June 30, 2014    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)

One year later honoring the tragic loss of our firefighting heroes. Please join us in praying and supporting their families and loved ones. Remember we honor our heroes.  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 was a sad Summer in the lives of Arizonans last year.  A lightening caused fire began burning the brush in the mountains near Yarnell, about fifty miles west of Phoenix which terminated an elite "Hotshot" team comprised of 20 firefighters that  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.  Nineteen 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

June 29th  , 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Faith Is Believing What You Cannot See, and God's Reward For That Kind Of Faith Is Seeing What You Believe  (MQ)

Bible Study Verses Matthew 9:28-29 And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to Him, "Yes, Lord." Then He touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith let it be to you." (NKJV) Thoughts When I am flying my airplane to Europe, I look down from 33,000 feet and see a cold North Atlantic Ocean below me. Here I am, sitting in the cockpit of an airplane that weighs 500,000 plus pounds, and I wonder why it stays in the air.   I know and understand Bernoulli's Principle and Newton's Laws that tell me how it stays aloft; but that does not give me faith that it will fly. I also know that, if the three engines quit, we just became test pilots flying what will soon become a submarine. Again, I understand all the principles that make it fly; but when I look out at the wing, I cannot actually see them at work.   It takes a lot of faith to know that something that I cannot see will keep this monster aloft. I heard a statement, or read it somewhere, and always remembered it: "Faith is believing what you cannot see, and God's reward for that kind of faith is seeing what you believe." (Chris Q) Action Point Hebrews 11:1 states, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen," (NKJV). Faith is believing in something that you cannot see and cannot touch. Jesus tells us in His teachings to have faith. According to Matthew 9:28-29, by believing, we are exercising faith. I look out at the wing on my airplane and I believe that it will work. Seeing it happen is the reward for my faith.  Sportsmen's Tip of the Day To be prepared for emergencies, Ann Southerland would make her students tie a bowline behind their backs . . . hanging upside down in their kayaks. Don't forget to check your emergency equipment and know your emergency procedures before you go afield. Also, it is important to take a CPR class as well as First-Aid courses.

June 28, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . The Buck Was Putting 100 Percent Of Its Effort Into Eluding Us (NPS) Bible Study Verses Colossians 3:22-24  Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters  on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. (NASB)   Thoughts I finally got drawn for a trophy mule deer unit in Northern Arizona. My buddies and I labored long and hard deciding exactly where to go.    I bought a new scope, carefully cleaned and sighted in my rifle, tried various manufacturers' ammunition to see which performed best in my rifle; and then, of course, carefully recleaned my rifle. I bought a new pair of binoculars too!    We shopped for all the provisions we would need. One of my buddies spent two weeks pre-scouting the area for us.    We took the whole season off so that we could devote the entire time to finding the big buck.    One of our friends is a guide for the area, and he took us out on mule back. We hunted every nook and cranny, looking for our trophy.    I think you could safely say, we put one-hundred-percent effort into this hunt. But, we never found our trophy buck. I believe that one of the reasons that we didn't find it is that the buck was putting 100 percent of its effort into eluding us!  (Dave H) Action Point One of the best pieces of advice ever given me is that marriage is not a fifty-fifty proposition. That one thought revolutionized my thinking! Up till then. I thought it was 50/50. All I wanted out of my marriage was for my wife to do her half!    Who ever heard of going half-way on anything else we really want in life? I sure did not go 50-/50 on that trophy hunt! Think about this folks - there are times that, even when you and your spouse are both putting in 100 percent, you can hardly make it. Marriage is tough!    What if one or the other of you only puts in 50 percent? No, it just doesn't work that way. That is a recipe for disaster. Put in your 100 percent and then see what happens.    I have been married to the same woman for 35 years. Unfortunately, I was probably 20 years into the marriage before I was given this revelation about each spouse giving 100 percent. No wonder those first 20 years were so hard. I kept waiting for her to do her 50 percent. It's just a good thing she was already putting in 100 percent, or we would not have made it! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day We love the outdoors, especially the wilderness. We would spend all of our waking hours there if we could. We would spend every weekend hunting or fishing. But is that what our spouse wants? How about going to a marriage seminar on one of those weekends? That is where I learned the principle of each giving 100 percent. It was worth it many times over.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 27, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . God Is \The Only One That Can Guarantee Our Safety and Security (NPS)

