Thirty Seconds to Midnight

Contents

AUTHOR’S NOTE

FORWORD

PROLOGUE

RECEIVING THE WORD

SPREADING THE WORD

DOUBTING THOMAS’S

NOT TO BE

UNFORESEEN HELP

WOLVES AT THE DOOR

WILL IT OR WILL IT NOT

A STAR IN THE HEAVENS

CONFUSSION VERSES ORDER

THE GREAT RUSH

MAN’S HAND

STILL DEFIANT

THE HAMMER STRIKES

EPILOGUE

POSTSCRIPT

READER’S NOTE

GLOSSARY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated in memory of my loving mother.

Jacksonia Horton-Wyatt (1926-2002)

Thanks for the love and support over the years.

Other books by Elgin J. Dobbins

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TO KILL AN ANGEL

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"DIALOGUE CONCERNING RULES FOR LIFE

BOOK ONE"

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Short stories by Elgin J. Dobbins

A DANCE WITH THE DEVIL

AN IMPOSIBBLE FEAT

CHRISTMAS FOR DAVID

GOLD PLATED E-MAILS

MIRICLE CITY

SECOND CHANCE

STRANGER IN MY HOUSE

THE BAD MAN

THE BLIND SHALL SEE

THE FOOLISH MAN

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AUTHOR’S NOTE

This story is a work of fiction, and the characters and events are not real. However, should the Lord decide that mankind is straying too far outside the bounds that He originally set up for us to live within, what would He do? Until I wrote this book, I never really thought about what God might do to try and move mankind back on the path that He wants us on. He is no different from an earthly father. He wants the best for us, but still demands a measure of obedience from his children, as would any father. All throughout human history, man has done things that God did not approve of. History is filled with the stains of man’s transgressions and God’s efforts to redeem His children. Modern day humans have again strayed from the path of righteousness that God wants us on. Will He give man yet another chance to right the faltering ship of human society? My writing this book is my way of trying to answer that question.

FORWORD

The world has seen its share of turmoil throughout its history. Man has always found a way to stray from the word of God. When a human being is selected by the God of the universe to help guide we humans back on the right course, he typically must pay a price for his good deeds. Richard Moses is just such a person. He is chosen by God to do something that may not endear him to mankind. Will he pay a price here on earth for his being selected by God? Only time will tell and he, being the type of person he is, cannot in good conscious turn down a request from The All Mighty God.

PROLOGUE

Richard Moses is a quiet man who lives in the small mid-western town of Belton, Missouri. It is sometime in the future and human kind has developed an array of devices and methods to make life easier. However, the times are not so removed from the twentieth century that man has completely escaped the bonds of human suffering. There are still wars and rumors of wars. Hunger and famine to a smaller extent is still present; and poverty has not yet been eradicated. Still all things considered, life is good for Richard and his family. Life expectancy has been extended; man has made his first steps toward reaching the stars, and colonizing another planet; although mankind has not yet set up permanent residence on another heavenly body.

Even though humans have made giant leaps in evolution, the concept of a higher power has not been dispelled or proven in the scientific arena. However, those who believe in God and those who do not, are at odds with each other on a regular basis. The twentieth century ended with wars being fought over matters of religion. The dispute of whether God is real or not was never a cause for war, only how He should be honored and worshipped. But the non-believers have grown over the years and those who believe in an all knowing, all powerful, and all seeing God are disturbed by the growth of what they see as the forces of evil. The number of agnostics and atheists has risen to a level that is unparalleled in human history; and is unacceptable to those who believe that there is a God. These non-believers are engaged in life styles that believers find repugnant and against the teachings of the one God; the one thing that all the world’s major religions agree on. Although there has been wars based on religious beliefs, the one thing that the world’s major religions all agree with is that these non-believers are committing acts of abomination against God and nature. A kind of cultural cold war has materialized between the believers and non-believers, over religious doctrine that sometimes looks as if it could turn into a more heated exchange. These acts include co-habitation, fornication, adultery, homosexuality, profanity, dishonesty, thievery, and so on. These acts of dishonesty and social immorality have begun to ingrain themselves into the social fabric of society as acceptable acts, and are in fact celebrated in literature, music, and movies. This was graphically illustrated at the end of the twentieth century and the beginning of the twenty-first century when there was a rash of the misuse of investor’s assets. Some chief executive officers and company owners used investor’s money to enrich themselves; leaving investors and employees with nothing. In some quarters, these individuals were looked at as legends and heroes. Each succeeding generation over the years have been taught that the life styles chosen by the practitioners of these acts are to be admired and are of no concern to anyone but the individuals involved. Religious leaders of all the worlds leading religions, have over the years, predicted that God will not allow those who violate His laws to get away with what they are doing.

On the other hand, those who practice these abominable acts do not believe that they are doing anything wrong. In fact they believe that they have the right to do anything they wish as long as they do not harm anyone else or trample on another’s right to do what he or she wishes. They either do not have the capacity to see that they are breaking God’s edicts to man; or they really do not care what God’s laws to mankind are. Some have gone so far as to say that The Ten Commandments and other laws for living handed down directly from God were suggestions for man to live by, not mandatory dictates that God expects mankind to keep.

