Hurting Holidays Pt 3

If you are hurting this holiday season remember:

Christ is the hope for the broken-hearted. Pain is real. He felt it. Heartbreak is inevitable. He experienced it. Tears come. His did. Betrayal happens. He was betrayed.

He knows. He sees. He understands. And, He loves deeply, in ways we can’t even fathom. When your heart breaks at Christmas, when the pain comes, when the whole thing seems like more than you can bear, you can look to the manger. You can look to the cross. And, you can remember the hope that comes with His birth.

The pain may not leave. But, His hope will swaddle you tight. His gentle mercy will hold you until you can breathe again. What you long for this holiday may never be, but He is and is to come. You can trust that, even in your holiday hurts.

Be patient and kind to yourself. Give yourself extra time and space to process your hurt, and reach out to others around you if you need extra support.

Find a cause to invest in. There is a saying, “grief is just love with no place to go.” Find a cause that honours the memory of a loved one. Giving time or money to a suitable charity can be helpful, as it gives expression to the love in your heart.

Create new traditions. Hurt changes us. Sometimes it is helpful for us to change our traditions to create a new normal. If you have a holiday tradition that feels unbearable, don’t do it. Instead, consider doing something new… Creating new traditions can help alleviate some of the added sadness old traditions often bring.

Today, you may be overwhelmed, bruised and broken, but there is still goodness to be welcomed and blessings to be claimed this season, even in pain. There will be holidays in the future when you will feel stronger and lighter, and these very difficult days are part of the road to them, so accept whatever gifts God has for you. You may not fully open them for years, but unwrap them as the Spirit gives you strength, and watch the heaviness and hurt disappear.

“And in the same way the Spirit is a help to our feeble hearts: for we are not able to make prayer to God in the right way; but the Spirit puts our desires into words which are not in our power to say.” (Romans 8:26)

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 and loved ones this holiday. Don’t let him win! Give me a measure of Your strength so that I might not give into discouragement, deception and doubt! Help me honour You in all my ways, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Your Blessing Is On It’s Way

Sometimes it seems like God is taking a very long time to answer your prayers. Many times, people can miss God’s best, simply because they give up before they see their blessing come. Don’t let that be you! Be encouraged today, your answer is closer than you think. If it seems like things are getting more difficult, remember, when the intensity heats up, that means you are closer to your victory. It always seems darkest just before the dawn.

Remember God is faithful and He’s working on your behalf. Don’t cast away your confidence today, because your reward is coming. Just like a new mother forgets about her labor pain once she is finally holding her newborn, you’ll forget about your struggle when you are holding on to your promise.

Today, while you are waiting on God, keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Wake up every morning and say out loud, “I’ve come too far to give up now. My blessing  is coming. I will reap my harvest”. Stay in faith and look for His hand of blessing, because He has promised you victory and it’s closer than you think!

“Do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.”(Hebrews 10:35, NKJV).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I stand believing that You are working things out for me. God, give me Your strength to stand in faith until I see every promise You have for me, fulfilled in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Refreshing

I went to bed tired and overwhelmed by life and I woke up feeling the same. God promises in His word to bring you times of refreshing. Oh how I need it now. He doesn’t want us to live overwhelmed, in despair, or weighted down by burdens in this life. Scripture says that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. That means He wants you to live without unnecessary pressure. He doesn’t expect you to figure everything out because He already has a plan for your good, and whatever He asks you to do, He equips you for it.

One of the ways we feel heavy and overwhelmed in this life is by carrying unnecessary burdens, or taking on responsibility that God never required. When we get out of step with God, when we go against His word, things become more difficult. Condemnation and guilt can creep in and cause us to try to “work harder” the next time.

Today, if you find yourself in this cycle of works, or if you know you are out of step with Him, this new year is a great time to be refreshed and find a new beginning! God wants to refresh you. He wants to empower you with His strength. Why don’t you turn to Him with an open and humble heart? Repent, of carrying those heavy, unnecessary burdens which are outside of God’s will for you. Let go of the past, and start moving forward. Receive His love and grace and let’s enjoy times of refreshing with Him!

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19, NIV).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I come to You with an open and humble heart. I choose to submit myself and my heavy burdens to You. Father, I also surrender my ways to Your ways. I have decided today to make the right and necessary choice to change. I thank You for lifting my heavy burdens and accepting my repentance for being out of Your will. God, I urge You to empower me and refresh me today, in Christ’ name. Amen.

