But now, he had something to do.
"Commander," Kenny shouted, "Ships are heading in from the west. We suppose that they are from a militia of some sort. Should I shoot it?"
The commander slowly walked over to Kenny. He lowered himself close to Kenny's head, smiling when he saw it.
"Give them a message. Tell them to either join the Global Family Navy, or prepare to be shot down."
Kenny looked suspicious, "But what kind is it?" The commander looked closely at the ship.
"It's an Arleigh Burke. Oh my, it's 0630 hour, and we still have to deal with this. Do we have a Gabriel?" Kenny nodded. "Get it ready," he barked, "Because we might need it."
***
"This is INS Sufa to a rebel Arleigh Burke. Will you join the Global Family navy?"
Kenny waited for quite some time.
"No," the voice replied, "We come in the name of Jesus Christ. We will take over the Global Family once and for all, when our Lord comes back. We will fight until the end. In the name of Christ, no war, but peace."
The commander looked happy, "Kenny, shoot it down then. It is already 0700 hours, why waste time?"
Kenny's hand started to sweat. He had his finger over the button. He could destroy one ship, and then the other. But they were Christians, coming in the name of peace. His own people. What should I do Lord, he silently prayed, what?
"What are you waiting for? Shoot it down!" he was egging Kenny on. Now, most of the crew was surrounded around Kenny. Watching him.
Kenny lifted his finger, cursed himself, and pushed the button. He watched sadly as the Gabriel missile sea-skimmed, as low as 5 meters. He then watched the impact, as the ship exploded into a million pieces. Then he saw the other one behind it, with a flag that had a cross on it. He could see that they would not surrender, even when he contacted them. So the team watched as the second ship was obliterated by their missile. High fives and cheers went all around, but Kenny felt a lone tear falling from his eye.
***
Raven held the Barrett M82 close. He was prepared to shoot him. Another one of Teodor's family friends was about to be dead in a few minutes.
Raven braced for it, and then he shot. In one instance, people were running away, the man he had shot was dead before his face fell into his fries, and once again, Raven had caused a riot.
- Quinton
_____________________________________________________________________
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Mo sat there trying not to look stunned.
When he had first seen the elderly lady walking towards him and his gang he had figured her for easy pickins. But the lady had guts. She had walked right up to him and put her hand out and introduced herself. She had asked if they were hungry and then proceeded to open a cooler full of sandwiches, burritos and sodas.
The boy with her had looked close to wetting himself, and still did. Mo had to give to boy credit though, he hadn’t run. He had stayed with the lady. She called herself Belle and insisted that he and the other ‘young gentlemen’ with him do so also.
Mo couldn’t figure her out. She had brought food to one of the toughest gangs in the city because she thought they might be hungry. She was right, they were hungry, as shipments of groceries had been rerouted to safer parts of the city. When Mo had reached out and roughly taken the cooler from the boy with her she hadn’t protested. She had smiled, and asked if he or any of his friends had allergies to peanuts, as some of the sandwiches were peanut butter and jelly.
How she had managed to join him and his crew as they sat down to eat the burritos and sandwiches was beyond him. Somehow she had manipulated him into inviting her back to his ’crib’ as he called it. She had even gotten him and his crew to carry the extra blankets and clothes she had packed in garbage bags for them. She had apologized for packing the cloths and blankets in garbage bags, and Mo had found himself assuring her it was fine. So had all his boys.
Mo shook his head again at his own behavior. Apparently Belle took it as a sign that he didn’t like the burrito he had taken a bite out of.
“I’m sorry you don’t like it. It’s potato and bacon. My son loves them and I thought you boys would like them too.” Belle apologized. She leaned over and rummaged around in the cooler and pulled out another burrito. “Try a bean and cheese one. Maybe you’ll like it better.”
“This is fine.” Mo said trying to get his wits about him. “It’s actually better than fine. It’s great.”
Belle beamed and asked the men tell her which sandwiches and burrito’s they liked best, so that she could be sure to bring them their favorites when she came back next time.
Mo choked on his burrito, and Belle handed him a soda.
“What do you mean, come back?” he got out between coughs.
“You don’t actually think I’m going to forget about you children out here with no food, do you? Why that would be unforgivable. I’ve done enough things in my life to ask the good Lord to forgive me for. Speaking of the Lord, I forgot to say grace before you boys began eating.” Quickly Belled bowed her head and sent up a prayer that the Lord use this food to nourish these young men, and thanked Him for providing her with the means to see to it that they were fed.
Not wanting to be rude, Mo and his crew had bowed their heads. Belle lifted her head and asked Mo to tell her about himself. And he did. There was something about the lady that made him tell her his life story. He spent and hour telling her about growing up without a father, and his mother dying of a drug overdose when he was ten. He told her how he had come to Oklahoma City to live with his grandmother, and how she had passed on when he was fifteen. It was then that he had run away and joined the gang. He explained how the gang was his family and had been for the last several years.
“Is your real name Mo, or is that a nickname?” Belle asked earnestly.
“My real name is Maurice, but I got the nickname Mo because I’ve been shot more times than anyone in the gang.”
“And you’re the leader?” Belle asked.
“Yeah, I am.” Mo said roughly.
