November 17, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . Pingora Peak Above Lonesome Lake At Cirque Of The Towers In The Wind River Mountain Range, Wyoming (NPS)

Bible Study Verses

Psalm 121:1-2 and 7-8

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever. (NASB)

Thoughts

Because of my husband's interest in hunting and fly-fishing, we chose to build our retirement home out West. We looked at property at all elevations. Many of the rides up the mountains made me grab the dash with white knuckles, as we drove narrow trails with deep drop-offs and sharp switchback curves. The lots at the top of the mountain were heavily wooded; views were limited--trees and nothing else. It seemed that the best view of the mountain was from the valley below.

Having decided to build in the river valley, we are now privileged to watch the shadows of clouds moving across the mountains to reveal a majestic creation with a multitude of colors and textures. Depending on the season and the food supply, deer, moose, and big horn sheep roam past our property. Seeing the magnitude of the Lord's creation, we gain strength from the assurance that God is in control of all.

(Sharon L)

Action Point

Whether hunting, fishing, hiking, or just looking out the window, spend time every day enjoying the Lord's creation. Seeing the magnitude of His power helps keep your daily life in perspective.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Altitude does make a difference! When planning a trip to the mountains, give your body a couple of days to adjust to the altitude change before hiking, hunting, or starting any strenuous activity.

November 16, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . I Still Remember That Fish  . . . (Yvonne M)

Bible Study Verse

Proverbs 4:1

Listen, [my] sons, to a father's discipline, and pay attention so that you may gain  understanding, (HCSB)

Thoughts

My father took me fishing at a very young age. I was three-years old when I first went in the boat with him. My mother was extremely upset and most of my body was covered by flotation devices! It's amazing that I could move at all.

Then I caught my first fish--a white bass from the Fox River! Now, at 44 years old, I still remember that fish coming into the boat, with a lot of help from my Dad.

As the years passed, there was always advice that my Dad gave me, passed on to him by his father. We fished a lot together when I was younger, and still occasionally get the chance to spend some time together to wet a line.

Even when we don't fish together, we always talk about the fish we have caught and ones we are still after; and my father's instruction continues.

(Jim C)

Action Point

Always be open to new insights and instructions, especially from people who have hunted and fished longer than you. None of us will ever know it all.

The outdoors and its adventures are so ongoing and changing that each one of us will never experience it completely. However, since each of us learns something new through different encounters, we become wiser learning from one another.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

White bass are a hard-hitting, great fighting fish. Lipless crank baits are a great way to catch them. By removing the rear treble and replacing it with a feathered treble, you will increase the lure's action and attracting capabilities; and catch more fish.

   

November 15, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . You Will Be Like A Tree Firmly Planted (MQ)

Bible Study Verse

Psalm 1:1-3

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD,

And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers. (NASB)

Thoughts

It's amazing what can happen to you, your life, and the people around you, when you do things with God first in your heart.  

   

I know that I have been blessed with the love of the outdoors--watching the sun come up on a lake in northern Manitoba. The colors that God paints the sky as the fog rolls off to unveil a new day--leave me breathless, along with the smell of pine trees and the ever-present allure of big fish. It's at those times that I feel like that grateful tree planted by streams of water.  

The fruit I yield is passing on what I have learned and experienced to others. My leaves will never wither as long as I branch out and share what knowledge I have gained. Those are the times that I feel more prosperous than the richest man.  

(Jim C)

Action Point 

Never keep to yourself what insight, tip, or tactic you have learned. Always share it with others so that they may make it even greater than when you discovered it. In that way, it becomes worth more than if you would have just kept it for yourself.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

When fishing for Northern Pike, as your lure gets closer to the boat, speed up your retrieve. This will often cause a massive reflex strike from a following fish. Be prepared; these can be some of the most explosive strikes you will ever encounter!

