April 10, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . We Should Do Everything We Do To The Best Of OUR Ability, But Do It For HIS Glory  (NWS)

Bible Study Verse Proverbs 12:27  The lazy do not roast any game, but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt. (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!!!

April 9, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . The Rainbow, God's Promise  (USDA.GOV)

Bible Study Verses Romans 4:20-21  He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. (NKJV) Thoughts  The thunderstorms were intense along the squall line as it entered AR. By the time the front had reached my home, it had dropped several tornadoes including one that stayed on the ground for a state record, 123 unbroken miles.  In the aftermath of destruction, homes and lives had been lost. Buildings had been reduced to crumpled piles of rubble, trees were twisted off like match sticks, and people were faced with rebuilding their lives piece by piece.  Yet, as the front moved away and calm began to settle, a rainbow appeared in the sky. In the middle of trials and troubles, there was God's promise. (Brian H) Action Point God never promised us smooth sailing. Life just gets tough sometimes. Jesus says in John 15:18,  "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you," (NKJV).  Sometimes we find ourselves stranded like a ship in a bottle. Try as we might, we can't push through the tough stuff of life. It's in those times that we must eventually come to the end of ourselves, fall on our knees, and simply take God at His word. I challenge you to find one single promise that God has made that He has not kept. You won't be able to find one. If God says it, you can take it to the bank, as they say. God's precious promises are made to us for our comfort, healing, peace, joy, and correction. In times of trouble, search for God's promises and believe them. He will make a way for you when there seems to be no other way. Friend, take God at His word - never doubt. Believe!  Sportsmen's Tip of the Day A reflective stick-on dot in the center of your tailgate and another on your camper or trailer will help you align things when backing to hitch up. You can also get mirrors that mount on the trailer that will give you a bird's eye view of the hitch and ball.

April 8, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Are You Laying Down Your Life For Your Friends   (MQ)

Bible Study Verse John 15:13  Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (NIV) Thoughts It seems that those who share this love for the outdoors have an incredible bond. When someone begins to share with me about his or her last hunting trip or camping excursion, we have this immediate relationship through the outdoors. Some of these are men that very may put me in the ground one day. They may share our experiences together on a hunt, a bay fishing trip, or trying to trick an ole Tom within shotgun range at my own funeral one day! We know that Jesus developed these deeper relationships with not only His disciples, but with those he came into contact with at the market, at the drinking well, alongside the road, and even at "sinners" homes. Are you laying down your life for your friends?  (Glen D) Action Point What do you accomplish at camp? Are you intentional about your faith in Christ at camp or do you leave it at the church house? Next time you find yourself sitting around the campfire or playing cards on your next outing, ask those around you for some prayer requests. Then be bold, stop, and take the time to pray for those with you and what they had the courage to share. Prayer is one of our strongest weapons. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Keep bottled water in your vehicle! You never know when you may need it if you break down, overheat, or someone just gets thirsty.

April 7, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . God Does Some Of His Best Work In Our Lives In Times Of Difficulty (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Psalms 38:15 LORD, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God. (NIV) Thoughts Over the years, there is a phrase that has crept into my family's deer hunting vocabulary: "Prime Time." When my kids or I are swapping stories of our hunts, we'll often try to find out the time that someone sighted their deer. We have named the last half hour before dark as "prime time." It is the time that we wait for, the time that we most often see our deer, and the time that we might just get a glimpse of the elusive "big buck." During prime time, our senses are heightened. Personally, I stand up in my tree stand with my bow ready to be drawn. No noises are made! I wait and listen! Anything that moves in the woods during that last twilight has my full attention. It's the best time of the day for our hunts!  (Dave M) Action Point There are certain times in our lives where God can speak to us clearly. Unfortunately, these times are often accompanied by incredibly trying and difficult situations - loss of a job, loss of a loved one, or a broken relationship. As much as we may want to turn away from God during these times and try to dig ourselves out of whatever our hole is, don't! This is prime time!!! God does some of His best work in our lives in times of difficulty. Let me encourage you to trust and rely on God entirely. Listen to Him as He speaks to you. Pray that your spiritual senses will be heightened to what God desires to do with you during this time. It's "prime time!!!" Just listen and be obedient!!! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Find a local food bank to donate your deer, elk, moose, or fish to. There are many folks out there right now who need a helping hand. Be the hand of Jesus to your community!

