"His power over me really has gone," she thought with amazement. "That snide remark didn't hurt at all."
"What about you Mal?" asked Frederick. This is an unexpected visit. Is something up with you?"
"Since you asked dad, the answer is yes. I have been doing a study of a subject called Bible prophecy. It is fascinating. I was wondering if you had ever heard of it, or what you thought of it."
"Bible what?" Frederick said in an icy voice. "Do you mean the Bible like people take to church on Sunday and that collects dust sitting on the shelf? That Bible?"
"Well, yes dad, I didn't mean 'Shooters Bible' or something like that. The real Bible, the one claims to be the word of the Most High God of creation."
"Oh for crying out loud Mal, surely you are too old to be taken in by that ancient book of rumors. You aren't into some cult are you?" Frederick asked suspiciously. "Because if you are. They are only after your money, and I will put you someplace to be deprogrammed if necessary."
"A cult? I didn't say anything about a cult. I only mentioned the Bible. I have been studying on my own. No one else is involved. There are some remarkable prophecies that were accurately foretold. The fulfillment is exact. For instance the book of Daniel predicted the four major empires of the earth, and predicted that Rome would never actually fall, only become weak. Then it predicted the revival of the Roman Empire. That is happening today in the form of the European Union. It is uncanny."
"Well, it isn't uncanny. It's garbage. Forget it. I don't want to hear another word about it. Surely you didn't come home for the weekend to talk about that did you?"
Mal immediately decided to avoid mentioning Belle. He knew his father would make the connection and hate her before he even met her. Shelly simultaneously decided not to mention Belle either.
"Look son, I know you have your own life to live, but you need to understand something right now. I am still paying for your college. I don't care if you stay in school until you are 40 and have three PHD's. But if you expect me to continue paying for your lifestyle, you will stop this nonsense immediately. Do you understand?" Frederick actually shouted.
"Let's just drop it dad, I only started looking into two days ago. And it has been independent study all on my own. Don't worry about it. Let's watch a movie."
Frederick turned on the television. Shelly took a few deep breaths and tried to calm down.
Ann smirked. "Mal is as dumb as mom," she thought to herself.
Mal thought, "Boy, I wasn't expecting a reaction quite that bad at all. I didn't get a chance to ask him if he had had any religious teaching as a child. I don't even know the religious background on any of my family. But one thing dad must have forgotten. My trust fund has been in my name since I was 23."
Shelly was thinking the same thing. She had originally set it up that both her children would receive full management of their trust funds at 30 or 35, but Mal was so sensible and stable that she had turned his over to him at 23. That was 2 years ago, and Mal had behaved exactly as he had before he received control of his money. He was just a stable responsible guy. Frederick had no say in that money. And he had stopped any allowance when Mal had received his bachelors degree. "Frederick just likes to yell and threaten," Shelly thought.
4th Demension
stratigic operations
"How far and fast will that Malachi Jones go?" Cabiri wondered. Through the ages he had wished many times he had access to the pre-recorded history available in heaven. But of course he didn't have access to those records even before the cosmic war. Based on his observations of humans in the past Cabiri guessed Mal Jones would become a believer, a student of the Bible with emphasis on prophecy, and then a very vocal teacher. Mal was already responsible, stable, and had been searching for "that something missing" for years now. Cabiri was almost certain that was the way Mal would go. There would have to be some thought given to the best way to slow him down, consideration as to what obstacles could be put in the way, anything to at least slow him down, and hopefully neutralize his testimony.
Ann, on the other hand, was doing quite well. She was becoming more of a narcissist every day. And Frederick was just staying Frederick. A little meaner, which was nice from Cabiri's point of view, but still just an obnoxious bore. The nice thing was Cabiri hadn't even had to work hard on Frederick.
Stellar Dominion Outpost
Command Center
Raphael was elated with Malachi's progress. An added joy was that Shelly was so receptive to Malachi's interest in the Bible. The written word had never been so readily available to truth seekers in ages past.
Chapter 6
Ann
Ann's first day back at school after the yearbook incident was not nearly as bad as she had thought. She had signed a few yearbooks. She had even managed a few jokes. She had also flatly stated that her uncommon good manners would not allow her to comment on Alice, or the journalist teacher, or really anything about the unhappy incident.
Silently Ann was thinking, "I won't comment, but I bet that letter with the rumor about Alice Wilson and the abortion will get some comments out of other people."
At lunch Ann was careful to sit near the table where the more popular girls sat. There was no particular person Ann usually sat with, or any particular place. She squeezed in a fairly crowded table close enough to hear what was being said by the crowd who actually had won awards like "most popular" and "most beautiful". Ann had decided to boldly speak to them about advice on purchasing a prom dress. Ann actually had no intention of attending the prom, because she didn't have a date. Truthfully, she couldn't attend unless an upper classman asked her to attend. It was only for juniors, seniors, and their dates. Maybe she better just ask if they had bought their dresses yet. Ann really wanted to get Alice to tell if she had bought her dress, and what it looked like.
