December 15, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Without The Voice Of God We're Lost In The Wilderness  (MQ) Bible Study Verse Deuteronomy 8:3  He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. (NIV)   Thoughts Throughout history, the wilderness has been a hostile, dangerous and challenging place. Hunters and fishermen often seek to get away from civilization in order to experience and conquer those challenges. What we often fail to recognize is that the civilization we seek to escape is also a wilderness--a moral wilderness--when we don't acknowledge the authority of God over us. And without the voice of God, we're lost in that wilderness. People often seek what the "authorities" have to say. We follow the person with charisma, accept the latest fad, or rely on our own resources. Sometimes we even accept the world's value system which comes to us through music, magazines, TV, and movies. We become subject to the things we listen to.  (Steve S) Action Point Do we worship a God who has nothing to say; or are we people who will not listen? Look for God to speak, and look in the primary place where he has chosen to speak. We will always find the Bread of Life in the Bible. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When one of your socks gets a hole in it, don't throw it away. Recycle it as outdoor gear. Slip a thermos into one; it will help insulate your coffee and quiet any sounds that the thermos makes when it bumps against other equipment. Slip your camera, GPS or other electronic items into one; it will protect against bumps and damage.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

December 14 , 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . That The Man Of God May Be Complete, Thoroughly Equipped For Every Good Work  (Byron S) Our hearts are heavy and sad over yesterday's shooting at Arapahoe High School in Colorado.  Please join us in prayer for the injured student recovering after surgery and her family and the dead gunman's family. We are grateful and counting our blessings more students and teachers were not hurt and so grateful for law enforcement's quick response and excellent planning. God bless each of you.   Bible Study Verses II Timothy  3:16-17  All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NKJV) Thoughts This past winter I was hiking with my son up a very steep mountain. The steeper it got the more loose rock there was and I began to be concerned about the trip down.  When we got to a level spot, my son went over to a yucca plant, cut the dried flower stalk from it, handed it to me, and said "Use this for a staff to help you on your way down." The staff worked well.  My granddaughter wanted one. So later I went out and cut several. I worked on these through the summer, carving copies of petroglyphs and wild game on each staff. Then I polished and coated each one with varnish.  I gave these staff's to my grandkids at Thanksgiving and we all took a nice walk after dinner. The girls each used theirs for a walking aid while my grand nephew used his to do battle. He is all boy!!!  (Byron S) Action Point God's Holy Word provides us with a "staff", something we can lean on and depend on to hold us up during the tough times. Yes, we can even use it in battle when we are attacked, calling on the name of our Savior Jesus to fight the battle for us!!!  If we want to be righteous, we must walk with the Master every day, letting Him instruct us as we walk through our days here on Earth.  Try reading His Word every single day when you are having that first cup of coffee in the morning, give Him just fifteen minutes out of your busy schedule, and then chew on His Word throughout the rest of your day. You will be surprised how that fifteen minutes a day can give you something to lean on and do battle with as your day progresses. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day As we age we are not quite as nimble as we once were. A staff or a walking stick can be a great aid in steep terrain. Light weight collapsible models are available at most sporting good outlets, or you can do as I did and have fun making your own. With a little extra work, these staffs can double as a great shooting stick as well. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

December 13, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Field Dressing Tin (MQ) Bible Study Verse Judges 3:11 So the land had rest for forty years. Then Othniel the son of Kenaz died. (NKJV)   Thoughts My Dad bought my first hunting license for me in 1968, forty five years ago. Since then, I've collected all of the annual hunting licenses I've had from the several states in which I've lived. The collection is a reminder of the heritage my dad started in me many years ago when I was a little boy. Othniel had a heritage. He learned it at the feet of his older brother and great hero of Israel, Caleb. He drew on that heritage as he rescued the children of Israel from an oppressive king. For forty years, about the length of his generation, he led Israel to have peace and rest.  (Don H) Action Point When Othniel died, the children of Israel fell back to their old ways. It's a reminder for us today that our outdoor heritage is just one generation away from passing into oblivion.    It's also a warning for Christians today that our heritage of faith rests in our present generation and the passion with which we pass it along to our children. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Collect the following: A pair of latex gloves, a book of matches wrapped in about  6 ft of fluorescent marking ribbon, a pack of tissue (like the type found in MRE kits, or fold your own), a couple of packs of individually wrapped hand wipes, and a piece of cord. Believe it or not, these items can be neatly packed into an empty mint tin which makes for a great field dressing kit, or for other semi- emergency uses. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

