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Your Last Day (II Peter 3:9)
II Peter 3:9, The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 1. God's Promise The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; The word slack means to "hesitate, linger, delay." It carries the idea of loitering or loafing. God is not unfaithful concerning His promises. He is not loafing around with nothing to do. Some of the scoffers apparently were saying the delay in Christ’s return was evidence that God made a promise He can’t keep. Peter rebuts by suggesting that instead of the delay being evidence of God’s unfaithfulness, it’s evidence of His mercy. 2. God's Patience …but is longsuffering to us-ward, Longsuffering means to suffer long. In contrast to God’s being slow to keep His promise, Peter asserts that He’s actually “patient with you.” However, God’s patience isn’t without redemptive motive. He’s patient, Peter says, because He’s “not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.” 3. God’s Purpose …not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. God's desire is to save all. Today is the last day of 2019. An old year is soon to be ousted while a new year is appointed. There will be celebrations all around the world. Beneath all the hype there is an important lesson that we can learn. Think for a minute. What if this really was your last day? Not of the month. Not of the year. What if this was the last day of your life? Each day for Christ ought to be lived as if it were our last. Jesus has told us that He will come as a "thief in the night." We might know the season, but we do not know the exact day. It could be tomorrow at the dawn of a brand-new year, or it could be years from now. The time that Jesus comes isn't as important though, as the condition of our hearts when He comes. Many Christians aren't at all ready for the Rapture to take place. They have too many loose ends to tie up. They're waiting to serve God at a later date. Sadly, they will live away from God their whole life. Others who haven't trusted Christ as their Saviour are putting off their decision. Sadly, these people will be left behind. Question to Consider: What if this were your last day? Would you be ready? How would you want to be remembered? Prayer: Heavenly Father, my heart is stirred today to pray for my unsaved friends, family and acquaintances. The Bible has long foretold that a day of judgment is coming, but I’ve never thought about it so deeply as I’ve thought about it today. Father, I want to be open and available for You to use me to share the witness of Jesus with those who are unsaved. I pray this in Jesus’ name! If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
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Loving One Another (I John 3:11-20)
Comprehending Love (I John 3:16-20) – Part 3 I John 3:16-20, Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. The manifestation of Biblical love in our life is the evidence that we truly belong to Christ. One visible evidence of love is the sacrifice it is willing to make for the object loved. There was no doubt in John’s mind about the love Jesus had. But he also said that fellow Christians should feel a sense of obligation to make sacrifices for one another. The love of Christ should be continuously active in the followers of Christ. If a brother is in need, whether it is the need of food, clothes, shelter, or service, and if one has the ability to help, but will not do so, how dwelleth the love of God in him? The point is that if we have no concern for the welfare of God's people, the love of God is missing in us. One who can see a need and shut his heart to it does not have the love of Christ. The person who lives a selfish life has missed the whole point of Christ's sacrifice. The test of true Biblical love is identified as a willingness to sacrifice one's own life for his brother. This is in contrast to Cain who hated and slew his brother. As Christians, we give ourselves for others. Why? Because he laid down his life for us. One can talk about what one believes, however, if what one believes is not real enough to motivate that person to good works, that persons faith is dead (James 2:14-17)! Genuine love doesn’t just talk, it acts. People who are insincere might talk about helping; but people who truly love like the Lord reach out to help a fellow believer. This degree of love might be called to demonstrate by meeting a material need. It might be manifested by lending a helping hand or a listening ear. There are countless ways in which we can show the reality of our love for the brethren. A young mother admitted, in a prayer meeting, that she never seemed to find time for her own personal devotions. She had little children to care for, and the hours vanished away. Two of the ladies from the church responded by assisting her in her home. “We’ve come to help you,” they explained. “You go into the bedroom and get started on your devotions.” After several days of this help, the young mother was able to develop her devotional life so that the daily demands on her time no longer upset her. It is to be more than lip love. Our actions speak louder than our words could ever speak. When we love one another, we know that we are living the truth. May the love of Christ saturate our relationships. PRAYER: Lord, help me to grow in my love for You and for others You have given me. In Jesus' name. Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Loving One Another (I John 3:11-20)
