November 30, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . He Cannot Be Bribed, Tricked, or Manipulated   (Jack M)

Bible Study Verses  

Luke 15:28-31

But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, 'Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!'  And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. (ESV)

Thoughts

Have you ever treated God like a vending machine? Or maybe like Santa Clause? Have you tried to manipulate Him or obligate Him to do what you want Him to do? Have you ever thought, "If I do this, then God will have to do this in return?" I know that I have been guilty of that very thing.

(Jack M)

Action Point

We need to understand that God owes no one anything. All that He gives is because of His goodness, grace, mercy and love. He cannot be bribed. He cannot be tricked. He cannot be manipulated.

The elder brother in the passage above (Read Luke 15:1-31) was angry because his father was generous and forgiving. He did not like it that his younger, lost brother had been reinstated to full status as a son and as an heir. This certainly cut into his own inheritance.

What amazes us is that the father comes out to seek them both! When he speaks with the older brother, the younger is already present at the feast. The lost younger brother has now been found and is saved. The older, manipulative brother was still standing outside the banquet hall.

Have you accepted God's offer of salvation in Christ, or are you still standing on the outside?

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Make a list. Check it twice. When heading out for a trip in the outdoors, especially to a remote area, make a list of all you will need ahead of time. Check off what you will need as you pack it. Chances are the wilderness areas will not have a store, a vending machine, or a retail outlet so you can purchase what you need in an emergency situation. 

November 29, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . The Great Thing For All Outdoorsmen Is That NOW Is Harvest Time For Us (Jack M)

Bible Study Verse

John 4:35  

Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, then comes the harvest'? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. (ESV)

Thoughts

Ask a farmer or a rancher what time of the year is her/his favorite, and she/he will probably respond, "Harvest time."

The great thing for all outdoorsmen is that NOW is Harvest Time for us. God has invited, involved, and commissioned us to be workers in His Harvest Time.

A buddy that won't listen to your story (testimony), won't go to church with you, won't read a tract or participate in a small group will react differently when you invite them outdoors. In fact many of them will be waiting at the truck, the field, or the boat when you invite them to hunt or fish with you. So use that time to develop meaningful relationships that will empower and enable a witness in the future if not at the present time. 

(Jack M)   

Action Point

The outdoors is wide open for evangelism. God is at work at the grass roots level in His plan of offering eternal life for all who will receive it through faith in Christ.

Hunt with a purpose!!!  Bring someone who needs the Lord when you go hunting. Invite them along intentionally to join in the outdoor fun. Ask God then to make them interested in spiritual things, to make them aware of their sin, to make them understand the offer of forgiveness in Christ, and then to have an urgency about getting right with God by receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

  

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Bring along a copy of a recent Sportsmen's Devotional when you get ready to hunt or fish. If you are the host, you just have to say that you want God to give you a great day in the outdoors and you want to remember Him first. Read the Scripture and the devotion, have a brief prayer of safety and success, and look to see what the Lord will do. 

November 28, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Until Then, We Must Anticipate Them   (Raymond R)

Bible Study Verses

Acts 27:18-20

We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. On the third day, they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands. When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved. (NIV)

Action Point
It was early December and the late cow elk season was just getting underway. Hundreds of hunters spread out over northern Arizona. The lower elevations of the northern country drop as low as five thousand feet where the mountainous range can reach elevations of twelve thousand feet. A well forecasted snow storm was headed for the area. 

Most of the hunters took the necessary precautions, warm clothes, heating supplies, and plenty of food. However, some either did not know of the impending storm or were under prepared for its arrival. Soon the winds increased to seventy-eight miles per hour and roughly twenty inches of snow dropped in a short period of time. In the end some thirty hunters had been rescued and two bodies were found in the largest search and rescue mission in Arizona's history. 

(Brett M) 

Thoughts 

Paul was being sent to Rome to appeal his case to Caesar. Ships generally did not travel in the winter months because of storms and changing wind directions. However the decision was made to make the trip, now in October. In an attempt to set port in Phoenix which was a mere 38 miles from their current location, they were stuck by a severe storm which pushed them some 600 miles off course where they shipwrecked at the island of Malta.

