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Spotlight

10 Practical Ways To Put Your Trust In The Lord

by Sarah Crockett January 13, 2025

written by Sarah Crockett

A very important question we must ask ourselves is, “Do you put your trust in the Lord?” Do we, in each area of our lives, trust God above everything else? Or have we put our trust in someone or something other than Him? The answer to this question is very telling of the condition of our hearts.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) provides the command we are given, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; ⁶in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Don’t be discouraged if you haven’t put your trust in the Lord fully. Romans 3:23 brings comfort, “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” No one is exempt from missing the mark, but there is hope!

Our hope is found in Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus made a way! He fills in the gaps where we’ve missed the mark!

10 Practical Ways To Put Your Trust In The Lord

In response to what Jesus has done, we can aim to love Him by learning to put our full trust in Him. He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6) and it only makes sense that you choose to put your trust in the Lord. Jesus will show you the way in any circumstance. He can reveal the truth in any situation and He wants to give you abundant life. As believing believers, it’s time to truly, one hundred percent, put your trust in the Lord.

If you’re not sure where to start here are some practical ways to exercise and grow your trust muscle, regardless of the area of your life you need to surrender.

#1 – Choose Faith

Hebrews 11:6 ESV – “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.”

Faith is the key to accessing all the Jesus purchased on the cross. It is how we choose to believe that what God says is more true than any other voice we might be hearing…and that includes our own voice. Jesus calls us to have faith like a child and childlike faith doesn’t analyze or overthink. Instead, childlike faith says, “Yes Lord” or as Mary said, “may it be as you have said” (Luke 1:38). Chooses faith

#2 – Be Holy

1 Peter 1:14-16 ESV – “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, ¹⁵but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, ¹⁶since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

We are called to be holy or set apart. This is accomplished by obeying God’s Word. If you’re not sure how to live according to God’s Word in some area of your life get into the Word and find out what He says and begin living according to His commands. Remember, He is FOR you and not against you!

#3 – Choose Strength

Nehemiah 8:10 NIV – “Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’ ”

Do you feel weak? That’s ok because the Lord wants to provide you with His strength. It’s not something you have to muster up. Instead, it’s something you receive from Him through joy. He wants His joy to be your strength. Joy is not a feeling or emotion, its a substance that we can receive from the Lord!

#4 – Choose Truth

John 8:31-32 NIV – “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ ”

When we feel stuck and are trusting ourselves more than we are trusting God, choosing to believe truth will set us free. It is a promise Jesus gave to us in John 8:32, “you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” In order to get free, in order to put your trust in the Lord, you need to spend time with the Word Himself (John 1:14). Getting the truth inside your heart will set you free to trust Him!

#5 – Trust In The Mystery

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; ⁶in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.“

Isn’t that comforting?! The Word of God, here in Proverbs, is telling us not to lean on our understanding. We don’t have to understand! That should set some of us free. When you put your trust in the Lord, you don’t have to worry because He’s got your back. He has your best interest in mind. The Lord Himself has plans to prosper you (Jeremiah 29:11). Choose to step into the freedom of trusting in the mystery and let go of trusting your own understanding!

#6 – Choose Hope

Romans 15:13 NIV – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

When you choose to put your trust in the Lord, He steps in and fills you with hope, joy, and peace. Isn’t it amazing what choosing to put our hope and trust in Him results in? It’s not just a good idea, but a promise from the Word of God!

#7 – Choose Obedience

Matthew 28:19-20 NIV – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Another way to put your trust in the Lord is to obey His commands. We’ve been given the Word of God, the recorded commands of the Lord, to live our lives. But the Bible is MORE than a book. John 1:14 reminds us that “the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” We’re not following good information! When we obey the Word of God we are following the truths given to us directly from Jesus Himself, for He is the Word!

#8 – Be Filled

Ephesians 5:15-19 NIV – “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord”

We are not on our own and we don’t have to do life trying to connect with a far away Father. He has given us the gift of the Holy Spirit who lives inside of us and can fill us with His power and presence every day!

Will you choose to put your trust in the Lord? You can! Put these eight practical and biblical truths into practice to grow your trust in the Lord today.

January 13, 2025 0 comments

Faith Spotlight

3 Bible Verses To Encourage And Uplift Your Spirit

by Lauren Koch January 12, 2025

written by Lauren Koch

Letting the word of God daily uplift your spirit is a powerful tool to overcome anxiety, empower your mind, and establish the day ahead of you. The three parts of scripture below revitalize our spirits by reminding us of who God is. Today, I pray that the word of God is the loudest voice to uplift your spirit. God made you on purpose. There is a hope for your life!

