December 26, 2012 Today's Photograph . . . . What We Do Now Will Affect Us Later (Jack M)

Bible Study Verse John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on them. (NIV) Thoughts There was great anticipation about the upcoming fishing adventure. Everything was carefully planned and they were on the way. On arriving at the border, each person presented his own passport. One passport was presented, but the officials quickly rejected his request to enter their country. He had charges against him on the record from the past. Though these had been dropped many years earlier, his fishing trip ended there with frustration, and a reminder that past actions may incur present consequences. (Jack M) Action Point First, what we do now will affect us later and usually at an important time. Take care of things now, don't let unsettled debts, obligations and issues stand. Clear the records. Second, eternal life comes to mind. Many never plan for eternity. The opinion is that they are qualified for eternal life and for Heaven as they are. What would you say if God said to you, "Why should I let you into my Heaven?" What response would you give? What qualifies you for Heaven and eternal life? Some would say "My church takes care of that. I'm OK because I belong to a church." Others would list good works they have done. Another might say, "My parents were believers, and that makes me a believer." A woman may say, "A good God will never send anyone to Hell." The fact is that our sin counts against us unless it has been forgiven and wiped clean by the work of Jesus Christ on the Cross. He died, was buried, and rose again that we might be forgiven and live forever with God. Eternal life can begin here and continue into the hereafter!!! The only answer that gets one into Heaven is, "I believe in the Son of God, Jesus Christ, and He has forgiven me of all my sin. I am qualified for Heaven because God has declared me without sin based on Jesus' death on the Cross." The Bible says in many places, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." Romans 10:9, "If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved," (NIV). Acts 16:31, "They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved-you and your household," (NIV). Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Before a trip to another country to hunt or fish make sure the paperwork is done ahead of time and that you qualify for entry into that country. It will be much easier to deal with those things ahead of time than when you are trying to cross into that country or pass customs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 25, 2012 Today's Photograph . . . . What Has God Been Directing You To Step Out In Faith and Follow His Lead (MQ)

Merry Christmas !!! Glory to GOD in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men !!! Bible Study Verses Luke 2:8-16 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. (NKJV) Thoughts I'm going to tell this amazing story and take the liberty to place you in it . You'll be a shepherd, walk back to the campfire, and sit on your log again. It's a pretty fire tonight. The other sheep are talking about where to look for that lost wanderer. All of a sudden out of nowhere walks up this huge glowing muscle man as if he was welcome at your fire. He's huge like an alien you hear stories about. You look at the others cause you think you're seeing things and going crazy. The conversation has stopped and everyone is staring at this monster man. A couple of the guys appear ready to bolt as this guy stares. You know your time has come to die as a flick of his finger could crush your skull. You do the only thing you can do and quickly utter a prayer, "GOD Almighty, we need YOUR help now!!!" One of your fleeing coworkers hits the wood pile, falls, and says some words not repeatable. Suddenly the monster begins to speaks, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people," Luke 2:10b (NKJV). Boy are you afraid, still clutching your knife and staff just in case and he wants joy? You stand frozen by fear as the massive man, if you can call him that, continues to speak, "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, Who is CHRIST the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger," Luke 2:11-12 (NKJV). As the bright white emphasizes the word "You" he points. You wince when his eyes and hand stop on you. His hand has got to be as big as an adult sheep. He continues, "Who is CHRIST the Lord," Luke 2:11b (NKJV). The other guys carefully step back to the fire still shaking in fear. You think to yourself, "I know of the CHRIST as I was taught these lessons as a child." Suddenly it dawns on you, "This monster being is an a . . .n . . .g . . .e . . .l!!! Glowing because he must have come from GOD's presence!!!" The mighty angel begins to speak again, "And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe," looking at each of us, "Wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger," Luke 2:12 (NKJV). The angel stops, closes his eyes, and bows his head. Everything is still except the crack of the fire and "hoo, hoo" of a nearby owl. You question yourself why in the world is the CHRIST in a manger? He should be in a palace or in an impressive synagogue. Why is this angel here telling us this message and not to the fancy look-down-on-you Pharisees. The silence segments each thought!!!! Suddenly the valley we were camped in becomes bright as day. It's almost blinding. There are monster dudes, I mean a . . . n . . . g . . . e . . . l . . . s everywhere, on the hills, around the fire, throughout the sheep. Got to be thousands and thousands of them. You wonder where did they all come from? You think to yourself no one is going to believe this!!! You can't see the messaging angel anymore because of the others since your head comes almost to their waists. You weave in and out to see him again and as you do the massive angels ever so gently pat you on the back as they part. Then the message angel opens his eyes, raises his head, and lifts his hands toward the sky. And all at once, all at the same time, these thousands of angels say, "Glory to GOD in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men," Luke 2:14 (NKJV). It is so loud you think your ears will burst. You're amazed and not afraid anymore. The informative messenger looks at all of you again, nods his head, and disappears right before your eyes. In fact, they all do in an instant. Only flickering firelight and silence remain. You find yourself standing back near the fire looking at each other as shock tumbles from everybody's pores!!! Within seconds, you command, "Let's go!!!!" (MQ) Action Point We have seen this event portrayed in kids' plays many times and this amazing event may have lost its impact. Why did GOD choose shepherds? They were the lowlifes of that day. The Talmud rejects shepherds and GOD chose them. The message here is that GOD uses regular guys to accomplish HIS will. Guys whose hearts are addicted to HIM. Not the guys that have it all together or, at least, pretend they do! During your quiet time and personal Bible study, what has God and the Holy Spirit been directing you to step out in faith and follow His Lead to accomplish for Him in 2013? Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Portable golf cart heaters are excellent for tree stand heaters.



