October 8, 2011 Today's Photograph . . . . GOD is the GOD of the universe (MQ)

Bible Study Verses Psalms 103:11-12 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the East is from the West, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (NIV) Thoughts In flying down to Arkansas recently for a quick trip from Michigan, I sat in my Northwest window seat taking in the panoramic view below. I don't fly much, so for me it was a treat to once again see the vastness of the land below. The earth was broken down into checkered squares everywhere I looked. The Great Lakes coast showed a clear separation of land and water. The Mississippi River snaked its' way back and forth from the North to the South. Quarries dotted the land at various points. It was enjoyable just watching the landscape change from state to state. What hit me was simply how much land there was on this planet we call Earth. As far as the eye could see, there was land. And on that land, there were people living life - going about their business. (Dave M) Action Point The God that we serve is huge beyond imagination! His power is endless! His love is endless! His grace is endless! Sometimes, we put GOD in a little box, and we forget that GOD is the GOD of the universe. He created this planet amongst others for His pleasure!!! Although God loves you and does care about your community, don't forget that the same God loves the people in Australia, New Zealand, Africa, China, and Greenland just as much as he does you!!! He is beyond our comprehension and is truly worthy of our praise. We serve a BIG GOD!!! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Remember that if you are flying to take a hunting/fishing trip that you will need to follow tighter flying regulations than in the past. Check ahead of time with the airlines about the best way to transport your supplies you will need to have on your adventure

October 7, 2011 Today's Photograph . . . . The Holy Spirit Will Come And Fan That Spark Into A Raging Flame ( Ron T)

Bible Study Verses II Timothy 1:6-7 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (ESV) Thoughts The day was overcast and extremely windy. The wind had been blowing for days and everything had dried up after a long, cold and wet winter. Spring was in the air and three boys needed to get out of their houses. The rally point was across the field and many acres from the nearest home. One of the boys had a lighter in his hand and began to ignite small patches of weeds and then would quickly stomp out the mini-fire. He passed the lighter to the next boy who followed suit. A big gust of wind fanned the small fire into a medium -sized flame which continued to grow at a rapid rate. All of the boys began to stomp on the fire and attempted to throw dirt on it to extinguish the growing flames. Realizing the fire was out-of-control, two of the boys told the other one to stay and fight the fire while they ran to get help. Running down the trail and formulating the plan to get out of this mess, we turned back to see our lone fire-fighter friend running right behind us with a giant flame chasing him down. Twenty-foot flames licked at our heels as the gusty wind continued to feed this growing monster. We made it to the house and called the fire department. My father quickly realized that his watering hose would be no match for this raging inferno. The fire department arrived and spent hours putting out the fire. It had spread quickly and burned many acres of open field near our home, and it was on its way to reaching an inaccessible area which could have burned down hundreds of acres of forest and swamp. (Michael T) Action Point We learned that day the awesome power of mixing wind and fire and its devastating effects. Ever since, I have developed a healthy and deep respect of the danger of playing with fire. There is one time and place to mix the two and that is in our spiritual life. We can ignite a fire in our hearts by seeking after God. The Holy Spirit will come along and fan that spark into a raging flame , if we choose to walk in the Spirit. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day If your child is curious about fire don't shelter them. Work with them and help them safely develop a healthy fear and respect for the dangers of fire while enjoying its many wonderful benefits. Every situation in life is a teachable moment in a young person's life.



October 6, 2010 Today's Photograph . . . . White Tail (MQ) Bible Study Verse John 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. (NIV) Thoughts I don't know about you, but I hate being left behind from a good hunting or fishing trip. I left my son today at my sister's so that he could continue on his quest of the elusive white tail. We've hunted the last few days together. But, my work schedule dictates that I have to be back to work tomorrow. His schedule is more flexible than mine. The fact that he is out hunting tonight without me leaves my mind wandering and thinking about the woods. Although I want him to be successful, I really don't want to miss him getting a buck. This next Spring, he is also going on a fishing trip up into Canada that I won't be able to go on. I have already thought several times about next Spring and how I know that the week he is going to be gone with me still here is going to just kill me. I love fishing in Canada, and I love all the good times we have together while we're there. There's a longing that I have to be on these trips. I obviously love being in the outdoors. I love even more spending time with my kids outside making memories for a lifetime. I hate missing these moments! (Dave M) Action Point From a spiritual standpoint, there are many folks who know the gospel and have heard it a thousand times, but have made no decision to follow Christ. Maybe that's you today . . . Can I tell you that my longing to be with my son on these trips will not even hold a candle to what your longing will be if you don't make a decision to follow Christ before your time is up. Imagine never making a decision to follow Christ when all of your family members have. What a shame it would be to not be able to spend all of eternity with them in Heaven. We all have to make a choice about Christ. Don't assume you have time to make this decision. Your eternal life depends on the decision you make - don't put it off!!! If you have made a decision to follow Christ, step up to the plate today and share your faith with someone God has laid on your heart. Be a true friend and share God's story of salvation with them!!!   Sportsmen's Tip of the Day The Lord has worked mightily through His amazing creation. Romans 1:20 talks of how everyone will know God through the nature He has created. Start the hunting adventure and the love of creation with your children early. Give attention, instruction, and time with your children as they learn to carry and master a BB gun as their first in the wild.



