The Far Bank: 40 Devotions for Anglers

by Zeke Pipher

The first four people Jesus called to be His students and future ambassadors were fishermen—and He is still calling those who work and recreate in the outdoors today. In The Far Bank, Pastor Zeke Pipher offers forty devotions, each designed to hook anglers with an intriguing fishing story and then lead them to reflect on their relationship with God.
 
This distinctive devotional
  A traditional path of theological study within the framework of engaging stories. Insights to move readers beyond the sentiment “I feel closest to God when I’m outside” to “I know God deeply and sense His presence at all times.” Quotations, Scripture, prayers, and application questions with every devotion. Devotions at the back of the book for friends to read and discuss on a fishing trip.  
When spending time in wild, rugged places inspires you to reflect upon the essential things in life, The Far Bank will deepen your enjoyment and understanding of God and His incredible creation.
 

224 pages, Paperback

Published August 5, 2025

About the author

Zeke is an author, freelance outdoor writer, and pastor. His first book, Man on the Run: Helping Hyper-Hobbied Men Recognize The Best Things, is published with Howard Books (Simon & Schuster’s Christian imprint). He’s represented by Rachelle Gardner of Books & Such Literary Agency.

Zeke is a regular contributor to several national outdoor magazines, including Field & Stream, Deer & Deer Hunting, Petersen’s Bowhunting, and Bow & Arrow Hunting. He writes and speaks regularly on subjects such as hunting strategies and the life of the sportsman, as well as topics like marriage, parenting, and balancing priorities.

Zeke is the senior pastor at Heartland Evangelical Free Church in Central City, Nebraska. He’s been married to Jamie for 14 years, and they have three children. He earned his Master of Divinity from Talbot School of Theology, and his Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

The Piphers live on an acreage in central Nebraska, a mile from the Platte River—the perfect place to hike, hunt, fish, camp, swim, chop wood, and train their German wirehair, Ezra. He’s a huge Husker fan and maintains that the 1971 football team is the best college team of all time.

Reviews

[Colby E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not a fisherman. The largest fish I ever caught was a bluegill, and I was mighty proud of it. So, I didn’t expect to connect deeply with The Far Bank. It took me only a few pages to get hooked. The Far Bank reads like a collaborative work of Wayne Grudem and Henry David Thoreau - solid, significant (even systematic!) theological truths as observed through God’s creation and a person’s place in it, namely as anglers. Zeke is an awe-struck follower of Jesus who warmly invites us to marvel at the “Godness” of God and then to respond with transformed lives. Not knowing how to fish did not hold me back from appreciating God afresh. In fact, Zeke helps non-anglers like me enjoy aspects of God that we might otherwise overlook.

[Matthew Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zeke Pipher knows about deep waters. In The Far Bank, Zeke has penned forty searching meditations on holy Scripture through the eyes and heart of a true fisherman. I’ve never been an angler myself (fishing always sounded more like work than rest), but my friend Zeke almost makes me want to tie a fly and wade into a river with his mesmerizing descriptions and meaningful tales.

The Far Bank is far from shallow. Zeke draws from some of the richest sources in Christian theology and plumbs some spiritual depths. I was personally encouraged by every insightful essay. I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review, and my honest opinion is that Zeke is a man of understanding who is always worth reading (see Proverbs 20:5).

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy ARC. The quality of Zeke’s ability to relate and inspire us to be in an intimate relationship with Christ using the love of fishing is amazing. As a Christ follower and lover of all fishing types this devotional will inspire you to be in a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Great quality once again by an amazing Author.
Matt

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance hard copy of the book for review. Zeke does a great job of blending scripture with the relationships that we build as sportsmen through our shared love of fishing and the outdoors. It was hard to read only one chapter a day and not want to read ahead. Definitely a good choice for anyone who loves the outdoors.

[Thom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advance review copy of this book by the author. As an outdoorman I found it entertaining. As a christian, I found it fulfilling. The result was a very easy and thought provoking read. Thank you, Zeke. I enjoyed it.

[Travis Purkerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fly-fishing enthusiast and a follower of Jesus Christ I'm excited to write about The Far Bank. I got an advanced copy and my honest review is that the book reflects back to the reader a balanced view of the adventure that is fishing and how it mingles with the true joy of living a life highly aware of the one who created the world and us.
The obvious knowledge and passion for the joy of fishing is not overshadowed by the authors obvious love for God and the community of God's people. The author writes with a winsome pen into deep subjects like humility, grace and the gospel of Jesus Christ in a way that invites the reader to ponder the depths with him. Take a few minutes in the quiet of the river and ponder The Far Bank. See if it won't make your next trip deepen with more meaning and challenge you with the adventure of living life in communion with your creator.

[Lad Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know the author, but I can tell you he's a great story teller. I got an advanced copy sent to me and have been enjoying the fantastic pictures he paints my mind of mornings on the water and pairs them with his ponderings about Jesus.
As far as I'm concerned, anyone who loves Maclean and Melville and E-Pete, as well as early mornings with steam rolling off the water and coffee, awaiting the flies to start dancing, is someone I'd like to take a walk with. And that's exactly what this book feels like. A walk with a friend and mentor into a number of different streams and lakes, all the while being reminding that the Maker of the fish and water and even me, calls me into deeper water with better fish.
It's set up for any easy 5-7 min read that sticks with you all morning long. But fair waring, you're going to need to get your waders on shortly after reading this - at least I do.