Sportsmen's Daily Devotional

First topic message reminder :

I'm going to share the sportsman's daily devotional each morning, here on the forum. For those who may be interested.

A Daily Study of God's Word for Christian Sportsmen January 18, 2012

Bible Study Verses

Numbers 10:31-32

"Please don't leave us," Moses said, "since you know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you can serve as our eyes. If you come with us, whatever good the LORD does for us we will do for you." (HCSB)



Thoughts

I was taking a group of students through a simulated hunt that we had set up for a hunter education class. We would frequently stop and talk about proper gun carrying techniques, shoot and don't-shoot scenarios, and game and sign identification.



I noticed that one young girl was staying in the back near her dad, hesitant to participate. Trying to encourage her participation, I told her that her stealth-like quietness and patience must be a real asset when she and her dad go hunting. Her face lit up with just a little praise; and she quickly began to share some of her past outdoor experiences.

(Brett M)



Action Point

As Moses led the Israelites to the Promised Land, he asked Hobab to go with them on their journey. Initially, Hobab said no. But after Moses complimented Hobab's wilderness skills, he agreed to go.



Compliments and encouragement can go a long way in building a person's self-esteem, make them feel good about themselves and about you. An attitude of consistent encouragement is one way we can show Christ's love to others.



Try encouraging your spouse, kids, boss, and co-workers and see how good you will begin to feel, and how your relationships will be strengthened.



Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Being a young and inexperienced sportsman can be discouraging. Mistakes are frequent, and success rare. Take time to encourage new sportsmen. Share your experiences, knowledge, and time.

Bible Study Verse

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 had some fun trying to figure out which eye was 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 25yd.


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.

Bible Study Verse
Exodus 4:1
Then Moses answered, "What if they won't believe me and will not obey me but say, 'The Lord did not appear to you'?" (HCSB)



Thoughts

Moses was afraid to accept the challenge God gave him to lead the Israelites out of the bondage of Egypt.



To prove to Moses and the rest of the Israelites that God was in charge, He told Moses to throw down his staff, which turned into a snake.



Here is the tough part for me, God then told Moses to pick it up by the tail.



Moses did, and the snake became the staff again; however, the staff was no longer a shepherd's staff, but a staff for leading God's people to the Promised Land.

(Bink G)



Action Point

God challenges us from time to time to leave our comfort zones and take a leap of faith and obey His will. It would definitely take an act of God for me to pick up a snake by the tail.



As anglers, we all have our favorite fishing spots; and, we fish these spots 90 percent of the time. We rarely look at new water for fear of failure, especially when we have paying customers.



God challenged me one day to seek out a dear friend who was having family problems. Honestly, I did not want to do it - I wanted to stay out of it. But, God burdened me to leave my comfort zone and talk to my friend about being a godly man and doing what is right.



My friend, a proud man, was very receptive to the discussion; and, I knew it was because God was there too, leaning against the truck with us.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Fishing on days when the weather is not the most conducive to catching makes us better anglers. We must seek out new water and read patterns and tides to find fish. In the process we become better fishers, and add a few coordinates to the GPS.

Bible Study Verse
Psalm 69:2
Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire; I can't find a foothold. I am in deep water, and the floods overwhelm me. (NLT)

Thoughts
The crossing of the small stream was routine. I had hunted these woods, making the same push many times. It was frozen over some years. But, usually all I had to do was find a place the deer crossed and I could make the crossing just fine. I had thought of using a pole to help stabilize me during the crossing, but when none was readily at hand I gave up on the idea.

So I ventured out with nothing to stabilize me; nothing to lean on. This time my left boot became mired down in the mucky, muddy bottom. I fell. My one boot filled with water, my clothing became wet, and water quickly turned to ice on the shotgun. When I was able to get up and out on the other side, I was faced with cleaning myself and making sure my weapon was not full of ice, mud, or snow.

My hands became so cold during this recovery effort that they hurt. I am sure it would have made a comical video. The experience itself was such a challenge that I ended my hunt early.

(Jackie M)

Action
The situations and circumstances of life can mire us down, catch us off guard, and derail us from the important and meaningful things we should do. A foothold or stepping stone is important.

This solid foundation is found in Jesus Christ alone. On our own, the mud will entrap us. the waters overwhelm us, and even drown us. But, if we depend on the Lord, we can find the bedrock of certainty and substance that will never disappoint or let us down. Matthew 7:24-25 reflects, "Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock," (NLT).

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Choose places to cross streams very carefully. Use a pole or a long strong stick to give you support and stability. Carry extra dry socks in case the water enters your boots so you can change into dry socks. Also make sure to clear the weapon of ice, debris, mud, or snow before you fire it.

Bible Study Verse
Isaiah 51:1-2
"Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn; look to Abraham, your father, and to Sarah, who gave you birth. When I called him he was only one man, and I blessed him and made him many. (NIV)



Thoughts

This short verse, tells me to look inside at myself. It tells me to be accountable for whom I am. I want to seek the Lord because I know that with Him and through Him, I can be more like Him, which happens as we go through our trials in life. "The rock from which I was cut" I am a believer in the "most high" I am a cut above. Not that I should ever act that way but I should know I was made in God's image and because of that when life has its trials, I need to look up, I need to look "above" from where I was "cut". We will get through and forge ahead!

