30.11.13
Running with aim
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
For the joy set before him he endured the cross,scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
During the Olympics, people are glued to their television sets, they cheer on their favoured athlete and keenly watch them. It is the same with our lives as Christians. We are in a race with Heavenly Spectators urging us on.
We cannot afford to lose this race, therefore we cannot run anyhow, nor can we run with a heavy load. Any attitude or behaviour that does not please God will hinder our run in this race.
Our eyes have to be on Jesus. We have to stay focused and run with purpose. 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
You have an eternal inheritance and crown(s) dependent on how you run. Therefore by the grace and ability of God, run with aim. You are more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus.
WHAT IS NEXT?
29.11.13
Our Great Support!
From the very first day that a sinner repents and is saved, he or she receives great support and backing from Heaven.
Luke 15:10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
God has not left any of His Children on their own. He cares for us and is within us as His Holy Spirit. He has also given to us angels to minister to us - Hebrews 1:14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
Elijah experienced this in a profound manner and was assured that he had more invisibly on his side than on the side of his physical enemies. 2 Kings 6:17 And Elisha prayed, "Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
When everyone was afraid of dying through a ship wreck, Paul was confident no one would die, because he was assured of support, protection and backing from above. Acts 27:23-24 Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.
DO NOT EVER BE AFRAID, YOU HAVE IMMENSE SUPPORT AND PROTECTION!!
WHAT IS NEXT?
Luke 15:10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
God has not left any of His Children on their own. He cares for us and is within us as His Holy Spirit. He has also given to us angels to minister to us - Hebrews 1:14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
Elijah experienced this in a profound manner and was assured that he had more invisibly on his side than on the side of his physical enemies. 2 Kings 6:17 And Elisha prayed, "Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
When everyone was afraid of dying through a ship wreck, Paul was confident no one would die, because he was assured of support, protection and backing from above. Acts 27:23-24 Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.
DO NOT EVER BE AFRAID, YOU HAVE IMMENSE SUPPORT AND PROTECTION!!
WHAT IS NEXT?
28.11.13
The Hand of God.
The Hand of God glorifies -1 Peter 5:6 - Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.
Promotion comes from on high - No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves. It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another. Psalm 75:6-7
The Blessings of God makes rich, and He adds no sorrow to it. Therefore keep your heart and mind on God. He holds your elevation. The type that comes without sorrow.
Do not compare yourself with others. 2 Corinthians 10:12 - We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.
God is His own time shall make all things beautiful in your life.
WHAT IS NEXT?
27.11.13
More than we expect
Ephesians 3:20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Joseph was longing to be released from prison. I guess he had learnt from one disappointment to another not to raise his hopes. His dream after dream had been dashed. He believed in God, in spite of it all, and hoped all his sufferings would one day end.
God knew Joseph's thoughts. God heard his plea to the King's butler to make mention of him to the King so he could be granted amnesty from prison. Unknown to Joseph, he was walking with the Lord that does exceedingly above what we ask or think.
Joseph only wanted freedom from imprisonment. Yet God gave him more - freedom and elevation, as well as a re-union with his lost family. God is still in the business of surprising us by blessing us beyond our wildest dreams.
Keep having faith. Keep serving God! Keep praising His Holy name, for no eye has seen, no ear has heard what God has in store for you who love Him.
WHAT IS NEXT?
Joseph was longing to be released from prison. I guess he had learnt from one disappointment to another not to raise his hopes. His dream after dream had been dashed. He believed in God, in spite of it all, and hoped all his sufferings would one day end.
God knew Joseph's thoughts. God heard his plea to the King's butler to make mention of him to the King so he could be granted amnesty from prison. Unknown to Joseph, he was walking with the Lord that does exceedingly above what we ask or think.
Joseph only wanted freedom from imprisonment. Yet God gave him more - freedom and elevation, as well as a re-union with his lost family. God is still in the business of surprising us by blessing us beyond our wildest dreams.
Keep having faith. Keep serving God! Keep praising His Holy name, for no eye has seen, no ear has heard what God has in store for you who love Him.
WHAT IS NEXT?
26.11.13
The fullness of time - Part 2
Psalm 105:16-19 He called down famine on the land and destroyed all their supplies of food; and he sent a man before them- Joseph, sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons, till what he foretold came to pass, till the word of the Lord proved him true.
When the fullness of time came, God caused the King's butler to remember his promise to Joseph to mention him to the King. When he did mention Joseph to Pharaoh, Joseph was called.
God gave Joseph the interpretation of Pharaoh's dream. This brought about his promotion and elevation. When God's time is up, He will cause all you need to be provided. Everything you need for your deliverance and promotion will come to you without struggle.
Joseph thought he had lost his family forever, but God miraculously caused his family to come to him. In the fullness of time, there is restoration and restitution. Blessings and people will chase after you. You shall be recommended for mind blowing services that shall bring honour to God, and help build up God's children.
Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
WHAT IS NEXT?
