Tag: word

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Compromise Does Not Pay ?

young annoyed female freelancer using laptop at home

Abraham became a father, as God promised, but the pause between God’s promise and its fulfilment, spanned decades, causing Abraham to question the accuracy of God’s prediction. Like us, Abraham sought to reshape God’s promise into an idol he could touch, see, and understand. “Compromise was his answer,” he said. “I will sleep with the maidservant for this is what God meant no matter what His word says.” 

Abraham forgot this simple formula, God’s plan + God’s timing + Godly trust = Godly fruit. When this equation is broken, that’s when we stumble and fall.  If we do stumble, fall or fail like Abraham, it doesn’t mean it’s all over. Get up and get back to the formula, remembering always that God keeps His promises. The question that must be answered is: “Can I trust God enough to see me through to the other side even when I can’t see the edge or the end?”, and that is the question that haunts us even today as we face life’s challenges.

Today, we fear falling, failure and defeat in all their finality. We reach for the dream and recoil when our fingers find nothing but emptiness. We wonder if there is hope for us, covered in a desert mess. The problem with Christians is, too many of us are afraid of failure. God rarely makes our fear disappear – instead, He asks us to be strong and take courage. Claim the plans God has planted in your heart. Hold God’s hand and give birth to your dream. You won’t find the edge if you don’t lean and reach for it. So lean on Him and look across the wasteland, your promise is still there. 

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” – Matthew 14:27 (NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, have mercy on me. Many times, I have stumbled and fallen. From time to time, I am stuck in life’s wilderness, afraid and discouraged and ready to compromise.  Today I ask You to help me not make my fear despair. God, I thank You for not making my failure the final act in my life. Father, I embrace Your abundant life and I answer the hard question, “can I trust you when things get tuff ?” and I will answer “yes I can and I will” in Jesus’s name. Amen.

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Your Abba Father

man carrying baby drawing their foreheads

God rejoices as your Abba Father. You are His child on the authority of His Word. He ordained you and brought you forth. “You brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother’s breast.” And “From birth I have relied on you…I will ever praise you.” 

The Father wants to cleanse your deep wounds that you received from words and actions in your family. Receive the ministry of Jehovah-Rapha, the healing covenant name of your eternal God, as He works in the core of your being. Receive His healing, blessing, and deep release. The Spirit of your Father lives in you to heal and make you whole. 

The Father of all mercy is ready to bring new life. Receive His cleansing from all hurtful memories, feelings, and emotions. Jesus died to set you free. Release all pain to Him. God promised in His word that He would wash you and make you whiter than snow. 

Today, be blessed as God fills the hole in your heart, those empty spaces, that bottomless pit that craves nearness, affirmation, connection, and significance – and yet fears it is unable to receive it, and runs away from it. Be at peace and receive healing from wounds caused by lack. Receive cleansing from attachment wounds, as Father-God binds you to Himself with cords that cannot be broken. God fed His Son with His words of approval that nourished Him emotionally. Be blessed to rest secure and safe in His love. 

“A voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased‘” (Mark 1:11). 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for my life, please heal my heart and fill me with joy. You know I lost my joy because of the things that happened, but I have forgiven those that hurt me. Now, Father, I need You to restore my heart. God, restore unto me the joy of my salvation, and uphold me with Your generous Spirit. Please put the bounce back in my step, and the smile back on my face. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

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Have You Ever Been Bullied? Pt4? ?

multiethnic male students gossiping about sad crying woman

Have there been people in your life that have caused you trouble? Like the youth say, “they just keep getting in your face.” In the Bible, Hezekiah was faced with enemies coming against him, causing him trouble, trying to keep him from his destiny. But Hezekiah didn’t get upset. He just kept abiding, kept being faithful and putting God first. In 2 Kings 19, God said, “Hezekiah, I Myself will come against this enemy. He will receive word that he is needed at home, and I will cause him to want to return and he will be defeated.” 

Today, when you abide in God, He says, “I will come against your enemies. I will come against that sickness. I will come against those who oppose you.” It says God is the one who caused Hezekiah’s enemy to turn around. That means God can cause that unfair boss to take early retirement. God can cause that neighbour that’s giving you so much trouble, to decide to pack up and move. God can cause that classmate to be transferred to another school. 

Today no matter what’s coming against you, keep abiding in God. Put His Word first place in your life. Honour Him in all that you do. Let Him fight your battles and bring you into the land of victory He has prepared for you! 