“You must be very intelligent to be the leader.” Belle stated. “I mean to have survived out here all these years, and to work your way up in the ranks, you must be highly intelligent.”
“I guess so.” Mo said.
“Then you must know the truth about what’s going on.” Belle said. “I mean the rapture, and that we are now in the tribulation.”
Mo looked at his crew. They had all talked about what had happened, and with Mo having gone to church with his grandmother, knew a little about the bible. While they weren’t sure if it had been the rapture, they hadn’t dismissed the probability of it either.
“I don’t know. All I’m trying to do now is keep my gang alive now. With all the other rival gangs making moves to take over our territory, that’s all that’s on my mind now.”
“Surely you know that there are only two gangs left in the world now.” Belle told him “Warriors for Christ, and those bound for the lake of fire. It isn’t about who runs this street or who’s territory it is anymore. This is about eternity now gentlemen. Choose this day whom you will serve.” Belle said.
“What’s the lake of fire?” one of the crew asked.
Belle explained to the young man, and when she had finished all the men looked as if they had been kicked in the stomach.
“Belle. It’s going to be dark soon. Frank will be calling, and if you don’t answer he will be getting worried.” Leon informed her.
“Oh dear, you’re right. I didn’t realize it was so late. Gentlemen, I had a lovely time getting to know you. I’ll come back with more sandwiches in a couple of days. I’d also like to leave this Bible here with you.” Belle lay the Bible down next to Mo. She shook hands with all the men, and patted Mo in the shoulder.
She leaned down. “Choose this day whom you will serve.” And with those words she walked out of the house.
“Do you think she’ll really come back?” Skunk, Mo’s second in command asked.
Mo sat staring at the wall. After a minute he answered “Yeah, I think she will.”
Mo sat there trying not to look stunned.
When he had first seen the elderly lady walking towards him and his gang he had figured her for easy pickins. But the lady had guts. She had walked right up to him and put her hand out and introduced herself. She had asked if they were hungry and then proceeded to open a cooler full of sandwiches, burritos and sodas.
The boy with her had looked close to wetting himself, and still did. Mo had to give to boy credit though, he hadn’t run. He had stayed with the lady. She called herself Belle and insisted that he and the other ‘young gentlemen’ with him do so also.
Mo couldn’t figure her out. She had brought food to one of the toughest gangs in the city because she thought they might be hungry. She was right, they were hungry, as shipments of groceries had been rerouted to safer parts of the city. When Mo had reached out and roughly taken the cooler from the boy with her she hadn’t protested. She had smiled, and asked if he or any of his friends had allergies to peanuts, as some of the sandwiches were peanut butter and jelly.
How she had managed to join him and his crew as they sat down to eat the burritos and sandwiches was beyond him. Somehow she had manipulated him into inviting her back to his ’crib’ as he called it. She had even gotten him and his crew to carry the extra blankets and clothes she had packed in garbage bags for them. She had apologized for packing the cloths and blankets in garbage bags, and Mo had found himself assuring her it was fine. So had all his boys.
Mo shook his head again at his own behavior. Apparently Belle took it as a sign that he didn’t like the burrito he had taken a bite out of.
“I’m sorry you don’t like it. It’s potato and bacon. My son loves them and I thought you boys would like them too.” Belle apologized. She leaned over and rummaged around in the cooler and pulled out another burrito. “Try a bean and cheese one. Maybe you’ll like it better.”
“This is fine.” Mo said trying to get his wits about him. “It’s actually better than fine. It’s great.”
Belle beamed and asked the men tell her which sandwiches and burrito’s they liked best, so that she could be sure to bring them their favorites when she came back next time.
Mo choked on his burrito, and Belle handed him a soda.
“What do you mean, come back?” he got out between coughs.
“You don’t actually think I’m going to forget about you children out here with no food, do you? Why that would be unforgivable. I’ve done enough things in my life to ask the good Lord to forgive me for. Speaking of the Lord, I forgot to say grace before you boys began eating.” Quickly Belled bowed her head and sent up a prayer that the Lord use this food to nourish these young men, and thanked Him for providing her with the means to see to it that they were fed.
Not wanting to be rude, Mo and his crew had bowed their heads. Belle lifted her head and asked Mo to tell her about himself. And he did. There was something about the lady that made him tell her his life story. He spent and hour telling her about growing up without a father, and his mother dying of a drug overdose when he was ten. He told her how he had come to Oklahoma City to live with his grandmother, and how she had passed on when he was fifteen. It was then that he had run away and joined the gang. He explained how the gang was his family and had been for the last several years.
“Is your real name Mo, or is that a nickname?” Belle asked earnestly.
“My real name is Maurice, but I got the nickname Mo because I’ve been shot more times than anyone in the gang.”
“And you’re the leader?” Belle asked.
“Yeah, I am.” Mo said roughly.
“You must be very intelligent to be the leader.” Belle stated. “I mean to have survived out here all these years, and to work your way up in the ranks, you must be highly intelligent.”
“I guess so.” Mo said.
“Then you must know the truth about what’s going on.” Belle said. “I mean the rapture, and that we are now in the tribulation.”
Mo looked at his crew. They had all talked about what had happened, and with Mo having gone to church with his grandmother, knew a little about the bible. While they weren’t sure if it had been the rapture, they hadn’t dismissed the probability of it either.
