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

June 14, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Enjoy Some Quality Fellowship Time With God   (Ron M)

Bible Study Verse   John 21:6   And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch." So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish. (NASB) Thoughts If you want to catch fish, go with Jesus as your guide. When you go out to those good fishing areas that have always produced big and plentiful fish, there are times when you are plain out-right skunked!  Jesus knew His crew of expert fishermen would be skunked that night. His words, so simple, yet powerful, filled the early morning mist, "Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat . . . ;" and you know the rest of the story. The net was filled to more than it could normally hold, yet it didn't tear!  (Tom H) Action Point Lord, fill me with more of Your life and holy presence. Fill me with more than a human could normally contain without being torn apart by the greatness of all that You are and all that You can do! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Get out of your "rat-race" routine and on a nice early- morning hour, enjoy the break of dawn. If the fish aren't hungry (even if they are), make a campfire along the stream or lake where you are fishing and enjoy some quality fellowship time with God.  Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 13, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . They Are Getting Ready To Be Men, and We Need To Help Them  (Raymond R)

Bible Study Verse Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. (NKJV) Thoughts This is geared to you folks with boys. I'll talk to those of you with girls another time. Boys go through various stages as they grow up, but one of the hardest times for them is the preteen and early teen years. Would you like to go back to junior high? I surely would not!  As sportsmen, we have a unique way to help our boys get through this tough period. During adolescence, it is important for them to have a "rite of passage" just as the boys had in Bible times. They are getting ready to be men, and we need to help them. Of course, you have spent time with them, played with them, and taught them many things as they were growing up. Now it is time to put all that to work.  Set up a challenge for them-- possibly their first elk hunt, or maybe a first archery hunt. Spend a lot of time preparing them for this event; make a very big deal out of it. Actually, tell them that this is part of their journey to manhood. Make this a challenge, something that really tests their mettle (safely, obviously); perhaps a night alone in the woods as I had to experience to join the "Order of the Arrow" in Boy Scouts. (Due to resent changes within the Boy Scouts, we can no longer endorse the Boy Scouts) (Dave H) Action Point Now, don't be one of those dads who crushes his son's spirit if he doesn't succeed.  The "rite of passage" is the challenge itself--the planning, sharing, working out and preparation for it--not whether he actually harvests an animal. It should be physically challenging as well, custom-fit for your particular boy. That way, it doesn't matter if he is a jock, a nerd, or perhaps one who has a physical disability; you create it just for him.  Single moms, enlist a man's help if at all possible. Find a mentor for your boy who can help plan this. I can't imagine a Christian man who would not jump at the chance to help if he were made aware of the need. Moms, if for some reason you absolutely cannot find a man to do this, find a way to do it yourself. "Focus on the Family" and "Family Life Today" are resources with helpful suggestions. You will never be sorry that you took time to do this. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Supporting your favorite charitable organization will help it provide resources for those who cannot afford them. Just be sure that it is a legitimate organization. Groups such as "The Evangelical Council for Financial Responsibility" can tell you whether an organization that you are considering is not only legitimate, but also how much of their money actually gets spent on programs, not fund raising and salaries! Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 12, 2013     Today's Photograph. . . We Are Warned To Be On Our Guard So We Don't Get Caught Up In The Same Sin We Are Trying To Help Our Brother With  (Ron T)

Bible Study Verse   Galatians 6:1   Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.  (NIV) Thoughts    Have you ever tried to untangle a buffalo that was caught up in wire? It's not as easy as you think.   A bad way to do it is rush the buffalo and grab hold of the wire, he is going to run and you will likely get caught in the same wire you are trying to free him from. The best way to free him would be to gently haze him into some corrals and catch him in a squeeze chute; at that point you can safely cut the wire off with some fencing pliers. (Ron T) Action Point   It's the same thing with people, if you see your brother in sin don't rush him and throw him to the ground. Try to gently show him his errors and lead him back to God's path.   We are warned to be on our guard so we don't get caught up in the same sin we are trying to help our brother with. The verse goes on to say that we will fulfill the law of Christ by carrying each other's burdens.  Jesus has our back, we need to have our brother's back. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day You can fit a 20 gauge empty shotgun shell into a 12 gauge empty shell, these make neat little survival kits, put matches in one, fire tender in another, maybe one with small fishing hooks and some monofilament line.   Sportsmen's Devotional Web Site  Sign Up