(Jim C)



Action Point
On my internet show I strive to make sure the young viewers know about, honesty, integrity and accountability. I could tell them that, or I could show them that through my actions. I will never be perfect, but I know that God loves a cheerful giver and for my little part in this world I want young viewers to see the good in the outdoors. What it can give all of us. It's all of our responsibility to pass on what we know!



Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Fishing season is right around the corner. When fishing a body of water right after a cold winter, remember to look for the north of northwest area of the lake or pond you are fishing. That area will warm first and give you a better chance of catching some fish during this time of year.

Bible Study Verse
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (NKJV)



Thoughts

Last Saturday morning was the opening of muzzleloader season in Arkansas. As daylight oozed in through the pines, my phone vibrated and I quietly read the two text messages. They were from my two best hunting buddies; my dad and my brother. They had opted to open the black powder season in South Arkansas while I opted to stay close to home in the North. They were wishing me a good hunt.


Throughout the morning, we would quietly text from time to time.



"I just saw a good buck!"

"I had three cross the logging road about five minutes ago."

"I can't hear anything for the noisy squirrels!"

I don't usually get into bringing technology with me on a hunting trip, but it was nice to "virtually" hunt with my buddies even though we were a few hundred miles apart.
(Brian H)

Action Point
Things change. No doubt. But show me a church, or a group of believers that refuse to change methodology as they proclaim Christ and I'll show you a group that have ceased to be effective - at least with younger generations.

I'm not talking about changing the MESSAGE. That never changes and can NEVER be compromised. But, let your mind drift to the reformation era. People of that era had different life examples than today. Suppose that a preacher was speaking to a group of teenagers and kept using the analogy of churning butter or hitching up the mule to the plow. That's not going to hit home with those kids because they can't identify with those actions. But, what if he presented his message and used the analogy of texting on a cell phone. Ah! They get it!

In my story above, we had changed our communication method, but were still communicating the same message as we always had. When I was a child, we hunted until noon, came out and talked about our morning hunt face-to-face. Then we started using radios,walkie talkies, to communicate. Nowadays, we use text messaging because it's quieter. My point? The message stays the same, but the method has to change to remain effective.

As the writer of Hebrews states, Jesus never changes. Never compromise the message. It's still the same as it has always been. But look at your methods for reaching a lost world and don't be afraid to innovate. Innovate, but NEVER compromise.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
If you do choose to carry technology out with you, for goodness sake, put it on silent mode and don't over-do it. You could miss a chance for a shot, but also, you're out there to relax and too much texting overshadows why you're out there in

Bible Study Verses

Esther 4:13-14

And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: "Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king's palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (NKJV)



Thoughts

It had been a long season. It was twenty degrees on a December Saturday morning and I really didn't feel like getting up this early and driving the hour to my deer lease in order to be there by daylight. But an empty buck tag and a good stand site won me over. I rolled out of bed and bundled up.



At 9:30 that same morning, I was standing over a massive nine point buck. Opportunity had knocked and I had answered.

(Brian H)



Action Point

In spiritual terms we're very good at seeing opportunities, but how good are we at seizing them? More times than not, we see an opportunity and we tell other people about it in hopes that they will seize that opportunity. How tragic that we're so willing to pass off God's blessing to someone else!!!



You see, God is in the business of bringing people and circumstances into our lives with a purpose for us to fulfill. When we decide that we're not going to seize an opportunity that God has put in front of us, then He will allow someone else to accomplish His will and will bless them instead!!!



You know that thing that you've been worrying over or fretting about? Yeah, that thing. God wants you to see that as an opportunity to do something for Him. You've been put right here for such a time as this. Look at life differently from here on. SEE opportunities around you and SEIZE them!!! Perhaps we have been placed here "for such a time as this!!!"



Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Winter and early Spring is a great time to inventory your hunting and fishing equipment, fix broken equipment, or cull it if it's not fixable. Mend holes in torn clothes, refletch arrows, clean firearms, brace up deer stands, clean out the tackle box.....in a word.....seize the opportunity to do some clean up and organization.

Bible Study Verses
Luke 12:17-20

"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against Heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.' So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. (NIV)


Thoughts

Repentance is a 180 degree turn, as when I turned the deer's horns around. If we are going the wrong way, we need to turn around.



Humble, sorrowful words like the prodigal's, "Father, I have sinned against Heaven and against you," show that our heart has turned. That's what God is looking for. But, then his steps also turned, back to the father's house.



Like the prodigal's father, our Heavenly Father says, " "But the Father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate," Luke 15:22-24 (NIV).



Action Point

If you are the one headed the wrong way, the Lord says, "Return unto me." (over 50x's in the major and minor prophets). If you see someone headed the wrong way, Proverbs 27:6 reminds us, "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses," (NIV).