Satan Is Your Enemy

I’ve learned that in life, some people are peace-stealers. They feel it’s their calling to aggravate you, try to make you look bad, and tell you what you can or can’t do. They’ll try to bait you into an argument to get you upset, annoyed and frustrated. But don’t take the bait! Nothing is worth losing your peace over. They may think they’re getting the best of you, but in the end, God can use that to take you higher.

When people come against you, choose to keep your peace. Choose to forgive. Pray for that person because that’s how you disarm the enemy against you. Scripture says your battle isn’t against flesh and blood. In other words, that person isn’t your enemy; the accuser satan, is your enemy. He’s trying to bring division and get you upset.

Today, when you choose to keep peace, when you keep walking in love and keep a smile on your face, you are overcoming his tactics. That’s how you win. Choose peace today, choose to walk in love, and choose the victory God has prepared for you!

“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:28, NIV).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for giving me Your peace and strength today. Father, I choose to hold my peace and bless those who come against me. I choose to walk in love and forgiveness so that I can honour You. God, help me not to be a peace stealer in the lives of others, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

Have You Ever Been Visited By The Devil?

Has the devil ever visited you? Well, he visited Jesus, and there are some things we can learn from the encounter between Jesus and the devil.

Scripture says three times the devil tried to disguise a temptation as something good. Turning stones to bread would have sounded good to someone who had just fasted for 40 days. Satan also used Scripture, trying to twist its meaning to tempt Jesus, but He stood firm, drawing strength from God’s Word to resist the devil.

Then Satan tried to dazzle Jesus with an offer to give him all the power and authority he deserved. But Jesus turned to the Scriptures again, showing us that God’s Word is far stronger than Satan – and any temptations he can throw at us.

Today we learn, because the devil tempted Jesus, and Jesus was truly human. Jesus truly understands what it is like to struggle as we do. Jesus did not sin. Because Jesus did not sin, we know that He is truly God and powerful enough to save us. The Bible says, “We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathise with our weaknesses, but we have one [Jesus] who has been tempted in every way, just as we are yet he did not sin.”. This should give us hope that through Christ we can be victors over sin.

Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. (Matthew 4:1).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for giving me advice in your Word that I need to resist the devil. Father, when I fall, thank you for providing the power that is forever strong enough to save and restore me. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Finding Strength and Guidance: The Power of Faith in Jesus

In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, many of us seek sources of strength and guidance to navigate life’s twists and turns. For countless individuals, faith in Jesus Christ serves as an anchor, providing solace, hope, and a sense of purpose amidst the storms of life. In this blog, we explore the profound impact of having faith in Jesus and how it can transform our lives.

The Foundation of Faith

At its core, faith in Jesus is rooted in the belief that He is the Son of God, who came to Earth to offer salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him. This foundational truth forms the bedrock of Christian faith, shaping the way believers perceive the world and their place within it.

Finding Peace in Times of Trouble

One of the most profound aspects of faith in Jesus is the peace it brings, even in the midst of life’s greatest challenges. The Bible assures us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and those who trust in Him can experience a peace that surpasses all understanding. This peace provides comfort and strength, enabling believers to face adversity with courage and resilience.

Hope for the Future

Another transformative aspect of faith in Jesus is the hope it instills in believers’ hearts. The promise of eternal life with Him gives believers a confident expectation of a future filled with joy, fulfillment, and everlasting love. This hope transcends the temporary trials of this world, offering a glimpse of the glorious future that awaits those who belong to Christ.

Strength in Times of Weakness

In moments of weakness and despair, faith in Jesus offers strength and renewal. The Bible teaches that His grace is sufficient for us, and His power is made perfect in our weakness. Through prayer, meditation on His Word, and fellowship with other believers, individuals can draw upon the infinite strength of Jesus to overcome life’s challenges and persevere in faith.

Walking in Purpose and Fulfillment

Ultimately, faith in Jesus empowers believers to live lives of purpose and fulfillment. As followers of Christ, we are called to love and serve others, to share the good news of salvation, and to live out the values of compassion, justice, and humility. By aligning our lives with His will and following His example, we can experience a deep sense of fulfillment and meaning that transcends worldly pursuits.

Conclusion: Embracing the Power of Faith in Jesus

In conclusion, faith in Jesus Christ is a transformative force that has the power to change lives and shape destinies. It offers peace in times of trouble, hope for the future, strength in times of weakness, and a sense of purpose and fulfillment that can only be found in Him. As we journey through life, may we hold fast to our faith in Jesus, trusting in His promises and allowing His love to guide and sustain us every step of the way.