October 5, 2011 Today's Photograph . . . . Moose (Herb C)

Bible Study Verse Psalms 40:2 He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, and He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. (NASB) Thoughts Many years ago I had taken a backcountry hike in Yellowstone National Park. Wanting to get a better look at a moose, I traveled through several grassy boggy areas. One last leap landed me into a swampy mire all the way up to my chest! Eventually, I did get out, but it wasn't easy. (Tom H) Action Point Look before you leap! Not everything is as solid as it appears. Use wisdom in making decisions. Check out things entirely. If you are still undecided about Jesus, I can tell you that He is my Rock. He has never let me down like the miry bog I found myself in, so many years ago. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Not sure where to step? Use a hiking stick or a pole to test the ground or stream bottom first.



October 4, 2011 Today's Photograph . . . . They Scream Out, "God Is Good!!!" (Jack M)

Bible Study Verses Luke 12:27-28 "Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will He clothe you-you of little faith! (NIV) Thoughts The variety of the colors and designs were glorious. Many of our family were walking through the Pike Street Market in Seattle. What an amazing place. Yes, for those in the know, we saw them throw the fish, for which this market is famous worldwide. But, the flowers that were available were dazzling! Their beauty was manifold; the variety amazing. It was as if each one has been given by God and grown by the gardener just for our enjoyment and for God's fame! (Jack M) Action Point Reflecting upon the scriptures above and the photograph, who can doubt the existence of a designer? Else why would such beauty and order exist? They scream out "God is good!!!" Flowers are designed for beauty, for function, and for lessons. We have spoken to the beauty which we enjoy. The function of the flower is eventually to produce seed. This propagates the species, ensuring more flowers. Many blossoms result in food to eat and enjoy. Such produce nourishes people and animals. Nuts, vegetables, and fruits are made possible by the functional parts of the flower which enables reproduction. The lessons to be learned are simple, yet profound. The obvious application is that God will provide for us. He, also, reminds us that life is fleeting, here today and gone tomorrow. Do we trust God for our needs? The lesson focused here is that we are to trust, to have faith in God that He will clothe us and provide our needs. He, also, gives us things to enjoy. Pray, "Thank you Lord for everything that we so richly enjoy. Thank you for providing the necessities and the pleasures of life." Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Bring a camera with you or use the one on your cell phone. Capture those rare and beautiful shots of flowers, wild life, and natural phenomenon which bring attention and fame to the Creator, our God.

October 3, 2011 Today's Photograph . . . . I Love Shooting Clays (Cliff C)

Bible Study Verse Deuteronomy 31:16 And the LORD said to Moses: "You are going to rest with your ancestors, and these people will soon prostitute themselves to the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They will forsake Me and break the covenant I made with them. (NIV) Thoughts I would say those few words are straight to the point, clear and make sense. God has never had anything to hide. His words are there for you to read, know, and live by. You never hear God say, "Let me be clear," and then what you hear is clear as mud! God is God and His Ways should be our ways. (Jim C) Action Point Throughout each day find something to say thank you to God for. Have you ever had a great cup of coffee, a laugh that you needed, or a sunrise that took your breath away? Even the smallest gifts come from God. A lot of "thank you" add up to a lot of gratefulness!!! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day I love shooting clay targets. It is fun and challenging. The sport of clay shooting also tunes you up for the hunting season. Do you want your gun to work all the time? Sure you do! So after a day of shooting, you should always clean your gun. Take care of it, and it will take care of you!



October 2, 2011 

Today's Photograph . . . . Courageous  Protectors, Phoenix, AZ   (MQ)

Bible Study Verse
Joshua 1:7
"Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go." (NIV)

Thoughts
"This stranger wasn't blindly obsessed with a possession. He wasn't crazy. He was a hero," 1.

"Your life doesn't need to be over. But you've got to get right with God. Then you need to get right with your son," 2.

