March 16, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . This Day Was Made For You  (MQ) Bible Study Verse Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. (NIV)   Thoughts As soon as I saw this verse, I pictured a sunrise. One of my favorite times in the outdoors is that first thing in the morning when the sun starts to show above the horizon.  Salmon fishing on Lake Michigan, duck hunting on Green Bay, a corn field in Central, Illinois a river in Ontario Canada all have been the back drop for Gods handy work. The skies proclaim the work of His hands. The incredible sight as the world wakes up and the sun rises.  It's not a coincidence that there is and will be beauty when the SON rises to take us home! (Jim C) Action Point Times are looking dark, there is much despair and uncertainty. Look up to see that God is in control.    Remember that we must go through these times of pain. It will make you stronger, you will overcome, you will succeed and you are reading this not because I know what you're going through, but God does.  Did you feel it? A feeling comes over you and now you know. God loves you and you will survive this battle and be closer to Him because of it.  Smile, rejoice and rise up. This day was made for you and you will be made stronger and God will be glorified. It's a good day my friend! Sportsman's Tip of the Day Never underestimate the warm feeling of good coffee! Think about it, how many good cowboy movies include coffee over a camp fire. How many good hunting and fishing trips include good coffee? Good coffee equals a good outdoor adventure.....just saying! Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

March 15, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Watch Those Who Go Along With The Crowd . . . Crowd in Yosemite National Park (NPS) Bible Study Verse Jeremiah 20:13 Sing to the Lord! Give praise to the Lord! He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked. (NIV)   Thoughts I have never been one to go along with the crowd. I stand on my own, reason on my own and look at the world around me.    Watch those who go along with the crowd, they want those false idols for one reason only. The reason is so that someone will provide the earthly things they all desire. All those desires will fade and become worthless with time. They live for the moment they live for the greed. They do not really live, they merely exist.    God has made us a better promise and one no man can ever live up to.  (Jim C)   Action Point With the greed and power struggle that is going on in the world today, we must stay focused on God and the Bible.    Politicians and other leaders trying to control and deceive with their lies and their fake lofty promises to rescue us from ourselves have become wicked in influence. At times we all seem helpless to defend against the criminals that were elected to represent us. The war is on and it's real.    However, as I read a note from a friend the other day he brought up this point, "I know how it ends," he said. "I skipped to the back of the book and we win!" He was right you know, God tells us evil men will run out all just people.  However in the end my friends . . . in the end, the righteous obedient to God's biblical laws will be victorious. We have that promise from GOD! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day  Hunting takes on a whole new meaning when you involve kids. Deer, duck and pheasant hunting become so much better. Take a kid hunting and give him or her a memorial they will remember for life. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

March 14, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . It Is Not So Much What We Are Waiting For, But On Whom We Are Waiting  (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Psalm 46:10 "Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (NASB)   Thoughts In numerous Psalms, we are exhorted to "wait for the Lord." Yet, for many of us, including myself, waiting on anything is often hard to do. It takes patience to wait. It is a big help if we at least have some idea of what we are waiting for.    This does, of course, apply to hunting: If I know for sure there are deer in the area, it is much easier to stay where I am and wait. The best way to know beforehand is to do ample scouting. Scouting never guarantees the success of a hunt; but it does verify that an area is worth hunting. In our relationship with the Lord, it is not so much what we are waiting for, but on Whom we are waiting! To know the Lord is to love Him; and to love Him is to trust Him more. Waiting speaks of patience. With regard to waiting on the Lord, patience is trust in action. I don't usually know exactly how the Lord will answer or respond, but I can know Him; and His answers and responses will always be in accord with who He is. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever," Hebrews 13:8 (NASB). The more I get to know Him, the easier the waiting becomes.  (Randy E) Action Point Read your Bible with the purpose of better knowing and understanding the heart of God. Per A. W. Tozer, "What you think, when you think about God, is the most important thing about you." This is true because what you think about God affects how you think about everything else! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Scouting is important. It does not guarantee the success of a hunt, but it can greatly improve the prospects. Hike your hunting area as often as you can. Pay attention to where and when you see game. Learn where they are coming from, and where they go when spooked. Once you have all this figured out, it is just a matter of patience and making a good shot!  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

