Thoughts
With my outdoor business I have had to get into the internet more than I thought I would. I now subscribe to YouTube, Face Book, and Twitter (still not sure about that one).

Anyway, on Face Book, at least, they have opinion polls. Do you believe in this or that, etc? There was a poll on God. So my response was, "Yes I believe in God with my whole heart and soul. For you non-believers, look at it this way. If I am wrong, so be it. If you're wrong, God gave you plenty of chances and I will miss you not being there."

God's judgments will be true and just.
(Jim C)

Action Point
In your outdoor adventures you will encounter people who are non believers. If the opportunity arises, let them know HOW YOU feel and be careful not to tell them how THEY SHOULD feel.

Actions are louder than words. Show them; don't tell them why you choose to follow Jesus.

Thoughts
Here we were: Twelve year old kid, rod over twice his size, reel almost bigger than his head, and fighting an unknown, as yet unseen, behemoth over 50 yards offshore. After an hour of countless "don't give up's" and "you can do its", we became aware that the fish held the advantage having probably lodged itself against an offshore ledge and the kid wasn't getting any closer to winning the fight.

An observer fishing from his boat off the beach also noted the same, beached his rig a few feet away, and offered to let the kid and his dad take the fight to the fish. Once out on the bay, the unknown fish was off and running, advantage lost, and followed closely by the new fishing team of boater, dad, and kid fisherman. Over the course of the next hour the marina became captivated by the image of the little figure of a fisherman in the bow of the boat, supported by his father, with a too-large rod bent to the limit, line tight, and chasing an unknown prize. The frenzied fervor and fevered pitch of excited enthusiasm and cheers of support that erupted each time the fish broke the surface proved to be the needed encouragement as the kid ultimately was rewarded with the largest Jackfish ever landed at the marina.

After pictures were taken and congratulations made, every kid on the marina could be found casting into the surf in search of the next one; wanting to be a part of the action.
(Jay C)

Action Point
I imagine any fisherman in observance had a similar reaction to Peter and company's haul on that particular morning. We have no reason to believe that anyone else had experienced any better fortune the evening before. Honestly, we have no indication there was anyone else around. But, given the reputation that Jesus was gaining, I think it's reasonably safe to assume there were other observers. Imagine the excitement, the amazement, the desire to be a part of the action or to share in the experience upon seeing neighbors and friends, recently having empty nets, have their boats nearly sunk with the load of fish harvested by following a simple direction: "Fish over there." I imagine anyone being unfamiliar with Jesus immediately wanted to know who He was. I also imagine there weren't any boats anchored to the shore.

What if Peter instead had said, "You know, that's an interesting idea but as we've been up all night, why don't we rest first and then give it shot?" What if his partners instead chose to not join in assistance, but rather continued cleaning up their equipment after a long, disappointing night? But, that's not what happened.

Jesus knew their hearts. He knew he could depend on this crew of men to follow His specific direction, use the skills, and preparation He had instilled in them. He knew the timing was right. They cast their nets where He directed. They became "fishers of men". Those in witness saw a mighty event they would not only want to be a part of, but would recount to others over the coming years.

What are the consequences of our deciding to keep fishing where we are? Or, to not fish at all? What are the consequences of waiting for the "security" of our retirement pensions to kick in, the children to grow up and start their own families, the economy to improve, or all our mortgage and car notes to be paid- in-full? What is the impact on those who observe our reasoned reluctance as opposed to bold obedience?

What do we need to see that the kid in us becomes so enraptured in the fervor of service that we choose to act from God's heart and in so doing, experience the unmasked joy of landing the big one upon responding obediently to: "Fish over there".

Thoughts
"If you don't like the weather, just wait five minutes and it will change!" We all have heard this or a similar statement concerning where we live. I sit here in my office praying that the weather will immediately change so my plans for today will work out as I want. Several times I have asked God to change the weather, to stop the rain. Will he do so? I do not know. (Later addition - He said no. He did not make it stop as I asked!)
(Jackie M)

Action Point
When the weather does not perform as we expect or desire, we are reminded that God is in control and we are not. One thing is sure. God knows best! Another thing is sure, we are not in control. Only God can plan something and make sure it does come to pass.

This applies to other changes in our lives. I am also in the process of moving to a new opportunity of service. It was a totally different direction from the way I wanted and had prayed to move. We wanted to move East, and God has called us West.

God knows best. I will trust Him. After all, wherever I go, he is with me. Will I trust Him enough to obey Him? Will you trust Him? Even when things don't go as you have planned, will you continue to trust Him?

Thoughts
Have you ever tried to light wet wood? How many matches did you go through? Unfortunately I have done this one too many times, most recently on an outing with my family. The day before our outing it had rained all day on the San Francisco Peaks, the mountain and trailhead we had planned to hike.

