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Eyes Wide Open

By Jeff Roman

 

 Psalm 119:37 - Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things, and give me life in your Ways.
As outdoorsman and really anybody in life, we have to keep our eyes open. When we are out on the boat fishing ,getting ready for that tournament morning, we have to keep our eyes open. We need to be looking for signs. Signs that tell us we are in the right spot. Looking for bait fish in the area we are in. Looking for movement in the water to see if there is any signs of life at all. Looking for the water conditions that would put the species we are seeking in this area. It’s all about our eyes and focusing and paying attention. And it’s no different for anybody. Every day we need to keep our eyes open. We don’t want to be the one in the paper the next morning that everyone reads about that stepped out in front of that Greyhound bus because they didn’t look before they stepped off the sidewalk . We always have to keep our eyes open and be attentive and learning and not making mistakes that could cost us a small accident or worse our life. These little accidents happen so fast. I know it too so well. I stepped off my deck the other morning on the way to work did not have my eyes open and did not see the deck was wet and slipped off, causing great pain in my elbow, arm and back. Ouch, and it happened so quickly ! All because I wasn’t keeping my eyes open. I know we can all relate to stories like this. So whether we are in the outdoors enjoying our pastime or at home with our loved ones we have to keep our eyes open. 
Ephesians 1:18-  Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened,That you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the Saints.
Just like our walk with Jesus, our Lord and Savior. We have to keep our eyes open. We have to be looking for what he is showing us. And seeking him out. He wants us to walk with him. He knows us, but he wants us to know him. And the only way to do this is by keeping our eyes open and focused on him. With our eyes shut bad things can happen. Just like not having our eyes focused on him, the devil can get in the way. And bad things can happen. So to avoid those devilish moments. To avoid us making mistakes and creating sin, we need to keep our eyes open and focused on him.
John 9:25 - He answered, “ whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”
So make sure we are not one of the blind. Make sure we are doing what we need to be doing to walk with the Lord. Living the way He has taught us. Doing what we need to do to help our fellow man. And the only way to do this is by knowing His word, the gospel, learning it and living it, and passing it on to others, so they can see too!
John 3:16 - “ for God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in Him should not Parrish but have eternal life. For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.
As outdoorsmen and all those who Love the Beautiful playground the Lord has created, may we be able to keep our eyes on Him. Seek him out. The reward is great, eternal life with Him, IN HEAVEN!

