Saturday, December 17, 2011
Strength In Trials
So many families have members that are unemployed or underemployed during this Christmas season. It can be a very tough and stressful time of the year. I pray that you know the Lord and can find strength and encouragement in these Bible verses. In fact, these verses are great for any trial you are experiencing.
Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Psalm 23:1-3 - The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Psalm 25:2-3, 6 -In you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse. Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.
Psalm 31:24 - Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.
Psalm 33:20 - We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.
Psalm 33:22 - May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.
Psalm 37:7 - Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Psalm 39:7 - "But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.
Psalm 42:11 - Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:10 - "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Psalm 62:5 - Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.
Psalm 65:5 - You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas,
Psalm 119:114 - You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.
Psalm 119:116 - Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 23:18 - There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
Isaiah 40:30-31 - Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 41:13 - For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Lamentations 3:21-22 - Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
Matthew 6:33 - But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 16:33 - "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Romans 5:1-5 - Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 8:24 - For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?
Romans 12:12 - Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
2 Corinthians 1:10-11 - He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
Galatians 5:5 - But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope.
Ephesians 1:17-19 - I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength,
Philippians 4:6 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:12-13 - I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
1 Thessalonians 1:3 - We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 - May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
1 Timothy 6:17 - Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
Hebrews 10:23 - Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 12:7 - Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?
1 Peter 1:13 - Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
God bless your families with good employment opportunities!
NikonSniper Steve
Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Psalm 23:1-3 - The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Psalm 25:2-3, 6 -In you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse. Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.
Psalm 31:24 - Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.
Psalm 33:20 - We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.
Psalm 33:22 - May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.
Psalm 37:7 - Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Psalm 39:7 - "But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.
Psalm 42:11 - Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:10 - "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Psalm 62:5 - Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.
Psalm 65:5 - You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas,
Psalm 119:114 - You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.
Psalm 119:116 - Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 23:18 - There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
Isaiah 40:30-31 - Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 41:13 - For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Lamentations 3:21-22 - Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
Matthew 6:33 - But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 16:33 - "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Romans 5:1-5 - Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 8:24 - For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?
Romans 12:12 - Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
2 Corinthians 1:10-11 - He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
Galatians 5:5 - But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope.
Ephesians 1:17-19 - I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength,
Philippians 4:6 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:12-13 - I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
1 Thessalonians 1:3 - We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 - May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
1 Timothy 6:17 - Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
Hebrews 10:23 - Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 12:7 - Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?
1 Peter 1:13 - Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
God bless your families with good employment opportunities!
NikonSniper Steve
Friday, December 16, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Are you weary and in need of rest? Do you need a trustworthy place to run? Do you need to be saved from your present trial? Do you need protection? Do you need confidence in your future? Do you need help from above? Consider calling upon the Lord!
Psalm 91
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you make the Most High your dwelling-- even the LORD, who is my refuge--
10 then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."
Psalm 91
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you make the Most High your dwelling-- even the LORD, who is my refuge--
10 then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
Leave Your Heavy Burden At The Cross
The Bible clearly teaches that we are not to worry. In fact, the Bible tells us what to do with our worries. We are to place them upon the Lord.
Psalm 55:22 - Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
1 Peter 5:7 - Cast all your anxiety on him (Jesus) because he cares for you.
This is a great deal. I need to take my problems and hand them over to Christ. I have limited ability to solve anything. What authority does Christ have? Ephesians 3:20 says that He “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine”.
I can ask for crazy big stuff and even if I can’t rightly ask for it … I can sure imagine big big stuff! But this verse says that Christ has the authority to do way way way more than that! It is saying that Christ has the authority to take your wildest need, worry or concern and blink it done. That’s authority! He can change your situation. And He wants to do that for you. We need to have faith in Him!
Most people take their problems to someone with limited capacity to solve the problem. If your kid comes home from college and asks you for a $5,000 loan … you may say no problem and write the check. But there is an amount that could be asked for where we would have to say no.
Not so with the Lord!
So you ask … Well, I have never seen the Lord so how do I know He is there? Seeing doesn’t prove everything. Some will say, you can’t see Jesus … so He isn’t there. Who has seen the wind? You know the wind is there by seeing what it does. You can’t see electricity but you probably won’t stick your finger in an electrical outlet more than once.
I have experienced the Lord in my life by seeing what He is doing and what He has done. Perhaps that is your story too. I pray that the Lord will reveal Himself to you. But today, I hope to encourage you who are having a tough go and want to remind you that the Lord is limitless in His ability and authority to alter your situation. I have seen this authority to alter situations in our family THIS WEEK. Praise the Lord!
There are so many people in this economic down trend that are in need of encouragement today. Gloom can be everywhere if you are in need. The Christmas season is upon us and you may be trying to be upbeat … but there is underlying concern in your life.