December 24, 2012 Today's Photograph . . . . Do Not Let Your Left Hand Know What Your Right Hand Is Doing (MQ)

Bible Study Verses Matthew 6:1-4 "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly." (NKJV) Thoughts The above tree is a mystery steeped in tradition. For the last 20+ years, Christmas decorations appear at the end of November and disappear in January. To celebrate July 4th, patriotic decorations appear and eventually disappear. Only God and maybe a few highway patrols may have witnessed the decorating elves, but no one knows their identities. Phoenix newspapers have featured the tree and no identities!!! The 20 ft tree is near Cordes Junction nestled in the median of Interstate 17 North of Phoenix. The locals love it's welcomed sight and the quiet reminder of what's important at Christmas and at America's Independence Day. The tree has been endowed with its own watering system which may have been why it has miraculously survived several wildfires in its past. Many believe God has protected this tree. It has been nicknamed "the mystery tree." (Jo Q) Action Point Don't you just love the creativity that God blessed some individuals with. The authors of the mystery tree must have a lot of spirit and loads of creativity! They sure do well at keeping secrets too!!! Don't know them, but respect them!!! The above scripture gives us direction on quietly blessing others without tooting our own horns. Deal is if we avoid man's praise, God will honor and bless us openly in His timing and in His ways! Knowing we blessed someone, knowing we were Jesus to another, knowing we denied ourselves, knowing no one else knows, and knowing God approves should be enough. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Portable solar outdoor lights ranging from $5 to $10 can be a ready substitute flashlight in a pinch or around your camp. You just have to remember to put them back so they stay charged and you can find it when you pack up your camp.

December 23, 2012 Today's Photograph . . . . Then, Go Do Them, Completely . . . (Cliff S)

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.

