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“I’m A Sit Right Here With You” And Find Peace

by Corine Channell
written by Corine Channell

“I’m a sit right here with You.”

My dear friend shared these original words with me the other day, expressing how she felt in her own relationship with God. She shared how hard the current season of life had been and how she had come to the conclusion that she wasn’t caving in or giving up. In her words expressed to Jesus – “I’m a sit right here with You.”

What I got from those words was, He was ALREADY present in her hard situation – already sitting with her, in order for her to be able to respond so intimately.

Never Alone: Here With You

It really struck me. We are never alone. We can feel so overwhelmed and alone, yet if we but look up and look across the table, there He is. Always there and always present, and always waiting on US.

I was listening to a short two-minute message from Mark Hall of the band Casting Crowns. He talked about Psalm 23, and his revelation of how God prepares a table IN the midst of our enemies. I sobbed all two minutes, start to finish. So simple. We are surrounded by enemies whispering, mocking, accusing, and waiting on our demise from our sufferings. But God. He sets up a table in their presence!

The Table With You

I picture this table experience like a picnic lunch being spread out on an eroding shoreline in the middle of a raging storm forming off of an angry sea. Who does that? God. Because He CAN! He is so NOT worried or concerned about our enemies – His only focus is on US. Here with you.

He comes to assure us that we are NOT alone. He doesn’t come with anything but Himself. Wow. He is enough and MORE than enough. I so want to grasp this! For my friend who experienced this, her response was exactly perfect. I am NOT going anywhere, Lord. NOT going to acknowledge my enemies standing behind me. I am NOT going to bail. NOT going to try to even escape ‘this’. I am going to just sit right here with You Lord. Just me and You Jesus. That is enough. Here with You.

Visualize The Table

Powerful! Let’s read it again though you’ve heard it a million times – “Thou preparest a table before me, in the presence of my enemies.” (Psalm 23) Visualize what this looks like for YOU! Where do you see Him setting up a table for you? Treehouse? Ornate dining room? Corner cafe? Somewhere in a vast silent wilderness? Lonely prison cell? Middle of a crowded noisy street in Times Square? Quiet hospital room? Secluded cabin in the mountains? Smack dab on the shore of a raging sea? Wherever you see this table is set, make sure you add yourself in.

A table setting is a place of communion (remember the Last Supper), a place of family gatherings, sharing, comfort, security, intimacy, and love. Whether a tea party between a grandmother and grandchild or Sunday dinner at moms, a set table says YOU are welcome, I am here with you!

The King’s Table

Remember Mephibosheth, the crippled and forgotten son of Jonathan? King David sends for Mephibosheth, bringing him out of his lonely existence straight to the King’s table (keyword here – Table). He restores to him his family fortune, his good name, his inheritance. Mephibosheth felt unworthy and next to nothing and literally could barely look David in the eye because he felt so broken. “So David said to him, ‘Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather, and you shall eat bread at my TABLE continually.’” (2 Samuel 2:7) He who had had nothing, now had everything restored to him simply by sitting at the King’s table.

Feeling Alone

For me, I can feel very much alone in my personal solo journey I am on. I hear the voices of my enemies. And sense their foul breath breathing nearby. I smell their evil. It is suffocating sometimes to feel so alone. But then. Then Jesus Himself shows up. He just strolls over to me, in all His power and glory that is immersed in His being. Doesn’t even have to show up with chariots, and swords, and roaring lions. He could do that, but really He doesn’t have to. For He is Jesus. That is enough. And He sets a table for me…here with you.

He comes to be with me, in my mess. He comes to just BE. I just need to pull out my own chair and sit down. Once I am seated, I am safe. I am welcome. And I am loved. I am here with you.

Final Words: Here With You

I pray that those of you who feel chased, who feel alone, who feel like it is all just too much, will just sit down with Jesus. You are not alone. Not for a moment would He leave you to fight by yourself. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them (your enemies) for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

So pull out your chair and sit down at His table. Look Him in the eye and say, “I’m a sit right here with You.”

 

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Articles

The Search For Meaning: ‘Who am I?’

by Henrietta Decruz
written by Henrietta Decruz

Have you ever wondered, ‘Who am I?’ ‘Does life have any meaning?’ and ‘What is the purpose of my life?’

When we don’t know our identity and the answers to these questions, we don’t ‘live,’ we just drift along life’s journey, pushed by one current or another. What others say becomes very important for us. We hang on to every word they say, yearn for their acceptance and appreciation… but even when we hear some words of appreciation, we feel hollow inside. Is that how you feel?