Singles Matter Too

Ina is a single older woman, who felt she didn’t belong in her church, as if she didn’t matter even to God. One day after a spiritual gift assessment, people with gifts of compassion and kindness noticed her. Caring people surrounded her with God’s love, helping her to experience community. Now her gifts are being used, her feedback is listened to, and people make time to listen and fellowship with her. Praise God she is now a vital member of her church community, and people look forward to seeing her every weekend at the exit, where she hands out sweets to children. Ina matters to God even though she is single. Every one of us needs to know that.

Today, single or married, we matter so much to God that he sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to give of himself so that we can show his love to others. He came to give us gifts of service, kindness, and leadership so that we may be built up and reach unity in the faith, growing and maturing in Christ. As the apostle Paul puts it, all who believe in Jesus make up the body of Christ here on earth, and he is our head. In His strength, the body grows and builds itself up in love. You matter to God and you matter to the people around you. Your gifts, abilities, and presence make a difference to your community, and they make a difference to God!

From [Christ] the whole body . . . builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Ephesians 4:16).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for loving me and growing me to be a part of your body. Father, thank you for putting people around me who show that I matter. Amen.

What Or Who Am I Reflecting?

Like a mirror, when you reflect something, you are exhibiting its likeness. You are displaying its characteristics. the Bible tells us that we should reflect the character and likeness of Jesus. We shouldn’t only have His features, like in a mirror, but most importantly – His attitude.

That may sound like a pretty tall order; after all, Jesus was the Son of God. But remember, when we accept Him as our Lord and Saviour, we become sons and daughters of the Most High God, too. We become empowered by the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead. That means we have the same spirit of humility—the same strength, the same love, and the same power on the inside. We are equipped to follow His example and do what He did. He went around doing good and bringing healing to others – physically, spiritually and emotionally.

Today, we have to let God work on our attitudes and actions. We have to open the door and invite Him in. Make the decision to open every area of your life to Him. Reflect Him and do good everywhere you go!

“Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]” (Philippians 2:5, AMP).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, right now I invite You to dwell in my thoughts, my heart and my attitude. Father, I want to be a true reflector of You. A pure reflection of Your  love in everything I do. God, I choose to follow Your example and bring good to others. Help me, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

Walk In The Anointing

As I think about 2023, it reminded me of a cross-country race I saw. I was amazed at how many obstacles they had to get over in order to get to the finish line. God wants to empower and strengthen you to overcome every obstacle this new year. He wants to give you confidence, wisdom and boldness, to pursue the dreams and desires in your heart in 2024. He wants to give you supernatural insight so that you can be a witness of His goodness.

In scripture, Peter and John were supernaturally equipped (they were anointed). Everyone around them marvelled at their boldness, at their ability. They knew Peter and John didn’t have any formal training. They knew there wasn’t anything special about them. This power and wisdom could only come from a bold Holy Ghost anointing, and the presence of Christ.

This year remember, when you’re walking in the Holy Ghost anointing and spending time with Jesus, people will see it. You’ll be energised for the race ahead by His anointing, and equipped by His grace. That’s why it’s so important in 2024 to take time every day to be in His presence. No matter where you are on this earth, His presence is only a prayer away. Scripture says He is near to all who call upon His name. It says that He inhabits the praises of His people. I encourage you to make your relationship with Him your number one priority this year, and be empowered by His presence every single day of your life!

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marvelled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13, NKJV).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, as I have arrived at the finish line of 2023, and now I’ve stepped into 2024, I humbly come before You giving You all that I am. I surrender every area of my life to You, and invite You to have Your way in my heart. Lord, I ask for strength and boldness to get over and through life’s obstacles. Father, empower me with Your love, as I daily set my focus on You. God, in 2024 I want to remain in Your presence and receive Your Holy Ghost anointing. In Jesus’ name! Amen.

Your Grace And Mercy

In this day and age, many people are filled with worry about their future. They live stressed out, wondering, “What’s going to happen if I lose my job?”, “how am I going to handle it if my loved one doesn’t make it?”, or even “my parents are getting older, how can I take care of them and my own family at the same time?”. As I settle into another year of this thing called life, I have made up my mind that I’m not going to worry or fret anymore. I will trust in God’s grace to be there at every stage of my life, to help me do whatever I need to do.

Remember, God’s grace is what saves us, but that’s not all. His grace is His enabling power. His grace will give you the strength, wisdom and favour to accomplish what you could not normally accomplish on your own. His grace is sufficient for whatever you need in your future. Hallelujah!

Today, if you’re in a difficult marriage, if you’re raising a child that’s going astray or if you’re facing a sickness, one thing you can count on is that the grace of God will be there. Receive it today by faith, and let Him empower you to walk through the difficulty, into a place of victory in Jesus’ name!

“But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out His special favour on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by His grace.” (1 Corinthians 15:10, NLT).

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your grace and mercy upon my life this past year. Father, thank You for empowering me to rise above every obstacle. God, I trust that You are moving me forward into victory in this next year of life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scandalous Discipleship 

Throughout December, we’ve looked at the scandals of the advent. The definition of the word scandal is an action or event regarded as morally or legally wrong and causing public outrage. From the King becoming to an unmarried teenager, to being born in Poverty, then the murders surrounding Jesus’ birth. What about the expensive elaborate gifts given to a humble king? Then having to be moving like a fugitive to avoid the law of the land. The greatest of all scandals must have been the insurrection at the cross. Jesus’ scandalous death on the torture instrument called the cross would cause outrage and cast a long shadow over his life and his followers. 

What makes the Christian faith different from any other, is how Christ’s followers all have scandalous lives just like the Advent and the crucifixion. The Christian faith has the boldness to declare that we were lost in sin and through Christ’s death on the cross the world was reconciled to God. The Christian faith has the audacity to declare that those who are Jesus’ disciples should take up the cross… 

I suppose the ultimate scandal is that suffering can be used by God for our good. Suffering is not only redemptive in the life of Jesus. It is redemptive in our own lives. Christ will use our sufferings to establish his kingdom, witness to his gospel, and work greater holiness in our personal lives. On this day as we kick off the new year, here’s a resolution worth keeping: Take up Christ’s cross of obedience, face the hardship that such a life of discipleship creates, and follow your Lord with everything you have – loving your neighbour as yourself. HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

“Anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:38).

Let’s Pray Yahshua, thank you for your willingness to bear my burdens. Father, give me the strength to bear the burdens of others and take up the cross of discipleship and all that it brings for your sake. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Overcome Life’s Problems With Godly Strength And Wisdom

man reading a book

It was Norman Vincent Peale who once said, “One of the great truths in life is that you are bigger than anything that can happen to you—as long as you know it and act accordingly.” Every challenge and crisis that comes your way provides the opportunity for you to ask God to release the creative ingenuity, wisdom and strength that lie within you.  

You may ask how you tap into your inner strength: 

  1. Pray to God and place your entire situation in his hands. Say, “God, I commit my challenges to you. Show me the way through them. Give me eyes to see your solutions and strength to act on them.” God wants to help you solve your problems—and who could be a better counsellor? “I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27). 
  2. Sit down and lay out your entire problem, perhaps on a piece of paper. Sketch out possible solutions and pray over them, asking God to show you which one is right. When you feel you have an idea of how to proceed, move forward resolutely, praying all the time for the power to succeed. Affirm that you can do anything through the strength that Christ gives you (Philippians 4:13). 
  3. When doubt creeps in, set your plans firmly aside with a quick prayer: “God, rid me of these fears and give me your strength.” God will answer that prayer, and, step by step, you will find yourself drawing upon an inner power you perhaps never knew you had. In Jeremiah 33:3, God promises, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” 

Today remember you can face your difficulties in the presence of Christ so stay close to Him through His Word and prayer. For He is stronger than all your problems. He is the antidote to discouragement and fear. Draw upon His power. Walk tall and stand up to your situation! 

“It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure” (Psalm 18:32). 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I need to know that you care and that you love me. Father, be my refuge from pain, replace my distress with peace, and be my strength when I feel weak and find it hard to carry on. God, help me not to fear the future but to boldly trust that you are in control when my emotions plunge me down, and when I am in despair. In Jesus’s name, Amen. 

Directions

Landing in Tanzania has given me a chance to reflect on my spiritual direction. Direction, “a purpose or orientation toward a goal that serves to guide or motivate,” has an inevitable flow in our lives. In consideration of our daily direction, the above verse from Romans aligns our internal compass with the One who breathes strength and purpose into the very muscles that compel us. 

Our spiritual direction stems from faith. Paul encouraged the Corinthians to “stand firm in the faith.” Scripture tells us to take captive every thought and to align all we hear with the truth of the Gospel. Reading Scripture daily builds godly confidence, preventing the propulsion down a path that doesn’t align with His unique purpose for our lives. 

God’s direction for our lives isn’t always easy to traverse. We’re guaranteed that it most certainly will be hard in this life. Courage and strength, supplied by the Father’s love flowing through us, help our feet forge the path that is purposefully ours to trod. So “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Strength and power were ideals used to make spiritual decisions. We’re not too called to rely on our strength but to surrender to the One who is strong enough to sustain us in our spiritual paths. 

