Archive for March, 2009
March 31, 2009 at 7:03 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
I call on you, God, because You will answer me; listen closely to me; hear what I say. Display the wonders of Your faithful love, Savior of all who seek refuge from those who rebel against Your right hand. Guard me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings from the wicked who treat me violently, my deadly enemies who surround me. Psalm 17:6-9
What a great and awesome feeling it is to know with all confidence that God not only loves you, but is actively acknowledging your prayers! What a feeling of security to know your Savior separates you from the harm of those who seek to remove you from the peace of God’s relationship! Of course, these feelings are not always present in each of us, but we desire them in our lives. What keeps us in that kind of relationship?
For you to be in the apple of God’s eye and know it is to be able to look upon God’s face and see your reflection in His eyes. What kind of relationship does that require? Well, you have to walk by faith trusting and loving the Lord, seeking His mercy and kindness, living according to His ways, not your ways. Then the Lord will allow us to see His face which offers a warm smile. He appears to you as an ever watchful beautiful eagle keeping watch over her young, spreading her wings to shelter the nest from the attack of your enemies.
I guess the hard part for us humans is this: will we trust the Lord to protect and provide and preserve us, or we will seek our own ways to try and feel secure? The questions remains, where are we truly the most secure? Trying to fly alone with our own wings, or under the watchful wings of our Lord. Think about it. Is what you been doing working for you?
Coach
March 30, 2009 at 6:58 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Lord, who can dwell in Your tent? Who can live on your holy mountain? The one who lives honestly, practices righteousness, and acknowledges the truth in his heart - who does not slander with his tongue, who does not harm his friend or discredit his neighbor, who despises the one rejected by the Lord, but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his word whatever the cost, who does not lend his money at interest or take a bribe against the innocent - the one who does these things will never be moved. Psalm 15:1-5
With all the problems our world is facing: banking going bankrupt, mortgages failing, debt rising and income falling, jobs lost, companies cutting back, government struggling in the excess of its bureaucracy, stocks tumbling, and no certainty for honest, trustworthy leadership - how can we proceed with a positive attitude towards the future? What hope do we have? Do you feel like a puppet on strings being dragged along helplessly in all the turmoil. Well the safest place to be is in the presence and security of the only sure investment we can have: the safekeeping of the Lord. But who can be sure of the Lord’s care? Psalm 15 says it plainly: those who strive to be honest, live according to the ways pleasing to God, those who are truthful, loyal to friends, speaks only the truth, refuses the counsel of those God would reject, and most of all honors the Lord and humbles himself before the Lord. The Lord will lift up and provide for His people and all he asks is that we share our blessings honestly and fairly with others. There is no place for greed and selfish aims that takes advantage of innocent people.
If we can all accept the ways the please God there would be plenty for all, wealth would be redistributed fairly to all. Not evenly, but fairly. God would reward the industrious, but only to the degree that they act responsibly as the Lord desires. There will always be those who are less fortunate, and those who are more fortunate than us, but in the Lord’s economy if we trust Him, we will never have any need…that is economic prosperity!
Pray today for the Lord to take charge in our lives and in the lives of all that reside in our community, and the economic times will turn.
Coach
March 28, 2009 at 1:54 pm · Filed under First Baptist Ocala
(3/29) Stay Spiritually Alert (Isaiah 38:1-6; 39:1-2, 5-8)
For discussion:
1. What situations in our world require alertness?
2. Why is maintaining constant alertness difficult in those situations?
3. What do you think being spiritually alert means?
4. Why do you think some Christians fail to maintain spiritual alertness?
What are some evidences that the forces of evil never give up on attacking our points of weakness? _________
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In a world threatened by terrorism, alertness on the part of soldiers, police officers, baggage screeners, and customs officials can mean the difference between safety and tragedy. Each day many people are injured or die on the highways because of distracted drivers. Improperly built or inspected buildings sometimes fail with catastrophic results.
