Eyesalve To Rub In Your Eyes
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Posted:Sep 2, 2014 5:29 am
Last Updated:Sep 3, 2014 4:46 pm 3422 Views
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That prescription was offered by Jesus Christ to the first-century Christian congregation in Laodicea, Asia Minor.
Jesus said -Buy.......eyesalve to rub in your eyes that you may see.
It was not literal eye disease but spiritual blindness that needed treatment.
Christians in Laodicea had been influenced by the spirit of the materially prosperous city in which they lived and had become complacent about their true spiritual needs.
Commenting on this as the cause of their impaired vision, Jesus said -but you do not know you are miserable and pitiable and poor and blind and naked.
Although not aware of it, members of the congregation needed curative eyesalve that could be obtained only by submitting to the teaching and discipline of Jesus Christ.
Revelations 3:17+18 Because you say, -I am rich and have acquired riches and do not need anything at all, but you do not know that you are miserable and pitiful and poor and blind and naked, I advise you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may become dressed and that the shame of your nakedness may not be exposed, and eyesalve to rub in your eyes so that you may see.
As was true of those in Laodicea, genuine Christians today need to guard against being unduly influenced, perhaps unconsciously, by the materialistic and pleasure-orientated environment in which they live.
The prescription for maintaining a healthy spiritual outlook is indicated in the admonition - Buy from Jesus.....eyesalve to rub in your eyes that you may see.
Worthy of note is the fact that this eyesalve has to be bought.
There is a cost involved. Time must be expended to study and meditate on the Word of God.
This Word, the psalmist assures us -is clean, making the (spiritual) eyes shine.
Psalm 19:8 The orders from Jehovah are righteous, causing the heart to rejoice. The commandment of Jehovah is clean, making the eyes shine
Such spiritual food for thought deserves much mindly masticating.
Katidid.
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Should You Be Easygoing?
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Posted:Sep 2, 2014 5:01 am
Last Updated:Nov 4, 2014 3:31 am 3898 Views
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Most people would probably feel that it s a compliment to be thought of as an easygoing person, one with a relaxed, placid, tolerant nature. However, there is another side to easygoingness. The Bible says - The easygoingness of the stupid is what will destroy them.
(Proverbs 1:32) What does this mean?
Other Bible versions render the original Hebrew word with such expressions as -careless ease(American Standard Version), smugness(The New American bible), and complacency(The New English Bible). In this sense, easygoingness is linked to laziness and carelessness and thus to stupidity or foolishness.
In the first century, Christians in the congregation in Laodicea were blithely unaware of or complacent about their spiritual deficiencies. They smugly boasted that they -did not need anything at all. Jesus Christ corrected them, calling for a revival of their Christian zeal.(Revelation 3:14-19)
Easygoing complacency was also characteristic of the people in Noahs day. They were preoccupied with the mundane things of life -eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage...., and they took no note until the flood came and swept them all away.
Jesus then added -So the presence of the of man will be.(Matthew 24:37-39)
Fulfilled Bible prophecies indicate that we are living during -the presence of the of man. May we never become complacent, careless or smug -easygoing in the wrong sense.
Luke 21:29-36 Also, there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth anguish of nations not knowing the way out because of the roaring of the sea(peoples) and its agitation. People will become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth, for the powers of the heavens(governments) will be shaken. And then they will see the of man coming in a cloud(of witnesses) with power and great glory. But as these things start to occur, stand up straight and lift up your heads, because your deliverance is getting near.
With that he told them an illustration -Notice the fig tree and all the other trees. When they are budding, you see it for yourselves and know that now the summer is near. Likewise also you, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near. Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all things happen. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away but pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon you as a snare. For it will come upon all those dwelling on the face of the whole earth. Keep awake, then, all the time making supplication that you may succeed in escaping all these things that must occur and in standing before the of man.
Sincerely,
Katidid.
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You Can Feel Safe In A Troubled World
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Posted:Sep 2, 2014 1:39 am
Last Updated:Sep 3, 2014 4:46 pm 3366 Views
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Extreme and fast paced changes are causing anxiety the like of which has never before been seen in the history of this world.
1914 - WW1 - One world ended and another begun.
Robert Haugh.
The First World War killed fewer victims than the Second World War, destroyed fewer buildings, and uprooted millions instead of tens of millions — but in many ways it left even deeper scars both on the mind and on the map of Europe. The old world never recovered from the shock.
Edmond Taylor, in The Fossil Monarchies.
God would never be cruel enough to create a cyclone as terrible as that Argonne battle. Only man would ever think of doing an awful thing like that. It looked like the abomination of desolation must look like. And all through the long night those big guns flashed and growled just like the lightning and the thunder when it storms in the mountains at home.
And, oh my, we had to pass the wounded. And some of them were on stretchers going back to the dressing stations, and some of them were lying around, moaning and twitching. And the dead were all along the road. And it was wet and cold. And it all made me think of the Bible and the story of the Anti-Christ and Armageddon.
