September 30, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Misery Mountain (MQ)  Bible Study Verse I Thessalonians 5: 16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (NKJV)   Thoughts Many of us would love to spend every day hiking, fishing, or hunting. We would love to always have enough money to pay our bills, and still have enough for the latest rifle, scope, fishing lures, gas, truck, ammo, out-of-state licenses, cabin, or camping trailer. But, this is not reality for most of us. Our days are not perfect. They are filled with financial burdens, not enough vacation time, family stresses, illnesses, and struggles. We live in a not so perfect world trying to live for Christ. One deer hunt when I was about 14, my brother-in-law had killed a deer in the afternoon on the backside of a mountain that my family had deservingly nicknamed "Misery Mountain." This mountain had shale slides, cactus, and was so steep that one could stay standing and still lean against the mountain to rest. Everyone went to retrieve that deer with a burro, except my mother and me. We had the job of feeding the fire just in case those on the mountain did not make it back by night fall. Just as the sun was going down, we saw our hunting party disappear over the ridge of Misery to retrieve the deer. We knew we were in for a wait. We had gathered our wood or what you can in the desert. The night was quiet as the darkness settled around us. We waited as long as we could to light the fire to preserve our wood supply. The night grew colder and the darkness grew thicker. Mom had hunted with dad since she was 17. She was a good sport and a great hunter herself. She decided we would light the fire, but we also needed to hike with a small flashlight across a dry gully to another hill in order to gather more wood. At 100 yards from that life reassuring fire, we suddenly heard something crashing through the brush. Minutes later came the high pitched, spine-tingling scream of a mountain lion. Mom, with a quiet resolve stated it was time to walk back to that fire. Hours later we would sporadically see our hunting party's flashlight way up high on Misery. They were trying to save their light and would use it sparingly. I Thessalonians 5:5-6 reminds us, "You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled," (NIV). (Rebecca L) Action Point Mom and I were very alert waiting alone in that AZ wilderness. We felt much better when we made it back unscathed to our fire. It was even more reassuring when we could finally sporadically see a small flashlight beam of our hunting party maneuvering down that mountain. We didn't feel so alone. That hunting experience is so like life. We can become so bogged down with making a living that we don't take time to see the "Light". God has sent us His Word as a light to light our path. He has a plan for our lives. It is up to us to be joyful, to pray for His guidance and protection, to be alert, and self-controlled. He will be with us in the scary unknown times. He offers His love and protection. All we need to do is believe and trust Him for His care. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Become familiar with your local fauna. You never know when your simple hunting experience will last long into the night. You can eat the leaves and roots of the dandelion in a salad or as cooked greens. You can also dry the whole plant and use it to make tea. You can also eat the shoots of Cattails. Before the flower forms, you can peel the shoots and eat them. Acorns have very low sugar content and are great in breads and stews. The Native Americans would grind acorns to make them into flour. Make sure you do not mistake a similar looking plant for the one you choose to eat. A field guide for edible plants is recommended. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

September 29, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . The Object For The Hunter Is To Become A Part Of His Surroundings (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Luke 11:33 No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. (NIV)   Thoughts The Bible teaches us to let our light shine. But when we are hunting, especially turkey, the object for the hunter is to become a part of his surroundings. Currently, there is a popular artist who uses aspen trees as the backdrop for her paintings. When viewing one of her pictures, at first glance all you see are the aspen trees. After you look at the painting long enough, you begin to see a wolf or maybe an Indian on a paint horse. These were there all the time. They just blended well with their surroundings.   (Byron S) Action Point How do we appear to others? Do we blend in with the crowd in what we say or do or do we dare to be different and stand out? Jesus stood out in the crowd--He dared to be different. He taught His disciples to follow Him. Be a disciple--don't go along with the crowd. Let others know Whom you follow. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Wear a face drape and camo that blends with the surroundings in which you are hunting. An uncovered face will shine like a light in the darkness.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

