February 10, 2013   Today's Photograph . . . . For The Weapons Of Our Warfare Are Not Of The Flesh But Have Divine Power To Destroy Strongholds   (Jack M)

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  The opportunity to hunt late season wild pheasants had presented. My friend Gene had invited us to come and hunt on a spectacular December day. So I had to say yes!  On the way to the hunting site, I noticed the wild pheasants picture in this photo. The picture was taken at a long distance, but the point is made very powerfully that they are on the alert for danger. They had played this game before!  I was able to snap the picture of these four roosters with heads up and alert to danger. Not long after the shutter snapped, they ran to cover. It makes a good point for us all to remember, that we have enemies who put us in spiritual danger. (Jack M) Action Point We have an adversary. Satan. There is danger. We must be always on the alert to him. We must follow the Bible injunctive to watch out, to be aware, and to be always careful of that danger. Many predators love to have pheasant for dinner. The pheasants have enemies that attack from the air and from the ground. They have hunters who seek to take them legally, and those who disdain the rules and potshoot at them from cars and trucks, though it is illegal. So we must all be reminded; we face constant danger from Satan, this world, our own fleshly desires, and the anti-Christ world system around us. The good news is we can pray for help from the Lord and that we have powerful defensive and offensive weapons to protect us which God provides us as believers in Christ. II Corinthians 10:3-5 gives us battle stragedy, "For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ," (ESV). Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When you hunt wild pheasants use maximum noise control. Don't slam car doors, talk loud, or shout to another hunter. Surround the cover where the birds are and close the escape routes as quietly as possible. They will run if they can. When they fly, they usually will fly toward other cover. Have hunters blocking those routes to take the shots that are offered. This is called blocking and is a tactic used successfully by the pheasant hunter hunting wild late season birds.

February 9, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Whatever They Were Makes No Difference   (Tom B)

Bible Study Verse Galatians 2:6   As for those who were held in high esteem-whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism-they added nothing to my message. (NIV) Thoughts Did your team win at the Super Bowl? TV, radio sports talk shows, internet, newspapers, and magazines reported, discussed, argued on just about every aspect of the game and players possible. I even heard one pastor on Super Bowl Sunday begin his sermon with which player was the most "religious". As he put it, "Tim Bebow's outward proclamations of his faith is minor league in comparison to what we were seeing in several of the players." How about Ray Lewis falling face down on the field after the Ravens' win weeping, shouting, praising and quoting scripture. Or, how about Colin Kaepernick's tattoos? This same pastor commented it was like reading the Bible on Kaepernick's body. The inside of one of Kaepernick's biceps reads, "My Gift," and the inside of the other reads, "Is My Curse." The top of his right bicep features the word "FAITH". The depiction on his back is of opposing forces, angels and demons, good and bad, Heaven and Hell. On one of his arms, there is Psalm 27:3, "Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear though war break out against me, even then I will be confident." Then on the other arm, "You armed me with strength for battle; you humbled my adversaries before me," Psalm 18:39.  (Tom B) Action Point What do you think about the attention these athletes are drawing to themselves? I struggle with thoughts of whether, especially with Kaepernick's tattooed body, that people may be thinking he's some whacko of sorts. I think the main point of all of this, at least it is for me, is not to be judgmental. "Do not judge, or you too will be judged," Matthew 7:1 (NIV). "Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly," John 7:24 (NIV). James 4:12 states, "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you-who are you to judge your neighbor?" (NIV) Good advice for all of us. I do know, "As for those who were held in high esteem-whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism-they added nothing to my message,"  (NIV). It's not what is on the outside, but what's in the inside. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Although this devotion talks about football players, the same truths hold true on our judgment of fellow outdoorsmen. Great boats, modern fishing tackle, trucks, camo, or hunting equipment doesn't define one as a great fisherman or hunter. Neither does an angler fishing with a cane pole, using a cork and a worm baited hook define someone as not a true fisherman. It's what on the inside that counts.

