November 5, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . Enjoy Some Quality Fellowship Time With GOD (MQ)

Bible Study Verse

John 21:6

And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch." So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish. (NASB)

Thoughts

If you want to catch fish, go with Jesus as your guide. When you go out to those good fishing areas that have always produced big and plentiful fish, there are times when you will be plain out-right skunked!

Jesus knew His crew of expert fishermen would be skunked that night. His words , so simple, yet powerful, filled the early morning mist, "Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat . . . ," John 21:6 (NASB). And you know the rest of the story. The net was filled to more than it could normally hold, yet it didn't tear!!!

(Tom H)

Action Point

Lord, fill me with more of Your Life and Holy Presence. Fill me with more than a human could normally contain without being torn apart by the greatness of all that You are and all that You can do!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Get out of your "rat-race" routine and on a nice early morning hour, enjoy the break of dawn. If the fish aren't hungry (even if they are), make a campfire along the stream or lake where you are fishing and enjoy some quality fellowship time with GOD.

November 4, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . By God's Grace Stay Humble (MQ)

Bible Study Verses

Proverbs 15:33

The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, and before honor comes humility. (NASB)

Proverbs 16:18

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling. (NASB)

Thoughts

Several years back I remember watching the Winter Olympics. One young lady stood out to me more than all the others because she worked so hard to get the gold.

It was on the last jump of the downhill snow board race that her pride made her fall. The gold was virtually in her back pocket until she did a little "showboating"; and down on her face she went. All hopes for the gold were destroyed at that very second!

As fishermen, we can get a little competitive as well-- look how many fish I caught; I got the biggest one today! In the long run, where is that monster trout going to be 100 years from now even if it's mounted. At that time, who's going to really care?

(Tom H)

Action Point

Go for the gold; catch the big fish. But, by God's grace, stay humble!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Bring an extra reel or back-up line with you. Sometimes, when you catch those monster trout, they can bind up, or (worse yet) strip out all your line.

November 3, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . Copperhead (USF&W)

Bible Study Verse

I Peter 5:8

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (ESV)

Thoughts

While driving down the road, the strange posture of a cow caught our eye. We soon realized she had just given birth to a calf.

As we pulled off the road to watch, she appeared to walk away from the newborn. We couldn't understand how the cow could just walk away from her calf like that, leaving it vulnerable.

My thought was, "That calf' is coyote bait." That statement immediately brought to mind Peter's above warning. Today's society is full of dangers for all of us. How often do we leave our kids or even ourselves at risk because of our carelessness?

(Chris Q)

Action Point

We need to constantly be on our guard. Rest assured, our adversary is diligently watching for any opportunity.

He unsuccessfully tempted Jesus three times after His baptism. Yet, he wasn't finished. In Luke 4:13, we read, "And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time,"(ESV).

The bottom line is:  Don't become a  coyote's or Satan's bait.

Sportsmen's Devotional

Always use a flashlight when walking into your hunting area after dark. I was entering a ground blind that was very familiar to me, yet unfamiliar to my hunting partner. Had he not flashed his light into the blind, I would have stepped on, or worse, sat on, the resident Copperhead.

November 2, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . Chapel Built on the Rock, Sedona , AZ (Ron H)

Bible Study Verses

Matthew 26:39, 42, 44

Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will." He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may Your will be done." So He left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. (NIV)

Thoughts

After reading this passage of scripture all my life, it occurred to me recently that Jesus had a choice. Just as God gave Adam and Eve a choice in the Garden of Eden, God gave Jesus a choice in Gethsemane. Jesus did not have to go through the horrific death He was facing. You see, Jesus was not only fully man, He was, also, fully God.

Sometimes we may overlook that He not only did not want to go through the crucifixion physically, but also spiritually. But still, Jesus set the greatest example of obedience to the Father that we could ever have. Jesus chose to obey; He chose to love, and He chose to die so that we might have Life.

When I think about what He chose to do for us, it gives me a renewed desire to be as obedient to the Father as Jesus was. I shudder to think of the consequences if Jesus had chosen disobedience.

