This Means War!: The Faith Fight Series, #2

By Lorna Jackie Wilson

In a systemic era where the nation seemed to have forgotten the biblical standards set forth by Father God, tensions were high. Families struggled to maintain normalcy amid immorality and injustice. Seth and Gloria Echols were no exception. Like other families that stood on the Word of God, they purposed to do the same. Yet, as the nation began to tear away from the very heart of God, they faced yet another crisis; their marriage was falling apart. With battlegrounds both at home and nationally, how would they sustain the normalcy that modeled the definition of Christianity in the face of a national crisis? Corruption had crept its way into nearly every facet of government and legislation. The media filled the airwaves with misleading propaganda. Someone had to take a stand! Something had to be done to turn the hearts of people back to Father God. As Seth and Gloria began to stand in agreement with the church, i.e., the Ekklesia, there was a shift in their posture of prayer. Yet, how would their marriage be restored and how would the Ekklesia dispel the rising trend of gross darkness in cultural norms? This Means War is founded on Matthew 11:12 AMP "From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize]."

• Language: English
• Publisher: ButterflyLornaJ
• Release date: Feb 9, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201130169

Lorna Jackie Wilson

LORNA JACKIE WILSON is an author from Detroit, Michigan. She has an affinity for lyrical poetry, spoken-word, and courageous conversations that speak to conditions in foster care. She has lived in Michigan most of her life outside of enlistment in the United States Army. She has four beautiful children who support her writing and encourage its continuance. Lorna says, "My family is such an inspiration to me in all of my endeavors and I sincerely appreciate and love them dearly." Lorna's journey continues as she gives back by speaking about foster care experiences and overcoming obstacles. She retired from public education in 2019 and is the founder and owner of Black Butterfly Books LLC. She holds master's degrees in Business Education and Information Technology and often utilizes graphic design to bring her writings to life. Lorna says, "But more importantly, I find myself in awe, as I watch God organize my thoughts and convey those things that I could never do alone. My prayer is to inspire someone, in some way, in an area where they need it most."

Book preview

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

WITH SINCERE APPRECIATION , I acknowledge my family. They hold special significance in my heart, and I will always love and cherish them. I am thankful that they have a sincere appreciation for hard work and education. As they studied and worked hard to accomplish their own personal goals, they were also very supportive of me and one another. They are truly unique individuals with creative and/or charismatic personalities. They are my inspiration to write, and I am blessed and honored to call them my own. Thank you, family. I love you!

I acknowledge my pastors, Apostle Ellis and Pastor Maria Y. Smith, founders and pastors of Jubilee City Church. With guiding principles that clearly set the bar for kingdom living, Jubilee City Church is an awesome expression of Father God's heart for His people. Apostle Ellis and Pastor Maria have a special anointing on their lives and under their leadership, the Word of God is illuminated.

This is a church where the vision and core values of the ministry are clearly defined through sound doctrine and biblical teachings. This is complemented by an anointed team of ministers and a sincere atmosphere of praise and worship. I am thankful for the leaders of Jubilee City Church and the cultivation of a full worship experience that is authentic, inspiring, and life-changing!

FOREWORD

IN THE HEART of God is great purpose for the Church or Ekklesia in which Jesus gave His life, so he would have a legislative body in the earth. Birthed after His Ascension, the intent was to form a special people who would transform from darkness to light and from weak to powerful, becoming a holy nation. The assignment is to make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them, and teaching them a new way of life.

What we see most often today regarding the church, is a building structure containing people and a plethora of activities, which may represent God but oftentimes do not. If we are void of a deeper understanding of the intentions of God for the church, we will be counter-productive in carrying out the power given to us by Christ, to impact the world we live in. Church membership must go way beyond people listed on a membership roll but its members should become those blood-bought members who are true disciples of Jesus Christ who have been empowered to have dominion in the earth. 

For as long as I remember I have been a member of the institution called church and as I recall there has been a great impact on my life personally, but also, I’ve had some unanswered questions about some of the practices, as well as dismay regarding the declining of today’s church. However, as of late more eyes have been opened to see clearly what the church is not supposed to be and why we need to change. The members of the church or Body of Christ need to advance in maturity, using the many keys given to us by the Lord, one being love as Christ has loved us.

