September 15, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Elk At Cabelas (MQ) Bible Study Verse II Chronicles 14:2 Asa did what was good and right in the sight of the Lord his God. (HCSB)   Thoughts Do you remember the story of King Asa in II Chronicles 14 ?    Asa followed God's commands and experienced peace. The story tells us that, as long as Asa kept his eyes on God, God rewarded him. When Asa was faced with challenges, he would turn to God and seek guidance.    The story also relates that, as time went on, he failed to see the need to seek God's wisdom; and soon lost power, property, and, eventually, his life.  (Dave W) Action Point At times in our lives, it is easy to think that we can deal with the issues of life on our own. We may think it is the "manly" thing to do. It usually does not take long to realize that we need some help.    When these times occur, is it not wonderful that we can go to Him and ask for help. Remember to keep your eye focused on God during good times and bad. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Have you already started thinking about putting your hunting plans together. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

September 14, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . It's Up To Us To Make The Commitment To Choose God's Way (Cliff S)

Bible Study Verses Joshua 1:6-9, 18 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. "Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law My servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (NIV) Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey it, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous!" (NIV)   Thoughts I know what it means to be afraid; you see, I'm afraid of the dark. Yep, the Arizona outdoorsman doesn't like being in the forest alone after dark. The desert? Now that's okay. But I don't like those trees--too claustrophobic! So, I accept my limitation, and plan my hunts accordingly. Joshua also faced a lot of "darkness", a lot of the unknown. Notice in these verses that God told Joshua four times to be strong and courageous. Why? Well, for one thing, God wanted to assure Joshua that He would be with him, step by step, stride for stride.    Okay, that's good, but let's go a little deeper. Why did God give Joshua this admonition so many times? Because God knew that Joshua and the Israelite warriors were going to be in fearful situations. God was telling them that they were going to be in fights that looked absolutely hopeless, except for the hand of God fighting the battles for them.  (Cliff S) Action Point Got some battles that you're facing in your life: Financial troubles.  Marital problems.  Moral issues.  Temptations. So strong that you don't know how you're going to walk away?    Remember that God, His Holy Spirit, is with us. He is going before us and is there to fight the battles. God always gives us a way out of temptation (I Corinthians 10:13).    It's up to us to make the commitment to choose God's way, and to rely on His strength when the battle gets fierce. Be strong and courageous. Put your trust in Him. He'll see you through! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day  Know your limitations! Always plan your hunt with them in mind. Avoid putting yourself in situations where fear and panic may occur.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

September 13, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Study The Word And Live By It,  It is critical (Mike T) Bible Study Verses Zechariah 7:11-12 "But they refused to pay attention; stubbornly they turned their backs and covered their ears.  They made their hearts as hard as flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the Lord Almighty had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets. So the Lord Almighty was very angry. (NIV)   Thoughts Animal communication is fascinating . . .       The turkey gobbles:  For a mating call.  If alarmed by the sound of an owl.  Yelp for gathering.  Cluck to assemble or to alarm the chicks or other hens.  Purring when they are content.  The elk bugles:  To call cows.  To challenge another bull.  A cow elk uses: A mew to call other cows or calves.  A bark or a stomp are warning calls.  It is critical for animals to hear and respond to the communication.  (Tom L) Action Point God uses His Word and situations in our lives to communicate with us. We must hear and respond to His communication.    Study the Word and live by it. It is critical to our walk and to our relationship with God. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When elk hunting, be at your hunting location prior to daylight. Don't spend daylight hours walking through the woods. You could push them out of the area.     Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