1. Renewed by God’s might

“Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
²⁹He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
³⁰Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
³¹but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:28-31)

2. Made alive in Christ

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. ⁶And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, ⁷in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4-7)

3. Fully known, created, and loved

“For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.
¹⁵My frame was not hidden from you
    when I was made in the secret place,
    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
¹⁶Your eyes saw my unformed body;
    all the days ordained for me were written in your book
    before one of them came to be.
¹⁷How precious to me are your thoughts,^[a] God!
    How vast is the sum of them!” (Psalm 139:13-17)

January 12, 2025 0 comments

Faith Spotlight

5 Times God Promises To Never Forsake You

by Lauren Koch January 6, 2025

written by Lauren Koch

The Lord promises to never forsake you

In every season, God is near. Not only is He close, He promises to sustain you. Above all else, he supports our lives. Read 5 times God promises us this in the bible.

1.”Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

2. “No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5)

3. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

4. “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”” (Genesis 28:15)

5. “May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us nor forsake us.” (1 Kings 8:57)

Our heavenly father is with us! Hold onto these truths even when you don’t feel it. There are dozens of times He promises to never leave, abandon, or forsake us. He is so good, giving, and consistent. Consider all the people God spoke these words to. He still speaks the same over you! When you feel hopeless, alone, or abandoned, go back to these verses. Meditate on God’s presence throughout all the ages.

A prayer for you: Holy Spirit, show up with your tangible nearness and reveal yourself to this reader in a new, marking way. Amen!

January 6, 2025 0 comments

Faith Spotlight

Man Receives Healing And Leaves Service Without Crutches

by Sarah Crockett December 31, 2024

written by Sarah Crockett

In Matthew 10:8 Jesus commands the disciples, “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” As believers, Jesus’ command to the disciples is still true for us today. We are called to pray for healing. We are actually called to be believing believers!

The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in you and I (Romans 8:11)! We aren’t the ones who heal, but His healing power flows through us and touches the lives of others. Let’s paint a picture. When a garden hose is connected to a source of water and the water is turned on, it flows through the hose. The hose is not the water, but it is the container or vessel in which the water flows. You and I are like garden hoses that can connect to the source, Jesus, to allow His healing power and life to flow through us.

No more crutches

healing

One evening this young man came up at the end of the church service and asked for prayer for healing. He had recently had surgery and could not put any weight on his leg. He went on to explain that the surgery had left him with wires and screws in his leg. As we began to pray, he began to experience the presence of God. It wasn’t long before he was weeping as the love of the Father pour over him…and he hadn’t even had prayer for his leg yet!

Once the man’s weeping subsided the prayer servants began to pray for his leg. We prayed for a few minutes and then asked the young man to see if he noticed any improvement…and he could actually put a little weight on it. We thanked Jesus for the improvement and prayed again. He tested his leg again and was able to put even more weight on it. We prayed one more time and he was able to put all his weight on his leg! Thank you Jesus!

A few minutes later, he was seen trying to walk around the edge of the sanctuary – without his crutches. He was walking with a slight limp, but with all his weight on his leg. By the time he got to the front of the church there wasn’t even a limp!!!

Do you need healing?

If you need physical healing in your body, declare this over yourself right now…

Thank you Jesus that you are the Healer. I declare that by Your stripes I am healed. I speak to (insert body part) and command all pain/sickness to leave in Jesus name!

If you can, test to see if you experienced any improvements. Celebrate what Jesus is doing and pray again. If not, pray again.

Remember, our job is to be the hose and it is Jesus’ job to heal our bodies!

December 31, 2024 0 comments

Faith Spotlight

How To Pray And See Results

by Sarah Crockett December 31, 2024

written by Sarah Crockett

As believers we are commanded throughout the Bible to pray. Jesus teaches us how to pray in Matthew 6:9-13, ““This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from the evil one.'”

Have you ever gone to pray and not known what to pray? Maybe you feel like your prayers are hitting the ceiling? Jesus wouldn’t command us to do something He hasn’t equipped us to do. He wants to partner with you and I to see His “Kindgom come” and “will be done” (Matthew 6:10).

Three keys for seeing results in prayer

Pray like Jesus

Jesus was fully God and fully man. God sent Him to the earth to show us how to live a naturally, supernatural life. He restricted Himself as God and lived His life as a man in partnership with the Holy Spirit. Jesus prayers were powerful and effective…and short,Matthew 8:3 – Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.