February 8, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . It Doesn't Take Much For Him To Get Us . . . (Tom L)

Bible Study Verse II Timothy 2:25-26  Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. (NIV) Thoughts While operating a resort in northern Minnesota in the late 70's and early 80's, trapping muskrat and beaver became a necessity to prevent shoreline damage. My two sons really enjoyed running the trap line and skinning the critters. It wasn't until I retired in Wyoming that I got involved with trapping predators with my friend, Mike. We trapped bobcat, coyote, fox, and pine martins. They all seemed to be opportunists. If we accidently caught a jack rabbit, cottontail, squirrel, or magpie in the trap, most of them were totally eaten by the time we ran our traps. We tried a lot of strategies to outsmart the predators, but found them to be very cunning. (Tom L) Action Point Satan is a predator who is very cunning and opportunistic. It doesn't take much for him to get us in a foothold. The scriptures in Ephesians 4 warn us about our behavior relating to lying, anger, theft, our language, bitterness, rage, brawling, slander, sexual immorality, greed, obscenity, foolish talk, and coarse joking. We must hold each other accountable, admonish with wisdom (Colossians 3:16), seek the Lord's strength, and get help if we find ourselves in Satan's trap. Sportsmen's tip of the Day Consider reading Neil Anderson's book, The Bondage Breaker to help free yourself from Satan's hold. It will lead you into freedom through God's Word.

February 7, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Make Someone's Day   (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Genesis 27:28  May God give you Heaven's dew and Earth's richness - an abundance of grain and new wine. (NIV) Thoughts In this devotional I was led to write it down and to wish all of you reading this all that God wants you to have. May your days be blessed with beautiful sunrises and sunsets. They are yours to enjoy. May the next smile on your face be one of the biggest you have ever had, and may the next person you meet be as happy to see you as you are to see them. (Jim C) Action Point Today, make someone's day. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When hunting someone else's property, make sure you do your best to leave it cleaner than you found it. Make the effort and the rewards will be yours.

February 6, 2013  Today's Photograph . . . . Spiritually Train, Ready Yourself (Will D)

Bible Study Verses I Timothy 4:7-8 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. (NIV) Thoughts Winter wade fishing on the Gulf coast is all about stamina. When you are standing waist deep in cold water surrounded by cold air, about the only thing left to warm your soul is the smack of a trophy trout. Tired, wet, and freezing, and not getting bit, you'll find yourself tempted to give up. Fighting through for rod-bending action is what we like to call grinding. The payoffs can be spectacular. (Will D) Action Point No one said all this was going to be easy. Not even Jesus. Thankfully He didn't leave us stranded on a shoreline all alone. Spiritually train. Ready yourself for the eternal reward that awaits you. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Physical training is not just for scaling mountains or stalking animals. Staying in shape for fishing will make those long grueling days more enjoyable.

February 5, 2013   Today's Photograph . . . . Remaining True To Our Purpose Should Always Trump Our Successes  (Will D)

Bible Study Verses Hebrews 11:26-27 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw Him Who is invisible. (NIV) Thoughts As a young man I got the chance to deck hand several big marlin tournaments. I was mesmerized by big boats, big tackle, and big fish. Seemed everything was big. I wanted to be big. When my ship to comes in . . . I thought. (Will D) Action Point Moses grew up surrounded by all things grandiose and gold. Yet he found himself at a crisis of belief. Burning bush or silver spoon. Discernment or desk job. Who knows, maybe his own pyramid one day. In the end, Moses couldn't be swayed from his God - given purpose. Not much has changed in a world that still tempts and trades the good life. Yes - blessings do come our way and we should certainly enjoy them. However, remaining true to our purpose should always trump our successes!!! Oh. That ship I was waiting on? Never really came. Something infinitely better did though; a living God named Jesus Christ!!! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Big bait = big fish. It certainly does.

February 4, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . .  It Not Only Works Out In Our Favor, But Glorifies God In The Process  (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Genesis 22:2  Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, whom you love-Isaac-and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you. (NIV) Thoughts Ok, my first thought would be, "God what did you say, your breaking up!" What kind of faith do you have to have to even respond to that? What would run through your mind? What emotional state would you be in?  Isaac was a true man of God and we know the story turned out ok for him. But you parents out there, can you imagine the turmoil in your heart and soul?  (Jim C) Action Point  As Christians we know that God lays certain ideas or feelings on our hearts, sometimes when we least expect it. But we have also come to know and understand that when He does that, even though it may seem odd at the time, it not only works out in our favor, but glorifies God in the process. How cool is that?  Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Patterning your shotgun with a new choke and/or new loads can be extremely beneficial because it will show you approximately how many pellets can be on target. It will also give you confidence as to what will be the best possible combination for the game you are hunting. Take the time to pattern your gun, it works!

