September 30, 2011


Today's Photograph . . . . The Cross, Stuck In The Beach, At The Very Spot Bear Problems Had Been Reported (Dave M)

Bible Study Verse
Psalms 84:12
LORD Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in You. (NIV)

Thoughts

This past year has been an interesting one for me.  The Lord blessed me with the opportunity to write and publish an outdoors devotional book, Swim Upstream.  Over the course of the last year, I've had multiple conversations about one particular story that I share in the devotional where my family was backpacking for our very first trip, and we ran into a potentially problematic bear situation at one of our overnight stays. 
The focus of the story ends up talking about how we found a hand-made cross, stuck in the beach, at the very spot bear problems had been reported.  The point of the story discusses the idea of never being too far away from the cross - even when you feel away from God and have distanced yourself from Him.

What is interesting with these conversations is that I find myself filling in details that aren't mentioned in the book, and people are fascinated by the extra information.  For instance, in the devotional, I don't tell the fact that my wife had broken her foot exactly half way through the trip.  We either had to go back the way we came or finish the trip.  God bless my wife, we finished the trip with her limping along. 
Another piece of the story that people find interesting is that I found out later who actually had made the cross.  The cross creator, who lived 6 hours away, had been kayaking through the region a year earlier and got laid up at that particular beach because of a back problem he was experiencing.  He had to wait a couple of days for his back to feel better before he could take off and finish his trip.  I found this out through my sister, because it was her boss.   They happened to be discussing the area he had kayaked through and it happened to be the same spot I had told my sister about with our backpacking trip.
(Dave M)

Action Point

Where exactly is this leading?  Have you ever heard people say that they could believe in God or the Bible if they just knew this piece of information or that piece of information?  Why is it that the Bible doesn't explain this or that?  Here's what I know.  In my devotional, I didn't tell the extra details, because it wasn't the point of the story.   I had a focus for people to think about, and that was all they needed.

Is there more information that God could have included in the Bible for us?  Certainly, but He gave us exactly what He wanted us to know.  He didn't include any more or any less than we need to know.  If you find yourself just looking for that last piece of information to convince yourself to believe in God and His word, just stop.  You have a decision to make.  Are you going to trust Him or not?

You could have all the info at your fingertips, and you would still find yourself at the core issue, "Can I trust Him?"  As a friend, just let me encourage you to place your faith in Him.  His ways are life transforming, and He has your best interests in mind.  I do know this.  My life did a complete overhaul 25 years ago when I first placed my trust in Him.  Just believe!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

If you are planting a food plot for white tail, consider planting tall grass around the perimeter.   Deer are more comfortable in this environment than a completely open area

September 29, 2011 

Today's Photograph . . . . Coues Buck (Jimmy S)

Bible Study Verses
Philippians 3:13b-14
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me Heavenward in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Thoughts

It's always fun to think back to hunts of former years.  I can still see my first deer in my scope that crisp October morning over forty-five years ago.  A few years later in almost the exact same spot a mountain lion fell to the trusty .270 Winchester.  In 1976, a desert sheep filled the scope at thirty-five yards.  In 1977, the .270 was used to take my buffalo and, in 2009, an antelope.  My son's first big game kill, a javelina, and his first deer and elk kills (with his .270!) were really special moments in the field.

However, some hunts aren't such good memories.  Still fun, just not as pleasant.  There were missed shots, blown stalks, storms that blew the tent down, and a few times that the truck sunk to the axles in mud.

But, what I like most about hunting is the next season!  I have a fall deer tag in my pocket and know I'm going to have a great time on the mountain and will get to spend some good time with some good friends.  And, hopefully that monster Coues Whitetail deer will fill my scope!  Now, where did I put that .270 ammunition?
(Cliff S)

Action Point

As Christians it's easy to get stuck looking at life in the rear view mirror.  Sometimes we look back so much that we don't see where it is that God wants us to go.  We may think so much about past victories or failures that we don't experience all that God has planned for us.  Maybe it's a former job, position, relationship, or event (positive or negative), that keeps us focused on what's behind rather than what's ahead.  And, Satan is good at reminding us of our failures!

But, God is better at reminding us that, if we've put our faith in Him, He has forgiven us of ALL of our sins and that He has a great future planned for us.  The challenge is to put the past, both victories and losses, behind us as Paul did and press on to the adventures and blessings that God has for us to experience.   Jesus set the greatest example for us.  In His own words in John 17:4 when speaking to the Father Jesus said, "I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do," (NIV).

Let's not miss the future God has planned for us because we're stuck in the past!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Anticipation is a huge part of the hunt.  Pre-hunt planning: sighting in your rifle or bow, studying maps, pre-season scouting trips, gathering up your camping and hunting equipment, and even grocery shopping is a part of the hunting experience.  Be thorough in your pre-hunt planning and the actual hunt will go much more smoothly.

September 28, 2011 

Today's Photograph . . . To Call When The Going Gets Tough Isn't Only Smart, It's Essential! (Cliff S)

Bible Study Verses
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (NIV)

Thoughts
The year, 2010.  The location, near Prescott, Arizona, for two separate antelope hunts. Sadly, neither hunt was mine (one rifle-a friend's and one black powder-a nephew's). But, along with a few other friends, I was fortunate enough to be invited to go along on these hunts.

It was a fun time with good friends and relatives!  Both hunters were successful on their quests and both killed nice bucks on opening day of their respective hunts.  Beyond that, the best thing about each kill was that neither buck fell too far from the road where the truck was parked.  That's always a good thing!

We couldn't drive to either buck, so we were challenged with the task of carrying the carcasses out.  At this point of each hunt, I offered a suggestion as to a method of how to pack the animals out that my son and I had used on my son's 2002 elk hunt.  I had an external frame backpack with me and we loaded each buck on the frame and four of us carried the trophy like each was on a stretcher.  My son and I had done the same thing with his elk after we had quartered it.  It worked really well and it was pretty easy going with four guys sharing the load!
(Cliff S)

Action Point
We're sometimes tempted to "go it alone" as Christians.  Most of us have a little of that desire to be the rugged "loner" of the Christian world.  But, when you need help, it's tough to be out there by yourself.  Having someone to call when the going gets tough isn't only smart, it's essential!!!

These aren't just casual friends I'm talking about.  These are the ones that will drop whatever it is they are doing and come running when you call, and you would do the same for them.  Whether you find yourself in the midst of a tragedy, a temptation, a hurtful loss, or when you're just having a bad day, you need these folks to be able to call.  And, they need you to be there when they call.

