June 30, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . I Encourage You To Humble Yourself To Their Leadership  (Raymond R)

Bible Study Verse I Peter 5:5 In the same way, you younger men, be subject to the elders. And all of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. (HCSB) Thoughts Who taught you to love the outdoors? When I was young, my Dad took me camping and fishing. I remember one summer when we went out about every other weekend. Looking back, I can see that that was the summer I really became an outdoors kid. It was also my Dad who taught me to grow in and love the Lord. Over the years, many other Godly men have mentored me as well. I have enjoyed their fellowship. God used many of them as the leaders on whom He built church ministries. It may be easy to identify the people in your life who taught you to be an outdoors man. The question is, who taught you to love the Lord? (Ernie W) Action Point Think about where you are in your Christian life. God will bring men into your life who are spiritually more mature. I would encourage you to humble yourself to their leadership. You may be the man who has been called by God to be a mentor in the life of another Christian. Trust God and humbly enter into a relationship that will bring honor and glory to Him. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Do you know a young man who could use your help learning about the outdoors? Are you someone who would like to learn more about a particular outdoor activity? Get involved in a sportsman's group. There are lots of rewarding opportunities in which to be involved with other sportsmen.     Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 29, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . He Shall Cover You With His Feathers   (NPS)

Bible Study Verse Psalm 91:4  He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.   Thoughts Hiking is peaceful, long walks in God's creation. I feel closest to God when I'm hunting alone. His majestic creation is all around me--from the tiny flowers below to the towering trees above me. A rabbit scurries past, and there is a turkey with her new hatch, all in the high country of the forest.  Life is to be lived to the fullest: love of family, neighbors, and good friends reaching out to do God's work by serving. We are God's eyes, ears, and hands while we serve Him here on His Earth. As I walk through life, I feel God's shadow of protection all around me. Well, an elk is still walking free today, but there will be another day for hunting.  (CQ) Action Point As we read through the first chapter of Genesis, we witness everything God created. Genesis 1:31tells us, "Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day." (NKJV).  Everything that God made is indeed good and we should take the time to get out and enjoy His creation. Jesus did it from time to time to refresh Himself and to pray. We need to take the time to follow His example. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Whenever you are out in the field, make sure to take care of God's creation. Always leave your camp cleaner than when you found it.    Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 29, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . He Shall Cover You With His Feathers   (NPS)

Bible Study Verse Psalm 91:4  He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.   Thoughts Hiking is peaceful, long walks in God's creation. I feel closest to God when I'm hunting alone. His majestic creation is all around me--from the tiny flowers below to the towering trees above me. A rabbit scurries past, and there is a turkey with her new hatch, all in the high country of the forest.  Life is to be lived to the fullest: love of family, neighbors, and good friends reaching out to do God's work by serving. We are God's eyes, ears, and hands while we serve Him here on His Earth. As I walk through life, I feel God's shadow of protection all around me. Well, an elk is still walking free today, but there will be another day for hunting.  (CQ) Action Point As we read through the first chapter of Genesis, we witness everything God created. Genesis 1:31tells us, "Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day." (NKJV).  Everything that God made is indeed good and we should take the time to get out and enjoy His creation. Jesus did it from time to time to refresh Himself and to pray. We need to take the time to follow His example. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Whenever you are out in the field, make sure to take care of God's creation. Always leave your camp cleaner than when you found it.    Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June , 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . People Are Without Excuse  (NPS)