To add additional insult to God, a few men and women who are suppose to be his messengers and individuals who are morally charged with the requirement to carry His word forth to the masses, do not believe that God should be present in all aspect of human life. This is evidenced by their opposition to having God involved in governmental matters; even going so far as to initiate or join law suits to remove the symbols and words given by or inspired by God from the government. Some religious representatives have used their position to take advantage of the people who trust them; even the children. Others participate in acts that are detestable in the eyes of God, to the point of suggesting that His young children seek out and even enjoy the abuse they suffer from members of the clergy.

God has been removed from the public schools and despite the best efforts of many religious leader’s and laymen’s attempts at trying to put Him back into public education; many in the judiciary have foiled every effort. Because God has been thrown out of the public schools, they have become places of moderate to extreme danger for teachers and students. The seeds of non-belief have gone so deep into the education system, that teachings not consistent with those of God has ingrained themselves into the curriculum. The celebration of All Hallows Eve (Halloween), a pagan holiday is allowed in school when the celebration of Christmas is not or is renamed winter holiday. Consequently; the young are being indoctrinated into a worldly system designed by The Evil One to bring down mankind. Life styles taught to them are destroying them slowly, condemning them to suffer God’s judgment for breaking His laws. This has gone so far as to consider the unborn as a mass of tissue that can be destroyed or discarded without consideration of it’s right to live as ordained by God. Man has gone so far as to attempt to create life in a manner not consistent with God’s design of how the young are to be conceived.

In addition to all this, some medical professionals have begun to take the place of God by determining who lives and who dies. Laws are slowly being changed to allow doctors and maybe hospital administrators to make judgments to determine the life or death of critically ill newborns. Additionally, laws have been, or are being introduced in some states and some countries that will allow for what is called assisted suicide. In some situations, so-called loved ones are allowed to make the determinations for family members without regard to any self-interest concerns, and sometimes solely based on hearsay testimony from a family member. This is contrary to most legal proceedings, because hearsay testimony is normally not admissible in a court of law, except when it comes to ending a human life. Under the world’s evolving system, animals have more rights than a critically ill human. Some say the legal system has been perverted by satanic forces, and murder has been legalized.

This careless and reckless attitude toward the laws of God has also lead to unspeakable acts of depravity and crimes against nature. The destruction of the family unit as God ordained it; the invasion of the ministry and priesthood by ungodly individuals; and the violation and killing of the young, some in utero; are all symptomatic of a society on the decline. Those in the business of worshiping The Evil One are held up as pillars of the community, and in some quarters, admired for their beliefs. Some government entities have gone so far as to tolerate the practice of the black arts within their facilities. The belief by many that whatever one does is his or her private business permeates society, regardless of what or whom it might inconvenience or hurt. As a result; the young, the old, and the mentally and physically weak pay the heaviest price.

Because of the attitudes that seem to be permeating throughout society, some religious leaders have predicted that God will visit His wrath on those individuals who ignore His words. They predict an Old Testament type of retribution.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

Proverbs 14:11, N.I.V.

CHAPTER 1

RECEIVING THE WORD

Richard Moses is an average man with deeply held beliefs about his mortality and his religion, despite what the world system tried to tell him. He has a wife and five children one of whom was adopted, and his life experiences have taught him that he is a fortunate man. He always wanted a large family and fortunately his wife, thought along those same lines. Spring was in the air. Nature had dressed up the landscape with those colors that only come with the fresh green plants and colorful flowers so prevalent in the springtime of the year. An average winter has yielded an early spring, which the Moses family was particularly enjoying. One of the things that Richard Moses enjoys most about living in the Midwestern part of the United States is, the four full seasons of the year that the region is so famous for.

It was Friday afternoon; after a tough week of work for both Richard and his wife, June. Their five children were looking forward to the weekend, particularly Saturday and the promised day out shopping with their mom and dad. Richard promised to take the family to Kansas City, which is just a short commute North on Highway 71 from their home in Belton. They had planned to make a day of it; spending all day Saturday in the city shopping, eating lunch and dinner out, sight seeing, and having fun. Then they would return home late Saturday evening. The children were busy with their homework, which was an oddity for them on a Friday. Normally, they would wait until Sunday evening to work on it, but because of the day they had planned, Richard had a deal with them to complete all their school work on Friday night; or at least as much as they could.

After dinner, everybody worked to clear the dishes from the table and get them all washed. When all the dishes were loaded into the dishwasher, and the dining room and kitchen were put in order; the children retired to their rooms to complete the rest of their homework. Richard and June retired to the den to watch a movie and unwind from the day’s work. As the movie progressed, the kids began to wander in after they finished their school assignments. The movie ended just before 10:00 p.m. and everyone retired to his or her respective rooms to get ready for bed. Their plan was to get up early, eat a hardy breakfast, and take off on their junket. The weather was predicted to be warm and sunny, and they wanted to take advantage of every minute of the day.