June 11, 2013     Today's Photograph . . . .  You Know How To Interpret The Appearance Of The Sky, But You Cannot Interpret The Signs Of The Times  (MQ)

Bible Study Verses Matthew 16:2-3   He replied, "When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,'  and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.' " (NIV)    Thoughts At some time in your life, you may have heard a wise sailor recite this very old saying, "Red sky at morning, sailor take warning; red sky at night, sailor's delight." Well, you now know where it came from. I used to think those very wise sailors learned it from years on the high seas. I'm sure many of them have. If you had to guess how long that saying has been around, you would have to go back before the time of Jesus.   When Jesus was confronted by the Jewish leaders wanting a sign from Him, He used it to confront their hypocritical way of life. He simply showed them that they could look at the sky and know how the weather was going to unfold that morning or evening. But they could not understand the significant events that were unfolding right before their eyes.   (RK) Action Point I think today it is so easy for people to get caught up in what the media and others believe and think about what is happening in our world. Yet, fail to evaluate for themselves what is really taking place.   Jesus wanted people to stop and examine the circumstances in which they found themselves and see the truth--that He was truly the Messiah and the fulfillment of scripture.   Our world is not on a road leading in the right direction. Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-14,  "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it," (NKJV).. The narrow road with the small gate is Jesus. It is only through Him that one can be saved from their sins and given eternal life.    Sportsmen's Tip of the Day It is always important to check area and national weather reports before starting out on any trip. If you have an idea as to how the weather might unfold, you will know how to better prepare. Then, prepare for the unexpected. Last. but not least, read the sky. I cannot tell you how truly accurate that old saying is.

June  10, 2013     Today's Photograph . . . .Sometimes It's Hard For Us To Remain Still In The Midst Of Conflict That This World Throws At Us (Ron T)

Bible Study Verses   Psalms 46:10-11 He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. (NIV)    Thoughts  We have been conducting an elk study here in the Black Hills, putting radio telemetry collars on elk calves and gathering information on how well they survive.   The calf capture is interesting; we know where the calf was born due to a transmitter that falls out during the birthing process. After the calf is born, the cow elk licks the calf clean and even eats the afterbirth to eliminate any scent left in the area. With very little scent the calf is protected from predators that use their nose.   The calf has the instinct to "be still" when the cow is out feeding, it remains motionless, and by not moving, it is protected from predators that key in on movement.   Even though we know the location of the birthing area, it can be very difficult to locate the calf, we find the transmitter and start searching in a circular manner until we find the calf, when and if located, the calf remains still even while we collect our data. (Ron T) Action Point     Sometimes it's hard for us to remain still in the midst of conflict that this world throws at us. But if we can be still, or in other words "sit down shut up" and give up trusting in ourselves and our own designs, we can then truly experience the all sufficient glory of God.   We are going to face troubles in this world. John 16:33 reminds us "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world,"   (NIV). Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Pick up some neon colored sidewalk chalk next time you're in town, It makes good trail marker when you are in the woods hunting or hiking, plus it washes off after a few rains so you don't have to go back and remove flagging.

June 9, 2013     Today's Photograph . . . . But The Limp From His Healed Broken Leg Will Be With Him Forever  (MQ)