The journey to discovering ‘self’ is tough

I’ve been there, done that. I spent years longing for acceptance and love. I just had no ‘self-concept’ though I did well in certain things while growing up. Others would have thought I was very confident as I won prizes and seemed to do well in studies and extra-curricular activities. But inside I felt empty, invisible and unwanted.

While growing up we base our self-value on how much love is shown to us. A child who is doted on by his or her parents will feel very confident, important and loved whereas a child who is rejected by members in the family will tend to feel useless, lost and unloved.

The truth is that whether others love you or not doesn’t say anything about you. It actually speaks about them and their hearts. But unfortunately, that is not how the unloved ones feel… they take the lack of love to mean that they are not worthy of being loved, that they are somehow defective pieces, not on par with others.

Feeling unloved leads to self-hatred

Not being loved leads a lot of people to think their lives don’t matter. They turn against themselves and do acts of self-harm or behave in detrimental and self-destructive ways. Many people, when confronted about such behavior will turn around and say, ‘I don’t care!’

It is true, if they really cared, they would have thought about what they were doing and avoided doing those things that would hurt themselves, their reputation, their bodies, their health, and even their soul. On the contrary, those who have a positive self-image usually care for themselves.

We tend to attribute the things that happen to us to God. If bad things happen, some people would think ‘God is bad! He doesn’t love me!’ or ‘I am so worthless even God doesn’t love me! Everyone else has a better life, my life sucks!’ Thus we distance ourselves from God and go deeper into a hole.

The truth is that God loves each of His children. He would never tell a parent to ill-treat his or her child. He is a God of love, it hurts Him to see His children suffer. It hurts Him when parents abandon their child, neglect or are indifferent to their children.

He is the ultimate parent and He cares for each of His children.

How much does God care for you?

Psalm 139:13-18 speaks about how much we mean to God. It says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My 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. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—when I awake, I am still with you.” NIV

When I was going through the worst time in my life, I discovered God’s great love for me in Isaiah 43:1-4. It says, “But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.” NIV

Lessons I have learned from hardship

I learned through those years of difficulty that the God of Israel is a God who keeps His word. He was with me in those years when it felt like I was in the fire or drowning without anyone to help me those times of adversity. He won me over with His love.

Ever since I gave my heart to Him, I have found that His love has only increased and His faithfulness is something I am sure of, more sure than I can ever be of myself.

In Psalm 91:14-16, it says, “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” NIV

Are you struggling to know who you are? Are you wondering whether you have any worth or value as a person?

Have you been rejected by the people you loved – by your family or friends? Have you suffered heartbreak after heartbreak and reached a point where you feel you just cannot go on?

Call out to God and He will answer

In Psalm 120:1 David said, “In my distress I cried to the Lord, and He answered me.” NIV

Call out to God, the One who created you, and He will answer you. He is a witness of everything you have been through, He doesn’t need proof or anyone to testify about what happened to you. He is waiting for you to turn to Him so He can make things right for you. Will you give Him a chance to show you how much you mean to Him, how much He loves you?

If you have questions in your mind about life, justice, peace, fulfillment, love or anything else, you can ask Him! In Jeremiah 33:3 God says to us, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” NIV He speaks to us through His Word even today. He will speak to you too!

In Matthew 7:7,8 Jesus says to you, “Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened.” AMP

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Faith

Jesus’ Disciples: His Chosen Motley Crew

by Corine Channell
written by Corine Channell

Did you ever really stop to think about the men that Jesus surrounded Himself with? Jesus’ disciples and the ones He called His friends were quite the motley crew – not the well-polished religious people you might think He would have chosen.

I love that He chose whom He chose. It lets me know there is a place for me, and all those who feel like an outsider looking in – those not so religious or well-polished. We get to come as is, and it’s okay. Why is it okay? He sees our hearts. Our hearts tell the true story.

Jesus’ Disciples

So who did He choose to be His 12 disciples? He chose fishermen, a tax collector, a thief/traitor, fanatical nationalists, men with rough/tough and even violent natures, pessimists, and basically yes  –  a motley crew! It almost sounds like Jesus could have walked into any prison and picked out 12 men.

Matthew 3:14-19 says, “And He appointed twelve (whom He also named apostles) so that they might be with Him…” He chose His friends. These are the guys He wanted to hang out with; the guys He knew He could teach to do great things. He didn’t just see the rough exterior – He saw GREATNESS. “..that He might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. He appointed the twelve.” He chose them all, even the one who would betray Him (whoa).

