Thoughts
When I was a young man, I was invited to join my agency's competition rifle team. I gladly jumped at the opportunity, convinced that I was solicited because of my obvious skill as a marksman. Those who know me also know that this was a silly assumption on my part! As the team leader spoke to me about specific shooting techniques, I quickly realized I was clueless about them and, I might add, somewhat resentful at my ignorance. Nevertheless, at the range with rifle in hand, my new mentor soon taught me marksmanship skills passed on to him by his mentor in competition shooting. I imitate those proven shooting techniques to this day on the range and in the field. (RC)

Action Point
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith (Hebrews 13:7).

This is a very practical biblical principal, but completely contrary to the world's point of view. Realistically, we learn most of what we know in this manner--as others demonstrate, we imitate. Following Jesus can be lived in this same way: We are to imitate the things in another's life that are Christ-like, including effective approaches for serving Him and reaching the ones who don't have a relationship with Him. A teachable heart is shown by imitation. I am convinced that when we fail to take advantage of opportunities to learn in this way, it is our pride that gets in the way.

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5b).

Thoughts
The world's strongest man! Those words have a glorious appeal to us. All men like to think of themselves as powerful and strong. Is that some of what appeals to us about the outdoors? Maybe it's the strength to fight that giant fish and bring it in? Or perhaps it is the skill to stalk and take a great elk or caribou with a bow? All of these are fine accomplishments and bring great satisfaction, but this type of strength is fleeting at best. The strength of youth soon passes. Old age sets in, and we realize our humanity. Or, perhaps an accident occurs that reminds us that it is by the grace of God we are able to do these things. I experienced this in a fall from a tree stand that broke on me. My doctor told me that God protected me from being a paraplegic--had I hit the stump two inches closer to my spine I would have been disabled for the rest of my life.

Action Point
Find strength in God. Look to Him for the power to live successfully. Be confident in His unfailing arms and strength. In His strength we can run this life successfully. Renew your strength with a daily quiet time with Him.

Thoughts
It is amazing how we will get out of bed at some ridiculous time to take in a fishing expedition or hunting outing, but neglect to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. I wrestle with this: Why do I jump out of the sack to engage in an outdoor experience; yet, when it comes to getting out of bed to engage in seeking first the Kingdom and His righteousness, my body seems to be cemented to the bed. (GD)

Action Point
What have I done to help in my walk with Christ? Combine the two experiences. Weekly, get outdoors to seek first His kingdom and spend time focused on His Word and His plans for my life. Seeking is an action word and compels us to be active in Kingdom matters and not just sit back and let life roll on by. Find a place outdoors to listen to some great praise music or read a portion of the Word.

Thoughts
It was my son's first elk hunt. His grandfather, a couple of friends and I were working our way back to our trucks when I stopped to take a break and was separated for just a moment from the rest of the group. In that split second (okay, maybe a minute or two), he spotted an elk. I suddenly heard a cow call just in time to look up and see him take a shot. At age 13, he had taken his first elk.

Have you ever considered how important first's are:
-the first time you fell in love;
-first kiss;
-first time your child said "Dada" or "Mama";
-the first day of the new year--a favorite for new resolutions;
-your first big game draw and first big game success;
-your first car?

God made first's to be special in our lives because they are special to Him. When speaking of giving to God, King Solomon instructs us to "give Him the first and the best". (BM)

Action Point
In all parts of your life, give God your first's--the first part of your day through prayer and devotions; the first part of your week by going to church; the first part of your paycheck--to name just a few. Remember how important first's are to you and know that they are just that special to God. Give God your first's and see if He doesn't "burst your barn".

Thoughts
When I first started really pursuing activities in the outdoors, I was amazed at how refreshed I came back from these events. Whether it was hiking, hunting, fishing, sitting in a blind or up in a tree, God would speak to me. Sometimes I read my Bible; at other times, a Christian book. There were points when I memorized scripture, or just sat and listened. It came to me that part of the reason for returning refreshed was that God used these outdoor moments to get ahold of my heart because I could hear him. My daily life, like yours I'm sure, can be very busy and noisy. Noise comes in a lot of different forms, but it all has the same effect on me--trouble hearing God. Now as I approach my outdoors activities, I look forward as much to being quiet with God as I do the outdoor experience itself, simply because I anticipate meeting my Creator and having Him talk to me. (DM)

Action Point
We can't always be running off to the woods and the wild to get alone with God. We've got to figure out how to carve out time in our daily lives to listen to God's voice. It's the lifeblood of serving Christ until He returns.