Bible Study Verses Psalm 23:1-3   The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. (KJV) Thoughts Anyone who knows anything about the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep realizes what great spiritual lessons the Lord portrays in the 23rd Psalm. D.L. Moody told of one such lesson he learned from a pastor in the highlands of Scotland. Sheep are such foolish animals that they will jump off a cliff if they see green grass down below. Then the sheep will eat the grass on that ledge until it is all gone and he is hungry again. When the shepherd finds the sheep, he will leave it there until it is faint from hunger and then he rescues it from its plight. When asked why he waited so long to rescue the sheep, the shepherd replied, "If I had rescued it earlier, the foolish sheep would quickly find a similar tempting spot and be stranded in the same way again!" (SK) Action Point Isn't it a shame that our Shepherd sometimes has to leave us to consider our sin for awhile before He rescues us? If He always rescued us from the consequences of our sin, then we might not learn from our sin and be at risk to repeat it. And think about this, even though the Lord forgives our sin when we ask Him to, sometimes the physical consequences of our sin remain with us forever. The sheep that jumped over the cliff seeking the lush grass below is saved from starving to death when the shepherd finally finds him and carries him back to the flock. But the limp from his healed broken leg will be with him forever. How many healed broken legs do we have to experience before we realize that the pleasure of sin for a season is not worth the price we had to pay for it? The old saying, "Sin will take you farther than you wanted to go, makes you stay longer than you wanted to stay, and makes you pay far more than you wanted to pay," is certainly true. Only by constant fellowship with the Lord through the daily renewing of our minds can we know and do the will of God. (Romans 12:2). Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Though it's summer and the Fall hunt is still a good while away, you need to be preparing for it now. Start by instituting an exercise plan that includes walking, flexibility exercises (stretching) and strength training. For beginners, starting now, two or three times a week for thirty-to forty-five minutes and slowly increasing will have you fit enough to carry you through a strenuous Fall hunt. As always, check with your physician before beginning any exercise program.

June 8, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Teaching Kids To Be Ethical and Responsible Sportsmen and Sportswomen Is A Great Payback For My Volunteer Time  (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Psalm 8:6-9 You made him lord over the works of Your hands; You put everything under his feet:  all the sheep and oxen, as well as the animals in the wild, the birds of the sky, and the fish of the sea that pass through the currents of the seas. How magnificent is Your name throughout the earth! (HCSB) Thoughts I was fortunate to grow up in a family that loves God. I was taught as a child to attend church and practice good stewardship. Most of us think of stewardship in terms of giving money. But it also involves responsibility, and taking care of what is entrusted to us--money, family and relationships. As I got older, I started wondering who is responsible for God's creation. At first, the answer seemed easy-- the government-run forest service and game and fish agencies are responsible. Well, not so fast. The way I understand the eighth Psalm, God has put man, you and me, in authority over His creation. Authority carries a great deal of responsibility. These days, when I think of stewardship, I think of Psalm 8. (Ernie W) Action Point Read the complete eighth Psalm. Think of how you can be a steward of God's creation. For me, this meant getting involved with a conservation group. Conservation groups raise money for habitat projects and then give opportunities to work on them. Hunter Education Has been another opportunity for stewardship. Teaching kids to be ethical and responsible sportsmen is a great payback for my volunteer time. So the next time your state game agency or local conservation group has a work project or volunteer opportunity, take your friends and get your hands dirty. God will reward you in ways you can't even imagine.           Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Want to get the inside information on a hunting area? Go help on a habitat work project. The area wildlife manager usually is there and will give you plenty of advice on the area.

June 7, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . He Says He Will Give It  (Cliff S)

Bible Study Verse Proverbs 2:6  For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. (NKJV)  Thoughts When you are looking to buy a new bow or rifle and having difficulty choosing the right caliber, stock or arrows, back off. Better yet, stop for a moment. When it comes to high-tech hunting equipment, one really needs some knowledge to make the right choice.  As dumb as this may sound, guys, you might try asking (praying) for God's help on this decision. That should always be your first action in most matters of life. Since God wants to be as personally involved in our lives as He says, let Him be especially involved in the exciting decisions like the one above.  You never know where He might guide your path, leading you to the proper knowledge.  (MQ) Action Point Always ask God for His knowledge and understanding on life's matters. He says He will give it. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Always aim for the kill zones on animals; and only take responsible, reasonable shots.

June 6, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Mountain Quail  (USFWS)

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.  (Jimmy 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 found in Matthew 25:21,  "His Lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord,' "  (NKJV). 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.

