Eddie Jones's Blog, page 16

Down To Davy Jones

Teaser Text from Chapter One

Down To Davy Jones—From a blackened sky the storm screamed with demonic fury. Rain pelted the vessel’s deck above us, driving our bearded, long haired and haggard crew below. With each wobbling, claw up the back of a wave the leaky ship creaked and groaned in long, agonizing moans. 

Oops, sorry. What I meant to say is that with each wobbling tug on the oars the backs of crew creaked and men groaned in long agonizing moans. 

The ship also made sounds, most of a sloshing, sinking sort.

I sat hunched forward on a wooden bench similar to the type you might find in a primitive church. Five long pews crowded with men, none of whom smelled as if they were fond of bathing. I sat in the center of the middle row grasping the end of a long oar that fed out through an open port. I promise, I am not going to whine about how I ended up experiencing another epileptic absence seizure. But were I to bring up what sent me onto the leaky vessel, it would start with Mom asking me: “Ricky, do you really think when you have an episode, you go back in time?”

“I don’t know. Maybe. Why are you asking?”

“I can’t help but wonder if I’d never smoked that first cigarette.”

“Don’t go there, Mom. This isn’t your fault. You said yourself the doctors think it could have come from the paint in your parent’s home, your dad’s weed killer, the air, anyplace.”

“I know what oncologist said, but I’m only wondering if you have another episode maybe instead of helping a pirate change his legacy or find buried treasure you could buy me more time? I’m not ready to . . . ”

Like me, Mom could not bring herself to say the word die. Not with only weeks or days to live.

So no, I am not going to go into how I had an epileptic episode in the back of Dad’s truck and instantly found myself on a leaky ship caught in a storm. I refuse to explain how absence seizures cause momentary lapses in consciousness and that during an event, the person may look as though they are daydreaming, when in fact I really they have no awareness of what’s going on around them. I won’t bring up how teachers call on me but I don’t respond and as a result I get called out for not paying attention. Or how sometimes I’ll raise my hand to ask a question but then never say a word—simply sit there with my hand raised like a clueless goober who can’t hear the other kids laughing at him.

I’ll skip all that.

Instead I choose to be upbeat, like the great explorer Marco Polo who travelled along the Silk Road from Europe to Asia between 1271 and 1295—all while waving to peasants who wielded pitch forks and called to each other, “Marco!” “Polo!” before ducking behind stone walls and snickering. 

This was during a time when people thought Marco Polo was an idiot and cultures were less tolerant of odd-looking fashion attire at community watering holes. ”That Marco, what an idiot,” teens would say. “Who wears a fox fur shawl, puffy pants and bedroom slippers to a pool?”

But the Age of Exploration was a different time and swimsuits had not yet been invented. So after blindly flailing around in water up to his chest while trying to locate giggling boys and girls wearing only their undergarments, Marco would emerge soaked, skin shriveled like an old man’s, hair matted on his fox-fur shawl and open his eyes. Only then would the son of Mr. Polo realize that he was the only one left in the pool. With his white pantaloon pants ruined from chlorine water, this champion of exploration would think to himself: I bet if I had a logo on my shirt with a guy riding a horse and carrying a big stick people would not laugh at me. 

Such was the positive outlook Marco Polo emitted. Also, due to the fact that scented soap and deodorant had not yet been invented, Marco Polo gave off an odor very much like that of the men seated around me.

Click to pre-order on Amazon.

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Book Promotion Jesus’ Way

Jesus went from village to village teaching. When the time came for him to expand his ministry Jesus called the Twelve to himself and began to send them out two by two. Each pair served as Jesus promo team, his street squad. For us they serve as an example of book promotion Jesus’ way.

Book Promotion Jesus’ Way

“Take nothing for the journey except a staff,” he said. “No bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt.”

If this sounds like your book promotion budget give thanks. You are already well on your way to promoting your books in the way Jesus promoted his message.

Authority and Power—Not Money and Marketing

“I give you my authority. When you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. Preach repentance. Heal the sick. Drive out unclean spirits.” (Mark 6:8-13)

The efforts of the Twelve proved so successful that people came from all over. So many pressed in on them that Jesus and the Twelve could not eat. Seeking to escape the crowds they left in a boat. In response people ran on foot from all the towns and reached the place where Jesus and the Twelve landed. Picture paparazzi and fans flocking to catch a glimpse of a rock star. That’s the scene along the shore. We know from the feast that comes later that day that five thousand men, plus women and children, gathered to hear Jesus.

That’s the result of his power and authority flowing through twelve disciples. Their promotional efforts brought a huge crowd. Do our promotional efforts draw such a following?