  

Storms are a part of life. We have plans to do certain things and storms interrupt those plans. We have plans to do certain things for the Kingdom of God and storms interrupt those plans and drive us off course. However the storms take us off course from the plans we had, not the plans God has. He knew about the storms coming, they did not take Him off course, only us. 

We should embrace these storms realizing that God is in control, not us. That He has a plan for our lives and that plan will contain many, many storms. Our only safe harbor from those storms will ultimately be in Heaven. Until then, we must anticipate them, plan accordingly as best we can, pray for endurance, and ultimately accept God's plan for our lives and be thankful.  

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Specialty tools for hunting can get expensive. Try using a drywall saw available at any hardware store, as a bone saw. You can find one with a very sturdy handle for half to one third the cost of a bone saw. 

November 27, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Do Not Miss Those Opportunities That God Places In Front Of You   (MQ)

Bible Study Verse

James 4:14

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. (NIV)

Thoughts

In Arizona children are allowed to hunt as juniors until they turn eighteen years old.  This schedules them to hunt at a different time, usually earlier than the general hunt that most others hunt. 

It was opening morning of her final juniors cow elk hunt. She was seventeen and would be going off to college soon, this may be one of our last elk hunts together for a while. These were the thoughts drifting through my mind, as we sat back-to-back, her facing south and me facing north, leaning against each other for support. These thoughts were interrupted by her tugging at me saying that she heard something to the west. 

We both began glassing the stands of young oaks, looking for any sign of an elk moving though the fallen autumn leaves. Time must have gotten away from us as we glassed the area nonstop for at least five minutes. Then like an alarm clock blaring us awake early in the morning, a young cow elk barked loudly at us. 

As we both turned slowly, we saw standing thirty yards directly south of us, a cow elk. She stared back as us, each of us in amazement that we were so close and none of us sure what to do. Finally, she turned away from us showing her butterscotch colored rump and walked away, slowly blending into the oaks never turning enough to offer a shot. 

(Brett M)

Action Point

Life is short. The opportunities that we have in this life are even shorter. Sometimes looking away for just five minutes can cause us to miss an opportunity. Sometimes we miss the opportunity because we think we will always have more time, there is always tomorrow. Sometimes we miss the opportunity because we are afraid. Afraid of what others might think of us, afraid of being rejected or hurt. Sometimes we miss the opportunity because we are simply selfish, wanting to live for ourselves rather than living for God. 

James understood that we are but "A mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes," James 4:14c (NIV). Do not miss those opportunities that God places in front of you. You are but a mist that may never again have the opportunity to change a life.

 

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Elk and deer love to eat acorns. However, oak trees do not produce acorns every year. Hunting areas that produced acorns, drawing elk and deer last year, may not produce acorns this year. Make sure that you scout ahead in your hunting area to find which oaks are producing this year.  

November 26, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Hunting Can Be Very Humbling   (MQ)

Bible Study Verses

Acts 15:36-38

Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. (NIV)

Thoughts

This fall I accomplished a personal hunting goal, a goal that has taken me a long time to complete. A few weeks back I killed my first black bear and completed the Arizona Big Ten.

The Big Ten is a list of ten big game animals that are found in Arizona. Actually, there are thirteen now, but the original Big Ten is still recognized. When a hunter takes one of each of the ten species in Arizona (out-of-state kills don't count), he has completed his Big Ten. 

The ten species are:  Mule Deer, Coues Whitetail Deer, Elk, Antelope, Buffalo, Merriam's Turkey, Desert Bighorn Sheep, Black Bear, Mountain Lion, and Javelina. 

I came home with one empty tag (like, my unfilled archery deer tag two weeks later) to remember that I still have lots to learn about big game and hunting. Empty tags are very humbling and I have a significant collection of them to remind me to keep my head on straight!  

Now, lest you worry about me getting a little big headed here, understand, it has taken me forty-eight years to accomplish this goal. It didn't happen overnight and I was very lucky to draw some hard-to-get tags and I had a lot of help with most of the hunts. 

