Highlife's Thoughts (Jeff's Blog)

Resolutions

January 17, 2022

Written by Jeff Roman

I know I’m a little behind. But it’s a new year so have you made any resolutions. I am not a resolution guy. But there’s one resolution I want to make and that’s the resolution to spend more time with God. How about you??

In the book of John chapter 4 verse 10 Jesus answered and said to her if you knew the gift of God and who it is who says to you give me a drink you would have asked him and he would have given you living water. The woman said to him. Sir you have nothing to draw with in the well is deep. Where than do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as well as sons and his livestock. Jesus answered and said to her, whoever drinks from this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.

It doesn’t matter where you are at in life. Doesn’t matter who you are. Doesn’t matter if you are an outdoorsman or a city slicker. If you do not have Jesus on your side you will not have a chance at eternal life. The only way to have that eternal life and have that ability to end up in heaven for eternal glory in Christ Jesus the only way is to understand that Jesus is the answer and you have to be able to drink the water that he is giving you. That is the water of Christ everlasting. If you haven’t done so yet give your life to Jesus and have eternal life forever.

Hunting, fishing, working, recreational time, all of the fun things in life will not add up to anything if you do not have Jesus. So get to know Jesus!!

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Storage

September 14, 2021

Written by Jeff Roman

I don’t care who you are whether you are an outdoorsman or not, male or female, a traveler or a stay at home person. Storage is always an issue. We just never seem to have enough storage space. I owned a 16 foot bass boat once it never had enough storage. Then I owned a 19 footer which was almost close to 20 foot it didn’t have enough storage in it either. Just seems like the more storage you have the more clutter you got to put in it. Am I not right?? You’re not gonna tell me you have enough storage because nobody does. My wife and I are both thrower awayers. Don’t know if those are real words or not. But that’s who we are. And we don’t have enough storage. I drive around and I see people with storage shed doors open. And I am floored at how much “stuff” they have packed in them. I think there’s another term for these kind of people but we won’t go into that now. If there’s one thing I do know in life we may not have enough storage, but in our spiritual life we don’t need extra storage space. Only thing we need to know is

Ephesians Chapter 2 verse eight; for by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that’s not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for a good works, which God prepared before hand that we should walk in them.

It’s plain. It’s simple. God is giving you a gift. He has given you his grace to be with him in heaven when that day comes. And you don’t need to store it up now, you don’t need to hold onto it, you don’t need to do anything. Other than continue your faith in Christ. It doesn’t take any extra storage. Believe with your heart, confess it with your mouth, it’s that easy!!

In the book of John chapter 3 verse 16. We’ve all heard it 1 million times but you can’t hear it enough. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not parrish but have everlasting life.

No storage container needed here. Believe and live forever.

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Productivity

July 17, 2021

Written by Jeff Roman

Colossians chapter 3 verse 23. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.

As Outdoorsman we know that we have to be productive. There’s always something to be doing. Something to be getting ready for. We have that bass tournament coming up or we have that deer stand to make because the coming season is fast approaching. Just like in every day life we have to be productive. Because if the bosses don’t think we’re productive then bad things start to happen.

Proverbs 14 verse 23. In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.

Each one of us each and every day needs to get up and be productive. We need to be productive in our work life, and our hobbies, in our home life, and of course we need to be productive in our spiritual life. Anybody who is out there right now, who is in the active workforce, knows how tough productivity is right now. For some reason it seems a whole lot of people out there don’t think they need to be productive. And that’s probably a topic for another subject and time. God doesn’t want us to be lazy. The Bible does talk a great deal about rest. But it also talks about productivity and we need to be productive for those that are around us.

Genesis chapter 2 verse 15 the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.

God demands us to do a lot of things and to be productive. But the one thing he really wants us to be productive in is knowing him!

Ephesians chapter 5 verses 15 through 17. Look at carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

The only way we can know the will of God for us is to know God better. Spend more time in prayer, and study in the Lord, and studying his word. We can’t know what his will is unless we know him and have a relationship with him. So let’s be productive! Let’s get to know Jesus!

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It Matters

April 18, 2021

Written by Jeff Roman

I don’t suppose you remember last months blog. I’m not sure why you would, I can’t remember yesterday let alone a month ago. But it was titled am I that smart? It started with scripture from Isaiah 55 chapter 8.

