July 13, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . .  Simple, Yet Complex (Ron H)

Bible Study Verse Genesis 1:31  God saw all that he had made,  and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning-the sixth day. (NIV)   Thoughts When I'm out in the woods, the desert, or just out-of-doors anywhere, I am always amazed at the beauty and the simplicity of nature; yet, at the same time, I also marvel at the complexity of all that is around me.    And God saw that it was very good! I'm inclined to agree. How could there be such a beautiful environment without a creator? I read how scientists want me to believe that this all came from nothing, just appeared, or random atoms just, over a gazillion years, accidentally came together. But, where did those atoms come from?    There has to be a starting point to creation. I love the story about the scientists telling God that they would create life from the dirt, just as He did. When they begin scooping up a bucket of dirt from the Earth, God tells them to go make their own dirt!    Yes, the world is beautifully complex, and could only be the result of an intelligent and creative designer, an ultimate God!  (Cliff S) Action Point The next time you field dress an animal, look at the complexity of that animal and the differences between species. I, for one, do not believe that I, or the animals are the result of random "accidents".    God made me, and He made me in His image! And it was very good! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Always leave your camp clean. Respect the out-of-doors, and leave it better than you found it for the next camper who comes along. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

July 12, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . No Matter What Problem or Erustration You Have  (MQ

Bible Study Verses Mark 6:50-51 Because they all saw Him and were terrified. Immediately He spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Then He climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed. (NIV) Thoughts Have you ever been enjoying a day out on a lake in your canoe, inflatable, jon boat, or kayak  and as you head to shore, the inevitable strong winds come up? It wouldn't have been too much of a problem, but your boat is powered by oars! After paddling awhile and not getting anywhere, you were probably frustrated and a bit tired. You might even have been filled with a little anxiety if you also saw a storm approaching. You are not alone in this experience. Check out Mark 6:47-55. The disciples also experienced it. After feeding the five thousand, Jesus saw His disciples straining at the oars against the wind and walked out to them on the water. Not only were they frightened at first by Jesus' appearance - they thought He was a ghost.  I'm sure they were also tired and frustrated by the wind. Jesus, knowing their frustrations and fears, "immediately" spoke to them and told them not to be afraid. When He climbed into the boat, the wind died down. (Doug L) Action Point What a picture to take with you today! No matter what problem or frustration you have, let Jesus join you in your boat, literally or figuratively. He will calm your winds and get you through your storm. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When in a canoe always wear a life jacket. Also consider tethering your paddles so if you drop them they will not be lost.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

July 11 2014    Today's Photograph . . . .Utah Fire Rock  (Ron H) Bible Study Verses I John 1:8-10  If we claim to be without sin,  we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.   If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins  and purify us from all unrighteousness.  If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His Word is not in us. (NIV)   Thoughts I was sitting in a summer camp and had finished the soda from an aluminum can. You can guess what I did next. Yep, the can went into the fire.    Now, we all know that an aluminum can doesn't belong in a fire. But, if you put it in the hottest part of the fire, the can will eventually be consumed and burnt up.    Similarly, sin doesn't have any place in the life of a believer. God will forgive us for our sins; but the Bible also says that if we cherish sin in our heart, God will not hear us (Psalm 66:18).    If we'll let Him, God will purify us and purge the sins from our life; but, like the can in the fire, the fire may get hot before it's all over!  (Cliff S) Action Point Confess your sins to God; do not bury them in your heart. Let them go, and let God cleanse you so you can live a life that is useful for Him. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Garbage. Pack it in, pack it out. Leave your camp cleaner than you found it!  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

July 10, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . When You Hear A Siren . . . Pray (MCSO)  Bible Study Verse I Thessalonians 5:17 Pray constantly. (HCSB)   Thoughts Many years ago, I started a simple activity. Let me encourage you to practice it also, from this point on. Okay, here it is. Whenever I hear a siren, I pray for two things: Lord, give the authorities wisdom and safety to deal with the situation to which they are responding.  Lord, help the person needing assistance come to know You today and rely and trust in You. As you know, only when people are faced with life-threatening circumstances are they usually faced with their own mortality, and are open to God. Would you join me in this endeavor? If you live in the big city, you may be busy; but you never know what a difference praying will make. Action Point Sirens. Let this Sportsmen's Devotional live on as you listen for these, starting today. Consider sharing this prayer with others. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Always carry a first aid kit in your vehicle. You never know.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

July 9, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Two  Characteristics Of The Unethical Hunter Are: Arrogance and Pride  (Tom L)

Please forgive our error the author of T  he Hunter:  Developmental Stages and Ethics was Dr. Bob Norton, not Dr Bob Thornton.    Bible Study Verses I Peter 2:13-16 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men- as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. (NKJV)   Thoughts: This past winter I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Bob Norton, author of  The Hunter:  Developmental Stages and Ethics. After we had talked for awhile, Bob gave me his book to read.    When I finished reading his book we met for breakfast to discuss some of the thoughts discussed in his book. After a short discussion, Bob discerned why I hunted and the developmental stage I had reached. After reading and discussing Chapter 3, "The Ethical Hunter," I realized that the chapter was right in line with several Biblical principles. Two of the characteristics of the unethical hunter are: arrogance and pride. They know more than the Game and Fish experts, question and break some of the laws, and expound on their shooting ability and expertise. God opposes the proud throughout the Bible: Proverbs 8:13, "The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate," (NKJV). Proverbs 16:5,"Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished," (NKJV). I Corinthians  13:4, "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up," (NKJV).    Dr. Thornton writes, "The ethical hunter, the dedicated sportsmen or sportswomen, where hunting is an integral part of their quality world, abides by and advocates for legislated laws which regulate the hunt. They honor the land, respect the landowners, the non-hunter, fellow hunters, and respect fair chase. They are true hunters, and deserve the title and privilege of being called 'hunter'. " (Tom L) Action Point: Do we demonstrate our respect for others and follow the laws according to I Pet 2:13-16? When we see violations committed by our brothers and sisters, do we admonish them with wisdom and love? Sportsmen's Tip of the Day: Pass out copies of the "The Hunter" to those violators that are difficult to approach. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

July 8, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . We Should Take The Time To Get Out and Enjoy His Creation MQ )

Bible Study Verse Psalm 91:4  He shall cover you with His feathers,  and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. (NKJV)   Thoughts Hiking is peaceful, long walks in God's creation. I feel closest to God when I'm hunting alone. His majestic creation is all around me, from the tiny flowers below to the towering trees above me. A rabbit scurries past, and there is a turkey with her new hatch, all in the high country of the forest. Life is to be lived to the fullest.     As I walk through life, I feel God's shadow of protection all around me. Well, an elk is still walking free today, but there will be another day for hunting.  (Chris Q) Action Point As we read through the first chapter of Genesis, we witness everything God created. Genesis 1:31tells us, "Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day," (NKJV).    Everything that God made is indeed good and we should take the time to get out and enjoy His creation. Jesus did it from time to time to refresh Himself and to pray. We need to take the time to follow His example. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Whenever you are out in the field, make sure to take care of God's creation. Follow the rule of the Boy Scouts: always leave your camp cleaner than when you found it. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

July 7, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Aspens Near Jackson Hole, WY (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Haggai 1:5  Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: "Consider your ways!" (NKJV)   Thoughts It is an awesome responsibility to represent God with our lives. As I have found out, you never know who is watching or listening.    I once heard a fellow Christian outdoorsman say that if you always do what is right when no one is around, you will always do right.    Poachers think no one is watching when they kill illegally. But many times, unknown to them, someone is watching with that cell phone in hand.    Let me recommend that you represent your Maker in all your ways to the best of your ability. Action Point Live life as if someone (a human being) is watching you. God is always watching and often, so are others. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Instead of aiming with a shotgun, follow through and focus on the target. You will make more hits. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

July 6, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Fishing Hyalite Lake in Montana  (MQ) Bible Study Verses Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything,  but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)   Thoughts I asked my oldest son what was one of his most memorable moments. He said it was when we were at Hyalite Lake in Montana. We brought our float tubes together, held hands and prayed to our Heavenly Father. It was 6:00 a.m.; the morning sun was glowing behind the mountain peaks, and there was a foggy mist on the lake. What a majestic sight! You could feel God's presence.    On opening day of deer hunting in Minnesota, my two sons and I were walking on a trail to our deer stands. Before we split up on our separate trails, one of my sons asked if we could pray. With all of the anxiety associated with opening day of deer hunting, our prayers brought peace to my heart, knowing that we were in God's hands and He would keep us safe.    I am blessed to see the importance of prayer in each of my sons' life.  (Tom L) Action Point Before going to work, school, or on trips, spend time in prayer with your family. It's a great way to start the day. Don't forget to thank God for the answers to prayer. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When you are walking single file on a trail, make sure you unload your firearm; and ask the rest of your party to check their firearms.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

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July 5, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . When Submitting To The Law Of The Land, We Are Also Submitting to God (NPS)