Alvin C. York in his account of 7 October 1918, in the Diary of Alvin York
Matthew 24:3-8 While he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples approached him privately, saying -Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things? In answer Jesus said to them -Look out that nobody misleads you, for many will come on the basis of my name, saying, -I am the Christ, and will mislead many. You are going to hear of wars and reports of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for these things must take place, but the end is not yet -For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be food shortages and earthquakes in one place after another. All these things are a beginning of pangs of distress.
Since WW1 the world has seen a constant stream of war and terrorism in all its dreadful forms.
Revelations 6:4 Another came out, a fiery-colored , and it was granted to the one seated on it to take peace away from the earth so that they should slaughter one another, and he was given a great sword.
Earthquakes are 20x more frequent than in the previous 2000yrs.
18 each year strong enough to split the earth.
20 old diseases spreading rapidly.
Not to mention new diseases and escalations of other medical problems.
Food supplies around the world are selective and in propsperous countries food is now poisoned by pesticides, herbicides and chemical additives.
Obesity is rampant because of added sugars to most processed foods so that although rich countries have all they can eat it is killing the populations as quickly, it would seem, as those countries with a lack of daily food supplies.
So, how can we feel secure in a world gone mad?
John 4:24 God is a Spirit, and those worshipping him must worship with spirit and truth.
We need to apply Gods Truth in our lives.
Proverbs 18:10 The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous one runs and receives protection
God is the greatest source of protection for us.
He can give us security now and in the future.
Philipians 4:6+7 Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.
We have so many examples in Gods Word of righteous people who kept their hope in Jehovah God and received His protection but Noahs example is the greatest in that in his time the world received a massive judgement foreshadowing the judgement facing us all as this system of things comes to its conclusion.
Matthew 24:37-39 For just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the of man will be. For as they were in those days before the Flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and they took no note until the Flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the of man will be.
Genesis 6:9 Noah was a righteous man. He proved himself faultless among his contemporaries. Noah walked with the true God
Genesis 6:22 And Noah did according to all that God had commanded him. He did just so
The door to the symbolic ark of our day is still open but how long before it shuts and leaves the bulk of mankind locked out to face the proverbial flood of Armageddon?
What is the equivalent ark of today?
It is the provisions provided by the annointed brothers still living in this world.
By learning the Truth from such ones and learning to apply Gods holy spirit in our lives we are able to enter todays figurative ark to survive the coming flood and tempest of the greatest tribulation this world will ever see.
Revelations 7:9+10, 13-17 After this I saw, and look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes and there were palm branches in their hands and they keep shouting with a loud voice, saying -Salvation we owe to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb.......In response one of the elders said to me -These who are dressed in the white robes, who are they and where did they come from? So right away I said to him -My lord, you are the one who knows. And he said to me -These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Revelations 21:4 And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.
The former things being satanic control and sway and the whole system of things engendered by his arrogance and lying greed.
It will all pass away and make way for the Government of God.
We do not need to be ignorant of these things but in fact we can hold tight to the promises of God because they are sure and true.
1 Thessalonians 5:2+3 For you yourselves know very well that Jehovah’s day is coming exactly as a thief in the night. Whenever it is that they are saying, -Peace and security! then sudden destruction is to be instantly on them, just like birth pains on a pregnant woman, and they will by no means escape.
Within Gods Word are many things hard to realise for the many but for the few who have full faith in Jahs promises and hold the earthly hope, who beg, plead and supplicate God for His protection and His holy spirit in their lives and who allow that spirit to lead and change them, then, if we are willing, we too can live now with the greatest security known to mankind, the security of Jehovah God.
Love Katidid.
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A Faithful Witness In The Skies
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Posted:Aug 29, 2014 3:21 am
Last Updated:Aug 31, 2014 2:36 am 3289 Views
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All verses are taken from the 21st Century King James Version of The Bible except where otherwise stated.
Poets and songwriters have long extolled the moon as an object of beauty. For example, a divinely inspired song speaks of a a woman who is beautiful like the full moon.
Song of Solomon 6:10 Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and fearsome as an army with banners?
A psalmist poetically calls the moon a faithful witness in the skies.
Psalms 89:36+37 His Seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before Me. It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in the heaven.
Like the moon, it will be firmly established forever. As a faithful witness in the skies.(NW)
What is the significance of this expression regarding the moon?
The moon unfailingly completes its orbit around the earth every 27.3 days. Hence, the moons faithfulness can refer to its reliability. However, the psalmist may have had a much deeper meaning in mind. He called the moon a faithful witness in a prophetic song about the Kingdom for which Jesus taught his followers to pray.
Matthew 6:9+10 In this manner therefore pray ye - Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven.
Over 3,000 years ago, Jehovah God entered into the Kingdom covenant with King David of ancient Israel.