Causes to Love (I John 3:13-15) – Part 2 I John 3:13-15, Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Cain had a bitter hatred for his own brother because of Abel’s ’righteousness. It is godliness that infuriates the wicked (Proverbs 29:27). As people become more ungodly, those who are good will be called evil and those who are called evil will be called good (Isaiah 5:20). When these conditions occur, that society is in serious sorrow. How can a person know if they have been saved and have passed from death unto life The answer according to John is love for the brethren. The word "brethren" has reference to the spiritual brotherhood. Love is not the cause of our passing over into life; it is the proof that we have passed from death to life. John comes back to this point again because this matter is so important. Christians grow when they love other believers. Churches thrive when the people love one another instead of fussing, feuding, and fighting with one another. When you love the brethren, you will love your church and you will enjoy going to church. It is difficult to love others in the church, to really know them, and get close to them when you are not faithful to the services. It is one thing to like other believers, but it is another matter to actually love other Christians. Hatred is a very serious matter because hatred is not satisfied with controlling a small part of your heart. It wants and takes almost complete control of a person’s heart, mind, body, and soul. When hate grips a person, they do not think rationally at all. The person is consumed by their hate. Common sense gets blurred, biased, and bizarre. Hating a believer makes a person no different than Osama Bin Laden, Charles Manson, or Adolf Hitler in God’s approximation. That is alarming and crushing. Those who are branded by repeated hateful attitudes toward others and who habitually harbor murderous feelings, give proof of an unbelieving heart. We must remember that Jesus was hated by the world long before we came on the scene. Therefore, we should not be surprised when the world and worldly people hate us. The more you love and honor God, the more you expose the evil of those who do not. The more you expose the evil of those who dishonor God, the more they’ll hate you. They’ll hate you because of who you love, because of who you resemble. They hated Jesus and they’ll hate those who are like Jesus. The very core of Christ's message is one of love. God loved so much that He gave His all. Those saved have experienced that love fully, & now God desires that they turn around to show others that love as well. Love isn't common in our world. Hearing of someone giving of themselves stands out in a world of selfish pursuit. So, when someone shows love, others notice. As Christians, our very existence should be to show love to those around us. PRAYER: Lord, I know the power of Your love can impact someone today so, help me take the time to show it to someone today. In Jesus' name. Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Loving One Another (I John 3:11-20)
Christlike Love (I John 3:11-12) – Part 1 I John 3:11-12, For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous. Here in these verses, John’s main emphasis is one of the most needed things in the world and the church, which is love. The love spoken of here is the unconditional, self-sacrificing love which God has shown to man. This is the very thing that Christians are to have for one another. This message suggests that while others are loving us, we are to be loving them. In I John 3:11, John said that we have an obligation to love one another. This obligation was laid down from the beginning. John probably had reference to John 13:34, A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. This word “love” which means “we are to continually love others with a self-sacrificing love” is the same kind of love that God has for us. When the ministry of the Lord Jesus was nearing its end on earth, He shared with the disciples the key distinguishing mark of a Christian. It was not someone who wore a cross around his or her neck. It was not someone who went to church. The mark was love for the brethren. I John 3:12, on the other hand, suggests that Cain had a love unlike that we are to have. Cain’s love for his brother Abel had conditions in it. Cain’s love for his brother dried up once he discovered that his brother was so much different from himself. Cain discovered that Abel’s deeds were righteous and his own deeds were evil. Cain’s love was a wrong love because it was not strong enough to let his brother take a few steps ahead of him. In our loving one another, we must be sure that we have a right love. This kind of love is unconditional. Cain killed his brother because he was angry at God for refusing his offering to the Lord and was jealous that Abel’s offering was accepted. It was accepted because it was offered in obedience and faith (Hebrews 11:4). Cain wanted to worship God on his own terms and did not follow the instructions of his father on how to offer a proper blood sacrifice to the Lord. Cain’s offering was a bloodless one. Cain was not any different than people today who worship God on their terms. They leave Jesus out of their lives. They depend on works, to get them to Heaven or gain merit with God, but all to no avail. Without personally accepting Christ’s sacrifice for sins, a person is of the wicked one (John 8:44). Love does not persecute the righteous. A person who truly loves his brother will not persecute him. Love means that we will not even dislike another person. We love them, care for them, and reach out to them. We want their fellowship in Christ, longing for them to experience all the richness of life and for them to know all the fulness of Christ and His love. PRAYER: Lord, I see that love for others and for You does not come easily to me. That kind of love isn’t in me on my own. I’m asking You today to pour that kind of love into my life. In Jesus' name. Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com 5 Ways God Encourages Us (I Peter 5:7)
