Tag: Lord Jesus Christ

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Let Not… 

Christ offers us peace which he made possible through His death on the cross. This peace of God fills our hearts with quiet confidence even when life is tough. But why do so many of us not experience this peace of heart and mind? For it to become a reality we must take care of our “let nots” as in John 14. There Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled neither let it be afraid.” 

Another translation says,” stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed, and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.” How? Do not feed fear by what you watch on T.V. video games, movies, or books you read. 

Replace a disturbing thought with a good thought—quote a Bible verse or a stanza from a hymn or chorus. One that has helped me is “He leadeth me”.  

Today, tell God about your fear with thanksgiving say, “God, you are bigger than my problem. I give it to you now. I want to trust you with it.” Then move ahead despite your fear. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” Phil 4:4-7. 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, fill my heart and mind with your peace right now in Christ’s Name Amen. 

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Maybe We Are Scattered on Purpose

In a moment, everything changed. Life, as usual, ceased and Christianity and the world plunged into a time of fear and uncertainty. 

This sounds like our current situation during a pandemic, war, and major growth in anti-social behaviour, but it also speaks to a time of “great persecution” the early Church faced. The vibrant new Christian Church was forced to splinter apart. They were under siege. New believers, untethered from their apostolic anchor, fled through the Judean countryside and into the surrounding nations. What did they feel? Fear? Confusion? That this new, seemingly fragile faith was threatened with eradication? 

They felt a mixed bag of many things. But after a brief time, the scattered believers regained their bearings and “went about preaching the word”. The crisis turned out to be a vehicle that God, in His sovereignty, used to further His purposes. The Gospel entered new nations and began its inexorable march to the ends of the earth. 

God has repeated this process throughout history. Plagues, persecution, and disasters all have come and gone, appearing as threats but proving to be the kindling that has stoked the fires of the mission. 

Today as in the early Christian Church we have become scattered in a different way, what might God do? Instead of gathering physically on Sabbath mornings and various weeknights, we journey on digital roads, streaming church services and Gospel messages wherever we go. Might this moment be another watershed moment in Church mission history? How can we move past our own fear and uncertainty to proclaim Christ when we’re physically and digitally scattered? Maybe God has scattered us on purpose so that this gospel can be preached into all the world…  

“And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.” Acts 8:1 ESV 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for your sovereign control of all things, even still through the chaos of today. I give my anxieties to you and pray that you’d give me the peace, wisdom, and creativity to proclaim your greatness to those around me, both digitally and physically. Father, revive my heart During this time and use me to help bring the Gospel to the very ends of the earth. Amen. 

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We Need Caleb’s Faith 

When the Israelites first approached the borders of Canaan, Moses sent scouts into the Promised Land to assess the situation. Ten of the scouts came back with reports that focused on the giants in the land, men so big and powerful the scouts feared they could not be defeated. Two of the scouts focused on the promise from God that he would hand the land over to the Israelites. One of those scouts, Caleb, silenced the others when he said, 

“We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it”   

Caleb trusted God instead of trusting his fear. The opposite of fear is faith some say, the belief that Jesus is capable of handling anything we may face in life. But operating out of faith means we must rely on God, remaining dependent on him to see us through any issue. 

It brings us to a choice: Will we trust God, or will we trust our fears? And we reach that level of trust by knowing the Father and understanding His character through His word and we understand the Father by following Jesus.  

Today Your Greatest fears simply reveal places where you aren’t yet trusting God. Don’t stay stuck in your fear, and don’t receive condemnation for your lack of faith. Christ wants to move you past that into a place where your fears are replaced by faith. Follow him and learn to trust Him more. 

