February 13, 2014   Today's Photograph . . . .  Guys and Gals Will God Bless You? Today Is The Day Before Valentine's, Are You Following His Lead? (MQ) Bible Study Verse John 1:44-47 Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote-Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked. "Come and see," said Philip. When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, He said of him, "Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit."    Thoughts Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. Who was this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday?    The history of Valentine's Day is shrouded in mystery.  According to one legend, Valentine sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement.    Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed "From your Valentine." An expression that is still in use today. (Ruben C)    Action Point Why was Jesus so fired up about Nathanael? He spoke his mind and was not a deceitful person.  I'm going to challenge you and your relationship with your loved one today!    "No deceit means no treachery, cheating, deception, or trickery. Men, have you ever fudged the numbers on how much your hunt would cost? How about secretly saving "your" money to buy a new rifle? Secretly looking at members of the opposite sex in other than a pure manner?     Want to make a resolution for the new year? Make one to truly be one with your wife, and start today!    "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband," Ephesians  5:31 & 33 (NIV). Sportsman's Tip of the Day What would be a great event for you beginning today, leading into tomorrow, and continuing through the year?    One that is totally centered around the Love of your Life! Cook for her, make her a card, pick your own bouquet of flowers, and you may even take her out if your cooking is not up to snuff. Skip the movies if you can, it will take your focus off of her. Whatever you do, make her your priority. It doesn't matter the origins of "Valentine's Day." If you use it to honor your loved one, your efforts could be pleasing to God.            Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

February 12, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . As Long As The Lens Is "Clean" We Can See Quite Clearly To Walk Along Life's Path  (Cliff S)  Bible Study Verse I John 1:5-9 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (NKJV)   Thoughts At sunset we watched as the elk headed up to the top of a steep, dark timbered knoll. Before sunrise we were stragically at the base of the hill. We had planned to meet up on the other side of the mountain and at sunup hunt for the herd which included a nice promising bull. My experienced trail horse had little difficulty making it to the top while my partner was circling around the mountain. It was still dark as the horse and I eased slowly into the trees and came to a stop. I recall smelling the elk at the same time the lead cow barked the alarm. The entire herd of elk jumped and ran all at once! I had walked right into the bedded down herd. My horse spooked violently when the elk stood up and took off running; I went flying off the saddle, but fortunately held on to the reins. After a few excited seconds of calming and soothing my horse and I trying to catch my breath, I took stock of what happened. I indeed was blessed. Neither my horse nor myself were hurt. Just both of us startled out of our wits. (Marshall M) Action Point The dark is a scary place when you are not right with God. Our relationship with Christ is like having a really good flashlight, lantern, or spotlight. As long as the lens is "clean", we can see quite clearly to walk along life's path. However as we put sin between the Lord and us, the lens of that light gets "dirty" and we are soon in total darkness. Take the time today to talk with God, get your life lens clean, and make sure you're living in the light. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Always carry spare batteries for your flashlight. The light is more than a comfort; it literally can be a life saver in many situations. If possible buy all your hunting accessories, camera, flashlight, GPS, and rangefinder requiring the same size batteries.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

February 11, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . No Matter Where You Are, You Are The Only One That Can See The Sun From That Exact Angle  (Jim C)

Bible Study Verses Revelation 22:1-2 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. (NIV)   Thoughts Imagine that scene! It's a powerful verse and for me hard to wrap myself around. It would be an amazing site.    One of the most beautiful things to enjoy in any outdoor adventure is the rising of the sun. When that sun comes up over the trees, rising out of the ocean, or from behind a hill side, it becomes a truly remarkable picture.    There are mornings that as the sun is rising, God paints the sky light blue, purple, and pink adding in the fiery red of the sun. Now that is a back drop for the King on His throne!  (Jim C.) Action Point On your next adventure a field or on the water, watch the sun rise, take a second, and appreciate that God has created this for you. No matter where you are, you are the only one that can see the sun from that exact angle. It's a present from the Father to you. This should jump start your day! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When choosing to capture a sunrise or sunset, always have your camera ready as the scene changes constantly. Some of the most beautiful pictures I have taken, occurred from the shadows, colors, and designs that appear in the sky quickly at a moment's notice. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

