The Celebration of New Life Cathy struggles to pass by a new flower. She always wants to stop and "smell the roses". She takes a deep breath and closes her eyes as she inhales the rich fragrance of a new creation from God. Pictured above is a snapshot of a beautiful rose we saw in Holland several years ago. God had brought us there at the right time to see the blossoms of tulips, roses and hundreds of other flowers in the spring. We have been traveling with Deeper Still Missions for the last twelve years. No matter where we go Cathy sees God's beauty and majesty. Whether it is in Kruger National Park, the Robertson Valley of the Cape, Victoria Falls, Germany or driving on the interstate, Cathy notices the work of God! Just like the flowers in Holland she would stop and say, look at how God painted the exquisite touch on those plants! Look at that tree! Look at that beautiful Wild Dog and the pattern on its coat! God never disappoints! Look around you and see his creation. It will take your breath away. There are so many distractions in our busy daily lives that we often become blind to the beauty of what God is doing around us and in us. Have you noticed the beauty of flowers coming from weeds? Cathy does. She has taught me so much and opened my eyes to see more of the influence of God in our world, our minds and our hearts. Celebrate the fresh smell of God's work. It is all around us. Thankfully Cathy has opened my eyes! Danny and Cathy 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.
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A Kingdom Leader is not only focused on production but is also looking to be very effective in their activity. One of the most dangerous thought patterns that can develop for a leader is laziness. You can begin to avoid activity or exertion. You pass on difficult assignments to others or you ignore vital activities that must be done for the ministry to be very effective. When is the last time you had a personal conversation with other leaders, donors, staff and volunteers around this ministry? Do you initiate contact with them to show that you care? Do you call up others personally and ask how they are doing? Do you pray for those people in your private prayer time? Do you feel too tired to call and go see others? Are you isolated as a leader because of pressure and an overwhelming work load? What about your spouse? Children? Peter is reflecting on his own life as he sits in prison in Rome. He says it is possible for a Christian to be ineffective and unproductive. Useless and empty for the Kingdom of God. That causes me to feel some alarm. We must add things to our faith so that we do not become so useless to our Lord. 2 Peter 1:8 (ESV) For if these qualities6 are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or nunfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray that you do not overlook key relationships because your activity prevents it. Love others in the same way Christ set his priorities. Reorganize your activities now. Cathy and Danny Sartin [email protected] _______________________________ 6 Greek these things; also verses 9, 10, 12 n See John 15:2; Titus 3:14 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (2 Pe 1:8). 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. |
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
November 2023
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