February 3, 2013   Today's Photograph . . . . Once and A While, A Fellow Wants To Get Away From Everything That's Complicated   (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Mark 1:17 "Come, follow Me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." (NIV 1984)    Thoughts In the book, The Old Man and the Boy by Robert Ruark, the Old Man shares a unique philosophy about fishing. "The thing about fishing, " the Old Man said, "is not how many fish you catch or what kind of fish. I, for one, think that making a hard-headed profession out of fishing is a waste of time, because a fish is only a fish, and when you make a lot of work out of him you lose the whole point of him. A fish which you can't see, deep down in the water is kind of a symbol of peace on earth, good will to yourself. Fishing gives a man some time to think. It gives him time to collect his thoughts and rearrange them in an orderly fashion. Once and a while, a fellow wants to get away from everything that's complicated, and fishing is the only way I know of to do it." (Tom L)    Action Point The Old Man's thoughts revolve around feelings toward personal rewards and benefits of fishing.    In contrast, spiritually speaking, Christ used fishing as an illustration of kingdom work. Our thoughts and actions should be God centered. We should be obedient to God and be "fishers of men" according to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19.    Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Try starting a Christian fishing club. It's a great opportunity to witness and to take part in community service projects, prayer breakfasts, and fishing outings.

February 2, 2013   Today's Photograph . . . . Even Though He Had Never Shot An Elk, He Was Content With Enjoying Our Fellowship and God's Creation (Tom L)

Bible Study Verse Philippians 4:12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (NIV)   Thoughts It was the last day of the cow season in Wyoming. Jeremiah, an elderly friend of mine hadn't filled his tag yet, so we decided to go up to a mountain meadow where I had seen elk that morning.   We drove the ATV up to approximately 9000 feet elevation, hid it the brush, and walked a few hundred yards to a ground stand in the pines. It was a beautiful spot, protected from the wind and with good visibility of meadows on both sides.     I set up a bi-pod and took out my rangefinder. We were ready! We had about 45 minutes of shooting time left when Jeremiah said, " You know, I've had a great day and even if I don't get an elk, I've enjoyed being up here with you in the mountains in God's creation. Within seconds after he made that statement, six elk came out of the timber.    Jeremiah hadn't shot over 300 yards, so he was reluctant to shoot. I then said, " We have time, maybe some elk will come out closer to us. Within seconds, fifty elk came out of the timber at 160 yards. After letting the elk spread out a little, he put his sights on a cow aiming high shoulder and double-lunged her. It was Jeremiah's first elk! What a blessing! (Tom L) Action Point: What stands out the most in this hunt was Jeremiah's attitude. Even though he had never shot an elk, he was content with enjoying our fellowship and God's creation.    Paul says that contentment is a feeling that comes from finding sufficiency in Christ. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day: Before making long distance shots, practice and know where your rifle will shoot. Try researching Kenton Industries for a tactical dial that will put you on target at longer distances. They've worked well for me.

February 1, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . If We Are Just Willing To Increase Our Wisdom and Understanding (MQ)  Bible Study Verses Proverbs 1:1-7 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:  to know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion - a wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel. To understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (NKJV) Thoughts I can remember taking my son out on his first deer hunt, he had opportunities, but he just could not hit the target.  After the hunt I built a 3D deer target out of plywood and would set it up, in the brush about 200 yds away. We practiced on that old piece of plywood at different distances until it finally fell apart from all of the bullet holes.  That next year, my son killed his deer with the very first shot and he has not missed since. (Byron S) Action Point When we increase our learning and seek God daily in His word we get wisdom and understanding.  I recently read a book where the author tells how he uses these gifts, to edify others. He states that when he runs into someone that seems bothered or maybe shares something personal, he will ask them, "What can I do for you?" He goes on to tell how he met a woman at the airport this way, learning that she was going home to divorce her husband. However, by the end of the flight home he had shared God's Holy Word for her, thru scripture, and she had changed her mind about divorce and planned to seek counseling for both her husband and herself.  GOD's wonderful Word can speak through us, if we are just willing to increase our wisdom and understanding. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Since so many of us today carry smart phones, they offer us not only emergency contact with the outside world, but also a GPS system. Not only that but there are apps available that allow us to carry a pocket Bible with us, right on our cell phone. Now we can carry scripture!!!