(Cliff S)

Action Point

We learned as youngsters that obedience to our earthly parents had rewards, as were there consequences for disobedience.

God has promised blessings to those who choose to be obedient to Him. Remember Samuel's words to King Saul, "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams," I Samuel 15:22b (NIV).

Sportsmen' Tip of the Day

Game laws are established for many reasons. A few are safety, conservation, and preservation of game species. It's better to obey the laws and add to the pleasure of your hunt rather than to have to suffer the consequences of disobedience.

November 1, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . It's Amazing What Rain Does To The Desert (Raymond R)

Bible Study Verses

Acts 3:19-21

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that He may send the Messiah, Who has been appointed for you-even Jesus. Heaven must receive Him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as He promised long ago through His holy prophets. (NIV)

Thoughts

My Son and I snuck off during Javelina season to try to find him a pig, and in reality, to just get away from the daily grind for an afternoon. Our trip took us about an hour north of Phoenix into the higher desert country.

The only problem was that a storm was coming in and it was raining intermittently. We soon found ourselves under a juniper tree watching it rain and trying to stay dry. The rain made things kind of miserable for hunting, but the countryside was absolutely beautiful!

It's amazing what rain does to the desert. Everything is cleansed and refreshed and takes on a new look, a look of life, just as the blood of Jesus cleanses us and allows His Holy Spirit to refresh us and to restore our love for Him and our life in Him.

(Cliff S)

Action Point

When you find yourself out of fellowship with God, repent of whatever is standing between you and Him. Allow Him to wash your sins away. Pray as David did in Psalms 51:10, "Create in me a pure heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me," (NIV).

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Rain and wind can lead to hypothermia. The best way to prevent hypothermia is to wear layered clothing made of wool.

October 31, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . Fall Colors (Janet B)

Bible Study Verses

Deuteromy 18:10-14

There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you.  You shall be blameless before the LORD your God. For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, the LORD your God has not appointed such for you. (NKJV)

Thoughts

Years ago many a deer hunt was right before Halloween.  As a kid couldn't be at two places at one time, so I went hunting.

One Halloween we were butchering 3 deer in one evening. Unfortunately we ran out of butcher paper, so I ran to pick more up at the store.  The other two men couldn't keep butchering and answer the door to pass out candy so they ended visitation.  They place a deer head with its horns sawed off at the end of the driveway until I found it in my returning headlights.

As I removed the scary creature to oblivion I promised myself that we'd never butcher another deer on Halloween with the butcher boys again. It worked as a fright, not one child or teenager came up to the porch after that display. It's unsettling to think what the neighbors might have thought or the nightmares created.
(Jo Q)

Action Point

Just as the butcher boys made a poor choice on deflecting visitation, it brings to mind the verse that says, "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea," Matthew 18:6 (NKJV).  Hopefully they didn't cause a frightened little one to sin.  But how many of our poor choices caused another to stumble?   

  

The above scripture is pretty clear on what any of us should not be doing within the spiritual realm. Notice "one who practices witchcraft" has no exceptions for white, black, or Wicca. We're to walk in HIS light and with our faith in JESUS CHRIST not by what today's horoscope reflects.

The final tests are to take every thought captive to Christ and line up every question to GOD's Living Holy WORD. We become free in CHRIST when we bow at HIS throne and humbly ask for HIS forgiveness no matter what has been in the past!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
By cutting up our own deer, we diligently removed all fat before packaging. The strong gamey taste was removed with the fat. Many a chuckle was created when friends enjoyed the steak that couldn't have been wild game meat.

October 30, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . It Felt Awesome Helping Her Hit Her Target (Ruben C)

Bible Study Verses

Matthew 7:13-14

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (NIV)

Thoughts

During a recent Hunter Education course, a young girl was having difficulty hitting the target at 10 yards. No scratch that; she was not hitting the target at all! As I watched it seemed as if her .22 rifle was pointed at the target while she continued to miss. 

I asked her if she was looking through her right eye and she replied, "Yes".  She kept missing.  I then observed her as she aimed. To my surprise, she closed both eyes!