September 12, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Stalk Jesus. You'll Find Him (NPS) Bible Study Verses Mark 16:6-7 "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him, just as he told you.'"   Thoughts One day, my son and I were stalking two Coues whitetail bucks. I sent my son around behind where the bucks were bedded in the bushes. I was going to slowly advance from below and try to push them by him in hopes that he would get a shot.    As I approached where the bucks had been, I could see that they had moved out--risen, so to speak. There were two empty beds under the bushes.    As we started to leave, one of the bucks suddenly blew up under us from his hiding spot. He'd been watching us all the time. Jesus had risen. The angel said so; and the tomb was empty, just like the empty deer beds. And, Jesus was just around the bend, waiting to reveal Himself to His followers. The empty tomb is the foundation of our faith in Jesus.    There were several factions who would have benefited immensely if Jesus had been proven a fraud. All they had to do to confirm Him as such was to produce a body. Don't you know they would have done so if they could! Take a look--the tomb is still empty. The fact remains--there is still no body! Not on earth, anyway. To see the body, you have look into Heaven!  (Cliff S) Action Point As hunters, we stalk our prey carefully, silently, and stealthily. We read articles and study the animal's habits in order to get close to them.    Study God's Word with the same diligence. Stalk Jesus. You'll find Him right where He said that He would be, seated at the right hand of God the Father.    He waits there to come into your heart and to give you eternal life, joy, strength, and peace. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Plan your stalks carefully. Check the wind often. Utilize all available cover to conceal yourself. Do not let the animal see, hear, or smell you. You can do it if you prepare properly and execute your plan well. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

September 11, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . May We As A Nation Keep GOD Truly The One In Whom We Trust

America Remembers . . .     September 11, 2001   and September 11, 2012 Bible Study Verse Malachi 3:12  "And all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land," says the Lord of hosts. (NKJV) Thoughts September 11, 2001, the day that the United States of America was attacked by 19 foreign terrorists. Two-thousand, nine-hundred ninety-eight people were killed, and not only Americans. Over 80 different countries mourned their own nationals who were among the casualties. It was a tragic day in world history and in America's history.  The United States of America stands tall as the land of the free and the home of the brave. We stared tragedy in the face and solemnly reacted when war was declared on us. For the safety of all Americans and in defense of freedom, we transferred that war from our turf to the sands from which it emerged.  Throughout our nation's history, we have won freedom for millions, both here and abroad. We stand in the line of fire against tyranny. We sacrifice uncountable numbers of our own for liberty and justice around the world. We embrace and lift up impoverished nations. We establish democracy where no one dares think it possible. We are truly a blessed nation, a delightful land. Our enemies know this. Too many nations loathe it. But some do, indeed, recognize it and use to call us friend. (Don H)   Action Point These words in Malachi are a promise God gives to those who fully trust in Him. It's actually part of a series of promises God makes. In Malachi 3:10, He challenges people to bring all the tithes into the storehouse and to try Him in this--if He will not pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.  May we as a nation keep God truly the One in whom we trust. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Keep copies of The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and The Bill of Rights near your reading area or with your Bible. Read them often. Christians should be on the front line of knowing the contents of these precious documents. Please pray for our  president and our elected officials. America needs God's help more than we have ever needed Him before . . .   Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

September 10, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . The Results Are Men Learn How To Share The Gospel With Others And Become Fishers Of Men  (Fred B)  Bible Study Verses Matthew 4:18-21 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."  They immediately left their nets and followed Him. Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them.    Thoughts Jesus walked where the fishermen were, by the sea, to find men that He could teach to fish--Andrew, Peter, James and John. Literally, His call was to Follow Me (walk the same road, walk alongside, fellowship with me) and I will make you to become fishers of men.  Jesus knew that it was a process, that only could be learned by: Walking closely with Him. Watching Him.  Imitating Him.  Being His friend.  Obeying Him  (Fred B) Action Point At my Dad's graveside in 1999, his pastor Glen, now one of my best friends, told me how much he'd miss my father. Then he added, I had asked him to teach me how to fish for trout, but now he's gone. Guess I'll never learn. Glen lived in eastern WV, prime trout country, including Eastern Brook Trout. But, he didn't know how to fish for trout. Being Dad's star pupil for all these years, I offered to teach Glen, if he would like me to. And I made him this promise: Dad was the best trout fisherman I know. And now that he's gone, that leaves me as #1. I'll teach you. But, you've got to do exactly as I do. I'll show you, tell you the gear and equipment to use, and take you where the trout are. If you follow my directions, you WILL catch trout.  He replied with a promise that he would follow all of my directions. We both kept our promise! I taught him, and he learned (see above)! Now sometimes he beats me. Of course you know that we men compete, right?!  Well, Jesus keeps all His promises too. The results are that men learn how to share the Gospel with others, and become fishers of men. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Teach a child how to fish or hunt, along with their Dad. That way, the father and child will be able to spend quality time together in the woods or along the stream. Teach fishing and hunting to adults too. But don't waste your time on someone who thinks they know how, and won't follow your lead. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