“With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles…” (2 Chronicles 32:8, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I bless You and praise You today because You are good! Father, thank You for Your good and precious promises. I submit my ways to You, and vow to abide in You no matter what… I surrender my will to You, knowing that You are working in my life. God, thank You for fighting my battles as I keep myself in covenant with You, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Dedicated Disciples ?

jesus saves neon signage

Becoming a serious Christian, around 15 years ago, was the most liberating moment of my life. It was also daunting. A world that once was familiar now appeared foreign, simply because most people I knew were not free. However, I knew I would need a family of fellow believers, for strength and survival.  

With fervent prayer, I explored churches and prayer groups to find that “place” where I could flourish in my exciting liberating faith. It wasn’t long before one church spoke the word “home” to my spirit, as I was greeted by the senior pastor and others who had been shepherding the congregation for years. They took me under their wings and lovingly, became my spiritual family. I met other church members and enrolled in a bible study about who Jesus was and the dynamics of Christianity. Oh, and their prayer meetings were powerful. 

God continued to lead me in nurturing pathways to strengthen my beliefs. The members were the epitome of disciples. They accepted, taught, and counselled me. Their commitment to my Christian maturity was transformational and something I’m still emotionally grateful for, years later. This church’s love for God and diligence in seeing me grow was Jesus in action. Though things weren’t perfect, I know they still exuded the personalities of dedicated disciples within the great tapestry of God’s kingdom. 

Today as a follower of Christ, endeavour to mirror the same characteristics as a good disciple. Nurture, love, and pray in the power of the Spirit. As believers, this is our obligation. May we never hesitate to speak or act in the life of someone needing help and discipleship. 

“Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”  Galatians 6:10 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I desire to serve and honour you with my life. Father, grant me the heart of a dedicated disciple when encountering other believers who need guidance and love. God, please help me grow and mature spiritually as I seek to serve, in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

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How To Have a Prolonged Productive Life

woman in white long sleeve shirt standing near white and gray house during daytime

So many people today are looking for ways to prolong their lives and renew their youth, but God already has a fail-proof system outlined in His Word. It says in Isaiah that when you put your hope in Him, He will renew your youth. Also, today’s verse tells us that keeping God’s Word close to your heart will prolong your life. 

Today’s verse doesn’t say that you will just have a long, drawn-out, ordinary life. No, God promises that He will prolong your life and fill your days with peace and prosperity. He wants you to live fulfilled and happy all the days of your life.  

Today we must keep God’s word first place in our life. We can’t allow distractions to steal our focus or take us off course. If you want a productive life, choose to keep, and live out God’s commands. This will allow you to enjoy His peace and prosperity all the days of your life. 

“Do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity” (Proverbs 3:1–2, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for allowing me to have a long, productive life. Father, I choose to honour You and keep Your Word first place in my life. God, please show me Your ways so that I may walk with You all the days of my life. In Christ’s Name. Amen. 

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Wisdom Wednesday

Our word for today is ‘Integrity’. Integrity is the state of being undivided, together with the quality of brutal honesty. The first step to cultivating integrity is to recognize that we are not always honest. This can be difficult, it can throw up some aspects of ourselves we never knew existed.

It requires sitting with some uncomfortable truths about who we are. A failure to acknowledge dishonesty can negatively impact our lives and those around us. Once we see these aspects of ourselves, God has given us the unique ability to choose what happens next, this is the second step.

We can choose to confess those areas we were out of integrity, seek forgiveness from God and others, and then do what is necessary to get back on track to living in integrity. We do this all through the power of Christ who strengthens us. Integrity is the unwavering determination in the heart to do right no matter what. Today let’s choose to live in integrity. – Pastor Sophia Peart

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Patience? ?

Patience is more than just a word. It’s an action of love toward others and an action of trusting in God. As I said yesterday patience is a word I have feared for years. I constantly struggled with putting that word into action and living it out in a way that reflects Christ’s example.  

Just recently, I was sitting in an airport terminal waiting on a delayed flight for over two hours, I couldn’t help but notice how my patience fluctuates. Sometimes, I can sit, be still, and be fully reliant on God and His timing. Other times, I’m constantly looking at the clock and wondering, “When? Why not now?” 

