Thoughts
I come from a ranching and farming heritage. Growing up in a very rural area, I was tasked from my earliest childhood with taking care of horses, livestock and hunting--the only kind of life I knew until adulthood. Butchering livestock and wild game was nothing out of the "norm". Along with that, harvesting various parts of animals for consumption, not considered edible by your average urban dweller, was also normal--the stomach of a cow, or the liver of a deer to name a few. I have mentioned this to some friends throughout my life with less than positive responses: "Ugh! Cow tongue?!"; or "You eat rattlesnake?! You can't eat that stuff!" (RC)

Action Point
Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like (James 1:23,24).
Just as eating the less popular parts of an animal will not make you unclean, if your actions are not forthright, affiliation with a respected sportsmen group will not make you a true sportsman. Likewise, it does not matter what church you belong to, if your life and doctrine are not in agreement with it, membership will be of no advantage to you.
But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does. (James 1:25).
Do not be tempted to cut ethical corners in the field, but be an ambassador for Christ wherever you are. You never know when the clean bright light that comes from you will shine on someone who will be influenced toward Christ!

Thoughts
Do you ever find yourself on autopilot? You go through each day doing what needs to be done; sometimes snatching a wise phrase here or there of God's Word, but not necessarily anything that deepens your relationship with God. Our life gradually fills up with various demands and stresses. Unexpectedly, we find ourselves lashing out at those we love, or catch ourselves falling into sin we never imagined ourselves falling for. Whoa! (RL)

Action Point
In today's verse we are told to be changed by the renewing of our mind! The only way to renew our mind is to refresh our mind. When you first wake up, say, "Hello," to God who has given you another glorious day! Connect with Your Creator! He is just hanging out giving you rain, sunshine, a cool breeze, a great day fishing, or a soul-renewing hike--if you only clear your mind and see His Creation. Open up His book and see what He has to say. Talk to Him on your commute to work, or when you're out enjoying what He has made for you! When you realize you've been on autopilot, open up His manual and choose to let Him be your pilot!

Thoughts
Last weekend I was blessed to take my children to one of our hunting leases in the hills of Arkansas. There is a fresh cold-water creek there that meanders through the property, and it is truly one of the most beautiful places on earth. This time of year Arkansas is hot and typically dry. It was so refreshing to immerse ourselves in that cold, pure water. We left the dusty and dirty world behind and let the water pour over us and bring new life. (BH)

Action Point
Have you ever reached a point when you just want to look up and cry out, "Lord, please refresh me!"? I can almost feel the anguish in Elijah's voice as he says, "I give up! Take me, I'm through!" Isn't it gracious of God to not slap Elijah on the hand and remind him of his recent victories? God didn't tell Elijah to get up and get back to work; but rather He sent an angel to minister to him. How loving a God we serve! When we reach the end of ourselves and cry out to Him, it's then that He sends exactly what we need. Call to Him now. He will answer and He will provide what you need to be refreshed.

Thoughts
In hunter education classes we always have some fun trying to figure out which eye is our dominant eye. This comes into play big time when aiming a shotgun, rifle or bow. I saw this first hand once at the shooting range during our live fire when a student hadn't hit a paper target once out of fifty tries at 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. (CS)

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.

Thoughts
Just after I gave my life to Christ I began to question my career--surely God had some magnificent job planned for me. Certainly my new life in Christ, which broke the chains sin had on me, would create some new, glorious opportunity for me. I spent time considering such things, and ultimately found myself seeking my will rather than God's. Upon this realization, I stopped in my tracks and began to pray. While reading the Bible one morning, God revealed this scripture to me--it really spoke to me. In time, God showed me that I was in the place He called me to be; and shortly thereafter I was able to witness to my boss and a co-worker. (WD)

Action Point
Have you ever questioned your current situation? Do you believe God has a different plan for your life? Perhaps He does. Spend time in prayer and reflection, making sure it is in His plan rather than your own.

Thoughts
Several years ago we went on a fishing trip to northern Manitoba. We traveled 850mi on paved roads, 50mi on gravel, and 16mi by boat to a remote island. The island had the remains of a pre-World War II mink farm. They apparently netted fish in the bays to feed the mink. The shallow bays were full of northern pike and walleye. We primarily fished with spinning gear and spoons, but occasionally took out our fly rods. The pike, up to 24lb, would ferociously attack our large streamers. My eight-weight Loomis and I had quite a work out!