Words From Jesus

If not consider these words from Jesus.

“The words I have spoken to you are Spirit. They are life.” (John 6:63)

Do our words bring life to our books? Or do we grumble about our sales, complain about negative reviews, call our books “dead”?

Jesus gave his disciples power and authority to drive out DEMONS and CURE DISEASES. (Luke 9:1)

Do we believe we have this power and authority? Does this promise from Jesus quicken our spirit? Or do we allow a spirit of negativity and sickness to rob our books of sales and success?

“I give you authority to trample on SNAKES and SCORPIONS—to overcome ALL the power of the enemy. NOTHING WILL HARM YOU.” (Luke 10:19)

Do we reel from attacks from the enemy? Do we cower as those defeated and wounded? Or do we advance as those who are more than conquerers in Christ.

“You will be CLOTHED with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49)

Have we received power from on high? Are we clothed in his Spirit? Or are we only attempting to promote our books through works of the flesh?

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit COMES ON YOU.” (Acts 1:8)

Can we recall when the Holy Spirt came upon us? Have we felt its power flowing through us into others?

“Anyone who has faith in me will do even greater things than the things I have done.” (John 14:12)

Are others stunned at how the words of Jesus, spoken by us, quicken their spirit? Have we witnessed his power drawing others to him for healing, comfort, provision, protection . . . the abundant life Jesus promised?

“Because I am going to the Father, I will do whatever you ask in my name so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for ANYTHING and I will do it.” (John 14:12-13)

When we ask Jesus, do we limit our requests to our daily needs? Or do we search our heart for the treasures he has placed within—those visions and dreams he as confirmed in our spirit but which have yet to be evident in circumstances?

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. WHATEVER you bind on earth will be bound in heaven. WHATEVER you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19)

Finally, have we bound others by an unforgiving spirit? Or have we freely giving them forgiveness and reminded them that Jesus forgave all who came to him. Freely we have received forgiveness. Freely we will give.

When we are in Jesus and Jesus is in us—when we are filled with his Spirit—his power and authority flow out to others. If we believe our books bring glory to the Father and Son then let us go in prayer and ask Jesus to intercede on our behalf.

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Middle Grade Mystery Series for boys: Caden Chronicles

Enjoy this middle grade mystery series for boys, girls… even adults who enjoy a good “who done it.”

Writing a great book report can be a challenging assignment because it requires the reader (or listener, if an audio book) to remember and analyze large amounts of information. Information like: the story’s main themes, its plot, character’s external problems and emotional issues.

No worries!

Included in each book are the questions you will need to complete your book report.

With these easy-to-follow “Official Criminal Inquiry” worksheets, you can fill in the answers to the questions while you read. When finished, your book report should be thorough enough to convict a killer!

Middle Grade mystery series readers will love the challenge of discovering who is behind these paranormal, supernatural crimes.

Why should a boy or girl begin reading the Caden Chronicles?

Novels in the Caden Chronicles are fast, fun, clean teen and tween books. Boys and girls will fall in love with the quirky characters Nick meets, their oddball antics, and the way Nick solves murder cases by watching police and detective shows — all while Nick displays daring confidence, while also finding trouble and danger.

Why should parents pick the Caden Chronicles for their boys and girls?

Parents will appreciate the clean elements and moral values that avoid profanity and suggestive situations. As an imperfect teen sleuth, Nick is troubled by the phoniness he sees around him and the lies of others that pass for facts. Above all, he wants to find the truth. This drives him to act in ways that lead him towards danger. Nick believes his generation needs to seek truth and that can only be found by asking hard questions.

Each book has some romance, but it’s innocent and clean. The girls who help Nick solve the cases are independent, smart, brave, and often see things Nick overlooks.

What age is appropriate for these books?

The Caden Chronicles are appropriate for mature sixth grade readers. Other parents may choose seventh or eighth grade, due to the fact that Nick IS solving a murder. Because he watches old copy and detective TV shows in order to solve crimes, he’ll sometimes think and act like an older teen might. The Caden Chronicles are also a great, nostalgic read for adults.

Want to help teen sleuth Nick Caden uncover the mystery behind the avenging ghost?

Complete the “Official Criminal Inquiry” book report found in each book and see if you have the makings of a “cold case” detective. Why not get started today!

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It is Not the Healthy Who Need a Doctor but the Sick

John Mark Accused of Piracy—Mark 2:13-17

Captured!

Terrified, all I could do was to stand and watch while flaming arrows flew at us. From the ship’s main deck the crew’s commander gave a sharp order to “let fly, men! Give them a blow!” One thought haunted me: It is not the healthy who need a doctor but the sick.