Matthew 9:22 – Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment.

Mark 5:8 – For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

When Jesus prayed He command the situation and circumstances to change. He spoke to the leper’s hand and told the storm how to behave. Let’s stop praying half-hearted prayers hoping and begging God to answer. It’s time to pray like Jesus prayed in faith and speak to things. We are co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17)!

Take risks

Peter didn’t walk on water by staying in the boat. Paul didn’t see demon possessed people healed by sitting on the sidelines. As believers, we have to get into the game and take the risks. It’s the only way we will see Heaven come to earth. Start trying the things you read in the bible. Speak to sickness in the name of Jesus and see if it leaves. You’ll never know unless you try!

Remember, you are a hose

A hose is vessel in which water flows. Hoses are only effective at transporting water if they are connected to a water source. Our spiritual lives are the same. We are vessels of the power and presence of God. As we connect to Him as our source His life flows through us to nourish.

The hose is not the source of life, the water is. A believer is not the source of life, the resurrection power of Jesus Christ is. Both just happen to flow through the vessel.

What are you going to do?

Maybe you’re prayers haven’t worked in the past, but armed with these three keys I challenge you to try again!

The results are up to Him. Your responsibility is simply to pray like Jesus, keep take risks, and be a vessel for His resurrection power to flow through!

December 31, 2024 0 comments

Faith Spotlight

3 Practical Keys For Having An Encounter With God

by Sarah Crockett December 31, 2024

written by Sarah Crockett

Are you ready to STRENGTHEN your connection with God? Do you want to HEAR God’s voice more clearly? Are you ready to encounter MORE of the supernatural?

These three practical keys are keys I’ve discovered in my own personal encounter journey. They have help me access more of the supernatural and I believe will offer helpful insight that I believe will deepen your encounter experience and grow intimacy during your times with God. I know they have for me!

Keys for having and encounter with God

Discernment

Philippians 1:9-10 – And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ

To encounter God’s presence requires discernment. We must be able to discern between pure and impure, truth and lies. Jesus, the Word of God, and Holy Spirit, our Counselor and Guide, lead us into all truth and give us the knowledge and ability to discern good from evil. Will you partner with the Word of God and the Spirit of God to encounter Him and to become an encounter for others?

Imagination

Ephesians 3:20-21 – Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

To encounter God’s presence requires using our imagination. We must belive that His power is at work within us as we “ask and imagine“. We must trust that we have been given the mind of Christ. Will you allow Him to encounter you with His power and love through your imagination?

Trust

Jeremiah 17:7-8 – But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.

To encounter God’s presence requires trust. We must have confidence that God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit want to spend time with us. As we trust we become rooted like the tree planted by the stream and our trust leads to blessing. Will you choose to send your roots into the stream of His presence and be nourished for producing Kingdom fruit?

My prayer for you

I’m declaring that as you utilize these keys, God will encounter you in ways that are specific for you…your desires, wants, and needs. I want to encourage, inspire, activate, equip, and empower you to be the best YOU!

Discover more about encountering God in my book… Encounter Jesus: Cultivating Awareness and Intimacy – A Practical Guide

December 31, 2024 0 comments

Faith Spotlight

5 Bible Verses For Receiving Peace In The Storms Of Life

by Sarah Crockett December 31, 2024

written by Sarah Crockett

The Bible is the source of absolute truth. It is the living and active Word of God. When we go through trials and storms in life we can turn to the Bible to find exactly what we need; including peace.

Life can be hard, but with God nothing is impossible. We can sleep through the storms, but what have to seek Him in the midst of the storms. Going to the Word of God is one of the most practical ways we can seek Him.

5 Verse For Receiving Peace

Read each verse out loud. Then read it out loud gain. Why? Romans 10:17 promises us that “faith comes by hearing” and you can build your faith by reading the truth out loud over yourself.

Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Isaiah 9:6 – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Hebrews 12:14-15 – “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. ¹⁵See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.“

1 Peter 5:6-7 – “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.“

Reflect

How did you feel before reading the verses out loud?
How do you feel after reading through them twice?
What changed?
What stayed the same?
What else can you do to incorporate the peace of God into your life?

____________

10 Declarations For Releasing Hope & Building Faith

by Sarah Crockett December 31, 2024

written by Sarah Crockett

The Bible teaches us in Proverbs 18:21 that the “power of life and death” is in our tongue! This means that God has given us the ability to speak words of life or death to our situation, circumstances, and environment.

