Begin Again

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From James Dodwell - Hammers of Hope

Good Morning,

Books are everywhere in the room used for an office at our home, hardbacks, paperbacks, books on disc, and even some books on tape. When I purchase a book, I try to read it within a couple of days, usually during rainy weekend or in a deer stand if it is hunting season. Some of the books are just page turners and are fun reads and there are others that give me pause and cause me to be slow and methodical in my reading. The latter are the ones I enjoy the most. On occasions, I will pick up one of the books I read long ago from the shelves and begin again. Although I read it before, it doesn’t always seem familiar. Maybe it’s because when I read it the first time I really wasn’t listening to the words, I was just reading them and there is a difference.

Like I said, I enjoy reading, but sometimes I have to be in the mood, adjust my attitude, turn it up just a notch or two to get my mind and body in a place I can sit quietly for time and slowly turn the pages. So, as I was scanning the titles on one shelf I came across the book, “Today Matters by John Maxwell.” Between the covers of the book are twelve commitments he says we should make each day of our lives. I have referenced these before but wanted to share them, again, today.

1. Just for today, I will choose and display the right attitudes. Foundation: Philippians 2:3-8

2. Just for today, I will determine and act on important priorities. Foundation: Ephesians 5:15-17

3. Just for today, I will know and follow healthy guidelines. Foundation: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

4. Just for today, I will communicate with and care for my family. Foundation: 1 Timothy 5:8

5. Just for today, I will practice and develop good thinking. Foundation: Proverbs 4:5-9

6. Just for today, I will make and keep proper commitments. Foundation: Philippians 3:12-14

7. Just for today, I will earn and properly manage my finances. Foundation Ecclesiastes 5:10-20

8. Just for today, I will deepen and live out my faith. Foundation: Colossians 2:6-7

9. Just for today, I will initiate and invest in solid relationships. Foundation: Colossians 3:12-24

10. Just for today, I will plan for and model generosity. Foundation: Proverbs 11:24-28

11. Just for today, I will embrace and practice good values, Foundation: Psalm 119:33-40

12. Just for today, I will seek and experience improvements. Foundation: 1 Peter 2:1-3 

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenged us to seek first His Kingdom and all other needs we have will be added to us. He was telling us not to worry about tomorrow that each day has enough trouble of its own. Just focus on today.

I encourage each of us to not become discouraged, allow Him to restore our perspective. Allow change in our lives but not to the point it alters our principles and values. Face problems head-on and look for ways to go under, around, over or through them by allowing our attitude to stay steady and hopeful. Do not allow fear to creep into our lives and understand that fear is really false evidence appearing real. And be encouraged that we can turn failure into success if we remained focus on Him. Begin again. Begin today sharing our love, hope, joy and faith, because today matters and it does make a difference in our lives and the lives of others. 2 Corinthians 5:17