Pastor’s Letter – April 30, 2020 – The Draw-Near Sandwich

They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.

Psalm 119:150

Dear Church and Friends,

Everyone loves a good sandwich! Today the psalmist gives us a great meal. The draw-near sandwich can be found in verses 150 and 151 of Psalm 119. Nearness is an idea that is usually found in the context of worship. The worshiper draws near to the altar and thus to the Lord in loving devotion.

Here however, the worshiper is sandwich in between the mischief maker who is far from the Law and the Lord who brings truth. We so often focus our attention on the mischief maker that we ignore the Lord.

We pray and ask the Lord to remove the wrong-doer. We focus so much on what we think is a problem that we miss the nearness of his presence. If we were to focus on him we would realize there is nothing more wonderful to ask for than his continued nearness. The problem would fade and rest would be the result.

Father, draw ever near; correct my vision and calm my anxious heart.

Podcast: The Thursday broadcast of Daily Dose Radio for April 30, 2020.

Prayer Request: Please pray for Sub-Saharan African Unengaged Peoples

• The Hima of Uganda, also known as the Nyankore, have a population of approximately 300,000. They are located in the southwestern corner of Uganda, bordering Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Although there has been an evangelical presence among the Hima in Uganda and there is written Scripture available in their language, there are no missionaries specifically working to get the gospel to them. There are fewer than 50 known believers among the Hima, and no known Hima churches. Please ask God to put it on the hearts of the Ugandan church to reach out to the Hima and bring the good news to them. Ask the Holy Spirit to stir a desire among the Hima to know their Creator, and pray for the few known believers among them to be strong in their faith, willing and bold to share with their families and friends.

Music: Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me, by CityALight.

Catechism: The Principles of the Christian Religion.

“That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.”

All my best.

Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth.

Psalm 119:151