  Pruning your life!
Remove the dead wood. It was very instructive for us to live in a vineyard this past June and July. The farm workers pruned the vines in preparation for next years crop. You notice in the picture that the vines seem almost naked. They have been cleaned of all the dead wood. You can see on the ground branches that have been removed to make room for new growth in the spring. This pruning process goes on each year. There is also a time when the vines become unproductive and have to be removed and replaced by new vines. The whole procedure was fascinating. It breathes new life into the comments by Jesus Christ about vines, branches and abiding in Him in John chapter 15.. It causes us to ask what items in our life are fruitful and useful? What needs to be cut out of our life so we are valuable for the Kingdom of Christ? Notice that some branches become so productive that they become a part of the vine. I think that would be a goal for all of us who follow Christ! Maybe the season has come for you to prune and cleanse the many activities that consume your life. The vines almost feel scalped. Maybe we need to seek the simple life that lets us abide in Christ more of the time. Pray for guidance from the Lord! 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 email in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.
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 A Kingdom Leader is always building close relationships with others in their world. She ties her heart and mind to others that will league together and conspire to make progress.
Who have you linked arms with in ministry? Are your life goals bound up with another? Do you have a close friend that is knitted to your heart, mind and soul? What other ministry have you joined with to increase the yield of fruit in your community? Are you being a good steward of what God has given you? Consider the relationship between David and Jonathan. Their hearts were tied together and carefully knitted into a strong friendship and partnership. 1 Samuel 18:1 (ESV) David and Jonathan’s Friendship 18 As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan dloved him as his own soul. Build relations with like minded ministry leaders. Build alliances that will expand the Kingdom of God. Don't be caught in the trap of building your kingdom. The kingdom of God is the best place to make investments for eternity. Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com _________________________ d ch. 20:17; Deut. 13:6; [ch. 19:2; 2 Sam. 1:26] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (1 Sa 18:1). 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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