"Yet, Adam pondered, some in prison were free in their hearts while many outside were slaves to their appetites. (...) Adam asked himself, 'What did he mean when he said, 'Even worse than you know,' ' '' 3.  You're created in God's image, (...). You will exist some place forever. (...) You know, (...) I'd rather be judged a fool by you for the moment than be judged a fool by God forever. And please don't say you'd rather pay your own way. You may get  your wish It's called hell, " 4.
"As a law enforcement officer, I've seen firsthand the deep hurt and devastation that fatherlessness brings on a child's life. Our prisons are full of men and women who have lived recklessly after being abandoned by their fathers, wounded by the men who should have loved them the most. Many of these children now follow the same pattern of irresponsibility that their fathers did. While so many mothers have sacrificed to help their children survive, they were never intended to carry the weight alone. We thank God for these women, but research is proving that a child also desperately needs a Daddy. There's no way around this fact," 5.

The above are quotes from the book, Courageous.
(Joe Q)

1  Alcorn, Randy, Courageous, (Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. 2011) pg 4.
2  Alcorn, Randy,  Courageous, (Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. 2011) pg 220.
 3  Alcorn, Randy,  Courageous, (Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. 2011) pg 221.
4  Alcorn, Randy,  Courageous, (Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. 2011) pg 323.
5  Alcorn, Randy,  Courageous, (Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. 2011) Pg 354.

Action Point
Just as in an election one vote is critical, our aggressive attendance is imperative on opening weekend for this awesome Christian movie that will change the leadership in homes and our Fathers in America, turning their hearts to their children.
It is not too late to start.  Ok, your hesitation is . . .  Get over it!  We serve an awesome loving God of 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc. startovers!!!  He provides the means, we provide our obedience!!! We need to take back what our adversary, Satan, has been stealing from our homes for years!!!
Ok, you already have plans and you don't need anyone telling you  how to spend your Sunday!  Maybe you're just the one I'm suppose to be encouraging to pray and see what God wants you to do specifically. Don't think you want to miss out on God's adventure! When He moves it's exciting to be included in His plans!!!
You have been doing just fine.  Ok, step up and encourage another husband, another father, another family.  It's called Mentoring!!!  Jesus healed on the Sabbath! Shouldn't we help heal a family on the Sabbath? Take another family with you and go see this movie again today!!!
Still haven't decided, watch the opening scene at http://www.courageousthemovie.com/videos.  This is a man's movie!!!
God bless each of you as you step out on Faith today as we take back our families and our homes for Jesus Christ!!!   

 Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Decide today . . .
"But if serving the LORD seems undesirable  to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,  whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods  of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my  household, we will serve the LORD."
Joshua 24:15 (NIV)
Now join me in the challenge to Be Courageous and purposeful in taking back our homes for Christ and encouraging our brothers to do exactly the same!!!

October 1, 2011   Today's Photograph . . . . Talk To A Spiritual Mentor, Ask Him How He Views Your Strengths and Weaknesses (MQ)

Bible Study Verses Nehemiah 6:15-16 So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days.  When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God. (NIV) Action Point In the book of Nehemiah, is a great story of a man who faced many difficulties and obstacles in his quest to rebuild the wall around the city of Jerusalem. His enemies tried everything to deter him from his divine calling, even trying to distract him with a simple meeting. But, Nehemiah responded by saying, "I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you,' Nehemiah 6:3 (NIV). "Your passion about God s calling upon your life must exceed the negativity of those who feel called to tell you why it can t be done. It must be greater than Satan's daily darts thrown at you to discourage and distract," Jay Dennis & Jim Henry, Dangerous Intersections. Friends, God has called you to do a great work for Him. Don't be distracted or deterred from your calling. (Michael T) Action Point Your action point for this devotional is to talk to a spiritual mentor about your spiritual gifts and ask them how they view your strengths and weaknesses. Next, you need to pray and seek God s view of how He has wired you for future ministry. It might require a great leap of faith, such as Nehemiah, or you may find that you are one of the local guys who place mortar between the bricks. Whatever your calling, do it all for the glory of God!!! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Build a wall of your own. Before the whitetail season starts, scout out your hunting area and create a few obstacles using fallen trees and brush to help steer the deer closer to you. Deer tend to move around objects rather than jumping over them. Sorry, I can t help you on the shooting straight part

September 30, 2011


Today's Photograph . . . . The Cross, Stuck In The Beach, At The Very Spot Bear Problems Had Been Reported (Dave M)

Bible Study Verse
Psalms 84:12
LORD Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in You. (NIV)

Thoughts

This past year has been an interesting one for me.  The Lord blessed me with the opportunity to write and publish an outdoors devotional book, Swim Upstream.  Over the course of the last year, I've had multiple conversations about one particular story that I share in the devotional where my family was backpacking for our very first trip, and we ran into a potentially problematic bear situation at one of our overnight stays. 
The focus of the story ends up talking about how we found a hand-made cross, stuck in the beach, at the very spot bear problems had been reported.  The point of the story discusses the idea of never being too far away from the cross - even when you feel away from God and have distanced yourself from Him.

