See bulletin You're starting to see that blaze orange more and more, aren't you? As the days and nights get colder the rut continues to increase for the deer, and the anticipation for the hunter. I keep hearing scouting reports, vacation plans, as well as buck sightings as the excitement grows for gun deer season. But did you know that God's Word speaks not just about deer several times, but even deer hunting? Check out Psalm 42:1. "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God." If you're going to be a strong hunter, you need to spend time with the deer in the field studying their movements, observing how they act, and locating the deer paths. As the Psalmist says, deer need water like a Christian needs the Triune God. The "Living waters" (John 4:13-14) of Jesus is essential to our Christian health and strength to flee (just like a deer) from the dangers that surround us and prey on us (like the devil who is a hungry lion). When our spiritual senses aren't alert, and when our ears are inattentive to God's Word, we wander off God's path and so easily stumble and fall. So the Psalmist goes on in verse two, "My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?" Just as a strong hunter studies, observes, and locates the path of a deer; a Christian grows stronger as a hunter and warrior for Christ as he or she studies, observes, and closely follows the path of our Lord and Savior Jesus. "When can I go (to His field, house, temple = into His Word) and meet with Him again?" Like a deer, my soul pants, it thirsts for the cool, refreshing, invigorating waters of God's Word of strength and forgiveness! I like to get out into the woods on occasion as I have a chance between my responsibilities, just like others do. But let us recognize the eternal difference between hunting deer, and hunting and seeking after Christ our Savior! Because neglecting our gift of faith, our family, or any other responsibility is like sleeping in the deer stand, and we don't want to be caught sleeping when Jesus, the Lamb of God, comes!