“We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” Numbers 13:30b 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I believe, but help with my unbelief! Help my head and my heart to believe in you and trust in you fully, without a doubt, knowing that in you all things are possible.  I pray for help to strengthen my faith in you. Father, I believe, but I don’t always believe in your power and might. I don’t always believe that in you all things are possible. I don’t always place my trust in you, instead trying to fix everything on my own. I don’t always turn to you first, instead turning to others and the world for answers. Lord at times I struggle to relate the scriptures to my own life. Lord, Lord, please strengthen my faith! In Christ’s name Amen. 

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Have you ever thought…

Have you ever thought... 
God, I want to please you but just don't know how or if I keep on doing the same thing that dishonours you, those around me and myself? 

This Scripture provides us with hope. It speaks of God doing something transforming inside of us. He is working inside of you and me. 

He is giving us the desire, the willingness and the longing to please him. He gives us a vision of what that would look like, feel like, and be like—this desire gives us hope. 

This is the best part. The desire comes from God, but we may not have the ability to fulfil that desire. We may try in our own power, but each time we experience massive failures. 

God never intended for us to fail. He wants us to experience the desires he has placed in our hearts. He wants to help us experience the fulfillment of every single desire we have. How does he help us? 

He gives us his power. His power is able to move us beyond physical realities into a supernatural reality in which He exists. He is able to do far more than we could ever ask or think. His power can bring life to death and strength to weakness. 

His power is all we need for the desires of our hearts to be realised today. And this will empower us to do what pleases him. 

You know the desires God has placed in your heart. Why not claim His power today to experience the fulfilment of these desires and make God pleased with you.
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When Someone Hurts You

Your Hurt For His Healing

When we harbour unforgiveness or negative feelings towards other people, it can overwhelm us. Picture someone you’re not too fond of. What did you think of them doing to you? Did you think of something bad about them/their actions? Did you immediately want to start telling everyone a story about how awful they are? If you were in a good mood before, you’re probably annoyed or agitated now. If you are still bothered by that person or situation, you probably haven’t quite reached the end of your process of forgiveness yet.  

If you want to live a life free from those overwhelming, not-so-positive unforgiving emotions, you must keep that process of intentional forgiveness going, with a heart open to God, until you can move forward with no negative feelings. One way to make sure that process reaches its conclusion is to take that person to God, in a good way, even while you’re still hurting.  

Today, when we pray for those who do us wrong, even while it’s happening, it’s the only way we’ll ever truly let go. Come to God without pretending that you’ve let the problem go, but even while you’re honest about your hurt, pray for that person, and the situation you need to forgive. Let God give you strength beyond your hurt to love the unlovable. If you’re in the process of forgiving someone, ask God to guide the steps that you take next. 

If you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you.’ Mark 11:25 NIV 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I desire to obey Your Word. Your word tells me to get rid of bitterness and anger and to forgive others as you forgave me in Christ. Lord, I lay all my pain into your hands. I give you my heavy burden of unforgiveness and pain of the past, in exchange for your yoke, which is easy, and your burden, which is light. Your word says – Come all who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Lord, I come to you that you may give me rest from all the hurt, pain, and unforgiveness. In Christ’s name Amen! 

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Tanzania Here We Come Without Hesitation

As a child, I wanted to take a mission trip. Each time the topic was preached on I would sit on the edge of my seat. I would see the smiling faces of the people and would dream of hugging them. I wasn’t sure how… I didn’t know when… but it was a wish I prayed on. 

As I prepare to leave for the mission field in Tanzania, I came across today’s verse that speaks to mission service. Genesis 12:4 says, “Without any hesitation, Abram went.” The bravery of Abraham to pick up his entire family and move to Canaan when he was seventy-five years old was true faith. Surrounded by modern-day conveniences and being some 15 years younger, I can hardly fathom leaving all I know for nothing familiar with no hope of returning. 

The mission field can be local too there are things we can do every day and people in arm’s reach to be helped… but God specifically tells us to go out into the world. Some people groups still don’t know about Jesus. Some people don’t have clean water to drink. They don’t have consistent food, either, because they’ve never really had a prolonged time in their lives where their needs were easily met because of the greed and selfishness of others. 

