LITTLE THINGS MATTER! Small things can be VERY significant! As I read Psalm 117 in the Bible this morning during “coffee with the Lord” I was reminded of that. This little Psalm, the shortest in the Psalter as well as the shortest chapter in the entire Bible packs a “wallop”!!
As many of you know, I have often had the privilege of teaching overseas. I’ve often gone to Asia Pacific Theological Seminary (APTS) in Baguio, Philippines and taught graduate students from all over Asia (and elsewhere) how to preach God’s word (Homiletics/Sermoncraft). During those occasions I’ve had students from the Philippines, China, South Korea, North Korea, Myanmar, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and elsewhere (one particular group from 13 different countries!). I have also taught student from all over the Arab world at a training event in Amman, Jordan. On other occasions I have taught in Honduras, Republic of Georgia, Mongolia, etc. All of these have been WONDERFUL opportunities to impact the world for Christ by developing and training the key leaders who will do it!!
What does all that have to do with Psalm 117 you ask?
Ponder these words… “PRAISE THE LORD, ALL YOU NATIONS! PRAISE HIM, ALL YOU PEOPLE OF THE EARTH! For He loves us with unfailing love; the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever.” This is precisely the Psalm that Paul the apostle selected (directed by the Holy Spirit) to make the following point…
“Therefore, accept one another just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory! Remember that Christ came…so that the Gentiles (all the nations of the world) might give glory to God for His mercies to them! That is what the psalmist meant when he wrote… ‘Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Praise Him, all you people of the earth’” (quote from Psalm 117!)
So, In the margin of my Bible this morning I wrote these words… FULFILL IT LORD! MAY YOUR GREAT REDEMPTIVE PURPOSES BE FULFILLED IN ALL THE EARTH!! Hey, l want do my part!! Yes!! Amen!! (John 3.16!)
Coffee With The Lord 