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Click on date below to read the devotion for that day:

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1 - That "Grasshopper Feeling"

Bible Reading: Numbers 13:33

When the twelve spies came back to Moses from spying out the Promised Land, ten were fearful. Although the land was bountiful and plenteous, they were cowardly because they saw themselves as grasshoppers compared to the giants who inhabited that land.

Do you ever get that "grasshopper feeling" when you compare yourself to the giants that come against you? The only cure for this is to look down on your problems from God’s point of view. Then your problems will become "grasshopper small" as you tower over them and conquer them by God's power.

Prayer: With God, our giants are all grasshoppers.

Thought for the day: "Don't tell God how big your problems are; tell your problems how BIG your GOD is!" - Sue Schmacher

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2 - Take Possession and Occupy

Bible Reading: Joshua 1:12-15

When the Lord gave the Israelites their Promised Land, he gave them two commands: take possession of it and occupy it. The land was already theirs for the forty years that their parents had wandered in the wilderness in unbelief, but they received no benefits from it until they took hold of God's promises for themselves.

The same is true today: if we are believers in Christ Jesus, we have inherited all the promises from God in the Bible, but we receive no benefits from then until we take possession of them and use them. So, take hold of your promises today!

Prayer: Father God help me to take possession and occupy all you have given to me! AMEN

Thought for the day: God's promises must be seized and believed to be received.

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3 - A Willing Heart

Bible Reading: Joshua 1:16

After their parents wandered in the wilderness for 40 years and died there in sight of the Promised Land, the second generation of the Exodus was willing and eager to serve God and obey his laws under Joshua. "Whatever you have commanded us, we will do, and wherever you send us we will go."

How precious to God is a willing heart and eager feet! He can do nothing with a stiff neck and a stubborn will. Can we not look around us and learn from the examples of those that have hardened their hearts and failed God? Let us then purpose in our hears to be eager and quick to do his will!

Prayer: Father, give me a willing heart and eager feet to do your will. AMEN

Thought for the day: It is said, "Seeing is believing".  The Hebrews of the Exodus could see the Promised Land, but still they did not believe and act on what they could see.

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4 - Love Your Enemies

Bible Reading: Luke 6:27-31, 35

"Love your enemies" is probably the hardest commandment Jesus gave us to follow. It "goes against the grain" to be kind to those who have hurt us, who hate us, who physically assault us, who steal from us! Impossible!

Look at it from God’s point of view. His desire is to bring salvation to all men and women, boys and girls. We are extensions of his love to save a lost and dying world. And if we don't love them all, who will?

Nothing speaks more truly to the heart of man of the love of God than being loved in spite of being an enemy of God and his people. Their only hope for change is seeing God's compassion in us. Love your enemies.

Prayer: Father give me your supernatural love for everyone, even my enemies. AMEN

Thought for the day: There is no more special friend than a former enemy.

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5 - The Company of the Righteous

Bible Reading: Luke 6:23; Hebrews 12:1

There is an old saying "You are known by the company you keep". Did you ever stop to think about the company that you are keeping if you are a Christian? Abraham, Moses, David, Elijah, Esther, Isaiah, Ruth, Peter, James, John and many more are included in the company of the righteous. And some day we will personally get to know them all. But even now we can know them through God’s Word. I don't know about you but I want to invite only the best company into my home. And because of Jesus and his Word, I associate with some of the most excellent men and women who have ever lived. What kind of company are you keeping?

Prayer: Father God, thanks for such good company. AMEN

Thought for the day: Would you allow the people you watch on TV to visit in your home?

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6 - True Happiness

Bible Reading: Luke 6:20-21

What did Jesus mean when he said that the poor, the hungry, the weeping are happy? Surely no one wants poverty, hunger, or tears!

These problems can bring us happiness in three ways. First, they can help us see our need for Jesus; whereas, if we were rich, filled and happy we may not see our need for him. Secondly, they give us hope. Things can only get better! Thirdly they can teach us compassion for others, and we can learn the joy of sharing what we do have with others.

So if you are poor, hungry or weeping - come to Jesus you have nothing to lose - and everything to gain!

Prayer: Jesus, in our sadness, You alone are our joy. AMEN

Thought for the day: In American wealth equals happiness. In the Bible, Jesus does.

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7 - Sorrows for the Rich

Bible Reading: Luke 6; 24-26; Matt. 6:33

The American dream promises great happiness to those who achieve success and wealth. But does this really happen? Howard Hughes, one of the richest men in the world, was tortured and tormented in this life, and as far as we know, had no hope for the next.