March 13, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . What Are You Going To Do When The Weather Turns Ugly  (NPS)

Bible Study Verse Nahum 1:7 The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him. (NKJV)   Thoughts What's your back-up plan? I mean, what are you going to do when the weather turns ugly? Many of us try to prepare for this by listening to the forecast and carrying ponchos, rain suits, or warm clothing accordingly. We might even know where a barn or other structure is located, something near our hunting or fishing areas that we can use for shelter In the day of trouble. A sturdy shelter sure comes in handy. First, let's not get the impression that Jesus is our back-up plan. He is THE plan. As the old adage goes, He doesn't reside on a shelf only to be used when we need Him. Likewise, He's not to be carried in our spiritual gear bags, only to be used when trouble brews.    Secondly, His plan is to reside in our hearts and to have a spiritually intimate relationship with us. Inside and out, He is our Rock, Fortress, Deliverer, Shield, Stronghold, Refuge, and Salvation. These are all the things that David sang about in the day that God delivered him from the hand of his enemies in II Samuel 22:2-3.  (Don H) Action Point Wake up every morning and go to sleep every night knowing that you are safely in the stronghold of Jesus Christ, your Savior and Lord. Be obedient to the opportunities to make a difference in the lives of people you connect with every day.    When trouble finds you, thank the good Lord that you are already in His stronghold and that He knows that you trust Him. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Self-locking freezer bags are better than regular self-locking plastic bags as they are more durable and less prone to leaks. They can be easily carried and serve as "little shelters" for small valuables, ammunition, and even bait for short periods of time.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

March 12, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . He Didn't Calm The Waters  (Tom B) Bible Study Verses Matthew 8:23-26 Then He got into the boat and His disciples followed Him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke Him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. (NIV) Thoughts On a January winter weekend a friend and I went bass fishing on a popular southern Texas power plant lake. In the winter they are known for producing great fishing. The heated lake water is not affected by the outside temperature. A major cold front was approaching, but we thought we had plenty of time to get on the lake, catch some fish, and then get off before conditions became bad. Wrong thinking! We were at the opposite end of the lake from the launch ramp when the front blew in earlier than expected. High winds turned the lake into a churning ocean. Temperatures quickly dropped. We were in a bad situation. We turned my 16' aluminum bass boat into the wind and waves and headed for the launch ramp. The only way to stay on top of the waves and keep from getting swamped was to run at full speed. Tackle boxes, fishing rods, and both of us were bouncing around as we battled our way up the lake. Only by the grace of God did we make it back to the ramp in one piece and without injury. (Tom B) Action Point As I remember that trip, my mind is called to the passage of Jesus calming the waters. He didn't calm the waters we were on, but He certainly protected us as we fought our way back to the launch ramp and safety. Jesus is a calming effect in our whole life if we call for Him. When things aren't going as planned or even expected, especially in today's world, know that we can call on His name. Read the Bible. Look for the many times Jesus is mentioned promising to take care of our needs, bringing calmness to our tough times. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day In the winter months be sure to get an accurate weather forecast before heading out on the water in a boat to fish. Fishing can be fantastic as the barometer drops. The chances for a disaster in the making also go up as dropping temperature, rain, snow, or high winds rake the water. It's not worth the chance. The fish will be there another day. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

March 11, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Let's Resolve To Live Lives That Win The Respect Of Outsiders And Win Them Quietly To Christ  (Brian H)

