 A Kingdom Leader is aware of their strategic position spiritually. As a disciple of Jesus there will be people who desire to talk with you about the Lord. Having an open door for access is vital for those who are interested in the story of our Lord. So what difference does the Lord make for you? Does your daily walk challenge your thinking, feelings and heart? Others know that you are a person of faith and will often seek an opportunity to talk and sort out the issues of life. Are you available to those people who look to you? John 12:20–23 (ESV) 20 Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Perhaps He was then in that part of the temple court to which Gentile proselytes had no access. “These men from the west represent, at the end of Christ’s life, what the wise men from the east represented at its beginning; but those come to the cross of the King, even as these to His manger” [STIER]. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 152). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc. Do you have a desire to listen to other's? Do you invite their questions? Are you willing to give some of your time for discussion? Or is your door closed behind a beehive of activity? Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com ________________________ The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Jn 12:20–23). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. 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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  Lilac Breasted Roller
Spectacular Aerial Tumbler In 2008 we first visited the dark continent of Africa. It was a mysterious place with exotic animals. But we were stunned by the variety, beauty and creativity of everything!But this bird stood out! It was perched conspicuously in the open woodlands, chasing insects for food and those aroused by bush fires. Our photo highlights the white face, the rusty cheeks, the lilac throat and breast. In flight it shows electric blue wings' The spectacular aerial tumbling is for courtship and mating. They breed in swift flight which is called "a flight on the wing." Cathy loves to speak of God's exquisite paint brush every time we encounter one. Look at what God can do! Those who live in America should consider watching for the hummingbirds. Their migration comes through the Mid-South area in September. They are beautiful. See God's handiwork and be encouraged. 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.  Removal of the RestrainerThe End Times continue to be a topic of discussion among many people. We believe that the rapture of the church is coming soon due to the signs explained by Jesus himself. But when does the rapture happen? There are many answers about that event among many strong Christian theologians. Consider the following
2 Thessalonians 2:5–7 (ESV) Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? And you know what is restraining him nowso that he may be revealed in his time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrainsit will do so until he is out of the way.
Who is it, after all, that really restrains sin? The answer found in the Bible is that God is the one who restrains sin. In Genesis 6:3 it is declared that the Spirit of God was restraining sin in the days of Noah. It was predicted that instead of striving with sin God would judge it in the flood. In the Book of Job it is recorded that Satan wanted to afflict Job, but God had built a hedge about him. Satan testified that he was restrained by God from trying Job. When Satan accused Job of serving God because God had been so good to him, God took down part of the hedge and permitted Satan to take away all of Job’s property and all of his children in one day. He left Job only his wife and his own life. When the Lord called Satan’s attention to Job’s faithfulness in affliction, Satan said it was because God had preserved Job’s health. Then God permitted Satan to afflict Job’s body, but not to take his life. Satan then brought severe physical affliction upon Job, and Job was in torment in his body. But in it all Satan could not go any further than God permitted him. Satan was restrained by God Himself. It would not be possible for any believer to do any work for God if it were not for God’s protecting hand. It is God who restrains. God may use varying means. He may use the government which maintains a certain amount of law and order. In the end, it is God who does it. It is God who provides protection for the Christian. More specifically, in this present age it is the Spirit of God who provides protection. As it is revealed in Genesis 6:3, the Spirit of God strives with men and opposes Satan and his program and his hatred of the children of God. While the Holy Spirit has always worked in times past, on the Day of Pentecost the Spirit of God came in a special way. Christ, who had always existed and was always present in the world, came into the world, was born of the Virgin Mary, and in a special sense left the world when He ascended and went back to heaven, even though He said, “Lo, I am with you always.” So also the Spirit of God came on the Day of Pentecost and now indwells the church and is present in the world. The Spirit will return to heaven at the rapture. The most natural explanation of the taking away of the restrainer is to identify this particular action with the time when Christ will come to take out His church. If the Spirit of God indwells the church and the church is taken out of the world, then the Spirit of God will also be taken out of the world. This does not mean that the Spirit will not continue working in the world in some way; but it will mean a reversal of Pentecost. Just as the Spirit came on Pentecost, so He will leave when Christ takes the church out of the world. The very removal of both the church and the Spirit from the world will release the world to sin as it never has before. The presence of believers in the world exerts a great influence upon the wicked world. Christians who have stood for civic righteousness and law and order will no longer be in evidence. For the time being at least, there will be no one except unsaved people to run government. The net result will be that evil will be manifested beyond anything known in the history of man. The “mystery of iniquity” is, of course, already working as mentioned in verse 7, but the Holy Spirit is now restraining sin until He is taken away at the translation of the church. When this occurs, it is revealed in verse 8 that “then shall that Wicked one be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.” There are, then, three good reasons why the Day of the Lord and the tribulation time could not have begun in the time the Thessalonians lived: first, the apostasy had not come; second, the man of sin had not been revealed; and, third, the Spirit of God had not been taken away. In a large sense, those unfulfilled conditions are still true today. While there is apostasy in our midst, the man of sin has not been revealed, and the Holy Spirit has not been removed. All of this constitutes real evidence that the tribulation time has not come and that it cannot come until Christ comes and takes His church home to glory. We know this commentary will give you some thoughts to consider. I am thankful for the life and teaching of Dr. Walvoord. Pray for Christ's coming as you serve Him today. Cathy and Danny Sartin ___________________ Walvoord, J. F. (2007). The Thessalonian Epistles (pp. 77–78). Galaxie Software. 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.  A Kingdom Leader can easily be confused by the world and its attack on Judaeo-Christian values and beliefs. It can cause our minds to become unclear and dismayed. Orderly thought and behavior can be rocked by the waves of shame.