Jesus said: "Oh, the sorrows that await the rich. For they have their only happiness down here." He could see ahead to their future state, and knew what was ahead: awful hunger, sorrow and sadness.

If your life goal is to become rich, you will only find sorrow and frustration. But Jesus said: "Seek first the kingdom of God and its' righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you".

Prayer: Father, help me seek you first. AMEN

Thought for the day: The things that money cannot buy - joy, peace, love - are free in Jesus.

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8 - Jesus Loved Judas

Bible Reading: Luke 6:12; 16

Before Jesus chose his twelve disciples, he spent an entire night in prayer. You can be sure that he knew God's will concerning his choices. Yet one of his disciples later betrayed him. One of those that Jesus had chosen and who was with Jesus continually for nearly three years; saw his miracles; heard his teaching: betrayed him.

Jesus never quit loving Judas. And, I believe Jesus would have forgiven Judas this terrible sin if Judas had repented of it and asked for forgiveness.

Are you one of the chosen who have betrayed your Lord? It is not too late! Repent, come home to Him. And receive his forgiveness today. He still loves you.

Prayer: Jesus, bring home your chosen ones who have gone astray. AMEN

Thought for the day: The Good Shepherd is always seeking lost lambs.

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9 - Is It God's Will For Us To Be Sick?

Bible Reading: Luke 5:1-13

Some people have the cockeyed idea that not only does God make us sick, but that he enjoys our suffering as well. Jesus came to the earth to live God’s will before us. Did he ever tell a sick person: "Go on suffering. It is God's will for you"? No! He always said: "Be healed!" And multitudes were.

One day a man with advanced leprosy came to Jesus and fell before Jesus in the dirt. "If you are willing, heal me!" He cried. Jesus replied, "of course I am willing. Be healed!" And the leprosy left him instantly. Healing is still God's will for us.

Prayer: Jesus, grant me a healing touch today. AMEN

Thought for the day: Salvation includes healing and health for the whole man.

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10 - Be Strong and Very Courageous

Bible Reading: Joshua 1:6-9

In his instructions to the Israelites about to take possession of the Promised Land Joshua three times exhorts them to "Be strong and very courageous" for he knew that "the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go".

In today's world the Christian also needs to be strong and very courageous. It is difficult to serve God in times of lax morality and uncertainty when many false gods are being worshipped. But you can take heart because "the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go"!

Prayer: Father I will be strong and courageous and I thank you that you WILL be with me wherever I go. AMEN

Thought for the day: Counterfeit gods and loose morality weaken courage and sap strength.

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11 - FALSE ANGELS

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 11:14; Galatians 1:8

Appearances of angels have been a rare event according to the Word of God. And the Bible tells us that there are godly angels and that there are also demons that can appear to be godly angels in order to deceive us.

The apostle Paul admonishes us not to receive another gospel even if "an angel from heaven " should preach it! There are many false cults in America today, some even claiming to be Christian. Most proclaim that they have a divine sanction having received a revelation from angels or even God himself but if their teachings do not line up with the Bible, they are to be unequivocally rejected. Test them by the Word!

Prayer: Father God protect me from false angels. AMEN

Thought for the day: Seduction to satanic servants shows up when seeking supernatural signs instead of the Savior.

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12 - TEMPTATION

Bible Reading: Luke 4:1-13

Temptation to sin is a normal occurrence in our lives. It should not take us by surprise. Satan knows our weaknesses and this is where he seeks to destroy us. Jesus was tempted by the devil in the same ways we are; yet he did not sin. In this, he left us example of how to defeat the devil.

What was Jesus’ secret weapon? The Word of God. "It is written in the scriptures!" He declared if we study God’s word and memorize it, when temptation comes, we too, can declare "it is written!"

Prayer: Father increase my mental capacities to store your Word. AMEN

Thought for the day: The devil can quote scripture, but he is incapable of understanding it.

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13 - FOOLISH TEST

Bible Reading: Luke 4:1-13

Satan tempted Jesus to throw himself off of the roof of the temple to prove that the angels would come and rescue him. Jesus replied, "The scriptures say, `Do not put the Lord your God to a foolish test.'"

Many people have said, "I will serve God if he will prove Himself to me by doing such and such". Aren't they putting God to a foolish test also? God is God and deserves to be worshipped and served because of who he is.