December 12, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . The Designer's Prong Horned Antelope  (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Isaiah 45:12 It is I who made the earth and created mankind on it. My own hands stretched out the heavens;  I marshaled their starry hosts. (NIV)   Thoughts The grandeur of nature displays the existence, intelligence, and power of God. Hunters, fishermen, and all lovers of the outdoors witness this beauty and Divine design as we pursue our avocations.    Dusk on the prairie or sunset over the mountains can be spectacular. Early mornings are especially so. It is a time of wonder and awakening. Night grudgingly yields to day as the light marches westward. Nocturnal animals begin to move to cover after a last feeding. Birds waken and sing. Tom turkeys thunder their gobbles from the roost, and others respond with their flock talk. The daybreak chorus soon includes the cacophony of crows, the tattoo of the woodpecker, the bark of squirrels and the chatter of chipmunks as they begin their daily routine.    Little imagination is needed to hear and see in nature this declaration of our Maker's existence, praise, and glory.  (Jack M) Action Point Creation is a declaration and an evidence of God's existence, power and love. "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun," Psalm 19:1-4 (NIV). Many today disdain intelligent design, yet the evidence of science moves stoically toward a personal intelligent designer. It is easy for me to believe: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). The existence and the order of the created world and the universe point to Him!    After we acknowledge His existence, we are then responsible to seek Him out. We can find Him in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. He too was involved in creation, and we exist for Him. Believe in Him and be saved. Read John 3:16. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Take the camera along to record those rare and beautiful outdoor opportunities. Today's technology in digital cameras and camcorders leave little excuse for not recording these special experiences. Memory cards allow easy editing and discarding. If you don't record these things, you may only relive and replay them in the eye of the mind. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

December 11, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . I Knew I Had To Have Some Of That Action  (Janet B)

Bible Study Verse John 15:8  This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples. (NIV)   Thoughts Perhaps nothing in the fishing world can compare to the strike of a fish on a topwater lure. Topwater lures aren't species specific either. What was once only a mainstay of bass fisherman, surface lures now entice everything from redfish and tuna, to blue marlin. I remember the first time I saw a big sea trout explode one - had to have some of that action. We had just finished bottom fishing a peak some 70 nautical miles offshore, when a good friend sat down next to me and shared that he had recently given his life to Jesus. I really didn't know how to act or what to say. My first thoughts were: how will this affect me, and how will this change our relationship? (Isn't it remarkable how life before Christ is so self- centered?)    The next several months, I watched him carefully. I wanted to see just what this whole Jesus thing was about. I immediately noticed that his language changed; his demeanor too- he had this peace about him. And, his outlook on life improved--he had purpose. I also saw him turn the sources of worry and distraction into the focus of his prayers. I admired his change; and as I watched Christ grow and make these profound changes in him, I knew I had to have some of that action.  (Will D.) Action Point Every time you and I witness, we open the door to the scrutiny and watchful eyes of the secular world. But, that is good news. We don't have to act or try to be something we are not because the "old us" has been replaced with a new, born again Spirit- God's promise to us.    Rejoice in the fact you no longer have to strive to fit in some worldly pattern of existence. Thank our Lord of Heaven for the Grace He offers us and the eternal life - saving change it provides. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Topwater lures work much better when utilizing a loop knot. A good one that is easy and quick to tie is the Rapala Knot.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

December 12, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . I Know Every Bird Of The Mountains  (Dave H)

Bible Study Verse Psalm 50:10-12 "For every beast of the forest is Mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird of the mountains, and everything that moves in the field is Mine. If I were hungry I would not tell you, For the world is Mine, and all it contains." (NASB)   Thoughts I recommend that you read all of Psalm 50, not just the excerpt included above. It is certainly not the easiest psalm for me to understand. I have a hard time comprehending parts of it.    However, I do understand these verses. The Lord lets us know in no uncertain terms that: "every beast of the forest is Mine," He "knows every bird of the mountain;" and that "everything that moves in the field is Mine." We have to admit that is pretty clear!    Did you catch the part where He tells us that, not only does He own all of those things, but He knows every bird of the mountains?  (Dave H) Action Point When we go out hunting, we are taking something that belongs to the Lord and something that He knows personally. Just as He knows every hair on our head, He knows every beast of the field.    Doesn't that just fill us with awe? It is so hard to wrap our little minds around how incomprehensibly big God is. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day While I am not what might be referred to as a "birder", I am awed by how the Lord has intricately crafted these winged creatures. Carry a field book with you on your outings so that you will be able to identify the various birds, and then create your "life list." Make a note of each new bird you identify and the circumstances surrounding it. It will greatly enhance your outdoor experience.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

December 9, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . You May Not Think You Have Much Of A Christian Testimony, But Hero You Do Have An Audience  (Wes W)

