It takes faith, trust, courage, and perseverance to serve God in today's unstable world. Yet, we are never alone. Pray every day and pray often. Study the Bible. The Scriptures are a Love Letter from God to those who accept Jesus as their personal Savior. You will receive comfort, knowledge, and wisdom from the Holy Spirit. "I have loved you with an everlasting love." Jeremiah 31:3. Be blessed in Jesus' name. Amen.
Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. 1 Peter 5:7 AMP
God, we desperately need your help. Please forgive our doubts and unbelief. In Jesus’ powerful name, we pray. Amen.
In our pursuit of physical health, we change our eating habits and increase movement through exercise. Not only does our body respond to the change, but our mental health also improves as we begin to view life from a different perspective.
Even so, for the believer, we must take additional action to achieve optimal health. Put God first! The desire to be at peak level requires that our spiritual relationship with God to be our #1 priority. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33.
The consequences of pursuing our plans without God’s approval and blessing results in anxiety, worries, depression, and low self-esteem. The Creation story shows us God’s meticulous planning for the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical needs before creating the first humans. Adam was created on day six to dwell in a home complete with the beauty of nature, animals, and food. Since the weather was a perfect temperature and rain did not exist, there was no need for clothing.
In the beginning, Adam (and Eve) willingly accepted God’s plan and agreed to God’s conditions for them. Unfortunately, we continue in their footsteps to desire more than God has given to us. “For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,” says the LORD, “plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11. Obedience to God becomes our only choice when we love God with all of our hearts, soul, and mind. There is no conflict. We acknowledge the deity of God and readily admit that our feeble plans can never supersede His plans.
If we believe that God knows best then how do we transition from happy and healthy to anxious and worried? I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. Romans 7:15
God has given us a fail-proof rhythm for our lives. The sequence of creation included six days of meaningful labor. God gave us the blueprint on how to maintain a healthy, happy, and productive existence. Following His plans always results in victorious outcomes. Through obedience, we make accomplishments that bring satisfaction and inner joy. Even God was pleased with the results of the creation. Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good. Genesis 1:31
God’s Plan: Six days of effort and work to accomplish our earthly tasks. The seventh day: To cease, to stop what we normally do, and to focus completely on Him.
On the seventh day, God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation. Genesis 2:2-3. And on the seventh day, Saturday-Sabbath, we STOP our labor and focus on our relationship with God. Keeping the Sabbath provides complete spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical renewal. God blessed and rested on the seventh day because He declared it holy. Faith says yes, I believe in God and trust His plans for my life. And because I love God and belong to him. I obey His commands.
When God rested on the seventh-day, Saturday, blessed and hallowed [to make holy; consecrate] it as the Sabbath, only Adam and Eve existed. Another false teaching is that the Sabbath was created for persons of Jewish descent. Challenge: Pray, and ask God to reveal to you through the Holy Spirit the importance of honoring and obeying His command to keep the Sabbath holy, Exodus 20:8-11. Remember that God is old-school.“For I am the LORD, I change not….” Malachi 3:6. The doctrines of new covenant churches have convinced many that the Sabbath was changed from the seventh day to Sunday, the first day. It is the human mind that is enmity against God. Satan has easily persuaded us that God has changed His commandments.
What difference does the day make? “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” John 14:15
I am going with God on obedience to keeping the seventh-day Sabbath. I have never found definitive proof in the Bible where God said, “Now that Jesus died for the remission of sin, and animal sacrifice is no longer required, I am also changing the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday.” “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” … It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12.
Did Jesus obey God, His Father? And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:8
Do you desire optimal health? Do you desire the ultimate reward of Eternal life? Stay connected to God!
How important is it for us to stay connected to God? I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing. John 15:5 NIV. In every aspect of our existence, we have to “Put God first!”
Living in the imaginary gray area is created by a lukewarm commitment to God, which results in mental anguish and emotional turmoil. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… Joshua 24:15. The inner conflict between our desires versus God’s commands leaves us confused. A mind in turmoil impacts the ability to live a faith-based and purpose-driven life. Without commitment, we lose sight of our priorities. Our time is easily mismanaged as we struggle to finish essential tasks. Without the ability to focus clearly, we cannot complete our goals, which leads to self-esteem issues. We become anxious and worried as we watch our lives decline into chaos.