February 10, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Coues Whitetail Buck (Jimmy S)

Bible Study Verse Proverbs 19:16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, but he who is careless of his ways will die. (NKJV)   Thoughts While archery elk hunting this morning, I came upon one of the biggest Coues whitetail buck I've ever seen, drinking at a spring. This "grey ghost", as they're often referred to, looked up at me from his drink, oddly went back to drinking, and allowed me to get a full view of his awesome rack. Normally, they seem to fade into their surroundings without hesitation.  This wise ole' buck must have somehow known I couldn't take a shot at him, for it wasn't deer season, yet. They don't get that big being careless in their ways.  I sat amazed in the moment at this fine creature God gave me the opportunity to enjoy this morning. Then I thanked Him for that very rare moment which made my morning, because I may not have an opportunity like that again for a long time.  (Jimmy S) Action Point An easy way to guard your soul against destruction is to keep His commandments:  Memorize them.  Meditate on them. Keep them written in a place where you can often read them. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When hunting for Coues whitetail remember, they are habitual animals with a small home range. If you see a nice buck before the season, he probably won't be far from that same spot once the season starts.   Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

February 9, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . For The Next Two Hours We Followed As Those Two Dogs Found All Twenty Birds (Adam S)) Bible Study Verses James 2:14-18 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, "Go in peace; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. (NIV) Mark 2:1-5 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that He had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and He preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to Him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralyzed man, "Son, your sins are forgiven." (NIV) Thoughts Several years back the breeder that I get my English Setters from invited me to go on a hunt with him. He had a dog that was being worked by a trainer in preparation for a field trial. We grabbed another one of his dogs and one of mine and headed for the hills. It was a beautiful location and a beautiful day. The trainer set out twenty bobwhite quail and we got ready for the show. The hotshot dog was turned out and proceeded to run about a half mile in a straight line away from the truck and then straight back. If he smelled a bird he sure didn't tell us about it. Dumbfounded, we loaded the dog back into the kennel and wondered what business he had going to a field trial.  We put out the second dog, a young dog that was new to the hunting game and he didn't do much, but did make some attempts at doing what he was bred to do.    In a little bit I grabbed my dog. Now, OP wasn't a formerly trained dog, but she had a nose that wouldn't quit and could glide over the grass and find birds.  The breeder was going to load his second dog into a kennel when I told him to wait and see what would happen. Well, OP very quickly hammered a point. We got the bird and then she did it again. But, this time the young dog backed her. The next bird OP found had two dogs pointing it in the grass. For the next two hours we followed as those two dogs found all twenty birds.    Now, the point is this, the trained dog was supposed to be good at finding birds, but he wasn't. He is a well-bred Setter, but he wasn't doing what he was born to do. One would have wondered if he was, indeed, a bird dog. But, the two untrained dogs, well, they proved that they were bird dogs by finding birds!   Oh, by the way, the trained dog, two weeks later he went to the field trial and placed second against some tough competition. I guess even bird dogs can have an off day now and then!  (Cliff S) Action Point The men in the story from the passage in Mark already had faith in Jesus and believed that Jesus could heal their friend. But, they demonstrated their faith to Jesus and everybody in the room by tearing a hole in the roof and letting their paralyzed friend down into the room, believing that Jesus would heal the man. The passage in Mark says that Jesus "saw their faith," forgave the man's sins, then, a few verses later, healed him. In my mind, this passage in Mark is the clearest example of what James is talking about in today's first passage. We aren't saved by our deeds or works, we are saved when we put our faith in Jesus. But, we demonstrate our faith to those around us by the deeds that we do because of our faith. Faith comes first, then the works. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day It often helps to hunt a young dog with a veteran hunting dog. The young dog will usually follow the experienced dog around and learn what is going on. It doesn't take long for the younger dog to figure out the game and be finding birds on his own. But, be patient with young dogs, they will make mistakes. Be reassuring and help them to learn what you want them to do through positive reinforcement when you can, and discipline when it becomes necessary. Hey, that sounds a lot like Christians! Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

