FIRST THINGS FIRST!
Karol Horken • June 22, 2021
Do you ever feel overwhelmed just thinking about what you have to do today? You feel like you do not have enough energy, enough resources, and maybe not enough knowledge of what is required of you.
God knows and understands your concerns and He desires to supply everything you need to be successful for each day of your life. In the Bible the Apostle Paul says—
And this same God who takes care of me
will supply all your needs
from His glorious riches,
which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 (NLT)
God, our heavenly Father takes care of the needs of “us in Christ Jesus” meaning those who have chosen Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. When we surrender our lives to Him, we become a part of His family. God calls us His children and like any well-meaning father, He wants to help His children to be established in His will. It is then that we experience success.
We as parents who love our children, hate to see them struggle. We love it when they come to us for advice and instruction, seeking answers for their problems. God, our Father, is no different. If you can imagine it, He wants to help us
even more than we want to help our children.
Since He did not spare even His own Son
but gave Him up for us all, won’t He also give us everything else?
Romans 8:32 (NLT)
That’s the compassionate heart of our heavenly Father—always available ready and willing to help us navigate our daily lives. The Bible says—
The Lord will perfect that which concerns me;
Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever.
Psalms 138:8
I’ve been sharing with you about meeting with God at the beginning of your day, spending quiet time with Him, submitting your plans to Him, and asking for His input. In this designated time, you’ll recognize when His thoughts pop into your thinking and it will bring you great delight. It's important to do this first before you get busy with your day. The Bible says—
But seek first
the kingdom of God and His righteousness,
and all these things shall be added to you.
Matthew 6:33 (NLT)
If you seek Him and His way of doing things first, He will cause you to have the right thoughts so you can carry out the right plan, make the right decisions, and move ahead in the right direction. Just like Proverbs 16:3 (AMPC) says, “and so shall your plans be established and succeed.” This is not just to have our needs met — as good as that is, but also so that we can bring glory to God as we share our stories with others.
(NOTE: To learn more about receiving Christ as your Savior, watch my June 20th teaching video entitled: “Truth For A Fifth Grader”.)
The 30-Second Prayer That Changes Everything
[How To Live The Life You Love One Moment At A Time]
can be purchased on Amazon
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Sometimes we need to refresh the screen of our hearts to see clearly again. When we lay down our own plans and fully trust God, our vision begins to change. What once looked confusing becomes aligned, and we’re able to step confidently into everything He has already prepared for us. Today’s Scriptures: Proverbs 16:3 AMPC/TPT Psalms 23:1-4 NLT What is "The 30-Second Prayer?" What We Know For Sure Click to order my book, "The 30-Second Prayer That Changes Everything (Karol Horken)" The "30-Second Prayer" That Changes Everything Father, I commit my plans to You. Cause my thoughts to become agreeable to Your will-- So I know what to do. This prayer is based on the following scripture: Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (AMPC) Connect with me on: My website: www.the30secondprayer.com [Subscribe] https://www.the30secondprayer.com/ Facebook: 30 Second Prayer (Like) / the30secondprayer Instagram: 30 Second Prayer (Follow) / 30_second_prayer YouTube: Karol Horken (Subscribe/The Bell) / @the30secondprayer
Our morning time with God matters more than we realize. He’s already waiting for you — ready to listen, ready to speak — just like a faithful friend who truly cares. Are you needing that kind of friend today? Find a quiet place where you can meet with Him. In that stillness, you’ll discover the promises He longs to bring to life in you. Today's Scriptures: Psalms 103:3 NLT Romans 5: 1-11 NLT Hebrews 4:16 NLT Isaiah 30:21 NLT Jeremiah 29:11-14 NLT I John 1:9 MSG What is "The 30-Second Prayer?" Click to order my book, "The 30-Second Prayer That Changes Everything (Karol Horken)" The "30-Second Prayer" That Changes Everything Father, I commit my plans to You. Cause my thoughts to become agreeable to Your will-- So I know what to do. This prayer is based on the following scripture: Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (AMPC) Connect with me on: My website: www.the30secondprayer.com [Subscribe] https://www.the30secondprayer.com/ Facebook: 30 Second Prayer (Like) / the30secondprayer Instagram: 30 Second Prayer (Follow) / 30_second_prayer YouTube: Karol Horken (Subscribe/The Bell) / @the30secondprayer