You never know, just being there to talk may help a brother or sister in Christ through a tough spot even if you don't know exactly what's going on in their life.  I know from personal experience that it's a great comfort to have your Christian friends gather around and lift you up before the Lord when it seems that the whole world is collapsing in on you.  Thank you guys for being there!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Always hunt in pairs.  Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.  Have a hunting plan and follow it!!!

September 27, 2011


Today's Photograph . . . . Someday The House That I Built And Raised A family In Will Look Just Like This Cabin (Brett M)

Bible Study Verses

Matthew 6:19-21
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (NIV)

Thoughts

My daughter and I were exploring an area when we came across what was an old homestead. It was essentially a one room log cabin with a stone fireplace. As I looked over the construction aspects of the cabin it was apparent that much care had gone into the structure. Trees that had to be hand felled and then stripped of their bark. Then moved to their current location where they had to have the notches hand carved to receive the next log, then stacked, one by one, logs that weighed hundreds of pounds. It had a stone fire place that was constructed of flat native rocks that had to be collected from all over the area. Then each one hand placed and secured with a mortar material. A single door and a few windows followed by a roof that no longer existed.

I imagine a front porch with a swing that overlooked the beautiful country. The cabin residents enjoying a view that overlooked open grasslands that blended into tall ponderosa pines with deer, elk, and turkey passing through on occasion. This is an area that holds thousands of acres of prime grazing land ripe with fodder to prepare the herd for market; an almost perfect setting in my mind's eye.
(Brett M)

Action Point
I hope that I am successful in storing up treasures in Heaven. Treasures that can never be destroyed or stolen. It is less about the rewards that I may receive in Heaven, but more about wanting that my heart should be in the right place before God.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Know your taxidermist prior to your hunt. Talk to him about how he wants the animal caped out. He may prefer that you keep the head on ice and allow him to cape out the difficult parts of the face or he may give you instructions on how to do it. Either way understand his expectations and your abilities prior to ever setting a knife to your trophy.Jesus is teaching about money at this time in the book of Matthew. He is speaking of the importance of building your treasure in Heaven and not here on earth. A few years ago, I went through the difficult process of building my own home. Acting as general contractor and subcontracting much of the work myself was not an easy task, especially for someone who has never done it before. When I was done, I had a great sense of accomplishment and pride. But, I also know that someday the house that I built and raised a family in will look just like that cabin; a foundation, a fireplace, and maybe some walls.

September 26, 2011


Today's Photograph . . . . In The Wilderness In A Float Tube and Catching Trout (MQ) 

Bible Study Verses

II Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NIV)

Thoughts


It was a little warm still under the summer sun as we mounted our horses and readied to hit the trail. We were setting off on a four hour ride to retreat into some of God's most beautiful country for a week.

My friend was leading me into the wilderness to teach me how to fly fish. We had done some practicing at home; teaching me how to cast overhead, how to side cast, how to aim, how to hit my target, and how to strip line were among the previous days lessons. Then it was to a lake with a float tube and casting for fish.

We caught several rainbows our first day out. Next we went to another lake, then to a river where the teachings continued and were much different from the teachings of still water fishing. Now we were waist deep in a fast moving river trying to see a floating fly go by at what seemed like 40mph.
 
It had been a long week of learning, but now was the moment of truth. Fly rods stowed and flies tied, we were setting out under that warm August sun; setting out on a trip of a life time.

Action Point

Timothy appears to have followed Paul's teaching on his first trip to Lystra and when Paul returns to Lystra Paul finds Timothy again. Paul and Timothy would spend a great deal of time together, teaching, and ministering to the world. Paul clearly became a mentor to the younger Timothy. Although Paul had many people that followed him and his teachings about Christ, it was Timothy who held a special place in Paul's heart. Of the thirteen letters Paul has written in the New Testament, ten of them mention Timothy.

My friend has been more than a friend, more than a fly fishing instructor: he has been a spiritual mentor. Why? I don't know. I am nothing special but he, by the grace and probably urging of God, took me in (spiritually) and began to lead and mentor me.
  
Is there someone out there for you to mentor? The Bible is filled with verses that instruct us, both men and women to mentor others. As is it says in Psalms 119:130, "The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple," Take the time to pray and see if God doesn't introduce someone into your life that He wants you to mentor. 

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Patience is the key when teaching someone something new. If they are having a hard time understanding your direction, don't get impatient with them. Remember they want to learn, instead re-evaluate your instruction and try again.

September 25, 2011

Today's Photograph.... Deer at Cabelas (MQ)

Bible Study Verse
Proverbs 12:27
The lazy man does not roast his game, but the diligent man prizes his possessions. (NIV)


Thoughts

The big ten-point stepped quietly out of the woods and began to walk slowly down the field-line. With great caution, he tested the wind and kept his head moving as he watched the open field carefully. Finally, he was broadside, a muzzleloader sounded off, and my brother had his biggest buck to date.
(Brian H)


Action Point
That big buck encounter didn't just happen. You see, I've left out some details in that story. I left out the hours we spent scouting and glassing that field. I didn't tell you about the time spent setting up a stand, clearing shooting lanes, trimming limbs, and figuring out prevailing wind directions. I didn't mention that we worked to figure out how to walk in to that stand so that we would remain undetected. The moral of this story is that it took hard work for this big buck encounter to happen.
The Bible has something to say about laziness as well, look at Proverbs 12:27. Wow! That passage paints a great picture for all of us hunters. But, it's a picture that is a metaphor for life.
My paraphrase would go something like this: "Do everything that you do in life to your best ability." Perhaps you wouldn't categorize yourself as lazy, but what about those remarks that goes like this: "For what I'm paid for this job, that's all that I'm going to do." How about this one: "Nobody knows if I finish my paperwork or not. Nobody's checked it, so why bother?"
The correct attitude is that God gave us abilities and we should do everything that we do to the best of OUR ability, but do it for HIS glory. Whether hunting, working, or anything else, you won't roast your game unless you are diligent.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

When trimming limbs for shooting lanes, you don't always have a pole saw with you. Try tying a medium weight stick about a foot long to a length of rope. Toss the stick over the offending limb and then pull it down to your reach with the rope. We call that an "Arkansas Lasso." Happy Hunting!

September 24, 2011


Today's Photograph . . . . The Forecast Was Dreary,  Rainey, and Overcast (Dave M)

Bible Study Verse

Proverbs 8:34-35
Blessed are those who listen to Me, watching daily at My doors, waiting at My doorway.  For those who find Me find life and receive favor from the LORD.  (NIV)

Thoughts

This past week, my family and I were hiking Mount Mansfield in Vermont while on vacation.  The way the schedule worked out, we had to hike the summit on a Sunday.

