David Blanton...The Real Deal!

This past week I had the great opportunity to finally meet one my favorite hunting personalities at a wildgame dinner in Mt. Washington, Ky...David Blanton.  I have always respected David for his on camera prescence in his various efforts with Realtree.  The one thing that has always stood out to me the most is  how he always gives credit to the Lord for the opportunities to travel and harvest wildgame around the country.  You can tell that when he says "Thank you Lord" after a harvest it is not just lip service.

Over this past year it has been a privelage to begin an email friendship with David.  A few months ago I specifically asked David to join me in prayer over a close friend who I met through my ministry efforts creating the "Divine Moments" video devotionals for the 2009 whitetail season.  David has been faithful in prayer for my friend and God has honored these efforts.  If David says he is going to pray, then that is what he is going to do!

It was an honor to pray with David before he spoke at the event.  As David took center stage his love for Jesus was obvious to those in attendance.  The transparency of this humble man was so refreshing!  He openly shared both the victories and struggles he has endured throughout his Christian walk.  As a believer for the past 16 years I was both challenged and convicted about priorities in my own life as David shared how God humbled him on an eight day moose hunt in Canada.    Throughout his presentation there were times the audiance laughed and then moments you could have heard a pin drop as David shared various spiritual truths with tear filled eyes.   

In the eyes of the world David Blanton is a rock star in the realm of the hunting industry.  I believe David would quickly tell you that without Jesus no amount of fame or fortune is worth it.  How do I know he would say this....because David simply is living that truth out daily as he walks with Jesus.  I watched David interact with those around him and the reality is he made each individual feel special.  He took a genuine interest in those who came to speak with him. 

As I drove home that night following the wildgame dinner I thought about the words David had spoken to the group that night.  I was challenged on many different levels in reference to my own walk with Jesus, because of the simple and clear presentation of the gospel that David had given.  I can honestly say that David challenged me in thinking through priorities in my life.  He also brought the very real need for each of us to share our faith in Jesus when we are given the opportunity and leave nothing unsaid. 

The greatest news about this event actually came two days after the event as I opened an email from David.  The church had contacted David to let him know that forty individuals had indicated they had made first time committments to follow Chirst as Lord and Savior.  Seventeen other individuals indicated that they had rededicated their lives to Christ that evening as a result of David's presentation.  His humble response to this information was "Wow..it is amazing how God can use a sinner like me.  I am thankful the Holy Spirit kicked me out of the way".

 In closing I believe I can humbly say I am a blessed individual for meeting and knowing David Blanton....The Real Deal who will share his faith in Jesus "Without Excuse"!

In His Grace,
paul
Romans 1:20

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