Shame appears 140 times in the Old Testament and 46 times in the New Testament. How should we respond? Job said he had no peace, no quietness, no rest, and the churning inside him never stopped. Isaiah was sawed in half and Stephen was stoned to death! Such stories make us uneasy. But Daniel was calm when he sat with the lions. He anchored his faith through experience, consistent prayer, and loyal friends. Their collective faith allowed them to pass through the storm. Remember who faces this change with us. He is the one who said that the end times would be like the times of Lot and Noah! Why are we so surprised? He told us so. Psalm 65:7 (ESV) 7 who qstills the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, rthe tumult of the peoples, Do not allow your faith in Christ to be rocked by those who detest Him. Allow God’s Word and faithful friends keep you stable during the storm. Let us pray for one another, encourage one another, love one another in the same manner as Jesus. Remember the feeling of Christ putting his arms around you? Go and do likewise. Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com ________________________ q Ps. 89:9; 93:3, 4; 107:29; Matt. 8:26; [Jer. 5:22] r Ps. 74:23; Isa. 17:12, 13 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ps 65:7). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. 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.  Unexplained Mystery
Life of a Locust This four inch brown adult landed on Cathy's hand. We were in the Karoo of Africa when he appeared. I happened to have the camera in my hand when he landed. Cathy was unfazed and began to marvel at this creation of God. Once they turn brown they look for others to establish a group. When groups combine it forms a swarm. These insects eat their weight in vegetation every day! They can move up to one-hundred miles in a day. A swarm can cover many miles. They are in the ground for around twenty years and emerge after a rain. There is no other who responds like the locust. When he is born he is flightless and has to crawl along the ground. It will shed its skin five times until it becomes a full adult. They follow the wind and gather in the billions. They consume everything in its path. It is a great spectacle to behold. They can plunge a country into famine due to their nature. Crops can be devastated! God used this unexplained mystery in the book of Exodus to persuade the Egyptians to release the Hebrew people from slavery. It is also found in Revelation 9. It was called a plague! Such a small insect can do so much. God's creativity can take your breath away. Look around you today and see God's handiwork in your community. You may be surprised with what you find. 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.  A Kingdom Leader is often captured by the swirling wind of activity and the waves of endless needs in life. We begin to feel unsteady and overwelmed. Then we go beyond our level of comfort, knowledge and understanding and fear takes over.