I Peter 5:7, Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. George Mueller (1805-1898) built many orphanages at Ashley Down, England. He relied only on God to supply the money and food needed to support the hundreds of homeless children he befriended in the name of Christ. A man of radiant faith, he kept a motto on his desk for many years that brought comfort, strength, and uplifting confidence to his heart. It read, “It matters to Him about you.” Mueller believed that those words captured the meaning of I Peter 5:7, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” Mueller rested his claim for God’s help on that truth. He testified at the end of his life that the Lord had never failed to supply all his needs. Just as Mueller faced many trials and afflictions and was cared for by the Lord, God will preserve you and revive you in your hour of need if you will seek His help. How does He revive and encourage us? 5 Ways God Encourage Us? 1. By His Presence Matthew 14:27, But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. When He is near, we need not fear. Jesus would later said, “Lo, I am with you alway.” If we will realize He is always with us, we need never fear. 2. By His Promises Romans 15:4, For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. The Scriptures give us an innumerable amount of promises to encourage us to live for God. 3. By His Power Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Paul knew the source of his strength. It was Jesus Christ. With His help, anything is possible. 4. By Prayer John 14:26-27 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 5. By our Partners in Ministry Philippians 4:18, But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. Their support had enabled his every need to be met. He acknowledged what they both already knew and that was that Epaphroditus had been the messenger who had conveyed their giving to him. Even as such a sacrifice was pleasing to both God and man, their offering to Paul served the same purpose. A true friend is one who rushes in when others rush out. A true friend will strengthen you with prayers, bless you with their love, and encourage you with a word. If you are lugging around worries, cares, and concerns about your family, your business, your church, or any other area of your life, why not stop right now and say, “Jesus, I’m yielding every one of these concerns to You today. I cast my burden on You, and I thank You for setting me free! To “cast” means to hurl, to throw, and it often means to vehemently throw or to fling something with great force with intensity. Points to Ponder: You don’t have to carry the whole weight of the world by yourself. Jesus loves you so much and is so deeply concerned about you and the difficulties you are facing. He calls out to you today, “Roll those burdens over on Me. Let Me carry them for you so you can be free!” Questions to Consider: Do you habitually worry and fret about certain things? What are the issues that weigh on your mind more than anything else? Are you able to cast these cares over onto the Lord, or do you keep stirring yourself up with thoughts of fear, reigniting the fretting and the worry all over again even after you have already released those cares to the Lord? Prayer, Lord, I thank You for what I’ve read today. I regret having carried these burdens and worries so long by myself when, in fact, You were always ready to take them from me and to carry them on my behalf. But it’s never too late to do what is right, so right now I make the decision to yield to You every one of these matters that are bothering me. Thank You for coming alongside me to take these weights from my shoulders. Because You are so loving and attentive to me, I can now go free. In Jesus name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Walk in Wisdom (Psalm 37:23)
Psalm 37:23, The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. There is nothing more satisfying to a believer than to be living in the will of God for his life. And it is good to know that God actually delights in leading us along that way which He is laying out for us. That verse gives us a basic principle for knowing His way. We need to seek His leading in everything! Of course, it may not be an easy path. “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” (I Peter 2:21). Even if the path seems difficult at times, it is a good path, because it honors Him. An important check to be sure we are not drifting far off the path is to be sure we don’t disobey, or question, His written Word. “Order my steps in thy word,” we should pray each day (Psalm 119:133). God Himself establishes the path of the righteous person. David and Solomon make it clear that walking in God’s presence is necessary to a righteous life (Psalm 23:3; Proverbs 8:17-20). Meditate today on “the way of righteousness.” This speaks of a course of action; a life direction; a pattern of behavior; a series of circumstances. Life has many paths. You can choose many courses and directions for your life. Some paths are obviously wrong and they take us to very bad places. If you follow those wrong roads in life, you get to a place where you wonder, What am I doing here? I didn’t want my life to be about this. I had bigger and better dreams. You are ready for God's way of righteousness. Seeking His way is the first step to getting out of wrong paths and back into a way of living that God can bless. Proverbs 14:12; 16:25, There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. That’s not what you want to do with your life. Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. If you have a heart to be on the right path, your ears ought to perk up when the Word of God says, “…he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.” (Psalm 23:3). Literally, it means into right paths. God Himself is very interested in your being on the right path—paths that lead to joy, peace and blessing. You may say, “I want those paths that lead to life and blessing and prosperity.” Psalm 16:11, speaking of the Lord, says, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy;” Isn’t it encouraging to know that God guides our paths? The hand of Almighty God, if you’ll submit to Him, is directing you into the right way. It might not be my way; it might not be someone else’s way. But it’s the right path for you as you continually seek to respond to His guidance and leading. Points to Ponder: ·There are paths that are right for a season. ·This was good at one time in our lives, but now He may need you to go a different way. ·Even on a good path God might change your life and send you in a new direction. ·Your plan should be to seek His guidance in His Word and by His Spirit whether you stay the course or make a turn. Questions to Consider: ·In what ways can you see the path of righteousness God is leading you on? ·How are you regularly submitting to His guidance? Prayer, Father, I believe You have a path of righteousness planned for me: I want to take every step on it! Alert me if I wander, correct me if I persist in a wrong detour. Thank You for the promise of Your presence and guidance. Thank You for Your Son’s commitment to never leave me or forsake me. I can rest and walk in righteousness with those promises. In Jesus’ name, amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com The Greatest Gift Ever Wrapped (Luke 2:1-20)
Have you ever had problems with finding the right gift for someone? Is there someone on your Christmas shopping list who is hard to shop for? Maybe they are really picky, or they seem to have everything! Many may still be wondering if they found the right gift for their family, friends, and loved ones. Sometimes we try to deceive by the way (size, weight, shape) we wrap a Christmas present! The presentation of Christ to this world was not the way we would have planned it. At first glance, the look of the manger scene may have been deceiving. Why a manger and not a mansion? Christ was content with a manger when He was born, so that we could have a mansion when we die. When you meet the Saviour, it changes you forever. If you really believe in something strong enough, you would really be able to convince others about it. I read recently about a woman who had waited until the last minute to send Christmas cards. She rushed into a store and bought a package of 50 cards without really looking at them. Still in a big hurry, she addressed 49 of the 50 and signed them without reading the message inside. On Christmas Day, when things had quieted down somewhat, she chanced to read the leftover card and finally read the message she had sent to 49 of her friends. Much to her discouragement, it this: "This card is just to say, A little gift is on the way." Suddenly she realized that 49 of her friends were expecting a gift from her-a gift that would never come. Nothing is so important this Christmas season that you cannot make time to worship the Lord. Perhaps you can sympathize with this lady! There is so much to be done this time of year. Presents to be bought, vacation plans to be made, work to finalize, decorations to hang, parties to attend, parties to host, and so many details to oversee. Sometimes the festivities of the season can wear you out. How important is worshiping Christ this season to you? Yes, you have plans and your schedule doesn't allow much downtime, but like the shepherds, God wants you to make time to worship Him for the birth of His Son. Today as we take time to celebrate Christmas with friends and family don't forget to celebrate Christ. What will you give Jesus this Christmas? I want the whole world to know that He died for us. Don’t you? Prayer, Father in Heaven, thank You for giving the greatest gift in Your Son Jesus. May I make time today to share Him with my family, friends, and all who have never heard of Him. In Jesus name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Celebrating and Sharing Christmas (Matthew 2:10-11)
Matthew 2:10-11, And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. A little boy came home from Sunday School. He was so excited about learning the Christmas story. Especially about the Wise Men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus. He was so excited that he had to tell his mother. He said, "I learned today in Sunday School all about the first Christmas. In fact, there was no need of Santa Claus. There wasn't a Santa Claus way back then, so these wise men had to deliver the toys”. I learned comparing Santa Claus and the Lord Jesus.