December 22, 2012 Today's Photograph . . . . Just As The Blood Of Jesus Cleanses Us and Allows His Holy Spirit To Refresh Us and To Restore (Raymond R)

Bible Study Verse Acts 3:19-21 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that He may send the Messiah, Who has been appointed for you-even Jesus. Heaven must receive Him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as He promised long ago through His holy prophets. (NIV) Thoughts My Son and I snuck off during Javelina season to try to find him a pig, and in reality, to just get away from the daily grind for an afternoon. Our trip took us about an hour north of Phoenix into the higher desert country. The only problem was that a storm was coming in and it was raining intermittently. We soon found ourselves under a juniper tree watching it rain and trying to stay dry. The rain made things kind of miserable for hunting, but the countryside was absolutely beautiful. It's amazing what rain does to the desert. Everything is cleansed and refreshed and takes on a new look, a look of life, just as the blood of Jesus cleanses us and allows His Holy Spirit to refresh us and to restore our love for Him and our life in Him. (Cliff S) Action Point When you find yourself out of fellowship with God, repent of whatever is standing between you and Him. Allow Him to wash your sins away. Pray as David did in Psalm 51:10, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me," (NIV). Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Rain and wind can lead to hypothermia. The best way to prevent hypothermia is to wear layered clothing made of wool.

December 21, 2012 Today's Photograph . . . . If Our Faith Is Tied Securely To Jesus, It Doesn't Matter That The Winds Blow and They Will (MQ)

Bible Study Verses Hebrews 6:16-20 People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a High Priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. (NIV) Thoughts Years ago (I hate that phrase, it makes it sound like I'm some kind of an old gummer) a friend and I were fishing on a lake here in AZ. We knew where there was an underwater ridge that was a perfect place for dragging plastic worms in front of the hungry fish. The wind was pretty stiff that weekend and we were having trouble staying where we had found a pocket of bass. At the time I was a salesman for a John Deere dealership and had borrowed an 87 pound tractor front end weight for a boat anchor. We dropped it in the water and it held us right where we wanted to be. That evening everybody in camp was complaining that the wind had blown them all over the lake and had made fishing difficult. Not so for us. The boat's anchor rope was tied to that weight and we didn't move at all! That "anchor" held us right where we wanted to be. We had a pretty good day of fishing. (Cliff S) Action Point We all need an anchor in our spiritual life just as we need an anchor in our boat. The anchor holds us safely in position, firm and secure. Jesus is that spiritual anchor. If our faith is tied securely to Jesus, it doesn't matter that the winds blow and they will. When the winds do blow, we will stay right where He wants us to be, right next to Him. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Always have two anchors in your boat, one to lose and one to use!

December 20 2012 Today's Photograph . . . . I'm Proud Of My Uncle Quentin For His Sacrifice, Service For Our Country, and Endurance Of Physical and Emotional Trials (Fred B)

Bible Study Verses Isaiah 50:6-7 I gave My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting. "For the Lord God will help Me; therefore I will not be disgraced; therefore I have set My face like a flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed." (NKJV) Thoughts My Uncle Quentin (3rd from left in the above photo) is a survivor. At age 19, he was mortally wounded in the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery. A young Army surgeon saved his arm, but barely. Did my uncle quit, go on total disability, take pity on himself? No! Instead, he put himself through college and became a USDA District Soil Conservationist in northern WV. At age 29, He came to Christ and His new life began . . . National recognition came soon after, for his Elk River Soil/Water Conservation Project. After 30+ years of helping WV farmers, Uncle Quentin retired. He then helped start a church; nursed his wife, my Aunt Joy, through 5 years of terminal cancer. taught Sunday School at a mountain church, married a widow, and now helps her work a 50 head Angus farm, delivering 20 calves per Spring. He's currently fighting cancer at age 87. He's still a survivor! (Fred B) Action Point The Messianic passage above talks of Jesus being a survivor. You say, "But He died. How was He a survivor?" First, He survived the world's worst beating--flogged, pierced, hair and beard ripped out, crushed under the load of a 100+ pound cross-beam, plus the load of our sins transferred onto Him, as He climbed the hill. Isaiah records Messiah's words, "I have set my face like a flint." Second, He voluntarily laid down His life for us and rose from the dead by His own power. John 10:17,18, "Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father," (NKJV). Third, He is waiting to come back and take over His Earthly kingdom, conquering all other powers. Revelation 19:15, "Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God," (NKJV). Just as I'm proud of my Uncle Quentin for his sacrifice, service to our country, and endurance of physical and emotional trials--so, we can be proud of the greatest survivor in history our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ!!! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Prepare to survive eternally--call upon Jesus to be your Savior, the Sacrifice for your sins. You can't survive without Him. Prepare to survive your hunt, hike, or fishing trip: parachute chord bracelet, first aid kit, fire starter, food, water/water filter, knife and sidearm (where legal), even for a day hike.