If you have a loved one who is "in a far country," be like the prodigal's Father. He was intently watching for and longing to see him, maybe even from a hilltop. Perhaps that's how he saw him when he was still a long way off.


Sportsmen's Tip Of The Day

Hunting into the wind is wisest for most big game. However, scent-washing yourself and your hunting clothes, as well as wearing cover scents that match the area (don't wear pine scent, where no pine grows) , will help you when the wind does a 180 on you. For deer, light doe urine is always a good "cologne".

Bible Study Verses


Psalm 100


Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the Lord Himself is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving


And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations. (NASB)




Thoughts

The Thanksgiving Day holiday is a uniquely American Holiday! President George Washington, on Oct 3, 1789, signed a decree for a "General Thanksgiving" that in part stated that the day was "to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God."




The theme of Thanksgiving is an attitude to be shared by all, all the time!!!

(Jack M)




Action Point

Please enjoy this day while reflecting upon God's specific blessings upon you, your family, and your loved ones.




Enjoy the food, the love, the warmth of relationships as a celebration of God's goodness!

Share the day with those in need. Invite them to your table. Take them a meal, or the provisions for a meal.




In sharing with others, you will find even greater fulfillment and joy as you imitate the Greatest Giver of all, our God and His Son, Jesus Christ.




Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Remember to share your wild game with those in need. There are many programs at the state and local levels that welcome the donation of game taken in fair chase as sources of protein for the needy.

Bible Study Verse

Ecclesiastes 10:12

Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips. (NIV)



Thoughts

How simple this phrase, but how true the words are.



As outdoorsmen and women we see Gods majesty every time we are in the outdoors. We are humbled by every single sunrise and every glorious sunset.



Flipping though the "TV" channels the other day I heard a so called "comedian" say he does not believe in the "magical man in the sky." I was insulted by this, but yet felt sorry for his egotistical views that his talents are his and his alone. As we who believe know, the evidence is there to find and to have faith in the rest is to be in the glory of God.

(Jim C)



Action Point

If a nonbeliever ever questions you, a Biblical tirade is probably not going to save them.



I have prayed about how to interact with people as there are times that I am intimidated by an opening to spread the good news. The best way for me, is just to tell of my life experience, God will take care of the rest, as he always does.



Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

There are essentials that should be in every backpack when hunting for the day. Flashlight or head lamp, snacks, pocket knife, and don't forget the toilet paper. All these can come in handy when out in the woods!

Bible Study Verses

Acts 15:36-38


Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. (NIV)




Thoughts


This fall I accomplished a personal hunting goal, a goal that has taken me a long time to complete. A few weeks back I killed my first black bear and completed the Arizona Big Ten.



The Big Ten is a list of ten big game animals that are found in Arizona. Actually, there are thirteen now, but the original Big Ten is still recognized. When a hunter takes one of each of the ten species in Arizona (out-of-state kills don't count), he has completed his Big Ten.



The ten species are: Mule Deer, Coues Whitetail Deer, Elk, Antelope, Buffalo, Merriam's Turkey, Desert Bighorn Sheep, Black Bear, Mountain Lion, and Javelina.


I came home with one empty tag (like, my unfilled archery deer tag two weeks later) to remember that I still have lots to learn about big game and hunting. Empty tags are very humbling and I have a significant collection of them to remind me to keep my head on straight!


Now, lest you worry about me getting a little big headed here, understand, it has taken me forty-eight years to accomplish this goal. It didn't happen overnight and I was very lucky to draw some hard-to-get tags and I had a lot of help with most of the hunts.



Speaking of bears, I saw my first bear in 1977 and just killed one this year. I did miss a nice cinnamon bear twelve years ago that I should have killed. It wasn't one of my better shots.



I do have a couple of thoughts I want to share here. First, it is easy to get a little prideful about all of this. But, all it takes is to come home with one empty tag (like, my unfilled archery deer tag two weeks later) to remember that I still have lots to learn about big game and hunting. Empty tags are very humbling and I have a significant collection of them to remind me to keep my head on straight! Second, the fact that I missed that first bear I shot at wasn't the end of the story. It took twelve years, but I finally put my tag on a bear! (Cliff S)

(Cliff S)




Action Point


Our spiritual walk is like these stories. First, I've been a Christian for more than fifty years, but still have lots to learn about God, Jesus, the Bible, and living the Christian life. I've listened to stories about Jesus since I was old enough to walk. I've read through the Bible numerous times and have done many book studies over the years. Believe it or not, I even sang in the church choir in my younger days, but you have to promise not to tell anybody about that!



Even now, it still always amazes me how God reveals truths when He knows I'm ready to hear them, and not a second sooner. Second, I do fail (that's a politically correct word for sin) just like every man that walks this Earth.



But, failure isn't fatal, it's not the end of the story. You see, God has forgiven me for my past, present, and future sins because I have accepted Jesus as my Savior. I am washed by Jesus' blood and am just as secure in my promise of eternity with God as those that are in His presence right now! Not because of anything I have done, mind you, but because of what God has done. No pride here, I am a sinner saved by grace! Are you?