September 28, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . .  Love Them First With Your Attention And Your Time And You Will Have Plenty Of Time For Your Hunts With What's Left   (Ruben C) Bible Study Verses Colossians 1:15-18 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the Firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created: things in Heaven and on Earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.  He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.  And He is the Head of the body, the church; He is the Beginning and the Firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy. (NIV)   Thoughts Growing up as a teen and a young adult I was heavily influenced by a father who worked hard (still does) and hunted harder. I came to love the outdoors so much, that the year I made a major career change in 1988, I had taken up to 2 months' vacation time solely to hunt. I lived it and could not be separated from it any more than you could separate my head from my body and I survive.  (Ruben C) Action Point Nowadays I still have a passion for the outdoors of course, but I'd have to say that I'm more attached to my family now than hunting. I am a father and there is no separating me from that role any more than you could separate me from my head and I survive (hmmm, I've heard that before!). As Christians we are also part of a family and we belong to the body of Christ. The head of that body of course, is Him. You are connected to Him. It should be such a tight relationship that nothing should get between you and Him. I am certain that if my body separates from my head, death is imminent. Take the same attitude in your connection with Christ as you take strides to grow in your spiritual walk. Sportsmens Tip of the Day Remember when planning your hunts to also prioritize time with your wife and family first. Love them first with your attention and your time and you will have plenty of time for your hunts with what's left. You'll just have to step out in faith with this one!  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

September 27, 2013    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 crank bait 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!   Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

September 26, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . But They Aren't Listening In The Place He Has Chosen To Speak (FS.FED.US)  Bible Study Verse Deuteronomy 8:6-7  Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in obedience to Him and revering Him. For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land-a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills. (NIV)   Thoughts The land is flat and the woods are thick in northeast Maine. I was hunting with Tim, a buddy of mine. We stayed near a railroad bed and saw plenty of deer tracks.    One day I decided to get off the tracks and go into the woods to see if I could push anything across to Tim. I was about 200 yd into the woods when I lost my sense of the direction I needed to return. I wandered around shouting, but the thick brush absorbed my voice. Finally, I heard a faint voice shouting back, and I headed toward that voice. You  may live in dense woods, a desert wilderness or by mountain streams, however we all live in a moral wilderness. The Bible is the Voice of God that gives us direction through that moral wilderness. He has chosen to speak to us in this way, and without His voice we have little hope of staying on track.  (Steve S.) Action Point Lots of people say they'd like to hear the Voice of God, but they aren't listening in the place He has chosen to speak.    Let the Bible test whatever direction you choose to go in life. You can always depend on Him to speak to you through it and show you how to stay on track with Him. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When you discover an old overgrown home site, you've found a deer magnet. An old orchard may provide apples, younger saplings offer browse, brushy fields have plenty of soft forbs, and brush has grown up to give cover. Deer don't have to move far from these magnets.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

September 25, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . By Putting Him First, Your objectives Become So Much Clearer And Your Focus Returns (FWS)

Bible Study Verse Deuteronomy 20:1  When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, Who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. (NIV)   Thoughts This verse can apply to so much. There are many ways to go to war. There are days when it feels like I'm outnumbered by simply going into work! Just the hectic lives we lead can make us feel outnumbered and surround by chariots that are not our own. Keep your eye on the prize; stay focused on who is in charge. I'm saying this for my sake as well as yours. God is with us!!! (Jim C) Action Point No matter how busy you are or how overwhelmed you can become, take a minute, take a breath, look to God, and ask for comfort. You will be surprised at how, by putting Him first, your objectives become so much clearer and your focus returns. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Thank God for duck season! One of the best tips I ever received when I first started hunting is that sometimes the best place for your new duck call is, in your pocket! If the ducks are coming in on their own, don't call to them, let them come! Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

September 24, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Memorial Left On Fence Surrounding Their Station To Honor The Heroic Hotshots By Public Including First Responders From All Fifty States.   This Is America and We Honor Our Heroes (MQ)

Bible Study Verse James 4:13-15  Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money."  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.  Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." (NIV)   Hebrews 9:27-28   Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him. (NIV)    Thoughts It's been a sad Summer in the lives of Arizonans.  Not too long ago we lost two Law Enforcement Officers and a Firefighter in the line of duty to tragic accidents.  Then a lightening caused fire began burning the brush in the mountains near Yarnell, about fifty miles west of Phoenix. An elite "Hotshot" team comprised of 20 Firefighters was sent in to fight the blaze. Understand, these were the best of the best, they don't come any better or are any more well trained.    Many of you undoubtedly know by now of the unfathomable tragedy that occurred. Something went terribly wrong and the fire reversed its course. Suddenly the flames that were blowing away from the firefighters were blown directly back to where they were. There was no escape.    All 19 of the twenty Hotshots perished in that inferno. All of these men died trying to save the community of Yarnell when the residents of this small community were helpless to save themselves.  (Cliff S) Action Point James is telling us that time is of the essence regarding our salvation. We all face death, we just don't know the day or the hour that we will breathe our last.    I've often said that we all have a ticket to get on the train, we just don't know the day our ticket will get punched. We plan for the next hunt, for the next day's work, for the next vacation with our family, and for a variety of other wonderful experiences that we expect to enjoy in our lives.    But, as James says, we have no idea what today or tomorrow will bring. So, do we plan for the event that we will all experience? God says in the Bible in Hebrews 9:27-28 that it is appointed unto all men once to die, then to face judgment, but that Christ sacrificed Himself and took our judgment upon Himself. If we believe in Him. Jesus' death brought salvation to us when we were helpless to save ourselves.    All we have to do is accept Jesus by faith. So, have you planned ahead for your death? Will you face your appointed judgment or will you let Jesus face that for you? It is going to happen.    As a friend of mine, when he's speaking of the day he stands before God and God asks why he should be let into His eternal kingdom, says his response will be to point at Jesus and say, "I'm with Him!" Sportsmen's Tip of the Day If you love your family have a will or trust written in order to take care of your family when you pass from this life to the next. It is one of the most loving things you can do for them.  And, remember to thank a Firefighter and/or a Law Enforcement Officer for what they do. They never know on a daily basis if they will go home to their families.     Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

September 11, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . There Is A Word For People Who Answer The Call, Stand Alert, Walk Through A Firestorm, Volunteer, Care, Give Their Lives . . . We Call Them HEROES  (Donny N)

Bible Study Verse John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. (NIV)   Thoughts  On June 30, 2013, 20 men put their lives on the line for the sake of others as they fought a blaze that engulfed the small Arizona town of Yarnell.  19 may have fallen, but all 20 are heroes. (Donny N) Action Point  As followers of Christ we need to band together for the sake of others and ourselves. But it is in times of tragedy that we need to band together even tighter for the sake of others.  A T-shirt has been designed to raise money for the families of those brave men. (As seen in the above photo) If a T-shirt is purchased, not only will you be honoring the lives of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, but you will be ensuring their legacy lives on. For more information on how to make a donation or receive a T-shirt, please contact Donny Nelson at genodinino@gmail.com. 100% of all donations and proceeds will go directly to the families of the Granite Mountain Hotshots. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day There is a word for people who answer the call, stand alert, walk through a firestorm, volunteer, care, give their lives . . . We call them HEROES. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

September 22, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Men and Women Study  (MQ) Bible Study Verse II Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (NKJV)   Thoughts I was writing a devotional for Sportsmen's Devotionals when I misspelled a word in my text. I only misspelled it by one letter, but that one wrong letter created an entirely different word and completely changed the meaning of the whole message.    I thought about the scribes of old and how diligent they had to be to ensure that the Word of God was copied correctly. They went so far as to count the letters and spaces used when copying a new Bible to ensure that there was absolutely no error in the new script they were writing.    If changing one letter of one word can so completely alter the intent of the writer, can you imagine how important it is for us to have correct doctrine? No wonder the Bible tells us that we must study to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  (Dave H) Action Point It is easy to let ourselves enjoy the warm fuzzies of the Christian life without doing the hard work of understanding scripture and doctrine. Men and women study! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day  Okay! This is not an outdoor tip; nevertheless, it is important to me. Remember that when you use spell-check, it will not pick up words that are spelled correctly but used in the wrong context. You must proofread! Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

