Thoughts
My son and a friend traveled to Wyoming to visit my wife and me and to do some trout fishing. We decided to pack into a remote mountain lake at 10,000ft elevation. There were five riders and two pack horses to carry the float tubes and camping gear. The trip in went fairly well. While we stopped once to tighten the packs, one of the horses, Molly, decided to be independent and wander off the trails looking for fresh morsels. Brock, a young and inexperienced rider, got a little frustrated with Molly; but with some instruction, he became more assertive. The horse began to cooperate and stay on the trails. We unpacked the horses and set up camp, apparently just in time. A severe, unexpected storm hit the mountains. It poured for what seemed like hours. It was flooding, so we trenched around the tents and the camping area. One of the horses got spooked in the storm and ran away. We tracked him and managed to get him back to camp. The temperature dropped after the storm went through. Wet and cold, we tried to start a fire, but had difficulty. After finally finding dry kindling under a large cut back rock, we started a fire under the rock and transferred the coals to a spot near our campsite. We dried out our clothes and eventually warmed up. The fishing was slow because of the storm. On the way down the mountain, a pack slipped, so the gear had to be repacked.

Even with all the difficulties, I never heard a complaint or any angry words. How often is this the case in our outdoor activities? I’m thankful that these Christian men followed Phil 2:14, “Do everything without complaining or arguing. . .” They had the strength to endure and made the trip a memorable one. (TL)

Action Point
It is critical that we set an example of strength to our children and friends without complaining or arguing. When troubles come our way, ask God for His strength and wisdom. He is always faithful.

Thoughts
A great passion of mine is winter wade fishing for trophy seatrout and redfish. It is a stealthy and exciting way to fish. However, there are hazards. Shoreline bottoms are intermittingly made up of soft muddy spots, rocks, shallow holes and reefs of various sizes. Although I have come close, I have not fallen. It is always a concern that I could trip in the cold winter water, thus ruining my trip. I am cognizant of the perils and move carefully, stepping over rocks or avoiding soft muddy areas.

Giving one’s life to Christ does not take away the hazards of life. But, if you are steadfast, the Holy Spirit will guide you and help you sidestep the many rocks and soft spots that will be in your path. (Will D)

Action Point
It is distinctly possible that there are places and/or people in your life that may cause you to stumble. If so, consider Paul’s charge in 1 Timothy 6:11:
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

Thoughts
Saul had his life turned around 180 degrees while on the road to Damascus. My life also changed drastically about 20-25yrs ago. I wasn’t off killing people, but I was intent on reducing the largemouth bass population.

I bought my first bass boat, an aluminum Bass Tracker, in the early 80’s. From there I graduated up to a Skeeter fiberglass boat. It had a lot of the whistles and bells popular at the time. I was obsessed with bass fishing, made two or three trips a month to my favorite fishing lakes. I remember mouthing prayers several times as I left Jasper, Texas, a town close to Sam Rayburn Reservoir–thanking the Lord for the ability to fish, and “Please don’t let me loose these opportunities.” Guess what: after going through some financial difficulties, the boat had to be sold. Without a boat, fishing most of the major lakes in Texas is pretty much impossible. Either there is no access to the water, or the shoreline is privately owned. My obsession with bass fishing had been dealt a severe blow. I had a Damascus experience. Though I hadn’t been knocked off a donkey or horse by a blinding light, I was knocked out of my boat. (TB)

Action Point
Like Saul, my life had suddenly changed. It took me longer than it took Saul to be able to see clearly again. Slowly the Lord opened my eyes to see that there were other ways to pursue the sport. He had cured me of the obsession; now it’s just a passion in my life. He showed me different ways of fishing. I found a bass club that had lots of empty seats open to non-boaters in their tournaments. I discovered there are many ponds (stock tanks) in Texas that you can fish with permission. Some of these tanks had better fishing than the large impoundments. He also showed me some new fishing techniques that I would never had experienced otherwise. He opened my eyes.

I am not saying that the modern bass boats with all of the features are bad news. They are really an enjoyable way to pursue the fish, and I would love to have another boat if that were possible. But I learned that I needed to have a proper perspective on the total picture.

Thoughts
It was the middle of June, a Monday I think, and I hadn’t had a day off in about ten days. My charter for the day had won a trip that I had donated to an organization I cannot remember. All I knew was that I was not getting paid that day. Honestly, I did not have the best attitude.

After about an hour, it was obvious that the man, wife and friend on my boat were novices. The fishing was kind of slow as well, so we began talking about who they were and where they were from. Out of nowhere, the man said, “We got baptized yesterday!” Talk about hitting me in the head with a 10lb redfish. We then talked about their relationship with God and why they had been baptized. God was speaking to me. My eyes began to water. Thank the Lord I was wearing dark polarized shades. Needlesstosay, it was a wonderful day on the boat. (BG)

Action Point
The Lord got my attention quickly. He showed me that I am always a servant, even on a boat. He did plenty of ministering on a boat to fisherman. He showed me that my lifestyle is a blessing from Him, and I should take a ministering attitude to the dock and my daily life every second of every minute. I should be prepared to be a witness to every person, even when I am tired and not in the best of moods. I am always a servant and should look out for the interests of others before my own.

