ETERNAL FRAGRANCE by Myrtle Solomon PREFACE The news reporter's conviction of the public's right to know, motivated me to diligently spend a lot of time and energy interviewing people, checking sources and writing to strict deadlines. But each story, every headline, though urgent and important at the time should sooner lose impact and fade, some not even becoming the rough draft of history.
Never have I worked on a topic that is older than everything that's ever existed yet current and alive, fresh as tomorrow's rain shower.
When I studied journalism one of my professors would often refer to ?headlines the size of the Second Coming of Christ.' No other story deserved the biggest boldest lettering on the front page, he taught us.
I wasn't walking with the Lord, neither was he, yet every time he said that I'd wonder whether Jesus is returning but I asked no one and no one told me. Neither was there anyone to explain there would be a catching away of the faithful. We were very busy spreading the bad news of the day. That sold papers.
But one day a businessman told me about God's love and how He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die to cancel all my sins and to save me from eternal death. That was good news. Not the kind that makes headlines, although it is always newsworthy due to its individual recurring revelation. Inevitably someone is hearing it for the first time and it is personalized.
Yes, we can and do become treasures in earthen vessels and the owner of this treasure is coming back to claim His own. 'We who are alive and are here at His coming shall be caught up to meet Him in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord.'
Will there be headlines then? I don't know. I don't plan to cover that story. I'm going up when the trumpet sounds because I accepted the free salvation that was offered to me. May you be encouraged in holiness as you read with an open heart. I pray you will have an even greater blessing than I've received as the Source of all sources gave me a lead.
Thanks for the encouragement of Pastors Doug Stiller, Mary Morrisette, Dudley Mayers; also Marlene Rohr and Nelson Hutchinson. I deeply appreciate my relatives for their love, understanding and support. The insight, trust and enthusiastic co-operation of my son Obi and daughter Ayanna helped carry the project to completion.
I dedicate this work to the memory of Symbert and Helen Mondesire whose nurturing sustains. |
Pre-order a copy of the book ETERNAL FRAGRANCE or mail $15 payable to Festival of Praise Int'l P.O. Box 700 Station P Toronto, ON M5Y 2Y4 INTRODUCTION Some things in life can only be discerned spiritually. They are just not obvious to the natural senses. For example, no matter what race, religion or class, a person is either the habitation of a spirit of life or spirit of death. There is a distinct difference in the spiritual smell.
On the surface it may not be easy to make a distinction because people and societies have various standards. But God has only one standard. When he surveys humanity He inhales only the savor of His Word. Our Father keeps that aroma close to keep away the odious fumes in a world oriented towards turning its back on God. The triumphant news of what Christ has done is a sweet everlasting perfume in the midst of global decay. The base of this perfume is the oil of the Holy Spirit, the essence of God, permeating believers.
The comparison of a believer to a bottle of perfume the scent representing the spirit, helps the reader put body, soul and spirit in perspective while recognizing their interdependence. The book nudges the spirit man and offers spiritual meat to refresh and strengthen in preparation for God's next move.
On God's time clock the blood of Jesus was shed only a short time ago. Since He is not confined to the world's system of time, 2000 years might as well be two days. Whether two day, or two hours, in Old Testament terms we are living in between the time of offering of blood and the offering of incense. In effect the faithful have moved from the outer court and into the Holy Place of the Tabernacle where the sacrificial blood was shed, to the inner court where we offer fragrant praises and wait on Him.
Our Lord enjoys and approves praised from the heart. Soon, with a shout He'll snatch away believers in order to proceed with the program for the rest of mankind.
How ready are we? What if there were only a few minutes before His appearing? Is there something you would do? Or try to undo? As you read, allow the Holy Spirit to make these days the most thrilling and exciting ever. |
