Waking up in 2022 has me looking around to see the lay of the land. The amount of information is overwhelming to my earthly senses. But it has opened my eyes to new things. As I dig to confirm sources and verify information, I found a theme resonating beneath the layers of words. Family First! (Insert Country here) First! People First! Me First!, First, First, First! If I understand correctly, we want to know where to start and what needs to be first. While the people shout a mantra of sorts to focus the leaders, I wonder… Who truly goes first?

Why is it, when the going gets tough, most of us revert to childhood behavior? Me First! No Me! I was in line first! How dare you! America’s has come a long way from who is first or who can walk through the door. In the past, we struggled over the way we looked and tried to hide with our own kind. Slowly, the walls came down.

Now it looks as if a majority of our leaders have fallen back to the old days. They are like little kids saying: No! I get this seat on the bus! You stand over there! I don’t care if you are tired! Only now it is; Are you vaxxed or unvaxxed? It makes me want to shout: “It’s none of your business! Go on ahead, you be first!”

A few days ago, listening to several news and opinion channels, I heard repeatedly: “America First!…” Each time, the words made me feel more and more uncomfortable. The experience made me think this through. “Why does this phrase make me uncomfortable? I like the message. Don’t we need to fix things here first before we can offer a hand to other nations?” Then I turned to Jesus with these questions.

I asked, “Why does the phrase ‘America First’ bother me? Lord, it has bothered me for a while and I shoved the feeling away. I am an American. But, the phrase seems filled with pride and arrogance.”

“What have I had you reading?” He whispered.

“The prophets…” I whispered back.

“What is missing in the world right now?” I heard in my soul.

The answer hit me hard and fast. It was the same thing the prophets said was missing. “God.” I answered. “We need God First.”

God First! That is what I need. My focus must be on Him, every day and every hour! Our hearts must change. The leaders and powerful people will always jump up and down shouting “Me First! My System… Ideas… First!” But as Christians, we must live “God First!” For He is the Sovereign.

⁶“Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel,

And his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts:

‘I am the First and I am the Last;

Besides Me there is no God.

⁷ And who can proclaim as I do?

Then let him declare it and set it in order for Me,

Since I appointed the ancient people.

And the things that are coming and shall come,

Let them show these to them.

⁸ Do not fear, nor be afraid;

Have I not told you from that time, and declared it?

You are My witnesses.

Is there a God besides Me?

Indeed there is no other Rock;

I know not one.’”

[Isaiah 44:6-8 NKJV¹]

It is simple to say and harder to do. Remember, we are watching the old ways crumble. Can you see the truth shining through the cracks in the rubble? This is where I started. Seeing truth in the cracks. It is time to turn back to what has worked since God “created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). This means placing God first in our lives and in everything we do. If you are so inclined, please take this phrase and use it as your own. It didn’t come from me. I don’t own it. This phrase is from the Holy Spirit, and Jesus taught it:

³¹ “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

[Matthew 6:31-33 NKJV¹ (emphasis added by me)]

Please pray with me:

Thank you, Father, for teaching us through the prophets, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Your guidance is precious to us. Help us as we switch our focus from the world to You as our sovereign King. Help us put You first in all we do. Let us proclaim ‘God First!’ in our actions and words. Isaiah claims we are your witnesses! Help us listen to the prophets and Jesus when they say, “Do not fear, nor be afraid;” We know you are in charge. In Jesus name amen! In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, amen.

When we put God First and follow His commands, we are blessed: “²And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you. Because you obey the voice of the Lord your God. ³Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country.” [Deuteronomy 28:2-3¹]

Milly

¹All scripture is from the New King James Version: Prophecy Study Bible New King James Version, Editor John C. Hagee © 1997 by Thomas Nelson, a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc.