Changing and ignoring constitutional laws to accomodate the personal pursuits of legislative bodies is becoming a trend.
Written by a single missionary mom (Leslie Godshall) serving the Lord in Senegal...
Election day is Sunday, Feb. 26th, in Senegal. Sunday sounds odd I think, but in a country where Islam is a majority, Friday is the predominant holy day.
Unlike many African nations, Senegal has been known for its successful, peaceful democratic elections since the wave of colonial independence in the mid 20th century. I always thought this was why we never heard alot of news stories about Senegal here in the US. And now it’s making news because of protests leading up to this election.
According to UK News’ The Telegraph, “Despite having served two terms in office, a limit he himself introduced, Wade [pronounced "wahd" ] says additional changes to the constitution in 2008 means he can serve two more [terms]…. The country’s highest legal body, the constitutional council, approved his candidacy on January 27, sparking riots in the capital and elsewhere.”
However, an article by BBC news in 2008 reported that those changes weren’t supposed to go into effect until after this weekend’s election.
Regardless of whether the public opinion is correct, or whether the current president is upholding the country’s constitution as required, there is one who is secure and whose statutes stand firm. ..."He is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength…” Psalm 93:1
Pray for justice in Senegal’s government, and moreso that many will allow the Lord of all to reign in their hearts. Leslie Godshall
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Is Jesus Coming?
Yes, but not according to the mathematical computations of Harold Camping who predicted that Jesus would return on May 21st. Today is May 25th. So, when is Jesus coming?
The disciples asked that same question, What will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age? (Mt. 24:3) Jesus instructed them to watch for the abomination of desolation. (Mt. 24:15) That sign would signal His coming. We don’t have to mathematically compute His return or recklessly speculate. 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6 says that Jesus comes only as a thief in the night for those who are asleep. (1 Thess. 5:2-6)
Paul also wrote this to the Thessalonians, Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to Him, that you may not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed… (2 Thess. 2:1-3). Paul is referring to the same sign Jesus said to watch for… the abomination of desolation.
Since the abomination of desolation is the sign Jesus said to watch for, we should be aware of what this event entails. And prepare! Allow me to take this opportunity to advertise an upcoming Bible study on Matthew 24, Just Like the Days of Noah. You can go to my website… justlikethedaysofnoah.com for more information. The purpose of this 7 week Bible study is to provide a foundational and operable knowledge of prophecy that will prepare us for the Lord’s return.
Jesus is coming! And with the worldwide chaos that is increasing every day alongside political globalization... we may be the generation to witness the majesty of His glory splitting open the sky. We very well may be the ones to see the Son of God return for His Church! But it is a waste of time to make conjectures that deviate from God's Word because it is God's Word that is being fulfilled, not that of man.
The disciples asked that same question, What will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age? (Mt. 24:3) Jesus instructed them to watch for the abomination of desolation. (Mt. 24:15) That sign would signal His coming. We don’t have to mathematically compute His return or recklessly speculate. 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6 says that Jesus comes only as a thief in the night for those who are asleep. (1 Thess. 5:2-6)
Paul also wrote this to the Thessalonians, Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to Him, that you may not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed… (2 Thess. 2:1-3). Paul is referring to the same sign Jesus said to watch for… the abomination of desolation.
Since the abomination of desolation is the sign Jesus said to watch for, we should be aware of what this event entails. And prepare! Allow me to take this opportunity to advertise an upcoming Bible study on Matthew 24, Just Like the Days of Noah. You can go to my website… justlikethedaysofnoah.com for more information. The purpose of this 7 week Bible study is to provide a foundational and operable knowledge of prophecy that will prepare us for the Lord’s return.
Jesus is coming! And with the worldwide chaos that is increasing every day alongside political globalization... we may be the generation to witness the majesty of His glory splitting open the sky. We very well may be the ones to see the Son of God return for His Church! But it is a waste of time to make conjectures that deviate from God's Word because it is God's Word that is being fulfilled, not that of man.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Let's Go
Barry, Isaiah and team will be leaving Saturday to minister in Puerto Rico for a week. They will be working in the heat and humidity, away from the comforts of home while sharing the love of Jesus with people hundreds of miles away. Christ commissioned us to, Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe whatsoever He has commanded… (Matthew 28:19-20). As Barry and Isaiah prepare to go, pray that God will be honored and the Church there edified and stronger as a result.