April 6, 2013

Today's Photograph . . . .There Are Times In Our Lives That Are Dark (Dave W)

Bible Study Verse Joshua 1:5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. (NIV)  Thoughts I purchased my first trail cam this fall, and I've loved the results of having it on my food plots.  I've been able to see deer at all times of the day.  I've got some twins who come in just about the same time every afternoon; I've got a spike that frequently comes in during the morning; and I've got some nice bucks that frequent the food plots at about 3:00am.  The part that I've enjoyed most though is being able to see the bucks that come in the middle of the night.  I've got some bruisers coming in that I never even knew were in the area.  The knowledge of their presence has increased my motivation to continue to hunt.  There are some mornings where I just don't feel like getting out of bed, but the fact that I've discovered that they are there propels me to get up and out there. (Dave M) Action Point God says that He is always with us.  We can never go to a place that He is not.  I can hike out in the bush, and He is there.  I can venture off into the middle of nowhere fishing, and He is still there.  I can hunt in the most remote area, and He is right by my side.  What a comfort it is to know that God is always with me.  There are times in our lives that are dark, and there are times where we wait on God for what seems like an eternity, but have faith. He is right there.  He never has left your side, nor will He ever.  Usually, the issue is not that he has left us; it's usually that we have walked away from Him.  Turn back; He's there! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day If you are using a trail cam, keep extra batteries in your backpack.  You don't want to get to your trail cam, have dead batteries, and not be able to immediately fix it.

April 5, 2013 Today's Photograph . . . . He Asked If He Could Use The Orange Worm   (Tom B)

Bible Study Verses I Corinthians 1:27-31 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things-and the things that are not - to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him.  It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, Who has become for us wisdom from God - that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord." (NIV)   Thoughts  The bass club that I belonged to at our church had both anglers who had boats, and those who didn't. The anglers without boats would put their names into a hat before a tournament and the anglers with boats would draw names from the hat to see who would be their co-anglers. At one of our tournaments I drew a budding new angler . . . meaning he hadn't been indoctrinated yet on the fine art of the sport. He was fishing a plastic worm; so was I. We were trying different locations throughout the day, and every place we stopped he caught fish on the same worm. I can't say I did, even though I switched off trying different lengths, colors and styles. Finally, after the fish had really mangled the worm he was using, he had to switch off to a different worm. I had a 10 inch, bright florescent orange worm in my tackle box. I don't know why I carried it in my tackle box because I knew it wouldn't catch fish. He asked if he could use the orange worm. "Sure, why not, give it a try," I replied. Guess what - he caught fish with it, while I sat there frustrated.  (Tom B) Action Point  The Lord taught me a life lesson through my fishing partner . . . actually he taught me a couple of lessons. He gave me a douse of humility. I thought that I, the experienced bass angler, would be teaching him how to catch fish. It was the other way around; he was teaching me. It was really bad when he chose the cast-off orange plastic worm and caught fish. "God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong," I Corinthians 1:27b (NIV).    Paul, in Romans 12:3 says, "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you," (NIV).    The second lesson was he caught fish with only one worm. I believed you had to have the latest and greatest in fishing tackle. He had one worm. The same in my life, everyone's life, we only need one thing in our tackle box of life - Jesus Christ. "It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, Who has become for us wisdom from God - that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption," I Corinthians 1:30 (NIV). Sportsmen's Tip of the Day  Normally, choosing the right color in a plastic worm is governed by water color and what the bass may be feeding at that particular time of the year. But, sometimes a contrast in color can inspire reaction strikes. Good examples are worms with a chartreuse, pink, or yellow tails.

