Bible Study Verse
I Timothy 2:1-3
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior. (NIV)

Thoughts
A favorite local indoor archery range is now gone. The range was beautiful! It offered lots of shooting lanes, good lighting, and had been selected multiple times to host state archery tournaments. Tucked away in the woods, its ambience drew you. We’ve had a lot of snow here in northern Michigan. The wide expanse of the roof over the range area just couldn’t hold the amount that had accumulated. One night this last December, the load just got to be too much. The roof came tumbling down, causing the outside walls to cave in. The whole place was destroyed! (Dave M)

Action Point
Our culture never seems to be satisfied with the amount of work that we do as men. There’s always just one more thing that should be added to our plate! Well, I’m human and have my limits – so do you. Often we talk about having balance in our lives with the way we spend our time with work, recreation, spouse, children, and church. The reality is that it’s not about balance. It’s understanding what God values and investing our lives in it. We all have obligations, but we need to prioritize our time according to God’s principles in all things. If you try to do everything, you are going to find yourself frustrated. You are spread so thin that you really aren’t doing anything well. Your expanse is too wide. You weren’t built to carry that load. Pray and ask God to help you with how to handle your time. You very well may need to cut some things out of your life.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
If you are trout fishing from a canoe on a river that is overgrown with brush, you may not want to drop an anchor. As the anchor lands, it kicks up silt. A nice way to hold your spot while you are fishing a hole is to take jumper cables and tie them onto your canoe. Take the clamp end and hook it on to the overgrown brush. No more silt problems as you are held in place and no anchor is needed.

Bible Study Verse
Revelation 20:12, 15
I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire. (NLT)

Thoughts
One for the record book! That is a common goal among hunters and anglers. It is an accomplishment that reflects investments of planning, time, resources, skill, and dedication to the goal of taking that trophy. For a few it is just luck, the combination of being in the right place at the right time. For most that is not true. We congratulate those who consistently take the “big ones” that give them a place in the record books. The picture today is of my friend, Mike, and his trophy bear, one for the record books. His thoughts and comments inspired this message. (Jackie M)

Action Point
God keeps a record book. Some call it the Book of the Living. The verses above reflect this truth. This book records the existence and the actions of every person who has ever lived. Nothing escapes His notice. His record is without error! God will judge everyone by what is recorded. The Book of Life, also called the Lamb’s Book of Life, is the most important book of all. When we trust Jesus as our personal Savior and Lord, God enters our name. That entry guarantees that our sins have been forgiven and we have been given everlasting life. He says that anyone who believes in Him will never perish, see John 3:16 and John 5:24. I am glad He has added my name. Is yours there? Is your name in the Book of Life? If not, choose to receive God’s forgiveness of sin provided through Jesus our Savior. Believe in him and escape the punishment of sin. Receive him as Lord and live forever! That is the most important record book of all!

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
Keeping a record of your hunts and fishing trips in a journal is helpful for future planning and success. Keeping a spiritual journal is a way of documenting God’s work in your life. It will help you keep on track with Him and for Him.

Bible Study Verse
Deuteronomy 11:18-21
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the LORD swore to give your forefathers, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth. (NIV)

Thoughts
During the first session of every Hunter Ed class, I tell the students that by the next week’s session I want them to have TAB+1 memorized.

* Treat every gun as if it were loaded.
* Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
* Be sure of your target and beyond.
* +1 Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready.

It is important that they memorize these rules, word for word. If they will do that, it tells me, as their instructor, that they are taking the class and firearm safety seriously. (Cliff S)

Action Point
We should be reading, studying, and memorizing God’s word. If we don’t know what’s in the Bible, how can we be prepared to give a reason for our hope as the Apostle Peter admonishes us (I Peter 3:15-16). The only way that we can know what’s in the Bible is to be reading the Bible. If we’re not reading God’s Word and sharing the good news of Jesus with others, how will God know that we’re serious about loving Him?

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
TAB+1: They are the keys to firearm safety. But, it’s not enough to just know the rules, you must hunt by them. Every time you pick up a firearm, take a moment and remind yourself of these four rules

Bible Study Verse
II Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NIV)

Thoughts
Some time back I purchased a new toy, a GPS. It was shiny, new, and looked like a thing of beauty in my hands. Aren’t we always excited when we pick up something new? I was! In the box with the GPS was an operator’s manual that had the instructions for the use and care of the unit. By the way, why do they call them manuals? Men never look at them, right? I mean, don’t we just take the item out of the box, turn it on, and start playing with it? That’s what I did. After proving to myself that I am not a part of the technological age, I got the manual out and tried to figure out how to operate the silly thing. The best I could do was to find the ON/OFF button. After that, I called my son to come help me like I always do. Finally, with my son’s help, I was able to start navigating with my new toy and getting the maximum benefit from it. (Cliff S)

Action Point
God’s word is our manual for living the Christian life. First and foremost, it tells us how to know God and how to live for Him (the ON button). Then it instructs us as to how to treat others. There’s instructions regarding diet, exercise, how to relieve yourself in the desert (yes, it’s really there, check out Deuteronomy 23:12-14), the wise use of money, and everything else we need to operate in this world. There are also instructions on how to be a warrior and how to be prepared for the spiritual battles we face as Christians. But, just like that GPS manual, if we don’t read God’s word, we won’t know how to get the most out of our life and our walk with Jesus. Get your Bible out, read it, let God speak to you. Listen to and learn from pastors, teachers, and mature Christians. It’s amazing what we can learn about Jesus and living if we just use the manual!

