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God's Word

4/1/2021

A kingdom leader knows where to turn for mentoring. The best source is sitting right in front of us. It is the Word of God!

Psalm 19:7–11 (ESV)
7  The law of the Lord is perfect,  Reviving the soul;  the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
8  the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure,  enlightening the eyes;
9  the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are  true, and righteous altogether.
10  More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold;  sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
11  Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ps 19:7–11). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Has the Word of God passed in front of your eyes today? Are you sitting at the feet of our Lord wanting to learn? Don't miss the great experience of reading, searching and studying His book. You are never alone no matter where the Lord takes you on this earth. Don't miss the thrill of sitting with the King of Kings!

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.

Not Required...

3/18/2021

Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things . . . Psalm 119:18 (ESV)

The Rapture
A common question I have been asked in the last two years has been about end times. My personal persuasion from scriptural study has convinced me that the rapture will happen prior to the onset of the great tribulation.

John 14:3 (NIV) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

Exemption from the wrath to come.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:10 (NIV) and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead--Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:3 (NIV) While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:9 (ESV) For God has not destined us for wrath but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
- Revelation 3:10 (ESV) Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.

1 Thessalonians 5:1–2 (ESV) The Day of the Lord
5 Now concerning wthe times and the seasons, brothers,1 xyou have no need to have anything written to you. 2 For you yourselves are fully aware that ythe day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

w Dan. 2:21; Acts 1:7
1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 4, 12, 14, 25, 26, 27
x ch. 4:9
y [2 Thess. 2:2]; See Matt. 24:43; Luke 17:24
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (1 Th 5:1–2). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
The following notes are from John MacArthur a pastor in Southern California. These notes are from his study Bible on 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2

5:1 Now. Paul used familiar Gr. words here to indicate a change of topics within the same general subject of prophecy (cf. 4:9, 13; 1Co 7:1, 25; 8:1; 12:1; 16:1). The expression here points to the idea that within the broader context of the end time coming of the Lord Jesus, the subject is changing from a discussion of the blessings of the rapture of believers to the judgment of unbelievers.

times and the epochs. These two terms mean the measurement of time and the character of the times respectively (cf. Da 2:21; Ac 1:7). Many of them expected the Lord to come in their lifetime and were confused and grieved when their fellow believers died before His coming (see notes on 4:13–18). They were concerned about the delay. Apparently, the Thessalonians knew all that God intended believers to know about coming judgment, and Paul had taught them what they hadn’t known about the Rapture (4:13–18), so Paul exhorted them to live godly lives in light of coming judgment on the world, rather than to be distracted by probing into issues of prophetic timing. They could not know the timing of God’s final judgment, but they knew well that it was coming unexpectedly (v. 2).

5:2 day of the Lord. There are 19 indisputable uses of “the Day of the Lord” in the OT and 4 in the NT (cf. Ac 2:20; 2Th 2:2; 2Pe 3:10). The OT prophets used “Day of the Lord” to describe near historical judgments (see Is 13:6–22; Eze 30:2–19; Joel 1:15; Am 5:18–20; Zep 1:14–18) or far eschatological divine judgments (see Joel 2:30–32; 3:14; Zec 14:1; Mal 4:1, 5). It is also referred to as the “day of doom” and the “day of vengeance.” The NT calls it a day of “wrath,” day of “visitation,” and the “great day of God Almighty”(Rev 16:14). These are terrifying judgments from God (cf. Joel 2:30, 31; 2Th 1:7–10) for the overwhelming sinfulness of the world. The future “Day of the Lord” which unleashes God’s wrath, falls into two parts: 1) the end of the 7 year tribulation period (cf. Rev 19:11–21), and 2) the end of the Millennium. These two are actually 1,000 years apart and Peter refers to the end of the 1,000 year period in connection with the final “Day of the Lord” (cf. 2Pe 3:10; Rev 20:7–15). Here, Paul refers to that aspect of the “Day of the Lord,” which concludes the tribulation period. a thief in the night. This phrase is never used to refer to the rapture of the church. It is used of Christ’s coming in judgment on the Day of the Lord at the end of the 7 year tribulation which is distinct from the rapture of the church (see note on 4:15) and it is used of the judgment which concludes the Millennium (2Pe 3:10). As a thief comes unexpectedly and without warning, so will the Day of the Lord come in both its final phases

MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (1 Th 5:1–2). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ps 119:18). 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.

