Category: John

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Asleep in the Storm

It’s been raining off and on for the last couple of hours. It’s a nice rain but there has also been some pretty impressive lightning and a few loud claps of thunder. It woke me up but I believe Dave is still sleeping.

Now that’s peace.

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

God isn’t the one who brings tribulation into our lives, but He IS the one who brings us peace in the tribulation. How can we have peace? Glad you asked. God is there with us and through Him we overcome what this world throws at us.

As I sat here listening to the rain falling on the roof I was reminded of several people in the Bible who slept through their storms. The first, of course, was Jesus.

“ A very bad wind came up on the lake. The waves were coming over the sides and into the boat, and it was almost full of water. 38 Jesus was inside the boat, sleeping with his head on a pillow. The followers went and woke him. They said, “Teacher, don’t you care about us? We are going to drown!” 39 Jesus stood up and gave a command to the wind and the water. He said, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind stopped, and the lake became calm.” Mark 4:37-39 ERV

Then there was Peter: “One night, Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two of the soldiers. More soldiers were guarding the door of the jail. Herod was planning to bring Peter out before the people the next day. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord was standing there, and the room was filled with light. The angel tapped Peter on the side and woke him up. The angel said, ‘Hurry, get up!‘ The chains fell off Peter’s hands. 8 The angel said, ‘Get dressed and put on your sandals.’ Peter did as he was told. Then the angel said, ‘Put on your coat and follow me.’” Acts 12:6-8 ERV

Daniel had some strange bedtime companions: “The next morning, King Darius got up just as it was getting light and ran to the lions’ den. 20 He was very worried. When he got to the lions’ den, he called to Daniel. He said, ‘Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God been able to save you from the lions? You always serve your God.’21 Daniel answered, ‘King, live forever! 22 My God sent his angel to save me. The angel closed the lions’ mouths. The lions have not hurt me because my God knows I am innocent. I never did anything wrong to you, King.’” Daniel 6:20-22 ERV

Now, how about us? We may not face a storm at sea or be chained in prison or spend the night with lions but we have personal storms. “You have put more joy and rejoicing in my heart than [they know] when their wheat and new wine have yielded abundantly. 8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You, Lord, alone make me dwell in safety and confident trust.” Psalm 4:7-8 AMPC

Today, I pray that you know peace and your lives are filled with rest.

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Look at My Hands

This morning I had my Bible laying in my lap and one hand resting on the page. I looked at it. It had a scab from where I touched the oven rack a few days back. There are some little cuts from working outside and a scar on the end of one finger from where I almost severed the tip of it 30+ years ago.

I remember when we were newly married our Sunday School teacher’s wife looked at my hands and said, “You have earthy hands, you must enjoy working hard”. I wasn’t offended, in fact, I took that as a compliment.

I’ll never be a hand model for a commercial but that’s ok. These hands have lived a lot of life and the one thing I want them to do is point to Jesus.

“ So they told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ But Thomas said, ‘First, I must see the nail scars in his hands and touch them with my finger. I must put my hand where the spear went into his side. I won’t believe unless I do this!’

26 A week later the disciples were together again. This time, Thomas was with them. Jesus came in while the doors were still locked and stood in the middle of the group. He greeted his disciples 27 and said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and look at my hands! Put your hand into my side. Stop doubting and have faith!’

28 Thomas replied, ‘You are my Lord and my God!’ 29 Jesus said, ‘Thomas, do you have faith because you have seen me? The people who have faith in me without seeing me are the ones who are really blessed!‘” John 20:25-29 CEV

First, I have to see the scars.

I think all of us at one time or another think “if I could just see Jesus, like the disciples did”. However, living with Jesus on a daily basis wasn’t what caused them to have such a strong testimony. The New Testament is filled with stories of their unbelief – Lord, there’s too many people to feed with 5 loaves and 2 fish; Lord, we’re going to sink; Lord, we can’t open the tomb, Lazarus stinks.

What Jesus said to Thomas was written for us. “The people who have faith in me without seeing me are the ones who are really blessed!”

Paul wrote this to the Christians in Rome: “The Scriptures say no one who has faith will be disappointed, 12 no matter if that person is a Jew or a Gentile. There is only one Lord, and he is generous to everyone who asks for his help. 13  All who call out to the Lord will be saved. 14 How can people have faith in the Lord and ask him to save them, if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear, unless someone tells them?…17 No one can have faith without hearing the message about Christ. “

Take a moment to stop and look at your hands. Are they hands that reach out to touch others with the kindness and compassion of Jesus?