This is kind of a little continuation of that which is from Isaiah 55 chapter 10. For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth, it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the things for which I sent it.

As outdoorsman and people who love to be outside we think we know a lot. That’s probably pretty correct just about true for anybody on this planet. We all think we know some thing. So we need to be telling it. (some people call it Facebook. Lol) Outdoorsman are always telling stories about their last catch or their last hunt. How good they were at what they were doing otherwise they would not have been successful. Correct?? Because it’s all about what we know and that we’ve gotten good at what we do. Then the pride really sinks in we need to be telling others how imperfect they are and they need to be doing it my way or this way. I’m not saying everybody is this way because they’re not, and how else are we to learn if we don’t listen to somebody with experience. As long as that’s what they’re doing is teaching us from experience. And I am prideful at times and guilty of it too. Sometimes it just comes with age. I have the experience. I’ve lived it and done it so I know how it’s to be done correctly. When we speak are we being teachers or are we just being boastful ??

When Jesus spoke, people listened. When Jesus spoke they wanted to listen because what He spread in His words was the truth. So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth, it shall not return to me void. That’s what happen when Jesus spoke. People listen and they learn.

When we speak should people listen? What comes out of our mouth does it give seed to the sower and bread to the eater. Is it worth listening to or is it rubbish? It’s so hard today. With all the turmoil that’s going on in this world and here in America to listen to different media and listen to government officials and all claim they know what they’re talking about. Pretty hard to distinguish good seed from the weeds. But one thing is for sure the one word we need to be listening to is the word of Jesus. We need to be digging into His word. Learning His word because His word is truth. And His truth will always lead us. Unlike listening to anybody else we don’t know where it’s leading us so we have to sort out things to know what’s true and what’s not true. There are great people to listen to here but we have to be careful that we are listening to the right ones. And the one constant that you’ll always have is knowing that if you listen to Jesus, His words will always be true.

Isaiah 55 chapter 12 for you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace, the mountains in the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

Grab your Bible. Learn God‘s word. And when you do you shall go out with joy and be let out with peace. It will cause you to break out in singing and you know that the hands of God will be clapping.

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Am I That Smart?

March 18, 2021

Written By Jeff Roman

Isaiah chapter 55 verse eight, God speaking
“ for My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “ for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

As outdoorsman have we ever tried to outsmart ourselves. We read and read and read trying to gather as much information as we can. Try to learn from somebody who thinks they are in the know. Trying to learn the new techniques the new patterns the new electronics and new baits. I am not saying these are bad things because they’re not they are good things but is all this time we are thinking are we getting smarter, or just more prideful? Believe it will help us put more fish in the boat. Increase that weight in the live well. If you are a tournament angler that is. But sometimes we just get too smart for our own britches. Sometimes we start thinking too much. As it says in the book of Isaiah that I just wrote, God's thoughts are way above our thoughts. If we go out and have a bad day on the water we think it's something that we did. It was our fault. I need to learn more. Need to learn more so I can be a better fisherman so I don’t have days like this. I lost that big bass today because I did something stupid in the retrieve. Did a poor job of netting or landing. Or it was my partners fault for not having been there closer to help. It had to be somebody’s fault. How do we know things just didn’t happen because it was God's choosing. God‘s thoughts are way above ours and he has a reason why things happen. Maybe there was that day you had a bad day on the water so that somebody else had a good day on the water and that was God's choosing. Maybe setting an example. Letting somebody else having a great day was meant to happen for a particular reason by God. God said the heavens are higher than the earth and my ways are higher than your ways. Who are we to argue that. We can think what we want and we can put a lot of pride in ourselves and think it’s all about us. But it’s not. We need to take that pride out and we need to leave it to God. So when you’re having a bad day or even a good day just remember there are reasons why things happen and sometimes it’s not in our control. Probably most the time it’s not. We have to leave it to God and trust Him because we know that He has told us His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways and we have to trust Him in that. Remember it’s not all about us!
It’s about our relationship with God! Put that first and see where He leads you!!

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Can I?????

February 12, 2021

Written By Jeff Roman

As outdoorsman we're always wondering.......

CAN I ??????? Can I be a professional bass angler? Can I really go out each and every day and compete and make a living catching fish and not just any fish. I’m talking bass. If you’re not a bass fisherman you probably won’t get that. But that’s OK, it’s not the point.

