Author: Pastor Ray Patrick

Evangelism. Outreach. Ministry. Pastor Ray Patrick is a R.E Teacher at The Eden School
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Positive Obstacles

Whenever I can’t trust my heart with a major decision, I ask God to put an obstacle in the way to block the wrong decision. Not all decisions are black or white, good, or bad. Sometimes something that appears good can be placed in front of us, but not all good things are part of God’s plan for our lives. 

Friends, there is no “magic prayer” that can keep us from making the wrong decision. I would also like to clarify that reflecting on this thought helps me when I am faced with a decision and my desires are preventing me from thinking clearly or even caring if what I want is in God’s plan for me. 

Today I declare that God knows what he’s doing. Sometimes I forget he has a plan. I struggle with figuring out what that plan is most of the time, but one step I will never leave out is my obstacle Prayer asking Him to put an obstacle in the way of the wrong decision. God knows my heart. He knows what I desire. He wouldn’t withhold something out of spite. He has plans to prosper me and not to harm me, to give me hope and an awesome future. I challenge you to pray the obstacle prayer, mould it to fit your own life, and see how it changes your perspective. As it puts God in total control. 

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, you know me better than I know myself. You know my fears and my desires. You know what I want. Father, I know you love me. I know you have a plan for me. Please, Lord, don’t let my desires blind me to your will. If my desires are not within your plan, give me an obstacle, I cannot get past. God help me follow your will, give me peace about whatever is to come. If this falls through, I will trust your plan for my future. Thank you for loving me in Christ’s name Amen. 

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Down But Not Out

In life, we will all face some kind of disappointment or setback. Maybe bad news concerning your health, job, or a relationship not working out – a setback! It’s easy to get discouraged, lose your enthusiasm, or even be tempted to just settle where you are. But if we’re going to be God’s best, we have to have a “bounce-back” mentality.

That means when you get knocked down, you don’t have to stay down. You get back up again. You have to know that every time adversity comes against you, it’s a setup for a comeback. You may have got knocked down, but you haven’t been knocked out! Remember, as a believer, the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives on the inside of you.

Today, there is no challenge too difficult, no obstacle too high, no sickness, no disappointment, no person, nothing that can keep you from your God-given destiny. If you stay in faith and keep a good attitude, you will rise again. God will turn those stumbling blocks into stepping stones, and you’ll move forward into His victory! Hallelujah!

“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again…” (Proverbs 24:16, NIV)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for setting me up for success in everything I do for You this year. Father, I choose to trust and rely on You, knowing that Your plans are for my good. Therefore when life knocks me down, when disappointment comes my way, I won’t stay down, but I will bounce back, knowing my best days are up ahead, and I look forward to the blessings You have in store for me, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

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Victory Over The Enemy 

Victory, Not Just Today, But Always

Do you look at your prayer life as a small ministry of no importance? The enemy knows full well how mighty you are in pulling down his strongholds through pray, and he will try to intimidate, discourage, divide, or defeat you. Don’t accept his lies. 

Two Keys to Spiritual Victory: 

1.     Love God with all your heart and abide in Him – Loving and abiding in God is so important in order to see answered prayer. I am personally, by nature, a warrior but my relationship with God is the best antidote against the enemy’s flaming missiles. We must know God intimately and abide in that intimacy daily. 

2.     Speak out the attributes of God and praise him daily in prayer – Worship is a powerful form of warfare. Praying and singing out loud about the greatness of God during moments when you are emotionally down makes a huge difference. Your heart begins to rise, your feelings change, and you see the sovereignty and greatness of God. 

Today remember this Doubt. Deception. Discouragement. Division. It’s time for us to stop accepting these enemy strikes as natural. Spiritual warfare is a reality that we must face. It won’t go away on its own – but it can be dealt with through prayer. 

“For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” – Deuteronomy 20:4 

Let’s Pray Yahweh, thank you for your greatness. Thank you that when I am weak, you are strong. Father, the devil is scheming, and I know he desires to keep me from spending time with you. Please don’t let him win! God, give me a measure of your strength so that I won’t give in to discouragement, deception and doubt! Lord, help me honour you in all my ways. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

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They Did It To Jesus

Jesus the Good Shepherd

Sometimes it’s hard to keep going in ministry and life amidst criticism and gossiping. In Scripture, many times people would come against Jesus and criticise Him. Many times, it says, “Jesus answered them not a word.” He simply didn’t respond to His critics. He didn’t try to convince them to change their minds. He didn’t get upset because somebody was talking about Him. No, He just ignored it.

