first! Not last.

 Saturday, February 14, 2026 (6:38 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You that You are so very good. Great. Glorious. Gracious (Psalm 145:5-8). Thank You that “I love You, LORD; You are my strength” (Psalm 18:1).

(7:07 a.m.)

I confess to You the very biasé attitude with which I have been approaching the days You have provided me. Gone is an excited and eager outlook. Seemingly replaced by a sullen apathy.

Rather than bring the feelings of indifference and lack of interest directly to You, I’ve tried to disguise them. With that simple admission I find myself resembling Adam and Eve in their feeble attempt to hide their nakedness from You (Genesis 3:7-9).

Forgive me Father. You are ALWAYS where I need to come first! Not last.

The search I just launched yielded that same finding. Referencing Matthew 6:33 [“Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness…”], AI stresses trusting You as our primary source of wisdom and strength before trying to fix problems on our own.

How many times do I need to learn and relearn this lesson Dear Lord? Once in a great while I think I’ve got it. Only to be reminded, “Nope! Here we grow again.”

Thank You that Jeremy Camp gave us a song for times exactly like this.

♪Here I am Again 

Back in the same place I’ve been

So many times…

…Losing the battle

And thinking I’ll never win this fight…

…Fall after fall, prayer after prayer…

Here You are again

Forgiving, redeeming my heart again

Standing me up on my feet again

You show me Your mercy will never run out…

…I can breathe again

Knowing I’m loved, I feel free again

No matter how long I’ve been wandering

When I think I’ve gone too far

Here You are Again♪

Father God, thank You. Forgive me my selfish, self-centered ways. Do all You must in redeeming and revealing the woman You created me to be. Wonderfully complex (Psalm 139:14a). Strong. Courageous. Unafraid and encouraged. With You (Joshua 1:9).

I can do none of this life stuff alone. I need You guiding and directing me every single step of the way.

I love, need, trust and want You as absolute Lord of my life. Use me as You know is best. Worshiping. Adoring. Glorifying and enjoying You forever. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(398 words ~ 7:40 a.m.)