Spiritual slumber precedes disaster for mind, body, and spirit. Satan is constantly on the prowl and we must be alert to his attacks. The world is a dangerous place and filled with temptations, which means we all need to stay alert to avoid loss.
This lesson provides an example of the dangers of failing to remain spiritually alert. Hezekiah’s attitudes and choices warn all of us of the need to be on our guard daily. As you study Isaiah’s account of Hezekiah’s illness, recovery, and folly, focus on ways to help learners experience the Life Impact of the lesson of staying spiritually alert.
The Bible in Context (Isa. 36:1–39:8)
Isaiah 36:1–37:38 tells how Assyria, having conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel, threatened to invade Jerusalem and called on its people to surrender. The people there were frightened, and the Assyrians attempted to create panic and surrender with their threats. King Hezekiah turned to Isaiah for counsel and was assured of the Lord’s protection.
Miraculously God brought death to the encampment of Assyrian soldiers, and they were forced to retreat. Sennacherib, king of Assyria, was later assassinated after a plot by two of his sons (2 Kings 19:37).
Isaiah 38:1-22 gives a message Isaiah delivered to Hezekiah, telling him to prepare for death. It adds that Hezekiah prayed to the Lord, who granted him a 15-year extension of his life. It concludes with a song of praise to the Lord that Hezekiah wrote after his recovery.
Isaiah 39:1-8 tells how Hezekiah welcomed envoys from Babylon and showed them the treasures of his palace. Hezekiah was rebuked for his failure to recognize the danger of showing his wealth to the pagan Babylonian leaders. God declared Hezekiah’s pride would lead to the future plundering of Judah and the city of Jerusalem.
I. Practice Fervent Prayer (Isa. 38:1-6)
As we read answer these questions:
- Which sentence in Isaiah 38:1-6 affirms that God hears and responds to the prayers of righteous people?
- What promises did God make in response to Hezekiah’s prayer?
- What do you think this passage indicates about God’s sovereignty?
List on the Spiritual Alertness Plan worksheets a discipline that promotes spiritual alertness learned from Isaiah 38:1-6. List ways we can cultivate the discipline.
We can heighten spiritual alertness by fervently praying in desperate circumstances and thanking God for His gracious responses.
What are some ways you have seen God answer prayers for deliverance? ____________________________
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Did Hezekiah’s prayer change God’s mind or will? No. God did not change His purposes in the case of Hezekiah’s illness but responded to the prayers according to His will.
People in crises today can learn much from the account of Hezekiah’s illness and healing. We too should turn first to the Lord and ask for His help and for His will to be done. God does not always choose to heal; but when we leave our problems in His hands, He will always do what is best. As in the case of Hezekiah, God often uses health-care professionals and medicines in caring for our physical needs.
The Scriptures tell us the prayers of a righteous person are powerful (Jas. 5:16). In part a righteous person is spiritually alert. Such people are prepared to and readily seek the Lord’s help in times of trouble. Prayer offered in faith and in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ is the way to obtain God’s perfect will for our lives.
How well do your prayers express your spiritual alertness? __________________________________________
II. Guard Against Pride (Isa. 39:1-2)
Identify things that lead to pride today. _________________________________________________________
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As we read the passage, list on your worksheets a discipline that promotes spiritual alertness learned from Isaiah 39:1-2. Then list ways we can cultivate the specific discipline in our lives.
We can maintain spiritual alertness by guarding against pride that can lead us into foolish and harmful behavior.
We are all particularly susceptible to temptations during times of emotional extremes. In times of sorrow we are subject to despair and depression. In times of victory we are tempted to become prideful and independent.
Pride always precedes a great loss (Prov. 16:18). If we cease to be dependent on God and cease to give Him glory, we are prime candidates for Satan’s temptations. Only those who humble themselves daily before the Lord will be alert and prepared to resist the temptations of pride.
How do you guard yourself against the sin of pride? What else can you do?___________________________
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In what ways can pride sneak into a church family?_______________________________________________
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III. Consider Long-term Consequences (Isa. 39:5-8)
As we read, consider the long-term consequences of Hezekiah’s foolish pride.