Today, when people come against you and they’re jealous and just evil towards you and those you love, trying to make you look bad, trying to discourage you, remember what they did to Jesus! He was probably criticised and despised more than anyone else. I love the fact that He didn’t try to explain Himself. He didn’t try to make everyone understand Him. He just stayed focused on what He was called to do. He simply ran His race, stayed in His lane, prayed, and moved forward. And this is how we should deal with those who criticise us and gossip about us, don’t give in to the demonic distraction, just take them to the Lord in prayer.

…but Jesus refused to answer.” (Luke 23:9, NLT)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I release every person who has criticised me, gossiped about me, or tried to discourage me. Father, I choose to forgive them; I have decided to turn away from that distraction and move forward, refusing to react to the demonic forces that seek to bring me down. God, help me to stay focused on You and all the wonderful blessings You have in store for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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God Our Safe Place

Don’t ever doubt it. God works on behalf of those who love Him and honour His name. He is so good to us. We may never fully know, this side of heaven, how very much He has sheltered us from in this life. 

We may not always see it, or feel it, we might forget it’s there at times, or even wonder if God has left us to fend for ourselves in the heat of hard situations of life. But His protection is real. He doesn’t, He can’t, forget us or ignore us. If we belong to Him, His love is too great to leave us on our own. In whatever troubles we face today, God is the place of refuge we can run to, He is our safe place. 

Today, Pressure and stress can seem as stifling as a hot afternoon summer sun. Yet God whispers truth, strong and sure, “Walk in my shadow, up close to my side.  It’s in the safe place that brings confidence; for when we are resting in God’s shadow, we will never face the full heat of our difficulties. He shelters from that pain. His shade, His shadow, diminishes what is felt in the intensity of all the heat. Rest, peace, and calm rise strong, right in the struggling mess of life, and we’re assured, He’s in control. 

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for your presence around me, thank you for your Almighty Shadow. Thank you that you go before me and cover me from behind. Thank you that you are in my midst and that my future is secure in the place you’re preparing for me. God your words bring such hope and comfort. Reminding me of your strength, today may I see glimpses of your glory and blessing along the way as I seek after you. For victory and salvation are found in you alone. In the Mighty Name of Jesus, Christ Amen. 

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No Competition

Growing up in the UK, when people bought something new, we used to say that they were trying to “keep up with the Jones’s (trying to compete with your neighbours).” It’s easy to be tempted to go through life competing with everyone around us. When we see someone who’s more talented, better looking or has more gifts, instead of running our race and being comfortable with who we are, oftentimes we feel inferior and think, “I’ve got to catch up to my neighbours and friends.” The problem with this unhealthy competition is that it’s a never-ending cycle.

Did you know there will always be someone ahead of you? But it’s very freeing when you realise, “I’m not in a competition.” I don’t have to have as big a house as my neighbour to feel good about myself. I don’t have to keep up with my co-worker. I don’t have to be a certain size. No, I understand that I’m not in competition with my friend, my neighbour, or my co-worker.

Today, say to yourself “I’m going to be the best me that I can be, I’m going to run my race, I’m going to stay in my lane, I will not compete with anyone.” Now, that’s an attitude God can work with. When you focus on being who God made you be, that’s when you’ll rise higher, and position yourself for every spiritual blessing He has in store for you!

“…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:1-2, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I humbly come to You giving You all that I am. Father, help me keep my eyes on You and no one else. Please work on my heart and mind, so I will learn to stay in my lane and run my race. God, I want You to be my only focus. I want to be free from competition today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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It’s All About Your Thinking

In this age of social media influences, millions of people are not enjoying life because of the condition of their minds. They constantly dwell on negative, destructive, harmful thoughts. They don’t realise it, but the root cause of many of their problems is simply the fact that their thought life is out of control and very negative.

Today more than ever, we must realize that our lives follow our thoughts. If you think negative thoughts, then you’re going to live a negative life. If you think discouraging, hopeless thoughts, or even mediocre thoughts, then your life is going to go down that same path. That’s why we must take captive every thought and renew our minds with the Word of God daily.