November 14, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . Majestic Bull (Yvonne M)

Bible Study Verse

I John 1:7

But if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. (NASB)

Thoughts

Awhile back, I was blessed to draw a bull elk tag for Arizona's coveted Unit 9. On the evening of the first day, a large bull entered a clearing about 200 yards from me. Once I had closed the distance, my shot rang true and the majestic bull lay 75 yards from where he was hit.

As I cleaned and quartered the elk, I was amazed at how powerful the blood was. Blood that normally carries life can be disrupted by one well-placed shot; and suddenly, 75 yards later, life ceases to exist.

Blood is the key ingredient that gives us all life.

(Brett M)

Action Point

If blood is so powerful that it keeps that majestic animal alive, just think about how powerful the blood of the Creator of the universe was and is!!! When Christ died on Calvary, He shed His blood to "purify us from all sin."

While blood brings life, whether we are people, elk, or quail, the blood of Christ gives us eternal life. Now, that is powerful blood!!!

As Christians, we can become complacent about God's sacrifice, knowing that He loves us and will forgive us. Let us not trample underfoot the precious blood that He shed for us. Always strive to be obedient to His Word and His will!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Although blood and bodily fluids bring life, they can, also, carry infectious diseases. Make sure that you always carry several pairs of surgical/latex gloves for cleaning your harvest.  

November 13, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . July 4th Parade, Fireman Watering Willing Observers in Dubois, WY (MQ)

Bible Study Verse

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. (NASV)

Thoughts

There is an old saying in the firefighting world, "Telegraph, Telephone, Tell-a-fireman." The implication is that firefighters tend to be gossipy.

When I go hunting, I often go with a group of other firefighters. At end of the day we're sitting around the campfire in the evening and the conversations often turns to work and people at work. If I am not careful, before I know it, I can get caught up in the gossip.

These discussions only lead to one outcome--hurting others. Not a good thing!

(Brett M)

Action Point

I have not always been a firefighter and I know that this kind of behavior is in all kinds of professions and settings. It may be with non-Christian friends with whom we hunt, or Christian friends with whom we go to church.

The important thing is to recognize that the words of gossip are rarely if ever, true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, or admirable.

Let's take the lead to show Christ to others by not only refusing to participate in such activities; but to re-direct the conversation to a more excellent or praiseworthy direction.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

If you're the last one to turn in at night, make sure the campfire is fully extinguished. Once you think you have poured an adequate amount of water on the coals, pour more.

November 12, 2011   Today's Photograph . . . . Big Horn Sheep (MQ)

Bible Study Verse Matthew 25:13 "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming." (NKJV) Thoughts In just a few weeks, hunting season opens.  I am already seeing seasoned hunters out, watching their favorite spots and probably wondering, "Is the game still there this year?" Watching is an important part of the hunt if we want to find a trophy. Jesus tells us to watch for His return--be mindful of His return and be ready! He is our Trophy!!! (Byron S) Action Point Watching is not passive; it involves our interaction with the Word of God. We need to understand the times in which we live by keeping ourselves immersed in God's Word, the Bible. Use your knowledge to encourage your family and friends to also be watching for His return.   Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Sitting on a high overlook, glassing with a steady pair of binoculars, is a great way to find out where the game is hanging out. Try securing your binoculars on a tripod. It is amazing how much more you can see with a steady hand.

November 11, 2011   

Today's Photograph . . . Military On Piestewa Peak, Formerly Know As Squaw Peak, Arizona (Cliff S)

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

Bible Study Verse

Nehemiah 4:20

Wherever you hear the trumpet sound, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us. (HCSB)

Thoughts

This verse reminds me: I don't have to fight my spiritual battles alone; I am to listen for the battle call; join my fellow soldiers for Christ; and that God, Himself, will fight for me!

As I think about what Veterans Day means to all of us, I recognize that I have not had to fight for the freedoms that I enjoy in this country. Each of us has had a family member or friend who has fought or died, or is fighting for our freedoms. Wherever the trumpet calls, the fighting men and women of this country will gather to fight freedom's battles for us--to protect us from those who would take away our freedom.