2Samuel 7:12-16And when thy days be fulfilled and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, who shall proceed out of thy loins, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. I will be his Father, and he shall be My . If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the of men but My mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee and thine house and thy kingdom shall be established forever before thee. Thy throne shall be established for ever.
The purpose of that covenant was to provide a legal basis for Jesus Christ, as Davids heir, to possess the throne forever.
Isaiah 9:Seven Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David and upon His Kingdom, to order it and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
Luke 1:32+33 He shall be great and shall be called the of the Highest and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David and He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever and of His Kingdom there shall be no end.
Referring to the throne of Davids seed, the psalmist sand - His Seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before Me. It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in the heaven(skies). So, the luminary that dominates the night - the moon - is a fitting reminder of the permanence of Christs rule.
Genesis 1:16 And God made two great lights, the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also.
Concerning his Kingdom Daniel states,
Daniel 7:14 And there was given Him dominion and glory and a Kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His Kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
The moon is a witness that reminds us of that Kingdom and the blessing it will bestow upon mankind.
Look up and see the promise of Jehovah God glowing in its wondrous beauty and be joyful.
Katidid.
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Coping With Life's Anxieties
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Posted:Aug 27, 2014 5:52 pm
Last Updated:Aug 31, 2014 3:25 pm 3353 Views
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All cited Scriptures are taken from the Authorized King James Bible unless otherwise indicated
Please note that Gods name, Jehovah, has been replaced with the title LORD as opposed to the Greek word Anonai which is rendered Lord.
Anxieties in this troubled world can be a challenge to true worship and it engenders such feelings as unease and apprehension with a future orientation toward the negative.
What are your anxieties?
Financial security? Marriage stability? Getting sick or dying? The welfare of ?Anger? Education? ........
Jer.10:23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
We need an orientation of the mind toward the positive.
Where can we find that positive orientation?
We can find it in the Word of God.
In His power.
In our dependance upon Him.
So, what is your orientation?
Is it toward man or God?
Jehovah God has not put aside His original purpose.
Genesis 1:28-30 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat and it was so.
Isaiah 45:18 For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens, God himself, that formed the earth and made it, he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited. I am the LORD; and there is none else.
This time of satan ruling the earth is like a glitch in God's original purpose but it has in no way changed that purpose.
John 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
It is true that He has had to also deal with the allegations laid against Him by satan( that God is a liar and is not fit to be sovereign because He was holding something back from Adam and Eve that would be good for mankind) and He will bring those allegations to nothing.
Genesis 3 4+5 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die. For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
The legal precedence will be set for all the future, before all the sons of God both heavenly and earthly, but His whole purpose is to have the earth inhabited by perfect humans beings loving God and enjoying life.
To that end, we need to keep our purpose also, that is, to remain God's friend and to be approved in His sight so that we can also look forward to the outworking of that original purpose of God, despite the anxieties laid on us by this glitch of a system currently still holding sway on us.
Phil. 1:9-11 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment that ye may approve things that are excellent, that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Anxiety in life.
Paul expressed anxiety more than once while in his ministry.
He was even under a death sentence!
How did he deal with this anxiety?
He kept his mind off his own troubles and focused on thinking of others and sticking to Jah.
Proverbs 12:25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop but a good word maketh it glad.
There is nothing kinder than the Word of God.
Matthew 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word and the care(anxiety) of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
Luke 12:22, 23+25 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment and which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
( Who of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his life span?)(NW)
1Peter 5:6+Seven Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Casting all your care upon him for he careth for you.
Is happiness an absence of problems?
No. Certainly not in this world and, I think, even in the restored earth we will still have day to day problems to deal with(but we won't be surrounded by satans deadly air but the love of God).
Our happiness is totally dependent on our focusing our attention of Jehovah God and and the needs of others and keeping a simple eye.
Phil. 1:13+14 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places and many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Phil. 1:25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith.
Of course, in this wicked world we are surrounded by all the snares and traps of satan, are full of the imperfections because of the original sin, have the inclination to do bad all the time and with satan wanting at all times to turn us away from The True God.
Being in the world with satan is like being in a cage with an angry lion but we know that God can deliver us from angry lions.
Daniel 6:21-23 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions mouths, that they have not hurt me...... Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.
Materialism
Will you let the cravings for material possessions rule your life?
We all need to be satisfied with the necessities of life. However, it is not wrong or bad to have nice things around us. Mementos and gifts we have accumulated in our lives and some small comforts but the questions is....Can we let these things go when the time comes for walking away? or...Do these things hold too large a sway on our minds?
Many years ago, I was persuaded by a cult I was in to throw away everything I owned. Fortunately my Mum saved many of those things while I wasn't looking. Photos and knick knacks and such as she was rightly horrified that I wanted to throw them away. Of course, those things did not make my life and I easily lived without them but it was equally nice to find them again after Mum passed away.