He does not need to prove himself to us. Any proof needed of his love was given when Jesus was nailed to that cross.

Prayer: Jesus, help me to become wise and not try to subject your love to foolish tests. AMEN

Thought for the day: Only a fool could view Jesus' nail scarred hands and not see the proof of God's love for us.

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14 - RESISTING THE DEVIL

Bible Reading: Daniel 11:32; Luke 4:13; James 4:7, I Peter 5:9

Most of us know that the devil is our real enemy: he tempts us to sin and tries to make us fail. He also brings evil, disease and calamity into our lives. How do we fight someone we cannot see?

The Bible says to "Resist the devil and he will flee from you". This is what Jesus did when he was tempted. After Jesus had resisted temptation, three times, what did the devil do? He left Jesus and went away! When satan comes against us, we can resist him in Jesus Name and he has to flee from us too!

Prayer: Jesus, in your Name, I resist the devil in all of his schemes against me. AMEN

Thought for the day: Remember who your REAL enemy is and resist him in Jesus Name.

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15 - STRENGTH

Bible Reading: Luke 4:14; Acts 1:8; 2 Peter 1:3

When we are tempted to sin, we feel weak and defenseless. The sin, although it has consequences, does appeal to our desires, and it is hard to resist. But failure to resist makes us even weaker than before, and much more apt to sin the next time.

What will make us stronger? Resisting temptation in Jesus Name strengthens us not only against the current temptation, but against future temptations as well. When Jesus left the wilderness after resisting temptation, he was "full of the Holy Spirit’s power". We, too, can be filled with God’s power if we are determined to resist temptation in Jesus Name.

Prayer: Fill me with your power Lord by the Holy Spirit, and strengthen me against temptation. AMEN

Thought for the day: With the power of the Holy Spirit active in your life you can blast away satan's temptations with supernatural dynamite!

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16 - GOOD NEWS

Bible Reading: Luke 4:18-19; John 14:6

The good news that Jesus declared in the synagogue at Nazareth many years ago is still relevant today. It is still being proclaimed to the poor, the broken hearted the captive, the blind, and the downtrodden. It still promises deliverance, healing and freedom. And God is still ready to give heavenly blessings to all who come to him.

And there is still only one way to come to God: through his Son the Lord Jesus Christ who shed his blood to pay the penalty for our sin and to buy us deliverance, healing and freedom. Jesus said, "I am the way the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father but by me."

You can still come to Jesus today, and receive these blessings. And this is good news!

Prayer: I come to you today Jesus and receive salvation, deliverance, healing and freedom. AMEN

Thought for the day: The world specializes in bad news - just watch any "news" report on TV!. The Bible specializes in GOOD news - you can be set free in Jesus!

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17 - FIRSTFRUITS

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 26:1-19; Proverbs 3:9-10

In the law of Moses, God’s people were told to present an offering of the first fruits of their new crops in thanksgiving for his provision, which showed their faith that God was going to continue to provide for them and would grant them a bountiful harvest.

Today many people give to God only after they pay all of their bills (most of which are for luxuries), that is, if there is anything left. If we would put God first, like his Word says to do, then our "harvest" will be bountiful too!

Prayer: Lord thank you for the many blessings you have showered upon me. I want to put you first. AMEN

Thought for the day: God gave us His best - His Only Son. Can we do less for Him?

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18 - DISCOURAGEMENT

Bible Reading: Numbers 32:6-13; Joshua 1:9

Did you ever wonder why the children of Israel so often became discouraged on the route to Canaan, when God so often brought them mighty miracles of deliverance?

They began trusting in their own strength and looking at the circumstances around them instead of trusting in God’s power and promises. And don't we often do the same thing? Instead, let us purpose in our hearts not to be discouraged, but to draw courage from Almighty God, our Father!

Prayer: Lord, I will draw courage from your power and promises, and not trust in my own strength. AMEN

Thought for the day: Our own strength is no match for the troublesome circumstances that the devil brings against us for our defeat.

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19 - GOD WILL DO WHAT HE SAYS

Bible Reading: Isaiah 55:10-11; Luke 1:45

When Elizabeth greeted her cousin, Mary, the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, she exclaimed "You believed that God would do what he said: that is why he has given you this wonderful blessing."

Do we believe God will do what he says in his Word? Or do we WASTE TIME IN disbelief, worrying that because of this or that reason, he won’t do it for us? We need to settle it in our hearts once and for all -- God will do what he said he would do -- for us.