Saturday morning arrived and Richard woke up with a splitting headache. He tried to medicate it with two aspirin, but to no avail. June suggested that he eat breakfast to see if hunger might be the cause. Richard was not a person who normally suffered with migraines; and being unaccustomed to the condition, he was almost paralyzed with pain. In fact, he had never suffered a migraine headache in his life. He remained in bed while June went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Richard lay in bed drifting in and out of sleep; the pounding seemed to keep in rhythm with the beating of his heart. This was something unique for him, it was worst than a toothache. He had heard of individuals contracting migraine headaches so bad that they could see colors. His headache by no means was that bad, but it was bad enough.

He lay in bed suffering and wishing that the medication he took would kick in. He felt that he should take something else for his pain, but he did not want to over medicate and cause further problems. So he decided to forgo taking anything else and to lay suffering in the quiet peacefulness of the Saturday morning while the children were still asleep. Finally, his headache seemed to be tapering off somewhat. It seemed to be coming in phases; phasing in with a sharp pain and tapering off to a dull throb, then moving back to the sharp pain again. Richard felt just a little better; but that sharp pain cycling in and out every three or four minutes or so, still was disabling. As he lay there trying to combat the pain and trying to think of something pleasant, he finally drifted off to a restless sleep. Although he was asleep, he was still aware of the pain cycling in and out. This restless sleep caused him to have some very vivid dreams that might be categorized as nightmares.

Richard was in the middle of a particularly disturbing nightmare that had him sweating when he heard a voice.

Richard, the voice said.

The voice was one that he had heard before, but he could not put his finger on where he had heard it. The confusion of his brain was amplified by the throbbing pain of the migraine.

He heard the voice again.

Wake up dear, breakfast is ready.

This time he recognized the voice, it was his wife, June. She was trying to wake him up to eat. Richard fought to open up his eyes as a sharp pain struck him. He flinched and groaned in response to the pain of his headache.

How do you feel now dear? Is the headache still there?

Richard focused in on her face as his eyes opened. He looked at her for a second or two and responded in a weak voice.

Yes dear, my headache is still with me; it’s not as bad as it was when I woke up this morning, but it’s still there; believe you me.

"I’m glad it’s not as bad, at least you feel a little better. Breakfast is ready. Maybe food will run it completely away.

Maybe, he responded.

Can you make it to the table or do you want me to bring your breakfast to you on a tray?

No I think I can make it.

He paused for a few seconds and continued.

Besides I need to get up and move around.

Richard pushed the covers back, sat up in bed and swung his feet onto the floor. He groaned again as he sat up. He closed his eyes and put his right hand on the side of his head. The sharp pain ran through his forehead at the temples just to the side of his eye. The back of his head was throbbing like there was someone inside using an anvil, and his right eye felt like it had been shot out.

Richard, are you all right? Asked June in response to his groan of pain.

He did not immediately answer her as he massaged his temples with his eyes closed. He finally looked up at her with a sad look on his face and in his eyes as the pain subsided.

This headache is killing me. My head feels like it’s coming off.

I’m sorry dear, she responded in a sympathetic voice, I’ll bring your breakfast to you on a tray.

She finished her statement just as the pain tapered off and he responded, that’s okay dear; I think I can make it.

He sat on the side of the bed wondering if the sharp pain was going to kick in again if he stood up. He thought that maybe the sudden movement of his body to sit on the side of the bed made the pain worse. His next move was to stand up to see if the sharp pain would come back. He sat on the bed feeling like someone who was going to stick his hand into a fire; he dreaded the anticipated pain that he associated with the act of standing up. He took a deep breath and started to stand. June watched him intently as he made his move. He stood up erect and the sharp pain hit for a few seconds, and then retreated to a dull throbbing.

Are you okay dear? June asked again.

The pain hit hard there for a moment, but now it’s back to a dull throbbing.

All right dear, she responded, let’s go eat.

She walked out of the bedroom headed for the dining room with Richard following closely behind. When he reached the dining room he sat down and surveyed the table. The food looked good to him, but the headache was also still with him. The house was quiet; everything was peaceful and calm with the kids still asleep. Richard and June sat down at the table and after a short prayer to bless the food they began to eat. While they consumed the meal, June looked at Richard from time to time with concern. He did not say a thing, but it was obvious that he was still in some discomfort. She could see it written all over his face.

When they finished with breakfast, June commented to Richard.

Dear, you need to go back to bed; I’ll clean up and set the table for the children to eat when they wake up.

Thanks dear, I hope this headache doesn’t spoil our plans for today. I was sure that eating would make it go away, but I still have it. The kids will be disappointed if we are not able to go out today.

June looked at him and nodded her head in agreement, then without saying a word she pointed to the door indicating that he needed to get some rest.

He took a deep breath.

Alright dear, he said.

He released part of the breath he had inhaled.

I got the message.

He turned and headed out of the room toward the bedroom. He went back to the bed and lay down. Richard did not normally lay down right after a meal, but this was an exception. There was still a slight hint of a headache, but he did feel better. He did not want his headache to return with the sharp pains that accompanied it, so he did what June suggested. After he lay down, he drifted off to sleep again. The little bit of a headache that lingered on still bothered him and his sleep was still not restful. He dreamed of destruction and lots of people being killed just as before. The nightmares were unsettling and he longed to wake up but could not; at least he could not until June called him again. Her voice invaded his sleep calling his name.

Richard.

His eyes opened immediately and there standing over him again was June.

She looked down at him, still with a look of concern on her face.

Dear, how is your headache doing now?

His head was still pounding, but the sharp pains had gone away. He felt a little better, but he still did not feel like doing anything but lying around. He took a deep breath as he lay with his hands on his temples, one hand on each side of his head.

My headache is still with me.

I’m sorry dear, the children will be disappointed but I guess we’ll have to call off the day’s activities.

Richard sat up in bed when June suggested that the plans for the day be cancelled.

No! He said.

He groaned in pain because the sudden movement caused the headache to intensify.

You and the children go ahead and enjoy yourselves, I’ll be fine.

But I don’t want to leave you alone, you’re sick, and we need to be here to take care of you. I’ll be worried the whole time we’re away from you.

My headache seems to be slowly going away. Only when I move too much or move too fast does it get bad. I’ll just lie around the house and get a little more sleep; hopefully it will go away completely. I wouldn’t be any fun, I’d just mope around; and you guys would feel sorry for me; and the day would be ruined.

But I’ll be worried about you.

I’ll be fine dear, like I said this headache will eventually go away, but I don’t want to disappoint the children. Now you go ahead and take the children shopping; and whatever else you want to do. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine.

I hate to leave you alone while you’re sick, she said, but the children would be very happy if they could go out today.

Please don’t disappoint them June, go ahead and take them out.

All right dear, she responded with an obvious reluctance.

I’ll take them. But are you sure that is what you want and you’ll be alright?

I’m sure, try not to worry about me. I need the sleep; and you and the children don’t need to be hanging around the house while I sleep. When, you can be out enjoying yourselves. It looks like a great day outside, go out and enjoy it.

Okay, let me go tell the children.

She headed out of the bedroom door. Richard laid back in the bed and listen to June telling the children that they were still going on their outing. He could hear the joy in the kid’s voices when she told them what had been decided.

June returned to the bedroom.

The kids are so happy, she said as she walked into the room, thanks dear.

She started to prepare for the outing. Richard sat up in the bed again, his head was still hurting, but he wanted to tell the children good-bye. He got up to put his robe on so that he could see the children. June was in the bathroom grooming and putting on her make-up. When she came back into the room, she was surprised to see Richard up and walking around.

Should you be up dear?

I’m feeling better for the moment, and besides I want to see the children before they leave. I don’t want to stay in bed all day I need to get energized. Maybe I’ll take a shower and shave, that always makes me feel better.

Just take it easy dear, don’t overdue it. You are still a sick man.

Then she picked up her purse and walked out of the bedroom with Richard following closely behind.

Let’s go kids! Shouted June as she walked out of the bedroom.

The elevated sound of her voice echoed through Richard’s head like a cannon shot, but he did not tell her that the headache momentarily intensified. The children came running from their rooms. The sound level went up several octaves as they rushed toward him. Richard’s headache started to throb again and he began to massage his temples.

Hi dad! Said Ronald who is the oldest, Are you feeling better?

The sound of his voice was like standing in front of a loud speaker to Richard.

I’m doing, Richard hesitated in his response then continued, okay, but could you guys hold the noise down just a little bit? I still have a slight headache and the noise is not helping it.

Sorry dad, responded Ronald in a whispering voice.

Sorry dad, echoed each of the children using softer voices.

That’s all right kids, I’m just glad to see you all.

All the children began to try and hold the noise down. June watched the younger children, and it was all she could do to keep from laughing at their efforts to keep from making noise.

Richard turned to his oldest son and said, Ronald.

Yes dad, he responded as he focused his attention on Richard.

You’re the oldest, I want you to help your mother and do whatever she tells you to do.

Right dad.

Richard then focused his attention on the rest of the children.

I want the rest of you to mind your mom and do what she tells you to do.

Yes dad, they answered in unison.

And stay close, don’t wander off.

Yes dad.

June leaned over and kissed Richard on the cheek.

Good-bye dear.

All the kids except Ronald rushed him. They hugged him around the waist and legs saying in low voices and in unison, good-bye dad.

Bye kids, responded Richard patting them on their heads and backs.

Then they all began to rush for the door. June reminded them not to make so much noise because of Richard’s headache. They toned down the noise; filed out the door; and once outside ran to the family van parked in the driveway. June went around to the driver’s door, opened it and got in. She unlocked the doors using the electric door lock control and the children piled into the vehicle. She started the engine and let it run for a minute or two, to allow the vehicle to warm up. She put her seat belt on and looked around at the children to ensure that they had all buckled up. Richard stood in the doorway watching the family. It was a wonderfully warm spring day, the temperature had to be around sixty-five or seventy degrees and there was a slight Southerly breeze. The sun was shining bright and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, but the bright sun was causing his headache to intensify. He was not going to tell June for fear she would call off the trip. He tried to keep his face from giving away the secret that his headache was getting worse. He also began to develop an upset stomach.