When the fullness of time came, God caused the King's butler to remember his promise to Joseph to mention him to the King. When he did mention Joseph to Pharaoh, Joseph was called.
God gave Joseph the interpretation of Pharaoh's dream. This brought about his promotion and elevation. When God's time is up, He will cause all you need to be provided. Everything you need for your deliverance and promotion will come to you without struggle.
Joseph thought he had lost his family forever, but God miraculously caused his family to come to him. In the fullness of time, there is restoration and restitution. Blessings and people will chase after you. You shall be recommended for mind blowing services that shall bring honour to God, and help build up God's children.
Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
WHAT IS NEXT?
25.11.13
The fullness of time - Part 1
Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
God often reveals the end of a matter, but the actual steps to the end are not always known. We do know in part. God loves mystery, for His very existence is a mystery. When Job spoke bitterly, God challenged him with questions of mysterious happenings that were known to only Him - God!
Joseph caught a glimpse of his end, but was not privy to the suffering that he was about to face. In the end it all came together, and he was able to say: God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. Genesis 45:7
God was working in, and for Joseph all along. He was preparing him for leadership and at the same time, God was making plans to preserve His children, the Israelites, from dying of hunger. Altogether it took the pain and suffering of Joseph to test his heart, and to place him where he could proffer the best of help to Israel.
WHAT IS NEXT?
God often reveals the end of a matter, but the actual steps to the end are not always known. We do know in part. God loves mystery, for His very existence is a mystery. When Job spoke bitterly, God challenged him with questions of mysterious happenings that were known to only Him - God!
Joseph caught a glimpse of his end, but was not privy to the suffering that he was about to face. In the end it all came together, and he was able to say: God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. Genesis 45:7
God was working in, and for Joseph all along. He was preparing him for leadership and at the same time, God was making plans to preserve His children, the Israelites, from dying of hunger. Altogether it took the pain and suffering of Joseph to test his heart, and to place him where he could proffer the best of help to Israel.
WHAT IS NEXT?
24.11.13
Trusting in God alone
Jeremiah 17:5 This is what the LORD says: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the LORD.
As physical beings, it is easier to appreciate what we can see, touch, hear and feel. God is Omnipresent, but cannot be seen with our physical eyes, and this can make it difficult for some humans to trust and appreciate His presence. It is easier to put our trust in our fellow human beings.
However, God will have us to trust fully in Him. Joseph as a teenager was surrounded by his family. He was much loved by his father, and was the envy of his ten brothers. Yet God allowed him to be stripped off everything he took pride in.
He lost his family, became a slave in a foreign land, was falsely accused of attempted rape and imprisoned. Saddled with betrayals, Joseph's only hope was God. All around him he witnessed the lies and untrustworthiness of the human heart.
When Joseph had learnt how not to trust his fellow human, God came through with His deliverance and supernatural blessing and provision. The man at the pool of Bethesda had come to a point where he realised that he was not going to receive any help from man. At that point in time, Jesus, thus God, stepped in and helped him.
John 5:6-9 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.
Keep trusting in God, He never fails!
WHAT IS NEXT?
As physical beings, it is easier to appreciate what we can see, touch, hear and feel. God is Omnipresent, but cannot be seen with our physical eyes, and this can make it difficult for some humans to trust and appreciate His presence. It is easier to put our trust in our fellow human beings.
However, God will have us to trust fully in Him. Joseph as a teenager was surrounded by his family. He was much loved by his father, and was the envy of his ten brothers. Yet God allowed him to be stripped off everything he took pride in.
He lost his family, became a slave in a foreign land, was falsely accused of attempted rape and imprisoned. Saddled with betrayals, Joseph's only hope was God. All around him he witnessed the lies and untrustworthiness of the human heart.
When Joseph had learnt how not to trust his fellow human, God came through with His deliverance and supernatural blessing and provision. The man at the pool of Bethesda had come to a point where he realised that he was not going to receive any help from man. At that point in time, Jesus, thus God, stepped in and helped him.
John 5:6-9 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.
Keep trusting in God, He never fails!
WHAT IS NEXT?
23.11.13
Dead situations
God's glory is best revealed when He miraculously brings life to a dead situation. When the Shunammite woman's son died, it looked like the end for her son, but she kept her faith and hopes high. God worked a miracle and the dead boy rose up from the dead. 2 Kings 4:8-37
God is master over lifeless situations. When the Earth was formless, empty and dark, God made all the beautiful things we see around us. He created great things out of nothing!
To all the men gathered at the house of Jarius, it was all over for the daughter of Jarius. She was dead so they told him not to bother Jesus. Jesus knew that nothing was impossible with God. He therefore urged Jarius on, and told him not to be afraid, but to only believe. In the end, Jesus raised up Jarius's dead daughter. Mark 5: 35-43.
Don't be afraid if you are faced with a dead situation. Just like Jesus told Jarius, do not be afraid, only believe. God can bring life to it. ONLY BELIEVE!
WHAT IS NEXT?