Ann's wish was granted. The conversation almost immediately turned to hair, makeup, and prom attire. Ann got up to drop off her lunch tray. As she walked by the girls finishing their lunches, Ann said, "Hello Alice. Did I notice your car in the city yesterday? Dad and I were there shopping for a sports car for me. I get my graduation car a little early."
Alice replied cautiously, "Yes you did, I was looking for a dress for the prom." Alice really did feel a little remorse for what she had done to Ann, and thought a few kind words might be enough to atone for the incident.
"Well, I hope you bought blue," said Ann, because the guy who sits by me in study hall says that is his favorite color. You know, Bill White. Bill says he is taking you, so I thought you should know his favorite color."
"That's funny Ann. Yes, Bill is taking me. But his favorite color is green because it brings out the color in my eyes. And I bought a very nice floor length green gown. It is a little low cut, but beautiful. I guess you don't know Bill as well as you think you do."
That statement made, Alice turned away from Ann, signaling the conversation was over. Ann turned away also, positively glowing. Alice could not have said anything better to give credibility to the rumor that would start when the letter arrived at the school newspaper office.
Malachi
Malachi had gone back to his apartment Sunday afternoon. He wasn't sure what had happened, but he knew his father's objection to his spending time studying the Bible would not stop him from studying. Mal considered his reasons for studying. First it had been because Belle had asked him to study. But then he liked it, he was interested, in fact he was fascinated. His plan to continue studying was based on that and had nothing to do with his father not wanting him to continue. Mal was certain of this. As a child and through his teenage years Mal had not been a rebellious child. He just wasn't. It usually wasn't something he had to fight against. He was just born with a "grown up" gene or something. He was naturally immune to peer-pressure, too. He was also sure that while Belle had been the catalyst that got him started with Bible study, he would continue even if she walked out of his life. Of course he hoped, actually really hoped, that didn'
t happen.
Mal sat down at his computer again and began to visit some more web sites. He started with a prophecy warehouse page and followed the links from that page. After a few hours of study Mal realized he needed to get something settled. According to the Bible, Mal needed to formally make a commitment to Jesus Christ. It was so easy to believe that Mal began to believe he had known it all along, but that he just needed someone to explain it to him. Now he knew. He knew a lot of verses,
John 3:16, "for God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
I am the resurrection and the life. He that believeth on me though he were dead yet shall he live.
I am the way, the truth and the life.
The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.
And Mal wanted that gift. He felt like he had been blind. A few days ago he didn't know or care that he was separated from God by a fall. He was like Mephiboshef, the son of Jonathan, who had been the friend of King David of Israel. Mephiboshef was crippled by a fall when his nurse dropped him. Mephiboshef was living in poverty. And all he had to do to dramatically improve his life was accept the gracious offer of the King to come and live with him.
And that was where Malachi was. He was like all the sons of Adam. He was crippled by the fall from grace. Although Mal appeared to be living in prosperity, he realized he was poor and impoverished without the love of God in his life. But Mal had read the invitation given by the King of Kings. God had extended an invitation to fellowship with him through Jesus Christ. Mal was ready to accept the invitation.
So Malachi Jones got down on his knees, acknowledged his separation from God because of the sin nature in general, and his own sin in particular, asked forgiveness, and pledged his life to God.
Malachi rose up off his knees a changed man.
"Ok. Now what?" Mal asked.
4th Demension
stratigic operations
"Curses on Malachi Jones," ranted Cabiri. I can't curse him eternally now, but I can do as much mischief as possible in his life while it lasts.
Cabiri knew he was in trouble. He had seen it before. Malachi had made a true commitment. And worse, he was one of those people who naturally did what they set out to do. He would have to think of something, try everything. Malachi was going to be trouble, and Cabiri had better be ready. He was supposed to have "harvested" whoever he could from the family, and neutralized the rest of them.
He was pretty happy with Ann's progress though. That rumor about Alice Wilson was great. And Ann had managed the conversation at the lunch table all by herself. Cabiri would see that the "right" person opened the letter. Someone who would put the rumor on the fast track.
Stellar Dominion Outpost
Command Center
Raphael was ringing the bells of heaven. A soul was claimed for eternity in paradise.
Chapter 7
Ann
Pure delight was a simple explanation of Ann's reaction to the rumor she had started about Alice Wilson. It was just the sort of rumor everyone wanted to hear, so that made it believable. And the fact that the letter had described the dress Alice bought after the supposed abortion was just perfect. That made the rumor so much more believable. Alice was of course devastated. Her friends dropped her, her boyfriend dumped her, she didn't go to the prom at all, and she barely finished out the school year. She didn't even attend her graduation.
Ann was still laughing about the way Alice had continued to protest her innocence. Her poor dumb boyfriend made it clear he didn't know anything about any of it. He really didn't care about Alice's reputation. He just wanted to make it clear he was not the father of the "alleged" baby.
