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rapture

5/19/2022

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Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things . . . Psalm 119:18 (ESV) 

Some have continued to ask about the rapture of the church and the end times. Below is the fourth reason I believe Christ will return for His Church before the onset of the Great Tribulation. Consider these thoughts:


Time gap between the rapture and second coming of Christ.
  • 2 Corinthians 5:10 (ESV) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
 
  • Revelation 19:7–9 (ESV) Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.”And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”
5:9 we also have as our ambition. Paul was speaking of his ambition in life, but not the kind of proud, selfish desire that “ambition” expresses in English. “Ambition” is from the Gr. word that means “to love what is honorable.” Paul demonstrated that it is right and noble for the believer to strive for excellence, spiritual goals, and all that is honorable before God (cf. Ro 15:20; 1Ti 3:1). whether at home or absent. See notes on vv. 6, 8. Paul’s ambition was not altered by his state of being—whether he should be in heaven or on earth—he cared how he lived for the Lord (see notes on Ro 14:6; Php 1:20; cf. 1Co 9:27).  pleasing to Him. This was Paul’s highest goal (cf. 1Co 4:1–5), and should be so for every believer (cf. Ro 12:2; Eph 5:10; Col 1:9; 1Th 4:1). The term translated “pleasing” is the same one used in Tit 2:9 to describe slaves who were passionate to please their masters.

 5:10 This describes the believer’s deepest motivation and highest aim in pleasing God—the realization that every Christian is inevitably and ultimately accountable to Him. the judgment seat of Christ. “Judgment seat” metaphorically refers to the place where the Lord will sit to evaluate believers’ lives for the purpose of giving them eternal rewards. It is translated from the Gr. word bēma, which was an elevated platform where victorious athletes (e.g., during the Olympics) went to receive their crowns. The term is also used in the NT to refer to the place of judging, as when Jesus stood before Pontius Pilate (Mt 27:19; Jn 19:13), but here the reference is definitely from the athletic analogy. Corinth had such a platform where both athletic rewards and legal justice were dispensed (Ac 18:12–16), so the Corinthians understood Paul’s reference. deeds in the body. Actions which happened during the believer’s time of earthly ministry. This does not include sins, since their judgment took place at the cross (Eph 1:7). Paul was referring to all those activities believers do during their lifetimes, which relate to their eternal reward and praise from God. What Christians do in their temporal bodies will, in His eyes, have an impact for eternity (see notes on 1Co 4:3–5; cf. Ro 12:1, 2: Rev 22:12). whether good or bad. These Gr. terms do not refer to moral good and moral evil. Matters of sin have been completely dealt with by the death of the Savior. Rather, Paul was comparing worthwhile, eternally valuable activities with useless ones. His point was not that believers should not enjoy certain wholesome, earthly things, but that they should glorify God in them and spend most of their energy and time with what has eternal value (see notes on 1Co 3:8–14).     
                       
MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (2 Co 5:9–10). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
​

Consider two events that seem to fall before the second coming of Jesus. The judgement seat of Christ is one and the marriage supper of the Lord is a second.

We recognize that many faithful Christians have different perceptions about these end time events. But a time is coming when it will be clear to us all.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
_________________________

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ps 119:18; 2 Cor 5:10; Rev 19:7-9). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved.
Bible Nuggets are written for pastors, youth leaders and missionaries who desire to go deeper still in God’s Word. 
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.
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clear gift

5/5/2022

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Kingdom Leadership goes through phases over the years. You remember the stalwarts of the faith when you first came into ministry. They were the oaks that gave you shade, protection, shelter, and stability during those young years. But a day comes when God visits the oak and removes him from the forest. Then you recognize that your protection has been removed and the elements are directly shining on you. You must grow and secure your roots in the forest.

Who has been your shade in the blistering heat of ministry? Who kept the winds of criticism from uprooting God's call on your life? Have the storms of life put you in peril of drowning? When did you first feel the fresh sunshine of God on your face? Have you seen flowers blossom in ministry that were a surprise to you?