Thoughts
There are several essential tools needed on a hunt. Often one of those essentials is a flashlight. As I walk out to my favorite hunting spot in the morning, unless the moon is still out and bright, I often find that I need my flashlight to navigate my way to where I want to setup. I have hunted on the same property since I was a kid. I know it pretty well and can manage to find my way around; but I still usually end up needing more light.

There has been a time or two on an evening hunt when I have stayed out right up until dark, only to discover that I have neglected to bring my flashlight with me. Stumbling around in the dark can be a pretty nerve wracking experience, even for a grown man--hearing sounds and seeing things that aren't really there only because of the lack of light. You may be lucky enough to see a dim light in the distance and follow it out. Finally stumbling onto the right trail, knowing where you are and how to get back to camp certainly brings welcome relief!

When we are faced with darkness, we look for that slightest bit of light to brighten our path. As Christians, we have the ultimate Light for our path, yet so often, we still tend to stumble around in darkness. (JC)

Action Point
God says in Isaiah that we should depend on God and His Light, not on our own light. When we are dependent on ourselves, we often end up worse off than when we started. The fires we set to light our path usually end up burning down the things around us. Give even the smallest tasks or problems to Him. He will light your path and give you direction.

Thoughts
There are several criteria that I use when choosing an area to fish for spotted sea trout--the presence of bait, water quality and clarity, timing of tide changes, and the correlation of forecasted wind direction and speed. These factors help me determine whether to set up and spend the day fishing or seek a different area. When these criteria are met, I have confidence in the area.

Recently I had to make a big decision for my family--a career change that would drastically alter our lives. My wife and I prayed diligently and sought God's guidance. I also used criteria to help me in this decision:
How will the decision honor God and reflect on me as a Christian?
Which choice will have the greatest impact on the Kingdom of God?
In time I was able to discern what I needed to do and established confidence in my choice. (WD)

Action Point
You may be faced with an important decision that will affect your life. Through prayer and reflection, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you, help you discern what is best for you, and ultimately reveal your Creator's purpose and plan for your life.

Thoughts
After reading the praises in Psalm 146-150, I realized that I don't praise God enough for who He is and for His creation. The Bible study verse above caused me to reflect on our recent travel. The great diversity and complexity of His creation are absolutely magnificent. We caught numerous species of fish, crustaceans (crabs) and mollusks (clams, mussels, octopus), saw whales within 100ft of our 16ft boat, observed black and brown bear, bighorn and Dall sheep, mountain goats, moose, bison, elk, deer, antelope, wolves, coyotes, pheasants, grouse, and viewed a great variety of habitats--ocean, tundra, bayou, grassland, mountain, desert, and the hardwood and coniferous forests. We experienced stormy winds, lightning, and hail in the Southeast and returned home to snowy hills and mountains of the West.
PRAISE GOD FOR HIS GREAT CREATION! (TL)

Action Point
Spend time reflecting on what you experience in the outdoors. Share those experiences with someone and praise God for His creation.

Thoughts
In addition to being a fishing and hunting guide, I am a high school English teacher and baseball coach the other 180 days of the year. I have a saying posted on my classroom wall: "You are what you are when no one is looking." The words are meant to prompt integrity--take responsibility for your life and be someone great. Don't be a double-agent--a person who acts a certain way when a teacher, coach or parent is around, then changes to go the wrong direction when left alone. Those who are great in life work hard, care about others, and do what it takes to improve without someone hovering over them. (BG)

Action Point
In the scripture, I believe Jesus was asking followers to be genuine even when He wasn't looking. Of course, we all know He is always looking. The Bible is sound doctrine, not the teachings of the world. When in doubt, search the Word. It has never changed and never will.

When in the outdoors, if you profess to be a conservationist, practice what you preach. Abide by game laws, even when game wardens are not looking. And, treat others in the wild as you would if Jesus were hunting or fishing with you. Of course, He always is.