In the favorite song by a group named Avalon, entitled, "For Freedom." One of the verses tells of thunder in the valley, artillery, and a soldier being wounded. As he dies, he reminds us that, if it is for freedom that he has fought, it is for freedom that he has said, "Goodbye". As I type this, just as my eyes filled with tears while listening to the song, they are filled with tears now as I think of what these brave warriors have done for us, what they have done for me. All I can say is, "THANK YOU, AMERICAN SOLDIERS! I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE LOVED AND APPRECIATED!!!"

Action Point

When you see someone in the uniform of this country, stop and thank him or her for what they are doing for us. This would also include police and fire fighters. Tell them that they are important, and that you pray for them daily. Then, pray!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Never take your hunting and fishing privileges for granted. Never take for granted your right to own a firearm. There are those who would take away these freedoms. The next time the polls are open, do the one thing we can all do--vote for those individuals who take seriously their oath to defend the Constitution of this great country!

November 10, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . Elk On The Run (Yvonne M)

Bible Study Verses

Ephesians 6:16-17

In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God's word. (HCSB)

Thoughts

Each Spring I watch these elk--they bunch up during antler drop and stay together until early Fall. During that time, they progress from antlerless to soft new antlers; then finally, begin to spar with one another, sharpening the antlers and their skills. When they part ways for the rut, the sparring becomes battle, sometimes ending in death.

We are like these elk--if we don't practice the Word each day, our defense is puny, and we are sparring Satan with a dull pocket knife.

(Byron S)

Action Point

If you read and study the Word each day, you will be given a sharp two-edged sword with which to go into battle.

Be ready with the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Carry a good whet stone or pocket steel with you when out in the field. You will be better prepared to clean, skin, and bone out your game with a good sharp knife.

November 9, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . Crowded Water (MQ)

Bible Study Verse

Psalm 42:1

As a deer longs for streams of water, so I long for You, God. (HCSB)

Thoughts

Set your heart to seek the LORD. Stir up your soul to focus on HIM and HIS goodness. Invest time seeking HIM through Bible reading, meditation, and prayer.

Desiring GOD does not come naturally--it is supernatural!!! GOD's HOLY SPIRIT gives us the desire and the dynamic power to do GOD's will. Philippians 2:12c-13 instructs, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is GOD who is working in you, [enabling you] both to will and to act for HIS good purpose," (HCSB). But we must do our part to cooperate with HIM by investing our time, talent, and treasure; and by dedicating the temple of our bodies to HIM.

May our desire for God grow to the point that we long for Him, desiring our daily experience with God in the Word and in prayer!!! We were created to know HIM and enjoy HIM. True peace, joy, and blessing are found in HIM alone!!!

(Jack M)

Action Point

Discipline is necessary for success in life. Set a time each day to be in the WORD and in prayer, fellowshipping with the LORD. Don't be legalistic, but do be consistent. As we read and pray, our desire for GOD will grow. We will be rewarded with HIS peace and power!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Take advantage of the dry times in the field. Set your blind or your stand near water sources, or the trails between bedding areas and these sources. These are often productive  later in the day, especially in hotter and dryer weather. The game will come for the water, and may well present you with the opportunity to harvest a trophy!

November 8, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . The Sweet Sounds Leads Him to His Death (MQ)

Bible Study Verses

James 1:13-15

When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (NIV)

Thoughts

Wild turkey hunting is exciting! You give a few yelps on your favorite call, and a gobble comes back--the big old Tom is coming! He thinks he is coming to fulfill his desire to mate. But instead, the lure of the sweet sounds leads him to his death.

This is like sin. Sin entices us--lures us, calls us--to indulge, enjoy, to involve ourselves in its temporary pleasures. But what is so alluring and seems so exciting leads us to death, both physically and spiritually.

