What is the first thing you do when you wake up every morning? For many of us, we may hit snooze on the alarm clock one too many times only to realize that we are then rushing to get out the door on time. For others we may exercise first thing in the morning to start the day energized and fresh. Personally, I have found that putting God first - spending time in His word, talking with Him, etc. - sets the tone for my day.

If we take a moment to pray and thank God for the new day, our job, our family and loved ones, our health, and His perfect plan for us, our focus shifts from the busyness or stress of the day to an attitude of gratitude. Choose to make time to spend in God's Word. Whether it is 10 minutes or an hour, those moments with God at the beginning of our day make all the difference.

The verse for today reminds us to "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give us everything we need." Do we believe that? Are we willing to trust that God is faithful and will do it? When we put God first and leave the rest in His hands, we can be sure that no matter what comes our way, God will go before us and will be our peace and strength when we grow weary.

I am sure we all have endless lists of stuff to do in a day, but when we make God a priority, the blessings will come, and God will provide.

Suggested Prayer: Dear God, please allow me to put you first in everything I do. Allow me to trust you fully and believe that you are faithful and will provide everything I need. Help my desire to spend time with you be as great as your desire to spend time with me. I choose to make you my priority. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus' name. Amen.

1.       Matthew 6:33 (NLT).

Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B.