Today I challenge all to become intentional missionaries. We are privileged to have much and still complain. We scoff and waste food and flex our right to voice our opinion. But what if we chose to see and acknowledge what’s going on past our doorstep every day…to help those on the outskirts of society and the world, who don’t know and who don’t have daily needs and a fair quality of life. Like Abram, I have decided it’s time to move for God “Without any hesitation.” Keep us in your prayer as we leave for Tanzania this weekend. 

“So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran.” – Genesis 12:4 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I praise You for our missionaries and mission teams. Father, thank You for allowing me the opportunity to come face to face with the people who need the gospel and who need physical, emotional, and spiritual aid. God, please forgive me for forgetting about the forgotten. Thank you for blessing me with the chance to go on mission this trip this weekend keep us safe and teach us valuable life lessons. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

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How to Soothe Your Anxious Heart (Pt 1)

Worry and nervousness have gripped our world. Anxiety will present itself, but you don’t have to live there. The answer to anxieties is to go to God as soon as you sense worry. Don’t wait. Pray immediately and ask for His strength to help you. Today’s verse Philippians 4:6 has three steps to soothe your anxious heart: 

1. Pray about everything. if I do what Philippians say and pray about everything, that does include everything. God is strong enough to handle all our worries. If we give all to Him we can break from the pressure that we put on ourselves. 

2. Tell God what you need. Don’t use the excuse that He already knows. Actually, He knows even more than you do. We get so caught up in our wants, that our real needs are often hidden. God wants us to always come to Him about everything. He listens and is glad when we feel comfortable talking with Him. 

3. Thank Him for all He has done (and will do). Gratefulness goes a long way to covering our anxieties. When we keep a list of all our blessings, they often crowd out my anxieties. Add to that a list of hopes and promises, which also will take up the space where fears want to live.  

Today when worry comes knocking, remember that the Lord is your light and salvation. Doubt, fear, and anxiety may seek to surround you with darkness that you can’t move forward. This is Satan’s goal—to stop you from living out your faith in God. But God is always your light, especially when anxiety threatens to darken your path. Why should you be afraid with that much light all around you (Psa 27:1)? 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I thank you that I can come to You always for any reason. Father, I’m grateful that when I pray to You, You answer me. Help me to come to You at the beginning of my fears and anxieties instead of waiting until I can’t stand them anymore. The quicker I go to You the better. God, I know You want to free me from ALL my fears. Help me look to You for help more often so I can be radiant with Your joy. In Christ’s Name Amen. 

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Stuck in the Waiting Place

Waiting. I’ve never been a fan. But I find myself here again, in this waiting place. The place where I know God is sovereign. I know He holds my life in His hands. I know He is there. I know He cares. I know the very hairs on my head are numbered… as are my days. And yet there is a knot in my stomach and my eyes flicker to the phone. Again. And again. It does not ring. Not yet. Of course, not yet. But I watch anyway. I swallow. And remind me of all the things I already know. The bible says, “Who among you by worrying can add a single moment to your life?” 

Sometimes change is outside our control. Sometimes we’re not in charge. Sometimes we’re stuck, just like Abram and Sarai were in Haran. On their way to the promised land, the scripture says, “Terah took his son Abram… and his son Abram’s wife, Sarai…and arriving at Haran, they settled there.” Haran wasn’t the promised land. But because of Terah, they got stuck there anyway, and Sarai didn’t have the power to choose to continue the journey. God had to remove a barrier before she could move forward. In their case, Terah himself had to die. 

Today, if you’re stuck in the waiting place, our culture says, “Get out of that rut! Life’s too short. Stop the excuses. Do something.” You’ll be told to smile more, care less, be happy, and think good thoughts. If you’re in a waiting place, know you are not alone. God is right there with you. So, Trust while waiting. Pursue your faith while waiting. Serve others while waiting. Be watchful and expectant while waiting. Be grateful while waiting. There is Hope! 