What is interesting with these conversations is that I find myself filling in details that aren't mentioned in the book, and people are fascinated by the extra information.  For instance, in the devotional, I don't tell the fact that my wife had broken her foot exactly half way through the trip.  We either had to go back the way we came or finish the trip.  God bless my wife, we finished the trip with her limping along. 
Another piece of the story that people find interesting is that I found out later who actually had made the cross.  The cross creator, who lived 6 hours away, had been kayaking through the region a year earlier and got laid up at that particular beach because of a back problem he was experiencing.  He had to wait a couple of days for his back to feel better before he could take off and finish his trip.  I found this out through my sister, because it was her boss.   They happened to be discussing the area he had kayaked through and it happened to be the same spot I had told my sister about with our backpacking trip.
(Dave M)

Action Point

Where exactly is this leading?  Have you ever heard people say that they could believe in God or the Bible if they just knew this piece of information or that piece of information?  Why is it that the Bible doesn't explain this or that?  Here's what I know.  In my devotional, I didn't tell the extra details, because it wasn't the point of the story.   I had a focus for people to think about, and that was all they needed.

Is there more information that God could have included in the Bible for us?  Certainly, but He gave us exactly what He wanted us to know.  He didn't include any more or any less than we need to know.  If you find yourself just looking for that last piece of information to convince yourself to believe in God and His word, just stop.  You have a decision to make.  Are you going to trust Him or not?

You could have all the info at your fingertips, and you would still find yourself at the core issue, "Can I trust Him?"  As a friend, just let me encourage you to place your faith in Him.  His ways are life transforming, and He has your best interests in mind.  I do know this.  My life did a complete overhaul 25 years ago when I first placed my trust in Him.  Just believe!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

If you are planting a food plot for white tail, consider planting tall grass around the perimeter.   Deer are more comfortable in this environment than a completely open area

September 29, 2011 

Today's Photograph . . . . Coues Buck (Jimmy S)

Bible Study Verses
Philippians 3:13b-14
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me Heavenward in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Thoughts

It's always fun to think back to hunts of former years.  I can still see my first deer in my scope that crisp October morning over forty-five years ago.  A few years later in almost the exact same spot a mountain lion fell to the trusty .270 Winchester.  In 1976, a desert sheep filled the scope at thirty-five yards.  In 1977, the .270 was used to take my buffalo and, in 2009, an antelope.  My son's first big game kill, a javelina, and his first deer and elk kills (with his .270!) were really special moments in the field.

However, some hunts aren't such good memories.  Still fun, just not as pleasant.  There were missed shots, blown stalks, storms that blew the tent down, and a few times that the truck sunk to the axles in mud.

But, what I like most about hunting is the next season!  I have a fall deer tag in my pocket and know I'm going to have a great time on the mountain and will get to spend some good time with some good friends.  And, hopefully that monster Coues Whitetail deer will fill my scope!  Now, where did I put that .270 ammunition?
(Cliff S)

Action Point

As Christians it's easy to get stuck looking at life in the rear view mirror.  Sometimes we look back so much that we don't see where it is that God wants us to go.  We may think so much about past victories or failures that we don't experience all that God has planned for us.  Maybe it's a former job, position, relationship, or event (positive or negative), that keeps us focused on what's behind rather than what's ahead.  And, Satan is good at reminding us of our failures!

But, God is better at reminding us that, if we've put our faith in Him, He has forgiven us of ALL of our sins and that He has a great future planned for us.  The challenge is to put the past, both victories and losses, behind us as Paul did and press on to the adventures and blessings that God has for us to experience.   Jesus set the greatest example for us.  In His own words in John 17:4 when speaking to the Father Jesus said, "I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do," (NIV).

Let's not miss the future God has planned for us because we're stuck in the past!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Anticipation is a huge part of the hunt.  Pre-hunt planning: sighting in your rifle or bow, studying maps, pre-season scouting trips, gathering up your camping and hunting equipment, and even grocery shopping is a part of the hunting experience.  Be thorough in your pre-hunt planning and the actual hunt will go much more smoothly.

