Hunting cartoons - Duck Season!! Wabbit Season!! 

This was the classic argument between Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck trying to confuse poor Elmer Fudd.  Bugs and Daffy were as sneaky as two ‘rival’ church denominations biding for Elmer Fudd’s membership.. and the ultimate demise of the rival (duck or wabbit) denomination. 

1. The Calling of the Disciples (Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20)

  • Story: Jesus walks by the Sea of Galilee and sees Simon Peter and Andrew casting nets. He says, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They leave their nets immediately. Nearby, James and John, sons of Zebedee, are mending nets with their father and also follow when called.

  • Lesson: This story teaches obedience and trust. The fishermen abandon their livelihoods—their security—to follow Jesus, showing faith in His purpose over worldly stability. “Fishers of men” symbolizes evangelism, casting the gospel to draw others to Christ. It’s a call to prioritize spiritual mission over material gain.

2. The Miraculous Catch of Fish (Luke 5:4-11)

  • Story: After teaching from Peter’s boat, Jesus tells him to cast nets into deep water despite a night of catching nothing. Peter obeys reluctantly, and the nets fill with so many fish they begin to break. Awed, Peter falls at Jesus’ feet, saying, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” Jesus reassures him, calling him to catch people instead.

  • Lesson: This highlights faith in action and God’s abundance. Peter’s obedience, despite doubt, yields a miracle, revealing Jesus’ power and provision. It also shows humility—Peter recognizes his unworthiness before Christ’s holiness. The shift to “catching people” reinforces the disciple’s new purpose in spreading the gospel.

3. The Second Miraculous Catch (John 21:1-14)

  • Story: After Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples fish all night on the Sea of Galilee without success. A man (Jesus, unrecognized) on the shore tells them to cast their net on the right side of the boat. They haul in 153 fish, and John realizes, “It is the Lord!” Peter swims to shore, and they share a meal with Jesus.

  • Lesson: This post-resurrection story emphasizes restoration and recognition of Christ’s presence. After Peter’s earlier denial, Jesus renews their bond over fish and bread, echoing earlier miracles. It teaches trust in Jesus’ guidance—even when He’s not immediately obvious—and His provision in barren times.

4. Feeding the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21; John 6:5-14)

  • Story: Jesus feeds a crowd with five loaves and two fish, provided by a boy. The disciples distribute the multiplied food, and twelve baskets of leftovers remain.

  • Lesson: Though not about fishing directly, the fish tie to God’s miraculous provision. It shows that even small offerings, when given to Jesus, become abundant through His power. This reflects trust in God to multiply our efforts for His glory and others’ good.

5. The Coin in the Fish’s Mouth (Matthew 17:24-27)

  • Story: When tax collectors question Peter about Jesus paying the temple tax, Jesus instructs him to catch a fish. Peter finds a coin in its mouth, enough to pay the tax for both of them.

  • Lesson: This unusual miracle underscores God’s sovereignty over creation and provision in unexpected ways. It teaches trust in divine solutions to earthly problems and humility—Jesus pays the tax to avoid offense, despite His divine authority.

6. Old Testament: The Sign of Jonah (Matthew 12:39-41; Jonah 1-2)

  • Story: Jonah, swallowed by a great fish after fleeing God’s call, spends three days in its belly before being吐出 (spit out) to fulfill his mission. Jesus later compares this to His death and resurrection.

  • Lesson: Though not fishing in the modern sense, the “great fish” story teaches repentance and obedience. Jonah’s rescue from the sea shows God’s mercy, while Jesus ties it to His own victory over death—three days in the tomb, then risen. It’s a lesson in God’s redemptive power.

Broader Biblical Fishing Themes

  • Symbolism: Fish often represent people or souls (e.g., “fishers of men”), and water symbolizes life, chaos, or the world. Fishing thus becomes a metaphor for salvation—drawing people from spiritual depths into God’s light.

  • Dependence: Fishermen in biblical times relied on unpredictable catches, reflecting reliance on God (Psalm 104:27-28, “All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time”).

  • Abundance: Miracles involving fish (Luke 5, John 21) point to God’s overflowing grace, exceeding human expectation (Ephesians 3:20).

These stories weave fishing into the fabric of faith—obedience, trust, provision, and purpose. They invite reflection: like Peter, are we willing to cast our nets at Christ’s word, even after a fruitless night? Which of these resonates most with you?

Camping cartoons - The Lord is my Camp-guide… so I am good to go

Camping, with its blend of nature, simplicity, and community, offers a natural setting to explore Christian principles. Here are some key lessons and biblical connections that can emerge from the experience:

  1. Stewardship of Creation: Camping immerses you in God’s handiwork—forests, rivers, stars. Genesis 2:15 calls humanity to “work and take care of” the garden, a mandate to respect and preserve nature. Packing out trash, using resources wisely, and leaving no trace reflect gratitude for the earth as God’s gift.

  2. Trust in God’s Provision: In the wilderness, you rely on what you bring or find—food, shelter, water. This echoes Matthew 6:26-31, where Jesus points to birds and lilies, urging trust in God’s care over worry. A camper’s dependence on supplies or weather can deepen faith in divine sustenance.