February 8, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Mahi-Mahi (Will D)  Bible Study Verses Luke 8:14-15 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. (NIV)  Thoughts The lifespan of a Mahi-Mahi, Dorado, is only about 3 years. Needless to say, they have remarkable growth rates. In fact, scientists believe it is possible for them to grow as fast as three inches per week. To do so, they cannot simply wait for meals to approach - survival and this rapid growth rate depends on their ability to devour food with speed and aggression. It is this acumen that makes them such a remarkable and acrobatic game fish.  In the parable of sower, Jesus tells us what can hinder our spiritual growth - distractions that keep you and me from being remarkable Christians. The "thorns" that existed over 2000 years ago are still present today dubiously distracting us from spiritual growth.  (Will D) Action Point Avoid life's thorns by:  Devouring God's word with speed and aggression.  Consuming His word daily. Retaining and applying it to your daily life.  Planting yourself in good soil by refusing to allow the thorns of this world to distract you.  In doing so, you will become the person God has created you to be. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When fishing the oceans for pelagic species, always scan the horizon for debris or Sargasso patches. Fish them. Recently I saw a bright green kid's pool floating that had drifted miles offshore. I didn't give it much thought until a few days later a friend called with excitement over a blue marlin he'd caught under it. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

February 7, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . .  Bible Study Verses Psalm 95:6-7  Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. (NKJV)   Thoughts I recall fond memories when I hunted whitetail in Minnesota. Vivid were those crisp, cold opening day mornings waiting for that first light on the eastern horizon. Due to the dense brush, my first indication of wildlife was not visible, but the sound of the crunching snow or the dry fallen leaves of fall.    Excitement increased with the anticipation of the approaching deer coming my way. Often times it was a grey squirrel scurrying from tree to tree, once it was a pine martin looking for a small rodent around the dead falls, and another time it was a ruffed grouse walking down a deer trail with a coyote tracking 30 feet behind.    My fondest memory was a very still morning when I heard the periodic footsteps of what seemed to be a deer. He chose the deer trail I was on and finally came into view. My heart was pounding! I shot my 30-30 and bagged my first whitetail buck.  (Tom L) Action Point Just as listening to the sounds of wildlife is important to having success in hunting; listening to God during meditation enables us to experience a personal relationship with God.    In the book, How To Develop a Powerful Prayer Life, Dr. Frizzell says, "I even go so far to say that listening to God is the fundamental key to an effective prayer life. Prayer is our discovering what God wants to do and joining him as co-laborers though our prayers. Through meditating you learn to hear God's leading and thus your prayers initiate from His heart and mind." Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When the snow or leaves are crunchy, allow yourself extra time to get to your stand. Always travel in the dark walking slowly and carefully. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

February 6, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Ground Hornet (Byron S)

Bible Study Verse I Corinthians 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. (NIV)   Thoughts Flee, get out of there! Run! My wife hollered at me as the hornets swarmed up out of the ground.    We were out on a ride, enjoying the beautiful fall colors on a back country trail when her horse stepped too close to a nest of hornets.    I was behind and even though I saw them beginning to swarm I was unable to get Tuni to move as fast as I would like. We had a rodeo for a few moments but I managed to hang on for the 8 seconds and finally got away, unscathed, and neither of us stung.  (Byron S) Action Point Sin, like hornets can swarm up suddenly and overwhelm us. It is surprising how quickly desire can turn to sin.    Jesus knows that and tells us "Flee," "Run," "Don't Tarry," but get away from there as quickly as you can.    When the desire strikes, stop, voice a short quick prayer, and ask Him to intervene. "Dear Lord, I need help right now, I am too weak to stand up to the Devil. I ask you to stand between me and him and drive these thoughts from my mind."    It is amazing how this will help you flee the situation and move on to something more productive. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day We love to ride in the fall, but have to stay on guard in our country for ground hornets, also called meat bees. They have a nasty temperament this time of year. Carry a small bottle of ammonia in your first aid kit. This works very well on stings to relieve the pain. If you are allergic to bee stings, be sure you have your sting kit along and be sure it's not outdated.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