December 19, 2012 Today's Photograph . . . . Absolutely Critical To Lock On To The Deer's Trail . . . (Tom B)

Bible Study Verse Joshua 14:9 So on that day Moses swore to me, "The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly." (NIV) Thoughts You're sitting in your deer stand that's located on the edge of a tree line bordering an open field. From your viewpoint you cover the open field and, with an occasional glance you can look down the tree line on either side. You scan the field - nothing. Scan the tree line to your left - nothing. Next the tree line to your right. Something is moving. Carefully and slowly you break out the binoculars for a better look. It's a good sized buck, browsing, occasionally raising his head, ears twitching, looking to see if he can see and hear you. He hasn't made the connection yet. It's not a far shot, maybe about 100 yards, give or take a few yards in either direction. Binoculars are put down, and rifle slowly raised to your shoulder. You can clearly see him in the scope. Slowly you squeeze off a shot. The buck doesn't do anything for a fraction a second, trying to understand what just happened, and then bolts off into the trees. Slowly you carefully climb down from the deer stand, knees a little shaky, breathing a little fast. You're pretty sure you hit him. You start tracking him. You're in focused pursuit, absolutely critical to lock on to the deer's trail. If you lose your focus, you may very well loose the deer's trail and not find it again. You can't let yourself be distracted. If you do loose the deer's trail, you backtrack to the last point you found clear indication of the deer's movements. In a gentle fan, you begin the search the area for the deer's trail. (Tom B) Action Point In the above scripture, Caleb was focused on taking the land from the Canaanites. I really do like Caleb's statement to Joshua . . . "Now then, just as the Lord promised, He has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time He said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said," Joshua 14:10-12 (NIV). What a guy! Eight-five years old, not a "spring chicken" anymore, but more than willing to finish the job that Moses had directed the Israelites to accomplish. He hadn't lost his focus!!! In Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History Francis Schaeffer writes, "It is all too easy to fail to possess the (spiritual assets or) possession God has (intended) because we either draw back out of fear of the troubles...or we become caught up in the affluent society where people sail their little boats upon this plastic culture." Does such an attitude describe you? Have you lost your focus? Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Mark the deer's trail. A marker can help you go back to the last spot you found blood in the event you lose the trail. Toilet paper makes and excellent marker. Orange biodegradable surveyors' tape also works well.

December 18, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Let Us Be Awake and Sober   (Tom B)

Bible Study Verses

I Thessalonians 5:6-11  

So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (NIV)

  

Thoughts

My dog, Maysie, who is a Golden Retriever/Sheltie mix, has a very keen sense of hearing. She can be snoozing, when I notice she will go on alert; her ears snap forward. Sometimes a low, rumbling growl is emitted. I check outside and nothing is going on.

Other times she goes into big time alert-loud, animated barking.

There's a large black cat that calls home at least 100 yards away from where we live. Every so often that cat exits its backyard and walks down the bank to the lake, check things out, and then goes back. There is no way Maysie could hear the cat, but she gets very animated, barking loudly and continually.

We don't need a home security system. We have a four-legged blond hair model that only requires keeping water and food in her bowls, an occasional walk or run, and lots of love.  (Tom B)  

Action Point

Once again we are jolted by the terrible tragedy that occurred in Newtown, Connecticut.