1Tim. 6:6-10 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out and having food and raiment let us be therewith content but they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition for the love of money is the root of all evil which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Distress
There is so much distress in the world around us.
Still, we also need to be undisturbed by the dread of calamity knowing that Jah is well able to save us out of such calamity. Remembering, that if we die, we are safe in Gods memory awaiting the day of resurrection.
Proverbs 1:32+33 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them but whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
By studying and listening to what God has to tell us in His Word, by doing what we learn from Him and applying Gods principle and standards to our decisions Jehovah God will help us to thrive in life and long into the future life to come on the restored earth.
Hallelujah!
Jer 17:Seven+8 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is for he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
These are just a few thoughts I had rolling around and I hope this is of some help to you.
Love Katidid.
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The Power Of The Tongue
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Posted:Aug 26, 2014 5:57 am
Last Updated:Aug 28, 2014 3:13 pm 3385 Views
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I found this wonderful wee tidbit on the back of an old Watchtower mag. I was reading last night. Hope you enjoy.
The tongue of the giraffe measures up to 45 centimeters long and is agile and powerful enough to pluck leaves off tree branches. The blue whales tongue weighs as much as an elephant. Imagine the strength needed just to move it!
The human tongue pales in comparison in size, weight and strength. Yet, it is far more powerful.
Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue.
Indeed, how many times have we heard of the human tongues death-dealing power being wielded in fabricating lies and false testimonies that have brought ruination, even death, to innocent victims?
Likewise, longtime friendships have been dashed by hurtful remarks. Emotions have been crushed by harsh words.
Job 19:2 How long will you men keep irritating my life and keep crushing me with words? cried that much maligned man.
Proverbs 15:2 2 The tongue of the wise makes good use of knowledge but the mouth of the stupid blurts out foolishness
The disciple James gave a vivid picture of the destructive power of the unbridled tongue.
James 3:5+6 The tongue is a little member and yet makes great brags. Look! How little a fire it takes to set so great a woodland on fire! Well, the tongue is a fire.
On the other hand, the power of the tongue can also be life-giving. Empathetic and consoling words have rescued some from depression and suicide. Sound advice, when heeded, has saved many drug abusers and street thugs from untimely death. Truly, the fruitage of a righteous ones tongue is a healing.
Proverbs 15:1 A mild answer turns away rage, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:4 A calm tongue is a tree of life, But twisted speech causes despair.
Proverbs 25:11 Like apples of gold in silver carvings is a word spoken at the right time.
The best use of the tongue, however, is in praising Jehovah God, declaring the good news of Gods Kingdom and teaching others the precious truths of the Bible. Why?
John 17:3 This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.
So, let us all take the sound advice of God and try our very best to keep our tongues like apples of gold in silver carvings and stay happy.
Yours, Katidid.
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Mercy - A Dominant Quality Of Any Christian Congregation
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Posted:Aug 22, 2014 4:06 am
Last Updated:Mar 17, 2020 9:32 am 4855 Views
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All verses are quoted from the Standard American Edition of The Bible.
What really is mercy?
Is mercy only about the withholding of punishment?
How can we apply mercy?
HAPPY ARE THE MERCIFUL
Mercy is the active expression of compassion.
Jehovah God is rich in mercy and compassion and His mercy is evident in all His works.
We only have to look around us at creation to see His active mercy expressed.
Psalms 145:8+9 Jehovah is gracious, and merciful; Slow to anger, and of great loving kindness. Jehovah is good to all and his tender mercies are over all his works.
Jesus, being in perfect, like-minded union with His Father, constantly showed this quality in His ministry.
Matthew 20:29-34 And as they went out from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. And behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, Lord, have mercy on us thou of David. And the multitude rebuked them, that they should hold their peace but they cried out the more, saying, Lord, have mercy on us thou of David. And Jesus stood still and called them and said What will ye that I should do unto you? They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. And Jesus, being moved with compassion, touched their eyes; and straightway they received their sight, and followed him.
So mercy is not a negative keeping back of punishment but a positive action and expression of kindness, compassion and/or pity.
WE NEED TO BE CHARACTERISED BY MERCY IF WE ARE TO FOLLOW THE CHRIST.
So, what are your motives?
Do you make a showy display?
Matthew 6:1-4 Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to be seen of them else ye have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. When therefore thou doest alms, sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, they have received their reward but when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth that thine alms may be in secret and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee.
Is giving, mercy?
Sometimes, giving is a replacement for mercy but true mercy is always kind and it engenders mercy in others.
It also reflects Jehovah God.
Proverbs 22:9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
In this type of kindness we will be blessed but mercy should also be shown to all in both thought and deed.
What practical ways can we show mercy?
How can we make sure it reflects Christian standards?
