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Comment by russ allen on August 19, 2011 at 8:00am

Good morning! How are we faithing? How do we expect things to change if we continue behaving the same? We that have received this gift from God called salvation cannot go right back to what we were because we are not what we were. We may behave like nothing has changed out of ignorance or out of habit but now that the spirit is dwelling in us, when we go back to previous ways our conscience starts alerting us of wrongs. Does this happen because we must be good in order for the salvation "to take"? That is the farthest from truth. That spirit that alerts your mind to wrong behavior does so because sin destroys us. When has sin of any type ever made things better? Temporary pleasure at best is what sin does for us. Do we strive for perfection for perfections sake or do we want to improve because God dwells in us? Our conscience is renewed at salvation and as we learn more about this walk with God we discover old habits and traits that are not conducive to behavior becoming someone claiming to be a Christian. Don't beat yourself up or get down on yourself and others but learn, pray, seek the things of God. Seek Godly behavior. When you recognise bad behavior in yourself, pray immediately and ask the Lord to change your heart. It is tough to break years old habits especially when you didn't even know they were wrong or even cared for that matter. As we grow in the Lord we learn of simple and complex things we ought not do. As we find out those things it is imperative we seek truth in the Word and seek Gods heart for without these things we just are not capable of heart change and we will continue in those behaviors. We need not boast of this good behavior or look at others behavior but be thankful Jesus has renewed us and the Spirit tells us these things.


Colossians 2:10-12


and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
NAS

1 Corinthians 1:30-31

But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, that, just as it is written, "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord."
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Galatians 3:26-29
For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.
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Colossians 3:10-11
and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him --a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.
NAS

Remember the Allens

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for renewing us. Thank you for your Word that is infallible and teaches us principles to live by. Thank you for the Holy Spirit that shows us the way. Lord we lift each other up and ask for clarity and healing of mind and bodies. Show us and grant courage to act on what we know to be truth. Lord, protect the children. in Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:54 AM

Comment by russ allen on August 18, 2011 at 7:52am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Rainy morning...makes me sleepy...
I hear some discussions that bring up disagreements on HOW things should be done but in the circles I am in, church, work, leisure, I don't hear many disagreements on WHAT to be done. In the area of salvation each person has to be convinced of things in a manner that builds a foundation of faith for them. The way I am convinced of the grace God may not be the thought process that solidifies your conviction. Along this premise we see fellow believers cutting down other believers over silliness like a shirt and tie for example. Aside from heresy we should allow a person to be convinced however they are convinced. Think about it, not all people see things the same. Not all people have the same experiences life has given them that you have therefore the thing that makes you say,"ahh..I get it" may make another say,"huh?" Present yourself as representative of Jesus and keep your mind focused on Jesus and not what you see and hear in others because it is Jesus job to show himself to each of us. Check this out;


Romans 14:1-5
Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. One man has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only. Let not him who eats regard with contempt him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and stand he will, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One man regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind.
NAS

Remember Shiela Popp...remember Hallie Tracy...remember Chris Hall...remember Robbie G...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the conviction you have shown me. Help me see you at work in others and help me help them. Lord we do not want to cause anyone to stumble but only want them to know you. Lord, open our minds to the scriptures so we are continually convinced in our faith. We ask your touch on those mentioned. Heal bodies and minds. Help us all accept truth and rebuke lies, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:44 AM

Comment by russ allen on August 16, 2011 at 7:52am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I've had times when I've questioned this faith in Messiah Jesus when things were really rough. I've asked many a question as to why things are the way they are. Why us humans do what we do. Often though I can feel God all around even when I think I am not near to him at all. Sometimes in my anguish I cant see him or feel him but those times are few and far between these days. Why? Because by staying regularly in the Word the events that turn our worlds upside down come into view from a different angle. Some things are what they are and my knowing why or what for doesn't have anything to do with anything. Our foundation has to be in the rock of the Word. Salvation from the slavery of sin is gone when we find Jesus. We will still stumble and give in to our desires and the ones that are not acceptable by God will become more and more evident as we grow in the Word. A friend of mine said once that the prettiest girl has stinky feet sometimes. What that said to me was no matter the packaging, we are all the same, all exposed and influenced by sin and how we recognise it and how we deal with it is the main thing. You can wrap up dung in beautiful packaging that makes it appealing but it's still dung. All this said for you to go ahead and ask those questions that bother you. Don't feel guilty for asking. Solidify your faith. Work out your salvation with your eyes looking to Jesus, your mind focused on the things of God and constantly seeking his will. It's really easy to revert to what we know and if what we know is dung, we are gonna smell.