The van had been backed up in the driveway the night before and June only had to put it in drive. The van began to slowly roll down the driveway and into the street. June and the children waved at him as they drove away; Richard waved back. He stood in the doorway watching the vehicle go down the street and turn the corner. When they were out of sight, he rushed back into the house; he could not get back inside fast enough. His head was now pounding from the bright sunlight outside, and his stomach was trying to expel the breakfast he had eaten. Ordinarily he would stand out in the sun and enjoy the weather, but his headache now made that impossible, causing him to retreat back into the house. Because of the extreme brightness of the sunlight; and the pain and discomfort that it caused him while outside; he began closing the drapes to cut down on the amount of sunlight invading the house. He was a virtual prisoner in his own home.

Richard went back to the bedroom and by the time he reached the bedroom, his headache had subsided. His stomach also settled down and he no longer felt like he was going to throw up. During the lull in the pain, he decided to take a shower, shave and brush his teeth hoping this might make him feel better. When he finished, he did not want to go back to bed even though his head still hurt, so he dressed and went to the den and turned the television set on. There was a Kansas City Royals baseball game being televised, the game was an away game and the local station was broadcasting it in the Kansas City metropolitan area. He thought that the game might be relaxing to him and his headache might go away, or at least he could forget about it. He sat down on the sofa with a large glass of water and began to watch the game, and occasionally took a sip of water. He was relaxed and his headache had toned down a lot. The headache had taken more out of him than he anticipated and he started to get sleepy. Eventually he drifted off to sleep.

Richard had been asleep long enough to go into a deep sleep cycle. He had not yet reached the Rapid Eye Movement or (REM) stage of sleep and had not yet started to dream, but he heard a male voice calling his name.

The voice called out.

Richard!

Richard answered in his mind, but he did not verbalize his response out loud.

Richard, the voice called out again using a little more force and it seemed to be a little bit deeper.

Yeah.

Richard answered out aloud but he was still sleeping.

Richard, wake up, demanded the voice.

Yeah, what do you want?

Richard Moses, wake up, the voice called again.

Richard opened his eyes still dazed to see a flame. His eyes sprang open immediately and his heart went into overdrive, he tried to move but couldn’t. He thought to himself, What is wrong with me, why can’t I move? Have I had a stroke? He continued to try to move, but to no avail. All he could see was fire and he thought that he would be dead in a few minutes, if he didn’t get out of the house. His mind thought of June and the children and was glad that they were not in the house. But he regretted that he was about to die and would not be able to see them again in this life.

Help! He shouted out at the top of his voice.

Somebody help me!

Richard’s mind began to think about the pain of being burned alive. He did not know why he could not move. Was he already dead and his spirit just hadn’t left his body? Maybe that is why he couldn’t move maybe he was already dead. But he didn’t feel any pain at all, nothing made since to him in his just awaken state. His mind was racing faster than he ever thought possible.

Richard, do not fear, the voice told him.

He thought to himself, who is that and why is he in my house? Is that a fireman coming to rescue me? Richard’s eyes began to focus on the fire and what he saw was unbelievable. There in the middle of the den was a bush that was on fire, or at least it appeared to be burning. When the voice spoke, the fire became more intense and he had to close his eyes against the burning bush. Even with his eyes closed against the light, he could still see the bush through his closed eyelids. It was like the accounts given by victims of the atomic bomb blasts during World War II, when they close their eyes against the blast. Richard closed his eyes against the light when the voice spoke, but there was no pain. He judged the fire to be intense enough to incinerate him, but there he was sitting in his chair apparently with seemingly no affects.

Do not fear; you will not be harmed.

Why can’t I move? He asked.

I caused you to be paralyzed so that you would not hurt yourself trying to run away.

Richard thought to himself, who is this?

I AM; is who I am.

Richard was confused, he did not say anything out aloud but his question was answered and he still did not understand. He thought to himself again, who is this?

I AM; is who I am.

Richard’s brain was starting to unscramble from the sleep that he had awaken from. He thought that maybe he was still asleep and dreaming all this. After all, he had been dreaming, and having nightmares since he first got this headache. But there was something familiar about the words that he heard.

Richard, you are not dreaming, you are wide awake, responded the voice to his unspoken question.

Then the voice said, I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.

You are the Lord God? Asked Richard with a puzzled look on his face.

"Yes, I am God, the Lord God.

Lord, he said, why are you here? Why have you come to visit me?

Richard, I have come to give you a message, oh good and faithful servant.

Richard was afraid; he thought that the only time he would get to see or talk to God would be after he died. His heart beat faster than it ever had before. He feared he would have a heart attack or a stroke.

God responded to his worries by saying, Richard you will not have a stroke or a heart attack, I will calm your fears and put you at ease.

Almost immediately, Richard’s heart went back to a normal heartbeat, and he felt at ease just as the voice of God had told him. He looked at the burning bush and he was not afraid any longer. He was at peace with himself and the fact that God had come to visit him in his home. At least he hoped he was still at home. Was he sitting at home on his sofa? At least it felt like he was sitting on the sofa; but the light from the burning bush was so bright that he could not see anything but the fire and the bush; he could not be sure of anything. He thought that a fire that bright would be extremely hot, but it was warm and comforting. He felt like he was a little boy again being rocked to sleep, all comfortable and safe in his dad’s arms. He had no concerns at all now that God removed the fear from him.