We all have our own individual spiritual gifts. Yours may be leadership, showing grace, teaching, or anything like that. Many forget that being patient is a spiritual gift. I believe it is more an act of love as well as a spiritual gift. For, in 1 Corinthians 13:4, we read, “Love is patient, love is kind…” Although this is just a piece of the entire chapter which goes on to talk more about love in action, we can see just how important patience is within the first three words of this verse. Love is patient. While being patient, we should be loving others. 

My solution to becoming more patient and overcoming my impatience is to answer the three questions two of which were stated earlier: When? Why not now? And do I love deep enough? The answer to them all is, “God knows.” This suggests the key to being patient is faith, trust, and love for God. 

Today I declare patience is more than just a word. It’s an action of love toward others and an action of trusting in God. It is also something that is not always easy to develop. It’s developed over time – a process. Don’t feel stressed or pressured to immediately go out and try and fix your patience- experience, time, practice, and God’s help are the only things that can truly develop your patience. Please be patient while developing your patience. 

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. James 5:7  

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for being patient with me. Grant me the virtue of patience. I pray that it may mellow me and make me less irritable. Father may I be broad in my forgiveness, and never narrow, proud or overbearing. God, may no one be worse off for having come within my influence, no one less pure, or less noble and may my love and God-given patience lead to eternal life in Christ’s name, Amen! 

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Overcoming Offences 

man in black shirt and gray denim pants sitting on gray padded bench

Some of the definitions for the word Offence are the act of provoking, annoying, irritating or causing pain or injury. It is also the reaction the offence produces, like indignation, resentment, or anger, which can lead to a breach in relationships. When someone sins against you, your flesh rises and demands retribution. But the way of grace must, guard your mouth and heart and release the offender. 

The writer of Proverbs urges us to respond to offences by giving evidence of the grace of God. An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel (Proverbs 18:19).  A hostile relationship is hard to win back. Contention separates people into opposing sides. Jesus died to break down the dividing walls. 

The Bible says He who guards his mouth, and his tongue keeps himself from calamity (Proverbs 21:23).  When our unguarded mouth gives vent to our unhealed heart, we unleash words that hurt deeply. 

The wise man continues, do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared (Proverbs 22:24-25). Don’t take the anger of angry people personally, or you will find yourself reacting to them in the same destructive way. Calmness can lay great errors offence to rest (Ecclesiastes 10:4). A quiet spirit will overcome great anger and turn aside the hurtful actions of others. 

Today, “Let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or offence or occasion to fall in your brother’s way”. Show the redemptive purpose of Jesus in every situation and relationship. We overlook offences because Jesus took our offences and bore them to His cross. Our motivation is in the great forgiveness of Jesus. Those who have been forgiven much will forgive much. 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I present my emotions before you, and I pray that you set me free from the spirit of offence. Lord, help me not hold grudges, or harbour ill feelings and thoughts towards those who have hurt or insulted me. Please empower me to forgive and love unconditionally as you love me. Teach me not to cling to negative words or nurse my offences until they grow into something deeper. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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**Wisdom Wednesdays**

woman in orange coat with black and brown scarf

Wisdom Wednesdays began from a simple request. This request was ‘Lord, help me to write a weekly devotional that would bless others.’

Now I must confess, at the time, writing didn’t come naturally and I wasn’t sure I would be consistent in producing a weekly devotional that would be relatable, inspiring and biblical. But the beauty is I’ve experienced God wake me up every Wednesday morning.

As I lay on my bed, I ask Him what do you want to say today to us. I believe, so I wait even if it takes awhile. Then He’ll give me a scripture, a thought or a word and it flows from there. It all comes from Him. Today hundreds of people each week recieve, read, respond and reshare Wisdom Wednesdays. I’m humbled by how God can use our simple requests and turn them into blessings.

Today you may have a simple request of God. All you have to do is ask and you will recieve! – Pastor Sophia Peart

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**Wisdom Wednesdays**

**Wisdom Wednesdays**

We are all experiencing the pinch of the rising cost of living. Fuel is at a record high, food has gone up, and energy bills are arriving that are no longer affordable.

What can we do? Many are worried about how we will make ends meet each month.

The truth is as believers in Jesus Christ we have a promise that reminds us of God’s ability to provide for us during these very difficult times. ‘The LORD is my shepherd,…’

This metaphor describes the Lord like a Shepherd who is tending his dependent flock. He is a protector who leads us to green pastures, protects us from predators and makes sure that no one is lost or goes astray. ‘…I shall not want’ The word “want” means “lack.” This means with God we won’t lack anything we need.

