April 16, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Big Horn Sheep (MQ)

Bible Study Verses

Colossians 3:12-14

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. (NKJV)

Thoughts
I recall a fascinating experience while bow hunting in Minnesota. I was in my deer stand when I heard quite a commotion in the woods. The leaves were rustling, twigs snapping, accompanied by clashing sounds. I came down from my stand and headed toward the commotion. 

Two big whitetail bucks, 14 and 10 points, had locked horns and were struggling to get apart. I tried to get close enough to get a shot, but they suddenly pulled apart and took off in the woods.

Even more fascinating are the bighorn sheep rams that have head-to-head combat. They rear back on their hind legs, then drop to all fours and charge each other at speeds greater than 20 mph. Fortunately, they have double-layered skulls shored with struts of bone for battle protection. They, also, have a massive tendon linking the skull and spine to help the head pivot and recoil from the blows. 

These displays of aggression are typical in the animal kingdom to prove dominance hierarchy. 

(Tom L)

Action Point
God made us in His image and likeness. We don't have to fight for a position in a hierarchy of creation. We have Christ as our role model of love. To be controlling, abusive and dominant in a marriage or in any other relationship, is not what God had in mind for us. "Clothe yourselves" with Christ-like attributes.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Come to the Wind River Range of Wyoming and see the largest herd of Bighorn Sheep in North America.