January 31, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . It May Not Be About You   (NPS)

Bible Study Verse Exodus 15:1-2  Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord:  "I will sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted. Both horse and driver He has hurled into the sea.  The Lord is my Strength and my Defense; He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father's God, and I will exalt Him." (NIV) Thoughts The horse the rider and the entire Egyptian army!  I always loved seeing that part while watching Charlton Heston in "The Ten Commandments."  One of my favorite movies of all time. I love seeing God kick butt.   Throughout the Bible, God uses the small, the weak and the somewhat insignificant to showcase His awesome deeds.  This should stand as proof to all of you that if needed God can use anyone of us to reach someone to be saved for Him.  A true honor for sure! (Jim C) Action Point Never doubt that God can and will use your experiences in life to not only show you something, but to illustrate a point or "spark" something in someone else.   If you're not sure why something is happening to you, remember it may NOT be about YOU!!!    Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Calling to Canada geese and being successful at it takes time and practice. Shortcuts do not exist. The language of the Canada goose is based on the cluck. Learn to cluck correctly and other pieces will fall into place.

January 30, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Your Camp Must Be Holy   (Cliff S)

Bible Study Verses  Deuteronomy 23:12-14  Designate a place outside the camp where you can go to relieve yourself. As part of your equipment have something to dig with, and when you relieve yourself, dig a hole and cover up your excrement. For the Lord your God moves about in your camp to protect you and to deliver your enemies to you. Your camp must be holy, so that He will not see among you anything indecent and turn away from you. (NIV) Thoughts OK, OK, stay with me on this one, I'm going somewhere with it!  Think about it, if you walked into someone's hunting or fishing camp and there was garbage, trash, and filth-excrement--everywhere, would you want to sit and visit, to share a meal, to spend the night?  I don't think so.   Well, there is going to be "excrement" in our lives whether we like it or not.  Bad things, or sins, do happen.  Sometimes we're the source of those bad things; sometimes they're from external sources.  But we're told here to go out of the camp and get rid of them, to relieve ourselves, or better put, repent, of those bad things and bury them.   Why?  So that God will not turn away from us, so that He will protect us, and so that He will deliver us from our enemies.  If we're harboring sin in our lives, are we not keeping "excrement" in?  Can God send His Spirit to dwell in us, and to bless us if we don't confess and repent of our sins, our spiritual equivalent of excrement?   Will God provide victory over the evil one if we are being disobedient to Him?  Not the way I read His Word.  So, let's go out of the camp and get some "relief".  Let's confess, repent, and bury the excrement as God instructs us to, and then become the obedient, victorious children God wants us to be.  (Cliff S) Action Point If we're walking with God in obedience, He will convict us of sin so that we may recognize and confess it.  When He does, it is imperative that we respond with confession and repentance.  If we do, then He promises, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness," I John 1:9 (NIV). Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Every camp needs a "special" shovel.  Some may need two.

January 29, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Always Be That kind Of Friend  (Fred B)

Bible Study Verses Proverbs 17:17   A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (NKJV) Proverbs 18:24  A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a Friend Who sticks closer than a brother. (NKJV) Thoughts My trout fishing buddy Glen loves to catch Browns the most. On a recent outing, I fished upstream from him for awhile. He called me down to "fish below me in that run. I couldn't get a bite there." So, I did, and on my first cast, caught a 16' German brown with brilliant colors! Yes, I felt bad looking at that Brown. But he came down stream, and went wild, excited for me/with me, over my small stream trophy. Now, that's a friend, just like Solomon described. May I always be that kind of friend to Glen, and to everyone--both in the outdoors, and in all of life.    (Fred B)  Action Point Solomon wrote that someone close to you loves you, and will stay with you during times of trouble, opposition, crowding. And there are even some friends who are joined with you closer than your blood-kin. The man who is excited when you kill the biggest deer or catch the biggest trout of the day. Those friends, brothers are few and far between. They are gifts from God! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day  Don't crowd other fishermen as they fish, especially on a stream. Be courteous and give other folks a wide berth. Show a younger or beginner fisherman how to fish riffles, runs, etc. When you spot a trout, don't catch him. Instead bring them down and let them catch him.