Though I could not see the men in the fleet of rowboats, only shapes due to darkness, I knew from screams that the men of the Asklepia had hit their targets and with great accuracy.

From the pirate boats came the call, “make ’em pay with their souls, boys!” A second volley of flaming arrows launched from the fleet of marauders.

Within seconds the Asklepia’s sails ignited. Soon smoke billowed on deck, stinging my eyes, burning my throat. Once more the ship’s crew returned a volley, apparently with less accuracy for I heard fewer cries for help. With the ship’s sails engulfed, cheers went up from the pirates.

“Remain here,” my guard warned. “And not a sound or it will be your last.”

Standing alone at the stern railing, exposed to flying arrows and cloaked in smoke, I reflected on the young woman’s words: The lives of his precious cargo… Tell it exactly as you told me.

I wondered of the fate of the young woman. Was she in the water near the attacking fleet? Had she been captured? Hit by an arrow from the Asklepia’s crew?

What Becomes of Pirates?

Within moments of stepping away the guard returned. “Now you will see what becomes of pirates. Watch and quake.”

In the distance, far beyond the vague shapes of boats, a loud roar echoed across water. Suddenly flaming arrows arched across blackness, illuminating the fleet, revealing the stunned expressions of the pirates. Only now did I see that the captain had let down his own boats and sent men in a flanking maneuver around the enemy force, cutting off their escape. With smoke from the Asklepia’s burning sails and the large boulders as cover, the ship’s rowboats had approached from behind without warning. Against the ship’s burning sails as a backdrop, the pirate fleet presented an easy target.

The result was the complete capture of the pirates. Those who did not surrender immediately were run through with the sword, just as the captain had warned.

Ordered to Appear Before the Captain

“You,” the guard said to me, “the captain demands your presence.”

With a sickening feeling, I fell in behind the two guards, once more trailed by a second pair.

As I walked along, I thought of my friend Levi, son of Alphaeus. He too had once been hastily summoned: not by the captain of a ship, but by one greater than any who ever lived. Leaving his tax collector’s booth, Levi fell in step with the Teacher. Soon Jesus was dining at Levi’s house, listening to the many tales told by other tax collectors and sharing bread and wine with thieves, adulterers, prostitutes, and other notorious “sinners.” I feared this might be my fate: that I might be lumped in with marauders and murderers.

Once inside the captain’s quarters, I was ordered to stand and state my reason for stealing aboard. “What is this important message for the owner of this ship?”

“I, ah… believe this information is… um, best delivered to the owner,” I stammered. “It is of a private matter, sir.”

Truthfully, anything I had to say with the owner would be a private matter, though yet I could think of nothing worthwhile the say: the young woman having left me in the lurch, so to speak.

“Did you mean to take part in the attack with those pirates? Is that why you scaled the back of this ship?”

Immediately his words resonated, for his question seemed eerily similar to that of the Pharisees who challenged the Teacher. Summoning what little courage remained, I replied, “Sir, it is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have come for this purpose.”

“You? A physician?”

“In a manner of speaking, sir, yes. I was sent here to call those who do what is wrong to do what is right.”

“I hardly see how a physician is qualified to judge a man’s heart, but so be it. If it is the owner of this ship that you wish to address on this matter, so you shall. Only I warn you, Regulus is not a man to be trifled with. If your words leave him distressed, or worse, displeased, you will swing from the yardarm, same as those other pirates. Do I make myself clear?”

I nodded, thinking once more of those in need: It is not the healthy who need a doctor but the sick.

“Very well. Guard, take the lad to Governor Memmius Regulus. We will let Emperor Tiberius’ proconsular decide the lad’s fate.”

 

 

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John Mark Captured and Accused of Piracy

Mark 2:13-17

Terrified, all I could do was to stand and watch while flaming arrows flew at us. From the ship’s main deck the crew’s commander gave a sharp order to “let fly, men! Give them a blow!”

Though I could not see the men in the fleet of rowboats, only shapes due to darkness, I knew from screams that the men of the Asklepia had hit their targets and with great accuracy.

From the pirate boats came the call, “make ’em pay with their souls, boys!” A second volley of flaming arrows launched from the fleet of marauders.

Within seconds the Asklepia’s sails ignited. Soon smoke billowed on deck, stinging my eyes, burning my throat. Once more the ship’s crew returned a volley, apparently with less accuracy for I heard fewer cries for help. With the ship’s sails engulfed, cheers went up from the pirates.