But as Sunday approached, the forecast was nothing other than dreary, rainy, and overcast.   This led to us having a discussion on whether or not to even bother with the hike.  If it was going to be rainy, we would have zero visibility when we got to the top.  All of our hard work to get up the mountain would provide us with not one view below of what we had hiked for for hours. To press on or not with seemingly little reward - that was the question.

Action Point

Have you had dark periods in your life where you were pressing on, working, and doing the best you could for the Lord, but it just didn't seem like God was rewarding you for your efforts? 

Remember, it's not up to us to deem what is a worthy reward and what is not.  If you are working for the Lord with the right motives in place, God will certainly reward you for your efforts.  However, you may never see it at the time. 

Does that mean you stop, because you have no view of the reward?  Your job and mine is simply to be faithful to what God has called us to do ---- reward or not!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

In backpacking, you often will run across lodges or cabins where you and others will stay while passing through on your journey.  Why not take a Sportsmens Devotional card or an outdoor devotional and leave it at these places?  In my experience, people are more apt to take the time to sit down and read at a place like this.  Allow them the opportunity to read about God's creation while they are staring it in the face!

September 23, 2011


Today's Photograph . . . . Where Did You Guys Come From? (Doug L)

Bible Study Verse

I John 2:28
And now, dear children, continue in Him, so that when He appears we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.  (NIV)

Thoughts

As I write this devotional today, it is the day before my church's annual wild game dinner for men and kids of our community. The key word over the last week has been "preparation".

We will have over 500 people show up to our civic center tomorrow night. They will be fed an assortment of wild game - wild boar, elk, white tail, beaver, and salmon.  In order for us to pull this dinner off, between 50-60 men in my church will have ground meat, filleted salmon, cut potatoes, made desserts, set up tables, put up mounts around the banquet hall, and readied the sound/tech equipment.

We have done this long enough that the guys know what needs to be done, and they simply pitch in to pull this together. It takes hours upon hours of work and preparation to make this outreach tick. No job is unimportant!

The key to this being a success is the more we are prepared for ahead of time, the smoother the event will go.
(Dave M)

Action Point

Preparation. Preparation. Preparation. Are you prepared to meet Jesus? None of us really truly know how long we have on this Earth. My time is limited and so is yours!!!

Don't put off issues of faith. If you have not accepted Christ as your Savior, do so!!! If God is calling you into ministry, go!!! If you are being called to lead your family better, do it!!! You may not be able to wait another day!!!

Take the next step that God is calling you to. Be prepared, so that when you do meet Him, you won't have to panic about the condition of your heart!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Order a SD Event Kit. Go to Sportsmensdevotional.com, click on "Store," and select "Wild Game Dinner Package."

Septembert 22, 2011


Today's Photograph . . . . Eastern Harvest Mouse (NPS)

Bible Study Verse
I Corinthians 3:19
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness." (NIV)
 
Thoughts
One of the more memorable hunts of my life occurred about a decade ago, but the irony of this memory actually has nothing to do with an animal or an actual hunt. 

A group of us connected up at a friend's hunting property in northern Michigan.  We had been hunting together for several years and had always camped out on this property as we hunted.  Well, the owner of the property decided that he wanted a more permanent camping scenario, so he bought an old full sized camper to leave on the property for us all to sleep in.  The camper had been placed there during the summer months, and none of us had gone in it to check its condition prior to us using it. 

We all just showed up -ready to sleep in this rig. As we tossed our gear in the camper, we were all looking forward to being in this bigger and better outfit.  That night, we all were trying to drift off to sleep when we started  hearing sounds coming from the walls - scratching noises. 

We laid there awake trying to figure out what it was. But, it wasn't until the middle of the night that we finally figured out what was happening.  The "new" camper was infested with mice! 

Several of us awoke to the pitter-pattering of mouse feet across our sleeping bags. They were everywhere!  We did stay in there for the night. But, I took my sleeping bag, pulled it over my head, and cinched the draw string down to the point where the opening of the sleeping bag was about the size of a quarter. Just large enough for me to get a breath of air through...and of course I was praying that no mouse hopped through the little hole that led to the interior of my sleeping cocoon. 

I'm not sure if I got one second of sleep that night! Wow!  Did we have an infestation.  We had hundreds of mice that were scampering around the camper everywhere.  It was disgusting!
(Dave M)

Action Point
There are times in our lives where we need to sit down and take a serious assessment of our lives.  How are we doing as husbands/wives?  How are we doing as a parent?  How am I doing as a son or a daughter...?
 
It is my personal belief that way too many of us as Christians are being absolutely infested by the messages of the world.  We are trying to live double lives . . . a Christian life and a worldly life!  It flat out doesn't work to do this. 
 
Technology is great and can be used for wonderful ministries (such as this one). But, how much info do you need in your life?  How much time are you spending on the internet?   Your cell phone?  Social Networks?  Blogs?  The list could go on and on. But the point is simple. Are you controlling these "tools" or are they controlling you?  An addiction is an addiction!!!

I would venture to say that each of us would be better off to spend more time in God's word and less time collecting information from the world.  Satan doesn't need you to necessarily worship him; he just needs you too "busy" to get God's work done.  Live a simple life and keep the infestation at bay!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Make sure if you are going to leave a vehicle out in the woods for later use, that you seal it up tight as a drum, so that you don't have unwanted or unexpected visitors later on.

September 21, 2011

Today's Photograph . . . . We Will Endure The Agony, The Pain, and The Hurt. Yet, Keep Going Back . . . (MQ)

Bible Study Verse
Romans 6:12-14

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 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. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. (NIV)


Thoughts

The old tom (adult male) cat loved fresh milk. He would jump up to the ledge of the barn that was used to set the buckets full of fresh milk, and then help himself. He craned his neck, stretching to the full height of his legs to reach over and lick up the white goodness.
The farmers wanted to stop him, so they rigged an electric fence and battery so he would complete the circuit when he tasted the milk. They laughed uproariously when Tom took his taste and with a loud "Meooowww!" jumped away.
To their amazement, before they were done laughing, the old cat was back at it! Every time he tasted the milk, the "fire" of the electric current would be seen as he licked the milk. With every taste, he was shocked. Yet, he stayed at it! Lick, a meow of pain! Lick, a meow of pain! Lick, a meow of pain! He thought the taste of milk was worth the price of pain he endured!
(Jackie M)


Action Point

As humans we are like that old tom cat. We think that the taste of the forbidden or pleasure of sin is worth it. We will endure the agony, the pain, and the hurt. Yet, keep going back to our sin.
In actuality, it enslaves us. This slavery ends in death. The real sting of death is sin. (1 Corinthians 15:56). That is the reward, or payment for our sinful choices. We need to see the results of our sin, and move past the temporary pleasure it can give.
We must choose the eternal, not the temporary, the permanent and not the transient. Those who choose Christ should seek to live holy as He is holy. Only in Jesus Christ is true freedom, and in Him is eternal life.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

It is obvious, and should go without saying, but we must clean our firearms consistently and carefully. Keeping them in operational shape not only makes sense, but will preserve these valuable items for the future, rather than limiting their effectiveness and detracting from their value.

