Daily Devotional - God's Great Outdoors - Trail To Adventure

TO THE GLORY Of GOD

Dean Hulce — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 08:30:18 +0000

Luke 19:40
Jesus replied, "I tell you, if these stop speaking, the stones will cry out!"

It was close to dark and the sun was just setting over the San Juan mountains on the west side of the San Luis Valley. The rays were reflecting off of the west slopes of the Sangre de Christo range above us. The evening was so beautiful that we quit looking for elk and just watched the mountain.

There are evenings where I have seen sights here, like I have never seen before other than here on these mountains. This night was one of those times. The beauty was so overwhelming that it didn't feel right to even speak.

The original non-native settlers came from Spain and Mexico to preach a gospel message to the natives that lived in this valley. When they saw the color of the mountain in the sunset, they were astounded. The upper slopes will turn blood red on some occasions... and I was seeing one of those occasions.

Just before the sun sank behind the San Juans, the slope above us looked as though there was blood running from the top down down the slopes toward us. It was a sight like I had never seen and will never forget.

These mountains were aptly named the "Sangre de Christo" mountains, translated the "blood of Christ".

Jesus spoke of the mountains often and the Bible talks about the mountains constantly throughout the Scriptures. God's creation of the mountains speaks to His glory. There is nothing more majestic in all of nature. I've spent countless evenings watching sunsets in the mountains in the Rockies of western states, Alaska, the Appalachians and the Smokies, and I can think of nothing but the power and love of my God as I marvel at thier beauty.

Psalm 95:3-5
"For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land."

When we question the love of God and if He is really there, consider the mountains. God made and colored them for you and I. We don't need the mountains, to sustain our lives, but God blessed us with them for our pleasure and His glory.

As the verse above says, if we quit praising God, the stones will cry out and praise him... they shouldn't need to, it's our job, but they do... trust me, it's true, I've seen it

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KEEP OUR FOCUS ON HIM

Dean Hulce — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 08:30:13 +0000

Matthew 14:28-30
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." 29 "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"

One morning, in the Missouri River breaks in South Dakota, we were driving the side by side down a near vertical trail, going towards the river. The ranches had been hit extremely hard with torrential rains and the roads and bridges were washed out everywhere. I was doing my best to stay straddling a dangerously deep washout, when I glanced away for just a second and I nearly slid into a place that would have buried me. It had only taken a second of taking my eyes off of my focus to put me in big trouble.

So often we feel called by God to do something for Him and all goes well until we hit a struggle or attack and we start to sink... we take our eyes off of His calling on us, and BOOM, we're in trouble.

In the scripture above, the Lord had invited Peter to share in His wonder, and Peter accepted the invitation. But when Peter evaluated his situation and saw the wind and waves, he almost sank. When we take our eyes off of Jesus and put it on our earthly struggles we will fall away from Him. When our focus changes from what He has called us to do, to our fears and discomfort, we lose site of what God can do and look at what we can't do on our own.

Oswald Chambers, said,
"We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on our difficulties."

Thankfully Peter's story didn't end in his sinking... Verses 31-33 tell the rest of the story.
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

God's awesome grace can lift us even when we've taken our eyes off of Him. When we return to putting our focus on Him, He will restore us to Himself. We just need to keep our Focus on Him.

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YOUR ULTIMATE PURSUIT

Dean Hulce — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 08:30:29 +0000

Proverbs 2:1-4
My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you, 2 Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; 3 For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; 4 If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God.

A hunter hearing the first rustling in the leaves of the morning has them on high alert. Every snap of a twig or crunching of leaves has the hunter leaning his head toward the sound. They struggle to see in the dim light... every sense is totally focused on the sound.

This was the case for Linda and myself in South Dakota on opening morning a few years back. We could hear animals walking in the valley below. We heard bucks grunting, leaves being pawed from the ground and one deer chasing another up and down the creek bottom. We both leaned forward in our seats listening intently. We squinted our eyes concentrating as hard as we could to see one of the huge bucks we knew used this valley. We gave it our all.

In the scripture above the writer of Proverbs is talking about the same attentiveness towards attaining knowledge, wisdom and understanding which leads to sincerely knowing God.

One evening, a while back, I listened while a pastor explained this same hyper attention drive like a football player, when he's giving his all.. trying to get the ball into the end zone.

If we truly go after the things of God with the same intensity and passion as we play sports or hunt a trophy animal we will know all that God has in store for us. We will have a relationship with Him that will reveal that which He wants for us and how we can attain all of knowledge, wisdom and understanding.

Where we show our passion says a lot about us... when others see us, what do they see? Do they see a dedicated hunter? A football fanatic? An avid fisherman? Or do they see someone that is sold out for the Lord?