Psalms 37:3-6

Trust in the LORD, and do good;
Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the LORD;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him, and He will do it.
And He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your judgment as the noonday.
NAS

Isaiah 1:16-17
"Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean;
Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight.
Cease to do evil,
Learn to do good; Seek justice,
Reprove the ruthless;
Defend the orphan,
Plead for the widow.
NAS

Hebrews 6:10-12
For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
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Jeremiah 17:7
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD
And whose trust is the LORD.
NAS


Remember Allison Harrod...remember myself and my family for revelation and wisdom...

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your grace and love for us. Lord, when we question and even when we have doubts, we ask you reveal truth so our doubt doesn't become unbelief. Lord, we ask for forgiveness when we are weak. We ask for that peace and assurance only you can provide. Lord we lift those mentioned up to you. We also lift those unspoken things to you. Heal, reveal, illuminate your path and darken the rest. Thank you for your love for us and your sacrifice. In Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:47 AM

Comment by russ allen on August 15, 2011 at 7:37am

Good morning! How are we faithing? We who believe have got to stop being bound by our religion. I don't mean stop believing or not attending church but are we so ingrained with procedure and tradition that Jesus can stay home and we still have a service? Are we so into doing church that we think God can't function if we vary any bit from "the way we've always done it"? People have told me that their numbers have fallen off and can't figure out why. Are you leaving the building and taking the Gospel to the lost like Jesus did or are you expecting the lost to magically show up? Heck man, some people don't even know there is a question let alone know the answer is behind our churches front door. The time is shorter today than yesterday and that person standing next to you today may or may not know of the grace brought to us. It's about time he does. Stand fellow believer and be counted. Help that lost person in your midst become counted also.


Luke 19:10
"For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost ."
NAS

Ezekiel 34:1-6
Then the word of the LORD came to me saying, "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and say to those shepherds, 'Thus says the Lord GOD," Woe, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock? "You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat sheep without feeding the flock. "Those who are sickly you have not strengthened, the diseased you have not healed, the broken you have not bound up, the scattered you have not brought back, nor have you sought for the lost ; but with force and with severity you have dominated them. "And they were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and they became food for every beast of the field and were scattered. "My flock wandered through all the mountains and on every high hill, and My flock was scattered over all the surface of the earth; and there was no one to search or seek for them."' "
NAS

Remember Nikki and Josh...remember Anna Benton...remember ministries sought...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that keeps us strong. Lord we do ask for courage and discernment for our tongues. Help us be your ambassadors. Help us see truth in all things so we can be effective servants of yours. Bless those mentioned. Heal relationships. Heal attitudes. Heal minds. Heal bodies all for your glory, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:32 AM

Comment by russ allen on August 12, 2011 at 7:23am

Good morning everyone! How are we all faithing? Along with the same thoughts as yesterday we need to remember that those thoughts that can become sin must be snatched captive. Like we saw yesterday, the thought isn't the sin it's what we do with it. Now taking captive thoughts isn't always easy to do because of our eyes and because of our feelings. Some people get their feelings hurt easily and fall into spiteful feelings and the thoughts of retaliation that beget sin. Ever talked to someone who said,"I'd like to whoop their tail for saying that to me"? Sure you have! And the thought that was listened to probably was something like, "that jerk! he can't do that!" or "I'll teach him not to do that!" Not saying that some don't deserve a slap or two but is it prudent? Has sin come from a judgemental heart? Has sin come from a thought process spurned from the pits of hell that smell like smoke? We have to pray quickly and learn to recognise those types of thoughts that provoke sinful behavior. It's not always easy but keeping the grace we have from Jesus in the forefront of our minds will make us pause for quick reflection before we act. Think on these...




2 Corinthians 10:5
We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.
NAS

Romans 1:21-22
For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools,
NAS


Psalms 139:1-2
O LORD, Thou hast searched me and known me.
Thou dost know when I sit down and when I rise up;
Thou dost understand my thought from afar.
NAS

Jeremiah 4:14
Wash your heart from evil, O Jerusalem,
That you may be saved.
How long will your wicked thoughts
Lodge within you?
NAS


Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Holy Spirit that lives in us and guides us. Help us recognise the crafty ways of the evil one and his minion. Help us take captive those thoughts that cause us to sin against you. Lord, lead us and enlighten us to truth when people step on us. Let us see the inner man so we can respond with honor and revelation of your grace. Thank you for walking with us and putting up with us. We honor, praise and love you Lord, in Jesus name we pray, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:20 AM