But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. – Romans 8:25 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, can I be honest? I am tired of waiting. Waiting is hard, painful, and exhausting. Father, I know that learning to wait is beautiful, sanctifying, and hope-giving. So, help me wait well. Help me cling to you as I wait. Please God, let your peace rule in my heart. Help me live by your grace each day while waiting. And help me bring you glory as I wait expectantly. In Christ’s Name, Amen! 

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Unexpected Storms

After learning about the sudden passing of my friend and now a few months later his wife has passed away and thinking about their children and family, and how unexpected this is, it led me to say, everyone faces storms in life where unexpected circumstances shake us emotionally or spiritually. Sometimes we have the faith to be delivered from the storms instantly; sometimes we have the faith to walk through the storms. But no matter which route you take, you can be sure that God is right there with you.

No matter the size of the storm, or the unpredictability of it, know that God will equip you and sustain you. He will give you strength and grace, as well as the supernatural empowerment to make it through. With every step, you take, know that God is doing a work in your life. Know that He is with you, and He will comfort you. Remember the blessings of the past, and if it’s the loss of a loved one how they affected your life with theirs. Keep moving forward and walk through the storm to the place of victory He has prepared for you!

Today, maybe you are facing an unexpected storm and can’t see a way out. Maybe you’re not sure what the answer is, or why things have worked out the way they have. All you must do is take it one step at a time by saying, “God, I know You have a good plan for my future. I know You are leading and guiding me. I trust you with this storm and the many others that will come my way.” Weeping may endure for the night, but joy will come…

“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.” (Psalm 23:4, ESV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for walking with me through every season of life. Father, I thank You for being a shield of protection around me, for going before me and preparing the way. During this unexpected storm of my dear friends, God stay close to them show them love and give them comfort and strength to move forward into the victory You have for them, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Stand!

When faced with hard times we take off running. We tend to run from anything hard. We run from our problems. We run from responsibility. We run from people we don’t like or have conflict with. We run from our past. We run from anything that makes us uncomfortable.

We don’t seem to face issues and deal with them, we take the easy way out and go down the path of least resistance. But if you’re going to live in victory the way God intends, you must learn how to face your challenges head on. Notice today’s verse doesn’t say, “keep running until you see the salvation of the Lord.” It doesn’t say, “bury your head in the sand until God delivers you.” No!

Today, God wants us to stand strong, set our faces like a flint, and fight the good fight of faith. And the good news is, you don’t have to do it in your strength! He’s equipped you with His supernatural power to overcome every obstacle you will ever face, including the one you’re going through right now! Hallelujah!

“…stand and see the salvation of the Lord…” (2 Chronicles 20:17, NASB)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the gift of strength. Father, please search my heart. Show me any area in my life where I am running or hiding from life’s difficulties. God, help me stand in faith, and I invite You to fight my battles and move mightily on my behalf, 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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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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Don’t Look Past Your Victories

Photo by Ado Urra on Unsplash

When I open my Facebook account each morning my memories pop up. Most put a smile on my face – photos of baptisms, children, and miracles. When you think about your past, what memories do you allow to play over and over in your mind? In the Old Testament, they had what they called memorial stones. These were used to remind the people about God’s good things in their lives and all their victories.

We need to focus on our victories. Sure, we’ve all had setbacks, but it only drains you of valuable energy when you meditate on your disappointments and failures. It steals your confidence and joy. But when you focus on your victories, it builds your strength and confidence and increases your trust and your expectations of God. It also feeds your faith and gives you a reason to give God praise.

Today, I encourage you to get into the habit of focusing on your victories. Remember, every good and perfect gift comes from God. As you praise and thank Him for His victories in your life, He’ll pour out His blessing on you. He’ll open supernatural doors for you to move forward in strength, to fulfil the dreams and desires He has placed in your heart!