June 5, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . How Do You Comfort A Mother , A Father, A Child, Or A Spouse Who Has Lost A Priceless Gift?   (MQ) Bible Study Verse Romans 8:28 We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. (Amplified) Thoughts In the aftermath of the recent loss of life and homes in Oklahoma, I am not yet able to stay focused on our outdoor theme. What do we say in response to this loss? How do you comfort a mother or father who has lost a priceless gift? If you have seen media reports, chat rooms or blogs, you've seen that we are saying many things; as a nation, we run the gamut of reactions, seeking to ease the hurt by accusation. In contrast, many outpourings of love and concern are offered. The only way I can move ahead is to focus on God's incredibly amazing grace. The words that the apostle Paul spoke to the believers in Rome can help us find peace and guidance again, "Who shall ever separate us from Christ's love? Shall suffering and affliction and tribulation? Or calamity and distress? Or persecution or hunger or destitution or peril or sword? Even as it is written, for Thy sake we are put to death all the day long; we are regarded and counted as sheep for the slaughter. Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord," Romans 8:35-39 (Amplified). (Brent B) Action Point If you are already a believer in Christ, please be looking for ways to reinforce His grace and love to anyone around you who may be hurting due to wrenching tragedy.  If you are not a believer, please consider looking closer at having a relationship with God through faith in Christ.  As for me, I wasn't born into faith. I was born a sinner and tried almost everything else before I found Christ. God's grace has changed me and is the only sure way I will move past intact to look again for the Good News, the Gospel of Jesus. Through faith in Him, we can all be more than conquerors over the unimaginable loss. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day In the context of today's message, the only appropriate tip is to suggest you pray for someone; anyone you feel might need it. Ask for God's mercy and guidance.

June 4, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . Future Hunters of America (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Deuteronomy 12:15-16  Nevertheless, you may slaughter your animals in any of your towns and eat as much of the meat as you want, as if it were gazelle or deer, according to the blessing the Lord your God gives you. Both the ceremonially unclean and the clean may eat it. But you must not eat the blood; pour it out on the ground like water. (NIV) Thoughts Is it okay to be a hunter? Is it okay to kill an animal? Is it okay to eat the meat of animals? Does God approve or condemn these practices? These verses clearly sanction the slaughter and the consumption of animals for meat. Jesus ate fish while on the earth, and chose commercial fishermen to be among his apostles.  The animals are a part of the stewardship of the earth that God has given to humans. Specifically named in these verses are domestic and wild game animals. He approves the use of animals for meat, leather, and for labor. It is amazing to hunting dog lovers that using our dogs for hunting is considered abuse of them by some people. Let God's rules and guidelines apply to our lives.  (Jack M) Action Point God's Word is practical. It gives us guidance and strength. It gives us clear instruction on many issues that impact our lives. It tells us all we need to know in order to please the Lord (II Peter 1:2-3). It does not tell us all we might like to know; but the Bible does give us all that we need to know in order to please God and live a life that He approves. We need: To hear it. To read it.  To meditate on it.  To memorize it.   To practice its principles.  It will bring life and satisfaction to all who do so. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Do your best to bleed out the animals you take during hunting. Sometimes the shot itself will accomplish this task. Learn to do so properly, and humanely. Improper bleeding may ruin a cape that will be used for mounting. Go to an experienced hunter, or your taxidermist to learn this skill.

June 13, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . No Matter How You Have Lived Your Life It Is Never Too Late  (Tom H)

Bible Study Verse Galatians 6:8   For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. (Amplified)  Thoughts Last week I had one of those "once in a lifetime fishing trips." It was a great time, but it has already passed. I can't go back and relive it. I heard a good quote some years ago that I have modified and it goes something like this: "Only one life; it will soon be passed; only what's born of the Spirit will last." (Tom H) Action Point No matter how you have lived your life up to this point it is never too late to seek after God and live in the power of His Spirit.  God is looking right now for a man or women who wants to give their hearts completely to Him. Do it! It has eternal rewards!!  Just pray and tell God your desire to surrender completely to Him and He will do the rest. Trust in Him; and Him alone.  Sportsmen's Tip of the Day  I like to use "FireWire" line (it's really tough, almost like dental floss) as a backer on my open faced spinning reel because it doesn't seem to get tangled as much. But, I also like to splice a lighter clear monofilament leader on so the fish can't see the line as well.