September 21, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . There I Sat In All My Young Hunting Glory Not Able To Raise A Gun, Much Less Shoot A Deer If I Saw One  (MQ)  Bible Study Verse Psalm 119:147 I rise before the dawning of the morning, I hope in Your word. And cry for help. (NKJV) Thoughts I was shivering. I mean it was extremely cold even for southwestern Virginia. I didn't know back then to put on heavy warm clothes after you get to your stand. I really didn't know that wool socks are always better than cotton.  There I sat in all my young hunting glory not able to raise a gun, much less shoot a deer if I saw one. I was a wreck; I needed help.  About the time I was ready to call it quits, the sun started breaking over the mountain. Here in this part of Virginia, it would be daylight for a while before you would see the sun. I was expectant, wondering if it would ever come up, and wishing it would hurry. If you feel as if your days are flying by, and that time is just fleeting away, you haven't spent a cold morning in a tree stand or a duck blind. I can tell you from experience--time doesn't speed up.  Every day is still 24 hours, the same as when God created this world. Our days are hurry- up, but not God's days. I stood there in that tree stand and tried to hurry the sunrise, wanting it to touch my face with its rays. I guess I thought if I helped it somehow, the sunrise would happen sooner--trying to hurry-up time. It didn't matter; the sun is on God's time, not mine. Eventually, it broke over the mountain that had attempted to keep it hidden.  (Dennis W) Action Point Even in the cold of the morning, waiting for the warmth of the sun kept me going. In His infinite knowledge, God gave me, a nobody, hope, warmth and light. He reminded me that He is still in charge of every day's sunrise, and all those of my life.  Slow down and be reminded that God is still in control. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Wear moisture wicking clothing next to your skin as your first layer in cold weather. Layer your clothes so that you can add or remove them as the temperature fluctuates. Don't wear all your clothes to your deer stand or duck blind, as you will soon find that the sweat will make you even colder. Add clothes as you feel colder, and you will last much longer in the outdoors. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

September 20, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . To Lead A Quiet Life, To Mind Your Own Business, And To Work With Your Own Hands  (Cliff S)  Bible Study Verse Acts 18:3  So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. (NKJV)   Thoughts I wish I had a tent made by these guys. Consider their passion for hard work, especially Paul. He provided for his necessities by the work of his hands. He was serious about what he did and he let it influence his daily living. If his product wasn't good, he'd starve.    By that standard, he encouraged others to work hard, too. He and his friends were craftsmen, capable of making an honest living from their labor. Every day of their honest day's work framed their work ethic.    There's a mandate here: learn to work with your hands. It was Paul's command in 1 Thessalonians4:11,  "That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you,"  (NKJV). In reality, this instruction is inspired by the Holy Spirit.  (Don H) Action Point From the Christian outdoorsman's perspective, our hands are frequently at work in our hobbies and interests. What do you do with your hands? You can add to the depth of your character and the degree of your own work ethic by regularly learning to do new things. Here's a partial list of something new to try:  Tie flies.  Build a muzzleloader.  Cast bullets or sinkers.  Reload ammunition.  Woodcarving.  Leather craft.  Rope craft.  Dutch oven cooking.  Learn to score antlers.  Train a hunting dog.  Keep an outdoor journal. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day To keep your tent floor clean, wipe it out with a towel rather than sweeping it with a broom. A towel is better for clean up when the floor and/or debris is damp. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

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September 19, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . As Christians We Need To Be Prepared For What Life Throws At Us  (MQ) Bible Study Verse II Timothy 2:21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. (NIV) Thoughts  I had a friend give me a call the other day and ask me to come over to his house to shoot crossbows. My teenage son said I could use his crossbow and he quickly went and found all of his gear for me.  When I went to grab my bow and gear, I wish I could say I found it as quickly as he did. I ended up piecing together what I could find. I could not find my release so I used one that I have never tried before and it was a different style then I was used to. I was pretty unprepared and my shooting showed it.  (Terry L) Action Point As Christians we need to be prepared for what life throws at us. When trouble comes we need to know where to find our tools for battle. Not only do we need to know where they are, we also need to be knowledgeable and skilled with them.  To do this we need to study the scriptures and be in constant prayer. My accuracy with my bow was off because I didn't have the right tools and I hadn't been practicing.  I can fix the issue with my bow by finding all of the right gear and practicing more. The same can also be said with our Christian walk. If we have not been obedient and have slipped away from the scriptures and prayer, all we have to do is confess our sins and start practicing again with the tools the Lord has provide us with. Before you know it, you will again be prepared and ready to do His will. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Shooting skills will diminish if you don't practice. It doesn't matter if it is a firearm or bow if you don't practice your accuracy will suffer along with your proficiency. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