In June, Jeremiah and Isaiah will be serving as counselors and teachers at the Precept Boot Camp in Chattanooga, Tenn. Our youth today are being bombarded with distractions and seductions. Please pray that the Boot Camp will anchor those who attend in the faithful Word of God so they can stand true to our Savior in this difficult day.
Erica has been ministering closer to home, going into the strip bars of Charlotte attempting to reach women caught in the net of prostitution and drugs. These women don’t have a chance apart from someone risking their own safety to “Go.” I stand amazed and encouraged by the love that propels this team to deny themselves and follow Christ into these valleys of the shadow of death. Pray for God to continue to overcome the hurdles and challenges that this team faces every time they attempt to "Go." And that God uses them to set the prisoners free!
We don’t have to go hundreds of miles away or into valleys to share God’s gospel message of peace, love and forgiveness. The kingdom of God is within us. The Spirit of God is within us. We can live out the gospel message of forgiveness every day… by simply paying attention to the people around us. Though our society is presently abounding in social networks, studies report that we are becoming less connected in our families and communities. Plugged into people miles away – oblivious to the people next to us!
Picture this… Jesus walking through Galilee or Jerusalem on a Smart phone talking to His disciples, yet ignoring the lame, deaf, blind, demon possessed and lepers begging for mercy. Can you see the Son of God doing that? No. Neither should we.
If Jesus were living in this technological age of iphones, ipads, Blackberrys, Kindles, Video games, computers and social networks, we can be sure that He would stay true to extending the gospel message with those in His path, connected to His Father’s Word and will for the world.
The prayer network of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is the twitter and tweet of the Trinity. That is our primary catalyst and connection as we Go in Jesus name!
In June, Jeremiah and Isaiah will be serving as counselors and teachers at the Precept Boot Camp in Chattanooga, Tenn. Our youth today are being bombarded with distractions and seductions. Please pray that the Boot Camp will anchor those who attend in the faithful Word of God so they can stand true to our Savior in this difficult day.
Erica has been ministering closer to home, going into the strip bars of Charlotte attempting to reach women caught in the net of prostitution and drugs. These women don’t have a chance apart from someone risking their own safety to “Go.” I stand amazed and encouraged by the love that propels this team to deny themselves and follow Christ into these valleys of the shadow of death. Pray for God to continue to overcome the hurdles and challenges that this team faces every time they attempt to "Go." And that God uses them to set the prisoners free!
We don’t have to go hundreds of miles away or into valleys to share God’s gospel message of peace, love and forgiveness. The kingdom of God is within us. The Spirit of God is within us. We can live out the gospel message of forgiveness every day… by simply paying attention to the people around us. Though our society is presently abounding in social networks, studies report that we are becoming less connected in our families and communities. Plugged into people miles away – oblivious to the people next to us!
Picture this… Jesus walking through Galilee or Jerusalem on a Smart phone talking to His disciples, yet ignoring the lame, deaf, blind, demon possessed and lepers begging for mercy. Can you see the Son of God doing that? No. Neither should we.
If Jesus were living in this technological age of iphones, ipads, Blackberrys, Kindles, Video games, computers and social networks, we can be sure that He would stay true to extending the gospel message with those in His path, connected to His Father’s Word and will for the world.
The prayer network of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is the twitter and tweet of the Trinity. That is our primary catalyst and connection as we Go in Jesus name!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Fight the Fight
We are at war! Are we fighting? Or too intimidated...
As a youth, David traveled to the battlefield where three of his oldest brothers had joined Saul’s army to defend Israel against a Philistine attack. David was going as a courier with provisions, yet didn’t find Israel fighting when he arrived. (1 Samuel 17) Why not? Weren’t they at war?
Consider the giant, intimidating 9 foot Philistine warrior, Goliath. This enemy solider stood against Israel, arrogantly flashing a 17 pound spear that was 26 feet long, tipped with an iron spear-head also weighing 17 pounds. Thirty five pounds is the weight of two heavy bowling balls by comparison. Can you imagine the strength it took to throw a spear like that?
Goliath’s bronze scale-like armor and helmet weighed 125 pounds. He also wore bronze shin guards, carried a bronze javelin on his back between his shoulders and a sword by his side (1 Samuel 21:9). It has been estimated that the total weight of Goliath’s armor and weaponry would have been at least 700 pounds. A bit intimidating, wouldn’t you say?