February 5, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Be Still and Know That I Am God  (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! (NKJV)   Thoughts I was sitting quietly in my tree stand as the light rain began to fall. The gentle tapping on the leaves was relaxing. The fact that I had already taken a nice 10 point the previous day added to the relaxation that I was enjoying. I sat there just talking to God quietly, watching deer, and listening to the gentle rain for the entire afternoon.    As dark began to fall I mumbled softly to myself, "Why can't this relaxed feeling continue on and on? Why do I feel so much closer to God out here in the woods?"  (Brian H) Action Point The answer to my question is this: I feel closer to God out in the woods because I'm being still and quiet. That's it! When I'm at home or at work, I have the television blaring or the radio on or people chatting nearby. The fact is that we have made our world very complicated and noisy.    Only when we get out by ourselves, get quiet, and become still are we able to just sit and know that He is God:  Try scheduling some time to yourself whether it's out hunting or just sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee.  Get rid of the distractions for a little while.  Take some time to be still and remember that our God, He is truly God.   Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Here's a twist on deer steaks. Roll a small chunk of cheddar cheese and a jalapeno slice inside a butterfly cut steak and toothpick together with bacon wrapped around the outside. Cook slowly on the charcoal pit until the bacon is done. Delicious!  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

February 4, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Some People Consider The Smell Of Our Witness As Offensive As A Decaying Body and Some People Smell Eternal Life  (NPS)

Bible Study Verses II Corinthians 2:16  To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? (NIV)   II Corinthians 2:14   But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere. (NIV)    Thoughts Stink does not begin to describe it! Abbi, my German Shorthair pointer, had pointed to the wrong thing. Seems like bird dogs are drawn with fateful determination to skunks that sometimes hide under the grass and in some out of the way places.    This one gave her the whole load of his defensive ability. She was hit squarely in the mouth. She was pitiful. She slobbered profusely, shook her head repeatedly, and walked around in a dazed condition. The sad thing is that it was not the first time.    This instant replay has been repeated over and over through the years. She seems never to learn that the alluring smell will end in dreadful consequences of pain and discomfort.  (Jackie M) Action Point The sharing of the gospel is described as a smell or a fragrance in the passages above. It portrays the response of others to the good news of immortality that is available in Jesus Christ. Because they oppose Christ, some people consider the smell of our witness as offensive as a decaying body. Some people smell eternal life!    We are to spread the fragrant smell of eternal life in Jesus Christ. Let's use our fishing, hunting, and other outdoor activities to spread Christ to our friends.    Some will hear and receive the gift of eternal life. They will choose to spend eternity with us and with the Lord.    Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Scents are a valuable tool for today's hunters. Learning when and how to use them can multiply the chances of success afield. Whether stink baits for catfish, attractants for deer, or the odors used to attract animals for other reasons, the use and expense of scents often determines success or failure. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

February 3, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . God Only Measures Your Heart. How Close Are You To His World Record  (Will D)  Bible Study Verse I Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (NIV) Thoughts Conservation groups maintain and record the detailed measurements and weights of world record harvests. They specify the scoring criteria and stipulate rules and regulations on the game we pursue.  While some of us only chase world records, most realize that taking a record fish or animal is merely a byproduct from the challenge of the pursuit. Nevertheless, we adhere to those specific rules and guidelines set before us; a system by which we recognize as an ethical benchmark of success in the field.  (Will D) Action Point The world's system used to record man's earthly successes is a bit different. Its criterion measures things like the size of our house, our bank account, or the kind of vehicle we drive - usually without regard of rules, ethics, or fair chase.  God doesn't use that system. His is a Heavenly one. Only the heart is measured. He keeps no record of where it's been nor what it's said, thought, or done. His standard begins with and relies on simple faith, one found in and through His son Jesus Christ. Are you His world record trophy? Sportsmen's Tip of the Day There are many groups that promote game conservation and seek the best for our resources. Investigate them carefully. Make sure they carry out what they sell and promote. Support the ones that do. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