Mark 13:33 warns, "Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come," (NIV). He is referring to the return of Jesus, which may be soon, but I believe he is also cautioning us to be alert to the situations around us, the people around us.

Seek the Holy Spirit's counsel in all things. "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people," Ephesians 6:18 (NIV).

"So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober," I Thessalonians 5:6 (NIV). "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing," I Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV).

Restrictive gun laws and turning schools or other public buildings into fortified compounds isn't going to make everything safe. It's people recognizing who authored the ultimate program for removing the problems of the world, God. Follow His program; love on the people around you as Jesus instructs. Set the example.

Be alert to what is going on around you and what might be subconsciously happening in your own personal life. Help others who need to be blessed by God.

Our heavenly Father didn't send this tragedy down upon those families, but the actions are the result of people that have lost sight of His directives and love for all mankind.

Remember . . . "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you," I Peter 5:7 (NIV).

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

When fishing from a boat, stop the outboard motor at least 50 yards, maybe even 100 yards, before you get to where you want to fish. If the winds are favorable, let the boat drift into position, or sparingly use the trolling motor on low speed, not high speed. Have you ever seen fish scatter when the trolling motor, set on high speed, is flipped on? They're gone!!!

 

December 17, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Are You Just Beginning To Burn, Burning Brightly, or Maybe Slowly Burning Out  (Cliff S)

Bible Study Verse

Leviticus 6:12  

The fire on the altar must be kept burning and never allowed to go out. Every morning the priest shall put firewood on it, arrange the burnt offering on it, and burn the fat of the fellowship offering. (Good News Translation)

Thoughts

The campfire at the end of the day . . . the shadows of night lengthen and the light of day fades away. A campfire keeps the adventures of the day past fresh and bright in our talk and minds.

Add a log, a smaller stick. Carefully rearrange already glowing wood.

As the fire consumes the fuel, the campfire slowly burns out until the darkness of the enveloping night overtakes the faintly glowing embers.

(Tom B)

Action Point
With the right wood and stirring the blaze occasionally, the campfire continues to glow brightly, sometimes more brightly than other times. However, because of the absence of care, the flames flicker, lose their brightness, and if left alone without regular attention, will soon burn out.

Life is like a campfire. Our Christian life can be like a campfire. Where are you in your life, your Christian campfire? Are you just beginning to burn, burning brightly, or maybe slowly burning out?

"The fire on the altar must be kept burning," it must not go out . . . add firewood and keep the campfire burning.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Secret to a good fire . . . tinder, kindling, and fuel. Your fire starts from tinder. Without tinder, no fire. Tinder is described as about as big around as a needle or a string. Tinder can be any dry, easily lit, shredded material. Some good examples include cedar bark, grass, pine needles, wood shavings, clothes dryer lint, or wax. You can always create wood shaving tinder from inside a split log if all the grass and bark is damp.  

December 16, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Are You A Camouflaged Christian . . . .   (Tom B)

Bible Study Verse

Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. will Strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (NIV)

Thoughts

Remember when monofilament was the basic line used on fishing reels? It came and still comes in all kinds of different line tests and colors. Every manufacturer touted the color made it harder for the fish to see the line.

Let's go back a little further in time. Do you remember a braided nylon line? It was "camouflaged" - a different color on the line about every foot. The multicolored line was a big seller in tackle stores.

Now we have better grades of monofilament, copolymer braided lines, and fluorocarbon lines. The selling points are still great strength and colors, or lack of colors, that make the line hard to see in the water. Other benefits are no stretch, line sinks to the bottom, and smaller line diameters.

(Tom B)

Action Point
What's the strength in your life? What do you rely on for strength-your job, money, maybe even your fishing skills?

Do you have a breaking point? Have you been to a point when you couldn't handle any more stress? Maybe you are there now . . . .

Are you a camouflaged Christian? People around you wouldn't know you are follower of Christ because you really don't demonstrate your source of strength in your talk and  in your actions.

God is the source of our strength.