Luke 10:33-35 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was and when he saw him, he was moved with compassion and came to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on [them] oil and wine and he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And on the morrow he took out two shillings and gave them to the host and said - Take care of him and whatsoever thou spendest more, I, when I come back again, will repay thee.
If we are to show real mercy it needs to be in action and, when it is in our hand to do so, financial.
Luke 10:36+37 Which of these three, thinkest thou, proved neighbor unto him that fell among the robbers? And he said, He that showed mercy on him. And Jesus said unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Of course, mercy is also dependent on our own abilities and circumstances and we must not promise what we cannot fulfill.
Making our yes mean yes.
Proverbs 2:27+28 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due. When it is in the power of thy hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbor, go, and come again. To-morrow I will give. When thou hast it by thee.
We need also to consider our application of mercy and make sure of its outcomes and that it matches Jehovah Gods standards.
Harping on anothers shortcomings benefits no one and is not merciful.
Forgiveness, comfort and understanding is mercy in action.
Can we develop mercy?
Col. 3:10,12+13 and have put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him.....Put on therefore,...a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, long-suffering, forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye.
Take active steps to clothe yourselves each day with tender affections and keep your guard up to continue showing a merciful attitude.
Matthew 5:Seven Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.
Jah will approve of such a striving in us and His Holy Spirit will help us in providing the attributes of a merciful person.
Yours in study,
Katidid.
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Follow The Way To Real Life
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Posted:Aug 20, 2014 4:50 am
Last Updated:Mar 17, 2020 9:34 am 4035 Views
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Would You Not Rather Follow The Way To Real Life Instead Of Existing In Misery and Spiritual Confusion In The World Ruled By Satan?
The first Christians called it The Way.
Judges 2:22 This is to test whether Israel will keep Jehovah’s way by walking in it as their fathers did.
2Kings21:22 So he abandoned Jehovah the God of his forefathers, and he did not walk in the way of Jehovah.
Psalms 27:11 Instruct me in your way, O Jehovah and lead me in the path of uprightness because of my foes.
Psalms 32:8 I will give you insight and instruct you in the way you should go. I will give you advice with my eye upon you.
Psalms 86:11 Instruct me, O Jehovah, about your way. I will walk in your truth. Unify my heart to fear your name
Isaiah 30:21 And your own ears will hear a word behind you saying - This is the way. Walk in it - in case you should go to the right or in case you should go to the left
Jer. Seven:23 But I did give them this command - Obey my voice and I will become your God and you will become my people. You must walk in all the way that I command, so that it may go well with you.
Jer 10:23 I well know, O Jehovah, that man’s way does not belong to him.
It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step
(mans way belongs to satan)
Jer. 21:8 And to this people you should say - This is what Jehovah says - Here I am putting before you the way of life and the way of death.
Acts 9:2 And asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that he might bring bound to Jerusalem any whom he found who belonged to The Way, both men and women
Acts 19:9 But when some stubbornly refused to believe, speaking injuriously about The Way before the crowd, he withdrew from them and separated the disciples from them, giving talks daily in the school auditorium of Tyrannus
Acts 19:23 At that time quite a disturbance arose concerning The Way
Acts 22:4 I persecuted this Way to the point of death, binding and handing over to prisons both men and women
It was first in Antioch [Syria] that the disciples were by divine providence called Christians.(Ac 11:26) It is possible, then, that this name was used as early as the year 44 C.E. when the events surrounding this text occurred, although the grammatical structure of this phrase does not necessarily make it so; some think it was a little later. At any rate, by about 58 C.E., in the city of Caesarea, the term was well known and used even by public officials, for at that time King Herod Agrippa II said to Paul - In a short time you would persuade me to become a Christian.(Ac 26:28)
Bible writers in addressing fellow believers or describing followers of Christ used expressions such as believers in the Lord, brothers and disciples (Ac 5:14; 6:3; 15:10), chosen ones and“faithful ones (Col 3:12; 1Ti 4:12), slaves to God and slaves of Christ Jesus (Ro 6:22; Php 1:1), holy ones, congregation of God, and those who call upon the Lord. (Ac 9:13; 20:28; 1Co 1:2; 2Ti 2:22) These terms with doctrinal meaning were used primarily as internal congregational designations. To outsiders Christianity was referred to as The Way (Ac 9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4), and opponents called it the sect of the Nazarenes or just - this sect.(Ac 24:5; 28:22).
There is a long chain of events that leads to each persons birth.
A million chances may have happened to have had someone else born instead of me!
Without Jehovah God we are mud(to coin a phrase), nothing but a few handfuls of the soil in your bottom garden!
Genesis 2:Seven And Jehovah God proceeded to form the man out of dust from the ground and to blow into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man came to be a living soul
Psalms 36:9 For with you is the source of life - By light from you we can see light
We All Like To Be Liked So How Can We Achieve This?
Proverbs 3:3 May loving-kindness and trueness themselves not leave you. Tie them about your throat. Write them upon the tablet of your heart.