But it is the same with any sport or hobby that you are interested in. Doesn’t matter if you’re a hunter. Could I be a hunting guide? Could I take people out each and every day and make a living by showing people how to get that trophy hunt under their belt? With that saying can I cross it off my bucket list. Help that hunter achieve that prized bear kill to mark it off his bucket list is that something I could do for a living?

We all have dreams or had dreams. About being that star football player or professional baseball player. How about a pool shark? And I’m talking somebody good at billiards not chasing real sharks. LOL.

Of course there are things that limit us. Natural ability. Special gifts that God has given us to do certain things. But that’s not at all what I’m talking about here. Working in Gods will that’s a whole different subject. What I’m talking about here is as a human being going out and doing things that are above and beyond. Above and beyond what we think we are capable of doing. Going out and making a difference! So many people get up each and every day and suffer through a job, a work experience, daily experiences that they are just not happy with. And even if you are happy with your daily life, what are you doing for the Kingdom. What are you doing for others? So you work most of your life and now you’re retired and you get up and go fishing every day. Or you are playing golf every day. I’m not saying some of that is not a good thing because you’ve earned it or we think we have anyway. But what are we doing for the world around us? What are we doing for God‘s Kingdom?

In the book of James chapter 5 verse 17
Elijah was a man .... JUST LIKE US... and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.

This is one powerful scripture! God shows us everywhere in the Bible how He takes ordinary people and does extraordinary and miraculous things. He can do those things with us and through us also. We need to pray, we need to have faith, we need to trust God and where He leads us. Keep praying and then move forward with what God ask us to do. Do you think you can make a difference?? Did Elijah know that he could make a difference?! Start praying and make a difference!!

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New Years Resolutions

January 5, 2021

Written By Jeff Roman

I have never been one to put much emphasis or thoughts into New Year’s resolutions. I really believe we need to be our best each and every day. Of course failing each and every day. Or at least most of the time it seems like. For myself anyway. In the outdoor world we’re looking at the coming year for all of the highlights, and the memories we can make. Making New Year’s resolutions that we are going to do better in our hobbies. Resolutions of practicing harder for tournaments. Or laying a better foundation for that hunting trip. A New Year’s resolution that if I work harder and smarter, adapt myself with better equipment that I will have a better year. And you don’t have to be an outdoorsman to have these kind of resolutions. That New Year’s resolution of stopping those bad habits of smoking or drinking or swearing or not being kind enough to those around us. Whatever those resolutions may be. I’m not saying resolutions aren’t good they are at times, especially if we live up to them. Someone asked me the other day what my resolution was for this year. I did come up with one. To finish the important things. So much of our lives are spent doing wasted energy absorbing non-meaning tasks. So I have to put my good foot forward and work on those things that mean something.

The first of those things is sharing the gospel. And it means sharing the gospel more. I want to share right now with you one thing that we all need to be doing more and maybe we can all make this part of our New Year’s resolutions.
That’s learning God‘s word. How can we know what God expects from us if we don’t know who God is. What are His attributes? What does He bring to us each and every day. What can we expect from Him and what does He expect from us?

It’s just like with your employer or your fishing partner unless you know them or the job requirements or the capabilities of your partner how can you get better at it?? Whether you are a consistent churchgoer or you are on the fence on whether there is a God or not how can you make any kind of a rational smart educated decision without knowing first the word. His word. So everybody’s resolution could be to get in God‘s word.

First, what would that take? Probably having a Bible in your hand. I ask people frequently if they own one. Those that don’t, I have one for them. But often times I get, yes I do, but I don’t have a clue where it’s at. I really should get that out and study it more. And I say “ Yes” you should. Let’s start off this new year right. Let’s get a Bible, let’s dive into it, let’s get to know His word. It’s not a twice a year church service. Or a weekly Sunday service. It’s sitting down each and every day reading, hearing, and listening for God‘s word. Every day God gives us a breath. That’s a blessing. Find out how many more blessings He has for us by getting into His word.
Happy New Years!!

