The Gift

Two years ago, I asked for a gift. It was a simple request, I just said; no actually I thought; “God help me…if only I could see what was going on…” Yes, this may sound like a strange thing to say, but if you could hear and feel two large “things” locked in combat bouncing off the hood of your car during a thunderstorm – you might feel the same way or pretend that it’s not happening.

 

 I’ve heard about spiritual warfare. I’ve heard about the battles that rage in the spiritual realm as Satan attempts to undermine all that God has planned for us. I’ve heard about many things…but now…I see them - in vivid detail - twenty four hours a day and seven days a week. I tried to explain this to my wife and she was afraid. I tried to explain this to my kids and they were mildly amused. After I explained it to my shrink – I was sent away for “evaluation.”

 

How can a gift turn out to be such a curse? Maybe today’s curse may turn into tomorrow’s blessing. I just made that up…I think.

 

 Let me tell the story to you – hopefully you are a partial audience and maybe you’ve gone through this before. I saw a movie a few years ago about a guy who had the ability to see spirits and demons. They said that he wasn’t wanted by heaven or hell and he used his ability for good. I tried to do the same thing and here I am, in a cell, one brain cell short of a straight-jacket.

 

 Let me bring you up to date.

 

 I am Tyrus Gavriel. Two years ago I witnessed an invisible battle between what ended up being an angel and a demon. I wanted to see what was going on and God made sure that I could see – and then some. I picked up a few souvenirs – the angel’s sword and a shield – and I managed to bring them home. The next morning the angel - who told me that I knew who he was when I asked his name - returned to retrieve them. He thanked me for saving him and told me that my arsenal was far greater than his own and that I was a powerful warrior – more powerful than I could know at that time but I would soon find out.

 

 I didn’t know what to make of that statement. But over the course of time I began to have visions. First they were confined to my dreams where I would see so many demons, imps and beasts running across an open field towards a large wooden gate. They would scurry up the side and get knocked back by streams of bright light that seemed to slice them away. This dream would repeat itself hour after hour and night after night. I got to the point where I wouldn’t sleep at night in an attempt to avoid this disturbing nightmare.

 

 All too often I would nod off and the images were waiting for me there. I would drift off to sleep at work, while driving, while exercising and during, well let’s say “other” activities that required 100% of my attention. It was inevitable that my body’s need for sleep would outweigh my stubbornness and that happened as I fell asleep at my desk at work one morning.

 

 As I sat in my supervisor’s office I fell asleep while he was talking and the nightmare changed. The demons scurried towards the gate and up the side. They met with no resistance and more demons joined them inside of the gate. The gate was opened from the inside and the onslaught of demons continued until my whole dreamscape was filled with these disgusting creatures pouring through the gates and tugging at and pounding on millions of smaller locked doors in an attempt to get in. I was awakened by a loud banging noise as my boss was pounding on the table trying to awaken me.

 

 He asked; “Am I boring you Mister Gavriel?”

 

Half asleep I answered; “Yes…you are Mister Snow!”

 

I began to see shadows moving across the walls and ceilings of the office. I massaged my temples and raked my hands across my face vigorously to make sure that I was awake. That did it! With that I could see everything. I could feel my body tingling and convulsing. I felt cold on the inside and warm on the outside. My nostrils were invaded by the foulest stench possible and I had an urge to clean out my desk and go home.

 

 But wait – there it was. Right over the boss’ shoulder attached to the wall. It looked at me curiously and backed away cautiously. He looked around the room as other creatures walked in and made themselves “at home.” They were probably about 3 feet tall, reddish-grey with glowing red eyes. They had what looked like a tail but it was made of fire. Their cleft feet resembled that of a goat and their elongated fingers were tipped with long, filthy nails.

 

 I stood, causing my chair to roll across the room and into the boss’ trophy case. I pointed and exclaimed; “don’t you see them? They’re everywhere!”

 

It must have appeared to be strange but to me I was very calm in those circumstances.

 

 Snow yells out; “Are you on drugs, what is wrong with you, what is your problem!?”

 

The creature over his shoulder stared intently at the boss and looked at me as if it was saying; “c’mon, let him have it, is that all you got!” Obviously that worked as the boss flew off the handle yelling and swearing at me until his boss, Mister Mueller, opened the office door to see what was going on.