After a long wet hike and decent from 12,000 ft, everyone was freezing and wet. I attempted to build a fire with wet wood. I'm happy to report that after three boxes of matches and a few blisters from splitting kindling, we had a fire. I just had to get to the core of the wood, it was plenty dry.
(Donny N)

Action Point
Who needs matches with Jesus! One strike of His match and he will change us, transform us, and re- create us forever. He provides a light and warmth that will never end, no matter how many times you try to put it out.

My dad has a saying that has always stuck with me, "when life gets you down and you can't seem to get away from it all, you need to get around a campfire. It'll clear your thoughts and relieve the stress in your life." Thanks dad for the advice, I'll do just that. I know who has the match.

The question is who will be around your campfire? Who will you share the match with? This week, ask God to put someone on your heart that you can share your campfire with.

Thoughts
The sun wasn't even peeking over the horizon. The ducks were flying against an orange sky in what seemed to me a mad fashion this way and that. The caller sang a synchronization of quacks, cackles, and whistles gaining the birds' attention. The ducks were answering back with their own version of the song.

Suddenly a pair of ducks looked down at the water and saw the decoy spread. The vision was like a sky diver opening his parachute as the ducks simultaneously cupped their wings and committed to the final approach. They glided into the decoys like they were meeting old buddies, but were faced with a dire situation that left them as part of a hunter's bag limit.
(Dennis W)

Action Point
Too many times our lives are flying around in a mad fashion with really no purpose. This is when Satan throws out his decoys and calls to us. He knows that when we are not focused on abiding in Christ that our human nature can be distracted. We look at Satan's decoy and say, "Oooh, shiny!", pop our chute, and glide into destruction.

I John 2:16-17 reflects, "For all that is in the world- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever, " (NKJV)

Thoughts
OK, I want you all to do something with me. I want you to think back to the first time you held a gun and the first time you went hunting. So, who were you with? Your father? Maybe an uncle or maybe an older sibling? Now, think about all those years since. Who is it that has been the most influential on you in your thoughts and actions as a hunter? Is it the same person or is it somebody that came along and became a mentor or maybe a trusted friend? Either way we all learn from those that are better and more experienced than us. I know I have.

I learned my first lessons about mule deer from Dad. I learned about desert bighorn sheep from Dean, Dan, and Jim. Turkeys? Back to Dean. Elk? Back to Dad. Quail? Dean and enter Eldon. Archery? Then in come Steve and Todd.

Now I have an antelope hunt coming up and guess who I'm in the field with? Yep, it's me and Dean again, only this time we have our boys along to play pack mule for us! Why do I keep going with these same guys over and over again? It's because I've learned that they can be trusted. I've learned that what they tell me will be accurate and honest. I know that they care about me and the quality of my hunt. Simply put, I'm convinced that I can have confidence in them from years of experience.
(Cliff S)

Action Point
My Mom and Dad were my first Bible teachers. They were the ones that started taking me to church, helped me to begin to understand the Bible, and to come to Christ at an early age. Then there was a long line of Sunday School teachers and youth group leaders. Bill and Melovee, Cecil and Evelyn, and more lately Dr. Les Parrott and Dr. Tim Smith. These and a few others have had a significant influence on the growth and development of my faith because they not only taught the Word, they lived it! These people earned my confidence because, as well as hearing the Word professed, they have helped me to unpack tough scriptures and understand concepts I couldn't grasp on my own. These people were and are all doers of the Word and not hearers only (James 1:22).

As you grow in Christ, seek out mature Christians from whom you can learn. Spend time with them discussing questions you have about God and the Bible. Seek out others through books that are written to help us understand how to live the Christian life. Chuck Swindoll comes to mind as one that has much to offer through his writings. Then, pass on what you have learned by being a mentor for a younger Christian. You see, that is when we really learn, when we begin teaching others.

Thoughts
The big ten-point stepped quietly out of the woods and began to walk slowly down the field-line. With great caution, he tested the wind and kept his head moving as he watched the open field carefully. Finally, he was broadside, a muzzleloader sounded off, and my brother had his biggest buck to date. (Brian H)

Action Point
That big buck encounter didn't just happen. You see, I've left out some details in that story. I left out the hours we spent scouting and glassing that field. I didn't tell you about the time spent setting up a stand, clearing shooting lanes, trimming limbs, and figuring out prevailing wind directions. I didn't mention that we worked to figure out how to walk in to that stand so that we would remain undetected. The moral of this story is that it took hard work for this big buck encounter to happen.

The Bible has something to say about laziness as well, look at Proverbs 12:27. Wow! That passage paints a great picture for all of us hunters. But, it's a picture that is a metaphor for life.

My paraphrase would go something like this: "Do everything that you do in life to your best ability." Perhaps you wouldn't categorize yourself as lazy, but what about those remarks that goes like this: "For what I'm paid for this job, that's all that I'm going to do." How about this one: "Nobody knows if I finish my paperwork or not. Nobody's checked it, so why bother?"

