Meeting Jesus: Meeting Jesus Saga, #1

By David Bergsland

The Meeting Jesus Saga is an extended tale of current twenty-first century living within the Kingdom of God. There is an on-going witness to rebirth, spirit-filled living, marriage, walking in the spirit, and generally, living and working under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Marriage is explored as a foundation stone, part of the core of the Kingdom—a three-way covenant of power, love, and joy.

 

Book one, Meeting Jesus, starts when the Lord speaks to a non-believing college freshman graphic designer in his parent's church. Shocked the Hell out of him—literally. The Lord's plans are amazing and they start in Albuquerque. 

 

It begins with Denzell Trujillo, young man of Spanish descent who's attending the University of New Mexico with a proposed major of Graphic Design. His father is a Digital Media professor at the school, who married a gorgeous actress of Black Caribbean descent. The Trujillo's were one of the original founding families of Albuquerque when it was founded in 1706. But the Lord has a major work planned and He wants Denzell's help.

 

Like many works of Jesus, our Messiah, it starts out very small. We start with Denzell Trujillo, a new college freshman art student in Albuquerque, falling asleep in church when the Lord talks to him—so clear he was sure it was out loud. Within three days, he's a new creation powerfully reborn into a life of wonder. Even more startling, the man chosen to mentor Him in the Kingdom thinks he has powerful things to do—soon! There's a major evil force beginning to attack Albuquerque.

 

Then there's Raquel Henstrum, a young female computer genius tied up in the evil he's learning to battle in the Spirit. She becomes a real trial: a strong temptation and a target of intercession. However, the intercession won't work unless he remains pure. But the Lord powerfully backs up his prayers.

 

Raquel is hooked deep into the evil world of her boss, a black magician, and terrified by the demon who controls her. But she finds unexpected times of clarity and freedom. What is going on?

 

More than that, the evil coming upon Albuquerque is far outside the people's comprehension. Where's it coming from? Who can stop it? Only the anointing of the Lord…

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: David Bergsland
• Release date: Feb 1, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224592661

David Bergsland

David's art & design career began in 1967 with the promotional materials for his rock band. After he was graduated in 1971 with a BFA in Printmaking from the University of Minnesota, he immediately began working in publishing, beginning as an illustrator. By 1979, he was working as a graphic designer in West Virginia. In the early 1980s in Albuquerque, he developed skills as a graphic designer, typographer, and art director in-house for a commercial printer. Beginning in 1991, he began teaching the commercial printing program at a large technical-vocational school. By 1996, he was developing and heading up the Business Graphics digital publishing program at that school. In 1994 he began designing fonts which he used to format his first textbook, "Printing In a Digital World", released in 1996. He began teaching online that same year as well as publishing ebooks for his curriculum. By 2002, he was publishing through Lulu, then Createspace, then Kindle, and then all the rest. He began writing and publishing full-time in 2009. Though most of David's books are about typography, graphic design, font design, and book design, he has also been teaching scripture since 1974. Since that time he has normally taught one to three Bible studies a week. Once he began writing and publishing full-time, he started releasing verse-by-verse, and topical Bible studies. His vision is to share his experience with young authors.

Book preview

Meeting Jesus

Trouble in Albuquerque

David Bergsland

Independently Published by

These materials were written by David Bergsland © 2024; Released: February, 2024.

Designed & formatted by Radiqx Press • All rights reserved

http://www.radiqx.com • [e-mail]

This is a work of fiction. Any association with real people is unintentional, happens in your mind, and is your responsibility. The locations are used fictionally also. The author only asks that you open your eyes to see what is going on around us in the world.

This novel has been given to me by my Lord and King, Jesus of Nazareth. The blessings He has poured, and continues to pour, upon me would be incomprehensible if I were not living in them day by day. I am grateful and love Him as much as He gives me the grace to love.

Introducing the Meeting Jesus Saga

Wednesday, January 3: My studio, Rochester, New York

As you saw on the cover, this is book one of the Meeting Jesus Saga. It is a new rewrite of Peace In Chaos from the Ascended Light Series. I originally saw this as a standalone novel, but it grew. It became a fifteen novel saga with a broad scope. The original titles and series were the result of my youthful flailing about as I learned how to write fiction. The names were simply causing many problems as the focus of the saga became clear (about book 12).