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Walking

 
By Jeff Roman
As outdoorsmen, men and women what are all the things they tell us walking is good for. They tell us it’s good for our health, like lowering our blood pressure reducing our cholesterol helping our vascular and breathing, making our muscles stronger and strengthen our minds, and it slows the pace of life down, and if you’re walking with somebody it draws you closer to them. Closer to them and getting to know them better and be able to hear them with out all the ruckus of the world going on. All this is no different when you are walking with God. 
Ephesians 2/10 for we are his creation,created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them. 
Just like when you and your spouse or friend go out on your morning or evening walks, spending time together. They get to find out what’s really on each other‘s minds, how their day went, they’re able to talk to one another without the disturbances of others around. They can focus on each other without the hustle and bustle of the television being on, kids in and out of the house, trying to prepare a meal and all the other ruckus around. Out on that walk it’s just them, full concentration. That is the same way when you walk with God, the  two of you have full concentration on each other. You will be able to hear more what  God is trying to tell you. You’ll understand his words better when it’s just the two of you walking together. When you have that alone time, that is what I’m talking about, alone time, with full concentration, with God in your heart, it’s just you —and Him — together —things become clearer. It will draw the two of you closer. 
Hebrews 10:,20 - to let us continue to come near with sincere hearts in the full assurance that faith provides, because our hearts have been sprinkled plane from a guilty conscience, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. 
Keeping a close walk with God also helps with our sin or the lack of. When we have God in the forefront of our mind and we are with him we are less likely to sin. We all know that if we have somebody looking over our shoulder, like our bosses, employers, the banker even our spouses and children, friends and family, watching our every move we are more apt to do things correctly. When there is no visible means of awareness from anyone around us that’s when we fall and we do things we probably shouldn’t or take the easy way out or just plain don’t finish jobs that need to be done or worse yet, we create a sin. If we have God in the forefront of our minds and He is with us, walking with us on a continuous basis, we will get the jobs done that need to be done, we will create an environment for others that is healthy and  we will take sin out of our lives.
Romans 13–13 let us walk with decency, as in the daylight, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual impurity, promiscuity, not in quarreling and jealousy. 
Unlike in walking, which is much quieter, when we are running and we have everything full speed ahead it seems that that’s when things get jumbled up, we are trying to connect with God and we can’t do it running at full speed. We all know as well as I do, when life is running at full tilt and there are 100 things to do, finding time with God is hard, finding time to walk with God is harder, and when those things happen and you don’t get that time that’s when it seems the problems occur like unnecessary health issues and accidents, jobs and tasks that need to be done don’t get done, then there’s that devil in the back of your head causing sin. You have all seen that cartoon or in the movie where the devil will pop up on the left shoulder and Jesus pops up on the right shoulder and then they have to decide who they’re going to listen to. It seems that when you are running you will look to the left and if you are a walking you look in the right direction. And if you should happen to stumble and make the wrong decision remember this.
 John 1/9 if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. But then we have to get back in that walk with him. 
I can’t write here and tell you that life is not hectic, does not have scary moments, is not going to be frustrating and feel like a jumbled mess at times but I can write here and tell you that if we walk with God, He will give ease and comfort to those that are willing to know Him and walk with Him. And I know this is true because we are told in
Colossians 1: 10 “so that you might live in a manner worthy of the Lord and be fully pleasing to Him as you bear fruit while doing all kinds of good things and growing in the full knowledge of God. You are being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might, so that you might patiently endure everything with joy.”
As Luke told us in his gospel message
10: 25-28 -you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself. And if you do this, you will live. 
So if you haven’t done it, set aside some time each day to walk with God, and see the great place He will lead you. To eternal life with Him - in heaven. 

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Which End??

 
By Jeff Roman
Proverbs 10 : 4-5. A slack hand causes poverty, let the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame
Which end do you want to be on the top end or the bottom end. What I am talking about here is being the best that you can be or just being there. It seems like a really stupid question because you would think the answer would be really obvious but look at the world today. Where do you think people really want to be? I look all around me and see so many people trying not to be The best they can be.  My goodness if I did that they would expect more that's what’s going through their heads.
 Proverbs 16: 3.  Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established
As outdoorsman we always have a goal in mind. We always have something we are pursuing. Are we doing it the best that we can or are we just going through the motions to say we did it. Do we give 110% each time we are out there enjoying the outdoors. I’m not saying we have to make work of it I’m just saying are we giving it our best. Do we truly enjoy what we are doing and doing it for the right reasons. Are we making the lives of those around us better or are we just being selfish and getting out of the crowd. God wants us to enjoy the outdoors he also wants us to be the best at every task that we involve ourselves in.
2 Timothy 2:15.  Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
Whether it’s the outdoors we are talking about or whether it’s your daily job or your home life or any other situation you put yourselves in to. Are we being the best that we can be and if we are not,why not? He has given us everything we need. All the resources, all the talent to be successful in this world today. It is our job to take that up. Use the abilities He has given us and make the most of it and show the world today that we are the best. The best at who we can be!!
Colossians 3:17.  And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through Him. 
            

