  Olifant (Afrikaans) The largest land animal! Coming eye to eye with an Elephant can be very intimidating and very mysterious. What lurks in that mind? Does he feel in similar ways that we do? The massive and powerful animal can strike fear in our hearts. Elephants who become upset can attack a car and flip it several times when provoked. We have been reminded on several occasions that this is their world and our intrusion is not always welcome. When on safari we have been told certain signs to watch for when an elephant is agitated and dangerous. Flapping ears, shaking of the head and a trumpeting charge can strike deep fear. You realize you have no control over this massive animal. Yet under that tough skin and lumbering appearance is a surprise. You find that elephants are very social, attentive and caring.  Babies are cared for and helped by the group when they enter water and muddy areas. Babies tend to run close to the mother and sometimes under the mother. All of the elephants in a group take note of anyone struggling. We have seen elephants supporting and attempting to raise a wounded companion. We have seen mothers and grandmothers lift little ones over a muddy bank since the baby is too little to scale the slippery bank. Leadership and experience play a crucial role in elephant social organization. When a group surpassed ten or more animals they tend to split into two groups.  A baby elephant charged our vehicle one day. The disinterested mother did keep her eye on us. She knew the little one was playing. We didn't know!
Who do you walk with in life? Who in your group pays attention to your needs? Who steps up to help you when a need becomes apparent? Are you walking through life solo? Have you chosen someone to walk your life with? Who is your leader? Who do you lead? That is the role of the fellowship in the church. We need one another to help us when we slip and fall. Find a walking companion today. 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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 Night Vision?
A Kingdom Leader is keenly aware of the trap we fall into when we face trying situations in life. Those difficult events tend to distort the reality of what is going on. It requires that we have eyes that can see those challenges from a spiritual perspective. Can you see God amid your painful and challenging circumstances? Are you overwhelmed by the size of the adversaries you face? Are you struggling to see a path to victory as you study the enemy? Do you see yourself like a child facing a tremendous giant? There are numerous Biblical examples of those traps. The spies in the promised land saw themselves as grasshoppers. So, the adversaries also saw them in that way. Facing Goliath, the Israelite's cowered and ultimately sent a boy to do a man’s job. Elijah prays that God will open the eyes of his servant and see the armies of God. Do you have the heart and confidence of the young boy David? Do you see God as your ally in facing difficult situations? Does your strength and skill come from him or yourself? These critical questions will determine if you avoid the trap and persevere alongside Him. You are never alone without His company. Corrie Ten Boom said there is no pit so deep. . . that God is not deeper still! You may be blinded by the brilliance of His presence. 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
November 2023
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