My past disobedience created the terrible condition of insomnia for many years. Yes, I attended church, and heard many sermons. I was not chasing after sinful pleasures. I believed in God, but my career was first as evidenced by the drive to pursue my plans and goals. The root of the problem: God was never first, which resulted in a superficial relationship. It is only those who claim to love God that challenge Him through disobedience. Yes, we believe in God but approach Him in a ritualistic manner, reciting the same hurried prayers and never taking the time to study the books of the Bible. Because we lack true spiritual transformation, we never understand who God, our Heavenly Father is. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21
Now that we have identified the problem, our solution is easy. The questions: Do I really love God? Am I willing to put God first by praying, “Not my will, but your will for my life?” Who is God? Daily and diligent study of the Bible is required to know who we serve. We are anxious and depressed because we read a few verses of our favorite chapter to get us through the tough times. From Genesis to Revelation, the “I Am” describes His character along with countless promises to take care of us. “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Matthew 6:27.
Is there a relationship that can survive without active, ongoing communication? Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17.Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6. There are no shortcuts to establishing and maintaining a relationship with God. We must reconnect to the Vine, Jesus Christ, for complete deliverance from our mental anguish and emotional instability. The sheep that are My own hear My voice and listen to Me; I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27, Amplified version. Turning our lives over to God requires total commitment, faith, trust, and obedience.
As we contemplate deeply on the blood sacrifice that was required for humanity’s redemption, we must ask ourselves, “What more can Jesus do for me?” It’s time to put God first! Living righteously brings peace: “And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.” Isaiah 32:17
Bible Study: John 14
God, we thank you for giving your only Son, Jesus, who died for us, was resurrected, and now serves as our Heavenly Intercessor. We ask forgiveness for not putting you first. Our lives are full of anxieties and worries because we have not fully committed to serving you. God, we need you. We desire to put you first. Thank you, Jesus, for your great sacrifice. We love you and ask this prayer in your Worthy Name. Amen.
Remembering Jesus’ great sacrifice should produce prayers of forgiveness and thankfulness every day. Our Savior suffered, bled and died for you and me. Jesus gave His life to prevent the destruction of the human race.
Oh, how He loves you and me. He gave his life on Calvary, what more could He do?
Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Revelation 22:12-13
Prayer: God, we thank you for giving your only Son, Jesus Christ who died for the redemption of our sins, but rose again. And Jesus, we thank you for your unconditional love and willingness to sacrifice your life for humanity. Thank you, for being our Heavenly Intercessor. As we prepare for your soon coming, we pray for perseverance, and the desire, and obedience to live holy and righteous lives. We ask this prayer in your Worthy Name. Amen.
Before my employment with the New York State Division of Parole, I took many strenuous psychological tests. One of the deal-breaker tests was the Skills of Observation exam that was pass or fail. Being raised by a Christian mother who always paid attention to the activities of her eldest daughter gave me the advantage of learning her skills of observation. Even so, keen observation is a skill that demands continuous work.
Why is it so easy for humanity to fall into sin? You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor And set him over the works of Your hands. Hebrews 2:7
Do you believe that we have an enemy that seeks to attack us from within?
We must never forget that Satan was Lucifer. Although he is a fallen angel, he has the power to create chaos in every life of a believer. Many individuals blame Satan for their secret desires and believe that he can possess our minds because we are entirely helpless. Not so! No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
There is another false teaching: Satan has the power to read our minds. Only the three persons of the Trinity Godhead [God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit] are Omniscient–all-knowing. Humanity would be doomed if Satan and his evil angels could read our minds. Our Heavenly Father, who bent down, picked up dust, and created a perfect man in His image, would never give Satan the power of Omniscience to use for evil.
So, if that is truth, then how do we fall into the very temptations that we detest? We embrace the unholy and the ungodly things of this world because they are the deep, hidden desires of our hearts. Like Eve, we are deceived and fall into temptation because Satan and his angels have observed our behaviors. We read books that promote financial success, watch movies that contain profanity, justify adultery, believe in sex outside of marriage, and the people we have in our friendship circle are not praying and having Bible study with us.
There is an area where many believers fall hard and fast, being involved in unequally-yoked relationships. God created human beings from unconditional love. We have the innate ability and desire to give and receive love. But when we attempt to eliminate loneliness by any means necessary, we open ourselves to deception.