“I don’t know. All I’m trying to do now is keep my gang alive now. With all the other rival gangs making moves to take over our territory, that’s all that’s on my mind now.”
“Surely you know that there are only two gangs left in the world now.” Belle told him “Warriors for Christ, and those bound for the lake of fire. It isn’t about who runs this street or who’s territory it is anymore. This is about eternity now gentlemen. Choose this day whom you will serve.” Belle said.
“What’s the lake of fire?” one of the crew asked.
Belle explained to the young man, and when she had finished all the men looked as if they had been kicked in the stomach.
“Belle. It’s going to be dark soon. Frank will be calling, and if you don’t answer he will be getting worried.” Leon informed her.
“Oh dear, you’re right. I didn’t realize it was so late. Gentlemen, I had a lovely time getting to know you. I’ll come back with more sandwiches in a couple of days. I’d also like to leave this Bible here with you.” Belle lay the Bible down next to Mo. She shook hands with all the men, and patted Mo in the shoulder.
She leaned down. “Choose this day whom you will serve.” And with those words she walked out of the house.
“Do you think she’ll really come back?” Skunk, Mo’s second in command asked.
Mo sat staring at the wall. After a minute he answered “Yeah, I think she will.”
- Zags
_____________________________________________________________________
*knock knock*
Teodor looked briefly at the door before lazily replying "Enter."
Jerome slowly entered, looking sad and a little nervous. "Mr. Potentate sir, I have some grave news."
Teodor tried to look concerned, but he was still relishing in his joy over the destruction of some of the enemy militia ships that had tried to dissent from the GF. "Go ahead Jerome."
Jerome swallowed and looked up at Teodor. "The shooter, the one who killed your friend Lukas...he killed your friend Kostos, today, at a local restaurant in Greece."
Teodor froze. His mind was racing. How do I react to this? I am not sad about this, for Kostos was just a boy I went to college with and care little for. But this man again attempted to antagonize me through the death of someone connected to me...hm... Teodor sat back in his chair a little, with a relaxed air about him. "I'm surprised he attacked a target lower on the totem pole, even lower than Lukas was. I thought perhaps this killer would attempt to kill a relative or a closer friend. I guess he is running out of options."
Jerome stood there in shock. He quickly snapped his jaw shut when he realized it was hanging open. "So, um, Mr. Potentate...this news isn't upsetting to you?"
"Well it is certainly disconcerting, knowing a skilled assassin is trying to get to me by killing those close to me, and I am certain his final goal is to kill me, but if this person is still off killing my friends....it will take him far too long to get to me. By that time I will have already found him and had him killed." Teodor smiled a little. "So no, Jerome, I am not upset. My mother has just arrived and is safely settled in her quarters next to mine. His next target will most likely be some long lost cousins of mine, many of whom I barely know. Or maybe one of my aunts or uncles? I care little about it Jerome, because when I look at the larger picture, I consider those whom have died as martyrs to my cause for world peace and utopia. Lukas and Kostos are the first to die in the name of the Global Family, and I will never forget their sacrifices."
Teodor walked over and clasped Jerome on the shoulder. "You understand this, do you not?" Jerome tried not to flinch, plastered on a small smile, and replied "Yes, Mr. Potentate. Your plan for the world is the most important thing to work toward right now."
Teodor's smile broadened. "I am glad you understand my goal Jerome. Thank you for being so loyal to me." Teodor gave Jerome a small squeeze on the shoulder and released him, walking back to his desk. Jerome fought the urge to brush off his coat where Teodor had touched it. Taking this as a dismissal, Jerome exited the room quietly, shutting the door and walking quickly to the nearest bathroom.
Jerome yanked the door open, gasping for breath for some unknown reason. Thankfully it was a single-room bathroom, so Jerome was alone. There is this strange oppressive air inside the room that I didn't notice before...it's like I'm being choked by it. But what is it? Jerome grabbed a towel and ran it under the cold water, wiping his brow and his neck where sweat had broken out. Why do I feel this way? Jerome sank to the floor, his mind racing with confused thoughts.
He had done some undercover research offline, using books in the local libraries pertaining to the End of Days. Many had been removed, but a few had remained, either because they were useless or because the librarians had missed them by mistake. One of them described a character called the Antichrist in great detail, remarking on the character he would have and the effects of his leadership on the world. He remembered nearly dropping the book as he read, astonished at how well the descriptions matched the Potentate. They even included scripture from the bible to support their claims. Jerome owned a bible, but was afraid to open it and begin reading.
He feared what he would find.
After completing his short-lived research venture, Jerome had decided to keep going to work while ruminating on what he had read. Strangely over the past few days, he felt a pressing weight on his heart, like he needed to do something. But what was it? What do I need to do? Jerome knew it had something to do with the Potentate and his similarities to the Antichrist described in the bible, but as of now he didn't know what to do with that information.
Jerome stood up, a determined look in his eye. I am going to overcome my ridiculous fears and start reading that bible. Maybe...maybe the Potentate is condemning the Christians because they have the truth...because the truth would expose the Potentate as something terrible. He returned to his desk and beeped the Potentate.
"Yes Jerome?"
