| week 1 A great view of sunset in Wagner, South Dakota after an afternoon pheasant hunt. 1Cor 14:20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. This picture was taken in October of last year after a long afternoon hunt in weather were the wind chill was higher that the temperature. If you have never been pheasant hunt out in the Dakota's, each hunt is always an inspiring trip. One walks multiple 40 acre tracts pushing birds to rise for the hunt. It's hard work, with the elements sometimes not at your favor, but out there, you have the time to reflect on what is most important. Above is one of my favorite verses from the New Testement. To me, I interpret the message as patience in all things and by having patience, you gain understanding of the world around you and the plan that God has for you. Tip: When preparing to go a hunting trip, be sure to understand the weight limits on baggage for air travel. One member of our group last year spent an extra $100 to carry a $10 pair of rubber boots on the plane. Jeff Edwards |
| Week 2 Ephesians 5:15 "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise..." This past spring, I took my son turkey hunting for the first time. Understand, I am fairly new to hunting myself. However, I also believe the best way to really learn something is to teach it to others. We set-up early on private land in a small pop-up blind and waited for the first sounds of crows. Sure enough, as the sun came up and crows began calling, the first turkey gobbled. We practiced patience for a time but I knew my son was not going be content for too long especially when the gobblers went silent. We began moving about and stirred up another gobbler but he went silent moments later. Then I saw the problem, we had a coyote in the area. Looking back on it, I think we should have set-up on the coyote but I was not sure exactly what to do even if we had! Instead, my son got to see some wildlife up-close when that coyote got within 10 feet of me and my son and spooked. We did not hunt much longer after that encounter. We set-up on a target and my son got to fire off a 20-gauge for the first time. We enjoyed the time and he is ready to go get his first bird next year. This reminded me of what Paul wrote to the Ephesians in 5:15, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise..." In our moral behaviors we need to walk wisely. I could have pushed my son to hunt longer, it was still early but would that have been for him or me? In the same way, we need to be wise in facing temptation, in relationships with co-workers but especially in how we pass on our faith and heritage to the next generation. Sportsmen Tip: Know your limits and your partner(s). Always carry your ten essentials into the woods so you are prepared. Be sure to note how physical and mental strain may be causing stress in those you hunt with. Even the smallest outing can turn miserable if we're not wise. Loving Life! -- Ken L. Hagler, Lead Pastor Crossroads UMC 404.579.9753 cell 770.427.2886 fax www.crossroadsum.org |
| Week 3Waypoints For the last two weeks we have been talking about being lost. The majority of the world's inhabitants are still lost. Many of the folks you encounter each day are lost. You may have been lead to this devotional site because you have lost your way. Modern technology allows us to log our path into an unknown area using a GPS device and then use these waypoints to find our way back to our starting point. Do you know the waypoints to salvation? We have been or are lost and in need of salvation. If you need to find your way out of the world and into God's Kingdom or need to lead someone out, God has provided the waypoints in his Holy Word. Please avail yourself of the waypoints below. You will also find some supporting information to study to make your surroundings on the way home more familiar. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:10-12, James 2:10, Proverbs 14:12 Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the glory of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 2:1, Romans 5:12, Hebrews 9:27, Revelations 20:11-15 Romans 5:6-8 You see, at just the right time, when we were all still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Isaiah 53:5-6, 10-11, II Corinthians 5:21a, I Peter 1: 18-19, Colossians 2: 13-14 Romans 10:9-11 For if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord" and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Mark 1:15, 16, 18, Luke 9:23-24, Luke 14:35-35, Matthew 11:28-30 Romans 10:13 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. John 3:16-18, Romans 6:23b Romans 8:1-2 Therefore, there now is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Tip of the week: Remember to pack extra batteries for all your electronic devices. Another useful item is medical evacuation insurance. My sister travels all over the world on business and I believe she buys Med Jet Assist. She hasn't used it, thank the Lord! Doc Martin |
| Week 4MORNING TIME Read Isaiah 38: 19-20 This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 (NKJV) Several years ago I was visiting my daughter who had just given birth to a new baby. She was responsible for new baby and my responsibility was the three year old granddaughter, Laurie. One morning early I heard her coming into the den so I immediately got up because I did not want her to get into any trouble. As I met her in the den I was surprised to hear her say in that sweet little girl voice, "Oh, what a beautiful day, the sun is shining." Not being a morning person myself I thought: "Yes, but it is so early." God wants us to enjoy every day, every part of every day. I learned something that day from my granddaughter - we must use every part of His day to further His kingdom thanking Him for our blessings and constantly lifting up to Him our prayers . Our God is an awesome God and so generous to us as He blesses us. "Out of the mouth of my granddaughter", I learned a very valuable lesson. Prayer: Dear Father help us to remember that we can learn from children. Sometimes they are wiser than we are. We offer this prayer in name of your Son, Jesus Christ. AMEN Thought for the Day May we not be afraid to learn from our children. Carolyn S. Zeagler (Georgia) Submitted by: Carolyn S. Zeagler 6116 Rocky Ford Rd. Rocky Ford, GA 30455 |