Bible Study Verse Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  (NIV) Thoughts So, just why did God create the heavens and the earth? There's only one answer; it's very simple-- to glorify Himself. By doing so, God directs and draws us to Him every time we look into the sky or at the creation around us.  It's explained very well in Romans 1:20: "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-His eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse," (NIV). Excuse from what? Not accepting God as God.  (Cliff S) Action Point Abraham Lincoln said, "I never behold them, the heavens filled with stars, that I do not feel I am looking into the face of God. I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down upon the earth and be an atheist, but I cannot conceive how he could look up into the heavens and say there is no God." Let's remember Mr. Lincoln's wisdom whenever we look up at the heavens filled with stars! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Always pay attention to your surroundings, the landmarks and distinctive features of the country you're in. You may have a GPS that works perfectly well, but never substitute dependence on something that can fail for good woodsmanship skills. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 28, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . If You Want To Live A Happy Life, Begin To Think Positive Thoughts   (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Philippians4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. (NIV) Thoughts If you are a negative person, you more than likely do not get much enjoyment out of life. If you learn a key to happiness--viewing each day with positive thoughts and expectations--you will be more likely to enjoy every day. By being more positive, you will have a more positive influence on other people.  (David F) Action Point If you want to live a happy life, begin to think positive thoughts. Positive thoughts will lead to positive actions. Spend more time with positive friends and positive family members who act accordingly. Take some time out of your day to read the Word and focus on all that God wants to do for and through you. Do it today!    Take a moment to think about all of the good things in your life. Think about all of the good things in your past, as well as all of the amazing things that God has planned for your future. Let the future be exciting! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day  Think about some of the most influentially positive, Godly people you know. Invite one or two of them to do something outdoors with you or your family on your next available day off. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 26, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . I Am Able To Conduct Myself Ion A Godly Way Much More Easily   (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Psalm 50:23 Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; and to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God. (NKJV)   Thoughts For those of us who love the outdoors, we have much for which to offer Him praise. Starting my day off with a good time of devotion and praise, in a spot where I can see the mountains, sets the stage of the whole day for me. With that, I am able to conduct myself in a Godly way much more easily. I thank God that He rewards me with His salvation.  (Jimmy S) Action Point Find a way to start each day praising God in some way and see what a difference it makes for you. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When sitting around a campfire on a very cold night, try putting a small shovel full of coals under your lawn chair for added warmth!  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 25, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Your Behavior Today Will Most Likely Be The Topic Of Conversation Around Someone's Dinner Table Tonight  (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Colossians 4:5-6 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (NIV) Thoughts Who are the outsiders Paul is referring to? They may be those outside the faith. But they may also be those outside your church, small group, immediate circle of friends, or your friends at work. They could include those outside your camp with whom you come into contact in the mountains.  You never know when God will open the door for you to say a few words about Him and His impact in your life. Always be ready to share your faith with anyone at anytime. If you're available, God will bring opportunities to you to tell others about Him.  (Cliff S) Action Point Watch your words and actions. Let them be seasoned with wisdom, compassion, and love. Remember, your behavior today will most likely be the topic of conversation around someone's dinner table tonight! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Be ever alert when in the woods. The wise hunter hunts as soon as he walks out of camp and until he walks back in. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 24, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . If You Always Do What Is Right When No One Is Around, You Will Always Do Right   (Travis L)

Bible Study Verse Haggai 1:5 Now, the Lord of Hosts says this: "Think carefully about your ways. (HCSB)  Thoughts It is an awesome responsibility to represent God with our lives. As I have found out, you never know who is watching or listening.  I once heard a fellow Christian outdoorsman say that if you always do what is right when no one is around, you will always do right.  Poachers think no one is watching when they kill illegally. But many times, unknown to them, someone is watching with that cell phone in hand.  Let me recommend that you represent your Maker in all your ways to the best of your ability. (MQ) Action Point Live life as if someone (a human being) is watching you. God is always watching .  Hebrews 12:1-3 reminds each of us, "Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the Source and Perfecter of our faith, Who for the joy that lay before Him endured a Cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God's throne. For consider Him Who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won't grow weary and lose heart," (HCSB). Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Instead of aiming with a shotgun, follow through and focus on the target. You will make more hits.   Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 23, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Ask Him What Task(s) He Wants You To Perform To Bring Him Glory   (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."  To our parents, "Yes Dad, I cleaned the garage."  To  our spouse, "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.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 22, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . It's A Great Way To Start The Adventure   (MQ)