"Aha!" I thought. She could not close just one eye and for a few moments I was perplexed as what to do.  I knew we had to get her on target or the whole class would not mean anything if she felt she couldn't hit the target on the last day. 

It then occurred to me to make a field expedient "blinder" for a pair of safety glasses from a .22 carton and electrical tape. The young shooter immediately put them on (with the left eye piece covered) and she immediately started putting all her shots in the ten ring. After

hitting the target for the first time, she looked up at me and was all smiles.

It felt awesome to help her hit her target.
(Ruben C)

Action Point

Just like it's a bad idea to simply point a rifle downrange, close both eyes, pull the trigger, and expect to hit the target. We shouldn't think we can apply the same principles to our walk with Christ.  Like the young shooter on the range needing guidance so do we.

Sometimes we may need to stop and re-orient  ourselves.  The Bible is a great place to start getting on target!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

If your young shooters are having difficulty hitting the target, a flip down eye piece may be the answer.  Conversely, this can also be a great opportunity to train your young shooter to shoot with a scope with both eyes open.  

October 29, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . If You Must Boast, Boast In The Lord (Yvonne M)

Bible Study Verses

Proverbs 27: 1-2

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

Thoughts

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

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

(Bink G)

Action Point

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

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

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

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

October 28, 2011

Today's Photograph . . . . It Will Combine The Attributes Of All The Best Into One  (Will D)

Bible Study Verses

Isaiah 6:13

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Master sitting on a throne-high, exalted!-and the train of his robes filled the Temple. Angel-seraphs hovered above Him, each with six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two their feet, and with two they flew. And they called back and forth one to the other, Holy, Holy, Holy is God-of-the-Angel-Armies. His bright glory fills the whole earth. (The Message)

Thoughts

I am going to create the ultimate fishing lure. It will combine the attributes of all the best into one bait; spinners on each end, just the right amount of feathers and flash, rattles, flashing lights, three different kinds of hooks and a paddle tail. Maybe a fishy smell. Red eyes for sure.

(Will D)

Action Point 

Man is kinda like that with God; sometimes mind - making a god to fit our lifestyle. A man-made-god might reward success at any cost. A god that only sees hypocrisy in others and is okay with small sins - not big ones. Judging, gossip and retaliation in the right circumstance is allowed. Worship on Sunday? Nah, you should go do something for yourself today, you deserve it.

No, thankfully our God isn't man-made. Can't be. Will never be. The fact is His holiness is so pure even His own angels are unable to look upon Him. As Christians we have God's word, His promise, His son, and the Holy Spirit keeping us on track. Jesus has no glitter, flash, or attracting rattles - He's just the real deal.

No. Man-made-gods usually don't work out real well - hopefully my late-night-fancy-lure infomercials will.
 

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Replace the hooks on your favorite lures with red ones of the same size. The color in clear water creates more of an injured look.

October 27, 2011

Today's Photograph . . . . We Live A Life Of Full-time Need With Part-time Belief (Will D)

Bible Study Verses

I John 3:5-6

But you know that He appeared so that He might take away our sins. And in Him is no sin. No one who lives in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen Him or known Him. (NIV 1984)

Thoughts

I distinctly remember the first fishing trip I made in the Gulf of Mexico. The air was filled with anticipation and a steady sea-salt spray. Running up and then back down those big waves was like a fun theme-park ride. However, when the boat stopped, the waves began to take their toll on my equilibrium. Seasickness overcame me. I wanted off this ride.

(Will D)

Action Point

Sin, a tiny word with giant meaning. Hearing it penetrates our soul with conviction and condemnation. We think of closet-filled skeletons. 

Many of us struggle in our Christian walk because we live a life of full-time need with part-time belief. Living that way is like an up and down rollercoaster ride. The reality of the Word is that it is not some "thing" you are doing, but some "one" you are doing without. Dealing with sin and finding truth and solace in your life begins and ends with Jesus Christ. 

