 A Kingdom Leader has to focus on today. The moment can compete with the past and the future! You can't be diverted from the present situation and find yourself anticipating past failures or future disappointments.
Do you find yourself looking back at the past? Do you feel anxious of what might go wrong? Are you able to focus on the situation you face at this moment? What takes your focus away? Paul understood the competing mistakes, failures and sins of the past. He had lived with heartaches and discouragement. His hopes and plans were to stop the church! Philippians 3:13 (NIV84) Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. Do you completely forget the past? That is the full meaning of the word forget in the Greek. Set the past behind you and strain toward the goal Christ has put in front of each of us. Look around you and find those who need encouragement to focus on the moment. You can lift a burden from their shoulder and help them run the race set before us. Cathy and Danny Sartin [email protected] _______________________________ The Holy Bible: New International Version (Php 3:13). (1984). Zondervan. 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.
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  Imagine . . . the last sunset!
In honor of a good friend We sat on the shore of the Zambezi River Watching the sun slowly set above Victoria Falls. The rumble and smoke of the massive falls set the atmosphere of the moment. The Victoria Falls stretch for over a mile across the mighty Zambezi. If you focus on the sun you see a slight movement of the red ball as it sets over the horizon. It is a time of reflection and calm. The day is winding slowly down. The truth is that we are moving at over 1,000 miles an hour. We sit still and perceive no movement. But the earth is spinning and not the sun. The eyes shut for a good friend Randy Giltner. He is now standing in the presence of Jesus. The beautiful song was sung at his funeral. I can only imagine what it will be like. Standing in his glory! Just like a sunset people die everyday. I am reminded that eternity comes into focus as we take our last breath. It is a somber moment. It is a flood of emotions as you say goodbye . . . for now. I am thankful that God gave me such a great friend. I will miss him but I know we will cross over the river one day and he will be waiting. The promises of God are a great comfort. I will miss his encouragement. He believed in me when I questioned myself. He poured out his soul and firmly stood behind Cathy and I. Deeper Still Missions has benefited from his involvement. Thanks for the memories. I still hear your laugh. Enjoy the Son and the beauty of heaven. 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.  A Kingdom Leader walks a path with the lion of Judah. Jesus is clearly that lion! But each of us has had moments of failure when we left the side of the savior. Peter does so as he denies his relationship with the Lord during his trial.
How have you recovered from your mistakes? Who came along side you and restored your heart, mind and soul? Who have you lifted from the battle field of life and made them useful again? Do you want to understand their weaknesses? Do you just want to glue them together and fill the cracks with wax? Proverbs 18:2 (NIV84) A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions. Sincere leaders know they are jars of clay. Their behavior is guided by humility and love that we seldom see. Seek to understand the failures of others and gently and humbly restore them to usefulness. Peter was different after Jesus asked him to feed his sheep. Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com _________________________ The Holy Bible: New International Version (Pr 18:2). (1984). Zondervan. 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.  A Kingdom Leader has a tender heart for other people. He remembers his past and the great gift of Jesus.
Titus 3:3–5 (NIV84) 3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, Give the gift of mercy to someone today. Lift their spirits with encouragement. Remember the fresh feel of mercy and give that cleansing soft rain that makes everything feel fresh. It can change someones day including yours. Cathy and Danny Sartin [email protected] _______________________________ The Holy Bible: New International Version (Tt 3:3–5). (1984). Zondervan. 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.  A Kingdom Leader is a humble servant of all those whom they lead. Jesus presented himself as an example of kind servant-hood. His selfless washing of the disciples feet presented the complete picture of servant leadership.
 A Kingdom Leader is always sensitive to the needs of others. Cathy always reminds me that we must be flexible as we serve others. But a healthy leader is also aware of his needs while giving attention, love, and availability to others.