Today, I want to challenge you to think about what you’re thinking about. Don’t let those self-defeating thoughts linger in your mind. Instead, speak God’s promises over your life. Declare what He says about you. Take captive every thought and renew your mind daily through His awesome Word!

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I choose to take captive every one of my thoughts. I will renew my mind according to Your Word. Father, thank You for being my teacher and helper. I give You my mind, please direct me in the way that I should go. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

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God Is A Finisher

How long will it take? This is taking way too long. Is there something you’ve been waiting for? Something you’ve been hoping for that’s taking longer than you expected. You might be tempted to just accept things the way they are. You might be tempted to think it’s never going to happen. Be encouraged because God is a finisher! He will complete what He’s started in you!

So, what do I do while waiting? Your part is to believe. Your part is to keep your eyes on Him. When you believe, you have the Creator of the universe fighting your battles, arranging things in your favour, going before you, and moving the wrong people out of the way. 

Today, don’t be intimidated by the size of a problem, or the size of your dream! Don’t let circumstances convince you to stop believing. Jehovah Jireh, the Lord our Provider, is still on the throne. One touch of God’s favour and you’ll go from barely getting by, to having more than enough! Begin to thank Him and declare that God is at work. Declare that He is perfecting what concerns you. Declare that He will complete everything He’s started in your life!

“And David said to his son Solomon, ‘Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD God–my God–will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD’.” (1 Chronicles 28:20, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I thank You for completing every good work in my life. Father, I believe Your Word, even when things look impossible. I know that You are working behind the scenes and that You will bring victory and breakthrough to every area of my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Breaking Free from the Bondage of Insecurity

Do you know him? He’s as close as a brother, but don’t be fooled because he’s a destructive enemy. he’s here to destroy your faith, confidence, and relationships. He makes you doubt yourself, your dreams, and God’s purpose in your life. He disguises himself as one who wants to help when his main purpose is to put you in bondage and control your thoughts, words, and actions. What’s His name? Insecurity. He’s the closest and most dangerous friend we’ve allowed into our lives, and it is time to say goodbye. 

Today’s verse tells us that truth is the key to unlocking the shackles that insecurity has placed on us; shackles that have stopped us from speaking up, walking with our heads held high, pursuing our dreams, and living with an open and trusting heart. 

Here are 4 truths to remember when you’re feeling insecure: 

1.) You are Accepted 

Insecurity may leave us feeling rejected, However, we know that God has accepted us, not just as friends but as family. In 1 John 3:1 NIV, we are called children of God! that is what we are! So if God accepts us there is no need to worry about who doesn’t. 

2.) You will never be Let Go 

Insecurity makes us want to push others away, however, God holds us tight in His hands. God is not going to let you slip through His fingers. Where others may walk away, God is here to stay. In Romans 8:39 we are reminded that “nothing will separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Hallelujah! 

3.) God will Defend You 

Insecurity makes us defensive and combative, However, God defends us. We don’t have to fight to prove ourselves to others when God has proven who He is in our lives. Let God fight for you. Exodus 14:14 says “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”  

4.) Doors will open doors for you 

Insecurity makes us fearful of missing out, However, God opens doors for us that no man can shut. When we realize God is in control, we don’t have to worry about missing out. Psalm 37:23 says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.”   

Today, God’s truth will always be, greater than our insecurity. Insecurity may seem a powerful and insurmountable foe, but God’s truth exposes it for the weak imposter it is. May His truth constantly set you free from the bondage of insecurity as you live for Him daily. 

“The truth will set you free.” – John 8:32 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, help me break free from the bondage of insecurity. Father, in the past I confess that I’ve listened to the voice of the enemy more than I’ve listened to your truth. Please help me listen and know that I am loved by you, and I am perfectly made, that I am accepted by You. God, give me your Spirit to help me see when I am listening to lies instead of truth. Help me fix my eyes on you and all you are and have done for me and this world. Thank you, Lord! In Christ’s name. Amen! 

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Are You Bored?

Sin, Happiness, and Breaking Out of Spiritual Boredom

Life has a way of becoming boring and mundane – it needs some freshening up from time to time. Today may be the day to stir up what God has placed inside of you. It’s time to stir up those gifts, stir up those dreams, stir up those talents on the inside. Start stretching yourself. This doesn’t just mean making resolutions; this means tapping into the destiny God has placed in your heart.