Get off that old rollercoaster and ride the one called repentance. Sin - sickness replaced by God's grace. No better ride exists. Check out Romans 10:9-10. 

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Keep your head up and your eyes focused on the horizon on those rough days. Staying out of cabins and into the open air will help you avoid sea-sickness.

October 26, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . You'll End Up Catching More Fish (Jimmy S)

Bible Study Verse

Proverbs 28:5

Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully. (NIV)

Thoughts

We see this going on all around us.  We think to ourselves, how do these people not see that what they doing?  How do they not see this is wrong?  Have you ever talked to a hunter or fisherman who just had "a couple" over his limit? 

A good guide line to go by is, if it's wrong, it's wrong, the number does not matter!

(Jim C)

Action Point

I am by no means a perfect individual.  I sometimes wonder how and why God puts up with me.  But I do know that when I turn to God in any matter that the end results are much better for me than if I myself would have handled it.

If in doubt about what to do, seek the Lord and the truth will be made known to you!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

When fishing crank baits or spinner baits for bass, always try to run the lure into something, like a dock, rocks, or a lay down log, something to make the lure look injured.  Bass will key in on baitfish that find themselves disorientated. When your lure acts the same way, you'll end up catching more fish.

October 25, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . Before The Storm Hits (Janet B)

Bible Study Verse

Like 21:8

He replied: "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in My name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them." (NIV)

Thoughts

The sad thing is, you can turn on the news every day and see those who have all the "so called" solutions to our problems.  They can help, they can heal us, and they can make it right.  They lie and are arrogant!  Some day they will answer to God for their misleading ways.

(Jim C)

Action Point

I have learned over time to trust my instincts or to trust "my gut' so to speak.  If someone told me something or I was in a situation that did not feel right, I stepped away from it.

To me it was that small voice of God warning me.  It's been right every time.  How do I know?   It's when I did not follow that "voice" that I got myself into places or situations that were not good for me.  The Father knows best!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Changing weather conditions can be some of the best fishing you will ever encounter.  Right before a rain storm, the fish can turn on and give you some incredible action.  Make sure you know when to quit.  No matter how good the bite gets, it's better to pack it up before the storm hits and come back another day.

Octobe 24, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . Face-to-Face With A Small Mule Deer Buck (MQ)

Bible Study Verses

II Peter 3:17-18

Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (NIV)

Thoughts

Physical conditioning is very important to any hunter.  A hunt is so much better when you can get around in the mountains and carry your pack with ease.  But, this doesn't happen by accident. 

You have to work at getting in shape.  You have to eat right and get out and walk, run, bike, get to the gym, or do whatever you choose to do to improve your endurance. 

I see so many hunters that are overweight and pigging out on the wrong foods.  And, they never exercise or get in shape prior to a hunt.  This is foolish and can be dangerous. 

A couple years back an article in our local newspaper highlighted a professional athlete that was on a photo safari in Africa.  Now we all know that a professional athlete must work out constantly to maintain his physical conditioning and keep his muscles toned and firm.  Ok, that's a given.  But, the story told of what he and two other football players had for dinner: meat and vegetables.  No bread, no potatoes, no corn went on their plates.  Am I against bread, potatoes, and corn?  No, but eat them in moderation! 

So, if you want to get into shape, eat right and exercise!  And, don't tell me it can't be done.  I teach Hunter Education classes with a guy that lost over 100 pounds.  Yes, it can be done!  

(Cliff S)

Action Point

If we're to grow in our faith we must be reading God's word, the Bible.  There's just no other way.  Yes, books about the faith, devotionals such as are available from Sportsmen's Devotional, and others are great.  But, they are no substitute for a few minutes daily in God's word. 

If you want to grow your faith, you must work at it.  And, there's a practical side to this, if you're grounded in what you believe you won't be vulnerable to false teachings.  May I suggest, start with reading a chapter per day in the book of John.  Then, two chapters per day.  Then, more as you feel you have time.  You'll reach a point where you'll know how much time you have and can devote to reading daily.  When you finish John, go through the other gospels, then the rest of the New Testament. 