I pray that when others see me that what they see is a reflection of Jesus Christ in me. I pray that my life is a revelation of Jesus to those that hear me talk and see my actions. I know I fail.... But that is my goal as it should be for all of us.

Make knowing Jesus deeper your pursuit

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STANDING FOR GOD - without recognition

Dean Hulce — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 08:30:32 +0000

By Paul Taylor and Dean Hulce

Judges 3:31
After him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who killed six hundred men of the Philistines with an ox goad; and he also delivered Israel.

In 1914, along the banks of the Yellow River in Northwest Wisconsin, unknown hunter, James Jordan tracked down and harvested a buck that would become one of the best known bucks of all time.   This buck held the #1 position in the world for many decades.

The sad story is that Jordan wasn't recognized as the hunter who took the buck until 2 months after his death. Jordan's name is written down in the recordbook, but sadly there is not much else that is written about this man, just one quick story of a man... a hunter.

Little else is known of this man from the scriptures above, other than knowing that Shamgar was the third Judge of Israel, little else is known , except that he risked it all for God. And yet, such was his faith that God wrote down his name.

Obedience does not need fanfare or a parade. In doing so we take what's not ours and claim it as ours, touching the glory of God.

Obedience and zeal for God doesn't need worldly recognition that's forgotten tomorrow.

God remembers every sometimes, seemingly little acts of devotion, even those we've long forgotten.

Look at what took place here!
Shamgar managed to kill 600 soldiers coming to destroy Israel. Could any man have actually done what he did with a pointed stick made to goad an ox, without God's Devine hand up on him?

God uses those that will not turn and run when He asks us to trust Him. When we turn our focus on Him, even above the obedience He has called us to, the numbers or the event does not matter, only God.

God's word tells story after story about the under dogs in life.
Why does He use the underdogs instead of the super-dogs? Because when we experience, and the watching world sees the impossible become possible, we witness the Glory of God & THATS a game changer.

Oh, how He loves us!
We live in a fallen world, where sin is promoted over righteousness, and godly morals are scrutinized.

We, as children of God are the under dogs.
Our world today could sure use more men and women with the zeal and faith to believe they can make a difference in Gods kingdom.

It starts with a foundation, built stone after stone until we become a Shamgar for the Lord's glory today.

All things are possible when the Lords glory is unleashed.
The wilderness way.com
Words to thrive by.

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Preparing Yourself for the High Places

Dean Hulce — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 08:30:20 +0000

Psalm 28:7

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me."

For 4 decades, I’ve guided sportsmen into the rugged, breathtaking expanses of the North American backcountry. Through many articles, books and devotionals I’ve emphasized a fundamental truth known to every seasoned outdoorsman: you cannot conquer the high places unprepared.

Chasing big game across high alpine ridges demands meticulous planning, heavy conditioning, understanding the terrain, and trusting the hard-won wisdom of those who have walked the trail before you. Turning a blind eye to the maps, the weather patterns, or the weight of your pack leads straight to exhaustion, getting lost in the wilderness or worse.

Our personal life’s terrain can feel equally steep and unforgiving. We often find ourselves climbing mountains in our daily walk… facing career uncertainty, relationship strains, or sudden trials that leave us winded.

Just as I have had to do for the last 40 years, meticulously scouting ridgelines and relied on deep-rooted experience to navigate the wilderness, our spiritual journey requires us to lean on God our ultimate Guide. We cannot rely on our own strength when the trail gets rocky.

Today, if you feel like you're facing an uphill climb into unknown country, carrying a pack that is getting heavier and heavier by the day, pause and take stock. Acknowledge that you don't have to navigate the backcountry of life alone. He provides the endurance, the shelter, and the faithful companions for the journey.

I challenge you to give it up to the Lord in prayer. Thank him for being your strength when the trails grows rough and steep. Pray for help to drop the heavy weights of worry that slow you down, and pray for the wisdom to trust His direction in every season.

What particular "mountain" or challenge are you facing on your trail today that you can surrender to your ultimate Guide?

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ACKNOWLEDGE HIM

Dean Hulce — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 08:30:28 +0000

Proverbs 16:9
A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.

Another translation says it this way,
"People do their best making plans for their lives, but the Eternal guides each step."

Over the last 39 years I've lived as a hunting guide all across North America. As guides we take on heavy responsibilities all the time. I have had hunts where I have searched at midnight for a lost hunter with temperatures well below zero. I've had to find my way out of dark woods miles from nowhere to protect my hunter from an uncomfortable night outdoors, or much worse. I've also brought a boat full of hunters across 15 miles of northern Canadian lakes where the water was just barely above freezing, at midnight.