What actions can you take that will give evidence you are spiritually alert? ___________________________
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Hezekiah’s actions reveal the remarkable power of our decisions on the future. The decisions of leaders impact future generations in ways they often do not perceive. When we make selfish decisions for immediate gratification, we may set in motion unintended consequences, sometimes with tragic results.
· Parents who fail to invest in the lives of their children through love and discipline often reap rebellion and alienation.
· Governmental leaders who make politically expedient decisions can expose future generations to danger and/or debt.
The most important decision and preparation for the future anyone can make is to ask Jesus Christ to be Lord and Savior. The decision to trust Christ has implications for this life and eternity. Once we have accepted Christ as our Savior, we must seek to mature daily in our walk with Him. If we carefully seek His will and meditate on His Word, we can make wise decisions. These decisions may be costly and sacrificial in the short-term, but they will reap an eternal harvest of righteousness and blessings for the future.
1. Express spiritual alertness by fervently praying in desperate circumstances and thanking God for His gracious responses.
2. Maintain spiritual alertness by guarding against pride that can lead us into foolish and harmful behavior.
3. Strengthen spiritual alertness by considering beforehand the long-term consequences of our actions.
March 28, 2009 at 1:52 pm · Filed under First Baptist Ocala
(3/22) Follow the Lord’s Will (Isaiah 24-35)
Session GOAL: lead us to identify ways to discern God’s will for our everyday lives.
Identify: GOD’S WILL:___________________________________________________________________
· What comes to your minds when you think about God’s will?
· What are some ways we can try to discern God’s will?
· Why are we inclined to attribute the consequences of our bad choices to God’s will?
Natural disasters, accidental deaths, war casualties, and events described as good or bad luck are frequently attributed to God’s will. Saying God is responsible for every event implies He is responsible for evil, sinful, and foolish choices. God permits evil, but He is not responsible for the choices we make. We choose our paths in life one decision at a time.
The choices we (and sometimes others) make determine our future. God has revealed a road map for success in the Bible. Our task is to find God’s will for our lives and to pursue it with all of our hearts.
The Bible in Context (Isa. 24:1–35:10)
Isaiah previously had warned of God’s imminent judgment of various nations when He predicted Assyria would conquer these peoples (Isa. 13–23). In the Background Passage for this lesson Isaiah first described the eventual judgment of the whole earth by the Lord (Isa. 24). This judgment on the earth will be followed by the establishment of God’s kingdom and the deliverance of the righteous (Isa. 25–27).
The next section (Isa. 28–33) also contains prophecies of judgment and restoration. God warned the people of Judah they would suffer like Israel if they did not repent (Isa. 29). The kings of Judah were warned not to turn to Egypt for help but to God (Isa. 30–31). That is followed by the announcement of a righteous kingdom that would arise following judgment (Isa. 32–33).
The third section (Isa. 34–35) gives Isaiah’s prophecies of judgment on nations who opposed God and of the establishment of a kingdom of peace, joy, and salvation. Isaiah described a removal of the curse on creation and an ideal environment free of disease and death.
I. What Is Worship? (Isa. 29:13-14)
Identify the ways you have worshiped during the past month or so, both privately and corporately. ________
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(Privately evaluate which acts of worship were sincere and which acts tended to be empty ritual.)
Identify the characteristics of Judah’s worship: _________________________________________________
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The people of Judah substituted true worship with man-made rules learned by rote. This phrase defines legalism, which stresses outward conformity to certain rules or actions without regard to motivation, thus is not true worship. They were singing hymns, offering prayers, and offering their sacrifices; but they were not motivated by a true love for God. The proof of their insincerity was the absence of obedience in their daily lives. The people of Judah did not realize how much their hypocritical words offended God and that soon their nation would become the object of His discipline.
Many today follow empty rituals devoid of love or devotion to God, and believe they are worshiping Him.