  3. Rest and Sabbath: Camping often serves as a retreat from daily grind, aligning with the principle of Sabbath rest (Exodus 20:8-11). Sitting by a fire or waking to birdsong invites stillness, reflecting Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” It’s a chance to recharge spiritually.

  4. Community and Fellowship: Sharing a campsite fosters cooperation—pitching tents, cooking meals, telling stories. Acts 2:42-47 describes early Christians living in unity, breaking bread together. Camping mirrors this, teaching love, patience, and the joy of bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).

  5. Simplicity and Contentment: With limited gear, camping strips away excess, highlighting 1 Timothy 6:6-7: “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” A night under the stars, free of distractions, can shift focus from material wants to gratitude for what’s essential—God, relationships, creation.

  6. Humility: Nature’s vastness—towering trees, endless skies—dwarfs human effort, echoing Job 38-41, where God’s questions to Job reveal His majesty. A storm or a steep trail humbles campers, reminding us of our limits and God’s sovereignty.

  7. Preparedness: A good camper plans—checking weather, packing first aid, knowing the terrain. This parallels Matthew 25:1-13, the parable of the wise virgins who prepared their lamps. Camping teaches vigilance and readiness, both practically and spiritually, for life’s uncertainties.

  8. Wonder and Worship: Gazing at a sunset or hearing a stream invites awe, as in Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Camping offers unfiltered moments to praise the Creator, connecting the soul to His artistry.

  9. Perseverance: Rough weather, a long hike, or a smoky fire tests resolve. Hebrews 12:1 urges believers to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Overcoming a muddy campsite or a sleepless night builds character, mirroring faith through trials.

  10. Hospitality: Offering a spare tent peg or sharing a meal with fellow campers reflects Leviticus 19:34, “Love [the foreigner] as yourself.” The campsite becomes a place to practice kindness, extending Christ’s love to strangers or friends alike.

Camping strips life to its raw elements, revealing truths about dependence, community, and God’s presence. Whether it’s the quiet of the woods or the crackle of a fire, it’s a chance to live out faith tangibly. Which of these principles stands out to you from your own outdoor experiences?

OUTDOORS

Hunting, Fishing, & Camping


Here are some faith-based lessons that can be drawn from the skills, mindset, and actions of a good hunter:

  1. Patience and Waiting on God: A good hunter knows the value of stillness—waiting quietly for the right moment to act. This mirrors Psalm 27:14, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Hunting teaches that rushing can spoil the opportunity, much like trusting God’s timing in life requires patience.

  2. Stewardship of Creation: Hunters who respect their craft care for the land and animals, taking only what’s needed and honoring the resource. Genesis 1:26-28 gives humanity dominion over the earth, but with it comes responsibility. A good hunter reflects this by practicing ethical hunting, preserving God’s creation for future generations.

  3. Focus and Preparation: Tracking prey demands keen observation, knowledge of patterns, and readiness—sharpened tools, studied terrain. Similarly, 2 Timothy 2:15 urges believers to be diligent, "a worker who does not need to be ashamed." A hunter’s preparation parallels equipping oneself with Scripture and prayer for life’s challenges.

  4. Humility: A successful hunt isn’t guaranteed; nature humbles even the skilled. Proverbs 16:18 warns that pride precedes a fall, and hunting reminds us of our limits. A good hunter gives thanks for provision—whether a kill or a lesson in perseverance—echoing gratitude to God (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

  5. Provision and Trust: Hunters historically provided for families or communities, relying on skill and faith in the wild’s bounty. This reflects trust in God as provider (Matthew 6:26), where Jesus points to birds fed by the Father. A hunter’s reliance on both effort and grace mirrors depending on God’s daily bread.

  6. Respect for Life: A good hunter doesn’t kill carelessly but values the animal’s life, often praying or reflecting on the act. This aligns with the sanctity of life in Christian teaching (Psalm 36:6, "You preserve both people and animals"). It’s a sobering reminder of sacrifice, pointing to Christ’s own offering.

  7. Perseverance Through Failure: Missing a shot or losing a trail tests resolve, yet a good hunter keeps going. James 1:2-4 speaks of trials building perseverance and maturity. The woods teach that setbacks aren’t the end, encouraging believers to press on in faith.

  8. Solitude and Reflection: Hunting often involves quiet hours alone, fostering introspection. Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God," finds a natural echo here. A hunter’s time in nature can deepen awe for the Creator and prompt spiritual clarity.

A good hunter embodies qualities—patience, respect, diligence—that resonate with Christian virtues. The pursuit in the wild becomes a parable for pursuing faith: intentional, reverent, and reliant on something greater. What part of this resonates with you, or did you have a specific angle in mind?

FISHING cartoons - Jesus called us to be fishers of men.. but it's ok to fish for fish too.

Fishing appears frequently in the Bible, both literally and symbolically, offering rich lessons and stories that connect to Christian faith. Here are some key examples and the lessons they impart: