The Sportsman’s Seasons
Adventures for Transforming Men
By Charlie Goodman and Edgar Pierce
Season One
The Sportsman’s Seasons Copyright © 2010 by Charlie Goodman and Edgar Pierce All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any electronic means, mechanical, photocopy, or any other without the prior permission of the author. The exception is for brief quotations in reviews. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the King James Version. Scripture quotations marked ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked HCSB are been taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible® Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. Scripture quotations marked NASB are Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE(R), Copyright (C) 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked "NKJV™" are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. Cover Design by Edgar Pierce. Camo pattern is God’s Country Camouflage (www.godscountrycamouflage.com) late season pattern. Used by permission. ISBN 978-0-9720992-3-3 Printed in the United States of America
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The Sportsman’s Seasons
Outline of the Adventures: Introduction to the Season ............................................. 4 Meet The Sportsman’s Seasons Authors ........................... 5 Contact Information......................................................... 6
Season One 1-
Preparing for the Season (Edgar).............................. 7-12
2-
He’s Alive (Charlie) ................................................... 13-18
3-
Feed, Seed or Weeds (Edgar) .................................. 19-24
4-
In the Way (Edgar) .................................................... 25-30
5-
What a Drag (Charlie) ............................................... 31-36
6-
Panting for God (Edgar) ........................................... 37-42
7-
The Chipmunk Deer (Edgar) .................................... 43-47 Sportsman’s Devotional- Ready or Not ....................... 48
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What Am I Forgetting (Charlie) ................................ 49-54
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Chigger Magnet (Edgar) ........................................... 55-60
10- Looking our Eyes Out (Edgar) ................................. 61-66 11- Blood Trail (Charlie) ................................................. 67-72 12- High and Dry (Charlie) .............................................. 73-78 13- The Man-Eater is Coming (Charlie) ......................... 79-84 Hunting for Answers? .............................................. 85-86 Season One
Introduction to the Season: Welcome to Season One. The seasons of a sportsman’s life take many paths, trails and streams. Some hunt only one type of game, others hunt anything that walks, flies, crawls or runs. Some fish for anything they can get to bite. You may recognize this man, or you may be this man, if so you know about seasons. There are also seasons in life. Many of you may be in the beginning of your outdoor adventures; others are now in the middle of the seasons of life, and some of you are in the mature years. One thing that you will probably agree upon is that being in the outdoors hunting and fishing crosses all ages from 8 to 108. There is a comraderie among those who dress in camo and hang on trees. Those that have white eyes where their sun glasses rested during a day on the lake, throwing a plug or spinner bait. We are all part of these seasons. One part of this material is the adventures called Campfire Stories. These are stories from our lives. They are modeled after the way Jesus used stories in the parables. A common theme that runs through all the studies is Bible Binoculars. We chose this name because binoculars are used to bring things up close so they can be examined. Our intent is a strong Biblical presence, not just stories. Our purpose is that the Word of God transforms our lives and those that we come in contact with. This material is intended to foster friendships among men as we share our outdoor experiences with others and challenge each other in the faith. Bring a buddy along on the adventure. Also, you will find reflective questions called The Checking Station scattered throughout and/or at the end of each lesson. You will find Limiting Out at the end of each lesson for review and further spiritual application. Other things you will have at the end of each lesson are a Field Tip and a Season of Growth. If you have a suggestion, a comment, a testimony or a story to tell please send it to us at support@thesportsmansseasons.com. Enjoy the season.
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Charlie and Edgar
The Sportsman’s Seasons
Meet The Sportsman’s Seasons Authors: Charlie Goodman (B.A., M.R.E.) is a pastor who has served churches in VA and KY. He is currently the pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church. Charlie is also the founder and president of On Target Sportsman's Ministries. Through this ministry he works with numerous outdoor companies and serves on Pro-Staff with many of them. Charlie has filmed and produced as well as hosted Christ-centered hunting videos. He is the author of the sportsman's content in the Outdoor Bible Sportsman's Edition KJV. Charlie has also authored many articles and devotions. He has spoken in sportsman and nonsportsman venues across the country. Charlie's educational endeavors have allowed him to study at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College, Luther Rice Theological Seminary, and Covington Theological Seminary. He and his wife Rhonda have one daughter, Taylor. Edgar Pierce (B.A., M.A, M.Div., D.Min) is cofounder of Harvest 365 Outdoor Ministry. Originally from Elizabethton, Tennessee he has pastored churches in East Tennessee, and the delta and mountains of Arkansas. He is now pastor of East Union Baptist Church in West Tennessee in Jackson. He is a certified TWRA Hunter Safety Instructor. He has appeared on “Inside the Wild Side” TV show on several occasions and was host of a weekly TV show while he was pastor in Arkansas with a segment, “Wild About Arkansas.” He studied at ETSU, Liberty, Carson Newman, and with a Doctor of Ministry from Southern Baptist School of Jacksonville, Florida. His personal ministry website contains a multitude of his theological writings as well as many hours of lectures. He has been married to Joyce for over thirty years and they have two sons, Daniel and Cody.
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Contact Info: Websites and Emails: Emails: charlie@thesportsmansseasons.com edgar@thesportsmansseasons.com
Website: www.thesportsmansseason.com You can order additional seasons as they become available at the website. Be sure to sign up for email alerts when the next season is released at the website, as well.
Authors other websites: www.ontargetministries.net www.harvest365.net www.exposingtheword.com
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The Sportsman’s Seasons
Preparing for the Season Being Ready When the Time Comes (Focus Passages 2 Timothy 4:1-5 NJKV)
Purpose- To help us to see we need to be prepared for different season in life.
2 Timothy 4:1-5 NKJV I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
I- Shooting Straight with a Black Powder Rifle A few years ago I was excited anticipating the start of black powder season. I was finally going to be able to use the new inline black powder rifle that I had been paying on in layaway. It was going to make my season. I had permission to hunt in a great spot where a friend had a getaway cabin and about 100 acres of prime deer land. I had scouted and seen the pattern of the deer and felt good about getting a shot. This was during the years when we only had a couple of days that we could kill a doe during black powder time and none during the rifle season. Being able to kill any deer made the anticipation even greater. I got all my gear together and made my way to the camp. I climbed the tree with my climber and waited. I just knew it was going to be my year, my season and my day. The day was ripe with excitement. Just like it was scripted in the Chevy Chase movie “Funny Farm” where they released the deer to run across the yard, my deer
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Preparing for the Season
appeared. They approached from the direction I expected, walking broadside along the trail. They stopped broadside on queue in front of me at about 30-40 yards. I had a perfect shot, perfect weather, and perfect wind direction. I had not been spotted. I raised my new rifle and took aim through the sights. A touch of the trigger and it would be over. I felt the pressure as it began to mount on my trigger finger. Boom! The smoke rolled out of the barrel as the projectile was hurled toward the target. I looked around the smoke in time to see my deer exit. The white flag was up saying goodbye. I climbed down and checked for evidence that I had made a good shot. No blood could be found. I had missed! Even at such a short distance. Now let’s get to confession time. I was so excited about the season. What I need to tell you is one more secret. On the way to the hunt the same day I went by the store and removed the gun from layaway. I had never shot the gun. It had never been loaded. It had not been sighted in at the time. Yea, I know, you are probably laughing and shaking your head thinking what on earth was he thinking. Obviously I was not thinking. I was so excited to get in the woods that I neglected to be prepared for the season. Anybody want to buy a slightly used gun? I can’t say for sure it shoots straight but I’ve shot straight with you. I can’t believe I told this.
II- Bible Binoculars If you are reading this, you may be doing an individual study or be in a sportsman’s Bible study or men’s group. You will notice the words on the logo at the top of this page are, “be ready in season and out of season.” This is the theme verse for The Sportsman’s Seasons adventures. There are many seasons that men look forward to, mark on their calendar and dream about. Just the same, there are many seasons in life as well. A young man is not in the same season as an elder sportsman. Regardless of this however, there are common interests that run across generational lines unparalleled in any other sport or activity. Both young and old enjoy the sportsman’s seasons.
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1- The Call Paul was writing to one of his young protégés named Timothy. Timothy is a young man who was active in fulfilling God’s call on his
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The Sportsman’s Seasons life. Timothy was an evangelist as we see in 2 Timothy 4:5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. You do not need to be called to preach or some full-time profession like a missionary, to realize you have a calling to serve God. Every person is at a different season in life, but from 2 Timothy what do you understand is a universal call to all believers?
What about your life? What do you see as your calling? Have you ever thought about what God’s purpose is for you?
2 Timothy 5:1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom. Paul used the coming of the Lord Jesus as a motivation for Timothy to answer the call. One thing is certain. All of us will someday face our final season. We all need to make sure we have answered the call in our lives and that we are prepared for that last season. 2- Our Challenge: As writers, we accept the challenge to provide you with the best material that is interesting, thought provoking, challenging in our spiritual walk, as well as, entertaining to read. Our challenge to you is that you become a better man through a stronger relationship with God. When we talk about being a man, what picture comes to your mind?
Let’s notice Paul’s challenge to Timothy to be prepared. 2 Timothy 5:2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. Preparing for the Season
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Being prepared to use the Word of God to reach others is a challenge for all of us. Men, we can be prepared and talk about God to our friends in the natural course of a hunting trip or fishing outing. The outdoors makes a great back drop to talk about the Creator. We just don’t need to take our weapon (aka the Bible) out of layaway and not be familiar with it. Learning the Word so you can be skillful will take a commitment. Think of studying the Word of God as scouting. You can identify the game you are after (aka another sportsman). Know their habits and be able to engage the target. A few inner perspective questions need to be asked. What do you think being ready in season and out of season means as a sportsman?
What does it mean as a believer to be ready in season and out of season?
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3- We Hunt Wild Game: I missed the deer that presented me such a perfect shot that day with the unprepared black powder rifle. She was wild and proved it quickly after the shot. May I suggest that when we try to reach sportsmen, it is like we are after wild game? Look at what is said in 2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. There are certainly traits of a wild heart. They will not endure sound doctrine, not want to hear the truth, follow their own desire, and hang around others who reinforce them in their pursuits; willing to believe something not true before they believe the truth. Sure sounds like wild hearts to me. Do not let this discourage you in trying to reach others. I remember the time when I did not want to hear the truth. You probably do, as
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The Sportsman’s Seasons well. We need to simply understand the wildness of the game (men) we are after. What do you remember about your attitude toward God and Godly things before you came to know Christ? Write the attitudes you had before here in your own words.
Men need a change of the heart. They want to chase others things in order to attempt to find fulfillment in life. Many times we must be careful and not push religion on men, but instead build a relationship with them and get into their world. Fortunately, our common interest of the outdoors can give us a platform to talk. We must also be careful that we do not talk only about the outdoors and never steer the conversation to the main topic, Christ and salvation. Do you have some friends that you would love to see come to know Christ as their Savior? Write their names here.
Write their names inside the back cover of this book and start a prayer list. Take time to invite them to join you in the journey. You might have to invite them several times. Don’t be discouraged. The harvest will be worth it. Also remember we have a helper to reach these men, the Holy Spirit that draws men to Christ.
III- Limiting Out 1- What do you expect togain from this study?
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2- Are you willing to make a commitment to grow in Christ during this season in your life?
3- What do you see as the greatest need in your spiritual life?
4- Did you write the friend’s name in the back you need to bring along with you in this study?
Make sure you are familiar with your equipment and that you know the way the gun shoots. If you are traveling a long way, make sure it is still sighted in. Scopes get knocked off.
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Devote time preparing for the season of reaching other men by scouting the Word of God and becoming familiar with it. Devoting time will pay off in the field of the harvest.
The Sportsman’s Seasons
He’s Alive Life changes things (Focus Passage 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 ESV)
Purpose- Understanding the implications of Jesus Christ being the one true living God.
1 Corinthians 15:1-8 ESV Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you--unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.