January 28, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Make Preconditioning A Daily Workout   (Tom B)

Bible Study Verses I Timothy 4:7-8  Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. (NIV) Thoughts Saltwater anglers fishing Texas coastal waters all agree that wade fishing is a great way to catch fish. Slip into the water from your boat along a shoreline or drive up to the beachfront and wade in. At first glance for someone who hasn't waded much, it looks like a pretty simple way to sneak up on a bunch speckled trout, redfish or flounder. However the neophyte to this type of fishing doesn't realize what a workout this type of fishing can be. Normally the wade fishing angler doesn't stand in one place unless he is along an ambush where moving tidal water is pushing or pulling fish by. It's done mostly by shuffling along, while keeping your eyes tuned to birds diving for shrimp, slicks, mud boils or tell-tale signs of fish activity. Experienced waders might shuffle half a mile or more, casting, looking for fish activity. The bottom varies from compacted or shifting sand, shell or just plain mud. I have come to the point in my life where if the bottom is mud, I'm not going there. I don't care if there are redfish boiling all along the shoreline, they can stay there. Pulling one foot out of ankle sucking mud after the next foot isn't worth it. (Tom B) Action Point Experienced wade fishing anglers know you have to be in good physical shape to do this type of fishing. After wading along and casting a beachfront or shallow water flat for about an hour or more over varied assortment of bottoms, the "hike" back to the boat or parked vehicle sure can look like a long trek prompting the statement, "Gee, I wish I hadn't gone that far!" At times our everyday life can get to be a struggle if you haven't done some preconditioning, reading God's Word and praying, before the muddy bottoms pop up. Spend time alone with God every day, having a spiritual workout. Just 10 minutes a day will help you handle the events of the day. "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ," Romans 10:7 (NIV). Ask yourself, how does what you read apply to your life? What does it say about mankind?  Then pray. Confess your sins to God. Thank Him for what He has shown you. Pray for yourself and others. Make preconditioning a daily workout. It will strengthen every area of your life. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When driving along a beach looking for a good place to start your wade fishing day, be aware of the tidal flow for that day. Not only for matching up your fishing efforts to fish movement, but also to where you park your vehicle. You might come back and find it surrounded by water.

January 27, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . .What If It Meant Being Closer To God   (MQ)

Bible Study Verses   Philippians 3: 7-9  But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for Whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. (NIV) Thoughts The apostle Paul does not mix words. Read the above verse again. Considering how materialistic we are today, myself included, how much closer to Christ would we be with Paul's truth?  Our wealth should be Jesus Christ. For in the end, He is, has and will always out last anything. He is everything. Honestly, if we would give up half the belongings we have attained in this world (or more) would we really miss them? What if it meant being closer to God?  As an only child I can tell you that we become selfish in this world and to what end. We cannot take any of it with us. NOT any of it!! (Jim C) Action Point Earlier this year, I did a little house cleaning. I went through a lot of my stuff and donated or sold some items off to people. It was liberating! I still have too much!!  Sometimes I feel like they are speed bumps in the way to the fast lane with Jesus!!!   I use the think, the more I had the more I had accomplished. Now I feel that stuff gets in the way. To have all you want is not always to have all you need!!!! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Weather plays a big part in the success of a waterfowler's hunt. When conditions get ugly with snow, sleet or rain, get ready friends for the birds are going to fly!

