Deeper Still Missions | Missionary Training | Ministry Mentoring - Donkey Stable

Highly Esteemed!

8/6/2020

A Kingdom Leader can find himself in the middle of many skirmishes and battles. Those situations can require that a leader take a stand. It takes great discernment and tact to have the wisdom, courage, and the will to stand.

Which battle would Jesus choose? The end times will be typical of false teachers, lawlessness and a turning away from God and His values. There will be a total rebellion against God's laws.

Daniel was one faithful follower of the Lord. He lived his life in a difficult place, under ungodly leadership, and faced many issues in his life. Despite the circumstances he faced Daniel was highly esteemed in heaven.

Daniel 10:19 (ESV)
19 And he said, o“O man greatly loved, pfear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”

Remember that the Lord will strengthen you at the appropriate time. Trust in Him. Be strong and have good courage. He knows what you face. Let us encourage one another.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
_________________________

o ver. 11; ch. 9:23
p See ver. 12
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Da 10:19). 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.

Snatched!

7/23/2020

Many see the Word of God. . .few look closely!

1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 (ESV)
16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.

Recently I have found myself thinking of the “latter days” or “end times” discussed in the Bible. Our world today is full of the signs that Jesus mentioned before his crucifixion. But Jesus says to not be worried. I will come back and take you to be with me (John 14:3).

The Greek word for “caught up” is harpazo. Notice all the places where the word is used in the following dictionary and two commentaries.

773 ἁρπάζω (harpazō): ≡ Str 726; --1. snatch, seize (Mt 13:19; Jn 6:15; Ac 23:10; Jude 23); a rapture to God and glory (Ac 8:39; 2Co 12:2, 4; 1Th 4:17; Rev 12:5) 2. attack, implying the seizing of something (Mt 11:12; Jn 10:12) 3. plunder, seize possessions by force (Mt 12:29) 4. gain control over, formally, snatch from the hand (Jn 10:28, 29)

4:17 caught up. After the dead come forth, their spirits, already with the Lord (2Co 5:8; Php 1:23), are now being joined to resurrected new bodies (see notes on 1Co 15:35–50); the living Christians will be raptured, lit. snatched away (cf. Jn 10:28; Ac 8:39). This passage, along with Jn 14:1–3 and 1Co 15:51, 52, forms the biblical basis for “the Rapture” of the church. The time of the Rapture cannot be conclusively determined from this passage alone. However, when other texts such as Rev 3:10 and Jn 14:3 are consulted and compared to the texts about Christ’s coming in judgment (Mt 13:34–50; 24:29–44; Rev 19:11–21) at the end of a 7 year tribulation, it has to be noted that there is a clear difference between the character of the “Rapture” in that there is no mention of any judgment, while the other texts feature judgment. So then, it is best to understand that the Rapture occurs at a time different from the coming of Christ in judgment. Thus, the Rapture has been described as pretribulational (before the wrath of God unfolded in the judgments of Rev 6–19). This event includes complete transformation (cf. 1Co 15:51, 52; Phil 3:20, 21) and union with the Lord Jesus Christ that never ends.
4:18 comfort one another. The primary purpose of this passage is not to teach a scheme of prophecy, but rather to provide encouragement to those Christians whose loved ones have died. The comfort here is based on the following: 1) the dead will be resurrected and will participate in the Lord’s coming for His own; 2) when Christ comes the living will be reunited forever with their loved ones; and 3) they all will be with the Lord eternally (v. 17).

Only “after that” (v. 17) will living Christians “be caught up” for the meeting with Christ. The interval separating the two groups will be infinitesimally small by human reckoning. Yet the dead in Christ will go first. They will be the first to share in the glory of his visit. Then the living among whom Paul still hoped to be (cf. “we”) will be suddenly snatched away (harpagēsometha, “caught up”; cf. Acts 8:39; 2 Cor 12:2, 4; Rev 12:5). This term in Latin, raptus, is the source of the popular designation of this event as the “rapture.” So sudden will it be that Paul likens it to a blinking of the eye (1 Cor 15:52). In this rapid sequence the living will undergo an immediate change from mortality to immortality (1 Cor 15:52, 53), after which they will be insusceptible to death.
Together with the resurrected believers, they will ascend, be enshrouded in the clouds of the sky (cf. Acts 1:9), and meet the Lord somewhere in the interspace between earth and heaven (“air,” aera).