Eyes

3/4/2021

Seeing is Believing!

A kingdom leader can become overwhelmed with so many issues. Understanding what God is doing can be a long stretch. In fact, circumstances can freeze our hearts, thoughts, and minds. We think our eyes are wide open but sometimes they might as well just be closed. We cannot see!

Do you lock yourself away from issues that cause you fear? Do you think that a lock can protect you from being exposed to the thorny issues of society? In the haze and fog of life we can become disoriented with the apparent success of combative ideologies. What can we not see?

The disciples of Jesus found themselves in such a place after the death of their leader. They are in the upper room with the door locked. They were afraid of the Jews and that they might be the next victim of their satanic scheme.

John 20:19 (ESV) Jesus Appears to the Disciples
cOn the evening dof that day, the first day of the week, ethe doors being locked where the disciples were ffor fear of the Jews, 3 Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, g“Peace be with you.”

I find it interesting that many of the miracles of Jesus had to do with the healing of blind people. I think some of those incidents were for the disciples. What do you see? Look intently at Jesus and your sight will be restored.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
_________________________
c 1 Cor. 15:5; [ver. 26]
d Luke 24:33, 36
e ver. 26
f See ch. 7:13
3 Greek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time; also verse 50
g See ch. 14:27
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Jn 20:19). 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.

Restore

2/18/2021

God's Ecology Animal
The 1,000 Mile Migration

Back in 1989 we saw the great migration in Kenya. Millions of Wildebeest (also called Gnus) appeared on the plains of the Maasai. They were moving and winding as far as the eye could see.

It was the annual migration to follow rain and fresh grass that sprouts as a result. Their journey takes them across the Mara River and a crocodile infested water way. The Croc's feast on the Wildebeest that they can catch and drown. Thousands of Gnus cross at the same time.

They were going South for the trip that happens specifically at the right time. You could see hundreds of young ones running along with their mother. Apparently God has planned for all the babies to be born in a one month period. The little ones can run stride for stride with their mothers in only minutes after birth.

My first thought was that they are stripping the land of grass and hurting the future of the plains. How can it recover? What I didn't know was the Gnu's cleared the grass to allow the sprouts of trees to remain. They do not eat those sprouts. In a year you see a new forest of trees that helps replenish the ecology of the plains.

God is an amazing creator. The timing, habits and instinct of his animals have a purpose for us all. Look and see if you can see God's fingerprints in nature around you. You might be surprised!

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.

Don't Cut Corners

2/4/2021

A Kingdom Leader has a strong desire to do his work efficiently and accurately. Cutting corners to accomplish a task can be a recipe for problems. But yet, God gives the farmers of Israel an order to not cut the corners of a field. Instead of gleaning the fields to the edges he says to leave it for others.

Are you considering the needs of others when you make plans? Do you consider the needs of the unfortunate in your community? In a time of emergency, tragedy or pandemic have you withheld some resources to help those in need? Are you so focused on your activity or program that you don't consider the people right around you? What about your family, co-workers and like minded organizations near you?

Leviticus 23:22 (ESV) “And kwhen you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.”

Trusting the Lord for resources is a daily task. Unfortunately, we tend to worry if we don't have enough to accomplish our goals. Today God may introduce you to someone with significant needs. Can you help?

Jesus mentions the birds. She what God does for them? Will he not do the same for you?

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmisisons.com
_________________________
k ch. 19:9, 10; Deut. 24:19; [Ruth 2:2, 3]
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Le 23:22). 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.

Sharing Life

1/21/2021

What is God teaching me?
Sharing Our Whole Life

In South Africa we met a wonderful Afrikaans family; an older man and his wife and their only grown daughter. We had the privilege of staying with them as Danny worked with various missionaries in the local township and villages.

Cathy and I stayed with this lovely family and got to know them. The father had dementia but she was able to develop a great relationship with him.

They both bonded over their love for ice cream. He brought out his "big spoon" when the ice cream arrived. Cathy can be seen with her small spoon. His humor was contagious! They loved sitting and talking about his life.

She also listened to another older woman who needed to talk.It was several weeks of interaction as we went deeper still into their hearts, minds and souls. Cathy learned a lot about the joy of listening instead of talking.

When our time was done, these dear people were laughing and talking with one another. That is why we pitch our tent in the world of missionaries and spend time with their families. We have so much to learn!

1 Thessalonians 2:8 (ESV) "So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God abut also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."