April 4, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Death For Believers In Christ Has Been Conquered Through His Blood  (MQ)

Bible Study Verses I Corinthians 15:56-57   The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV) Thoughts  This morning I made a trip to our vet to put our dog, Riley, down. Over the last three weeks, she has really gone downhill.  For fourteen years, she has been a part of our family's daily life . . . sometimes cute, sometimes irritating, but always present. She has been as loyal as any dog could be. She found a way to cuddle next to someone who was sick with the flu or a cold. She sneakily meandered her way under our dinner table at every meal to clean up any scraps that might have fallen. When the sun shone through our windows at various times of the day, Riley could be found lying down in the little sliver of sunshine that found its way to the floor. After baths, she would run around the house like a little puppy just bursting with energy . . . barking, jumping, and antagonizing. When we would go out to our hunting property to work on food plots, she would run and run and run . . . fully exhausted by day's end, but content. (Dave M) Action Point Today our dog is a memory and her life no longer exists. Each of us knows that our days are numbered, and the only one who knows what that number is resides with our Heavenly Father. The past few days and the weeks leading up to Easter have certainly been a focus on both death and life. Christ died a brutal savage death to redeem us from our sins. But through His blood and death, we have life - eternal life.  It is only through accepting His gift of sacrifice though that we are made right in His eyes. It is not enough to acknowledge what He did. We have to believe fully and completely in Him and turn away from our own ways of doing things.  Death has visited our house today with the loss of our family companion and we are sad, but scripture says that death for believers in Christ has been conquered through His blood. Accept Christ as your savior today. Don't simply acknowledge Him...make a decision, and live for Him. As Paul said in Philippians 1:21, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain," (NIV). Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Know the breed of your dog and how much exercise he or she requires. A dog that gets exercise daily will be a happier and more content dog.

April 3, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . What's In Your Life Tackle Box  (Tom B) Bible Study Verses Hebrews 5:7-9  During the days of Jesus' life on earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission. Son though He was, He learned obedience from what He suffered  and, once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him. (NIV) Thoughts What are the essentials in your tackle box? Years ago the "must have" tackle box for many anglers were the big plastic models that when opened cantilevered out to three different trays on each side with small compartments for different lures, weights, and hooks. Plus, there was lots of room in the bottom of box for larger items. I succumbed to one of those boxes. I still have it, but it's been relegated to storage now. If you had one of these big boxes, what items would be on your list that you had to have, no matter what type of fishing you do? You need hooks, probably a variety of styles and sizes. You need sinkers in different sizes and styles depending on what type of fishing you do. A line clipper or cutter of some sort is required. I always carried an extra spool of line in the bottom of the box. Items like floats, some anglers call them "bobbers", lures, and other special items all depend on what type of fishing you like. You could fill up that old box real quick.  (Tom B) Action Point What's in your life tackle box? There are the necessities: Hooks:  Salvation. "The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1 (NIV). Sinkers, line clippers and extra line:  Faith, Hope and Love. "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love,"  I Corinthians 13:13 (NIV). After you have these items, then you can start working on filling up the box. "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ," II Peter 1:5-8 (NIV). Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Check out both your fishing tackle box and the tackle box of your life this spring. Clean and service fishing reels; replace fishing line. Clean, rearrange, or throw out items that need to be replaced. In your life tackle box, throw out the broken and worn out items, sin. If you don't have "hooks" in your life tackle box, accept Jesus into your life. Then start adding the other items, and get out and do some fishing.

April 2, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . .  There Is No Peace For The Wicked (Jack M)

Bible Study Verses Romans 5:1-2   Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (ESV)   Thoughts Peace. The scene above pictures it well. A small stream flows gently through an early winter landscape. All seems in balance and under control. No trouble. No stress. No problems. No concerns. All seems to be at peace. (Jack M) Action Point Believers have peace with God. This is the most important kind of peace. Once peace is established with God through Christ, other areas of our lives may begin to fall into place as we follow God's instructions in ordering our lives. Then we may have emotional peace, peace in relationships, and more.  In every circumstance we may turn to Him and rely upon Him, knowing that eternity is settled and we are secure. This peace provides a solid foundation for life. The Bible contrasts the peace of the believer with the chaos of the lost person, the one who does not have Christ. It says "There is no peace," says the Lord, "for the wicked," Isaiah 48:22 (NIV).  We are told that Martin Luther came to personal faith and assurance of his salvation when he really understood this passage. Until these truths settled in upon him, he had nothing but torment of soul. Do you have peace with God through His Son, Jesus Christ? "Being justified" is another significant Bible truth. It means that the Judge of All has declared one right and without sin based upon the work of Jesus on the Cross. This can only be accomplished when one is saved. When we by faith receive the forgiveness of sin in Christ, God the Father justifies us. Receive Jesus as Lord. He is the King of Peace and the Prince of Peace. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Be extremely careful in the winter months when fording streams or crossing lakes. Currents under the ice may cause weak spots where the warmer water stirred up by the current erodes the ice by melting it, thus causing thin, weak spots. Use a pole to test the ice ahead of where you step. It will also help to keep your balance on really slick ice.

April 1, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . When God Blesses You, Bless Others   (Jack M)

Bible Study Verses Luke 12:18-20 "Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry. ' " "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?" " Thoughts A cemetery that carries my family surname? I made it a point to stop, look around, and see if any names were familiar. They were not. So they must not have been close relatives. Though there are many spellings of my last name, these folks spelled it just like I do. It was a sobering reminder that I will have a place where my own name will be on the tomb stone. I must make sure I live so that God will prepare a place for me to join Him for eternity. (Jack M) Action Point Live with a view toward forever. That is what eternity will be. Forever! The word eternity may be defined as "an eon of eons." An eon is a really long time! Wow! The farmer in the story from the above passage thought he was doing quite well, thank you very much! But, God called him into account. God says he was a fool as he thought he was in control and in charge of his own destiny. In his mind he did not need God, or others. He had plenty and it went to his head.  Don't make the mistake of thinking this life and the time here on this earth is all there is. Eternity is real. Prepare to live with God forever by personal faith in His Son Jesus. After that issue is settled then live like a believer. Let the attitudes and actions of Christ characterize your lifestyle.  I love this epitaph from an actual tombstone. "Under the sod and under the trees lies the body of Jonathan Pease. He's not here, there's only the pod. Pease shelled out and went to God." What a funny way to say that here is a man of faith! What will be written on your tombstone?   Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When God blesses you, bless others. Make sure that "giving" is a part of your outdoor plans. Take someone into the outdoors who may not otherwise get that chance. Consider mentoring a young person whose folks are not interested in the outdoors. Pass on this great legacy. Give!

March 31, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . How Many Times Have You Heard Someone Say That They Don't Believe A Loving God Would Condemn Anyone To An Eternity In Hell  (Raymond R)

Happy   Easter!!!   He's Alive!!! Bible Study Verses Matthew 28:1-7 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.' Now I have told you." (NIV) John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.  (NIV) Thoughts It's Easter--the truest evidence of God's love for us that ever was or could be. I can hardly imagine the scene: a violent earthquake, an angel appearing, the stone being rolled away, being told to not be afraid. Don't be afraid . . .Yeah, uh huh . . . right. I would have been afraid. Look at the tough guy Roman guards (the Delta Force of their day) - they became like dead men! But, amazingly, these two women didn't faint or collapse in fear, as did the guards. They listened to the first post-crucifixion testimony given of Jesus' resurrection. They were told to go tell the disciples. The disciples were told to go tell the world. We've been told to share the good news.  Jesus has risen; Jesus has risen indeed! Praise God, He has risen! Because Jesus rose from the grave, we can have the hope of rising from the "grave" of our sins. We can have eternal life, and we can know that we will spend that eternity in Heaven with Jesus. Only believe! Now, how many times have you heard someone say that they don't believe that a loving God would condemn anyone to an eternity in hell? Well, guess what; they're right! God doesn't condemn us, we do that to ourselves by the choice of unbelief. Through Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, God has provided the way for us to avoid hell. Just as we would do anything to prevent our own children from experiencing pain, God went so far to prevent our winding up in hell as to send His only Son to die for us. Would I ask my son to die for me? No! Would I send my son to die for you? I don't think so! But God didn't hold anything back--He gave the ultimate sacrifice of His only Son so that we could be saved and be with Him forever. He truly is a loving God! He offered us both forgiveness and hope on the first Easter morning. But, as Jesus was given a choice to be obedient unto death, He has given us the choice to believe or not. Choose to believe. Thank you, Father!  (Cliff S) Action Point Believe in Jesus-today. Accept His gift of salvation. Pray and ask Jesus to come into your heart and to forgive you of your sins. Be assured of His gift of eternal life! If you prayed that prayer today, seek out other believers and find a Bible-teaching church where you can grow in your faith and in God's love. And, let us know here at Sportsmen's Devotional so that we can rejoice with you and pray for you. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Listen and learn from experienced hunters and fishermen. There may come a day when you encounter a situation where someone else's experience or suggestion may keep you out of a tough situation.

