When you don’t know what you have…

“Can you help me figure out how to watch HBO Max on my TV?” my sister-in-law asked. “I got an email that said it’s now included in my plan, but I can’t find it on the TV.” She went on to tell me how she watched movies on Amazon Prime on her iPad, but was hoping to watch movies on the big screen through this new app.

After the first challenge of figuring out which remote control to use, we located the never before seen apps section of her TV. When I saw a brown square that said Amazon, I clicked. And lo and behold, there was her Amazon Prime account! Hundreds of movies and TV shows at her fingertips. All the time she had been viewing her little 9” screen, she could have been watching in living technicolor on a massive 65” screen. After a required SMH (shaking my head) moment, she was thrilled to discover an option she already had in her possession, but never knew.

And how often, do we settle for crumbs when we have great treasure in our possession? <<clicktotweet>> How often are we satisfied with a little awareness of God when the Almighty creator of the universe dwells in us with power beyond our imagination? How often are we content to sip slowly from a puddle when a torrent of Living Water floods our beings. How often are we perplexed as we focus on the troubles of this world when there’s an inexhaustible supply of eternal grace and peace that God wants us to freely access.

In his first letter to the church at Corinth, Paul asks, “Don’t you know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit? The Spirit is in you.” (1 Cor. 6:19). In his second letter to the Corinthians (2 Cor. 13:5), he goes on to say, “do you not realize about yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you?” When Paul writes these words, he means that Jesus was literally dwelling within them. And just like the Corinthians, we believers today need to understand this about ourselves. The Lord isn’t an outside helper we beckon to help us. He is a font that wells up within us to provide the power, peace, and perspective we need.

God’s power within us is beyond our comprehension, but not beyond our possession. <<clicktotweet>> Eph. 3:20 assures us that He is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.

We’ve all heard stories of people finding an old painting in their garage that in reality was a valuable masterpiece. They didn’t know what they had. Or others who have valuable china pieces buried in a closet. They know they’re there, but they don’t bother to open the door, and so the treasure remains unused, collecting dust.

Let us not be like Jacob, who after experiencing the dream of the ladder to heaven, woke up and said, “Surely God was in this place, and I did not know it.

It’s time to breathe deep and connect with the treasure within. To look deeper than the top of the iceberg to the mass below the surface. To realize what power we already possess instead of settling for less than best.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Cor. 4:7

Are you asking God for something you already have?

How can you live out of your treasure instead of seeking it?

  • Take a breath. Breathe in God’s name, and breathe out your prayer request. Let God know how you’re feeling, and breathe in His peace.
  • Let Google be your friend – search for the unconditional promises of God. Print out or write them on index cards. Memorize one or more. Let each one serve as a reminder that you don’t have to ask God for what He has already given you.
  • Let music soothe your soul. Find a playlist or create your own.

What tips do you have? Leave a comment – I’d love to read them!

 

 

So Will I

I’m dating myself here, but when I was a kid, I had picture books with clear plastic pages that lifted up to reveal another picture underneath – a picture that might depict a skeleton or cells or the blueprint of something for which the exterior image was on the plastic page. Remember those?

Well, tonight I experienced something like that in real life.

I attended a Hillsong United concert in Madison Square Garden, NYC. The arena was filled to capacity. My gaze swept over the crowds. Along the mid-level were gaping exits to the concourse. And I had a flashback to my visit to the Coliseum in Rome. It was as if a page lifted, and I saw the crumbling ruins.

And my imagination took me 2000 years back in history when our Christian forebears were thrown to the lions in front of cheering crowds. My chest tightened and tears wet my cheeks. Throughout the night, I thought of those saints of old – the ones thrown to the lions, others burned alive, those who fled Jerusalem’s persecution to bring the gospel to the rest of the known world. Their faith and courage both inspired me and convicted me.

Today, I have friends in Nepal who are facing incredible persecution. In September 2018, new legislation outlawed sharing their faith. Aimed at Christians, these dear believers are witnessing increasing persecution at their gatherings. I receive cryptic private emails filled with miracles of God’s protection as they continue to share their stories, yet their lives are in danger every day. Their faith and courage inspires me daily and convicts me as well.

Too often, I take my freedom for granted. Tonight in the middle of New York City, 20,000 mouths sang praises to God, 40,000 hands were raised in worship, all without a thought of danger of any kind. I’m so grateful we live in a country where we can enjoy the freedom of faith our American forebears fought for.