When life feels heavy—crowded schedules, unanswered problems, and demands that exceed our limits—Scripture speaks with clarity and hope. The Bible reveals the wisdom of a faithful God who invites us to trust Him in every part of our daily lives. Title Page: “Here’s What I Know For Sure” Three Scriptures for your Title Page: Proverbs 3:5 NLT Psalms 119: 89 NLT 2 Samuel 22:31 NLT Here’s What I Know When I Feel Overwhelmed: Psalms 142:3 NLT Matthew 11:28 -29 NLT Psalms 34:17 NLT What is "The 30-Second Prayer?" Click to order my book, "The 30-Second Prayer That Changes Everything (Karol Horken)" The "30-Second Prayer" That Changes Everything Father, I commit my plans to You. Cause my thoughts to become agreeable to Your will-- So I know what to do. This prayer is based on the following scripture: Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (AMPC) Connect with me on: My website: www.the30secondprayer.com [Subscribe] https://www.the30secondprayer.com/ Facebook: 30 Second Prayer (Like) / the30secondprayer Instagram: 30 Second Prayer (Follow) / 30_second_prayer YouTube: Karol Horken (Subscribe/The Bell) / @the30secondprayer
Beginning the day with God puts us in a posture of surrender. We release our plans, seek His wisdom, and step into the peace that comes from trusting His direction. We are also going to continue putting together our compilation of scriptures promising that God will help us no matter what we are facing. Today Scriptures: Psalms 121:2 NLT Psalms 37:5 NLT Isaiah 41:13 NLT Psalms 28:7 NLT Hebrews 4:16 NLT What is "The 30-Second Prayer?" Click to order my book, "The 30-Second Prayer That Changes Everything (Karol Horken)" The "30-Second Prayer" That Changes Everything Father, I commit my plans to You. Cause my thoughts to become agreeable to Your will-- So I know what to do. This prayer is based on the following scripture: Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (AMPC) Connect with me on: My website: www.the30secondprayer.com [Subscribe] https://www.the30secondprayer.com/ Facebook: 30 Second Prayer (Like) / the30secondprayer Instagram: 30 Second Prayer (Follow) / 30_second_prayer YouTube: Karol Horken (Subscribe/The Bell) / @the30secondprayer
We will continue with our project to encourage ourselves (and others) with the Word of God. Each week we will choose a subject and three scriptural promises from God's Word that we can count on. God is not keeping His promises from us—He is keeping them for us. And we are going to use them to encourage ourselves--and others. Today’s Scriptures: 2 Samuel 30:1-31 NLT Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT Psalms 23:4 NLT Hebrews 13:5b AMPC What is "The 30-Second Prayer?" Click to order my book, "The 30-Second Prayer That Changes Everything (Karol Horken)" The "30-Second Prayer" That Changes Everything Father, I commit my plans to You. Cause my thoughts to become agreeable to Your will-- So I know what to do. This prayer is based on the following scripture: Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (AMPC) Connect with me on: My website: www.the30secondprayer.com [Subscribe] https://www.the30secondprayer.com/ Facebook: 30 Second Prayer (Like) / the30secondprayer Instagram: 30 Second Prayer (Follow) / 30_second_prayer YouTube: Karol Horken (Subscribe/The Bell) / @the30secondprayer
We’re living in uncertain times. Everything around us seems to be shifting—values, culture, even our sense of security. So what can we count on? What can we hold onto? What can we be sure of? The Bible gives us the answer—and today, let’s talk about why our faith in Jesus Christ is so important. Today’s Scriptures: Proverbs 30:5 NLT Psalms 119:89 NLT 2 Samuel 22:31 NLT Here’s What We Know For Sure: Psalms 91:1 AMPC Psalms 46:1 NLT Isaiah 41:10 TPT What is "The 30-Second Prayer?" Click to order my book, "The 30-Second Prayer That Changes Everything (Karol Horken)" The "30-Second Prayer" That Changes Everything Father, I commit my plans to You. Cause my thoughts to become agreeable to Your will-- So I know what to do. This prayer is based on the following scripture: Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (AMPC) Connect with me on: My website: www.the30secondprayer.com [Subscribe] https://www.the30secondprayer.com/ Facebook: 30 Second Prayer (Like) / the30secondprayer Instagram: 30 Second Prayer (Follow) / 30_second_prayer YouTube: Karol Horken (Subscribe/The Bell) / @the30secondprayer