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph…” (2 Corinthians 2:14, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness and victories in my life. Father, I will focus on the victories You have given me and let go of any negative experiences from my past. God, I bless and praise You today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Hard Days

Life has become so hard. We have challenging days. Days that stretch us, sometimes beyond what we can bear. Sometimes these days appear as a series of little irritating events that build-up to one terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. On other days we wake up to find one huge, unexpected event that lands like a bomb in our life. 

From time to time, hard days find us busy and distracted as we try to fix everything that has gone wrong. Then we get caught up in our thoughts and feelings about our circumstances that it consumes us. Perhaps we attempt to hide away from the struggle of the day in the hopes that if we don’t think about it, it will all go away. 

Today instead of negative thinking, hard days can be opportunities for us to draw near to God. They are opportunities for us to depend on him and receive more of his grace. Challenging, days should remind us how desperate we are and how much we need our Saviour. 

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, help me! I am so weary and worn down. So many things are happening all at once and I don’t know what to do. Father, I am overwhelmed. Sometimes, it feels like I am standing in a fierce wind that is whipping and swirling around me and I can’t move because the force is so strong. It will knock me down. And what if I can’t get back up? God, please help me. Grant me hope, wisdom and strength during these hard days. In Christ’s name, Amen. 

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Let The Redeemed Say So! 

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” That’s what today’s Scripture begins with. It doesn’t say, “let the redeemed of the Lord think so.” Or, “let the redeemed believe so.” Of course, it’s important to think right and believe right, but something supernatural happens when we open our mouths and declare something so emphatically that You don’t even have to say it to anyone else.

You can say it while driving or in the shower. Say, “the economy may be low, but I am blessed. I am prosperous. I will lend and not borrow.” “I may have had some setbacks, but I know those setbacks are a setup for a comeback! This is still going to be my best year so far. The favour of God is turning things around.” You are prophesying positively into your future.

Today, remember when you say what the Lord has done for you, you are declaring that you are redeemed, you are opening the door for God to move on your behalf. The Scripture tells us that He watches over His Word to perform it. When you declare His Word, when you speak His promises, He is faithful to fulfil them, and lead you into victory all the days of your life!

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has delivered from the hand of the adversary.” (Psalm 107:2, AMPC)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for delivering me and setting me free. Father, I will declare Your goodness. I will declare Your promises. I will declare Your favour because You told me in Your Word let the redeemed of the Lord say so or declare it so. Hallelujah! God, I know what I declare with my mouth will allow me to live the good life You have prepared for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen

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Release What You Cannot Control

So often in life, we hold on too tightly to things we were never meant to control. It’s hard sometimes, to let go. Struggling to change things and striving hard to maintain order, but when problems mount high and pressures feel overwhelming, we begin to understand more fully how little control we have. 

We look in all different places for help forgetting we can move to our Saviour. We forget that He never changes, and He still holds the power to heal and set free. At times we don’t believe that He can, or wants to, work on our behalf we forget, that He’s still the God of miracles, that He can act “immediately,” that He can do in a moment what might take years for us to work out on our own. 

Today set aside your fears and move towards the saviour, with faith. Move-in close, and reach out to the One who is All-powerful, compassionate, loving, and kind. He knows the wounds and troubles you carry; He knows the pain and worries you feel, He knows how much you try to let go, and fix things. Please trust that your situation or circumstance is not too big for His healing and freedom. God is Able. He is always within reach. He is never far away. He is close. He is with us. He cares. He heals. He restores. He redeems. May His huge grace cover you on this day. 

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” – Psalm 55:22 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I confess our need for you today. I need your healing and your grace. Father, forgive me for trying to fix my situation by myself forgetting how much I need you, above everyone and everything else. I come to you and bring my hurt. God, You see where no one else is fully seeing. You know the pain I carry. The burdens. The cares. You know where I need to be set free, cover every broken place. Every wound. Every heartache. Thank you that you can do far more than I could ever imagine. In Christ’s name. Amen 

 

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