January 26, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . .   It's Never Too Late To Begin To Follow God's Word  (Chris Q)

Bible Study Verse James 1:22-25 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it-not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it-they will be blessed in what they do.  (NIV) Thoughts Men are bad at thinking that we know how to do everything. We don't need to ask anybody for instructions. I'm guilty of this at times. Take for example, you buy a new fishing reel and it comes with a detailed instruction booklet on all the parts and what to service regularly. "I don't need that," you say, and it ends up in the trash. Six months to a year later you take the reel apart to service it and can't figure out how one pesky spring goes back into the side plate. Where's the instruction book? Another example, you're meeting a friend at a certain marina on the lake for an early morning fishing trip. "Do you need instructions on how to get there?" he asks. "Nah, I can find it okay." Thirty minutes late and you can't find the marina. (Tom B) Action Point God has given us an instruction book, the Bible. It lists everything we need to know for our lives. It even has sections on what to check if something isn't working right in our lives. "Nah, I don't need it; I can figure it out." Ten years from now, your kids don't respect you, your personal finances are a mess, or your health is failing. The list might be long or short. It doesn't have to be 10 years later, it could be tomorrow. Where's the instruction book? Maybe I should have read the instruction book earlier. It's never too late to begin to follow God's Word. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Keep those instruction and parts books that come with everything you purchase. No matter whether it's a sporting goods item or something around the house, set up a file. Eventually you will need the help they provide. Also, don't forget to send in the warranty and registration cards.

January 25, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . .  Resist The Urge To Go Fishing   (Tom B)

Bible Study Verse I John 1:9   If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV) Thoughts When I was a young boy, my buddies and I found this lake that no one else knew about . . . of course it was on private property. It was separated from direct access to the public by a barbed wire fenced pasture that had a horse in it. If we were to get to the lake, we had to cross the pasture. We checked out the horse which was on the other end; he was just grazing, paying no attention to us. We slowly crawled through the barb wired strands and started across the field, checking the horse every so often. About half way across the pasture, the horse started coming toward us at a gallop. We turned tail and ran as fast as we could to the fence we had just come through!  Everyone made it back through the fence except me. I was stuck halfway through the fence. One leg was on one side and my remaining side was on the horse's domain. The horse kept coming. I just knew he was going to take a chunk out of my posterior that was stuck on his side. I could already feel the pain! But, he didn't. He stopped within inches of me, snorting and checking me out, but never touched me. Slowly I freed myself from my predicament and we both stood there looking at each other. (Tom B) Action Point I was in that horse's pasture where I should not have been; I had intentions on crossing the fence to get to the lake where I did not have permission to be on. Guilty as charged on all counts. But, Jesus forgave me for my trespass and the horse didn't bite me. Corrie Ten Boom was fond of quoting Micah 7:19 that reads, "You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea," Often she would add that He had put up a sign that reads "NO FISHING." As Christians, we know that God has forgiven our sins. But for some reason, we keep fishing them up. So often we keep reliving the embarrassment and humiliation, the horror of those old sins - over and over again, burdened by guilt and regret. First John 1:9 clearly tells us, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness," (NIV). Satan tries to keep us in bondage to the sins of our past, filling us with guilt and despair. But this is one time when we've got to forget our feelings and focus on what the shed blood of Jesus did for us. We've been forgiven. We've been set free.  When you find the sins of your past flashing through your mind today, resist the urge to go fishing. Instead, immediately start praising God for His amazing grace and give Him glory for the forgiveness that is yours in Christ. "Happy are those whose sins are forgiven, whose wrongs are pardoned," Psalm 32: 1 (GNT). Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Since that eventful day in my early youth I found it's always easier and less stressful to gain access to a lake or stream by asking permission. Abide by the owner's rules and make sure you tell him thank you when you leave. This common courtesy might allow access on a regular basis.

January 24, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . .  it's The Ultimate Fight For Our Faith, Our Families, and Our Christian Brothers and Sisters  (Keith P)

