don't buy your shrimp at a tackle shop. Most of those are a bit old, and usually are or have been frozen. This makes them mushy and loose on the hook. Instead, buy fresh shrimp from a seafood shop or shack near the beach. You'll pay a couple of extra dollars per pound, but the better bite will make it worth the investment. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

November 12, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . By All Means, Follow Him  (MQ) Bible Study Verse Mark 1:17 And Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." (NASB)   Thoughts Did you ever ask yourself why Jesus picked so many fishermen to be His core team of disciples? He could have picked political leaders, shepherds, carpenters, potters or a whole multitude of other professions.    The only conclusion I can come up with is that He must have a special place in His heart for fishermen. If you are a fisherman, this could be good news.  (Tom H) Action Point If you are like me and have been fishing ever since you were a kid, to be a fisherman is a great calling. If Jesus comes to you someday and says, "Follow me," this is an awesome calling! By all means, follow Him! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day  If you are camping on a fishing or hunting trip and need to pull your gear together before daylight, use a headlamp. You can buy a really basic one for around $5.00; or you can get the bigger, better ones for bigger bucks.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

November 11, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . US Air Force, One Of Our Honorable Branches Of Our Military (STATE.GOV)

This Veterans Day our prayer list is long. Please join us in  praying for : The Philippines. Our brothers under persecution as chaplains for praying in Jesus' name and quoting the Bible in our military. Veterans everywhere, those with hidden emotional scars and those bearing physical wounds that will never be cured this side of Heaven.  Families that have those currently serving. May God continue to bless America. Bible Study Verse Nehemiah 4:20 "Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!" (NIV)    Thoughts This verse reminds me: I don't have to fight my spiritual battles alone; I am to listen for the battle call; join my fellow soldiers for Christ; and that God, Himself, will fight for me! As I think about what Veterans Day means to all of us, I recognize that I have not had to fight for the freedoms that I enjoy in this country. Each of us has had a family member or friend who has fought or died, or is fighting for our freedoms. Wherever the trumpet calls, the fighting men and women of this country will gather to fight freedom's battles for us - to protect us from those who would take away our freedom. While listening to the radio today, I heard a song by a group named Avalon, entitled, "For Freedom." One of the verses tells of thunder in the valley, artillery, and a soldier being wounded. As he dies, he reminds us that, if it is for freedom that he has fought, it is for freedom that he has said, "Goodbye". As I type this, just as my eyes filled with tears while listening to the song, they are filled with tears now as I think of what these brave warriors have done for us, what they have done for me. All I can say is, "THANK YOU, AMERICAN SOLDIERS! I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE LOVED AND APPRECIATED!" (Cliff S) Action Point When you see someone in the uniform of this country, stop and thank him or her for what they are doing for us. This would also include police and fire fighters. Tell them that they are important, and that you pray for them daily. Then, PRAY.             Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Never take your hunting and fishing privileges for granted. Never take for granted your right to own a firearm. There are those who would take away these freedoms. The next time the polls are open, do the one thing we can all do - vote for those individuals who take seriously their oath to defend the Constitution of this great country!   Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

November 10, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . The Closer We Got To The Rocks, The Higher My Heart Was In My Throat  (NPS)

Please join us in surrounding the Philippines in prayer. "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much," James 5:16 (NKJV). May God bless them and strengthen them as never before. Bible Study Verse Psalm 107:23-25; 28-30 Those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business on great waters, they see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep. For He commands and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up the waves of the sea.   Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; so He guides them to their desired haven. (NKJV)   Thoughts Most avid fishermen, like myself, have experienced rough weather while out fishing in a small boat. When that has happened to me, I have usually been prepared and able to reach safety before things got too rough. However, one time was a little different. We had taken our nineteen-foot, open-bow runabout into the Gulf of California. This was a new experience for me, even though I had spent four years in the Navy. Those years, however, were aboard the battleship, New Jersey, not in a small craft.    The weather was calm when we started out and the fishing good--we were filling the ice chests with trigger fish. We decided to change position and go for some rock bass; so we made our way up shore about two miles to a rocky ledge. The fishing was good there too, and I forgot to pay attention to the weather or the position of the boat.    Suddenly, water began to break over our bow. The wind had come up and we were dangerously close to the rocks. I began to crank the motor, but it would not start. The closer we got to the rocks, the higher my heart was in my throat. Finally, the motor started and we moved away from the rocks. The trip back to the dock was long due to the wind and waves; but we finally made it to safety.  (Byron S) Action Point As I reread these verses this morning, I noted that I had underlined them some time ago. Always keep in mind that God is sovereign. Learn to lean on Him and trust Him; not only in the bad times, during stormy weather, but also in the good, fair-weather times. Bring all things to Him in prayer, ask for His wise counsel; and He will truly guide your way. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Always check the weather before you venture out on the water, especially if you are in an unfamiliar area. Make sure all safety equipment is on board, in good working order, and your motor is in top-running shape. While you are out, pay attention to changes in the weather that might not have been forecast.   Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