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Feeling Empty

October 30, 2020

Written By Jeff Roman

Psalm 81 :10 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, open your mouth wide, and I will fill it

Yes I have slacked. Can't believe it's been this long since I wrote my last blog. We all know the times are trying, but that's no excuse. The only excuse I have is that I probably have felt empty and just did not know what to write. For you outdoorsman out there you know what empty means. An empty live well at the end of tournament day or an empty bag after spending all day beating the brush for game. It's just not a good feeling. And as we live our every day lives that empty feeling. When you're not feeling loved by somebody. When the coffer might be dry when the bills are due. When things at work just are't going the way they should be. Oh yeah don't forget Covid. How wonderful has that been. And I sure hope you can read the sarcasm in that!

Ephesians 3:17-19. That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

It's so hard when our tank feels empty. But we have to know that through the blood of Christ and what He has done for us and what He continues to do for us each and every day that He will refill our tank. All we have to do is seek Him and find Him. Once we are walking with Him that emptiness goes away. So regardless of what is going on in your life these days, remember Jesus is there to fill the tank. Don't settle for that empty feeling settle for Jesus!!

Psalm 126 : 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “the Lord has done great things for them. The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad!”

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It's Just Wrong!

April 10, 2020

Written by Jeff Roman

Aaaaarrrrrrrrgggggggg!!!

I can’t believe I have not written anything in such a long time. I can’t even tell you when the last time I wrote!? I couldn’t tell you if it’s been six months or a year or something in between I just know it’s been too long. This was supposed to been a once a month blog that I put out to help us all support our walk and relationship with Jesus Christ. Me helping you and you helping me for a stronger relationship with Him. Because that’s what we are commanded to do. I know we can get so wrapped up into what our lives are and there is a little extra stuff going on these days. Unless you live under a rock you know what I mean. But that’s still no excuse. We need to make time for Jesus. And that needs to be on a regular basis. And that’s not even correct. Regular basis doesn’t even cover it. It needs to be nonstop all day long every day Him first.

1 Thessalonians 5:16... rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. See right here, pray without ceasing. Praying, that’s how we communicate with our Lord. And we are to do it nonstop. But days and events seem to get in the way. We have to remember that if we put our trust in God it is amazing what he can do for us.

Isaiah 40: 31... but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk, and not faint. He is our breath and our restoration in times of stress and in times when we feel like there’s no hope. But the key is giving Him the time and making sure we spend enough time with Him. We cannot put Him on the back burner. He does not put us on the back burner. We are first and foremost in His eyes.

Galatians 2:20... I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.

We have this glorious and wonderful Easter weekend to look forward to. We May not be with the group of people we want to be with. We may not be in a church to celebrate. We may not have the same celebration as normal. But the crucifixion is real. And we have to realize what Jesus has done for us and understand that with or without the other distractions Christ still died for us. Celebrate this Easter weekend. Celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus. Celebrate, it’s because you know what He did for you and I. And remember we need to make time for this. Do not let all the other distractions get in the way. Make time for Jesus because if you don’t .”It’s just wrong"

“ for the believer there is hope beyond the grave, because Jesus Christ has opened the door to heaven for us by his death and resurrection. “ Billy Graham

Have a wonderful Easter celebration from Highlife Outdoor Ministry.

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Keep It Simple

September 25, 2019

By Jeff Roman

Hebrews 12:1-2 "therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning it’s shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

As outdoorsman and women we have a tendency to overdo it. We want to make sure we have the best and the latest equipment. We are up on all the latest gadgets, trinkets, handheld devices and whatever technology we can get our hands on to help us locate the quarry we are after. We wanna make sure that we don’t miss out on anything. We have to be up there with the Jonese's when it comes to making sure nobody is one step ahead of us because we want to get there first. Sometimes competition is its own worst enemy for us. If you’re not in competition you might not understand this last statement but if you are you absolutely do. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying our sport and the outdoors to the fullest limits that we have. God gave it to us to enjoy. But sometimes we overdo it. We just need to learn to keep it simple and probably enjoy it so much more.

1 Timothy 6:6-7 “ but godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it."

Learning to make things simple in the outdoors would probably free up time to spend more time in the outdoors. It’s also like our spiritual life. If we were to keep it simple and to understand that it’s plain and simple that Jesus is the answer. Our spiritual life would be so much easier. It is that easy. Jesus is our Lord and Savior. Without him we have nothing. Without him we have no future or hope or eternal life.
Something as simple as just getting to know Jesus we know that we have all of these things. We have a future, with hope, and eternal life.

Matthew 6:33 “ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Keep it simple , Jesus is the answer!

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