September 28, 2011 

Today's Photograph . . . To Call When The Going Gets Tough Isn't Only Smart, It's Essential! (Cliff S)

Bible Study Verses
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (NIV)

Thoughts
The year, 2010.  The location, near Prescott, Arizona, for two separate antelope hunts. Sadly, neither hunt was mine (one rifle-a friend's and one black powder-a nephew's). But, along with a few other friends, I was fortunate enough to be invited to go along on these hunts.

It was a fun time with good friends and relatives!  Both hunters were successful on their quests and both killed nice bucks on opening day of their respective hunts.  Beyond that, the best thing about each kill was that neither buck fell too far from the road where the truck was parked.  That's always a good thing!

We couldn't drive to either buck, so we were challenged with the task of carrying the carcasses out.  At this point of each hunt, I offered a suggestion as to a method of how to pack the animals out that my son and I had used on my son's 2002 elk hunt.  I had an external frame backpack with me and we loaded each buck on the frame and four of us carried the trophy like each was on a stretcher.  My son and I had done the same thing with his elk after we had quartered it.  It worked really well and it was pretty easy going with four guys sharing the load!
(Cliff S)

Action Point
We're sometimes tempted to "go it alone" as Christians.  Most of us have a little of that desire to be the rugged "loner" of the Christian world.  But, when you need help, it's tough to be out there by yourself.  Having someone to call when the going gets tough isn't only smart, it's essential!!!

These aren't just casual friends I'm talking about.  These are the ones that will drop whatever it is they are doing and come running when you call, and you would do the same for them.  Whether you find yourself in the midst of a tragedy, a temptation, a hurtful loss, or when you're just having a bad day, you need these folks to be able to call.  And, they need you to be there when they call.

You never know, just being there to talk may help a brother or sister in Christ through a tough spot even if you don't know exactly what's going on in their life.  I know from personal experience that it's a great comfort to have your Christian friends gather around and lift you up before the Lord when it seems that the whole world is collapsing in on you.  Thank you guys for being there!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Always hunt in pairs.  Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.  Have a hunting plan and follow it!!!

September 27, 2011


Today's Photograph . . . . Someday The House That I Built And Raised A family In Will Look Just Like This Cabin (Brett M)

Bible Study Verses

Matthew 6:19-21
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (NIV)

Thoughts

My daughter and I were exploring an area when we came across what was an old homestead. It was essentially a one room log cabin with a stone fireplace. As I looked over the construction aspects of the cabin it was apparent that much care had gone into the structure. Trees that had to be hand felled and then stripped of their bark. Then moved to their current location where they had to have the notches hand carved to receive the next log, then stacked, one by one, logs that weighed hundreds of pounds. It had a stone fire place that was constructed of flat native rocks that had to be collected from all over the area. Then each one hand placed and secured with a mortar material. A single door and a few windows followed by a roof that no longer existed.

I imagine a front porch with a swing that overlooked the beautiful country. The cabin residents enjoying a view that overlooked open grasslands that blended into tall ponderosa pines with deer, elk, and turkey passing through on occasion. This is an area that holds thousands of acres of prime grazing land ripe with fodder to prepare the herd for market; an almost perfect setting in my mind's eye.
(Brett M)

Action Point
I hope that I am successful in storing up treasures in Heaven. Treasures that can never be destroyed or stolen. It is less about the rewards that I may receive in Heaven, but more about wanting that my heart should be in the right place before God.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Know your taxidermist prior to your hunt. Talk to him about how he wants the animal caped out. He may prefer that you keep the head on ice and allow him to cape out the difficult parts of the face or he may give you instructions on how to do it. Either way understand his expectations and your abilities prior to ever setting a knife to your trophy.Jesus is teaching about money at this time in the book of Matthew. He is speaking of the importance of building your treasure in Heaven and not here on earth. A few years ago, I went through the difficult process of building my own home. Acting as general contractor and subcontracting much of the work myself was not an easy task, especially for someone who has never done it before. When I was done, I had a great sense of accomplishment and pride. But, I also know that someday the house that I built and raised a family in will look just like that cabin; a foundation, a fireplace, and maybe some walls.

September 26, 2011


Today's Photograph . . . . In The Wilderness In A Float Tube and Catching Trout (MQ) 

Bible Study Verses

II Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NIV)

Thoughts


It was a little warm still under the summer sun as we mounted our horses and readied to hit the trail. We were setting off on a four hour ride to retreat into some of God's most beautiful country for a week.

My friend was leading me into the wilderness to teach me how to fly fish. We had done some practicing at home; teaching me how to cast overhead, how to side cast, how to aim, how to hit my target, and how to strip line were among the previous days lessons. Then it was to a lake with a float tube and casting for fish.

