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!

Thoughts
Ah, the hot months of June and July. This is the time of year when the cold of winter is the farthest from our minds. Sure, we may have the passing thought of that late season bow-hunt, but for the most part, our focus is on summer things. This being the case, I'm neck-deep (literally) in working my garden, and working in a fishing trip or three when I can. There's nothing like popping open a jar of my own tomatoes or frying up a meal of crappie fillets that I've stored away for the winter. I love fresh tasting tomatoes in December. Who could ask for more? So what is my point? The point is that I'm storing up for winter. (BH)

Action Point
Sometimes life is full of the warmth of summer. We're fresh off of victories and successes in our lives. We see God working or we're experiencing the blessings that God pours out on us. And then, as it did for Job, spiritual winter comes. The cold wind of the world blows down our neck as God allows things to come into our lives to make us stronger--things that have first been sifted through His fingers. What should we do? We must store away nuggets of truth now in order to be prepared for those days. Job had stored away truths about God and was ready to pull those truths from the shelf to use during his cold days. His daily walk with God prepared him for spiritual winter, and because of this, Job did not sin with his mouth when adversity came. Likewise, we must walk with God daily and store up the things that we will need for spiritual winter. Trust in God always; pull from the reserves of what He has taught you, and keep your focus on Him rather than on men.

Thoughts
Spring time and early summer are the best times to introduce a youngster to fishing. When the spawn is on, the bite is fast enough to hold their attention. Going after pan fish, such as crappie or bluegill, will provide many different angling opportunities for them to enjoy. Whether it's with live, prepared or artificial baits, most seasoned fishermen can figure out what best suits the abilities of the youth they are with. For the very young, I usually start them out using a cane or telescopic pole with a simple hook-sinker-adjustable float rig. For the middle school kids, we usually work up to spin-cast tackle and a combination of both live and artificial baits. Try to make it a little more challenging for the high schoolers. Judge each youth's experience and ability, and match it to their fishing experience with you. (CS)

Action Point
As Christian fishermen, we too can become fishers of men by inviting others to go fishing with us. Each community has those adults and youngsters that may shun church activities but would be willing to go fishing with you. Making that contact is the first step to introducing them to God.

Thoughts
When we're not off hunting or fishing, we all work for a living. I know, more time hunting, less time working! We trade our time, knowledge, skills, or expertise for money, our wages. We earn our wages; they're due us for what we do. In addition to our wages, many of us have taken on debt to have a house, a car, maybe to put the kids through college. We earn money to pay off these debts, but for some reason, we never seem to get debt free. Now, suppose that you are at work and an individual walks up to you and hands you an envelope. Inside the envelope is a check made out to you, for enough money to pay off all of your debts so that you'll never have to work another day in your life! But, here's the catch: you have to quit your job, and you have to give up your steady wages. What would you do? Would you accept the gift, and go home to your family rejoicing for your good fortune? Or would you tell the stranger to give the gift to someone else and keep right on working because you're a real man who is going to do this on your own? Well, God has given us a choice. We can work forever to try to pay the debt of our sins, and fail, and die in those sins. Or, we can accept His gift, the gift of salvation through Jesus' death on the cross, and have forgiveness for all of our sins and eternal fellowship with God. His gift or my wages? Real men choose Jesus. (CS)

Action Point
Jesus has paid all of our sin debt. We just need to accept the gift and cash the check. Accept Him and enter into the fellowship of the Father, debt free!

Thoughts
Long-range radar, internet, satellite phones, and global satellite positioning weather overlays: these are some of the amazing electronics available to mariners for monitoring the weather when working or playing at sea. We place great trust in these instruments; yet our understanding of the weather conditions remains only as good as the images these electronics provide. If they fail us offshore, we can only look to the sky for the information we need.

The Pharisees and the Sadducees placed their faith only in what they could see. Jesus knew their demands for a supernatural sign came out of closed hearts and unbelief; and so, He denied them the answer to their "test" question. Before becoming a Christian, I also searched for proof of God--seeking some sign in the physical realm. Because of my lack of faith, I did not find it. Time passed until one November morning I sought God with an open, believing heart. It was in that moment I found what I had been seeking. When I truly believed and accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior by faith, He showed me, and continues to show me, many miracles. (WD)

Action Point
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1).
I pray that you place your hope and faith in the certainty of Jesus Christ. The things you see can fail you, but the Word of God and His saving grace never will.

Thoughts
While packing in the mountains, I noticed some significant differences between mules and horses. Yes, mules are judged to be more stubborn and a little more temperamental, but nevertheless, are more intelligent and sure-footed. Unlike some horses, mules seldom kick rocks or logs or stumble. They eat less than a horse, live longer, and can carry more weight.

Mountain trails contain obstacles or stumbling blocks. Whether packing in with horse or mule, it may be necessary to remove the obstacles from the path we've chosen for them. Let us not create stumbling blocks along our life's path or that of our brother--our friend. Anyone who influences another and causes them to sin is a stumbling block. (TL)

Action Point
Jesus was tender toward the spiritually weak. Be careful that we are not judgmental toward our brothers and instead, make sure we set good examples in everything we do.

Thoughts
I wrote a book in 2001 entitled, The Purpose Finder. In 2006, I revised it; and I am thinking about a third revision. Here's the revision in a nutshell:
What is our purpose? Answer: To bring pleasure to God.
You see, if I'm reading Revelation 4:11 right, He created all that we see and the things we can't see, as well. The whole idea is God's. The entire creation was designed to bring Him pleasure. Man is the crowning of His creative power, but do we always bring Him pleasure? I can only speak for myself. No. (TH)

Action Point
Make Revelation 4:11 your life verse. No matter if you are working hard or playing hard in the great creation which God has made for us to enjoy, have an attitude that is more God-centered and less self-centered. You will ultimately find much more fulfillment making Him your priority.

Thoughts
Like many of you, I've had some humorous things happen to me outdoors. I remember growing up in Ohio and fishing the Great Lake Erie. On one particular night, I made a cast that seemed to go out forever. Finally, my friend and I heard a faint splat. He turned to me and exclaimed, "I think you just hit Canada!" We joked about me having to get a Canadian fishing license and other nonsense. It was indeed a long cast but in reality the line was only out a little ways. Night fishing, however, provides an open season to the imagination. (DAH)

Action Point
It's no joke what God will do with our sin. When we confess it, He is faithful and just to forgive it and to clean us up. (I John 1:9). He takes away our sin for good and forever. God helps us understand this in ways we can relate to: He casts our sins into the depths of the sea. Or, as the psalmist sings, He removes our sins as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). When Jesus was nailed to the Cross, He canceled the debt of sin we owe (Colossians 2:14). Jesus paid it all! If you have not done so already, confess to Him that you are a sinner and confess that Jesus is Lord. There's beauty in the Blood regardless of the curse of the Cross. That, my friend, is a wonderful view of salvation from this side of the depths of the sea.