I- Because He Lives As I glance at my watch, I notice it says 2:30 P.M. I do a little quick math in my head and realize that I have spent almost 34 hours in this patch of woods during the last three days, without seeing a single buck. There is plenty of sign, rubs as big as my leg can be seen in all directions. Not to mention the fresh scrape line within easy range of my setup. This is a place where three natural edges come together. I also have a major funnel below me. Why am I not seeing any bucks? While I ponder that question, I began to pack up my gear and get ready to head back to camp. I guess I will cut this hunt a day short and head home tonight, is the thought that is dancing through my mind. I decided that I would take a different route back to camp just to do some scouting along the way. What’s more is that I am going to still hunt and stalk as I am leaving, just in case. While I make my way down the ridgeline, I am straining my eyes trying to pick out an antler or any flicker of movement. With my ears, I am attempting to hear
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anything that would reveal the presence of a deer. As I approach a fencerow running to my south, I have a decision to make. I can continue west and circle the majority of the farm, as well as reach camp, or I can turn south and follow the fence line for a half-mile then turn back west to arrive at my campsite. Without thinking, I say in my mind, Lord direct my path. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. A microsecond later, taking the fencerow path was my gut feeling, so as I turned south, I began to focus even more on being stealthy. I had covered about two hundred yards of the fence line when I heard a slight sound, almost like that of a deer rising up out of its bed. “There in front of you,” was what my mind was screaming. There she was, 60 yards in front of me, a big mature doe. Wait, I thought I saw a glimmer of movement to her left. Oh my goodness, what a buck! Standing just a few yards off from her left side is a monster buck. “Has she seen me?,” is what that I am asking myself. The answer was obvious as she flung her head around and burned a hole through me with her eyes. Instantly they were both moving away from me down the opposite side of the fencerow. At about a hundred yards from me the deer turned and jump the fence, crossing the field in plain view. I would guess that the buck would score in the 160s, and my description of the side of his rack that I got the best look at is a wall of tines. Am I still going to cut my hunt a day short? Absolutely not! What changed my mind was the fact that I know he lives. Yes sir, a huge buck was living on this farm and if the Lord lets me live, I will be here hunting this evening and tomorrow. I will continue to hunt that farm through the years, as long as I have the opportunity, because I know he lives. People may wonder why I go to church, I tithe, or why I am faithful to my wife. The answer is because He lives, not the buck, but Jesus, He is alive! The fact that Jesus is alive changes everything; the result of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ is that we must be faithful to Him, because ultimately we will all be accountable to Him. As a result of Jesus paying the sin debt that I owed, and because of the gifts of forgiveness and eternal life, I am who I am (1 Co. 15:10). Without the grace and mercy imputed into my life by Him who knows where I would be. However, because He lives I have been transformed from death unto life, sinner to saved, and from a wonderer to a
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The Sportsman’s Seasons worshiper. The utter truth is I owe everything to Jesus. So will I be at church on Sunday? Absolutely I will, because He lives. How has your life been affected by the realization that Jesus is alive? What are some things that need to change in your life because Jesus Christ is alive? Why?
II- Bible Binoculars 1- The Remembering of the Gospel 1 Corinthians 15:1 ESV Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand. The apostle Paul desires to put the message of the gospel in the forefront of our mind. Remember, this is intended to affect the positioning of our lives. As Christians every decision, action, and reaction should be made based on the fact that we are established on the gospel. The gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ died for our sins and that He arose from the grave. This is the message that has been preached unto us and that we have received. If we have truly received this message, then we have been born again, through the act of placing faith in Christ as our Savior. As people who have been born again, there are some expectations placed upon us, such as, we are projected to be faithful in all aspects of the Word. We are to be faithful to our Lord, our church, our family, and ultimately to everything that God has called us to. The question that must be asked is in light of the message of the gospel, are you standing where God intends for you to stand?
2- The Redemption of the Gospel 1 Corinthians 15:2 ESV and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you--unless you believed in vain. If you have trusted Christ through faith, then the transforming grace of God has been applied to your life by the way of salvation. This salvation is threefold, we have been saved from our past, we are
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saved from our present, and we are being saved from our future, thus we “are being saved.” In other words, we have been saved from the penalty of sin; that is justification. We are being saved from the power sin; that is sanctification. And one day after a while, we will be saved from the presence of sin; that is glorification. Therefore, through the earnest faith that we have placed in Christ and the change that has taken place in us. 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. We will “hold fast” to the Word of God, the will of God, and the work of God. As a result of all of this, our yearning for the Lord will be multiplied. We must to have a greater desire for the things of God than we had a year ago, because Christ is alive! He is a living Lord and He has given us a living word that teaches us about a living faith, which produces a living hope. Anything that is alive is either growing or it is dying. How would you describe your faith; growing or dying? Why? 3- The Receiving of the Gospel 1 Corinthians 15:3 ESV For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures. Here we see that Paul had “received” the gospel just as everyone must do in order to obtain forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Notice how Paul “received” it; and he believed it as “in accordance with the scriptures.” We must receive it the same way, that is, just as the Bible declares it. We live in a cut and paste society, which has swallowed the poisoned pill of moral relevance. As a result, many believe they can pick and choose what part of the Scripture to believe and obey. The end result is a world that is starved for the true living God, but that is too ignorant to know where to find Him. The reality is, we only find him through the absolute truth of His Word. Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. What are some common things in the Scripture that people like to avoid?
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Why do think people try to dodge these truths?
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The Sportsman’s Seasons Is ignoring these things helpful or hurtful? Why?
4- The Resurrection of the Gospel 1 Corinthians 15:4 ESV that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. Again we see Paul’s emphasis on the scripture. Christ “was buried,” and “was raised on the third day” just as the Old Testament predicted and the New Testament presented. There is no question in Paul’s mind about the validity of the Bible or resurrection. This is an essential element of the gospel; there is no room for wavering on this, for Christ is alive! We must stand on and rest in the truth of the inerrant scripture. Are there any questions in your mind about the soundness of the Bible?
In your opinion, what is the ultimate authority on what is right and what is wrong?
What authority are you living your life by? 5- The Record of the Resurrection 1Co 15:5-8 ESV and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. Although the record of the Scripture is enough, we also see that there were many eyewitnesses to the fact that Jesus was resurrected from the grave. Why is the resurrection so important? This is imperative because the truth of the gospel, as well as our eternal state, hangs on it. 1Co 15:14 ESV And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 1Co 15:17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. The Bible here is building an airtight case that Christ is
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alive. Therefore, since we are certain that the Lord is alive, we can also be confident that we will give account to Him. Matthew 12:36 ESV But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. Philippians 2:10 ESV so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, Philippians 2:11 ESV and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
III- Limiting Out 1- Should the fact that Jesus is alive have an impact upon our lives? Why? 2- How is salvation threefold? What effect does that have on you personally?
3- How must we receive the Scripture? Why is this important?
4- Would you be pleased for your children to live their life by the same authority that you are? Why?
5- What aspect of this study has been most beneficial to you?
When hunting we must stay persistent in the pursuit because the critter of our dreams just may be heading our way.
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Because Christ is alive and our faith in Him is alive, we must be growing in the knowledge and admiration of the Lord. These things ought to be visible in what we do and who we are.
The Sportsman’s Seasons
Feed, Seeds or Weeds Seeing the Provision of God (Focus Passage Luke 12:22-34 NKJV)
Purpose- Seeing the provision of God in our lives by noticing it in the care of His creatures.
Luke 12:22-31; 34 NKJV Then He said to His disciples, I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. 23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? 25 And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 26 If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? 29 do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. 30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. ‌34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
I- Birds in the Thicket Sure, I had invaded their world. It was late afternoon on a perfect day to be out enjoying the creation of the Creator. I was there hiding and hoping for a deer to walk by within bow range. I had made my nest behind some weeds that would provide me cover from the eyes of my quarry. I must have been hidden pretty well because all afternoon for what seemed like hours I had company. Birds of three or four varieties had picked the thicket I was in for their dinner buffet. They flittered and flew in and around the plants and fed on the seeds and insects. The plants were dry and in the twilight of their life
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cycle. The birds seemed not to notice my presence but I certainly noticed theirs. It seemed like the word got out all over among the feathered friends that there was plenty of food in the thicket. “It’s over by an apple tree, by the road winding its way along the bottom of the tree covered hillside,” they must have said. I am guessing because I don’t speak bird. I can still hear the rustling of the wings and the dry weeds of autumn crackling from the activity. Over the years I have noticed, and I am sure you have as well, other animals that God takes care of and feeds as I have been fortunate enough to get out in the Creator’s world of wonder. Have you noticed squirrels burying nuts for the winter, bees flying to and from a particular stand of blooming flowers or the clover dotting a pasture as you walked across it? There are a few things that we can take away from these encounters. One thing that can never be said about the animals is that they are lazy. They work hard for each meal as they gather it from the grocery shelves of tree, plants and other places. Groceries placed there by the Master to care for them. God provides but they don’t lay behind a log hoping an acorn will fall in their mouth. Another truth is many of these plants are not considered by us to be of much value. The golden rod along with ragweed can cause us to sneeze, cough and generally have a bad time of it. The bird’s point of view is quite different from ours. On these, you will find about every kind of bug, beetle, spider and other small creatures. Then the birds come to feed on them and the seeds. So I have a new found respect for the things that we would cast aside as worthless. The weeds are feed and seeds for the bugs and birds. I admit there are some things in the outdoors that I struggle to understand the value of. We spray and plow and try to eradicate the grasses and weeds from a food plot so we can plant other plants. However, the wild grasses are used for the birds to build nests, the weeds, as we call them, serve their purpose as we have seen. Would you agree or disagree that everything and everybody has its value? What about man, is he of great worth?
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The Sportsman’s Seasons
II- Bible Binoculars The context that our Bible focus is set upon is the teaching of Jesus after he told about a man who had a bumper crop. He decided to tear down his barns to build bigger so he could store them. The man never realized that he was being foolish by only thinking temporary instead of eternally. He would die that night and the stuff would belong to someone else. 1- Concerns of Life I have been guilty before of getting so concerned with life and making a living that I have forgotten to live. Notice what Jesus told his disciples. …do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. 23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. There is more to living, really living than being concerned with life. Is there a worry that has you bogged down?
2- God the Provider Luke 12:24 Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Jesus told us to “consider” the raven. Consider means to examine closely as if we are bending down to get a better look at something. We often do this with deer or turkey tracks or a buck rub so considering something should be second nature to us. What are some of the things that you have observed closely in this context? If you have an example, be prepare to share it with the others by writing it below so you can later share with someone or your group.
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We are to consider the “raven.” In a parallel passage (this means this story is in more than one place in the Bible) Matthew says, “Look at the birds of the sky…” Matthew 6:26 HCSB. These ravens were considered to be birds of none or little value. They were scavengers like the vultures. Still God cared for them. We see this in other places in the Bible as well. Job 38:41 says Who provides the raven's food when its young cry out to God and wander about for lack of food? The implication is that God provides. Read Job chapters 38 and 39 to get things in perspective. It contains things like, "Can you hunt the prey for the lion, or satisfy the appetite of the young lions, 40 when they crouch in their dens or lie in wait in their thicket? Job 38:39-40 ESV. Write your thoughts below.
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3- You and I are of Greater Value God takes care of the creatures of the wild as we have observed and Jesus tells us that we are of greater value. Of how much more value are you than the birds? There is a thought that permeates our society that we as human’s are of no more value than a monkey, elephant, bird, flower or whatever. They have rejected the Creator. By rejecting Him they do not see that we are made in His image and therefore refuse to recognize the worth of man. Many times this is what fuels the antihunting movement. Jesus next reminds us that when it really comes down to it we can do little or nothing by worry and concern. Luke 12:25 And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 26 If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? He next uses more illustrations from nature. Luke 12:27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? The wildflowers can take a landscape and color it with beauty that struts forth in vibrant energy. God cares for them and gives them more
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The Sportsman’s Seasons splendor than even the richest kings. Those are only temporary and God takes such pains taking care of them. How much more for us who are part of His eternal plan? Do you see that God is providing for you? Write your comments and thoughts. Listen for the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart.