Bible Study Verses John 10:27-28 My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand. (NIV)  Thoughts Safe! Secure! These are important words and concepts. Even though God has designed and equipped infant wild animals with many protective instincts, they are seldom totally safe. Whitetail fawns seem especially vulnerable. The mothers' care for their young often determines their survival. The doe that has given birth each of the last five years within the fenced grounds of Baptist Mid-Missions in Cleveland, Ohio is classic proof. She leaps the fence to give birth on the property and then for several weeks she is back and forth over the fence multiple times each day to nurse and care for her baby. The casual observer would think the fawn had been abandoned. Not so! That doe understands her newborn is safer and more secure on that property than it would be with her outside the fence. Not until it is several weeks old and able to flee danger does she lead her treasure out the front gate to life in the wilds of the Cleveland suburbs. That mother deer stays totally focused on the safety and security of her offspring.  (Jack M) Action Point God is the only one that can guarantee our safety and security. In spite of circumstances, accidents, and problems of living, we may rest in His love and promises. Jesus promises that if we believe in Him as Savior and Lord, listen, and follow Him, we are secure forever. In fact, we are held in God's eternal hands out of which no one can pluck or snatch us. What wonderful safety and ultimate security!!! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When you come across a nest or a young animal in the wild, it is normally best to leave it alone and undisturbed. There are reports the mother animals abandoning young that have been handled by humans transferring human odor to the young. If you know the young animal is truly an orphan, it is best to contact a wild life officer to determine the best course of action for the animal's well being. In many places it is illegal to take them home, adopt them, or try to raise them.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 26, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Canine Athletes In Training at Denali National Park (NPS) Bible Study Verse Galatians 6:9 And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint. (Amplified)   Thoughts Have you ever run a marathon, or a 10,000 meter race? There is a tendency among many to give up . . . to quit. There often comes a point when you are exhausted; every part of your body is aching; you are having trouble getting breath; you are thirsty, and you want to quit. Your body tells you that you can't take the next step - so quit; give up.    But, if you take the next step, if you continue, then you "catch your second wind" and wonder why you even had thoughts of quitting, of giving up, especially when you see the finish line and the crowd cheering. WOW! That takes me back to my younger days.  (Jimmie W) Action Point The same principle can be found in spiritual matters. You start the race, then get knocked down. You get up, and the devil attacks you by trying to convince you that this "so-called Christian life" is not worth staying in the race. You want to quit; you want to give up. Listening to his voice, you almost quit, almost give up.    But then, the Holy Spirit comes to give you the second wind, the second opportunity, the second chance. You move on toward victory; you begin to see the finish line, the cheering crowd of fellow believers, and Jesus standing ready to crown you with the words, "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord," Matthew 15:21 (NKJV). WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When searching for pheasants or other upland birds, ask yourself two questions: Where's the cover? Where's the food? The area between food and cover (called the edge) is a good place to start when surveying a field for birds. Don't concentrate on where you've known birds to be in the past. Be flexible and patient in your search. Last, but not least, pay attention to the cues from your bird dog.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 25, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Honorable Men Serving At The Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier (Army.Mil)

Bible Study Verse Proverbs 26:1 Like snow in summer or rain  in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool. (NIV)   Thoughts I remember one time, as a child, finding a wallet on the street that had money in it.  I asked my Dad what I should do with it.   He asked me, "What do you think you should do with it?" I replied, "Well I would like to get it back to the person who lost it."   Dad responded, "And that would be the honorable thing to do."  (Jim C) Action Point I have always enjoyed Proverbs because they have so many answers for our lives. It is like the Father passing down information to his children. There is not one verse that you cannot use or have already experienced in your life.  When you think about it, honor is truly deserved for those who earn it. Honorable men and women like those who serve in our military, they serve with honor. We are honored that they do. We are protected by women and men who have honor. Honor is fitting for them. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Limits on fish and game are put there for reasons. They are there to help and to protect the resource that we are so blessed by God to hunt and fish. A lot of times there are no game officers there to check your catch or how many ducks you killed. As sportsmen and as Christians, that does NOT matter, we must obey the laws, set the proper example and be honorable men and women. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 23, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . The Bottom Line Is -  Don't Become Coyote Bait  (NPS)