To begin with, you must have something to freshen up or stir up. Scripture tells us that without vision, people perish. If you don’t have a dream, you’re not really living the way God intends; you’re merely existing. Maybe at one time, you had a dream, but you went through some disappointments or setbacks. Things didn’t turn out the way you planned. But here’s a key: when one dream dies, dream another dream. Just because it didn’t work out the way you had it planned doesn’t mean that God doesn’t have another plan.

Today, you cannot allow one disappointment, or even a series of disappointments, to convince you that your dream is over. It’s time to dig your heels in and hold on to the promises in your heart. As you stir up those God-given dreams and desires, He’ll pour out fresh favour and blessings in your life and fulfil every desire in your heart!

“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you…” (2 Timothy 1:6, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I come to You. I give You my past, my disappointments, and my brokenness. Father, please remove spiritual boredom from me, I’m tired of the mundane routine my life has become. God, stir up my dreams or give me the creativity through Your Spirit to dream again. Fill me with hope and expectation, as I fulfil the dreams and desires that You have placed within me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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You Will Win

Renewal, Of People Of God - Knowing Jesus

You can succeed. You can overcome any obstacle through Christ. Through His Word, God has equipped you with everything you need to fulfill your destiny. That means you are well able to do what he has called you to do. You can accomplish your goals. You can fulfill your dreams! You’ve been armed with strength for every battle.

God is working on your behalf. He has already gone ahead of you and lined up the right situations and the right opportunities. You have everything you need to live the miraculous, victorious life God created you to live!

Today, if you’ll stay in faith, it’s just a matter of time; victory is on its way. Don’t settle where you are. Don’t have a weak, defeated mentality. Have the attitude, “I am anointed. I can accomplish my dreams. I can overcome any obstacle. I am empowered by the Creator, and I am thoroughly equipped for every good work that God has called me to do!”

“Every Scripture is God-breathed…so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, AMPC)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for equipping me for success. Father, I thank You for empowering me by faith. I know that through You I can overcome every obstacle. Help me to stay focused on Your Word and Your plan for my life. God, please help me to walk in Your anointing so that I can do all You’ve called me to do. I bless You today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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In the Wilderness

God shows us who He is by what He does. His promises are worked out in the lives of His people. When we are in the middle of life’s barren wilderness, God’s hand seems absent, blinded as we are by circumstances and situations. But when we emerge from that leg of the journey, we can look back and see that God has watched over our every step. Yes, the journey was hard and went on longer than we thought we could bear. But we are still here. Through our wilderness, just when we thought we couldn’t last another day, God’s mercy met us in a kind word, an unexpected provision, or an encounter. The assurance of His presence always comes. 

Today we can learn from life’s wilderness. We learn things there that we can’t learn anywhere else. We see the provision of our Father in a different light. His love stands out in stark relief against the background of the barren landscape. In the wilderness, there is no selfishness. We learn in deeper ways to cling to God and wait for Him. When we come out of the wilderness, the lessons stay with us. We take them with us into life. We remember the God who got us through the hard times, He is with us still. Hard times can be fruitful times. Though barren, lush fruit is being produced as we walk through the wilderness. The Lord has promised to sanctify your wilderness times and make them fruitful. 

The LORD your God has blessed you in everything you have done. He has watched your every step through this great wilderness. During these forty years, the LORD your God has been with you, and you have lacked nothing. – Deuteronomy 2:7 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I know that wherever I am, You are with me—guiding, protecting, providing. Father, You make a mountain into a way; You make streams flow in the desert; You cause a root to grow out of dry ground. Hallelujah! God, thank You for allowing me to see You work when all hope seems lost. In Christ’s Name, Amen. 

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True Comfort

With murders in the UK hitting an all-time high, prisons are bursting at the seams, divorce is still over 50% and mental health is growing at an alarming rate. Oftentimes when life has challenges, the natural tendency is to seek comfort in things that are familiar. It may be drugs, work, activity, or relationships; and of course, we all know about “comfort eating.” But those things only bring temporary comfort.

I believe true comfort is only found in a relationship with Jesus. According to Webster’s dictionary, comfort means to give strength and hope; to ease grief or trouble. No matter what difficulty you may be facing today, God wants to bring you comfort. Like a mother cares for her child, He longs to give you strength, hope and confidence.

Today, turn to Him. Receive His love. Let go of things that would hold you back. Let God heal your heart and mind, let Him give you strength and comfort for the road ahead. Let Him empower you to rise up and overcome every obstacle in Jesus’ Name! 