And yet, with this freedom comes complacency. Forget about being willing to die for my faith. Or worse, letting a loved one die if I refused to deny Jesus.  How about just being willing to boldly share the gospel and risk offending someone or experiencing ridicule? How often do I keep silent to keep the peace? I don’t believe that we need to necessarily share our faith with everyone. Like pearls before swine, some aren’t able to recognize its value (Matt.7:6). But I know that there are times that I remained silent when I shouldn’t have. My desire to be obedient is beautifully captured in the song we sang tonight, So Will I. (link and lyrics excerpt below)

Let’s be inspired by the courage of the saints of old and those in places around the world where persecution is prevalent. And let’s appreciate the abundant freedoms we have.

“For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

 ‘He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth.’

When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” 1 Peter 2:19-23

So Will I  – by Hillsong Worship

If creation still obeys You so will I
If the stars were made to worship so will I
If the mountains bow in reverence so will I
If the oceans roar Your greatness so will I
For if everything exists to lift You high so will I
If the wind goes where You send it so will I
If the rocks cry out in silence so will I

If You gladly chose surrender so will I
I can see Your heart, Eight billion different ways
Every precious one, A child You died to save
If You gave Your life to love them so will I

 

More on how to discern when to speak and when to keep silent:   http://susanpanzica.com/to-speak-or-not-to-speak/

 

God To Go!

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the 40 period leading up to Resurrection Sunday.

Throughout history, God has used 40-day periods to accomplish His purposes.

  • It rained for 40 daysdelivering Noah, his family and the animals from destruction.
  • For 40 days, Moses was on Mount Sinai, face to face with God, receiving the Ten Commandments.
  • The spies of the nation of Israel surveyed the promised land for40 days.
  • Jonah, in obedience, went to Ninevah proclaiming destruction in 40 days and inspired a revival in the sinful city.
  • Jesus spent 40 daysin the wilderness overcoming temptation before beginning His earthly ministry.
  • For 40 days, Jesus walked the earth after His resurrection, giving many “convincing proofs”, speaking of the kingdom of God, and birthing the early church.
  • Even in this century, Pastor Rick Warren influenced millions of people with his 40 dayplan in his bestseller book, The Purpose Driven Life.

For the past few days, I heard people mentioning what they would sacrifice during this 40 day period. No longer limited to fasting food, people are giving up social media or activities. Some friends aren’t giving up anything, but are adding specific acts of generosity and kindness to their 40 days.

And then there are those who are too busy to stop on one day to receive ashes, and for them, there’s:

Ashes-to-Go!

Yup, this morning, I heard that advertised on the radio. No need to stop by a house of worship. Just grab some ashes as you’re at your local coffee shop, train station, or street corner.

To be honest, my judgmental attitude got all up in the face of what I considered to be just short of an abomination.

It seemed to me that the purpose of Ash Wednesday for those who observe it is to stop, to rest, to contemplate, to step aside from the busyness.

My husband often remarks about the long lines at the Starbucks drive-thru’s. He says that the whole concept of Starbucks is to experience an atmosphere where people can gather and sip. The drive-thru’s are just short of an abomination.

But the Ashes-to-Go folks had this to say:

 “Ashes to Go” is about bringing spirit, belief, and belonging out from behind church doors, and into the places where we go every day.  It’s a simple event with deep meaning, drawing on centuries of tradition and worship to provide a contemporary moment of grace.

 We take ashes to the street corner because that reminder of need, humility, and healing shouldn’t be confined to a church building.  We probably need it more when we are in the middle of our daily business! The ashes we receive are to remind us throughout the day of our need for God, and of God’s call to us.

Now, I don’t want to get into denominations, traditions, liturgy, or any other church practice. I understand that for some getting ashes on a street corner may just be a habit without meaning, a going through the motions without emotion or depth of conviction. But for some, it provides an opportunity to connect with God right where they are.

Jesus didn’t camp out in pews. He went where the people were. And bringing Jesus out of the church and into the community is an idea I totally support.

It’s not my job to judge. I’ll leave that for God to sort out.

And that’s was my Ash Wednesday lesson today.

What do you think?

Light makes all the difference

Tree mantle Jn 8-12

The tree looked pretty adorned from top to bottom with family heirlooms. Every year, it takes me hours to unwrap and hang the ornaments, loving the trip down memory lane. But there’s always something missing until I plug the strand of lights into the wall. Then, the lights make all the difference.