November 9, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Be A Godly Man - Work It Out   (MQ)

Please surround our neighbors in the Philippines with prayer. Praying every survivor will be found in time.   Bible Study Verse Hebrews 13:4 Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. (NIV)   Thoughts As an avid bow hunter, I am loving this time of year. I've hunted off and on for white tail over the course of the last month, but I will be hunting heavy for the next week or so. Why? Because the rut is kicking in.    Last week, I had several scrapes pop up on my property, and I've been starting to see bucks chasing the does. There are some big bucks in my area, and I'm hoping to be at the right place at the right time when one of these big bruisers gets absolutely stupid and goes chasing a doe at a time and place he shouldn't be. When in rut, these bucks absolutely lose their mind and do crazy things. (Dave M) Action Point Unfortunately, I've seen some Christian brothers at points ditch their wives and families because they were off chasing other "does". They really were great guys and never intended to put themselves in the position that they did, but their bad decisions ended up costing them dearly.    Some of the wives of these guys sought reconciliation with their husbands after a period of time and others did not. These are not easy situations to work through. But what I can tell you is that once we've made a commitment and a covenant to our wife, we're supposed to be done chasing other does.    Brother, if you find yourself in the middle of chasing some other "doe", knock it off right now. Think of the collateral damage you will cause. God has given you a wife; do the tough thing and be a godly man - work it out! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Taking an existing scrape and using a combination of buck or doe urine can really get things stirred up with a dominant buck. If he thinks there's another buck challenging his area, he will be back to visit that scrape. Have fun playing the cat and mouse game with these bucks! Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

November 8, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . When Our Children Provide Spiritual Insight To Us, Do We Listen And Take Heed  (NPS)

Bible Study Verse Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. (NASB)   Thoughts My son and I were sitting in our stand just before dark when we heard the shot ring out from a friend hunting nearby.  I said, "Let's get going; she'll need help loading up her kill." We got there just as she was reaching her four-wheeler and went to help her load up. She had shot a nice feral hog. Once loaded, we went back to our vehicle and followed her into camp. On the drive, my son said, "Do you know why she got that hog?" Having seen nothing to shoot for days, my thoughts ran to, "It was the only thing that stepped out under her feeder." Before I could make the flippant answer, my seven-year-old son quickly replied to his own question, "Because God blessed her." That hit me hard. I was flooded with embarrassment over the shallowness of my own thoughts and pride over my young son's insight.  (Mary Ellen Q) Action Point Ah, the wisdom of the child. As His disciples were trying to shoo away the children in Luke 18:15-17, Jesus said that the kingdom of God belongs to such as they--trusting, innocent, believing, dependent. Dependent: dependent upon parents to provide food and shelter; dependent upon parents to provide guidance; dependent upon our Heavenly Father to provide our daily bread. Are we dependent daily upon our Heavenly Father or our own self- sufficiency? Are we providing spiritual guidance for our children? When our children provide spiritual insight to us, do we listen and take heed? Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Always be ready for an opportunity to help another hunter load and butcher their game. You may learn a tip from their methods, or teach them one of yours. Someday, you may be in need of that extra hand yourself  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

Today's Photograph . . . . Be Prepared In Season And Out Of Season  (Ruben C) Bible Study Verses Acts 17:10-12 As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men. (NIV)   Thoughts Ever had a slick sales person try and sell you the latest and greatest? Whether it's a car or a firearm, a good salesman will do their best to sell you a bill of goods. And if they think you know less about the product than they do, then Katie bar the door, because they'll pour on the salesmanship all the harder!    You wouldn't walk into a sporting goods store and let the young man behind the counter with only a few years hunting experience sell you a rifle of a caliber you've never heard of would you? You'd probably ask around, check the Internet (now there's a good use for that pc!) and do some research of your own before dropping the big bucks (no pun intended) on a new deer rifle  (Ruben C) Action Point Back in the Apostle Paul's day, the Bereans weren't skeptics when he preached to them; they were eager to develop their own convictions about the scriptures. When Paul was teaching, they would go home and examine the scriptures every day. The Bible--not just for Sunday anymore!    You cannot inherit someone else's convictions. Be like a Berean--get into the Word daily. Know the Word so that you may be prepared in season and out as II Timothy 4:2 encourages, "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction," (NIV). Sportsmen's Tip of the Day We often pride ourselves on knowing a lot about rifles, calibers, bows and broad heads; but I found out a few years ago I didn't know it all. It took a little humility; but while looking for an elk rifle caliber suitable for my 98-pound, 13-year-old daughter, I asked a number of people and found out just how helpful sportsman chat rooms are for this kind of information. As you might guess, there were many shooters out there who replied with the perfect elk round for a young shooter. I found the Talk Forums on the Cabela's website to be particularly helpful. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