There are seeds which developed and sprouted in the hearts of others. God removed the protection so you could fully grow and give a clear gift to the Kingdom of God. All of us have experienced this during the worldwide pandemic.

2 Chronicles 20:9 (NIV84)
‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’


God is our refuge when the oaks in our life are stripped away. Do all that you can to comfort one another and give shade to the younger leaders.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmission.com
_______________________
 
 The Holy Bible: New International Version (2 Ch 20:9). (1984). Zondervan.2 Chronicles 20:9 (NIV84)
 
Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved. Photos taken by Cathy and Danny Sartin in Africa.
​
Kingdom Leadership is written for missionaries and ministers serving our Lord in various parts of the world.
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.


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fresh!

4/21/2022

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Fresh
Smell the fragrance of God's Word!





​Back in 2014 we visited Amsterdam, Netherlands. The first place Cathy wanted to visit was Keukenhof. It is known as the Garden of Europe. They have approximately 7 million flower bulbs that are planted in the gardens every year. There is a six-week window when all the tulips bloom and paint the countryside in vivid brilliance.


Cathy is pictured in several of the beds of the gardens. You can see the beautiful varieties in just a small section of the massive grounds. We spent an entire day walking among the beds and taking in the wonderful fragrance. Constantly Cathy would sit on her knees and reach out and hold a flower in her hand as she took a sniff of the powerful scent.

The Word of God has the same appeal and freshness of walking in Keukenhof. When you open the bible there can be a feeling that you have already been exposed to this. But the bible can be a new book every day. Get on your knees and get close to the story. Ask questions and patiently seek answers. The freshness will excite your heart. It is just as fresh as though the ink was never dry. You can find fresh discoveries at every step!

We know that flowers are blooming in the northern hemisphere. It is spring. Many of you can walk out to your yard and have the same experience. Open the bible and smell the fragrance of God. Look for a new thought while it shapes your heart, mind, and soul.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions@gmail.com
_______________________________

Copyright © Danny Sartin and Deeper Still Missions. All Rights Reserved.
Life Nuggets are written for those who support Deeper Still Missions and its goal of missionary retention.   
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

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Humility

4/7/2022

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A Kingdom Leader seeks the virtue of humility so they can serve others. You see Cathy in the photo on the left attempting to hold the tail of a lion cub. The cub was not excited about her doing that! Outside of biblical faith, humility is not considered a virtue. Loss of power and prestige is seen as an affliction of weakness and lowliness.

Do you desire to have others acknowledge your ministry titles? Are you accessible and approachable? Are you genuinely interested in hearing about the needs of others? Do you make eye contact with those you pass in the hall? Do you speak to others and call them by name?

Jesus was the ultimate example of humility. Even though he was God he took the role of a servant to care for us! Jesus is our king and savior. But He is mild and gentle like a wild animal that has been tamed.

Matthew 21:5 (NIV84)
“Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”
a

Check your heart and see if you find His humility in you. Can others see that humility?

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
________________________
 
a  Zech. 9:9
  The Holy Bible: New International Version (Mt 21:5). (1984). Zondervan.
 
Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved. Photos taken by Cathy and Danny Sartin in Africa.
Kingdom Leadership is written for missionaries and ministers serving our Lord in various parts of the world.
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.


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ponder

3/17/2022

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Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things . . . 
​
Psalm 119:18 (ESV) 

2 Timothy 2:7 (NIV84)
Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

The Lord speaks to us through the Word of God. But he also uses illustrations or pictures He wants us to think about. Consider how the Lord gives us insight.Here are some thoughts from two commentaries.
​

7. Consider the force of the illustrations I have given from the soldier, the contender in the games, and the husbandmen, as applying to thyself in thy ministry.and the Lord give, &c.—The oldest manuscripts read, “for the Lord will give thee understanding.” Thou canst understand my meaning so as personally to apply it to thyself; for the Lord will give thee understanding when thou seekest it from Him “in all things.” Not intellectual perception, but personal appropriation of the truths metaphorically expressed, was what he needed to be given him by the Lord.

     Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 424).
     Logos Research Systems, Inc.