March 30, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . I Probably Would Have Gone To The Mountains - That's Where I Go To Escape (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Matthew 26:31 Then Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: " 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." (NIV) Thoughts It's the forgotten day, the day between Good Friday and Easter. Lost time, time that we don't know much about. Jesus was dead. Jesus was buried, and in a sealed tomb, no less. The disciples were scattered just as Jesus had predicted, just like a covey of quail on a wild covey rise.  I wonder where they went, what they did, what they thought. Did they go home? Did they hide? Did they go fishing? Did they say to themselves: Well, that was sure a waste of our time to follow this guy around for the last three years? We do know that they were scared - one of the few comments we have in scripture is that they had locked themselves in their homes for fear of reprisal. I'll tell you, I would have been scared; I would have run; I would have hid. I probably would have gone to the mountains - that's where I go to escape. I would love to have known what thoughts were going through the disciples' heads that day. They had to be thinking about all that Jesus had said. Probably, whenever they were back together, I think that they would have been sharing those thoughts with each other:  Hey, Peter, didn't Jesus talk about this--going to Jerusalem, being accused, tortured, led as a lamb to slaughter? And John, didn't He tell us about being condemned to death and being flogged and crucified?  But wait, Thomas, didn't He also say something about being raised from the dead, something about living again?  No, no, no, that simply can't happen. It's not possible, it's not logical, it's nonsensical. But there's more guys--don't you remember what Jesus said to us: "But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." What does that mean, "after I have risen?" Could it be true? Could Jesus be raised from the dead? Could He live again? Could He walk with us again? How could this be?  Then came Sunday . . .   (CS) Action Point Satan throws everything that he has at us in order to make us doubt - doubt our faith, doubt Jesus' words, and doubt our salvation. But remember, we know what happened on Sunday. Jesus won. Satan lost. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When you're following your compass or GPS in the mountains, trust what it's telling you. It's probably right.

March 29, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . By Being Obedient To The Father He Chose To Die For Us   (NPS)

Bible Study Verse Matthew 27:12-14 When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?" But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge--to the great amazement of the governor. (NIV) Thoughts It's Good Friday. My thoughts have gone back to a day a little over two-thousand years ago when Jesus was asked that question: Don't you hear what they're saying about you? Don't you have anything to say in your defense? Jesus amazes them when He makes no reply. I stand in awe when I think of that scene. If I were in the field and a game warden was asking me questions, I would answer them, wouldn't you? If that had been me instead of Jesus, I would have said something. I would have been throwing everything I could back at the accusers. I would have had my attorney there blasting the accusers, quoting laws and legal precedents. But, Jesus made no reply. He stood in silence. Silence. Why? Because a decision had been made. It was made the night before in the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done," Matthew 26:42 (NIV). Jesus knew the need, and Jesus knew the consequences for all mankind if he refused the cross. There in the garden, He had a choice; and by being obedient to the Father, He chose to love us, to die for us, and to take the burden of all of our sins on Himself. Jesus made this choice in spite of knowing all of the suffering that awaited Him in the next few hours. Hebrews 5:8 says that Jesus was made perfect through His suffering. Because of His perfection, we can have eternal life with Him. Jesus made a commitment. He kept it, and He suffered during that horrible night, and later on the cross. Because of His suffering, we have this day, Good Friday; and three days later, we have Easter--triumph over sin and death. Praise God for Jesus' obedience, even to death on a cross!  (Cliff S) Action Point As you go through your day, be aware that you are God's witness to the world around you. Be prepared to answer those who ask you why you are a follower of Jesus. Tell your world about the love and forgiveness that you have found in Jesus, and that they can have the same. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Sit silent in the woods. If you're moving, the animals see you; if you're still,

