The Elijah Mandate

By Lisa Worthey Smith

Selah Award finalist and Kops Fetherling International Book Award recipient, this political conspiracy suspense thriller, weaves the headlines of today with the Scriptures of old.
A recent law school graduate, Eliana lands her dream job but finds it saturated with malicious corruption. Her boss, a powerful Supreme Court Justice, is part of a nefarious plan that will dismantle America as we know it. If she keeps quiet, she might survive, but far too much is at stake for that.
With her life in peril, a prophecy about Eliana becomes reality. She lives out a parallel story to that of her namesake, Elijah, complete with rampant evil, epic power struggles, and the mandate to trust Almighty God no matter the cost.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lisa Worthey Smith
• Release date: Oct 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9781736160343

Lisa Worthey Smith

Multiple award-winning and Amazon bestselling author, Lisa Worthey Smith, weaves stories brimming with faith, hope, and love. She draws from her many years as a Bible student and Bible study leader for both profound and simple layers that add spiritual depth to the canvas. Her passion is sharing biblical truths in such a way that readers gain a fresh understanding of how the Word of God is relevant to their lives.Lisa and her high school sweetheart husband are empty-nesting in north Alabama where she serves as president of North Alabama Word Weavers, tends her hummingbird garden, and tippy taps on her keyboard with a cup of Earl Grey beside her.

Book preview

The Elijah Mandate

Plunged into danger.

Facing down the enemy.

Praying for a miracle.

A political conspiracy thriller

by bestselling and award-winning author,

Lisa Worthey Smith

The Elijah Mandate Copyright 2020 by Lisa Worthey Smith. All Rights Reserved.

Kerysso Press. Published by Kerysso Press at Smashwords

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts up to 250 words in a review.

Visit KeryssoPress.blogspot.com and search the books tab to find a link to The Elijah Mandate press kit.

Cover design Kerysso Press

Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB),

Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973,

1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org

This book is partly biblical fiction—based on the true story of Elijah in 1 and 2 Kings—and partly a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Other than the story of Elijah, any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Lisa Worthey Smith

Visit my website at www.LisaWortheySmith.com

KeryssoPress.blogspot.com

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each book goes to charity.

This book is also available in print at most major retailers.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

Table of Contents

Reviews

Dedication

Preface

Prologue

Chapter One

Scripture

About the Author

More Books by Lisa Worthey Smith

Reviews

Intrigue. Danger. A lot to lose. A lot to gain. Such is the plot of The Elijah Mandate revealing the creative writing and mind of Lisa Worthey Smith. Smith continues to produce award winning books which include significant messages of hope in God and trust in His plan. The Elijah Mandate draws you in and won’t let you go. I was hooked early on.

KATHY COLLARD MILLER, author of over 50 books including God’s Intriguing Questions: 60 New Testament Devotions Revealing Jesus’s Nature

"Faith and values intertwined in a political thriller that will keep you turning the pages. Expertly compared to Eliana, Lisa Smith connected Elijah's biblical journey to a fictional, yet credible, story of today.

I highly recommend this book! It is a must read for those who enjoy Christian thrillers and suspense.

SANDI HERRON, author

Thought-provoking, exciting, and timely. The author wove history and present circumstances together in an amazing way. I'll be thinking about this one for a long time.

SHERRI STEWART, author

Superb! A fast-paced political thriller based on Eliana, a modern-day Elijah. The web of deceit is spread far and wide, all the way up to the Supreme Court. Lisa Smith has skillfully woven an exciting and timely tale of deception and intrigue. The faith and obedience of both Elijah and Eliana are inspirational to us all.

T. HOLLAND

WOW! I couldn’t put this book down. The biblical story of Elijah set in the headlines of today kept me turning just one more page. I pray, along with Eliana, that God would ‘Let my remaining days be fully and wholly dedicated to serving You, no matter the obstacles that seem overwhelming.’

S. TILLEY

Such an intriguing and thought-provoking book. Lisa Smith, using events in the life of the prophet Elijah, provides a deeper insight into our present societal circumstances. I had a hard time putting this book down!

HANNAH CAMERON, educator

Dedicated to all those

who mourn over the evil in the world,

who look to God for direction,

and to those who are equipping them

to complete their mandate,

no matter the cost.

Preface

A nation turned its back on God, routinely sacrificed babies, drenched themselves in moral depravity, and trivialized their sins. Years ago, those practices described Israel. God used Elijah to remind that country of His sovereign authority.

Today, in the United States, similar sins run rampant. The call to eliminate God and continue in this new normal, rings louder daily.

The Elijah Mandate weaves today’s headlines and trends into a modern-day Elijah story, where God uses one girl to remind America of His sovereignty.

