Illustrations of Note provided by Rev. E. Anderson

March 1, 2008 at 8:20 pm (Illustrations)

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Rev. E. Anderson

AN ARCHED BACK 

Life throws up lessons at unexpected times and in unusual places. It is very vital to have our ears and eyes open to sounds and sights that are suddenly presented before us because they may hold important instruction. Even things of a natural order can convey so much when we are spiritually attuned. 

Whilst out for my prayer walk recently, suddenly it happened, and I sensed there was a divine message involved in it. 

In coming to the final stretch of my natural and physical exercise, it took place. Just a few yards ahead of me was a beautiful blue-grey cat and it was all alert and aware of what was occurring close by. It had espied something coming behind me that it was not too pleased about. Yes, it was a young Alsatian dog out for a walk with its owner. 

As quick as anything, the cat arched its back to a very large degree, like the rainbow. Its eyes and being flashed with venom and it was ready to launch an attack on the dog. I noted that its feet were restless and it was prepared to spring a major assault on the free-spirited animal that was just walking gaily along. To me, it seemed desirous and bent on having a confrontation although smaller in size and stature. 

The man with the dog sized up the situation smartly and quickly and in a gentle way tugged the lead and veered off round a vehicle that was close by. The dog did not kick up a fuss but was glad to respond to the immediate directive and went on with its master pleased to be with him and to enjoy the outing. The crisis of a conflict was dissipated and I was able to pass the offended cat without any problem. As quick as the arch appeared, so it disappeared. 

Reflecting on it as I walked on, I wondered who would have emerged the winner! The cat was in for a fight, the dog wasn’t, and the latter may have come out worse in the fray because it was young and inexperienced. 

As I thought on what had occurred, I reckoned that the two animals were representative of people.  

The cat had a reactionary nature, because as soon as it saw the dog, it was in for confrontation because it felt threatened. There are folks that appear to get their ‘backs up’ almost against anyone and anything and are spoiling for a fight. The nature within them is so agitated and disturbed that they feel everyone and everything is in opposition. They cannot remain at peace but want to show their carnal nature. 

The dog seemed to symbolise the other kind of individuals that are so in accord with their master and life that they just enjoy being out and about, enjoying all that they observe. They have a spring in their step, a beautiful light in their eyes and simply want to move on in their journey. They react rightly to the gentle tug of the Master, Jesus Christ, and reckon its best not to get involved in unnecessary skirmishes. Life is too good and precious to move in on a unworthy conflict. It might have attracted the attention of other beings and drawn a crowd, but such was not worth the dual. 

The lesson was driven home, and I trust personally learned. Whilst the incident is etched upon my memory, above all, I must seek to possess the best and right kind of spirit and attitude to life on my earthly journey.     

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Prayer Dynamics provided by Rev. E. Anderson

March 1, 2008 at 8:14 pm (Prayer Dynamics)

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Dr. Peter Marshall

Dr. Peter Marshall was well-known Scottish minister in America and impacted his generation in a powerful manner. He eventually had the privilege of taking daily prayers in The Senate and the members looked forward to these unique prayers. He died early from a heart attack which had a great impact on his wife, Catherine. She wrote two inspiring books worth reading besides others: To Live Again and Beyond Ourselves. His life and work was made into a film called into A Man Called Peter which I saw in my teens and which greatly affected me in a dynamic sense. A book was written The Prayers of Peter Marshall an we include them on this site. They are worth knowing and repeating in faith. 

Our Seeking God 

OUR Father, sometimes Thou dost seem so far away, as if Thou art a God in hiding, as if Thou art determined to elude all who seek Thee. 

Yet we know that Thou art far more willing to be found than we are to seek. Thou hast promised “If with all Thy heart ye truly seek me, ye shall ever surely find me.” And hast Thou not assured us that Thou art with us always? 

Help us now to be as aware of Thy nearness as we are of the material things of every day. Help us to recognize Thy voice with as much assurance as we recognize the sounds of the world around us. 

We would find Thee now in the privacy of our hearts, in the quiet of this moment. We would know, our Father, that Thou art near us and beside us; that Thou dost love us and art in­terested in all that we do, art concerned about all our affairs. 

May we become aware of Thy companionship, of Him who walks beside us. 

At times when we feel forsaken, may we know the presence of the Holy Spirit who brings comfort to all human hearts when we are willing to surrender ourselves. 

May we be convinced that even before we reach up to Thee, Thou art reaching down to us. These blessings, together with the unexpressed longing in our hearts, we ask in the strong name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen. 

COMMENCE PRAYER

by Charles Swindoll 

The plane was headed for New York-a routine and normally very boring flight. But this time it proved to otherwise. 

As they were on their descent pattern, the pilot realized that the landing gear was not engaging. He messed around with the controls, trying again and again to get the gear to lock into place . . . . without success. He then asked ground control instruction. As the plane circled the landing field, the emergency crew coated the runway with foam and fire trucks a other emergency vehicles moved into position. 

Meanwhile, the passengers were told of each maneuver that calm, unemotional voice pilots do so well. Flight attendants glided about the cabin with an air of cool reserve. Passengers were told to place their heads between their knees and grab their ankles just before impact. There were tears and a few cries of despair…. 

Then, with the landing only minutes away, the pilot suddenly announced over the intercom: “We are beginning our final descent. At this moment, in accordance with International Aviation Codes established at Geneva, it is my obligation to inform you that if you believe in God you should commence prayer.” Scout’s honor . . . . that’s exactly what he said! 

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