“Remain here,” my guard warned. “And not a sound or it will be your last.”

Standing alone at the stern railing, exposed to flying arrows and cloaked in smoke, I reflected on the young woman’s words: The lives of his precious cargo… Tell it exactly as you told me.

I wondered of the fate of the young woman. Was she in the water near the attacking fleet? Had she been captured? Hit by an arrow from the Asklepia’s crew?

Within moments of stepping away the guard returned. “Now you will see what becomes of pirates. Watch and quake.”

In the distance, far beyond the vague shapes of boats, a loud roar echoed across water. Suddenly flaming arrows arched across blackness, illuminating the fleet, revealing the stunned expressions of the pirates. Only now did I see that the captain had let down his own boats and sent men in a flanking maneuver around the enemy force, cutting off their escape. With smoke from the Asklepia’s burning sails and the large boulders as cover, the ship’s rowboats had approached from behind without warning. Against the ship’s burning sails as a backdrop, the pirate fleet presented an easy target.

The result was the complete capture of the pirates. Those who did not surrender immediately were run through with the sword, just as the captain had warned.

“You,” the guard said to me, “the captain demands your presence.”

With a sickening feeling, I fell in behind the two guards, once more trailed by a second pair.

As I walked along, I thought of my friend Levi, son of Alphaeus. He too had once been hastily summoned: not by the captain of a ship, but by one greater than any who ever lived. Leaving his tax collector’s booth, Levi fell in step with the Teacher. Soon Jesus was dining at Levi’s house, listening to the many tales told by other tax collectors and sharing bread and wine with thieves, adulterers, prostitutes, and other notorious “sinners.” I feared this might be my fate: that I might be lumped in with marauders and murderers.

Once inside the captain’s quarters, I was ordered to stand and state my reason for stealing aboard. “What is this important message for the owner of this ship?”

“I, ah… believe this information is… um, best delivered to the owner,” I stammered. “It is of a private matter, sir.”

Truthfully, anything I had to say with the owner would be a private matter, though yet I could think of nothing worthwhile the say: the young woman having left me in the lurch, so to speak.

“Did you mean to take part in the attack with those pirates? Is that why you scaled the back of this ship?”

Immediately his words resonated, for his question seemed eerily similar to that of the Pharisees who challenged the Teacher. Summoning what little courage remained, I replied, “Sir, it is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have come for this purpose.”

“You? A physician?”

“In a manner of speaking, sir, yes. I was sent here to call those who do what is wrong to do what is right.”

“I hardly see how a physician is qualified to judge a man’s heart, but so be it. If it is the owner of this ship that you wish to address on this matter, so you shall. Only I warn you, Regulus is not a man to be trifled with. If your words leave him distressed, or worse, displeased, you will swing from the yardarm, same as those other pirates. Do I make myself clear?”

I nodded.

“Very well. Guard, take the lad to Governor Memmius Regulus. We will let Emperor Tiberius’ proconsular decide the lad’s fate.”

 

 

Dream the Dreams of Jesus

What Would You Attempt to Do if You Knew You Wouldn’t Fail?

A few years back I found myself sleeping in Lums Pond State Park near Newark, Delaware. Some months earlier I’d lost my job.

Oh, I knew where my job hid—in a cubicle in Bangalore, India. But I wasn’t flying halfway around the world to bring it home. I couldn’t afford the plane ticket. Couldn’t afford a room at the Howard Johnson in Newark, Delaware, either. So, the afternoon before the start of the Delaware Christian Writers Conference I pitched my tent on hard-packed dirt, unloaded my gear and drove my twenty-year-old Toyota hatchback up the road to the University of Delaware campus. I had a dream and a manuscript and not much else.

Dreams Have a Life of Their Own

Dreams come alive when we are not watching. While we’re going about life with all its worries, our dreams slip off and—if blessed by God—come alive. My dream sat in the passenger seat staring out the window. My dream dreamed of sailing the islands, surfing reef breaks and writing a best-selling novel. My dream was a big time dreamer.

Before I left the house that morning I’d “prayed on” the breastplate of righteousness. I’d asked God to keep my thoughts pure and my dreams secure. Righteous thoughts are the lifeblood of Christians. What we hold in our hearts, we speak with our mouth. And what we speak often come to life because our words carry life and death (Proverbs 18:21).

Lust long enough and you take what’s not yours. Meditate on God’s Word and your spirit aligns with his Spirit and his Spirit creates.

God knows the plans He has for us (Jeremiah 29:11). Plans for good not ill, plans for a future and hope. One of the dreams God placed in my heart was to write for Him.