Cathy and I find great comfort in the words of Paul and Jesus. At the right time we will be caught up with Him in the air. Then we will be with him forever. Be encouraged.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
________________________
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (1 Th 4:16–17). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
Str Strong’s Lexicon

Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament) (electronic ed.). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (1 Th 4:17–18). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Thomas, R. L. (1981). 1 Thessalonians. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Ephesians through Philemon (Vol. 11, pp. 278–279). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.

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.

Listening?

7/9/2020

It seems that a Kingdom Leader goes through many situations that seem to make no sense. You can struggle to understand the reason behind each lesson that the Lord presents into your life. Very often we struggle between our mind, heart and reason.

What goals guide the direction of your life? How much does your ego guide you decisions and aspirations? Is there any possibility that you cannot see the truth about our Lord? Are you fighting the storm that Christ has brought into your life? Do you acknowledge that heaven rules our lives and allows events to open our eyes?

Nebuchadnezzar was an ungodly man. Actually he had many gods but wanted others to worship him as the ultimate object of worship. God revealed to this pagan leader the truth about what would happen in the last days of the earth. His pride puffed him up to be more important than he really was. God decided to humble him with a mental disorder that drove him away from people. He lived among the wild animals and ate grass like a cow. After seven times past he finally opened his eyes and looked up.

Daniel 4:34 (ESV) Nebuchadnezzar Restored
34 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever.

Remember that God is sovereign in history, God does as he pleases. No one can hold back the hand of the Lord. Everything He does is right and all His ways are just.

We live in an unprecedented time in history. Remember that God is on His throne!

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
_________________________
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Da 4:34). 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.

Care for Others

6/18/2020

Tempting a Buffalo
The Stare of Death

Cathy and I were driving in Kruger National Park when we came upon a Buffalo family. The calf was only minutes old. You could see the afterbirth and wet skin on the little baby.

Moma and daddy took steps toward us as they sized us up. They were saying to us . . . do not come closer! The protective instinct was clearly visible and stone cold. We carefully backed away and gave more room for the family to feel safe from us. Then we watched.

The mother began to lick the baby and get him on his feet. The father never turned his eyes from us. He had a laser focus on us and made sure that his family would be OK.

Since that early encounter we have seen hundreds of Buffalo in herds and solo in the park. We have seen a group of Buffalo gather to attack a pride of lions. The old bull gored a female lion and flipped her into the air. We were amazed! He threw her nearly twenty feet high.

When threatened, buffalo form a circle with horns facing out. All predators know the danger of the horns. But most importantly the group comes together to support one another.

Who would stand with you? Who could you seek refuge with when you are faced with a difficult situation? The fellowship of believers should be a safe place for a Christian. Would you gently and humbly help a friend who is surrounded in sin? Do you stand shoulder to shoulder with them and help restore them?

We pray that you will be a safe place for others. Jesus said we should love one another!

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions@gmail.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.

Favor

6/4/2020

A Kingdom Leader gains favor from people around him or her. They also gain favor from God. Favor means they are appreciated by others. Jesus gained favor with both. See Luke 2:52. His gracious speech caught the attention of others along with his understanding.

Would others say that your words are filled with grace? Do you exhibit mercy to people who may not deserve it? When people ask you questions do you compliment their request? Do you show that you value their question? Do you listen carefully to their concerns?

Jesus was our example. He was winsome, kind and full of goodwill for others. Some would say he had charm and gracious care for people.

Colossians 4:6 (ESV)
Let your speech always jbe gracious, kseasoned with salt, lso that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Season the hearts of people with the expression of kindness. Bless others by looking them in the eyes and give focused attention. You can be a gracious expression of our Lord to others. Your grace, kindness, mercy and goodwill will be a welcome experience for people. It will be fresh water to their heart.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.ccom
__________________________

j ch. 3:16
k See Mark 9:50
l 1 Pet. 3:15
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Col 4:6). 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.

Churches

5/21/2020

Many see the Word of God. . .few observe!