We caught several rainbows our first day out. Next we went to another lake, then to a river where the teachings continued and were much different from the teachings of still water fishing. Now we were waist deep in a fast moving river trying to see a floating fly go by at what seemed like 40mph.
 
It had been a long week of learning, but now was the moment of truth. Fly rods stowed and flies tied, we were setting out under that warm August sun; setting out on a trip of a life time.

Action Point

Timothy appears to have followed Paul's teaching on his first trip to Lystra and when Paul returns to Lystra Paul finds Timothy again. Paul and Timothy would spend a great deal of time together, teaching, and ministering to the world. Paul clearly became a mentor to the younger Timothy. Although Paul had many people that followed him and his teachings about Christ, it was Timothy who held a special place in Paul's heart. Of the thirteen letters Paul has written in the New Testament, ten of them mention Timothy.

My friend has been more than a friend, more than a fly fishing instructor: he has been a spiritual mentor. Why? I don't know. I am nothing special but he, by the grace and probably urging of God, took me in (spiritually) and began to lead and mentor me.
  
Is there someone out there for you to mentor? The Bible is filled with verses that instruct us, both men and women to mentor others. As is it says in Psalms 119:130, "The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple," Take the time to pray and see if God doesn't introduce someone into your life that He wants you to mentor. 

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Patience is the key when teaching someone something new. If they are having a hard time understanding your direction, don't get impatient with them. Remember they want to learn, instead re-evaluate your instruction and try again.

September 25, 2011

Today's Photograph.... Deer at Cabelas (MQ)

Bible Study Verse
Proverbs 12:27
The lazy man does not roast his game, but the diligent man prizes his possessions. (NIV)


Thoughts

The big ten-point stepped quietly out of the woods and began to walk slowly down the field-line. With great caution, he tested the wind and kept his head moving as he watched the open field carefully. Finally, he was broadside, a muzzleloader sounded off, and my brother had his biggest buck to date.
(Brian H)


Action Point
That big buck encounter didn't just happen. You see, I've left out some details in that story. I left out the hours we spent scouting and glassing that field. I didn't tell you about the time spent setting up a stand, clearing shooting lanes, trimming limbs, and figuring out prevailing wind directions. I didn't mention that we worked to figure out how to walk in to that stand so that we would remain undetected. The moral of this story is that it took hard work for this big buck encounter to happen.
The Bible has something to say about laziness as well, look at Proverbs 12:27. Wow! That passage paints a great picture for all of us hunters. But, it's a picture that is a metaphor for life.
My paraphrase would go something like this: "Do everything that you do in life to your best ability." Perhaps you wouldn't categorize yourself as lazy, but what about those remarks that goes like this: "For what I'm paid for this job, that's all that I'm going to do." How about this one: "Nobody knows if I finish my paperwork or not. Nobody's checked it, so why bother?"
The correct attitude is that God gave us abilities and we should do everything that we do to the best of OUR ability, but do it for HIS glory. Whether hunting, working, or anything else, you won't roast your game unless you are diligent.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

When trimming limbs for shooting lanes, you don't always have a pole saw with you. Try tying a medium weight stick about a foot long to a length of rope. Toss the stick over the offending limb and then pull it down to your reach with the rope. We call that an "Arkansas Lasso." Happy Hunting!

September 24, 2011


Today's Photograph . . . . The Forecast Was Dreary,  Rainey, and Overcast (Dave M)

Bible Study Verse

Proverbs 8:34-35
Blessed are those who listen to Me, watching daily at My doors, waiting at My doorway.  For those who find Me find life and receive favor from the LORD.  (NIV)

Thoughts

This past week, my family and I were hiking Mount Mansfield in Vermont while on vacation.  The way the schedule worked out, we had to hike the summit on a Sunday.

But as Sunday approached, the forecast was nothing other than dreary, rainy, and overcast.   This led to us having a discussion on whether or not to even bother with the hike.  If it was going to be rainy, we would have zero visibility when we got to the top.  All of our hard work to get up the mountain would provide us with not one view below of what we had hiked for for hours. To press on or not with seemingly little reward - that was the question.

Action Point

Have you had dark periods in your life where you were pressing on, working, and doing the best you could for the Lord, but it just didn't seem like God was rewarding you for your efforts? 

Remember, it's not up to us to deem what is a worthy reward and what is not.  If you are working for the Lord with the right motives in place, God will certainly reward you for your efforts.  However, you may never see it at the time. 

Does that mean you stop, because you have no view of the reward?  Your job and mine is simply to be faithful to what God has called us to do ---- reward or not!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

In backpacking, you often will run across lodges or cabins where you and others will stay while passing through on your journey.  Why not take a Sportsmens Devotional card or an outdoor devotional and leave it at these places?  In my experience, people are more apt to take the time to sit down and read at a place like this.  Allow them the opportunity to read about God's creation while they are staring it in the face!