September 9, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Jesus Can You Show Me How Far The East Is From The West  (USDA.GOV)

Bible Study Verse Psalm 103:12 As far as the East is from the West, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (HCSB)   Thoughts How far is the East from the West? On several occasions I have been in places where I could see a long way:  While standing at the end of a pier looking out over the Pacific Ocean.  Standing above the tree line on top of Mount Humphreys near Flagstaff, Arizona enjoying a great 360-degree view.   Looking out across the Grand Canyon.  These are all incredible places to contemplate how far the East is from the West. I enjoy listening to a song entitled, "East to West." The lyrics describe a man who is finding himself lost in his Christian life. He says, "The chains of yesterday surround me; I yearn for peace and rest. I don't want to end up where You found me." He pleads, "Jesus, can you show me how far the East is from the West?" He needs to know how far God has removed his sins from him.  (Ernie W) Action Point I relate to these lyrics. It is easy to allow the sin of doubt to creep into our lives. I am thankful that God has inspired song writers to remind us of His promises.    There are many great songs of praise on Christian radio these days. Most of them are written with specific Scriptures as their foundation and promote Biblical truth. Sometimes, we are so busy that we don't find time to study our Bible as intensely as we would like.    I encourage you to listen to a Christian radio station while driving to and from work, or to your favorite hunting and fishing spots. Try supplementing your Bible study time by worshiping with great Christian songs.  Sportsmen's Tip of the Day One of the best parts of elk hunting is how vocal elk are. I suppose turkey hunters appreciate this as well. Drive time is a great time to practice your game calling technique. There are many DVD's to which you can listen and practice. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

September 8, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Let Us Not Trample Underfoot The Precious Blood That He Shed For Us (NPS)

Bible Study Verse I John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.  (NIV) Thoughts Awhile back, I was blessed to draw a bull elk tag for Arizona's coveted Unit 9. On the evening of the first day, a large bull entered a clearing about 200 yards from me. Once I had closed the distance, my shot rang true and the majestic bull lay 75 yards from where he was hit.  As I cleaned and quartered the elk, I was amazed at how powerful the blood was. Blood that normally carries life can be disrupted by one well-placed shot; and suddenly, 75 yards later, life ceases to exist. Blood is the key ingredient that gives us all life.  (Brett M) Action Point If blood is so powerful that it keeps that majestic animal alive, just think about how powerful the blood of the Creator of the universe was and is! When Christ died on Calvary, He shed His blood to "purify us from all sin." While blood brings life, whether we are people, elk, or quail, the blood of Christ gives us eternal life. Now, that is powerful blood!  As Christians, we can become complacent about God's sacrifice, knowing that He loves us and will forgive us. Let us not trample underfoot the precious blood that He shed for us; and always strive to be obedient to His Word and His will. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Although blood and bodily fluids bring life, they can also carry infectious diseases. Make sure that you always carry several pairs of surgical/latex gloves for cleaning your harvest.

