OLD ANTLERS NEVER DIE . . . BUT THEY WILL BURN!
Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 3:1-14
A while back, a friend of mine had a fire in his garage. Not only did Louis loose his building and the normal contents one would expect to find there, but he also lost his compound bow, portable tree stand, and (perhaps even tougher to take!) more than two dozen whitetail racks that were hung inside. Later, when he and family members sifted through the debris, they managed to find only a small chunk of one antler. I have to say that this individual took it quite well. Better than I'm sure I ever would. He somehow managed to keep these material things, and even those with sentimental value, in their proper perspective. Nevertheless, when you stop to think about it, every single antler will one day be turned into ashes. According to the Scriptures, there is coming a time when the entire physical world as we know it will be burned up. This will come about when Jesus Christ returns to judge the earth. The Bible tells us, "The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare" (2 Peter 3:10b). Indeed, we need to realize that the material things of this world, which we so frequently allow to capture our affection and hard-earned currency, are fading away. That's right. Every rifle, bow, cabin, car, and truck, will eventually be dissolved. This fact should have a powerful affect upon encouraging us to live in a manner which is pleasing to God. As Peter challenged his readers, "Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?" (2 Peter 3:11a).
Prayer: Lord, help me to see things from an eternal perspective. Help me to invest my life and material possessions in things that will still matter a thousand years from now. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 1996, 2004, Dr. Tom C. Rakow, Silver Lake, Minnesota Volume 3, Devotions for Deer Hunters
Used By Permission
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BUCK FEVER
Scripture Reading: Romans 8:1-11
I will long remember the opening day of my first deer season. A member of our hunting party kicked out a nice six-pointer to me which stopped broadside only yards away. You could not have asked for an easier shot. However, for some reason I could not bring the rifle to my shoulder. Instead, I shot eight times from the hip hitting dirt and trees a few feet in front of me. I watched helplessly as the buck finally bounded out of sight. This was my initial and (hopefully) most memorable experience with a severe case of the jitters commonly known as "buck fever." Perhaps there was a time when you had a touch of the fever yourself. Those who are unfortunate enough to fall under the influence of "buck fever" have been known to do such strange things as: shout "bang! bang!," leaving unfired rounds on the ground, and yell for a deer to stop without firing a single shot. I even remember reading of one hunter who downed his deer and then ran to put the tag on. He ended up with his deer, but two broken legs as well. In all the excitement he forgot he was in a treestand more than fifteen feet off of the ground! Nevertheless, as powerful as "buck fever" may seem, there is a force far stronger at work in our lives. An energy that frequently explodes and injures everyone with whom it comes in contact. This power that I'm referring to is not limited to a particular season of the year nor to a select group of people called "hunters." No, this destructive energy indwells and at times overrides every single member of the human race. Its name - the sinful nature. But God has not left us helpless. He has provided a "helper." There is someone who will take up residence in our life and begin bringing the sinful nature under control. His name - the Holy Spirit. If we have truly trusted Jesus Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit dwells inside of us and seeks to help us live lives that are pleasing to the Lord. As the apostle Paul told the believers in Rome, "You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ" (Romans 8:9).
Prayer: Father, help me to walk in the freedom that comes from Your Spirit. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 1994, 2004, Dr. Tom C. Rakow, Silver Lake, Minnesota Volume 1 & 5 Devotions for Deer Hunters
Used By Permission
More devotions to follow soon...
For more words of encouragement from fellow deer hunters, visit the Christian Deer Hunters Association website. www.christiandeerhunters.org
