Good morning, followers of Jesus

I hope you can join us tomorrow morning for Cafe Liberty for fellowship and welcoming guests for Worship @ 10:15 AM.

I’ve been noticing a lot recently how many keys for enriching faith start in silence.

For example, an analogy for being alert to God appears in Psalm 130 and 143. Both psalms speak of the early morning as a time of awakening or realization of God’s presence with us.

In ancient times, a city was guarded through the night by watchmen on the wall or at the top of the city gates.

Any guard who held such a post would consider the first hints of dawn as his friend. Sunrise is one of many silent wonders God has placed in nature. What a perfect image that is for the silent discoveries we may make alone with God.

The psalmist David translated that scene of a silent sentinel in a deeply personal way in Psalm 143. He describes a weariness of spirit that was troubling for him in verses 4 and 7. Facing huge obstacles and opponents in his work, David finds solace in quiet time with God.. He then expresses his request in these words:

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go for to you, I entrust my life.” (Psalm 143:9)

Repeatedly, we find similar examples in Scripture that highlight how valuable it is to wait on God. From the Garden of Eden in its pristine beauty to the quiet retreats that Jesus took into the hills around the Sea of Galilee, the value of waiting on God reflected. It’s so much more than simply the absence of noise. It is a living silence that goes far beyond what words can express.

Better yet, it is something God makes available to every person who places his or her trust in Him. The wise use of silence is an act of faith that is within reach of every human being. How cool is that?

It doesn’t require any special skill or gift or talent. It’s open to all ages and occupations. It can be done in any location. Waiting on God has many benefits for heart, soul, mind and wellness.

Certainly, we know that in times of extra stress, the tendency many of us have is to stew in the stress! A problem looms large in the mind and the stressed-out soul becomes susceptible to a rising anxiety that feels overwhelming. The decision to step into God’s “waiting room” by creating a silent space to read, pray, reflect and respond to God is a gift of priceless value.

Wings of eagles come to mind as we think of the promise God sent through Isaiah about “waiting”.

As Isaiah describes it, “the Creator of the ends of the earth will not grow tired or weary!” (Isaiah 40:28b)

As eagles often perch themselves on jagged rocks in high elevations, their natural habitat and wind-sensitive skills are a vivid portrait of waiting.

With keen intuitive powers, an eagle gauges wind-speed as it launches into flight. Silently and beautifully, an eagle’s internal instrument panel synchronizes with the gusts of wind around her. Once those wind currents are favorable, an eagle’s giant wings open to lock into position for an ascent into higher altitudes.

Before the launch, an eagle may wait minutes, hours or days, similar in some ways to those “watchmen on the walls”. Though an eagle waits for wind, and a security guard watches for danger, in both cases, silent alertness is the key.

So, we can embrace God’s promise with assurance that this is real. It’s awesome to know that “they who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength. They shall arise with wings as eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

Looking ahead….February 2024

Wednesday, February 7th ~ Prayer Gathering @ 7:00 PM
Sunday, February 11th ~ Ladies’ Luncheon after morning service
Sunday, February 18th ~ Communion in Worship ~ 10:15 AM service
Tuesday, February 27th ~ Men’s fellowship meal & Bible Study – 6:30 PM

Share the opportunity for friends and loved ones to join us via live stream or Facebook Live or in audio podcasts

View the service live online

• Directly from our Live page
• Facebook Live: https://tinyurl.com/355fdkmm

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
since as members of one body you were called to peace.
And be thankful.”
(Colossians 3:15 NIV)

In His love,
Pastor Joe

Liberty Church
P.O. Box 295
Westminster MD 21158

email: pastoralcare@libertychurchlive.com
https://www.libertychurchlive.com

Office: 410.857.4313
Pastor’s cell: 410.596.4096