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How Jesus Calls Out the Narcissistic Pharisee
The Pharisee pointed out by Jesus for his narcissistic prayer is just the beginning of Jesus calling out narcissism within the Pharisaic sect. But we can learn a lot about Pharisees from this short parable in which Jesus compares a publican or a tax-collector to a Pharisee. In the following verses, we see two men praying, but about what and to whom they pray is up for close observation. And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed…
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The One Person I Forget to Pray For
It seems strange to admit that I rarely pray for myself. As a list-maker, I found that creating prayer lists and assigning them to certain days really helps me get focused. Every day of the week is dedicated to a different group of people. Mondays I reserve for my husband, Tuesdays for my children and so on. But recently the Lord convicted me of prayerlessness. I was a bit astonished. After all, I pray for my country, my family, my church, etc. with regularity. I can’t go to bed at night without making sure I hit everyone on that day’s list. Except there is one person I rarely intercede for.…
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Five Foolish Things that Make You Wise
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. 1 Cor. 1:27 At first, I struggled with what foolish things confounded the wise as I was having my daily time with the Lord. Then I had to laugh because if most people in the world were to watch me on a regular basis, they might find me somewhat foolish. The life of a writer involves a lot of brooding while staring into the distance. I used to imagine that life as a writer meant reading constantly (well,…
Healing Through Art & Words