 "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;    they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint," Isaiah 40:31 (NIV).

Soar like an eagle. Let people know the source of your strength!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
A 12 lb. test copolymer braided line has a much smaller diameter than a 12 lb. test monofilament line. In one way that's good because it allows more line on the spool of the reel; however in another way the smaller diameter line on a level wind reel can create some horrendous backlashes if you are not careful. Solve the problem by using a 20 lb. test line. You receive even better line strength, but the bigger diameter line casts much easier.

December 15, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . May Today Be Brighter For Someone In This World Today Because You Chose (MQ)

Bible Study Verse

John 10:10

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.  (NKJV)

Thoughts

Our hearts are heavy with the loss of innocent lives of all those precious children. What each parent, brother, sister, grandparent, aunt, uncle, and the list continues . . . 

Living in this broken world doesn't excuse this, but can shed some light on evil and tragedy. As the above scripture reminds us Satan, our enemy, is always seeking and manipulating to steal, to kill, and to destroy. Sadly he celebrated this lose as does his followers. we forget he is alive and masterminding the mess.

Ephesians 6:10-12 reminds us, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 

The path to surviving  is from the author, Jesus Christ, Himself. He will restore, He will heal, He will bring the abundance in living if we seek and ask Him to help us. Each of us must ask.

One joy we can already praise Him for - these innocents are in Heaven. They are not lost to their families. To be reunited each surviving family member must reserve their place in eternity with starting and maintaining a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 

(Jo Q)

Action Point

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect," I Peter 3:15 (NIV). 

To point and bring America back to God, we have to share the answers. Each of us need to be ready and willing to encourage, to  love, and to  help others with the struggle of this tragedy or another tragedy when it comes. 

May today be brighter for someone in this world today because you chose to love them to Christ.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective," James 5:16 (NIV)

Believers, remember Prayer Changes Everything!!! We need to cover these families with prayer in this school shooting. Healing will come in the most unexpected ways. God has a plan we just can't see it right now.

Please join us in prayer. God bless each of you!!!

December 14, 2012 Today's Photograph . . . . Hang On My Friend, Hang On . . . (MQ)

Bible Study Verses Psalms 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. (NIV) Thoughts This verse caught my attention as soon as I saw it. You see here in the Midwest we have had the most severe drought we have had in many years. I did not have to cut the grass at all this summer because it did not grow and was burnt by the beginning of July. Yesterday, God opened his skies and the rain came down in proverbial buckets. My pond had dropped 6 feet during this drought period and yesterday it was awesome to see the heavens open up and the pond begin to fill once again. God saw that it was time and instantly the environment as well as I rejoiced! We proclaimed the work of his hands! (Jim C) Action Point Sometimes we look at a low point in our life and get not only discouraged, but depressed. Nothing seems to be going our way, or even worse, nothing seems to be happening at all. Try looking at this time as a period of transition that you are going through and pray for God to change it. During these times, it has amazed me that when I turn over this "bad' time to God that He opens my eyes and says, "See now you are ready for this." Give it over to God, let Him drive and see how the road in front of you opens to a clear view. Hang on my friend, hang on!!! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day During periods of low water, take pictures or commit to memory what your fishing area looks like when the water drops. Over time, you will see objects you have not seen before, new vegetation may grow in those areas as well. When the water rises again, those areas you found could be hot spots. Remember that fish will always flock to newly flooded vegetation.



December 13, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . We Need To Just Be Quiet For A Time   (Janet B)

Bible Study Verses

Deuteronomy 6:12-13  

Be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. Fear the Lord your God, serve Him only and take your oaths in His name.(NIV)

Thoughts

When I hear and see these lines I am always reminded of one of my favorite movies, the Ten Commandments with Charlton Heston.  A great movie that is timeless for sure.  

When God said these words, He was not kidding.  He is God!  

How many times, however, do we put other gods before HIM?  Think about it.  I know I myself am guilty of this sin.  