We’ve all been sent into the world to preach the Gospel. Let’s say to others “look at my hands” they are a testimony of God’s saving grace.

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Faithful to His Word

God’s faithfulness is almost beyond comprehension.

I just want to take a few more moments to dwell on God’s promises that never fail because God cannot lie.

They will remain forever. We live in a world where broken promises, contracts with escape clauses, “do overs” and even the proverbial “I was just kidding” prevail. BUT GOD! said “heaven and earth will pass away but My word will never pass away”.

“The LORD is our God. He rules the whole world. 8 He will remember his agreement forever. He will always keep the promises he made to his people.” Psalm 105:7-8 ERV

“Your kingdom is built on truth and justice. Love and faithfulness are servants before your throne. 15 LORD, your loyal followers are happy. They live in the light of your kindness. 16 Your name always makes them happy. They praise your goodness. 17 You are their amazing strength. Their power comes from you.” Psalm 89:14-17 ERV

“All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you. 11 They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power. 12 They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign. 13 For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does.” Psalm 145:10-13 NLT

The Bible isn’t just words on a page. They convey the very heart of God Almighty!

These words have stood the test of time because they come from the eternal God who was, who is and is to come. They are an edict written in blood. They are not a law that can be vetoed or rescinded by a governing body. They are for everlasting.

Have you ever seen the movie “A Knight’s Tale”? It came out in 2001. The story of a young servant who took the place of his deceased master in medieval games of sport to prove who was the best knight.

The problem was his lineage. He was a commoner and if found out, he could be killed for his impersonation of royalty. Now, to the final scene. He is arrested and taken to the guillotine. A man steps from the crowd revealing his true identity. He is Prince Edward and proclaims that William truly is a royal. He ends his speech with this statement: “This is my word… and, as such, is beyond contestation “.

That statement has stuck with me all these years. I can hear those words coming from the lips of our heavenly Father and of Jesus, my Savior.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

“Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. 11 Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.” John 14:10-11 NLT

Let your strength and joy come from knowing that God’s promises to you are secure and can be trusted. He loves you and will not leave you without hope or without help!

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Victory in Jesus…

…because of the cross!

Yesterday, I ended the blog with this verse: ““The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” John 10:10 AMP

That my friend is a life of victory!

As a Christian we aren’t promised a life void of conflict or battles, but we are promised to emerge from those battles just like David in his fight with Goliath; we are promised victory. Today, we are going to run our cups over with victory.

“ In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us. 38 I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love…” Romans 8:37-38 CEV

“ I am grateful that God always makes it possible for Christ to lead us to victory. God also helps us spread the knowledge about Christ everywhere, and this knowledge is like the smell of perfume.” II Corinthians 2:14 CEV

“But thank God for letting our Lord Jesus Christ give us the victory! 58 My dear friends, stand firm and don’t be shaken. Always keep busy working for the Lord. You know that everything you do for him is worthwhile.” I Corinthians 15:57-58 CEV

“ Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. 11  Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil’s tricks. 12 We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. 13 So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm.” Ephesians 6:10-13 CEV

“ Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory. 5 No one can defeat the world without having faith in Jesus as the Son of God.” I John 5:4-5 CEV

Jesus said: “The time will come and is already here when all of you will be scattered. Each of you will go back home and leave me by myself. But the Father will be with me, and I won’t be alone. 33 I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world.” John 16:32-33 CEV

“God wiped out the charges that were against us for disobeying the Law of Moses. He took them away and nailed them to the cross. 15 There Christ defeated all powers and forces. He let the whole world see them being led away as prisoners when he celebrated his victory.” Colossians 2:14-15 CEV

The words of the Bible are very plain. We have the victory in Christ Jesus! We have been given the power to stand in the presence of our enemies! They HAVE BEEN defeated by Christ when He hung on the cross.

O victory in Jesus,
My Savior, forever.
He sought me and bought me
With His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him
And all my love is due Him,
He plunged me to victory,
Beneath the cleansing flood.

That old hymn means more to me today than when I was a child. My life has been filled with victory because of His blood! Oh, victory in Jesus!!