Bible Study Verse 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded;  be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (ESV)   Thoughts While driving down the road, the strange posture of a cow caught our eye. We soon realized she had just given birth to a calf. As we pulled off the road to watch, she appeared to walk away from the newborn.    We couldn't understand how the cow could just walk away from her calf like that, leaving it vulnerable. My thought was, "That calf' is coyote bait."    That statement immediately brought to mind Peter's warning. Today's society is full of dangers for all of us. How often do we leave our kids or even ourselves at risk because of our carelessness?  (Chris Q) Action Point We need to constantly be on our guard. Rest assured, our adversary is diligently watching for any opportunity. He unsuccessfully tempted Jesus three times after His baptism. Yet, he wasn't finished. In Luke 4:13, we read, "When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time," (NASB).    The bottom line is - don't become coyote bait. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Always use a flashlight when walking into your hunting area after dark. I was entering a ground blind that was very familiar to me, yet unfamiliar to my hunting partner. Had he not shown his light into the blind, I would have stepped on, or worse, sat on, the Copperhead occupying my space. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 22, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . When Bottom Fishing In Deep Water  (Will D)

Bible Study Verse Micah 7:19  He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. (NKJV) Thoughts Like many of you, I've had some humorous things happen to me in the outdoors. I remember growing up in Ohio and fishing the Great Lake Erie. On one particular night, I made a cast that seemed to go out forever. Finally, my friend and I heard a faint splat. He turned to me and exclaimed, "I think you just hit Canada!" We joked about me having to get a Canadian fishing license and other nonsense. It was indeed a long cast but in reality the line was only out a little ways. Night fishing, however, provides an open season to the imagination. (Don H) Action Point It's no joke what God will do with our sin. When we confess it, He is faithful and just to forgive it and to clean us up. Read I John 1:9. He takes away our sin for good and forever. God helps us understand this in ways we can relate to: He casts our sins into the depths of the sea. Or, as the psalmist sings, He removes our sins as far as the east is from the west, Psalm 103:12.  When Jesus was nailed to the Cross, He canceled the debt of sin we owe, Colossians2:14.  Jesus paid it all! If you have not done so already, confess to Him that you are a sinner and confess that Jesus is Lord. There's beauty in the Blood regardless of the curse of the Cross. That, my friend, is a wonderful view of salvation from this side of the depths of the sea. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When bottom fishing in deep water, place your sinker on a leader that is long enough to allow the baited hook to be suspended several inches. This will: Minimize snags;  Present the bait in a more suitable feeding zone for most game fish.  Reduce the chances of losing bait to bottom-feeding scavengers.   Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 21, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Bass Tournament (Jimmy S)

Bible Study Verse Ephesians 4:25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully  to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. (NIV)   Thoughts When I first read this verse, I was reminded of a time years ago when I fished in numerous bass tournaments. Back then, I really enjoyed tournament fishing as it was exciting and a great challenge.    I always found it odd that, even after the tournament was over, some of the winners and others who placed well would lie about how and where they caught their fish. I had seen them catching their fish in a different way or location, so I knew they were not being honest in their explanation. I would think, "Aren't we all in this together?"    Whenever I would win or do well, I also was asked how I caught those fish. On one such occasion, I was explaining to a guy, being completely honest with him, that I caught most of my fish on a crankbait, and the rest I caught on a ringworm. After I was finished, he looked at me and said, "So really Jim, how did you catch them?" I came to the realization that lying was not only wrong, but senseless, as they never believed me anyway!  (Jim C) Action Point Years have quickly gone by since I fished tournaments on a regular basis. I look forward to telling people better ways to catch fish.    I always look forward to learning new ways from someone else. In this way, when I speak truthfully to my neighbor and he speaks truthfully to me, we not only share information that is helpful to each other, we show that we are all members of one body. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Small crankbaits catch numerous species of fish. The hooks are usually very small on these lures. Try larger hook sizes on these lures to see which ones do not tangle or ruin the true running capabilities of each lure. When you successfully do this, the larger hooks will add casting weight and offer a higher hooking percentage for you.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 20, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Fires We Set To Light Our Path Usually End Up Burning Down The Things Around Us (Jack M)