The author, Lorna Jackie Wilson, has received insight from God to address in her writings the ails of today’s church with solutions that every believer must learn to walk in, the power of true forgiveness. Yet, most of us have either been hurt by church as we know it or been the cause of someone else’s hurt. There are unfolding keys on how to rectify some of the issues that could arise and impair a congregation. As you peer closely at each word, each page, each chapter, you experience the beauty of the writer’s solutions coming into focus to demonstrate how to work through difficult times. 

If only every member of the church would receive a revelation of their personal responsibility to be a fruitful member of their congregation and become an enhancer and advancer, not a disrupter and liability. I believe greater days are in store for the Ekklesia to respond favorably and biblically to each test, trial, or tribulation they will experience moving forward. Let’s read the content of This Means War, with a teachable heart and then embrace the message so we can move forward with victory as agents of change.

—  Pastor Maria Y. Smith, Jubilee City Church

DEDICATION

MY MOTHER, ACIE Lee Spraddling, was a prayer warrior for Christ. She held a strong belief in the power of prayer; this was demonstrated in her lifestyle of holy living and the application of biblical principles. Mama Acie’s example was a clear indicator of kingdom living here on earth. As one of several foster children living in her home, I came to admire her and desired to know Christ as she knew Him. Oftentimes, when she prayed in her home, other prayer warriors would join her on a telephone call; the power of prayer permeated her home through the Word of God and the speaking of other tongues. When prayers went forth, I knew strongholds were being destroyed in the Spirit realm and barriers were being broken. The power of God was truly present in the house and since Mama Acie demonstrated holy living at home and at church, everyone who knew her, knew that she stood for a lifestyle that exemplified Christianity.

Of course, trials and tribulations came to test her faith. Yet, she stood firm against the wiles of the enemy. She anointed her home with oil, entered her prayer closet, and would plead the blood of Jesus over anything that did not align itself with biblical principles. Moreover, Mama Acie knew that her strength in Christ was made stronger when two or three believers gathered together in His name. There was a sincere sense of unity and love one for another among the prayer warriors. So, when the troubles of life became heavy or too hard to bear, Mama reached out to her team of prayer warriors; the women were immovable as a unified body of believers. I longed to stand as strong as those women in the face of adversity and in the power of His might. Undoubtedly, Mama Acie’s life cast a light that shined so brightly, her good works were illuminated. I glorified Father God for showing Himself strong in her. Truly, God drew me to Him through her. So, I gave my life to Christ and my life has never been the same. This Means War is dedicated to Mama Acie Lee Spraddling, a prayer warrior for Christ. I envision her sounding the shofar as the children of God march home to Glory! Thank you, Mama Acie for your life, your love, and your example of kingdom living — and thank you Father God for placing her in my life. Although the time with her was short, the impact will last a lifetime!

Shofar

PROLOGUE (Sound the Shofar!)

We Are Soldiers in the Army of the Lord!

We Are Soldiers in the Army of the Lord. We brandish the weapons of our Father to sever and restore. We are more than conquerors. Yet, our warfare is not carnal. With a posture of authority, through Him, it’s insurmountable. Prayer warriors for Christ, enacting purpose through His Word. Clad with zeal as a cloak, essential armor that we gird. With the prayers of the saints, preparing for battle here on earth, the Ekklesia builds upon the Rock, which is His church.

We pray with fervor! We do not faint! His Comforter gives us strength. We will win, for we’re the saints that take direction, Heaven sent. We are strategic as we learn. We pray and listen as we wait. As His lamp within us burns, His virtue is our breastplate. With a helmet of salvation placed upon our heads, intercession shakes the ground, for on one accord, we tread.

We Are Soldiers in the Army of the Lord. Prayer warriors in the Spirit, we wield a mighty sword! With our loins girded about, we trim the lamps and keep them burning. We are partakers of His nature and vessels for His learning. We stand on truth. We do not fear, for the battle is not ours. We slay the enemy of deception through His strength, His might, and power!