Speaking of bears, I saw my first bear in 1977 and just killed one this year. I did miss a nice cinnamon bear twelve years ago that I should have killed. It wasn't one of my better shots. 

I do have a couple of thoughts I want to share here. First, it is easy to get a little prideful about all of this. But, all it takes is to come home with one empty tag (like, my unfilled archery deer tag two weeks later) to remember that I still have lots to learn about big game and hunting.  Empty tags are very humbling and I have a significant collection of them to remind me to keep my head on straight!  Second, the fact that I missed that first bear I shot at wasn't the end of the story.  It took twelve years,  but I finally put my tag on a bear!    (Cliff S)

(Cliff S)

Action Point

Our spiritual walk is like these stories. First, I've been a Christian for more than fifty years, but still have lots to learn about God, Jesus, the Bible, and living the Christian life. I've listened to stories about Jesus since I was old enough to walk. I've read through the Bible numerous times and have done many book studies over the years. Believe it or not, I even sang in the church choir in my younger days, but you have to promise not to tell anybody about that! 

Even now, it still always amazes me how God reveals truths when He knows I'm ready to hear them, and not a second sooner. Second, I do fail (that's a politically correct word for sin) just like every man that walks this Earth. 

But, failure isn't fatal, it's not the end of the story. You see, God has forgiven me for my past, present, and future sins because I have accepted Jesus as my Savior. I am washed by Jesus' blood and am just as secure in my promise of eternity with God as those that are in His presence right now! Not because of anything I have done, mind you, but because of what God has done. No pride here, I am a sinner saved by grace! Are you?

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Hunting can be very humbling. About the time you think you know it all an animal makes you look silly! None of us know everything there is to know about the animals and pursuing them. I've found that I can learn something from every hunter I meet, even if what I learn is something not to do!

November 25, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Don't Lose Your Focus On The Target   (Tom B)

Bible Study Verses

Matthew 3:1-3

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven has come near." This is He who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:  "A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.'" (NIV)

Thoughts

At the 2004 Athens Olympics U.S. shooter, Matt Emmons fired at the wrong target with his final shot. It cost him a commanding lead in the Olympic 50-meter three-position rifle final and ruined his chance for a second gold medal.

Leading by three points and needing only to get near the bull's-eye to win, Emmons fired at the target in lane three while shooting in lane two. When no score appeared, he gestured to officials that he thought there was some sort of error with his target.

He was wrong. Officials huddled before announcing that Emmons had cross-fired - an extremely rare mistake in elite competition - and awarded him a score of zero. That dropped Emmons to eighth place.

(Tom B)

Action Point

What target are you shooting at? Be like John the Baptist by helping prepare your friends and neighbors to have a relationship with Jesus Christ:  

•  Begin by putting together a "Ten Most Wanted List."
•  Build relationships with them.
•  Invite them to church, to fish, or to hunt with you.
•  Share the Gospel message with them.

Don't be like Matt Emmons, letting your gaze drift away from the target. "Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him." Don't lose your focus on the target.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
When shooting a new gun for the first time, start with sighting in at 25 yards just to get on paper. Once on paper and reasonably centered, move out to 100 yards. When you shoot at 100 for the first time, try putting up some brown wrapping paper behind the target. If you miss, this way you can see where you are hitting.  

 

November 24, 2012 Today's Photograph . . . . Will I Sink Before I Get There (Tom B)