And that great deceiver, Satan, is always ready to send the wolf in sheep’s clothing. You know, the smooth talkers who are skilled in saying the right words that are meaningless. They are the men and women whose outer appearance and spoken words reflect a good character. Still, Satan is using them to distract us, and to sin against God. Visual imagery is the most effective weapon that Satan uses to entice us intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.
Eve was not afraid of a beautiful serpent, an animal that she probably saw every day in the Garden of Eden. But this one was special, the serpent could speak. Eve was mesmerized as he told her the lie of deception, “…then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:5. Satan used all three components: Visual imagery, along with intellectual and emotional stimulation. He is still using the same old methods to make humanity doubt God, and we are continuously falling for Satan’s lies. If God said it, and we believe it, then do not engage in debates or verbal sparring concerning the Word of God.
In 2021, we are the easy marks that the con-artists boast about. Satan preys on our weaknesses. Best-selling books and blockbuster movies are created by people who have the talents of developing imagery and writing scripts that easily pull us into the storyline, mentally and emotionally. If human beings can write songs and music that penetrates our soul and produces feelings that we were not aware of, please accept that we are no match for Satan. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
If you follow my blog, you know that I am old-school, but I am also a seeker of knowledge. Yes, I am tech-savvy (not an expert, still learning). It is true, I love social media; Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are three of my favorites. I also have a couple of online games that I enjoy.
But yesterday, I had a spiritually eye-opening experience. While I was caught up in having fun, the Holy Spirit gave me a deeper insight of the content that I was watching. Was this person promoting an ad for sexy designer clothing or perfume while speaking about Jesus Christ? Some of the individuals that I was following under the label of #christiantiktok are sending mixed messages. Do we need to see an individual dressed in tight, suggestive clothing–both men and women–to say, “Jesus died for us?” Yes, Jesus did give His life for us, but we cannot use the cover of sexy and enticing to witness and spread the plan of salvation.
Although it was easy to hit the unfollow icon, not falling into temptation is impossible without God. Our Heavenly Father knows our weaknesses. He is aware that we are gullible [easily persuaded to believe something] because of the desires of our hearts. The year 2020 left many with broken spirits and caused them to see their lives as hopeless. With the adversities that we have faced, it doesn’t take much to give in to sin. Total dependence on God is necessary to sustain our spiritual, mental, and emotional strength.
Beware of your words! We are too transparent, disclosing feelings and situations that we should only tell to God. Even so, I would like to encourage you to stay prayed up! Decide to give God your all, your everything, and you will receive power! Satan is easily defeated when we stay connected to the source. We have come too far to lose our reward of eternal life. Prayer brings power, healing, and spiritual discernment {the ability to see situations through spiritual eyes].
Let Satan know, “You, are not in control of my life!” No more deception! We are soldiers in God’s Army, marching forward to God’s voice. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27. Hallelujah! We will not be deceived!
Bible Study: Revelation chapters 21-22
God, we need you in every aspect of our lives. We are tired of being deceived because of broken spirits or the secret desires of our hearts. We pray to be filled with your Holy Spirit. Please give us discernment and the strength to walk away from all temptation. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.
Our thought, desires, words, actions, and plans are so misaligned with God’s will for us. We cannot change our past actions, but we can begin today and pray every day for God to reveal His will for our lives.
Many in our day seem to believe that all humans are automatically children of God–that God is the Father of all people. Not so. He may be their Creator, but that does not mean that He is their Father. The Bible is clear on this point. It is only those born of the Spirit and who have responded in faith who belong to the family of God. Turn your Eyes Upon Jesus, George R. Knight
Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. John 3:6
Our careers and jobs rank highly in the scheme of our lives. But financial gain, the acquisition of wealth provides only the tangible–those things that we can see, feel, and touch. The desire for financial stability has paved the way for a disconnect from God, our Provider. God has to be first! If money has such a high level of importance, then we would not have the mental health issues or suicide rate that reached pandemic levels before our worst health problem, the COVID-19 pandemic.
Globally, we are overwhelmed by the emotionally challenging diseases of anxiety, depression, and worries. Frustration and lack of perseverance have infiltrated many individuals, including those who say, “God is first in my life.” Even believers are using mind-altering substances to ease their turmoil, a glass of wine every night to provide peace to a stressful day. Alcohol, cannabis, illegal drugs, and prescription medications are readily accepted to ease the pain of life and have led to addictions that are destroying many individuals along with their families.