September 23, 2011


Today's Photograph . . . . Where Did You Guys Come From? (Doug L)

Bible Study Verse

I John 2:28
And now, dear children, continue in Him, so that when He appears we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.  (NIV)

Thoughts

As I write this devotional today, it is the day before my church's annual wild game dinner for men and kids of our community. The key word over the last week has been "preparation".

We will have over 500 people show up to our civic center tomorrow night. They will be fed an assortment of wild game - wild boar, elk, white tail, beaver, and salmon.  In order for us to pull this dinner off, between 50-60 men in my church will have ground meat, filleted salmon, cut potatoes, made desserts, set up tables, put up mounts around the banquet hall, and readied the sound/tech equipment.

We have done this long enough that the guys know what needs to be done, and they simply pitch in to pull this together. It takes hours upon hours of work and preparation to make this outreach tick. No job is unimportant!

The key to this being a success is the more we are prepared for ahead of time, the smoother the event will go.
(Dave M)

Action Point

Preparation. Preparation. Preparation. Are you prepared to meet Jesus? None of us really truly know how long we have on this Earth. My time is limited and so is yours!!!

Don't put off issues of faith. If you have not accepted Christ as your Savior, do so!!! If God is calling you into ministry, go!!! If you are being called to lead your family better, do it!!! You may not be able to wait another day!!!

Take the next step that God is calling you to. Be prepared, so that when you do meet Him, you won't have to panic about the condition of your heart!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Order a SD Event Kit. Go to Sportsmensdevotional.com, click on "Store," and select "Wild Game Dinner Package."

Septembert 22, 2011


Today's Photograph . . . . Eastern Harvest Mouse (NPS)

Bible Study Verse
I Corinthians 3:19
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness." (NIV)
 
Thoughts
One of the more memorable hunts of my life occurred about a decade ago, but the irony of this memory actually has nothing to do with an animal or an actual hunt. 

A group of us connected up at a friend's hunting property in northern Michigan.  We had been hunting together for several years and had always camped out on this property as we hunted.  Well, the owner of the property decided that he wanted a more permanent camping scenario, so he bought an old full sized camper to leave on the property for us all to sleep in.  The camper had been placed there during the summer months, and none of us had gone in it to check its condition prior to us using it. 

We all just showed up -ready to sleep in this rig. As we tossed our gear in the camper, we were all looking forward to being in this bigger and better outfit.  That night, we all were trying to drift off to sleep when we started  hearing sounds coming from the walls - scratching noises. 

We laid there awake trying to figure out what it was. But, it wasn't until the middle of the night that we finally figured out what was happening.  The "new" camper was infested with mice! 

Several of us awoke to the pitter-pattering of mouse feet across our sleeping bags. They were everywhere!  We did stay in there for the night. But, I took my sleeping bag, pulled it over my head, and cinched the draw string down to the point where the opening of the sleeping bag was about the size of a quarter. Just large enough for me to get a breath of air through...and of course I was praying that no mouse hopped through the little hole that led to the interior of my sleeping cocoon. 

I'm not sure if I got one second of sleep that night! Wow!  Did we have an infestation.  We had hundreds of mice that were scampering around the camper everywhere.  It was disgusting!
(Dave M)

Action Point
There are times in our lives where we need to sit down and take a serious assessment of our lives.  How are we doing as husbands/wives?  How are we doing as a parent?  How am I doing as a son or a daughter...?
 
It is my personal belief that way too many of us as Christians are being absolutely infested by the messages of the world.  We are trying to live double lives . . . a Christian life and a worldly life!  It flat out doesn't work to do this. 
 
Technology is great and can be used for wonderful ministries (such as this one). But, how much info do you need in your life?  How much time are you spending on the internet?   Your cell phone?  Social Networks?  Blogs?  The list could go on and on. But the point is simple. Are you controlling these "tools" or are they controlling you?  An addiction is an addiction!!!

I would venture to say that each of us would be better off to spend more time in God's word and less time collecting information from the world.  Satan doesn't need you to necessarily worship him; he just needs you too "busy" to get God's work done.  Live a simple life and keep the infestation at bay!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Make sure if you are going to leave a vehicle out in the woods for later use, that you seal it up tight as a drum, so that you don't have unwanted or unexpected visitors later on.