(Being truthful with kindness is not the same as 'telling it like it is)
Proverbs 3:29 Do not fabricate against your fellowman anything bad, when he is dwelling in a sense of security with you.
(It is called being 'two-faced' or hypocritical)
Proverbs 3:30 Do not quarrel with a man without cause, if he has rendered no bad to you.
(Just because you don't agree with someone it doesn't mean you have to tear the other person down)
Proverbs 3:35 Honor is what the wise ones will come to possess, but the stupid ones are exalting dishonor.
(A dishonorable person has only other dishonorable people as friends)
Proverbs 15:3 He has not slandered with his tongue. To his companion he has done nothing bad and no reproach has he taken up against his intimate acquaintance
(Being a liar only ever looses you friends and an angry temper turns people away)
Proverbs 24:1+2 Do not be envious of bad men, and do not show yourself craving to get in with them. For despoiling is what their heart keeps meditating, and trouble is what their own lips keep speaking.
(We all know that framing trouble brings trouble in return)
Proverbs 24:8+9 As for anyone scheming to do bad, he will be called a mere master at evil ideas. The loose conduct of foolishness is sin, and a ridiculer is something detestable to mankind
Proverbs 24:15+16 Do not, as a wicked one, lie in wait for the abiding place of the righteous one; do not despoil his resting-place. For the righteous one may fall even seven times, and he will certainly get up but the wicked ones will be made to stumble by calamity
But What Does It Take To Be Liked Or Approved By God?
Can We really Draw close To God And Be His Friend?
How could a mere humanbean ever enter into a friendship with Jehovah God? Yet, the Bible assures us that we really can be close to God.
Isaiah 41:8 But you, O Israel, are my servant, you, O Jacob, whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.
James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which says Abraham put faith in Jehovah, and it was counted to him as righteousness, and he came to be called Jehovah’s friend.
Today, too, Jehovah looks for opportunities to get attached to those who serve him out of love.
Deut. 10:15 Only to your forefathers did Jehovah get attached so as to love them, so that he chose their offspring after them, even you, out of all the peoples, as at this day.
James 4:8 Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.
(In these words we find both an invitation and a promise.)
So, we need to care about God, to trust Him, to prove to be loyal, share with Him in prayer, value Him and His commandments following the fine example of His Christ Jesus, and learn and keep learning to understand His Word.
Not forgetting that this intimacy with God is within our reach only because He has made it possible.
Proverbs 111:10 The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom. All those observing his orders show good insight. His praise endures forever.
Proverbs 112:1 Praise Jah! Happy is the man who fears Jehovah and who takes great pleasure in his commandments.
John 17:3 This means everlasting life their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.
With the coming of Jesus Christ, an individuals enjoying a proper relationship with God and approaching him acceptably in prayer depended on acceptance of Jesus Christ. As the of God stated - I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.(Joh 14:6; Heb 10:19-22) Those who became followers of Jesus Christ were spoken of as belonging to The Way, that is, they adhered to a way or manner of life that centered around faith in Jesus Christ, following his example.(Ac 9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:22)
It is also vital to remember that imperfect though we are, we can truly imitate Jehovahs perfect way using power, of exercising justice, of acting in wisdom and of showing love.
Since we are made in Gods imagine and have the gift of free will, despite our limitations, we can, with the help of Gods Holy Spirit, be kind, loving, compassionate, patient, self disciplined, good, peaceable, joyful in both life and persecution as well as mild tempered.(Gal. 5:22+23)
How wonderful it is to consider that we can be approved by God and be considered His friend.
So, Are You Going To Be Amoung The Wise Following The Way of Jehovah?
Proverbs 6:12-15 A good-for-nothing man, a man of hurtfulness, is walking with crookedness of speech, winking with his eye, making signs with his foot, making indications with his fingers. Perverseness is in his heart. He is fabricating something bad all the time. He keeps sending out merely contentions. That is why suddenly there will come his disaster; in an instant he will be broken, and there will be no healing.
OR....
Proverbs 22:4 The result of humility [and] the fear of Jehovah is riches and glory and life.
Which will will you choose?
There are a lot of verses here for your consideration, I am sorry I went overboard a bit, but it should furnish you much food for meditation and great study time.
Love
Katidid.
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The Earth Will Remain Forever
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Posted:Aug 18, 2014 1:19 am
Last Updated:Mar 17, 2020 9:34 am 5069 Views
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All references used are taken from the New International Version of The Holy Bible unless otherwise indicated.
Who Deserves the Credit for This Wonderful Earth?
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:31 God saw all that He had made and it was very good.
Was the Earth Created for Beauty Alone?
No. Although at this time in the universe we can see that the earth is the only piece of real colour - a jewel in space and very beautiful - the earth was created specifically for humankind. For our welfare and survival.
Psalm 115:16 The highest heavens belong to God but the earth He has given to man.
