Today’s Photograph…. Hiking San Francisco Peaks (Jimmy S)

Bible Study Verse
Ephesians 4:1-3
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (NKJV)

Thoughts
My husband and I recently took a hike up the San Francisco Peaks here in AZ. It was stunning. Wildflowers were in full bloom. Hillsides were covered in pines and firs. The sky was dotted with clouds and there was a gentle cool breeze! We could not have ordered up a more beautiful day.

I am not the most agile person, however, and I twisted my left ankle several times coming off the mountain. The terrain was steep and my legs were spent! Thankfully, what I lack in agility I make up for with determination! My husband was gracious and we slowed our pace. Eight miles later we arrived back at our truck. I was indeed sore, but we made some terrific memories and enjoyed the inspiring country. It was well worth the pain!
(Sara S)

Action Point
If you have ever torn a ligament or sprained a joint you know that any stress on that joint is painful. You become acutely aware of the need to protect and guard the joint so it will heal and not become injured again.

In the book of Ephesians Paul encourages the church of Ephesus to “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” The word “keep” means to guard and the word “bond” in the Greek shows us a vivid picture of a joint bound by ligaments. Part of walking as a Christian is to guard carefully that which identifies us as followers of Jesus. Love, peace, and unity are hallmarks of those who call Jesus, Lord and Master. Many times in the Bible we are called “the body of Christ”. We, as His body, can then understand how any compromise of love, peace, or unity will result in a painful spiritual sprain or dislocation. Thus our witness becomes disfigured. Make every effort to walk worthy of the calling; it takes humility, gentleness, and loving patience with one another. Stand guard over these precious gifts. The rewards are eternal and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit brings glory to His Name.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
Take time to keep your body in good physical condition so when the opportunity arises you are ready to enjoy that hunt or hike injury free.

Bible Study Verse
II Corinthians 11:3
But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. (NKJV)

Thoughts
A friend and I were having a conversation recently about rattlesnakes. He told me he was thinking about purchasing a pair of snake gaiters, protective over lays for your pant legs, to protect him from being bit. He went on to say that several thousand people are bitten each year by rattlesnakes. After our conversation, I began to think and I even did a little research regarding snake bites. l discovered most people get bit while either handling or messing with it somehow just before they got bit. Practicing some simple caution around snakes will probably prevent most bites. I have a friend who is considered a professional with reptiles. He’s been bitten by rattlesnakes four different times which proves the point; if you handle snakes, you’re going to be bit no matter how good you think you are.
(Jimmy S)

Action Point
Isn’t it the same with the Devil? We usually get bit when we are toying with things like temptations, lust, and other ungodly things. Perhaps, we become a bit overly confident and we think we can handle it and nothing will happen to harm our loved ones or ourselves. Wrong! God tells us to simply put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6) and avoid “handling” things that Satan tri9es to lure us with and we will avoid his painful and marring bite.

God also directs us to step out of the darkness into His light and He will illuminate our paths away from the traps of Satan.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
Spring or fall mornings and evenings are dangerous times of the year in regard to seeing snakes. Snakes are out more often warming or cooling their bodies. Usually, during the heat of the day, they stay under cover where they can keep cool. Look and listen:

* Leave snakes alone. Many people are bitten because they try to kill a snake or get a closer look at it.
* Stay out of tall grass unless you wear thick leather boots and remain on hiking paths as much as possible.
* Keep hands and feet out of areas you can’t see. Don’t pick up rocks or firewood unless you are out of a snake’s striking distance. (A snake can strike half its length)
* Be cautious and alert when climbing rocks.

Bible Study Verse
John 7: 40-44
When the crowds heard him say this, some of them declared, “Surely this man is the Prophet we’ve been expecting.”Others said, “He is the Messiah.” Still others said, “But he can’t be! Will the Messiah come from Galilee? For the Scriptures clearly state that the Messiah will be born of the royal line of David, in Bethlehem, the village where King David was born.”So the crowd was divided about him. Some even wanted him arrested, but no one laid a hand on him. (NLT)

Thoughts
Have you ever examined a circle hook? The first time I saw one I considered it a misnomer. “How can it work,” I questioned. I rejected them. Didn’t want to use them. I remained skeptical until I witnessed their effectiveness.