I know of hunters that have had their lives saved by a guide while hunting dangerous game and some that faced the worst of possible situations

What would have become of those very people, that were with me if it hadn't been for a guide. They would have wandered around aimlessly hoping to find their way in the darkness. Worst case, they might have died for not knowing how to get out of their situation.

For every one of us, God is our ultimate guide... We can plan and prepare for situations in life but in the end, God will direct us to where we need to be.

Another translation of Proverbs 16:9 says, Another translation says it this way,
"People do their best making plans for their lives, but the Eternal guides each step."

So often we wander through life when we have the best guide available at a moments notice. Allow Him to hold your hand in the darkness, to carry your load when it gets too heavy. Just allow God to direct your path. We just have to "acknowledge Him"

Proverbs 3:6
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

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THE STILL SMALL VOICE

Dean Hulce — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 08:30:00 +0000

1 Kings 19:12
And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.

There is a unique kind of silence that exists along a backcountry trout stream. It isn't a total absence of sound, but rather a harmony of nature... the gentle rush of current over polished river stone, the rustle of Colorado blue spruce in a morning breeze, and the sudden plop of a Meps spinner landing in the eddies next to a submerged log.

That's the kind of day I was having on a small tributary to the mighty Colorado River just north of the New Mexico border. The quiet sounds gave me a sense of peace that cant be found many places better than a trout stream.

When Elijah stood on the mountain waiting for God, he expected Him to show up in the earth-shattering power of a strong wind, an earthquake, or a roaring fire. But God wasn't in the noise. He revealed Himself in a gentle whisper... a still, small voice.

On the river, trout anglers learn quickly that the loudest water rarely holds the most cautious fish. High, rushing rapids create surface clutter and noise, but if you look closely, the big fish sit quietly in the deep eddies and gentle seams where the water slows down. To spot them... and to present a fly or spinner without spooking them... you have to quiet your mind, slow your steps, and tune your senses to the subtle details of the stream.

Our daily lives are often filled with the roar of wind, fire, and earthquakes: urgent notifications, endless task lists, and the constant hum of a fast-paced world. We expect God to answer us with dramatic signs or loud, obvious thunderbolts. Yet more often than not, He meets us in the quiet seams of life.

When you strip away the noise and sit beside the water, you create space to hear Him. His voice doesn't compete with the clamor of the crowd; it calls you into stillness. It takes a quiet heart to hear a gentle whisper.

Don't wait for a thunderstorm to listen for God. Step away from the noise today, quiet your mind, and listen closely for that still, small voice guiding your steps along the water's edge and through your daily life.

Lord, thank You for the peace found in Your creation. Teach me to quiet the noise in my heart so I can hear Your soft whisper guiding me each day.

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Finding Calm in the Stand

Dean Hulce — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 08:30:58 +0000

Romans 15:13
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

If you've spent any time in the woods during the peak of the autumn rut, you know the feeling. You log out of work, leave the chaos of the week behind, and hike into your favorite spot just before dawn. As you climb into your tree stand and settle in, the darkness slowly gives way to the morning light. The forest starts waking up around you... a blue jay calling in the distance, squirrels rustling through the dry oak leaves, and the crisp northern breeze cutting through the air.

In that quiet stillness, all the noise, pressure, and worries of everyday life seem to strip away. There's a deep, unmistakable peace that comes from sitting quietly in God's creation.

But as those that enjoy God's Great Outdoors, we also know that the quiet woods don't stay still forever. Sudden storms roll in, equipment breaks, or the wind shifts right when you're waiting on that big buck. If our peace depended entirely on perfect weather or an easy hunt, we'll be spending most of our time frustrated.

Life works the very same way. We often chase peace by trying to control every situation, fix every problem, or clear our schedules. Yet true peace isn't found in the absence of a storm... it's found in the presence of the Almighty Creator.

When Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans, he didn't point them to ideal circumstances. He pointed them straight to the Source: the God of hope who fills us with joy and peace as we trust in Him. Just like sitting patiently in the blind and trusting the process, real peace comes when we let go of the reins and trust God with the outcome.

The next time you're out on the trail, sitting in the stand, or just stepping out into the backyard for a quiet minute, take a deep breath. Stop carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Hand your worries over to the Lord, let His stillness flood your heart, and remember that the Master of the Great Outdoors is walking right beside you every step of the trail.

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Guard Your Mind

Dean Hulce — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 08:25:21 +0000

Proverbs 23:7

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.

When I was just a kid, I would read every copy of Outdoor Life that I could get my hands on. Around the first of the month, I would check our mail for the next issue of Fur-Fish-Game. Every other month a coonhound magazine called Full Cry would arrive with hunting stories and pictures of hounds, a boy could only dream about.