If you’re feeling stuck, tired, or ready for something to change, you’re not alone. God is listening. He’s ready to hear your heart and give you a fresh perspective—and a new way forward. My foundational scripture for 2026: Psalms 25: 4-5 NLT An introduction to: The 30-Second Prayer: https://www.the30secondprayer.com/the... The "30-Second Prayer” That Changes Everything Father, I commit this situation to You. Cause me to think the way You think-- So I know what to do. This prayer is based on the following scripture: Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (AMPC) My book can be ordered from: The 30-Second Prayer That Changes Everything (Karol Horken) Connect with me on: My website: www.the30secondprayer.com where you will find all my video blogs, teaching & messages of joy. Facebook: 30 Second Prayer (Like) Instagram: 30 Second Prayer (Follow) You Tube: Karol Horken (Subscribe/The Bell) "Go Mobile" with me on my Podcast Using your favorite Podcast App, Search: The 30 Second Prayer That Changes Everything
When things feel overwhelming, peace has to be a choice. God offers us a peace that settles our hearts and shapes how we treat others. ‘ Peace on earth, goodwill to men ’ is a reminder to let that peace live in us—and move through us. Merry Christmas everyone! Numbers 6: 24-26 NLT May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace. The "30-Second Prayer” That Changes Everything Father, I commit this situation to You. Cause me to think the way You think-- So I know what to do. This prayer is based on the following scripture: Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (AMPC) My book can be ordered from: The 30-Second Prayer That Changes Everything (Karol Horken) Connect with me on: My website: www.the30secondprayer.com where you will find all my video blogs, teaching & messages of joy. Facebook: 30 Second Prayer (Like) Instagram: 30 Second Prayer (Follow) You Tube: Karol Horken (Subscribe/The Bell) "Go Mobile" with me on my Podcast Using your favorite Podcast App, Search: The 30 Second Prayer That Changes Everything
What were the first thoughts that crossed your mind when you woke up today? Maybe it was, “I’m so tired,” “Everything hurts,” or “I’ve got that issue to deal with.” Today, I want to help you tap into the strength and support you need to overcome those negative thoughts the moment they show up. Today’s Scriptures: (From the NLT, the TPT, the AMPC) Study Aide: https://www.biblegateway.com TPT is found on the Bible app Proverbs 16:3 Philippians 4:13 Isaiah 53:4 Philippians 4:6 2 Corinthians 10:5 The "30-Second Prayer” That Changes Everything Father, I commit this situation to You. Cause me to think the way You think-- So I know what to do. This prayer is based on the following scripture: Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (AMPC) My book can be ordered from: The 30-Second Prayer That Changes Everything (Karol Horken) Connect with me on: My website: www.the30secondprayer.com where you will find all my video blogs, teaching & messages of joy. Facebook: 30 Second Prayer (Like) Instagram: 30 Second Prayer (Follow) You Tube: Karol Horken (Subscribe/The Bell) "Go Mobile" with me on my Podcast Using your favorite Podcast App, Search: The 30 Second Prayer That Changes Everything
What’s the one thing that’s heavy on your heart at this very moment? Take comfort… God wants to help you with it. Today’s Scriptures: John 16:7 NLT Psalms 139: 16 NLT Ephesians 2:10 AMPC Proverbs 16:3 AMPC I Peter 5:7 NLT The "30-Second Prayer” That Changes Everything Father, I commit this situation to You. Cause me to think the way You think-- So I know what to do. This prayer is based on the following scripture: Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (AMPC) My book can be ordered from: The 30-Second Prayer That Changes Everything (Karol Horken) Connect with me on: My website: www.the30secondprayer.com where you will find all my video blogs, teaching & messages of joy. Facebook: 30 Second Prayer (Like) Instagram: 30 Second Prayer (Follow) You Tube: Karol Horken (Subscribe/The Bell) "Go Mobile" with me on my Podcast Using your favorite Podcast App, Search: The 30 Second Prayer That Changes Everything