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Hunting can be very humbling. About the time you think you know it all an animal makes you look silly! None of us know everything there is to know about the animals and pursuing them. I've found that I can learn something from every hunter I meet, even if what I learn is something not to do!

Bible Study Verses

Acts 27:18-20

We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. On the third day, they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands. When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved. (NIV)



Action Point
It was early December and the late cow elk season was just getting underway. Hundreds of hunters spread out over northern Arizona. The lower elevations of the northern country drop as low as five thousand feet where the mountainous range can reach elevations of twelve thousand feet. A well forecasted snow storm was headed for the area.



Most of the hunters took the necessary precautions, warm clothes, heating supplies, and plenty of food. However, some either did not know of the impending storm or were under prepared for its arrival. Soon the winds increased to seventy-eight miles per hour and roughly twenty inches of snow dropped in a short period of time. In the end some thirty hunters had been rescued and two bodies were found in the largest search and rescue mission in Arizona's history.

(Brett M)



Thoughts

Paul was being sent to Rome to appeal his case to Caesar. Ships generally did not travel in the winter months because of storms and changing wind directions. However the decision was made to make the trip, now in October. In an attempt to set port in Phoenix which was a mere 38 miles from their current location, they were stuck by a severe storm which pushed them some 600 miles off course where they shipwrecked at the island of Malta.



Storms are a part of life. We have plans to do certain things and storms interrupt those plans. We have plans to do certain things for the Kingdom of God and storms interrupt those plans and drive us off course. However the storms take us off course from the plans we had, not the plans God has. He knew about the storms coming, they did not take Him off course, only us.




We should embrace these storms realizing that God is in control, not us. That He has a plan for our lives and that plan will contain many, many storms. Our only safe harbor from those storms will ultimately be in Heaven. Until then, we must anticipate them, plan accordingly as best we can, pray for endurance, and ultimately accept God's plan for our lives and be thankful.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Specialty tools for hunting can get expensive. Try using a drywall saw available at any hardware store, as a bone saw. You can find one with a very sturdy handle for half to one third the cost of a bone saw.

Bible Study Verse

John 4:35

Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, then comes the harvest'? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. (ESV)



Thoughts

Ask a farmer or a rancher what time of the year is her/his favorite, and she/he will probably respond, "Harvest time."


The great thing for all outdoorsmen is that NOW is Harvest Time for us. God has invited, involved, and commissioned us to be workers in His Harvest Time.


A buddy that won't listen to your story (testimony), won't go to church with you, won't read a tract or participate in a small group will react differently when you invite them outdoors. In fact many of them will be waiting at the truck, the field, or the boat when you invite them to hunt or fish with you. So use that time to develop meaningful relationships that will empower and enable a witness in the future if not at the present time.

(Jack M)




Action Point


The outdoors is wide open for evangelism. God is at work at the grass roots level in His plan of offering eternal life for all who will receive it through faith in Christ.



Hunt with a purpose!!! Bring someone who needs the Lord when you go hunting. Invite them along intentionally to join in the outdoor fun. Ask God then to make them interested in spiritual things, to make them aware of their sin, to make them understand the offer of forgiveness in Christ, and then to have an urgency about getting right with God by receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.



Sportsmen's Tip of the Day


Bring along a copy of a recent Sportsmen's Devotional when you get ready to hunt or fish. If you are the host, you just have to say that you want God to give you a great day in the outdoors and you want to remember Him first. Read the Scripture and the devotion, have a brief prayer of safety and success, and look to see what the Lord will do.

Bible Study Verses


One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: "Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love"; and, "You reward everyone according to what they have done."

(NIV)


Thoughts
Power and love. Might and mercy. Strength and stability. Commitment and consistency. God is dependable. There is nothing that He cannot do. He has limited what He will do to that which is consistent with His goodness, love and character.




He will never do anything evil, nor will He consider it as a course of action.

(Jack M)


Action Point
You can count on God to do all He promises. You can bank on it. It is a done deal.


Ever heard, "Due to circumstances beyond our control..."? And you can finish the statement from you own experience. Those speaking could not complete what they had promised or contracted to do.


God is not limited like humans. He has power. His power is limitless. He is love. His love is unfailing. What He starts He can finish. What He promises He will do. Like the sun that comes up because He has determined and declared it so, and like the moon that follows its schedule of rises and sets, God is dependable. He is trustworthy.




Do you know Him personally? He is also the judge who will give to each of us what we deserve at the judgment. The only way for us to escape judgment is to be forgiven of our sin.


This forgiveness is in Christ. Acts 10:43 promises, "All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name." Receive Him today.



Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Make sure you carry the power sources needed for your trips afield. Fuel, batteries, a generator, light sticks and much more can be life savers or make very uncomfortable situations tolerable.

Bible Study Verse

Isaiah 55:11

So is My Word that goes out from My mouth: it will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (NIV)



Thoughts
An important aspect of being an outdoorsman is passing along the traditions of our sports to our kids . . . duck hunting, whitetail hunting, elk hunting, moose hunting, fishing, and backpacking. Whatever the pastime, it's vital for parents and kids to do these activities together.