June 2, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . What Would I Do If No One Was Watching  (Cliff S)

Bible Study Verse Matthew 16:15-16  "But you," He asked them, "who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!" (HCSB) Thoughts If I were to ask people who know me, "Who am I?", I would probably get a number of different answers. I would hear that I am a hunter, a conservationist, a hunter education instructor, and a school governing board member.  I especially like being known as a hunter. I try hard to pursue hunting in the most ethical way possible and to teach my kids to be good ethical hunters as well. This is very important to me. In Matthew 16, Jesus was asking His disciples who people said He was. It was important to Jesus that His disciples knew who He was. Simon Peter gave the correct answer: "The Messiah, the Son of the living God". Because of this, Jesus told him he was blessed. (Ernie W) Action Point As much as I like being known as a hunter, more than that and all other things that I represent, I want to be identified as a follower of Christ. Being a child of the King is the greatest thing that has happened to me. Do people know that you are a follower of Christ? Ask yourself, "Who do people say that I am?" Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Have you ever heard a hunter referred to as a "slob hunter"? Who you are in the outdoors world is very important. Make sure you are the most ethical outdoorsman possible. To test this, ask yourself, "What would I do if no one were watching?"

June 1, 2013    Today's Photograph . . . . God Has Called Each Of Us To Be Fishers Of Men   (Janet B)

Bible Study Verse Luke 5: 8-11 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed Him. (NIV) Thoughts At that moment I quickly realized I had no idea what these critters looked like without being battered and deep fried. The directive had gone down to me and a couple of the other boys from church to haul in the net and dump everything in the tray then start sorting them. "Get the shrimp first then worry about everything else. Don't let'em dry out." As I quickly surveyed what the other guys were pulling out I realized that the grey, spindly-legged critters were what we were after. Sure looked different with all the other parts attached. After we had finished the first tray and lowered the net for another pass, I had occasion to survey everything else we'd caught. Blue crabs, puffer fish, squid, turtles, and all assortments of other fish were represented; creatures I'd only ever seen in books or heard spoken of by others who had fished the Gulf waters. Some we kept. Most got thrown back.  (Jay C) Action Point Perhaps, it was the "unexpected" factor that overwhelmed Peter the most. Certainly, it had been the awesomeness of the event. Seeing recently barren waters suddenly produce enough fish to nearly sink two commercial fishing boats would be enough to both simultaneously excite and overwhelm anyone. But, how reassuring it was for these guys to hear Jesus tell them in effect: "You did good and I need you for the fishing I've got planned. Follow Me." Their response to this affirming encouragement more than sums up both their character and commitment. Today we might refer to this characteristic as coachable or trainable. In any event, did you notice how they reacted to their prescribed change in vocation? No questions. No "what abouts" or "have-you-considereds." They simply left their possessions, equipment, livelihoods, jobs, incomes, career-plans, pensions, and families right there on the beach. Then they followed Jesus. It's an amazing thing to me how in such a short and immediate period of time, Peter and company went from responding to "fish over there" to "follow me wherever." No questions. No hesitation. God has called each of us to be fishers of men. He has provided us with the "nets" of our friends, life experiences, jobs, neighborhoods, sportsmen's clubs, church outreaches, and school functions. However, He wants all the fish in our nets, not just the shrimp, the pretty ones, the record setters, or the rare and uncommon ones. He wants them all. He needs us to regularly gather in our nets, not worry about the sorting, and focus on the saving. We need to be concentrating on how to lead them to the Master Fisher. "Do you know what you're looking for? Don't let'em dry out."    Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Cast nets from 8 - 12' in diameter are particularly useful when preparing for a day offshore as they can be used to catch shad and shrimp which are favorite bait for many of the Gulf water game fish. While it takes some time beforehand to learn how to cast them cleanly, the effort invested pays for itself in free bait.