Making Declarations

As believers, it’s time we use our words to speak life over our neighborhoods, cities, countries, and world. Join the Body of Christ in making these declarations written by Steve Backlund of Igniting Hope Ministries today:

1. My prayers are powerful and effective

James 5:16 – “...The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

2. God richly supplies all my needs

Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

3. I walk in ever-increasing health

Psalm 103:1-3 – “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases…”

Isaiah 53:5 – “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.”

4. I live under supernatural protection

Psalm 91:1-2 – “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Keep Going…

5. Angels are carrying out the Word of God on my behalf

Psalm 103:20 – “Praise the Lord, you His angels, you mighty ones who do His bidding, who obey His word.”

6. All attacks that were headed my way are diverted right now by angelic protection in Jesus’ name

Psalm 91:3-5 – “Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,”

7. I declare peace over the raging waters in my mind, emotions, body, and family. I say, “Peace, be still” to each of these areas of my life

Mark 4:39 – “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”

8. I speak to every mountain of discouragement, stress, depression, and lack, and cast it into the sea in Jesus’ name

Mark 11:22-24 – “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

You’ve Got This!

9. I speak to this day, and I call you blessed. I declare I serve a mighty God who today will do exceedingly and abundantly beyond all that I can ask or think.

Ephesians 3:20 – “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,”

10. I expect that today will be the best day of my life spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and financially in Jesus’ name.

Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Standing On The Promise Of God

Matthew 18:19 – “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.”

Let’s join together as the Body of Christ and continue to declare the truth of Heaven over the earth. It’s time to rise up and live our lives as believing believers!

—

December 31, 2024 0 comments

Bible Verse of the Day Spotlight

Bible Verse of the Day: Crucified with Christ

by Lily Benson December 29, 2024

written by Lily Benson

You have been crucified with Christ. In the rhythm of your daily existence, it’s easy to become entangled in the demands of your flesh—the desires, ambitions, and pursuits that vie for your attention.

Today’s Bible Verse

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

What is God’s Message For Me Today? Click Here

Put Into Action

In this revelation, the apostle Paul captures the essence of your identity as a Christians: crucified with Christ, no longer slaves to the whims of your earthly nature but alive in the transformative power of Christ dwelling within you.

In the midst of life’s complexities, Paul’s words stand as an anchor, reminding you and I that our truest self is found in surrender to Christ. It’s a declaration that transcends mere theology and beckons us into a lived reality—one where our old self is laid to rest, and a new life, enlivened by the Spirit, emerges.

Practical Prompts

Daily Surrender: Begin each day with a prayer of surrender, acknowledging your dependence on Christ and yielding your desires to His lordship.
Scripture Meditation: Delve into passages that reinforce your identity in Christ, such as Romans 6:6-7 and Colossians 3:3. Let these truths permeate your thinking.
Community Connection: Engage with fellow believers who share the journey of being alive in Christ. Encourage one another in faith and hold each other accountable.

As you navigate the intricacies of life, let the reality of being crucified with Christ shape your responses, decisions, and perspectives. Embracing this truth empowers you to overcome the allure of self-centered living, paving the way for a life that radiates the love, grace, and power of Christ.

____________

Your Life Purpose Is To Love God, Yourself And Others Well

by Lisa van den Berg December 24, 2024

written by Lisa van den Berg

Your life purpose is to love God, yourself and others well. When we operate from this kind of love, then our purpose is fulfilled each day.

We get to love God

When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment in the law was, He replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. (Mat 22:37-39)

We can look to loving God as the most beautiful invitation we get to say “yes” to each day. Just like falling in love with a person, we get to have eyes and heart focused on Him.

We get to love ourselves

You were created by God. He lovingly and purposefully knitted you together in your mother’s womb. On purpose and for a purpose.Let that sink in for a moment. You are not a mistake. Your life is not just a humdrum wash, rinse and repeat every day. You matter, and the world needs to uniqueness you bring.

Ask God how to love and appreciate yourself in a healthy way today.

We get to love others

As our hearts are full of our love for God and His love for us then that will naturally overflow onto those around us.

It can be hard to unconditionally love others when we try to drum that love up ourselves. But when it’s flowing from God’s heart to the people we’re with, then it’s natural.

Connect with God’s heart for you, and others and you will be living your life purpose each day.

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December 24, 2024 0 comments

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