A Kingdom Leader seeks the virtue of humility so they can serve others. You see Cathy in the photo on the left attempting to hold the tail of a lion cub. The cub was not excited about her doing that! Outside of biblical faith, humility is not considered a virtue. Loss of power and prestige is seen as an affliction of weakness and lowliness. Do you desire to have others acknowledge your ministry titles? Are you accessible and approachable? Are you genuinely interested in hearing about the needs of others? Do you make eye contact with those you pass in the hall? Do you speak to others and call them by name? Jesus was the ultimate example of humility. Even though he was God he took the role of a servant to care for us! Jesus is our king and savior. But He is mild and gentle like a wild animal that has been tamed. Matthew 21:5 (NIV84) “Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”a Check your heart and see if you find His humility in you. Can others see that humility? Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com ________________________ a Zech. 9:9 The Holy Bible: New International Version (Mt 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.
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Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things . . .
Psalm 119:18 (ESV) 2 Timothy 2:7 (NIV84) Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. The Lord speaks to us through the Word of God. But he also uses illustrations or pictures He wants us to think about. Consider how the Lord gives us insight.Here are some thoughts from two commentaries. 7. Consider the force of the illustrations I have given from the soldier, the contender in the games, and the husbandmen, as applying to thyself in thy ministry.and the Lord give, &c.—The oldest manuscripts read, “for the Lord will give thee understanding.” Thou canst understand my meaning so as personally to apply it to thyself; for the Lord will give thee understanding when thou seekest it from Him “in all things.” Not intellectual perception, but personal appropriation of the truths metaphorically expressed, was what he needed to be given him by the Lord. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 424). Logos Research Systems, Inc. (2:7) “Consider” is noeō (νοεω), “to perceive with the mind, to understand, think upon, ponder, consider.” Expositors translates, “ ‘Grasp the meaning’ of these three similes.… If you have not sufficient wisdom to follow my argument, ‘ask of God who giveth to all men liberally’ (Jas. 1:5).” Paul had used the illustration of a soldier. Timothy was to live a rugged, strenuous Christian life in which hardships as the result of serving the Lord Jesus were an expected thing. He used the simile of a Greek athlete. Timothy should live a life of rigid separation, not merely with respect to evil things, but also with regard to things which, good in themselves, would unfit him for the highest type of Christian service. Paul now uses the metaphor of a tiller of the soil. Timothy is reminded that the Christian worker who labors with wearisome effort in the Lord’s service, has the right to derive his financial support from it, so that he might be able to give all of his time and strength to his work. Translation. Grasp the meaning of that which I am saying, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things. Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest’s word studies from the Greek New Testament: for the English reader (Vol. 8, pp. 130–131). Eerdmans. Reflect on the pictures God gives us with His word. Then determine how they apply to your life today. Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com _________________________ The Holy Bible: New International Version (2 Ti 2:7). (1984). Zondervan. 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 is always seeking God. He has a thirst for the fellowship that can be so satisfying and enriching. He knows that the quest for a moment by moment relationship with Christ is threatened by the swirling winds of busyness. Is your personal time with Christ fluttering with only brief moments of exposure? Do you rush through prayer and Bible study? Do you find yourself overwhelmed with activities and priorities? Do you feel depressed and overwhelmed with unclear goals? Can you set your daily cares aside and focus? A daily walk with Christ can sometimes feel dry. You can feel like you are walking through a sweltering desert. Don't miss the refreshing solitude of being still and understanding that He is God. Deuteronomy 4:29 (NIV84) But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul. Don't be like the bird that finds its way into a room only to escape through another window. That fluttering experience can be very frustrating. Find time for an intimate encounter with Jesus. It will refresh your heart and soul. Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com ________________________ The Holy Bible: New International Version (Dt 4:29). (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. The Revered Eland A strong back and gentle nature Cathy is seen in this photograph petting a thousand pound bovine that is common in Africa. It is the largest and most ox like antelope on the dark continent. This wild and free roaming male frequented the home of our missionary friends at Amathunzi. I had attracted him to the fence with fresh apples. But I always kept a barrier between us such as a fence. He would take them out of my hand and welcome us into his world. I nicknamed him Fred! Each time we visited Amathunzi he seemed to know that we were around. Fred would come looking for another apple. The San people were considered the first people of Africa. The ancient bush people consider the Eland sacred and played a crucial role in saving the Earth Mother from the underworld. Each step an Eland would take produced a clicking sound as he lifted each hoof. It could be heard a good distance away. The San Khoi people incorporated similar clicks in their language. It is even used to this day. The gentle Bushmen seemed to be comfortable moving among wild animals, specifically lions, with ease. Bushmen studied the behavior patterns of all the animals. They slept in the middle of the open fields. Maybe that is the manner of animals and man in the Garden of Eden. Consider the behavior and eating habits of man before the flood of Noah. What a joy it was to be pals with such a stately animal. Enjoy the animals in your world and experience some of the creativity of our God. 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. A Kingdom Leader works hard to follow Christ. But sometimes the path can be confusing. The tracks left by our Lord seem to have been whisked away in the winds of time. His path has been hidden in the confusion of multiple paths to follow.
