Daily Devotional

[Ronnie W. Stark]

Bible Study Verses
Matthew 16:1-4
The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. He replied, "When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." Jesus then left them and went away. (NIV)

Thoughts
Long-range radar, internet, satellite phones, and global satellite positioning weather overlays: these are some of the amazing electronics available to mariners for monitoring the weather when working or playing at sea. We place great trust in these instruments; yet our understanding of the weather conditions remains only as good as the images these electronics provide. If they fail us offshore, we can only look to the sky for the information we need.

The Pharisees and the Sadducees placed their faith only in what they could see. Jesus knew their demands for a supernatural sign came out of closed hearts and unbelief; and so, He denied them the answer to their "test" question. Before becoming a Christian, I also searched for proof of God, seeking some sign in the physical realm. Because of my lack of faith, I did not find it.

Time passed until one November morning I sought God with an open, believing heart. It was in that moment I found what I had been seeking. When I truly believed and accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior by faith, He showed me, and continues to show me, many miracles.
(Will D)

Action Point
"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see," Hebrews 11:1 (NIV).

I pray that you place your hope and faith in the certainty of Jesus Christ. The things you see can fail you, but the Word of God and His saving grace never will.

[Ronnie W. Stark]

Bible Study Verse
Mathew 4:19
And He said to them, Come after Me [as disciples letting Me be your Guide], follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men!
(The Amplified Bible)

Thoughts
I was recently asked to teach a fly tying class at the local library. This was a labor of love, as I've been "tying" for twenty-eight years. As I began to prepare for this, I reflected about the gatherings to which our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, spoke: mixed audiences, young and old, some familiar with the script, some who came for the free food, many searching for positive reinforcement and satisfaction in their life. Armed with these biblical thoughts, I began to prepare my fly tying presentation.
(Carl B)

[Ronnie W. Stark]

Commend Them
When people commend themselves, it doesn't count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them. (NLT) ( 2 Corinthians 10:18 )

It can be hard being around someone who is quick to tell you of their accomplishments and boast about themselves. Yet, we, ourselves, get carried away in seeking praise when we just found success. Boasting begins to inflate our identity of ourselves and places importance on human opinions. Are we seeking human praise over the invaluable praise of God? The next time you feel a great sense of accomplishment, try telling God first. He will delight that you are coming to Him and He will praise you greatly.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Bible Study Verse
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so people can improve each other. (NCV)

Thoughts
What a great spot my son and I found a natural salt lick the deer were digging into. They would visit this spot daily and it was obvious that there were decent buck around. The most intriguing part of the scenario was the fact that, with many trails leading to the lick, there was not a tree within 50 yd for an archery stand.

It was time for something different. We set up a ground blind within 30 yd of the lick in the thickest grass under a tree. We could see any deer that approached the lick from three directions. Wouldn't you know it, I looked over my son's shoulder only to see three does standing less than 10 yd away. They came in unexpectedly and silently from the 4th direction. They didn't stay long enough to get a shot, video or pictures, but what a memory of being so close.
(Dennis W)

Action Point
The advent of the pop-up-ground blind has changed the way I look at things. I have enjoyed the best times setting in a ground blind with my sons. There we talk, at a whisper, laugh, think, and sometimes just sit. Guys love to be around one another while doing things. That's why some will get together and play cards and talk, others will go fishing, and talk, while others will work on a car and talk. The relationship that we have as men is important.

Men need men to help them be their best. I can challenge my boys and I have found that my boys can challenge me. We talk about school, girls, life, God and, oh yeah, hunting. Every moment is special and I want them to grow up remembering Dad's time, love and interest.

God also knows that the relationship we have with other men is important. Take time to find a Godly man to be a piece of iron in your life to sharpen and improve you.

[Ronnie W. Stark]

New Clothes
And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. (NLT) ( Galatians 3:27 )

Being united with Christ in baptism means we belong on a team. The uniform our team wears is made of a fine, heavenly cloth and adorned with jewels. Our uniform allows us to see each other for what each individual is, a child of God, and we do not focus on differences among the team. Our team is not one that looks down on others outside of our team, but gladly welcomes and encourages others to join. When you meet someone for the first time and find out they are on our team, are you overjoyed or do you look for differences?
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Celebrate The Occasion
When Isaac grew up and was about to be weaned, Abraham prepared a huge feast to celebrate the occasion. (NLT) ( Genesis 21:8 )