Some of you have already lost your jobs. Some are worried about their jobs right now. And there are some of you who are worried that their companies won’t survive this pinch.
I want to encourage you who are in the fire right now to take your problems and worries of these situations to the Lord. He is able to deliver you!
Find that Bible. Dust it off and read these for yourself. Underline them!
Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Isaiah 41:10 - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Zephaniah 3:17 - The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Deuteronomy 31:8 - The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
Psalm 9:9-10 - The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 23:4 - Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Matthew 11:28-29 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
As believer's in Christ, we need to stop living under circumstances. Jesus has all authority to change them and He can provide strength to live with them if that is His will. Call upon Him for help. No one ever cared for you like Jesus! Call to Him today.
NikonSniper Steve
Psalm 55:22 - Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
1 Peter 5:7 - Cast all your anxiety on him (Jesus) because he cares for you.
This is a great deal. I need to take my problems and hand them over to Christ. I have limited ability to solve anything. What authority does Christ have? Ephesians 3:20 says that He “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine”.
I can ask for crazy big stuff and even if I can’t rightly ask for it … I can sure imagine big big stuff! But this verse says that Christ has the authority to do way way way more than that! It is saying that Christ has the authority to take your wildest need, worry or concern and blink it done. That’s authority! He can change your situation. And He wants to do that for you. We need to have faith in Him!
Most people take their problems to someone with limited capacity to solve the problem. If your kid comes home from college and asks you for a $5,000 loan … you may say no problem and write the check. But there is an amount that could be asked for where we would have to say no.
Not so with the Lord!
So you ask … Well, I have never seen the Lord so how do I know He is there? Seeing doesn’t prove everything. Some will say, you can’t see Jesus … so He isn’t there. Who has seen the wind? You know the wind is there by seeing what it does. You can’t see electricity but you probably won’t stick your finger in an electrical outlet more than once.
I have experienced the Lord in my life by seeing what He is doing and what He has done. Perhaps that is your story too. I pray that the Lord will reveal Himself to you. But today, I hope to encourage you who are having a tough go and want to remind you that the Lord is limitless in His ability and authority to alter your situation. I have seen this authority to alter situations in our family THIS WEEK. Praise the Lord!
There are so many people in this economic down trend that are in need of encouragement today. Gloom can be everywhere if you are in need. The Christmas season is upon us and you may be trying to be upbeat … but there is underlying concern in your life.
Some of you have already lost your jobs. Some are worried about their jobs right now. And there are some of you who are worried that their companies won’t survive this pinch.
I want to encourage you who are in the fire right now to take your problems and worries of these situations to the Lord. He is able to deliver you!
Find that Bible. Dust it off and read these for yourself. Underline them!
Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Isaiah 41:10 - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Zephaniah 3:17 - The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Deuteronomy 31:8 - The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
Psalm 9:9-10 - The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 23:4 - Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Matthew 11:28-29 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
As believer's in Christ, we need to stop living under circumstances. Jesus has all authority to change them and He can provide strength to live with them if that is His will. Call upon Him for help. No one ever cared for you like Jesus! Call to Him today.
NikonSniper Steve
Jesus Is Still The Reason For The Season
Remember Jesus at Christmas
Santa lives at the North Pole. JESUS is everywhere.
Santa rides in a sleigh. JESUS rides on the wind and walks on water.
Santa comes once a year. JESUS is an ever-present help.
Santa fills your stockings with goodies. JESUS supplies all your needs.
Santa comes uninvited down your chimney.
JESUS stands at the door of your heart and knocks ... and will enter if you invite Him.
You have to stand in line to see Santa. JESUS is as close as a call on His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap. JESUS lets you rest in His arms.
Santa has to ask you your name. Jesus knew you before He created the world.
Jesus knows your address, your history, and your future.
Jesus knows the number of hairs on your head.
JESUS has a heart full of love. JESUS offers health, help and hope.
Santa says, "You better not cry".
JESUS says "Cast all your burdens and cares on me because I care for you.
Santa's little helpers make toys.
JESUS gives new life, mends wounded hearts, and repairs broken homes.
Jesus builds mansions.
Santa might make you chuckle but … JESUS gives you joy and strength.
Santa puts gifts under a tree … JESUS became our gift and died on a tree.
Santa was at one time known as Saint Nicholas. Jesus WAS, and IS, and IS to come.
Is there really any comparison?
Jesus is still the reason for the season.May the Lord bless and watch over you and your loved ones this Christmas.
May He guard you with His powerful arms. May He lift your tired spirit.
May He soak you with His love and provision.
And may you return your focus to Him in all things.
God bless you all in 2012.
NikonSniper Steve
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