When I came into the office this morning, I had a letter waiting on me that had been written by one of my “truck driving” friends!  We have a man in our church that has to run some long hauls and He will occasionally on one of those hauls drop me a few lines about what God is up to in His life.  His three page letter was such a blessing to me.  The very moment that I saw the envelope, I was excited, because I knew that whatever was inside – it was going to be good!  I opened the letter and began to read as he shared some very distressing news about some things that he was having to go though, but then “the night turned into day” and He began to share about how God was taking this bad and using it for good!

When I laid the letter down, I could not help but think that each one of us, everyday get to decide!  We get to decide if we will be an encourager or a discourager!  This past week, I have had encounters with both.  This past week I have been guilty of doing both.  But I am going to do my best in the days ahead to make the choie to encourage, rather than to discourage!

I could not help but to think about Philippians 4:6-8  “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praise-worthy – meditate on these things!”

Who can you encourage today!  Start with yourself and work your way out!