God has provided Jesus Christ as the payment for sin. His call leads to abundant life. Each one of us must accept Him. Don't be lured to destruction by sin! Accept God's forgiveness in Christ and enjoy abundant life, here and hereafter.

(Jack M)

Action Point

When you hear the call of sin--the invitation to participate in what seems so sweet-- consider the results. Sin always takes you further than you want to go; keeps you longer than you wanted to stay, and costs more than you wanted to pay. The temptation is not the sin. Say "NO!" to the temptation. Cry to God in prayer, and leave the temptation behind.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Practice with your calls long before the season begins. Also make sure the calls are conditioned. Slate and glass calls need to have the surfaces conditioned. Scotch Brite works great for slate calls, and sand paper on glass surfaced calls. Box calls need adjusted, before the season begins.

November 7, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . Good Day Fishing On A Lake (MQ)

Bible Study  Verses

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Thoughts

I asked my oldest son what was one of his most memorable moments. He said it was when we were at Hyalite Lake in Montana. We brought our float tubes together, held hands and prayed to our Heavenly Father. It was 6:00 a.m.; the morning sun was glowing behind the mountain peaks, and there was a foggy mist on the lake. What a majestic sight! You could feel God's presence.

On opening day of deer hunting in Minnesota, my two sons and I were walking on a trail to our deer stands. Before we split up on our separate trails, one of my sons asked if we could pray. With all of the anxiety associated with opening day of deer hunting, our prayers brought peace to my heart, knowing that we were in God's hands and He would keep us safe. I am blessed to see the importance of prayer in each of my sons' life.

(Tom L)

Action Point

Before going to work, school, or on trips, spend time in prayer with your family. It's a great way to start the day. Don't forget to thank God for the answers to prayer.

Sportsmen's Devotional

When you are walking single file on a trail, make sure you unload your firearm; and ask the rest of your party to check their firearms.

November 6, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . Trout, The Thrill For The Diligent Fly Fisherman (MQ)

Bible Study Verse

Acts 4:32

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. (NIV)

Thoughts

I remember walking along the Rush River in Wisconsin looking for a place to wet a fly. I met a gentleman fishing, so I stopped and asked him how he was doing. He replied he was doing very well with one of his own fly patterns. He insisted on giving me a couple of flies and told me to try this stretch of the river. I thanked him for sharing, and he headed upstream. I caught several nice fish and was very thankful for his thoughtfulness.

Later that spring, some of my students expressed an interest in fly fishing. I taught them how to tie some simple patterns and we went fishing together. As I upgraded my equipment, I gave away some of my equipment to them. They wanted to pay me; but I thought of that gentleman on the Rush, and told them that fly fishermen don't take money for flies or used equipment - we share! This started a long-lasting relationship with these young people. I was blessed ten-fold!

(Tom L)

Action Point

Dig out some of that old equipment and get someone started fly fishing. It's a great opportunity to mentor, to witness, and to be a role model for young people!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Try substituting a red thorax on your hare's ear instead of turkey quill. It has worked well on several streams and lakes. We call it the "bloody" hare's ear.   

November 5, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . Enjoy Some Quality Fellowship Time With GOD (MQ)

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 will be 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 . . . ," John 21:6 (NASB). 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.

November 4, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . By God's Grace Stay Humble (MQ)

Bible Study Verses

Proverbs 15:33

The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, and before honor comes humility. (NASB)

Proverbs 16:18

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling. (NASB)

Thoughts

Several years back I remember watching the Winter Olympics. One young lady stood out to me more than all the others because she worked so hard to get the gold.

It was on the last jump of the downhill snow board race that her pride made her fall. The gold was virtually in her back pocket until she did a little "showboating"; and down on her face she went. All hopes for the gold were destroyed at that very second!

As fishermen, we can get a little competitive as well-- look how many fish I caught; I got the biggest one today! In the long run, where is that monster trout going to be 100 years from now even if it's mounted. At that time, who's going to really care?

