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

Discretion

5/7/2020

Discernment during chaos!

A Kingdom Leader is always careful in the midst of difficult circumstances. He or she has the trait of judging wisely and objectively. They know how to act in a particular situation. They seek wisdom and advice when chaos seems to rule.

Where do you seek counsel when things are difficult? How frequently do you meet with those guides for you heart and mind? How do you respond to people who irritate you and challenge your authority? Are you an authoritarian leader or a servant leader?

Servant leaders are stabilized by the Spirit of the Lord. They seek the best people to give guidance and thoughts that keep you from making a fool of yourself. Once you become a follower of Christ you will discover it is not some simple dream. Leadership is full of difficult relationships, complex situations and barriers you will not easily anticipate. Daniel responded in a powerful way to the issues he faced in an ungodly world filled with difficult people to contend with.

Daniel 2:14 (ESV)
14 Then Daniel replied with prudence and discretion to bArioch, the ccaptain of the king’s guard, who had gone out to kill the wise men of Babylon.

Daniel sought advice from his three friends. He prayed regularly every day. And Daniel developed understanding and wisdom.

We pray that you strive to be a servant leader during the pandemic. Don't miss the opportunities you will experience to give a drink of water in the name of Jesus.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
_________________________

b ver. 24, 25
c [Gen. 37:36]
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Da 2:14). 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.

Provacative

4/2/2020

A Kingdom Leader can become angry, frustrated and annoyed through many circumstances at home or work. It can create an incendiary climate among co-workers, family and friends. Even the reading of God's Word can cause extreme annoyance when we recognize our omissions, failures and mistakes. It can provoke a change of focus.

Do you struggle to find time to read the Bible? Do you only read books and passages that are soothing and calming? Do you avoid difficult passages? What would your life be like if you were forbidden to read God's Word?

Daniel served ungodly kings for many decades of his life. He was not allowed to read scriptures until Cyrus brought all the items belonging to the Temple of God. (see Ezra 1:7) Then we see Daniel's response when he read the book of Jeremiah. It caused him to change his focus!

Daniel 9:1–3 (ESV)
1 bIn the first year of cDarius the son of Ahasuerus, by descent a dMede, who was made king over the realm of the eChaldeans— 2 in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years that, according to fthe word of the Lord to Jeremiah the prophet, must pass before the end of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years.
3 Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by gprayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.

Daniel changes his focus, dress, posture and schedule. He turned his face to the Lord and sought answers.

Does your reading of the scripture cause these changes for you? Let the Word be provocative in your thinking, feeling and how you behave. The Holy Spirit will make changes in you.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
________________________

b ch. 11:1
c See ch. 5:31
d [ch. 8:20]
e ch. 5:30
f [Ezra 1:1; Jer. 25:12]
g ver. 17, 18, 23; [Neh. 1:4]
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Da 9:1–3). 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.

Remember!

3/5/2020

A Kingdom Leader is always in touch with his past. He never forgets where he has come from. He never forgets the grace that God bestowed on him. He never forgets his failures so that he might show mercy to those who are in great need.

Can you extend grace to others with ease? Can you allow others to fail? What makes you most angry when others do not attain excellence? Can you remember when you last failed? What did it feel like when someone lifted you up and gave you another opportunity?

We become blind when we forget where we came from. God’s mercy can easily be lost in a field of high weeds . . .of accomplishment. You can be harsh with others and remember that you did exactly the same thing in the past.

2 Peter 1:9 (ESV)
9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he ois blind, having forgotten that he was pcleansed from his former sins.

Humility can only stand on a bedrock of failure. We all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. We all fail in a miserable way just like Peter. He denied and cursed that he didn't even know Jesus!

The Bible asks us to do many things to remember. Do this in remembrance of me! Why is that so? I think He wants us to remember where we came from. We need to be reminded of His mercy and grace towards us. Then your grace and mercy toward others will flow like pure honey.