He was finally able to muster up enough courage to ask, Lord why have you come to see me? Surely there are those more worthy than me that you can visit?

The Lord responded to Richard’s question.

Richard, you are as worthy as any of My servants, and you have been faithful to me all these many years. You have lived by My words as they are written in the Bible. You have brought up your children in the shadow of My word and taught them to believe in Me. You and your wife have helped others even when it was clearly not in your best interest to do so; sometimes it was to the detriment of your own needs. You have proven yourself beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are a man of God.

Richard had read that a person knows when his or her time has come to die, but he did not feel like this was his time. He did feel at peace with himself and at this moment he did not want to leave the presence of God.

Then he asked, Lord, am I going to die?

"Oh faithful servant, each individual on earth whether it be human or animal, and even plants must die in their own time. However, to answer your question, it is not yet time for you to join Me in Heaven.

Richard was still puzzled about why God would come to visit him.

God knew that Richard was puzzled about His visit and He said, I have come to you so that you may carry forth a message from Me to the world.

Richard’s thoughts went from being puzzled to worry, he was not sure he could carry a message received directly from God to the world, who would listen to him? After all, he was not famous, or celebrated, or even well known. He was just an ordinary man living in Belton, Missouri with a family and who works hard everyday to make sure that his family was provided for. He never wanted to be well known or famous, he just wanted to live out a quiet life and grow old gracefully doing God’s will. Now, he would be famous as long as man inhabited the earth, assuming that he could get anyone to believe he actually talked to God. Then he caught himself.

Thinking in his mind, This is God; of course people will believe I talked to God! The Lord Himself will make sure of that.

Then Richard said, I pray Lord, that I am able to carry the message forth to the world that You give to me.

As Richard said those words, he could feel his body being released from the paralyzing grip that God had put upon him. He immediately felt around himself to see if he was still sitting on the chair in the den. He could feel it with his hands, it was still there, but he still could not see it or anything else in the room. He even felt a coin under the chair’s pillow he was sitting on, but he left it there.

God then gave Richard the message He wanted him to carry to the world.

Richard, the thing that I tell you this day is something that I truly regret.

Richard listened intently, for he did not want to get anything wrong that God said to him.

Because of the immorality and unclean practices that have slowly ingrained themselves into the fabric and lifestyle of the city of San Francisco, I am going to destroy the San Francisco Bay Area. The city is on the cusp of everything that is repugnant to Me. I have destroyed those in the pass who have practiced the things that are a part of everyday life in San Francisco today. As in the pass, I will not allow these practices to continue without an accounting to Me. I want you to go forth to give the warning to those who will hear My words.

Richard was shaken at what he heard. He could hardly believe it. An entire city was to be destroyed just like in The Bible.

He asked, Lord will everyone living in San Francisco be killed?

No, answered the Lord God, Those who have ears to hear will be saved; and those who do not, will not be saved. I also want you to tell the world that mankind will have a hand in the city’s destruction.

But Lord, I might not be able to relay your message effectively enough to convince everyone to leave before You destroy the city.

You are right Richard; you will not be able to convince everyone that you are relaying the words that I have told you. In fact you will not be able to convince everyone that you even talked to Me. Some non-believers will even go to San Francisco in defiance of your message and they will be destroyed.

Lord I’m not sure that I am the right person for this task. Surely there are others who are better able to talk to the public, and who have greater powers of persuasion than I do.

You are right again, there are individuals who are better able to convey My message, but I have chosen you. You will be My messenger to the world. Do not fear, for I will be with you every moment of the day. You only need to speak what is in your heart, I will be guiding your thoughts and actions every step of the way; trust your enter voice for that will be Me.

But Lord, how do I start to notify the world of this news?

I am leaving that up to you, I have complete confidence in your ability to do the job. Remember I will be with you in everything that you say and do.

The voice began to fade and the burning bush began to disappear.

Richard could feel the presents of the Lord leaving the room and he shouted out.

Wait Lord! I have other questions to ask about what You want me to do; and what did You mean by mankind having a hand in the city’s destruction?

God repeated, do not fear, I will guide you and I will be with you; everything will become clear to you in time.

With those words Richard could sense that the Spirit of God was completely gone from the room. The room went back to normal and the television was still on, but while God was present in the room, Richard was not aware of anything else but Him. He picked up the remote control unit and turned off the television. Now it was quiet in the house, even Oscar the family’s pet cat was nowhere to be found. As Richard sat there in the quiet reflecting on what he had just experienced, he noticed that his headache was completely gone. He felt wonderful, well rested, and alert. He had not felt this good in years. He got up from the sofa and walked over to the spot where the bush had sat in the room burning. He examined the area very carefully, he looked at the ceiling and the floor; and he could not find any evidence that there had been anything burning in the room. There was not even a smell of any kind or any smoke damage. After standing for a moment in the spot where God was; he went to the front door, opened it and walked out into the front yard. When he opened the door, Oscar sprinted pass him and around the side of the house to the backyard.