Bible Study Verses Matthew.5:13-16 "Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this Earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand-shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in Heaven." (Message) Thoughts Here's another way to put it, "You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in this world. God is no secret to be kept." When I think back to my years growing up, I was most attracted to men like you reading this article. Sportsmen, hunters, adventurers, and cowboys that rode rodeo & risked their lives, and especially if they had wall mounts of their conquests. My Christian parents worried that their maverick, rebel, and renegade ways would influence me away from Christianity, but they didn't. Instead they opened my eyes to the God-colors of this big beautiful world and encouraged me to explore and to expand my horizons to discover all that God made available to us as men. (Wes W)  Action Point Most of us are dads, grandpas, uncles, employers, guides, husbands, and friends. There're young men watching and looking for a hero. You may not think you have much of a Christian testimony, but hero you do have an audience. Be "the Man," be courageous, live the adventure, fight the battle, and win your beauty. Get the book Wild at Heart by John Eldridge; it will get you started. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Ever since my wife bought me this little point and shoot camera that fits in my shirt pocket, I've been noticing God-colors everywhere. God-flavors that I use to not notice. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

December 8, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Like The Lone Tree Brand We Are Also Branded. " I Have Indelibly Imprinted (Tattooed A Picture Of) You On The Palm Of Each Of My hands"  (Bobby W) Bible Study Verse II Corinthians 1:20-22 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through Him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. (NIV)   Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In Him, this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God's Yes and our Yes together, gloriously evident. God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us. By His Spirit He has stamped us with His eternal pledge-a sure beginning of what He is destined to complete. (Message)  Thoughts In Wyoming we still brand our horses to prove ownership. I was able to retrieve a stolen horse 300 miles from home just because he bore my brand.  If I value them, I brand them. If I'm traveling out of state, it's easy to prove ownership at the borders. Even if they get lost in the wilderness, a game warden or forest service personnel is likely to come across them and I'll get them back.  (Wes W) Action Point I Peter 2:24 reminds us, "Who His own self bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness; by whose stripes ye were healed," (NCKJV). Our brand pictured above is called the "Lone Tree" brand, the cross on the hill. Isaiah 49:16 says, "Behold, I have indelibly imprinted (tattooed a picture of) you on the palm of each of My hands; [O Zion] your walls are continually before Me," (Amplified). That makes for a pretty iron clad relationship. I'm branded His and He's branded mine. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day If you're an "outlaw" you won't like this idea cause it will reveal you. But, we all fill out the luggage stickers at the airport to get our lost luggage back. Something a lot more convenient than three sentences of address information is to brand your valuables. I've branded a wood pistol, knife grips, leather saddle bags, and scabbards. When the grand kids inherit the stuff, they'll know it was Grandpa's. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

December 7, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . We Through The Patience and Comfort Of The Scriptures Might Have Hope (Navyhistory.org) 72st    Anniversary   of   Pearl   Harbor December 7, 1941 A Date Which Will Live In Infamy Bible Study Verses Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. (NKJV) Thoughts A Gallup poll just before the attack on Pearl Harbor flaunted that 52% of Americans expected war with Japan, 27% did not expect war, and as always the fence straddlers consisting of 21% had no opinion.     7:51 a.m. Hawaiian time carried the first aerial attack. Naval men awoke to sounds of alarms, bombs exploding, and gunfire. 50 bombers armed with 1760 lb armor piercing bombs and 40 bombers armed with Type 91 torpedoes targeted battleships and aircraft carriers.  54 dive bombers armed with 550 lb general purpose bombs targeted Ford Island  and Wheeler Field. 45 fighters for air control and strafing targeted aircraft at Barber's Point, Hickam Field, Ford Island, Wheeler Field, and, Kaneohe. Midget Jap submarines, like sea roaches, were partners in the crime.   Japan intent was to preserve its targeting Malaya and the Dutch West Indies by decimating the US Naval fleet and any shred of American moral that remained. One and half hours later the attack ended. 2,402 Americans died 1,177 from just the Battleship USS Arizona, 1282 were  wounded, and 9 ships, including 5 battleships, were sunk and 21 damaged. 188 US aircraft were destroyed and 159 damaged leaving 55 intact.   Doris Miller was collecting laundry when the battle commenced. He found his battle station destroyed by torpedoes. His description of his actions was interesting, 1 "It wasn't hard. I just pulled the trigger and she worked fine. I had watched the others with these guns. I guess I fired her for about fifteen minutes. I think I got one of those Jap planes. They were diving pretty close to us." He shot a 50 caliber Browning anti-aircraft machine gun until the ammo ran out and he was ordered to abandon his ship.    Despite the early surprise, US military personnel responded efficiently and courageously. By attacking us, the United States, Japan ensured her ultimate defeat!!! (Jo Q)   Action Point During World War II, men and women did what was needed not counting the danger nor the effort it would cost them. We could all take an example from them and live more intently courageous for God. Also, remember it was acceptable and good to carry a Bible, share and read scripture out loud, encourage each other, and pray out loud in Jesus Christ's name. It wasn't a crime to honor God, pray, and carry a Bible in the military. As the above verse states the comfort of God's Word brings hope. America has kicked God out of our schools, our military, and our lives.  It is a sad direction the United States has texted itself into. We need the heroes from the past to give us the courage to stand for what we believe in and to live it. I'm proud of America and our military!!! May America turn back to Jesus Christ. Pray that God will be patient  and protect America. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Please pray and support our troops. They need to know they are not forgotten while they protect our freedoms and each of us can touch one family. God bless each of you. 1 Pearlharbor.org   Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