III- Seeking the Kingdom If we settle the question of our earthly provision, then we can focus our attention beyond ourselves and beyond our current existence. Notice what else Jesus had to say. Luke 12:29 do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. 30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. What are some ways we can seek the kingdom of God? First, it is plain that God wants us to be more focused on Him than on the necessities of daily life. He said if we would do that, all the other things are added unto us. Does this mean we need to go to a monastery and live our lives not speaking to anyone else? Does it mean that we have to give up things that bring joy into our lives? I say not. Only we must be certain that they do not become our god. Luke 12:34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. What better place to seek the kingdom of God than in the outdoors where we see evidence of the care of God for even the smallest creatures. Pray the next time you are enjoying the outdoors on the lake, mountains, delta, or wherever it would be that you will be reminded of the provision of God. Pray that you will learn to recognize God’s provision more each day.
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IV- Limiting Out 1- Have you ever noticed the provision of God while in the outdoors?
2- What are some things that you can think of that you may have overlooked that seem obvious now?
3- What part of this study make you stop and think the most? Why?
4- Do you have a greater appreciation for the weeds you encounter after this study?
Food sources of one animal many times indicate there will be other animals that have a food source nearby.
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Learning to see the world through the eyes of other people and other creatures will give us a greater appreciation of some of the often overlooked things.
The Sportsman’s Seasons
In the Way What is Standing Between You and the Target? (Focus Passages John 11:45-48 & Acts 24:24-26 HCSB)
Purpose- To explore what is standing in the way and preventing a relationship with God.
John 11:45-48 HCSB Therefore many of the Jews who came to Mary and saw what He did believed in Him. 46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, "What are we going to do since this man does many signs? 48 If we let Him continue in this way, everybody will believe in Him! Then the Romans will come and remove both our place and our nation."
Acts 24:24-26 HCSB After some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and listened to him on the subject of faith in Christ Jesus. 25 Now as he spoke about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid and replied, "Leave for now, but when I find time I'll call for you." 26 At the same time he was also hoping that money would be given to him by Paul. For this reason he sent for him quite often and conversed with him.
I-The Grapevine and the Tree I could hear them coming, or at least I heard the dog’s bark getting closer. They had moved from a ridge or two over and were now in the hollow on the back side of where I was sitting. I was excited to think that a deer may come along pushed by the dogs. At that point I had not hunted many times in my life and there were not a lot of deer where I was hunting. I had never killed a deer so I was excited about the possibility. Then over the ridge she popped, running for her life. I knew if she did not stop, there was no way I could get a shot. Then, as if scripted, she stopped broadside about 25 or 30 yards. There the deer stood
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with her sides heaving in and out from running. Here I stood at full draw. I released my arrow and it headed straight for the vital area. I just knew she was mine. You may have experienced what happened next. The arrow flew straight and true but unseen by me about a foot from her was a wild grapevine about three inches around. I hit the grapevine with a perfectly center shot. The arrow stuck in the vine and the deer ran off. The target was there, the arrow flew true, the aim was perfect, but that grapevine was in the way. Fast forward with me 10 or 15 years, I was invited to hunt with a friend in an area that I had never hunted. He had hunted it for years and knew where to put me. So under the cover of darkness, I took my old faithful climbing stand and put it on the tree he suggested. As the sun came up over the ridge, I could see he knew what he was talking about. I could see the deer sign. A scrape and several rubs were around me. I was not surprised when not long into the morning a deer moved through and I got a shot at a doe. I was sure that I missed. I climbed down anyway to check. Sure enough, the arrow was there and it was a clean miss. With all the deer sign, I quickly climbed back up the tree not wanting to disturb the area. I got back in place and was getting settled in, when off to my right I heard a noise. There it was, another deer, moving around behind where I was sitting. I quickly nocked my arrow and got ready to shoot. The place I was hunting was mountainous and I had a steep ridge behind me. It was a long way to the ground in the front of my stand, but not in the back. This deer was moving at eye level behind me at about 20 or 30 yards. The deer stopped. I came to full draw. I leaned back to make sure my sight was on target. I let the arrow go. By now you probably guessed it. The tree that I had to lean back to see around was in the way. Bong!!! The arrow sank into the tree and quivered. The deer was not sure what had happened, so it stood still. The tree was blocking the deer’s view. I could move freely and not be seen as I nocked another arrow. I leaned back a little farther this time against my safety harness and put the sight were it needed to be. I didn’t want to repeat the same mistake twice. I released the next arrow and it left the bow headed toward the target. Bong!!! It lodged about 2 inches from the first one. At least I was shooting a tight pattern. This was enough for the deer to get the hint that it was in
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The Sportsman’s Seasons danger. I would have killed the deer but the tree was, “in the way,” between me and the target. The grapevine and the tree stood between me and my goal or target. Have you had similar experiences? Write yourself a note to remember them.
I have discovered that many times things get in the way in my relationship with God. Let me ask you, what do you want in life? Spend a few moments thinking on this and write your thoughts down.
Is a personal relationship with God a goal or target you are interested in?
Are there things that are standing in your way from having this personal relationship or from it being as rich as you would like? What are they?
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II- Bible Binoculars Our focus on the Word of God takes us to two different places. In one there is a group of men and the other is a single individual. They illustrate for us what some men let stand between them and a relationship with God. 1- Position in Life Our first stop in the Bible takes place shortly after Jesus had resurrected a friend of His name Lazarus from the dead. Notice that many believed on Jesus after this event. John 11:45 Therefore many of the Jews who came to Mary and saw what He did believed in Him. There was a group however who went to the religious leaders of the time and told what they had observed. It is obvious they did not believe. John 11:46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Do you have a thought about why some believed and others did not? One reason may have been fear. The religious leaders were not very open to anyone threatening their status. They would kick someone out of the temple and ostracize them. The reaction of the Sanhedrin (the Jewish ruling council of 70 men) was one that clearly showed they wanted to protect their turf at any cost. John 11:47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, "What are we going to do since this man does many signs? 48 If we let Him continue in this way, everybody will believe in Him! Then the Romans will come and remove both our place and our nation." What do you see here that they let stand in the way of faith?
They were afraid of giving up or losing their status and position in life.
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2- Riches of the World The second place we go in our exploration of the Bible deals with an individual named Felix. Felix was a Roman Governor who was
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The Sportsman’s Seasons married to a Jewish woman. Paul was a prisoner and was brought before Felix. Acts 24:24 After some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and listened to him on the subject of faith in Christ Jesus. Felix wanted to hear what Paul had to say about this new religion so he called for him to be brought in. This reminds me of some men who want to explore Christianity as an academic pursuit or as a hobby but are not interested in a relationship with God through Christ. Paul speaks to Felix and it is worth noticing his reaction. Acts 24:25 Now as he spoke about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid and replied, "Leave for now, but when I find time I'll call for you." Some translations say he was alarmed, or frightened. The King James says he trembled. May I suggest, the trembling was the conviction of the Holy Spirit because of the truth that Paul told Him? Have you trembled at the knowledge of who Jesus is? What was your reaction when you were convicted by the Holy Spirit?
Felix told Paul he would call for him later when he found the time. What is the danger of putting off a decision to a later time?
Felix was convicted! Notice what he put between him and a relationship with God. Acts 24:26 At the same time he was also hoping that money would be given to him by Paul. For this reason he sent for him quite often and conversed with him. He put Paul back into prison and hoped that his friends would pay to get him out. He put money in between himself and a relationship with God. We have no record of Felix ever calling for Paul again. Two years later Felix was called to Rome and put on trial and barely escaped with his life. The lust of riches killed the conviction on his life.
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III- Limiting Out 1- When you think of your relation with God is there something that is keeping you from the target?
2- Are there spiritual grapevines or trees standing between you and Him and what do they represent in your life?
3- How are these things you are holding onto hurting your closeness or preventing you from coming to know Him?
4- Have you hit the same obstruction over and over? you do to get through the obstacle?
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The Bible says in Luke 12:15 ESV And he said to them, "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." There are friends in your group that would be happy to talk with you about these concerns.
Knowing what is in front of your target as well as beyond, is an important rule in shooting
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We must constantly make decisions about what is important in our lives. We should consciously make good decisions for us spiritually.
The Sportsman’s Seasons
What a Drag Does your load seem too heavy? (Focus Passage Matthew 11:28-30 KJV)
Purpose- Learning how to handle difficult situations.
Matthew 11:28-30 KJV Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
I- What a drag! The bite of the frosty air caused a little dread to enter my mind. Not that I don’t love to hunt, or that cold weather causes me to stay home; but I knew as Doug and I started out for an unknown hunting spot on this unfamiliar property that I would not be warm again until “dark thirty.” This was to be a day when we would stay in the woods from before first light until after dark. All we had was a crudely hand drawn map of the property and a general idea where to set up. This trip had begun five days before when we left to muzzleloader hunt most of the week in Tennessee. By Friday we were both tagged out in that state and decided to head to Northwest Kentucky for opening day there. We stopped at home long enough to drop off our deer, get clean clothes and tell our families we loved them and it was on the road again. After driving most of the night, there we were in a new state with new tags and new dreams of big bucks. When we finally got to a place that looked good in the dark (it’s amazing how hunting places look so good in the dark), we set up a pop-up blind and the camera, then we got settled in to wait for the day to crack open with that first light in the eastern sky. The plan was for me to shoot first then we would switch places and I would get behind the camera. Soon after first light, Doug spotted a buck working a scrape line to our right. I said that I was going to pass on him, but Doug said that the
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buck could wear his tag and ride in his truck. So while the buck was busy working his scrapes I got the camera and Doug got his gun ready. The bark from the Remington announced that opening day had begun as well as, that the buck was done. We stayed put until 11:30, and then we thought we would go deeper in the woods and setup for the rest of the day. An hour later we were a mile deeper in the woods and two and half miles from the truck. Once again in predator mode, we were on the hunt; and I was determined to wait for a bruiser buck or shoot a doe at last light; if the opportunity presented itself. As the hours went by, it seemed like deer were dropping from the sky, everywhere I looked I would see another deer; this was truly one of those magical days where deer were constantly moving. However, none of the bucks we saw were what I was looking for on that day. So with only a few minutes of legal light left, I let the blast from my Remington take a big doe and declared that opening day was over. With these two deer down, it was a great ending to wonderful but exhausting week. Now the real work was about to commence. We had so much gear that we would have to carry all of it the two and a half miles back to the truck first. Then we would go back a mile to get Doug’s buck and drag him the mile to the truck. After this we would still have to retrieve my doe which would be two and a half miles to get to her, and two and a half more to get her to the truck. What had begun, as a wonderful hunt had now become an extremely difficult task. To add to our pain and trouble was the fact that we were forced to drag the deer through a heavily rutted and somewhat flooded soybean field. This turned out to be the most physically demanding and arduous deer drag of my life. Many times during the six hours it took to get both of our deer to the truck, I asked myself if it was worth it. The answer was always the same, yes, yes, yes. Besides that, I had chosen to kill the deer; therefore I had the responsibility to get it to the truck and ultimately to the table. Often either Doug or myself would complain and grumble, but the other would always encourage the one doing the complaining; or the one who wanted to quit. Often in life we find ourselves in difficult and tough situations. Frequently our first response is to throw our hands in the air and wish that we could quit. It is important to remember that the God of all grace and mercy who has brought us this far will see us through unto the
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The Sportsman’s Seasons end. God never leads us where he cannot keep us. He also never calls us to leave something unfinished. Therefore, let’s look to the Lord and lean on each other, so we might say like the Apostle Paul “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have keep the faith.” In the end our goal must be to remain faithful and focused even in the face of daunting and discouraging times.
II- Bible Binoculars 1- The Invitation to Lay It All Down Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. What an invitation, Jesus says “come unto me” This is a universal call to all who “labour and are heavy laden” or those who are dealing with things that are too heavy for them to bear on their own. The truth is, every day in this sin cursed world there are things that are too much for us to attempt to handle without Him. Therefore, our first step in handling difficult situations is to run to the Lord and place our burdens upon Him. “I will give you rest” The promise is when we surrender to the fact that we can’t transcend the obstacle through our own power, Jesus imputes rest to us. This rest is more than physical rejuvenation; all though physical rest is certainly implied through this promise. This particular Greek word used in this passage brings with it an element of replenishment and restoration of the spiritual part of humanity. As a result, when we respond to the open invitation of the Lord and submit to him; we will receive rest for the body, replenishment of the mind, and restoration of the soul. What are some situations in your life where you need help?