Their glow casts out the darkness from within the tree and around the room. Their reflection highlights the ornaments, making the tree and room shine. What once looked ordinary now beams extraordinary. The lights made all the difference.

Jesus said that HE is the light of the world (John 8:12).

But He also said that WE are the light of the world (Matt. 5:14-16).

He AND we are light. And we can make all the difference!

 “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)  and find out what pleases the Lord.” Eph. 5:8-10

Paul tells us to “live as children of light… and find out what pleases the Lord.”

If ever there was a time that we need to shine, it’s now. The world around us is getting darker and darker. We can’t blame the darkness – it’s just doing what darkness does. The only antidote to darkness is light. Jesus’ opening statement as He began His earthly ministry was, “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death, Light has dawned” (Matt. 4:16).

According to Henry Blackaby, “There was no ignoring Jesus’ arrival upon earth! Darkness was dispelled! Everywhere Jesus went, God’s truth was boldly proclaimed, people were healed, hypocrisy was exposed, and sinners found forgiveness. The world was never the same once the Father introduced His light through His Son. Can that be said of you as well? Do your coworkers recognize the light that is within you? Does the presence of Christ radiate from your home into your community? When God’s light is allowed to shine unhindered through your life, the darkness around you will be dispelled.”

As you are going about your day, you are sure to see lights all around you – in houses, on houses, at the mall, traffic lights, all around you. Let each one remind you: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matt 5:14-16

“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:4 

 

 

MLL Quest

Make Christmas More Meaningful with Mary had a little Lamb

With Christmas just days away, the pressure mounts. Today’s society dictates our home decor as well as our activities – trees, wreaths, Christmas cards, numerous gatherings of friends, family, coworkers, church members.
Most of it has nothing to do with the truth of Christmas.
 
Biblically, the birth of Christ is barely given notice. Only two of the Gospel writers mention it. And in each of their two chapters, they record completely different things. Compare that with Jesus’ death and resurrection, addressed by all four Gospel writers, spanning 31 chapters, more than a third of the Gospel writings. The records show the place, day and hour of Jesus’ death, but the date and place of His birth are unknown.
If we take the Bible as our guide on spiritual matters, clearly in today’s culture, we give undo attention to Jesus’ supremely humble birth.

 

 
With the holiday hurricane of activity in schools, marketplaces, and media, it takes vigilance to “choose what is better” as Jesus instructed Martha, and us too! (Luke 10:42) When my children were in grade school, I wrote a poem out of my desire for them to have a fuller picture of what Christmas is really about – the whole life of Jesus and the reason He came to us. I wanted them to move beyond thinking of this as a sweet story about the “baby Jesus,” but know it as a part of Scripture. I wanted them to know that every bit of The Word is as significant as the rest, bringing essential life messages. I wanted my children to understand, most importantly, that God is real and speaks to us and to children today.  
Fast forward twenty years, and the poem I wrote to my children is now a book, Mary had a little Lamb.
 
The story begins not in a manger, but in heaven, for Jesus existed before time began. From its opening stanza, through the stories of shepherds, angels, wise men, as well as Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we get not just a fuller picture of the real “reason for the season” but important life lessons as well. And the conclusion teaches children that they too can be shepherds, wise men, and hear from God like Mary and Joseph did.
The book has turned out to be more than a way for Christian families to bring meaning to their celebrations. It has become an opportunity for them to gently share the Gospel.  People are more receptive to the truths of Scripture when blanketed within the Christmas story.
Our challenge is to set aside the familiar and look with a fresh perspective on these biblical truths. This book is a tool that does just that. In addition to the Christmas story, the book contains a parent guide with talking points to engage children in a deeper understanding and some surprising “mythbusters” to separate Christmas fact from fiction. For more free resources to bring deeper meaning to your holiday, please visit the book’s webpage.  Click here to purchase the book on Amazon.
Let’s talk! What are ways that you make your Christmas more significant for yourself and/or your family?
MLL cover

You Never Know

“You changed my life.”

Stunned, I wanted to scream, “Why didn’t you ever tell me?” But I snapped my jaw back into place, smiled, and asked, “What do you mean?”