September 7, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . It's Just A Matter Of Time . . . "Rack- Rack"  (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Numbers 32:23c And you may be sure that your sin will find you out. (NIV)   Thoughts There is a universal sound among most outdoorsmen. All one needs to do is hear the sound and you know what it means. I call it "rack- rack."  Most of you have heard it; and when used in game warden work, it's a warning sound. During night patrols, we employ it when we find the night-time poacher and we know he is armed. Rack-rack is the sound of an 870 police shotgun loading 00 buckshot into the chamber. Usually it's employed just at the right time-- when the poacher is stopped and the flashing lights and spotlight are shining into their rear window-- they know they've been had. It also says, "This is a warning; do as you're told; time to stop."  It is often the same with God as He make us aware . . . when we hear or sense His words--the sound of His voice. We may hear it in something someone said during a small part of a conversation which makes the sound, "rack -rack." It's time to stop, to quit, or time to pay attention--a warning, a rack- rack of grace before the trigger is pulled and our sin finds us out.  I have been there, and so, probably, have you. Maybe you hear it now. Stop and make a U-turn. Come back to your First Love and put an end to whatever the issue is. It's always more painful when your sin finds you out, and it always does. It's just a matter of time. "Rack- rack."  (MQ) Action Point Our God is the God of second chances; and there is almost always the "rack-rack" before sin finds us out. Time to stop. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Use only a small amount of oil on shotgun slides. Too much attracts dirt.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

September 6, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Our God Never Closes  (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Jeremiah 33:3 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.' (NIV) Thoughts Sun has just come up and eager anglers are getting ready preparing to try their luck in one of bays. They are not assured of a good catch this morning, or even a catch of any fish. But they have boat  and tackle in what they think will work.  No matter whether you fish saltwater or freshwater, we all have the same questions as we start a day on the water:  What lure, what bait will work best?  Where should I make my first cast?  Are the fish going to be shallow or deep?  Questions, questions, questions . . . (Tom B) Action Point If you ever fished along the Texas coast, you know that bait camps are open very early; some stay open all the time. Bait camps, marinas everywhere all open early, some never close. Our God never closes. "Great and unsearchable things you do not know..." Think about that scripture statement from Jeremiah for a minute or two. If I knew everything and could handle everything, every question, why would I need to call, even sometimes to cry out to Him? Some of the greatest revelations and, answers the Holy Spirit of God have revealed to me have been totally unknown and unexpected. I awake early in the morning without the need of an alarm clock. I am on God's alarm clock, with Him sharing ideas, answers for my day, for my life that before were not there the night before. God never takes a break. He's there with me all the time. "Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear," Isaiah 65:24 (NIV). Before I ever put audible words to my thoughts, He has heard and provides the answer, maybe not right then, but when I can handle it, the answer is there: He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him, Psalm 91:15 (NIV).  This third I will put into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on My name and I will answer them; I will say, 'They are my people,' and they will say, 'The Lord is our God,' Zechariah 13:9 (NIV). Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and He will say: Here am I. "If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk," Isaiah 58:9 (NIV).  He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him, Psalm 91:15 (NIV). My God is a Big God. "Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the Heavens and the Earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You, Jeremiah 32:17 NIV). He has all the answers. Lord, thank you that you are with me always. You know my needs, my hurts before I even bring them to mind. Scripture tells me to pray always, constant communication with you. You read my thoughts before I even sort them out. When things don't make sense or seem impossible, help me to remember that you are already on the job. You are up early, open late, never closed. 'I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know,' Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV). Sportsmen's Tip of the Day The night before your fishing trip, make sure the batteries are charged in your boat, fuel for both boat and towing vehicle is purchased, and the fishing rods are rigged and ready to go for the first cast. Nothing aggravates other anglers more than somebody who sits on the boat ramp doing things to his boat before he launches. Everyone else has to patiently wait . . . and that's a topic for another devotion.    Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

September 5, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . By God's Grace, Stay Humble  (MQ)

Bible Study Verse 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 we enjoyed watching the 2006 winter Olympics this past year, as we do each time they come around. 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.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

September 4, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . God Is In Control   (MQ)

