You receive the call at 3:00 in the morning. That's fine, you've been waiting since 1:00. It's Headquarters reporting that another P.S. is ready for extrication. You jot down the details of the lift point. Your Superior relayed the description of the P.S but it really didn't matter. They all look the same when they get to the point. In fact you looked the same when you were lifted.
At the thought of the task at hand all exhaustion leaves your body. Excitement fills your every being as you hang up the phone. Another P.S. is ready. This is what you were born for.
Settling your emotions you prepare for action. With the economy of movement that only comes through repetition, you strap on your equipment. First you check your ARMOR, making sure there are no holes or tears. These battle worthy and time tested protectors have brought you through countless missions. So you put on each piece with prayer.
Next you take up your standard issue weapon, the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT. As you look at the 66 inches of fine tempered steel, the reflection of your face stares back. This reminds you of the awesome power of this weapon and its unbiased effect. This living and active two edged blade will wound you along with your opponent. Therefore, you strap it to your side with care and reverence.
Finally you report back to headquarters that you are ready for the mission. You remind them of your need for guidance and information as you infiltrate enemy territory. The Supervisor tells you that they have everything under control. A global positioning system will follow your every movement and guide you accordingly. If you take your Manual you will be able to decipher the periodic data codes. You close communication with thanks for being selected for this assignment and head outside.
As the predawn silence confronts your senses, you feel a sudden stab of fear. On the roof to your left a shadowed form moves back into the darkness. Someone has been waiting for you. Two gunshots are all you need to verify the stalkers intentions. With the speed of thought a circle of light intercepts the projectiles, reflecting them onto the street. Your SHIELD OF FAITH has once again thwarted the fire power of the enemy. Part of you wants to track the sniper, but you know he was sent as a distraction. If you waste time hunting snipers you will miss the appointed time for the P.S. extrication. With wisdom you move on to the most important thing, you move in your purpose.
After traveling a few miles to the west, you come to the border. In the distance you can see a towering wall with a menacing entrance. This area is known as Hellsgate. Metal and stone have been fashioned into the gaping mouth of a hungry beast to intimidate anyone who goes through. You decide to go over. Knowing that your feet are shod with the PREPARATION Of THE GOSPEL OF PEACE, you head for the wall at a dead run. As you reach the last mile of the way, enhanced speed kicks in helping you to outrun the hounds of hell guarding the entrance. When you reach the shadow of the wall, you take a leap of faith and land in the domain of Satan.
The smell of death is strong in this place. Disease and pestilence permeate the atmosphere, but your helmet saves you by purifying your air supply. Poor lighting makes it difficult to navigate though this slum area. A few adjustments on your BREASTPLATE increases illumination. What you see staggers the mind. Carcasses lie strewn along the ground like trash. Others, who are little better, crouch in the corners afraid of the Light. They scurry in the darkness naked and ignorant like wild animals. These souls are heart rending reminders of the penalty of citizenship in this harsh realm of night.
There are no sentries or guards in this area. The rulers of this land consider these souls to be worthless and unredeemable. That is where they make their mistake. You have been sent for one of these. You are an Agent for the Lord, a Soldier for Jesus. And you have come to save a Precious Soul from the clutches of Satan.
An indicator on your BREASTPLATE lets you know that your target is nearby. The P.S. is somewhere to the right in a city of cardboard boxes. You look and find a figure covered in sweat, lying in a fetal position. As you come closer you can hear him speaking. In a voice barely recognizable as human he whispers "Save me, please save me.”
When he realizes your presence he jumps up in fear looking for a way to escape. He obviously thinks you have come to torture or punish. You try to reassure him of your intentions by explaining who you are. This only causes more distress. Finally you remember your training. Reaching under the BREASTPLATE, you open a compartment on the belt of TRUTH. You take out a piece of paper and hand it to the P.S. You smile, knowing what's going to come next. He struggles at first, trying to comprehend, and then slowly, a smile comes across his face. The Truth is setting him free. What he reads is a message from the Superior inviting him to his Kingdom.
As he puts his trust in the Lord of Salvation, a startling metamorphous takes place. Before your eyes a diseased and sin-sick body becomes enthused with the prospect of salvation. A way to live creates a will to live. With that you lead this Precious Soul out of the rule of Satan into the Kingdom of God. With great joy you complete your mission.
God has blessed you once again to be a Soul Winner for
Jesus.
I’m thankful to God for making me
Yesterday I watched Oprah give a press conference concerning the alleged misconduct of one of her employees at her school in Africa. I saw a biblical truth at work.
In recent news, one of the dorm matrons was accused of some very ugly crimes against the students. Some were even of a sexual nature. Big, big problem. Oprah's press conference was to answer any and all questions about it. And answer it she did. Hard questions, personal questions, unfair and stupid questions were all answered in a professional, but personally responsive manner. Classic Oprah. Skilled communication increases in value when adverse circumstances and consequential critics arise.
