June 15, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Daddy's Passion Was Hunting and We All Grew Up In The Outdoors  (Shirley H)

Happy  Father's  Day!!!   Bible Study Verses John 14:2-3 In My Father's house are many mansions;  if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (NKJV)   Thoughts What an awesome promise! As believers and followers of Christ, we know what awaits us at the end of this life! If we think that mountains, streams, lakes, waterfalls, and meadows are beautiful here, can you just imagine what they look like in heaven? Most of what I learned about the outdoors, I learned from my Dad. My Dad and I made lots of great memories together hunting, hiking, fishing, and cutting wood. I can still picture us waiting for it to get light enough to hunt, eating our sandwiches on the tail gate together, and just enjoying our day.    My best memory, however, was when I killed my first elk. We hunted for two hard days, and it was the last day of the hunt. He picked where we'd go that day and sure enough there was a small herd.    I know God just guided that bullet right through the trees.    After field dressing the elk and using a come-along to hoist it into the vehicle (a great idea to lift the heavy animals), we ended up with a flat tire. We were exhausted by the time we made it back, but what a day! .  (Rebecca L) Action Point Daddy went home to be with Jesus and we all really miss him; but I know that someday I'll see him again with my Jesus.    I'd like to think that Daddy's mansion is a rustic log house with a rock fireplace and the view is unimaginable!    Cherish your Dad today. Give him a call; or just go get him and go target practicing, or fishing . . . you'll be grateful for the memory you make. If your Dad is gone as mine is, take your son, daughter, mom, spouse, or someone God brings to your mind and make some new memories. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When elk are scarce you'll have a better chance hiking away from hunters and commonly traveled roads. Bulls will be at higher elevations than cows. Walk quietly and use your nose. Elk have a very distinct smell. Sometimes you can smell them or hear cows mew before you will ever see them. Be sure to use topographical maps, a compass, or a GPS in order to keep from getting lost while trying to find the herd. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 14, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Even If I Don't Always See The Way Clearly, I Know That God Has Sustained Me Through This Life's Journey Time-and-Time Again (NPS)

Bible Study Verse Joshua 4:4-6-7 So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe,  and said to them, "Go over before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites,  to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?'  tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." (NIV)   Thoughts Trail markers are the key to backpacking success. My family has a game we play when we are out on a trail; and my guess is that if you've done some hiking, you've probably played it too. It's not a game that was officially declared or created, but just sort of evolved. When we are hiking along, my kids often compete to be the first one to see the next marker. These markers, usually diamond-shaped, in a variety of colors, orange, green, or blue, are most often hung about six feet off the ground on either side of a tree and can be easily seen from both directions. This allows you to move forward or go back the other direction if necessary.    Many times the trail that we are looking for is overgrown, or there are animal trails that fork off the main trail so that one might appear to be the path we should follow. At times we've had to backtrack to the last marker so that we could get our bearings. Whatever the reason for the lack of direction, these markers help us to find our way. Spiritually, I have many markers that I can look back on and know that God was working in me or my family. Because of these "landmark" times, I can rest assured that today, even if I don't always see the way clearly, I know that God has sustained me through this life's journey time-and-time again. All I have to do to be reassured is to look back and see His grace and mercy in my life. I have confidence in Him because of these previous trail markers. These markers help me to press on.  (Dave M) Action Point The enemy has a way of putting doubt into the mind of a believer. In these moments when we lack faith, we simply turn back to the spiritual markers God has placed in our life and remember that He has been faithful to us. He desires the best for us. We must trust in Him. If you are just getting started in your journey of faith, take it from someone who has been in some rough spots: God will sustain you through thick and thin! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Keep a journal of fishing or hunting trips, backpacking adventures, or camping experiences. Eventually, it will become a gift from you to your kids. I have a friend of mine who has done this; and when they have family gatherings, inevitably one of the kids pulls out the family journal to reminisce about favorite memories. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 13, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Hiking in Gettysburg National Battlefield, PA (MQ)

