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Sunday, February 21, 2021

8

Jesus, You overcame for us the tempter. Teach us the meaning and power of the petition, "And lead us not into temptation." Amen.

Mark 1:12-13

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

7

Jesus, You were in the wilderness 40 days. Be in our hearts this season of Lent and lead us to Your cross. Amen.

Mark 1:12-13

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Unashamed

"For whoever is ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels" (Mark 8:38).

By Richard Wurmbrand

In a theater in Moscow at the premier of a new play, Christ in a Fur, the hall was overcrowded.

The actor Alexander Rostovtsev had to play the main role.  He belonged to the high circles of Soviet life and was a convinced Marxist.

On the stage was a mockery of an altar.  The cross on it was made of bottles of wine and beer.  Full glasses surrounded it.  Fat "clergymen" said a drunken "liturgy" consisting of blasphemous formulas.  In this sham church, "nuns" played cards, drank, and made ugly jokes while the "religious service" went on.

Then Rostovtsev appeared as Christ, dressed in a robe.  He had the New Testament in his hands.  He was supposed to read two verses from the Sermon on the Mount, then throw away the book in disgust and shout, "Give me my fur and my hat!  I prefer a simple proletarian life."  But something unexpected happened.  The actor read not only two verses, but continued, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" (Matt. 5:5), and so on to the end of the sermon.  It was in vain that the prompter made desperate signs for him to stop.

When Rostovtsev came to the last words of Jesus, he made the sign of the cross in the Orthodox manner, said, "Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom" (Luke 23:42), and left the stage.  He was never seen again.  The Communists disposed of him.

Let us, like this actor, forget the ugly roles imposed upon us by the world and allow ourselves to be enraptured by the beauties of the Savior's words.

Friday, February 5, 2021

6

Jesus, as You got up very early in the morning to pray, inspire us to begin each new day with prayer. Amen.

Mark 1:35-39