September 20, 2011

Today's Photograph . . . . What Has God Seen In Your Sights???  (MQ) 

Bible Study Verse

II Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. (NIV 1984)

Thoughts

To be a proficient shooter there are 7 fundamentals you need to know and use.
The third one is sight alignment and sight picture.

Sight alignment is the relationship and position of the rear sight and the front sight.

Sight picture is the relationship of the sights on the attended target. The front sight needs to be in focus and centered in the rear sight. The front sight then rests in the center mass of your intended target.
(Terry L)

Action Point

The front sight for Christians is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We need to focus on Him and He will guide us. Our target or objective is to be Christ like.

So many of us lose our sight alignment and we miss our target. Instead of focusing on the front sight, we focus on the rear sight, ourselves, or the wrong target. We might get frustrated with our children and instead of acting in a Christ like manner, we lose our temper. Instead of loving our wives like Christ loved the church, we allow our eyes to wander or worse. Instead of aiming for the perfection that is found in Him, we aim at worldly things. We waste time, money, and energy trying to get the newest toys or trying to keep up with the Joneses.

When on the firing line I remind the people I am teaching "Sight alignment and sight picture." We as Christians need to remember "SIGHT ALIGNMENT AND SIGHT PICTURE."


Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

If you are having problems with your shooting go back and revisit the fundamentals. Check your sight alignment and sight picture. With iron sights, your front sight should be in the center of your rear sight with equal amounts of light on each side and the top of the sights should be level.

September 19, 2011

Today's Photograph . . . . A Good Cleansing Breath Before Each Course Of Fire (MQ)
Bible Study Verse
Luke 5:16
But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray. (NASB)

Thoughts

To be a proficient shooter there are 7 fundamentals you need to know and use.

The fourth fundamental is breathing. It seems simple and natural to breathe, but when shooters are under stress they forget this basic and natural thing.

Shooters will focus so hard on hitting their target, they forget to breathe. Poor breathing can  affect your body in different ways.  It can cause muscle fatigue and your body will become tense.  It can also affect your vision.  It can make it difficult to focus on your sights.  Poor breathing compounded by stress can also limit your vision creating tunnel vision.  

We always tell our shooters to take a good cleansing breath before each course of fire and to breathe during the course.
(Terry L)

Action Point

Many of us live hectic lives. Between family, work, and ministry our lives get really busy.
 Jesus also knew that feeling. He was trying to teach this group of men to be His disciples. He had to deal with the religious leaders who were trying to destroy Him and His teachings. During all this, He ministered day and night to the community.

To deal with what I am sure was a very stressful time,  He would often go out on His own and pray. Wow!  The Son Of God needed time to breathe.

We need to follow His example and do the same. I know when I am out sitting on a stand admiring His handy work things become calmer and my sights become clearer. We need to follow the example of our Savior and take time to breathe.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Take some time for yourself and get out into the woods. Some of the best therapy I have ever had was with a Christian brother on the bank of a river.

September 18, 2011 

Today's Photograph . . . . It Wasn't Like This White Façade Blanket Of Snow (MQ) 

Bible Study Verses

Psalm 103:11-12

His love for those who have respect for Him is as high as the heavens are above the earth. He has removed our lawless acts from us as far as the east is from the west. (NIV)

Thoughts

No school today - we just got blasted with a snowstorm in northern Michigan! As I look out my den window this morning, snow is everywhere.

The fall is beautiful here! It holds a vast array of colors that run through woods and the rolling hills provide great overlooks to see God's splendor. But, that's before the leaves fall off the trees. After the leaves are gone, everything looks a dingy gray. Quite honestly, during this time between losing the leaves and the first snowfall, it's just sort of ugly outside.

BUT, that first snowfall changes everything! The gray dingy appearance fades away with a beautiful covering of fresh white snow. For a season, all the ugliness is covered, and we get to enjoy a whole new set of outdoor activities - skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and sledding and it's beautiful again.

However, here's what I know will happen in the Spring. The snow will melt and the ugliness will reappear until Spring firmly is rooted and the color returns.
(Dave M)

Action Point

The beauty of Christ's sacrifice for us is this: when He died for you and I, it wasn't just to place a covering over the ugliness of our lives.  It wasn't like this white façade blanket of snowthat we've just gotten here. His blood took away the ugliness - the sins that we accumulate in our life. Our sins aren't just covered. They aren't going to resurface again later. They are permanently gone if we've asked Jesus to forgive us and to take them away!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

If you want to make sledding easy, haul your snowmobiles along with you to the sledding hill. The kids can slide down the hill for hours on end, while the adults can haul the sleds and the kids back up with the snowmobiles.

eptember 17, 2011


Today's Photograph . . . .   First Trout For The Summer (MQ) 

Bible Study Verses

Psalms 89:26-28
He will call out to me, 'You are my Father, my God, the Rock my Savior.' And I will appoint him to be my firstborn, the most exalted of the kings of the earth. I will maintain my love to him forever, and my covenant with him will never fail. (NIV)

Thoughts

I think my first fish were members of the perch family. For my son Tim, he learned how to fish while trolling for white bass. We would load up the boat on Saturday morning and travel to Lake Livingston, a large lake in southeast Texas.
The fishing was easy and usually the catching was great. With rigged rods, we would motor out to known white bass hangouts on the lake. Once there, I would shift the motor into idle, get our rods ready, shift into slow trolling speed, slowly letting the lures out behind the boat; nothing hard about it and lots of fun. Just sit back and wait for the rod tip to start going crazy. Retrieve the fish and let the lure out again for another pass over the fish.
You couldn't get much better Saturday afternoons.
(Tom B)

Action Point

I am very proud of my son Tim and what he has done with his life.

