Over the years, I have experienced twists, turns, mountains, valleys, joy and pain. Through it all, I have benefited from the lessons learned as I endured each situation. The greatest lesson that I have learned is to always Put God First. Going beyond believing or saying that He is first, to doing it. Consistently considering His purpose and plans for me and making decisions to do things His way and in His timing. 

Matthew 6:31-34 says it this way. 

³¹So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. 

This scripture assures us that God is ultimately in control, and He is faithful. We were created to love, trust, and obey Him. If we faithfully trust Him, we do not have to worry about anything. We are to Put God First in every area of our lives. Not allowing our thoughts, desires, goals, or people to have priority. 

Planning is a wonderful thing when we include obeying God as an important part of the process. Plan for tomorrow as we live for today. Allowing yourself to concentrate on what you can accomplish today without worrying about what might happen tomorrow. When we follow God’s guidance, He will supply all your needs for tomorrow as He does with the lilies of the field and the birds of the air. 

Twenty-three years ago, I accepted a God assignment to be the advocate for the students at McClintock Middle School as Choral Director/Mentor. Throughout my tenure there, I Put God First and He provided everything necessary for student success. Included in His guidance and provision were Christ Lutheran Church adopting McClintock. Which led to my wife and I committing to Christ Lutheran Church and becoming members. Which led to 16 awesome years of Family Night, Freedom School, Spirit Song and other ministry opportunities. 

I recently retired from McClintock Middle in June. I completed my final 15th year as Site Coordinator of the Christ Lutheran Church (CLC) in July. I really enjoyed my one-month retirement in August. The first week in September, I started my new God assignment as Lay Pastor of Christ Concord. 

It is a humbling experience to transition from Mr. Pinson to Pastor Willie and join this awesome team of Pastors and Staff of Christ Lutheran Church. My first month anniversary has been very busy. I jumped right into the deep getting to know the wonderful members of Christ Concord, sorting out some details, praying and preaching the word of God. 

God is doing a new thing at Christ Concord. I am so excited to be a part of what God is doing. Putting God First. Trusting Him to lead and guide me to fulfill His plan for His people. Keeping the Holy Spirit in the center of all that we do to honor, love, worship, praise, and glorify the Father. Knowing that everything that is needed will be added as we Put God First!