Do you change your schedule to make yourself available to serve? Are you frustrated when you are forced to change your approach? Are you alert and constantly watching for needy people who can be served? Are you looking for new ways to connect with others? You see us pictured as we walk through the woods with a cheetah. He never stopped turning his head from side to side. He was constantly alert for another meal. But he also knows his limitations. He has a small window of 300 meters to catch another animal and then he must stop to recover his breath for thirty minutes! Ministry requires a flexible mind and continual self awareness. Do you need to change? Consider how God changes things. Revelation 21:5 (NIV84) 5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” God is not content to restore the world to its former glory. He wants to make everything new! Are you reaching others with the love of Christ or the judgement of the law? Do you participate in shooting the wounded or coming alongside and healing those who struggle? Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com _________________________ The Holy Bible: New International Version (Re 21:5). (1984). Zondervan. 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.  Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things . . . Psalm 119:18 (ESV)
2 Timothy 3:2 (NKJV) For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy The New King James Version (2 Ti 3:2). (1982). Thomas Nelson. There will be terrible times in the last days. Paul tells Timothy to mark this. . . to understand this . . . to warn him of the collapse coming at the end. Paul gave an extraordinary list of traits to watch for before the coming of Jesus for His bride. We focus on one word in verse two to highlight for today. V. Predictions of Faithlessness (3:1–9). 3:1–5. As in his previous letter, Paul warned Timothy about the collapse predicted for the last days (cf. 1 Tim. 4:1–3), a term which includes the entire period between the first century and Christ’s return. During this interim, according to the prediction, the world will see terrible times of societal degeneration. Paul gave an extraordinary list (cf. Rom. 1:28–32) of 19 general characteristics believers should expect. People will be: (1) lovers of themselves (philautoi, “self-centered, narcissistic”); (2) lovers of money (philargyroi; cf. 1 Tim. 6:9–10); (3) boastful—the outward manifestation of the fact that inwardly they are (4) proud (“arrogant”); (5) abusive toward others, which translates blasphēmoi (“blasphemers”). Litfin, A. D. (1985). 2 Timothy. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 756). Victor Books. 989 βλάσφημος [blasphemos /blas·fay·mos/] adj. From a derivative of 984 and 5345; TDNT 1:621; TDNTA 107; GK 1061; Five occurrences; AV translates as “blasphemous” twice, “blasphemer” twice, and “railing” once. 1 speaking evil, slanderous, reproachful, railing, abusive. Strong, J. (1995). In Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship. A clear connection exists between boastful and proud (verse 2). The former word alazōn includes ‘the bounce of swaggering’ (Simpson), while the other word hyperēphanos, when used in a bad sense, conveys the idea of haughtiness or arrogance. The word abusive translates the Greek word blasphēmoi, but points to evil-speaking directed against others rather than against God. The last three vices in verse 2 are all specific denials of definite Christian virtues (in the Greek they all have the negative a-prefix) bringing out forcefully the idea of militant moral perversion. The same evident reversal of moral values is also seen in five of the six vices mentioned in verse 3, the only word without the negative prefix being slanderous (diaboloi). The word translated unforgiving (aspondos) literally means ‘without a truce’, and therefore ‘implacable’. It describes an hostility so intense that a truce is impossible. Without self-control shows an attitude of mind that is dominated by outside influences, while brutal is the antithesis of what is civilized. The expression not lovers of the good really describes those who hate the good and have replaced it with something less demanding. Guthrie, D. (1990). Pastoral Epistles: An Introduction and Commentary (Vol. 14, pp. 174–175). InterVarsity Press. Lovers of self (φιλαυτοι [philautoi]). Old compound adjective (φιλος, αὐτος [philos, autos]), here only in N. T. Lovers of money (φιλαργυροι [philarguroi]). Old compound adjective, in N. T. only here and Luke 16:14. See 1 Tim. 6:10. Boastful (ἀλαζονες [alazones]). Old word for empty pretender, in N. T. only here and Rom. 1:30. Haughty (ὑπερηφανοι [huperēphanoi]). See also Rom. 1:30 for this old word. Railers (βλασφημοι [blasphēmoi]). See 1 Tim. 1:13. Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament (2 Ti 3:2). Broadman Press. It has certainly become a challenge to speak directly from the Word of God without offending someone. May the Lord give you a seasoned tongue of tenderness, love and clarity. Encourage others around you! Cathy and Danny Sartin wwwdeeperstillmissions.com ------------------------------------------ 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.  A Kingdom Leader has his heart and mind cultivated on a regular basis. The affairs of life are constantly tilling the soil of practical knowledge and application. The eyes of his heart are opened by the constant turnover of thought. The constant upheaval of life can make all of us weary.