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Let Spring Be Here

 By Jeff Roman
Wow have we finally seen the end of winter???!!!!
    Song of Solomon 2:11-12. For behold, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtle dove is heard in our land.
    Finally was able to drag the boat out of the garage as I have been preparing it for the last several weeks to be ready for this day. Wasn’t planning on going far or be out long just want the opportunity to be out on a 60° day. Drove out of town to the usual boat ramp on that long stretch of the canal that is very popular among us locals and even popular for some not so close. This little stretch out here has gotten a reputation for holding some very nice bass throughout the year. I was amazed when I pulled up there, there was only one other boat in the water. There sat the lone trailer in the parking lot. It wouldn’t be that way before I left. There will be a few more who will have arrived. It was late morning and the sun was already high and what a beautiful day it started out to be. The only bad thing was there was an east wind and it is Sunday. And as we all know the fish don’t bite on the seventh day. LOL. I’m not sure how many other fishermen are out there that believe the same thing. You’ve heard all the stories all week long how people are tearing them up and then on the one day that you’re able to get out there they are just not biting. And that was holding true for today too. But what a great day it was just to be out. The equipment in the boat was all in order. Rods and reels we’re ready to be used. Tackle had all been organized and was in place and readily accessible. We have done our due diligence. We have put in the time and the effort to be ready for this. Boy, does spring feel good!
   Hosea 6:3. Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord. His going out is sure as the dawn, he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth. 
    Is your spring ready for God?? Have you been doing what you need to do to draw yourself closer to Him. Have you been learning more about him, and what he can do for you as you prepare yourself for him? 
Sometimes winter is hard on us for many reasons. Winter takes away our focus on many things and sometimes it takes away our focus on Him too. Spring is here and spring brings us new things. Brings back to life many things that have been dead and gone for a while. Spring can also bring us back to him. Let’s be doing what we can be doing to learn more and develop our walk and relationship with him.
      Genesis 1:14 and God said,” let there be light and the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years,”
        Spring fishing is a wonderful time. 
But if you want an awesome time, get to know your God!!

                
 

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Ups and Downs

By Jeff Roman

Hebrews 6:19. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. 

Wow, we are right in the middle of winter time. Some say that we are on the downhill side. After coming to work today and it’s below zero with the windchill it doesn’t feel like it’s on the downhill side. 

Really, there is no hunting season going on. There is very poor ice, if any ice left, even after I just said it’s below zero this morning. There just isn’t much going on. I guess we could be working on our tackle and equipment and getting it ready for the upcoming season. But for some reason I'm just not into it. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1. There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: 

All the seasons that we endure all year long and in our life we seem to have ups and downs. Some hunting seasons are very bountiful, while others produced very little, if anything. Fishing season can be feast or famine. If we are a tournament angler there are some seasons the trophies just pile up and other seasons they are few and far between. Like the fish we are chasing!

But what do we do as outdoorsman during these down times, during the seasons that are not so good. We have to immerse ourselves in to what we are doing. We have to read more, learn more, practice more, be more in tune to what we are navigating in. We have to jump in with both feet and use our heads and get our minds and bodies going in the right direction to lift ourselves up out of those downturns. We have to have a positive attitude knowing that it will turn around. And keep working in that direction.

Joshua 1:9. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Just like everything else we do in life our spiritual life has seasons to. It seems to have ups and downs. And when we get into that downtime when we do not feel connected to the Lord or we just do not have the sense that He is near us we have to work harder at it. We have to work harder for Him. We have to immerse ourselves into His words. We need to be doing the things that draws us closer to Him. We need to pick up His word, The Bible ,and read. We need to be reading devotionals every day. We need to be looking for people who will also help bring us closer to Him. Being around like-minded Christians so even though we’re not hearing His word we will be seeing His word. There is an education process here too, we need to be educating ourselves and we do that by getting to know Him better through His word and through the acts of those around us. So if you’re going through a downtime in your spiritual life look for something to read there is a lot of reading material out there. Look for someone to talk to. And remember, The Bible is a great place to start.

Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer, my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold!

Highlife Outdoor Ministry.

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Don't Be Afraid

 By Jeff Roman

Isaiah 41:10"So do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

As outdoorsman and adventurers of the great outdoors sometimes we have to put our fear aside. Not that many of us will do this but know it's on a few peoples bucket list. Hunting bear! Hunting bear is going to have to take an enormous amount of courage to do. Most of us are not going to be hunting bear or heading to Africa on a wild adventures safari of some kind. Not saying that some of you haven't already done this but is just not an everyday feat we are all capable of undertaking. Most of us are getting up every day and our passion or joy is expressed in either duck hunting, deer hunting or chasing down that elusive black bass. These are all more in the realm of our adventure zone.