September 21, 2011

Today's Photograph . . . . We Will Endure The Agony, The Pain, and The Hurt. Yet, Keep Going Back . . . (MQ)

Bible Study Verse
Romans 6:12-14

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. (NIV)


Thoughts

The old tom (adult male) cat loved fresh milk. He would jump up to the ledge of the barn that was used to set the buckets full of fresh milk, and then help himself. He craned his neck, stretching to the full height of his legs to reach over and lick up the white goodness.
The farmers wanted to stop him, so they rigged an electric fence and battery so he would complete the circuit when he tasted the milk. They laughed uproariously when Tom took his taste and with a loud "Meooowww!" jumped away.
To their amazement, before they were done laughing, the old cat was back at it! Every time he tasted the milk, the "fire" of the electric current would be seen as he licked the milk. With every taste, he was shocked. Yet, he stayed at it! Lick, a meow of pain! Lick, a meow of pain! Lick, a meow of pain! He thought the taste of milk was worth the price of pain he endured!
(Jackie M)


Action Point

As humans we are like that old tom cat. We think that the taste of the forbidden or pleasure of sin is worth it. We will endure the agony, the pain, and the hurt. Yet, keep going back to our sin.
In actuality, it enslaves us. This slavery ends in death. The real sting of death is sin. (1 Corinthians 15:56). That is the reward, or payment for our sinful choices. We need to see the results of our sin, and move past the temporary pleasure it can give.
We must choose the eternal, not the temporary, the permanent and not the transient. Those who choose Christ should seek to live holy as He is holy. Only in Jesus Christ is true freedom, and in Him is eternal life.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

It is obvious, and should go without saying, but we must clean our firearms consistently and carefully. Keeping them in operational shape not only makes sense, but will preserve these valuable items for the future, rather than limiting their effectiveness and detracting from their value.

September 20, 2011

Today's Photograph . . . . What Has God Seen In Your Sights???  (MQ) 

Bible Study Verse

II Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. (NIV 1984)

Thoughts

To be a proficient shooter there are 7 fundamentals you need to know and use.
The third one is sight alignment and sight picture.

Sight alignment is the relationship and position of the rear sight and the front sight.

Sight picture is the relationship of the sights on the attended target. The front sight needs to be in focus and centered in the rear sight. The front sight then rests in the center mass of your intended target.
(Terry L)

Action Point

The front sight for Christians is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We need to focus on Him and He will guide us. Our target or objective is to be Christ like.

So many of us lose our sight alignment and we miss our target. Instead of focusing on the front sight, we focus on the rear sight, ourselves, or the wrong target. We might get frustrated with our children and instead of acting in a Christ like manner, we lose our temper. Instead of loving our wives like Christ loved the church, we allow our eyes to wander or worse. Instead of aiming for the perfection that is found in Him, we aim at worldly things. We waste time, money, and energy trying to get the newest toys or trying to keep up with the Joneses.

When on the firing line I remind the people I am teaching "Sight alignment and sight picture." We as Christians need to remember "SIGHT ALIGNMENT AND SIGHT PICTURE."


Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

If you are having problems with your shooting go back and revisit the fundamentals. Check your sight alignment and sight picture. With iron sights, your front sight should be in the center of your rear sight with equal amounts of light on each side and the top of the sights should be level.

September 19, 2011

Today's Photograph . . . . A Good Cleansing Breath Before Each Course Of Fire (MQ)
Bible Study Verse
Luke 5:16
But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray. (NASB)

Thoughts

To be a proficient shooter there are 7 fundamentals you need to know and use.

The fourth fundamental is breathing. It seems simple and natural to breathe, but when shooters are under stress they forget this basic and natural thing.

Shooters will focus so hard on hitting their target, they forget to breathe. Poor breathing can  affect your body in different ways.  It can cause muscle fatigue and your body will become tense.  It can also affect your vision.  It can make it difficult to focus on your sights.  Poor breathing compounded by stress can also limit your vision creating tunnel vision.  

We always tell our shooters to take a good cleansing breath before each course of fire and to breathe during the course.
(Terry L)

Action Point

Many of us live hectic lives. Between family, work, and ministry our lives get really busy.
 Jesus also knew that feeling. He was trying to teach this group of men to be His disciples. He had to deal with the religious leaders who were trying to destroy Him and His teachings. During all this, He ministered day and night to the community.

To deal with what I am sure was a very stressful time,  He would often go out on His own and pray. Wow!  The Son Of God needed time to breathe.

We need to follow His example and do the same. I know when I am out sitting on a stand admiring His handy work things become calmer and my sights become clearer. We need to follow the example of our Savior and take time to breathe.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Take some time for yourself and get out into the woods. Some of the best therapy I have ever had was with a Christian brother on the bank of a river.