December 6, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Honoring and Remembering One of The Finest Men, Most Skilled Hunter, and Excellent Hunter Education Instructor, Paul Hobel  (MQ)

Bible Study Verses I Samuel 15:13-14  When Samuel reached him, Saul said, "The Lord bless you! I have carried out the Lord's instructions." But Samuel said, "What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?" (NIV)  Thoughts During my own hunter education class, years ago, the silver-haired instructor related this story: He was hunting mule deer in southern Arizona, and had hiked a few hours into the back country when he located his prize. The largest mule deer he had ever seen in his decades of hunting was standing broadside on a hillside a few hundred yards away. With great care, he made his shot and knew immediately that it was well placed. The deer staggered and went up and over the hill. He waited awhile to allow the deer to settle before tracking it. He was on in years, his tracking slower due to his bad knees; and even more so because of the rough terrain. By the time he had reached his prize a few hours later, another hunter had found the deer and tagged it. The young hunter knew he had tagged someone else's deer, but claimed it was his. The old man simply congratulated the young hunter and walked back to his truck. (Brett M) Action Point When Samuel approached King Saul, the king said that he had carried out the Lord's instructions - to attack the Amalekites and destroy them and all their livestock, sparing nothing. But when Samuel asked why there was the sound of sheep and cattle, King Saul knew he had been caught in a lie. Saul may have thought that keeping the best sheep and cattle for a sacrifice was all right, but he was deceiving himself. The young hunter who had taken another person's harvest was also deceiving himself. Disobedience usually leads to dishonesty as we begin to rationalize our behavior to ourselves, our family and ultimately to God. We must strive to be obedient to God and honest with ourselves. King Saul lost his kingdom because of his disobedience and lying. What consequences do we endure because of our disobedience and dishonesty? Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Strive to tag your downed game as soon as possible. But if another hunter claims your harvest, simply congratulate him and move on. No game is worth an altercation. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

December 5, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Cheyenne, Bravest of the Brave  (Bobby W)

Bible Study Verse II Samuel 23:11-12 Shammah son of Agee the Hararite was the third of the Three. The Philistines had mustered for battle at Lehi, where there was a field full of lentils. Israel fled before the Philistines, but Shammah took his stand at the center of the field, successfully defended it, and routed the Philistines. Another great victory for God! (Message) Thoughts Shammah is just one of the three valiant warriors that defended David. It's good reading. They remind me of an elite Cheyenne war culture called "Dog Soldiers." They were the bravest of the brave. When the village was under attack they would run out between the attacking enemy and the village, their wives, children, and elderly and lash their ankle to a stake in the ground. This signified to the enemy, "I'm not running, you can bring the fight here and I will finish it here. This is where it stops, you have to get past me, and I'm not afraid. I will die fighting and defending my family."  (Wes W) Action Point What threatens your family, your marriage, your personal integrity, or your relationship with the Lord?    Take your stand. Defend what God has blessed you with. Defeat the threat Sportsmen's Tip of the Day I like multi-versatile tools/weapons when going into the wilderness. A throwing tomahawk can be used for splitting the pelvic of elk, moose, deer, or bighorn sheep as well as splitting kindling. I love the anticipation of preparing for a hunt. I imagine the same anticipation was experienced when preparing for battle. Get the book, the Cd, or the DVD, fastest and easiest crash course, The Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyers. A must resource for brave hearted men and women.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