I’ve told you these things so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world, you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world. [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] John16:33
Jesus warned us of the environment we would live in, full of heartaches. Even so, He says that we can have peace, which is only available through Him. Our relationship with Jesus, our Lord and Savior, requires total commitment every day. It takes faith, trust, much prayer, fasting, and diligent studying of the Bible, the Word of God for spiritual growth. Without God, we cannot have peace or inner joy. Substances do not provide mental, and emotional stability. Just ask those who are in recovery.
And I will pray to the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever. John 14:16
Jesus is aware of the fragile hearts and wavering mindsets that plague humanity. He knew that we would react to our tests and trials with an emotional response that would separate us from God. So, He sent us the third person of the Trinity Godhead, the Holy Spirit who fulfills the roles of Comforter, Guide, Teacher, and Revelator–One who reveals the will of God. We do not have to understand, all we need to do is to believe. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 1 John 5:14
God created us with finite minds, with limited understanding, so we would depend on Him.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts then your thoughts.” Isaiah 55: 8-9
God is not asking us to try to figure out the challenges of life. All He desires is that we give “our all” by exercising faith, completely trusting in Him, praying, and being still [having peace and patience] while we wait for His solution, which always leads to a victorious outcome.
Jesus is coming soon! Time is against us. We must live with the determination and persevere in loving God with all our hearts, souls, and minds. God only accepts “our all,” which is giving our best in serving Him. God has to be number one; He will accept nothing less.
Bible Study: John 3
Prayer: God, we confess that we are not giving you our best, and for that sin against you, we humbly ask for forgiveness. Please fill us with your Holy Spirit. We pray for spiritual wisdom to eliminate the distractions that prevent us from loving you and faithfully obeying your will. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
Relationships are hard work! Still, against all odds with the people, places, and things that distract us, we can enter into a forever relationship with God. The decision is a freewill choice. God will never coerce us to serve him. But if we choose to have a relationship, we must do our part to grow our seed of faith. Faith requires giant leaps. Letting go of worldly influences that instill doubts and fears is a godly requirement. And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6.
Human Effort + Divine Intervention = Victory
To serve God requires perseverance. Human effort is continuous action on our part in the Plan of Salvation. We must possess:
Conviction
Courage
Commitment
Have you ever tried a new recipe and didn’t have the exact ingredients? You decided to substitute with items you had, and then your completed dish did not turn out as expected. With God, there are no substitutions. He tells us, “For I am the Lord, I change not….” Malachi 3:6.
Reflect on your lifestyle. Are you giving your all to God?
I can recall changing the ingredients in the way that I served God. My love for secular music outweighed my commitment to God. The genre did not matter. I loved everything from Jazz to Classical to Rhythm & Blues, Rock, Reggae, and Country. If the words conveyed a message and the beat was in sync with the rhythm of my heart, I embraced the music with open arms.
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
But God had other plans. A close sister-friend asked me a life-changing question, “Do you listen to gospel music?” My response was weak, “Yes, sometimes I do, but mainly on the Sabbath.” We were going for a girl’s day out, and before I started driving, she handed me a cassette tape. Yes, this was many moons ago. I remember the last song caused me to pull over because I had a “Day of Pentecost” experience.
From that day forward, I prayed for God to overcome the addiction that I had to secular music. Sin always has consequences. Although, I do not listen to secular music at home, it is impossible to avoid hearing songs that bring back memories. Still, it remains a struggle to resist the urge to sway to the worldly melodic sounds that used to be a significant part of my lifestyle. Because of my desire to have a deeper spiritual relationship, I was convicted to give up all music that does not honor God.
Many of the current songs that are under the label of Gospel/Christian, I cannot embrace. No, I cannot “Stomp” my way to heaven, nor will the feeble attempt of a gospel artist changing the lyrics to Prince’s song, “Purple Rain,” make me think of serving God. Music is so powerful that it can lift us out of hopelessness, soothe our emotional hurts, and decrease physical pain. But music can also influence us to turn away from God.
We can thank God for the gift of music which enhances our praise and worship to him. Certainly, music will be a part of our heavenly existence. Serving God requires continuous conviction, courage, and commitment. When the trials and sorrows are raging, or past losses consume our thoughts, the Holy Spirit will cause us to remember a song that reflects God’s love and Jesus’ sacrifice. Using our voice to sing praises and prayers is an act of worship that God will always honor.