Bible Study Verses Job 4:3-4  Think how you have instructed many, how you have strengthened feeble hands. Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees. (NIV)   Thoughts Have you ever been on a tough hike or some grueling outing with a pack that's too heavy in terrain that's too steep and rough? You catch yourself and your companions stumbling and fumbling along and you get discouraged and want to quit. Or, you keep thinking that there has to be a better route to make it to the top, and you need to find it in order to go on. You find that you and your buddies have to continually help each other or you won't make it to your destination.    You offer a hand up a bad spot, or maybe it's a word of encouragement when the other guy is ready to quit and give up. Maybe he's telling you that you have what it takes to get to the top of the mountain, even though you don't think you can make it. Maybe you point out a better route around a really bad spot. It seems to me that this is what Job did for those around him. He gave instructions, he helped strengthen others, supported them, and somehow gave strength to those around him who were too physically exhausted to go on. What I see in Job is that he was an encourager.    When things got tough, he somehow motivated the other guy to keep going, to accomplish the goal. In Job 1:3, Job is described as "the greatest man among all the people of the East." This statement had much to do with his possessions, but I believe that it also had a lot to do with his character and his treatment of those around him.  (Cliff S) Action Point We all have encouragers in our lives - a friend or loved one who helps with a kind word or deed, sometimes by just being there and listening, or by reminding us that we can finish strong. Encouragers are necessary to counteract the negative pessimists that seem to be everywhere. And often, we must take on the role of an encourager. When you see a friend that needs help, be there for him, and be positive. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day In scuba diving we're taught to "know your limitations." Sixty feet under water in the ocean isn't the place to find out that you can't do something. This rule applies to all outdoor endeavors. Never put yourself in a situation that goes beyond your physical or mental capabilities. And, if you happen onto someone in trouble and needs help, be a Job! Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 11, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . .  We Must Live As Ones Set Apart From The World, Even When We Hunt (NPS)

Bible Study Verse I Corinthians 1:31 Therefore, as it is written: "Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord." (NIV)   Thoughts I have a co-worker who loves to hunt. He has killed a number of deer and elk, including some respectable bulls. When he drew a muzzleloader elk tag last year, he said, "I'll drop the first bull I see, even if it's a spike."  I was a little surprised and asked him why he wouldn't wait for a trophy?  He just said, "I've hunted for years. I know I can kill one. I just want a young bull that'll taste good." No bravado, nothing about his innate abilities as an elk hunter.  (Ruben C) Action Point My friend is clearly passionate about hunting and successful in his quest for animals; but he does not bother to brag about his prowess, only about the thrill of hunting. The Apostle Paul said, "Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called.  Not many of you were wise  by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose  the foolish  things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things-and the things that are not -to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him," I Corinthians 1:26-29 (NIV). Why do we hunt? When you first started hunting, was it about killing a trophy-class animal, or was it about the thrill of the hunt--whether it was a rabbit, squirrel, or your first deer?    For me it was about the hunt. Don't get me wrong. I understand many of us have different goals when we hunt; but there is much to learn from my friend's humility in simply being satisfied with a well-placed shot after a well-executed stalk, regardless of how many points are on the rack (if any). It teaches me not to focus on what other hunters think of me and my success as a hunter, but what God thinks of me as a disciple. Remember, "You were bought at a price;  do not become slaves of human beings," I Corinthians 7:23 (NIV). In order to please God, we must live as ones set apart from the world, even when we hunt. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day As a conservation officer and an avid outdoorsman, I have the opportunity to see a lot of harvested animals in the field. Unfortunately, I see a lot of wasted game meat in the process. Regardless of the game animal, always dress it out as soon as possible, and always clean the meat of any debris, including bloodshot meat that easily spoils. Many times I have rinsed down an entire skinned deer carcass in the field with a gallon of water. Protect your trophy with game bags. I've never seen salted or peppered game meat repel flies. If it's an elk, skin it out at the first possible opportunity, regardless of the weather; they are possibly the most common game animal to spoil with the hide on. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 10, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . I Felt A Little Inadequate In His Presence  (Ruben C)

Bible Study Verse Acts 4:13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. (NIV) Thoughts On an archery elk hunt I encountered a young man one morning while "chasing" a nearby bull's bugle. When I neared the edge of a canyon, he was standing there, looking like he just stepped off the page of a Cabela's catalogue. His clothes were matching camo Scent-lok from cap to boots. He carried a state of the art cam bow, he had a two way radio with ear piece (dad and brother were spotting for him from two nearby mountain tops), he had an array of calls hanging from his neck, a pair of German binoculars, and he was carrying a portable elk decoy. I felt a little inadequate in his presence I must admit. I thought; how do I stand up to a hunter like this? My bow is 14 years old and my boots were worn out on last year's deer hunt.  (Ruben C) Action Point Paul and John had the power of Jesus on their side. They were his disciples and that was all that mattered. They did not allow themselves to be intimidated by the priests and Sadducees in their fancy clothes. They knew the truth, lived it, and preached it. More important than what we look like in the field or what we look like or act like in church, is what we have in our hearts and if we walk as Jesus did. Read I John 1:6. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day One thing that finally hammered itself home in my mind on this year's elk hunt was the importance of wearing camo made of material appropriate for the weather. I found that lightweight polyester and poly/cotton blends were the ticket for my September elk hunt in the mid to upper 80's when sweat and body odor are your enemy. Check the labels before you buy. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 9, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . You Are To Be A Light To Others Walking In Darkness  (MQ) Bible Study Verse John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, "I am  the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life. (NIV)   Thoughts Everything in the natural world is ruled by light. Light regulates the behavior of every animal, and governs the life of every plant. The rut of the whitetail buck and the breeding season of the wild turkey are two examples.    It's no wonder that many primitive cultures worshipped the sun. They instinctively knew that the sun was the all-important key to life on this Earth, and assigned it a place of priority in their value systems and religions. The sun provides the light that renews and revives a world that seems dead--maybe that's why we use the phrase the dead of winter. In the spiritual world, this Light, Jesus, reveals who we really are, and that without Him we walk in darkness and are dead in our sin. With Him, we have the Light of life, because He is both our Creator and Redeemer. Open yourself to His penetrating Light.  (Steve S) Action Point Remember that you are to be a light to others walking in darkness as you reflect the Light of Christ in your own life. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Think about light on your next hunting or fishing trip. Consider whether light, or its absence, will be to your advantage. Even the light of the moon can have an effect on your success.    Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 8, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . By Not Placing Ourselves In Areas Of Vulnerability and Not Standing Too Close To The Edge  (MQ) Bible Study Verse I Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because  your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (NKJV)   Thoughts While hunting deer, my buddy was walking along a steep ridge in northern Arizona. Sometime before he had noticed a herd of pronghorn antelope in the valley floor below him, but no deer were in sight, so he continued along the ridge.    Then he noticed movement from within a juniper tree directly in front of him. He slowly knelt to a knee, raised his rifle and waited. As time ticked by, the image became clear - first a tail swaying back and forth, then occasionally the flick of an ear and finally a mountain lion appeared from inside the juniper where it had been laying patiently, attentively, staring at the pronghorn in the valley below.  (Brett M) Action Point As Christians we can learn a lot from those pronghorn that use multiple avenues to watch out for attacks.    First, they group in numbers. There is strength in numbers - more eyes to watch for predators. For us, it is the strength found in fellowship with other believers.    Secondly, pronghorn have exceptional eyesight. They can see very long distances with acute accuracy. We too can see clearly what God wants us to see. But in order to do this, we need to read His Word.    Lastly, they placed themselves in the middle of a large open valley. This way the mountain lion had to cross a vast space in order to reach the pronghorn. They could see him coming a mile away. We also can do this by not placing ourselves in areas of vulnerability and not standing too close to the edge where the Devil is easily camouflaged and we do not know he is on the attack until it is too late. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Study the game regulations in your area. Many times there is the opportunity to hunt more than one species at a time. In this case my friend returned with a nice mountain lion during deer season. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 7, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Boys Love To Play Army  (Don H) Bible Study Verse Nahum 2:1 He who scatters  has come up before your face. man the fort! Watch the road! Strengthen your flanks! Fortify your power mightily. (NKJV)    Thoughts These words were in reality a sarcastic challenge to Nineveh. Several generations before, they had listened to Jonah's prophecy and repented of their sins. But now they were at it again, rebelling, and ignoring God's call to live for Him. So God issued a warning: He was coming up against them and there was nothing they could do in their own power to stop Him. Soon after Nahum prophesied this, the great city of Nineveh fell. When I was a kid, my friends and I played army. We built forts, guarded trails, added friends (or pets) to our ranks, and toted the biggest cap gun we had in our toy chest arsenal. This is what little boys do. It helps build character. And if I recall correctly, we won every battle, even when we purposely stacked the odds against ourselves!  (Don H) Action Point As it was with Nineveh, it's our nature to rebel and to ignore God's call - to live for Him. Eventually, having built forts in our own power, they fall, our roads fold, flanks flounder, and our strength fails.    Remember, the God who scattered Nineveh is also the Savior who saves people from their sins.    Seek shelter in His stronghold. Stay on the straight and narrow way. Study to show yourself approved. And suit up with the whole armor of God. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Boys love to play army. Let them. Equip your son, or a boy you mentor, with camo make-up, camo material, army surplus clothing, dog tags, and other things that will make his play fun (and that he can use in outdoor activities). It will help build character and make for fond memories in later years. And don't forget to take pictures of him! Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 6, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Beach Landing of Brave Men Protecting Freedom With Their Lives (Defense.Gov)  70th Anniversary   of  D Day, Operation Overlord   Bible Study Verse Matthew 6:1-4   "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.  Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.  But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,  that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly." (NKJV)   Thoughts One of the most successful military strategies is surprise. The Allies mislead the Germans into deception pointing the main invasion target as Pas-de-Calais, the narrowest distance between Britain and France. Many tactics was used to carry out the deception through masquerading: Staged fake equipment.  George Patton's phantom army based in England, across from Pas-de-Calais.  Authenticating double agents.  Fraudulent radio transmissions. Due to weather one day later than planned, Operation Overload was executed   Thousands of paratroopers and glider troops were securing bridges and exits behind enemy lines as the sunrise appeared. The British and Canadians invaded Gold, Juno, and Sword beaches while we Americans sacrificed loved ones and family on the Utah and Omaha beaches. Successful Allied aircraft numbering 12,000 decimated bridges and roads demanding the supportive occupying Germans to navigate long unplanned detours to just join the fight. More than 4,000 precious Allied lives including 2,000 brave Americans were lost that day besides thousands wounded or MIA (Missing In Action). It took 77 days to secure invaded Normandy by 326,000 troops, 50,000 vehicles, and 100,000 tons of equipment.   Two days later The Normandy American Cemetery, the 1st World War II cemetery, was created overlooking the Omaha Beach. It preserves 9,300 priceless Americans who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. So the next time you see anyone not respecting our flag or not saying the Pledge of Allegiance you need to ask yourself, WHY? If you live in America and enjoy our costly freedom, you can respect it and it's symbols or just leave. Our freedom has given you choices; you need to respect our country and our choices.  Germany had successfully occupied northern France since May of 1940. America dragging her feet entered the theater December of 1941. The surprise Normandy invasion began the turning of the war ending in the Nazi surrender May 8, 1945 after weak-kneed bullying Hitler committed suicide on April 30, 1945.    Difference in fighting that war? Military officers prayed and trusted God for wisdom and discernment. Chaplains could and did pray in Jesus' name, used and carried Bibles, all our military could carry Bibles into battle and pray, and Americans were actively praying and fasting at home. Action Point Like the D Day invasion, Operation Overload, it is wise to not let your left hand (the evil enemy) know what your right hand is doing, Satan is the author of confusion and D Day the Germans were confused, defeated, and began to reap what they had sown. Amazing stories how Bibles carried in pockets saved lives besides encouraging and directing so many. Those are worth looking into for your personal benefit. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day If and when you forward an email to another, they can unsubscribe you at the bottom of the email you have forwarded. Should that happen, you have to sign yourself back up and then follow any email instructions you receive. We are on Facebook and invite you to become our friend. Should you share on Facebook no one can delete your subscription to Sportsmen's Devotional.     Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 4, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . .  Peruvian Countryside Backdrop For This Peruvian Woman (George B) Bible Study Verse Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me  in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (NKJV)   Thoughts My church entered a four-year commitment to provide mission teams to take the message of Jesus Christ to an unreached people high in the Andes Mountains of Peru.    We traveled many hours by airplane and four-wheel-drive truck just to get to where these people live. We drove through some of the most beautiful country I had ever seen. There were incredibly high mountains, deep valleys, and crystal clear rivers and streams. I couldn't help but think about what fish must inhabit those streams, waiting to be caught; and dreamed of the deer and sheep that must dwell on those high peaks, waiting to be hunted. But, that was not my purpose for being in the Andes Mountains. I wasn't there to hunt or catch fish; I was there to be a "fisher of men" - the kind of fisherman that Jesus talked about.  (George B) Action Point We sportsmen invest thousands of dollars and weeks of vacation time each year taking adventurous trips in search of that life-changing trophy to hang on the wall. Perhaps we should invest some of those dollars and days to:  Cross a cultural barrier.  Go to another land.  Do something truly life-changing and eternity-changing sharing our faith in Jesus Christ as a short-term volunteer missionary.    After all, we always seem to be eager for a great adventure. And, there's no greater adventure than sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day There are endless opportunities for volunteers to serve overseas. Help is needed on the international mission field for periods as short as one week. If you're really adventurous, you can serve for several months, or serve in a truly remote or high-risk location. Speak with your pastor to find out where you might serve.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 5, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . .

Bible Study Verse Romans 6:13  Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness,  but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to Him as an instrument of righteousness. (NIV)   Thoughts Tools and gadgets are part of outdoor fun. We all have a bag, a vest, a tackle box, or maybe even a garage full of them! They make outdoor times more productive and enjoyable. Going through catalogs helps get us through times of "cabin fever" between seasons.    We all know that there are specialty tools with a specific purpose and function. If we need a certain job done, we must have that particular tool to do it.    Outdoor shows feature myriad varieties of such tools; and part of the enjoyment in attending these shows is to learn about the new ones, and to purchase what we need.  (Jack M) Action Point Our bodies are tools. We choose if they are tools for good or tools for sinning. Certainly these influences - good or bad - may be upon ourselves or others.    God has specific functions for each of us. We are intentionally constructed for His purposes. He invites us to join Him in His work here in this world to accomplish unique things for His glory.    He rewards and disciplines us for what we do, whether we choose to do good or to use our bodies for evil. II Corinthians 5:10 reminds us, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us  for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad," (NIV).    His intent is for us to use our bodies as tools to accomplish good as He defines it. I choose to use my body for good and for His glory.    Which purpose will you choose? Will you choose to use your body as a tool for good or for sinning? Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Carry the right tools when afield. A knife, a saw, fire making equipment, signaling devices, first aid kits, and other implements are needed at different times. Folding style multi-tools are made by many reliable companies. They may be carried in a sheath on a belt or in a pack. The many tasks that these tools may perform might just save a hunt, or a life. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 3, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Getting Out Near Jackson Hole, WY  (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Job 22:21 "Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you. (NKJV)   Thoughts I sincerely hope that impatience is not one of your traits. I say this because it is in my nature to be an extremely impatient person - perhaps as the result of being a spoiled only child, or due to my arrogance. Regardless of what other excuses I may come up with, impatience has affected me most of my adult life; and the funny thing about it is that whenever I pray for patience, God does not give it to me. Instead, He gives me a situation where I am forced to have it! Currently, I am in the midst of such a situation - waiting for something - and by the time you read this, I may have my answer, though I may not. When the waiting began, I thought I would have it by this time. However, now I realize that I am in the middle of another "God lesson," and the outcome will be according to God's timetable, not mine.    So, I am sure that sleepless nights and clock watching will result in what God wants. It took a long time for me to learn that no matter the answer, God's plan for me is always worth waiting for. He brought me to this place, and He will bring me through it!  (Jim C) Action Point The outdoors is a wonderful place to develop a lot of different traits and talents that help build character, responsibility, and among other things, good ethics. I find it easiest to submit to God when I am outside in the midst of a hunting or fishing adventure. That's where I feel comfortable and more at peace. I see God in sunrises and sunsets; hear Him in every splash of a jumping fish, every call of a duck or goose, and in the cackle of a rooster pheasant. At those times, when I submit to God, the simplest of things become my biggest rewards. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Seeing a bass swirl to chase shade or take a bug off the water's surface gets my adrenalin pumping. Never cast on top of the swirl, but cast to either side of it. You will have a better chance of not spooking the fish, and instead cause it to react as it would to a so-called "wounded" bait fish.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 2, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . My Treat . . . (NPS) Bible Study Verses Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. (NKJV)   Thoughts Each morning at sunup, during my daily quiet time, I have a treat - watching 50 to 60 cow elk with yearlings walk across the meadow in front of my house. They gather this time of year in anticipation of calving, which usually occurs sometime in April.   Banding together in such a large group provides protection while calving, as the coyotes and Mexican gray wolves in the area tend to know when the cows are dropping their newborn.   I will know when this happens, as they tend not to cross the pasture in the open right after they calve. (Byron S) Action Point You and I also need protection from the predator, Satan, as he continually stalks us. I Peter 5:8 reminds us, "Be sober, be vigilant; because  your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour," (NKJV). The scriptures warn us again and again about immorality. We often fail to recognize the spiritual war that attacks us through the media on a daily basis. Pay attention to the Holy Spirit if He repeatedly warns you about a temptation or dangerous situation:  Keep yourself chaste.  Don't depend on your own strength and wisdom in times of weakness.  Call upon Jesus and lean on His strength in fighting these battles. You will gain strength if you take time out daily to read your Bible. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day We have so many options for keeping our cutting tools sharp in the field. Carry a pocket steel; or one of the new handy items is a "Speedy Sharp." Keep these with you, as knives tend you dull when going through a hide or cutting against bone.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up