The night heaven visited the earth, it wasn’t Santa Claus who came to town, it was Jesus Christ. Jesus came 2,000 years ago and the world has never been the same. If “Christmas” is some material thing that you are dying for, then you will probably be disappointed, even if you get it. If, however, you are seeking the Christ of Christmas, you will never be disappointed. The true spirit of Christmas gives Christ His rightful place. Prayer, Father thank You for sending us Your only begotten Son. Your gift was an eternal gift to the entire world. Help me to share the gift of Your Son Jesus to others. Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Dealing with Despair (I Samuel 27:1)
I Samuel 27:1, And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand. David had reached a very low period in his life. No doubt that David was discouraged and decided to flee Israel for refuge in Philistia. David did not trust Saul and he had every reason to distrust him. Saul had shown himself unstable and emotionally imbalanced. His jealousy and hatred of David were well known. Notice: In the previous verse, I Samuel 26:25, Then Saul said to David, Blessed be thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail. So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place. Saul had already once broken a promise to no longer hunt him. David knew Saul was lying, and as a result he became very discouraged and fled to Philistia. In I Samuel 26:24, David sought the Lord. However, in I Samuel 27:1, David is not recorded as consulting with God. It is apparent that his faith lapsed. He focused on his circumstances, not on God. How sad it is when unbelievers believe and believers do not. It is one thing to encounter disappointment. It is another thing to allow disappointment to solidify into discouragement. When one is in this state of mind, their faith often fails. Therefore, the devil uses discouragement to get the eyes of God’s children off of Him in hopes that we might quit. God had faithfully intervened over and over again to deliver David from the hand of Saul. God had demonstrated His power on behalf of David over and over again and had delivered him. He delivered him out of the mouth of the lion and the paw of the bear. He delivered him out of the hand of the great giant Goliath. Did David forget how God delivered him? NOTICE: David's pessimism compared to God's power. God saved David...
In all attempts on David's life he was providentially preserved. Be patient in your trial and wait on God (Psalm 27:14; James 1:1-4; II Timothy 1:7). Whenever you’re facing seasons of discouragement, begin by counting your blessings. Prayer, Lord, too often, through the eyes of the flesh, I see my battles bigger than You. Help me to trust in You and see them as You see them. There is never a problem I encounter that is greater than You. In Jesus name, AMEN! If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Designed by Him to Shine for Him (Matthew 5:14-16)
Matthew 5:14-16 – “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” In John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” While Jesus walked this earth, He was the light of the world. However, in His absence, we now are. As Christ is in us and shines through us, we, in His physical absence, have become the light of the world. The world about us is dark spiritually. What’s nine times more efficient than a light bulb and doesn’t need electricity? It’s the lightning bug. The lightning bug, or firefly, is a winged beetle which uses bioluminescence to produce light. We see this insect each summer. They are fascinating little creatures. I find it amazing that some of man’s most expensive scientific research is devoted to duplicating what often occurs naturally in Creation. If the chemicals utilized by the lightning bug were not mixed in the right proportion, the firefly could not emit light. It, therefore, could not attract a mate or prey and it would die. This little beetle is not the product of evolutionary mutations over millions of years, but it is the handiwork of an intelligent Designer. Just as every detail of the lightning bug has been intricately designed by God, so He directs every circumstance of our lives. God knows that if your experiences are not mixed in the right proportion, you cannot bring Him glory. God knows your needs. If He can make a little beetle shine for His glory, then He can make His glory shine through your life! Resolve to shine brightly for Him in even your darkest circumstances. God has called us to be a lighthouse to a perishing world. Part of our duty as Christians is to be a prism through which the light of the Gospel can be focused upon in a dark world. We are called of God to shine the light of the Gospel. Our heavenly Father is glorified by honesty, or other good works, that reflect the light of the Gospel. Prayer: Father, I know that You desire to shine brightly through my life. Though the world is getting darker may Your Light shine even brighter through me. Help me to reflect Your love so that mankind can see Your love through me. Help me so that my works will point others to You, as Christ is our example. In Jesus name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com |
AuthorDr. Blackman is passionate about helping others grow in the grace of the Lord. His devotions are centered on how to grow closer to the Lord through a personal relationship with Christ. Archives
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