These books are about people who are called by the Lord to do a work for Him, as the Age of the Gentiles comes to an end. They have to deal with the general apostasy of the institutional church, while living in a culture of increasingly unrestrained lawlessness. The prophecy of Paul has come to pass.

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of stress. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, implacable, slanderers, profligates, fierce, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding the form of religion but denying the power of it. Avoid such people. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 RSV

Every day this becomes more clear. But the people of the Lord have been given no new instructions. We must be reborn, and Jesus came as the baptizer of the Holy Spirit. I prefer his Hebrew name, Yeshua, our Messiah. But it doesn’t really matter since He will get a new name when He comes to rule as King of Kings on the throne in Jerusalem—that could happen as soon as seven years from today.

I’m looking forward to Yeshua coming to pick up His Bride and whisk us off to heaven for the marriage supper of the Lamb. Until then, I am to occupy until He comes, aspire to live quietly, to mind my own affairs, and to work with my hands… so that I may command the respect of outsiders, and be dependent on nobody.

These are books of joy and worship...

A warning about the content

Teaching spiritual Truth: requires both good and evil

My goal has been to present the Truth about our daily walk in the Spirit. The lives of those born of God are very different from the religious norm. Hopefully, we proceed with daily guidance and prompting from the Holy Spirit—with no decision made until one is convinced that the Lord agrees.

A careful study of scripture reveals God’s desire to communicate directly with each of us, daily, personally, and in great intimacy. We learn about the Kingdom. One of the first things we learn concerns spiritual warfare—the daily battle with forces of evil.

So, if I’m going to share the Truth about walking in the Spirit, I also need to share the Truth about our enemy. This is not a Hollywierd extravaganza. But we deal regularly with fallen angels, evil spirits, and demons who oppose everything the Lord wants to do. However, they’re rarely seen in the open. Plus, they actually have very limited power—the Lord uses them as a teaching tool.

I was deeply involved in the occult before the Lord called me out of that mess. As a result, I have understandings of occultic activity which many do not have. They are a ruthless, depraved, cunning enemy based on lies and manipulation. They take real power from people—unless they are stopped by a true believer.

I show those things in throughout this saga. Many of the spiritual things mentioned in the story come directly from my personal experiences. I trust you have no trouble understanding that.

Getting woke in church

Sunday morning, October 10: The Way, Albuquerque, NM

Denzell Trujillo was having quite a bit of trouble staying awake this morning. But then he’d been having trouble all week. It was supposed to be a big time in his life—freshman year in college. He was looking forward to developing his skills as a creative designer.

At least he had been. But now he’d discovered that, even though it was what he had wanted to do for a couple of years now, college wasn’t touching his desire to do something meaningful. He couldn’t get it out of his mind.

Pastor Henry was all excited about getting a new building for the church, but that didn’t reach Denzell at all. We haven’t even filled this one yet. He almost muttered that one out loud. He looked around and saw no reaction—to his relief. His mother was close to napping also.

He won’t have time, without large changes. That was loud, just behind his right ear. His head snapped around. There was no one there, and no one else had heard anything.

They’re all sound asleep. That time, the words ended with a sad little grunt.

Just in case it was all in his head, he asked internally. Who are you? He paused. I’m your Messiah. Jesus? Yea, but that’s only in English. Oh my God! Yup! That’s true. Gimme a second. Of course. His nineteen-year-old brain was spinning.

Oh, crap, what do I do now? He really had no idea. He suspected it was the result of all his internal wranglings, especially during the Social/Behavioral Science lecture last Thursday. He knew he needed to study some of that stuff, just to get his BFA. But certainly he must have something more important to do. He wasn’t sure where that question had come from—but it accurately expressed how he felt at that time. It seemed as if the Lord had taken the question seriously also.

I better ask. Is this your response to my questions this past week? Not to the actual questions, but to what was behind it. So, you’re not answering my question, but letting me know you have the answer? Not quite, but close. I am the answer.