Bible Study Verse  Psalm 19:1  The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. (NIV) Thoughts Looking out into the morning sky, as the sun comes up, the sky seems to go on forever and it does.  See how far you can look, how far can you see? No matter the distance, it is all under Gods control. As far as you can see and all around you are the handy work of God. Listen to the birds the sound of moving water in a brook, none of these are created by man and no credit can go to him. God is in control. (Jim C) Action Point Be wary of men with promises and those who constantly blame others for the problems they themselves have created. They hold themselves in too high a regard to be trusted. They lie, deceive and promise to solve the problems they helped to create.  See these "men of the world" through the eyes of right and wrong. Their lofty positions are quickly brought down by common sense. For it is not us they care about but their lust for power that has made them blind to the people.  The heavens declare the glory of God, not any man!   Sportsmen's Tip of the Day  In an election year we as sportsmen and women have heard all the lies about who supports our second amendment rights. It's easy to see. Check and investigate these politicians' records as to who really intends to help us uphold the constitution. The choice becomes rather clear.   Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

September 3, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . We Just Gotta Clean Up Our "House" A Little Bit Or For Some, Maybe A Lot (NPS)

Bible Study Verses Jeremiah 29:11-13  For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. (NIV) Thoughts When I hunt, I hunt with all my heart. Well sometimes I can be distracted a little, like anything else, but that's the exception. Usually though I'm pretty committed when I'm hunting deer or elk, or pigs. It's in the blood, you know what I mean? When you're in the field, you're just engrossed in the hunt, as it should be. When I'm tracking, I have one goal; spot my game up close before he spots me. This is usually followed by my second goal, evaluate and shoot! (Ruben C) Action Point God tells us, if we want to find Him (incidentally, He's not lost!), we will. When we commit to it with all our heart. He's always there. It's just that the things of the world and our own desires (that don't align with His), cloud or hide Him from us. It's really not all that tough to find Him. We just gotta clean up our "house" a little bit or for some, maybe a lot! Look, when we get on the trail of a deer, one of the more elusive animals in the world, we go at it like our life depends on it. Now there's a parallel; your "life" does depend on it- finding God that is. The reward?  After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram.   I am your shield,  your very great reward," Genesis 15:1 (NIV). Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Desert Deer Hunting Tip #21: When tracking deer across the desert don't become complacent and not glass out ahead frequently. This last season was a coin toss for me if the buck I was tracking would lay up under a palo verde tree or in the wide open. Frequent glassing will help  you not "jump" a potential trophy before you're within range Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

September 2, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Go With Jesus As Your Guide

Enjoy This Labor Day Holiday Bible Study Verse John 21:6  And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. (NKJV) 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 are 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. 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 Pray Lord:  Fill me with more of an awareness of Your will for in life and more of you. 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 on a nice early morning and enjoy the break of dawn. Make a campfire along the stream or lake. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

September 1, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . When Given Two Of Something We Naturally Should Use It More   (NPS).   Bible Study Verse Proverbs 29:20 Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.  (NKJV) Thoughts When hunting, one thing I have noticed is that most animals rely on their sense of hearing. God has built into animal systems a heightened sense of hearing for their survival.  As hunters we also need to be quiet and listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth. I think there is a lesson in to be seen in His design--when given two of something, we naturally should use it more.  God tells us throughout the Bible to be a better listener than talker. Sportsmen, this is most important in our relationships, especially with our wives. One of the issues in marriage about which wives most frequently complain is that they want their husbands to listen to them more. Can we apply this hunting predicable to our marriages and become better listeners?  (MQ) Action Point Men, from this point forward, consider listening more to your wives. You listen intently to your hunting buddies tell their hunting stories, so listen to your wife's words with the same intensity. Don't be a man who is hasty with words and so, becomes a fool; but choose to listen more. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Try cupping your hands behind your ears to hear better. This acts as "deer ears" and heightens your sense of hearing. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up