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What Fills the Cup

A few weeks ago, I did a teaching on “My Cup Runs Over” from the verse in Psalm 23:5.

We know it is the Lord who pours into the cup but have you ever stopped to ask, “what fills the cup”.

“ Jesus picked up a cup of wine and gave thanks to God. He then gave it to his disciples and said, “Take this and drink it. 28  This is my blood, and with it God makes his agreement with you. It will be poured out, so that many people will have their sins forgiven. 29 From now on I am not going to drink any wine, until I drink new wine with you in my Father’s kingdom.” Matthew 26:27-29 CEV

Christ told His disciples that His blood would be poured out for us. Poured into our cups, filling us with His forgiveness.

The Apostle Paul wrote to several of the churches about this “cup running over” filling we receive in Christ.

” God has put all things under the power of Christ, and for the good of the church he has made him the head of everything. 23 The church is the body of Christ and is filled with Christ who completely fills everything.” Ephesians 1:22-23 CEV

“I want you to know all about Christ’s love, although it is too wonderful to be measured. Then your lives will be filled with all that God is.” Ephesians 3:19 CEV

“I say this because all of God lives in Christ fully, even in his life on earth. 10 And because you belong to Christ you are complete, having everything you need. Christ is ruler over every other power and authority.” Colossians 2:9-10 ERV

“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” John 10:10 AMP

Now I’ll be honest with you, when I woke up this morning, I really didn’t want to read my Bible. But what I did tell the Father at the beginning of my prayer was that I wanted to have a greater capacity for Him in my life.

We can’t have more of God because God fills us completely when we become new creations in Him. What we can have more of is understanding and we can remove those things we selfishly hold on to and have a greater capacity to experience His love, power and forgiveness.

John the Baptist was the man of the hour. Everyone was coming to the river to be baptized by him. His ministry was becoming renown; his fame was spreading. One day his followers came to him and told him that someone else was preaching and baptizing and all the people were beginning to follow the new guy. John said:

“At a wedding the groom is the one who gets married. The best man is glad just to be there and to hear the groom’s voice. That’s why I am so glad. 30 Jesus must become more important, while I become less important.” John 3:29-30 CEV

That’s how we become filled and running over with the presence of God. He must become more important and I must become less. We all have the capacity to be filled and running over with the love of God!

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What Today May Bring

Have you ever heard of a “blessing basket”?

They were given on special occasions from one neighbor to another. It may have been a birth or a death, a marriage or a new home. They were expressions of love – always filled with good things. Food, candles, spices, wine, warm clothing…

I sat quietly for a long time this morning. Praying for family, friends, life’s circumstances and wondering what today might bring.

Do you ever do that? Just sit and wonder how it will be today?

After about an hour the Lord began to fill my mind with His word and He said give your readers a blessing basket.

“Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. 9 Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9 ERV

“God’s blessing makes life rich; nothing we do can improve on God. 23 An empty-head thinks mischief is fun, but a mindful person relishes wisdom.” Proverbs 10:22-23 MSG

“My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 ERV

“The Lord is my shepherd. I will always have everything I need. 2 He gives me green pastures to lie in. He leads me by calm pools of water. 3 He restores my strength. He leads me on right paths to show that he is good.” Psalm 23:1-3 ERV

“Your word is like a lamp that guides my steps, a light that shows the path I should take.” Psalm 119:105 ERV

“ We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God’s own power, when we learned he had invited us to share in his wonderful goodness. 4 God made great and marvelous promises, so his nature would become part of us. Then we could escape our evil desires and the corrupt influences of this world.” II Peter 1:3-4 CEV

“ Jesus then asked his twelve disciples if they also were going to leave him. 68  Simon Peter answered, “Lord, there is no one else that we can go to! Your words give eternal life. 69 We have faith in you, and we are sure that you are God’s Holy One.” John 6:67-69 CEV

I don’t know what the day may bring but I do know that the Lord will lead us and when we follow Him we will take the right steps, have words of life, avoid fear, and have renewed strength.

God’s blessing are rich! Enjoy the blessing basket.

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The Heart of God

We’ve all seen those little labels that are put on the products we buy. Made in U.S.A., China, Japan, Mexico, Canada…

Do you realize that we were made in the heart of God and He sees us as priceless?