November 7, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . The Key To Guarding Your Heart Is Through What Filters Through Your Brain  (MQ)

Bible Study Verse II Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. (NIV)   Thoughts This past Saturday morning before the sun was up, I was busy dropping off my son, my brother-in-law, and my niece to white tail bow hunting spots. I ended up getting into my stand later than I wanted, and in the process of hurrying in to my own hunting spot, I had forgotten to put on my face paint to camoflage me.    I quickly reached in to my backpack and pulled out a camo case with paint in it, but it was still dark. I quickly started putting on my desired colors, even though I couldn't see what I looked like or where the colors were in the case.    You see, I've used the camo case so many times over the past twenty years, that I know exactly the order of the colors. When I reached in to get the black on my fingertips, it was right where I knew it to be. When I put my fingers in the green compartment, it was exactly what was supposed to be there. I had no worries in getting the right colors on because I had their specific location memorized.  (Dave M) Action Point The word of God as a believer in Christ is supposed to be a core value of ours. We should value God's word so much that we read it, study it, and meditate on it . . . to the point where can actually have it memorized.    Now, I know there are some great memorization courses out there, and I've done that to some extent, but I am by no means a walking Bible spouting out verses wherever I go. However, I do know my fair share of the Bible, and it always amazes me how an issue will present itself during the day, and a verse will pop into my head that deals exactly with how God views the particular issue.    God's word is true, and knowing it is important. It should be right at my fingertips when I need to think through what the Lord would have me to do with my daily choices and decisions. I challenge you to get scripture memorized. The key to guarding your heart is through what filters through your brain . . . Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Keep your backpack organized in a specific pattern, so that you can automatically know where things are located. This will help you not waste time in getting something out and also minimize the amount of noise you make. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

November 5, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Lions May Grow Weak And Hungry  (NPS)

Bible Study Verse Psalm 34:8-10  Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. Fear the Lord, you His holy people, for those who fear Him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. (NIV)   Thoughts These verses invite us to experience the sufficiency in our God. They teach us to depend upon Him, realizing that He is really all we need! He alone can protect us. God alone can satisfy the void that comes with the disappointments of life like a missed shot at a trophy buck. We must reverence Him.    Fear refers to awesome respect and submission to His will and ways. The saint is one who is saved, one who has been declared right because the Judge of the earth has declared him not guilty. This happens when we believe in His Son, Jesus, personally, and commit our souls to Him for eternal safe keeping.    He is the personal, Covenant keeping God. This is implied by the use of all capital letters when writing His name, LORD. This is the Hebrew name of God, Jehovah. Different names of God are spelled differently in our translations so we can understand the significance of each Old Testament name.    LORD is God's personal name, His Covenant name. It summarizes His entire character. His saints are secure because He is our protector. This name implies a relationship with His own.  (Jack M) Action Point Involve yourself with God. Experience His goodness. He alone can truly satisfy the longing of your inner being. God provides for the animals, but they cannot know Him personally as humans may. Involve Him in everything you do. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Carry along some basic snacks and trail food for energy. This can be a life saver if you are stranded, injured, or lost. You may also be able to share this with someone else who needs help. Such food is enjoyable, and can make the hunt more attractive for young hunters that you bring along! Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

November 4, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . I asked for a bird dog and my Heavenly Father gave me Regal ((Jack M)  Bible Study Verse I Timothy 6:17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, Who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. (NIV)   Thoughts Does God care that we have things to enjoy? Will He answer specific and personal requests? He can and He will! Because He is good, He gives us good things to experience.    A good bird dog adds greatly to the upland hunting experience. I asked God for a bird dog, with a particular color phase of German Shorthair Pointer in mind. God gave me Regal!    My daughter adopted him from a pound. Regal was always hunting and pointing birds in her yard. They wanted him to be able to hunt; so she and my grandson gave Regal to me, fulfilling my prayer for a bird dog perfectly. And what a gift he was! I asked for a bird dog, and my Heavenly Father gave me Regal so that I might enjoy him and pheasant hunting even more!  (Jack M) Action Point Give thanks to God for all things. Especially thank Him for the hunting experience. Thank Him for friends, equipment, places to hunt, the dogs, and the game itself. If God is your Heavenly Father through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, He will give you things to enjoy. Be sure to ask Him! He can and will answer prayers specifically and personally. He will give these things because He loves you!    "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, Who does not change like shifting shadows," James 1:17 (NIV). Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Take photos of the hunt and of the game harvested. Take time to appreciate the beauty of these wild animals - a rooster pheasant, a majestic whitetail deer, a gloriously colored wood duck, or a bird dog testing the wind for a quail. all are gifts of a loving and good God given for us to appreciate and in which to take pleasure. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

