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!!!