The Deacon and the Shield
Page 15
One might ask: “Why was the archangel so concerned with an insignificant soul such as Eddy Riffle?” The answer: “Because that’s what St. Michael does. He’s the guardian of The Church of The Firstborn and there is much in the tribulations to be accomplished: ‘yet there is a little season ahead, until fellow servants and their brethren, should they be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.’ Saints will still be under constant attack, especially during the times of woe that are prophesied.”
St. Michael helped Daniel in the lion’s den: Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I have come for thy word. Lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me. Daniel 10: 8-13
Daniel said: My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouth, that they have not hurt me – Dan. 6:22
What about the Riffles? What should they do? Eddy grabbed the discharge paperwork and looked at his stunned family. He winked. It was the signal and they all bolted for the door – they were going home together – get out before somebody changes their mind! But just before the door shut behind them, Eddy superstitiously glanced backward to see if any lingering angels might be sneaking about. His eye was attracted to something lying on the table. It was a plain document but it still seemed out of place. Eddy rushed and grabbed it and hurriedly opened the flap. “Hey, wait a minute, it’s my missing check!”
A note: “Not all of your experiences were by divine inspiration; some were within your free-will; others had a little help. Mysterious ways – which ones? Don’t worry, the check won’t bounce, if you hurry!”
Eddy Edward Riffle recovered from this latest near-death experience and remained in Orlando, Florida with his family. He took up the mantle of a Fisher of Men, but had to retire from operations and let the younger kids run things. He became immobile due to illnesses associated with “Agent Orange” exposure while serving (boots on the ground) in Vietnam. A senseless tragedy was finally recognized. The Agent Orange Act of 1991 directed the Veterans Administration to provide benefits and treatment of afflictions caused by toxic herbicide exposure. At least a dozen illnesses are attributed to Agent Orange and automatically qualify for benefits.
Grandsons, Jamie and Aaron, completed their education. Granddad saw to it because that was always his plan. He loved them. He also gave them direction: “All my life, I have struggled with trying to figure out what is right and what is wrong. When you have an urge and are faced with that decision, remember these six words;”well done good and faithful servant." If you can’t answer “yes” to that judgement then examine your conscious. Then in quiet, listen for guidance; it’s the place only known to oneself; if you chose wrongly and in defiance, you will soon know."
Both of the boys have escaped effects from Agent Orange, so far. They became attorneys-at-law and private detectives; their heritage. It’s in their blood. They want to become deacons in their local Christian church. They have assumed their grandfather’s stuffy office and lousy broken-down rocking chair, but it’s too risky to take a seat.
Alpha and Omega – The Beginning and The End
One Hand Held the Bible; One hand held the Gun
All my life I have worried; what’s right and what’s wrong.
Not seeing what’s beside me; He was there all along.
One hand held the Bible; one hand held the Gun.
One hand saves the lost; while the other pays a cost.
Why am I forsaken? Nightmares run free.
In the depths of darkness; with no light to see.
Harshness of war; brought trauma and pain.
Many soldiers left helpless; many lives left with stain.
Many roads I have traveled; many reasons to worry.
Long nights filled with stress; morning light won’t hurry.
My face is now wrinkled; with age and sorrow.
Enough hurt for today; can’t count on tomorrow.
Many sins I’ve committed; like grains of the sands.
Cleansed by blood; my life’s in His hands.
All my life I have worried; what’s right and what’s wrong.
Not seeing what’s beside me; God was there all along.
The archangel St. Michael; he planted a seed.
And gave me wisdom; in God’s Holy seed.
In my soul is The Deacon; forged by The Shield.
Faith and family; all I did was to yield.
The Deacon now chooses; which life he will follow.
One blessed with love; or one filled with hollow.
Named in God’s book; that He holds in His hands.
Cleansed by blood; I live by His plans.
With both hands I hold the Bible; the gun has been tossed.
I no longer worry; Jesus paid the cost.
In my soul is The Deacon; forged by The Shield.
Faith and family; all I did was to yield.
By: John E. Howard
The Deacon’s Homily
Events that create PTSD seem to take center stage as one ages and invite disbelief and uncertainty. Will I or won’t I have my name etched in the Book of Life and allowed into New Jerusalem? Eddy Riffle fought the good fight and gained peace by finding faith in the promises of Jesus – The Shield.
Rest assured:
Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given “assurance unto all men,” in that he hath raised him (Jesus) from the dead. Book of Acts.
“The Shield” is available and calling to all – seek, discover, believe, understand, and sanctify.
Seek: In times like these, we need a saviour. Come to terms with yourself that indeed there is a saviour who welcomes all who seek with open arms.
Discover: Attend the gatherings of those with like precious faith who study the Holy Scriptures as written within the Bible. Join in the teachings and discussions – learn and discover the identity of the saviour.
Believe: God speaks – I will not open the windows of heaven and send down a blessing if there is not room in your heart to receive it. Make room in your heart for the saviour and believe what he has promised.
Understand: Be still and know. It’s simply finding true faith that the saviour is Jesus: He was tortured and died on the cross for the forgiveness of sins and for mankind’s eternal salvation. He was buried in the tomb. He was resurrected. He appeared unto His following before His ascension unto His Holy Father in Heaven. By His example, He proved that there is life after death and that The Holy Scriptures are written by The Holy Spirit and are The Words of God. He promises that there is a better place that awaits us all and someday He will come again.
Sanctifying by water: One Lord, one faith, one baptism. Eph 4:5
Put off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father. “Mosiah 3”
For all that suffer with PTSD, may you find peace of mind by finding The Shield; The Son of God, Jesus Christ. It is hoped that through this story and by His truths and promises, one can come to realize that Jesus saves. Start finding Him today.