Psalm 56:3 "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."

In most of our outdoor activity especially if you are seasoned at it, fear does not usually come into your mind very often. Usually the only fear you have is if you were to miss out on a day of being out. But there are times when we do have to be thinking and a little fear creeps in. Days when maybe the weather is a little unfavorable and it is pouring down rain and muddy and it becomes very difficult to be on foot. Maybe some fear sneaks in that we have to be a little extra cautious so that we make it back safely to the campsite or our truck so we can make it safely home. And there are days when we are rumbling up river on that morning chasing those bass all around looking for that next limit when the wind picks up and there becomes a three foot chop on the water, a little fear creeps in our heads and tells us we need to be a little more careful and watch our driving so we get back to the boat ramp safely. Fear is always in the back of our mind but it does not control us.

2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound mind."

We know as outdoormen if we want to further our adventures in the outdoors and become better at the hobby we have chosen sometimes we have to live by these words "do not be afraid." The only way we are going to get better and fully enjoy the outdoors is to learn more about them and take the next leap of faith that lets us learn more and become better adaptable chasing quarry of our choice. We can not be afraid to take that next step to become better hunters, fishermen, rock climbers, hikers,whatever we happen to be doing in the outdoors. To advance we have to put that fear aside. And then learn and grow.

Psalm 94:19 "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul."

Just like in our spiritual lives. And in our lives we are trying to live for Jesus Christ. We have to become more like Christ. We have to listen to His words"do not be afraid." We have to grow in Him and in His truth. We need to spend time listening to his gospel and reading it. Just like in our outdoor activities we can not be afraid, we can not be afraid to learn more about Him and learn more what He can do for us, become more dependent on Him.

1 John 4:18  "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who FEARS is not made perfect in love."

So-"DO NOT BE AFRAID!"

 

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What's Ahead?

By Jeff Roman

Matthew 6:25. "For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink, nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they are? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?

As 2017 becomes a memory for us all, and 2018 becomes a reality. Whether 2017 was a glorious year for you or a year of trials and bumps. We look back at all the times where something did not go quite right. That time when we were running up river on tournament morning and that underwater log caught the prop and sheared a blade off of that stainless steel prop, and there we sat dead in the water. Or how about that time we were duck hunting and that storm blew in and changed the wind direction and blew about 40 miles an hour when the weatherman said there would be no wind that day at all. It completely changed our hunting day. Or that day we were out stalking deer looking for signs and we stepped in a hole and twisted our ankle and had to call it a day. And also at home when the furnace went out or a drain plugged or the central air quit working. Or when a couple of the kids become sick and the doctors could not quite put a handle on it. Or the period of time the boss was all over you and you do not quite understand why. Even though we really had a good year there always seems to be a day or two when trials and bumps pop up. At that time it always seems disastrous.

Isaiah 41:10. "Do not fear, for I am with you, do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

As we prepare for 2018 and look forward to all of the days and events we have coming up whether it be work related or for fun remember this, for Him to help us and to always be by your side and to really get to know His understanding, and what He can do for us, we must have a relationship with Him. He is always with you, but He will always seem closer to us when we are closer to Him. It is fine and good to get that fishing gear ready, plan that vacation, finish off that hunting season and look forward to 2018. But let us not forget Him because He will not forget us. Work on your walk and relationship and get to know him better. See the difference He will make!!

Deuteronomy 31:6. "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you."

HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!!

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Never Give Up

By Jeff Roman

Jeremiah 29:11. "for I know the plans I have for you"declares the Lord. "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

It was a long hot day, or so it seemed. We had been fishing very hard all morning. It felt like 3 o'clock in the afternoon as the sweat from the 95 degree and 100% humidity came pouring off my head and dripped onto my shirt sleeve. I looked down at my watch and it said 8:30 am. Oh my, really, only 8:30. Feels like we have been here all day, and without a bite.