When you're finished reading, spend some time communicating with the Father in prayer.  And, when you're praying, don't forget to listen!  Spending time with God may mean getting up a few minutes earlier or spending a little less time on the internet. But, it will be well worth it as your faith in God grows and gets stronger.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Getting in good shape not only enhances your hunt, but will go a long ways toward preventing emergencies in the field.  Check with your Doctor and plan an exercise regimen that will work for you.  Here's a test: when you buckle your belt, is it facing forward or looking at your toes?  Be honest with yourself, you may have some work to do.  Also, I like to get a physical every year a month or two prior to the hunting seasons so if there is something wrong, hopefully the Doctor will catch it and I won't find out about it on the mountain!

October 23, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . Camping (MQ)

Bible Study Verses

Colossians 3:15-16

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the Message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (NIV)

Thoughts

Let, a verb meaning to allow. I let that bird go (meaning, I missed). I let that buck get away so he can grow up some (meaning, I couldn't get the shot off quick enough). I let my lab chew things up in my back yard (meaning, I can't catch her in the act to discipline her). I let my son take my truck and go camping with his friends for the weekend (meaning, he's grown up and doesn't need me there with him and his friends; they know what they're doing).

We all let things happen in our lives. It's a part of life that we don't often think about, but we live it every day. Or, should I say, we let it happen daily.

(Cliff S)

Action Point

For the peace of Christ to rule in our hearts, we must let it. For the word of Christ to dwell richly in us, we must let it. We have the power to allow God to be our primary influence, or to keep Him on the back burner of our lives. We let so many other things influence us daily, why not allow God to work in our hearts and let Him show us how to walk with and trust Him, how to teach and admonish others, and how to sing and worship Him. He will, if we'll let Him!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

When the time comes, let your children head off into the outdoors without you. It's hard, I know, I've been there. But, if you've trained them right, you can have confidence that they'll do things right. And, who knows, maybe they'll let the old timer join them once in a while.

October 22, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . Obedience (MQ)

Bible Study Verse

I Samuel 15:22

But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. (NIV)

Thoughts

Death was imminent. Quick action was required. Mel, Rusty's owner, shouted out at the top of his lungs, "Rusty!"

The Golden Retriever responded immediately. With speed that seemed quicker than air brakes on a semi truck, Rusty locked up all four legs, paws dug deep in the roadside gravel, and he came to a halt.

The automobile's bumper missed his head by less than a foot!

Rusty had witnessed the flush of a large covey of Bob White quail. One quail flew left across the paved road which was far below and down the slope of the steep hillside. Rusty went to retrieve the quail that he assumed had been hit as the shotguns roared. But, I had missed, and Mel had shot at other birds. The point is that Rusty's immediate obedience save his life!

(Jack M)

Action Point

In the verse above, we are told that to obey God is better than the most fantastic attempts at serving the Lord in our own way.

The internal fat of animals sacrificed in Old Testament times was considered the best part of the sacrifice. It was reserved for God alone, and was to be offered on the altar to Him. It symbolizes the most sincere motivation and our very best attempt to do for the Lord what we think is best.

But, God says that simple obedience is better than trying to do fantastic things for Him in our own wisdom and strength. Simply obey Him!!! That is best in His eyes. That is also the safest thing for us to do, and puts us in the place of blessing!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Teach your dogs to obey instantly. It will often be to their advantage; perhaps it will save their lives as it did Rusty in the true story above. There are many training tools available to us today. An electronic training system will enhance learning, and save the owner lots of frustration when the dog disobeys.

October 21, 2011
October 21, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . Merriam Turkey (Wayne M)

Bible Study Verse

Isaiah 6:5

Then I said, "It's all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven's Armies." (NLT)

Thoughts

Completely camouflaged from head to toe, I sat in my place of ambush!  I thought I was the complete predator, the ultimate hunter!  I thought I was undetected, unseen, ready to pounce upon any opportunity given me by the unsuspecting prey.

But, I was wrong!  A hen turkey came walking into the setup.  Next thing I knew, she had me pegged!  I was busted!  I was found out!  I was exposed!