Now I’m a believer. Even an advocate. Their removal is easier, hook-up-to-loss ratios are improved and gut- hooking is reduced – improving catch and release survivability. Admittedly they do not look right, but they work. (Will D)

Action Point
Jesus didn’t look right either. The people were divided on just who or what he was. Many rejected Him because He did not fulfill their expectations of a Messiah. No gold chains. No flowing purple robe. No diamond crown. A donkey instead of warrior’s stead. Give us the lawless Barabbas, you take the imposter. Then, like now, the human tendencies of preconceived notions and false expectations are being blown apart by simple faith in a carpenter’s son. Lives are changed. Gotta like stuff that works.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
Learn to tie a snell knot. It is the most effective knot if you use circle hooks and live bait.

Bible Study Verse
Psalm 51:10-12
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit in within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. (ESV)

Thoughts
On a recent men’s river adventure, one of the men in our group went to jump into his tube and immediately flipped over and disappeared into the water. One of the bigger men in the group blurted out as soon as he emerged out of the water, “What are you an idiot?” He proceeded to sit on his tube and you can guess what happened next. Ker-splash!! Attempting to prove to all of the laughing men that he could master the tube, he attempted the same move two more times with the same results. He was a great sport about it, but his tubing skills were less than desirable.

What was his problem? Was it his positioning and balance or his inexperience? Maybe it was his unorthodox entry style? But, we won’t go there.
(Michael T)

Action Point
We are men and women who have a fleshly nature which leads us to fall into sin. Sometimes it is a humiliating and embarrassing type of sin. It can be painful to endure the aftermath of the consequences. It can be a heavy burden, debating with God the need to confess your sin.

Why do we fall into sin? Is it improper balancing and positioning or inexperience? Regardless of what caused you to get there in the first place, know this. Christ has the ability to wash you clean and to help you through the cleansing process. Once you emerge, the humiliation and the embarrassment will be gone. Christ will uphold you as He sits at the right hand of God.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
This tip is for men only. Men, when you find yourself in a group setting with a bunch of macho adventurers, make sure that you are confident in your abilities before your “Comical Bravado” kicks in.

Bible Study Verse
James 2:18-19
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds. Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that–and shudder.” (NIV)

Thoughts
“Don’t tell me, show me.” If I heard Dad say that once, I heard it a thousand times! It was his way of saying that words are cheap, but actions tell the real story. You all know the somebody that I’m talking about here. Somebody that tells you how good a shot he is, but somehow never makes it to the range with you. Someone that talks about all the deer he saw, but somehow was never in a good position for a shot and came home with an empty tag, again. I especially love dove season. The guy that brags about his skills with a shotgun will usually be the one that goes home embarrassed by these little dodging and darting missiles that can make an expert wing shot talk to himself!

Then there’s the guy that showed up on a hunt a friend of mine was guiding. They were hunting gambel quail here in AZ. Understand; these birds are tough and fast. You have to get on them quick and hit them with a lot of lead to make them come down. Now, this guy showed up with a .410 shotgun and my friend told me later that he thought that either this guy was real good, or he had no clue what he was getting into. Turned out he was real good and quickly gained the respect of a seasoned gambel hunter and guide. The man could shoot that little gun! The evidence was the bulge of dead birds in his game bag.
(Cliff S)

Action Point
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Galatians 5:22). Do people see these in my life? Do they see them in your life? What James is saying here is, “Don’t tell me, show me!” If you and I claim to be Christians, we should be able to see the fruit of the Spirit evidenced in our lives. Understand that James isn’t teaching salvation by works, not on your life. Salvation is through faith in Christ, and in Him alone. It is a gift of grace from God. James is admonishing us to live in such a way that we are serving others and the Lord through our actions. Then those that are around us will see the fruit that shows the world that we are believers in Christ.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
A little humility goes a long way. Instead of telling everybody how good you are with a gun or in the field, let your target or dead game do your talking for you. The evidence of your skill will speak much louder than anything you can say. Other hunters will enjoy being around you a whole lot more!