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Christ, God has given us every spiritual blessing in heaven. 4 In Christ, he chose us before the world was made. He chose us in love to be his holy people—people who could stand before him without any fault. 5 And before the world was made, God decided to make us his own children through Jesus Christ. This was what God wanted, and it pleased him to do it. 6 And this brings praise to God because of his wonderful grace. God gave that grace to us freely. He gave us that grace in Christ, the one he loves.” Ephesians 1:3-6 ERV

We were conceived in God’s heart before He made the world! I know, it’s almost impossible to fathom that God had us in mind before anything that we know and see was created. He was thinking of us.

“You have looked deep into my heart, Lord, and you know all about me. 2 You know when I am resting or when I am working, and from heaven you discover my thoughts.3 You notice everything I do and everywhere I go. 4 Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say,
5 and with your powerful arm you protect me from every side. 6 I can’t understand all of this! Such wonderful knowledge is far above me.” Psalm 139:1-6 CEV

Our heavenly Father knows the words we will speak, where we will go and even the number of the hairs on our head. He has tattooed our picture on the palm of His hands.

“I drew a picture of you on my hand. You are always before my eyes” Isaiah 49:16 ERV

We are priceless to Him!

“ Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life” John 3:16 ERV

He gave the One He dearly loved so that we could be joined to them.

“Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything about me. 17 Your thoughts are far beyond my understanding, much more than I could ever imagine.
18 I try to count your thoughts, but they outnumber the grains of sand on the beach.
And when I awake, I will find you nearby.” Psalm 139:16-18 ERV

God has spent eternity thinking of us. The thoughts He has toward us are immeasurable.

“Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you.” Ephesians 3:19 ERV

“But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us. 9 We have been made right with God by the blood sacrifice of Christ. So through Christ we will surely be saved from God’s anger.” Romans 5:8-9 ERV

God, our heavenly Father, wants us to know Him personally. He wants us to know the depth of His love for us. He wants us to know that we are priceless to Him!

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The Debt of Love

Just recently we received our tax bill from the County. I don’t know why it should surprise me because it comes every year, but sometimes it catches me off guard. Two days ago, I went online and paid it. That action was fresh in my thinking when I read these verses this morning.

There is one indebtedness we should deal with on a daily basis.

“Give everyone what you owe them. If you owe them any kind of tax, then pay it. Show respect to those you should respect. And show honor to those you should honor.

8 You should owe nothing to anyone, except that you will always owe love to each other. The person who loves others has done all that the law commands. 9 The law says, ‘You must not commit adultery, you must not murder anyone, you must not steal, you must not want what belongs to someone else.’ All these commands and all other commands are really only one rule: ‘Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.‘ 10 Love doesn’t hurt others. So loving is the same as obeying all the law. 11 I say this because you know that we live in an important time. Yes, it is now time for you to wake up from your sleep. Our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” Romans 13:7-11 ERV

The Apostle Paul wrote these words from Rome while he was a prisoner, unjustly accused. If anyone had the right to be bitter, resentful and vindictive he did. Instead, he used his time encouraging, instructing and giving hope to those around him.

Paul learned this from Jesus.

He knew how the religious elite tried to trip Jesus up by asking which of God’s commands was the greatest.

“He said, ‘Teacher, which command in the law is the most important?’ 37 Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and most important command. 39 And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.’ 40 All of the law and the writings of the prophets take their meaning from these two commands.” Matthew 22:36-40 ERV

And then there were these words of Jesus spoken from the cross.

“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34 ERV

On the cross Jesus showed the ultimate expression of love. We owed a debt for our sin, but we were unable to pay it because none of us are perfect. But Jesus, the perfect lamb of God, paid the debt for us. He showed His love for the Father and for us, His neighbor, for all the world to see.

Paul never lost sight of that sacrifice, and he wanted everyone who read his words to remember that we also have a debt of love.

“I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other just as I loved you. 35 All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.” John 13:34-35 ERV

It’s not a debt that we can pay with our checkbooks or credit cards. It is more costly than that. We pay the debt of love with our obedience and our daily living.

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Always There!

I started my morning reading in the book of Nehemiah. It’s a little book in the Old Testament and deals with the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem by those Jews who had been released from exile in Babylonia.

What could we possible learn from them? Right? We learn of Almighty God’s unfailing faithfulness!