 

 "Jesus Christ!"

 

 With that statement the whole assembly of demonic intruders retreated into what looked like a vortex hovering just above the floor.

 

 "What's all this yelling about?"

 

 I looked at Mister Snow and he looked at me. I've been a Union Steward for the last 20 years and very difficult to get rid of, he knew that. However, given the fact that I fell asleep on the job and told him that he was a bore, I was prepared for a pink-slip.

 

 Snow replied, "it’s okay Mister Mueller, we were just discussing last night’s baseball game!"

 

 "Well, keep it down!" Mueller slammed the door and walked away.

 

 Snow and I sat down to continue our discussion.

 

 "Tyrus, where have you been lately? I mean...you've been here physically but not mentally. Your workload is getting out of control, you miss meetings and you come in late everyday...Tyrus? Tyrus!"

 

 Again, I was asleep. I was looking down into a valley. I was passing overhead scanning the landscape that was spotted with trees and scorched grass. I was totally engrossed in this vision and peaceful. As I gave in to this state I began to look around and take in the environment. I could see some movement in the distance and I glided in the direction.

 

 I could feel my feet touch the ground. I look down at my feet. I'm wearing sandals on these ugly feet? No one deserves to see those things. However, my feet are larger, much larger, perhaps a size 20 wide! I look up as I pass by a large wall of stone. I can see my shadow but I cannot recognize it. It's taller, wider and I notice that my shoulders are elongated.

 

 "Tyrus!"

 

 I'm awakened and I instinctively reach behind my neck. I'm reaching for a sword...but why?

 

 "Tyrus, go home and get some rest. I made an appointment for you in the morning at Doctor Bills - he'll get to the bottom of this!"

 

 Stifling laughter I say, “You’re sending me to a shrink and his name is Doctor Bills?  Who’s paying this Doctor Bill?"

 

 He replied, "Tyrus, I'm trying to save your job and this is the only way!  We pay for this so that you can get better."

 

 I stand and look out the window. I'm on the second floor looking at a small patch of grass next to a large tree stump. Something's not right. I focus and there's someone or something looking at me. It must be tall because I can see its face clearly from the window.

 

 He looks familiar...

 

 I hear a voice whisper, "Yes Gavriel...it is I..."

 

 "Gelic?"

 

 Snow interrupts my unheard conversation and asks, "Where do you go?"

 

 I turn and ask, "Excuse me?"

 

 "Tyrus, you doze off when you sit and you stare out the window when you stand. What do you see?"

 

 "Mister Snow, it's hard to explain..."

 

 "Tyrus, perhaps you should go have a drink and sleep it off. This is no place for you."

 

 I look out the window again, he's still there.

 

 "Gavriel, look at Snow with your other eyes..."

 

 I turn and look at Snow, some type of creature is sitting on his shoulders, kind of like the way I used to carry my son on my shoulders when we went on a long walk. I point at the creature and he's gone. I look outside and Gelic is holding him with his thumb and forefinger before crushing it like a toothpick burned by fire.

 

 Snow is confused so I let him off the hook.

 

 "Okay Mister Snow, I'll do what you've told me to do..."

 

 It was as if a floodgate had opened and visions poured out uninhibited by my own desires. As I walked to my desk I was amazed at what I witnessed. It was all so amusing at times, but downright scary.

 

 Imagine this, you’re looking at a room full of people minding their own business. However, creatures of various shapes and sizes pose over these people with swords raised to slice and chop – but they are stopped by angels who move through the room constantly saving their lives. I could see large angels chasing small creatures scurrying across the room, under desks and over tables. Constant activity, unheard words being mouthed by demons and Angels alike and complete chaos in the middle of what appears to be calm.

 

 I thought about it and I did it…I asked for vision and I received vision, so it was only natural to ask for the ability to hear what was going on.

 

With the thought of asking for Hearing, It came like a freight train!

 

 BOOM!!

 

 All at once the voices and chatter could be heard with all human voices filtered out. Growls, grunts, shrieks and disembodied voices followed by calm whispers of words in a different language. I could understand and hear clearly the Word, Jesus! When His name was uttered, any demon located in the vicinity was washed away into a vortex similar to the one that I witnessed in Snow’s office.