Bible Study Verse
Matthew 14:28-31
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” He said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?” (NIV)

Thoughts
Initially I was reluctant about working for an outfitter. He wanted someone who was experienced with at- risk youth that he was taking on wilderness pack trips. I told him that I had no experience with horses and didn’t even like them. He replied, “You will by the end of summer.” Using common sense, I was doubtful.

My first experience was putting a halter rope on a horse that didn’t want to be caught in a very small corral containing 30 other horses and mules. My boss saw that I was hesitant and assured me that I would be alright.

Another scary moment involved hobbling a mule. After hearing all the horror stories about mules, my mind said, “I’m not doing it.” My boss said that if he thought that the mule would hurt me, he wouldn’t have me do it. He told me to trust him and I would be alright.

Throughout the years I’ve had many scary moments, but trusted the advice and appreciated the encouragement of my boss. I now own two horses and enjoy them very much.
(Tom L)

Action Point
The Holy Spirit through my pastor presented these thoughts: We see many experiences in the New Testament and especially in the Book of Acts of the Apostles doing things that are beyond the human realm and rationale thinking. Some examples are:

* Peter preaching spontaneously to the masses without preparation.
* Peter walking on water.
* A healing with Peter’s shadow in Acts 5:15.
* The apostles healed many that were demon possessed and sick.

How can humans do these things? Our common sense brings about doubt. The answer has to be trust. Do we trust God like the apostles did? Obviously not. I confess my failure to trust God. We must overcome our common sense and rationale thinking and realize that God can do miraculous things in our life if we trust Him.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
Before buying a horse, spend a lot of time with experienced wranglers. Their experience and advice are invaluable.

Bible Study Verse
Luke 19:37-40
When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”
“I tell you,” He replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” (NIV)

Thoughts
It was a truly an Alaskan experience; dip-netting for “Red” salmon in the Kenai River. I, as an Alaskan resident, was entitled to dip net 25 fish. There were plenty of other Alaskans out that afternoon in their boats netting fish as well. We call it combat fishing when there’s that many people all fishing in a small area. With that many boats and people all in the same proximity it was easy to overhear conversations from other boats as sound travels across the water very easily.

While netting and hauling fish a boat off to our port side kept us all entertained. There were two young fathers with their three small sons netting and having a great time. The boys were young about 4 or 5 yrs old. When one of their fathers netted a fish they would squeal and yell encouragement to their dads to bring the fish into the boat. They were very loud and very excited! We were smiling and enjoying their excitement. I remarked that I felt the same way inside myself as we were bringing in our own fish. My experienced friend Shell made a statement that really made me stop and think. He said, “It’s too bad as we become men and get older that we have to stifle our emotions to become mature.”
(Marshall M)

Action Point
The followers of Jesus were so overcome with jubilation they were shouting and singing praises to the Lord that the religious leaders were complaining to Jesus. How many times have we hooped and hollered at a ball game yet we sit quietly in our seats as our chests leap with joy in the presence of God.

It will not surprise me one day to hear the very furniture in many a church shout in glory the name of Jesus because of the lack of enthusiastic praise we sometimes give to the Lord.

It took a great deal of “maturity” for me to realize that sometimes it’s okay to shout with joy to the Lord. I hope you reach that level in your walk and when you’re able, you also can be loud and very excited when God moves in your life.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
When attempting to cross a river, look for the shallowest even section of riverbed. Do not attempt to cross if more than knee deep and use a stick to balance and test the depths. Keep your boots or shoes on for a better grip as you wade across. Always shuttle sideways across at a right angle with your back toward the opposite bank testing each step.