Today, Jesus Christ’s residence in our hearts through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit when we accept Him as our personal Saviour empowers us to set the directional compass of our hearts to His love. His love is perfect it’s direction was certain …the cross. He unwaveringly obeyed His Father and crushed the punishment of sin forever. Taking every one of our names upon His heart as He hung there, the greatest direction that was ever undertaken. That Power that should focus our direction …as we follow Christ. 

“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.” – 1 Corinthians 16: 13-14 (NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I Praise You for Jesus’ sacrifice. His perfect love defeated sin on the cross. Thank You for loving me perfectly, and for layering my life with a unique purpose. Father, it’s hard to choose the right direction at times, forgive me for those times which have led me away from Your path for my life. Help me as we strive to be strong, courageous, and obedient to You. God, bless my heart to know the direction that You have mapped out for me. Help me to get through seasons of discouragement staying focused on Your Word and Your promises. Lord when I lose my way, remind me of who you are …Whose I am in Christ’s name Amen. 

God Gives Us Power

Travelling from Watford, to do a revival after my radio broadcast, the enemy was trying to bombard my mind with negatives. Saying your too tired, is this worth it, the church is not ready, there is no excitement and there will be no visitors. But the Spirit reminded me God will give you strength, He wants to do something great in and through you. He has promises and blessings in store for you that you haven’t even thought of yet. I let out a loud “hallelujah” and kept on driving. I arrived and the church was on fire – great singing and praising, and two people gave their hearts to God and will be baptised. Hallelujah!

The Scripture tells us that God gives us power… He wants you to live in abundance so that He can use you to be a blessing to others. When we are willing and obedient, we open the door to His promises. He will do great things for you and through you. In other words, when we live in excellence and integrity, when we follow the Spirit of God, we will walk in His blessing. Like a tree planted by the water, your leaf will not wither because you are connected to an unlimited supply line.

Today’s verse says that “He gives us the power to get… ” God gives us the ability. He gives us creative ideas and inventions, but we have to be diligent, do our part, and step out in faith, go against how we feel in the natural, and use what He’s given us. We have to sow seed in order to see the harvest that He has promised. Receive His power today and choose a life of integrity, so that you can move forward into the abundant life He has prepared for you.

“And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get…” (Deuteronomy 8:18, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for giving me the power to live in abundance, and to move when I don’t feel like it. Father, I will be faithful to You and Your Word. I will stand on Your promises and listen to the Spirit. God, help me to be diligent and follow Your commands, please bless everything I set my hands to today, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

Declare!

As I end my week here in sunny grey Watford, I am reflecting on the goodness of God, and that helps to set my tone for the day and this weekend. When you wake up in the morning, do you expect the goodness of God in your life? Do you set the tone of the day for success, favour and blessing with your words? Scripture tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. So, as you reflect on whatever you want God to do in your life, move forward and declare it in Jesus’ Name.  

Declare power, declare kindness, declare strength and declare praises to God all throughout the day. Things may be bad all around you. People may be negative, complaining and discouraged, but don’t let that spirit rub off on you. The worse it gets, the brighter you’re going to shine. The good news is that no matter how you feel, no matter what’s going on around you, you can choose your words. There’s nothing that can stop you from constantly speaking His Word with power and positivity!

Today, set the tone for your day, week, month and year, by praising God and declaring positive words of faith and abundance over your future. Remember, when you put God first and you speak His word, He promises to honour you. He will pour out His favour on you and lead you into life, health, strength and blessing, all the days of your life! Hallelujah!

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1, ESV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I choose to bless You at all times. Father, I set my tone for my day, week, month and year by declaring Your favour, grace and mercy over my life. God, thank You for Your faithfulness at all times. Please help me to be faithful and positive, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

Team Work

As the football season begins, the thought came to mind in regards to teamwork. Your destiny is too big to accomplish things on your own. God has already arranged for certain people to come alongside you and speak faith into you. He has already placed in your path people who will inspire you, challenge you, and help you accomplish your dreams.

Some people never reach their highest potential because they never get away from the wrong people. Recognise that not everyone can go where God is taking you. You’ve got to connect with people who understand your destiny and can call forth your seeds of greatness. You don’t have time to spend on people who are always putting you down, telling you what you can’t do, or who refuse to give you their approval no matter how hard you try. 

Today, realise life is too short to drag people along who will hold you back from your God-given destiny. Ask God to help you get the wrong people out of your life, then He will help you make the right connections, so you can fulfill the destiny He has in store for you.

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for placing godly people in my life. Father, help me to discern the right connections You have for me. God, give me strength to release the wrong relationships, so I have room in my life for the people You have chosen to connect with me for your will to be accomplished in my life, in Christ’ name! Amen.

 

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