DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT MONDAY - HOW TO ALWAYS DO AND SAY WHAT IS GOOD.

It is not what men eat but what they digest that makes them strong; not what we gain but what we save that makes us rich; not what we read but what we remember that makes us learned; not what we preach but what we practice that makes us Christians. - Francis Bacon.

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and in his grace gave us unfailing courage and a firm hope, encourage you and strengthen you to always do and say what is good. - 2Thess 2:16.

Edward Steichen, who eventually became one of the world's most renowned photographers, almost gave up on the day he shot his first pictures. At 16, young Steichen bought a camera and took 50 photos. Only one turned out -- a portrait of his sister at the piano. Edward's father thought that was a poor showing.

But his mother insisted that the photograph of his sister was so beautiful that it more than compensated for 49 failures. Her encouragement convinced the youngster to stick with his new hobby. He stayed with it for the rest of his life, but it had been a close call. What tipped the scales? The vision to spot excellence in the midst of a lot of failure. - Bits & Pieces.

In our Scripture today, Paul explains that as all our grace comes from the Father through Jesus, so His unfailing courage and hope, that is necessary for us for us to be encouraged and strengthened, must come the same way! Hallelujah!

What a great boost for the start of this new week, to be encouraged and strengthened by God, to do and say, what is good. Too often we try to do things in our own strength, and when it does not work for us, we become discouraged. We need to stop living our lives in our own understanding, wisdom and riches...

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. - Prov 3:5-10.

Vivian H., for 2 and a half years lived in a home without running water. She had to drive to a spring and load up five gallon jugs to haul back home. All the while there was a perfectly good well with a 600 gallon reservoir on her property. The water was there, she didn't know it could be used. - Source Unknown.

If we acknowledge Him, He will work it all out for us, whatever the situation or circumstance! We will be physically refreshed and strengthened, and He will make sure that we want for nothing, as well as being filled to overflowing with His Holy Spirit! Hallelujah! What a mighty God we serve!

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. - Psa 23.

You can't break God's promises by leaning on them! - Source Unknown.

I don’t know about you, but I would rather let God run my life for me, than try and stumble through it on my own, why don’t we let go and let God have control. Doing it His way, means we will always do and say what is good! Hallelujah! Bless His wonderful name!

Loving Father, my desire is to do and say what is good, help me by the power of the Holy spirit to accomplish this, for my benefit, and for the benefit of others. In Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen!

GBYAY