The correct attitude is that God gave us abilities and we should do everything that we do to the best of OUR ability, but do it for HIS glory. Whether hunting, working, or anything else, you won't roast your game unless you are diligent.

Thoughts
I used to teach science to middle school kids. Every Veterans Day, there would be a couple of student who would ask if I was a veteran. These kids' idea of a veteran is colored by what they see today on television.

I told them I was in the air force. Then the obvious question was did I fly an airplane? I would explain to them that only a small percentage of the active military people in the air force are pilots, that most of the airmen are supporting our pilots/aircraft. I was in communications.
(Tom B)

Action Point
There are two ways to remember the men and women of our country who have given their time, their families, and some, their lives. First, ask someone today whether he or she is a veteran and what it was like when they fought for America. Visiting with a family member or a friend of a veteran and asking about their experiences helps to preserve our proud heritage and pass it along to others so these soldiers won't be forgotten.

Too many times in today's world with the media always looking for the sensational story, the stories of our young military men and women are flavored with what was done wrong; and not with the multitude of good actions that our people are doing to protect us at home and the people of the country for which we are fighting.

Second, be alert and always keep on praying for all the men and women now serving our country. We at home can't put on our body armor, pick up our weapons, or physically fight alongside our soldiers. But, we can put on the body armor of God, our salvation, pick up the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, and support our troops with our prayers.

Thoughts
We split up from camp to go javelina hunting. Two of the guys walked out of camp to crest a ridge nearby. I drove a couple miles away where I had seen some fresh sign. No sooner had I gotten to my location when my radio squelched. "We see one!" "He's bedded down." I hurriedly made it back to my truck and sped back to their location.

Arriving at their spot, they pointed to a black mass beneath a mesquite tree about a mile and a half away. "I saw it walk up and lay down, he hasn't moved since." Glassing the area I could definitely see an animal there, but due to the distance I couldn't make much out. We began our stalk which would be closer to three miles to stay down wind, most of the while hiking in a wash and out of eyeshot of the sleeping pig.

At a quarter mile away we climbed out of the wash and began to glass the area. Just in time to see the black mound under the mesquite tree rise from its bed, shoo away some flies with its long tail, moo, and begin chewing its cud. My Minnesota native friend had just been deceived by a cow.

Action Point
Rebekah was attempting to deceive Isaac in order to "help" God along with His promise that He would use Jacob to carry out His plan. Although her intentions may have been well meaning, she still planned to deceive her husband in order to carry out the plan.

Although we may know God's plans, sometimes like Rebekah, we feel we need to assist God because they do not seem to be moving as timely or orderly as we think they should. The old saying, "the ends don't always justify the means", applies here.

Remember, God does not contradict Himself. We should never have to sin in order to fulfill God's plan for us.

© Copyright 2005, Sportsmen's Devotional. All rights reserved worldwide. Sportsmen's Devotional may not be reproduced for any financial gain.

Thoughts
Do we really live out each day to God's purpose? In this scripture, God is referring to the Egyptian Pharaoh who would not let God's people leave Egypt with Moses. Unfortunately, Pharaoh was fighting against God; and ultimately, God showed His awesome power over all nature--Pharaoh lost.

As God used Pharaoh in His plan for the people He loved, God has a purpose for everyone-- each friendship, co-worker, and hunting buddy--in His plan for us. Yes, even the inexperienced neighbor who may really look up to you and just love to be included on your next trip out.

Can you think of someone who might benefit from your experience and knowledge of the outdoors? What might happen if you invited them on your next camping, fishing, or hunting trip? Perhaps you are worried that the hunt would be ruined? From eternity's perspective, what truly is most important?

Remember Pharaoh: God ended up sending frogs, lice, and locusts (to name a few of His judgments) upon Pharaoh's kingdom in order to deliver His people from slavery. God doesn't go out to get people. He is a God of love and He wants to give you the desires of your heart. He's more likely to send the trophy your way; although the inexperienced hunter may get that one, and you'll just look like an awesome guide!
(Rebecca L)

Action Point
There was an outdoorsman who went hunting with his friend of many years. Sitting by their campfire resting after hiking all day, he felt impressed to talk to his friend about knowing Jesus personally. But, he chose not to say anything because he didn't want to offend this life-long buddy.

Not long after this great trip, his buddy died protecting his wife in a burglary. The sorrow and unrest of not knowing where his friend was for eternity never left him as long as he lived. Stop and seek God's purpose for your day now!

Thoughts
When I think of running, I think of pronghorn antelope. Now, they can run. As the second-fastest land mammal in the world, they can hit speeds of more than 60 mph, only bested by the African cheetah.