True worship is an act of love and submission to God in every area of life. We worship God as the body of Christ when we assemble in church to praise, sing, give, study, and respond to His Word. We worship God privately in our times of devotion and personal study. We worship God in our daily lives as we do all for His glory and in conformity to the principles revealed in the Bible.
Faith and works always accompany each other in an essential cause-and-effect relationship. Faith without works is empty, lifeless. Promise without obedience is unacceptable to God. Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
The deception of legalistic worship leads to self-righteousness and a false sense of security. People can be deceived by those who outwardly conform, but God cannot be deceived. One way He responds to insincere worship is through discipline, by which He seeks to awaken and restore His people to true worship.
What might be the relationship between sincerity of worship and how well people in a church get along? How does worship relate to other areas of life? _______________________________________________________
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II. Who’s In Charge? (Isa. 29:15-16)
Reflect for a moment on whether you or God is in charge of these areas of your life: family, job, leisure time, ministry, and finances.
As we read, consider how can acknowledging God’s sovereignty and giving priority to His purposes enable us to better discern God’s will?_________________________________________________________________
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Believing we can conceal anything from God reveals an ignorance of His infinite knowledge. To have such a belief is to view God as a mere mortal. God can and does hide knowledge from people (Isa. 29:10-12), but we cannot hide anything from Him. Those who act contrary to God’s will and think they do so in secrecy are doomed to discover God sees all and knows all.
Verse 16 gives an illustration that was familiar to the people of Isaiah’s day. They were accustomed to seeing a potter take a lump of clay and mold it into whatever he desired. What happened to the clay was entirely in the mind and hands of the potter. The deluded, rebellious people of Judah thought they were the potters and God was the clay. They assumed they knew more than God and believed they could conceal information from Him. These people foolishly assumed they had a superior position over God. Isaiah attempted to awaken them out of their ignorance before it was too late.
What might be some results of failing to acknowledge that God is in charge? _________________________
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As created beings and sinners, our knowledge of God is limited. Having complete knowledge of God in our minds is as impossible as putting the volume of the oceans in a tea cup. To think otherwise is to forget how great God is and that He alone is in charge of this world! Yet, many today assume the role of potter in their lives and pursue independence from God. They fail to acknowledge God as their Creator and do not submit to His will. They sin, believing God either does not know or does not care. One day their false view of reality will be corrected by divine judgment.
Wise believers today acknowledge God as their Creator and seek to please Him at all times. They realize they were created to know and to serve God. They seek to have the Potter mold them and make them in the image of His Son Jesus Christ.
III. Who Knows Best? (Isa. 30:1-3)
As we read, listen for evidences that Judah was not aligned with God’s will. What specific results might there be for failing to follow God’s will, as well as positive results of following God’s will?
What steps do we need to take daily as we try to discern God’s will?_________________________________
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To whom or to what might people seek when they need help in making decisions? How might people be persuaded that God knows best? ______________________________________________________________
People today encounter many threats to their physical and mental security. Many feel overwhelmed by pressures at work and home, and they make tragic decisions. They believe what many philosophies and world religions teach about truth coming from within, and believe on self-reliance for deliverance. Others turn to others as saviors only to discover they too are weak and powerless to save. Examples: _________________
___________________. Others tragically turn to alcohol, drugs, or other diversions and make problems worse.
Such decisions are based on arrogance. People falsely assume they know what’s best for their own lives. They fail to acknowledge God knows and always is interested in what is best. To fail to trust in the Lord is to reject the only Source of limitless power and the only One who can help us overcome our problems.
IV. What Should We Do? (Isa. 30:15-18)
As we read consider that we can follow God’s will by patiently, consistently, and confidently trusting Him to lead us rather than by taking actions that seem good to us, humanly speaking.
Believers know that God always does what is right and they can relax by faith in His promises. Sometimes their deliverance will mean avoidance of conflict, and at other times it will mean victory in conflict. Our part is to trust in the Lord and do His will. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us, and we can know He will provide a way to safety.