It was the fourth tournament of the season and things have not been going well. Did not seem to matter how much time we practiced or how good practices were we just were not able to catch them on tournament day.

Another hunting season had fallen upon us. I have not been able to hunt the previous year due to work commitments, family commitments, and then a series of small illnesses which kind of kept me inside. So looking forward to this year. Spent the entire summer and fall putting out trail cams, putting up new deer stands. Doing all my homework to make sure there were deer in the are and I had properly placed stands where they needed to be. Watching the trail cams and seeing we were going to have good deer opportunities to look forward to And here it is the last day of the season as the clock is ticking down and we have not seen anything all season long. Where did they go, what have I done wrong?!

Work has been stressful. I put in all overtime they asked me to put in. I do all the little things that they ask of me and then on top of that I do things for the company and business that are not even required or expected but that they do notice and have given words of compliment to. Never late, or complain, or short change a full days work.

That new promotion should be mine. But as it is posted on the bulletin board who received it my name is not on there. Somebody in the workforce that I have never even heard of. And come to find out later they have only been there for six months where I have been there for 12 years. How did they manage to get it and I was over looked?

2 Chronicles 15:7 But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.

Do any of these scenarios sound familiar?? Are any of these scenarios you??

A tough year of fishing. A tough year of hunting. A tough year at work. Or all of the above. We all go through tough times in our lives. When it just seems like it does not matter how hard we try or work at things. They just do not turn out!

Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I  am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand.

During these tough times NEVER GIVE UP!! Learn to rely and trust in Him. Jesus Christ. Spend more time with His word. Spend more time working on that relationship to get to know Him better. He tells us over and over that if we rely on Him things will work out. They may not work out the way we want them to work out, that is were the trust in Him comes in. He knows the plan for you and I. And He has a special plan for you and I. If we rely and trust in Him, His plan for us will work out and like He tells us it will be good.

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

You have to remember His plan for you and for us and for all of us is to lead us in one direction, but how we get there His plan is different for each of us. But that direction for us is inevitably, straight up. And it is called Heaven!!

 

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Homework

By Jeff Roman

When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child, but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (One Corinthian's 13:11)

I cannot count the many ways that I am blessed. There are to many and they are to numerous. And most of us probably fall into the same boat. Which is a good boat to be in.

The last tournament of the season (which for me was only the second one of the year) is in one of my favorite places to go and fish. Mid-October is can be stocked full of small mouth bass. And guess what?, this year it was. And only being in the second tournament I fished all year, it is one tournament I do not want to miss because I love being there. The place where it is does not matter, because we all have one of those places. That place that is special beyond words whether it be because of the fishing or the natural beauty or because of the camaraderie that is shared by those that are there at the time. this place happens to hold all three of those qualities for me.

For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. (1-Corinthians 13:12)

One of the things I have been truly blessed with are the amazing friends I have. And I have been blessed with many. One such friend is that of my tournament partner who I spent this weekend with. This body of water that we were on is also very special to him. So special that he owns a trailer at a campground only a mile from the boat ramp. He spends every extra minute he has at that camper and on that water fishing all year long. You could say he had done his homework for this tournament. The river did rise approximately 6 feet over the previous two weeks leading up to our event. Even with that he had done his homework and stayed on top of what the fish were doing. So when it came time the homework he had done paid off for us. A good bag of smallies on day one and in fourth place and then a better bag on Sunday(got some bigger ones to bite) and we captured first place! An amazing weekend where the homework paid off and we were able to hoist the winning prize!

Homework is important! Are we doing enough homework in our spiritual life? God's grace and salvation is free for the asking. It is given to us without any strings attached. But we have to do our homework to know and understand it. And get to know Him better. We need to be doing our homework to get to know Him better to work on our walk and relationship with Him so that one day we can hoist that special winning prize. Our entrance into heaven!! Are you doing your homework?