Revelation 3:22 (ESV)
pHe who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Jesus is speaking to John and telling him to write down everything he sees and hears for the churches. Note that the red letter editions of the Bible are highlighted in red to signify the words of Jesus.

It is interesting that the church is not mentioned again until Revelation 22:16. The Greek word for church, ekklesiais, is used 21 times in the first three chapters of the book of Revelation. It is not used again until Revelation 22. Why would that be the case? What happens to the church? Read the words of Warren Weirsbe on this scripture.

Just as these churches existed in John’s day, so they all exist today. We have busy churches that have left their first love (Ephesus) that often end up as churches that are lukewarm toward Christ (Laodicea). False doctrine begins in a small way, but then it grows and infects the whole assembly. Yet, there is a remnant of true believers (the overcomers) in each church who are responsible to be faithful to Christ until He returns.

It has been pointed out by Bible students that the promises to the overcomers in these chapters resemble OT history: the tree of life in Eden, 2:7; man cast out of the Garden to die, 2:11; the manna of the wilderness, 2:17; the kingdom age of Israel, 2:26–27; the priestly ministry, 3:5; the temple, 3:12; and the glorious throne of Solomon, 3:21. It is as though Christ gathered up the history of Israel and applied it to His people today.

Note, finally, the importance of the Word of God to the churches. Seven times Christ calls the churches to hear what the Spirit is saying. When churches stop listening to the voice of the Spirit through the Word and start listening to the voices of false teachers, they begin to turn away from the truth. We must not deny the faith (2:23), even if it costs us our lives. We must keep His Word (3:8, 10) and not deny His name. Apart from the Word of God, there is no life or hope for the churches.

Wiersbe, W. W. (1992). Wiersbe’s expository outlines on the New Testament (pp. 805–806). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Could it be that the church has been raptured into heaven as John was in chapter 4 of Revelation? This contested theological issue becomes very interesting when you realize that Jesus is personally involved. He is speaking and sharing information for the book of Revelation.

We believe that Jesus will come for the church and we will later come with Him for the battle!

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
_________________________
p [See ch. 2:7 above]
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Re 3:22). 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.

Discretion

5/7/2020

Discernment during chaos!

A Kingdom Leader is always careful in the midst of difficult circumstances. He or she has the trait of judging wisely and objectively. They know how to act in a particular situation. They seek wisdom and advice when chaos seems to rule.

Where do you seek counsel when things are difficult? How frequently do you meet with those guides for you heart and mind? How do you respond to people who irritate you and challenge your authority? Are you an authoritarian leader or a servant leader?

Servant leaders are stabilized by the Spirit of the Lord. They seek the best people to give guidance and thoughts that keep you from making a fool of yourself. Once you become a follower of Christ you will discover it is not some simple dream. Leadership is full of difficult relationships, complex situations and barriers you will not easily anticipate. Daniel responded in a powerful way to the issues he faced in an ungodly world filled with difficult people to contend with.

Daniel 2:14 (ESV)
14 Then Daniel replied with prudence and discretion to bArioch, the ccaptain of the king’s guard, who had gone out to kill the wise men of Babylon.

Daniel sought advice from his three friends. He prayed regularly every day. And Daniel developed understanding and wisdom.

We pray that you strive to be a servant leader during the pandemic. Don't miss the opportunities you will experience to give a drink of water in the name of Jesus.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
_________________________

b ver. 24, 25
c [Gen. 37:36]
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Da 2:14). 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.

Stunning!

4/16/2020

Be Still...
and know that I am God!

In the midst of a whirlwind of activity many of us have sought a time where we could stop and see the work of God. This amazing worldwide shutdown has been unsettling and uncertain!

In the first few weeks,God sent a robin that began building a nest at our home. It was only feet away under the edge of our roof and the downspout of the gutter. Cathy would sit in her rocker and watch the male bring straw, mud and sticks to build a stable home on our patio. Cathy loved it!

Next thing we see is a female who comes and sits on the nest. On occasion she would fly off for a short time and get food. Then she would come right back. Cathy slipped her camera above the nest and the snapshot revealed four beautiful eggs. New baby robins that had one of the most beautiful teal colored eggs we have seen.