Our desperation for a closer relationship with God and the desire to receive the gift of eternal life is worth every change we make. I invite you to change your life by getting rid of everything that does not glorify and honor God. You will be able to sing a new song that encourages you to love God with all of your heart, soul, and mind.
Holy, Holy, Holy
I Love you, Lord
Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Bow Down and Worship Him
Lord, Prepare Me to Be a Sanctuary
Draw Me Nearer
My Soul Says Yes
Oh, Friend, Do you, Love Jesus?
Peace Be Still
Encourage Yourself
It is Well With My Soul
No More Night
His Eye Is On the Sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Bible Reading: John 14
Prayer: God, we ask you to give us a new song in our hearts, so we never forget your love and the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.
Documentaries that tell the stories of the way of life outside of modern cities are fascinating. The villages in the most remote areas of a country portray the resilience of the human spirit and the unlimited capabilities of the mind. Although the people survive with minimal resources and life is harsh, one crucial factor stands out. They realize their dependency on each other.
When studying the Creation, we become aware that God never intended for us to be alone, functioning in isolation. “Then the Lord God said, it is not good for the man to be alone. I will make him a helper who is just right for him.” Genesis 2:18. The DIY, do-it-yourself mindset produces a lot of burdens and stress that are self-inflicted. God’s plan was not the current trend of looking out for number one. We were never meant to endure loneliness, which is the root of depression, anxiety, and worries that have escalated to pandemic levels.
Challenge the current trend of being self-contained, and totally independent of others. Isolating yourself or your family does not lead to a spiritual self-actualization (because that status is not achievable).
In other words, self-actualization can generally be thought of as the full realization of one’s creative, intellectual, and social potential through internal drive (versus for external rewards like money, status, or power). Since self-actualization is based on leveraging one’s abilities to reach their potential, it is a very individual process and will probably vary significantly from person to person. https://positivepsychology.com/self-actualization/
We defeat God’s purpose for our lives when we follow our thoughts and ways.“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” Isaiah 55:8. Please know that self-seeking behaviors and the pursuit of independence are not the keys to having a success story. Financial gain is useless when you are alone without human companionship, which should be limited to those who can have healthy relationships. Having a spirit of selfishness wreaks havoc on our happiness and peace of mind. But we can rid ourselves of the empty lives that result from the DIY Mindset.
We have many God-given gifts. The family extends beyond the biological barriers. Look for a food co-op, volunteer for churches and non-profits, attend virtual church services, or learn a new hobby or craft. People need each other. Recently, I located in a new city in Florida where everything is within walking distance. On my daily walk, I always get the chance to speak to someone. Although I have an outgoing personality, I do not have a social circle yet. So, technology is helping with that issue. Joining a couple of local FB pages keeps me informed of events and the needs of others in my community.
Jesus was human, yet, divine. His best friends were Mary, Martha, and Lazurus. When Jesus arrived at the home of his friends after Lazarus’ death, we are told, “Jesus wept.” John 11:35. This verse is profound because it provides us with biblical proof that Christ possessed human emotions. Despite the persecuting circumstances, He did not isolate from others. Jesus’ heart was tender and full of love for everyone. Still, Jesus did not stay in areas where rejection and hostility were prevalent. The scriptures tell us that He and the disciples left cities that refused to accept his ministry.
Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture Psalm 100:3
From a spiritual perspective, the scriptures compare us to sheep. Were you aware that sheep cannot live without the shepherd? They are entirely dependent on the shepherd for everything. They require constant care and watching over. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11. Jesus paid a high price for us that we can live happy, healthy, and fulfilled lives.
I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me… John 10:14. Allow Jesus, our Shepherd, to lead your life. He knows what it feels like to be alone. Yes, when you dedicate your life to serve and please God, you may have to experience some “alone” times. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. John 14:16.
Pray for a change of your current DIY mindset. Allow God to provide you with a new life, which includes bonding with people who love Him, others, and themselves and, who help those in need.
Bible Study: John 11
God, you know our emotional needs. Yet, we come, asking for the fulfilling life that you created us to have. Please reveal your divine purpose, and open the doors for the opportunities to help others. In Jesus’ Worthy Name, we pray. Amen.
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