Jackson has met Cindy and he has changed all of his priorities. Cindy comes from a good family, but they are not Christians. They are a close family and seem to be morally good people, but they worship a different God than Jackson does. They live in a nice neighborhood and are friends with influential people. Jackson is not sure he will fit in, but he really likes Cindy and she likes him. She knows very little about him and is anxious for him to meet her family. They hang out around each other at school every day and even arranged it so they can have classes together. There is, however, a battle going on in Jackson’s mind and it is making him miserable. Surmano is doing his best to intercept the thoughts that are constantly attacking Jackson, but there seems to be reinforcements sent to attack this young man. Ishnea swoops in and stops next to Surmano and says, “We really need to be on guard and try to influence Jackson’s prayer life. I saw something today I did not expect to see. I saw Strago watching at a distance. “Who, what. Did you say Strago? What could he possibly be doing here?” Ishnea remembers a time centuries ago when Strago got involved and that was the beginning of the dark ages. He is crafty, powerful and a master tactician. If he is here then something is happening that we need to be on our guard. Surmano asks, “Did you see any demons hanging around him?” I saw the spirit of lust and greed and another one that I couldn’t identify because he went by so fast”. Ishnea went on to say, “He was colorful and had a voice that was soothing and captivating.” Surmano said, “Don’t you remember who that is? He is the spirit of seduction. He is the same one sent to Herod’s daughter to dance before Herod and then asked for the head of John the Baptist.” This brought a flood of thoughts to both of their minds and they knew this was serious. There would be no rest and they must do everything they can to open the way for the Holy Spirit to work unhindered in this young man’s life.
Jackson and Cindy are inseparable and they are looking for more and more opportunities to be alone. Lust is constantly hanging around and as quickly as he comes in he is gone. Just a few thoughts thrown into Jackson’s mind and then he is gone. There was a time when Jackson would resist the evil and it would flee, but he is becoming lax in his prayer life and this is opening the door for something to happen. Cindy has a car, but Jackson doesn’t so he keeps putting off letting her know who is really is and how poor he is. The spirit of pride follows last and each time he attacks and makes Jackson ashamed of who he is. Jackson doesn’t want to tell her the truth so he makes up a story about his car was wrecked and is in the shop. He told her he is spending a little more than he wanted, but it is a classic and he wants to make sure it is done right. The Holy Spirt is grieved when Jackson makes up these stories and he moves in his heart causing Jackson to hesitate for a moment before he continues. Jackson convinces himself that the lies are not bad and he also tells himself God will forgive and understand. These are lies from the enemy and they are beginning to take their toll.
Michael calls for Surmano and Ishena to report to the throne room. He sends several of his personal warriors to watch over Pearl and Jackson while they are away. “Report: Michael says. “Tell me what is happening and who is involved?” Ishnea has been in multiple battles under Michael’s command and is comfortable speaking. “There seems to be an intense focus on Jackson and we believe attacks are imminent on Pearl. Can you tell us why hell is so concerned about this young man?” Michael only knows what the Father and son will reveal to him. He has never questioned them or tried to get more information from them unless they volunteer to give it. It is easy to trust the Trinity because they have never failed. They specialize in last minute deliveries, but they are only last minute because no one knows what is next. This is one of the things that really frustrates the demons of hell. They can only speculate and they never think like God. Their leader is full of pride and is power hungry and because of this he makes a lot of mistakes. Michael continues, “What are we doing to counteract lust and pride?” Surmano immediately answers with a confidence that borders arrogance. “We are stressing prayer and trust”. How you are doing that, Michael asks. We are trying to surround him with godly young people through a Christian sports club. It appears to be working”. Michael looks them both in the eye and says, “All I know is that the father has given Jackson some very special gifts and is expecting great things out of him. Surmano, Jackson is just a piece of the puzzle.’ Michael turns slightly and yells, “Kurios. Come here!” A quick agile angel with a sparkling smile and charismatic personality is immediately by his side jumping up and down and from side to side. “Kurios, this is Surmano and Ishnea. They will be a part of your future assignment. It is not the right time to reveal that to you, but the time is near and you must be ready.” Surmano and Ishnea look at each other and smile. “Now” Michael says, “both of you get back to your assignment and keep me informed. I will be watching and will make sure I let Strago know I am watching” As fast as they arrived they are gone. They arrive back in the life of pearl and Jackson and settle in for the battles ahead.