All of a sudden, everyone gave a perfunctory, Amen. I gotta go. I’ll be waiting, this afternoon up on the Crest. The colors are gorgeous this year. What’s that all about? I’ve got no plans to go up there today.

The young man sort of came to himself, in time to hear his Mother, We are going up to the Crest today, to see the trees. We thought we’d have a picnic at Las Huertas Picnic Area down the back road to Placitas coming back. You want to come?

What can I say? Now it was getting a bit intense. I would like some answers. It sounds like fun, he replied almost sheepishly. His head was really swirling now. He wondered what he should do on the Crest.

The conversation continues

Sunday afternoon, October 10: Parking lot at Sandia Crest

As they climbed out of their red Honda Pilot, Denzell made a decision. Looking at both of his parents, I need some quiet time, if that’s alright. I’d just like to sit and stare out into space. I’ll pick a safe rock, in the shade, just down the crest here. Yes, I have sunscreen in my satchel.

Sounds good, Manuel Trujillo, his intense, digital media professor father responded. We’re planning on walking down to the Kiwanis Cabin. We’ll probably be gone for an hour to an hour and a half.

His gorgeous Afro-Latina mother gave him one of her amazing, movie-star smiles. She was delighted to have her husband to herself this early in the new school year.

Good plan. When you get back, I’ll be up in or near the Crest House with a Mocha. Have a good time.

It was gorgeous up here today. Denzell could see mountains far to the southwest, in the Gila Wilderness 200 miles away. The city five thousand feet below nearly looked like a satellite view. The edge of the crest itself was bare rock, polished by the wind and weather.

As his parents headed south toward the path along the Crest with their arms around each other’s waist, Denzell gave them a cheery wave.

After a little wait, he followed them. A quarter-mile south, he saw a nice level, flat rock tucked under a large fir up the slope from the huge drop-off at the edge of the Crest. The view was good, but mainly it was private. I didn’t expect so many people up here today.

That’s why I showed you this little hideout.

Denzell rode a small rush of emotion. He felt enveloped in the arms of someone who really cared for him. It took him by surprise, and he gasped. Both his arms seemed covered with goose bumps. That was unexpected. He thought he heard a chuckle. He sat down on the rock, which was a perfect height for sitting, right on the dividing line between sun and shade.

It was a bit brisk today. As he looked around, it sure seemed like they’d had a hard frost up here already. Looking southeast toward Texas, he could see an Aspen grove almost glaring through the trees down below the Crest on the upper slopes of the east side. The yellows were amazing. You were right, Jesus. The colors are spectacular.

He just dove right in. As I recall, the basic question was about finding something more important. There’s got to be something more important than getting a BFA.

That’s the surface of it.

So what’s under the surface? He was getting intrigued now. I didn’t expect a visit from Almighty God.

I have something important I hope you’ll do for me. The pregnant pause was a bit less than Denzell wanted to hear now. …and? He urged. I’m pleased you took me seriously this morning. But before we can move on, I’ll need a definite commitment. Read John three. Talk to Einar. Tell him the whole story."

That made him feel better. He liked Einar Hauge. His Sunday School classes were the only ones which made sense (and they kept him awake). He pulled his iPad Pro out of the satchel and opened the Bible app that he used in Sunday school. He found John, then chose 3, and started reading the first verse of chapter three. Within a couple of verses, he was mesmerized. When he read, unless a man is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God he thought he actually understood it. Something’s changed, he muttered. By the time he finished chapter three, he had several major questions to ask Einar.

By Tuesday afternoon, Denzell truly didn’t know what to think. He had just about convinced himself that it had been a bout of temporary insanity. He certainly shouldn’t be bothering someone old and strange like Einar. But he was too embarrassed to back out now, plus he really wanted some answers. Einar had seemed very interested. After he finished work at Artisan’s Art Supply in Nob Hill, Einar met him out front of the store in his old beat-up VW Bus.

Denzell always chuckled when he saw it. The multi-colored paint job was amazing. Parts of it seemed to be old elaborately sprayed graffiti, but other areas were the remains of aggressively scrawled, hand-painted notes about Jesus. There were old Grateful Dead logos. The history of recent America was there. Church rumor had it that there was a Porsche Turbo engine in back. He opened the front door, OK if I put my scooter in back?