Are you overwelmed by the issues in your life? How has the covid pandemic affected your balance? Does the cultural revolution of today cause you to feel uneasy? Where is God in your heart and mind? Does He give you comfort or does He seem to be asleep? Consider Abraham in the book of Genesis. His responce to the difficulty of his time could be a great lesson for us. Genesis 18:22 (NKJV) Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord. The New King James Version. (1982). (Ge 18:22). Nashville: Thomas Nelson. Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side; Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain; Leave to thy God to order and provide; In every change He faithful will remain. Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end. Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake To guide the future as He has the past. Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake; All now mysterious shall be bright at last. Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below. Short, D., & Searle, D. (2004). Pastoral visitation: a pocket manual (pp. 24–25). Fearn, UK: Christian Focus Publications. Be still and know that He is God! He can calm the storms with only a word. Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com _________________________ 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.  Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things . . . Psalm 119:18 (ESV)
2 Timothy 2:1 (NKJV) Be Strong in Grace You therefore, amy son, bbe strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. a 1 Tim. 1:2 b Eph. 6:10 The New King James Version. (1982). (2 Ti 2:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson. When I read scriptures I want good thoughts from other Christian scholars that are contained in study Bibles and commentaries. I have given you thoughts from five different writers who I always find insightful. They provide clear guidance in each scripture. Consider some of their comments. I. God’s Family (2:1) (Warren Wiersbe) “My son” suggests, of course, that Timothy had been born into God’s family by faith in Christ. As Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 4:15, he had “begotten” him through the Gospel. In Eph. 2:19, Paul calls the local church the “household of God.” The local church is not a sanctified country club; it is the family of God meeting together for fellowship, worship, and service. The only way to enter this family is by being born of the Spirit (John 3:1–6) and the Word (1 Peter 1:23). Wiersbe, W. W. (1992). Wiersbe’s expository outlines on the New Testament (p. 645). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books. (John MacArthur) 2:1 my son. Paul had led Timothy to Christ during his first missionary journey (cf. 1Co 4:17; 1Ti 1:2, 18). be strong. Here is the main admonition in the first part of the letter. Paul is calling for Timothy to overcome his apparent drift toward weakness and renew his commitment to his ministry (see Introduction: Historical and Theological Themes). MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (2 Ti 2:1). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers. (Duane Litfin) 2:1. After the reminders of Timothy’s ordination, his own example, and that of others, Paul addressed Timothy with a direct application: You then, my son (teknon, “child,” an endearing term), be strong (lit. “be empowered”; cf. Eph. 6:10). Yet Timothy’s strength was not his own; it was a divine “gift” (grace, charis) found only in Christ (Phil. 4:13). Litfin, A. D. (1985). 2 Timothy. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 752). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books. 1. Thou therefore—following my example (2 Ti 1:8, 12), and that of ONESIPHORUS (2 Ti 1:16–18), and shunning that of those who forsook me (2 Ti 1:15). my son—Children ought to imitate their father. be strong—literally, “be invested with power.” Have power, and show thyself to have it; implying an abiding state of power. in the grace—the element IN which the believer’s strength has place. Compare 2 Ti 1:7, “God hath given us the spirit of power.” Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 423). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc. 2 Timothy 2:1 Be strengthened (ἐνδυναμου [endunamou]). Present passive imperative of ἐνδυναμοω [endunamoō]. See already 1 Tim. 1:12; Rom. 4:20; Phil. 4:13; Eph. 6:10. “Keep on being empowered,” “keep in touch with the power.” In the grace that is in Christ Jesus (ἐν τῃ χαριτι τῃ ἐν Χριστῳ Ἰησου [en tēi chariti tēi en Christōi Iēsou]). Where the power is located. Christ is the dynamo for power only when and while we keep in touch with him. Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament (2 Ti 2:1). Nashville, TN: Broadman Press. We pray that your strength to stand firm in this international pandemic will be enhanced. May you be encouraged by our Lord. Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions,com ________________________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.  A Kingdom Leader has a balanced view of the issues of our world and the unseen spiritual world. Humility is the foundation of that balance.
Do you mock and laugh at situations that present themselves each day? Abraham and Sarah laughed at God when he announced the future birth of their son. Jesus was laughed at when he announced that the dead girl was only sleeping. There is a time for laughter! The balanced leader can laugh at himself because he recognizes his dependence on God the Father. He can see the gap between his knowledge and his understanding! Ecclesiastes 3:4 (NKJV) A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance Humility is the disposition of valuing or assessing oneself appropriately. It is very clear that without Christ we can do nothing! We need Him every hour. Encourage others as you walk through your day. Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com ________________________ The New King James Version. (1982). (Ec 3:4). Nashville: Thomas Nelson. 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.  Derembwe, Zimbabwe
The tap is flowing! Life has now changed for the small village of Derembwe. For the first time in their history they now have a functioning well that has a tap for water. The delay due to Covid-19 stopped all work one week after hitting the water you see pictured. The government stopped all travel within the country. The gusher that hit in December had to be capped until further notice. I received word yesterday that they are back at work and the water is flowing for the village. The final steps will be the installation of two 5,000 liter tanks which will allow them to irrigate fields for planting. Life has now changed for these people. Thank you so much for your prayers! Our God is so good. Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.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.  A kingdom leader knows where to turn for mentoring. The best source is sitting right in front of us. It is the Word of God!
Psalm 19:7–11 (ESV) 7 The law of the Lord is perfect, Reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ps 19:7–11). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. Has the Word of God passed in front of your eyes today? Are you sitting at the feet of our Lord wanting to learn? Don't miss the great experience of reading, searching and studying His book. You are never alone no matter where the Lord takes you on this earth. Don't miss the thrill of sitting with the King of Kings! Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com _________________________ 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. |
Danny SartinFour 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. Archives
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