We can have complete confidence in Him to provide for all our needs. So why not trust, Our Shepherd who will protect us as we navigate through these tough times. – Pastor Sophia Peart

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**Wisdom Wednesdays**

brown cardboard box on white wooden door

Our word for today is procrastination. It means the act or habit of putting off or delaying, especially something requiring immediate attention.

Are you putting something off that needed to be done a few hours, days, weeks, months or even years ago?

This something could be as serious as your health, finances, family, relationships, work, business or ministry. Or it could be as simple as cleaning up your house. It needed your attention before now. Time has lapsed. Now, your excuses seem to justify your inactivity. You’ve allowed fear to paralyse you. You’ve allowed what people might say to delay your progress.

The lazy man, in this bible proverb, didn’t follow through on his actions but instead allowed procrastination to steal his attention from the care and effort required to get things done this laziness cost him. Do not procrastinate any longer or things will become more difficult to deal with. Now is the time to get it done.

You will be glad you did ? – Pastor Sophia Peart

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It Hurts To Grow

3 Truths About Christianity

As a child I was very short whenever I complained about aches or pains that had no clear physical explanation, my parental diagnosis was: “It’s just growing pains.” I used to imagine my muscles and bones hurting while they stretched and grew. While I know nothing about the scientific nature of this evaluation then, today I do know it has a spiritual application that is very accurate. It hurts to grow. 

Why does It hurt to grow? because we must die to old ways in order to live anew, and old habits die hard. We place a high premium in life on dying peacefully but dying to anything is accompanied by pain. It’s hard letting go of our security blankets. 

It hurts to grow because growing usually means facing some fear or weakness that has limited us. Though God saves us through no effort of our own, he asks for our cooperation when it comes to our spiritual growth. Real spiritual growth only happens when our effort to act upon God’s word meets the provision of the Holy Spirit in us. 

Today learn this spiritual principle of growth. We obey by stepping into our weakness or our fear, trusting in the fact that because it is something He asks of us, He will meet us somewhere along the way with the power to do it. This is almost always a painful proposition because it requires a step into the unknown. What if God doesn’t keep His promises? I suppose we can ask that question, but we will never get the answer until we step. We must take the step as painful as it may be. And if that doesn’t hurt in some way to make these changes maybe it’s not God’s will and there may be there no growth. Old ways die hard, but new life dances on the gravestone. 

“Put into action God’s saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him.” Philippians 2:12-13 (NLT). 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for the incredible pain you suffered on the cross for me. Not only did You carry the sins of the world,” past, present and future” but You died an extremely painful death. God, You are the best Friend I could ever ask for. Help me place my trust in you by accepting your word even when painful. I cast all my anxiety about moving forward on you. In Christ’s Name Amen 

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We Can Do It! 

Christian Social Network

As the Israelites got to the borders of the Promised Land, Moses sent out scouts to assess the situation. Ten scouts returned with reports that focused on the giants in the land, men so big and powerful the scouts feared they could not be defeated. However, 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 by saying “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it”. 

He trusted God’s promise instead of trusting his fear. The opposite of fear is faith, the belief that Jesus is capable of handling anything we may face in life. But operating out of faith means we must rely on Christ, no matter the issue. God brings us to a choice: Will we trust Him, or will we trust our fears? 

Today we must hold God in reverence, recognizing his sovereignty, authority, and His ability to protect us in any situation. We reach that level of trust by knowing the Father and understanding His character. Your fear simply reveals a place where you aren’t yet trusting in Jesus. Don’t stay stuck in your fear, and don’t receive condemnation for your lack of faith. Jesus wants to move you past that into a place where your fears are replaced by faith. Follow Him and learn to trust. 

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

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, You said that the righteous man will live by faith. Father, Mould me in Your image and fill my heart with faith in You. Guide my actions so that I can live by faith and have a life in You, abundantly and eternally. God, please cleanse my thoughts of all impurities. Keep my eyes fixed on You and You alone. Lord, help me be steadfast in my trust in You and Your word so that I can live right in Your sight. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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Seek God presence your Life

We live in a world of uncertainty and unpredictability. Life can be full of disappointments and sorrow, but knowing Jesus provides us much more than a life free of suffering. If you’ve accepted His offer of eternal life, you know that He is with you no matter what life brings. Because of His great love, God will never leave you alone in pain or sadness. When you choose to follow Jesus, you enter into a relationship with the Lord. This is not a religion—it’s a personal relationship.