What can you do in times of danger or need to ensure that you are trusting in God alone for help?
1. We can begin to discern the Lord’s will by worshiping Him in spirit and in truth.
2. We can discern the Lord’s will by acknowledging Him as our Maker and by giving priority to His purposes.
3. We can find the Lord’s will when with obedient hearts we daily ask for His guidance.
4. We follow God’s will as we patiently, consistently, and confidently trust Him to show us the way instead of merely taking actions that seem good to us.
Therefore the LORD is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the LORD is a just God. Happy are all who wait patiently for Him. What assurance can be gleaned from Isaiah 30:18?
Consider a problem or major decision you are facing. Consider ways you will discern God’s will in seeking a solution. Then ask God to help you to be patient and confident as you seek to discern His will for your specific situations in your life.
March 28, 2009 at 7:20 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
For the fool says in his heart, “God does not exist.” They are corrupt; their actions are revolting. There is no one who does good. The Lord looks down from heaven on the human race to see if there is one who is wise, who seeks God. All have turned away; all alike have become corrupt. There is no one who does good, not even one. Psalm 14:1-3
Why would David the great King of Israel include this psalm in his collection, declaring no one does good, not even one, meaning “me?” All of us, no matter how devout and devoted to God we feel we are, arriveat a point in our life when we venture off the righteous ways of God to seek to walk on our own. Even David turned his eyes off God and found temptation too alluring to avoid by his own strength. The results were devastating to him, his family, and eventually the people of Israel.
What is the relevance of this psalm to you and I? Well the Bible is clear as it echoes throughout its pages, there is none who does good, according to God;s standard of goodness; there are none that are thus righteous, acoording to God’s righteousness. So what hope do we have then? We have the same hope that David realized as he sought deliverance from His Lord: salvation comes only from the Lord and nothing that we can do because none of us can be good nor righteous like God, and thus deserve to stand before God. Thankfully, God knew this about the man He created from the beginning of time and laid out a plan for man: a plan that allows those humble enough to realize that no one could achieve heaven on their own. God provided deliverance or salvation as a gift of love to be received by faith, and even sent this message through His anointed unique Son, Christ Jesus.
So, the conclusion is this: do not beat yourself up for stumbling! We all will stumble as we wander off the pathway God desires for us, but He allows us to confess our shortcomings and turn back to Him and His ways because His love is eternal. Do not beat yourself up, turn your eyes up and find God smiling upon your life once again. That is what God’s love is all about.
Coach
March 27, 2009 at 5:30 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times. You, Lord, will guard us; You will protect us from this generation forever. Psalm 12: 6-7
With all the propaganda that the world throws out to us, what can we believe? Who can we turn to for the truth? People have agendas and biases that filter their truth, where can we go to avoid lies and selfish versions of what people call the truth? Well, the answer is simple: go to the source of all truth - GOD! Gnostics and Skeptics believe truth is not knowable, but they rely on man-made truth to recognize genuine truth, no wonder they also cannot recognize the source of genuine truth. GOD is the author of all things including what is truth and everything that man tries to understand and explain is a version of God’s perfect truth. To understand that consider why there are so many different church denominations and versions of religion… is that God’s design for diversity or man’s biases and agendas revealed in what their organizations call doctrine or theological beliefs? Am I turning away from organized churches? No, but I am careful to recognize man struggles to understand the author of truth - especially me, and we must stop and seek His Word daily with the help of God’s Holy Spirit to do our best to understand the truths that GOD has given to us to understand in this earthly life. All understanding will not happen this side of heaven, but we can trust in God’s Word on this side of heaven to help guide us.
How about you? Do you invest in the refined perfect Word of God on a daily basis to guide your life, or do you let others interpret it for you and follow along like sheep following along with the others?
