Weekly Devotion October 19 2026

This Devotion was written by Sportsmen Devotional and posted with permission

Bible Study Verse: Matthew 5:48 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. 1 Peter 1:16 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (ESV) 

Thoughts: I was able to take my Lab, Kimber, on her first duck hunt at just 1 year old. I expected her to stay by my side the entire sit. I expected her to keep watch for when we shoot a duck. I expected her to not break at the shot. I expected her to retrieve the duck and bring it back to my hand. She stayed by my side 85% of the time. She kept watch about 70%. She broke at the only shot I had 0%. She retrieved the duck and brought it to my feet 100%. She wasn’t perfect, but she has heart and desire to do right. I didn’t lower my expectations, I corrected the bad actions and I praised the good actions. I thought she was failing during her first duck hunt, but my friend and more experienced dog trainer encouraged me and shared that she did great to be so young. 

Action Point: God doesn’t lower his expectations of us. Jesus said we must be perfect; I’ve messed up miserably. I’m glad that He loves us and takes time to correct us. Hebrews 12:6 “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” God doesn’t want to destroy us when we fail at being perfect. He has said that he saved us to be conformed into the image of His son. He works with us to make our Christian walk closer to His expectations. 

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day: Manage expectations. Understand your dog’s age and capability. Seek help from an experienced dog trainer if needed