Bible Study Verses Isaiah 50:10-11 Who among you fears the Lord and obeys  the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God. Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who equip yourselves with burning torches! Walk by the light of your fire, and by the torches that you have kindled! This you have from my hand: you shall lie down in torment. (ESV)   Thoughts There are several essential tools needed on a hunt. Often one of those essentials is a flashlight. As I walk out to my favorite hunting spot in the morning, unless the moon is still out and bright, I often find that I need my flashlight to navigate my way to where I want to setup. I have hunted on the same property since I was a kid. I know it pretty well and can manage to find my way around; but I still usually end up needing more light. There has been a time or two on an evening hunt when I have stayed out right up until dark, only to discover that I have neglected to bring my flashlight with me. Stumbling around in the dark can be a pretty nerve wracking experience, even for a grown man--hearing sounds and seeing things that aren't really there only because of the lack of light. You may be lucky enough to see a dim light in the distance and follow it out. Finally stumbling onto the right trail, knowing where you are and how to get back to camp certainly brings welcome relief! When we are faced with darkness, we look for that slightest bit of light to brighten our path. As Christians, we have the ultimate Light for our path, yet so often, we still tend to stumble around in darkness.  (Josh C) Action Point God says in Isaiah that we should depend on God and His Light, not on our own light. When we are dependent on ourselves, we often end up worse off than when we started. The fires we set to light our path usually end up burning down the things around us. Give even the smallest tasks or problems to Him. He will light your path and give you direction. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Don't forget your flashlight! This may seem like obvious advice; yet it will be even more obvious when you forget it. Flashlights have been improved over the last few years. Of course you have the trusty battery flashlight, but now there are ones that shake and wind so you never have to worry about being without light again.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 19, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Thunderclaps Were Not Only Loud, They Would Echo Across The Water (NPS)

Bible Study Verses Psalm 29:3-4  The voice  of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory  thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic. (NIV) Thoughts A thunderstorm moving in is a mighty sight, but a thunderstorm over the ocean's water is awesome.    One time my son, a friend, his son, and I were camped on the beach on Galveston Island. During the early morning hours, a storm rolled in off the Gulf with lots of thunder. The thunderclaps were not only loud, they would echo across the water, prolonging a loud boom. Along with lightning, it was truly a awesome experience of God's majesty  (Tom B) Action Point I take God for granted a lot of time in the course of my busy life - He's the "Big Guy" up there when I need something. But, experiencing something like the majesty of the storm triple highlights His majesty and power. As David wrote, "The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic," Psalms 29:4 ((NIV).    However, along with the power of God we find that He is also a soft, loving God who comforts me in the time of trouble. As a loving father lifts his young baby son when he cries, my God lifts me up and comforts me when I am hurting. I serve a powerful, majestic Creator. I serve a loving, caring Father Who wants only the best for me. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day In the Spring, the weather can change quickly - cold fronts sweeping in, changing gentle spring weather into a seething caldron of rain, thunder and lightning. Fishing right before a frontal passage can present some very good fishing action, but make sure you're off the water before the bad weather rolls in.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 18, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . It's The Lifeblood Of Serving Christ Until He Returns  (Herb C)