Covid 19 has been a challenge. But maybe God is giving you the opportunity to share with your family deeper still. Find your ice cream spoon and share your heart!

God blessed our time there in 2011 and has many times since then. Don't miss it!

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
_________________________
a See 2 Cor. 12:15
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (1 Th 2:8). 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 email in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

Dependable

1/7/2021

A Kingdom Leader wants to be dependable and trustworthy. Unfortunately, we live in a fast-paced society that washes over us like waves on the seashore. The force of activities, schedules, thinking and feeling can wash over us at any time. Keeping a balanced schedule that nurtures relationships at home can be exceedingly difficult. How do we so easily fall short of our desired goals?

We can lose our footing when we become careless. We do not pay attention to the needs of our family. When is the last time you dated your spouse? What about your children or grandchildren? Do you have focused time together? Do you make eye contact with fellow workers? Is your discipline laced with grace and mercy for those you love and care for? Does the schedule control your feelings? Are you short with those who mean so much?

A lack of proper concern for other’s thoughts and feelings can lead to distressing results. You can say things you did not mean to say in the heat of a rough day. Jesus said careless words carry consequences.

Matthew 12:36 (ESV) "I tell you, son the day of judgment tpeople will give account for uevery careless word they speak"

Socrates once said, beware the barrenness of a busy life. Do not miss time with your family as they are the jewels of your life. They are God’s gift to you!

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com\
_________________________

s [Eph. 5:4, 11; 2 Pet. 1:8]
t Eccles. 12:14; Rom. 14:12; 1 Pet. 4:5
u See Acts 17:31
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Mt 12:36). 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.

Respect

12/3/2020

A Kingdom Leader instinctively knows how to reverence others and treat them with great worth. It is an issue of respect. It requires gentleness and kindness.It is an attitude of honor.

Do you regard others with humility? Do you lift others to a place of honor in you behavior, speech and mannerisms? How do you greet others who do not know who you are? Do you show respect to those that appear lowly or downtrodden? Do you make eye contact?

Many Biblical characters had encounters with celestial beings. Consider Jacob, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, John and Paul! They fell on their faces before angels and the Lord himself. They had to be strengthened so they could stand in their presence.

It is a challenge to treat everyone with that same level of respect. Our mind tends to measure each situation based upon our past experiences.

Philippians 2:3 (ESV)
3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Think of others with a tender heart. A soft and kind word turns away wrath.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
________________________
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Php 2:3). 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.

Do You See?

11/13/2020

Give Christ your heart!

A Kingdom Leader first gives his heart to the Lord. Then he focuses on the path taken by the teacher. A lazer focus prevents you from wandering off the path. Their are pits, traps and snares that pull you away from his path.

What entices you to look away from the Lord? What diversions catch your attention? Are you aware of the pits in your thoughts that can capture you and drop you into a trap? Can you see clearly the path of the teacher in front of you? What causes your mind to wander?

There are so many distractions in life that many times we don't recognize them. Proverbs speak to many of those snares.

Proverbs 23:26 (ESV)
26 My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe6 my ways.

Do you take delight in the path that Jesus has modeled for us. Be wise and recognize the traps that slightly pull you focus elsewhere. Christ understands those attractions. Refocus your eyes on his path.

We are praying for your focus today. Much love from us.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
_________________________

6 Or delight in
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Pr 23:26). 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.

Peace

10/15/2020

The Swiss Alps
Tranquil, serene and beautiful!

Cathy and I sat on the grass to soak in this beautiful location. It reminded us of the Sound of Music. Rich green grass with the snow covered mountains as the backdrop of Allmannsried.

The view alone brings a measure of splendor, calm and peace. The crisp air and beauty causes us to take a deep breath and feel relaxed from the cares of life. Boy do we love those moments!

Christ gives us a deeper and more vivid peace that is hard to describe. As Jesus prepares to leave earth he talks of that peace. A special peace that the world cannot give to you.

John 14:27 (ESV)
27 ePeace I leave with you; fmy peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. gLet not your hearts be troubled, neither hlet them be afraid.

Cathy is holding a lamb which is the picture of Jesus as described by John the Baptist. The lamb of God! May you experience His peace today.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
_________________________
e ch. 20:19, 21, 26; Luke 24:36
f ch. 16:33; Col. 3:15; [Eph. 2:17; Phil. 4:7]
g ver. 1
h 2 Tim. 1:7
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Jn 14:27). 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.