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
Always read the manual regarding the proper use and care of your outdoor equipment. This can be particularly important with your firearms. Many accidents can be prevented by familiarizing yourself with the item prior to using it in the field

Bible Study Verse
Matthew 8:24-25
Without warning, a furious storm came upon the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” (NIV)

Thoughts
Several families had big plans for camping, fishing, exploring, and riding all terrain vehicles and jet skies in the cove of a large desert lake. The trip started out well enough with several campers and tents set up. Everyone was out enjoying the water and the wild. Soon the wind began to pick up, not a lot, but just enough to keep us cool in the warm desert sun. It continued to increase as the clouds moved in. Stronger and stronger it blew. Our chairs blew over and the items flew off our tables. Before we could secure our camp, we were facing what seemed like hurricane force wind. It channeled right down the canyon to the end of the cove where we had settled. Not a single tent survived. Uprooted, thrown to the ground, torn, battered, and broken every tent sustained some damage. One was never found. (Brett M)

Action Point
Some say the wind is blowing in America and around the world. World stock markets are in the tank along with many people’s retirements and livelihoods. Millions have lost their jobs while millions more wonder if they are going to. Hundreds of thousands of people are losing their homes while banks have stopped lending money. During which the government grapples with what to do and how best to do it.

One would think that when Jesus boarded the boat for the trip across Galilee it would be smooth sailing. However, Jesus allowed the storm to occur. He went to sleep during it and only arose after being awakened and pleaded with to save the disciples lives. He did. So why does God allow the wind to blow in our lives? So that we will remove the reliance that we hold to ourselves and place it on him. So that we place our full faith and belief in Him, because He controls all things. Even the winds and the waves obey Him! During these difficult times, place your full faith and reliance in God. Pray for your family. Pray for your neighbors. Pray for your country.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
Try using a canning jar ring to cook your eggs in for an egg sandwich. Just place the ring in your skillet and open your eggs into it while cooking. Egg McMuffin anyone!

Bible Study Verse
Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (KJV)

Thoughts
Most trout fishing enthusiasts have probably heard of Arkansas’ White River. The crystal clear cold water of Bull Shoals Lake above the Bull Shoals Dam empties into the pristine White River below. The northern stretches of this river are known for world-class trout fishing. In fact, the scenic town of Cotter, AR is still known as “Trout Capital USA”. I drove out to the dam this week and just soaked in the beauty. . Without the dam and the cold waters of the source, the White River might be simply another lazy meandering river. Thanks to its source, it is a thriving fishing paradise. The dam also is used to generate electricity. It feeds the river and lights the world around it. Sound familiar? (Brian H)

Action Point
Jesus is the AUTHOR of our lives. He’s writing the story. He’s also our power source. As Christians, we must stay plugged into our power source. Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, lights our world and refreshes our soul with the cold running water of His word. Far too many Christians spend their life meandering through the proverbial landscape. They stay in the groove of surviving, but never cross over into thriving. If we drift too far from our power source, our waters grow still and will eventually stagnate. If we lose contact with our power source, our landscape begins to darken and our spiritual eyes grow dim. When we plug back into God’s word and walk close to Him, we plug into HIS power, we are refreshed by HIS words, and we are lit by HIS presence. He’s the author and the source of strength and power in our lives. How far are you from the power source? He’s never moved. He’s right there waiting for you to come back. Find your way back to Him, Plug in and thrive!

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
Be a cheerleader – especially when a youngster or a senior citizen takes a game animal or catches a nice fish. Go out of your way to take pictures and encourage them. Young people are the future of our sports and seniors are the heritage that we came from. Both are to be respected and both need our encouragement

Bible Study Verse
Proverbs 27:1-2
Don’t boast about tomorrow, for you don’t know what a day might bring. Let another praise you, and not your own mouth – a stranger, and not your own lips. (HCSB)

Thoughts
In the charter boat business, one day you might be a hero with full limits. The next day conditions change, the fish don’t bite, and you struggle. You can spot a rookie guide from a mile away when he struts around the dock with a cooler full of fish and proclaims himself as the greatest. As usual on a tough day, he tucks his tail between his legs and mopes. The truth of the matter is, we all have great days, good days, average days, slow days, and downright poor days. The veteran guide knows this and keeps his cool and confidence when things are going good or when it is tough to get a bite. (Bink G)

