The Broad Way (The Two Gates) Page 6
The board marker moved quickly to 'yes'.
"Well, that was easy," Ann thought. "What should I do now?" Then she thought, "If I were praying I would just ask for what I want. I will explain to Ouija what I want, and ask if he can help me. Ok, here goes."
Remembering to whisper, since she didn't want her mother to know she was not sleeping, Ann began, "Ouija, I want a life of power - which would naturally include money, but really power is what I want. Now can you help me or not?"
"Yes," was the reply.
"OK, where do we go from here? How do I start? What is the first thing I should do?"
The next few weeks Ann spent hours tediously asking questions to the board and waiting for the Ouija board marker to spell out the answers. She paid strict attention to the suggestions and answers given by the board. There were suggestions about how to adjust her appearance slightly. Her classes at school were gone over. Her personal conduct was discussed. The one thing Ouija kept stressing was that she must always remain above suspicion. Under no circumstances was Ann herself to engage in anything less than conduct becoming the most upright public figure. The board commended Ann on how she handled the situation with Alice Wilson.
Ann had no real idea of what was actually happening with the Ouija board. Somewhere in her hard and selfish heart there was an idea that she was not doing what she should be doing. There was a distant revulsion to the Ouija board and everything about it. But Ann pushed those thoughts far away, and went forward with what she wanted to do; giving no thought to what might be the right thing to do. She did have a moment or two when she almost thought someone or something was crying out "burn it, burn it!! Get rid of it. Never touch it again." But she ignored those thoughts. They were just negative energy and not helpful at all.
Ann was getting very little sleep. Talking to the Ouija board took so much time. Then she had to go over everything it said and try to decide exactly what it meant. And how she could apply what it meant to her conduct and plans for the future.
Finally one night, Ann asked the board, "Ouija, is there any way we could communicate more easily? This is wearing me out? Is there a better faster way to talk to each other?
Malachi
Mal was spending the summer studying his Bible, comparing current events with Bible prophecy of things yet to come, and trying to map out how he would change his life to live like a Christian.
Now that was something. He had actually thought of himself as a Christian prior to becoming one. His mother had been clear that if he was good enough he would go to heaven. So he tried to obey the commandments and treat others the way he wanted to be treated. After all, everyone wanted to go to heaven didn't they? But now it was different. He understood that there was more to it than being good. First you had to be saved. That got you the promise of entry into the kingdom of heaven. Then, because you were saved, and because you loved the One who saved you, you tried to live a life that was pleasing to Him. Simply said, but not that simply done. As far as Mal could tell, he really didn't have any big sins in his life. He really had tried to live a life with old fashioned morals and standards. So he didn't have any major habits to change of which he was aware. As far as giving to the church, he could do that. He could attend church. He didn't have any major hobbies or recreational activities he couldn't give up. It was quite strange really. Mal knew he was different now. But he didn't know how that difference should play out in his life. He made an appointment with CC Hignite. Belle trusted Pastor CC, so Mal thought maybe CC could give him a few ideas of what was expected of him now.
CC had asked Mal to come to his office. He liked a quiet place for counseling and that was provided at the church. His secretary would not allow interruptions unless it was a dire emergency.
Mal arrived for his appointment on time. CC ushered him into his office and got right down to business.
"Ok Mal," said CC. "What can I do for you today?"
"Well, Belle gave me the idea that I wanted to become a Christian. So I followed some web sites on how to do that. I learned, first I had to 'get saved'. I followed the instructions to the letter. I believe I truly believe Jesus is the Son of God, who gave his life to make a way for me to enter the kingdom of heaven. I have eternal life. I am sure of it. But what do I do now?"
"That's nice, but pretty sudden don't you think. Are you sure you know what you are talking about?" CC asked.
"Of course I do. I can read. I followed the instructions. There are hundreds of web sites that all quote Bible verses and say the same thing. I looked them up. Everyone of them. Just to be sure no one was pulling my leg. Jesus said ask and He will save you. So I asked Him, and he saved me. The question is 'now what?'"
"The next thing you do is follow the Lord in believer's baptism."
"I'm pretty sure I was baptized when I was a baby," Mal interrupted.
"Well, that doesn't count," CC countered. "That is pretty much like getting the cart before the horse. First you get saved. Then as a public profession of your faith, you get baptized. Don't worry. It won't mess up the records in heaven or anything."
"OK, then what?" Mal asked. I can do that, but then what?"
"Next thing you do is continue in Bible study. You need to set aside as much time as possible to study. I can give you some good commentaries on the Bible. You also need to go through a class here at the church on the basics for new Christians. And if you really want the full blessings of God on your life, and on the family you may one day have, you must surrender your life to do what ever God asks you to do."
"What do you think he will ask me to do?" Mal inquired apprehensively.
"I have no idea," CC stated.
"But I am supposed to surrender BEFORE I know what He wants?" Mal asked again.