Richard stood in the front yard enjoying the early afternoon sun. It was a good feeling to be outside without having to experience the debilitating affects of the headache he had earlier. There was a gentle breeze still coming from the South and the sky was still as clear as a bell. He looked to see which of his neighbors were outside. Just about all of them were either working in their yards or lounging around relaxing and enjoying the day. When he stepped out on to the front lawn, several of the neighbors waved or spoke to him and he reciprocated. Everything looked normal, and there was no indication that the Lord God had visited the neighborhood. He thought of June and the children; and how they would react when he told them what had happened to him. He walked around to one side of the house and into the back yard looking around and inspecting the property; everything looked normal. Oscar was in the back yard watching the birds in the trees and licking his paws as if nothing had happened.

Richard walked over to Oscar and picked him up, looked into his face and said, Did you see anything?

Oscar looked at him and purred, he could smell the faint odor of fish on his breath; no doubt from the cat food which he ate for breakfast. Richard held Oscar in his arms while he walked around to the other side of the house, and back into the front yard with Oscar letting out an occasional meow.

Jason, the next-door neighbor was cutting grass and when Richard walked back into the front yard with Oscar in his arms, Jason waved as he pushed the lawn mower around his yard; Richard waved back at him. He stood in the front yard for a few minutes watching the occasional automobile come down the street pass him; continue down the street and out of sight. He walked back into the house still holding Oscar in his arms. When he closed the door, he put Oscar down. Oscar immediately trotted over to his area where there was a cat tree set up for him. He stretched out with his front paws on the tree; scratching and digging his paws deep into it. Then he circled the tree twice as if he was looking for the best spot to lie down. He finally laid down with his head on one of his front paws and closed his eyes. Richard stood watching Oscar until he laid down, then he went over and sat in his favorite easy chair. He sat there for the rest of the day thinking and trying to get straight in his mind what he was going to do, and how he would tell June what happened to him.

Time passed and the afternoon turned into the evening, Richard was still seated in the chair thinking and praying to God. Oscar had been sleeping all afternoon and was still asleep when June and the children returned. When his acute hearing picked up the sound of June’s vehicle he ran to the door to greet them, or maybe to get outside. Richard was so far into thinking about what had happened to him, almost in a trance; that he did not hear the van come into the driveway and park. The sun had started to go down and the house was getting dark. When Oscar heard the children talking, he meowed one time as though to welcome them home. June unlocked the door and walked into the house calling out to Richard.

Richard, where are you?

He did not hear her; it was as if he was in a deep hypnotic-like state still sitting in the chair. There was not a light on in the house and June had an arm full of packages, she put the packages down and called out again.

Richard!

He still did not hear her calling him.

She commented out loud to the children, I wonder where your father is.

Dad! Shouted Ronald in a panicky voice.

There was still no answer; the children were as mystified as June about where their father was.

June called out again, Richard.

Still no answer, she feared something might have happened to him. She was afraid that maybe his headache might have been something more serious. She walked into the den and she could see him in the subdued evening light sitting in the chair. Her heart skipped a beat thinking something was wrong with him.

Richard!

She called out again, but he still did not respond.

She turned on the light and he became aware of her presents and said, Oh hi dear!

Richard! Are you all right? You didn’t answer when I called your name and I was afraid that something had happened to you.

"Yes, I’m doing fine, my headache is completely gone.

I’m glad to hear that, but don’t do that to me again. I thought, well I want tell you what I thought.

Sorry I didn’t hear you, I was deep in thought.

That’s okay dear, but you did give me a scare. I thought you might be hurt or something worse.

Changing the subject, Richard asked, How was your day?

He got up from the chair to help June with the packages she sat down in the floor.

Oh it was fine, the kids enjoyed themselves. We ate lunch and dinner on the road and we brought something for you too.

Good, you don’t have to cook.

Richard walked out of the den with June; both with arms full of packages and went to the bedroom. As they walked down the hall to their room, each of the children spoke to Richard and he returned their greeting. When they reached the bedroom, Richard closed the door behind them. June looked at him; she noticed something was different about him. He did not look like the same person she left home that morning. Just from the short conversation she had with him since arriving home, she noticed he had a quiet confidence about himself.

What’s wrong dear? She asked.

I have something to tell you; something that you might find hard to believe, but bear with me. Let me tell you everything before you ask any questions.

June looked at him and she knew that he had something important to tell her. A fear came over her as she realized that he had something serious to say, she did not know if it was good or bad. She put the packages down, sat down on the side of the bed, and looked at him awaiting the thing he had to tell her.

Richard gave her a complete account of what had happened to him. June was amazed at what he was telling her. He was right; she could hardly believe what she was hearing. If it had been anyone else telling her this, she might not believe it; but she knew her husband; and knew that he had been in the presence of God; and had spoken to Him just by observing his enthusiasm and excitement. When Richard finished the account of his talk with God, June sat on the side of the bed processing what she had just heard. Richard stood in the middle of the floor waiting for her reaction to his account. June got up from the bed, walked over to Richard and gave him a hug; still not saying a word. They stood there in the middle of the bedroom; holding each other for a moment or so; with their eyes closed in the quiet. The only sounds to be heard were the muffled sounds of the children in their bedrooms talking.

After the long embrace, June said, you must be starving. Did you eat anything today?