(2:7) “Consider” is noeō (νοεω), “to perceive with the mind, to understand, think upon, ponder, consider.” Expositors translates, “ ‘Grasp the meaning’ of these three similes.… If you have not sufficient wisdom to follow my argument, ‘ask of God who giveth to all men liberally’ (Jas. 1:5).” Paul had used the illustration of a soldier. Timothy was to live a rugged, strenuous Christian life in which hardships as the result of serving the Lord Jesus were an expected thing. He used the simile of a Greek athlete. Timothy should live a life of rigid separation, not merely with respect to evil things, but also with regard to things which, good in themselves, would unfit him for the highest type of Christian service. Paul now uses the metaphor of a tiller of the soil. Timothy is reminded that the Christian worker who labors with wearisome effort in the Lord’s service, has the right to derive his financial support from it, so that he might be able to give all of his time and strength to his work.

    Translation. Grasp the meaning of that which I am saying, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things.

     Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest’s word studies from the Greek New Testament: for the English reader     
     (Vol. 8, pp. 130–131). Eerdmans.


Reflect on the pictures God gives us with His word. Then determine how they apply to your life today.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
_________________________
 
The Holy Bible: New International Version (2 Ti 2:7). (1984). Zondervan.
Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved.
Bible Nuggets are written for pastors, youth leaders and missionaries who desire to go deeper still in God’s Word. 
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.
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seek him!

3/3/2022

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A Kingdom Leader is always seeking God. He has a thirst for the fellowship that can be so satisfying and enriching. He knows that the quest for a moment by moment relationship with Christ is threatened by the swirling winds of busyness.

Is your personal time with Christ fluttering with only brief moments of exposure? Do you rush through prayer and Bible study? Do you find yourself overwhelmed with activities and priorities? Do you feel depressed and overwhelmed with unclear goals? Can you set your daily cares aside and focus?

A daily walk with Christ can sometimes feel dry. You can feel like you are walking through a sweltering desert. Don't miss the refreshing solitude of being still and understanding that He is God.

Deuteronomy 4:29 (NIV84)
But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.


Don't be like the bird that finds its way into a room only to escape through another window. That fluttering experience can be very frustrating. Find time for an intimate encounter with Jesus. It will refresh your heart and soul.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
________________________
 
 The Holy Bible: New International Version (Dt 4:29). (1984). Zondervan.Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved. Photos taken by Cathy and Danny Sartin in Africa.
Kingdom Leadership is written for missionaries and ministers serving our Lord in various parts of the world.
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.


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imitation

2/17/2022

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The Revered Eland
A strong back and gentle nature

Cathy is seen in this photograph petting a thousand pound bovine that is common in Africa. It is the largest and most ox like antelope on the dark continent.

This wild and free roaming male frequented the home of our missionary friends at Amathunzi. I had attracted him to the fence with fresh apples. But I always kept a barrier between us such as a fence. He would take them out of my hand and welcome us into his world. I nicknamed him Fred! Each time we visited Amathunzi he seemed to know that we were around. Fred would come looking for another apple.

The San people were considered the first people of Africa. The ancient bush people consider the Eland sacred and played a crucial role in saving the Earth Mother from the underworld. Each step an Eland would take produced a clicking sound as he lifted each hoof. It could be heard a good distance away. The San Khoi people incorporated similar clicks in their language. It is even used to this day.

The gentle Bushmen seemed to be comfortable moving among wild animals, specifically lions, with ease. Bushmen studied the behavior patterns of all the animals. They slept in the middle of the open fields. Maybe that is the manner of animals and man in the Garden of Eden. Consider the behavior and eating habits of man before the flood of Noah.

What a joy it was to be pals with such a stately animal. Enjoy the animals in your world and experience some of the creativity of our God.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
_________________________

Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved.
Spiritual Safaris are written for those who support Deeper Still Missions and its goal of missionary retention. 
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

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which trail?

2/3/2022

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A Kingdom Leader works hard to follow Christ. But sometimes the path can be confusing. The tracks left by our Lord seem to have been whisked away in the winds of time. His path has been hidden in the confusion of multiple paths to follow.