 I look down and one of these foul creatures is standing in my path. It looks around and says in a gravelly, hissing and gargling voice; “He can see us!”

 

With that a handful of demons scurry towards me. The angels in the office do not move, but they nod at me.

 

 I say, almost instinctively; “Jesus!”

 

As if an invisible barrier had been erected, they bounce off and away from me and disappear into the vortex.

 

 I look at one of my co-workers and she is speaking to me. Her mouth is moving but I cannot hear the words. I look at her curiously and she is laughing. I reach out to her as if I’m shaking her hand and with her touch I can hear her again.

 

“What was all that screaming about? We could hear you guys across the office!”

I responded, “Just a spirited conversation…that’s all! I’m going home now and I’ll see you later!”

 

I returned to my desk and unlocked my computer. There is a Wikipedia page displayed that is describing angels, but the angels that I see do not look a thing like the ones on the screen. I sense a presence over my shoulder, I look back at two angels, one tall and one shorter and they are looking and pointing at the screen. Again, they are talking but I cannot hear them. I place the palms of my hands together, as if in prayer, and I can hear them.

 

 One of them says, “That looks nothing like me!”

The other replies, “Gavriel, go to the next screen.”

 

I comply and try to pretend as if I’m not freaking out.

 

 One of the angels touched my shoulder reassuringly and responds; “Don’t be concerned, you will understand soon.”

 

The smell emanating from them is hard to explain. It’s like the smell of sweet wildflowers, not too strong and not too faint. Their facial features, never really stay the same as if they shift appearances randomly, but I know that it’s still them. I log into my C.A.T.A.L.O.G. (Chronological Archeological Tracking Analyzing Logging Origin Guide.) system and click on the unknown origin file. I click on weaponry and then swords. I think, “I need an app on my phone for this!”

The phone vibrates and of course, the App is there. I like that!

 

 There is an image of a gigantic sword, shield, helmet and breastplate encased in diamond, it looks familiar. It’s similar to the ones that Gelic wore, but they were tinted in a copper-green color. I type in the search query: “Country found.” It responds; “Africa.” I click on a speaker and listen to a sound file.

 

“This item was found several miles underground in an abandoned diamond mine in Africa. The sheer size of the objects lead to a great deal of uncertainty as to who could actually wear such large armor or carry such a large sword. Attempts to free the sword and the other implements have failed but we have continually attempted to free these items for the last 200 years.”

 

I look over my shoulder and they are still there.

 

“We are always here Gavriel, we are attached to you and we go wherever you go! We have been assigned to you. I am your ministering angel and he is your guardian. We minister to you and protect you.  You are also assigned a Warring angel.”

 

I ask, “Warring angel?”

 

They reply, “Yes, you have a warring angel.”

 

 “Is it Gelic?”

 

 “No Gavriel, it is not…”

 

A foul scent wafts over the office. I have a renewed sense of urgency as I log out of my station, grab my jacket and exit the building.

 

 The Guardian stands at the end of my aisle and charges towards a larger creature that charges through the office. He places his hands on the demon and he is gone. I go downstairs and get into my van. As I close the door my guardian and minister sit next to me. I drive past the lot attendant and I can see three angels standing nearby. I can see two small angels and one very large one. The larger one wraps his large fingers about the hilt of his sword, draws and points it towards the sky and slams it against his breastplate. The thunderous explosion is ignored by the lot attendant but I can hear it loud and clear!

 

 The ministering angel responds; “The warrior will only salute another warrior in that manner!”

 

I look around and reply; “Where is my warrior?”

 

They both respond; “You know!”

 

 “You’re telling me that we have to go to Africa?”

 

 “It’s easier than you think.”

 

 “Plane tickets, hotel reservations, car rentals, explaining this to my wife – what’s easy about it?”

 

They reply, “Look and listen with your other eyes and ears!”

 

 

I exclaimed; “You two are going to kill me!”

 

They reply loudly, “NEVER!”

 

 “I’m sorry Father! What do I do now?”

 

 The angels reply; “Keep the appointment Gavriel, you need to rest!”

 

***

 

The next morning I kept my appointment with Dr. Bills. I told him my story and witnessed various demons and Angels wrestling about the room. He notices my eye movements while jotting down various notes and scanning the room curious as to what I could be seeing.

