So was in the stand this past weekend, I relized how far I have fallen from my first few years of hunting. I had some of the best time with the Lord in stand when I first started hunting, and was very sad that i spent 4 days in the field without ever opening my bible. I use to get at least a hour in a hunt, not to metion all the praying, I mean heck I was even "baptized in the spirit" in stand. now I go 10 hunts without even glancing at the Word. Has this type of thing happened to anyone else? I feel as if Im so consumed with hunting that I have forgoten about the one who allows me to hunt.
The way I see it, God deserves your full attention. If you are going to study, worship, etc. it shouldn't be just when it's convenient.
If you are going to hunt, then hunt. If you are going to study, then study.
Nothing wrong with reading while in the stand, etc. but it's not "church".
Chad
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"We can have no '50-50' allegiance in this country. Either a man is an American and nothing else, or he is not an American at all."-- Theodore Roosevelt
A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. Ecclesiasties 10:2
The last four letters in American..........I Can
The last four letters in Republican........I Can
The last four letters in Democrats.........Rats
It's not an uncommon thing. In fact it is normal. It was probably easier in the beginning because God was giving you many consolations and benefits. That's part of the way he hooks us. However, that means that every individual with whom he works is rather self-focused and concern about what God brings to them.
This is what happens to marriage. Newlyweds can't stay out of the sack. Twenty years later, they're much less inclined.
The key when this happens in a relationship is to begin shifting the focus to loving the other for who they are. In the case of God, not because his grace is making us deliriously happy, but because he is Father, Son, Holy Spirit, Creator, Lord, Redeemer, Sanctifier, etc. It becomes a waiting and a hope for what God will do for the world, and in the meantime offering the world to him.
Remember some of the things Jesus said: The one who humbles himsellf will be exalted, he who loses his life will save it. That's the mystery you're entering into. Make it happen on the deer stand by lifting people up to God, lifting sinners to his mercy, holding the world out to him--things that really bring us no particular benefit individually.
Another suggestion--in deer camp, dedicate a day to God. Or spend an hour reading and reflecting on scripture before you go out to stand. Or, even develop a little prayer or verse pf scripture to repeat over and over on stand. (Thy will be done, praise be to God, etc). It can be anything, so long as it has the spirit of you as the humble servant bowing down repentantly before the King and Lord. God delights in that kind of prayer and pounces on it.
If deer hunting is still becoming a false idol, then hunt less and worship more. Tear yourself away from it and get your spiritual life back in order.
So was in the stand this past weekend, I relized how far I have fallen from my first few years of hunting. I had some of the best time with the Lord in stand when I first started hunting, and was very sad that i spent 4 days in the field without ever opening my bible.
Hey Shawn...My BIble is the first thing I pack..even more importantly than my calls.. Few reasons.. As a Christian..every deer I shot I was reading the Word.. The Word builds faith The WOrd is Jesus so when one is engulfed in the Word they are having fellowship with God. It keeps my hyper self still..
As far as you not reading your Word in the stand..that my friend is between you and God.I'm certainly in no place to judge anyman. I read the Word daily and am still growing..I haven't arrived yet.
I use to get at least a hour in a hunt, not to metion all the praying, I mean heck I was even "baptized in the spirit" in stand. God is faithful my friend and rewards every act of faith..Staying in the Word is one way that we keep our lamps filled..
now I go 10 hunts without even glancing at the Word. Has this type of thing happened to anyone else..? Not me..I'm too weak to stay away from God..I need Him every hour..dead serious..We are. no match for Satan's schemes and tricks..We must rely on God..The Word is Truth and the only tangible thing we have that we KNOW is of God.Peter said it best."Where shall we go ,for thou hast the Words of eternal life." I feel as if Im so consumed with hunting that I have forgoten about the one who allows me to hunt...then as Forkhorn has siad..you may need to examine your heart and make sure you are not worshipping the creation more than the creator..again not judging..I have to do this in other areas ..such as food...fishing etc..one of the huge reasons I got off here...I wanted my heart to be consumed with God,,not a big fish I could post..yes,this sport or anything else can easily get out of hand..We are to worship God with our whole heart , mind,soul and strenghth..
God bless, C7
PS I had a wonderful study today in the Word while in my stand..Did a study/meditation on the verse from Jesus.. "Which is easier ..to say be healed or thy sins have been forgiven" there's a message in there.I'm still working on it'sLOL
Another great benifit from Bible reading from the stand..I don't always see game..so if you are fellowshipping with God by means of the Word..you are never wasting your time..It's like a one on one seminar with the Holy Spirit..For John 6:63 says "My Word is Spirit "
Disappointed in myself