Bible Study Verse
Luke 4:13
When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. (NIV)

Thoughts
Imagine a crisp cool morning on the stand. You hear a branch crack. Slowly you peer around that old oak and through the thicket a big set of horns appear. He is moving your way. Or, maybe you’re boat is at anchor. Everything that was wrong is now right. The wind has slacked. A lifeless tide has started to flood and what was once relaxed schools of mullet begin to become very nervous. Sea trout begin to bust the school. You ready a cast.

Hunters and fisherman know that feeling. It’s an unexplainable giddiness felt deep down inside when our eyes tell us we are about to have success. We giggle. We don’t dare touch that anchor. We are motionless on the stand. We aren’t going anywhere; we soak it all in. (Will D)

Action Point
The devil is crafty. So much so that we mistakenly spend much of our effort running from him rather than to Christ. He lurks everywhere too. Tempting. Trying. Testing. We are game and he is hunting. He’s giddy when we go it alone. Run fast. He runs faster. Loves the stalk.

Our Savior isn’t running. Doesn’t need to. The only thing needed to unlock His power and immediate presence is our faith. Stop running. Motionlessly soak in your Savior. Save your sweat for the fish and the deer.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
Early season duck and dove hunting is great practice for that new retriever. Remember, dogs will require tremendous amounts of fluids in the heat.

Bible Study Verse
Ephesians 5:14
For it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” (NIV)

Thoughts
A big part of being an outdoorsman for me is drinking coffee. I became a serious coffee drinker way back in the 70’s when I was studying forestry in PA. Some of my early morning field labs took me out in some pretty cold weather. When I got back, coffee was my best bet. Probably not the best thing for my health, but it hasn’t killed me yet. After 30 years of drinking coffee, my motto is: ” the stronger the better”. An extra shot of espresso please! (Tom H)

Action Point
One thing that I have found is that coffee can’t wake me up spiritually. If it could, I’d be a spiritual giant by now. The only thing that can wake us up spiritually is the supernatural intervention of God’s Holy power. We must be open to HIs working, because we never know when His special touch may occur.

Of course, the most fantastic intervention will be when we hear a shout from heaven. Be ready, we will be next! Read I Thessalonians 4:15-18.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
WD 40, great stuff! Keep it handy. Also keep those tire repair kits handy too. They are great for plugging a tire and you can do it while there is still air in that tire. When you are done, use the WD 40 to clean the glue off your fingers. I have heard from my brother and other folks that a little WD 40 on your lure helps catch more fish. What do you think!!! I once saw an old timer spray some on his bum knee to make it work better! What more can I say?

Bible Study Verse
Psalms 51:10-13
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. (NIV)

Thoughts
I’m not a great fly tier, but I do enjoy making flies and then catching fish with something I created. The bigger the fly pattern the better for me, I can use a bigger hook and have more material to work with. I like making dragonfly nymphs. They are fairly large and very productive when it comes to fishing. What fish won’t eat a dragonfly nymph? I have been successful using them on trout, bass, pan fish, and even bullheads.

The life cycle of a dragonfly is very interesting. They go from aquatic to terrestrial, not unlike a lot of other insects. Once they hatch from their egg in the water, they are in the nymph stage for a period of time eating those pesky mosquito larvae. When they emerge from the water, they become the colorful adult dragonflies you see patrolling the water’s edge.
(Ron T)

Action Point
When we become Christians we go through quite a change as well. We are born again and the old us is gone forever. Our job after we emerge is pretty simple. Mark 16:15 says, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation,” (NIV). We all have our own little territory in “all the world” so that’s a good place to start. If you’re not sure what to say, just keep it simple. You might try, “Jesus changed my life, and he can change yours too.” After that, be prepared to share your testimony if the opportunity presents itself.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
When fly tying nymphs, use a bead head on some of them. The bead has some weight to it, will get the fly down to where the fish live a little faster, and keep it there in the strike zone.