Bible Study Verse Isaiah 55:6 Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. (NIV) Thoughts Have you ever had a boat that sprang a leak? I had a guide friend that liked to fish offshore. He originally spent most of his time fishing the Galveston Bay system, but several years ago we had a hard freeze along the Gulf Coast that caused a massive fish die off of speckled trout. Many of the guides who made their living taking clients fishing for trout, had to go to Plan B-fishing offshore for the types of fish found there. My friend bought a used offshore boat so he could join the crowd. Unfortunately he discovered on one of his trips he was taking on water. His bilge pumps weren't putting out the water as fast as it was coming in. He barely made it back to the marina with a boat full of seawater. He was lucky; he, his boat and his clients survived. (Tom B) Action Point In the story above, my guide friend's boat was taking on water, not emptying it fast enough, and slowly sinking. But let's reverse the situation. Maybe in your life you have everything you need; life is good, right? But slowly you notice that output is slowly starting to exceed input, and no matter what you do the leak keeps going on. Scary feeling, isn't it????? The reverse analogy could be anything in our lives. Maybe it's a job that no longer meets the increasing needs of you or your family. Maybe it's a marriage or family relationship that was once was full, but now is slowly breaking up. No matter how hard you work, no matter what you work at changing in your life, you're still sinking. What do you? You run for the safety of the boat dock or marina. How far away is the dock or marina? Will I sink before I get there? The safety of the harbor is right next to us. "Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near," Isaiah 55:6. The Lord is always near, ready to give answers, or just carry on a conversation with us. "Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and He will have mercy on them, and to our God, for He will freely pardon," Isaiah 55:7 (NIV). Our God has promised to be there for us, even though sometimes we aggravate Him with what we do, how we act, our thoughts. ""As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts," Isaiah 55:9 (NIV). Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Small aluminum boats are great for meandering around quiet coves, backwater bays, seeking out willing fish, but many of the ones I have owned or fished out of developed leaks. The problem is finding where the leak is. A quick and easy way to find the leak is to get the boat out of water, put it on a boat trailer. A couple of saw horses will do, and fill it with water. Get under it and wait for the water to start dripping out. You will have found your leak.

November 23, 2012 Today's Photograph . . . . A Biblical Tirade Is Not Going To Save Them (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Ecclesiastes 10:12 Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips. (NIV) Thoughts How simple this phrase, but how true the words are. As outdoorsmen and women we see Gods majesty every time we are in the outdoors. We are humbled by every single sunrise and every glorious sunset. Flipping though the "TV" channels the other day I heard a so called "comedian" say he does not believe in the "magical man in the sky." I was insulted by this, but yet felt sorry for his egotistical views that his talents are his and his alone. As we who believe know, the evidence is there to find and to have faith in the rest is to be in the glory of God. (Jim C) Action Point If a nonbeliever ever questions you, a Biblical tirade is probably not going to save them. I have prayed about how to interact with people as there are times that I am intimidated by an opening to spread the good news. The best way for me, is just to tell of my life experience, God will take care of the rest, as he always does. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day There are essentials that should be in every backpack when hunting for the day. Flashlight or head lamp, snacks, pocket knife, and don't forget the toilet paper. All these can come in handy when out in the woods!

November 22, 2012  

Today's Photograph . . . . Enjoy This Day While Reflecting Upon God's Specific Blessings (MK, FCS)

Happy   Thanksgiving   Day   2012

Bible Study Verses

Psalm 100

Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the Lord Himself is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving

And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations.  (NASB)

Thoughts

The Thanksgiving Day holiday is a uniquely American Holiday! President George Washington, on Oct 3, 1789, signed a decree for a "General Thanksgiving" that in part stated that the day was  "to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God."

The theme of Thanksgiving is an attitude to be shared by all, all the time!!!

(Jack M)

Action Point

Please enjoy this day while reflecting upon God's specific blessings upon you, your family, and your loved ones.

Enjoy the food, the love, the warmth of relationships as a celebration of God's goodness!  

Share the day with those in need.  Invite them to your table.  Take them a meal, or the provisions for a meal. 

In sharing with others, you will find even greater fulfillment and joy as you imitate the Greatest Giver of all, our God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Remember to share your wild game with those in need. There are many programs at the state and local levels that welcome the donation of game taken in fair chase as sources of protein for the needy.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 21, 2012 Today's Photograph . . . . Going Home . . . (Fred B)