The last night of the writers conference the John Riddle called my name. My manuscript Bahama Breeze had won first place. With award came a $1000 check. Minutes later, sitting in my beater car, I wept. God’s affirmation that my dream was also his dream meant more to me than a thousand dollars.

A Thousand Dollars Is Still a Thousand Dollars

But a thousand dollars is still a thousand dollars, so… when I returned to my campsite and found my tent in a soaking heap and my sleeping bag drenched, I threw it all in the trunk, crawled behind the wheel and said to my dream in the passenger seat, “Come on, dream. We’re checking into a hotel. God has upgraded us.”

A good many act as if Jesus came to kill, steal and destroy, but that’s the other guy. Jesus came to heal, fill and restore. Jesus is not a genie whose head we can rub to get what we want. But when our heart aligns with His and His dreams for us re-align our spirit to His, small and great things will spring forth.

This vision you have in your heart? Ask Jesus if it’s from him or the enemy. And if it’s from him, believe he will bring it to life.

 

Bahama Breeze Beta Readers

Bahama Breeze Beta Readers! Email the author for your FREE Advance Review Kindle copy!

ANNA FORTUNE is a government intelligence analyst who longs for tropical sunsets, early morning beach walks, and a man bold enough to steal her heart.

SONNY CAY is a large, lumbering toilet paper salesman with the haunting memory of a girl he loved and lost in high school.

ANNA knows the location of terrorist cells, corrupt politicians and that no man can be trusted to keep his word, wedding date or promise to love forever.

SONNY knows life is for the taking, love for the making and both end all too soon.

So when Anna is ordered to protect a presidential candidate polling in the single digits on a fund-raising junket in the Bahamas, both get a second chance at true love.

He rented the sailboat because he loved her: because all those years ago, she’d stirred him the way no woman ever had. His head told him to run—as did several local Bahamian law officers. His heart and a tropical storm made him stay.

Only the gale force winds of a “Bahama Breeze” can cool the white-hot embers of old flames erupting.

“I can’t remember the last time I laughed out loud while reading a book but I did with Bahama Breeze.” ~ Ann Tatlock, Christy award winning author of Promises to Keep plus lots of other books.

“I love Eddie’s humorous tone. I would SOOO read any thing he writes.” – Michelle Medlock Adams, award-winning journalist and author of . . . . well, lots of books.

Guaranteed to put a smile on your face and twang the strings of your heart. If you enjoy the Bahamas and sailing the Abacos and Exumas you’ll love Bahama Breeze.

Bahama Breeze has been revised post-COVID as a 2022 new release. The” funny, not entertaining, mediocre writing” parts mentioned in reviews have been removed. We kept the characters who were morons. If you own a boat or wish to own a boat, odds are you have met someone like Sonny Cay. In fact, he may be docked in the slip next to you. For the revised edition we invited someone special to perform at the throw back shell beach party. You may know him as an “over-forty victim of fate” often arriving too late for encores.

Jesus Returning in 2033?

Four Horsemen and the years from 2022 to 2025

While researching the underworld and Hell for my latest pirate novel, Down to Davy Jones, I came across these End Time warnings from Jesus in the book of Matthew—and later when Jesus, on his throne, opens the seven seals. Turns out according to Jesus it will get a lot worse—and maybe sooner than we’d like.

Only the Lamb Jesus is worthy of opening the seals and launching the events that follow. When we overlay Matthew 24 with Revelation 6 we get a compact summary of how events might play out in the years ahead.

EVENTSLies Trump Truth—Time Becomes Compressed—Changes Come Quickly

“Watch out that no one deceives you,” Jesus says. “For many will come in my name (representing Jesus) claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ (and perhaps ‘I am with the Messiah’) and will deceive many.” (Matthew 24:4-5) “Many false prophets (teachers, preachers, leaders—a person chosen to speak for God and to guide the people) will appear and deceive many people.” (Matthew 24:11) For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” — Jesus (Matthew 24:24)  “But for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.” (Matthew 24:22)

One example of how lies trump truth comes from judicial rulings. Recently California’s Third District Court of Appeals ruled that bees are fish. Some educators now teach men can get pregnant. Such false teachings and proclamations will increase with a proliferation of signs and wonders of demon spirits that go out among the whole world. (Revelation 16:14).

White Horse—First Seal:  Global War

“Before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.” (Revelation 6:2)

“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.”(Matthew 24:7)“

Wars and conflict began soon after Adam’s fall and continue to this day. But with the opening of the First Seal global conflicts will escalate.