Thoughts
I grew up hunting and fishing with my old man and one other older family friend. It was not until I was about 20 that I even considered hunting with any other partners. Why was that? I grew up feeling a sense of family toward those with whom I hunted. I didn’t care to have anyone else hunt with me, or where I hunted because I didn’t feel as though they were part of my family. I’m sure many potential friendships were lost because I didn’t want to make a commitment to someone outside this small group of individuals. It took a very persistent friend to convince me otherwise; and after spending time with him in the field, I learned that there were others who feel as seriously as I do about hunting. This family of hunters is bigger than I thought! (RC)

Action Point
When I first became a Christian almost ten years ago, my wife and I experienced various degrees of persecution from our friends and family–”Why can’t you go to the game with us on Sunday?” They didn’t understand our commitment to God; and when we tried to explain, the response was usually the same: “But we’re your family!” or, “You’re just going through a phase.” God clearly tells us not to ignore the well-being of our family, but He also tells us we must love Him more (Luke 14:26-27). Remember to seek His Kingdom first, and He’ll take care of the rest. My wife and I were not going through a phase; and we have since been blessed with members of our physical family who have become part of God’s spiritual family with us!

As for hunting partners, I’m glad I opened my eyes to those outside my physical family. I have had the pleasure of learning and teaching others when I let them into my family of hunting partners! We all have one or more hunting or fishing spots that are known to the very few. Sometimes we may have a tendency to decline new partners in the sport because we don’t want to reveal these places. You are missing out on an awesome opportunity for fellowship if you continue down this path!
‘Nuff said, brothers!

Thoughts
Have you ever been on a tough hike or some grueling outing with a pack that’s too heavy in terrain that’s too steep and rough? You catch yourself and your companions stumbling and fumbling along and you get discouraged and want to quit. Or, you keep thinking that there has to be a better route to make it to the top, and you need to find it in order to go on. You find that you and your buddies have to continually help each other or you won’t make it to your destination. You offer a hand up a bad spot, or maybe it’s a word of encouragement when the other guy is ready to quit and give up. Maybe he’s telling you that you have what it takes to get to the top of the mountain, even though you don’t think you can make it. Maybe you point out a better route around a really bad spot.

It seems to me that this is what Job did for those around him. He gave instructions, he helped strengthen others, supported them, and somehow gave strength to those around him who were too physically exhausted to go on. What I see in Job is that he was an encourager. When things got tough, he somehow motivated the other guy to keep going, to accomplish the goal. In Job 1:3, Job is described as “the greatest man among all the people of the East”. This statement had much to do with his possessions, but I believe that it also had a lot to do with his character and his treatment of those around him. (CS)

Action Point
We all have encouragers in our lives–a friend or loved one who helps with a kind word or deed, sometimes by just being there and listening, or by reminding us that we can finish strong. Encouragers are necessary to counteract the negative pessimists that seem to be everywhere. And often, we must take on the role of an encourager. When you see a friend that needs help, be there for him, and be positive.

Thoughts
I missed! I can’t believe it! It is the first turkey I ever missed!
This happened to me this year: I shot three times at a huge Merriam’s longbeard (mature male turkey) at twelve yards. Afterwards, I was in the dumps. I just knew I would not get another chance. But three hours later, another longbeard appeared! After a little coaxing on the call from my friend and just a little from me, he came in, presented a target, and this time the shot was accurate. My friend who called him said, “You redeemed yourself with that shot.” God had given me another chance to fill my tag. He is the God of the second chance! (JM)

Action Point
I missed in another area as well. We all do. We miss God’s mark of holiness. That is the definition of sin: missing God’s mark. “The wages of sin is death”–the bad news–”but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”–the rest of the story (Romans 6:23). God offers a chance to be redeemed; and only HE would do that. He provided His Son as a substitute payment for our sin–mine and yours! Have you been redeemed? Has your sin been washed away? Will you enjoy eternal life with God? I received this offer of redemption as a gift from God when only six years old. He redeemed me. He forgave my sins.
You may be redeemed by believing in Jesus as your Lord and Savior. He will redeem all who come to God by faith in Him. Redeemed! A second chance! That is a great feeling. I was happy and pleased to have the second chance at that gobbler; but I am even happier to have the redemption that results in everlasting life!

Thoughts
Imagine this:
Your beautiful campsite was no accident. God knew you would enjoy something like that, so a long time ago He prepared it and all the natural beauty that went into your experience. He knew where you would pitch your tent, where you would look for a view, and even where you would sit down to enjoy your meals (And yes, He prepared the bugs to do what they do best and the weather to do what it does best!). Every facet of each outdoor experience has God’s creative hand upon it, from sightseeing in the city park to rock climbing in the wilderness. He prepared the first fish your daughter caught. He prepared the beautiful flowers your wife nurtures. He prepared the worms your son catches. And He prepared the cool breezes your family enjoys. Imagine that. (DAH)

Action Point
Jesus said, “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40). Jonah was thrown overboard to die. He was swallowed by the great fish as a burial. He was spit out on dry land to represent Christ’s resurrection. Reflect on an outdoor experience that caused you to celebrate God as the Great Creator and Jesus as Lord of your life.

Thoughts
After a very wet couple of days in the belly of the Grand Canyon, our family was anxious to climb out with all our rain soaked camping gear and backpacks. About half-way up the canyon wall, the mule train in front of us came to an abrupt stop. Word quickly got back to us that someone had just died and they needed to take the man out of the canyon by helicopter. I will never forget the almost surreal scene–the helicopter flying right in front of my entire family with the swaying body bag suspended in a cargo net with the massiveness of the Grand Canyon as a backdrop! (TH)

Action Point
We were right beside someone who was with this individual. She informed us that the hike was a gift, that he was only 45yrs old and died of a heart attack. Little did he know that this would be his last great adventure. Little do any of us really know how many days of life we have. This scripture indicates that our days are no more than a vapor. They go very, very quickly. Use them wisely and love people with as much of God’s love as you can.