February 2, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . .  Sonoran Desert (MQ) Bible Study Verse Psalm 42:1 As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God. (NASB)   Thoughts As a teenager I stayed hunting in the field much longer than planned. I had walked a lot further in the Sonoran desert than I had wanted to. I got so dehydrated that my legs started to cramp and my tongue was literally sticking to the roof of my mouth.    Finally, I came across a small barrel cactus and plunged my knife in again and again. For two hours I sat sucking moisture from cactus sections. It was God's provision for a thirsty, foolish body.  (Randy E) Action Point There have been times in my walk with the Lord, I have become spiritually dry and very weak. Always I have wandered further away than I ever intended to go and have stayed longer than I realized.    Finally, "dry, thirsty, and very weak," I cried out to the Lord for relief. He quenched my thirst with Himself. He is the only provision for a dry and foolish soul or for a quenched and wise soul! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Always carry more water than you "think" you will need! Try the hydrators that ride on your back with a tube and a mouthpiece for hands free use. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

February 1 , 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . It May Be That's How We Should Try Fishing For Men, By Letting Them See Us Living For Jesus  (Marshal M)

Bible Study Verses Matthew 4:18-19 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." (NKJV)   Thoughts With the Silver Salmon running and the pristine afternoon conditions, my friends and I enjoyed treasured, prime Alaskan fishing. We were wading along the river while casting toward the opposite bank as the fish passed through.    The borrowed open faced reel gave one friend a struggle. Another friend and I approached to lend a helping hand. The struggling Samoan explained, "I have never used a rod and reel before."    We were stunned as he had earlier stated he was an accomplished fisherman.    He went on to explain that he had always used a spear to wade fish in coastal lagoons on his island home and he was a good spear fisherman.    After a quick lesson in the operation of an open faced reel he was casting almost as good as the best of us out there! The years of spear fishing seemed to have given him the needed excellent hand-to-eye coordination. He caught fish in no time.  (Marshall M) Action Point Jesus told Peter and Andrew he would show them how to fish for men. We often have people in our lives that we want to lead to the Lord and are often frustrated that we can't reel them in. We've used all the right baits and techniques and still nothing much ever changes.    What we sometimes forget is that Jesus taught by letting his disciples see Him live a righteous and holy life. It may be that's how we should try fishing for men, by letting them see us living a holy life.    That's one way to teach a new skill, watch someone else practice what they are a teaching. Let your life be the teaching lesson to your friends. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day A good way to teach people to fish is in the back yard. Take a washer and tie it to the end of your line and set up targets in the yard. Learning how to cast accurately and deal with obstacles that you might encounter at the lake or river will really improve their casting ability. It will be good practice for you also. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

January  31, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Mule Deer (Ron T) Bible Study Verse Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (NIV) Thoughts One of the tools we like to use in wildlife enforcement in the field is wildlife replicas (decoys). Decoys are very effective in reducing violations when used properly. We use them in areas that have had continuous problems with trespass, shooting from vehicles and roadways, and closed areas.  I remember when we first started using decoys in my state. We wanted the set-ups to look perfect. We made sure there were no tracks to the decoy that would be visible from the road. One of the officers would drive by the set-up several times telling the officer at the decoy to turn it 5 inches one way or move the thing a few inches to the right or left, trying to make it look as natural as possible.  If it was snowing, someone would put an orange vest on, go out and sweep the snow off its back every so often. Now, when I look back at the early days of decoy use, it's obvious to me that we worried way too much about the little things. If someone was bent on violating the law, they were going to shoot at the decoy no matter what we did.  (Ron T) Action Point In the book of Matthew, God's word says not to worry about our lives, what we will eat, drink, or wear. The birds of the air don't sow or reap or store away food in barns and yet God sees to it that their needs are met.  God knows the things we need and if we seek His kingdom and His righteousness these things will be given to us. And what good does worrying do anyhow, it doesn't change the outcome, and it doesn't add a single hour to our lives. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day After the season has closed and you give your rifle that final cleaning, try using a bore guide to protect the muzzle from the cleaning rod. A cheap bore guide can be made by using a spent 12 gauge shotgun hull with the primer taken out. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up