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Are you willing to humble yourself before the Lord and receive His help?
2- The Instructions From the Lord Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. In verse 28 we are invited to lay down the burden of independence and self-sufficiency, and in this verse we are called to pick up and put on the yoke of dependence. As a result of this, we rid and clear our existence of pride and fill our life with the meekness of the Son of God. The word “yoke” means an instrument that couples two things together. In essence, this is the act of placing oneself in the powerful, peaceful, and protective hand of God. It is such a relief when we realize that it is not about what we can do, but it is about what the Lord can do through us and for us. John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease. The Lord models meekness and gives us the occasion to secure this attribute in our own lives. This meekness is not weakness, but rather it is power under control; the opposite of this is chaos. Isn’t that often the way life feels when it becomes too difficult for us to bear, like things are out of control? The reason for this is that self-sufficiency is void of meekness. True meekness is only found through a right relationship with God, and through this intimate relationship with the Lord, we “learn” to allow God to have control over us. When the living Lord has control, things never get out of control and we are able to handle troubled situations. That is not to say that when we are in right fellowship with God we will never face tough times, but rather, through our relationship and our abiding in His hand and submitting to His control, we are able to remain securely fastened and faithful to the Solid Rock of the Lord, regardless of our circumstances. The consequence of this is the blessing of discovering and securing “rest” and renewal for the totality of our existence.
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The Sportsman’s Seasons 3- The Introduction of Freedom from Heavy Loads Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. That yoke we put on in verse 29 “is easy,” and good for us. Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Therefore, when we walk with the Lord and accept that which He gives to us, life becomes more uncomplicated, and our load of burdens becomes light. We also must understand that the requirements of the Christian life are not burdensome, but rather they are a source of joy and peace for those who have been born again.
III- Limiting Out 1- To whom does God offer rest?
2- What must we put on in order to experience complete rest?
3- What is meekness? Can meekness be a character trait in your life?
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4- Are you willing to let the Lord have control of your life?
5- What are some ways we can show we are following the leadership of the lord?
It is wise to plan out all aspects of your hunts, including how you will retrieve you game.
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Becoming solely dependent upon Jesus Christ for every aspect of your life is an essential step along the path of spiritual growth.
The Sportsman’s Seasons
Panting For God Developing a Passion for God (Focus Passages Ps 42:1-11 HCSB)
Purpose- Having more joy in our relationship with God.
Psalms 42:1-11 HCSB As a deer longs for streams of water, so I long for You, God. 2 I thirst for God, the living God. When can I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while all day long people say to me, "Where is your God?" 4 I remember this as I pour out my heart: how I walked with many, leading the festive procession to the house of God, with joyful and thankful shouts. 5 Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God. 6 I am deeply depressed; therefore I remember You from the land of Jordan and the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. 7 Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls; all Your breakers and Your billows have swept over me. 8 The LORD will send His faithful love by day; His song will be with me in the night--a prayer to the God of my life. 9 I will say to God, my rock, "Why have You forgotten me? Why must I go about in sorrow because of the enemy's oppression?" 10 My adversaries taunt me, as if crushing my bones, while all day long they say to me, "Where is your God?" 11 Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God.
I-The Deer’s Joy We awoke early, too early, except for an adventure into the Creator’s awesome kingdom. We arrived at the trail head about an hour before dawn would break. The Appalachian Trail crossed the road here and there were plenty of places to park. We were next to a campground that was teeming with life this early morning. It was a Saturday morning in the midst of deer season. We got our gear out, made sure we had everything we needed, and started down the trail in the National Forest. About a mile or so in was the place we had chosen to hunt that day. I put my climbing stand
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down and got ready to climb the tree that would be my perch for the day. Occasionally during the day, a hiker came along the trail. A few hours into the hunt I witnessed something I had never seen before or since. The wind was blowing from my right side at about a 45 degree angle. I heard something coming making a lot of noise. “Maybe a hiker that is not aware that bow hunters are in the woods,” I thought. Three deer came along the side of the trail. There was a momma doe and two twins, almost full grown. They were oblivious to my presence and seemed to not have a care in the world. They were chasing each other, like a bunch of beagle puppies or gray squirrels playing. They ran and chased and then stood panting for air, their sides heaving in and out. The joy they were experiencing was obvious. I was amazed as I watched the exuberance they had for life and the joy they were finding in each other’s company. They continued the show and I was privileged to enjoy it for another few minutes. They were moving down the trail closer to my scent stream. Suddenly the game was up, danger had taken over. Momma raised her head and stopped the play suddenly. She had winded me. In just a moment they were gone over the side of the hill into the valley. I have replayed this memory over many times in my mind. It always brings a smile when I think of the joy they had for life.
II- Bible Binoculars When I think of these deer, I think of the words the Psalmist wrote in Psalms 42. The Psalmist talks about a longing for God; about having a thirst in the soul that only God can fill. He speaks about the relationship he has had in the past can as well.
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1- Thirsty Anyone? Psalms 42:1 As a deer longs for streams of water, so I long for You, God. I have often thought about how thirsty the deer were as they romped and played. As they stood panting with their sides moving in and out, they must have become thirsty. One thing we all know about patterning deer movement is they need fresh water. They are like all of God’s creatures. They have to drink. Have you ever been thirsty?
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The Sportsman’s Seasons Do you have a memory to share? Write it down.
When David wrote this Psalm he was on the run, and could not go to public worship. He had a deep felt heart’s desire, not for comfort, but for a relationship with God; a deep relationship the Creator. What do you think this type of relationship looks like?
Psalms 42:2 I thirst for God, the living God… Water, as we know is the chemical elements of H2O; two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen. Without it we cannot live. That is why water is so important. When we go outdoors and perspire and lose the water in our body, it can be dangerous. Do you see the connection between water and life? The parallel here is between water being necessary for life and God being as important as water to life as water is. Life without God is like life without water. Can you think of other parallels or illustrations that show how important God is? Are there Scriptures that you can find to show this? May I suggest the air we breathe is a good illustration.
Our relationship with God is a very personal matter. It is a matter of the heart, but, must remain real to bring joy and refreshment. 2- A Former Relationship Over the years, I have had several men in my life that I hunted and fished with. I miss some of them that have departed this life. Some Panting for God
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witnessed to me before I became a Christian. Some I witnessed to after I became one. A few of those who witnessed to me failed to continue to walk with the Lord. I found myself encouraging these friends who had witnessed to me, to maintain their relationship with God. David said in Psalms 42:4 I remember this as I pour out my heart: how I walked with many, leading the festive procession to the house of God, with joyful and thankful shouts. Is your relationship with God better now than ever, or has there been a time when you were walking closer. Do you long for a deeper walk?
Remember David is running for his life. Most think he wrote this while running from his own son, who had turned the hearts of the people. David asks next in Psalms 42:5 Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Perhaps, David was feeling this way because he realized that his relationship with God was being compromised. Many men try to hide in the flurry of activities they participate in. They spend time in the field, instead of time in the field of harvest for the kingdom. Sometimes, we might have a down heart, when it is God dealing with us in His desire to have a closer relationship with Him. Have you experienced Gods dealing with you? By sharing in the group others may be deeply encouraged to deal with their feelings.
3- The Remedy: David realized his hope was in God. His advice in Psalms 42:5 was, Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God.
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The Sportsman’s Seasons He knew God would sustain him. Notice Ps 42:8, The LORD will send His faithful love by day; His song will be with me in the night--a prayer to the God of my life. Look at the next verse, Psalms 42:9, I will say to God, my rock, "Why have You forgotten me? Why must I go about in sorrow because of the enemy's oppression?" What does David call God here? What could you call God in your life?
What other verses can you list where God is called a rock? Prepare to share.
What if God is dealing with you? There are friends who will help you. Pray and ask God to help you have a closer walk. If you have sin in your life ask God to help you deal with it in repentance. Psalms 42:11 ‌Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God. Perhaps you need your joy restored. You may just need to go out for a romp with God. Focus on Him like those deer focused on each other the day I hunted along the Appalachian Trail. Spending time with Him will deepen your thirst for righteousness and for His presence.
III- Limiting Out 1- What part of this lesson made the most impact on your life?
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2- Are there times of joy in your life because of your relationship with God?
3- What do you feel you need to do to become thirstier for God?
4- Are you willing to make a commitment to do these things?
Make sure you take plenty of fresh water with you when you venture afield. It could save your life.
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Spending time each day listening to God in prayer and personal Bible reading will help keep the joy in the relationship.
The Sportsman’s Seasons
The Chipmunk Deer Learning to Block out Noise (Focus Passage Mark 4:3-8; 14; 18-19 HCSB)
Purpose- As men we need to learn how to block out the noise and hear God as He speaks.
Mark 4:3-8; 14; 18-19 HCSB Mark 4:3-8 "Listen! Consider the sower who went out to sow. 4 As he sowed, this occurred: Some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Other seed fell on rocky ground where it didn't have much soil, and it sprang up right away, since it didn't have deep soil. 6 When the sun came up, it was scorched, and since it didn't have a root, it withered. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it, and it didn't produce a crop. 8 Still others fell on good ground and produced a crop that increased 30, 60, and 100 times what was sown." Mark 4:14 The sower sows the word. Mark 4:18-19 Others are sown among thorns; these are the ones who hear the word, 19 but the worries of this age, the seduction of wealth, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
I- The Chipmunk Deer The sound of dry leaves rustling caught my attention, as it always does when I am in the deer woods. I knew there were deer in the area, because of the sign. This added fuel to the anticipation when I heard the noise. The problem was it was coming from the wrong direction, from behind me. This was the direction I did not expect the deer to come from. But still, there was the noise. Here I sat thirty feet up a tree; I did not dare move. I knew a deer that close would certainly see my movement. So, I listened. The sound moved closer and grew louder, as the moments dragged by. Finally, I had stood all the drama I could bear. I had to know, was it a buck or doe that was going to walk under my tree stand. Slowly I
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turned to look past the tree. No deer! Now you and I both know how well they can blend in and hide, even in the open. Especially in the white and red oaks that dotted the hardwood ridge below me. I was certain I had missed the deer as I quickly scanned the area the first time. So, I strained my eyes even harder; listening to the noise and trying to find the deer I was certain was there. There by the log, I spotted a slight bit of movement. My heart began to race with anticipation. Any moment the deer would manifest itself. Then I saw it. Oh no! My deer turned out to be a chipmunk. The small little striped creature that makes so much noise if it were the size of a deer, and the noise it made grew with its proportions, we would need hearing protection. The little brown blur that scurries about, providing the noise we often mistake for deer, I guess we could call them the “chipmunk deer.” These chipmunk, or as we call them in the mountains “ground squirrels”, can often distract our attention from what is important. I know noise also can play an important role in other parts of life, as well. It can alert us to our game approaching or danger. Have you ever heard something like this when you have been hunting? Make a note to remind you to share in the group.
Our world is full of noise at times. Many times noise attracts our attention away from what we should be focused on. The same is true in our spiritual life as well. There is a lot of noises that keep us from hearing the things of God.
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As we set in the woods, our antennas tuned into every sound, we often focus on many things. Still, we are intently listening for the sound that we know for sure is a deer. I know many of you can tell a chipmunk from a deer by the sound but it still can be a distraction.