(Jack M)

Action Point

There are many in the world who think that God does not see and know.  They think their sin is hidden; their actions unknown to any other.  

But, they are wrong.  God does know.  We are indeed BUSTED!  As Isaiah found out in the passage above, we are unclean.  "Doomed.  It's all over."  [(NLT) paraphrased by the author for emphasis.] If you are still in your sin, you are BUSTED!!!

Realize and agree with God that you are unclean, a sinner who needs forgiveness.  Accept God's remedy for sin.  Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Use your favorite scent killing routine, or develop one for use in hunting, especially when hunting with archery equipment.  It may not make you scent free, but it will help out most of the time.

OctobOctober 20, 2011er 20, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . White Tails (MQ)

Bible Study Verses

I Corinthians 10:12-14

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is Faithful, Who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. (NKJV)

Thoughts

Terrain Strategies, Funnels - imagine two crop fields that sit back to back with a strip of woods between them.  If I were a big buck trying to stay in hiding, how would I travel between the two patches of woods without walking out in the open of these two fields?  Right.  I would walk that little strip of woods that sits between the two crop fields.  It's a natural pinch-point. 

If I were hunting this setup, I would place a stand somewhere in that funnel.  Does that mean that every deer in the region would travel through that funnel?  Of course not.  But that funnel is a good jumping off point in placing your stand to position yourself to see more deer.

I used to hunt a little patch of woods between two big clear cuts (areas that had been strip-logged).  For the three or so years that the clear cut was still pretty much open and just beginning to grow back with brush, briers, and small pine saplings, that was the place to be.  Several deer met their end as they funneled through that little patch of trees to avoid the wide open spaces.

(Brian H)

Action Point

Do you have a pinch-point in your life?  Is there a pet-sin that you just can't seem to get away from?  If we're not careful, we rationalize our little personal pet sins and they become spiritual strongholds in our lives.  We run to these little secret areas only to find that the enemy is there and ready to strike. 

The only true freedom from these pinch-points in our lives is forgiveness.  Jesus has made a way of escape for us so that we don't have to die in the funnel!!! 

The temptations that lead to these pinch-points are "common to man." But, our Lord says that He will give us a way of escape.  We don't have to keep these funnels in our lives.

Take the way of escape and allow God to help you overcome these funnels lest you be caught off guard.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

When scouting, you will obviously be looking for deer sign.  But hanging your stand right on the deer sign may not be the right place.  Look to find where deer bed, eat, drink, and then find their travel corridors.  See more deer by finding the paths they walk regularly.

October 19, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . White Tail Buck (MQ)

Bible Study Verse

John 14:6

Jesus said to him, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (NKJV)

Thoughts

Terrain Strategies, Inside Corners -  one of the best places to catch a nice buck "cheating" is on an inside corner.  Picture, if you will, a field that juts back into the woods.  Mature whitetail bucks, being creatures of secrecy, may not like the idea of wading across an open field unless chasing does.  Rather, they may choose to skirt around the back of the field in order to remain in the cover. 

If you're sitting in the "point" of one of the back corners, you may be in the driver's seat,  with a bow or gun, for a nice chip shot.  Inside corners are travel corridors and may not have a lot of deer sign.  But if you're in deer country, your chances go up when you find a corner such as this.  These corners may be inverted, may be different types of woods rather than a field, could be row crops, or could be hay meadows.  The terrain will differ, but the strategy is the same.

I remember the first stand I ever hung in an inside corner.  This corner was where a hay meadow jutted back into a hardwood flat.  On the first morning I hunted this place, I saw nine deer and shot a buck with my bow.  The next morning, I saw a nice eight-point that I didn't get a shot at.  A week later, we saw another seven or so deer on a Saturday morning with a big six-pointer being taken.  Find the inside corner and go sit for a while!

(Brian H)

Action Point

Cutting the corner is a deer trick for sure. But, that's what human-kind does all the time in regard to God and eternity.  Picture the world religions that focus on working your way to Heaven.  What about the people that think they can be good enough to attain Heaven?  Then there are the folks that don't claim to believe in God at all and just hope that everything will turn out OK.