Red Horse—Second Seal:  Revolts, Riots, Protests, Conflict

“Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other.” (Revelation 6:4)

“At that time many will betray and hate each other.(Matthew 24:10) Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold. (Matthew 24:12) You will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death. You will be hated by all nations because of me. (Matthew 24:9)

From mass shootings to genocide to the killing of infants, each year our culture becomes increasingly toxic and hate-filled. Love is called hate and hate is called love. Watch for this trend to continue.

Black Horse—Third Seal: Famines, Inflation, Scarcity

“Before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, “Two pounds of wheat for a day’s wages, and six pounds of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!” (Revelation 6:5-6)

“There will be famines in various places. These are the beginning of birth pains.” (Matthew 24:7-8)

“Compounding the damage from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has magnified the slowdown in the global economy, which is entering what could become a protracted period of feeble growth and elevated inflation, according to the World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report. This raises the risk of stagflation, with potentially harmful consequences for middle-and low-income economies. The recovery from the stagflation of the 1970s required steep increases in interest rates in major advanced economies, which played a prominent role in triggering a string of financial crises in emerging market and developing economies.” – worldbank.org

Pale Horse—Fourth Seal: Death by Disease, Starvation, Murders, Wars, and Beasts

“There before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague (a contagious bacterial disease characterized by fever and delirium and sometimes infection of the lungs) and by the wild beasts of the earth.

From January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021 the COVID-19 pandemic caused approximately 14.9 million deaths. COVID killed a mere 0.75% of the world’s population. Consider what would happen if a quarter of the world’s population were killed over the next decade.

Sixth Seal—Heavenly Calamity 
“He opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind. The heavens receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place.” (Revelation 6:12-13)

“Immediately after the distress of those days . . .

“‘the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light;
the stars will fall from the sky,
and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.'” — Jesus (Matthew 24:29)

Not saying any of this will happen right away. Simply suggesting that reading the Scripture can be a great way to get ideas for a novel—and plan for life after this life.

Steal Our Way Onto a Ship

Mark 2:1-12

A throng of men moved about on the beach, talking in darkness. From the way they gathered in small groups at water’s edge, I concluded they meant to make ready in a fleet of small boats and row into the harbor. To where and for what purpose I could not discern, for not wishing to be discovered, I remained in hiding among a stand of trees.

On the long dock jutting out into the harbor there did not appear to be any sign of a ship preparing to set sail. At least not one of a size I wished to board. It seemed I had missed my chance and arrived too late to make my escape home.

“You were not at the docks as ordered.”

The words of the young woman startled me. Heart racing, I wheeled to find her crouching behind a flowering shrub near the base of palm date tree.

“I waited as long as I dared,” the young woman continued. “When it became clear you would miss our departure I relieved a neighboring fishing vessel of its rowboat. Good thing I did, for had I not, you would have found yourself on a lee shore.”

“But if our ship has sailed why do you stand in these trees?” I replied. “Do you intend to turn me over to the crowd of men by those rowboats?”

“Once I learned the Asklepia meant to move into the next bay and make final preparations for her departure, I rushed here to wait. Those men by those boats? They mean to attack the Asklepia and steal her cargo before she sails.”

“I hardly see how this improves my situation. I reman trapped with no place to hide for the night.”

“When the tide turns the Asklepia will slip away from those murderous thieves without notice. Hurry, now, we’ve not a moment to lose. We must be on our way before we are spied.”

Taking me by the hand, we slipped from the cluster of palms and, crouching low, hurried to what I mistook to be a pile of rocks. At first I thought she meant for us to hide there until the men at the rowboats departed. Without moon and stars and only the faintest of candles in windows on shore, an overwhelming darkness settled upon us. Only as we drew near did I realize that stones had been stacked in such a way as to conceal an overturned dory at the water’s edge.

Quickly we righted the small boat and waded out, taking care to keep lapping breakers from swamping her stern. Once aboard, we found places on the two benches and took up oars. The excitement of escape left my heart pounding, face damp with sweat.

“Remain low if possible,” she said. “And do all you can to keep from splashing. The out-flowing current will carry us around that headland and towards the cove where the Asklepia awaits, but it may also draw us into view of those men.”

Without making a sound, we pulled away from shore and rowed towards the tip of a low strip of land that bracketed one end of the harbor. The young woman’s warning regarding the theft of the Asklepia left me concerned, for I feared we might also be caught up in the attack.

“Tell me, how were you able to escape?”

“How did you know I had become trapped in leper’s home?” I replied.

“From the end of the street I watched until I risked being seen by that mob.”