I pray this story provides a glimpse of how powerful and steadfast the God of Elijah and His Word remain today. It is my fervent prayer that you will seek Him, listen to Him, and allow Him to use you, perhaps in ways you never imagined.

Lisa

Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

The Elijah Mandate

By

Lisa Worthey Smith

Prologue

Forty-eight years earlier

On their wedding day, Eliana’s grandparents, Milton and Patricia, waited in separate rooms at the church for the ceremony to begin. A mutual friend delivered the following note to the bride from the groom.

My dearest Patricia,

From the moment I heard you playing the organ at Harvard-Epworth United Methodist Church, I knew you were special. When I spoke to you after the service that Sunday, I hoped you wouldn’t find this clumsy law student terribly offensive. To my great surprise and relief, you agreed to meet me on the Commons for lunch the following day. Our daily talks evolved into prayer sessions where we beseeched God to lead us to make decisions that glorified Him. Those talks and prayers only made me love you more.

I’m so thankful God led us to build our lives together. I count it a blessing from Him to have you by my side. You are a treasure beyond comparison, a gift from heaven.

Today, we meet again in the same church to be united as Mr. and Mrs. Moore. No matter what the days hold, I will be beside you to support you, to love and cherish you, and to work alongside you as we build a home filled with children, laughter, music, and love—a home, that will honor God above all.

As I eagerly await you joining me in holy matrimony before God and man, I send you this note with this pearl necklace. The pearls will fade in comparison to your beauty, but I send it as a token of my unending love for you,

Milton

~~

Milton, dearest,

I love you with all my heart, but I cannot possibly accept such an extravagant gift. Until you set up your practice, we will need that money for living expenses. I love you dearly, but must ask that you exchange this for something more practical.

I will see you at the end of the aisle. I will wear my smile filled with love, and look forward to seeing yours today and for years to come. Your smile is all I need.

Patricia.

~~

Patricia,

I reiterate my undying love but will not grant you this request. I will not return it for something practical any more than I would marry a wealthy girl to appease my parents. Let us begin our marriage with one extravagant gift and the prayer that God will grant us many years of extravagant love.

Milton

P.S. My smile awaits yours.

Chapter One

Eliana fingered the pearls around her neck while she waited for her turn to walk to the stage. The necklace, a symbol of her grandparents’ extravagant love, would be with her for her law school graduation, even if they couldn’t.

As she neared the steps to the platform, her cellphone buzzed in her hip pocket, but it would have to wait. Eliana checked the tassel on her mortarboard, stepped up to the stage, and strode toward the dean of the Law School to accept her diploma. She received the treasured Juris Doctor certificate with her left hand, exchanged a handshake with the dean with her right hand, and held the pose while the official photographer snapped a photo.

Woohoo, Ellie. Way to go, a voice blasted from the audience.

She cringed, blushed, and hoped her brother wouldn’t embarrass her with anything more than that. Her mother had probably already elbowed him for the outburst. Her brother—adorable, fun-loving, but still a little too loud and brash. He’ll grow out of it one day, I hope. Eventually. Surely one day it will happen.

Her left hand clutched the leathery cover close to her heart, restraining the multitude of cords dangling from her neck from bouncing with every step. Head up, confidence beamed from Eliana’s face with every stride. After years of study and work, her long-time dream of being a lawyer, finally became a reality. The only hurdle remaining, to pass the bar exam.

Brace yourself, world, here I come.

Her eyes brimmed with tears. Daddy and Granddaddy would be so proud. They both wanted her to go to law school and join them in their law practice, but Eliana begged her granddaddy to request a position for her with his college friend, Justice Abram, in the US Supreme Court.

He pretended that he would not, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he did send a letter of recommendation to Abram before he died. At least I hope he did. It would be a place where I could make a difference, especially with the turmoil in the news every day.

While the names of other graduates echoed in the grand auditorium, another series of vibrations rumbled in her pocket. How rude would it be to check the message, while the rest receive their diplomas? Come on. If not outright rude, at least disrespectful. They deserve my attention for their moment of recognition. It can wait.

The woo-hoos rang out again at the end of the ceremony, and the new graduates congratulated one another and searched the crowd for their families. Through the chaos, Eliana heard her mother’s sweet voice. Honey, I am so proud of you.

Eliana turned to the side and into her mother’s open arms.

Your daddy and granddaddy would be so proud.

I hope so, Mom. I couldn’t help but wonder if they were able to look down and see this.

Her mother’s chin trembled. She pressed her lips between her teeth. I hope so, sweetheart. I really do. J.T. and Daddy loved you so.

Great job, Sis. Johnny tossed her cords up in her face.

Eliana grabbed his hands to stop the nonsense. Thanks. Heard you cheering for me.

