World at War. David T. Maddox
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“We have no search warrant,” Sally reminded him, “but I think we can get one quickly.”
“Who gives a damn!” Samson answered. “We’re not trying to find evidence to prosecute anyone. We are trying to find leads to end the terrorist threat here and now. Look around you. Remember Sunday morning? I am not going to worry about some legal technicality and possibly lose the chance to stop an even greater threat to the memorial service later this afternoon.
“You can come or stay. I’m going now. You cannot fight terrorists with law books.”
And with that, they ran together to a black and white, racing off with the siren blazing.
The President and the Bookseller
Aboard Air Force One, Paul Phillips and the Bookseller were ushered into the traveling office of President Strong. They were greeted by the president, Janet, David Barnes, and Tom Knight, who all stood out of respect for the Bookseller. “Mr. White,” the president said, “thank you for coming.”
“It is my privilege, sir.”
“Have you seen this?” the president asked, pointing to the television set carrying the live ITN broadcast from Kingdom Daycare. “These people will stop at nothing. Thank God those two from the Citizens Militia were there, or all the kids would have been killed. As it was, none of the children were killed, but it was at a high price. One of the Citizens Militia members was killed, and the other seriously wounded. This time at least we have one of the terrorists alive. Perhaps we will be able to learn more about their plans when he is questioned.”
“Who died?” the Bookseller asked.
“It was that woman who was wounded at the Security Fair,” David Barnes answered.
“I guess God answered her prayer,” the Bookseller thought out loud, “and that explains why I was awakened and burdened to pray for the children.”
“I was also awakened,” the president responded. “God was clearly at work in this for His purposes.”
“What did you mean that the woman who was killed had her prayer answered?” Janet asked.
“I really cannot answer that, but it seemed she had some things burdening her heart in my time talking with her in the hospital, and I hope she found peace. I’m sure that we will learn more about that woman in the coming days,” the Bookseller answered. “I watched her fight some great spiritual battles that she ultimately overcame, but I could sense there was some really dark history in her past. When I took her home from the hospital earlier this week, I had the sense she expected to die soon — maybe even wanted to die.”
“I guess we shall see, but I am thankful for her sacrifice,” the president said. “Mr. White, the reason I asked you here was first to thank you on behalf of the country for your faithfulness to share the truth when you had the opportunity. Your statements have been used by the Lord to pierce my heart, and I know they have affected many other hearts both here and around the world.”
“It is not me, it is the Lord,” the Bookseller responded.
“I know that, but you have been available to the Lord so that He could use you, and for that, I thank you. I wish I could tell you all that we face and how right you are to say what you did about the need for God’s protection. I cannot, however, because it would make you even more of a target for the terrorists than before.”
“Mr. President, I may know more than you think,” he said pulling out the last message from the Iranian brothers. “I know that the government is working in Iran through two men who are believers. We have been carrying on an exchange of messages through a CIA carrier that I am sure you must have approved for that purpose. I need to show you their last message.” He handed it to the president, who read for all to hear:
Brother, the days are now much shorter, and God’s protection is essential to prevent disaster and open eyes to deception. Don’t believe what you see. Ezekiel 3:17, Jeremiah 8:11, 15.
“Mr. President, I feel compelled to give you my understanding of this message. I believe it means that whatever you are facing is coming much sooner, and the video message from the Sheik is a mere deception to get your eyes off what must be done. Whatever it is, it cannot be done apart from God.
“I am so thankful that you have called our country to stand before the Lord tomorrow to confess wrongs and seek forgiveness. I believe that the response of the people to your call will determine the ultimate outcome of what you face. America must choose whose side it is on.”
“You are correct on all points,” the president agreed. “It is much worse than you know. We are learning more daily, but without God’s intervention we cannot possibly be prepared to confront the coming attack with any real hope of eliminating the threat.”
“How do the verses fit into the message?”
“The first passage is addressed to me,” the Bookseller answered. “They are saying that I am God’s watchman and must warn the people and dissuade them from their evil ways. If I don’t warn them, their blood will be on my hands. Obviously, I have not yet said or done all that the Lord intends, and the peoples’ response clearly indicates that they have not yet heard and understood. I believe the other two verses are for you.”
“What do they mean?” the president asked.
“They are warnings God gave through the prophet Jeremiah regarding those who proclaimed not the truth, but what they wanted to be the truth. The first is directed against those who falsely declare peace; peace when there is no peace. The second is chilling. It recognizes that we all want peace, but what we face is terror. It reads, “We hoped for peace but no good has come, for a time of healing but there was only terror.”
“I could have gone all day without hearing that one,” the president answered. “I know it’s true, but oh, how I wish it weren’t.” Pausing to consider the magnitude of what he had just heard, the president shook his head. Janet got up and walked behind him, placing her hands on his shoulders.
“Mr. White,” he said, looking up, “tomorrow we will be holding our service in the East Room of the White House. Would you please come back with us to Washington and lead that time? You could fly back with us after this afternoon’s service, and we will make arrangements for your return. You can bring your wife and your young friend. I strongly believe that this is what God intends.”
“Give me a little time to pray about it, Mr. President. I certainly don’t feel that I am needed, as you are the one God has used to call for this time, but if that is His plan I will certainly come.
“Would it be possible for us to travel separately if we go? I don’t want to become a political character, and I don’t want you to be saddled with me as you stand to address the threat to the country,” the Bookseller replied.
“You don’t understand, Mr. White. I don’t care about politics anymore. There is no time for that. Unless God reveals the intimate details of the plans for the attack against America, there very well may not be another election. I am trying to walk in obedience to God for the good of this nation and to honor Him. Frankly, I would covet some time with you on the flight to let you know where we are and what we need you and others to pray for specifically. We have room for all of you at the White House for tonight. Please come.”
“Mr. President, we will,” he responded. “I know that it is God’s will that I learn how to intentionally pray for what we face so I can be effective and tell others. Had you said anything else, I don’t believe I would have agreed to come, but prayer is the only weapon we have that can overcome this enemy.
“I assume you know about the Together We Pray website and the miracle of tongues that we have heard is occurring throughout the world?”
“No, tell me!” the president responded. With great excitement, the Bookseller shared how God had provided a vehicle to communicate with believers around the world.
“Can believers respond to