God was very proud of David, "the most exalted of the kings of the earth. I will maintain my love to him forever, and my covenant with him will never fail." Did you catch the plural on "kings"? David was numero uno in God's opinion.
 
I, also, bet that Joseph, Jesus' earthly father, was very proud of his firstborn. I envision Jesus and Joseph working together in Joseph's carpentry shop, Joseph teaching Jesus the easy way to fit or nail something together, making all kinds of fun projects. I can just see Joseph stepping back, admiring Jesus' handiwork, and thinking, "That's my boy!" Farthest from his mind was his son would be nailed to a wooden cross, dying for men, freeing mankind from eternal damnation if they only acknowledge their sinful nature and ask Jesus to be their Savior.

I am thankful to be the firstborn of my earthly father, who also like Jesus' father, loved carpentry.

I am thankful to be numbered among God's children. "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well," Psalms 139:14 (NIV).

 
Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

A very efficient and easy way to catch white bass or stripers is to troll a deep diving Bomber style bait. Attach one end of an 18-24" leader to the tie-on eyelet on the bill of the lure. Tie a lead spoon at the other end of the leader. Traditional spoons, non-lead, will work, but the extra weight of a lead spoon gets the lure deeper. The mission of the deep diving bait is to take the spoon down deep and keep it there-like a downrigger. Hooks can remain on the deep diver, but you are going to fight hanging up on underwater obstructions.

September 16, 2011 

Today's Photograph . . . . Drinking Deeply From God's Springs (Tom B) 

Bible Study Verse

John 4:14

"But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (NIV)
  
Thoughts

I have a friend who shared the same passion for hiking as I do. We would meet once a month and hike part of the Lone Star Hiking Trail in the Sam Houston National Forest.
  
On one summer Saturday we were hiking a five mile section of the trail along with a group of other hikers. The heat and humidity in southeast Texas can be stifling at this time of year.
  
At the time I was still a neophyte in hiking. I packed one pint sized bottle of water along with other items in my backpack and thought I was ready for the trail. Within about a mile and a half I was feeling the heat, falling behind the rest of the group. Ken would break off from the rest of the group periodically checking on me, cautioning me to drink water regularly, however I was out of water.
  
At about the two mile mark there was about an eighth-of-a-mile off-shoot that led to a parking spot along the trail. One of the hikers who had left her car in this parking spot, volunteered to lead me to the parking lot. Ken gave me his car keys. She then drove me to where we had left Ken's car and I was able to go somewhere and get rehydrated. I was very close to heat exhaustion. A cold drink and air-conditioning never felt so good.
(Tom B)

Action Point

Not packing enough water was really stupid on my part. Without the extra water that I was able to attain, I would have been in serious trouble.
  
Without God's replenishing water along the trail of life, our lives can be in serious trouble. "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters..." Isa. 55:1
  
The waters that flow from Jesus Christ keep us spiritually hydrated. We will never thirst if we drink from His spring. How do we replenish ourselves from Christ's water? By reading of His Holy Word regularly and applying the wisdom to our lives and by letting His grace soak into us from the out flowing of Christian worship, prayer and attendance in where His Words are taught.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

You need at least three quarts of water per day. Check with your doctor on your specific need to be safe. . Before hiking, hunting, fishing in the hot summer, drink plenty of water to get your body well hydrated before you depart on the trip. A hydration system that carries water on your back, such as Camelbak, is a popular, flexible way to take water along instead of carrying water bottles.

   September 15, 2011


Today's Photograph . . . . Yellowstone Pace Car (Michael T)  
Bible Study Verses
Romans 12:9-13
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.  Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. (ESV)

Thoughts
On a recent family vacation to Yellowstone National Park we were able to enjoy the beauty and wonder of God's creation and the magnificence of His living creatures.  The children enjoyed looking out of the vehicle trying to spot a bison, a moose, a grizzly bear, a deer, or a monster elk.  Although we saw most of those animals, the bison was the most common sight, especially during the early evening hours in Hayden Valley.
It had been a long day of sight-seeing and it was time to head back to our lodge, situated just outside of the east entrance of the park.  The cars in front of us began to apply their brakes and came to a sudden stop. As we rounded the corner a long line of cars could be seen for a  mile.  However, the opposite lane was totally clear of traffic.  A half hour later we saw what was holding everybody up. A very large bison was fulfilling his dream of setting the pace as the Yellowstone pace car and beyond him was a herd of bison mingling in the road.
(Mike T)

Action Point
Aren't we sometimes like the bison? Have you ever been the "pace car" at church? Do you feel it is your obligation to monitor the growth or the spiritual direction of the church? Are you creating roadblocks or making sure things are moving slow?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, I would ask you to do what I told the big bison to do on that day.  "Get a move on big fella!" The same goes for us.  Sometimes we need to move on out of the way, so the leadership of the local church can continue to move forward as the Holy Spirit guides and directs them. It is our role to love and support those whom God has ordained.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Although the animals in national parks seem to be tame, they are not.  They are wild animals who have grown accustomed to traffic and vehicles.  But, on foot a person is in danger if they approach wildlife too closely.  Stay back.  That is why God allowed us to invent zoom lenses.

A Daily Study of God's Word for Christian Sportsmen   September 14, 2011


Today's Photograph . . . .    She Was OK With Both. Then, It Was Time For The .308 (MQ) 

Bible Study Verses

II Peter 3:17-18
Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (NIV)

Thoughts
During a hunter education class a father came to me and shared a problem. His child had a javelina hunt one week after the class was over and was having issues with the recoil from the .308 Winchester he wanted her to shoot. I told him that I'd spend a little time with her on range day and see if we could work her through the problem.

After our class range day was over I sat down with the girl and started working with her one on one. As we got started her Father and another gentleman were standing next to her talking about the .308 and how hard it kicked and how it would hurt to shoot it. I finally had enough and looked at them and said, "Go away!"

Once they left and quit putting thoughts of fear into her head, I had her shoot a .22, then a .223. She was OK with both. Then, it was time for the .308. She followed my instruction to hold the gun tight. She shot it with no problem.

At that point I made a comment that became the pivotal moment in the process. I told her that the gun had moved her about four inches, about the same as it would have moved her Dad.

Whoa! A smile came on her face and she asked me, "Really?" That was the turning point. She was over the recoil problem and shot several more rounds all with very good form and accuracy.
(Cliff S)

Action Point

Young Christians sometimes get discouraged because of all the rules they are told they are supposed to follow. It's especially true if they're hearing about everything in their life that they have to change, give up, or can't do.

