Category: - Deeper Still Missions | Missionary Training | Ministry Mentoring

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
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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.

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.

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.

Grace

10/1/2020

A Kingdom Leader is fully aware that there is a cost for leadership. Some people think that a position is all they need to lead other people. They are sometimes blind to the things they must process to serve others. They must actually seek permission to lead and care for others. They must face difficult circumstances with wisdom and tact.

Do you use discretion when facing tough experiences? Can you judge the motives of someone's heart objectively? Can you love others like God loves us? Do you have the discernment needed to act lovingly in each situation?

I have always been enamored by the life of Daniel. He served godless kings and kingdoms for over seventy years. He won the right to be heard from every kingdom leader he served. He faced each situation with grace and forgiveness.

Daniel 4:19 (ESV) Daniel Interprets the Second Dream
19 Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was dismayed for a while, and his thoughts alarmed him. The king answered and said, “Belteshazzar, let not the dream or the interpretation alarm you.” Belteshazzar answered and said, “My lord, may the dream be for those who hate you and its interpretation for your enemies!

According to Isaiah 39:7 (ESV)
7 And some of your own sons, who will come from you, whom you will father, shall be taken away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”

How would you feel and respond if you had been Daniel? We are amazed with his grace and discernment!

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
__________________________

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Is 39:7). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Dan 4:19). 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 email in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

Pleasing

9/17/2020

A Kingdom Leader stands out from others. When Darius, the King of Media-Persia, met Daniel (Daniel 6) he noted that he had an excellent spirit. That first impression is so important!

Would others say that you present yourself in a distinguishing way? Is your character exceptional in their eyes? Why should someone take note of you? Do you pay attention to the small details of cleanliness and daily hygiene? When was the last time you trimmed your finger and toe nails?

Others notice how we present ourselves and how we work. A personal attitude is reflected in personal care of your body, mind and soul. Even non Christians can see the difference!

Daniel 6:3 (ESV)
3 Then this Daniel became tdistinguished above all sthe other high officials and rsatraps, because uan excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned vto set him over the whole kingdom.

Consider the man or woman you see in the mirror. Take care of that image you see. Reflect that image in how you work, think and live in your home.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
__________________________

t [Esth. 3:1]
s [See ver. 2 above]
r [See ver. 1 above]
u ch. 5:12
v [Gen. 41:40; Esth. 10:3]
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Da 6:3). 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 email in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

Highly Esteemed!

8/6/2020

A Kingdom Leader can find himself in the middle of many skirmishes and battles. Those situations can require that a leader take a stand. It takes great discernment and tact to have the wisdom, courage, and the will to stand.

Which battle would Jesus choose? The end times will be typical of false teachers, lawlessness and a turning away from God and His values. There will be a total rebellion against God's laws.

Daniel was one faithful follower of the Lord. He lived his life in a difficult place, under ungodly leadership, and faced many issues in his life. Despite the circumstances he faced Daniel was highly esteemed in heaven.

Daniel 10:19 (ESV)
19 And he said, o“O man greatly loved, pfear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”

Remember that the Lord will strengthen you at the appropriate time. Trust in Him. Be strong and have good courage. He knows what you face. Let us encourage one another.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
_________________________

o ver. 11; ch. 9:23
p See ver. 12
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Da 10:19). 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.

Listening?

7/9/2020

It seems that a Kingdom Leader goes through many situations that seem to make no sense. You can struggle to understand the reason behind each lesson that the Lord presents into your life. Very often we struggle between our mind, heart and reason.

What goals guide the direction of your life? How much does your ego guide you decisions and aspirations? Is there any possibility that you cannot see the truth about our Lord? Are you fighting the storm that Christ has brought into your life? Do you acknowledge that heaven rules our lives and allows events to open our eyes?

Nebuchadnezzar was an ungodly man. Actually he had many gods but wanted others to worship him as the ultimate object of worship. God revealed to this pagan leader the truth about what would happen in the last days of the earth. His pride puffed him up to be more important than he really was. God decided to humble him with a mental disorder that drove him away from people. He lived among the wild animals and ate grass like a cow. After seven times past he finally opened his eyes and looked up.

Daniel 4:34 (ESV) Nebuchadnezzar Restored
34 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever.

Remember that God is sovereign in history, God does as he pleases. No one can hold back the hand of the Lord. Everything He does is right and all His ways are just.

We live in an unprecedented time in history. Remember that God is on His throne!

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
_________________________
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Da 4:34). 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.

Favor

6/4/2020

A Kingdom Leader gains favor from people around him or her. They also gain favor from God. Favor means they are appreciated by others. Jesus gained favor with both. See Luke 2:52. His gracious speech caught the attention of others along with his understanding.

Would others say that your words are filled with grace? Do you exhibit mercy to people who may not deserve it? When people ask you questions do you compliment their request? Do you show that you value their question? Do you listen carefully to their concerns?

Jesus was our example. He was winsome, kind and full of goodwill for others. Some would say he had charm and gracious care for people.

Colossians 4:6 (ESV)
Let your speech always jbe gracious, kseasoned with salt, lso that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Season the hearts of people with the expression of kindness. Bless others by looking them in the eyes and give focused attention. You can be a gracious expression of our Lord to others. Your grace, kindness, mercy and goodwill will be a welcome experience for people. It will be fresh water to their heart.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.ccom
__________________________

j ch. 3:16
k See Mark 9:50
l 1 Pet. 3:15
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Col 4:6). 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.