Bible Study Verses Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV) Thoughts I asked my oldest son what was one of his most memorable moments. He said it was when we were at Hyalite Lake in Montana.  We brought our float tubes together, held hands and prayed to our Heavenly Father. It was 6am, the morning sun was glowing behind the mountain peaks, and there was a foggy mist on the lake. What a majestic sight! You could feel God's presence.  On opening day of deer hunting in Minnesota, my two sons and I were walking on a trail to our deer stands. Before we split up on our separate trails, one of my sons asked if we could pray.  With all of the anxiety associated with opening day of deer hunting, our prayers brought peace to my heart, knowing that we were in God's hands and He would keep us safe. I am blessed to see the importance of prayer in each of my sons' life.  (Tom L) Action Point Before going to work, school, or on trips, spend time in prayer with your family. It's a great way to start the day. Don't forget to thank God for the answers to prayer. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When you are walking single file on a trail, make sure you unload your firearm; and ask the rest of your party to check their firearms.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 21, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Fly Fishermen Don't Take Money For Flies or Used Equipment -- We Share  (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Acts 4:32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. (NIV) Thoughts I remember walking along the Rush River in Wisconsin looking for a place to wet a fly. I saw a gentleman fishing, so I stopped and asked him how he was doing. He said that he was doing very well with one of his own fly patterns. He insisted on giving me a couple of flies and told me to try this stretch of the river. I thanked him for sharing, and he headed upstream.  I caught several nice fish and was very thankful for his thoughtfulness. Later that spring, some of my students expressed an interest in fly fishing.  I taught them how to tie some simple patterns and we went fishing together. As I upgraded my equipment, I gave away some of my equipment to my students. They wanted to pay me; but I thought of that gentleman on the Rush, and told them that fly fishermen don't take money for flies or used equipment -- we share. This started a long-lasting relationship with these young people. I was blessed ten-fold!  (Tom L) Action Point Dig out some of that old equipment and get someone started fly fishing. It's a great opportunity to witness and be a role model for young people. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Try substituting a red thorax on your hare's ear instead of turkey quill. It has worked well on several streams and lakes. We call it the "bloody" hare's ear. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June  20, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . He's Always There To Listen To Us and Willing and Ready To Restore Us  (Cliff S)

Bible Study Verse Ephesians 4:17-24 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. That, however, is not the way of life you learned  when you heard about Christ and were taught in Him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds;  and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. NIV) Thoughts As I read this scripture, I am reminded of a taxidermist's work. When we first come to Christ, the Bible tells us we are "born again" in John 3. We must "die" to our old ways, which are run by the flesh, not the Spirit of God; and we are reborn in the image of Christ. When we have a trophy mounted, the taxidermist brings that creature "back to life". I don't know how many of you have seen old mounts, but after time, even the best trophies become worn. They need to be "touched up". The taxidermist will use his skills and tools to refresh that trophy. (NS) Action Point In our walk with Christ, we too can become worn and in need of a '"touch up" from God. God will take us in His arms and restore us. He does this on a daily basis when we read His Word and talk with Him.   If you need a "touch up" from the Master taxidermist today, just call out to Him. He's always there to listen to us, and willing and ready to restore us. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day If you are planning on having that trophy mounted, keep this in mind--do all you can to keep the hide clean and presentable for the work of your taxidermist.    Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 19, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . All We Need To Do Is To Tell Them "I was blind, but now I see"  (Janet B)

Bible Study Verse John 9:25  He then answered, "Whether He is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see." (NASB) Thoughts Have you ever felt like this? I don't know much of anything. I frequently feel as if I am walking around in a fog and hoping that someday the fog will lift. "How could anyone be this dumb and live?" I ask myself. How could I possibly share my faith with anyone and tell them about Jesus when I am so ignorant! I have a hard time remembering my name; how in the world am I ever going to have an intelligent conversation with someone about my Savior and convince them that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I feel like this most of the time. Here is a clue that I have learned, and it took many years to learn this. It's not about me! If I can just get me and my inadequacies out of the way and let the Lord come through, I would be much better off. I can't convince anyone to do anything. If the Lord wants someone to come to Him, and He wants me to be the vessel He uses to do it, then He is will give me the words to use. I don't have any!  (Dave H) Action Point Think for a moment about the man to whom the Lord gave sight. He didn't know anything about Jesus. He was actually put on trial because the Lord had healed him. He had no training or background, and had never read or heard even one word from the New Testament.  But when push came to shove, he knew one thing--"Where as I was blind, now I see." That is what we need to share with those we meet. We don't need to try and use clever sayings to win people to Christ. All we need to do is to tell them "I was blind, but now I see." The Lord may open their eyes and allow them to see too. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When organizing your pack, consider putting the things you might need in to separate bags or containers inside your pack. This way if you have to find something in the dark (as though I were blind), you can do it by feeling for the container that you need. Of course, keep that flashlight where it can be found without fumbling.   Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 18, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . This Allows Him To Trim Our Branches  (MQ)