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The Sportsman’s Seasons 1- Spiritually Applicable Stories Jesus often taught in parables, a story of the everyday things on the earth that illustrates a spiritual point. He used many of the things we see when we are outdoors to teach. Would you agree He still teaches us the same way, if we will listen? 2- The Story of a Seed Sower One of His stories was about sowing seeds. The seeds fell on four types of ground; hard ground of the footpath, rocky ground, thorny soil and good ground. Mark 4:3-8 "Listen! Consider the sower who went out to sow. 4 As he sowed, this occurred: Some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Other seed fell on rocky ground where it didn't have much soil, and it sprang up right away, since it didn't have deep soil. 6 When the sun came up, it was scorched, and since it didn't have a root, it withered. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it, and it didn't produce a crop. 8 Still others fell on good ground and produced a crop that increased 30, 60, and 100 times what was sown." Jesus explained the parable and told us in Mark 4:14 The sower sows the word. The soil represents four types of hearts that the Word of God, represented by the seed, is trying to take root and grow in. Which type of soil would you say best represents your life? Why?
3- The Distractions from the Most Important Those chipmunks, as you probably have experienced, distract us. I have often wondered, while I was distracted and had my attention on these little critters, how many deer passed unnoticed. Let’s put our binoculars on the thorny ground, and bring it up close and personal, as we focus the Word of God on our lives. Look at the way The Message reads in Mark 4:18-19 MSG "The seed cast in the weeds represents the ones who hear the kingdom news 19 but are overwhelmed with worries about all the things they have The Chipmunk Deer
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to do and all the things they want to get. The stress strangles what they heard, and nothing comes of it. Our focus is drawn away from the most important by the worries about things we have to do and what we have to get. The HCSB says, the worries of this age, the seduction of wealth, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. Allow a couple of soul searching questions for us to think about. Is there something in your life now that is a worry that is distracting you from a deeper relationship with God?
Are the desire for wealth and the desire for more and more things robbing you of a more meaningful relationship with God? We all have the same amount of time in a day, week, etc. We exchange our time for things that we deem most important. Write your comments and thoughts. Listen for the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart.
III- Limiting Out 1-What are some other distractions that might be keeping men from the best God wants from their lives?
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The good soil represented a fertile heart ready to receive the Word of God. The seed is said to have produced “a crop that increased 30, 60, and 100 times what was sown.�
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The Sportsman’s Seasons 2- What percentage would you say your spiritual crop has increased?
3- What are some ways we can help each other to not be distracted and hear the voice of God?
4- Are there some Scriptures you are aware of that can be applied to help others.
(Did you remember the Scripture references?)
Make sure of your target before you shoot. Never shoot at sound because it could be another hunter making the sound.
Learn to recognize something that is becoming a distraction in your spiritual life before it has taken firm root and will be more painful to uproot.
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Sportsman’s Devotional Ready or Not Well it’s hard to believe, but it is almost archery season. I have always considered myself one who stays on top of things, or at least one who tries to do so. However, this bow season has somehow sneaked up on me. Here it is, less than three weeks from opening day and I have not even set my bow, much less shot it. I guess I will make a mad dash and get all my gear ready and try to get in the right frame of mind to hunt. I hope you are prepared for your season, and are not playing catch-up like me. Even more, I pray that you are staying on top of your relationship with God. We must not allow anything to interfere with our walk with Christ. Matt. 6:33 says, “but seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Therefore, let’s just seek to please God and to be right with him. And don’t sweat the small stuff, like not being as prepared for your next hunt as you think you should be. Remember that the season is coming whether we are ready or not, also there is a day coming when the Lord Jesus is coming regardless of us being ready or not.
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The Sportsman’s Seasons
What Am I Forgetting? Following the Wrong Plan (Focus Passage 2 Peter 1:3-8 KJV)
Purpose- Minimizing those things we leave behind.
2 Peter 1:3-8 KJV According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I- Something’s Missing One cold and crisp October morning I eased out of my truck, determined to be stealthy and quiet as I closed the door behind me. This particular October morning was the beginning of a weeklong bow hunting adventure with some friends of mine. We were hunting government property; and because of scheduling conflicts I had arrived a day later than everyone else. My good friend, Ronny Jones, had promised to place a reflective marker on a good suitable tree; that way I could hang my climbing stand before daylight on the particular ridge that I intended to hunt. I retrieved my backpack and climbing stand from my truck, attached my backpack to my climbing stand and slid its weight onto my shoulders. There's always been something calming about cold air in my lungs and a tree stand on my back. I then set out to make the mile trek to the ridge I was going to hunt. While this was rugged terrain, my
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walk was fairly easy except for one particular nasty thicket I had to slip through in order to reach my hunting destination. As I eased through the thicket as quietly as possible, I stopped about halfway through just to catch my breath. When I finally reached the ridge I shined my light to find the tree that Ronny had marked for me. To my amazement, there wasn't just one reflective marker, there were 15 or 20. At first I thought he was playing a joke on me; then I realized some of the markers were older than others, and many of them were shaped differently from each other. Therefore, not knowing exactly which tree he had marked for me, I just went to one with a marker on it that looked good in the dark, and proceeded to attach my climbing treestand to the tree. I retrieved my pull up rope from out of the bag attached to my treestand and reached down to attach it to my bow. However, there was one problem; my bow was nowhere to be found. Immediately I thought, “I must have laid it down in the thicket when I stopped to rest.” I made my way back to the thicket and began a frantic search. However, despite my searching I could not locate my bow. Not knowing exactly what to do next, I made my way back to my truck in order to retrieve a larger flashlight so that I could search the thicket more thoroughly. When I got back to the truck, I raised the lid on my camper shell; there laid my bow case. As I looked at the case, I noticed that none of the latches were open. It couldn’t be, could it; that I had forgotten my bow? Immediately my mind raced back to watching a well-known professional hunter tell on national TV that many times he had gotten to his treestand and realized that he had forgotten his bow. I told my wife that anyone who forgets their bow probably doesn't need to be in the woods. Well, I don't know how you like your crow but I prefer mine seasoned with a little salt and in small quantities; as I opened the bow case I submitted to the fact that I was going to be eating a lot of crow over this one. It was one of those moments where you had to laugh at yourself because you knew if anyone else had been around to see they would definitely be laughing at you. After I had my chuckle, it was really hard for me to understand how I had forgotten something as vitally important to the hunting process as my bow. Isn’t it interesting how we often forget that which is most important? Think about it, I am a deer hunter, not a deer watcher. Therefore, I must have some means to take the life of that which I am
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The Sportsman’s Seasons hunting. In the same way, as a growing Christian I must have some way to foster spiritual growth in my life. This process of cultivating spiritual growth will often cause us to take inventory of our life, in order to determine what needs to be added to help us to grow and what must be removed in order for us to grow. You see, some things will aide in growth but others will hinder spiritual growth. Take a moment and think through the things, which will promote spiritual growth, and the things, which will hurt it. Then write these things down so you can figure out what you need to add to your faith and what needs to be removed from your life.
II- Bible Binoculars 1- The Foundation for Spiritual Growth 2 Pet 1:3. Through the all-encompassing energetic power that uniquely and sovereignly comes from God, we have been granted access to everything that we need to live out life eternally and abundantly. This unobstructed view into who God is and what He intends for us, allows us the opportunity to be transformed from a carnal Christian into God-likeness. Nothing has been left out of this gift, God “hath given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness” However, notice the word “Knowledge” in this verse; it means coming to a complete knowledge or understanding of something. Therefore, while God has provided the means for spiritual growth through the power given to us at the time of salvation, we must commit and continue to grow in the Lord, in order to bring about the “virtue” or excellence in our life that God desires. God has called us to “glory” to reflect his divine perfection in a way that is only displayed through the power of God. You see, what God has called us to do he has also equipped us to accomplish through faith in him. Our Spiritual journey starts when we place faith in God through accepting Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. Our journey only reaches the goal we share with God for spiritual growth when we walk with Him, through Him, and in Him.
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2 Pet 1:4. We have the “great and precious promise” that as we come to a full knowledge of the things of God, we become “partakers” or a sharer in the “divine nature” of God. Wow, think about that for a moment, God is inviting us into perfect fellowship with Him. He wants us to be sustained and nourished spiritually through Him, so that we can overcome the wickedness of the world, as well as sin in our life. 2- The Fundamentals of Spiritual Growth 2 Pet 1:5. As Christians we are called to “give all diligence” to growing in our faith. What is faith? The word for faith in our text means; a firm and solid belief in a religious truth. Therefore, we must first have faith in Christ before we can grow in Christ. God desires that we add “virtue” or excellence to our faith. Is your faith excellent? Well, it can be and the Scripture seems to indicate that it should be. That is, that excellent faith should be the goal of the growing Christian. While I am not bold enough to say that my faith is excellent, I can guarantee that an excellent faith is the aim of my life. We are also instructed to add “knowledge” to our faith. The word knowledge here is referring to a practical knowledge of spiritual things. While the Lord has not called all believers to become Bible scholars, He has charged us all with coming to an understanding of His Word and His will. This practical knowledge will manifest itself through our daily lives. In essence, this pragmatic wisdom will enable us to live out Christ-likeness in every avenue of our being. 2 Pet 1:6. After gaining practical knowledge of God, we must add “patience” or self-control to our faith. Through the process of cultivating spiritual growth in our lives, we will learn how to control our self in a way that honors God. The Bible says to “be ye angry and sin not” in Ephesians 4:26. This is an example of self-control, which is a derivative of becoming a growing mature believer. This self-control should not be temporal or fleeting; but rather continual. For the text goes on to say that we need to add “patience” or consistent endurance to our self-control. The process of growing in Christ is not a 100-yard dash, but rather it is a lifelong marathon. In order to be found faithful, we must be people of steadfast endurance, and if you desire to grow in your faith you must commit to the marathon of sanctification. Through all of this, our goal is “godliness” not that we can become a god, but that we may be like God. Remember, we have been created in his image, and He has purposed and “promised” that we can “be
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The Sportsman’s Seasons partakers of the divine nature” which is uniquely God’s. Let’s set our sights on becoming like Christ. 2 Pet 1:7. As we continue in “godliness” we will also add “brotherly kindness” to our spiritual attributes. This brotherly love is demonstrated in the way we interact with fellow believers. Jesus said, “thou shalt love thy neighbor as thy self” in Matthew 19:19. Therefore, the way we feel about our brothers and sisters in Christ will serve as a thermometer for our level of spiritual growth. Along with “brotherly kindness,” we are to add “charity,” or love. The Bible says, “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love” in 1 John 4:8. When we grow into a full and mature knowledge of God we will display love in our character because God is love; for love that is true, honest, genuine, and ceaseless only comes from God. The ultimate proof test for maturity in the faith, is how one loves God, others, and himself. Notice how that each addition to our faith builds on the pervious and how that all of this must lie on the firm foundation of faith in Christ. 3- The Fruitfulness Gained Through Spiritual Growth 2 Pet 1:8. When these additions to our faith, “be” or come into existence in our life and becomes apparent in abundance, they “make” or cause us to be useful and fruitful for the service of our Lord. This also allows us to be productive and satisfied in our “knowledge” or our growing relationship with the “Lord Jesus Christ.” Don’t forget this; God desires a relationship with you, which is intimate and growing as well as active and functioning. What a humbling thought.The one true living God is interested in us in a way that no other being could ever be. However, it is also an exhilarating thought that through faith in him we can experience a fulfilling and rewarding relationship with God daily, by adding to our faith and growing in Christ.
III- Limiting Out 1- What spiritual attribute is lacking in your spiritual life?
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2- What changes do you need to make in order to add that which is lacking?
3- Is excellent faith a priority for your life? Why or why not?
4- Which of the attributes in the text are most evident in your life? How can you build on those?
5- How would those closest to you describe your Spiritual life?
6- How can you place into practice what you have gained from this study?
Consider making a list to check before you adventure into the field to insure you have all the necessary equipment.
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Think about what God would include in a plan for your life. Write it out and then go back a few months later and see if you are carrying it out.
The Sportsman’s Seasons
Chigger Magnet Avoiding Those Pesky Problems (Focus Passage Hebrews 12:1-6 ESV)
Purpose- Help us to understand there are some things, places, and people in life that we need to avoid.
Hebrews 12:1-6 ESV Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives."
