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just the truth // Wednesday E-Devotion

One of the reasons that Proverbs remains a daily part of my life is the truth that comes off the page as I sit, read, think and let God speak. It is not always profound. Sometimes it is simple. Today was one of those simple 'just the truth' kind of days. Made me a laugh a little. Profound yet simple...

(this is a little long but good)

Proverbs 25:17-22 (nlt) --- (17) Don't visit your neighbors too often, or you will wear out your welcome. (18) Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow. ( 19) Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot. (20) Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart is like taking someone's coat in cold weather or pouring vinegar in a wound. ( 21) If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. ( 22) You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the L ord will reward you.

Verses 18-20 gave me the laugh and even reminded me of how important our actions are. We impact others for or against God every day.

"Just the Truth" screams off that page for me as I think about motives, priorities, faith and dealing with people. Truth gives us perspective. Henry Blackaby said years ago, "truth is a person, and his name is Jesus." Get that cause it may save you.

Another point of truth came from my blog reading this morning. Here is some from Mark Batterson:

Seven Keys to Maximizing Your Environment

I'm doing a session on maximizing environments this afternoon. Thought I'd post the outline in advance. One of our most important and most difficult jobs as leaders is creating the right culture.

Here are seven keys to creating the right culture:

#1 Be Yourself ... Culture starts with knowing who you are and who you're not.

#2 Stay Positive

#3 Establish Boundaries
#4 Little Things are Big Things ... 1% of what you do makes 99% of the difference


#5 Think like a Guest

#6 Exceed Expectations ... Good isn't good enough.

#7 Cast Vision Like Crazy

(I am excited 'cause this weekend my family and I are going to visit Batterson's church in Washington DC .)

That stuff is off the charts for me today. Needed a little bit to chew on and to give me thoughts as I prepare a new series on Wednesdays walking through Hebrews 11. It will not be the normal study as we exceed expectations and look like crazy to the vision God has given us.

'Just the Truth' can and will change the way we look at things.

Psalm 25:14-15 (nlt) --- The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant. My eyes are always on the Lord, for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies.

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