Bible Study Verses I Thessalonians 4:11-12 And to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. (NIV)   Thoughts This past fall my Dad, brother, my two older children, and I spent quite a bit of time hunting on one of our leases in the Ozark foothills. We setup the camper, but had no electricity or running water. We ate by campfire light, we cleaned our deer by hanging them from a tree limb, and we feasted on charcoaled hamburgers and soup.    Night was utterly quiet. We were separated from the hustle and bustle of the world. We worked hard and played even harder.    When the game warden stopped by to check our licenses, we were able to look him in the eye and enjoy his company. We stood honestly before him and as a result, were able to tell him about our relationship with God. It turned out that he was a Christian as well. I was glad that we were living a quiet and honest life out there.  (Brian H) Action Point My grandfather was not an educated man. He dropped out of school in the third grade to help raise crops and take care of his younger siblings. As an adult, he painted John Deere tractors and worked at a shoe factory to support his wife and six children. By the time I came along, he was retired and had settled down to raise cattle and chickens.    Everyone around the county knew who he was, but he kept to himself. He was hardworking and honest. Late in life his brother quietly led him to the Lord while standing in his garden.    As Christians, it is our responsibility to live a life of honor. We will give an account to God for what we do or not do with our lives. Visit I Thessalonians 4:11-12 again. Read it slowly and turn it over and over in your mind. Meditate on it and make it your life verse.    Let's resolve to live lives that win the respect of outsiders and win them quietly to Christ. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day For a quick and easy wind tester, tie an eight inch length of white sewing thread to the stabilizer on your bow. Secure it with a tiny drop of super glue. It will blow with the tiniest of breezes and notify you of wind direction at all times.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

March 10, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Can God Depend On Us To Hit The Target Or Are We Like A Faulty Bow  (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Hosea 7:16 They do not turn to the Most High; they are like a faulty bow. Their leaders will fall by the sword because of their insolent words. For this they will be ridiculed in the land of Egypt. ?"(NIV)   Thoughts A friend of mine owned a small farm in north central Minnesota. He was concerned about the damage that the deer and bear were doing to his cornfield. He told me that I was welcome to hunt in the woods adjacent to it.    I scouted the area and found several main deer trails going into the cornfield. After a few evenings of picking the wrong trails, a 12-point buck walked under my tree stand and out to the edge of the field.    He quartered away from me, so I had to wait for a better shot. He finally turned broadside about 20 yards from my stand. I drew, released, and the arrow went wild. I missed!    Later, at my friend's house, I rolled the aluminum arrow on the edge of the kitchen table and found that it was bent. Soon after that, I purchased some carbon arrows. Whether we use a faulty bow or arrow, we will miss the target. God had a target (expectation) for the Israelites, but they fell short. They rebelled against God and broke His covenant. (Tom L) Action Point Can God depend on us to hit the target or are we like a faulty bow? Do we obey His Commandments? Do we seek God and all His wisdom?    Read the Word. As it states in James 1:22: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says," (NIV). Sportsmen's Tip of the Day With all the new archery equipment and technology, it is critical that you go to a pro shop and have them measure your draw length.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

March 9, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . What Would I Do If No One Were Watching (NPS)

Bible Study Verses Matthew 16:15-16   "But you," He asked them, "who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!" (HCSB) Thoughts If I were to ask people who know me, "Who am I?", I would probably get a number of different answers. I would hear that I am a hunter, a conservationist, and a school governing board member. I especially like being known as a hunter. I try hard to pursue hunting in the most ethical way possible; and teach my kids to be good ethical hunters as well. This is very important to me. In Matthew 16, Jesus was asking His disciples who people said He was. It was important to Jesus that His disciples knew who He was. Simon Peter gave the correct answer: "The Messiah, the Son of the living God." Because of this, Jesus told him he was blessed. (Ernie W) Action Point As much as I like being known as a hunter, more than that and all other things that I represent, I want to be identified as a follower of Christ. Being a child of the King is the greatest thing that has happened to me. Do people know that you are a follower of Christ? Ask yourself, "Who do people say that I am?"  Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Have you ever heard a hunter referred to as a "slob hunter?" Who you are in the outdoors world is very important. Make sure you are the most ethical outdoorsman possible. To test this, ask yourself, "What would I do if no one were watching?"   Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

March 8, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . The Reality For Many Is That Success Comes Through Learning From Failed Opportunities (USFWS)