March 28, 2013

Today's Photograph . . . . It's Not About Me, and It's Not About Now  (MQ)

Bible Study Verse John 1:19-27 Now this was John's testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and  Levites to  ask him who he was.  He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, "I am not the Messiah."   They asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?"  He said, "I am not."    "Are you the Prophet?"   He answered, "No."  Finally they said, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.'" Now the Pharisees who had been sent questioned him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet? "I baptize with water," John replied, "but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie." (NIV) Thoughts I have had the worst luck when it comes to drawing an Arizona archery bull elk tag.  It took 17 years to draw my first tag.  But boy when I did, I planned the hunt of a lifetime!  I started scouting months and months in advance.  Began fine tuning my bow months before the hunt.  I had waited a long time for this and I was not going to miss an opportunity to take the bull of a lifetime.  I joked with my family that I would have that bull tagged 20 minutes into the hunt opening morning.  As fate would have it, 5 minutes into the hunt opening morning there stood a decent bull 20 yards away.  I was at full draw and the only thing left was the release, the vital hit, and the tracking.  The only thing wrong was I had waited all of my life for a chance at a world class bull and this was not it.  I did not take the shot.  I wanted a wall hanger for everyone to see.  As Paul Harvey would say, now let's get to the rest of the story.  I went home without an elk on my first ever elk hunt.  I have taken many friend and family members out and they have taken very nice bulls.  On this hunt, I passed on many smaller bulls.  When I focused more on what everyone else would think of me after I brought home a record class bull elk, I lost sight of the purpose.  The focus was all about me and not about my lifelong passion for being in the wild with elk, hunting them, photographing them, and enjoying this God given creature in all of its beauty and majesty.  When it became all about me, the hunt ended that opening morning 5 minutes into the hunt.  (Donny N) Action When the Pharisees went and questioned John the Baptist about who he really was they not only asked him once, but three times, "Who are you, are you the Messiah?"  John could have taken all of the credit, he could have said, yes it is I the Messiah the one the Father sent, but he didn't.  He confessed freely, "I am not the Messiah."  My favorite part is how he humbles himself with saying, "But among you stands one you do not know.  He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie."  Not only is he saying, "I'm not the one who has been foretold (one you do not know).  But drops face first (figuratively) and in complete humility says, "He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie."  In total humility proclaims "I'M NOT WORTHY."  The whole point of this part of scripture is this, John witnesses as to whom Jesus is (the Messiah) and secondly he proclaims. "I am not the Messiah."  In short he is saying, "Don't look at me!"  I encourage you this week to write this on your mirror and say it to yourself every morning and mean it.  "It's not about me, and it's not about now."  Brothers and sisters, it's all about Him who came before us and it's all about eternity."  That hunt was all about me, and I was left empty.  Don't let selfishness empty you.  Sportsmen's Tip of the Day It's one thing to know survival skills and another to actually do them.  On your next outing practice building a shelter, finding water, and especially building a fire.  If you can do it under safe and controlled conditions, then you will have the confidence to do it when the difficult times come. Remember the number one cause of death when a person is lost is pride, not willing to admit your lost, and the 2nd is panic.  If you have the confidence to know you can do it, you will have a much better chance of survival.  The best way to build a fire is always, always carry matches or a lighter.  So if you don't have any, you need to learn how to build a fire with alternative methods.