December 4, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Reflect On The Fact That Nothing Ticks Without Jesus  (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created, both in the Heavens and on Earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things have been created through Him and for Him. (NASB)   Thoughts As a young man in college, I was interested in what made a trout hatchery tick. For one of my classes, I interviewed a man who owned and operated a private trout hatchery in northern Pennsylvania. It was an interesting time; but one thing I took away my visit was that these fish were created for one reason--to be caught, released and ultimately to be in a frying pan somewhere. What is our ultimate purpose for being created? Is it to glorify humanity and to set ourselves up as self-proclaimed gods? Or is it all about Jesus and realizing that, apart from Him, we wouldn't be here?  (Tom H) Action Point Take time to read all of Colossians 1:16. Reflect on the fact that nothing ticks without Jesus. Praise Him for His ingenious creative abilities! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day It's a good thing that many people are using the catch and release policy when fishing so that fisheries don't become cleaned out for the next guy. I would suggest that you should keep some fish for the frying pan for your eating pleasure. This is especially true if the fish is injured in anyway and may not survive. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

December 3, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Glassing For The Trophy  (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Mark 13:36-37  "If He comes suddenly, do not let Him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'" (NIV)   Thoughts My son taught me the art of looking for game with binoculars. It is truly an important part of what we do as hunters. We scout for game ahead of the season; and during the hunt, we always look for our trophy. Watching and doing it right pays off. In my reading this morning, I noticed how the word "watch" kept popping up. It appears three times in Mark 13 and 14. The Greek word for "watch" used in these verses is "vigilant", keep watch or stay awake. Webster's adds emphasis by saying "alertly watchful, especially to avoid danger." Jesus was making a point in this parable by using the word "watch" three times in the same manner for added emphasis. (Byron S) Action Point We can see here that there is a difference in the kinds of "watching" that we do, simply by the use and meaning of the word. No problem in the Greek, they spell the words differently in order that the reader could discern the differences. The word "watch" as it is used in Mark is telling us to be vigilant in order to avoid danger.    The Holy Spirit continues this theme in Acts, I Corinthians, Colossians, I Thessalonians, I Peter and Revelation each time saying, be vigilant.    We can strengthen our vigil by staying in God's Word each day and applying the knowledge He gives us to world affairs. Stay current, keep watching; and remember what you learned as a child - practice makes perfect. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When practicing your skill with binoculars, try using a tripod to steady them. This will help you find more game. You can also practice your skill in daily Bible study by using online helps like the Greek Lexicon. You will find this and many other helps at Blueletterbible.org. These aides will truly enhance your study. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

December 2, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . When I Said, "My Foot Is Slipping . . .   (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Psalms 94:18 When I said, "My foot is slipping," your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. (NIV)  Thoughts In our lives as a hunters or fishermen, we sometimes may start our trip or day off on the "wrong foot." We get so excited about the excursion that we forget to thoroughly prepare. When that unpreparedness hits us, we can lose our footing and never regain our balance. It can throw off the whole trip. This can also occur on a daily basis - we get up, start our day off wrong; and then "limp" around the rest of the day. (Dave F) Action Point Start every day as the God-given gift that it is. Do not get angry. Do not get hurried. Do not get defensive. Keep your feet firmly planted in God's Word, and you will lessen the chances of having a bad day. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When walking up steep hills, try not to walk directly up the hill; but instead, try to zigzag up the hill. It will take about the same amount of time, and you will feel less tired. Stay at an even pace and do not walk on your toes. Try to keep your feet flat in order to keep your balance. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

December 1, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Pray That God Will Allow You To Receive Faith In Him At All Times, Good Or Bad  (SS )  Bible Study Verses I Corinthians 2:5, 14 That your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. (NKJV)   I Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (NKJV)   Thoughts I am a wildlife biologist, a scientist of sorts. Many scientists who are struggling with Christian faith get hung up with ideas described in these verses as the wisdom of man. As a result, they cannot turn their lives over to God fully in faith. Many scholars and intellects have the same issue with faith in God. I have one thing to say to those men: "We'll never outsmart God."  His wisdom far exceeds that of man. He created us, the Earth, and all that is in it. What more do we need to know? It's really quite simple. Each day that I am working or hunting in the field, I am inspired by God's power when I look at His beautiful creation--wildlife, mountains, streams, and clouds. I choose to trust in the knowledge and wisdom of our Creator and to receive the things of the Spirit of God.  (Jimmy S) Action Point Romans 10:17 reminds each of us, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God," (NKJV). Get into God's Word now, not later.  One of the best uses of my smart phone is the listening to a dramatized version of the Bible. Try Bible.Is.  Pray that God will allow you to receive faith in Him at all times, good or bad, and He will bless you with the things of the Holy Spirit. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day To become more "woods wise," learn to identify different animal tracks. There are several good field guides to aid you. You'll be surprised how much you were missing before learning how to do this! Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up