Scripture Reading: Psalm 42
A while back, a friend of mine had a fire in his garage. Not only did Louis loose his building and the normal contents one would expect to find there in, but he also lost his compound bow, portable tree stand, and (perhaps even tougher to take!) more than two dozen whitetail racks that were hung inside. Later, when he and family members sifted through the debris, they managed to find only a small chunk of one antler.
I have to say that this individual took it quite well. Better than I'm sure I ever would have. He somehow managed to keep these material things, and even those with sentimental value, in their proper perspective.
Nevertheless, when you stop to think about it, every single antler will one day be turned into ashes. According to the Scriptures, there is coming a time when the entire physical world as we know it will be burned up. This will come about when Jesus Christ returns to judge the earth. The Bible tells us, "The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare" (II Peter 3:10b).
Indeed, we need to realize that the material things of this world, which we so frequently allow to capture our affection and hard earned currency - are fading away. That's right. Every rifle, bow, cabin, car, and truck, will eventually be dissolved. This fact should have a powerful affect upon encouraging us to live in a manner which is pleasing to God. As Peter challenged his readers, "Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?" (II Peter 3:11a).
PRAYER: Lord, help me to see things from an eternal perspective. Help me to invest my life and material possessions in things that will still matter a thousand years from now. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
© 1996 Tom Rakow. All rights reserved. Taken from their “Devotions for Deer Hunters” Vol. III ©. Dr. Rakow is the President of The Christian Deer Hunters Association (CDHA) and Rock Dove Publications. He has granted permission for us to post his devotions. They publish several other Christian devotions in booklets. CDHA's address is P.O. Box 432, Silver Lake, Minnesota, 55381. Their phone number is 320-327-2266. http://www.christiandeerhunters.org is their Web address. Rock Dove’s phone number is 1-888-HIS-DOVE. Their Web address is http://www.rockdove.com. Randy Rowley will be happy to check out a Rock Dove booklet (Devotions for Dog Lovers or The Story of the Prodigal Pooch) or a CDHA newsletter or devotional booklet ("Devotions for Deer Hunters" Volumes II, III, or IV) to FCS members only.