How Long Will the Earth Remain?
Ecclesiates 1:4 Generations come and generations go but the earth remains forever.
Psalms 78:69 He built His sanctuary like the heights like the earth that He established forever.
Psalms 104:5 He set the earth on its foundations and it can never be moved.
He has founded the earth upon its established places and it will not be made to totter to time indefinite or forever.(NW)
Psalms 119:90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations and you established the earth and it endures.
Your faithfulness is for generations after generation and you have solidly fixed the earth that it may keep standing.(NW)
Genesis 8:22 As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.
Isaiah 55:10+11 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater so is my word that goes out from my mouth. It will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Is the Earth Beyond Repair As Some Would Have Us Believe?
Happily, our mismanagement of the earth is not beyond repair.
The earth has enormous powers of repair built into its cycles and Jehovah God designed the natural mechanisms for life.
Ecclesiastes 1:5,6 + 7 The sun rises and the sun sets and hurries back to where it rises. The wind blows to the south and turns to the north, round and round it goes ever returning on its course. All streams flow into the sea yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come form there they return again.
Genesis 1:11 Then God said, Let the land produce vegetation, seed bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it according to their various kinds
The earth has a water cycle, birth and death cycle, growing cycles, oxygen-carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, biorhythms and food chains and much more.
Every day we see the terrible results of the damage being done to the earth. It can make us despair that anything will get better but Gods promises are sure and there are consequences awaiting those who wantonly damage the earths systems because Jehovah God cares about all His creation.
Rev. 11:18 ....and for destroying those who destroy the earth.
....and to bring to ruin those ruining the earth.(NW)
Does 2Peter 3:Seven conflict with Gods words?
2Peter 3:Seven By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
No. This verse is one of the many figurative verses God uses in His Word.
heavens = rulerships
earth/world = mankind
fire = destruction
For example -
Genesis 1:11 Now the whole world had one language and a common speech.
Now all the earth continued to be of one language and of one set of words.(NW)
(Obviously the earth itself does not talk.)
Haggai 2:21 + 22 Tell Zerubbabel governor of Judah that I will shake the heavens and the earth. I will overturn royal thrones and shatter the power of the foreign kingdoms......
Rev. 12:9 The great dragon was hurled down - that ancient serpent called the devil or satan who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth and his angels with him.
So down the great dragon was hurled, the original serpent, the one called devil and satan who is misleading the entire inhabited earth.....(NW)
Psalms 96:13 They will sing before God for he comes, he come to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in His truth.
(Obviously, it is not the earth or the world itself God is going to judge but mankind.)
Is the Restoration of earthly Paradise Certain?
Yes.
First. God will remove satans wicked systems.
Second. He will remove satan, his demon cohorts and their entire influence over mankind.
Rev. 20:1-3 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven having the key to the abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and bound him for a thousand year. He threw him into the abyss and locked and sealed it over him to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended.
Rev. 21:3 + 4 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, Now the dwelling of God is with men and He will live with them. They will be his people and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or morning or crying or pain for the old order of things has passed away.
(That old order is the system we now live in. A system ruled and influence by opposition to Gods sovereignty)
Peace will prevail.
What a wonderful prospect to keep clear in our minds.
As we live in this system of things we are simply used to the prevailing air of satans influence in all aspects of our lives and often we forget to take that into account when making decisions or taking action.
When that air is gone and all things are made new we will have a completely new influence in our lives. Gods pure, loving, logical and reasonable influence.
What a marvelous future we have to look forward to if we keep following His Sons great example and commandments.
Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of God.
What Will the Restored Earth Be Like?
Psalm Seventy2:16-19 Let grain abound throughout the land - on the tops of the hills may it sway. Let its fruit flourish like Lebanon - let it thrive like the grass of the field.May His name endure forever - may it continue as long as the sun. All nations will be blessed through him and they will call him blessed. Praise be to Jehovah the God of Israel who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name, Jehovah, forever and may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and amen.
Isaiah 11:6-9 The wolf will live with the lamb and the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together and a little will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear and their young will lie down together and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the hole of the cobra and the young put his hand into the vipers nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain for the earth will be full of the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters cover the sea.
Isaiah 35:5-9 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and the streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool , the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay grass and reeds and papyrus will grow. And a highway will be there and it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it and it will be for those who walk in that Way. Wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there nor will any ferocious beast get up on it as they will not be found there but only the redeemed will walk there and the ransomed of God will return.
Isaiah 54:13+14 All your sons will be taught by God and great will be your childrens peace.In righteousness you will be established and tyranny will be far from you and you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed and it will not come near you.
Isaiah 65:21-23 They will build houses and dwell in them and they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. No longer will they build houses and others live in them or plant and others eat. For as the days of a tree so will be the days of my people, my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands. They will not toil in vain or bear doomed to misfortune for they will be a people blessed by Jehovah and they and their descendants with them
Romans 8:21 That the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the of God.