Coach
March 26, 2009 at 5:13 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven. His eyes watch; He examines everyone. The Lord examines the righteous and the wicked…For the Lord is righteous; He loves righteous deeds. The upright will see his face. Psalm 11:4-5, 7
Where can anyone hide from God and His watchful concern about us? Two of God’s key traits are His omniscience, which means He is all knowing; and He is omnipresent, which means He is ever everywhere - there is nothing He does not know about, no matter where it may occur. So let us also note the reason God is so vigilant is for our purposes because He has His eyes upon everyone, the wicked and the righteous. Those who are opposing the righteous ways of God are being identified because of their defiance and God’s discipline tries to get their attention before it is too late. For the righteous, those who choose to walk in the ways that please God, God identifies as His own and provides the loving care of His covenant love.
When you think no one is watching and no one will know… think again. God knows, He always knows. God does not expect us to do everything right, but to be trying to be right to please Him. We cannot work our way into His heaven, but our life choices reveal the love we have for what God has done for us thorugh His Son, Christ Jesus.
Coach
March 25, 2009 at 7:35 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Lord, why do You stand so far away? Why do You hide in times of trouble? Psalm 10:1
Why is it that when times of trouble arise, we often blame God. We feel that God’s blessings have been removed and we are left alone to struggle in the world on our own. However, what is the reality? Did God leave us and turn His back on us because of something we did? Or, have we left God by the choices we made, and it is actually us who have turned away from God and His blessings to walk in our own ways? God is absolute love, and true love never quits and walks away. He establishes Himself as the standard of patient endurance in the relationship. We are the ones who fail to live up to the covenant of love God offers us. What can you do? Begin by realizing your present condition and how far you have distanced yourself from God, and remember He sent His Son, Christ Jesus to help us realize how much He loves us. To repent and confess our present reality is our problem will restore our position so that we will find that by turning back to Him we will find Him waiting with loving arms.
March 24, 2009 at 5:13 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
I will thank the Lord with all my heart; I will declare all Your wonderful works. I will rejoice and boast about You; I will sing about Your name, Most High. Psalm 9:1-2
I know how easy it is to boast on ourselves. We certainly desire to exalt ourselves and tell others of our accomplishments. However, who made it possible for you to achieve what you did? Who created you and gifted you so that you may do mighty things? Do you believe that you alone are responsible for your success? When we started out on our quest to be successful we sought God’s help and spoke to Him regularly, but as successful began to take place God got less and less of the credit. I wonder, if you prayed for His help in the beginning, why not give Him the credit He is due for answering your prayers. God is faithful in answering prayers, but we seem less faithful in recognizing Him and thanking Him for those answered prayers. Remember, as quickly as success comes, failure can lurk right behind. Success without humility always sets us up for the big fall. Pride is a huge burden to carry when it carried alone. However when you take pride in the God who helped you and the others He placed in your path to make you the success you have become, then it is a pride others take joy in. When was the last time you boasted on God, the author and perfecter of all things including your abilities and gifts?
Coach
March 23, 2009 at 5:17 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
When I observe Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You set in place, what is man that You remember him, the son of man that You look after him? You made him a little less than God and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him lord over the works of your hands; You put everything under his feet… Psalm 8:3-6
Mankind is the creation of God, special in so many ways, yet so self-centered and self-serving! God created mankind with a unique distinction: created in the likeness of God, yet we are not God, but we want to act like a god and worship ourselves and our accomplishments as if we are equal to God. However, for those who humble themselves, glory and honor are freely given by the Creator of the heavens and earth - GOD! For those who have examined the vastness of the universe and diversity of creation, there is but one response that is possible when it is realized God put mankind in the position of overseer and protector of the rest of creation: humble awe. Yes we are special, but in God’s economy being special means being accountable and responsible. Though we try hard enough to own it all, we never own anything of this world. Whatever we claim as our own is but a gift from God and it reverts back to him when we pass from this world. However, how we handle the role of steward of His creation will be judged one day.
What is your perspective about “things” - yours or God’s? Until you can make your dirt and then create life from it, your role is that of the humble servant to the one who created it all from nothing…
Coach
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