"Yes. Look Mal, God has a plan for your life. It is the best plan for your life. He loves you like no one else has ever loved you. Usually, people either love what God asks them to do in the first place, or they come to love it later. It is wonderful. I have never heard anyone who lived a life surrendered to Christ lament their decision on their death bed. But I have heard multitudes crying about a life wasted on what they thought they wanted. God knows what you want better than you do. He put the desires in your heart. He will fulfill your dreams if you trust in Him."
"Ok pastor. That's a lot to think about, but I think I can do it. Again, it won't be that hard since I really didn't have any real goals or ambitions anyway. When can I get Baptized?"
"Sunday. Sunday is good. The sooner the better"
"I'll do it. I am ready to discover my destiny. It sounds like I can't do that until I take the first step."
"Son, Baptism is the second step. Salvation is the first step, and you already make that decision. God bless you. I'll see you Sunday."
4th Demension
stratigic operations
Cabiri was apprehensive. He had been called to a special meeting. He hated it when that happened. Nine out of ten times it would be bad news for him personally. He was certain this would be bad. And he was right.
His immediate supervisor had called a meeting with Cabiri and Zisa. That was bad. Zisa didn't know her place. She thought her power equaled his. Of course she was wrong. Furthermore, he was called to the meeting down in what was known as the Bermuda triangle. That strange things went on there was old news, and really discredited with the global community. It was a convenient location, but it was just not a place that was currently in the news, and he really thought that someone of his stature and authority should be called to meetings in New York, or somewhere in Europe, or something a little more prestigious. Certainly not the Bermuda triangle. So he was certain the meeting would not be favorable to him. He was correct.
The meeting was short. Cabiri's supervisor had said, "Cabiri, you are following your old pattern of bringing along your protégée's much too fast. You know they burn out long before their usefulness is complete. So in this case, you are being pulled off the Ann Jones case, and being reassigned, at least t
emporarily, to the terrorist sector. Zisa is going to stand in for you. She gets a lot more mileage out of converts than you ever have."
"Zisa?" Cabiri fumed. He hated her. He hated her from before the cosmic war had actually begun. He really hated her now. "She just plays around with her converts. She never gets anything done."
Zisa laughed in Cabiri's face. "I take my time, get the full use from the silly humans, and then have my fun. Your impatience has cost all of us. This time, we will use this woman however we can for as long as we can."
Zisa left on her way to Ann's house, leaving Cabiri to face his supervisor alone.
Cabiri was afraid to say anything else. He knew the power of the one who stood before him. Surprised, Cabiri heard the supervisor say, "Don't worry, you will get her back. I just need you to do something else immediately. Zisa is good at reeling in her fish slowly. Ann will soon be ours. You will eventually be back in charge. And in the time being, I have a couple of terrorists groups I want you to help out with recruitment. I have it from the highest level that the time is right for aggressive recruitment in the United States. You are in on the ground floor in that country. That is a win win for you. You hook them, reel them in, get them to blow themselves up, and then you have them eternally. And the people of the United States are a little more afraid than they were the day before. The problem is we don't want them so afraid they actually start praying.
Cabiri nodded.
Stellar Dominion Outpost
Command Center
Raphael heard Mal's conversation with Pastor CC. It sounded good. Raphael wondered what was in store for Malachi. He wasn't all knowing, but he was a good guesser. Human nature being what it was, and God's willingness to use willing people, Raphael was pretty sure Malachi Jones was going to be very useful in bringing others into the fold.
But he had a sinking feeling that Ann was lost too them. It was beyond his control. He wondered about Mal's parents. He thought they might still be won under the right circumstances, but it would be hard. They could still be lost too. "Which of the fallen ones are after Frederick and Shelly he thought?" "By the signs of the times, time is growing short. I hope Mal starts praying for them right away. Even better, maybe he will boldly tell them what Jesus did for them."
Chapter 10
Ann
It was an exhausted Ann Jones who went to bed. It was a transformed Ann Jones that got up in the morning.
Ann had gone to bed wanting to find a way to contact the Ouija spirit without the board. She had thought about it as she went to sleep. The last thing she did before falling asleep was to pray out loud, "Ouija, show me how to talk to you without the board." And her request had been answered. Ann had a dream. In the dream Ann was in a very peaceful place. She was relaxed. She was happy. She surveyed her surroundings and eventually saw someone standing in the shadows.
"Hello," Ann said. "Do I know you? Are you the one I have been seeking?"
"Yes," replied the figure from the shadows. The voice was so calm, so reassuring.
It compelled Ann to ask more.
"Have we met already through the Ouija board? Is that who you are?"
"Yes again, little one. But you misunderstand. The board is but a medium through which I sometimes make contact with those such as yourself who are more highly evolved than most. My name is actually Zisa. I am here in answer to your request that we communicate in an easier manner. Do you wish to proceed?"
"Of course I do," Ann answered. "Are you God?"
"No dear," Zisa replied. "At least not as you might be thinking of God. I am one of many. I am here to help you. I don't know everything, but I do know a great deal. I am quite powerful, though not all powerful. Actually, 'all powerful' is a myth. There are a pantheon of gods, some more helpful than others. My desire is of course for the good of humankind. I see in you one who can assist humanity in preparing for a quantum leap forward in evolution."