I- Red Bugs and Red Bumps You feel you forgot something; it just keeps nagging at you. Wait a minute. The insect repellant is in the truck. You will be ok for this one time, you think to yourself. So you venture afield. A trip into the fields for a rabbit hunt, scouting trip for deer, a trip to a farm pond to catch a few bluegills results in the same thing many times; chiggers. Have you ever seen a chigger? Now this is a trick question because they are so small that you cannot see them with the naked eye because they are only from 1/50th to 1/100th of an inch in size. Once they arrive on me they do not show their presence for a couple of days. I usually notice mine when my wife asks, “Why are you scratching your legs, do you have chiggers.� She knows if there is one in the county that I will find it, or it will find me. I seem to be a chigger
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magnet that attracts them. She threatened to banish me from the bed until I get rid of them. She is afraid they will crawl off my skin and on to her in the middle of the night. Years ago she brought out the nail polish to paint them. She had clear polish but convinced me she had to use red. Good thing she was the only one to see the red dots on the red bumps because of the red bugs. To be honest, I was not that gullible, I didn’t care if it was neon green as long as the itching stopped. There are a lots of old wives tales about what to do for chiggers including bathing in salt water, turpentine, alcohol or bleach, along with my wife’s bright red nail polish treatment. The most effective repellant of the chigger is sulfur. The problem is that sulfur and perspiration combine to emit some odors your friends may not find pleasant. The good news is, they usually die off when the temperature gets in the low forties and are inactive when the weather is below 60. How do we avoid chiggers? One would be, sit on the couch and do not venture outdoors. This is not really a good option for most avid outdoorsmen. Another is to spray, spray, and spray because insect repellent is effective for only a couple of hours. Another important thing we can do is to change clothes and bath when you return from the outdoors. Remove them as quickly as possible. While they may not be a threat to life, they certainly are a threat to comfort. There is a high school in Arkansas whose mascot is the “Red Bugs.” The first time I saw that I did not make the connection. When I realized the “Red Bugs” are another name for chiggers, I thought they must be able to pester their opponents into submission. Fear the red bugs.
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1- The Cloud of Witnesses The writer of the book of Hebrews in the Bible gives a great list of people who accomplished great things by having faith in God, and allowing God to work through them. God says to us, through Paul, in Philippians 4:13 NKJV I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. In Hebrews these are called a great cloud of witnesses. We might parallel this like a mentor who taught us to hunt or fish. They may be long gone but their influence is still in our lives guiding our decisions. Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a
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The Sportsman’s Seasons cloud of witnesses… Has there been a godly mentor in your life? Prepare to share if you feel comfortable.
2- Clear up the Spiritual Chiggers Notice the exhortation that is given next in Hebrews 12:1b …let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Remember how those little red bugs cling to us and cause such irritations. They are like these sins. We get into things innocently enough at times, and realize a few days later we did something, said something or went someplace we should not have. We are told here to lay aside the clingy sins. The Message calls them what I think is fitting for our analogy, “parasitic sins.” Notice these sins cling close to us. Is there a spiritual chigger that you have allowed to infiltrate your life? Depending on the group you are meeting with, you might or might not want to share. Another solution is to develop a friendship in which we hold each other accountable. Find that friend you can share with and talk about it. Also, remember one way to avoid getting chiggers is to not go where they are. If you are constantly bombarded with a temptation, avoid it, flee from it. 3- Bath Time You have been in the field walking through ragweed and you know you probably have contacted chiggers. Remember that bathing as quick as possible is a good deterrent. So how do we bath spiritually? Notice Hebrews 12:2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Run to Jesus for cleanings. He has faced what we face. Hebrews 12:2 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
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Jesus today sits on the right hand of the Father and there is a great purpose. Romans 8:34 HCSB Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the One who died, but even more, has been raised; He also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us. Many times we will not admit that we need to be cleansed. 1 John 1:8 HCSB If we say, "We have no sin," we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. The Scriptures teach us that we have a daily need of cleansing from sin. Once we see this need there is good news. Notice 1 John 1:9 HCSB If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 4- How Much Do/Should We Resist Ok men, this is one of those deep inner perspective moments. How much do we really resist those little spiritual chiggers? Do we surrender too easy and say I will do better next time, and then the next time? How much do you think God would have us to resist? As you write your answer, what Scripture do you think the Holy Spirit is bringing to bear?
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Now notice what Hebrews 12:4 says, In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. Many of the heroes of the faith, mentioned in Hebrews chapter eleven, shed blood instead of denying God or recanting their faith. Look over the list in chapter 11 and notice the things they accomplished. What are some ways that we can resist the sins that keep infiltrating our lives? One is avoiding the area where they are. If you knew chiggers were on a particular ragweed when you walked by, you would not go over to it and rub against it. Write other ways to resist sin here. Is there a Scripture that God is speaking to your heart with? Write it on the next page.
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The Sportsman’s Seasons
5- Discipline of the Lord One thing that we do not hear much about today is the consequences of sin. Oh, we see a drunk driver get his licenses taken, or a drug dealer go to prison, but they deserve it we think. Notice what Heb 12:5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." The consequences of going into a chigger’s environment are itching, scratching and discomfort. There are also consequences of sin as well. Please notice that the discipline of God is never done just to punish, but is always in the hope of repentance and restoring men to a closer walk with God. Is there something that God is dealing with you about in your life? Is there a spiritual chigger that you need to get a little relief from? Why not do that now?
Father, please clean us from the sin in our lives. Help us to make wise choices about where we go, who we go with, and what we do in our lives. Lord, help us not to continue on the wrong path.
III- Limiting Out 1- Do you find it easier to see the faults of others than your own faults? What are your faults?
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2- Are you taking the necessary steps to protect your spiritual life from being infested with sin? How?
3- What can you do to better protect your testimony?
4- What part of this study made the greatest impact on you?
A good insect repellent is important when traveling afield. Remember to apply as often as recommended.
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If and when we must go into places that are dangerous to our spiritual health we must make sure we do what is needed to protect ourselves with accountability to other men.
The Sportsman’s Seasons
Looking our Eyes Out Anticipating the Return (Focus Passages Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-11 NASB)
Purpose- Help us to be aware and anticipate the return of Christ at any time.
Luke 24:50-53 NASB And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 While He was blessing them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they, after worshiping Him, returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple praising God.
Acts 1:9-11 NASB And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. 11 They also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven."
I- The Ghost A friend came by my place of business where we had a place we could sight our rifles in and shoot occasionally. “I’m going to unload my black powder pistol,” he said. The black powder season was over for another year in our area the next day. “No wait” I said, “I’ll unload it and bring it to you tonight. I’m going to do some scouting this afternoon. I‘ll take it with me as I walk in case I see that big buck.” Later that afternoon, I slowly snuck down the four wheeler trail that led down the ridge. As I move slowly along on ground, bare of leaves from the uses by the ATV’s, there was not much sound as I walked. Suddenly, off to my left I saw antlers as they rose like the branches of a tree top. Off his day bed rose the biggest buck I had laid my eyes on. The old man, who lived on the property, had been telling me about him, but now I was seeing him for myself. Looking our Eyes Out
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I quickly raised the black powder pistol to shoot. Placed my finger on the trigger, but hesitated. I made the decision not to shoot because I did not have a good shot, and beside I knew now where the big boy was bedding during the day. “You are mine,” I thought to myself. I stood and watched one of the most graceful and beautiful animals as he moved down into the bottom and made a left turn; moving silently up the gully toward the cover on up the mountain. It was one of those moments when time seemed to be in slow motion. I watched almost afraid to blink as he moved away, afraid he would not be there after the blink. Another reason I chose not to shoot was the area I was in had just recently been opened for deer hunting, and I knew this buck had probably never been shot at. I didn’t want him to be spooked by a missed shot. As bow season resumed the next week for a short time until rifle season would come I anticipated the day that gun season would arrive and the harvest of this big buck would be mine. After all I knew where he was bedding. I put my stand on a tree overlooking the ridge and hollow that he was traveling, making scrapes and tearing up bushes with his horns. Let me ask, “Have you ever got tired looking at an area anticipating the return of a buck?” I gave up my whole season that year to hunt this buck. You guessed it, he never showed up again. I anticipated his return every moment I sat on the stand looking until I was weary eyed. I was looking my eyes out for him to return. He had vanished like a ghost. Over the next few years I, and my hunting buddies, saw him only a couple of times. I guess he died of old age like many other bucks that I have looked for anticipating returning to a scrape or a rub line. Do you anticipate the return of hunting season? Which season do you anticipate the most? Many men count down the days. How many days is it now, I probably should ask? Do you realize that there is another expected return even more important than the next deer, squirrel, fishing or whatever season? That is the anticipated return of Christ.
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The Sportsman’s Seasons
II- Bible Binoculars 1- The Ascension We begin our focus on the Word of God with Christ ascension. After Jesus was crucified He appeared on the earth for forty days in His resurrected body. There were literally hundreds of people both when they were alone and in small and large crowds, that saw the resurrected Lord according to 1 Corinthians 15:4-8. God chose a man named Luke, a Gentile medical doctor, to tell us of the events of Christ’s return back to heaven after those forty days. Luke was used by God to write the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. We find the record of Christ ascension in only those two places. Luke 24:50-51 NASB And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 While He was blessing them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven. Acts 1:9 And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. The disciples were on the Mount of Olives with Jesus, probably basking in His teaching and certainly enjoying being in His presence. Immediately, after He spoke the words of the final commission, gravity ceased to hold Him and He rose from this earth toward the sky. Can you imagine the awesomeness of this scene? I see Jesus, in my imagination, begin to slowly lift up; rising like a balloon filled with hot air that the earth’s fingers no longer hold in its grip. How do you think the disciples felt? If you had been there, how do you think you would have felt? Write your thoughts.
Men have employed some wonderful words to attempt to describe the wonder of this event. One said, "They stood with necks intently stretched…" (Carver, William Owen, The Acts of the Apostles, Broadman Looking our Eyes Out
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Press, Nashville, 1916, p.16.) Another said they were, "gazing in rapt amazement." (Greene, Oliver The Acts of the Apostles, The Gospel Hour, Inc. 1968, p 33.) My favorite description however was by Hershel Ford when he said the disciples were, "Looking their eyes out." (Ford, Hershel Simple Sermons from the Book of Acts, vol. 1, Zondervan Publishing House, 1950, p 18.)
Regardless of how you describe it, this certainly was one of those "WOW!" moments in history. The one whom they had walked with, seen crucified, and rise again, now was racing toward heaven. They stood looking their eyes out as Jesus ascended, just like I looked at the buck that day. 2- The Response Luke tells us their response was one of worship and praise in Luke 24:52-53 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: 53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen." What is your response to our risen and ascended Lord who is alive forever more? What are some ways you worship Him in the outdoors? Write your comments and thoughts. Listen for the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart.
III- The Day of the Return
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The next season the temperature was in the high teens to the low twenties. I was really cold after hunting hard in the morning. I had returned after lunch but decided the cold would win. I walked back to my vehicle parked by the house on the property. I stood with my rifle resting on top of a fence post looking into the hollow that the buck had taken the year before. As I stood there, I saw movement in the bottom. Out of a field adjacent to the bottom, a doe jumped the fence about 100 yards away into a thicket. Then there he was, rising gracefully as his horns led his muscular body across the barbed wire. Then he
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The Sportsman’s Seasons stopped behind the brush. By now I had my 7mm Mag on him. He was mine, or at least would be when he stepped out. If he went left up the ridge I had him, if he turned down the hill he was mine. The doe ran up the hill and was gone. I stood waiting for what seemed like an hour for him to move from the behind the bushes. Where did he go? He had vanished like a ghost. I had anticipated his return, but when he came back I thought I was ready but I was not. We again pick up our Bible focus back in Acts. Acts 1:10-11 NASB And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. 11 They also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven." While they stood, "looking their eyes out" two men, most certainly angels, stood by them and spoke., “…This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven." This same Jesus was going to come again, was the message. This was not the end, only a promise that He would return. Jesus had made this promise before. John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. This promise of His return was the hope of the early church and is no less real today than it was then. It is often called the "blessed hope."
IV- Limiting Out 1- Would you agree that just as we anticipate the return of hunting season, or the return of a buck to a scrape, we should also anticipate the return of Christ for His own?