Prayer: God, I believe what your Word says about what you will do for me. AMEN

Thought for the day: God's words are always true and will always come to pass.

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20 - SIN

Bible Reading: Romans 6:16-23

Sin is an unpopular concept in our modern times. It causes such unpleasant emotions, you see, such as guilt and despair. Many would prefer not to use this "old-fashioned" term at all. Besides, many things that used to be ""sin" are how accepted practices: adultery, homosexuality, dishonesty in business, cheating the IRS, etc.

The fact remains that sin is real and the results of sin are terrible, both in this life and in the life to come. The newspapers daily testify of sin‘s temporal consequences. The Bible tells us of its eternal consequences, and gives us the only remedy for sin: confess it to Jesus and receive his forgiveness.

Prayer: Lord I confess to you all my sins. Forgive and cleanse me. AMEN

Thought for the day: Ignorance of sin promotes death.

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21 - GOD'S WILL - DESTRUCTION?

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 10:10-11; Jeremiah 29:11

Although the children of Israel greatly exasperated the Lord until he was ready to destroy them and start all over with a new nation descended from Moses, it was not his will to destroy them. From the first, he had set his face to bless them and to give them the Promised Land. The only thing hindering God's will was their disobedience.

God's will for you today is not to destroy you. He has a wonderful future awaiting those who are obedient although he is vexed by your stubborn refusal to listen. He is immediately ready to bless you when your repent and follow him.

Prayer: God, I repent of my disobedience. Forgive me and help me to follow you. AMEN

Thought for the day: Disobedience keeps God from blessing you and your family.

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22 - THE MEASURE OF YOUR GIVING

Bible Reading: Luke 6:38; Matthew 12:7

What is the measure of your giving? Oh, not just money, but giving of your possessions, your understanding, your time, your self? Can you measure your giving by the thimbleful or by the gallon? For the measure you use, will be used to measure the amount you will receive in return.

Do you need buckets of love? Then pour out buckets of love on others! Can you be content with only a thimbleful of kindness? No? Well; enlarge the measure of your kindness! Can you take more than an ounce of bitterness and wrath? No? Then quit spewing out bitterness and wrath by the gallon! For Jesus said that whatever measure you use to give - large or small -will be used to measure what is given back to you.

Prayer: Father, pour out buckets of your love through me. AMEN

Thought for the day: Will you receive bucketsful of love or hate? It all depends on what you give.

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23 - "She Has Done What She Could"

Bible Reading: Mark 14:1-9

When the woman anointed Jesus with expensive perfume at Bethany, the disciples were indignant, believing she could have sold the perfume and given the money to the poor, instead of "wasting" it on Jesus.

Jesus replied, "She has done what she could". Aren't you glad Jesus doesn't judge us by man’s standards? Jesus only expects us to do the best we can with what we are given. So, don't berate yourself because you cannot attain man's standard of false perfection. But use what you are given and receive Jesus' approval and praise.

Prayer: Jesus, I offer you my heart's love and praise. AMEN

Thought for the day: No treasure is squandered if offered to Jesus.

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24 - Pity Parties

Bible Reading: Philippians 4:13; I John 2:13-14; I John 4:4; I John 5:4;

Pity parties are great fun, or at least they seem to be: so many of us have them often! You know, you feel sorry for yourself: no one really appreciates you, why Does this always happen to me? The whole routine…

The trouble with pity parties are, you have to have them all by yourself. They really aren't any fun. And they only make you feel worse…

I've found a much better way to party: have a victory celebration! Put on your best smile and shout with me: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! Greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world! Faith is the victory that overcomes the world! I am an overcomer, I am going to make it!" There now, don't you feel better?

Prayer: Father, I shout for joy for in Jesus I have overcome the world. AMEN

Thought for the day: Overcomers throw victory parties.

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25 - Love's Rays

Bible Reading: Psalm 112:4; Isaiah 9:12; Colossians 1:12-13

Summer is a time of sunshine and light. Scientists tell us that A person's mood generally improves during times of such beautiful weather. After the gloom, cold and dreariness of winter, summer brings a lift to our heavy hearts.

In a similar way, our spirits can be lifted when we enter the Sunshine of God's love. But we don't have to wait for the season of summer for this to happen. All we have to do is look up and receive it.

The next rainy, gloomy, "blue" day you have, remember this: God's love is always streaming out to you from heaven. And because Jesus died for you and has cleansed you from sin, nothing dark can block that light. Turn your face toward heaven and soak up some of love's rays today.