Sure, let me help. I don’t want it to get damaged. Einar got out and walked around to the side door next to the sidewalk. He was an old tall Norwegian widower who looked weathered, for lack of a better term, with shaggy white hair due to his habit of running his fingers through it when he was thinking. And he did that a lot. Denzell went to get his E-scooter. Then he rolled it over to the van.

Einar’s face lit up, It doesn’t look like a scooter to me.

Yea, it was a graduation present last spring. My parents wanted me to have a safe way to get around. He had a huge smile on his face. The bright blue fat tire mountain ebike was over the top—but it was a wonderful way to get around the area. He was still surprised that his mother had gone along with the idea.

Praise the Lord! They done good, boy. They quickly got the bike inside the van and securely tied down. I thought we could get some coffee and pastry—or somethin’—over at the Flying Star. That seems to have been the only major after effect of the Chinese plague panic for me. I really missed the place, and now I nearly have an addiction.

Denzell laughed, I can understand that. I was too young to miss it during the panic. But I’ve certainly acquired a taste for it since I got out of high school.

Climbing in, Denzell was surprised by the luxurious bucket seats and front seat accommodations. As they pulled away, Einar whipped a quick U-turn within the four wide lanes to avoid the illegal 150° turn back onto Central Avenue headed East at the five-way intersection ahead. The suspension certainly wasn’t stock either. As they got near the restaurant, Denzell heard him quietly pray, Lord, a parking place would be real nice. Thank you.

When they slowed down in front of the Nob Hill Flying Star, a massive pickup truck pulled out of a spot almost in front of the door. Thank you, Lord. Einar smiled as he quickly parallel-parked the van.

Inside the fashionable artisan bakery, Denzell got a mocha with an orange-glazed, cranberry scone, while Einar had a double espresso and some obscene slice of dark chocolate layer cake. As they sat down at a table looking out the front window, Einar said, Why don’t you pray?

That stopped things cold for a brief moment. Denzell had never prayed in public—in fact, he never prayed with any idea that it might be actual communication. Then he remembered something Einar had said in Sunday school about the heathen thinking they’d be heard for their many words and flowery prayers. So, clean and simple would seem to be the way to go. Thank you for the food, Lord, and thanks that Einar is willing to help me.

Einar’s smile beamed, Works for me.

For a short while, they let their flesh enjoy the flavors and the company. As they took some time to simply chat on a personal level, they both felt a deep connection. A new dimension had been added which Einar understood though it remained invisible to the young man. For Denzell it seemed like a major revelation. Here was a man who genuinely liked him and understood him in a way he had never experienced. But then Einar brought it around. So, why did you call me again? I never got that clear.

Denzell appreciated the gentle slide into focus. The embarrassment had slipped away. Well, He told me to tell you everything. With that elaborate intro, he shared everything that happened Sunday, including the strange conversation on the Crest, and how it tied back to the self-examinations in his Social/Behavioral Science class last week.

So, I believe there’s something more important than what I’ve been doing. And, I’m a bit stunned by Jesus just talking to me like that. I want to do what the Lord wants, but I really don’t know what He’s looking for.

Did you read the scripture He asked you to read? He needed you to see something important.

Yes, something changed because I could actually understand it fairly well. That’s new. The Bible has always seemed incomprehensible somehow. I seem to need to be born from above (whatever that means). But there was no process to make it happen.

"Well, first things first: the Lord doesn’t commonly initiate conversations like that. It takes most believers quite a while to reach that level. So, that is really interesting. However, scripture is clear that He expects and desires that level of relationship with all of us—even though that is rarely taught these days.

The basic problem is that spiritual truth cannot be understood without the Holy Spirit. Until you’re born from God, no one has the Holy Spirit to explain things. I’m a little surprised you understood things as well as you did. However, He seemed to be helping you up on the Crest. But it would have been temporary help in your spiritual state. My guess is that by this afternoon, you were ready to call it all off. May have thought you were going nuts.

