Beyond the Flesh

By James W. Murphy

Step into the unseen realm. The eternal realm, as depicted by the most powerful angel in all Gods creation. Michael was one of the first host created by God. This book tells how one of the most beloved angelic beings ever created struggled with the loss of one of his fellow cherubs Lucifer, and how that struggle ultimately thrust him into his destiny. Told from a heavenly perspective, Beyond the Flesh will open your eyes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Feb 5, 2013
• ISBN: 9781449781897

James W. Murphy

JAMES W. MURPHY, a Certified Fund Raising Executive, is Managing Program Director at the Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF). Active in ecumenical collaborations, he works with congregations, dioceses, and other Episcopal organizations to grow their endowments and develop their planned giving programs and various philanthropic efforts and resources. He holds a Masters in Christian Spirituality from General Theological Seminary, and a Bachelors from NYU’s Stern School of Business. He is a member of the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) and the Philanthropic Planning Group of Greater New York (PPGGNY). He lives in New Jersey.

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Copyright © 2013 James W. Murphy.

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Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-4497-8188-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-8189-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013900578

WestBow Press rev. date: 2/6/2013

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

The Surprise

Chapter 2

Pride And Jealousy Consume

Chapter 3

The Rebellion Begins

Chapter 4

Hell Is Created

Chapter 5

The Beginning: Genesis

Chapter 6

Fellowship And Foolishness

Chapter 7

Reign Of Terror

Chapter 8

Earth Divided

Chapter 9

The Promise

Chapter 10

The Prophet

Chapter 11

The Lord Becomes A Man

Chapter 12

The War In Heaven

Chapter 13

Demonic Revenge

Chapter 14

The End Times

CHAPTER 1

The Surprise

IT WAS A VERY long time ago, at the very dawn of the ages, when Elohim created the heavens and the earth. It was at this time, while the earth was still formless and empty, that darkness stretched over the surface of the great deep, but the Spirit of Elohim dwelled over the great emptiness. He spoke, and out of His mouth came life itself. In the beginning, He started with the heavens and the realm of His Spirit.

I am Michael, the archangel, and this is how it all began. I have been a servant in Elohim’s temple for as long as I can remember. When I was brought forth, I was chosen to be a ministering spirit near the throne of the Master. There were multitudes of others who were also chosen with me to minister to Elohim. We were constantly before the Master, worshipping Him for His glory. I felt such honor to be in such a prominent position. After all, we existed because of the infinite wisdom and divine care Elohim took in creating us.

Among those immediately before the Master’s throne was a minister by the name of Lucifer. He was one of the Lord’s highest and most beautiful hosts. He, like Gabriel and me, was given charge of one-third of the entire realm of heaven. He hovered above Elohim’s throne like a glistening, crystal-clear chandelier over a ballroom. He was constantly proclaiming the Lord’s glory to all the inhabitants of heaven. He was, by far, the greatest sight to see in all of the Lord’s creation.

All you inhabitants of heaven and all you creatures of the Lord, praise Him who established these heavens and worship Him who made these things so, Lucifer proclaimed.

The sound of multitudes rose up from the foundation. It sounded like a mighty waterfall crashing against the rocks after hard, heavy rains have flooded the Amazon.

May the Lord receive glory, honor, and praise, for He has done great things, and He is worthy to receive our worship, Lucifer exalted.

At this, all the ministers of heaven fell on their faces before the Lord and His throne, worshipping Elohim with all their being. This is how things were in the beginning. There was nothing but peace, joy, unity, and love. This is how it was from the day that the Lord Almighty had created us. It lasted for thousands of years.

One day, those of us who were immediately before the throne were dismissed. We were able to roam freely and mingle with the rest of the angels, who were allowed more liberty to do as they wanted; their positions did not require as much responsibility as we who served in the temple. You see, in heaven, there are many positions which angels occupy. Some, like me, serve in the temple. Others tend the gardens, and still others are musicians, and so on.

On this particular day, I decided to go to the great river that flowed from the Lord’s throne to wash my feet. This river sprang forth from the throne and traveled throughout the whole of heaven. While I washed my feet, I gazed at the beauty of the Lord’s temple. It was made of pure, translucent gold, adorned with beautiful stones like jasper, sardis, emeralds, and pearls. As I was in awe at