2Peter 3:13 In keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth which will be the home of righteousness.
So many blessings awaiting on the restored paradise earth.
The blessing that Jehovah God intended for us to have at the beginning.
Such intention being thwarted by satans arrogant opposition and lying, maliciousness.
Happily, such is the mercy and compassion of God and His loving that their intention from the time of the original sin has always been to restore humanity to the prospect of eternal happiness ruled by the Kingdom(Government) of God.
Hallelujah.
Katidid.
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Salvation
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Posted:Aug 14, 2014 2:16 am
Last Updated:Aug 17, 2014 12:01 am 3524 Views
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Definition Preservation or deliverance from danger or destruction. That deliverance may be from the hands of oppressors or persecutors. For all true Christians, Jehovah provides through his deliverance from the present wicked system of things as well as salvation from bondage to sin and death. For a great crowd of faithful servants of Jehovah living during the last days, salvation will include preservation through the great tribulation.
Will God, in his great mercy, eventually save all humankind?
Does 2 Peter 3:9 indicate that there will be universal salvation? It says: The Lord is not slow about his promise as some count slowness, but is forbearing toward you, not wishing that any should perish [“he does not want anyone to be destroyed, TEV], but that all should reach repentance. (RS)
It is Gods merciful desire that all of Adams offspring repent, and he has generously made provision for forgiveness of the sins of those who do but he does not force anyone to accept that provision. Many reject it.
Those who do not repent will perish, or be destroyed.
2Pe 3:Seven (RS) But by the same word the heavens and the earth that now exist are reserved for fire and are being kept until the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly people.
There is no thought of universal salvation here.
Does 1 Corinthians 15:22 prove that all humans will eventually be saved? It says: As in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive (RS)
As shown in the surrounding verses, what is under discussion here is resurrection.
Who will be resurrected?
All whose death is attributable to Adamic sin (see verse 21) but who have not also personally committed the willful transgressions set forth in
Hebrews 10:26-29 For if we practice sin willfully after having received the accurate knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice for sins left, but there is a certain fearful expectation of judgment and a burning indignation that is going to consume those in opposition. Anyone who has disregarded the Law of Moses dies without compassion on the testimony of two or three. How much greater punishment do you think a person will deserve who has trampled on the of God and who has regarded as of ordinary value the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified and who has outraged the spirit of undeserved kindness with contempt?
Are there scriptures that definitely show that some will never be saved?
2 Thess 1:9 (RS) They shall suffer the punishment of eternal destruction and exclusion from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.
Rev 21:8 (RS) As for the cowardly, the faithless, the polluted, as for murderers, fornicators, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their lot shall be in the lake that burns with fire and sulphur, which is the second death.
Matt 7:13, 14 (RS) Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Once a person is saved, is he always saved?
Jude 5 (RS) I desire to remind you, though you were once for all fully informed, that he who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.
Matt 24:13 (RS) He who endures to the end will be saved.
So a person’s final salvation is not determined at the moment that he begins to put faith in Jesus.
Phil. 2:12 (RS) As you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
This was addressed to “the saints,” or holy ones, at Philippi, as stated in Philippians 1:1. Paul urged them not to be overly confident but to realize that their final salvation was not yet assured.
Heb. 10:26, 27 (RS) If we sin deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful prospect of judgment, and a fury of fire which will consume the adversaries.”
Thus the Bible does not go along with the idea that no matter what sins a person may commit after he is saved he will not lose his salvation.
It encourages faithfulness. See also Hebrews 6:4-6, where it is shown that even a person anointed with holy spirit can lose his hope of salvation.
Is anything more than faith needed in order to gain salvation?
Eph 2:8, 9 (RS) By grace [undeserved kindness- NW] you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God—not because of works, lest any man should boast.
The entire provision for salvation is an expression of Gods undeserved kindness.
There is no way that a descendant of Adam can gain salvation on his own, no matter how noble his works are.
Salvation is a gift from God given to those who put faith in the sin-atoning value of the sacrifice of his .
Heb. 5:9 (RS) He [Jesus] became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.
Does this conflict with the statement that Christians are saved through faith?
Not at all. Obedience simply demonstrates that their faith is genuine.
Jas. 2:14 + 26 (RS) What does it profit, my brethren, if a man says he has faith but has not works? Can his faith save him? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead.
A person does not earn salvation by his works but anyone who has genuine faith will have works to go with it—works of obedience to the commands of God and Christ, works that demonstrate his faith and love.
Without such works, his faith is dead.
Acts 16:30 + 31 (RS) Men, what must I do to be saved?’ And they [Paul and Silas] said, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.
If that man and his household truly believed, would they not act in harmony with their belief? Certainly.
Such spiritual food for thought here.
I sincerely hope this aids your studies.
Katidid.
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