After six days, it was time to pack up our camp and head for home. I had noticed some cirrus clouds earlier and what seemed like the beginning of a storm front. I mentioned my concerns to the rest of the guys. Because of the warm day, they decided to let the kids swim for awhile; afterwhich our five boats left the island and headed for the resort. About 20min later a storm hit us. The waves were crashing over the boat. My son bailed continuously for close to an hour. Eventually, we made it to the narrow, more protected part of the lake. The Lord answered our prayers and led us back to the safely of the resort.(TL)

Action Point
Jesus may not have rebuked the wind and calmed the sea of the storm that we experienced, but I know we didn't face the danger alone. Trust the Lord and give your troubles to Him;
and the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

Thoughts
Do you think the fish really know if you are serious about fishing? My take: I think they know. Sometimes when I am fishing and deep in thought, I feel as if I am almost one with the line. When I am in this fishing mode, it seems to me the fish instinctively have to bite because they know how serious I am. (TH)

Action Point
I believe it is the same way when we are seeking the Lord. He knows if we are serious about meeting with Him, or if we are just going through a halfhearted religious exercise. My suggestion would be to seek the Lord with the same wholehearted passion as you would seek any favorite sportsman's activity or hobby.

Thoughts
Although I had seen him do it for years, my grandson was amazed when Hoss, my fifteen-year old English Pointer threw back his head and barked a few times before eating his bowl of food. "Is he saying the blessing?" my grandson asked. That was what it looked like. Every time I put a bowl of food down in front of Hoss, he would sniff it, then raise his head to heaven and bark out a "Thank You." Hoss and I have traveled many miles chasing the bob white quail. He has been in magazine articles, on television shows and in numerous "Can I take a picture of him while he is on point?" photographs. Now at fifteen, his days in the field are short and few; but he never fails to say the blessing.

When you and I say the blessing, we are acknowledging the provision and purpose of God in our lives. God is not just feeding us to be filled, but to be fruitful. His provision gives us the strength to fulfill His purpose. (Joey H)

Action Point
Do you pause to say the blessing? Most of the time I do, but honestly, sometimes I am in a hurry and fail to say, "Thank You." Let me encourage you to say the blessing when eating out with the family. Now, don't let loose with a wild sermon blessing that sounds like a flaming sawdust trail evangelist. Instead, pray a thankful short prayer. Not only are you thanking God with your family, but you never know who is watching. Often when a bunch of us guys are out eating after hunting or fishing trip, we will ask the waitress if there is anything that she would like for us to pray about for her. So many tables of men just flirt with the waitress; but when you pray for her, it is a powerful witness of God's presence in your life.

Thoughts
My dad once said that one of the most important things you can do for yourself outdoors is to treat your feet well. What he meant was to wear the right footwear--not just shoes but socks, too. He was right, of course. We won't get far if our feet are not treated to the best-fitting shoes and boots we can afford. Tight shoes cause blisters, and for that matter, so do loose fitting shoes. In cold weather, insulated boots sure do feel better than non-insulated boots, and vice versa in hot weather. As for waterproof footwear: well, I don't know about you but I sure do like to keep my feet dry. When I give my feet the care they need, I can go a long way for a long time. (DAH)

Action Point
Spiritually speaking, God is the source of all our strength. He gives us what we need to move us up, over and across the high places in our lives. Like a surefooted deer sprints across the mountaintops, so do God's children run through their own daily places. Paul said it this way in Ephesians 6:15:
. . . and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
Because the good news of Jesus has come to us, we should be eager to carry it to other people. Thankfully, our Heavenly Father knows how well our spiritual feet need to be prepared with His gospel, and it's always a perfect fit.