Bible Study Verses Luke 12:17-20 "When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against Heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.' So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. (NIV) Thoughts Repentance is a 180 degree turn, as when I turned the deer's horns around. If we are going the wrong way, we need to turn around. Humble, sorrowful words like the prodigal's, "Father, I have sinned against Heaven and against you," show that our heart has turned. That's what God is looking for. But, then his steps also turned, back to the father's house. Like the prodigal's father, our Heavenly Father says, " "But the Father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate," Luke 15:22-24 (NIV). Action Point If you are the one headed the wrong way, the Lord says, "Return unto me." (over 50x's in the major and minor prophets). If you see someone headed the wrong way, Proverbs 27:6 reminds us, "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses," (NIV). If you have a loved one who is "in a far country," be like the prodigal's Father. He was intently watching for and longing to see him, maybe even from a hilltop. Perhaps that's how he saw him when he was still a long way off. Sportsmen's Tip Of The Day Hunting into the wind is wisest for most big game. However, scent-washing yourself and your hunting clothes, as well as wearing cover scents that match the area (don't wear pine scent, where no pine grows) , will help you when the wind does a 180 on you. For deer, light doe urine is always a good "cologne".



November 20, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Headed The Wrong Way   (Fred B)

Bible Study Verses

Luke 15:12-16

The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.  "Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. (NIV)

Thoughts

What's wrong with the above picture? Walking into a DC area mall last December, I stopped in my tracks! The beautiful, snowy forest scene was laughable to a hunter like me! 

Those poor whitetails had been assembled with the horns headed in the wrong way! Obviously, some city-person had messed up. I told my wife, "Those poor deer are so embarrassed about their horns. So, I'll help them out, by fixing their horns." Which I did!  

(Continued tomorrow . . .)

(Fred   B)

Action Point

The prodigal son was headed the wrong way. He had left his left his God, Dad, and family and went to a sinful place. His God, his Dad, and his family were heart-broken over his desertion. 

But, I, also, note that Luke records in verse 16, "...but no one gave him anything." Is that phrase in there for us? Have we seen someone beginning to turn? Did we see them heading in the wrong direction, but said nothing to them? Did we try to do something to turn them around? 

If your answer is, "No," then we contributed to his or her problem and not to their restoration. 

As a young hunter, I was tracking a deer, when an older hunter asked what I was doing. I replied, "Tracking this deer." He gently said, "Not unless you're trying to find out where he was born." Help someone go in the right direction today.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Drag marks (scuffed up leaves or dirt) are always on the front side of the track. Go that way!! The animal is up there somewhere!!!

November 19, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Then How Much More Should We Take Care Of The Environment That We Hunt and Fish In   (MQ)

Bible Study Verse

Geneses 1:20

Then God said, "Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens." (NKJV)

Thoughts 

I really don't think it could get any better than this! Sitting out on the lake in my float tube with trout frantically feeding all around me!! 

This was something I had heard about from others, but had never experienced until we packed into the Wind River mountains out of DuBois, Wyoming to some high untouched mountain lakes.

We were literally catching a nice fat brook trout with every cast of our fly and I had to be coaxed into shore by my buddies when it was just getting too dark to see anymore. 

The best part was, we got to repeat this scenario every evening for 3 days!!! Now I can't wait to go back again next year!!!! 

(Byron S)

Action Point

When you read the creation account in Genesis, read the words carefully: 

• First, notice that God effortlessly brought about the creation, He spoke it into existence.
• Second, notice that each time God saw that it was good. 
• Third, those good things are created for our use, both mankind and the animals. 

In verse 28 God give mankind dominion over the good things he has created. All that He created was for His pleasure and Glory, and for the use of man and animal.

Dominion means we rule over His creation, He entrusted it to us for our use. If we take good care of our hunting and fishing equipment, then how much more should we take care of the environment that we hunt and fish in? 

Leave no mark on the land when you are out. Let the next person who follows in your footsteps, think he is the first to tread there. It takes less effort to carry out our trash than it did to carry it in.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Carry a couple of heavy duty lawn and leaf bags in your pack, they have multiple uses other than for trash. You can make an emergency poncho or shelter if needed, they can also double as a ground cloth to keep you dry and they can keep your gear dry as well.