` "What quantum leap forward?" Ann asked.
"Eventually, all will become as I am now, gods of this world. You will be part of it. And you will be very successful. I am very excited to have you to work through."
"So I get to be successful and powerful with your help? Is that right?" Ann questioned.
"Yes," Zisa replied.
"What's in it for you?" Ann asked.
"Basically nothing except the opportunity to do good," Zisa answered. "That is what guardian angels do for their charges. But I will need your solemn promise to listen to me, follow my advice, and be obedient even when you don't understand what I am asking you to do. Can you agree to that?"
"Of course I can. Where do we start?" Ann replied.
"Well, I can give you a brief outline of the immediate future. First, we have to get you through high school During the remaining two years you have to set a pattern of being a leader, well liked, and above reproach in everything. This is sort of like a new birth for you. I even have a new name for you."
"A new name? I can't just change my name," Ann said doubtfully.
"Not entirely a new name. I just want you to go by your initials. 'AJ' for Ann Jones. AJ has a much more memorable ring to it than Ann. There is a husband in your future. Then you will be AJ with a new last name. It will all go together quite well.
"What else?" Ann asked.
"Well, you will continue to pay attention to your appearance. You will make a point to speak to the more influential students. But of course you won't actually snub the less popular students. You will learn to walk the line between being 'busy' and being thought of as a snob. Then of course college. I don't know which one yet because I don't know where your Mr. Right will be attending. Don't worry though. I have others working on those details. You are chosen. You will have a life of power and wealth. It will be good. Are you willing to follow me?"
"Of course I am. How stupid would I be to not follow you. I really appreciate the opportunity. Zisa - I love your name. Can I call you Zisa?
"Yes AJ, call me Zisa. Call me anytime. Say your thoughts out loud to me. I will be with you. I will hear you. I will help you."
"Good. I'm yours."
"By the way AJ, this will be a most restful night for you. You will sleep better than ever, and wake up full of energy and looking even more beautiful. Don't forget to let everyone know you will be going by AJ now instead of Ann. Good night by apprentice."
"Good night Zisa," AJ replied.
----------
That night Ann became AJ and her future was set.
Malachi
Malachi was considering his next step. He was certain of three things. First, he had asked Jesus Christ for eternal life, and his request was granted. Second, he was certain he wanted to get baptized on Sunday. Third, he wanted to marry Belle.
The indecision came in with his family. When should he tell them about his new found faith? Should he tell them and invite them to church on Sunday? And how should Belle figure into it? He was pretty sure they would not be favorable to him openly becoming a "Bible thumper". He didn't want his family to get off on the wrong foot with Belle. They would know immediately that she had been the start of his quest for God.
Mal sat considering the situation and what to do when he was struck with a thought.
"My family doesn't know Jesus Christ! That means they are currently not headed for heaven. They are lost just like I was. I have to tell them."
With that decision made, Mal called his mother immediately.
"Mom, I have some news. I can give it to you over the phone, or I can come to see you Saturday."
"Malachi, are you ok?" Shelly asked anxiously.
"I'm fine mom, better than fine. I just have news."
"Well, tell me." Shelly said.
"First mom, I already told you I was studying the Bible and Bible prophecy. I have become a believer in the God of the Bible. I am getting baptized on Sunday. You are invited."
"You have already been baptized. When you were a baby I had you baptized. But if you think you need to do it agai
n I guess it won't hurt anything."
"No mom, you don't understand. I guess I need to see you face to face to tell you. And of course I need to tell dad and Ann. I am praying you will understand," Mal explained rapidly, the tenseness in his voice breaking through.
"Well, Saturday is great. I love to see you for any reason. But are you sure you have to tell your father and sister? You know how they are. Maybe it would be better to just be quiet about it. They aren't really involved in your life so they would probably never have to know about it," Shelly suggested.
"Mom, I can't keep this a secret. I have to tell the world. And speaking of what I have to tell the world, you need to know about Belle. I think we are engaged."
"You what? You think you are engaged? You mean you don't know? Does this girl have anything to do with you becoming a Christian?"
"Yes, she got me started studying. But the decision was all mine. I studied it out. I saw the truth. I accepted it. I am now a believer in Jesus Christ," Mal said. "Mom, my life has changed forever."
"OK honey, what ever you say," Shelly said in a soothing voice. "When will I meet this girl? What did you say her name was?"
"Belle, her name is Belle mom. I was thinking of bringing her with me on Saturday if she is free."
"That sounds great honey. Come early. If you are happy, I'm happy."
After hanging up the phone Mal realized he was sweating. That was usually how he felt after talking to his father, not his mother. He sat slumped in a chair thinking converting other people was not going to be as easy as he thought it was. Mal was bewildered. He knew that he had read the truth, understood it, and accepted it. He didn't know why his mother had reacted differently. He certainly did not expect a better result with his father or sister, at least not initially. He would just pray they all came around soon.