We like to talk about how God is a God of love.  It makes us feel all warm.  But, we often leave out the truth that God is also the righteous judge.  If we try to attain eternal life or make it to Heaven in any way other than through the gift of Jesus Christ, then we are cutting the corner.  We're trying to attain something by taking a shortcut. 

Jesus says that He alone is the only way.  Cut the corner when you're looking for a buck.  Take the only Way when assuring eternal life!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

When hunting a new piece of land, you can shorten your scouting time by grabbing a map and pinpointing terrain that will naturally push deer to you.

October 18, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . White Tail Beauty (MQ)

Bible Study  Verses

Matthew 22:18-21

But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap Me? Show Me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought Him a denarius, and He asked them, "Whose image is this? And whose inscription?"  "Caesar's," they replied. Then He said to them, "So give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." (NIV)

Thoughts

I can make a variety of mistakes in the field if you give me enough time!  I'll walk to fast and jump up my quarry.  I won't pay attention to the wind and before I know it it'll be blowing down my neck. It takes a conscious effort to keep all the rules of hunting in order to make a successful hunt.

(Ruben C)

Action Point

Back at the time Jesus walked the earth, the Pharisees were out to get Him to say the least.  They were "experts " in God's law, master lawyers so to speak.  They tried their hardest to catch and convict Him of doing anything wrong, to no avail.

If you spend 15 minutes around me, much less a day, you will find that I will do something wrong.  You won't even need an attorney to catch me at it, just ask my wife! I am not perfect although Jesus, whom we try to imitate, is!!! 

The scripture tells us,  "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus," Romans  3:23-24 (NIV).

God knows that we will never compare to His Son, but He loves us so much that we are made perfect by His Grace.  To coin a phrase, "We are not perfect, only forgiven!!" 

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

I think wind direction is the most critical thing for me as a hunter whether I have a bow or rifle in hand.  I am always checking it especially as it starts to warm up in the morning and change direction.  Using a commercial powder is cheap and easy to come by in most hunting outlets or make your own out of unscented talcum powder, baking powder, corn starch, etc.  If it's homemade, try it at home before you go in the field.

October 17, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . One of Our Fire Fighting Heroes (NPS)

Bible Study Verses

Genesis 45:4-7

Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt!  And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping.  But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. (NIV 2011)

  

Genesis 50:19-20

But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (NIV 2011)

  

Thoughts

There are three special young men in my hunting circle that I have so much respect for.  You see, these three young men are fire fighters.  All are trained in what they do and all have been involved with wild lands fire fighting at one time or another.  Wild land fire fighters go into some of the toughest circumstances we can imagine - tough terrain, tough heat, and tough fires. 

  

Several years ago and again this year in Arizona, we had a wild fire that consumed a half million acres of forest and rangeland.  How do you stop a monster like that?  How do you even step out of your vehicle and get on the fire line when you know this fire can run with the wind faster than you can get out of the way? 

  

I don't know how they do what they do, but these young men and their fellow fire fighters go anyway.  My guess is that they have to believe deeply that what they are doing will save people and the forest from certain destruction.  Why else would they go into such dangerous harm's way?    

(Cliff S)

Action Point 

Many times as Christians we wonder what God is up to and why He has put us into the circumstances that we're in.  Joseph certainly had to ask himself that question a bunch of times.  But, look at his answer, "It was for good and to save lives!" 

Now, fast forward a little to Christ.  What was Christ here to do?  To do good by giving His life to save lives. 

So, what are we here for?  To do good for God's kingdom and to save lives by sharing our faith in Christ with those we interact with.  Wherever you are in life, whatever is going on with you, you are God's representative to the world around you.  He has put you exactly where you are for His purposes.  Wherever you are, God has you there to do His work - to do good and to save lives by leading others to faith in Christ!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day 

Be responsible with fires.  Always save some water to drown your camp fire and never leave a hot fire unattended.