Had to cheer on my older sister. It’s what brothers do.

Really? I seem to remember—

Come on. I can’t let you to get too much of a big head. He flopped her mortarboard from the back, pushing the front down into her eyes, then ducked in anticipation of retaliation.

Johnny. Eliana reconsidered delivering the jab he deserved and smirked. I love you, kiddo.

Love ya too, Johnny added with a wink and that impish smile that allowed him to get away with far too much.

Their mother interrupted, Come on, you two. Let’s go celebrate.

Sounds good to me. Johnny turned to leave. Wait ‘til you see the cake she made for you.

Mom. You didn’t have to do that. With all you’ve had to deal with these last few weeks—

Her mother grabbed her hand. I wanted to, sweetheart. I can’t give you much, but I wanted this day to be as special as I could make it.

Eliana embraced her mother with a long deep hug for the strength and support she provided. Widowed years ago, Grace had just buried her father, Milton, a few weeks ago but still worked to make this day special for her daughter. Mom, you being here for me all my life, not just today, makes it special. More special than you know.

~~

The guests at the graduation party oohed and ahhed when Eliana’s mom paraded from the kitchen with the stunning cake, topped with the scales of justice. She added her confectionary creation to the dining table already teeming with finger foods. The well-wishers took turns congratulating Eliana, quizzing Johnny about his college options, and offering to do anything they could to help her mother. The blessing of friends overflowed in their home—this time with joy.

After everyone had their fill of cake and snacks, Eliana opened cards filled with heartfelt congratulations, money, and gift cards. When the crowd dwindled, she summoned Johnny to help her clean up so their mother could rest.

In the kitchen, the brother and sister reminisced about childhood memories and wished their dad could have seen the events of the day. The cancer had taken J.T. quickly, years ago, when Eliana was thirteen.

Their granddaddy, Milton, made sure they didn’t lack anything. But a few weeks ago, a sudden heart attack took him, too. With both law firm partners gone, no one knew quite what to do about Moore and Barrington law firm. Their mother had worked as a secretary there most of her adult life. What would she do without that income?

Granddaddy always told me he left the Barrington name in the law firm after Daddy died, because he hoped I would join the practice after law school. I guess I could, after I pass the bar. I had hoped …

Eliana paused the conversation when she remembered her phone vibration earlier in the day. She pulled her cell out of her pocket, swiped it open, and turned up the volume. The notifications included two missed calls from a 202-area code, and one message. Eliana played the voice mail and leaned against the countertop.

An admirer, sis? Johnny perched on the counter, fluttered his eyelids, and fanned his face like a swooning Southern belle.

Shh. It’s important. Her eyes widened and her face flushed.

What is it, Ellie? Johnny frowned.

Just a minute. She shifted the phone to her left ear and used her right hand to find a pencil and take notes.

When she pulled it back from her ear, she squealed. I got the job. They want me to start by the first of the month. Your big sister is going to work for a Supreme Court justice. In D.C.

Let’s go tell Mom.

Johnny reached her first and jostled the back of her chair to rouse her from her nap.

What? Grace blinked at her wide-eyed children. What’s wrong?

Eliana held out her phone and replayed the voicemail for her. Eliana and Johnny froze in place, watching their mother’s expression while the message played.

Grace’s eyes grew big, then teared as the voice requested Eliana to report to work. She clapped her hands. What a blessing, dear child. You will be a wonderful asset to the justice and to the court. I’m so happy for you. She pulled Eliana’s hands into hers and squeezed them. God has heard and answered.

Johnny paused his happy dance and woo-hooing. Can we turn her room into a workout room?

Eliana put her hands on her hips. You’re headed to college in the fall yourself. Leave my room alone.

Grace interrupted, God gave you both to me, and I will always have room for my babies here. As a matter of fact, I might bring out the baby pictures and—

Mom. Please. No. Johnny rolled his eyes.

You do what you want, Mom. I’ll keep Johnny in line. Somebody has to.

You know that’s God’s job. I’m counting on Him to keep you both in line. You both had better keep in mind whose you are and whose name you carry, wherever you go.

Johnny leaned near Eliana and whispered, Here comes the righteousness speech, then shuffled away from them. Think I’ll go plan my workout room while you two summon the power of God to eliminate all evil from the world.

Don’t you want to be in on the plan? Eliana asked.

I got it already. Where have you been? Johnny waved to them as he left the room.

~~

In Eliana’s first few days in the nation’s capital, she found an apartment in a safe area, obtained her security card from human resources, then took a tourist tour to get her bearings in the Supreme Court building. This Greek style temple of the law boasted huge Alabama marble spiral staircases and massive bronze doors on the western entrance which led into the courtroom. Whole forests