(Tom H)

Action Point

Go for the gold; catch the big fish. But, by God's grace, stay humble!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Bring an extra reel or back-up line with you. Sometimes, when you catch those monster trout, they can bind up, or (worse yet) strip out all your line.

November 3, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . Copperhead (USF&W)

Bible Study Verse

I 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 above 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, "And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time,"(ESV).

The bottom line is:  Don't become a  coyote's or Satan's bait.

Sportsmen's Devotional

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 flashed his light into the blind, I would have stepped on, or worse, sat on, the resident Copperhead.

November 2, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . Chapel Built on the Rock, Sedona , AZ (Ron H)

Bible Study Verses

Matthew 26:39, 42, 44

Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will." He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may Your will be done." So He left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. (NIV)

Thoughts

After reading this passage of scripture all my life, it occurred to me recently that Jesus had a choice. Just as God gave Adam and Eve a choice in the Garden of Eden, God gave Jesus a choice in Gethsemane. Jesus did not have to go through the horrific death He was facing. You see, Jesus was not only fully man, He was, also, fully God.

Sometimes we may overlook that He not only did not want to go through the crucifixion physically, but also spiritually. But still, Jesus set the greatest example of obedience to the Father that we could ever have. Jesus chose to obey; He chose to love, and He chose to die so that we might have Life.

When I think about what He chose to do for us, it gives me a renewed desire to be as obedient to the Father as Jesus was. I shudder to think of the consequences if Jesus had chosen disobedience.

(Cliff S)

Action Point

We learned as youngsters that obedience to our earthly parents had rewards, as were there consequences for disobedience.

God has promised blessings to those who choose to be obedient to Him. Remember Samuel's words to King Saul, "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams," I Samuel 15:22b (NIV).

Sportsmen' Tip of the Day

Game laws are established for many reasons. A few are safety, conservation, and preservation of game species. It's better to obey the laws and add to the pleasure of your hunt rather than to have to suffer the consequences of disobedience.

November 1, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . It's Amazing What Rain Does To The Desert (Raymond R)

Bible Study Verses

Acts 3:19-21

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that He may send the Messiah, Who has been appointed for you-even Jesus. Heaven must receive Him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as He promised long ago through His holy prophets. (NIV)

Thoughts

My Son and I snuck off during Javelina season to try to find him a pig, and in reality, to just get away from the daily grind for an afternoon. Our trip took us about an hour north of Phoenix into the higher desert country.

The only problem was that a storm was coming in and it was raining intermittently. We soon found ourselves under a juniper tree watching it rain and trying to stay dry. The rain made things kind of miserable for hunting, but the countryside was absolutely beautiful!

It's amazing what rain does to the desert. Everything is cleansed and refreshed and takes on a new look, a look of life, just as the blood of Jesus cleanses us and allows His Holy Spirit to refresh us and to restore our love for Him and our life in Him.

(Cliff S)

Action Point

When you find yourself out of fellowship with God, repent of whatever is standing between you and Him. Allow Him to wash your sins away. Pray as David did in Psalms 51:10, "Create in me a pure heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me," (NIV).

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Rain and wind can lead to hypothermia. The best way to prevent hypothermia is to wear layered clothing made of wool.

October 31, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . Fall Colors (Janet B)

Bible Study Verses

Deuteromy 18:10-14

There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you.  You shall be blameless before the LORD your God. For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, the LORD your God has not appointed such for you. (NKJV)

Thoughts

Years ago many a deer hunt was right before Halloween.  As a kid couldn't be at two places at one time, so I went hunting.

One Halloween we were butchering 3 deer in one evening. Unfortunately we ran out of butcher paper, so I ran to pick more up at the store.  The other two men couldn't keep butchering and answer the door to pass out candy so they ended visitation.  They place a deer head with its horns sawed off at the end of the driveway until I found it in my returning headlights.