September 18, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Even If You Do Get Real Good, You Will Still Have An Off Day Now And Then (MQ)   Bible Study Verse Philippians 4:9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into  practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (NIV)   Thoughts As hunters there are rules, techniques and skills that we learn and develop. If we want to have safe and successful trips afield, we need to practice what we have learned.    You can be taught by the greatest hunter in your area, but if you don't practice what he has taught you your success will be no better.  (Terry L) Action Point You can go to church, go to Sunday school, read the Bible and read all of the great biblical based books there is, but if you don't put all of that knowledge into action nothing will change in your life. We have to put what we have learned into action.    Will we do it perfect every time probably not, how many of you picked up and shot a gun perfect the first time? It takes practice and discipline. Even if you do get real good, you will still have an off day now and then.    I find encouragement in the above scripture, because it doesn't say I have to be perfect, it says I just have to practice. If I do, the God of peace will be with me. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day There are many safety rules we must follow and one big one is use a safety harness while in your tree stand. Remember you have people at home who love you and want you back safe. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

September 17, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Do Not Leave Behind Your Christian Faith And Principles When You Go Trout Fishing  (Herb C)  Bible Study Verses Proverbs 4: 25-27 Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left;  keep your foot from evil. (NIV)   Thoughts As you were growing up, how many times did you hear, "Look where you are going." That sentence conveys a strong message for a fly fisherman when he is wading a stream or river.  I was nine years old when my father hired a professional fishing guide to teach us how to read trout waters, and his first comment was, "Look, before you take your first step. Locate a path for good footing, then look for trout. Learn to trust the Lord and visually appreciate His creation; for not everyone has this opportunity to witness the splendor of a trout stream."    Years later I attended a two-day fly fishing seminar conducted by one of the West's foremost trout fishing guides. He encouraged, "When entering and fishing a trout stream, a fly fisherman should spend seventy-five percent of his time looking for trout and twenty-five percent of his casting to the fish." (Carl B) Action Point Trust in the Lord, for He was the greatest fisherman. Do not leave behind your Christian faith and principles when you go trout fishing.    The winner is not the person who catches the biggest trout nor the most. The one who demonstrates his faith and principles, and shares these virtues with his fishing companions becomes a winner. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Always wear polarized glasses when wading a trout stream. These lenses help you look beneath the surface and select the best path for footing, avoiding boulders, potholes and other tripping hazards. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

September 16, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . It Was Literally Straight Up For About Forty-Five Feet  (MQ)

Bible Study Verses Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:7 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (NIV)   Philippians 4:7  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)    Thoughts On a desert bighorn sheep hunt thirty six years ago, I had to put my faith and trust in a friend, an experienced sheep hunter, and follow him up a bluff that I still don't believe we scaled. It was literally straight up for about forty-five feet. The result was an up-close-and-personal shot at a record- book ram.    When I think back to that day, I realize that if I hadn't trusted my friend and followed his leading, I would not have gotten the ram that now hangs in my office.    A few days ago I attended a funeral for a friend and business associate who passed away unexpectedly. He was a young man, far too young to leave us. As I sat and watched his parents, family, and closest friends mourn their loss, I had to think of these two verses. At a time like this, there are no pat answers, and most of the time we don't even know the right questions to ask.    But, God promises us His perfect peace if we keep our trust firmly in Him. I don't understand this Peace, but I have experienced it in times of trial. This is a perfect peace that is truly beyond my comprehension, and one that could only come from His Holy Spirit working in my heart.    When you're hurting, remember that God does indeed love you; and though you may not understand the "why's" of what has happened, God understands and will give you His peace if you trust Him, completely, faithfully, and steadfastly.  (Cliff S) Action Point In James 1:2-4, God tells us to consider it all joy when we encounter various trials, for the trials lead to perseverance, and perseverance leads to spiritual maturity.    Just like gold in the refiner's furnace, we are purified and become more like Jesus every time we go through the fire--the trials in our life. It is in these times that we learn to trust God fully and rest in Him completely. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day  Competent professional guides provide us with knowledge and experience that they have gained from years of outfitting in a particular area. You have to trust them, that they know what they are doing; and then, follow their instructions. By doing so, you will enhance your chances of killing an animal, and also of coming home safe. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up