Who is on your team? Who is your mentor? Who do you admire and try to follow? Are their steps still visible? There are so many paths we could take! It seems confusing because the footprints of Jesus are buried under thousands of years.  Are you climbing the mountain of faith alone? Who is walking with you? 

Jesus cut a pioneer path forward despite the waves of life and the winds of difficulty. He made progress and advanced on a trail that we can follow. It starts with us finding others to walk our fresh trail.

Romans 15:5 (NIV84)
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus,


My childhood dream was to walk on the moon! Then I met one of the men who did leave footprints on the lunar surface. Jim Irwin said, I am more enamored with the footprints of Jesus on earth than my footprints on the moon.

We pray that you will cut a pioneer path into the hearts of others. Build unity among others who follow Jesus. May we love and encourage one another.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
_________________________
 
The Holy Bible: New International Version (Ro 15:5). (1984). Zondervan.
Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved. Photos taken by Cathy and Danny Sartin in Africa. Kingdom Leadership is written for missionaries and ministers serving our Lord in various parts of the world.
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

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different?

1/20/2022

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2021 has now set!
​What will be different in 2022?

Cathy and I stood at the top of Victoria Falls in Livingston, Zambia and watched the sun set. We were spending time with Janet and Butch Berner at the largest waterfall in the world. The sun slowly set in the West and gave us this wonderful view.

All of us saw the sun set soon on another odd year of the pandemic. We reflect on 2021 and see the exciting fruit of God's hand. Water wells and special projects to assist our missionary families warm our hearts. God used the pandemic to allow us the opportunity to seek his resources to meet needs that have been outstanding for many years.

The Bible talks about the fruit that is produced in our hearts, minds and relationships. Gosh have we been blessed! Again God has shown us the eternal spiritual principle of effort. Do what is possible and God does the impossible! 

Consider what fruit you will produce in 2022. What can we do differently to reflect the love and truth of Jesus Christ?

Luke 6:44 (NIV84)
Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers.


One poor pastor in the village of Chivuh, Zimbabwe said, God has not forgotten us! We are thankful to Him for this gift that has been so badly needed. Look for opportunities in your year to bless others and just do what is possible. God will continue to show up and do the impossible.

Thank you for partnering with us in Deeper Still Missions. We are deeply humbled and grateful for each of you. May you be blessed in this new year.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
________________________
The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1984). (Lk 6:44). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Copyright © Danny Sartin and Deeper Still Missions. All Rights Reserved.
Life Nuggets are written for those who support Deeper Still Missions and its goal of missionary retention.   
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

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wish

1/6/2022

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When a Kingdom Leader lays down his head there are many thoughts that dance in his mind. Intertwined among those thoughts are wishes, desires, wants, inclinations, and dreams.

What thoughts surface in your mind at bedtime? Is your mind cluttered with goals that were not accomplished today?

If you had one wish what would it be? Have you clearly defined your wish? Is it a realistic wish? Have you formulated a strategy and tactics to plan your dream from blue sky to reality?

John 12:20–21 (NIV84)  Jesus Predicts His Death
20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.”


Jewish leaders wanted to see a sign from Jesus. These Greeks wanted (or wished) to see Jesus. They were probably unable to do so because of his location in the temple. That is why they sought help from the disciples.

Their request was the same we hear in many worship services all around the world. People want to see Jesus! He can bring clarity to the foggy situations in our lives. We look forward to the day that we will see Him face to face. What a glorious moment that will be!

When you close your eyes tonight, look for the face of Jesus. He is right there with you.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
__________________________
 
The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1984). (Jn 12:20–21). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

​Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved. Photos taken by Cathy and Danny Sartin in Africa.
Kingdom Leadership is written for missionaries and ministers serving our Lord in various parts of the world.
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

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    Danny Sartin

    Four decade veteran of youth ministry in churches, Youth For Christ and now is the Founder and Executive Director of Deeper Still Missions. Danny and his wife Cathy spend most of their time mentoring missionaries in Africa, Europe, Central America and North America. Future opportunities include South America and the Asia Pacific area.

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