Quietly Waiting for God

I (Lorne) went to Amazing Grace Alliance Church this morning. Before the service began the above picture was on the television monitors. (They use televisions instead of screens for projecting the PowerPoint images and videos.

It said, “Quietly Waiting for God.” But as I waited, it took an effort to be quiet. If I wasn’t thinking about the content of the sermon that I would preach, I was checking my phone to make sure it was switched to silent mode. My thoughts jumped from this to that. I was aware that the 90 year-old grandma who had come for the first time with her elementary school grandson was talking. And the distractions continued to reel through my mind.

What does it take to truly be quiet so I can anticipate communicating with God?  I remember reading someone say “God can be known in the tumult, but He is more easily known in the quiet moments of life.” (My paraphrase.) So far this year, the early morning is the only time for me to experience quietness–and even then there are intrusions.

Practicing Psalm 46:10 is not easy.

What about you? Do you find it hard or easy to be quiet so that God can connect with you?
Pray for me that I can. If you write and ask, I will pray for you. Together we will walk towards “Quietly Waiting for God.”

Praise and Prayer

• Taiwan’s Presidential Election was held on Saturday, January 13. Taiwanese elect their president directly and the current Vice-President, Mr. Ching-Te Lai is now the President-Elect.  His inauguration ceremony will be on May 20. Please pray that he can lead in ways to unite differing opinions in the populace and promote peace in the region.
• Taiwan’s Legislative Election also occurred last Saturday. None of the three political parties won a majority.  This is the first time this has happened in Taiwan’s democracy that was established in 2004. President Lai will need to work with the opposition parties to advance his policies. Please pray that these newly elected leaders will lead well, do what is right, and create good laws that will benefit the Taiwanese people.
• Lorne was encouraged by his meeting with Pastor Joshua. We praise God for the ways that we are able to work together for the building of God’s kingdom.
• It will not be possible to properly fix Lorne’s computer. He will be shopping for a replacement in the near future. Ministry Partnership Funds will be used for the purchase. Thank-you to those who contributed.
• Many of the elementary students with whom we work have less than ideal home environments. Students frequently behave in ways that do not demonstrate respect for themselves, for fellow students, and for their teachers. Please pray for God to give us wisdom to know how to lead them to a healthier way of doing relationships.
• Pray for the short-term team that is travelling from Canada to Baozhong this week. Pray that God will give energy to overcome the time change and that God will use them to influence lives in our community.
• Please pray for the “I Am the Bright Morning Star Camp” January 22-26. Please pray that leaders from Canada will work well with those from our church.
• The camp will end on Friday, January 26 at noon. That evening there will be a dinner for the campers and their families at our church. Pray this can be used to have significant conversations with people of influence in each family.
• Some high school students will attend a Christian camp during their lunar new year vacation. Please pray that this will be a meaningful time, helping them to deepen their relationship with God.