This passage instructs us to be cautious of the rules of men. We're to follow Jesus and Jesus only. We're also to grow in our faith and in the grace and knowledge of Christ. That happens when we get into the Bible and read and study what Jesus is all about.
Jesus Himself said it well, " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself,' " Luke 10:27b (NIV). You'll never go wrong following those two rules. Jesus said that, too!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

When introducing a novice to shooting, focus on proper technique and not recoil. If you constantly talk about recoil, the student is not going to want to shoot because you've told him or her that it's going to hurt. Two things: start the shooter on a low recoil gun, a .22 or maybe a .223, and then gradually get into the bigger stuff. And, do not let your ten year old shoot your .300 magnum! Have them wear good hearing protection as much of the fear of the gun is hearing the muzzle blast. Finally, tell them to hold the gun as tight as they'd hold their boyfriend or girlfriend. It breaks the tension and is proper technique.

A Daily Study of God's Word for Christian Sportsmen    September 13, 2011

Today's Photograph . . . . Elk (NWS)
 (To view the above photo, you may have to add Imageshack as an approved website)

Bible Study Verses

Ephesians 5:21-33
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own hus-bands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the Head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church- for we are members of His body. "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." This is a profound mystery-but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. (NIV)

Thoughts
It's approaching the fall, the time when the bull elk get absolutely stupid in their pursuit of the cows, as many cows as possible. Yes, love is in the air, and the elk hunters know it. That stupidity will cost many a bull his life!

It's interesting to watch a big bull elk with his cows. The bull keeps the cows gathered up close and watches for and fights off other bulls so they don't steal his harem. If he wins the fight, he keeps his cows. If he loses, he loses the cows and his place in the gene pool. This is nature's way for the strongest of the species to pass along his genes and to insure that the offspring will have the best chance to survive.

The bull's job is to mate with as many cows as possible and father as many calves as he can. It's this way throughout most of the animal world, the strongest males mate with as many females as possible in order to keep the strongest genetic lines going.
(Cliff S)

Action Point
OK, so how does this relate to these verses? We all know about wives being told to submit to their husbands, but read that first verse again. It says that we're all to be submissive, husbands and wives.

Now, nature teaches us that males are to mate with many females. However, in marriage a man is to be faithful to one woman. Seems to me that that's a form of submission, guys. It's a natural inclination to be promiscuous. But, God tells men to forsake all others and to be with and love one woman, your wife. God also makes the consequences of promiscuity known to us-the ruin of a marriage, damaged children, disease, maybe even the diseased death of a loved one. All tragic and preventable.

Now, reread the rest of the verses and look at the benefits of faithfulness: a mate that's radiant, without blemish, spotless, holy, blameless, and mysterious. If you're faithful to your wife, and if she respects you as she is instructed, it doesn't sound like it can get any better!

Sportsmen's Tip of the DayWhen hunting during the rut, use the animal's natural instincts to draw them in close for a shot. Cow calls work well on many species, especially elk.

A Daily Study of God's Word for Christian Sportsmen   September 12, 2011


Today's Photograph . . . . God and Father of my Lord Jesus Christ.  Lord, it's Your Turn . . . . . (MQ)  

Bible Study Verses
II Peter 1:1-4

I, Simon Peter, am writing this letter. I serve Jesus Christ. I am His apostle. I am sending this letter to you who have received a faith as valuable as ours. You received it because our God and Savior Jesus Christ does what is right and fair for everyone. May more and more grace and peace be given to you. May they come to you as you learn more about God and about Jesus our Lord. Be Sure That God Has Chosen You. God's power has given us everything we need to lead a godly life. All of that has come to us because we know the One who chose us. He chose us because of His own glory and goodness. He has also given us His very great and valuable promises. He did it so you could share in His nature. He also did it so you could escape from the evil in the world. That evil is caused by sinful longings. (NIV)

Ephesians 1:3
Give praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing. Those blessings come from the heavenly world. They belong to us because we belong to Christ. (NIV)

Thoughts
Wow! I have been really humbled and blessed!!! My prayers have been turned inside out since I've been studying the Bible on prayer and His promises and listening to Louie Giglio on his Prayer: Remix messages. Remember these prayer statements that we all use which I have chosen not to utter again:

*     Dear God, thank you for today.
*     Bless us, bless me, or bless this endeavor.
*     Watch over and protect us or me.

I now pray, "God and Father of my Lord Jesus Christ please direct me on how to bless you and bless those that You're bringing to me today. Lord, it's your turn . . ." There's a lot less talking and a whole lot of listening on my part. Distraction has been eliminated after praying that statement with all my heart and my soul!!! Don't want to miss a second in His presence!!!
(Jo Q)
 
Action Point
By having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we have everything we need to live life for Christ. We don't have to pray "bless me" cause you and I are blessed as joint heirs in Christ; reread the above verses. God is going to bless you and me as we serve Him and we are currently blessed in whatever circumstance we are in! We have been given the Holy Spirit to pray for us and teach us. The above scripture reminds us we have been given everything we need to live our lives for Him. Excuses don't hold after those verses! Not even yours!!!
 
What would each of our lives evolve into when we suddenly realize we have been given everything we need through Jesus to accomplish what He desires in life for each of us! In other words, no more excuses for intentional sinning since we have been given everything we need to live godly lives, no limits, no regrets!  Just as you, I've had to search His word for the treasures that became mine when I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior and my Creator. But, I missed a lot. I don't want anything to keep me distant from Him! Absolutely nothing, including my "me" centered prayers!!!

Ok, even through the hard tough times? Yep, God knew you or I would have disease, pain, heartache, divorce or something coming our way . . . He wasn't surprised or wringing His hands. The above scripture says we have what we need through Jesus!!! So . . . when prayer changes from "you" and "me" to "Him and what He wants to do through you and I" - we won't need to tell others about Him - they will be searching us out and waiting at our cars to find out "Who is this Jesus and how do I get what you have?"

The revival we've all been waiting for has been waiting for each of us to open our eyes, our hearts, our souls, and access what we've already been given through Jesus. We need to open our eyes,  see, and worship Jesus, the Creator of the universe, in prayer!!!

Our abundance is found in Jesus for this life right now!!! He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing from His Heaven!!! We got what we need direct from Heaven!!!

 Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
I encourage you to get Louie Giglio's Prayer:Remix DVD or if you live in Georgia check out Passion City Church. Your prayers and your prayer time will become even more exciting and a lot more productive.