This fall, I've had a real blessing among the many conversations I've had with folks about whitetail hunting. A natural question where I live is, "Well, have you gotten anything yet?" This gun season, I've found my answer changing from past years. My kids are at ages where they are able to hunt, but they need some direction, help, or mentoring.



In Michigan, our gun season for whitetails lasts two weeks. As our season wrapped up last night, I hunted by myself a grand total of: twice. Virtually every hunt I was involved in, I actually was just sitting alongside one of my kids helping them with the nuances of hunting.



BUT, here's where the blessing comes in . . . many of the guys I've spoken with this Fall have had the exact same situation. They've been out in the woods with their daughters/sons or grandkids just sitting in a blind, TEACHING!!!



Each time I heard someone give me this response, my heart just warmed to hear their answer. Most conversations ended with a memory that was made with their kids, whether they got a deer or not.

(Dave M)


Action Point
This kindness and generosity from parents or grandparents to their kids represents to me exactly what we are supposed to be doing. We are building relationships, creating memories, and living life together.



In the middle of this, we have abundant opportunities to share our faith through the various aspects of creation we witness. What a blessing to be able to share our passion for the outdoors and our faith in the Creator, God, of it all!!!



Keep on mentoring these kids!!! It will bear fruit!!!! Not only in the field, but in the hearts of those involved!!!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Keep your hunting clothes in rubber/plastic containers with a lid on when not hunting to keep the scents away from what you are going to wear outdoors.

Bible Study Verse
Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (NKJV)

Thoughts

Another teammate of Doris Miller's, the first African-American recipient of the Navy Cross (mentioned yesterday), on the nicknamed WeeVee, the USS West Virginia, was Sylvester Pucci. As a member of the brave ones he remained silent about his quick thinking that saved his ship, his teammates, and their future generations.


The WeeVee started listing at a 28 degree due to her one side ripped open by torpedoes. Captain Mervyn Bennion, later awarded the Medal of Honor, in the last moments of life directed Lt. Claude Ricketts to start counterflooding the ship.


On battleships all compartments were shut and sealed in a procedure called "set zed." Therefore if an area was damaged, adjacent sections remained water-tight. If one side of the ship became flooded, the other side can be manipulated for balance by counterflooding.


Pucci wisely attacked the hinges and freed the counterflood cranks. The action report notes the sailors ran through the lower decks, opening flood valves in the proper sequence to deter the listing. WeeVee responded slowly swinging back on its keel to rest upright.

Without targeting the storage door hinges, the ship would have capsized. Pucci utilizing mere seconds ran his race, used his God given intelligence even after the counterflooding started with the ship was listing so badly that most wouldn't have tried thinking it was too late. He is now known as "the Angel sent by history."

(Jo Q)



Action Point

Position is everything we are told and I agree. To follow God's lead, blindly follow Him in faith when circumstances are screaming at me to STOP and FOLLOW WHAT'S WORKED IN THE PAST, obediently trusting Him through following His instruction through His Living Word, living in Faith, Not Fear, and taking every thought captive to Jesus - You and I Win!!!!



What if Pucci wasn't in the best of moods and hadn't broke the storage door hinges to right his ship? What if he decided to jump his ship early to make sure he survived without a care for his fellow teammates? What if he justified since he wasn't getting paid what he was worth, he wasn't going to put his best foot forward? Scary . . . same reasons we hear why many of us don't share Jesus with our friends and family.



There's no guarantee any of us will see tomorrow, we need to make today count!!! I still have loved ones - family and many friends that keep postponing their decision on where they will spend eternity. People it's not about what we want. It must be what He wants.




Yes, position is everything. Where does He want you? The safest place to be is in the center of His plan for your life.



Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Attach a cord from the boat motor mount to your boat plug. In case it comes loose, it can retained. It's not a bad idea to have a spare plug on board also.

Seek the Holy Spirit's counsel in all things. "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people," Ephesians 6:18 (NIV).

"So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober," I Thessalonians 5:6 (NIV). "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing," I Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV).

Restrictive gun laws and turning schools or other public buildings into fortified compounds isn't going to make everything safe. It's people recognizing who authored the ultimate program for removing the problems of the world, God. Follow His program; love on the people around you as Jesus instructs. Set the example.

Be alert to what is going on around you and what might be subconsciously happening in your own personal life. Help others who need to be blessed by God.

Our heavenly Father didn't send this tragedy down upon those families, but the actions are the result of people that have lost sight of His directives and love for all mankind.

Remember . . . "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you," I Peter 5:7 (NIV).

Bible Study Verse

John 17:4

I have brought You glory on earth by finishing the work You gave Me to do. (NIV)



Thoughts
Jesus spoke these words to the Father just prior to His death. I think we can apply them in many ways:
•To our employer, "Yes sir, I completed the task you gave me."
•"Yes Dad, I cleaned the garage."
•"Yes dear, I did the entire list of honey-do's you made for me."
•To our Heavenly Father, "Yes, Father, I brought you glory by letting you live in and through me and by being the person you asked me to be, and I completed those things that you set out for me to do."