We watch with vigil; we fast and pray. Soon, the shofar’s praise resounds. The walls of Jericho fall and crumble as the troops of God surround. His Holy Word’s the plan, as we walk this narrow path. Having done all, we will stand with the angels He’ll dispatch. We will not be defeated; we’re appointed for the course. In His faith, we’re duly seated, and we’ll take the land by force!

We Are Soldiers in the Army of the Lord!

Ephesians 6:14 (NIV): Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place.

SERIES RECAP

THE NEWLY ACQUIRED property of Calvary Way Ministries (CWM) was as captivating as the surrounding scenery. The church’s architectural structure detailed three concrete sails, modeled on half-circles, supported by a square spine. Nestled between the building’s stone-wall slabs was artistic, stained-glass. A large, translucent, cross-shaped window was structured within the extravagant roof’s design. Light and heat, harnessed from the sun, filtered in at varying degrees throughout the day to display a stunning crystalized effect on the stained glass. The sanctuary had mezzanine spacing that boasted a striking gold and white winding staircase leading to an upper balcony. Pendant disk and antique sconce lighting adorned the walls and high ceilings. Seating accommodated nearly three thousand members and the officiating pastors for church services were Pastors Gordan and Vanessa Hall. 

Pastor Gordan stood about six feet, two inches in height. He bordered on a heavier build; however, he carried it well. For the most part, he had a quiet manner about himself. Although his salt and pepper hair suggested that he was an older man, the melanin of his skin tone, did not. His medium-brown complexion remained void of wrinkles and his semi-muscular build suggested that he either worked out or may have been an athlete, back in the day. Nevertheless, his physique was slightly flawed by the small pouch of a protruding belly. He blamed this on the good cooking of his beautiful wife, First Lady and Co-Pastor, Vanessa Hall. 

Before retirement, Pastor Gordan held a top executive position with the American Steel industry. He retired with twenty years plus and continued to provide consulting services from time to time. He and his wife of sixteen years lived in the Palmer Woods area of the city in a three-story, four-bedroom, three and a half, bath home. Their forty-five hundred square foot home included coffered ceilings, custom crown molding, and wainscoting.

As Pastor Gordan sat at his cherry-wood desk, he rested his elbow on the armrest of a leather-upholstered office chair. In reflection, he touched the rim of his eyeglasses and considered the progress of the ministry as it related to accomplishing ministerial goals that correlated with the mission. The mission statement read, The mission of Calvary Way Ministries is to cultivate healthy relationships by placing Father God at the center of everything we do, creating dynamic environments where the uncompromised Word of God is delivered in a manner that is relevant in purpose, rooted in love, intentional in behavior, and inviting to all who desire to commune with Him. We are proactive in this endeavor, as a unified body of believers, joined by one faith in Christ, Jesus.

While the mission of the church remained a primary focal point, relationship building among its members was top priority.  To that end, he solicited the support of his leadership team to intercede in prayer and foster an environment that promoted the cultivation of healthy relationships.  In retrospect, Pastor Gordan considered the previous year’s initiatives in relation to strengths and weaknesses and the measures taken to drive positive change.

As he reflected, he was reminded of the marriages between Thomas and Marissa Taylor and Eric and Camille Thompson. Thomas and Marissa were realtors and owners of Taylor and Taylor, a real estate firm. Together, they held a six-figure income and lived in an affluent community where properties were valued between seven hundred thousand and one point, five million. The Taylor’s Bloomfield Hills’ home was a custom estate with luxury amenities, set on a private landscape overlooking a lakeside view. The residence was over five thousand square feet with four bedrooms and two and a half baths. 

ERIC AND CAMILLE Thompson had a modest lifestyle. Together, they lived in a middle-class, ranch home with close to an acre of land. They were content with their property and appreciated the lifestyle they felt blessed to have. Their neighbors were friendly, the schools were great, and there was a sense of pride in the community. Be that as it may, nearly six years had come and gone since Marissa’s husband, Thomas had had an affair with Camille. Camille’s daughter, Laney, was born out of their infidelity. Statistically, courts favored mothers when it came to child custody