Bible Study Verses Ephesians 5:15-17 Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. (NIV)   Thoughts My oldest daughter and I were out turkey hunting for her first time. This hunt was the culmination of months of preparation and lots of target practice.    On the first day, she had a great opportunity to take a huge tom. The beard was all the way down to the ground! Her heart was pounding as she prepared to take the shot. The turkey was at 18 yards, and a case of "turkey fever" had set in. In the excitement to get off a good shot, she grabbed the gun and looked down at the bead. She pulled the trigger; a couple of feathers flew into the air, and the Tom ran away.    The best reason that we can determine for the missed turkey is that my daughter didn't look down the barrel from back to front. She shot looking only at the bead on the tip of the barrel without a rear anchor point. When people are confronted with making an important decision, you'll hear them say, "How do you really know what God's will is?" Seeking God's will is similar to what happened to my daughter with her turkey - she only used the bead to gauge her shot. We didn't have a back sight on the barrel at the time. If she had used a back sight along with the front, she would have been firmly anchored on her target with a much lower margin of error.    In finding God's will, you must:  Know God's Word.  Trust in the Holy Spirit's leading.  Seek counsel from Godly people who truly know how you're wired.  We may not always hit the mark in our Christian walk, but using each of these together will decrease the likelihood of making decisions that aren't God-honoring. (Dave M) Action Point We live in a fast-paced world; and God's timing isn't always ours. Take time to utilize the tools God has given us to determine the right course of action - read the Bible, pray, and seek Godly counsel. Don't make your decision without doing all three in conjunction with each other. God will answer. Just make sure you have the time to listen! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day As much as we all like to hear stories of the successful hunt, the reality for many is that success comes through learning from failed opportunities. Remember, if you are outdoors with a young person, be patient and gracious with them. What's most important is that they have a good time and want to come back again to give it another whirl. Although my daughter missed the tom, it's one of our favorite memories together. It was exciting, even without the bird!  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

March 7, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Fishing In Contentment (Will D) Bible Study Verses Philippians 4: 11-13 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through Him Who gives me strength. (NIV)   Thoughts Never leave fish to find fish. We've heard that cliché a thousand times, yet we still do it. We catch a few, but become dissatisfied with the quality or quantity. We can do better.    A life pursuing happiness without Christ is like this - constantly moving from one thing to another chasing earthly satisfaction.  (Will D) Action Point God made you and me to seek contentment. However, it's not shiny with big tires, in stacks of dollar bills, with bigger horns, or with larger scales. It's found in Him.    Don't keep running after earthly things. Seek contentment in Jesus Christ. "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart," Psalms 37:4 (NKJV). Doing so, you will discover the real and everlasting contentment your heart desires. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Not only are instant hand sanitizers good to keep on your boat for killing water-borne germs, but it will also clean and shine used or stained hard plastic lures.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

March 6, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . San Francisco Peaks, AZ (Tom H) Bible Study Verse Psalm 103:12  As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (NIV) Thoughts In Arizona we are blessed with many days so clear that one can see from one end of our state to the other.    After riding the ski lift on San Francisco Peaks, near Flagstaff, I was to see Mt. Lemon over 100 miles south just outside of Tucson.  (Byron S) Action Point How big is our God? For mankind, God is hard for us to comprehend.    Many of us want to downsize Him in order to better understand his ways. But He tells us that our ways are not His ways. Rather than trying to downsize God, see Him for what He is. His handy work is all around us, especially in the outdoors. Be thankful and blessed by the fact that He gave His only Son to die for our sin so that ALL of our transgressions are removed from us. Just take hold of that, believe it, and give Him thanks.    Rejoice in the fact that He is so big that we cannot comprehend. Romans 1:20 says, "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-His eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse,"(NIV). Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Keep a pair of binoculars and a camera handy in your pack or in your car glove box. I have missed out on many great wildlife shots simply because I didn't have them with me. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

March 5, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Coyote  (FWS)