November 3, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . He Shot At A Bird On Our Side And Hit Me . . .  (MQ) 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. (NIV)   Thoughts A friend, Brian, my two sons, and I were hunting pheasant in southwest Minnesota when we spotted several roosters in a tree line next to an old abandoned homestead. We came up with a plan to hunt these wily birds. Brian, and my older son would walk the outside of the tree line and shoot birds on their side. My other son and I would shoot the birds on our side.  Unfortunately, Brian didn't follow the plan. He shot at a bird on our side and hit me with approximately 20 pellets. The stock on my new Beretta o/u was splintered. Fortunately, I was not seriously injured.  Prior to our hunting trip, Brian was going through some tough times. After this accident, he was feeling much worse. While I was healing, Brian spent quite a bit of time visiting me. This time together enabled me to talk to him about Jesus, pray with him, and help him through the difficulties.  Hunter safety groups later asked me to speak about gun safety to youth. I related the story of this accident to them. After hearing it and feeling the BB's in my skin, I had their attention. (Tom L) Action Point This was a minor accident compared to that of Joni Erickson Tada's, whose accident left her a quadriplegic, and to others who have lost loved ones. You know how the Lord has used these people to help comfort others, and gives them opportunities to share Christ.    When tragedies or persecution occurs, think of Paul's words in II Corinthians 12:10, "That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong," (NIV).  Romans 8:26 encourages us with these words, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans," (NIV). Sportsmen's Tip of the Day  Wear safety glasses and blaze orange from the waist up when upland bird hunting. Make sure that the hunters stay in a line and establish rules regarding shooting lanes. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

November 2, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . You Are Rolling The Dice . . . (FWS) Bible Study Verse John 3:18  Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. (NIV)   Thoughts Living in Michigan has always provided a sense of relative safety to me. Unlike other areas around the US, we don't have to deal with hurricanes, tremors, avalanches, a wicked tornado season, or earth quakes.   But even here, we have to be on guard:   I had an unpleasant encounter with a pack of coyotes one night while coming back from bow hunting white tail - a night of hunting I will never forget.  On a backpacking trip, we had to deal with "nuisance" black bears that liked to come into camps at night to try to find food.  An acquaintance of mine had quite a precarious hunting trip in the upper peninsula of Michigan when a pack of wolves decided to locate themselves under his tree stand for a period of time. My nephew had to give up a deer he had shot to a pack of wolves who beat him to it.  The outdoors is full of great adventures, but there's risk involved. (Dave M) Action Point This world is full of risks. It doesn't matter where you are or how safe you think your home is, it's not. Every day you wake up and get out of bed, you are "rolling the dice." Insurance companies try to give the image that life can be safeguarded. It can't.    No man knows the hour or the day that he will no longer exist on this Earth. The only comfort any of us can take in living out our days is to "know" the One who created them. God created the heavens and the earth, but He created us in the middle of this.    He desires to have a relationship with you. If you have never accepted Him as your Lord and Savior, do so today . . . you just don't know what tomorrow will bring. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day If you are hiking along a coastal trail on a backpacking trip, a marine radio is a nice option to have for communication in case of an emergency. You can contact any boat in the area to get the Coast Guard if need be.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

November 1, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Recommended Amount A Backpacker Should Carry Is 25% Of Their Body Weight  (NPS)

Bible Study Verse Hebrews 12:3 Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (NIV)   Thoughts Recently I read an entertaining book about a couple who had backpacked all over the US, ranging from hiking the entire Appalachian Trail to the Pacific Crest Trail amongst others. In total, they had hiked over 10,000 miles. That's a lot of walking!!!    Now, I love to backpack, but I can't claim that I've ever done a thru-hike for months on end. When I read or hear stories about hiking all the way from Maine to Georgia or from Canada to Mexico, I am simply amazed at the endurance required to complete such a trip! (Dave M) Action Point Well, I'm not sure how long you've been walking with Christ, but the Christian life is not a sprint but a marathon.    At points along this faith trail, it's easy to lose your focus or your motivation. You might stop praying consistently, your church attendance might waver, your faith might weaken. None of these happen because God is not able to help you with life's difficulties; it's because we lose our focus. This world has a ton of distractions that reside in it, and busyness seems to be the prevailing theme of most people's lives.     God is steadily with us, by us, beside us, and with us. If you find yourself wavering in your faith, you may need to slow your life down significantly, do an inventory of what your life looks like, and pray that God will restore you.    He loves you dearly and wants the best for you. Don't keep walking away from Him; turn around and see Him as He is - your Savior! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Do not carry excess weight on a backpacking trip by over packing! The recommended amount any backpacker should carry is right around 25% of their body weight. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up