When I became a young man there were guys like Roger Raglin, Will Primos, and Knight & Hale who produced videos full of hunting action that filled my head with visions of big antlers and outdoor adventures.

Whether it was hunting bear, moose, elk, and deer or hunting squirrel, rabbit, coon and turkey, these magazines and movies filled me with ideas and dreams that turned into some great hunting adventures.

Today as I look at the antlers, hides, fans and photos covering my walls, I'm reminded of all those early influencers in my life. Little did I know that those dreams from long ago would change my life even now, decades later.

It was years ago, while attending a business seminar, that I heard Earl Nightingale say, "We become what we think about". In a similar way in Proverbs 4:23 King Solomon said, "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." He tells us to be careful of what we see when we watch a movie. Be careful of what we read when we pick up a magazine. Be careful of every thought and idea we entertain, because what we let into our mind will ultimately affect what we think, what we say, what we do, and how we live.

In our culture, it is considered a virtue to have an open mind, but the Scripture advises just the opposite. We need to practice discernment as we decide which ideas to embrace and which ones to reject, because our thoughts directly affect the course of our lives. In 2 Corinthians 10:5 we read, "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." This means don't let evil or negative thoughts control you but instead align your thinking with God's truth.

Today's prayer: Heavenly Father, I come before You today seeking a clear and clean mind. The world around me is so full of distractions, pollution, and images that clutter my thoughts and weigh me down. Help me to only look and listen to positive ideas and Godly values. Help me to guard my mind. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."

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Sin Can Hook Us!

Dean Hulce — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:30:43 +0000

By Tim Jones

God’s Great Outdoors

Romans 6:12

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in the lusts thereof.

Most anyone who has fished for any length of time has at one time or another got a fish hook stuck in some part of their body. On a Canada fishing trip several years ago, I myself became a victim of the sharp barb. I love catching big northern pike, but it’s often the small ones that cause the biggest raucous at the boat. I like to call these small pike; “hammer handles.”

These fish are notorious for shaking and twisting just as you reach to grab them. At the time , I was fishing with a 6 inch Rapala perch crankbait that had 3 very sharp treble hooks. When the fish was brought to the boat, I made a decision to lift the small fish out of the water by just using the rod. I knew better to do this but I went against better judgement. With the rod “loaded up” by the weight of the fish, I reached to grab it with my hand. I mentioned earlier about the shaking and twisting and that is exactly what happened. This action caused the lure to become dislodged from the fish and lodged in my left forearm. All three treble hooks were completely embedded in my flesh. I was able to back out two of the hooks with a pair of pliers but the third hook had to be pushed through the skin and the barb cut off. All as a result of me doing something that I knew better not to do,

Sin in our lives is just like the hooks on that fishing lure. If we allow sin to enter into our lives, we too can get “hooked”. Allowing sin to control our lives can lead to spiritual and physical injury or death. In Romans 6:23, the Bible tells us that sins wages are paid in death. Even King David himself allowed the sin of lust to control him and we know what the consequences of that were. That one sin led to adultery, murder, and the death of a child. It also tells us that sin can make us a slave to that sin. Whatever you give yourself to becomes your master. (Romans 6:16)

Believers are called to offer themselves to God and live righteously. We must recognize sin and its consequences. Believers must choose to follow God instead of succumbing to sinful desires. Sin has consequences. Don’t give sin the opportunity to sink its hooks in you and control your life. Be vigilant and resist the devil and sin. Resist sin’s dominion and live in the freedom and righteousness that Christ provides.

1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

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Hard Work

Dean Hulce — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 08:30:58 +0000

by Dean Hulce and Joel Raygor

Proverbs 12:27
The lazy do not roast any game, but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.

The phrase "you can't kill 'em from the couch" is a classic deer hunting adage you might have heard. But, today with the internet, YouTube, OnX, and so many other easy ways to get information, many might argue that a lot of success actually does start on the couch. Studying topo maps, trail camera photos, and weather patterns from home is key. Hunting smarter, not harder, makes for better use of time and doesn't over pressure deer.

Then there is luck. You might have heard someone say "Luck is preparation meeting opportunity." Or maybe you've heard "The harder I work, the luckier I get." These classic adages highlight that there is no shortcut or substitute for scouting, hanging stands, and clearing shooting lanes. It seems most big bucks are usually tagged by some lucky hunters who scouted hard in the off-season.

Finally there is woodsmanship, which is simply general outdoor wisdom. Most of the people who have it got it by enduring long hours in the stand, in silence, in the cold, and most of those who have it view every unsuccessful hunt as a lesson rather than a failure. It all comes down to trading hard work for reward.

2 Thessalonians 3:10: "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat."

Did you know that there are a number of scripture verses that speak to working hard and being rewarded? Here are just a few.