"Sir, I am not feeling very well...would it be alright with you if I went home a little early today?"
There was a slight pause. "Certainly Jerome. Is there anything you need?"
"No, no thank you Mr. Potentate. I appreciate the offer of kindness, but I believe I just need some rest to overcome this."
"It is not a problem at all Jerome. Call Janine when you are ready to return to us, and she will have everything ready for you."
"Thank you Mr. Potentate."
"Goodbye Jerome."
Jerome gathered his things together, remembering to look ill (not that he needed to considering his strange encounter with the Potentate). He raced home, yanked open the door, and slowly walked over to the cabinet under the bookshelf.
The bible was inside.
Hand shaking, he opened the cabinet door and pulled out the extremely dusty bible. Wiping the dust off, he sat down in his favorite chair, transfixed with the book in front of him. He then realized he didn't know where to start.
Feeling extremely foolish, Jerome said "Um...God? Hey, um, if you're up there...can you tell me where to start?" Jerome shook his head. "This is ridiculous" he muttered. After waiting a moment for some supernatural event to tell him what to do, he just flipped open the bible to some random page. His eyes fell on John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life." He continued reading the chapter, amazed at each word.
Jesus was smiling broadly as he led Jerome through the passages, although Jerome was unaware of His presence. The angels were excited, sensing another person may soon become a part of the Body of Christ.
- Katy
_____________________________________________________________________
The Rabbi sat near the Wailing Wall watching the expression on many of the peoples faces as they listened to the witnesses speak. He had been coming daily and each night he prayed for his jewish brothers and sisters that the blinders would be removed from their eyes that they might know the truth and be saved. But most days he heard nothing but their obscenities hurled at Gods witnesses as they tried to tell the crowds of their future if they did not change their thinking and see the truth right in front of them. He watches as the two witnesses stepped closer to the police barrier and addressed the crowd.
1A great and wondrous sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. 2She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth. 3Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on his heads. 4His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that he might devour her child the moment it was born. 5She gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter. And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne. 6The woman fled into the desert to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days.
7And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. 8But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. 9The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
10Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
"Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Christ.
For the accuser of our brothers,
who accuses them before our God day and night,
has been hurled down.
11They overcame him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death.
12Therefore rejoice, you heavens
and you who dwell in them!
But woe to the earth and the sea,
because the devil has gone down to you!
He is filled with fury,
because he knows that his time is short."
13When the dragon saw that he had been hurled to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. 14The woman was given the two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the desert, where she would be taken care of for a time, times and half a time, out of the serpent's reach. 15Then from his mouth the serpent spewed water like a river, to overtake the woman and sweep her away with the torrent. 16But the earth helped the woman by opening its mouth and swallowing the river that the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. 17Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring—those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.
The witnesses stepped back as if to give them time to register the words they had heard. They lifted their hands towards heaven and appeared to the crowd to be praying. The Rabbi could tell by the expressions he was seeing today that hearts were being changed at this very moment. Gods Holy spirit was moving among the people and hearts were being opened. Today there was no mud slinging or bottle throwing. The obscenities from earlier were now hushed and some of the men held their head down in shame. Lives today would be changed for the glory of God. God was indeed building onto His army.
The Rabbi walked over to the witnesses and spoke briefly before turning to face the crowd.
"Your Father in heaven is calling on each of you here today to recieve His son as your savior and to cleanse you of all unrightousness. For God so loved you, that He gave His ONLY begotten son, that whosoever believed in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. He said that if you will proclaim Him publicly, He will proclaim you also to our Father in Heaven. If you are ready to receive Him come forward now. Dont wait. Today may be your only chance." He watched as the people started moving closer to him. Tears streamed down his face as he watched people bow and pray to receive Jesus as their savior. You could see the newness in each person as Jesus entered their life and the tears of happiness fell on each face. Abraham looked up and gave thanks to God for the new souls as the angels in Heaven rejoiced.
As the Rabbi left the wall, he headed for his car. He had just the right amount of time left to make it to the airport. Lisa's flight would be arriving soon. He was smiling and singing as he pulled out.
1A great and wondrous sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. 2She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth. 3Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on his heads. 4His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that he might devour her child the moment it was born. 5She gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter. And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne. 6The woman fled into the desert to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days.
7And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. 8But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. 9The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
10Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
"Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Christ.
For the accuser of our brothers,
who accuses them before our God day and night,
has been hurled down.
11They overcame him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death.
12Therefore rejoice, you heavens
and you who dwell in them!
But woe to the earth and the sea,
because the devil has gone down to you!
He is filled with fury,
because he knows that his time is short."
13When the dragon saw that he had been hurled to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. 14The woman was given the two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the desert, where she would be taken care of for a time, times and half a time, out of the serpent's reach. 15Then from his mouth the serpent spewed water like a river, to overtake the woman and sweep her away with the torrent. 16But the earth helped the woman by opening its mouth and swallowing the river that the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. 17Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring—those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.
The witnesses stepped back as if to give them time to register the words they had heard. They lifted their hands towards heaven and appeared to the crowd to be praying. The Rabbi could tell by the expressions he was seeing today that hearts were being changed at this very moment. Gods Holy spirit was moving among the people and hearts were being opened. Today there was no mud slinging or bottle throwing. The obscenities from earlier were now hushed and some of the men held their head down in shame. Lives today would be changed for the glory of God. God was indeed building onto His army.