It was last Friday night, and we were halfway through our annual Justice Rocks event which raises awareness about human trafficking. The young lady before me had heard me speak before. In particular, she heard the story about my daughter who lived in Australia. And because of my testimony, she began to research the issue and now lives in Thailand working for an anti-trafficking organization there.  She was in the USA for just two weeks and came with friends to our event.

I don’t share this to humble-brag. Not at all!! I’ve had more than my share of mess-ups and mistakes. I share this because YOU might have changed someone’s life and not know it.

Perhaps one day, you sat and prayed with a friend in despair. Or you brought food to a family in need. Maybe you offered a ride, or held open a door, or smiled at stranger who was having a terrible day, but your gesture lifted their spirits just enough to keep going.

Mother Teresa wisely said,

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” 

Words have great power – and the power of kind words and deeds can echo long into eternity.

Dr. BJ Palmer said,

“You never know how far reaching something you may think, say, or do today will affect the lives of millions tomorrow.

How has someone’s encouraging words impacted your life? Have you told them?

Our friend, Iris of Laced with Grace, once posted a CL Lewis quote on Facebook that I keep on my desk: “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

I see that quote daily, and it has inspired me in recent years to get my motorcycle license, to lead an abolitionist group, and to keep on writing and speaking.

Keep on, my dear friend. Your words and actions have more impact than you may ever know this side of eternity. And be assured – God knows. And He’s smiling.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Cor. 15:58

BJ Palmer quote

 

 

Do you ever have “separation anxiety”?

http://theversesproject.com/verses/176/Romans-8.35-37
http://theversesproject.com/verses/176/Romans-8.35-37

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35, 38-39

As a child, my daughter and some of her little classmates often suffered from separation anxiety. Leaving their moms at the door to preschool became a test of patience and grace. The moms knew they weren’t leaving their children, but the children’s perspective was one of separation.

I saw a quote today on Facebook that read, “Anxiety is the result of envisioning the future without Me.”

As God’s children, we can be comforted to know that He will never leave us or forsake us. He has assured us of that repeatedly (Deut. 31:6, Deut. 31:8, Joshua 1:5, 1 Kings 8:57 and Hebrews 13:5). Nothing can separate us from His love (Rom. 8).

Jesus left His home in heaven to dwell among us. Did He experience separation anxiety? No, Jesus said that He and the Father are one. Though wrapped in flesh and living as a man, He was one with His Father. And He said that we are one with Him.

So if He feels distant, the question is: Who moved?

As far as we might feel from God sometimes, it is only ever one step back into experiencing His presence. “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Acts 3:19

“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with You forever.” Psalm 16:11

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Wise Words For These UNwise Times

2Ch7

 

I don’t know about you, but it seems to me that today there are many squawkers, complaining about our land, how far it’s come from our founding fathers, etc.

But does God call us to complain or to humbly pray for our leaders, the media, educators, etc., and seek God’s face in the middle of the turmoil?

We do need godly people – in political office, casting votes, on the school boards, writing letters to editors, speaking up for the unborn and the downtrodden, being salt and light. ABSOLUTELY!

But we don’t need good people to do things in a bad way – to militantly declare their positions without humility or prayer or seeking God’s face or turning from their own wicked ways.

It seems that people are more interested in OTHERS turning from their wicked ways then themselves doing any turning.

As the body of Christ living in decidedly ungodly times, we are in a position to be Jesus to the world. We must take our behavioral cues from the One who set the standard to follow.

As a 24 year old Jewish girl, I became a believer in Jesus Christ because of His words in the Sermon on the Mount. When I questioned God about His command to love our enemies, He answered with His own words – “if you only love those who love you, even the (sinners) do that.” The difference between His followers and everyone else He created (yes, He created your enemies!) is that His followers speak the truth IN LOVE, they seek to LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY, they desire to LOVE and SERVE THE LEAST OF THESE.

Can we view these turbulent times as opportunities to personally develop in Christ-likeness? And to outwardly show the world the love of Christ – He who came to save THEM?

After Jesus told His disciples to love their enemies, He told them to “be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” But how can we be perfect? James, the brother of Jesus, tells us it is through our trials and challenges that we develop perseverance which, in turn, does its work making us mature, complete, perfect (James 1:2). In other words, trials and challenges are opportunities, and as JB Phillips says in his translation, “Welcome your trials as friends.”

Before we stridently say, “I believe her” or “I believe him,” can we say “I believe Him!” and act accordingly?