God is master over lifeless situations. When the Earth was formless, empty and dark, God made all the beautiful things we see around us. He created great things out of nothing!
To all the men gathered at the house of Jarius, it was all over for the daughter of Jarius. She was dead so they told him not to bother Jesus. Jesus knew that nothing was impossible with God. He therefore urged Jarius on, and told him not to be afraid, but to only believe. In the end, Jesus raised up Jarius's dead daughter. Mark 5: 35-43.
Don't be afraid if you are faced with a dead situation. Just like Jesus told Jarius, do not be afraid, only believe. God can bring life to it. ONLY BELIEVE!
WHAT IS NEXT?
22.11.13
Knowing God!
David faced Goliath boldly because of his relationship with God. He had seen God in action when the lion came at his sheep. He saw how God strengthened him to kill the lion, hence he knew God as the Mighty warrior.
Daniel loved the presence of God, and would not forsake it. He knew God as being ever present. God did not disappoint him. He was with him even in the lion's den.
Peter saw the miracles of Jesus and believed Him as the miracle worker. At the gate called beautiful, Peter invited Jesus to work a miracle, and by that a cripple walked.
Have you been walking with God? What do you know Him as? God shall become to you as you perceive Him. We must therefore ensure that our perception of God tallies with who He is in His Word.
God has many names . Choose which one defines the relationship you have with Him.
WHAT IS NEXT?
Daniel loved the presence of God, and would not forsake it. He knew God as being ever present. God did not disappoint him. He was with him even in the lion's den.
Peter saw the miracles of Jesus and believed Him as the miracle worker. At the gate called beautiful, Peter invited Jesus to work a miracle, and by that a cripple walked.
Have you been walking with God? What do you know Him as? God shall become to you as you perceive Him. We must therefore ensure that our perception of God tallies with who He is in His Word.
God has many names . Choose which one defines the relationship you have with Him.
WHAT IS NEXT?
21.11.13
Gratefulness
When we thank God for little, we shall receive more. Jesus needed to feed five thousand men, aside women and children. All He found was five loaves of bread and two fish. He gave thanks and shared it. It was enough for everyone, with left over.
Matthew 14:19-20 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.
Sometimes we may not have all we need. However if we thank God for what we have, we shall receive what we need. We ought to be grateful unto God, praising and thanking Him.
In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:18.
WHAT IS NEXT?
20.11.13
Glorious fixing!
God is able to fix that which man has declared unfixable. He caused Sarah who was past her menopause to give birth. He fixed her up and made a comfortable home for Isaac in her womb.
When the Israelites saw their enemies approaching, they felt it was over for them. They considered it their end, for their enemies were approaching and the seas looked set to swallow them. However, God found a way to fix what His children considered a lost cause. He delivered the Israelites, causing seas to rise up as walls for them to go through.
What are you struggling with that appears unfixable? Turn it to the great one - God Almighty, and He shall fix it for you. Nothing is too broken in His sight . He caused skeletons and dry dead bones to become a mighty army : Ezekiel 37:1-14.
Let go and let God fix it for you!
WHAT IS NEXT?
19.11.13
Never too late!
We are not Omniscient, God is! Due to your limited knowledge, we are liable to make mistakes. Making a mistake, even a profound one, should not be the end for us. We ought to learn to get up after we have fallen down. We must be able to say - "This is not the way to go."
The Prodigal son after prematurely acquiring his inheritance and getting himself into a rut, woke up one day whilst eating the food of pigs and said - "This is not the way to go." When he made a decision to change direction, everything fell in place. He gained back his position as a son of a rich Father.
The thief who was dying by Jesus on the cross, at the eleventh hour, made a good decision as he reflected -"This is not the way to go." As he pleaded with Jesus to remember him, he was promised an eternity in paradise. The thief realised it was not over until it was over.
Do you feel as if you have made unpardonable mistakes in life. Is your life seemingly so messed up that you think there is no hope. There is hope for your future says the Lord. Turn to God, repent where necessary, make a turn around, and a decision to walk aright.
God will make a new right way in the wilderness and cause rivers to flow in your desert.
WHAT IS NEXT?
The Prodigal son after prematurely acquiring his inheritance and getting himself into a rut, woke up one day whilst eating the food of pigs and said - "This is not the way to go." When he made a decision to change direction, everything fell in place. He gained back his position as a son of a rich Father.
The thief who was dying by Jesus on the cross, at the eleventh hour, made a good decision as he reflected -"This is not the way to go." As he pleaded with Jesus to remember him, he was promised an eternity in paradise. The thief realised it was not over until it was over.
Do you feel as if you have made unpardonable mistakes in life. Is your life seemingly so messed up that you think there is no hope. There is hope for your future says the Lord. Turn to God, repent where necessary, make a turn around, and a decision to walk aright.
God will make a new right way in the wilderness and cause rivers to flow in your desert.
WHAT IS NEXT?
18.11.13
Obedience pays!
Isaiah 65:24 I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!