The Rabbi walked over to the witnesses and spoke briefly before turning to face the crowd.
"Your Father in heaven is calling on each of you here today to recieve His son as your savior and to cleanse you of all unrightousness. For God so loved you, that He gave His ONLY begotten son, that whosoever believed in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. He said that if you will proclaim Him publicly, He will proclaim you also to our Father in Heaven. If you are ready to receive Him come forward now. Dont wait. Today may be your only chance." He watched as the people started moving closer to him. Tears streamed down his face as he watched people bow and pray to receive Jesus as their savior. You could see the newness in each person as Jesus entered their life and the tears of happiness fell on each face. Abraham looked up and gave thanks to God for the new souls as the angels in Heaven rejoiced.
As the Rabbi left the wall, he headed for his car. He had just the right amount of time left to make it to the airport. Lisa's flight would be arriving soon. He was smiling and singing as he pulled out.
- Renee
_____________________________________________________________________
Julie sat sipping a cup of coffee at the kitchen table in her cabin. She was studying Gods word, preparing for tomorrow mornings bible study class she had been teaching for the past few weeks. The people were excited to hear more about the future ahead of them as they knew at some point they would be called out of the compound to minister were ever the Lord should lead. David knocked lightly on the door. "Come in." she called as she continued writing down key phrases for her class. "Hey! Thought you might like some company getting ready for tomorrows class." he said to her. "Sit down and listen to this" she told him as she flipped back a page and began to read.
Revelation 13
1And the dragon[a] stood on the shore of the sea.
The Beast out of the Sea
And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. He had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on his horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. 2The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority. 3One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was astonished and followed the beast. 4Men worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, "Who is like the beast? Who can make war against him?"
5The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise his authority for forty-two months. 6He opened his mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and his dwelling place and those who live in heaven. 7He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. 8All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.[b]
9He who has an ear, let him hear.
10If anyone is to go into captivity,
into captivity he will go.
If anyone is to be killed[c] with the sword,
with the sword he will be killed. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.
"As I read this I had a scarey feeling of how things are going to be soon." she told David. "Yes, but just remember. Greater is He that is in you, then he that is in the world." he told her smiling. "Well that little reminder makes me feel better. Sometimes I get so caught up in the things I know are coming, I get scared thinking about it. And that statement from you helps me remember whos in control. I dont know what I would do without your encouragement." she said as she reached out and held his hand. "Want some coffee? Or am I the only insomniac these days?" she laughed. "You are a great teacher and you worry too much." he told her as he stood up and filled his cup. "Ok, now lets get the outline done for tomorrows class and I'll go make you the copies need for your students." he chuckled. Julie looked at him thoughtfully. He had become such a wonderful part of her life the last few weeks and she knew her feelings were growing. She sensed his feeling were becoming mutual. She felt like a teenager as she watched him pull his chair over next to hers sitting his coffee down and picking up the outline to read over it. As he read, he placed his arm around the back of her chair touching her shoulder softly. Her heart rate was now up and her cheeks had turned crimsom as she felt his eyes on her. He pulled her towards him and planted a kiss on her forehead. "I'll race you to the copy machine." he giggled as he rose and headed for the door.
Revelation 13
1And the dragon[a] stood on the shore of the sea.
The Beast out of the Sea
And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. He had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on his horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. 2The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority. 3One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was astonished and followed the beast. 4Men worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, "Who is like the beast? Who can make war against him?"
5The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise his authority for forty-two months. 6He opened his mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and his dwelling place and those who live in heaven. 7He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. 8All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.[b]
9He who has an ear, let him hear.
10If anyone is to go into captivity,
into captivity he will go.
If anyone is to be killed[c] with the sword,
with the sword he will be killed. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.
"As I read this I had a scarey feeling of how things are going to be soon." she told David. "Yes, but just remember. Greater is He that is in you, then he that is in the world." he told her smiling. "Well that little reminder makes me feel better. Sometimes I get so caught up in the things I know are coming, I get scared thinking about it. And that statement from you helps me remember whos in control. I dont know what I would do without your encouragement." she said as she reached out and held his hand. "Want some coffee? Or am I the only insomniac these days?" she laughed. "You are a great teacher and you worry too much." he told her as he stood up and filled his cup. "Ok, now lets get the outline done for tomorrows class and I'll go make you the copies need for your students." he chuckled. Julie looked at him thoughtfully. He had become such a wonderful part of her life the last few weeks and she knew her feelings were growing. She sensed his feeling were becoming mutual. She felt like a teenager as she watched him pull his chair over next to hers sitting his coffee down and picking up the outline to read over it. As he read, he placed his arm around the back of her chair touching her shoulder softly. Her heart rate was now up and her cheeks had turned crimsom as she felt his eyes on her. He pulled her towards him and planted a kiss on her forehead. "I'll race you to the copy machine." he giggled as he rose and headed for the door.