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three, but the greatest of these-is love! (1 Corinthians 13:13)

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Are You Ready???

Written by Jeff Roman

Luke 21:36"But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man"

It does not matter which of the outdoor hobbies you are entrenched in, from standard shore fishing to tournament bass fishing to sporting clay's or duck hunting, even deer hunting you have to be on the ready.

Whether it is a line and a lure or a shotgun of some type, being prepared and ready is a must. And that is being prepared and ready for anything that can happen during the day good or bad. Anytime those little incidental things that happened during the day you are able to survive and carry-on and maybe not have a day end in pure misery.

When that lure comes flying back at you after missing a strike and gets caught in your arm and buries itself passed the barb. Are you prepared and ready for what needs to be done? Do you know the "line trick" to get it out? Or do you have the proper pliers to be able to snip the hook off to be able to push the hook through? You are out hunting and your dog comes up lame with an injured paw because of something it has walked through. Are you going to be able to get yourselves back to the truck so you can get your dog medical attention? Any time something comes up are we ready? Even when good things happen like we catch the fish of a lifetime is the camera ready? Is the camera ready to take that photo so that we can keep that memory forever? Good or bad are we ready?

Romans 13:11 "Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep, for now salvation is nearer to us then when we believed."

The Bible is full of statements about being prepared. All of the gospels have preparation quotes in them. All of the prophets told about being prepared. There are endless amounts of stories told in Bible about being prepared. So do you think preparation is important when it is being told to you so many times? Absolutely!!! Do not underestimate preparation. We need to be preparing for Him. We need to work on preparation with Him and for Him every day.

Is it just crazy to think that "Ok I have tomorrow to do this". When was the last time you were out in the field and something happened and you thought to yourself wow if I would only have done this differently and been prepared we would be ready for this situation.

That has happened to all of us at some point in time whether hunting or fishing or whatever we are doing. And sometimes you can get away with it, but we will not get away with it when He comes for us, we better be prepared. There is no tomorrow after He calls us.

Just like in 1 Corinthians 16:13 "Be on the alert, stand firm in faith, act like a man, be strong.

Are you ready???

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So Why Aren't You?

Written by Jeff Roman

As outdoorsmen, whether you are a fisherman or a hunter, certain things need to be practiced and practiced well. To really get the full effect of enjoying the outdoors and what we are trying to accomplish.

If you are a tournament bass angler, which I know a lot of you are and at one time I put myself in that category, there are many things we had to have ready and be fully prepared for to be competitive and have a chance to win. You knew before you ever hit the water the boat had to be completely ready. You could not miss anything and still have a chance to win. You could not forget to put gas in or check the oil, had to make sure you had good line on your rod and reel, make sure all your baits were packed in an orderly fashion so you can get to them quickly when you needed to change. All the things that you were taught by others you had to put into effect so you would be competitive and at your best the day of. 

Going out and expecting to get your limit of geese or ducks on the day of opening season. You had to make sure you were ready, you had to put into practice all the things you were taught by others and all the things you have learned so when opening day came it would be a successful hunt. Making sure the decoys were put out in a fashion that would draw the birds in. Making sure they were set up with correct wind direction. Making sure your guns and ammo, the dogs were ready for a day that you would never forget.

But are we also doing all the things we need to be doing in our spiritual life to???? It is easy to say we believe. Just like it is easy to say we are a tournament fisherman or a goose hunter. But if we do not practice and practice hard or practice things we are taught and do them the correct way we will not be successful.

In Luke 6:46

"But why do you call me Lord, Lord; and do not the things which I say."

If we are going to be followers of Christ and want that eternal life with him and with all the ones who have gone before us we must practice and do what he has told us is correct. Just like coming in at the end of a tournament with the prize winning catch or finishing a day on the water with a full limit of geese or ducks we must do what he says so that we will get his prize. Eternal life in Heaven!!

So why aren't you?? So listen to Him. Work on your walk and relationship with Him, practice, practice, practice.

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