When we walk in obedience to God, and as long as we remain in Jesus, clothed in His righteousness, our prayers exude a pleasant aroma before God. He tends to take delight in us and in our prayers.
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
When God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, he obeyed. Abraham had attained righteousness through his faith and obedience to God. At this test, his step of faith and act of obedience pleased God, and before Abraham could even think of asking God, He provided an animal for the sacrifice.
When we are willing and able to lay down our own treasures in exchange for Godly treasure, we prompt God into swiftly providing our needs, even without our asking.
Let us walk in obedience to God. As we seek first His Kingdom and righteousness, all other things shall be added unto us....even before we ask for them.
WHAT IS NEXT?
When we walk in obedience to God, and as long as we remain in Jesus, clothed in His righteousness, our prayers exude a pleasant aroma before God. He tends to take delight in us and in our prayers.
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
When God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, he obeyed. Abraham had attained righteousness through his faith and obedience to God. At this test, his step of faith and act of obedience pleased God, and before Abraham could even think of asking God, He provided an animal for the sacrifice.
When we are willing and able to lay down our own treasures in exchange for Godly treasure, we prompt God into swiftly providing our needs, even without our asking.
Let us walk in obedience to God. As we seek first His Kingdom and righteousness, all other things shall be added unto us....even before we ask for them.
WHAT IS NEXT?
17.11.13
Guarding our thoughts and words.
You only have to read some of the prophesies that God gave through the prophets of old to know that God is a great poet. He has a way with words.
Words are powerful. God created the World with His Words. The words we speak can have an effect on our lives. What we say reflects what we think, and what is in our hearts. Jesus said in Luke 6:45 that For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A great poet that lived put it explicitly :
If You Think You are Beaten – by Walter D. Wintle
If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don’t.
If you’d like to win but think you can’t,
It’s almost certain you won’t.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But sooner or later, the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can.
We have to watch what we allow to become our thoughts. We have to control what we think on/about. We also have to be careful of what enters our hearts.
If we allow thoughts of being defeated, we will act defeated, and become defeated. And if we entertain positive thoughts, and speak positively, we shall have positive results.
WHAT IS NEXT?
Words are powerful. God created the World with His Words. The words we speak can have an effect on our lives. What we say reflects what we think, and what is in our hearts. Jesus said in Luke 6:45 that For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A great poet that lived put it explicitly :
If You Think You are Beaten – by Walter D. Wintle
If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don’t.
If you’d like to win but think you can’t,
It’s almost certain you won’t.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But sooner or later, the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can.
We have to watch what we allow to become our thoughts. We have to control what we think on/about. We also have to be careful of what enters our hearts.
If we allow thoughts of being defeated, we will act defeated, and become defeated. And if we entertain positive thoughts, and speak positively, we shall have positive results.
WHAT IS NEXT?
16.11.13
Guarding truth -Part 2
John 16:13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
John 14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
1 John 2:20-21 But you have an anointing from the Holy One,and all of you know the truth. I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth.
The Holy Spirit in us is truth. He is God. When we have Him, we have the truth of God. He is essential if we are going to walk in truth. For He is the only one that can teach us truth. After we have embraced Jesus, who is the way, the truth and life, we have to walk with the one whom Jesus has delegated to replace His being on Earth - His Holy Spirit.
Pray for an infilling of God's Spirit. Pray that you will walk faithfully with God's Holy Spirit and be able to follow his guidance and teachings. He will safeguard you from wandering away from the truth of God, and keep you in the Kingdom of God.
WHAT IS NEXT?
John 14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
1 John 2:20-21 But you have an anointing from the Holy One,and all of you know the truth. I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth.
The Holy Spirit in us is truth. He is God. When we have Him, we have the truth of God. He is essential if we are going to walk in truth. For He is the only one that can teach us truth. After we have embraced Jesus, who is the way, the truth and life, we have to walk with the one whom Jesus has delegated to replace His being on Earth - His Holy Spirit.
Pray for an infilling of God's Spirit. Pray that you will walk faithfully with God's Holy Spirit and be able to follow his guidance and teachings. He will safeguard you from wandering away from the truth of God, and keep you in the Kingdom of God.
WHAT IS NEXT?
15.11.13
Guarding truth- Part 1
Matthew 4:1-11
When Jesus was tempted by the devil, the Word of God was quoted by both satan and Jesus. This exposed a great truth that satan and his kingdom misquote the Word of God.
We have to diligently study God's Word. This is because satan and his kingdom are still in the business of distorting God's Word and shrewdly presenting it as truth. The devil quoted true scriptures of God, but cunningly used them in the wrong concept.
The Lord Jesus was sound in his knowledge of God's Word. In fact, He is the Word of God - John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
God's truth is simple, but can easily evade us. This is because the devil is working tediously to distort the truth of God. Unless we regard the Holy Spirit whom Jesus left on Earth to teach us and lead us into all truth, we can easily be misled.
WHAT IS NEXT?