Today we are watching the parents take turns feeding four wide open mouths. Our world seems chaotic until you look closer at the provision of God for the birds. Jesus said it best.

Matthew 6:26–34 (ESV)
26 gLook at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. hAre you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his ispan of life?7 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, jeven Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, kO you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For lthe Gentiles seek after all these things, and myour heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But nseek first othe kingdom of God and his righteousness, pand all these things will be added to you.
34 q“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

We need the words of Jesus today. Be blessed as you seek Him.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeeprstillmissions.com
________________________
g [Job 38:41; Ps. 147:9]
h ch. 10:31
i Luke 2:52
7 Or a single cubit to his stature; a cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters
j 1 Kgs. 10:4–7
k ch. 8:26; 14:31; 16:8; [ch. 17:20]
l ver. 7
m ver. 8
n [ch. 5:6, 20]
o ver. 10
p [1 Kgs. 3:11–14; Mark 10:29, 30; 1 Tim. 4:8; 1 Pet. 3:9]
q [James 4:13, 14]
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Mt 6:26–34). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.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.

Provacative

4/2/2020

A Kingdom Leader can become angry, frustrated and annoyed through many circumstances at home or work. It can create an incendiary climate among co-workers, family and friends. Even the reading of God's Word can cause extreme annoyance when we recognize our omissions, failures and mistakes. It can provoke a change of focus.

Do you struggle to find time to read the Bible? Do you only read books and passages that are soothing and calming? Do you avoid difficult passages? What would your life be like if you were forbidden to read God's Word?

Daniel served ungodly kings for many decades of his life. He was not allowed to read scriptures until Cyrus brought all the items belonging to the Temple of God. (see Ezra 1:7) Then we see Daniel's response when he read the book of Jeremiah. It caused him to change his focus!

Daniel 9:1–3 (ESV)
1 bIn the first year of cDarius the son of Ahasuerus, by descent a dMede, who was made king over the realm of the eChaldeans— 2 in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years that, according to fthe word of the Lord to Jeremiah the prophet, must pass before the end of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years.
3 Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by gprayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.

Daniel changes his focus, dress, posture and schedule. He turned his face to the Lord and sought answers.

Does your reading of the scripture cause these changes for you? Let the Word be provocative in your thinking, feeling and how you behave. The Holy Spirit will make changes in you.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
________________________

b ch. 11:1
c See ch. 5:31
d [ch. 8:20]
e ch. 5:30
f [Ezra 1:1; Jer. 25:12]
g ver. 17, 18, 23; [Neh. 1:4]
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Da 9:1–3). 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.

Carried Along!

3/19/2020

Many see the Word of God. . .few observe!

2 Peter 1:21 (ESV)
21 For kno prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God las they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Prophecy has become a difficult matter for many churches around the world. We see many false prophets today just as they did during the time of Jesus and Moses. Today we will focus on the origin of prophecy. How does it come to be?

21 Each prophecy originated in God (apo theou), not in the will of man. To understand each prophecy, one must interpret it not according to one’s own “private” ideas. Verse 21 is notable for the light it sheds on how Scripture was produced. Peter’s statement “men spoke from God” implies the dual authorship of Scripture. This is also implied in the OT. For example, David said, “The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue” (2 Sam 23:2); or as Jeremiah was told, “You must … say whatever I command you.… Now, I have put my words in your mouth” (Jer 1:7, 9). Men spoke, but God so worked in them so that what they said was his word. It was not through a process of dictation or through a state of ecstasy that the writers of Scripture spoke but through the control of the Spirit of God—“as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (For other texts on Inspiration, cf. 1 Cor 14:37; 2 Tim 3:16.)

Blum, E. A. (1981). 2 Peter. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Hebrews through Revelation (Vol. 12, p. 275). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.

It is like a wind that sustains a ship with a sail. The movement of the boat is not self contained, propelled or driven. It is completely dependent on the wind to move it along. This is the origin of prophecy. The Holy Spirit is the energy to propel men and send them in a particular direction.

Cathy and Danny Sartin

k 2 Tim. 3:16
l 1 Pet. 1:11; [2 Sam. 23:2; Luke 1:70; Acts 1:16; 3:18]
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (2 Pe 1:21). 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.