Proverbs 14:23: "All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty."

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

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."

Colossians 3:23–24: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward."

Salvation is free... Jesus paid the price for it. However, we are "called to good works" in our lives once we've accepted that gift. And there is a cost to ever growing sanctification. Sitting on our hands hoping that God showers gifts on us, is not reality. If we want to grow in our relationship with God and to become stronger in our spiritual walk, it takes hard work on our part.

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We All Make Mistakes

Dean Hulce — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 08:17:48 +0000

By Joel Raygor

James 3:2

For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to rein in the whole body as well… ("Indeed, we all make many mistakes.")

It was about 50 years ago when I first went to a theater to watch an Alaskan hunting movie, but it took another decade before VHS tapes came out. Those new VHS videos like Quaker Boy, Drury, and H.S. Strut showed turkey after turkey strutting in front of the shotgun. For the deer hunter, there were videos of guys like Jackie Bushman with his Buckmasters series and David Blanton with the Realtree Monster Bucks, along with Will Primos and many others who brought the deer hunt right into our living rooms. Those early videos were entertaining, inspiring and to some degree educational.

Today there are boat loads of hunting videos available on YouTube and many are of hunters filming their own hunts. My favorites are videos of hunters showing their mistakes and failures. I learn much more by observing a poor setup or a woodsmanship blunder compared to a video with the edited picture perfect kill. In life we can learn a lot by seeing others making mistakes, but it seems that most of us still have to touch the electric fence for ourselves.

We read in the first chapter of Proverbs, verse 5, where King Solomon said "Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance." He is simply saying that wise people learn by watching others and the paths they take, rather than experiencing every pitfall for themselves.

In 1st Corinthians 10:11, the Apostle Paul talks about the purpose of past failures by writing, "Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction." Paul is looking back at the mistakes of ancient Israel in the wilderness and is warning the Corinthian believers to learn from the past.

Proverbs 12:15 "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice."

Before you make the next poor setup in the woods or make another life blunder at the kitchen table, be wise and learn from those who have gone before you and touched that electric fence.

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Creatures of Habit

Dean Hulce — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 08:30:00 +0000

By Joel Raygor

Lamentations 3:22 "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness".

Regardless of what I'm hunting, the very first things I try to find are the motels and the restaurants. What I mean by that is, I try to locate the bedding and feeding areas. Animals are creatures of habit, so once those areas are identified, the hunt gets more predictable and the success rate goes up.

Now, it's not as simple as motels and restaurants. There are other factors to consider, factors like water sources, topography, habitat, cover, natural funnels, and of course the wind. I know that if I gather enough information, use it correctly, and don't make too many mistakes, this could be the day those habits get him in trouble.

In a similar way, we humans are creatures of habit too. The more good habits we repeat, the better our days go and the better our life goes. However, if we develop bad habits and make wrong choices, our days will go poorly and our life might even be cut short. The good news is, God has a plan of redemption for the wrong things we do. We read in Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Fortunately we have a God who loves us and wants the very best for each of us. Regardless of what we have done, He is always there and always willing to forgive.

Lamentations 3:22–23: "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

The scriptures tell us that God is willing to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He will show mercy and hold back the anger and the punishment we deserve. We cannot earn God's mercy, as it only comes because of His love and kindness. When we ask Him for forgiveness, He removes our sin and our daily fellowship and closeness with God is restored.

Psalm 103:11–12: "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us."

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Will Your Anchor Hold?

Dean Hulce — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 08:30:09 +0000

By Tim Jones, God’s Great Outdoors

Hebrews 6:19

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure”

Trying to keep a boat from drifting or moving from the spot where you want to stay during high winds can be a real pain. This is especially true on big, open water with choppy waves and whitecaps. It can be a real fight if your anchor is not heavy enough or you don’t have a long enough anchor rope deployed. Not having your boat under control and not secure, can potentially be a hazardous situation. Not to mention the frustration of being over a school of hungry fish and not being able to stay on the “spot”.

The same is true for duck decoy lines and weights. I don’t know how many times I have set up my decoy spread just the way I want it, only to have the wind and waves increase and cause my blocks to float away. Nobody likes to be out in the spread retrieving and moving decoys when the ducks are flying. Anchors are designed to keep your boat or decoys from drifting. An anchor can also provide support and stability. Your anchor will do you no good if it isn’t grounded and secured in the bottom of the lake or river.

Followers of Jesus have the most secure anchor that could ever be possessed. Jesus is described as the anchor of the soul, providing stability and hope amid life's storms and uncertainty. He offers us a firm foundation and security, helping us remain steadfast during stormy times. Priscilla J. Owens penned a song in 1882 that describes this clearly and plainly in her song “We Have An Anchor”. The refrain goes like this:

“We have an anchor that keeps the soul

Steadfast and sure while the billows roll;

Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,

Grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love.”