Comment by russ allen on August 11, 2011 at 7:44am

Good morning! How are we faithing? If an evil thought enters your mind, it is not sin. If you allow it to stay, fondle it, embrace it a little bit, then it will become sin. While we are here on this earth, we have desires. We are men and woman and we are made of flesh therefore we will be enticed by the things of our present state. That was stating the obvious but I know we have all fallen for those thoughts and rationalization to do what we want. Let an old fat guy tell you, the grass aint greener over there and giving in to eronious thoughts only leads to different misery. When we are allowing things we desire to start to rule and or to lead us down a path we know is wrong, danger awaits. We've all had times when we were completely calm and relaxed with a sense we were right with God and we've had times when nothing seemed in order. The spirit lets us know when we start down the wrong path but our desires or the enticement of that path gets allowed to shine more than truth. Nobody is immune but as we rely more and more on the Spirits leading we do find it easier and easier to resist and move back to that place where peace and the love of God is so very evident. Are you in a state of depression? Do you "feel" all around you is abismal? Do you reach out for past things or behaviors like a dog returning to his own vomit? Reverting to ways used prior to Spirit leading is just like that and the results will be just like before. We are human and lots of times we revert to what we know so the trick to that is seek the Lord and the Spirit so in those times, the Lord and the Spirit is what you know...


Romans 6:11-14
Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body that you should obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law, but under grace.
NAS

Romans 8:12-17
So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh-- for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.
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Galatians 5:16-18
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.
NAS

Study these and look further because it will sustain you through the rough times.

Remember Dustin, Tracy, Morgan and Dezeree...remember Nan's mom...remember Dulce Zamora...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that is our bread of life. Lord, we ask for healing of the minds and bodies of those who seek you. Just like the people who escaped Pharoh with not a feeble one amongst them we ask for blessings like that so we may learn and be your servants to minister to the lost. Lord we thank you for your grace that saves us even when we stumble. In Jesus name we pray, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:41 AM

Comment by russ allen on August 9, 2011 at 7:34am

Good morning! How are we faithing? By renewing our minds in the image of the Lord we see things in a different light than what the world sees them. The scripture tells us not to add or take away any words from scripture for good reason. One, we could split into factions over misread or misstated words and two, we could be deemed a liar and that reflects dishonor on our Lord. Being wise in the Word also is like this; not throwing sections in the face of others for judging for when we do that we do not attract to the Lord but repel. Getting all over someone who does wrong, social justice aside, will not necessarily strengthen his or her walk but pour unworthiness thoughts on them. It is more prudent to lead by example and bringing up that bad behavior or action to that person humbly, discretely and tempered with love for they may be ignorant of the infraction. Just because you know doesn't mean they do. As fellow believers we should desire grace and love bestowed on brothers and sisters in the Lord and not condemnation. When correction is needed we are to follow scripture and speak truth with love. Just because I understand a principle doesn't mean you do and just because you understand a principle doesn't mean I do. We are to share the words of God and not add or take away because God has already spoken absolute truth and we can't make it "better".


Proverbs 30:5-6
Every word of God is tested;
He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
Do not add to His words
Lest He reprove you, and you be proved a liar.
NAS

Galatians 5:16-26
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you just as I have forewarned you that those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.
NAS

Galatians 1:9-10

As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed. For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
NAS

Matthew 15:6-9
"You hypocrites, rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying,
'This people honors Me with their lips,
But their heart is far away from Me.
'But in vain do they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.' "
NAS

Remember Howard McClung...

Heavenly Father,
Let us not be scared of what man can do to us. Let us be courageous to speak truth. Lord, grant us wisdom to speak or shut up when needed. Help us present your Word in love and concern and not out of judgement and finger pointing. Help us not get butt hurt when men speak ill of us, help us lift those people up. In you holy and gracious name we pray, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:30 AM

Comment by russ allen on August 8, 2011 at 7:38am

Great morning! How are we faithing? Lots of stuff before us try to dissuade us from following Jesus. The temptations of this world are enticing. The things that promise wealth, beauty, long term happiness are all suspect for one reason; selfishness. Is your desire to impress others? Does another man's opinion count more than God's? I do want to look and perform for my bride and that is a good thing but at what length would I go to get the approval of others? We easily compromise many things for atta boys, accolades and acceptance. Love will conquer all. You do not have to retaliate or stand guard over your image. The Word speaks of works coming from the heart and if you watch people, you see the heart, what's inside. It's really sad sometimes to see someone so lost and stepped on that they become what they abhor, mimicking exactly what got them where they are. We as believers need to stand on truth regardless of the consequences and just like the Word says, love will overcome all. Think today as you encounter others....