November 18, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Each Spiritual Gift Is Absolutely Necessary To Build Up and Strengthen The Church   (Cliff S)

Bible Study Verses

I Corinthians 12:22-27

On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. (NIV)

Thoughts

We were fortunate again to be drawn in an antelope area for muzzle-loading and pistol. After shooting a nice buck antelope last year with my muzzle loader, I decided to hunt with my 44 mag with a 2X pistol scope. 

Both of my hunting partners shot nice bucks with the TC Encore 308 at over 250 yards. We ranged an antelope at 180 yards, a good distance for the 44 mag. 

I was fortunate to hit the antelope on the first shot. Because it wasn't a killing shot, I tried to shoot it again. In the process I tried to steady the barrel too far forward and the gases took off the tip of my thumb. A broken thumb nail and seven stitches later, the doctor put the tip back together.

(Tom L)

Action Point

My hunting accident illustrated a good point. With the tip of my thumb out of commission, the menial tasks of buttoning my shirt and pants were very difficult. 

 

In our scripture verse, Paul uses the human body as a metaphor. Just as all of our body parts are necessary and have a function, the church needs all of it members. Each spiritual gift is absolutely necessary to build up and strengthen the church. 

 

If you are not sure of what are your spiritual gifts, talk to your pastor about a class called Network. It is a great study and offers an assessment of your spiritual gifts. Most importantly, when you find out how you're gifted, use the gifts to serve God.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

The chamber pressure of some pistols can generate over 30,000 psi. The gases that come out between the barrel and cylinder on a revolver can do extensive damage. 

November 17, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Let's Give Those Trials To Him and He Will Give Us Peace   (Tom L)

Bible Study Verse

James 1:2-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV)

Thoughts
During the later part of the summer, the surface temperature in the mountain lakes of the Wind River Range reaches the low to mid 60s. Fly fishing depths of 10-14 feet require a full sink line to reach those depths. 

A friend of mine that I was fishing with had difficulty reaching those depths with sink tip line. My friend ordered some type III full sink line and was anxious to try out his new line. 

My friend filled his float tube with a compressor, place it in the back of the truck, and drove to a higher elevation lake. We paddled across the lake close to the inlet. 

My friend was very happy with the line after catching a couple nice Yellowstone Cutthroats. 

All of a sudden I heard what sounded like a shotgun blast. I turned around to see my friend swimming to shore. His tube exploded!!! He didn't lose any fly fishing equipment, but was a little cold, confused, and shook up.

Overfilling with a compressor, sunlight heating up the tube, and the change in elevation all contributed to the high pressure. 

(Tom L)

Action Point
As we know, life is full of trials. The questions are: 

How do we handle them? 

Do we allow God to work in us to develop character traits of endurance and patience? 

One thing we do know is that God is in control of everything in our lives. Let's give those trials to Him and He will give us Peace.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
To be sure you won't overfill your float tube, wait until you get to your destination. Use a hand pump or a 12V pump and top it off by using your mouth.

November 16, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . .  With Trust In the Lord   (MQ)

Bible Study Verse

Psalm 50:1

The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets.  (NIV)

 

Thoughts

That was an incredible statement and shows, without question the might of the Lord.  It's also reassuring to truly know that God is in control and that sits so well with me. 

With trust in the Lord

, those few words warm my soul.

(Jim C)

Action Point

Do you want to see the power, goodness and faithfulness of the Lord?  Then go outside on a morning of your choosing, set and watch the sun rise.  In this short time, you will see the power of God, the faithfulness of God and truly see that by opening your heart, His light will shine on you and give you the peace and warmth you have longed for.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

At about the start of every hunt, I or a member of our team takes a minute to thank God for the opportunity to hunt and be in His outdoors.  We are now ready for the hunt, set for the adventure, and ready for a memory.  Try and see how much better your time outdoors is when you are thankful  to our God who created it.