When Jesus was tempted by the devil, the Word of God was quoted by both satan and Jesus. This exposed a great truth that satan and his kingdom misquote the Word of God.
We have to diligently study God's Word. This is because satan and his kingdom are still in the business of distorting God's Word and shrewdly presenting it as truth. The devil quoted true scriptures of God, but cunningly used them in the wrong concept.
The Lord Jesus was sound in his knowledge of God's Word. In fact, He is the Word of God - John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
God's truth is simple, but can easily evade us. This is because the devil is working tediously to distort the truth of God. Unless we regard the Holy Spirit whom Jesus left on Earth to teach us and lead us into all truth, we can easily be misled.
WHAT IS NEXT?
14.11.13
Discern deception
Acts 16:16-18 Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling.
She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.
The little girl was declaring what was true, but through a false medium or spirit. Paul and Silas were indeed servants of the Most High God showing the way of salvation. This truth is confirmed in the following scriptures: Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness.
Paul,a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God. Romans 1:1. We are in a time and age where deception is on the ascendancy. As children of God, we must not be moved by people who can reveal every secret in our lives. Rather, we ought to be interested in the spirit by which they speak.
As we walk in the Spirit, that is, as we walk closely with God and with His Holy Spirit, He will help us discern what is of Him and what isn't. We may feel an uneasiness or annoyance like Paul felt, or we may hear God speak clearly to us, or cause a scriptural truth to pop up in our minds when confronted with deception, the kind that is wrapped up in truth, making it difficult to discern.
God is able to help us see through the lies of the devil, if only we would walk closely with Him, and be sensitive to His guidance.
Pray for God to open your ears to His voice and guidance; your heart and eyes to His truth; and to make your feet swift to follow His Word and voice.
WHAT IS NEXT?
She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.
The little girl was declaring what was true, but through a false medium or spirit. Paul and Silas were indeed servants of the Most High God showing the way of salvation. This truth is confirmed in the following scriptures: Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness.
Paul,a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God. Romans 1:1. We are in a time and age where deception is on the ascendancy. As children of God, we must not be moved by people who can reveal every secret in our lives. Rather, we ought to be interested in the spirit by which they speak.
As we walk in the Spirit, that is, as we walk closely with God and with His Holy Spirit, He will help us discern what is of Him and what isn't. We may feel an uneasiness or annoyance like Paul felt, or we may hear God speak clearly to us, or cause a scriptural truth to pop up in our minds when confronted with deception, the kind that is wrapped up in truth, making it difficult to discern.
God is able to help us see through the lies of the devil, if only we would walk closely with Him, and be sensitive to His guidance.
Pray for God to open your ears to His voice and guidance; your heart and eyes to His truth; and to make your feet swift to follow His Word and voice.
WHAT IS NEXT?
13.11.13
Murmur not!
1 Corinthians 10:10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
God takes murmuring very badly. He is God and expects us to trust Him no matter what we go through. God wants us not to fret, but to come to Him with whatever bothers us. He wants us to praise Him at all times. Through pain and joy we must be thankful.
God restrained some of His children from entering the promised land because of their murmurings. Do not allow the sin of murmuring to keep you from enjoying God's promises.
Do all things without complaining. This is the command of God to us all.
WHAT IS NEXT?
12.11.13
The fruitful servant.
John 15:1-2;4-6 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.
It is only in Jesus that we can bear good fruits. We must be in fellowship and communion with Jesus to be able to be fruitful children of God. Being fruitful starts with making Jesus your Lord and personal Saviour and ends with keeping Him daily as your Lord and Saviour.
Jesus must have the upper hand. You must submit to His Lordship and do His will. Then can you be fruitful. If you choose to be your own person, following your own ideas and succumbing to your own personal whims, you will wither and die. To be without Christ is death.
Life starts and ends with Jesus. There is no fruitfulness without Jesus. Though on earth, you may enjoy certain pleasures without Jesus, the end will be death and dryness.
Stay connected to life and fruitfulness. Stay connected to Jesus!
WHAT IS NEXT?
11.11.13
Fruitfulness
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
It takes humility to put aside things we consider important to our daily fare, to pray and seek God. From the above scripture, we realise that people called by the name of God, in other words, children of God can have their land sickened with all sorts of ills.
The land or inheritance of the righteous is supposed to be a fruitful one - Psalm 1:3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.
To experience this, we must not only know God and be called by His name. We must be God seekers who pray to God with humility. We have to forsake sin. Then alone shall our prayers be pleasant in His ears, for Him to rain blessings that will water any draught on our land.
Pray and keep praying! Humbly seek God and keep seeking Him as a treasure. Turn away from sin and God will prosper your path and life.
WHAT IS NEXT?
It takes humility to put aside things we consider important to our daily fare, to pray and seek God. From the above scripture, we realise that people called by the name of God, in other words, children of God can have their land sickened with all sorts of ills.
The land or inheritance of the righteous is supposed to be a fruitful one - Psalm 1:3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.