I have known a few unethical hunters that thought a Chevy 350 could outrun them. One in particular was gaining on a herd of antelope just before he hit the prairie dog mound that put an end to the chase. After several hundred dollars of repairs and a fine for harassing wildlife, he learned that stalking was a much better method for hunting antelope.
(Ron T)

Action Point
God gave the antelope great speed and eyesight to avoid predators.

God has given us the Holy Spirit and our unique spiritual gifts. He does not want us to be ignorant of those gifts. Read I Corinthians 12:1.

By keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and staying in God's Word, we can avoid those things that would entangle and prevent us from crossing the finish line of the race He has marked out for us.

Thoughts
The biggest whitetail buck I have ever seen was in Canada. We were coming into our campground one evening and glanced off to the side of the road. There stood an enormous majestic 12 + point buck just coming out of a thicket! He stood still with his chest puffed out in front - only 15 yards away. We had stopped our van, lowered the windows, and gawked. My family and I were just stunned and amazed! A few minutes went by before the big bruiser turned and jumped back into the woods.

My entire family spent the next several minutes talking about how amazing and beautiful that buck was. We were trying to figure out how a deer could grow up and not get shot in an area where so many people traveled through. It wasn't until a couple of days later that we found the explanation. As we were driving out of the provincial park, I noticed a sign that said that the entire peninsula (about 30 miles) where our campground was located was actually a game preserve. No hunting or trapping of any kind was permissible there. This buck had grown up in an environment that was completely safe, and because of this, he was healthy and majestic!

God desires our children to be healthy and whole, so that they can serve Him well! But in order for that to happen, they have to grow up in an environment that is safe. It's up to us to create a "safety zone" for our children in our homes. This means that we consciously have to choose to be encouragers. We cannot be the danger to our kids through the words we use around them.
(Dave M)

Action Point
Children need our affirmation, our love, and our blessing. We need to be wise in how we use our language. We have the ability to impact our children in a way that can help them be healthy and whole or we can tear them down and create fear and insecurity. It's pretty clear what God desires of us. We just need to do it God's way!

Thoughts
Wahoo are known to be the fastest fish in our oceans. Friend and specialist, Capt. Scott A., suggests that they are capable of reaching speeds of 60 mph. It is a thrill when one strikes--peeling several hundred yards from your reel in seconds. However, Wahoo, like a sprinter, are only able to make one or two short bursts after that initial strike, generally giving in to anglers.

Tarpon, on the other hand, are marathoners. They take many powerful runs making acrobatic jumps, testing both tackle and angler. They will battle fisherman right up until the time they are released. They never give up.

When I gave my life to Christ, I was excited and on fire for God. However, I went through a time when I became secure and comfortable in my salvation. Through subsequent trials and tribulations, the Holy Spirit revealed to me that the race was not over; in fact, it had only just begun.

Action Point
Paul witnesses to us of the importance of keeping the faith and finishing the race. Don't let your the security of your salvation cause you to become complacent. Meet with the Lord daily through prayer--long for Him; think of your relationship with God as a long-distance marathon rather than a short sprint. Finish the race. He has a prize awaiting you.

Thoughts
You ever been in a hunting camp and asked, "What's for dinner?" The cook looks at you and asks, "What you want?" "Well," you reply, "what are my choices?" The cook tells you what's on the menu for that night and you tell him what you want--what combination of foods you want to make your dinner. It could be steak and beans; or sometimes, you just throw a bunch of stuff in a pot and make some weird stew. You get to choose from what's available to make something you like.

But, here's the deal with God's Word. It is not a smorgasbord. You don't get to pick and choose the parts that you like and ignore the parts that you don't like. It is all God's Word. It all applies to your life and it is all true. The Bible does not only just contain truth, it is truth! God will use it to teach us, to rebuke us, to correct us, to train us, and to equip us for whatever He has planned for us to do for Him.
(Cliff S)

Action Point
Read and study God's Word, the Bible. That's how God grows and strengthens our faith; and it is how we learn how to live.

Thoughts
One of my favorite lakes in the Wind River Range lies at 8,400 ft and is 2 1/2 mi from the 7,500 ft trail head. The trail is classified as difficult because of the 900 ft rise in 2 1/2 mi. It is steep,rocky at times, and then levels out in several places. It is impossible to pack in horses to the campsite; everything must be carried on your back. Once you arrive at the campsite and remove your pack, you may begin the most rewarding and therapeutic float tube fishing you can imagine. This lake contains three species of fish--rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout. After three days of fishing and rest, you are ready to go back to that stressful schedule.

Just as a pack horse lessens our load, two oxen working together as a team make it easier for both of them. Jesus invites us to work with Him as a team, get into His yoke with Him. But, goes on to say that He will shoulder the majority of the load.
(Tom L)

Action Point
The best way to work as a team with Jesus Christ is to invite Him into your heart. He will be there for you during difficult and stressful times.