Though I feared our voices might carry, the young woman no long appeared worried. I suppose by that point she felt confident we would reach the next bay without incident. Keeping my voice low I explained how I had removed tiles in the ceiling and crawled onto the roof of the leper woman’s home.

“Is that not also the way the paralytic was let down?” she asked. “By passing him through a hole in the roof?”

“You know of the story?”

“Only that that a man who could not walk or stand was healed with but words. Nothing like that has ever happened. Were you there? Did you witness his healing?”

I gave my oar another hard pull, taking care to dip it back in without splashing.

“The event took place soon after Jesus entered Capernaum. The Teacher had come to his home town. Many knew him as a boy, others as a young man. To find the son of Joseph now going about healing all who came to him caused many to doubt his authority and claims to be from the Father. He later explained to his disciples that a prophet is never honored in his home town. I myself have found his words to be true. It seems those who know us best and have known us longest cannot recognize the greatness others see in us.”

“You speak as though someone much wiser than your years.”

“By walking with and listening to the Teacher one cannot help but gain knowledge and wisdom.”

“Look,” she said pointing behind us. “Those men appear to be pushing off from shore. Keep down.”

Though we did not stop rowing, we ceased talking, and continued to make our way down the finger of land until at last we rounded its rocky tip. Only then, as we made our turn, did the orange glow of the moon below the horizon frame the monstrous shape of a large vessel anchored in a bay.

“That’s her,” the young woman said. “That’s the Asklepia.”

“She is large. Much more so than I expected.”

“Her cargo demands it. Tell me plain, how did the man come to walk?”

“By that evening so many had gathered in the home of Simon that there was no room left, not even outside the door. As most times, the Teacher preached the word to all who would listen. As he did so, four men brought a crippled man on a mat. How he arrived at his condition, I do not know, but his countenance showed him to be someone with little hope. No matter, his friends had hope enough, for when they could not pass through the crowd due to its size, they made an opening in the roof.”

“How I wish I had such friends,” the young woman replied.

“I do… in my home town. This is why I so urgently wish to return. Some of the men I know best witnessed the four friends digging through the roof and lowering the man on the mat.”

“Is that when he was healed?”

“They laid him at the feet of the Teacher. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

“What an odd thing to say to a man who cannot walk.”

“The teachers of the law thought as much, as well. Sensing in his spirit that they questioned his authority to forgive sins, the Teacher turned to question them. I have since learned that Jesus knows the hearts of all, even our unspoken words.”

In my excitement at seeing the ship, I became distracted and banged the boat’s side with my oar. It slipped from my hand, making a loud splash.

“You there,” came a shout from the side of the ship. “Identify yourself!”

“We must make haste,” she whispered. “Row faster.”

“But we have been spotted.”

“Yes. And if we do not move quickly we will be sunk.”

Behind us rowboats launched. Avoiding waves breaking over rocks near shore, the fleet of small boats soon reached calmer water and began to close the distance between us. Two vessels peeled away from the others. I soon saw that they were much larger and more heavily manned. The two crews meant to intercept us before we could reach the ship.

“Word aboard the Asklepia is that pirates would attempt to board at the turning of the tide,” said the young woman. “Her crew fears an attack will come while the men were making preparations to get under way. We must reach her stern and remain out of sight before the crew of the Asklepia mistake us for thieves.”

With the moon beginning to peak over the rim of horizon and the current shifting seaward, our efforts to remain concealed appeared dim.

“But we are thieves,” I protested. “You stole this rowboat.”

“But our intentions are noble. The intentions of those men in those boats are nefarious at best and deadly at worst.”

Her words of impending danger rang true for, aboard the Asklepia lines were pulled, sails loosened.

“Keep a sharp eye out, men,” the call came from the Asklepia, “and have your weapons at the ready. The attack will come from astern.”

On we rowed, hidden only now and then by large boulders rising from the bay’s shimmering surface. On deck figures moved about quickly. The two rowboats meant to intercept us struggled against the tide. Had we rowed into the current, as they attempted, we might have struggled also. But the young woman knew the ways of the water. She had taken a less direct route, choosing to allow the tide to carry us sideways, past the ship and through the field of rocks and boulders as if floating out to sea. I now saw that she meant to let the Asklepia come to us.

From aloft a second voice called from the Asklepia, “You there, stand off! Stand off!”

The Asklepia, gigantic and towering above us groaned to life, her timbers creaking as sails were let down.

“Who are you? What do you want?” called a man called to us. “Make your intentions known.”

From behind and much closer than before, one of the men from the fleet of rowboats replied, “We have come to take possession of your vessel. If you abandon her, you will not be harmed. If you resist, every man aboard will be cut down.”