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you…” (Isaiah 66:13, NIV)

Let’s Pray Yahweh, I come to You today and invite You to fill my whole being. Father, please heal my community. Give me and those that are mourning Your comfort and strength. Empower me by Your Holy Spirit during these challenging times, so that I can live in the victory You have planned for me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.
…

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Progress over Perfection

Some of my goals in life are to be spiritually free, transformed mentally, and to learn to walk in love as I continue to grasp just how much I am already loved by God. Seeing this love has enabled me to know what goals to strive for and the goals God desires for me. The more I realize the immenseness of God’s love for me, the more I will make progress on goals that I would like to complete in His name. 

God loves our completed tasks as much as he loves our enthusiasm to work for Him. He is pleased every time that we are taking steps of obedience, not just at the end. Some things will never be completed this side of heaven—like world peace, for instance—but God is pleased when we take steps to live in unity with one other person. 

Today progress toward your goals and progress toward becoming more like Christ is ongoing. There will always be more to do and more ways to grow in character and love. God is pleased when we take steps and when we step out of our comfort zones. It’s a journey and each step will teach us something new and grow our character. God will help us as we seek Him. God gave us good work to do, and He won’t leave us until our progress is complete. 

“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) 

Let’s Pray  

Yahweh, thank You for making me for good works. Father, You gave me the desire to learn and grow in my ability to love You and my neighbours. Lord help me to make progress on my goals each day and not worry about perfection but focus on my obedience. God remind me regularly that my obedience will always bring fruit even though the conclusion may differ from what I am thinking. Your ways are above my ways. In Christ’s name Amen  

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On Purpose

Did you know your conception and birth didn’t surprise God? Before you were born God knew you and was thinking about you. He knew everything about you before you were in your mother’s womb. He created you on purpose, for a purpose. He planned who you would be, the colour of your hair, and the colour of your eyes and skin. He gave you gifts, talents, and abilities to be used for His glory. He took one look at you and said, “approved.”

No matter whose approval you didn’t get on this earth, know that Almighty God loves you and approves of you. There’s nothing you can do now or ever to change that. You may be thinking, “I’ve made so many mistakes, how can God approve of me?” Understand that when God sees you, He separates you from your behaviour. He may not approve of your actions, but He desires to help you grow and make better choices.

Today, receive His love and acceptance. Allow Him to work in your life. Allow His love to empower and strengthen you because you are approved and equipped from your birth to live in victory all the days of your life!

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you…” (Jeremiah 1:5, AMPC)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for approving me and empowering me with Your love. Father, I open my heart and mind to You, please have Your way in my life. God, thank You for creating me on purpose, for a purpose, and accepting me with all my sinful traits. Remove anything that would hold me back from all You have in store, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Google Maps

Most drivers these days have a navigation system, whether on their phone or built into their car. I use Google on my phone, I just have to programme it to take me to a certain location and it will take me there if I follow the directions given. 

The announcer will give me instructions like, “turn left in a quarter of a mile. Take this freeway three miles. Exit in one mile.” But sometimes I don’t follow the directions. I may miss a turn, stop to get gas or go the wrong way. The announcer doesn’t come on and start yelling at me and say, “what are you doing? I told you to turn left! You ruined my plan.” No, the moment I get off course, the navigation system immediately starts recalculating and rerouting in a few seconds, and it will give me new directions.

Today, God is like our navigation system; google maps, etc. He has a plan for you to get to your destination. He has directions and a path that is best for you when you commit your heart to Him. However, you may mess up on following His directions, miss an exit or make a wrong turn, but praise God, in less than a second He recalculates another route. He’s still going to get you to where you’re supposed to be. Listen to Him and follow His instructions as He announces them in His Word, and you will arrive at your God-given destiny. Remember, He loves you with an everlasting love. When you seek Him with your whole heart, no matter where you are in life, He’ll get you back on track! Hallelujah!

“Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths.” (Psalm 25:4, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, show me Your path; teach me Your ways. Father, my heart’s deepest desire is to know You and to be known by You. Help me stay on track, and when I make a wrong turn or go the wrong way, please get me back on track and recalculate my life and reroute my mind, so I can get to my God-given destination. God, You are my King, and I humbly submit my ways to You. Thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

 

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