  This elephant was grazing beside the road in Kruger National Park and seemed content. Then he turned and looked at us and everything changed. He became annoyed and charged at our vehicle. He was not happy with our car being so close to his space. The loud trumpeting, flapping ears and running gate stuck fear into our hearts! Our heart sank and become flustered. We could not crank the car fast enough and put it in gear!
The twenty-first century has become an interesting place. We have all become complacent about the elephant in the room of life. We ignore the issues, problems, risk and conditions that few want to talk about. People who are zealous for their opinion to be accepted charge the issue like a wild elephant. It has created a situation where no one wants to discuss the issues or make a challenge. Jesus faced the same elephants in the first century. It seems that his opinion stirred the issues everywhere he went. He caused so much controversy that radical religious leaders sought ways to kill him. It seems that it takes infinite patience, discipline and a gracious tongue to address the elephants in our lives. Be willing to sit and listen to those who have a difference of opinion. But learn to ask good questions that help sort the issues being discussed. When necessary, ask hard questions that highlight faulty thinking and unstable hearts. Many dissidents do not have a loving person who will discuss the issues in a rational way. Love them with your attentive ears, tender heart and gracious lips! 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.
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 Report from Germany
Friday night we visited a youth group in Detmold, Germany. We shared key questions with the group of over fifty young people. Who is God? Who are you? Where is Jesus in our lives and in the Word of God? Once we concluded the meeting several girls came up to Cathy and asked her to share our "love story." She shared some parts of our meeting, dating and falling in love with one another. Then she came over to me and pointed to the group of girls and said, they have a question to ask you. Real life had jumped out at them because two of the girls were engaged to be married. They wanted to know details about our relationship. You could see the eager look on their faces, smiles and a clear desire to know more! But the discussions did not end there. A group of young people asked an even deeper question. How do you study the Bible? Will you teach us? So Tuesday night we met for over three hours and walked through a supposed error in the Bible. We saw the same eager look on their faces, smiles and a clear desire to know more of God's Word. They seemed to hang on every thought that was shared. Questions bounced around like popcorn. It was so much fun! But most importantly they learned that the Word of God is reliable and trustworthy. It is not full of errors like Jim Jones of Jones town (The People's Temple of 1978) told his people. Even the most difficult Scriptures can be hard to understand but persistent discipline to search and study the Word can bring a healthy love relationship with Jesus and God the Father. You see love is what each of us seeks. It is also what Jesus is providing! For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only son! It is a connection every heart wants. . . to love and feel loved! What a joy to share His love with people in other parts of the world. Come with us and see for yourself! Cathy and Danny www.deeperstillmissions.com. _________________________ Copyright © Danny Sartin and Deeper Still Missions. All Rights Reserved. This on the field report is written for those who support Deeper Still Missions and our 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. |
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
April 2021
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