Thoughts
For a couple years in a row, my family and I had searched an area for an old military fort. It was located where there was a good population of quail and javelina; and whenever we were hunting around there, we would always take time to look for it. I think each of us had conjured up in our mind’s eye great images of all the treasure the fort might hold. So, it was rather surprising when we finally located it; but all that remained were some crumbled old rock walls and much debris. You could see that at one point it had been a large establishment that housed two companies of the 14th Infantry. Now it is nothing but a few ruins. (BrettM)

Action Point
These walls were constructed in the late 1800’s to protect the military from Indians, most presumably Tonto Apaches. However, without constant attention, they now have fallen into decline and are no longer able to fulfill their mission.

King Solomon tells us in the book of Proverbs that a life without self-control will not be able to complete its mission. If we do not establish and maintain spiritual boundaries in our life, we leave ourselves open to attack from the enemy. Our personal boundaries, walls of self-control, need constant maintenance. Seek that maintenance by reading God’s Word, praying, and through other committed Christians.

Thoughts
Bears fishing for salmon will try the same fishing technique for hours on end, even though they may never catch a fish. Sometimes it takes them a long time to figure out that what they are doing isn’t working and that they need to change their method. It is said that a sign of mental illness is when a person repeatedly does the same thing but expects a different outcome. Could this pertain to man when he lusts after a woman? Let’s see.

HEY! Someone help this guy get a clue! Satan relies on the fact that he has a mental illness, and he uses it to wreck this guy’s life, the life of the other woman who understands and sympathizes with him, and the lives of his wife and his children. It is so easy, and it works so well. (DH)

Action Point
Now if this describes you or someone you know, why would you let Satan win? He uses the same tricks over and over because they work. If you or someone you know are subject to this or any of the other mental mindsets that Satan uses to ensnare us, it is imperative that someone is found to whom one can be accountable. Make sure this person is a solid, mature brother (for a male) or sister (for a female) in the Lord. Make sure they specifically ask you or your friend how you are doing in your area of temptation. Be real and completely honest with that person. Admit your struggles, and both of you pray about them right then and there. Remember: “If two of you agree concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven” (Matthew 18:19 NKJV). Don’t use this person as a source of sympathy and one who gives you license to fall back into your weakness and temptation; but someone strong who will faithfully encourage you to be strong–illustrating, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (PhIlippians 4:13 NKJV). Memorizing God’s Word about your area of temptation brings about successful battle stragedy. Listen to David: “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11 NKJV).

Thoughts
As he begins a new year, the dedicated hunter implements his program of strength and endurance training so he’ll be physically ready for the demands that the Fall hunt will bring. The exercise and strength training is not always pleasant; but he stays focused, visualizing those few days he looks forward to and for which he plans all year long.

As Christians, we are encouraged to study and even to memorize scripture so that we will be able to live a God-honoring life here on earth, and to prepare us to spend eternity with our Lord. Think of heaven as “the hunt” and your life on earth as a time of preparation for it. You might say, “I can’t memorize,” or, “I can’t find the time;” but if you are honest with yourself, you know you find time to do what you really want to do. There are all sorts of memorization strategies out now to make it easier. You just have to want to do it. (RK)

Action Point
An old circuit-riding preacher once said, “The strength of youth is physical, but the strength of old age is spiritual.” As much as you prepare for those days in the field this year, put some time and effort into spiritual preparation for your life here and your life hereafter.

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; is steep and rocky at times, 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. (TL)

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.

Thoughts
I want to be this man delighting in the law of the Lord and meditating on it day and night. I want to be the oak by the stream that looks so magnificent because of the constant flow and nourishment from the water and life that surrounds it. I want my life to count for something and prosper in whom I am as a believer in Christ. Hanging above my desk is a picture of Jesus talking with a man at his desk. This scripture is on the picture, and is an every-day reminder that He is with me and is my guide as I seek to bring honor to Him. (Glen D.)

Action Point
Where are you planted? With whom do you walk?

Is our delight coming from the law of the Lord day and night; or is the world and distractions from the enemy moving us away from the streams of water that provide the nourishment for a consistent walk with Jesus Christ? Remember that Christ remains right there with us–in the field or out of the field, everyday, as we move toward Him or away from honoring Him.

Thoughts
When God changes a person’s heart, we sometimes call it “regeneration.” In nature, that’s a biological term. In Christian theology, it’s a term that refers to the new birth and life in Christ.

Antlered game animals shed their antlers and regenerate a new set each year. As long as they stay healthy and well fed, they usually grow a larger set until the animal is fully mature. In a similar way, God wants us to shed the things we don’t need– bad habits, wrong attitudes and other sins–in order to give us better things that build Christian character. Although we sometimes tend to cling to the old things, that makes no more sense than a deer holding onto its antlers. Something bigger and better is in store for him after he sheds last year’s. Something better is in store for us, too. Abiding in Christ enables us to continually replace those habits and attitudes that are not pleasing to God with something new and better. As we abide in Christ, the vine, God works to rid us of our old character and develop the fruits of Christlike character in us (SS)

Action Point
Ask God to point out to you the things that He wants you to shed. Be willing to change; and expect something better to replace those things.