Amen, and may God bless and keep us until we meet again.
John E. Howard
The following section contains the authors reference material and his impression and beliefs about The Next Word.
Prophesied beginning of woes – birth pains
The basic of a book sequel titled The Next Word
Fishers of Men
Author’s reference material – information on angels, The Rapture, The Seven Seals
From the author: An interpretation
Prophesied Beginning of Woes – Birth Pains
Presently on earth, the Holy Scriptures and Christian values are experiencing increased crit
icism, suppression, and discrimination. And as a result, many have weakened and allowed themselves to fall in line and become permissive and lukewarm.
The battle for souls between the Archangel, St. Michael – the leader of heaven’s angels, and Abaddon – the leader of Satan’s band of fallen angels, has intensified to the point that an Earthly presence is manifested.
The diminishing of Christianity as foretold in the Holy Scriptures appears to have arrived. Churches, synagogues, houses of worship and children’s schools at all levels, are under siege by crazed martyr-seekers resulting in destruction of property, the taking of innocent lives, and leaving survivors scarred for life both physically and mentally. In addition, many souls are hypnotized into abandoning their faith completely, as evidenced by open pronouncement of love of self with claims of entitlement due to victim-hood. Consequently, these actions have paved the way for disrespect for the constitutional laws of the land and the basic rights of others. Out of fear, armed protection has become necessary for the everyday citizen just to walk the streets – conceal and carry – stand your ground.
Mankind has generally become ignorant of the obvious and deny fulfillment of Biblical prophesies. As foretold, on the four corners of earth, global warming, fierce storms with floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, forest fires, volcanic eruptions, and new strains of virus and plague have wreaked havoc and left many deaths in their wake. Economically, the gap between the have and the have-nots has reached epidemic proportion and thereby created an atmosphere of friction and hatred leaving many homeless and destitute. Riots and lawlessness in the streets abound pitting citizen vs citizen!
For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. James 3
The graying of America is currently projected to slow religious growth over the next few decades as younger generations show less interest in religious life. The number of Christians is estimated to decline from three-quarters of the world’s population in 2010 to two-thirds by the year 2050. “Florida, The Daily Sun article dated 9-23-19.”
Failure to heed: “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot I will spue thee out of my mouth.” Rev 3:15-1
The Next Word
The Association with Lt. Holler, Judge Rule, Aebra Arlington, the Riffle family, and Sgt. Robert Zyler Starman, go forth into the great tribulations and will experience many exciting tales that will be told. They are joined by Triple AAA—Aebra Arlington; an expert constitutional lawyer.
Jamie and Aaron Riffle follow in their grandfather’s footsteps. As attorneys and private detectives, they help victims of suppression and discrimination that are hunted and harassed because of their beliefs in Christianity. In retaliation, the forces of the opposing factions have taken hostages and make demands. The fathers, Isaac and Eli, being trained soldiers will seek to free the incarcerated.
The ageless sniper, Zyler, remains undercover and continues his rogue attacks on evil perpetrators while stalking the fallen angel of the bottomless pit, Abaddon. He continues his personal struggle to seek, discover, believe and understand The Shield.
Lt. Holler and Judge G. R. Rule defend the rule of law against ruthless violators that prey on the weak and defenseless. The constitution of The United States is threatened with open non-compliance with citizen riots and destruction of properties. Corruption runs rampant with love of self and great wealth and power as the motive.
Daughters, Lynn and Niki, provide the technical support and computer expertise. They control drones that scour the earth monitoring the activity of the opposition and to find the location of prison camps.
Eddy Riffle becomes a sage; a very wise man with angelic connections and visions. He leads the team toward the completion of the mission – Fisher of Men. They will face great dangers. The mission: Save as many as will come to the Church of the Firstborn. Eddy Riffle awaits the totality of being sealed with the 144,000. It could mean his ultimate sacrifice!
Opposing factions gain control and deceive the masses:
“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matt. 10:16
“Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matt: 24:9-14
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Thess. 5:14-23
“But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.”
Sealing of the 144,000.
Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of Israel. Rev 7:1-4
St. Michael Versus Satan and Abaddon – Who Wins?
“And there was a war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Rev. 12:7-9.
His Face in The Cloud – “Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Rev. 12:12.
P.S. –The end is not yet – so be it.
Married, Father, And Grandfather.
Education includes an Associates in Arts Degree in Higher Accounting – Business College, Dayton, Ohio. Further educated at Wright State University, Fairborn, Ohio.
Employed by Delco Moraine, Dayton, Ohio – a division of General Motors – 34 years – Financial/Accounting – now retired.
Vietnam veteran with 12 months in-country service – 14th Artillery. Chu Lai, Northern Vietnam – 1967-68 – earned U.S. Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service.
Self-published one book: Faces of Grandfather – sold on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Released in 2007 CY.
Current endeavor: “Aspiring author of religious books.”
Why? The Holy Bible states: “Forsake not the prophesies – I believe that mankind has done just that by ignoring the obvious signs!”
“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” Eph. 4:14.
Ordained deacon by the laying on of hands by the Elders, First Church of Christ.
John E. Howard
Fishers of Men
“What to Expect”
“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matt. 10:16.
“Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all
nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matt: 24:9-14.
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Thess. 5:14-23.
Angel Gabriel
Gabriel means “man of God.” He is the most well-known named angel to appear in Scripture. Each time he is mentioned, we see him act as a messenger to impart wisdom or a special announcement from God.
“And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.” St. Luke 1:19.
“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.” St. Luke 1:26-28.