March 27, 2013

Today's Photograph....Ask God To Put Someone In Your Heart That You Can Share Your Campfire With (MQ) Bible Study Verse Jeremiah 20: 9 But if I say, "I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name," His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot. (NIV) Thoughts Have you ever tried to light wet wood? How many matches did you go through? Unfortunately I have done this one too many times, most recently on an outing with my family. The day before our outing it had rained all day on the San Francisco Peaks, the mountain and trailhead we had planned to hike. After a long wet hike and decent from 12,000 ft, everyone was freezing and wet. I attempted to build a fire with wet wood. I'm happy to report that after three boxes of matches and a few blisters from splitting kindling, we had a fire. I just had to get to the core of the wood, it was plenty dry. (Donny N) Action Point Who needs matches with Jesus! One strike of His match and he will change us, transform us, and re- create us forever. He provides a light and warmth that will never end, no matter how many times you try to put it out. My dad has a saying that has always stuck with me, "when life gets you down and you can't seem to get away from it all, you need to get around a campfire. It'll clear your thoughts and relieve the stress in your life." Thanks dad for the advice, I'll do just that. I know who has the match. The question is who will be around your campfire? Who will you share the match with? This week, ask God to put someone on your heart that you can share your campfire with.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day A unique way to waterproof matches is to glue sandpaper around a 20 ga shotgun shell and insert matches inside the shell, Then take an empty .12 ga shell and slide the two together. This makes a perfect fit and an economical way to carry waterproofed matches.

March 26, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Know God Has A Purpose and A Plan For Your Delay  (MQ)

Bible Study Verse John 11:3-6 Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, "Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick." When Jesus heard that, He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it." Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. (NKJV) Thoughts Have you ever had a big outdoor adventure all planned out and just about the time you were ready to get it started, something happened that caused the trip to be delayed? Sometimes, God causes delays in our lives for a purpose. Maybe, you've been too selfish with your outdoor time and God knows that you need to spend more time with your wife and kids or maybe God is protecting you from an unseen danger. Whatever the reason, know that God has a purpose and a plan for your delay. (Michael T) Action Point Jesus delayed not out of a lack of concern, but because He was about to do something extraordinary in the lives of those He loved. Christ knows all things. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. He even said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." Jesus delayed because it was time to get the wheels in motion for why He was put here on Earth. Yes, He raised Lazarus from the dead which was an exciting miracle. This wonderful act did something greater; it set the stage for His own painful death and glorious resurrection. After He raised Lazarus, people either believed that He was God or they began to plot His demise. Read all of John 11 and carefully see how this entire great story played out. When God delays you, get ready for something greater!!! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day The next time rain or a delay interferes with your great adventure, pull out some games or your Bible that you purposefully brought along. Enjoy the time given to you to get to know the people in your group.

March 25,  2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Gambel Quail (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Exodus 15:25-26   So he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet. There He made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there He tested them, and said, "If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you." (NKJV) Thoughts Recently, I was reminded of the healing hand of God as I rescued a bird caught in my children's badminton net.   The night before, I was called home early from one of my outdoor adventure ministry trips. The call came when my mother who is in the Intensive Care Unit fighting off a serious infection had a scary day. I arrived home after midnight and spent the following morning in the hospital visiting with mom. God is taking care of her and she is now stable.   I left the hospital and decided to go home and mow the lawn. It had been an emotionally draining night and morning as I attempted to sort through all of it on my own. That is when I noticed the bird caught in the net, hanging upside down, and struggling to get free.  With my MP3 player kicking out tunes in the background, I began to rescue the victim. I gently clutched his body, began to carefully cut the netting, and weave the string off him. I delicately laid him on the ground after freeing my new feathered friend from his entanglement.  I was amazed when right on key the lyrics from a Jeremy Camp song belted into my ears. The most melodic, soothing tune came out of my earphones, "The healing hand of God." Tears began to roll down my cheeks. Through a simple gesture, I was reminded of God's presence.   (Michael T)  Action Point The bird was not very cooperative while trying to free him. He kept trying to peck me with his beak. He resisted my help, even though I was carefully rescuing him from harm. The timing of the song and the craziness of my mother's condition all came together in a simple analogy for me on how the healing hand of God works. God is trying to free us from the bondage of our sins. He has a gentle, but firm grip on our lives. Yet we resist, we gnaw at his work, and then like the bird, we are not very thankful when His work is done.  God is the mighty healer and rescuer. He not only heals our physical sicknesses, but also our spiritual sicknesses. Run to Him!!! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day The next time you are out on the deep blue seas or in the woods hunting for your favorite food, bring along a journal and write down your thoughts on the day. You will be amazed at how many interesting spiritual parallels you will come across, which will give you tons of material to share with your kids, your Sunday School class, or another hurting soul God places in your life as a divine appointment orchestrated by Him.