With Jesus as our anchor, “though the tempest rage and the wild winds blow, not an angry wave shall our boat o’erflow”. Each and every one of us will at some point have the storms of life blow against us and try to drift us from our safe harbor. It is so reassuring that in troubled times, our anchor cannot fail and will never set us adrift, if we only trust in Him. Are you trusting in “The Anchor?”

Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”

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TURNING AWAY FROM THE TRUTH

Dean Hulce — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 08:30:57 +0000

By Dean Hulce and Paul Taylor

II Timothy 4:3-4

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables."

My brother Dave was high up the mountain, above the dark timber and into the aspen grove. He had been bugling for elk and he heard what first sounded like a bull elk below him a few hundred yards.

After a while, He could hear that it wasn't actually a bull elk, but instead was our uncle. Our uncle was hearing Dave (who is a very good caller) above and he was fooled into thinking it was a bull. Our uncle spent over an hour sneaking up the mountain in an attempt to get in archery range of the "bull". When he got within about 25 yards of Dave's position, Dave stepped and said, "what are you doing on my mountain?" with that my uncle, a proud man, turned and stormed off, back down the mountain.

You see, my uncle was listening to the sweet sounds of what he felt was true, but he never studied what he was hearing, just kept following it blindly.

Timothy was in the heart of a city that was filled with fleshy desires, and looking around, the apostle Paul could see where the battle between the flesh and God's Truth would lead. And so, he issued a warning that's never been more relevant than today.

It's incredibly heartbreaking when a low view of God is preached, feeding a high view of self to their audience who have become so accustomed to it, that they fail to even recognize the cross is being diminished.
Scripture warns us about this. Why? Because the doctrine of self is easier to swallow than the blood of Christ.
Not many acknowledge that they have decided not to hear sound doctrine, but instead, they gradually allow their itchy ears to hear only the words that they enjoy hearing.

They say hard preaching is in the past, let us hear fables, (stories without conviction). Let us laugh and be entertained.
Feeling good about themselves, they leave looking forward to the next experience.
God is fun, and I absolutely love having fun with God, but never at the expense of God or a lost soul.
What I hear on Sunday shouldn't give me a troubled heart on Monday.

Friends, today the tickling of the ear is subtle and attractive.
Without biblical understanding, chances are, you won't recognize the difference. Without godly wisdom and discernment you may find yourself sitting there enjoying the show.

If we were warned 2000 years ago that the day was coming, maybe the day is here.
Listen for a high view of God and the sometimes hard truth about ourselves. If you don't hear it, I boldly suggest you run before your ears begin to like what they hear.

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GREATER LOVE - ALL GAVE SOME... But ONE gave all

Dean Hulce — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 08:30:41 +0000

Matthew 28:19-20
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Where were we to go? To ALL NATIONS.

This morning I am in the "nation" of TWO HATS RANCH and QUEST MINISTRIES in Big Rapids, Michigan. It's a beautiful "nation" filled with big whitetail bucks and even bigger hearts and heroes. This week, 4 soldiers have been here to hunt and they have been here to relax and share their struggles and joys. It has been a great couple days, so far, learning about their lives.

One of the things that brings this group together is that each of these soldiers has received a Purple Heart Award for being wounded in battle. They don't show it off but with a few of them... their battle scars are obvious. Others have battle scars that are hidden under their clothing... all of them have internal scars that can't be seen with the eye... just the heart. This week was set up to thank them for their sacrifice and give back just a little to show they are loved.

Over the years I've heard from some how they came back from Vietnam, only to be spit on, cursed at and attacked. Some have hidden their service because of the pain. Through the many years of doing this we've had soldiers that spoke for the first time of things that happened years ago and the emotional pain that went with it.

This morning I am asking for prayer. Prayer for these handful of men as well the countless others that are carrying both physical pain as well as emotional pain. Pray for their eternal liboats many don't know of the gift that God has set aside for them.

Please pray that every heart will be open to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and that every doubt will be removed as to where each will spend eternity.

Each of these men have given so much... But Christ gave more and I want each to leave here knowing the Jesus that loves them more than they can imagine!

On every Quest Ministry hat is the verse John 15:13
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Christ did just that when He laid down His life for us all.

2 Corinthians 10:4
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

We are told in Matthew 28:19 to "Go into all nations"... those nations might just be exactly where you are today... share what Jesus Christ did for you, to everyone who will listen.

ALL GAVE SOME... But ONE gave all.

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GUARD YOUR HEART

Dean Hulce — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 08:30:59 +0000

Genesis 3:6
When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.