 He asks, "Are they here now?"

I look at my Angels standing on my left and right and answer, "Yes Doc, they're always here!"

He replies, "Riiight...always here..."

 

He pulls out his prescription pad and starts scribbling in what looks like a foreign language, but it's not, he's just writing like a doctor.

 

“Okay Mister Gavriel, what pharmacy do you use?”

 

I ask, “What are you doing? Do you think that drugs are the answer?  This is not a sickness?”

 

I was exasperated but not surprised that he would not help me. I stood up, walked over to the window and watched the unseen chaos unfolding in the parking lot.  I think about what my Angels told me, they told me to look at him with my other eyes and hear him with my other ears.  So, I did just that.

 

As the doctor continues scribbling on his pad I can clearly see a demon holding his hand and guiding what he is writing. The demon is whispering in his ear, “he is too close to the truth, he must not know the truth.”

 

I whisper “Jesus!” and the demon is gone.

 

Doctor Bills replies, “Mister Gavriel, I am not a spiritual man by any means, but I think that you have been given a gift.”

 

He crumples the prescription and places his pad on the table.

 

I respond, “Doctor Bills, we have all been given this gift, but a man will not see what he does not want to see. We all have 5 senses, sight, touch, taste, smell and hearing.  But the believer also has an additional set of senses that are spiritual in nature, but faith and belief are the keys to unlocking those senses.  If only you knew what we were truly capable of you wouldn’t need to pick up your prescription pad and attempt to block these abilities from your patients.”

 

I could tell that I had gotten through to Doctor Bills, however the next step was his to make.

 

He asked, “So what do I do now Gavriel?”

 

I replied, “That’s between you and the Lord Doctor…”

 

As I looked over his shoulder I could see another demon forming.

 

I continued, “Don’t be afraid to say His name out loud often!”

 

“What name, Jesus?”

 

As he said that, the demon looked at me and disappeared like he was flushed down a toilet! That was funny!

 

“See Doc, when you said His name you may not have seen or felt it, yet, but you made things change…keep it up!”

 

Doctor Bills replied, “I will, and thank you Gavriel, this session was enlightening!! I’ll let your supervisor know that you’re fine.  You can return to work whenever you feel up to it.”

 

I thanked the doctor and we go to my van. I thought to myself that with the 2 unseen commuters riding with me I could legitimately use the HOV lane, but that would be hard to explain.

 

I went home and spent some time in the office researching airlines that could get me to Africa and back in record time. How could I explain this to my wife?  Ever since the “incident” when I was given these Spiritual gifts I didn’t sleep often.  When I did sleep the snoring and noises that came from my mouth earned me a permanent spot in the guest bedroom.  My dreamlife was vivid and unexplainable, but I was beginning to understand.

 

Sleep was not really sleep. Sleep was more of a gateway to the Spiritual Realm.  My dreams have always been vivid and I’ve always had the ability to pull myself in, out of and back into dreams and nightmares if I wanted to.

The following morning I busied myself preparing my wife’s lunch and our breakfast. The four of us sat down to breakfast and between the chewing, gulping and faces glowing in the light of the electronic devices that preoccupied my family, I started a conversation.

“We have to talk.”

My wife looked at me while the kids looked sadly at each other.

My daughter replied, “About?”

I knew what my daughter was thinking.

“No, Sweetheart, it’s not bad news.”

So, I just went for it, they had to understand that things had changed and knowledge is power.

I continued, “You know those dreams and visions that I speak about? Well, things have changed. I’m beginning to see and hear things that concern me.  I cannot explain it all, but in time you will understand.  If you ever feel endangered or afraid for some unexplained reason or if people around you are totally out of control, do just one thing!”

My son responds, “Call 911?”

Nope, just say “Jesus!”

My Wife asked, “Isn’t that taking the Lord’s name in vain?”

“No, you’re using His name as a weapon, not as a complaint. Just trust me guys, His name will change things, it always has.  You see the news, things are getting out of control but when your back’s against the wall and you don’t know what to do, just say JESUS! And you will be saved!

I’m waiting for a question, joke or a dry response, but they look as if they understand.

They have angels surrounding them and my own angels stand nearby. My spiritual vision is on and I see no demons in our presence. 