Action Point
Proverbs was written as a practical guide to everyday living. The above scripture instructs us to be humble in our successes, because the next day the wind may be blowing 25 knots from the southwest or the fish may not be hungry. Nobody likes the clamor from the self-righteous. If you must boast, boast in the Lord, even if you only have a few fish to clean.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
When fishing conditions are tough, it is even more important to know your tides and moon phases. The fish may only bite for an hour that day, so you better be there when they feed

Bible Study Verse
Hebrews 6:19
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, (NIV)

Thoughts
I harvested my first cow elk with a bow at 15. I was absolutely hooked from then on. Drawing an elk tag was like Christmas in the Fall for me. The tag was the anchor point of my life. You know what? I didn’t always get drawn in AZ. Whenever I drew a tag, my life centered on the dates of that elk hunt. When I didn’t draw an elk tag, I had a pretty depressing year! (Ruben C)

Action Point
Drawing a big game tag is a game of chance. It’s a type of gambling (except we get our money back if we lose) and not a sure thing. Basing one’s attitude on something of the world that is not a sure thing is a gamble with your life and how you affect the feelings of others around you. If you’re only tolerable when things are going your way, then you need a more solid anchor point. That anchor point for a Christian is God. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see,” Hebrews 11:1 (NIV). When your life is anchored on your hope in Christ and His promises, your disposition won’t as likely resemble waves in the ocean based on the kind of day you’re having. “He who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind,” James 1:6b (NIV)

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
Even in AZ, everything is not a draw. There are over-the-counter tags available in most western states even for coveted elk, mule deer, and antelope. Do your research in advance so if you don’t draw that one tag you’re hoping for in your state, you can plan an alternative quality hunt in another state or even a bow hunt in your state with an over-the-counter tag. If not you could bank the money you were going to spend when you didn’t get drawn until you have enough to go to Disney Land (ha ha, now that’s funny!). No, seriously, save it for that Alaskan hunt or dream safari you couldn’t afford otherwise.

Bible Study Verse
Acts 9:1-2
Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them-both men and women-back to Jerusalem in chains. (NLT)

II Corinthians 10:3-4
We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. (NLT)

Thoughts
There are certain days of year when the weather, the tide, and the moon align creating perfect fishing conditions. Fishermen reap great harvests. However, angler’s zeal to be in the right spot at the right time sometimes causes rifts among us – frustrations that lead to anger or conflict on the water. We might say words we regret.

Before Saul met Jesus on the road to Damascus, he had no problem with anger. In fact, he used it well. he was “eager to kill”. But God had a different purpose for Saul. When He met him, He changed him. Saul became Paul. A man driven with a spirit of hatred is replaced with a man of Holy Spirit led compassion. A drastic change only possible from a living God. Later, when Paul confronts problems within the Corinthian church, he does so with composure. His calculated, Christ led approach succeeds and ultimately leads to a Christian movement that consumes all of Rome. (Will D)

Action Point
As Christian hunters and fishermen we might be tested by circumstances on the water or in the field. How will we deal with the conflict? Like Saul of Tarsus or like Paul? A Christ led approach to tenuous situations can show others how Christ lives in us – quite possibly leading to a change in them.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
When fishing crowded areas, a good rule of thumb is to stay two to three casts away from the nearest boat.

Bible Study Verse
II Corinthians 1:21c-22
He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. (NIV)

II Corinthians 1:22
By His Spirit He has stamped us with His eternal pledge-a sure beginning of what He is destined to complete. (MSG)

Thoughts
In Wyoming we still brand our horses to prove ownership. I was able to retrieve a stolen horse 300 miles from home just because he bore my brand. If I value them, I brand them. If I’m traveling out of state, it’s easy to prove ownership at the borders. Even if they get lost in the wilderness, a game warden or forest service personnel is likely to come across them and I’ll get them back. (Wes W)

Action Point
1 Peter 2:24a says, “Who His own self bore our sins in His own body on the tree,” (21st CKJ). Our brand pictured above is called the “Lone Tree” brand, the cross on the hill. Isaiah 49:16a says, “Behold, I have indelibly imprinted (tattooed a picture of) you on the palm of each of My hands,” (AB). That makes for a pretty iron clad relationship. I’m branded His and He’s branded mine.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
If you’re an “outlaw” you won’t like this idea cause it will reveal you. But we all fill out the luggage stickers at the airport to get our lost luggage back. Something a lot more convenient than three sentences of address information is to brand your valuables. I’ve branded wood pistol, knife grips, leather saddle bags, and scabbards. When the grand kids inherit the stuff, they’ll know it was Grandpa’s