“But when they were at peace, they would turn against you, and you would hand them over to their enemies. Then they would beg for help, and because you are merciful, you rescued them over and over again.” Nehemiah 9:28 CEV

In that chapter, Nehemiah repeats about 4 times how God was faithful to rescue the Israelites over and over again, Because He was Merciful!

Have you ever felt abandon? Becoming desperate in your search and almost hopeless. Then in your desperation you cry out for help.

You hear someone speak but you don’t really hear his voice until he calls you by name. “Kristi” and no one says my name like Jesus! There He is, coming to my aid. because He is merciful.

The is the story of Mary in John 20. She ran to the tomb in the Garden on the first day of the week so she could properly prepare His body. The tomb was empty, so she went back to tell the disciples that Jesus’ body was gone. They all came running and when they found the tomb empty they all left but Mary.

She stayed looking for Jesus, instead she found the angels who wanted to know why she was so upset. She told them she was looking for her Lord and wanted to know who had taken him away.

Then she saw someone she thought was the gardener and asked him if He had taken Jesus body. She didn’t recognize him as Jesus until He spoke her name – as he said her name “Mary” – she knew Him immediately.

“Jesus asked her, ‘Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?’ She thought he was the gardener and said, ‘Sir, if you have taken his body away, please tell me, so I can go and get him.’ 16 Then Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him, ‘Rabboni.’ The Aramaic word Rabboni means “Teacher.” John 20:15-16 ERV

Two different scenarios. One, a people who rebelled against God time and again. Doing their own thing, making their own gods and serving their own desires and pleasures. The other had her Lord, whom she loved, murdered and now His body had been “stolen”.

In desperation both called out for help. The Israelites found deliverance and forgiveness and Mary found her Lord and consolation. There is no circumstance or situation that God will ignore and abandon us. He is always faithful.

“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT

In your desperate search, take time to listen for His voice. He is there and He will always be there. He has promised to never leave you or forsake you and He never will.

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Seek His Face

I’ve been looking at the reactions of the people that encountered Jesus as I read through the book of John.

Some are moved by what Jesus did and others by what Jesus said. I asked myself, which one am I? Do I need to see a miracle to have my faith bolstered or am I willing to let my life be changed by the simplicity of His word?

Remember the Samaritan woman? Her life and the life of her town were changed by the words of Jesus.

” Many of the Samaritan people in that town believed in Jesus. They believed because of what the woman had told them about him. She had told them, ‘He told me everything I have ever done.’ 40 The Samaritans went to Jesus. They begged him to stay with them. So he stayed there two days. 41 Many more people became believers because of the things he said.

42 The people said to the woman, ‘First we believed in Jesus because of what you told us. But now we believe because we heard him ourselves. We know now that he really is the one who will save the world.’” John 4:39-42 ERV

And then there was the man at the pool who had been lame – His life was changed by the words “take up your bed and walk”.

Look at this example in John 6. These folks had followed Jesus and He had his disciples feed them with a boy’s lunch.

“So they gathered up the pieces that were left. The people had started eating with only five loaves of barley bread. But the followers filled twelve large baskets with the pieces of food that were left. 14 The people saw this miraculous sign that Jesus did and said, ‘He must be the Prophet who is coming into the world.’ 15 Jesus knew that the people planned to come get him and make him their king. So he left and went into the hills alone.” John 6:13-15 ERV

It wasn’t the words that Jesus spoke that changed the people; they wanted to see more signs. He had filled their bellies but they hadn’t let Him fill their hearts.

As a loving parent or grandparent we like to provide for the needs of our children and grandchildren but we don’t want that to be the motive for the attention they give us.

I will ask you a question that needs to be asked and answered on a continual basis.

Here’s the question.

What is more important to me, seeking the hand of God (his provisions) or seeking His face (relationship)?

The amazing thing is that when we seek His face, we will be blessed by His promises and provision.

In my lifetime I have seen some real miracles. But what has made more of an impact than the miracles is the daily relationship that I have with the Lord.

“O Lord, listen to my cry. Show loving-kindness to me and answer me. 8 You have said, ‘Look for My face.‘ My heart said to You, ‘O Lord, Your face will I look for.‘” Psalm 27:7-8 NLV

Meet with the Father face to face today. It will change your life!

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