Relieved, I exhaled. We had not been spotted. The crew of the Asklepia had fixed their sights on the thieves rowing up from behind.

For several seconds silence fell across the water. Only the lapping of our oars disturbed the stillness.

The young woman placed her hand on mine and pulled me up. “Now we will go.”

I did not understand. Go where? Only when she began to crawl over the side and slip into the water did her purpose become clear.

“Surrender or we will fire,” a man from the rowboats called.

Leaving my oar in the floor of the rowboat, I slipped over and lowered myself into chilly water.

“If you do not retire at once,” came the call from the Asklepia, every one not cut down by the sword will be hanged. I command you to disperse!”

With her anchor up, the Asklepia began to move, turning towards open water. The young woman shoved the rowboat away from us, presenting it as a decoy.

From the lead rowboat a man called, “We’ve come to take possession of your ship. If you give up peaceably, you will not be harmed, but put ashore at the first available island. Resist and we will show no mercy.”

By swimming with only our heads above water and doing so without making hardly any noise at all, we soon placed ourselves before and slightly to starboard of the Asklepia. On her current heading she would run over us.

From directly above us a man shouted from the Asklepia,“Archers to the ready!”

The bow of the great ship shaved past so close I could have touched her hull.

“For safety she will be trailing a stern line for those who may be swept overboard,” the young woman whispered. “You have one chance to grab it. See that you do.”

“And you?” I asked.

“I will remain behind.”

“No,” I replied. “We go together.”

“My home is here.”

“But you know the sea. Please. I do not wish to attempt this alone.”

Sensing my desperation, she kicked hard, coming along side to join me in the swift-moving current.

Kicking feverishly, we fell into the wake of the Asklepia. Immediately I became entangled in the rope she warned of. With both hands, I pulled myself along until I could touch the Asklepia’s rudder.

I feared the young woman might change her mind, but she kept to her word. Panting, the two of us dangling from the beneath the great bulk of the Asklepia stern. For a long while we said nothing, only listened as the men above raced about in preparation for the attack to come. Then…

“Do tell me how the man came to walk,” she said.

The whooshing of water slicing past the hull offered some cover for our conversation but I remained fearful we would be discovered.

“Are you not worried we will seen?” I asked. “Heard?”

“Arrows will soon fly. Some lit. It may yet be that the thieves overtake the Asklepia. Once the attack comes, her crew will be distracted. We will attempt to make our way aboard then. If unsuccessful, we may not get another chance to speak.”

“Very well. With the paralyzed man at his feet, the Teacher turned to the teachers of the law and asked, ‘Which is easier to say?  “Your sins are forgiven,” or to say, “Get up, take your mat and walk?” But so you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins, I tell this man, “Get up! Take your mat and go home.” At this the man got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. The people were so amazed that they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

“No, I suppose they had not. Nor I. Where can I find this man Jesus?”

Before I could reply a head appeared close above us.

“You there, below! Identify yourself!”

“I am John Mark,” the young woman replied. “I have stolen aboard to deliver an important message for the owner of this ship.”

“You know my name?” I whispered.

“Tell the captain and owner what you told me. Tell it exactly as you told me. Then pray he spares you your life. . . . and the lives of his precious cargo.”

With that she let go of the rope and dropped into the sea.

 

See it. Sow it. Speak it. Reap it.

Book Marketing Jesus' Way

Out of your heart are the issues of life, both good and bad. Keep you heart safe with all diligence. Guard it. Pray God’s protection over your heart. (Proverbs 4:23)

Lord, out of the desires of our hearts seeds are conceived. With our mouths we sow both good seed and bad. From within our hearts, by faith,  we bless what we have sown.

If we sow bad seed and bless it with bitter water, we will reap a harvest of disappointment. If we envision evil and sow seeds of corruption, we will bring forth death, rotten fruit, and decay. (James 1:15) 

May it not be so, Lord. We ask you to remove all imperfect seeds. May only your seeds of life live within out hearts. We confess right now, right here, that you have sown good seed in our hearts and will continue to sow seeds for tomorrow and the days to come.

My heart is rich, fertile soil. I declare that I am careful to sow only what is pure, good, and honors you. I will know the seeds sown in my heart by the fruit that tumbles off my lips.

I have and will continue to sow abundance in my heart. I have and will continue to speak life to my books—each and every one.

Lord, you asks, “What is it you want?” I see a harvest ripe with good sales, good reviews, and readers whose lives are changed by the words you placed within my heart. I sow your words. I speak your words. I reap a harvest from your words and expect abundance to be my reward.

Amen and amen.