THE LORD TAKES PLEASURE IN THOSE WHO “FEAR” HIM
September 11, 2026KNOW THE CHURCH HISTORY
September 13, 2026Life, as we know, be it a Christian or a man of this world, nothing moves without PROPER PLANNING, PREPARATION and our passionate PURSUIT of the same. However, none of these would move even an inch, if we do not get our PRIORITIES right, and intentionally implement them. Even before we PLAN, PREPARE and PURSUE our dreams or vision, we ought get our PRIORITIES sorted out.
As Christians, even though the above list of things are absolutely essential, there is one more critical dimension that needs to be sorted out with clarity even before anything begins. All our PRIORITIES, PLANS, PREPARATION and PURSUIT should be aligned to the ‘TEE’ with God’s standards. All the above have to be in line with God’s morals, ethics and principles, as laid out in the Bible, the written Word of God.
Untill and unless all our heart’s desires align so, they would be, not only futile efforts, but would most certainly fall flat and disastrously unfruitful and unprofitable. All efforts without the blessing of God would ultimately end up in unfruitful efforts, even though there may appear the “fruit” of earthly prosperity, power and position, for any such human efforts.
Here is what the Bible talks to us as a child of God and the disciple of the LORD Jesus, about our priorities in life.
– “1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” – Colossians 3:1-2
– “37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 22:37-40
– “33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33
On 12 September 1771 about 255 years back, a young twenty-six year old Francis Asbury, writes his thoughts in his journal, as he sails to America – the New World, because he is commissioned by John Wesley to be the Methodist missionary there.
– “Whither am I going? To the New World. What to do? To gain honour? No, if I know my own heart. To get money? No, I am going to live to God, and to bring others to do so.” – Francis Asbury
As Francis Asbury was sailing towards the LORD ordained mission field…
– HE HAD HIS PRIORITIES RIGHT
– HIS PRIORITIES WERE FULLY IN LINE WITH GOD’S STANDARDS
– HIS PLANS, PREPARATIONS and the PURSUIT of the SAME WERE in FULL COMPLIANCE WITH GOD’S MORALS, ETHICS and PRINCIPLES
Francis Asbury’s priorities are so very obvious from his journal entry above. He is crystal clear about why he is sailing to the New World. He says…
– “…I am going to live to God, and to bring others to do so.” – Francis Asbury
Don’t know if you have noticed the sequence of his priorities. If we observe his words, he is saying two things. His priorities in life – or more accurately, the most important priorities IN HIS LIFE, and FOR HIS LIFE are…
– “I AM GOING TO LIVE TO GOD”
– “TO BRING OTHERS TO DO SO”
Francis Asbury made up his mind, and there is absolute clarity in his heart and mind regarding the most important priorities for him, and for his life. What about us this morning? Do we have our priorities for our life here on earth sorted out. Do we know what our top most priorities are? Do our most important priorities align with God and His immutable standards? Are we meticulous in following through with our expressed desires to love and to live for our LORD and our Redeemer, the LORD Jesus Christ, with clear and concrete actions? May the dear LORD Jesus help us to know our priorities, and ensure that they align with His immutable standards. Even so, the LORD help us.