A Daily Study of God's Word for Christian Sportsmen  September 11, 2011

Today's Photograph: . . . America. Land of the Free and Home of the Brave (Donny N)


Bible Study Verse
Malachi 3:12
"And all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land," says the LORD of hosts. (NKJV)

Tenth Anniversary of 9/11/01, A Very Sad Day In America

Thoughts
Remember September 11, 2001, the day that the United States of America was attacked by 19 foreign terrorists. Two-thousand, nine-hundred ninety-eight people were killed, and not only Americans. Over 80 different countries mourned their own nationals who were among the casualties. It was a tragic day in world history.
The United States of America stands tall as the land of the free and the home of the brave. We stared tragedy in the face and solemnly reacted when war was declared on us. For the safety of all Americans and in defense of freedom, we transferred that war from our turf to the sands from which it emerged. Brave men and women waged the battle there. My brother is currently among them, as are others I personally know. We've yet to be attacked again in the homeland. God bless our warriors and keep them safe.
Throughout our nation's history, we have won freedom for millions, both here and abroad. We stand in the line of fire against tyranny. We sacrifice uncountable numbers of our own for liberty and justice around the world. We embrace and lift up impoverished nations. We establish democracy where no one dares think it possible. We are truly a blessed nation, a delightful land. Our enemies know this. Too many nations loathe it. But some do, indeed, recognize it and gladly call us friend.
(Don H)


Action Point
These words in Malachi are a promise God gives to those who fully trust in Him. It's actually part of a series of promises God makes. In Malachi 3:10, He challenges people to, bring all the tithes into the storehouse and to try Him in this--if He will not pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it." May we as a nation keep God truly the One in whom we trust.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Keep copies of The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and The Bill of Rights near your reading area or with your Bible. Read them often. Christians should be on the front line of knowing the contents of these precious documents.

A Daily Study of God's Word for Christian Sportsmen September 10, 2011


Today's Photograph . . . .    Billows of Smoke in Bastrop State Park, TX  (Tom B)

Bible Study Verses
Acts 2:18-21
"Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (NIV)

Thoughts
In southeast Texas where I live, we are in the midst of some serious wildfires. Instead of clear blue skies, billowing smoke is blocking out the view. Schools are closed in the areas where the fires are burning. People are told to evacuate their homes; later coming back and hoping their homes are still standing.

All of this is because of a severe drought the entire state is experiencing. Thousands of acres are being stripped of vegetation. Wild game is either moving away from the fires or consumed by it. People who own livestock or small animals are trying to move their animals.

Dove hunting season has just started. Hunters are asked to be extremely careful when afield.
(Tom B)

Action Point
Quite often I hear Christians talking about that we are in the midst of end times. What with the earthquakes, fires, and other things happening in the world, we just might be.

We should consider all the days of our lives as living in the end times, not just when our attention is focused on the latest natural disaster. Each of us individually is living out the days that the Lord has in store for. Our end days may be this week, or it could be when we reach the ripe old age of 90. Only God knows that.
"The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord," Acts 2:20 (NIV). We will have days, maybe even years, when we feel we are living in darkness. The clouds of smoke are billowing around us.

Live beyond your situation. Every day seek the Lord's direction. Make a difference in the lives of those around you. Help others to know that Jesus is shining through the darkness. "For,   
'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,' " Romans 10:13 (NIV).

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Most wildfires are not started by a lighted match tossed into try tinder. It's situations we don't even think about that cause problems. Forget campfires. Walk into your hunting spots.  Forget the ATVs; a spark from the exhaust or hot muffler might start fires that devastate thousands of acres. Don't park vehicles in the field; a hot catalytic converter might be just the spark needed for a conflagration. Think "out of the box" for ways to prevent fires

A Daily Study of God's Word for Christian Sportsmen   September 9,, 2011

Today's Photograph:   Simple Sunset.

Bible Study Verse
Mark 10:25
It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. (NKJV)

Thoughts
Sometimes I wonder if God gave me a simple life with a humble income just to save my soul. When I read this verse, I think to myself, "I would probably be as far from God's kingdom as possible if I were rich with money." But instead, He has made me rich with a great appreciation for His creation and the critters that abide here. I work outside everyday, usually doing good things for wildlife. Better yet, I have a wonderful wife and daughter who love to enjoy God's creation with me. I am thankful that He has blessed me with such.
(Jimmy S)

Action Point
Ask God to reveal your riches to you today. Search your heart for your spiritual gifts and ask God to help you put them to use for His glory.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Remember: always give someone an itinerary-- where you will be and when you plan on returning-- no matter how short the outing may be.



A Daily Study of God's Word for Christian Sportsmen    September 9, 2011

Today's Photograph . . . . . Don't Be Like Some Who, Like The Evergreen Tree Think That They Are Alive & Ready (Jack M)

Bible Study VersesMatthew 22:11-13
"But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. He asked, 'How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?' The man was speechless.  (NIV)

Thoughts
Different?  I'll say.  Take a look at the picture above.  Does something stand out?  Yes, that one tree is red.  It is dead.  Something has caused it to die.  It stands among living trees as if it belongs.  Yet it does not.

The fear is that there are many who are "good people"; people who go to church; people who do good things on a regular basis that believe they are on the way to Heaven.  They include themselves in the group who are Christians.  Yet they are still spiritually dead.
(Jack M)

Action Point
Someday, God will decide.  Someday this life will be over.  Life can be over because we die, and pass into the next life.  It could be because Christ has come for His church.

The Lord spoke of His return.  He pictures some of the events of His kingdom like a wedding feast.  Most of us dress up for weddings.  We wear our best.

The proper attire for His Kingdom is His righteousness, or what we might call salvation.  That is the only thing that will qualify us for Heaven. Have you put on the righteousness that comes by faith in Christ?  Have you accepted His offer of the forgiveness of your sin? Have you by faith alone settled the issue of preparing for eternity?

Don't be like some who, like the evergreen tree above think that they are alive and ready, when in reality, they are spiritually dead, and unprepared for eternity.

By faith, receive the forgiveness of sin offered by God in Jesus Christ alone.  Pray something like this from your heart.  "God be merciful to me a sinner.  I accept the offer of forgiveness in Christ.  Thank you for saving me.  In His name, Amen."

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Choose firewood from trees that are already dead, cutting them up as needed.  Follow local regulations and laws.  Don't cut living trees for this purpose.  Conserve the forests and the trees by using only the dead wood. Remember green wood doesn't burn as well as dead wood.