(Cliff S)

Action Point
Search your heart and determine what God is asking you to do. Seek His will and His guidance and ask Him what task(s) He wants you to perform to bring Him glory while you're here in this life. Then, go do them, completely!



Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Set an example for those around you by following the game laws. It's one of the ways we can be good influences on our friends and family members, and it pleases God by showing our fellow sportsmen that when submitting to the law of the land, we are also submitting to God.

Thank-you Bro.Dave for your words of encouragement.

My pleasure man. I hope these devotionals tocuh folks , in some way. I just like having the word as a part of this forum, I'm glad you appreciate it.

Bible Study Verses

Matthew 6:1-4

"Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly." (NKJV)




Thoughts

The above tree is a mystery steeped in tradition. For the last 20+ years, Christmas decorations appear at the end of November and disappear in January. To celebrate July 4th, patriotic decorations appear and eventually disappear. Only God and maybe a few highway patrols may have witnessed the decorating elves, but no one knows their identities. Phoenix newspapers have featured the tree and no identities!!!


The 20 ft tree is near Cordes Junction nestled in the median of Interstate 17 North of Phoenix.

The locals love it's welcomed sight and the quiet reminder of what's important at Christmas and at America's Independence Day.


The tree has been endowed with its own watering system which may have been why it has miraculously survived several wildfires in its past. Many believe God has protected this tree. It has been nicknamed "the mystery tree."

(Jo Q)


Action Point

Don't you just love the creativity that God blessed some individuals with. The authors of the mystery tree must have a lot of spirit and loads of creativity! They sure do well at keeping secrets too!!! Don't know them, but respect them!!!


The above scripture gives us direction on quietly blessing others without tooting our own horns. Deal is if we avoid man's praise, God will honor and bless us openly in His timing and in His ways!


Knowing we blessed someone, knowing we were Jesus to another, knowing we denied ourselves, knowing no one else knows, and knowing God approves should be enough.


Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Portable solar outdoor lights ranging from $5 to $10 can be a ready substitute flashlight in a pinch or around your camp. You just have to remember to put them back so they stay charged and you can find it when you pack up your camp.

Bible Study Verses

Luke 2:8-16



Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. (NKJV)



Thoughts


I'm going to tell this amazing story and take the liberty to place you in it . You'll be a shepherd, walk back to the campfire, and sit on your log again. It's a pretty fire tonight. The other sheep are talking about where to look for that lost wanderer.



All of a sudden out of nowhere walks up this huge glowing muscle man as if he was welcome at your fire. He's huge like an alien you hear stories about.

You look at the others cause you think you're seeing things and going crazy. The conversation has stopped and everyone is staring at this monster man. A couple of the guys appear ready to bolt as this guy stares. You know your time has come to die as a flick of his finger could crush your skull. You do the only thing you can do and quickly utter a prayer, "GOD Almighty, we need YOUR help now!!!"

One of your fleeing coworkers hits the wood pile, falls, and says some words not repeatable.

Suddenly the monster begins to speaks, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people," Luke 2:10b (NKJV).

Boy are you afraid, still clutching your knife and staff just in case and he wants joy? You stand frozen by fear as the massive man, if you can call him that, continues to speak, "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, Who is CHRIST the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger," Luke 2:11-12 (NKJV).




As the bright white emphasizes the word "You" he points. You wince when his eyes and hand stop on you. His hand has got to be as big as an adult sheep. He continues, "Who is CHRIST the Lord," Luke 2:11b (NKJV).



The other guys carefully step back to the fire still shaking in fear. You think to yourself, "I know of the CHRIST as I was taught these lessons as a child." Suddenly it dawns on you, "This monster being is an a . . .n . . .g . . .e . . .l!!! Glowing because he must have come from GOD's presence!!!"



The mighty angel begins to speak again, "And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe," looking at each of us, "Wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger," Luke 2:12 (NKJV). The angel stops, closes his eyes, and bows his head.



Everything is still except the crack of the fire and "hoo, hoo" of a nearby owl. You question yourself why in the world is the CHRIST in a manger? He should be in a palace or in an impressive synagogue. Why is this angel here telling us this message and not to the fancy look-down-on-you Pharisees. The silence segments each thought!!!!



Suddenly the valley we were camped in becomes bright as day. It's almost blinding. There are monster dudes, I mean a . . . n . . . g . . . e . . . l . . . s everywhere, on the hills, around the fire, throughout the sheep. Got to be thousands and thousands of them. You wonder where did they all come from? You think to yourself no one is going to believe this!!!


You can't see the messaging angel anymore because of the others since your head comes almost to their waists. You weave in and out to see him again and as you do the massive angels ever so gently pat you on the back as they part. Then the message angel opens his eyes, raises his head, and lifts his hands toward the sky. And all at once, all at the same time, these thousands of angels say, "Glory to GOD in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men," Luke 2:14 (NKJV). It is so loud you think your ears will burst. You're amazed and not afraid anymore. The informative messenger looks at all of you again, nods his head, and disappears right before your eyes. In fact, they all do in an instant. Only flickering firelight and silence remain. You find yourself standing back near the fire looking at each other as shock tumbles from everybody's pores!!!