Thoughts
It's healthier to look at the success we have in our outdoor pursuits as gifts of God rather than our own personal accomplishments. None of us is self-made in our wealth. As we invest financially for the future, we benefit from the advice of financial counselors, a positive market environment, and many other factors. Likewise, none of us is self-made with regard to the animals or fish that we harvest. As we pursue game and fish, we benefit from more people than we can count. The bows, firearms, fishing tackle, clothing and gear manufacturers all play a role in our success. The magazines we read and the TV shows we watch give us tips and techniques that add to our skills. We don't succeed without being in the woods or on the waters, but it is God that gives us the strength and opportunity to do that. We can thank Him for the outcome. (SteveS)

Action Point
In the 1924 Paris Olympics, it was Eric Liddell, the Scottish sprinter, who said that when he runs, he feels God's pleasure. God will add His pleasure to your success when you engage in your outdoor pursuits while keeping family priorities in order, abiding by the laws, and thanking Him for your opportunities.

Thoughts
The renewing of Spring: Buffalo calves are first to arrive in my area; not long after, the elk, deer, and antelope start giving birth to their young. Those babies depend on their mother for nourishing milk and for protection from predators. As they mature they will rely less on their mother's milk and start to enjoy the food God has provided for them. They will become fleet of foot, able to avoid potential predators. (RT)

Action Point
When I first became a believer in Jesus Christ, I was like a baby in my understanding. I think back to that time--amazing how much I did not know. Through time in God's word, fellowship with other Christians, and a good Bible-based church, my maturity level has and is continuing to increase. That's how it works in nature and that's how it works in our Christian walk with God.

Thoughts
I have been a waterfowl guide along the Texas coast for 18 years. In that span, I have had many dealings with farmers because their crops are needed, namely rice, to lure ducks and geese. Rice farmers rotate fields, planting a certain field every three years. When not planted in rice, a field becomes fallow and needs to be plowed and worked before it is seeded again.

Jeremiah tells us to develop and plow--cultivate--neglected areas of our lives and stop wasting time on harmful and unproductive things. (BG)

Action Point
When I signed up for satellite television, I had all the channels. However, I quickly determined that there were several channels that were pure garbage. You guys know what I am talking about. Plow the ground--get it out of your life.

Alcohol may be another thorn-- issue. At a young age I was convicted by God to abstain from alcohol. The reason: I didn't feel that I could witness to an unbeliever with a beer can in my hand.

Since God commands us to be on guard at all times, well, that means at all times. Consider what areas of your life need to be plowed. Is your life fallow due to sex, alcohol, pornography, lying or cheating? Be honest with yourself and ask the Lord what needs to be plowed.

Thoughts
Recently I had a fairly minor medical problem. It is actually a recurring problem that shows up every couple of years. When I experience it, it is very painful, makes walking difficult and sometimes impossible. For some reason, during this most recent occurrence I felt so vulnerable. Vulnerability is a new feeling for me. I've worn various uniforms for over 30 years, had a career in law enforcement, been an outdoorsman, and had many diverse types of adventures--I am seldom afraid. This was different. I think the Lord allowed me to experience this so that I would have compassion on others who are or who feel vulnerable, whatever the cause.

This was very disconcerting for me and made me realize that we not only need the Lord (duh!), but we also need each other. We need to have each other's back, so to speak--to have compassion on the sick, on the infirm, the widow, the orphan and all our Christian brothers and sisters, no matter what the situation may be. DWH

Action Point
Just as the Holy Spirit is our Paraclete (Helper, Comforter), He can be the Paraclete to someone else through us. Let us come along side to help. We all know someone in need. Don't ignore them and think that someone else will do it. YOU do it. Say out loud, "Here am I Lord, send me!"

Thoughts
I am privileged to be on my agency's national honor guard team. Two years ago we were in Washington, D.C. on our way to an event in full regalia, when we passed the front gates of the White House. By the hubbub going on, it was obvious something was up. I asked a uniformed secret service officer what was happening, and he said that the president would be driving out at any moment. I asked if my team could come in and stand by to wait for his arrival--after all, we were federal conservation officers, and we know the president. The officer asked me, "But does the president know you?" The officer's words hit home. Then he gave us that smile, and we were shortly on our way! (RC)

Action Point
Many people say they love God and have the fish symbols on their cars to prove it. But Jesus says of those who do not do the will of His father, " . . . 'I never knew you. . .' " (Matthew 7:21, 23). Does God know you because you do His will? Like our almost encounter with the president, if He doesn't, you're not getting past the gates. He simply wants us to show our faith in Him by what we do (James 2:18). Get to know God. Put your faith in Him, exercise kindness, justice, righteousness and the like, and He will certainly know you too!