A Daily Study of God's Word for Christian Sportsmen   September 7, 2011
 

Today's Photograph . . . .   All We Usually Do Is Swim In Circles (Will D)

Bible Study Verses
Acts 17:25-26
And He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything. Rather, He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.  From one man He made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. (NIV)

Thoughts
Late summer angling in coastal Louisiana can feel like fishing inside a hot air balloon. Enticing fish gets down-right difficult. So when the going gets tough, the tough get live bait.

Keeping them living in this southern sauna is challenging. A livewell system forcing clean, oxygen-laden water around one's bait can mean the difference between a mediocre day or a stellar one.
(Will D)

Action Point
Without a steady stream of God in our lives, all we usually do is swim in circles - usually breathing in dirty air. Yet an ongoing, daily relationship with God is a steady supply oxygen for our soul.

Breath in the One Who gave you breath. As you do, you will begin to see abundant life replace mediocrity. Live well!!!

 
Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Cooler water always helps live bait stay alive longer. Place a ziploc bag of ice inside your well.

A Daily Study of God's Word for Christian Sportsmen September 6, 2011

Today's Photograph . . . .

There Is A Day Coming When The World As We Know It Will Be Gone (MQ) 

Bible Study Verses  Mark 13:26-33
"At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And He will send His angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens. Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come." (NIV)

Thoughts
During the survival portion of Hunter Education classes I usually grab my pack and show the class what I carry when I'm in the field. You know, the emergency survival stuff you mostly hope you will never have to use, things like water proof matches, a signaling mirror, a first aid kit, and other items needed to survive in an emergency.

However, there are some items in my pack that are meant to be used during the average day in the field. Water, food, flashlights, and mountain money are examples. When I take the granola bars out of my pack to show the class, I always make the point that the expiration date shouldn't really be five to six years prior to the current date. Some of those things do have a shelf life whether I want to admit it or not! I should probably go through that pack a little more often, don't you think?
(Cliff S)

Action Point
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." As I read that verse, it becomes clear to me that this earth has an expiration date, or as some would say, a shelf life.

Revelation 21 also makes it very clear that the old earth will "pass away" and the earth will be made new. So, whether we like it or not, this sphere we are travelling on is going to wear out. Now, I'm not suggesting that we should behave irresponsibly toward the environment, but we need to accept the Bible's statement that there is a day coming when the world as we know it will be gone. That is OK with me because, again, as Revelation 21 indicates, the new earth is going to be made perfect for the habitation of God and man, just as Eden was prior to the fall of Adam and Eve, and it will never "wear out" again.

I don't know about you, but, because of my faith in Jesus Christ, I look forward to and even long for that day. I hope you'll be there with me. If you believe in and have faith in Jesus, you will be!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Do an inventory of the items in your pack every time you go to the outdoors.  Replace anything you have used and replace anything that is old and out-of-date (food and batteries).

A Daily Study of God's Word for Christian Sportsmen    September 5, 2011

Today's Photograph . . . . Public Land (MQ) 
Labor   Day   2011

Bible Study VersesLuke 4:5-7
The devil led Him up to a high place and showed Him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world.  And he said to Him, "I will give You all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If You worship me, it will all be yours." (NIV)

Thoughts
I live in a state, Arizona, that is primarily a "public lands state." That's important for hunters, because it means that we have access to lots of state and federal land where we can hunt.

Those of you that live in states that are primarily privately owned can have problems finding places to hunt. When you do successfully find out who owns a particular property where you want to hunt, you must follow that owner's rules and pay whatever price he may require in order to hunt on his land.

Sometimes, that price or those requirements are more than we can afford or are willing to adhere to. In those cases, you must go down the road and find another place to pursue your hunting hobby. You probably don't like it, but it is the landowner's right to make the rules on his property as long as they are within the state statutes that govern wildlife.
(Cliff S)

Action Point
These verses really jump out at me and make me think about a lot of things. Satan made Jesus a very tempting offer - all of the kingdoms of the world and all their glory. It's clear from this passage that Satan has that authority here on earth.

It's clear that Jesus had a choice, and, so do we. Think about this with me. Maybe kingdoms on earth are given by Satan to anyone that will worship him, or those that simply don't worship the one true God and His son, Jesus. My guess is that Satan will give them to anyone that will further his plan of total domination and condemnation of mankind. That could explain lots of things in this world.

What is very clear here is that we as Christians are in a tremendous spiritual battle; a battle we can only win if we choose to follow Jesus and let Him do our fighting for us. Jesus made the right choice. He chose to be obedient to the Father and resist Satan. 

Jesus set the example as to how to resist evil, by quoting scriptures!!! Yes, we have a choice who we will worship. May I make a suggestion? Choose Jesus!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Your hunting license does not give you access to private property even though the wildlife is owned by the public. You must respect the rights of the landowner and get his permission to hunt on his land. What you choose to do in these circumstances may affect the opportunities for many who subsequently ask to hunt on that land as well.

A Daily Study of God's Word for Christian Sportsmen........ September 4, 2011 

Today's Photograph . . . .

The Best Part Of Being An Outdoorsman Is The Story Telling (MQ)

Bible Study Verses
Psalms 77:12-14

I will ponder all Your work, and meditate on Your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy.     What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your might among the peoples. (ESV)
 
Thoughts
The best part of being an outdoorsman is the storytelling.  Often, our extended family would get together and go bow-hunting in northern Michigan for the week.  Even though the hunt was a lot of fun I always looked forward to returning back to camp and sitting around the campfire sharing the stories of the hits, the near misses and the ridiculous.

What makes being in the outdoors great is not necessarily the activity or the adventure, but the fact that you share a positive or negative experience with someone that helps create a bond or a memory which lasts a lifetime. 

(Michael T)
 
Action Point
God is great.  His works are unbelievable and how He works in our daily lives is amazing.  Do you praise Him for the things He has done?  Do you meditate on His works?  Have you shared how God is moving in your daily life with your children?  Have you shared the greatest news in the whole world with one of your unsaved hunting buddies?  If not, why not?  Isn't the story of our Savior so much greater than our best hunting stories?

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

The best way to engage in a spiritual conversation with a hunting buddy is to ask a spiritual question and then sit back and let him or her share their thoughts.  People like to speak.  So listen until the time is right to speak back.  Don't worry!  They will give you an opening and if they don't I know that the Holy Spirit will help.  When the opportunity comes, just share what Christ has done in your life.  Be real and don't be afraid to share the "Greatest Story on Earth".