Within seconds, you command, "Let's go!!!!"

(MQ)



Action Point

We have seen this event portrayed in kids' plays many times and this amazing event may have lost its impact.

Why did GOD choose shepherds? They were the lowlifes of that day. The Talmud rejects shepherds and GOD chose them.

The message here is that GOD uses regular guys to accomplish HIS will. Guys whose hearts are addicted to HIM. Not the guys that have it all together or, at least, pretend they do!



During your quiet time and personal Bible study, what has God and the Holy Spirit been directing you to step out in faith and follow His Lead to accomplish for Him in 2013?

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Portable golf cart heaters are excellent for tree stand heaters.

Bible Study Verse

John 3:36

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on them. (NIV)



Thoughts

There was great anticipation about the upcoming fishing adventure. Everything was carefully planned and they were on the way. On arriving at the border, each person presented his own passport.



One passport was presented, but the officials quickly rejected his request to enter their country. He had charges against him on the record from the past. Though these had been dropped many years earlier, his fishing trip ended there with frustration, and a reminder that past actions may incur present consequences.
(Jack M)



Action Point
First, what we do now will affect us later and usually at an important time. Take care of things now, don't let unsettled debts, obligations and issues stand. Clear the records.



Second, eternal life comes to mind. Many never plan for eternity. The opinion is that they are qualified for eternal life and for Heaven as they are.



What would you say if God said to you, "Why should I let you into my Heaven?" What response would you give? What qualifies you for Heaven and eternal life? Some would say "My church takes care of that. I'm OK because I belong to a church." Others would list good works they have done. Another might say, "My parents were believers, and that makes me a believer." A woman may say, "A good God will never send anyone to Hell."



The fact is that our sin counts against us unless it has been forgiven and wiped clean by the work of Jesus Christ on the Cross. He died, was buried, and rose again that we might be forgiven and live forever with God. Eternal life can begin here and continue into the hereafter!!!



The only answer that gets one into Heaven is, "I believe in the Son of God, Jesus Christ, and He has forgiven me of all my sin. I am qualified for Heaven because God has declared me without sin based on Jesus' death on the Cross." The Bible says in many places, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved."
•Romans 10:9, "If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved," (NIV).
•Acts 16:31, "They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved-you and your household," (NIV).



Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Before a trip to another country to hunt or fish make sure the paperwork is done ahead of time and that you qualify for entry into that country. It will be much easier to deal with those things ahead of time than when you are trying to cross into that country or pass customs.

Bible Study Verse

II Timothy 2:22

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (NIV)


Thoughts

Coyotes sound off almost every evening in the area that I hunt. When you hear these buggers right at dark, it puts a little spring in your step as you head out of the woods.




Recently, a couple of friends of mine and I have been talking about getting into hunting these coyotes. The thought of this hunt intrigues me.




What I know right now is that in order for us to be successful, we need to have two key ingredients for the hunt:
•Meat out in the field to lure the coyotes in.
•A distressed small animal call, like a rabbit, to get their attention.

Hopefully, with the food in place and the distressed sound, we'll be able to lure them in for a successful hunt.

(Dave M)


Action Point
Each of us has our areas of vulnerability that could potentially lead to our personal demise, attractions to sin. For some, it's alcohol, it could be pornography, it could be gambling, it could be an adulterous relationship . . . it could be a lot of things.


Coyotes come running when you throw out the right bait and make the right noise. If you know what your bait for sin is, you've got a choice to make. You can either be lured in to it, or you can choose to avoid it completely.




Too many people try to play around the edges with sin. Don't be one of them. If you can't handle the environment that lures you in, draw a line in the sand and don't cross it!!!




You'll save yourself, your family, and your testimony a great deal of harm by choosing to honor God's ways!



Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Set up speakers to broadcast your distressed call. It'll increase your range and opportunity to bring in the coyotes.

New Year's Eve, Please be careful out there.

Bible Study Verse

Job 6:14

"A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty." (NIV 1984)



Thoughts
Trophy fishermen, regardless of species, recognize the importance of releasing their targets.



Because of their size and strength, trophy fish often make aggressive strikes and powerful runs. So, a fisherman's success may come with a price--lures bury deep into their mouths and gills, and fish are worn from battle.



Big spotted sea trout are no exception. They are aggressive and voracious feeders. I was recently blessed with a big one. The lure was deep into its mouth and gills. Even though I surgically removed the hooks, it all seemed to be in vain.



I wanted her to live, so I spent a considerable amount of time reviving her. I did not give up on her. (Will D)

Action Point
What happens when someone is in a seemingly endless spiral of defeat and failure?



We witness to them, pray for them. But in the end, we come up feeling as if the situation were hopeless. Their continued rejection causes us to walk away.