Ann had a few unexpected benefits from the incident as well. Her delight in the success of the rumor put a spark in her eye and a spring in her step. She found herself looking people directly in the eye as she met them in the hall or cafeteria. She was looking for their reaction to the rumor, but most students took it as Ann showing more friendliness than she had in the past. Boys began to notice her. She was invited to sit with the popular girls at lunch. By the time school was out, Ann was well on her way to being known as "miss popular".
Ann liked the idea of being popular. She didn't want to let the momentum fade over the summer, so she approached her father about a party at the house a couple of weeks into the summer. If it was successful, Ann would be invited to other parties through the rest of summer, and getting into a routine would be easy for the coming school year. She was thinking about a boy girl party of course, but maybe an added sleep over for the girls. Mom could do some sort of fancy brunch for everyone around 11 the next morning.
Frederick agreed it would be a good idea. Shelly wasn’t opposed to the party. She had had time to reassess the situation. Shelly admitted to herself that it was possible she had over reacted to everything. She still planned to make some changes between Fredrick and herself, but maybe subtle changes instead of open confrontation. Ann’s party might be just the way to show her husband and daughter that she had a new attitude.
Ann worked out a guest list. She needed the most popular who would be seniors the next year. A few sophomores would be invited. Frederick suggested that she invite a few students who had just graduated.
"Ann," he had pointed out. "It is true they can't help you this year because they will be gone to college. But let's consider which college they will be attending, and where you may attend. You might need an established relationship with a few people on campus when you start college. Actually, you need to consider the entire list from the point of 'who will be helpful to me in the present and future'. Next, you consider who has not been helpful, or even hurtful to you in the past and of course you don't invite them. Just for fun you let them know they aren't being invited when you get a chance."
"Ok dad," Ann replied. "I get it. And thanks for the advice. There should be a purpose for everyone on the list. That's a good idea. By the way dad, do you think we can trust mom to handle the brunch menu, or does she need help?"
"She can mange that Ann. Shelly is good at stuff like that. Let her shine where she can. OK?"
"What ever you say dad."
Ann happily went about planning the party, giving careful consideration to who would be invited and who would not be invited. She didn't even care that she wasn't going to the prom. Very few sophomores went anyway.
"Hey Ann," Frederick called from the other room. "I just remembered something we used to do that was fun when I was in school. It's an old board game called "Ouji board". I think I still have it in the garage. I'll get it for you. I think you and the girls will get a kick out of it after the boys leave."
"Ok dad, whatever you think," Ann said absent mindedly. Frederick was a great dad, but she doubted her new friends would be very interested in some old board game.
Malachi
Mal couldn't wait to tell Belle about his decision. He couldn't remember when he had felt better, or more alive, or more content. What a relief. He had read that many people struggle with belief in Jesus Christ for years. "What torment they must go through," he thought.
For Mal, it had been easy. Once he had seen the light, or the narrow way, he had no trouble in jumping in with both feet. Now he was just basking in God's love. Or something like that. Whatever it was, it was really really nice. Mal just wanted to see Belle, and get her reaction. Mal didn't know it but he was not going to get the exact reaction he was expecting.
They had supper planned at Belle's idea of just the right restaurant. This time it was Tex-Mex food, but it fell within Belle's idea of the right price range. Mal didn't care. He could even eat spaghetti if Belle was eating it with him. Or maybe even meatloaf. He didn't care.
He hurried to his pickup and got behind the wheel. He was still a little hurt that both dad and Ann had made fun of his truck. One thing Mal was certain of, the relationship between a guy and his truck was pretty serious. He
guessed he would have to tell them about the example set by Sam Walton, that super rich now deceased man who had founded Wal-Mart. He drove his truck a LONG time, and it didn't seem to hurt him any.
But his mind quickly turned his thoughts again to Belle. Mal was pretty sure he was not just in love, but madly in love. He wondered if wedding bells were in his future any time soon.
Belle was waiting at the restaurant. Her thoughts were pretty much the same as Mal's, wondering if wedding bells were in her future. Belle had been raised in the church. She had become a believer at a very young age, and then followed through by applying Bible teachings to how she lived her life. She had faced the loss of her parents in the accident, the serious injury to her sister Amelia, and college, and explaining to boys and then young men that she was saving sex for marriage, and a host of other things that had come her way. Belle was a growing Christian. She wanted to know more about Jesus. She wanted to serve him. She wanted a home that honored Christ. And that was going to take a strong Christian man. Could Mal become that man?
Mal arrived at the restaurant and was ushered to where Belle was sitting. Belle knew what had happened when she saw him walking toward her. He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, and quickly sat down. He was smiling broadly, his brown eyes twinkling, white teeth flashing.
"Ok, Mal, what's up?" Belle asked.
"Well, can you guess?"
"I think I can, but I would rather hear it from you."
"There are two very important things I have to tell you. First, I followed the leads you recommended on the prophecy warehouse web site. I read everything. It was true,; it was clear; it was easy; and I accepted Jesus Christ. I am a child of God for eternity."
The Broad Way (The Two Gates) Page 4