Bible Study Verse I Chronicles 19:13   "Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in His sight." (NIV) Matthew 21:12-13 Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. "It is written," He said to them, "'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it 'a den of robbers.' " (NIV)  Thoughts Have you ever seen photos of African Cape Buffalo forming a "fighting ring" when danger approaches? The buffalo form a half circle and all face the danger together (most often a pride of hungry lions). There is strength in numbers and they can protect each other. In today's vernacular, they've got each other's back!  I've never had the pleasure of experiencing a "ring" of cape buffalo, but let me share with you what I have seen. Here in the desert southwest we have a diminutive creature known as the Javelina, also known as "pigs" to the local hunters. Now, pigs certainly aren't cape buffalo, but they do share a common characteristic.  I like to hunt pigs with a varmint call. If all goes according to plan, the herd of pigs will come to the call thinking that one of their own is getting chomped. But, the caller must remember, the pigs are coming in, shall we say, less than happy. They are MAD, and they usually show it. You want to stop calling once they've gotten within range or you just might have an "up close and personal" encounter with one of these critters that won't end well for you. I've actually had a herd encircle me while I was safely perched on a rather large rock that God had made just for me!  (Cliff S) Action Point We as Christians have all heard the verses about turning the other cheek and going with an oppressor two miles instead of one. God wants us to do this when the circumstances are right and it will glorify Him. But, in too many Christian circles we've been taught, especially as men, that we're to always be meek and mild "nice guys" and just take whatever the world dishes out.  OK, so how many sermons have you heard based on I Chronicles 19:13? We've all heard the story of Christ driving the money changers out of the Temple, but do we really get what He's doing? Christians have a responsibility to fight for God, His Word, and His people, again, when the circumstances are right and when God will be glorified. Ephesians 6:11 tells us to put on the whole armor of God and, "TO STAND."  I would suggest that, especially you men of God, watch the movie Courageous and read Wild at Heart, No More Christian Nice Guy, Jesus Mean and Wild, Fearless, In a Pit With A Lion on a Snowy Day, and a host of other books that talk about fighting for our faith, our families, and the right to practice our beliefs in freedom.  Yes, Jesus set the example of being a loving, gracious, and merciful man. But, Jesus also set the example of fighting for the Father. Wake up Christians!!!!  The fight is all around us. From Satanic forces to those who would limit our freedom to worship and practice our faith, we are in a fight. In many ways, it's the ultimate fight for our faith, our families, and our Christian brothers and sisters.  There's a popular phrase in our society, "Man Up!" Well, I believe it is time for us to Christian Up.  Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When hunting in black bear or mountain lion country always be alert. Should one of these animals attack you must understand that they mean to kill you and very likely eat you. If attacked you will be in the fight of your life. Play dead in a grizzly attack. But black bears and mountain lions attack with deadly intent and you must fight for your life. And, remember, when fighting for your life there's no such thing as fighting dirty!!!!

January 23, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . When We Follow His Laws We Avoid Many Severe Consequences   (FWS)

Bible Study Verses Exodus 20:1-17   And God spoke all these words:  "I am the Lord your God, Who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. "You shall have no other gods before Me. "You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in Heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments. "You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name. "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but He rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. "You shall not murder. "You shall not commit adultery. "You shall not steal.  "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." (NIV) Thoughts About 1900 in America there was what is referred to as "market hunting." Market hunting was where hunters killed wild animals and sold them in the market for food. People that didn't hunt purchased the animals for their meat source. It was legal at the time, but was devastating wildlife populations. Sport hunters of the day realized that if it continued there wouldn't be any wildlife left. These early conservationists went to the government and lobbied for wildlife management agencies on both the federal and state levels. These early conservationists understood that we had to restrict the number of animals we killed every year and the means by which we killed them. Hence we now have game laws that are implemented to protect and preserve wildlife at sustainable and healthy levels. The laws, while we may consider them to be restrictive, are there for the wildlife's protection and for our benefit so that we, and future generations, will have wild animals to enjoy. (Cliff S) Action Point Many people choose to look at God's laws as being restrictive. Many today choose to make their own rules and ignore God's laws altogether. A great many people will mock and criticize those of us that take God's laws seriously and want them to be a basis for social behavior by calling us judgmental.  But, what is the real purpose of God's laws? They are there for our protection and well being. God knows what is best for us. If we follow His laws, we will avoid many severe consequences.  Consider an example. Laws that prohibit drunk or impaired driving and boating are restrictive. But, they are there to protect ourselves and other people that are on the road or on the water. So, are they good for us? Yes!  So are God's laws. They are there to protect us from negative consequences, physical and spiritual, and guide us into a better life.  And, let's not forget Jesus' summation of the Law in Matthew 22:37-40, "Jesus replied:  'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments,' " (NIV). Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Primary firearm safety "laws" are:  Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.  Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.  Be sure of your target and beyond.  Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.  Good laws for us to follow . . .