Have you lost sight of the importance of celebrating God's blessings? Sometimes we overlook celebrations and think of them as frivolous, costly, or unimportant. It is these times of celebration we remember the most. Feasting over God's blessings encourages us and motivates us to continue on our journey of pressing on. Do you have an occasion, large or small, in your life to celebrate? Take time this weekend, or sometime soon, to celebrate the occasion.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

From The Beginning
This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. (NLT) ( 1 John 3:11 )

Why does the apostle John repeat that we must love one another even though we have heard it from the beginning? It's because of the importance of the message. Other things get in the way, our minds get distracted, our selfish desires begin to overwhelm us. Perhaps this is a message that fades over time and we need to remind ourselves over and over to love others more. Is there someone you are angry at today? If so, how can you show them your love, even though you are frustrated?
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Bible Study Verses
I Corinthians 15:56-57
It was sin that made death so frightening and law-code guilt that gave sin its leverage, its destructive power. But now in a single victorious stroke of Life, all three-sin, guilt, death-are gone, the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God! (Message)

Thoughts
Whenever I hunted one area I had always seen turkeys and/or turkey sign. So after years of applying for the Spring draw, I was elated to finally draw a tag for this unit. Never having hunted turkey there I was a little apprehensive about my odds; but the fact that I had seen so much sign during previous hunts helped put my mind at ease.

Shortly before dawn, I arrived at the ground blind that I had set up earlier in the year. I was planning on a long day in the blind and had come prepared--backpack, shotgun, lunch and even a good book. I settled in and began to call for turkey. A mere 15 min after sunrise the incredible sound of THUMP, THUMP, THUMP towered overhead. "I am the best turkey caller ever born!" I thought to myself. As I searched for what I thought was the world's largest turkey flying in to my obviously championship-grade calling, a firefighting helicopter emerged, dipped its water bucket into the waterhole 40 yd in front of me and flew away with several hundred gallons of water.
(Brett M)

Action Point
Hope is a wonderful thing. It can also be disappointing. We elevate our hopes for many the circumstances of life, but can be disappointed. We hope for a great marriage, which may not always turn out so great. For a job we love, that pays well (often fortunate just to get one). For good health, only to be reminded that our cholesterol is a few points to high or the bathroom scale is reading greater than it should. Alas, we also hope for that giant, ear-drum-deafening turkey flying down from it's roost, only too well, you know the rest.

One hope that will never disappoint us is the hope of glory. Because Christ died on the cross and rose again. We can have eternal life just by accepting Him. This hope is guaranteed by the Word, nothing can change it, eliminate it or diminish it. Thank God!

[Ronnie W. Stark]

Bible Study Verse
Jeremiah 4:3
For this is what the Lord says to the men of Judah and Jerusalem:
Break up the unplowed ground; do not sow among the thorns. (HCSB)

Thoughts
I have been a waterfowl guide along the Texas coast for 24 years. In that span, I have had many dealings with farmers because their crops are needed, namely rice, to lure ducks and geese. Rice farmers rotate fields, planting a certain field every three years. When not planted in rice, a field becomes fallow and needs to be plowed and worked before it is seeded again.

Jeremiah tells us to develop and plow - cultivate - neglected areas of our lives and stop wasting time on harmful and unproductive things.
(Bink G)

Action Point
When I signed up for satellite television, I had all the channels. However, I quickly determined that there were several channels that were pure garbage. You guys know what I am talking about. Plow the ground - get it out of your life.

Alcohol may be another thorn - issue. At a young age I was convicted by God to abstain from alcohol. The reason: I didn't feel that I could witness to an unbeliever with a beer can in my hand.

Since God commands us to be on guard at all times, well, that means at all times. Consider what areas of your life need to be plowed. Is your life fallow due to sex, alcohol, pornography, lying or cheating? Be honest with yourself and ask the Lord what needs to be plowed.