November 15, 2012 Today's Photograph . . . . Others Will See That You Believe In Who You Live For (Doug L)

Bible Study Verse Hebrews 9:25 Nor did He enter Heaven to offer Himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not His own. (NIV) Thoughts Times have gotten tougher. People with greed and power in their hearts govern us. They are not for us, they are for themselves. That's why collectively they can never make a decision. They have no accountability yet want us to vote for them; because they have "hope and change" It is not them we should ever have faith in! We must stay strong to our beliefs; encourage one another because the Day is approaching. (Jim C) Action Point As outdoorsman it is our job to pass on what we know, what we have learned and encourage others to do the same. Be ever vigilant because there are those who wish us not to enjoy the hunts God has blessed us with. They are truly wolves in sheep's clothing. Stand up for what you believe and believe with your entire heart what you stand for. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day A simple tip: Live by what you believe and others will see that you believe in who you live for! "God made me a fisherman and hunter; I am proud of both and apologize to no one."

November 14, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . The Future Looks Impossible To Overcome . . .    (MQ)

Bible Study Verse

Deuteronomy 31:9  

So Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the Levitical priests, who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and to all the elders of Israel. (NIV)

Thoughts

We all go through tough times and in some cases the future looks impossible to overcome.

Take a minute, breath deep and realize that the key to overcoming a difficult situation lies in faith and your ability to understand that with God's grace and taking this situation you face head on, one day at a time, you will overcome!!!!  

(Jim C)

Action Point

Have you ever noticed that Gods encouragement and promises are always right to the point and not vague?  You never hear from God, "let me be clear" and then the words are clear as mud!   

God says what He does and does what He says.  He will not let you down.  Your faith will be rewarded!!!! 

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Practice makes perfect is an old saying and while you may not be "perfect", practice gives you faith in your ability. That faith gives you confidence and you will achieve greater results because of the time you put in practice.  

 

November 13, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . I Never Feel Anxious.  Funny How That Works   (MQ)

Bible Study Verses

II Timothy 2:11-13

Here is a trustworthy saying:  If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we endure, we will also reign with Him. If we disown Him, He will also disown us; if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself. (NIV)

Thoughts

Knowing if we believe and live for Christ, that when we die, we will live with Him in eternity.   That should speak volumes to us when we feel selfish about just living for ourselves.  These words came to my mind I'm sure not only for all of you, but myself as well!!!

(Jim C)

Action Point

I know that when my life becomes "too full" or I feel anxious that I have too much on my plate.  I rush around and little seems to get done.  I then stop, take a minute and ask myself, "Where are your priorities?"  When I realize what and where they are, I usually come to the conclusion that I need to adjust what I'm doing.  

When I live for Christ and with His help, I never feel anxious.  Funny how that works!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency for someone else. Moral of the story, plan ahead and be ready. You will always be glad you did!!!

November 12, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . SBD Dauntless Dive Bomber   (Fred B)

Veterans    Day    2012,    Honoring    Each    and    Every    Woman    and   Man    Who    Served    or    Is    Serving    in    Our    Military.     Thank    You    and    GOD    Bless    You!!!

Bible Study Verse

Colossians 3:1  

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. (NKJV)

Thoughts

From the USN carrier Yorktown's flight deck, we descended into the first hanger bay. I was stunned to be looking at the exact airplane that Dad flew in during WW II, an SBD Dauntless Dive Bomber! 

He was radioman-gunner. His seat and the twin 30-caliber machine guns were 10 feet  from me! Dad flew patrols on the US coast, looking for German subs. 

(Fred B) 

Action Point

Christ is seated higher, at His Father's right hand in Heaven. We are also seated higher, He raised us up together and made us sit together in the Heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Read Ephesians 2:6.  

We need to quit living low, Earthly, and live high and tight, Godly, with our Savior every day. He has put us in a seat beside Him, far above all principality, power, might and dominion. Read Ephesians 1:21. It's a royal skybox! 

Don't live like you're sitting in the cheap seats. A Prince is sitting beside you, He is your King!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

We can bless US veterans by supporting organizations that honor and help them. Wounded Warriors is one of those. Christian Bow Hunters of America, God's Great Outdoors,  and other local Christian men's groups sponsor hunting and fishing trips for vets also. Or guide some vets on a trip of your own.  

November 11, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Old War Survivor (Fred B)

Veterans   Day   2012   God Bless Each Veteran and Their Families!!!   May God Bless America . . .

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  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.