The Guardian responds, “Your home is a safe place. Father lives here and has lived here since you invited Him into your home many years ago.  This is why others gather here, they feel Him and they feel secure here.”

The Minister adds, “Tell them.”

I blurt out, “You have angels with you at all times. They are to your left, to your right, to the front and at your back.  They’ve always been here and they always will!”

My Wife replies, “Yes, we know.”

“You can see them too?”

With that I’m sure that my audience is lost.

My daughter responds, “We can’t see them but we feel them when we’re together at home.”

My son states, “Which is why we should stay home from school today!”

I knew that was coming.

I’m in the garage as my wife is backing out of the open garage door. I see her angels in the passenger seat and back seat.  Her Minister latches her seatbelt. I will never tell my wife that angels are afraid of her driving!

My children and I get into the car and recite The Lord’s Prayer – which is actually The Disciple’s Prayer – before backing down the driveway. As we drive to the high school I was shocked by the number of demons and angels wrestling with one another trying to prevent accidents and the like.  My son exits the car with his angels around him clearing the way.

My daughter and I head to the University to drop her off. During this time I usually tell her a story about my college experience or try to share some wise words with her.  However, today she looks at me and I don’t know where to start.

She asked, “What’s going on Daddy?”

I was honest with her and during our 5 minute drive I told her everything that I had experienced.

The time was different, we were driving in my car however our conversation took place somewhere else. We were in a clearing in the middle of beautiful trees.  I spoke to her and many others sat with her as if they were at a large outdoor lecture.  A thought occurred that I had drifted off to sleep but my angels reassured me that this was not the case.

As I kissed my daughter’s cheek before she exited the car she whispered, “I’ll remember.”

She walked towards the door at the Student Center with her angelic protection detail all about her.

With the choice to go to work or go home I chose to go home.

I had to get to Africa and I had to be home by 4 pm!

The Minister replied, “Not necessarily, we can start the journey tonight.”

“What am I going to do, sneak out the window?”

The Guardian answered, “When you sleep there are infinite doors and windows that you may enter and exit. The order in which you enter those doors will matter greatly.  Time, however moldable that it may be, can be shaped and tempered to that which…”

I interrupted, “so tonight when I dream I can start the journey and even if it takes a year in Spiritual time, in physical-time I will only be absent for minutes, correct?”

The Guardian smiled and replied, “Yes. In the span of a brief nap you can travel millions of miles.”

I asked, “Shouldn’t I go home, take a nap and get on with it?”

The Minister replied, “At nightfall the Spiritual Realm is at its brightest as the Warring Angels tend the Gate.”

I told him, “I’ve seen this Gate and it was overrun yesterday!”

The Guardian replied, “Yes, the Gate was overrun and the demons were trapped in the great hall unsure of the door that leads into this realm. They were defeated, however some managed to escape.  That is how it is, they are freed for a moment and then quickly subdued.  However it only takes a portion of a second to wreak havoc!!”

I found it hard to believe that these demons so quickly crushed by the Guardian could cause so many problems. I thought about my own experience with the Gate and how it was overrun when Mr. Snow lost his patience with me and the demons attempted to control him.  So that was the key!!  Whenever someone allows anger to control their words and actions, the Gate is opened just enough for the onslaught of demons to slip past and into our realm.

The Minister, hearing my thoughts, replied, “That is correct!”

The Minister knew that I understood the Gate and the importance of it. The Gate has kept this realm safe from the larger demons who can cause the greatest damage.  Larger demons who manage to slip through are quelled by Warring angels like Gelic.  This is the battle I witnessed over 2 years ago between Gelic and the large horned demon warrior.

The Guardian added, “Gelic battled a demon capable of slowing down a Warring angel and there aren’t many. Gelic was assigned to a particular portion of the Gate and had to respond to another Warring angel’s post as he was incapacitated.  The horned demon attempted to overwhelm Gelic and they both crashed through a weakness in the Gate and fell to this realm.”

Puzzled, I asked; “Incapacitated? Did the other angel abandon his post?”

The Minister replied; “No Gavriel, the angel did not abandon his post, he was pulled from it. Warring angels have hosts that live on the physical realm that they are attached to.  These hosts are also the doors that lie just beyond the Gate.  This particular door was opened unexpectedly and the Warring angel broke protocol to secure this door.  In doing so this angel relinquished his armor and entered the host.