Be careful to not get caught up in your world as it is not your world, but one that God has blessed you to be in.

(Jim C)

Action Point

I know there are times when I have to step back from all that is going on in my life and think to myself, "What's on going on here? Where are my priorities? Do I feel anxious, rushed and even worn out? Is it because I'm trying to do too many things and not sit back and listen to what God wants me to do. 

To hear the voice of God, the reason in this world, we need to just be quiet for a time. Sit relax and listen to the small voice from our big GOD!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Late season fishing can be very exciting. As the water cools down, game fish start feeding up and "shad" looking lures such as crank baits and small spinner baits can be awesome.  

December 12, 2012 Today's Photograph . . . . That The Man Of God May Be Complete, Thoroughly Equipped For Every Good Work  (Byron S)

Bible Study Verses

II Timothy  3:16-17 

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NKJV)

Thoughts

This past winter I was hiking with my son up a very steep mountain. The steeper it got the more loose rock there was and I began to be concerned about the trip down. 

When we got to a level spot, my son went over to a yucca plant, cut the dried flower stalk from it, handed it to me, and said "Use this for a staff to help you on your way down." The staff worked well. 

My granddaughter wanted one. So later I went out and cut several. I worked on these through the summer, carving copies of petroglyphs and wild game on each staff. Then I polished and coated each one with varnish. 

I gave these staff's to my grandkids at Thanksgiving and we all took a nice walk after dinner. The girls each used theirs for a walking aid while my grand nephew used his to do battle. He is all boy!!! 

(Byron S)

Action Point
God's Holy Word provides us with a "staff", something we can lean on and depend on to hold us up during the tough times. Yes, we can even use it in battle when we are attacked, calling on the name of our Savior Jesus to fight the battle for us!!! 

If we want to be righteous, we must walk with the Master every day, letting Him instruct us as we walk through our days here on Earth. 

Try reading His Word every single day when you are having that first cup of coffee in the morning, give Him just fifteen minutes out of your busy schedule, and then chew on His Word throughout the rest of your day. You will be surprised how that fifteen minutes a day can give you something to lean on and do battle with as your day progresses.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
As we age we are not quite as nimble as we once were. A staff or a walking stick can be a great aid in steep terrain. Light weight collapsible models are available at most sporting good outlets, or you can do as I did and have fun making your own. With a little extra work, these staffs can double as a great shooting stick as well.

December 11, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Take Time To Love On Someone Using Jesus Christ's Examples Of Love To Others (Tom B)

Bible Study Verse  

John 10:28

And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. (NKJV)

  

Thoughts

When I was growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio there was an old man who lived up the street from where I lived. I was probably not older than 9-10 at the time. He was probably in his 70s.

He used to sit in his side yard, in front of his garage when the weather was nice. My Mom, Dad and I would pass by him while we walked to the bus stop or on other errands. He and we always exchanged hellos. We didn't have a car and neither did he. When I was out riding my bike, I would often pass by him.

Sometimes I would be carrying my fishing tackle, heading out or coming back from my favorite fishing hole, "Dream Valley Lake."  The lake was a small pay fishing lake where you paid a dollar and could fish for 12 hours for channel catfish. In the winter months, the lake was stalked with rainbow trout. Today it is still a popular place to fish. The lake is located in a secluded valley about 2-3 miles from my home. To me fishing there was like entering the pearly gates of Heaven.

One time when I was not on one my fishing trips, the old man (I never did know his name) asked me to come into his garage with him. He wanted to show me something. From one of the dusty, cobwebbed shelves he pulled down a wooden box complete with gold hinges and hasp. Inside the box was a built in tray that could be lifted out. The tray had small divisions, lined with felt. It was his fishing tackle box that he made.

Inside the box were fishing hooks, fishing weights, some line, rusty pliers, and other assorted items of terminal fishing tackle. The biggest find in the box, under the tray, was his original Pflueger casting reel, complete with braided line (original braided line - not the kind that anglers think of now). He was giving me all of his remaining fishing tackle.