Prayer: Father, in good times and bad I thank you for your unchanging love. AMEN

Thought for the day: Love's rays penetrate the darkest cloud.

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26 - Habits

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:25-35, Luke 12:22-32

Anxiety is the habit of worry. And worry is lack of trust in God the Father. Worry's root is fear, and fear is the opposite of faith. On the other hand, confidence is the habit of trust, and trust is believing that God loves you and will take care of you, no matter what happens. God's perfect love drives out fear. Anxiety produces depression. Faith and confidence in God produce joy.

A habit is something you practice until it becomes automatic. It follows, then, that you must practice "having faith in God" to form the habit of trust which brings confidence and joy. So start practicing!

Prayer: Father, I trust you with everything that touches my life. AMEN

Thought for the day: Fear - worry - anxiety  OR  Faith - love - joy. Which shall you choose to practice?

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27 - Your Reward

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:12; 10:41-42; 16:27; Luke 6:35; 1 Corinthians 3:8

Why was Jesus always talking about our reward awaiting us in heaven? We want it all now! What good is salvation if we have to wait until we die to benefit from it?

I believe Jesus placed such an emphasis on heaven because he knew how shortsighted we tend to be. He wants us to focus on heaven so that earthly, temporal things won't cloud our vision. Also, he knew that we would not always be able to foresee the fruit of our labors, and may receive no rewards here for our good deeds. He wanted to assure us that nothing we do for him would go unrewarded. Is there a reward awaiting you in heaven? Sounds better to me all the time!

Prayer: Lord, may I work for you, not because of a future reward, but because I love you. AMEN

Thought for the day: Earth in the eye clouds the vision of heaven.

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28 - What Is Your Life?

Bible Reading: Psalms 16:11; Matthew 19:29 ; Mark 29:29-30; John 3:14-15

What is your life? Is it your appearance, your clothes, your personality? Is it your spouse, your children, your family? Is it your home, your car, the abundance of your possessions? In fact, if you do not have Jesus living in your heart, you have no true life at all. You are dead.

Look beyond what your senses can perceive. True life is eternal and goes far beyond your body or your possessions. This life can only be found in Jesus Christ. Everything else will pass away, but if you believe in Jesus Christ, you will receive the gift of eternal life. This is true life, and it will last forever!

Prayer: Lord, with joy I receive your eternal life, and invite you to live in my heart always. AMEN

Thought for the day: What the world says is life is really death; real life comes from the Lord Jesus Christ.

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29 - FORGIVENESS

Bible Reading: Psalm 51:1-19

We've heard a lot in the news lately about Christians who have failed the Lord Jesus, and the media has had a heyday with it all. By the time they have finished wagging their tongues, shaking their heads, and pointing their fingers; the fallen Christian in question is ready to give up.

But what is Jesus' heart in this matter? Sin must come to light, but never to destroy the sinner. Jesus desires to forgive you and cleanse you and restore you to the fold. Godly sorrow brings true repentance; confession of sin brings forgiveness, and forgiveness brings restoration. Come back to Jesus today and repent. He still loves you.

Prayer: Father, I've failed you in many ways. Forgive me of all my transgressions and bring me back into your love and forgiveness. AMEN

Thought for the day: Jesus did not come to destroy sinners, but to forgive them.

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30 - Ownership

Bible Reading: Psalm 24:1-2; Matthew 25:21; Luke 20:15; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

We have a vast array of laws in America today dealing with deeds, titles, property rights, boundaries, surveying etc. And many are caught up in the excitement of buying and selling property and in the thrill of "ownership". But do we ever really "own" anything?

The Bible says: "The earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof." It all belongs to God and in the final analysis; we are only tenants and stewards here. We will be held accountable for the quality of our stewardship, not the quantity of our ownership.

Prayer: Lord, may I be a good steward of YOUR goods, and one day hear you say, "Well done!" AMEN

Thought for the day: Are you more concerned with the quantity of your ownership or the quality of your stewardship?

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Congratulations! If you have made it this far, you have experienced a month of growth in the Lord Jesus Christ. It may have been painful at times, but your faithfulness to God's Word and discipline in daily spending time with Him has reaped rewards here and for all eternity. Keep up the good work and join us NEXT month for more devotions from God's Word. If you haven't kept up with the devotions, don't waste time feeling guilty, just resolve with God's help to make more room for Him in your life.
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