Understanding when we need God in our lives. To seek the Lord’s will is to listen for His voice. It requires that we seek His will in the responsibilities He gives us. It requires that we seek His will in the way we handle the circumstances of life. It requires that we seek His will in how we give or receive correction.

1. Find a quiet place to pray

Prayer for Christians is talking and listening to God. Prayer is having an open and honest conversation, sharing our joys, our concerns, and our disappointments, with the Creator of the universe. Prayer is also listening to God. God speaks to us through His word (the Bible), through other people, through the Bible’s story-line, and through the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit. Prayer is about expressing what is in our hearts to God, and about listening for God’s response.

2. Be true to God

These are divine plans and purposes designed by our creator for our lives. There is only one thing we need to do to get more of God in our lives. We need to make God our first priority. We should have faith in God. We cannot seek God’s presence in our life without being true with God. We must be living a faithful life. If we seek him, we will find him. But, we must first seek him.

Do you want to experience true fellowship with God and other believers? Do you desire the peace that comes from knowing the Lord is with you? Do you want to receive God’s blessings? You must first seek God’s presence in your life.

2. Acknowledge God

Praising and worshiping God daily is a must for everyone. It is our spiritual connection to our creator. When we praise and worship God, we not only acknowledge God’s presence in our lives, but also draw closer to God.

If you have a desire to get closer to God, acknowledge him to seek his presence in your life. It is a simple concept, but many struggle with it. Simply, acknowledgment is the acknowledgment, appreciation, realization, or acceptance of something. Essentially, acknowledgement of God is seeking his presence. Acknowledging God brings his presence, and that presence is spiritual.

4. Listen to God

A vital piece of our growth as Christians is learning to hear the voice of God. The importance of discerning God’s voice, or “movements” as we call it, cannot be overstated. Our desire is for everyone to know God intimately and experience His presence in a powerful way. To do this, we must call on God and listen to Him. This is a spiritual discipline that takes time and intentional practice.

Listening for God in your life means making room for his presence. You can’t invite God into your life and then leave no room for him. If you truly want God’s anointing, you have to open your heart to allow it. One of the best ways to make room for God’s anointing in your life is by spending time in God’s Word. When we consistently spend time in God’s Word, God’s Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts and reminds us of how awesome and powerful he is.

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Be A Spiritual Mentor

New believers who have never attended church often lack a spiritual mentor, which is understandable. But I also found that those who had been attending church or are in the body of Christ neglected to gather to instruct and encourage new Christians. 

In scripture, Philip was mindful of others’ because he listened to the Holy Spirit who guided him to a man on the cusp of salvation. Philip went over to address the concern. Once Philip asked the man if he understood the passage, the man admitted his confusion. Philip took precious time out of his day to go into detail about the Gospel of Christ and how it fits in with Isaiah, then leading the man to the Lord that very day. 

Today It’s important as believers to be mindful of those around us. Is there someone struggling to find his or her place at your church? What about that regular attendee who seems to have dropped off the face of the earth? These observations and more should be noted so that we can encourage and build up believers, or even help lead unbelievers to the Lord. When we see someone struggling, we should aid them. You never know what someone is going through behind the scenes, and you just may be the voice of guidance they need during that tough time. 

“And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.”  So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?”  Acts 8:29-30 

Let’s Pray  

Yahweh, please help me to be aware of others currently. Father, impress upon my heart those who need encouragement or instruction. God, give me the wisdom to give accurate instruction based upon your word in Christ’s name Amen. 

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Control Your Tongue

I believe every word we speak has power. Have you ever said things you wish you could take back? Our words determine the direction of our lives. The Bible tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue.

There’s no neutral ground. We are either sowing seeds of life and productivity with our words, or we are sowing seeds of ruin and destruction with our words. This is a good day to take inventory of your words and make the decision to sow only good seeds with your words.

Today, speak God’s Word over your own life and the lives of those around you. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you to consider every word before you say it. Make the decision today that your words will bring glory to the Lord. As you guard your mouth, you will “keep” your life. You’ll see an increase in every area and enjoy the blessings God has in store for you!

“He who guards his mouth keeps his life, but he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” (Proverbs 13:3, AMP)

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I give this day to You. I give You my every thought, I give You every word and action. Spirit, help me to live a life pleasing to God in every way. Please help me speak words of blessing to edify those around me. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

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