Jeremiah 5:3

O LORD, do not Thine eyes look for truth?
Thou hast smitten them,
But they did not weaken;
Thou hast consumed them,
But they refused to take correction.
They have made their faces harder than rock;
They have refused to repent.
NAS

Jeremiah 9:5
"And everyone deceives his neighbor,
And does not speak the truth,
They have taught their tongue to speak lies;
They weary themselves committing iniquity.
NAS

Romans 8:5-8
For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so; and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
NAS

John 5:44
"How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another, and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God?
NAS

Proverbs 28:26
He who trusts in his own heart is a fool,
But he who walks wisely will be delivered.
NAS

Remember Fred Knipper in surgery today...remember Donna Anderson...remember Marsha's Dad...

Heavenly Father,

We ask for healing of our minds as well as our bodies today. We do ask forgiveness when we miss the mark by seeking man's approval over yours. Open our eyes to truth and grant us courage to speak and act in a manner that praises you and not us. Thank you for your love for us that even when we stumble or fall you help us back up. Teach us and walk with us today, let it be so obvious how to act in situations, in Jesus name we pray, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:34 AM

Comment by russ allen on August 5, 2011 at 7:57am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Been watching the news alot this year and let me tell you, it could toss one into deep depression and depending on which media outlet one watches, it can cause misguided allegiances. One outlet says one thing and one says the opposite. Finger pointing, name calling, perversion of truth seems to be the accepted mode of operation. What I find so interesting is this has been how satan has worked since the start of his fall. Twist the truth and play on sympathies of our own doings. Crying because we don't have what is perceived as necessary in ads has led to the majority of us living beyond our means and feeling like we are missing out if we don't become rich. A falling away from Biblical truths and leaning more towards selfish desires has led this country down a primrose path of deceitt. Greed is in the drivers seat. Lust for more and more leads many down a path of no return unless one gets ahold of the Word and seeks contentment in our Savior. Do we not try to improve our situation? Well of course we do but what are we chasing or more accurately, why? More for mores sake or just the natural progression of a job done well? We indeed are blessed when we bless others. I have to be bold here, either some things are right or they are wrong. When the Word says something is wrong, it doesn't matter how one rationalizes, it's wrong. If the Word says something is the proper thing to do, it's the proper thing to do. We can't say," I believe the Bible but because thus and so interferes with my desire, I am going to go with another opinion."


Romans 1:21

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
KJV

Ephesians 4:17-19
This I say therefore, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality, for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.
NAS


We've seen this next set of verses many times in the daily but see how they apply to what we are seeing as of late.


Romans 1:28-32
And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and, although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.
NAS

Remember Dave Withrow family...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that holds the only truth this country has any more. Teach us to see things for what they are and not be fooled by slick rhetoric and personalities. Lord we lift our leaders up to you. Wash their blinders off and soften their hearts so they see your ways and act accordingly. Lord, forgive us when we goof up and help us have a desire for your ways instead of the worlds, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:54 AM

Comment by russ allen on August 4, 2011 at 7:32am

Great morning! How are we faithing? I have watched and heard discussions as of late that make me take notice. I even catch myself with ideas and thoughts, some of which are obviously junk, thus discarded. Some are plausible thus they are checked against scripture. Some are tossed out, some are correct. Scripture will verify or nullify. Some things that "feel" right are not and some that down right hurt are right. There's nothing wrong with comfort but don't use that as the gauge for right and wrong. Sometimes what feels good is a product of endorphins and not sound judgement. We all put up and take down barriers in our life for various reasons and the study in which ones to fortify and which ones to remove has to be based on scripture and not our "feelings". Of course a comfortable mattress is all about feeling good so don't get misled on these statements as to self abasement but be willing to accept the truth the Word teaches regardless of the comfort level. Think on this today as you make choices...




Colossians 2:8-9
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.
NAS

Proverbs 28:26
He who trusts in his own heart is a fool,
But he who walks wisely will be delivered.
NAS

Romans 16:17
Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.
NAS

Song of Solomon 2:15
"Catch the foxes for us,
The little foxes that are ruining the vineyards,
While our vineyards are in blossom."
NAS

remember Kin Whitten and her nieces...remember Glenna Webb...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for sound wisdom in your words. Lord we ask for courage under and over fire to stand on your teachings and to not fall for comfort over truth. Help us be wise to right and wrong. Teach us to maintain focus on you throughout our days so we can be witnesses for you. in Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:27 AM

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