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2006
Happy New Years!!!! I can’t believe how fast 2005 went by. It seems just like yesterday that I was writing the first column of 2005. One year later, here I am again. God continues to amaze me. Despite all my failures, all my missteps, all my foolishness, He still loves me and chooses to use me to write this column. I can only say that I am extremely humbled and honored to pen a few words and have you all as readers.
There were highs and there were lows in 2005, but through them all, I can truly say that God was always there for me. He has kept me. He has drawn me closer to Him. He has been right by my side through the valleys and the mountaintops. I’m really excited about what God has in store for us this year at PutHimFirst.com. I know that He’s going to do something great.
I started writing this column at work last night before I took my lunch break and it just seemed like it wasn’t flowing right. I’ve been thinking about what to write all weekend and had a basic outline formed in my head, but it just wasn’t pouring out of me like usual. So, for my lunch break I decided I’d go for a little drive and get into some prayer.
I stepped outside and there was a thick fog throughout the sky. I got to my truck, put on some worship music and started driving. I began to pray and ask God just for a breakthrough in my life. I said, “God, I don’t want 2006 to be the same as 2005. I want 2006 to be a year where I put You first in everything I do. I want You to be in control. I don’t want to write what I want to write or do what I want to do. I want everything I do to be for You. I need a change. I need You to work in my heart. I need You to take away those desires that are not of You. I need You to be my everything in 2006.”
I couldn’t believe how thick the fog was. I could barely see in front of me. And God began to speak to me. He was saying, “This is how your life was in 2005. You were living a life that was clouded. You were struggling in your walk with me. You could only see a little in front of you because the fog of this world had your mind blinded. I have so much more for you. You need to see clearly in 2006.”
I pulled up back at my work and started thinking about it. I mean, 2005 wasn’t that bad. I accomplished some great things. I had many victories and mountaintop experiences. This website has continually grown. I started leading worship at my church again. God has given me new songs. God brought back one of my closest friends. My beautiful niece, Trinity, was born. And there are countless other things that He did in my life throughout 2005.
Then God began to reveal to me what He was trying to say. He wants us to see clearly in 2006. Those miracles and victories in 2005 aren’t going to keep us in 2006. He was saying that He is calling us to a deeper level of commitment in the New Year. The world around us has grown darker. It is going to take a greater effort and focus to keep our eyes fixed on Him. In order to “Put Him First” we’re going to have to work at it.
2006 is going to be a challenge. I say that not to scare you, but I say it to encourage you. There’s going to be great trials in the upcoming year, but there is also going to be great victories. We’re going to face many obstacles, but we’re going to conquer every enemy we face. I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to 2006. I don’t know exactly what lies ahead for us this year, in our own personal lives, and through this website, but I know that God is in complete control. Let’s start this New Year off right, by continuing to “Put Him First”.
I drove home from work this morning and the fog was still there. I needed to stop by the bank, but it doesn’t open until around 7:30 am, so I went home first. When I left to go to the bank a little later, the fog was gone and the sun was shining bright and everything was clear. 2006 is going to be a good year.
w/muchluv,
geno
DON’T forget TO tell ALL your FRIENDS about PUTHIMFIRST.com!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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