Do your best to remember so that you will not be ineffective and unproductive in your leadership.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
________________________

o Job 5:14; 12:25; Isa. 59:10; Zeph. 1:17; [1 John 2:9–11]
p Eph. 5:26; Titus 2:14; Heb. 9:14; 1 John 1:7; Rev. 7:14
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (2 Pe 1:9). 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.

Unclear

2/6/2020

A Kingdom Leader is sensitive to issues, differences and understanding of his team on a regular basis. It is possible for a leader to be blind to his treatment of others. It is also possible for a leader to be closed to new truth. A leader can be so resistant to the movement of the Holy Spirit because of his religious training.

Consider how many times Jesus told the disciples that he would die and rise from the dead! They could not accept that simple truth because they could see no redemption and kingship if Jesus was killed. How can such a thing happen? John clearly admits later in his Gospel that they did not understand even after the resurrection of Jesus.

Peter sits in a jail cell as he writes his two epistles for the followers of Christ. He admits that a leader can be ineffective and unproductive because he doesn't see clearly. He begs us to add certain qualities to our faith.

2 Peter 1:9 (ESV)
For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he ois blind, having forgotten that he was pcleansed from his former sins.

Open your heart and mind to the situation Christ has you in. He knows you are there and sees you. Maybe He needs you to be there so your faith will be focused in the correct places. Read Mark 8:22-26. I believe Peter is remembering the unusual healing of the blind man to a blur.

Be aware that you may not see Jesus clearly!

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
_________________________

o Job 5:14; 12:25; Isa. 59:10; Zeph. 1:17; [1 John 2:9–11]
p Eph. 5:26; Titus 2:14; Heb. 9:14; 1 John 1:7; Rev. 7:14
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (2 Pe 1:9). 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.

Effective

1/10/2020

A Kingdom Leader is not only focused on production but is also looking to be very effective in their activity. One of the most dangerous thought patterns that can develop for a leader is laziness. You can begin to avoid activity or exertion. You pass on difficult assignments to others or you ignore vital activities that must be done for the ministry to be very effective.

When is the last time you had a personal conversation with other leaders, donors, staff and volunteers around this ministry? Do you initiate contact with them to show that you care? Do you call up others personally and ask how they are doing? Do you pray for those people in your private prayer time? Do you feel too tired to call and go see others? Are you isolated as a leader because of pressure and an overwhelming work load? What about your spouse? Children?

Peter is reflecting on his own life as he sits in prison in Rome. He says it is possible for a Christian to be ineffective and unproductive. Useless and empty for the Kingdom of God. That causes me to feel some alarm. We must add things to our faith so that we do not become so useless to our Lord.

2 Peter 1:8 (ESV)
For if these qualities6 are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or nunfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We pray that you do not overlook key relationships because your activity prevents it. Love others in the same way Christ set his priorities. Reorganize your activities now.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions@gmail.com
_______________________________

6 Greek these things; also verses 9, 10, 12
n See John 15:2; Titus 3:14
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (2 Pe 1:8). 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.

See Results!

12/5/2019

A Kingdom Leader is focused on results. He is not content to just do the job. He wants to excel and surpass the expectations of each goal. The Bible compares it to the production of fruit. As it says in the book of John, every branch that doesn't produce fruit is cleaned off. If you are not producing fruit then you become useless.

Do you find yourself idle? Do you find yourself not pressing on? In what way are you developing today? Are you so busy that there is not time to refocus, renew and get clarity on your purpose? Are you too busy to read the Bible, pray and seek one on one time with God the Father? Are you goals clear, attainable and challenging?

Actually a Christian Leader can become useless. Peter says that in his final book before he is crucified.

2 Peter 1:8 (ESV)
8 For if these qualities6 are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or nunfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Those things that need to be added to your faith are essential to keep you from being unfruitful or idle. It is very sobering to me that we can become ineffective and unproductive.

We will pray for you as we ask you to pray for us. God's greatest blessings on you today.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
_________________________

6 Greek these things; also verses 9, 10, 12
n See John 15:2; Titus 3:14

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (2 Pe 1:8). 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.