I asked, “Why would an angel break protocol? Aren’t they obedient to the Lord?  How can they do something of their own choice that is strictly forbidden?  I understood that it is “Out of Order” for someone from the physical realm to see a being from the spiritual realm!”

The Minister responded, “Some things must come to pass Gavriel. We do not understand Father’s plans however He is always in control, even when we think otherwise!”

That night as I slept I travelled across the terrain of Africa and landed at the entrance to the abandoned diamond mine. I could hear the sound of heavy machinery trying to break through the impressive diamond to obtain the Armor trapped within.  A team of perplexed engineers, miners and laborers tried in vain to chip into the sparkling surface.

I walked over to it undetected and ran my hand across the hard surface. With that touch I could feel sensations that I could not explain.  It felt like home to me.  Not a place, but a time of pure bliss where ancient and future memories seemed to fluctuate in my mind.  I also felt the power!  This type of power could corrupt the weak-minded and undisciplined thoroughly and completely.  At the same time I could feel peace, like when I was a child and my Mom and Dad would embrace me for hours and keep me safe.  I felt Love…like the love you feel for your children when they make you proud or let you down. 

As I stood there for what seemed like hours, I was awakened by the sensation of being tackled by some unseen force. I awakened to find my Guardian angel slice through scores of enemies that seemed to burst through the floor like an angry hive of bees!  I shouted “Jesus!” and clapped my hands to disperse the demons as I ran through the door of the guest bedroom and into the house.  The house was quiet and as I checked on my wife, son and daughter they were sound asleep.  Their angels motioned for me to return to the guest room. 

As I entered the guest room the opening in the floor was getting smaller and the number of demons decreased. I took a moment to catch my breath as a large horned demon emerged suddenly, lunging towards me.  I reached to my back and pulled out a large sword of light and divided the beast with a single swipe.  I could feel the blade slicing through its body as the two halves fell back into the portal in the floor.

I did something that no one, including myself, was prepared for. I dropped into the portal slicing and dicing all manner of beast that resided there as they scrambled to get away from me.  As I ran I could feel a warm light at my back pushing me forward deeper and deeper into wherever I had wandered.  I ran through and exited out a large doorway and fell down into a deep cavern.  I felt as if I was falling for hours as the light continued to follow me down to what I thought would be some type of floor.

It wasn’t a floor…

I stood overlooking a large battlefield. Countless scores of demons and their shadowy agents converged on my position. A swipe to the left, to the right and straight down and they weren’t there any longer.  I could hear a trumpet sound and the level of light was overwhelming!

I could hear a loud voice proclaim, “Gavriel has returned and we are victorious!”

I felt compelled to ascend to the top of the Gate and when I reached the top I was met by Gelic and other Warring angels that I could recognize but not name. We engaged in a conversation in a language and dialect that I could not recognize, but I was able to understand and respond.

I stayed and fellowshipped for days with a few skirmishes in between. I felt like I was home but I felt drawn back to my family.  I felt whole but incomplete.  I felt as if I was exactly where I needed to be but I was so lost.  My Guardian and Ministering Angels were nowhere to be found and I could not find the words to ask about my family, but I knew that they were there.  What had become of me?  Was I in a coma and unaware of my environment?  I began to realize that these human feelings served as an anchor for me and attached me to my home.

I did not have to ask for permission to leave, it was expected of me! I followed the path of light through corridors, doorways and windows until I emerged over my bed and landed softly to the mattress as my angels smiled and looked over my room.

“How long was I gone? I counted at least 45 sunrises and 44 sunsets so was that 45 days?”

My Minister replied, “You’ve been asleep for about 5 minutes.”

My Guardian added, “All is secure here and you can return to your post if that is your desire?”

I was well rested and content. I went in to check on my family and they were safe and secure as their angels kept watch.  I returned to my slumber knowing that when the morning sun returned to this realm, I was not going to be the same. 

Impressum

Texte: Tyrone Vincent Banks
Lektorat: Tyrone Vincent Banks
Tag der Veröffentlichung: 21.12.2016

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Dedicated to God and the family that He has blessed me with.