We must poise ourselves to never give up. Try again. Who was it that never gave up on you and me?

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Treble hooks on surface lures work well, but can cause damage to fish. They are still effective without barbs and cause far less damage.

Happy New Year
May God richly bless each of you as we grow closer to Him.




Bible Study Verse

Proverbs 27:23-24

Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds; For riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations. (NASB)


Thoughts

A new year is here bringing, with it hope-filled resolutions--possibly ones that include outdoor challenges, and some that may fall unresolved before the first month of 2013 is over.


Nevertheless, it is a great time to review our life, both the physical and the spiritual. The Bible warns us in many places that we need to be diligent with all that we have, and, of course. this includes our finances. In Bible times, a person's flocks were the source of his wealth. It was the equivalent of having money in the bank. When Solomon tells us to know well the condition of our flocks, he is telling us to know our financial condition.

We are also told that we are to be generous. Knowing our financial condition can allow us to be generous. I say can, because generosity is still more a matter of the condition of our heart than our pocketbook.

(Dave H)

Action Point
Everyone needs to have a budget and learn to live on that budget. This is a wonderful time to sit down with your family and develop a budget for the year. Making the budget a family planning event will do wonders.


You will, of course, include your hunting and fishing trips in the budget. The family can see how much it will cost for your outdoor trips so they won't be surprised by it when the time comes. Don't try to hide it from them. Include them! Plan the family vacation around the hunt.


When you develop your budget, be sure to include your gifts to the Lord in it. The Bible tells us to plan on what we are going to give to the Lord. Don't make it a last-minute, haphazard thing. Making a plan on how much you will give to the Lord is another way of showing praise and honor to Him.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Not only is this a great time to plan the family budget, it is also a great time to go through your equipment so that you can see what will need to be replaced before next season. That way you can look for sales throughout the year. You can also save money by buying it used. There are many great values to be had on the used market.

Bible Study Verses

Colossians 4:5-6

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. (NIV)



Thoughts
Who are the outsiders Paul is referring to? They may be those outside the faith. But, they may also be those outside your church, small group, immediate circle of friends, or your friends at work. They could include those outside your camp with whom you come into contact in the mountains.



You never know when God will open the door for you to say a few words about Him and His impact in your life. Always be ready to share your faith with anyone at anytime.



If you're available, God will bring opportunities to you to tell others about Him.

(Cliff S)

Action Point
Watch your words and actions. Let them be seasoned with wisdom, compassion, and love. Remember, your behavior today will most likely be the topic of conversation around someone's dinner table tonight!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Be ever alert when in the woods. The wise hunter hunts as soon as he walks out of camp and until he walks back in.

Bible Study Verse

Mark 4:37-41

A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to His disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey Him!" (NIV)



Thoughts

On Dec. 31 I awoke to headlines in USA Today projecting how the Fiscal Cliff would affect my life if the political leaders in the United States couldn't reach an agreement on how to handle the present financial situation.


I laid the paper aside and opened my Bible. As I read Mark 4, verses 37-41 jumped out at me.


Have you ever been fishing in a boat when conditions came up like mentioned in the verses above? I have . . .


It was January and I was fishing a power plant lake in south central Texas that had a great reputation for producing lots of bass.


I knew there was cold front supposed to come through that morning, but to not have much muscle behind it. Wrong-although there was no rain (or snow), the winds were gusting up to 30 mph.

My comfort zone was threatening to be swamped if I didn't do something quick. The first thing that came into my mind as the boat was bucking up and down on the churning lake was to secure everything; put all rods and equipment I could into the storage compartments of the boat. Anything else that couldn't be stowed was placed down on the floor.

Fortunately the boat ramp where we launched was on the north side of the lake. My fishing partner and I were trying our luck down at water intake on the south side of the lake when the front blew through. If we had the wind behind us, while trying to get back to the ramp, it was almost a certainty we would have swamped.
(Tom B)

Action Point
Fiscal cliffs or other cliffs that we face strike fear about what might happen. In my instance, my boat was my comfort zone.

Like Jesus' disciples, I cried out to the Lord for His help, then started using the wisdom the Holy Spirit gave me. I told my fishing buddy to hang on. I pointed the bow into the crashing waves, opened up the throttle to get us up on top of the waves as much as possible, and headed back to the launch ramp.

"Quiet! Be still!" is what the Lord was telling me. "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

It was one heck of a ride, but we made it back without any equipment or person missing or broken.

For some people, every day may be a new cliff. As we face cliffs in life, don't be afraid! Have faith in the Lord. Heed Jesus' admonishment. . . "Be quiet! Be still! Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

Even the wind and waves obey Him! Our God knows what's happening on our cliffs. Back off the edge. Be quiet. Be still. Seek Him while He may be found . . .

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
When the power station on a power plant lake kicks in the generators, bait fish start moving and so do the bass. Water current breaks will hold fish ready for a meal to get swept by. Look to the main lake points and laydowns. Bass hiding under a laydown will reposition on top and to one side of the tree. Crankbaits work very well during moving water.