This enormous enemy towered over and mocked the army of Israel and the living God, calling for an individual to fight against him. “Choose a man for yourselves and let him draw near to me.” We have to wonder don’t we… why did Goliath want a personal confrontation rather than a battle between armies? Did he crave the attention? Or was the Philistine army inferior and using Goliath as a diversion? Whatever the reason, Goliath was dictating the battle much like Satan attempts to dictate our battles today, calling us out to face huge obstacles of fear...alone.
David picked up 5 stones from a nearby brook and ran towards the battle line with nothing more than a slingshot. Catapulted from his sling, the first stone pierced Goliath’s forehead, rendering the giant unconscious. Then, by his own sword, Goliath was decapitated. David did not fight in hand to hand combat. Like Indiana Jones pulling out a gun against the flashing sword of an attacking Ninja warrior, David used a slingshot against 700 pounds of enemy weaponry. David’s faith changed the terms of battle to be in God’s hands, not those of Goliath.
We are living in a day of huge, taunting giants, who are mocking the kingdom of the living God and calling us out individually to fight in the marketplaces and in our homes against them. It is intimidating to think of fighting these giants by ourselves because we feel so powerless in comparison. Yet, we can and we must fight in just the same way as David – by faith in our victorious God. David picked up 5 stones because there were 4 other giants besides Goliath in Saul’s army he might have to face (2 Samuel 21:18-22). David was willing though. Are we?
Jesus taught that we are like sheep in the midst of wolves (Matthew 10:16). How did He say to handle this adversity? Be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. We are at war. Would David find us fighting? And how do we fight? Just as Jesus taught and David exemplified. Fight wisely, not foolishly as the enemy would have us and walk by faith in the ways of the Lord and power of His Spirit.
As a youth, David traveled to the battlefield where three of his oldest brothers had joined Saul’s army to defend Israel against a Philistine attack. David was going as a courier with provisions, yet didn’t find Israel fighting when he arrived. (1 Samuel 17) Why not? Weren’t they at war?
Consider the giant, intimidating 9 foot Philistine warrior, Goliath. This enemy solider stood against Israel, arrogantly flashing a 17 pound spear that was 26 feet long, tipped with an iron spear-head also weighing 17 pounds. Thirty five pounds is the weight of two heavy bowling balls by comparison. Can you imagine the strength it took to throw a spear like that?
Goliath’s bronze scale-like armor and helmet weighed 125 pounds. He also wore bronze shin guards, carried a bronze javelin on his back between his shoulders and a sword by his side (1 Samuel 21:9). It has been estimated that the total weight of Goliath’s armor and weaponry would have been at least 700 pounds. A bit intimidating, wouldn’t you say?
This enormous enemy towered over and mocked the army of Israel and the living God, calling for an individual to fight against him. “Choose a man for yourselves and let him draw near to me.” We have to wonder don’t we… why did Goliath want a personal confrontation rather than a battle between armies? Did he crave the attention? Or was the Philistine army inferior and using Goliath as a diversion? Whatever the reason, Goliath was dictating the battle much like Satan attempts to dictate our battles today, calling us out to face huge obstacles of fear...alone.
David picked up 5 stones from a nearby brook and ran towards the battle line with nothing more than a slingshot. Catapulted from his sling, the first stone pierced Goliath’s forehead, rendering the giant unconscious. Then, by his own sword, Goliath was decapitated. David did not fight in hand to hand combat. Like Indiana Jones pulling out a gun against the flashing sword of an attacking Ninja warrior, David used a slingshot against 700 pounds of enemy weaponry. David’s faith changed the terms of battle to be in God’s hands, not those of Goliath.
We are living in a day of huge, taunting giants, who are mocking the kingdom of the living God and calling us out individually to fight in the marketplaces and in our homes against them. It is intimidating to think of fighting these giants by ourselves because we feel so powerless in comparison. Yet, we can and we must fight in just the same way as David – by faith in our victorious God. David picked up 5 stones because there were 4 other giants besides Goliath in Saul’s army he might have to face (2 Samuel 21:18-22). David was willing though. Are we?