Being as young as I was, I accepted his gift, but didn't think much of it because it wasn't nice and shiny like my tackle. My Mom and Dad thought the gift was really special. I wish I had kept the tackle, especially the reel. It would probably be worth a great deal of money now.  

(Tom B)

Action Point

At first glance some people might say that I going into the garage with the old man was not something I should have done. People and times were different then. There were no devious intents on his part. He just wanted to give me something that he couldn't use anymore, something that probably meant a lot to him!

God wants to give us His gifts:

"Even to them I will give in My house and within My walls a place and a name better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off," Isaiah  56:5 (NKJV).

"Then I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the Lord; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart," Jeremiah 24:7 (NKJV).

"Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh," Ezekial 11:19 (NKJV).

And best of all, "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand," John 10:28 (NKJV).  All we have to say is, Thank You Lord. I accept!!!

The greatest Christmas gift we can give, for our self and others, is to help someone find the everlasting gift of salvation. Take time to love on someone using Jesus Christ's examples of love to others.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Share some of your bounty from hunting and fishing trips this past year with some of your neighbors and friends. I know I will never turn down deer sausage or fish fillets. It makes a great way to share the story of how you caught or harvested the fish or wild game. Who knows, maybe you can share the Salvation story with them. At the very least you are sharing God's love to them.  

December 10, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Strive For Full Restoration, Encourage One Another, Be Of One Mind, Live In Peace   (Tom B)

Bible Study Verse

Isaiah 11:6 

The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little Child will lead them. (NIV)

Thoughts

When I first started learning how to fish for largemouth bass, I was always checking out the latest TV show on bass fishing and always getting my hands on all the magazines I could find devoted to bass fishing. I still keep my subscription current to Bassmaster Magazine. If there was a bass fishing seminar coming to town, and no conflict on dates, I would be sending in my registration and payment.

Later, as my journalistic career began to blossom, the Lord blessed me with being able to fish alongside with some of the top names in bass fishing. Bass fishing and I were becoming one.

I specifically remember one time at the Bassmaster Classic in Richmond, Virginia. I was a press observer with Rick Clunn, fishing the James River.  On practice days, the observer is allowed to fish. During the tournament, the observer did not fish. This was a practice day and Clunn was looking for bass and  casting a crankbait up into the cypress roots of the big cypress trees that lined the river. 

Mind you, he never once snagged a root; I did. Without trying to disturb his rhythm, I had the choice to either cut the lure off, or give it a good hard jerk and maybe it would come free. I chose the hard jerk, and it did come loose, flying across the water striking Clunn on his back.

The picture flashed through mind . . . Clunn with my imbedded lure in his back. Was he hurt, would he have to go back to the launch site and miss a day of practice, would he become justifiably angry, or would I have to walk back up the river to the launch ramp? I could just see me being really united in bass fishing with a fishing legend, only the wrong way!!!

Thank the Lord he wasn't hooked by one of the treble hooks dangling from the lure. Actually, he never missed a cast/retrieve beat, never said a thing. Just kept fishing like nothing happened. However, I retrieved the errant lure, put the rod down, and spent the rest of the day observing him work his magic.

(Tom B)

Action Point
So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others," Romans 12:5 (NIV). But, not like Clunn and I, almost becoming connected.

"Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: 'All nations will be blessed through you.' " Galatians 3:28 (NIV).

"I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought," I Corinthians 1:10 (NIV).

Wouldn't it be great if everyone could shed their differences and be one in Christ. Isaiah 11:6 promises that will happen one day, "The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little Child will lead them," (NIV).

This Christmas,  "Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you." II Corinthians 13:11 (NIV).

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
In the part of the country where I live, December can have some pretty nice weather. While the kids are on Christmas break, and many adults have time off at work, grab the fishing tackle and head out to the lake, river, or beach and enjoy being together, and possibly catching some great fish . . . Merry Christmas!