[Ronnie W. Stark]

Bible Study Verse
Psalm 146
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
I will praise the Lord while I live;
I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.
Do not trust in princes,
In mortal man, in whom there is no salvation.
His spirit departs, he returns to the earth;
In that very day his thoughts perish.
How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
Whose hope is in the Lord his God,
Who made heaven and earth,
The sea and all that is in them;
Who keeps faith forever;
Who executes justice for the oppressed;
Who gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets the prisoners free.
The Lord opens the eyes of the blind;
The Lord raises up those who are bowed down;
The Lord loves the righteous;
The Lord protects the strangers;
He supports the fatherless and the widow,
But He thwarts the way of the wicked.
The Lord will reign forever,
Your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the Lord! (NASB)


Thoughts
Recently I had a fairly minor medical problem. It is actually a recurring problem that shows up every couple of years. When I experience it, it is very painful, makes walking difficult and sometimes impossible. For some reason, during this most recent occurrence I felt so vulnerable. Vulnerability is a new feeling for me. I've worn various uniforms for over 30 years, had a career in law enforcement, been an outdoorsman, and had many diverse types of adventures--I am seldom afraid. This was different. I think the Lord allowed me to experience this so that I would have compassion on others who are or who feel vulnerable, whatever the cause.

This was very disconcerting for me and made me realize that we not only need the Lord (duh!), but we also need each other. We need to have each other's back, to have compassion on the sick, on the infirm, the widow, the orphan and all our Christian brothers and sisters, no matter what the situation may be.
(Dave H)

Action Point
Just as the Holy Spirit is our Paraclete (Helper, Comforter), He can be the Paraclete to someone else through us. Let us come along side to help. We all know someone in need. Don't ignore them and think that someone else will do it. YOU do it. Say out loud, "Here am I Lord, send me!"

[Ronnie W. Stark]

Peaceful Heart
A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones. (NLT) ( Proverbs 14:30 )

It's remarkable how medical studies have proven this verse to be true. Practicing optimism or a peaceful heart is actually one way to improve your health. How can we take advantage of this truth? When you find yourself troubled with relationships, deal with the issues quicker. If you are fearful, lean into God's promises and speak them out loud. If your stress levels are high, exercise to release the tension. Above all, work towards a peaceful heart through Christ.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Whoever Pursues
Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor. (NLT) ( Proverbs 21:21 )

In our excitement, we try to push people to do things we want them to do. We cheer, goad, and even manipulate them into taking action or performing better. Despite our great efforts, they may not move an inch. It is in these times, it's most important to love and value that person, especially if they do not take action in the way we want them to. It's more meaningful to love them with an unfailing love. Are you showing unfailing love to those you are persuading to joining you?
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Unheard Prayers
Jesus replied, "This kind can be cast out only by prayer." (NLT) ( Mark 9:29 )

Have you ever looked at someone and thought that person could be better if he or she listened to your advice? Maybe you took a step forward and did give your unsolicited advice. While it may seem benevolent to you, many times it's painful to the other person and you may not even realize it. Have you thought about just "praying" instead of "preaching"?
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

ble Study Verse
Psalm 100:4
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. (NKJV)

Thoughts
Although I had seen him do it for years, my grandson was amazed when Hoss, my fifteen-year old English Pointer threw back his head and barked a few times before eating his bowl of food. "Is he saying the blessing?" my grandson asked. That was what it looked like. Every time I put a bowl of food down in front of Hoss, he would sniff it, then raise his head to heaven and bark out a "Thank You."

Hoss and I have traveled many miles chasing the bob white quail. He has been in magazine articles, on television shows and in numerous "Can I take a picture of him while he is on point?" photographs. Now at fifteen, his days in the field are short and few, but he never fails to say the blessing.

When you and I say the blessing, we are acknowledging the provision and purpose of God in our lives. God is not just feeding us to be filled, but to be fruitful. His provision gives us the strength to fulfill His purpose.
(Joey H)

Action Point
Do you pause to say the blessing? Most of the time I do, but honestly, sometimes I am in a hurry and fail to say, "Thank You." Let me encourage you to say the blessing when eating out with the family. Now, don't let loose with a wild sermon blessing that sounds like a flaming sawdust trail evangelist. Instead, pray a thankful short prayer.
Not only are you thanking God with your family, but you never know who is watching. Often when a bunch of us guys are out eating after hunting or fishing trip, we will ask the waitress if there is anything that she would like for us to pray about for her. So many tables of men just flirt with the waitress, but when you pray for her, it is a powerful witness of God's presence in your life.

[Ronnie W. Stark]

The Encourager
Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. (NLT) ( Isaiah 40:30 )

It's time to empathize. Do you have a friend whose hope is disappearing? Subtle signs may include a change in their appetite, social activity or just subdued behavior. Remember when your hopes and dreams came crumbling down? Think about how you felt and what has helped you. God has placed you perfectly in your friend's life to be the encourager.
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