Jesus taught that we are like sheep in the midst of wolves (Matthew 10:16). How did He say to handle this adversity? Be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. We are at war. Would David find us fighting? And how do we fight? Just as Jesus taught and David exemplified. Fight wisely, not foolishly as the enemy would have us and walk by faith in the ways of the Lord and power of His Spirit.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Love Wins
Rob Bell, a popular pastor today, recently released the book Love Wins. In this book, he openly denies the existence of Hell.
Rob says, "A staggering number of people have been taught that a select few Christians will spend forever in a peaceful, joyous place called heaven, while the rest of humanity spends forever in torment and punishment in hell with no chance for anything better. It's been clearly communicated to many that this belief is a central truth of the Christian faith and to reject it is, in essence, to reject Jesus. This is misguided and toxic and ultimately subverts the contagious spread of Jesus' message of love, peace, forgiveness, and joy that our world desperately needs to hear."
Rob Bell has apparently rewritten the Bible, producing a more palatable version - toxic, misguided and distorting the gospel message. When we remove undisputable, clear doctrine from the Bible, teaching what we prefer to believe, we might as well be wearing a False Prophet T-shirt. Even apart from clear teaching, consider this: If there is not a Hell, why did God sacrifice His Son? What was He saving us from? Why repent from sin if death and Hell are not problematic?
The God-breathed (2 Tim. 3:16) version of Scripture declares that a literal Hell does exist, a place originally designed for the devil and his angels who rebelled against God. When man sinned, he became a subject in Satan's kingdom and destined for the same place of separation and fire. This is why the Scriptures refer to man as "lost." Apart from God's redemption and regeneration, we are lost and in need of salvation.
When Christ completed the work of redemption, Hell was not removed nor did it become unnecessary. Hell continues to exist as the place where all unrighteousness will be contained. When Jesus returns, we will see a rescue of the righteous and a final judgment of the unrighteous before the earth is destroyed. That would not be true if Hell no longer exists or if God's wrath is not forthcoming.
Hell is not pleasant to think about, in that I must agree. But we cannot change truth to accommodate what we prefer to believe. Live by faith in the faithful Word of God and who God truly is. I AM WHO I AM. (Ex. 3:14) God is love. God is also righteous. Love wins but His righteousness rules.
Rob says, "A staggering number of people have been taught that a select few Christians will spend forever in a peaceful, joyous place called heaven, while the rest of humanity spends forever in torment and punishment in hell with no chance for anything better. It's been clearly communicated to many that this belief is a central truth of the Christian faith and to reject it is, in essence, to reject Jesus. This is misguided and toxic and ultimately subverts the contagious spread of Jesus' message of love, peace, forgiveness, and joy that our world desperately needs to hear."
Rob Bell has apparently rewritten the Bible, producing a more palatable version - toxic, misguided and distorting the gospel message. When we remove undisputable, clear doctrine from the Bible, teaching what we prefer to believe, we might as well be wearing a False Prophet T-shirt. Even apart from clear teaching, consider this: If there is not a Hell, why did God sacrifice His Son? What was He saving us from? Why repent from sin if death and Hell are not problematic?
The God-breathed (2 Tim. 3:16) version of Scripture declares that a literal Hell does exist, a place originally designed for the devil and his angels who rebelled against God. When man sinned, he became a subject in Satan's kingdom and destined for the same place of separation and fire. This is why the Scriptures refer to man as "lost." Apart from God's redemption and regeneration, we are lost and in need of salvation.
When Christ completed the work of redemption, Hell was not removed nor did it become unnecessary. Hell continues to exist as the place where all unrighteousness will be contained. When Jesus returns, we will see a rescue of the righteous and a final judgment of the unrighteous before the earth is destroyed. That would not be true if Hell no longer exists or if God's wrath is not forthcoming.
Hell is not pleasant to think about, in that I must agree. But we cannot change truth to accommodate what we prefer to believe. Live by faith in the faithful Word of God and who God truly is. I AM WHO I AM. (Ex. 3:14) God is love. God is also righteous. Love wins but His righteousness rules.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Mother's Day Inaugeration
In honor of this Mother's Day, May 8, 2011 and our family, I have established the Darnell Chronicles to honor the living God in which we serve and to keep a Biblical worldview at the forefront of our thinking. May we filter every thought and feeling through the dependable truth of the Word, Jesus Christ, and His grace! And may God bless us as we do.
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