Bible Study Verse John 17:4 I have brought you glory  on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. (NIV)   Thoughts Jesus spoke these words to the Father just prior to His death. I think we can apply them in many ways:  To our employer - "Yes sir, I completed the task you gave me."  "Yes Dad, I cleaned the garage."  "Yes dear, I did the entire list of honey-do's you made for me."  To our Heavenly Father - "Yes, Father, I brought you glory by letting you live in and through me and by being the person you asked me to be, and I completed those things that you set out for me to do."  (Cliff S) Action Point Search your heart and determine what God is asking you to do. Seek His will and His guidance and ask Him what task(s) He wants you to perform to bring Him glory while you're here in this life. Then, go do them, completely! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Set an example for those around you by following the game laws. It's one of the ways we can be good influences on our friends and family members, and it pleases God by showing our fellow sportsmen that when submitting to the law of the land, we are also submitting to God.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

July 4, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . One Life Is So Precious and The Highest Price To Pay  (Mike E)

Happy 238th Birthday, America!   Let us honor God and the Red, White, and Blue! Bible Study Verse Romans 12:10-11  As to brotherly love, kindly affectioned towards one another: as to honour, each taking the lead in paying it to the other:  as to diligent zealousness, not slothful; in spirit fervent; serving the Lord. (Darby Translation) Thoughts Today is the day we Americans celebrate our costly freedom. Each and every family has lost precious family members who have fought, returned with physical and emotional scars or died for our heritage and our freedom. In honor I say "THANK YOU" to those who gave their lives, those who have served, and those who are serving in the United States armed forces. What an honor it is to be an American and to be blessed with our freedoms that are in jeopardy. The privilege of hunting is one freedom that we never thought might be taken from us without our consent. It is a current threat here in America. In my family, we eat what we hunt. In these slim times, we thank God for the food and the health to seek it. The money we spend for a hunting license and the tag goes to wildlife conservation. Before this was in place, many a deer died from starvation from a severe winter and a lack of food. This is a cruel death. (JQ) Action Point Many have given their lives to protect and to preserve our freedom. One life is so precious and the highest price to pay. Our military serve with the right spirit. Today take the lead by sincerely voicing appreciation, shaking hands, and saying "THANK YOU" to anyone who has served or are serving in the military. Gather with friends and family and watch NRA's Life of Duty Defending Our America. There are 9 short episodes. We are not being told by the liberal media what is going on and why  the amount of crime that is increasing here in America. This should wake up those who are sleeping. Remember, Jesus Christ paid the price for our eternal freedom with His life. Then in His infinite wisdom, He lives within our hearts and walks us through this life to Heaven. He will never leave you, forsake you, and has promised to always love you while meeting your every need. What an awesome win, win freedom. You have one requirement. You have to ask Him to forgive you for your sins and accept His free gift of salvation. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day As important as the role of the president is, it is not up to the president to make sure that we remain a "good" nation, a "Christian" nation. That task is up to us. We the people will determine what is "good". We are the ones who can call the nation to revival, to turn, and to be saved. We need to be sure that those who represent us represent our values (as well as our position on hunting and fishing). It' going to take everyone of us to pray, to fast, and to change this country's leadership back to those we can trust and follow. (Dave H)  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site

July 3, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Fighting Fire With Back Burning Fire (US.USDA.GOV) Bible Study Verse Galatians 6:7-10 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (NKJV)   Thoughts Today we want to honor the approximately 624 firefighters plus the unnumbered law enforcement officers battling the San Juan fire in northeastern Arizona White Mountains. So far there has been no loss of life or home and we do count that as blessings.   Approximately 6975 acres have burned as of 7/2/14, but not all by accident. By yesterday morning the fighting this fire with fire, with targeted burns to keep the fire within containment lines while increasing the size of the burn area has been working and bringing the fire to a 70% of perimeter containment per http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3912/. A very interesting fact has been the previously targeted forest thinning has aided the firefighters in battling this dragon breathing fire besides creating jobs, effectively utilizing a natural resource and even in wildlife preservation. Burn areas previously thinned kept the fire close to the ground and many trees from igniting tree top to tree top by mature trees not touching each other. Our hard working warrior heroes are winning. Experiencing severe drought conditions, we're all praying for the monsoons to start quickly. When it starts fire management will include dry lightning strikes and the local citizens can expect flooding. Action Point We all know we reap what we sow so the question is why do some live life without concern for those around them? I don't have the answer, but I do know I will answer for what I did or didn't do.  Just as controlling a fire with a prescribed burn can contain it, studying not just reading God's Word does and will make a difference in my responses and attitudes with others.  Today is the third of July so part of my reading plan includes Proverbs 3. There is up to 31 days in a month so whatever the date is I include that Proverbs in my daily time with the Lover of my soul.  Having studied Proverbs 3 just 30 days ago, I will have a surprise waiting for me -  something I discover in Proverbs 3 that I didn't notice last month. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Depending on where you live, do you have an emergency plan? Need to put in writing what to gather and take in an evacuation due to the stress. Take a look at the web for state agency recommendations on the condition to leave your home should you have to evacuate. Be prepared for the unexpected.   Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