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2-How can you focus on the anticipated return? Is there something in your life you need to adjust in light of His imminent coming?
3- Is there a response that you need to make or a corrective action you need to take?
Pray that God will remind us of His Son’s soon return each time we anticipate a buck showing up, or ducks landing on the pond, or a bite of that big bass. Let’s be looking our eyes out for His soon return and living like it could be today.
Many times we only get one opportunity to take the shot and should be prepared to live with it if we chose to not take it.
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We need to live each of our days as if Jesus would come at any moment. Be conscious of our actions in our daily activities by asking would I want to be doing this if he came now.
The Sportsman’s Seasons
The Blood Trail The Redeeming Blood of Christ (Focus Passage 1 Peter 1:18-20 KJV)
Purpose- Understanding God’s Redemptive Plan
1 Peter 1:18-20 KJV Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
I- Finding the Blood As I sat perched 20 feet up in a big cedar tree, I had two problems. First, when I had positioned the lock-on stand I did not get it level. As a result my lower back was really hurting. Second, the sap from the tree was all over my hands. I said to myself, “This was a wonderful evening in the woods,” rather sarcastically. All of my grumbling was rudely interrupted by the sound of something coming down the ridge. I eased my head around so I could get a better look, but I could not tell what it was. As I began to fish my binoculars out of my backpack, once again I started to complain to myself about the stand, the sap, and the fact that I could not locate my binoculars. I realized in that moment that sometimes we seem to enjoy complaining. I thought how silly that was. Now with my binoculars in hand, I was able to see that a young buck was munching on some white oak acorns as he was coming down a trail that would lead him within 14 steps of my tree. That’s when he turned and started the other way. “Oh no,” I said to myself, then I reached in the pocket of my safety vest and got a can call. After hitting that call a time or two the buck did an about face and was again heading my way. As the buck slowly worked his way in the direction of my set up, I became aware that I was no longer concerned with my crooked stand or the sap on my hands. Now I was only thinking of The Blood Trail
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back straps on the grill. What seemed like hours, but was only minutes, the buck was finally in bow range. I was going to let him come all the way in before I took the shot. When the buck arrived at 15 yards, I started to draw my bow however, he sensed that something was wrong and whirled away leaving me a steep quartering away angle. I anchored with my nose to the string and squeezed the release off. The arrow made a distinct crack sound. As the buck twisted to run off, I could see that my arrow was still in the deer. I supposed that the broadhead was stuck in the off shoulder. I waited about 45 minutes before I started to gather up my gear and make the descent down the climbing sticks. The first sign that I discovered was the torn up ground where the deer had made the hard turn to run. I continued to stalk exceptionally slowly in the direction the deer went, trying to detect the first drop of blood. However, after I had gone about 40 yards I still had not located any blood. I resolved that I would continue to look for blood before I went stomping through the woods looking for the deer. I learned long ago that a successful recovery is a lot less likely without a blood trail. Therefore, I was in pursuit of the blood trail. As I have often done in the woods, I stopped and prayed the Lord would lead me to the blood trail. Sometimes I overlook blood on the ground because I suffer from a form of shade blindness that makes it hard for me to distinguish red from green and brown in certain lights. After I prayed, I started to back track myself; I had only covered a few steps when I saw a small spot of blood on a leaf. “Thank you Lord,� I said as I continued in my pursuit. Over the next hundred yards the blood trail, which had begun as a drop here and there, had now become an easy to follow trail. I assumed that the arrow had entered the liver and continued through one lung and had stopped in the shoulder. I was guessing that I only got one lung because of the distance the deer had traveled. However, the buck was now persistently heading downhill, and I felt that was a good sign. Just then I spotted his main beam sticking up about 30 yards below me. As I approached my buck, I gave thanks to the Lord and I began to feel the excitement that comes from recovering an animal that you harvested. While I admired the deer that God was so gracious to let me gather, I noticed that my arrow was still in the deer and that had caused most of the blood to stay in the body cavity of the buck. That was why I did not find a lot of blood for the first 80 yards or so. If you
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The Sportsman’s Seasons have hunted big game much, you know how easy it is to miss a blood trail. Have you ever thought about the fact there are a lot of people both in the church and outside it who have missed the most important blood trail of all? That is the blood trail that runs through the Scripture, and that trail leads to the death of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. Starting all the way back in Genesis we see that God had a plan to provide redemption for mankind, and this would be provided through God himself. The redemptive plan of God is unfolded throughout the Bible, and then we see this act of redemption played out with the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Through the shed blood of Christ, salvation has been made available to all men. I am eternally grateful for the blood trail that leads to the cross of Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. The blood that transforms and saves is only found in Jesus.
II- Bible Binoculars 1- The Price of Redemption 1 Peter 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers…What is the price it takes to buy eternal life? Many have tried to use their monetary means to find the so-called fountain of youth; however, we know that there is no such thing. All the money, power and prestige in the world cannot keep you alive. But there is a way to obtain eternal life, and that is through the redeeming blood of Christ. This redemption is not purchased through temporal things, or with the wealth that one possesses. The forgiveness of sins, and the gift of everlasting life, is only imputed to us on the merit of faith in Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. “The gift of God” is not inherited or passed down from generation to generation, but it is on an individual basis. Therefore, we all must come to the place where we acknowledge our sins and repent of them. This repentance is to be accompanied by the placing of our faith in Jesus Christ as the one who can forgive our sins and redeem our soul. Men have tried in futility to find another way, but there is no other way
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to eternal life. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Do you believe there is a Heaven and a Hell? How does someone end up in either?
Where would you end up if you died this moment? Why?
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2- The Person of Redemption 1 Peter 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot… Through this verse we are able to ascertain the true price as well as the person of redemption. The Bible makes it crystal clear that redemption is only available through the “blood of Christ.” This is not a common blood, but rather it is “precious blood.” The blood of Christ is precious because of the source it comes from. The blood of Christ is the blood of God! This is pure, sinless, spotless blood, therefore it is precious. True redemption only transpires when one accepts this blood, as well as its source for salvation. Jesus is the blameless and spotless Lamb of God, which was born, slain and resurrected for the sins of the whole world. Genesis 22:8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.” John 1:29 “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” 1 John 2:1-2 “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. It is seen that Jesus Christ is the one and only person who can provide redemption, because He is the only one who could pay the high cost of providing a plan for redemption. He is also the only one who paid the lofty price for the sins of the world through the act of offering himself on the cross for the sins of the world. 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Therefore, we must realize the fact that Jesus is not one among many; He is the one and only!
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The Sportsman’s Seasons Do you believe that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world? Why?
Who can be saved in your opinion? What do you base this on? 3- The Providing of Redemption 1 Peter 1:20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you… Before the world ever was, God through his omniscient attribute knew that you and I would need a redeemer. Therefore, God planned and purposed to provide a Savior through Himself in Christ Jesus. Revelation 13:8 …the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Thus the providing of redemption through Christ was not an afterthought or plan, but it is, was, and always will be the perfect plan of redemption intended from even before the beginning of the world. However, this plan was not fully disclosed, until Jesus came to earth as the incarnate Christ, revealing Himself as the Messiah, and the Savior of the world. Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Who did God provide salvation for? Who did Jesus “come to seek and save?” The Bible says “for you.” Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Salvation was not only intended for a few, but for the whole world. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 1 Timothy 2:4-6 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Therefore, it is clear that Christ is the redeemer of the whole world. You see, the blood that Christ shed on the cross was sufficient for all sin and was provided for every person. However, that blood can only atone for the sin of those who accept Christ as their redeemer through faith.
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What impact does it have on your life when you realize that Jesus gave Himself for you personally? How does it affect your life that God was thinking of you before the world began?
III- Limiting Out 1- Are there things that need to change in your life as a result of this study? Why?
2- Through this study have any of your beliefs changed? If yes, which ones and why?
3- Are you being faithful to share Christ and witness to those around you? Why or why not?
4- Has this study been beneficial to you? Why or why not?
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Don’t give up finding the blood trail, even if you don’t find blood at first. I have seen deer shot with a bow go 80+ yards before they start to leave a good blood trail. Remember to be patient and give an animal shot with a bow plenty of time before you take up the trail.
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It is vitally important for all aspects of your Christian life that you completely understand and believe God’s redemptive plan. 2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
The Sportsman’s Seasons
High and Dry Redefining Success (Focus Passage Philippians 4:11-13 KJV)
Purpose- Learning to appreciate the pursuit as much as the prize
Philippians 4:11-13 KJV Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
I- Priceless Memories I am often amazed that the simplest ideas frequently enjoy the greatest success. Take the word priceless for example. That simple word has been the foundation for a flourishing TV marketing campaign for a certain credit card company. Well, while taking the risk of redundancy, I want to tell you about some high and dry times that were priceless to me. While I have been blessed to pursue and harvest game all over the country, there has also been many times I have returned home with an empty truck bed, but with a full heart. A few years ago, I spent a bitter cold four days in Ohio. This trip like many others started with Ronny Jones and myself packing up for an all-night travel marathon. The trip did not start out dry, because the rain poured on us while we were loading the truck. With all of our gear as well as every inch of our bodies wet we hit the road with the heater on high in an attempt to dry ourselves. The further north we went the colder it got; just above Cincinnati the snow started to pour like a blizzard was moving in. When we reached our destination, we were welcomed by six inches of fresh powder. The next morning we had to make our two-mile trek to our hunting blinds through all the snow. I only saw two deer in four days and did not even shoulder my gun on the trip. However, I met a host of wonderful people and immensely
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enjoyed hunting with Harry, who through the years has taken some good bucks in that area. The time spent there with the new friends I made as well as friends of old, was simply priceless; while I would have loved to have brought home a big and burly Ohio buck, none the less, I am confident that the trip was a successful one. One Sunday night in September, Doug, Ronny, and I were loaded and leaving for an elk bow hunting trip in Idaho. We were staring down a 2,750-mile trip each way. We drove for 34 straight hours while only making stops for food, fuel and bathrooms. If we added up all the money the three of us spent on the trip, I am sure it would scare us. Nevertheless, after hunting six days all I had to show for it was two rabbits and one squirrel. I also had the memory of several blown stalks and many hours of looking through binoculars. However, it truly was a trip of a lifetime. Besides getting to spend all that time with two of my best friends in the entire world, I also was able to attend a new church and worship there, as well as see more of God’s handy work through His majestic creation. “Did I do any good,” was the question that I was asked repeatedly when I came home. The answer depends on your idea of success on a hunting trip, but if you ask me I did great. Therefore, while the 6x6 rack we brought home was not mine, it was still a priceless experience. I am confident that many of you reading this can relate to the stories above, and that you have also experienced many high and dry times while pursuing your outdoor passions. However, I hope that just because a day in the woods or a weeklong trip might not have produced many tangible results, that you will not view it as a wasted or fruitless expenditure of your time. Sometimes those are the days and trips that end up being most extraordinary for me. Those who know me well would tell you that I am not a trophy hunter, but I am unashamedly and simply a hunter. I take exception to the guys who devalue an animal based on its size. I think that if you see an animal that you are happy to kill and you have a legal opportunity to do so, than take it, be proud of it and value it as God’s creation. Nonetheless, I also understand that it takes more to make a hunt successful than an animal on the ground. It will be beneficial for us in hunting, as well as in our spiritual walk if we will slow down and learn to enjoy the pursuit as much as the prize. Psalms 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God.
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The Sportsman’s Seasons
II- Bible Binoculars 1-The Learning Curve Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. We live in a microwave society, which force-feeds the philosophy that nothing is ever good enough. If we do not run out and buy whatever it is that they are selling, than our life is going to be a total disaster and we will become known as losers. My, what a different picture we see in this verse of Scripture. Here the Bible reveals a spiritual secret, which will prove to be a key component in our becoming growing mature Christians. That key is contentment. While it sounds simple enough, it’s often one of the most elusive attributes for believers to permanently secure in their lives. Paul says, “For I have learned.” Therefore, developing a contented life is a learned process, which does not come natural to us. But rather, it is the result of walking with the Lord daily and allowing him to become our sufficiency and portion in all things. Notice the words, “in whatsoever state I am.” This is a contentment that transcends our circumstances. Paul was not saying that he was content because he did not have any unfulfilled wants, but rather his satisfaction was in spite of those wants. In other words, Paul was saying, regardless of the situation I have learned that God is enough! We must also come to the same conclusion that the Lord is sufficient. When we reach this peak, we will also discover that God’s capable of more than the human mind can comprehend. Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Would those around you describe you as a person who is content through Christ? What would make you think that?