- Renee
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On the Ranch
Rom 3:21 But now a righteousness of God has been revealed apart from Law, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets;
Rom 3:22 even the righteousness of God through the faith of Jesus Christ, toward all and upon all those who believe. For there is no difference,
Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,
Rom 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus;
Rom 3:25 whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness through the passing by of the sins that had taken place before, in the forbearance of God;
Rom 3:26 for the display of His righteousness at this time, for Him to be just and, forgiving the one being of the faith of Jesus.
Tori looked up from reading to see Trevor standing in the doorway.
“No change. He’s still unconscious.” Tori told him.
Trevor began checking the patient’s vital signs. Finding that his temperature had risen, he began to remove the bandages.
“Oh no.” Trevor whispered. The wounds on the man’s back, arms, and sides were festering with infection. “Go get Maddie.
Tori jumped out of the chair where she had sat reading aloud to the injured man and ran from the room.
Trevor rushed to carry the man to the dining/operating room. He rushed to the water basin and doused his hands with rubbing alcohol. He was trying to pull on gloves when Maddie and Zoe both rushed into the room.
Zoe wrinkled her nose at the smell of the infected flesh. “Oh! That’s awful.”
Maddie began dousing her hands in alcohol, and then helped Trevor pull on his gloves. She then turned to Zoe. “Zoe, can you handle this?”
Zoe gritted her teeth, and with a grimace of determination nodded. She also washed her hands with the alcohol, and helped Maddie pull on gloves and then began pulling on gloves of her own.
Tori ran back into the room with her laptop. She set it down on the buffet and began a search. Telling Zoe what to click on, she cleaned her hands, pulled on gloves and tied surgical masks on everyone.
Zoe found what they were looking for online and Trevor read it quickly. “I need to remove all the stitches and let the wounds drain. Then we need to flush all the infection out.”
Trevor leaned over and began cutting the stitches. “I’m probably going to have to cut that dead flesh away.” Trevor pointed at the blackened skin around one particularly deep wound.”
After several hours of painstaking work, Trevor stood up straight. He was surprised to see Maddie and Zoe on either side of him. He had been so absorbed with his work, that he had forgotten the women were in the room. Tori began to pick up the used sponges, her laptop forgotten. She had helped during the procedure. Trevor could now remember barking orders at all the women, and how they had immediately complied. They all made a good team.
“Good work ladies. Very good work. Let’s change the sheets on the bed before we move him back to his room.”
Kristen popped her head into the room a mask held over her nose and mouth. “Already done.”
Shade and Nathan walked into the room carrying the backboard. They were both wearing gloves and masks. Carefully rolling the patient, they got him on the backboard, and carried him to his room.
“Dear Lord, if it is Your will, please let that man survive his injuries. Let him be healed for Your glory, and let him come to know Your Son Jesus as his savior.” Kristen prayed.
Amen’s were echoed by all.
Rom 3:21 But now a righteousness of God has been revealed apart from Law, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets;
Rom 3:22 even the righteousness of God through the faith of Jesus Christ, toward all and upon all those who believe. For there is no difference,
Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,
Rom 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus;
Rom 3:25 whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness through the passing by of the sins that had taken place before, in the forbearance of God;
Rom 3:26 for the display of His righteousness at this time, for Him to be just and, forgiving the one being of the faith of Jesus.
Tori looked up from reading to see Trevor standing in the doorway.
“No change. He’s still unconscious.” Tori told him.
Trevor began checking the patient’s vital signs. Finding that his temperature had risen, he began to remove the bandages.
“Oh no.” Trevor whispered. The wounds on the man’s back, arms, and sides were festering with infection. “Go get Maddie.
Tori jumped out of the chair where she had sat reading aloud to the injured man and ran from the room.
Trevor rushed to carry the man to the dining/operating room. He rushed to the water basin and doused his hands with rubbing alcohol. He was trying to pull on gloves when Maddie and Zoe both rushed into the room.
Zoe wrinkled her nose at the smell of the infected flesh. “Oh! That’s awful.”
Maddie began dousing her hands in alcohol, and then helped Trevor pull on his gloves. She then turned to Zoe. “Zoe, can you handle this?”
Zoe gritted her teeth, and with a grimace of determination nodded. She also washed her hands with the alcohol, and helped Maddie pull on gloves and then began pulling on gloves of her own.
Tori ran back into the room with her laptop. She set it down on the buffet and began a search. Telling Zoe what to click on, she cleaned her hands, pulled on gloves and tied surgical masks on everyone.
Zoe found what they were looking for online and Trevor read it quickly. “I need to remove all the stitches and let the wounds drain. Then we need to flush all the infection out.”
Trevor leaned over and began cutting the stitches. “I’m probably going to have to cut that dead flesh away.” Trevor pointed at the blackened skin around one particularly deep wound.”
After several hours of painstaking work, Trevor stood up straight. He was surprised to see Maddie and Zoe on either side of him. He had been so absorbed with his work, that he had forgotten the women were in the room. Tori began to pick up the used sponges, her laptop forgotten. She had helped during the procedure. Trevor could now remember barking orders at all the women, and how they had immediately complied. They all made a good team.
“Good work ladies. Very good work. Let’s change the sheets on the bed before we move him back to his room.”
Kristen popped her head into the room a mask held over her nose and mouth. “Already done.”
Shade and Nathan walked into the room carrying the backboard. They were both wearing gloves and masks. Carefully rolling the patient, they got him on the backboard, and carried him to his room.