July 2, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . His Timing Is Perfect  (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (NKJV)   Thoughts Waiting is a very important aspect of hunting. You wait for the season, wait for the game, wait for a clean shot to present itself, and the list can go on and on.    My preferred hunting style is stand hunting. A major role in stand hunting is waiting. If you have trouble waiting and being patient, stand hunting is not for you. I can recall many times that I became impatient, often at the wrong time, tired of waiting while in a stand; and scared deer away that were approaching.  (Norm S)  Action Point Our Christian walk is another avenue of our life in which waiting becomes very important. As in stand hunting, we sometimes don't see results, grow tired of waiting and may give up right before God opens up something for us. We may have missed many opportunities by not waiting it out and being patient for Christ's perfect timing.    When you feel like giving up, call out to God and ask Him for strength. Ask Him to help you continue to wait on Him. You will discover that His timing is perfect. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Never climb a tree stand with a loaded firearm. Load your firearm once you are set and secure in the stand.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

July 1, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . We Are Unaware Of It Because Our Vision Is Obscured  (MQ)

Bible Study Verse John 15:5  "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit;  apart from me you can do nothing." (NIV) Thoughts My preferred method of hunting deer and bear is from a tree stand. One important thing about hunting from a tree stand is that it provides you with a clear shooting lane. It is amazing to me how the woods change from year to year.  Each year in September, I have to clear branches that have grown in and obstructed my view. Small trees that seemed unnoticeable last year seem to be right in the way of my shooting lanes.  (Norm S) Action Point This is similar to our Christian walk. Life's trees and branches spring up and cause us to become distracted. When our prize gets in front of us, we are unaware of it because our vision is obscured; our view is obstructed. If your Christian walk has become overgrown with vines and branches, let God prune the branches. How do we do this? We do it by asking God for help; by digging into the Bible.  When we read God's word and spend time communicating with Him, this allows Him to trim our branches. Suddenly, our prize will be clearly viewed ahead of us once again. We will be able to see our target and have a cleared lane straight to it. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day It is always a good idea to carry a small saw with you while hunting. It fits into a small pack easily, and will allow you to clear branches that are in your way. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 30, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Memorial Left On Fence Surrounding Their Station To Honor The Heroic Hotshots By Public Including First Responders From All Fifty States.   This Is America and We Honor Our Heroes (MQ)

One year later honoring the tragic loss of our firefighting heroes. Please join us in praying and supporting their families and loved ones. Remember we honor our heroes.  Bible Study Verse James 4:13-15  Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money."  Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.  Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." (NIV) Hebrews 9:27-28   Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him. (NIV)  Thoughts It's was a sad Summer in the lives of Arizonans last year.  A lightening caused fire began burning the brush in the mountains near Yarnell, about fifty miles west of Phoenix which terminated an elite "Hotshot" team comprised of 20 firefighters that  was sent in to fight the blaze. Understand, these were the best of the best, they don't come any better or are any more well trained.  Many of you undoubtedly know by now of the unfathomable tragedy that occurred. Something went terribly wrong and the fire reversed its course. Suddenly the flames that were blowing away from the firefighters were blown directly back to where they were. There was no escape.  Nineteen of the twenty Hotshots perished in that inferno. All of these men died trying to save the community of Yarnell when the residents of this small community were helpless to save themselves.  (Cliff S) Action Point James is telling us that time is of the essence regarding our salvation. We all face death, we just don't know the day or the hour that we will breathe our last.  I've often said that we all have a ticket to get on the train, we just don't know the day our ticket will get punched. We plan for the next hunt, for the next day's work, for the next vacation with our family, and for a variety of other wonderful experiences that we expect to enjoy in our lives.  But, as James says, we have no idea what today or tomorrow will bring. So, do we plan for the event that we will all experience? God says in the Bible in Hebrews 9:27-28 that it is appointed unto all men once to die, then to face judgment, but that Christ sacrificed Himself and took our judgment upon Himself. If we believe in Him. Jesus' death brought salvation to us when we were helpless to save ourselves.  All we have to do is accept Jesus by faith. So, have you planned ahead for your death? Will you face your appointed judgment or will you let Jesus face that for you? It is going to happen.  As a friend of mine, when he's speaking of the day he stands before God and God asks why he should be let into His eternal kingdom, says his response will be to point at Jesus and say, "I'm with Him!" Sportsmen's Tip of the Day If you love your family have a will or trust written in order to take care of your family when you pass from this life to the next. It is one of the most loving things you can do for them.  And, remember to thank a Firefighter and/or a Law Enforcement Officer for what they do. They never know on a daily basis if they will go home to their families. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up