 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matt. 5:43-48

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Are you seeing – Or looking??

Acts 3-3-5

When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money.  

But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk”

Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.

Acts 3:3-8

In the passage from Acts, we read about a lame beggar laying outside the temple gate called Beautiful. I find it interesting that Scripture says that the man “saw” Peter and John, yet Peter replied, “Look at us!” If the man saw them, even asked for money, why did Peter tell him to look at them?

When the man asked Peter and John for money, it doesn’t say they “saw” the man. It says  that Peter and John “looked at him intently.”

There’s a difference between “seeing” and “looking.”  

  • SEEING = the process of observing, involuntary, passive
  • LOOKING = conscious consideration, active interpretation (the bigger picture)

Seeing is something we do without thought. It’s what our eye sees without trying, a process of observing the world around us in an arbitrary way as we go about our daily lives. 

Looking is like squinting at life to actively make meaning of that world with a more involved sense of purpose and direction. 

The lame man saw Peter and John as a chance to receive what he WANTED.

Peter and John looked at him and gave him what he NEEDED.

The lame man was correct in EXPECTING to receive SOMETHING from them. But he received so much more than the monetary donation he would have been satisfied with!

Many of us haven’t even come to the place where we really expect something from God. This is FAITH. We should expect the right things from God. We are so often willing to settle for much less than God wants to give us, and our low expectations rob us.

And all the people saw him walking and praising God. Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. Acts 3:9-10

The people were filled with wonder and amazement!

  • WONDER = awe felt in the presence of divine activity
  • AMAZEMENT= the state of being lifted out of one’s habitual life & thought by encountering the power of God

When was the last time you were filled with wonder and amazement at the work of God in your life or someone elses? Can we be lifted out our OUR habitual life and thought by encountering the power of God?

Can we stop seeing and start looking!

 

 

A Most Expensive Lesson

There I was, driving along without a care in the world, until flashing lights behind me summoned me to pull over. A ball of resentment started churning in my gut. In the days following, the ball continued to tumble around and began to grow until it demanded focused attention.

I realized I had three particular thoughts that kept me grumbling:

1- Speed trap:

The town had some nerve reducing the speed limit for a short portion of the highway just to pad their pockets at drivers’ expense.

2- Police attitude:

The policeman kept me waiting for over half hour on the side of the road because his computer wasn’t working. When he finally came to my car, I expected that he’d give me a break, but he just gave me a ticket.

3- Everyone else:

I was going the same speed as everyone else on the highway. Why did I get pulled over and not anyone else?

The resentment I was experiencing began to infiltrate my attitude, affecting other areas of my life. So it was time for some self-examination, and what I found wasn’t pretty.

1- Speed trap:

The motive for reduced speed may or may not have anything to do with revenue for the town. It’s just as likely that it was for safety. But honestly, their motive is irrelevant. It’s not up to me to make the laws; it is up to me to obey them. That’s the commitment I made when I got my driver’s license.

Life lesson: I should pay attention to what I’m responsible for and not try to manage the rest of the world. This does NOT mean that I stick my head in the sand and ignore injustices in the world. It means that I exercise discernment – I take action in situations that call for me to speak up for justice, but I don’t try to mange other people’s lives when they really are doing just fine without me.

“…make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business…” 1 Thess. 4:11

“Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice.” Phil 1:18

2- Attitude:

I was expecting grace from the police officer and was angry when it wasn’t offered. But it’s wrong of me to maintain an expectation of grace from others. The police officer was just doing his job. He could have been nicer, but he was probably annoyed at his technology not working. And his attitude is his problem, not mine.

Life lesson: It’s up to me to appreciate grace when offered, to not grumble when it isn’t, and to offer grace whenever I can.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,  not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” Phil. 2:3-5

3- Everyone else:

The bottom line is – I was speeding. Just because everyone else was speeding, doesn’t excuse my guilt. There is a legal standard, and I overstepped it. The Bible is my standard in life. Just because others might choose to follow a different standard doesn’t give me an excuse to sin.

Life lesson: I must reap what I sow, and let everyone else reap what they sow. And don’t compare myself to them. Who knows what they might be dealing with in life?

“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. . . . And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Gal. 6:7,9 

 

Thankfully, we have a Savior who fulfilled the law, a Savior who freely offers true grace, a Savior who paid the penalty for my guilt.

Ps 103-10-13

 

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