“Dear Lord, if it is Your will, please let that man survive his injuries. Let him be healed for Your glory, and let him come to know Your Son Jesus as his savior.” Kristen prayed.
Amen’s were echoed by all.
- Zags
______________________________________________________________________
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
“Leon, could you load the other cooler again please.” Belle asked.
“I thought you said you would go back in a few days. You were just there yesterday.” Leon looked confused.
“I know dear. There are other souls out there who need to hear about the Lord. I can’t just sit here and let them join the wrong army.” Belle said.
“But Jesus isn’t gonna need an army Belle. He’s gonna come back and do all the fighting Himself. Right?”
“That’s right Leon. But in the meantime there is a war for souls, and it’s my job as a child of God to take His Word to them.”
“Belle...”
“Now Leon, how will they know the Truth if we don’t take it to them?” Belle asked him calmly.
“But Belle....”
“Leon.” Belle said interrupting him again. “I know you don’t understand right now. But I am praying that the Lord will claim you for His kingdom. And I have faith that He will. In the meantime I don’t think it would hurt for you to accompany me on my little mission trips.” Belle quirked an eyebrow at him.
“Are you gonna be hunting more gang members?”
“I’m going to take the Light of the World to whomever the Lord guides me to.” Belle said with a small smile.
Great, Leon thought to himself.
“Leon, could you load the other cooler again please.” Belle asked.
“I thought you said you would go back in a few days. You were just there yesterday.” Leon looked confused.
“I know dear. There are other souls out there who need to hear about the Lord. I can’t just sit here and let them join the wrong army.” Belle said.
“But Jesus isn’t gonna need an army Belle. He’s gonna come back and do all the fighting Himself. Right?”
“That’s right Leon. But in the meantime there is a war for souls, and it’s my job as a child of God to take His Word to them.”
“Belle...”
“Now Leon, how will they know the Truth if we don’t take it to them?” Belle asked him calmly.
“But Belle....”
“Leon.” Belle said interrupting him again. “I know you don’t understand right now. But I am praying that the Lord will claim you for His kingdom. And I have faith that He will. In the meantime I don’t think it would hurt for you to accompany me on my little mission trips.” Belle quirked an eyebrow at him.
“Are you gonna be hunting more gang members?”
“I’m going to take the Light of the World to whomever the Lord guides me to.” Belle said with a small smile.
Great, Leon thought to himself.
- Zags
______________________________________________________________________
Lightning flashed across the noon day sky as peels of thunder roared across the land. The day was grey and dismal as those faithful to the Torah made their way to the wailing wall regardless of the weather. Tops of umbrellas covered the area as the crowd rocked back and forth chanting their prayers. Another day had arrived for the witnesses as they stood in their sackcloth without cover preaching to the people.
"'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Although I sent them far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries, yet for a little while I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone.'
17 " This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will gather you from the nations and bring you back from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you back the land of Israel again.'
18 "They will return to it and remove all its vile images and detestable idols. 19 I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. 20 Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God. 21 But as for those whose hearts are devoted to their vile images and detestable idols, I will bring down on their own heads what they have done, declares the Sovereign LORD."
The witnesses looked out into the crowd scanning each face in attendance. Two brothers on their way to the Dome of the Rock had stopped briefly to listen as they passed by. They had found it amusing and began to taunt the people in front of them. "Your God cant help you now! Look at the two old men He sent to speak for Him! He cant even afford to put decent clothes on them! The reason you cant get any closer is because they smell so bad." one of them laughed. As the sky grew darker the other one wasnt so sure this was amusing anymore and tried to get his brother to give it up and leave with him. The witnesses could be heard speaking hebrew as they lifted their voices high above the crowd. Lightning flashes could be seen shooting across the sky as the crowd looked up. Just as suddenly as the sky had darkened, the grey returned and the rain slowed down. There were gasps in the crowd as the people who had been taunted by the two brothers, now saw only two piles of ashes were the men had stood previously. The Witnesses waited for the crowd to turn their attention back to them before speaking again. As the shock and awe began to sink in the people again turned to the witnesses. One stepped forward and spoke.
"God will not be mocked."
"'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Although I sent them far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries, yet for a little while I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone.'
17 " This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will gather you from the nations and bring you back from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you back the land of Israel again.'
18 "They will return to it and remove all its vile images and detestable idols. 19 I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. 20 Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God. 21 But as for those whose hearts are devoted to their vile images and detestable idols, I will bring down on their own heads what they have done, declares the Sovereign LORD."
The witnesses looked out into the crowd scanning each face in attendance. Two brothers on their way to the Dome of the Rock had stopped briefly to listen as they passed by. They had found it amusing and began to taunt the people in front of them. "Your God cant help you now! Look at the two old men He sent to speak for Him! He cant even afford to put decent clothes on them! The reason you cant get any closer is because they smell so bad." one of them laughed. As the sky grew darker the other one wasnt so sure this was amusing anymore and tried to get his brother to give it up and leave with him. The witnesses could be heard speaking hebrew as they lifted their voices high above the crowd. Lightning flashes could be seen shooting across the sky as the crowd looked up. Just as suddenly as the sky had darkened, the grey returned and the rain slowed down. There were gasps in the crowd as the people who had been taunted by the two brothers, now saw only two piles of ashes were the men had stood previously. The Witnesses waited for the crowd to turn their attention back to them before speaking again. As the shock and awe began to sink in the people again turned to the witnesses. One stepped forward and spoke.