Bible Study Verse John 15:5  I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. (NASB) Thoughts My preferred method of hunting deer and bear is from a tree stand. One important thing about hunting from a tree stand is that it provides you with a clear shooting lane.  It is amazing to me how the woods change from year to year. Each year in September, I have to clear branches that have grown in and obstructed my view. Small trees that seemed unnoticeable last year seem to be right in the way of my shooting lanes.  (NS) Action Point This is similar to our Christian walk. Life's trees and branches spring up and cause us to become distracted. When our prize gets in front of us, we are unaware, because our vision is obscured; our view is obstructed.     If your Christian walk has become overgrown with vines and branches, let God prune the branches.  How do we do this? We do it by asking God for help; by digging into the Bible. When we read God's Word and spend time communicating with Him, this allows Him to trim our branches. Suddenly, our prize will be clearly viewed ahead of us once again. We will be able to see our target and have a cleared lane straight to it. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day It is always a good idea to carry a small saw with you while hunting. It fits into a small pack easily, and will allow you to clear branches that are in your way. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 17, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Jesus Connected With His Friends Heart-to-Heart (MQ)

Bible Study Verse John 21: 4 But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.  (NASB) Thoughts I was introduced to float-tube fishing in the Fall of 1999 by a friend and had a great time catching some really meaty trout in Eastern Arizona.  My favorite time to fish was early in the morning when the mist was just coming off the lake like smoke lingering over the water. Now if my friend yelled out to me while I was 100 yards out, I may not have seen him well; but I might have understood his voice to say, "Fish more over towards the right and you'll catch some really big ones." I have learned to listen because he does know how to catch fish!  This same kind of situation really did happen to the most famous fishermen who ever lived. (They weren't in float-tubes though.) It seems interesting to me that they didn't recognize it was Jesus until after the miracle took place.  Does Jesus need to do a miracle in our lives for us to recognize His presence? Miracles are important and they are exciting to experience, see, and talk about. But, I believe they really aren't the thing closest to God's heart. I believe the important encounter happened around the campfire--where Jesus was about to connect with His friends heart-to-heart, to calm their fears, and to settle the confusion as to what they were to do in the post-crucifixion and resurrection phase of their new found life.  (Tom H) Action Point Take someone you love very much out to a lake or place where campfires are allowed. Have some heart-to-heart talks. You may be able to calm some of their fears, or they may be able to calm some of yours! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day If you've never experienced fishing from a float tube, try it. Go with someone that knows what he or she is doing. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 16, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Show Your Kids You Love Them With All Your Heart  (Raymond R)

Honoring Our Heavenly Father and All Eartherly Fathers . . .  Happy Father's Day   Bible Study Verses Deuteronomy 6:5-7 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your  strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (HCSB) Thoughts I have been thinking for sometime about what to tell Fathers today. I had some really great thoughts that I wanted to share.  Now that the time is here to write this devotional, I realize that there is nothing more powerful than the above scripture. The message from God in Deuteronomy 6:5-7 says it all: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart." These words are so important to God that He instructs us to "repeat them to your children."  Remember in John 21 when Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Don't wait for God to ask if you love Him. (Ernie W) Action Point Dads, spend some time talking with your kids today. Tell them that you love the Lord with all your heart. Tell your kids you love them with all your heart. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day The woods aren't just for us men. Some of the best family times I've had were while camping. Take your kids and show them all that God has done. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 15, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Your Choice, Take It or Leave It   (Tom L) Bible Study Verse Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV) Thoughts On special occasions and occasionally for our men's prayer breakfast "Ole Buddy" would set up his chuck wagon and cook over the open fire. There's something about those Dutch oven biscuits, sausage, gravy, and cowboy coffee.  He always jokes with the new folks how he makes his coffee based on S. Omar Barker's poem, Buckaroo's Brew: "Now there's a recipe, time-tried and true, For chuck wagon coffee, the "Buckaroo's Brew," Use water and coffee in equalized parts, then set on the fire, that's how the deal starts. Boil hard for two hours, then into it toss, a well rusted shoe off a club-footed horse. Gaze into the pot for a few minutes steady, if the shoe ain't floatin, your coffee ain't ready." (Tom L) Action Point I couldn't help notice that someone had freshly painted "Ole Buddy's" menu sign that reads: TODAY'S MENU- TWO CHOICES- TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT.  After reading that sign, the Holy Spirit brought to mind the scripture verse John 3:16. We do have a choice because God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. If you're ready, make the right choice. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day After boiling your cowboy coffee, pour in a little cold water to settle the grounds.   Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up