As I removed the scary creature to oblivion I promised myself that we'd never butcher another deer on Halloween with the butcher boys again. It worked as a fright, not one child or teenager came up to the porch after that display. It's unsettling to think what the neighbors might have thought or the nightmares created.
(Jo Q)

Action Point

Just as the butcher boys made a poor choice on deflecting visitation, it brings to mind the verse that says, "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea," Matthew 18:6 (NKJV).  Hopefully they didn't cause a frightened little one to sin.  But how many of our poor choices caused another to stumble?   

  

The above scripture is pretty clear on what any of us should not be doing within the spiritual realm. Notice "one who practices witchcraft" has no exceptions for white, black, or Wicca. We're to walk in HIS light and with our faith in JESUS CHRIST not by what today's horoscope reflects.

The final tests are to take every thought captive to Christ and line up every question to GOD's Living Holy WORD. We become free in CHRIST when we bow at HIS throne and humbly ask for HIS forgiveness no matter what has been in the past!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
By cutting up our own deer, we diligently removed all fat before packaging. The strong gamey taste was removed with the fat. Many a chuckle was created when friends enjoyed the steak that couldn't have been wild game meat.

October 30, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . It Felt Awesome Helping Her Hit Her Target (Ruben C)

Bible Study Verses

Matthew 7:13-14

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (NIV)

Thoughts

During a recent Hunter Education course, a young girl was having difficulty hitting the target at 10 yards. No scratch that; she was not hitting the target at all! As I watched it seemed as if her .22 rifle was pointed at the target while she continued to miss. 

I asked her if she was looking through her right eye and she replied, "Yes".  She kept missing.  I then observed her as she aimed. To my surprise, she closed both eyes!

"Aha!" I thought. She could not close just one eye and for a few moments I was perplexed as what to do.  I knew we had to get her on target or the whole class would not mean anything if she felt she couldn't hit the target on the last day. 

It then occurred to me to make a field expedient "blinder" for a pair of safety glasses from a .22 carton and electrical tape. The young shooter immediately put them on (with the left eye piece covered) and she immediately started putting all her shots in the ten ring. After

hitting the target for the first time, she looked up at me and was all smiles.

It felt awesome to help her hit her target.
(Ruben C)

Action Point

Just like it's a bad idea to simply point a rifle downrange, close both eyes, pull the trigger, and expect to hit the target. We shouldn't think we can apply the same principles to our walk with Christ.  Like the young shooter on the range needing guidance so do we.

Sometimes we may need to stop and re-orient  ourselves.  The Bible is a great place to start getting on target!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

If your young shooters are having difficulty hitting the target, a flip down eye piece may be the answer.  Conversely, this can also be a great opportunity to train your young shooter to shoot with a scope with both eyes open.  

October 29, 2011  

Today's Photograph . . . . If You Must Boast, Boast In The Lord (Yvonne M)

Bible Study Verses

Proverbs 27: 1-2

Don't boast about tomorrow, for you don't know what a day might bring. Let another praise you, and not your own mouth - a stranger, and not your own lips. (HCSB)

Thoughts

In the charter boat business, one day you might be a hero with full limits. Then the next day conditions change, the fish don't bite, and you struggle. You can spot a rookie guide from a mile away when he struts around the dock with a cooler full of fish and proclaims himself as the greatest. Then, on a tough day, he tucks his tail between his legs and mopes.

The truth of the matter is, we all have great days, good days, average days, slow days, and downright poor days. The veteran guide knows this, and keeps his cool and confidence when things are going good and when it is tough to get a bite.

(Bink G)

Action Point

Proverbs was written as a practical guide to everyday living. The above scripture instructs us to be humble in our successes, because the next day the wind may be blowing 25 knots from the southwest, or the fish may not be hungry.

Nobody likes the clamor from the self-righteous. If you must boast, boast in the Lord, even if you only have a few fish to clean.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

When fishing conditions are tough, it is even more important to know your tides and moon phases. The fish may only bite for an hour that day, so you better be there when they feed.