I've had an interesting series of things happen to me over the last several years. It's sad, but also very odd. The final thing happened a few years ago while driving across South Dakota. The speed limit is 80 mph on hwy 80 where we were and I was right on the limit. I noticed something above and to the left of me and looked up. I saw a duck gliding down quickly as if to land smack dab on the interstate. I couldn't swerve safely so I held my course. That goofy duck dove right down and hit the bumper of my pickup truck.

A few years earlier I had an owl come flying across a field for over ¼ mile and purposely turn into the drivers side door of the same truck, taking off three chrome letters from the side... what used to be a Chevy "Silverado" is now just a "ado". I once had a giant buzzard fly up from the side of the road and turn abruptly into the windshield of our vehicle. Grouse, blackbirds and others (even a bald eagle) have for some reason attempted to sacrificed themselves to my vehicles over the years, most of them looked as if they purposely flew into me. It's as if they saw something attractive and it cost them dearly.

I can relate to this situation in life, as most of have. We see something attractive and even though we know it's dangerous and wrong, we get too close. Or worse yet, we dive right in and before we know it we are in big trouble.

In Genesis 3:6 we read about Eve and the original human sin. She was attracted to the fruit, its beauty, it's taste and it's power (at least her perception). She wasn't attracted to the sin itself, but the object that led to the sin.

In Joshua 7 we can read of Achan who saw gold and silver, that was meant for God, was attracted by it and gave into the temptation and stole it. And like the birds that seem to be attracted by my vehicles, it meant death in the end. Achan wasn't attracted by the sin, no, he was attracted by the silver and gold. Sin was a result of Achan giving into his desire.

Each of us is attracted by those things that aren't right, like Eve, like Achan and many others in the bible. It's not the items that cause us to sin, but instead our desire and our weakness.

Satan knows our desires and our weaknesses and will play them against us. We must be on guard 100% of the time because if we let our guard down and move towards the attractive things in life, the things that are not meant for us, we will pay a big price. Some prices we pay will last a lifetime and sometimes the price we pay is with our life.

Proverbs 4:23 tells us to be on guard. "23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." In another translation the heart is called, "the wellspring".

I've spent a lot of time in the mountains where there are a lot of springs bubbling up from the ground. These springs form small pools and the pools pour out and form streams, which form rivers which flow for many miles. If you plug the springs the rivers dry up and die. If you were to poison the springs it would eventually kill off all life downstream. We must protect our hearts (our wellsprings) from the attractiveness of sin, for if we don't, it will cause pain and death to everything else that we do.

So each time we see something that appears attractive but we know is sinful and dangerous turn and run from it. For if we run to it, we stand the chance of paying a big price or even death.

Guard your heart.

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Pulling Your Weight

Dean Hulce — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 08:30:27 +0000

By Tim Jones - God’s Great Outdoors

1 Peter 4:10

“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

If you have ever spent time in a campsite with other hunters or fishermen, you know that cooperation and shared duties are essential for an efficient camp. It takes everyone working for a common goal and giving their full effort to make camp life run smoothly. It never seems to fail that there is always one person that doesn’t pull their own weight and contribute to camp life. That person doesn’t do his share of setting up camp, gathering firewood, cooking, washing dishes, or tearing down camp. For the camp to be hitting on all cylinders, everybody must pull their own weight and work as a team. There must be a clear mission where each person is committed to achieving the same goals. The God’s Great Outdoors Ministry vision and mission statement is a good example of working as a team for a common purpose. These statements declare “what” our vision is and “how” that vision is going to be implemented to achieve the goals.

Just as working as a team in a Christian ministry, Christians themselves are part of a greater team. As Christians gather and grow together with the help of each other, we can work toward completing the mission before us. Jesus gave his followers clear instructions just before He ascended back to his Father in Heaven. Matthew 28:19-20 states “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: …”

As believers in and disciples of Jesus, our mission is clear. Working together looks like Christians protecting, pursuing, restoring, and forgiving each other. We also have the responsibility to serve, encourage, and support one another as well as praying for each other. By doing this, we are fulfilling our duties as members of our faith community. Galatians 6:2 tells us that we are to “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ”. These responsibilities are not optional. They are essential for spiritual growth and faith community health. By actively engaging in these duties, Christians create a nurturing environment that reflects their faith and their commitment to one another. Are you pulling your weight in camp?

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A Good Report

Dean Hulce — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 08:30:28 +0000

By Joel Raygor

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Today I picked up 100 pounds of Urea from the local farmer's elevator for my brassica food plot. The attendee asked what the Urea was for and when I said it was for my deer food plot, immediately there were questions which were kind of as follows:

Attendee: Do you think this new rifle law will hurt the deer population?