To experience this, we must not only know God and be called by His name. We must be God seekers who pray to God with humility. We have to forsake sin. Then alone shall our prayers be pleasant in His ears, for Him to rain blessings that will water any draught on our land.
Pray and keep praying! Humbly seek God and keep seeking Him as a treasure. Turn away from sin and God will prosper your path and life.
WHAT IS NEXT?
10.11.13
The Power of Negotiation
The art of negotiation is a powerful tool if mastered. Abraham used it to save his nephew, Lot, from being destroyed in Sodom and Gomorrah - Genesis 18:22-32.
When God was angry with the Israelites and wanted to destroy them, Moses interceded for them by negotiating with God, until God repented of the destruction He had planned to bring upon them - Exodus 32:9-14.
In our walk with God, we may face situations that are contrary to the Promises of God for our lives. We may seem to be subdued by enemies or set backs, and need to take back what is ours by declarations and negotiations. We ought to go to God and negotiate according to the terms of His Covenant with us, and we need to stand upon the promises of God and declare to the enemy to let go our lot.
Daniel negotiated with God through repentance, fasting and prayer, when he realised that the time for Israel to come out of captivity was overdue. Daniel 9-10. Daniel understood by the scriptures what was due Israel.
We ought to therefore study the scriptures to know what we are entitled to, lest we be tossed about and lied to by the enemy. The Holy Spirit is our teacher, pray that He shall grant you an understanding of the Word of God.
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.
WHAT IS NEXT?
When God was angry with the Israelites and wanted to destroy them, Moses interceded for them by negotiating with God, until God repented of the destruction He had planned to bring upon them - Exodus 32:9-14.
In our walk with God, we may face situations that are contrary to the Promises of God for our lives. We may seem to be subdued by enemies or set backs, and need to take back what is ours by declarations and negotiations. We ought to go to God and negotiate according to the terms of His Covenant with us, and we need to stand upon the promises of God and declare to the enemy to let go our lot.
Daniel negotiated with God through repentance, fasting and prayer, when he realised that the time for Israel to come out of captivity was overdue. Daniel 9-10. Daniel understood by the scriptures what was due Israel.
We ought to therefore study the scriptures to know what we are entitled to, lest we be tossed about and lied to by the enemy. The Holy Spirit is our teacher, pray that He shall grant you an understanding of the Word of God.
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.
WHAT IS NEXT?
9.11.13
The act of communication
Good friends communicate with each other. They talk to one another, as well as listen to each other. That is the kind of relationship God wants to have with us.
God desires that we spend time talking to Him in prayer - men ought to pray and not faint. We have to pray without ceasing.
God loves to listen to us - The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; It is said of God -
You who hear prayer, to you all men will come.
As a loving Father and friend, God expects us to listen to Him when He talks to us - My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
Take time to talk to God, and to listen to Him.
WHAT IS NEXT?
God desires that we spend time talking to Him in prayer - men ought to pray and not faint. We have to pray without ceasing.
God loves to listen to us - The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; It is said of God -
You who hear prayer, to you all men will come.
As a loving Father and friend, God expects us to listen to Him when He talks to us - My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
Take time to talk to God, and to listen to Him.
WHAT IS NEXT?
8.11.13
Faith to defeat giants
When the twelve spies were sent to survey the promised land, ten of them sent a negative feedback saying they were like grasshoppers before giants in the land. However, two of them believed otherwise. Joshua and Caleb believed that with God, they were well able to defeat the giants.
Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good.
If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.” Numbers 14:6-9
They held on to their belief and true to their faith, they were the only two out of the twelve spies that inherited the promised land. Numbers 14:38 Of the men who went to explore the land, only Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh survived.
Hold on to God's promise. Have faith and you will live to enjoy what God has promised.
WHAT IS NEXT?
Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good.
If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.” Numbers 14:6-9
They held on to their belief and true to their faith, they were the only two out of the twelve spies that inherited the promised land. Numbers 14:38 Of the men who went to explore the land, only Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh survived.
Hold on to God's promise. Have faith and you will live to enjoy what God has promised.
WHAT IS NEXT?
7.11.13
Little steps of faith.
2 Kings 7:3-7
Four hungry lepers took a step of faith. It was humanly a great step of faith because they gathered courage to enter their enemies camp. They took little steps with their leprous feet and achieved a great feat.
God honoured their step of faith by causing their noiseless leprous feet to sound like that of a mighty army - At dusk they got up and went to the camp of the Arameans. When they reached the edge of the camp, no one was there, for the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel has hired the Hittite and Egyptian kings to attack us!” So they got up and fled in the dusk and abandoned their tents and their horses and donkeys. They left the camp as it was and ran for their lives.
Today, conquer your fears and take a bold step of faith in line with God's word and He shall honour your act of faith.
WHAT IS NEXT?
Four hungry lepers took a step of faith. It was humanly a great step of faith because they gathered courage to enter their enemies camp. They took little steps with their leprous feet and achieved a great feat.