Kindness

11/8/2019

A Kingdom Leader has deep affection for fellow leaders and staff. It is a friendship that comes alongside the life, heart and thinking of a Christian Brother.

Have you visited the home of your partner in ministry? Have they been invited to your home? Do you know the family members by name? Are you aware of the God issues they face? Are you approachable when it comes to life issues? Do they know you care about their home, life and pressures?

Peter challenges us to add brotherly kindness to our faith. He also says to add it with increasing measure!

2 Peter 1:7 (ESV)
7 and godliness lwith brotherly affection, and brotherly affection mwith love.

Do your staff feel loved by you? Do you look them in the eye and listen to their life issues? Do you have focused attention time with them? Do you greet them with hand shakes and hugs when appropriate? Do you discipline them with love? Those are the four steps to help someone feel like you love them.

Spend some focused time with your brothers today. Don't let the opportunity pass by.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
_________________________

l See Heb. 13:1
m 1 Cor. 13; 1 John 4:16
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (2 Pe 1:7). 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.

Your Loyalty

10/3/2019

A Kingdom Leader honors God. She gives weight to God's opinion about issues in daily life. She does not assume that God's Word is irrelevant to the issues of the twenty-first century. She sees the opportunity to worship God in everyday events and activities. This requires a very practical awareness of God in every aspect of life.

Are you able to see the fingerprints of Jesus in your life? Can you see his touch in your home, work, community and private life? Do you understand the connection between God and everyday events? Or does God seem far away? Have you talked with Him today?

2 Peter 1:5–6 (ESV)
5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith iwith virtue,5 and virtue jwith knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control kwith steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,

Godliness is piety but most importantly it is devotion to the person of God. You become aware of Him in every aspect of life! Very often that awareness comes from regular reading and study of the Bible. Can you live reverently, loyally and obediently to God? Others can see it in you voice, behavior and temperament.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
_________________________

i Phil. 4:8
5 Or excellence; twice in this verse
j 1 Pet. 3:7
k See Heb. 10:36; James 1:3
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (2 Pe 1:5–6). 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.

For Your Patience

9/5/2019

A Kingdom Leader is to provide a generous amount of patience to the issues they face. A good leader bears and contends with all conditions and all events that come his way. He honors God with his behavior.

Do you remain behind and help cleanup from an event? Do you stay until everything has been attended to? Do you remain under the daily trials and testings of leadership? This is not just an endurance of difficulties but a brave patience that models leadership and keeps you in the game.

2 Peter 1:5–6 (ESV)
5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith iwith virtue,5 and virtue jwith knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control kwith steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness

Have the patience and endurance to do what is right. Remain under the pressure of leading and supplement your leadership with patience. Many opportunities will come today to step aside and let others face the difficulties coming. Only Christ could go to the cross. Only you can pickup and bear your cross as Jesus asks us to do.

We are praying for your patience today.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
_________________________

i Phil. 4:8
5 Or excellence; twice in this verse
j 1 Pet. 3:7
k See Heb. 10:36; James 1:3
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (2 Pe 1:5–6). 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.

Holding You?

8/2/2019

A Kingdom Leader is keenly aware of self-control. He holds himself in like an athlete who is self-restrained and self-disciplined. Paul talks about this in 1 Corinthians 9:27 where he makes his body a slave through discipline. Then he will not be disqualified.

Are you holding your desires and passions in a safe place? Is your life controlled by your sexual desires? When you are self-controlled then you can be gentle, thoughtful and considerate with others. Your self-control would be a clear manifestation of the Holy Spirit working in your life. It is an event that clearly shows the work of the Holy Spirit.

Peter says to add these items to your faith. 2 Peter 1:5–6 (ESV)
5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faithi with virtue,5 and virtuej with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-controlk with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,

Discipline requires attention by you as a leader. Others will be guided and influenced by your self-discipline. Be that leader today! Control your thoughts, your tongue and your behavior.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
_________________________

i Phil. 4:8
5 Or excellence; twice in this verse
j 1 Pet. 3:7
k See Heb. 10:36; James 1:3
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (2 Pe 1:5–6). 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.