Me: I don't think it will make much difference and personally it won't make any difference for me, as all of my shooting is 100 yards or less.

Attendee: Is the rifle less safe?

Me: If hunters follow the 10 commandments of gun safety, there will be no difference. In fact the rifle is more accurate and might be safer than a shotgun. Last year over 186,000 Minnesota deer hunters hit the woods, and only one 25 year old man accidentally shot himself in the thigh.

Attendee: What do you think about CWD?

Me: I think CWD is real, but I am not concerned about it. CWD was first discovered in 1967 and back then Minnesota records show statewide harvest numbers at under 60,000. Last year the Minnesota harvest was 186,368 with an estimated state herd of 1.4 million whitetail deer. Every year my neighbors and I count the road kills on a 1.5 mile stretch of the county road in front of our homes. Last year there were 31 road kills and hunters in the same area took 28 deer. Since 2020 the cars have beat the hunters every year.

Attendee: What about EHD?

Me: EHD was first reported in Minnesota in 2018. The DNR now estimates about 20 EHD deaths in the state per year, but they say they don't even bother to track those numbers.

This young man asked questions that all showed his fear of what might happen. There was a negative feeling for everything and fear showed in his line of questions. What a shame to go through life looking at what might happen… We need to look to what God has planned.

Since that conversation, I've been thinking about how we as humans often just see the bad in every situation and rob ourselves of the joy of life. In Numbers chapter 13 we read where Moses sent one leader from each tribe into Canaan. The 12 men explored the region for forty days. They returned with massive pomegranates, figs, a huge bunch of grapes carried on a pole and giant clusters of fruit, confirming that the land God had promised them was simply fabulous. However, the majority of these spies, ten to be exact, gave a fearful report of strong people and walled cities. Caleb and Joshua, the minority trusted God and urged the people to go up and take the land. In fact Joshua and Caleb felt so positive about God giving them the land that they tore their clothes, telling the community that the land was exceedingly good and that God would safely give it to them.

What do you see when you look around? Do you have a good report for the future or is everything headed south? Is your hope in your bank account, your government or are you trusting God for tomorrow?

Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

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THERE IS NOW NO CONDEMNATION

Dean Hulce — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 08:30:19 +0000

Romans 8:1
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

I've very rarely ever been checked by a game warden when I've been hunting or fishing. I've known several game wardens and they've known me well enough that even when they saw me they knew I wasn't doing anything illegal.

Even though I had nothing to hide and should have had no fear, there is always the quick feeling of guilt and shame when I saw a warden. It's like when you are driving down the highway and see a police car. Even if you are going the speed limit you look to check your speed and offen tap the brakes... we have a guilt complex even when we don't need to. We hide our guilt and shame, not wanting others to know that we have it. We push it down... because we feel guilty about feeling guilty. Once we start into that cycle it is hard to break

Oh how this can relate to our daily lives. Along the road of our lives we have sins that we've buried deep under ground, thinking that we will never exposed them again; we will never allow anyone else to know. It is our little secret. But this guilt, shame and hiding only destroys our joy in life.

Dictionary.com defines shame as "the painful feeling arising from the consciousness of something dishonorable, improper, ridiculous, etc., done by oneself or another."

We avoid talking about shame because it is a messy situation. It's an embarrassment that we don't want anyone to know about.

We see the earliest account of shame in Genesis 3, immediately after Adam and Eve's first sin in the garden. Prior to their sin, Scripture tells us they were both naked and unashamed. One chapter later they are binding fig leaves together and playing a game of hide-and-seek with God. With that one forbidden bite of fruit came our first bitter taste of shame.

Like Adam and Eve we do our best to hide our shame. We cover it up with modern day fig leaves or bury it deep and pour concrete over it. It would be so painful if the truth was known by others... At least that is what we believe.

If we are a child of God we need to read and reread the Romans 8:1 passage...
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

Christ died to remove all guilt and shame. If we carry the shame of past sins with us then we have not given them over to Him... What we are really saying is that "Christ's life, death and resurrection was not sufficient to take away my sins, I'm going to hold these specific sins and I'll take care of them myself."

That is not the truth, it's a lie from Satan... Satan wants us to hide in shame... If he can make us do that we are not out sharing what Christ did for us. That's what shame does to the Christian... It immobilizes us and our testimony to the world is buried with our shame.

When shame attacks, hold tight to Romans 8:1 and immediately pray that our Heavenly Father takes your shame and immediately removes it. Don't allow Satan to win.

Chris Tomlin sang AMAZING GRACE - MY CHAINS ARE GONE, there is a main line that says,
"My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace"

God's love is unending and His grace is amazing. Remember your chains that bound you to past shame have been removed by Christ's death and resurrection. You are now free to live without shame. He took it all.

THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION

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