She did not feel like this was the time to start asking a lot of questions about Richard’s encounter. After all when she left him this morning, he was ill and when she returned, he tells her a fantastic story that sounds like it came directly from the Old Testament. She believed that Richard encountered something, she knew him well enough to be able to tell when he was teasing her or pulling a joke on her. She knew that he was religious and respectful of the Lord God; and he would not make up something like this. She wanted to support him as much as she could and wait for him to decide what he was going to do to meet the challenge God presented him with.

Richard responded to June’s question saying; "no, not since this morning at breakfast.

They let go of their embrace after a quick love kiss.

June said, Let’s get you to the dining room so that you can eat, we can discuss your day more after you eat something. We picked up something special for you at the Mall. I’m sure you’ll like it. I’ll show it to you after you eat.

They walked out of the bedroom and headed for the dining room.

We stopped at a restaurant down town to eat and I had them prepare a carry-out order for you, I hope you enjoy it.

They walked pass the children’s bedrooms where the kids were busy talking and checking out the new clothing that June had purchased for them. June had left the food on a small table in the entry way and she retrieved it as they headed for the dining room. Richard went into the dining room and sat down while June went to the kitchen to warm the food in the microwave oven. Richard was alone in the dining room still thinking about the experiences of the day. In just a few minutes, June returned with the food and it was all the things that he liked; barbecued beef with all the trimmings such as cold slaw and biscuits.

After the meal, they returned to their bedroom to get comfortable and take showers. The children were still occupied in their rooms with various endeavors.

June asked, Richard, when do you think we should tell the children about what happened to you?

He thought for a second and said, We should probably wait until after church tomorrow when everybody has settled down for the afternoon. Besides I want to run this by Jim to see what his thoughts are about this situation. I need all the help I can get; besides Jim might have some ideas about how I can get the public’s attention to tell them what I need to about what the Lord God has planned.

Jim Rollins is pastor of the church that Richard and June attends, and is an old dear friend of the family.

The next morning, Richard and June got up earlier than usual for a Sunday morning. They had problems sleeping through the night because of the burden that they were carrying. June prepared breakfast while Richard went to pick up the Sunday paper and let Oscar out for his morning constitutional. He stepped out onto the front lawn to retrieve the paper, he stopped for a moment to take in the morning, there was fresh dew on the lawn and the cool still air was calming and refreshing. The neighborhood was quiet; there was not even a dog bark to be heard. Oscar walked out of the door with Richard, sniffing the air trying to use his sense of smell to pick up the trail of any potential prey. Oscar tiptoed through the wet grass headed for the next-door neighbor’s yard; where he disappeared around the corner of the house. Richard picked up the paper, pulled it out of the bag and glanced at the headlines. There was nothing of interest to him on the front page after what he had gone through the day before. He put the paper under his arm and stood there in the morning air with his eyes closed taking deep breaths. The sun had already come up over the horizon and the birds were singing their morning cantatas. He was glad to be rid of the monstrous headache that he suffered from on the day before. He was sure that he suffered the headache so that his family would leave him home, which gave God in His infinite wisdom, the opportunity to come to Richard and tell him about the destruction of San Francisco. He was glad to be in good health and to be feeling good. He stood reflecting on his good fortune that God selected him to be His messenger to the world. Richard felt good about himself. He walked back into the house and dropped the paper on the dining room table. Then walked into the kitchen where June was hard at work preparing their breakfast.

Is there anything I can help you with? He asked.

Yes dear, would you set the table please?

I can do that.

He went to the kitchen hutch to get the items that he needed to set the table for the family. The children would not be up for a while, but he set their places anyway to be ready when they did get up. By the time he finished with the table, June had finished with the preparation of breakfast. They sat down and Richard prayed over the food. During the prayer, they could both feel a presence in the room, just like the feeling that one gets when they suspect that they are being watched; except the feeling gave them a sense of well being and security. The feeling was not as intense as the feeling that Richard experienced while God was talking to him on the previous day, but the presence was there and they both felt it.

When Richard finished the prayer, June asked, Did you feel that?

Yes, I did; answered Richard.

What was that? She asked.

I think it was God, He is watching over us; and I think He was pleased with the prayer, remarked Richard.

June commented, I don’t think I’ve ever experienced anything like that before in my life.

Until yesterday, I had never experienced anything like it before either. We all have read about the experience that those in the presence of God go through, but I never imagined that it would be so intense. Now I know what they meant, and I’m glad that you have been able to experience it with me.

It was wonderful, remarked June. Is it going to be like that every time we say a prayer?

I don’t know, but wouldn’t it be nice if it was?

June nodded her approval as she put a fork of food to her mouth. They ate their meal with little conversation as they reflected on the feelings they experienced during the prayer. When they finished breakfast, they cleared their dishes from the table and retired to the den to go through the paper that Richard brought in earlier. They went through the motions of reading the paper, but their minds were focused on the words that the Lord God had given to Richard. As the morning passed, June went to wake the children up so they could eat breakfast and have time to dress for church service. The children were not as hard to wake up as usual which was strange in itself. Normally, Richard and June had to make several wake-up calls before the kids actually got up. After the children finished their breakfast, all the dishes