Bible Study Verses Matthew 7:1-2 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (NIV)   Thoughts A buddy of mine related this story to me a few weeks ago: He was driving down the highway when he saw three coyotes crossing the road ahead of him. The first two made it across the highway unscathed; the third was hit and killed by a car.    He said that, as he watched, the first two coyotes that had made it across the road turned in their tracks and headed back to their downed comrade. At this point, I made a big "Aaaaah!", thinking about the two coyotes coming to see how their buddy was. (This is probably the result of too many years watching cartoons and not enough Wild Kingdom.)    However, when they reached the third coyote, they proceeded to drag him from the roadway and devour him.  (Brett M) Action Point How do we act when others are knocked down in life and struggling? Whether it is a divorce, addiction, poor life choices or a myriad of other problems, do we encourage, uplift, pray and support? Or, do we gossip, speculate and judge? In the fire service, we call the latter, "eating our own" - taking the opportunity to devour another while they are down and struggling. It is no different than what those coyotes did to their own. Christ makes it clear, "Stop judging." Whether it is our best friend, worst enemy, even a television celebrity or newsmaker, "Stop judging!" Make it a point to pray for someone today whom you know is struggling in life. Better yet, pray for two people - a friend or co-worker and a newsmaker you have never met. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day  Hunting season always seems way too short; but in many areas, varmint hunting is open year round with just a valid hunting license. Check your local game laws and see if you can keep up on your stalking and shooting skills during the off-season by hunting varmints. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

March 4, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . It's Your Responsibility As An Ethical Hunter To Know And Follow The Rules  (Raymond R)

Bible Study Verse James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (NIV)   Thoughts In Hunter Education classes, we talked quite a bit about hunting rules and regulations. We stressed that you must not only be familiar with the regulations where you are hunting, but, more importantly, that you must hunt by them.    In one class we were talking about "buddy hunting" (being allowed legally to kill an animal for another hunter) which is not legal in my state. However, I've been told that it is in others. One student answered a question affirmatively that it is legal to shoot another hunter's animal for him. That may be fine back home where he grew up, but not in my state.    It was an excellent illustration of reading and becoming familiar with the rules where you are going to be hunting. Now that this student knows the rule, I assume that he will go into the field and follow that rule.  (Cliff S) Action Point It's important to read and to study God's word and to know what is contained there. But just knowing the Word of God isn't enough, we must be determined to walk by it.    The Bible says that if we walk by the word of God, we will have peace and will be in fellowship with Him. That's a rule I want to follow! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Review the regulations where you are going to hunt on a regular basis. Regulations do change. It's your responsibility as an ethical hunter to know and follow the rules. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

March 3, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . One Of The Sportsmen's Devotional Decals Designed By Sportsmen For Sportsmen  (MQ) Bible Study Verses Matthew 28:19-20  "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (NIV)   Thoughts Super Bowl  commercials remind us of an all out effort to sell products. Approximately $3,000,000 is spent for a 30 second commercial or $100,000 for one second of time. That's astounding!    Sportsmen spend millions of dollars on equipment and licenses. They also spend countless hours on beneficial conservation efforts. Wyoming license fees help to improve habitat, wildlife restoration and conservation, fund education, law enforcement, and other programs. In all these cases people spend time, money, and energy to promote a product or a purpose. (Tom L) Action Point The questions are: Do we put enough time, money, and energy toward THE GREAT COMMISSION? What are our priorities? Do we value our purpose? Do we use our God given gifts to make and to teach disciples? Can we do more? With God's help the answer is always YES. Remember Matthew 28:20b, "And surely I am with you always, to the end of the age," (NIV). Sportsmen's Tip of the Day A great way to start a conversation about the Lord's work is to wear a Sportsmen's Devotional hat or put a SD decal on your vehicle. A typical question I've heard many times is, " What's that all about?" My testimony and some good talk about fishing and hunting follows.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

March 2, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Sometimes The Most Spiritual Thing You Can Do Is Take A Nap  (Raymond R) Bible Study Verse Psalm 46:10 "Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (NASB)   Thoughts Over the years, I have heard thousands of sermons. I'll never forget the one about taking naps. During cowboy church the good old boy preacher said, "Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap!"  (Tom H) Action Point Many times the preparation, packing, last minute responsibilities, and hundreds of miles driving to your favorite getaway can wear you out. Once you arrive and get settled in at your happy hunting grounds or your favorite stream brimming with trout, try taking a power nap. Fifteen minutes works for me, any longer and it backfires making me feel worse. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day If your camp has lots of pine needles, try making a good fluffed up pile. Put your sleeping bag on top and enjoy your power nap right under the trees. Be careful of sap that will drip down if there are broken branches above.      Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up