2021 has now set! What will be different in 2022? Cathy and I stood at the top of Victoria Falls in Livingston, Zambia and watched the sun set. We were spending time with Janet and Butch Berner at the largest waterfall in the world. The sun slowly set in the West and gave us this wonderful view. All of us saw the sun set soon on another odd year of the pandemic. We reflect on 2021 and see the exciting fruit of God's hand. Water wells and special projects to assist our missionary families warm our hearts. God used the pandemic to allow us the opportunity to seek his resources to meet needs that have been outstanding for many years. The Bible talks about the fruit that is produced in our hearts, minds and relationships. Gosh have we been blessed! Again God has shown us the eternal spiritual principle of effort. Do what is possible and God does the impossible! Consider what fruit you will produce in 2022. What can we do differently to reflect the love and truth of Jesus Christ? Luke 6:44 (NIV84) Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. One poor pastor in the village of Chivuh, Zimbabwe said, God has not forgotten us! We are thankful to Him for this gift that has been so badly needed. Look for opportunities in your year to bless others and just do what is possible. God will continue to show up and do the impossible. Thank you for partnering with us in Deeper Still Missions. We are deeply humbled and grateful for each of you. May you be blessed in this new year. Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com ________________________ The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1984). (Lk 6:44). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. 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. When a Kingdom Leader lays down his head there are many thoughts that dance in his mind. Intertwined among those thoughts are wishes, desires, wants, inclinations, and dreams. What thoughts surface in your mind at bedtime? Is your mind cluttered with goals that were not accomplished today? If you had one wish what would it be? Have you clearly defined your wish? Is it a realistic wish? Have you formulated a strategy and tactics to plan your dream from blue sky to reality? John 12:20–21 (NIV84) Jesus Predicts His Death 20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” Jewish leaders wanted to see a sign from Jesus. These Greeks wanted (or wished) to see Jesus. They were probably unable to do so because of his location in the temple. That is why they sought help from the disciples. Their request was the same we hear in many worship services all around the world. People want to see Jesus! He can bring clarity to the foggy situations in our lives. We look forward to the day that we will see Him face to face. What a glorious moment that will be! When you close your eyes tonight, look for the face of Jesus. He is right there with you. Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com __________________________ The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1984). (Jn 12:20–21). Grand Rapids, MI: 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. Which path? How long will we waiver? We are coming to the end of another year. Reflection on 2020 and 2021 have been unprecedented times due to the worldwide pandemic. Our home, work, schools, church and economy has been affected! Change is all around us and is forcing us into choosing a path that is not clear like a road. At times it seems like only a constricted path is available to us. I would go so far to say that we are in the position of forging a new trail where no one has ever gone before! Jesus tells us that pestilences will be a sign of His return to the earth. What will that mean for each of us? Theologically, deeply committed Christians differ on the understanding of the end times. What should we do? New Years is the time to make changes with what we all call resolutions. We resolve to reset our lives on a path of balance, health, and fulfillment. Where is Jesus in the middle of your mind, heart, and soul? We do have decisions to make in a tall forest of competing viewpoints. I like the way Eugene Peterson gives a contemporary view of Elijah in the Old Testament. People were at a turn in the road and the decision was simple in his mind. 1 Kings 18:21 (The Message) Elijah challenged the people: “How long are you going to sit on the fence? If God is the real God, follow him; if it’s Baal, follow him. Make up your minds!” Nobody said a word; nobody made a move. We pray that your decisions become clear in this tall forest of issues. But I like how it is stated. If God is the real God, follow him! Jesus is the way! We are thankful for everyone who walks with us down the path of faith. May the Lord give us a resolve to forge a trail together. Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com ________________________ Peterson, E. H. (2005). The Message: the Bible in contemporary language (1 Ki 18:21). Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress. Copyright © Danny Sartin and Deeper Still Missions. All Rights Reserved. This photo is taken by us in Germany. 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 is keenly aware that tiredness can have spiritual, as well as physical, causes. Schedules can clash and needs can mount up. You can find yourself worn out and snapping at those who you deeply love. Do you wear yourself out to accomplish goals? What concerns you the most each day? Do you pace yourself in a healthy way? Do you feel tired and stressed? Covid-19 has reshaped our daily lives. How has it changed your priorities? Jesus was tired from a long day of travel. (See Jn. 4:6) He sat down and rested by Jacob's well. Then he asked for water from the Samaritan woman. He needed to hydrate his body. Do you find yourself worn out as we approach the holiday season? Take the time to find a quiet place and get some rest. Jesus said this to his disciples after their first ministry assignment. Mark 6:31 (NIV84) Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Have the wisdom to pace your time with people. They are the most valuable commodities in your life. Love your family and friends. Give them eye contact and focused attention. It will refresh your heart! This month is a special time of focus. We celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Enjoy this blessed holiday with your family! Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com ________________________ The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1984). (Mk 6:31). Grand Rapids, MI: 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 surrounded by mentors who can share experiences and give perspective to events in their life. Consider what God did for us in our marriage of forty-six years. God gave us one another! We have witnessed the glory, power and mysteries of our heavenly father. We have seen His promises, heart aches, love and sometimes his delays. Our combined faith has sustained us during some very difficult times. If we didn't have problems, we would not have learned that God can solve them. But what about delay and postponement. Hebrews 10:37 (ESV) For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; Through it all. . . we have learned to trust in Jesus! We have learned to trust in God. I can see and hear the song sung by Andrae Crouch at the Billy Graham Crusade in 1975. I was his driver for the week to every assembly, church and crusade event. He mentored us with his music in our first week together. Consider listening to his song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvIxwc90BEI Follow Christ with others. Invite mentors into your life. But don't miss the cornerstone of faith God has given you. Your spouse! Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com ________________________ Cited from Hab. 2:3, 4 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Heb 10:37). 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
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