Does God bring issues into your life that turn your schedule upside down? Do you struggle to keep balance in your thinking, feeling and how you live at home? Do you find yourself in need of a break from the daily pressures? Are you making progress despite the blows to your carefully laid plans? Life always seems to have a new wrinkle that is given to help us develop wisdom. From the childhood of Jesus, God the Father was cultivating an instructed tongue. He specifically wanted him to know the words that sustain the weary. (See Isaiah 50:4-5) Hebrews 5:8 (NIV84) Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered The experiences of life can feel like constant cultivation of your mind and heart. But the turnover of thought reveals new seeds of thinking, feeling and behavior. It brings a new perspective and new results that can make you even more effective. See the cultivation as a blessing from God. The residents of Nazareth were amazed at the wisdom of Jesus. He was clearly skilled in the affairs of life. It was practical wisdom that came from the cultivation of his mind and heart. Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com _________________________ The Holy Bible: New International Version (Heb 5:8). (1984). Zondervan. 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.  God Provided!
Pictured on the left are some members of a choir from a poor township called Zolani. They were given the opportunity to train at Khanyisa Mountain Lodge in Robertson South Africa back in the spring. You see them dressed in their best for a presentation. The director of the choir invited us to visit a rehearsal in the township. Odwa is a large robust man who was an original member of the Nelson Mandella Singers who toured nationally and internationally years ago. Music had shaped his life and he was working to provide a similar experience for the kids in the poor township. It was a rainy and wind-swept day as we drove into the Xhosa neighborhood. The simple homes were standing within feet of one another. We walked into Odwa’s cinder brick home that had been built in stages. The open interior had exposed rafters and a tin roof. Rooms in the house were eight-foot walls open to the roof. The simple furnishings were tightly fitted into a corner open to the kitchen. Odwa graciously invited us in to sit and greet one another. He shared some of his experiences from years ago. At the same time his deep and powerful voice was impressive. He then took us next door to an open room with no furniture where the choir had gathered out of the rain for rehearsals. There were over twenty young people tightly packed in a eight foot by twelve foot room. Odwa spoke in their native language of Xhosa, and they began to sing! What followed was amazing and inspiring! Dancing was carefully choreographed along with motions and a crisp piercing sound. No speakers or microphones. Discipline and careful consideration had been given to the musical parts and the presentation of the music. My mind went to a favorite song from Josh Groban. You lift me up to more than I can be. That was happening in this tiny room. This description doesn’t convey the magic and pleasure of the moment. When I walked away, I knew I had witnessed something very special. May God help us to encourage one another in a similar fashion. We certainly have faced tremendous uncertainty over the last three years. Cathy and Danny Sartin 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.   The flying Cat!
The African Lynx Our time in Africa has been wonderful. We have have seen hundreds of cats from lions . . . to leopards . . . to cheetahs. But the smaller cats have been very illusive. Pictured above is one shot of a caracal taken by a motion sensitive wildlife camera. This was captured on the guest farm of Amathunzi. Only once in ten years did we get a fleeting glimpse of this magnificent cat in the headlights of our car. The only signs of his presence would be paw tracks through the bush. He is even know to bury his scat to keep himself solitary during his nocturnal hunting. His power is reflected in it's ability to capture reedbucks over twice its size. He can capture springboks, steenboks, duikers, hares, rabbits and many rodents. The caracal has amazing speed and uncanny jumping ability that can reach three meters. The caracal is so quick that he can leap and capture birds as they leave a watering hole. It will sometimes capture two birds by swatting them with its large paws as they fly away. God's creativity is so diverse. We watched a neighborhood cat in our back yard. He hid among the flowers and attempted to capture birds coming and going from Cathy's bird feeders. He just didn't have the quickness, and jumping ability of the wild cat in Africa. Look around you and see some of God's design. It takes our breath away. 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. |
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
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