God honoured their step of faith by causing their noiseless leprous feet to sound like that of a mighty army - At dusk they got up and went to the camp of the Arameans. When they reached the edge of the camp, no one was there, for the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel has hired the Hittite and Egyptian kings to attack us!” So they got up and fled in the dusk and abandoned their tents and their horses and donkeys. They left the camp as it was and ran for their lives.
Today, conquer your fears and take a bold step of faith in line with God's word and He shall honour your act of faith.
WHAT IS NEXT?
6.11.13
Being Spirit led.
Acts 8:29 The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”
Acts 10:19-20 While Peter was still thinking about the vision,the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”
Acts 13:2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
Acts 16:6-7 Paul and his companions travelled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.
Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit. John 16:13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
The Holy Spirit led the early Christians as we have seen above. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, and is still in the business of leading us into every truth. We must acknowledge Him and listen for His Guidance. He is real and every believer of Jesus must yearn for a closer relationship with Him.
We cannot live a victorious Christian life without the Holy Spirit. The impact we ought to make as Christians lessens when we leave the Holy Spirit out of the equation.
Pray for a refreshing relationship with the Holy Spirit. Pray and ask for His guidance. Pray for Him to teach you, to counsel you and to comfort you. And lastly, to discern His voice.
WHAT IS NEXT?
Acts 10:19-20 While Peter was still thinking about the vision,the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”
Acts 13:2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
Acts 16:6-7 Paul and his companions travelled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.
Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit. John 16:13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
The Holy Spirit led the early Christians as we have seen above. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, and is still in the business of leading us into every truth. We must acknowledge Him and listen for His Guidance. He is real and every believer of Jesus must yearn for a closer relationship with Him.
We cannot live a victorious Christian life without the Holy Spirit. The impact we ought to make as Christians lessens when we leave the Holy Spirit out of the equation.
Pray for a refreshing relationship with the Holy Spirit. Pray and ask for His guidance. Pray for Him to teach you, to counsel you and to comfort you. And lastly, to discern His voice.
WHAT IS NEXT?
5.11.13
Seize the moment!
In Jerusalem, a pool called Bethesda was stirred infrequently by an angel. The first to get in the pool was healed. Jesus went there and noticed a man who had been there a long time - thirty-eight years.
When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”
You would have expected this man to have seized the moment to say yes. But he had been in that pathetic condition for far too long that he could not see beyond it. So he answered - The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”
There are many times that being faced with unpleasant situations, we continually long for change. We may be overwhelmed by the situation and this can blind us to the possible door that can take us out of the unfortunate condition or situation.
God is a God of the now. He calls on us to forget about the past and concentrate on the now. It does not matter where we have been or what we have done. It is inconsequential what stands in our way, or what is against us. Jesus is well able to bring enormous change and make a remarkable and miraculous difference.
Jesus seized the moment and helped the man out of his misery - Jesus said to him,r “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.
Just like Jesus, we have to know when it is time to stop being bothered about the past. We have to look to God and hear about what He has for us. If our minds are set on our troubles, it can prevent us from seeing the solution God is presenting to us.
So “Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old.Behold, I will do a new thing,Now it shall spring forth;Shall you not know it?
WHAT IS NEXT?
When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”
You would have expected this man to have seized the moment to say yes. But he had been in that pathetic condition for far too long that he could not see beyond it. So he answered - The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”
There are many times that being faced with unpleasant situations, we continually long for change. We may be overwhelmed by the situation and this can blind us to the possible door that can take us out of the unfortunate condition or situation.
God is a God of the now. He calls on us to forget about the past and concentrate on the now. It does not matter where we have been or what we have done. It is inconsequential what stands in our way, or what is against us. Jesus is well able to bring enormous change and make a remarkable and miraculous difference.
Jesus seized the moment and helped the man out of his misery - Jesus said to him,r “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.
Just like Jesus, we have to know when it is time to stop being bothered about the past. We have to look to God and hear about what He has for us. If our minds are set on our troubles, it can prevent us from seeing the solution God is presenting to us.
So “Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old.Behold, I will do a new thing,Now it shall spring forth;Shall you not know it?
WHAT IS NEXT?
4.11.13
Enemies within!
Matthew 10:36 A man's enemies will be the members of his own household.
Abel was killed by his own jealous brother. Esau was betrayed by his brother and mother. Jacob's own uncle deceived him into marrying Leah. Joseph experienced enormous pain because his brothers sold him into slavery.
David faced numerous let downs by family members - Amnon raped his sister. Absalom killed Amnon, and proceeded with sabotaging his father's throne and abusing his concubines.
Jesus was sold to be killed by one of his own - Judas. Many times, we assume that enemies are afar off. But the devil often uses those that are close. He uses what and whom has access to us to wind us up, discourage us and frustrate us.
He also uses what is within our hearts to mislead us. The fall of Absalom was the enemy of bitterness within him. The fall of Saul was the enemy of jealousy within him. The fall of Judas, Ananias and Saphira were the enemies of greed within them.