"God will not be mocked."
- Renee
_____________________________________________________________________
Boise City, Oklahoma
Frank had spent some time at the Education Center getting caught up on what work needed to be finished. He hadn’t been surprised that a considerable amount of the work had already been done. Argryo’s assistant had informed him by e-mail that the work had begun almost immediately after the Pontentate took up his position as the Secretary General of the UN. While there was still a large amount of work to be done, most of the builders and contractors had been transferred to Iraq. This had left him with one hundred twenty workers to finish the construction and renovation.
The Global Family Education Center of Boise City was expected to begin receiving new students within six months. Frank had every confidence that the work would be completed on time. His only concern was feeling out his staff. He was almost certain that of the men left that two or possibly three were Christians.
As Frank went by the recently re-opened grocery store, he noticed only one vehicle in the parking lot. He went inside and saw there was one cashier wearing a Global Family Uniform. As he walked down the aisle’s picking up the things his wife had asked for, he saw two men in one of the aisle’s. He walked up and began to introduce himself.
Shade stood to his full height when he sensed someone approaching.
Frank stopped in this tracks staring at the big man. The mans size was intimidating enough, but the look on his face as the man perused his Global Family uniform didn’t reassure him in the least. The other man was quite a bit shorter that the big man, but still had several inches on Frank. Sticking out his hand he introduced himself. “Frank Keller. I’m the Director over at the new Education Center.”
Trevor shook Franks hand. “Trevor. This is Shade.”
Frank looked uncomfortable for a moment. The men definitely didn’t want anything to do with him, which made him wonder why. Deciding to throw caution to the wind he asked, “What is the way to the Father?”
Frank had spent some time at the Education Center getting caught up on what work needed to be finished. He hadn’t been surprised that a considerable amount of the work had already been done. Argryo’s assistant had informed him by e-mail that the work had begun almost immediately after the Pontentate took up his position as the Secretary General of the UN. While there was still a large amount of work to be done, most of the builders and contractors had been transferred to Iraq. This had left him with one hundred twenty workers to finish the construction and renovation.
The Global Family Education Center of Boise City was expected to begin receiving new students within six months. Frank had every confidence that the work would be completed on time. His only concern was feeling out his staff. He was almost certain that of the men left that two or possibly three were Christians.
As Frank went by the recently re-opened grocery store, he noticed only one vehicle in the parking lot. He went inside and saw there was one cashier wearing a Global Family Uniform. As he walked down the aisle’s picking up the things his wife had asked for, he saw two men in one of the aisle’s. He walked up and began to introduce himself.
Shade stood to his full height when he sensed someone approaching.
Frank stopped in this tracks staring at the big man. The mans size was intimidating enough, but the look on his face as the man perused his Global Family uniform didn’t reassure him in the least. The other man was quite a bit shorter that the big man, but still had several inches on Frank. Sticking out his hand he introduced himself. “Frank Keller. I’m the Director over at the new Education Center.”
Trevor shook Franks hand. “Trevor. This is Shade.”
Frank looked uncomfortable for a moment. The men definitely didn’t want anything to do with him, which made him wonder why. Deciding to throw caution to the wind he asked, “What is the way to the Father?”
- Zags
_____________________________________________________________________
Raven was nervous. Plastic surgery had hurt him so much. Besides, today was his first meeting wit the president as his National Security Advisor. This would be hard for him to turn away from his old job.
He tensed up when he saw the president walk towards him, fearing he would be recognized. Harpazo had extorted many people and assassinated even more just so he could have this job. It had better not go to waste.
“Hello, Mr...”
“David Montgomery,” Raven answered, telling him his false name.
“Mr. Montgomery, nice to have you on the job, but we have a huge crisis. Militias are popping everywhere in the United States. Just two days ago, Israeli Navy shot down two of our ships. Yesterday, five airplanes were seen flying over New York. They did not shoot anything, but the rebels are causing a ruckus!”
Raven tried his best to fathom the situation and what he should do. “Mr. President,” he finally said, “I feel that this is a global issue. After we take our own measures, we should address the UN. I suggest we shoot down every ship not part of the GF. Then, we will be good.”
The president liked it. Raven smiled.
He tensed up when he saw the president walk towards him, fearing he would be recognized. Harpazo had extorted many people and assassinated even more just so he could have this job. It had better not go to waste.
“Hello, Mr...”
“David Montgomery,” Raven answered, telling him his false name.
“Mr. Montgomery, nice to have you on the job, but we have a huge crisis. Militias are popping everywhere in the United States. Just two days ago, Israeli Navy shot down two of our ships. Yesterday, five airplanes were seen flying over New York. They did not shoot anything, but the rebels are causing a ruckus!”
Raven tried his best to fathom the situation and what he should do. “Mr. President,” he finally said, “I feel that this is a global issue. After we take our own measures, we should address the UN. I suggest we shoot down every ship not part of the GF. Then, we will be good.”
The president liked it. Raven smiled.
- Quinton
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