Nailed it. I was just about ready for the temporary insanity plea. I was convinced I was bothering you and that I should beg off. But I was nearly desperate for some answers. There was a lot of confusion.

Did you have any faith before Sunday?

I grew up with it. But it wasn’t anything personal. I had no idea God talked with people. It was all good stories, wise principles, and nothin’ to worry about. I never really paid any attention. It was just part of my culture.

You were blessed with that. For the majority of people these days, all of this has become completely alien. There’s an unspoken taboo on even talking about these things. Most people don’t even know who Jesus is any more. There is something you haven’t mentioned, or passed over—sin. I’m a little puzzled. That normally blocks any communication with the Lord. The Lord must expect me to cover it. What do you know about sin?

What do you mean? Sin is doing stuff that angers God, right? There’s the ten commandments. I’ve broken a couple of them. I never thought it was important. I’ve never thought about it—good advice.

Einar paused for a moment—obviously deep in thought. Denz began to get concerned. Then He came back to the present with a large grin. Sorry ’bout that. I was just checkin’ things out with the Lord. I think He told me how to approach this.

He looked at Denzell intently. Finally, he asked, What’s a user guide?

You get one with complicated or expensive things you buy. Why?

What’s its purpose?

To explain to the buyer how the product works. It also gives assembly instructions, warnings, a startup procedure, a warranty, stuff like that. The one which came with my bike had some serious stuff about the battery, for example. It is important for really complex things—actually essential.

What about a human?

We have to figure that out for ourselves. Many of the answers needed seem hard to come by. I hear all kinds of different, often confusing advice.

There’s nothing more complex in all creation.

No, the universe itself is much more complex.

You’re wrong, Denzell. The universe is just the place God designed for Man to live. A human being truly reveals the wondrous power of God. We are created in His image. Only mankind was designed to directly interact with God—to love Him and be his friends. Our unique complexity dwarfs the universe.

Denzell was overwhelmed again. The truth of what the old man had said broke apart all of his understandings about his place in the universe.

Again, he was held in arms of overwhelming love. He simply knew, and completely agreed with, what Einar had just said. He saw and understood how he had rejected God’s reasonable claim on his life.

Things he had done in his brief life flashed before his mind. Gretchen’s horror and anger when he had grabbed a quick fondle of her breasts in chemistry lab. His ridicule of Howard for his faith in Jesus. His rejection of things he had heard in church. The lies to cover his rebellion against his father. The lustful fantasies about his mother… It went on and on. His heart broke, and he dropped his face in his hands, sobbing, Forgive me, Jesus—I had no idea. But he knew that wasn’t true. He could see that he had refused to consider God at all. The grief was more than he could bear.

Then hope broke in. He saw everything had led to where he was now and that Jesus loved him for who he was, sin and all. What do I need to do, Jesus? Ask me to forgive you. He did that, whispering out loud, and a huge weight lifted off him. I told you I was the answer. Then he knew what he had to do. He raised his face, tears streaming down his cheeks and onto his chest. Very softly, he spoke, You are who I want to serve, Jesus. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit. Cleanse me so I can do what you ask of me.

He began praising Jesus for who he now knew He was. He ran out of words quickly, but that didn’t matter. He just kept going, and the words kept pouring out.

How do you know my language, young man?

Startled, Denzell snapped back to the present and looked to the right. A middle-aged oriental man, at the table next to them, was staring at him. Without thinking, he continued in the language he had been praying. I actually don’t. That was the Spirit of God speaking through me. I just met the Lord. He gave a small bow to him.

The man pointed to the woman seated across the table from him. In strongly accented English he answered. This is all very strange. My wife and I are visiting your country. We’re from Taiwan, but our people are descended from the indigenous Formosan people. You were speaking in Atayal, our ancient language, which touches us deeply. You showed us the Truth about the Creator and His anointed Son in your prayers. We desire to meet this anointed son. Can you help us?

Denzell was still in the throes of his own conversion. He passed it over to his new friend. Einar, can you help this man and his wife for me, please?