Thoughts
The neat thing about being an outdoorsman is the thrill of traveling and exploring places where many people may never go. I remember a time as a teenager that my friend and I tried to beat the summertime blues by taking a small fishing adventure. With just an old pair of black Converse sneakers, cut-off shorts and spinning rods, we started wading into a box canyon. We had a great time catching fish; but for me, I was thrilled to see what was around the next bend–more of God’s creative artwork, and maybe a killer fishing hole! The more we traveled into the canyon the more beautiful and dramatic the sights became. (TH)

Action Point
The passage in Luke10:38-42 means a great deal to me on a spiritual level, because I believe that we all are on a spiritual journey. The journey I began over 30 years ago was into the core of God’s own heart. Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus, was a forerunner to others who touch the heart of God. She had true fellowship with Jesus. In the canyon of her soul, she found out what God loves more than anything else. Take time to read this whole passage and prayerfully ask God what that could mean for you.

Thoughts
I walked into this small restaurant only expecting to get a burrito and coffee while my truck was being repaired down the street. Only one other customer sat at one of three small tables, slowly sipping his coffee. He said he was from out of town just as I was; and after a few minutes of conversation, we found that we were from the same county, but from opposite ends. We knew the same lake, so we discussed the fishing there and the bass and crappie we both enjoy. Plastic baits, rattle baits, points and pockets filled our conversation during our breakfast. As we left the restaurant, he stopped me outside the door and said, “I just had prostate surgery a few weeks ago; it was cancerous. Now I have a series of 40 chemo treatments to complete.” I had also had that surgery; but fortunately for me, it was benign. A month earlier a pastor friend taught us a lesson on prayer for those in need. His lesson was this: stop and take the time to pray for that person right where you are. Never tell them, “I’ll pray for you.”
I remembered that lesson and asked the man, “What is your name?” He answered, “Guerrero, just like the name of the restaurant here.”
At that point I asked him, “Guerrero, can I pray for you?” We stood there together on the sidewalk and prayed. When we finished, he thanked me and asked if I had a moment to sit and talk. Among other things, he told me that he came to that restaurant every morning for coffee. The owners of the restaurant also prayed with him and had recently led him in the sinner’s prayer. I had a new-found friend, not only in fishing but in Christ as well. (bfs)

Action Point
We never know where or when the Holy Spirit will choose to use us for God’s glory. One way we can be prepared is to pray for those in need right there on the spot. Never say those words, “I’ll pray for you.” It rarely gets done in the busyness of our day. Our actions speak much louder than our words. So, walk the walk, don’t just talk the talk. Walk in His paths and let the Holy Spirit do the rest.

Thoughts
I’m not afraid of the dark–a little spooked, yes; afraid, NO! I was at a new farm to hunt and had started into the woods early, when I realized I had forgotten my flashlight. I haven’t seen any street lights shining in the middle of the woods. Reflective tape doesn’t do much good without a flashlight. I had placed my stand in the most awesome spot on this new farm. I was extremely excited about this thick travel corridor, with rubs and scrapes all up and down the trail. I wasn’t looking forward to seeing one buck, but many. I had to get there before the deer, before daylight. No flashlight, complete darkness and dense wood–not a good combination.

I stopped and started praying, trying to gather my wits. That is when I noticed a small light across the hollow. The neighbor’s farmhouse had an outside light shining. Evidently, someone was up early. That light was all I needed. It gave me a point of focus, something that wouldn’t change. Soon, I knew my position according to the light, because I knew the light wouldn’t move. Then, I proceeded in the proper direction and found my stand right where I had left it. (DW)

Action Point
In the dark I was lost–spooked (not afraid) and alone. The light was welcomed. I could navigate according to the light, because it was constant. Jesus is the Light of the World. He is constant and never changing; I can always navigate my life according to Him.

Thoughts
While out checking on grouse hunters early one Fall morning, I noticed some men standing around a pickup. In the back of the truck were a couple of bird dogs, each with a mouthful of porcupine quills. Some of the men were holding the dogs down while others were trying to pull out the quills. The dogs were pretty vocal about their displeasure over the whole ordeal.

When God made porcupines on the sixth day of creation, he equipped them with some pretty awesome armor. The porcupine can use that armor anytime he thinks danger is near. Like the porcupine, God has given us His full armor that we can use in times of trouble. Even better than a coat of prickly spines, we are given the armor of Truth, Faith, Righteousness, Salvation, and the Word of God. (RT)

Action Point
To receive God’s full armor, we must know Gods truth–the truth will set us free (John 8:32). We need faith that comes from hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). And, we need righteousness, which comes from faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22). With these things, we will be able to stand firm in Christ in any situation.