Bible Study Verse Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)   Thoughts When I first started really pursuing activities in the outdoors, I was amazed at how refreshed I came back from these events. Whether it was hiking, hunting, fishing, sitting in a blind or up in a tree, God would speak to me. Sometimes I read my Bible; at other times, a Christian book. There were points when I memorized scripture, or just sat and listened.  It came to me that part of the reason for returning refreshed was that God used these outdoor moments to get a hold of my heart because I could hear Him.  My daily life, like yours I'm sure, can be very busy and noisy. Noise comes in a lot of different forms, but it all has the same effect on me - trouble hearing God. Now as I approach my outdoors activities, I look forward as much to being quiet with God as I do the outdoor experience itself, simply because I anticipate meeting my Creator and having Him talk to me.  (Dave M) Action Point We can't always be running off to the woods and the wild to get alone with God. We've got to figure out how to carve out time in our daily lives to listen to God's voice. It's the lifeblood of serving Christ until He returns. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day If you have a cold and you really want to keep the "peace" in the woods, get a cough muffler. That way you can cough without totally disrupting your hunting area. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 17, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . Give God Your First's and See If He Doesn't "Burst Your Barn"  (USFWS) Bible Study Verses Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits  of all your crops; then your barns will be filled  to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. (NIV) Thoughts It was my son's first elk hunt. His grandfather, a couple of friends and I were working our way back to our trucks when I stopped to take a break and was separated for just a moment from the rest of the group. In that split second (okay, maybe a minute or two), he spotted an elk. I suddenly heard a cow call just in time to look up and see him take a shot. At age 13, he had taken his first elk. Have you ever considered how important first's are: First time you fell in love.  First kiss.  First time your child said "Dada" or "Mama".  First day of the new year - a favorite for new resolutions.  First big game draw and first big game success; First car.  God made first's to be special in our lives because they are special to Him. When speaking of giving to God, King Solomon instructs us to "give Him the first and the best."  (Brett M) Action Point In all parts of your life, give God your first's:  First part of your day through prayer and devotions.  First part of your week by going to church.  First part of your paycheck - to name just a few.  Remember how important first's are to you and know that they are just that special to God.  Give God your first's and see if He doesn't "burst your barn." Sportsmen's Tip of the Day I can't tell you how many hunters have told me that, after a long period of nothing happening, it was when they stopped to take a break that they saw what they were looking for. Remember:  Stop frequently.  Look.  Listen.  Smell.  Then, be prepared. Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 16, 2014    Today's Photograph . . . . When A "Plank" Blocks My Vision . . . . (MQ)

Bible Study Verses  Matthew 7:3-5  "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?  How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." (NIV)    Thoughts In hunter education classes we always have some fun trying to figure out which eye is our dominant eye. This comes into play big time when aiming a shotgun, rifle or bow. I saw this first hand once at the shooting range during our live fire when a student hadn't hit a paper target once out of fifty tries at 25 yd. His grandfather came to me and asked for my help.    The boy was in tears because of his poor shooting. You see, his father, a member of the U.S. Navy, had made a special trip from San Diego to Phoenix for the field day to watch and support his son; and his son felt like he had failed his father. It took about five seconds to see the problem.    The boy was shooting right-handed, but was left eye dominant; therefore, he was trying to aim with his left eye! It took a little work to get him to close his left eye and aim with his right eye, but the result was fifty bullets in a four-inch circle! Now I have a confession. Just like this young shooter, I sometimes have a problem with looking out of the correct eye, and then it may still have a "plank" in it that keeps me from seeing things as I should see them. Most of the time that "plank" is pride.    You see (no pun here), I have an insecurity that goes back to my childhood, a plank, so to speak. That insecurity surfaces anytime I experience rejection and believe my thoughts and ideas are considered invalid. This insecurity resulted from seemingly never being able to do anything that was considered good enough by those who were important to me. In my adult life, the insecurity can even strike while doing such worthwhile things as writing these devotionals. Yes, pride can strike even here. I want my way and am desperate for validation, desperate enough that I may even offend others around me while striving for that validation.  (Cliff S) Action Point When a "plank" blocks my vision, I find that I have to go to God and seek His forgiveness, direction, and yes, His validation. It usually takes some time for me to think through the situation and seek God's guidance as to what He wants me to do and how He wants me to handle the situation.    If I'm yielded to Him, He'll remove the "plank" and make known to me what He wants me to do and how to correct the problem. Sometimes He tells me that I'm right and to stand my ground. Other times He reveals my sin and tells me that I need to seek not only His forgiveness, but also the forgiveness of those that I have offended.    Either way, it reminds me that my motives for what I am doing, even writing devotionals, have to be ones that further the Kingdom of God, not myself (Matthew 6:33). I promise you that as I write, I will pray that God will give me the correct words and attitude to serve Him, and to provide a blessing to you, our readers. And, I ask you to pray for me and our entire Sportsmen's Devotional Team, too. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day If you're having trouble with marksmanship, be sure that you're shooting with the correct eye. You may have to retrain yourself to keep the opposite eye closed and/or learn to shoot from the other side of your body. Tape over the lens of your glasses, or an eye patch from the local drug store can help.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up