Einar bowed to them both, Do you mind if we continue in Mandarin? I don’t know Atayal. At their excited nods of agreement, he slipped into Chinese. He quietly spoke with them for many minutes. He led them both in a prayer, which they repeated with increasing joy. Finally, they both said something in conclusion to Einar. Then the man looked over and reached his hands across the table to grasp the hands of his wife. They just quietly sat there staring at each other, obviously amazed at what had just happened.

Einar looked over at Denzell, talking quietly, "What a wonderful blessing that was. They are here because they had felt a strong compulsion to take their vacation in New Mexico. Tomorrow they are flying back to the Pacific coast in eastern Taiwan. They both knew they had missed something in New Mexico which they were supposed to experience. Now they know what it was. Alleluia!

How are you doing? I’m so pleased that the process you were wondering about was shown to you.

It’s amazing. The Holy Spirit just led me through it all. What he showed me reveals the obvious truth of what God did at creation and how Jesus repaired the breach caused by the sin of Adam and Eve. What a fool I’ve been… He began tearing up again.

Denzell! Look at me. Einar nearly whispered. Yes, you were. But that’s in the past now. Jesus has completely forgiven you and you’ve been born from God. You are a new creation in the Kingdom of God. Jesus has added a warrior friend to His Body. I welcome you, in Jesus’ name.

It can’t be that easy! All I did was ask Him to forgive me and offer to serve Him. Denzell was a little bewildered. He had certainly never expected anything like this—not to mention that thing with the Taiwanese couple. How did I end up speaking ancient Formosan?

That’s part of what Jesus came to do. John the Baptist said that Jesus would baptize us with the Holy Spirit and fire. As you became lost in praise and worship, Jesus baptized you. Part of that baptism enables the Holy Spirit to work powerfully through you. You asked Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit, though not specifically the baptism. Somehow, Jesus has you on a crash course in citizenship.

Citizenship?

"Yes. Though you don’t see it yet, you have completely changed who you are and where you live. You have been reborn, and have become a new creation in a new kingdom. You are now a citizen of the Kingdom of the Messiah, Jesus. The world cannot see it at all, but it is very real—as you will discover while you walk it out in the coming days.

"Normally, things happen much more slowly. But the end of the church age is approaching rapidly. Jesus evidently has something important which He wants you to do for Him. He only takes volunteers, so you will probably be needing to make some decisions in the future.

"For now, just relax. It really happened. Jesus did talk with you. It is supposed to be a normal part of walking in faith with Him. It’s depressing that the church in the United States ignores the possibility of that type of relationship these days.

Even Jesus’ baptism with the Holy Spirit is becoming rare. Americans now worship another god. This false god is focused on pleasure, comfort, and doing your own thing. Like I said, you will have many decisions to make in the near future. Jesus will help you. In your case, it looks like you will get a lot of help, much more quickly than normal. But that remains to be seen.

But, why me?

He sees something inside your makeup, your character, and your talents that He wants to use—with your permission. You can always back out later. But, I am praying that will not happen with you.

Denzell was adamant, I’ll do whatever he asks me to do.

That is wonderful, Denzell. Call me this week if you run into any questions you need answered. Einar smiled. It’s a joy to see you in the kingdom,

The two of them talked for another hour and a half. Denzell had a lot of questions. The Lord gave Einar the answers Denzell needed. They talked about how the Holy Spirit touched men and women to write the scriptures. That included the fact that many men don’t believe women had anything to do with it.

By the time they decided to call it a day, Denzell felt like he had enough to keep him busy for quite a while. Though Einar just smiled when he mentioned that. The very young man had settled into a deep trust of Einar, and it was clear that if he got into trouble he would call Einar.

They made no actual plans, other than to meet in Sunday School. They even talked about the plans for a new church building. Einar agreed with Denzell.

When they went out to the bus, Denzell pulled out his ebike. He wanted some more time to think before he got home. He was frankly amazed at what had happened to him.

Bringing it public, maybe

Sunday Morning, October 17: Sunday School, The Way

Einar met him at the door. I want to share your story, if that’s all right? At Denzell’s nod, he continued, I’ll keep it low key, though I find it stupendous news. He winked at the young man. He headed up front, starting to talk as he walked.