A Daily Study of God's Word for Christian Sportsmen

June 27, 2012

Today's Photograph . . . . Padauk Osage Striker (Jackie M)

Bible Study Verse

Romans 12:2

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -His good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)

Thoughts

Turkey calls are fun to make and bring satisfaction. Making your call adds to your hunt. I make them for fun, for gifts, and for personal use. 

Start with a 4 inch square wood blank. Nip the corners at a 45° angle to save time on the lathe. Various gouges, abrasives, and other tools shape the wood into the desired pot. Check dimensions to ensure the surface will fit. Drill the holes, sand some more, and apply finishes. My maker's mark is applied before the parts are assembled and glued. Tune each call to the particular striker as some work better than others. 

After completion, the surface must be conditioned as well as the end of the striker. When all is finished, I use my creation to call in unsuspecting turkeys to the gun. The finished product becomes a treasure to be proud of. 

(Jack M).

Action Point

Maybe God is tooling, remaking, or finishing you as I did the call mentioned above. Are you going through some pain right now? Maybe it's a loss, physical pain, emotional agony, mental anguish, or even depression. "Why?" is a common question. Asking this question does not indicate one is unspiritual or lacking in faith, but often accompanies one's struggle to understand.

God is shaping us to be like Jesus. He is remaking us, finishing us, and removing our rough edges. His Word tells us that He chastens every one He loves. "Because the Lord disciplines the one he loves," Hebrews 12:6a (NIV). 

If we remain under His discipline and cooperate through the times of pain, hurt, and discipline, we will become more like our Lord. In this world we will then be a better vessel for God to use in His work.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Buy or make quality calls. Think about what you have invested in weapons, clothes, time, travel and everything else to ensure quality hunts. Don't short change yourself by using inferior calls. Get the best you can afford. Most importantly, practice using them till you are consistently proficient.