What do you have within you that can cause your fall? Ephesians reminds us - Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
WHAT IS NEXT?
3.11.13
Know your enemies.
Jesus knew Judas was not on his side, but Samson was oblivious of the schemings of Delilah against him. Her betrayal took him by surprise.
As Christians, the enemy schemes against us all the time. 1 Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
He uses people, events and circumstances. He uses our flaws and weaknesses. Sometimes the devil uses even our strengths as well to trap us into wrong doings. The devil used the weakness David had for women to lead him into committing adultery and murder. This brought a lot of pain to him and to his family.
If David had discerned Bathsheba as a plot of the enemy, he would have prevented all the sorrow his reign experienced. The Man of God who was killed for disobeying God in 1 Kings 13, died because he failed to discern his enemy was speaking through the Old Prophet.
Jesus was alert in the Spirit. He knew God's purpose and plans for Him. That is why He stood His grounds when Peter tried to dissuade him from his purpose. He told Peter bluntly - " Get thee behind me Satan."
Jesus spent time frequently with His Father, and was sensitive to the voice of His Spirit. We ought to do same so we can identify and discern what the enemy throws at us. Luke 5:16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Jesus made it a point to obey His Father at all times.
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. John 14:31
WHAT IS NEXT?
2.11.13
Guard your relationship with God.
1 Kings 13:9-10 For I was commanded by the word of the Lord: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water or return by the way you came.’” So he took another road and did not return by the way he had come to Bethel.
The man of God in the above scripture knew God and His Voice. He had clearly received directions from God. He was firm with the King about following God's instruction . And yet when an old Prophet gave him new instructions, supposedly, from God, he was swayed to believe them. This led to his untimely death. 1 Kings 13:11-30
We must know and hear God for ourselves. It is good to listen to men and women of God. But please do not put any man's words before the Word of God. For no man is greater than God. No Word is mightier than God's.
When God speaks to you, do not look for human affirmations. Follow God whole heartedly and ensure that you abide by His written Word. God will never go against His written Word. There is nothing wrong with seeking counsel from men, but make sure these elements of counsel go to confirm your own convictions, and the Word of God.
Please spend time with God. Meditate on His Word. Learn to hear His voice, and get to know Him for yourself. There's no trading for a rich personal relationship with God. Do not allow anyone to let you feel inferior in God. In God's eyes you are a qualified candidate to walk closely with Him.
Just believe, and take strides with God!
WHAT IS NEXT?
The man of God in the above scripture knew God and His Voice. He had clearly received directions from God. He was firm with the King about following God's instruction . And yet when an old Prophet gave him new instructions, supposedly, from God, he was swayed to believe them. This led to his untimely death. 1 Kings 13:11-30
We must know and hear God for ourselves. It is good to listen to men and women of God. But please do not put any man's words before the Word of God. For no man is greater than God. No Word is mightier than God's.
When God speaks to you, do not look for human affirmations. Follow God whole heartedly and ensure that you abide by His written Word. God will never go against His written Word. There is nothing wrong with seeking counsel from men, but make sure these elements of counsel go to confirm your own convictions, and the Word of God.
Please spend time with God. Meditate on His Word. Learn to hear His voice, and get to know Him for yourself. There's no trading for a rich personal relationship with God. Do not allow anyone to let you feel inferior in God. In God's eyes you are a qualified candidate to walk closely with Him.
Just believe, and take strides with God!
WHAT IS NEXT?
1.11.13
God's perspective.
1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance,but the Lord looks at the heart.”
God is not a man. He therefore does not see as men see. Samuel saw Eliab as a potential King, God did not. Gideon saw himself as feeble and weak in all aspects, but God saw him as a mighty man of valour.
Sarah had accepted she was a barren woman and therefore laughed when God said she would have a child in a year's time. God saw her as a mother of many ....she became what God said.
Cornelius was a Gentile. The Jews saw him as unclean. Yet to God, Cornelius was dear to Heaven. God's angel said to him -
Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God!
How God sees you matters most. Do not try to read the thoughts of God towards you through the eyes of men. Go to God's Word. Those are His thoughts concerning you. Samuel walked faithfully with God, but he got it wrong with Eliab. Men can get it wrong about you, but God never will, so please go to God.
WHAT IS NEXT?
God is not a man. He therefore does not see as men see. Samuel saw Eliab as a potential King, God did not. Gideon saw himself as feeble and weak in all aspects, but God saw him as a mighty man of valour.
Sarah had accepted she was a barren woman and therefore laughed when God said she would have a child in a year's time. God saw her as a mother of many ....she became what God said.
Cornelius was a Gentile. The Jews saw him as unclean. Yet to God, Cornelius was dear to Heaven. God's angel said to him -
Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God!
How God sees you matters most. Do not try to read the thoughts of God towards you through the eyes of men. Go to God's Word. Those are His thoughts concerning you. Samuel walked faithfully with God, but he got it wrong with Eliab. Men can get it wrong about you, but God never will, so please go to God.
WHAT IS NEXT?
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