What are some areas in your life where you recognize you have been trying to find satisfaction outside of the Lord?
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2- The Law of Contentment Philippians 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. The law of true contentment through Christ is that satisfaction and fulfillment is not a temporal state, but it is to become a way of life. Once again, this contentment we learn from Jesus is not based on the current conditions of our life, but rather it is built upon the immutability of God. Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. In this world of sorrow and sin, the situations we face are constantly changing; yet the one who empowers and enables us face these situations triumphantly does not ever change. James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. He is also the one who will never abandon us because of our circumstances or anything else, for that matter. Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Therefore, let us resolve to do what we can, with what we have, where we are, for the glory of God! Is there anything in your life that needs to change, as a result of realizing that God is sufficient? If so, what?
After being reminded of the faithfulness of God, how does that make you feel?
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3- The Liberty Through Christ Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Allowing the Lord to become our source for contentment has some awesome side effects. One such consequence is a newfound liberty in the Lord. This liberty is the ability to stand for and accomplish whatever God has called us to do. This exceptional
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The Sportsman’s Seasons promise of imputed strength will not enable us to do some things through Christ, but rather “all things through Christ.” Observe also that Paul says, “I can do.” This is the confidence of one who has tapped into the inexhaustible resources of the Lord Jesus Christ. In order for us to draw from God’s limitless well of strength, we must acknowledge our own inadequacy. As a result, we will find a strengthening sanctuary in Him. 2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. The outcome of God’s sufficient grace ruling in our life is that we discover in Him not only a father who provides, but also a shepherd that will lead and protect us. Psalms 23:1-3 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Therefore, we not only can but we must do all things through Christ which strengthens us. How should the “can do, through Christ” mentality affect us?
What are some things you are facing that you realize you can’t do own your own?
III- Limiting Out 1- Are there things that need to change in your life as a result of this study? Why?
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2- Through this study have any of your beliefs changed? If yes, which ones and why?
3- Are you being faithful to share Christ and witness to those around you? Why or why not?
4- Has this study been beneficial to you? Why or why not?
5- What are some things that you could do in order to help others see that Jesus is the only way to heaven?
By learning to enjoy the hunt as much as the harvest, you will find a new satisfaction in your outdoor experiences.
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By trusting the Lord and staying faithful throughout the seasons of planting, watering and harvesting, you will discover how to be grateful for them all.
The Sportsman’s Seasons
The Man-Eater Is Coming Equipping for the Battle (Focus Passage 1 Peter 5:6-10 KJV)
Purpose- Preparing Against the Enemies Attacks
1 Peter 5:6-10 KJV Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
I- Predator or Prey? The light of my small hand held flashlight bounced off the leaf covered forest floor, as I made my way down the unfamiliar ridge to the tree that I had hung my climbing stand in the evening before. The crunching sound of my feet moving through the woods was like that of someone eating extra crunchy potato chips. The thought that today would be one of those early fall days when you would hear them before you see them immediately lodged in my mind. As I started my 20-foot ascent up the old red oak, I began to ponder the possibilities that this new day in the woods could hold. One of the things that I love about hunting and fishing is that element of the unknown, and the thought that today might be the day when a monster of the Creator could appear. After reaching my desired height in the tree; retrieving and hanging my backpack and bow, I sat into the comfort of my treestand. Minutes dragged by like they often seem to do when I am waiting for first light. As the first shard of light began to illuminate the majesty of God’s marvelous creation, I was reminded that the thickness of the cover
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would cause my prey to be in bow range before I could see him. Maybe the unusual dryness of this fall and that it made moving in the woods so noisy could warn me of an approaching animal. I double-checked the wind and it was blowing perfectly in my face, as a matter of a fact the slight breeze was an oasis for me since the climb had caused me to get a little warm. Now all that was left for me to do was simply wait and see what this day would bring. Along about 9:30, I began to hear the unmistakable sounds of something coming up the ridge. This new and ever increasing sound jolted me from my peaceful mode and placed me on high alert. I could already tell my heart rate had begun to elevate and some adrenalin was beginning to flow through my veins. As I reached for my bow, I commenced to think about what was the owner of those footsteps that was drawing ever closer. Could it be a doe with her fawns? I strained my ears trying to decipher as much as I could. I was pretty sure this was a single animal by the cadence of the sound. That ruled out a doe and fawns, but that also ruled out a group of bucks running together like they often do this time of year. Maybe this was a big and burly old buck that was so dominate and physically imposing no other buck could tolerate him. I resolved I would just have to wait and see. As I stood there perched in that tree with my bow in hand, I was straining to see what was coming. With heart in full-blown runaway mode, I was starting to think that the anticipation was going to kill me. Then I saw a flicker of movement coming up the ridge to my left. I shifted my feet ever so slightly to position myself for a shot if it presented itself, and that is when I saw what was responsible for the sound. It was a big red coyote, which like me was on a hunt. However, that predator was about to become the prey. As he continued to move, like they often do, I came to full draw and when he presented an easy shot at about 18 yards I settled the pin and instinctively touched the release; smack was the sound that the arrow made as it disappeared through the lungs of that coyote, which was not all that “Wiley� on this day. The coyote could not make it far with both lungs deflated and he crashed just out of sight from me. I hung my bow back up, and thought about the destruction the coyote had intended for turkeys; or maybe a fresh rabbit was on his mind. It could have been that he was looking for a rodent or a squirrel for breakfast. Maybe he was seeking a fawn that could be his
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The Sportsman’s Seasons provisions for a day or two. Whatever the case, it was almost as if I could hear the applause of all the prey of the forest;;for today they would not be his meal. Then the notion that there was a spiritual predator who desired to devour my life and discredit my testimony came to rest in my mind in a way that caused me to shiver. It is a chilling thought that someone intends that much harm to us as Christians. However, the man-eater is coming; Jesus told Peter that Satan desired to sift him as wheat in Luke 22:31. I have seen him chew up and spit out good men. Therefore, we must not kid ourselves, the man-eater is coming and his intentions are to kill, steal, and destroy. We must be prepared for the unannounced attacks of Satan, who is a man-eater.
II- Bible Binoculars 1- The Preparation for the Battle 1 Peter 5:6. Preparation for spiritual combat with the man-eater must always begin with the act of us “humbling” ourselves under the Lordship of God. This is an act of submitting the totality of our being under the “mighty hand of God.” God’s hand is powerful and mighty. Our submission is the placing of our life “under” his hand to expose us to the omnipotent protection that only God could provide. This protection is necessary in order for us to overcome the attacks of Satan. When we position ourselves under the divine authority of God, who is “mighty” and powerful, we unlock the occasion for God to “exalt” us “in due time” or at the proper opportune time. When is that time? Well, God only knows that perfect divine time. So we must keep our life firmly placed under the hand of God, through our continual submission to his absolute authority. In your opinion are you totally submitted to the Lord?
What do you think God would say about your answer?
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1 Peter 5:7. In order to have victory in spiritual warfare, we must cast all of our burdens, worries, and concerns upon the lord. The result is a lightened load. In Matthew 11:30 Jesus said, “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” This releasing of our cares is also an act of faith on our part. When we give these things over to God, we are saying we trust the Lord more than ourselves. It is imperative that we trust in the power of God, much more than we trust in our own might. Through this, we will learn how much God “careth” for us, and to what length that He will go to make sure we are prepared and protected. Let’s start casting cares upon the Lord because the man-eater is coming. Take a moment and write down some things in your life you need to give over to God.
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1 Peter 5:8. We must possess a spiritual mind to avoid and overcome the attacks of the man-eater. Philippians 2:5 says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” This mindset will lead us to “be sober.” That is a mind, which is not influenced or clouded by carnal things. The things of the world will often distract us to the point that we become spiritually impotent in the face of an attack. Therefore, we must be “vigilant,” or ever watchful and on guard for the tricks of the man-eater. Who is the man-eater? He is our “adversary” and the archenemy of Christians. He is called the “devil;” that is to say he is the one who seduces humanity to evil in every possible way. This man-eater roams the world looking for men to “devour.” What is left after something is devoured? Nothing! Satan and the sin that he is going to tempt you with, will take the strong man you think you are and will eat up everything you have and all that you have ever dreamed of. However, when we are submitted unto the Lord and our cares are released to him and our mind is on Him, we will overcome the man-eater. 2- The Plan for the Battle 1 Peter 5:9. Our plan for the battle is to submit to God and “resist” the man-eater. James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves
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The Sportsman’s Seasons therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” We “resist” him through our “faith.” It is easy to see that it is important we are continually growing in our faith. We must also realize Satan wants to isolate us and make us feel like we are the only one having to battle him. This could not be further from the truth, because all Christians will face spiritual battles. What are some ways you can grow in faith and implement the battle plan in your life?
3- The Purpose of the Battle 1 Peter 5:10. Why does God allow us to go through spiritual battles? That is a valid question that is asked by many Christians. The answer lies in the fact that God has a purpose in allowing us to face difficult times. You see, during these periods we learn how to fully trust in God and through this process he makes us more complete and settled in the faith. God also “strengthens” us with spiritual knowledge and power in the midst of the battle.
III- Limiting Out 1- What is the right mindset for overcoming the man-eater? How will pride hinder your victory over sin?
2- What should our first step be in preparing for battle? Is it easy or hard to give your cares over to God? Why?
3- Looking back at previous spiritual battles can you see God had a purpose in them? List those purposes.
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4- From those purposes how did you learn God’s truth? Can you use what you’ve learned for future battles? How?
5- What truth in this study has had the greatest impact on you?
Be prepared for the unexpected, you just might turn a predator into your prey.
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Becoming equipped to survive the attacks of satan is imperative for a growing Christian.
The Sportsman’s Seasons
Hunting For Answers? A Real Problem! Just like a hunter is an enemy toward the animal he or she hunts, you were born an enemy of God. Your sin separates you from God. According to Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Sin is falling short of God’s standard. It is like sighting in a rifle with a bent barrel; no matter how hard you try, you’re not going to hit the target. It’s also like shooting your bow at a target five miles away. It is impossible; for you will always miss your mark. You see, your very best cannot measure up to God’s standard. Isaiah 64:6 “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” A Real Pal! God doesn’t run away from you like a buck that has gotten your wind. Instead, He seeks to have a relationship with you. We are sinful, and God is sinless, yet He loves us “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:8. God has done everything to have a relationship with you. John 10:10 “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” A Real Person! Jesus came to this earth. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Helived as a man, was tempted but never sinned, and therefore became the perfect sacrifice to pay the penalty for our sins. He was persecuted, ridiculed and profaned, for you. He paid a debt that he did not owe because we owed a debt that we could not pay. That was our sin debt. 1 John 2:2 says, “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” A Real Position! You must surrender your life to Christ and turn from your sins so you can have this abundant eternal life and become a child of God.
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Hunting for Answers?
Imagine that! God in His supreme holiness wants you to become His child. 1John 3:2 “Beloved, now are we the sons of God,” A Real Procedure! God gave us the salvation formula in Romans 10:9-11, saying “that if thou confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” A Real Prayer! Dear Lord Jesus, I am a sinner; I need you to save me. I confess my sins. Come into my life, wash me clean, and give me a real relationship with you through your shed blood, which was a perfect and complete sacrifice for my sin. Thank you Jesus for saving me. Amen. Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ For the Record: If you prayed this prayer and asked the Lord Jesus to save, you write the date here. Next, record where you were when you became a child of God.
We encourage you to join a local church that teaches the Word of God. Record your baptism date here.
Last, if you prayed this prayer, let us know. See the ways to contact us on page 6.
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The Sportsman’s Seasons
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