Don’t you just love that Jesus chose ordinary men to do extraordinary things? Let’s remember them by name – James, Peter, Andrew, John, Bartholomew, James the younger, Matthew, Jude, Judas, Philip, Simon, and Thomas. “Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere and the Lord worked with them and confirmed His word by the signs that accompanied it.” (Mark 16:20)

Just 12 regular guys that “turned the world upside down.” (Acts 17:6)

jesus' disciples

Jesus Sees the Heart

We judge people by what we see with our eyes or the stories we hear about them. Jesus looked past the exterior – the rough and tough, and straight into the heart. He turned fishermen into fishers of men. He turned men he nicknamed “Sons of thunder” (because they were so out of control) into men with relentless courage. He changed doubt and confusion into fearless faith. He took misguided passion and turned it into something so powerful it changed history. He turned rough and tough men into His disciples who were willing to give their lives for Him in cruel deaths. I think He chose them for many reasons – He knew that all those character traits used in the right way, could indeed turn the world upside down.

I remember one of my children being very stubborn, and I was quite concerned. I remember my Pastor at the time saying, “Stubbornness steered in the right direction can actually be a great thing.” I was like, what? Okay. Down the road to when this same child became the adult who stands firmly for those with no voice, who doesn’t back down against injustice, I see what he meant. Jesus picked the ones who would go all in. Maybe not in a polished by-the-book way, but with fiery hearts ready to take on “lions, tigers and bears”. I am guessing if we had been able to have a backyard bbq with Jesus’ disciples, these men were the men’s men of planet earth. Strong, willful, large and in charge guys who wouldn’t back down –  even to the death.

As the saying goes, “Never judge a book by its cover.” I promise you that God will always surprise you with whom He chooses to show His glory through. That my friend, is His heart towards mankind – “Who wants ALL men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4)

There is plenty of room at the table for all the misfits, the forgotten, the failures, the broken, the lost and the ones who are pretty sure it’s over for them. YOU are most welcome. Come to Jesus and become a part of His chosen motley crew.
#OrdinaryToExtraordinary

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Articles

Jesus + You + Me = Family

by Corine Channell
written by Corine Channell

Jesus came to earth to be one of us; to identify with us; to be just like us in human flesh. THIS right here should fuel your trust factor towards Him. HE GETS US! He is not far removed from our sufferings or temptations or all the flesh things we feel like we go through all alone. Please hear this – we are NOT alone. Ever. 

We are family!
family
 

“Both the One (Jesus) who makes people (us) holy and those who are made holy (still us) are of the SAME family. So Jesus is NOT ashamed to call them (and it’s still us) brothers and sisters.” (Hebrews 2:11)

Whoa. I never had read that verse before. I have definitely been ashamed of myself and I have for sure felt like my solo journey was truly solo. It never was. “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, Thou (Jesus) art with me.” (Psalm 23) My trust meter has went UP realizing that no matter what I see in myself – how broken I have felt or how much I think I am a hot mess, Jesus NEVER was or is ashamed to be associated with me.  He understands my humanity, because He was a human.

I think we ALL forget that fact. God came to earth in human form to BE one of us. Ultimately He came to save us. This had to be done by becoming one of us. 

When my mother went to India to be a missionary she became as one of them; she learned the Indian culture, the Indian dress, the Indian way of eating, worship, daily routines. To identify with them and to understand them – she became one of them. They became her family. This is exactly how it is with Jesus and us.

When you feel lost and forgotten and abandoned and overlooked and a million other human emotions we all go thru, remember – so did He. Every single thing we go through, He suffered through also. This makes Him so approachable, so near, so welcoming, so non judgmental, so safe. We all need a safe place to land when we are flapping our wings against the wind storms of this life. 

His loving kindness to us becomes our safe place. 

We are family! Wow. Major thought revolution for me here. I have always been fearful of giving my all to anything – mostly for fear of rejection or failure or hurt; fear of being left by the side of the road. Even with God I would give almost all of my heart, but hold some back – you know, just in case He decided I wasn’t worth the time or the love. Kind of ridiculous I guess, but I wonder if we all do that sometimes.  We hold back portions for ourselves, just in case. Just in case can be different reasons for everyone. 

I am learning to let go of my fear and embrace the knowledge that I am safe with Jesus. He gets me. He always has. I have never scared Him off. He isn’t ashamed of my flaws or shaking His head at my questions. He extends mercy to me and His mercy cleanses me. He gives me unconditional love and His love transforms me. He showers me with gentleness and His gentleness allows me to trust. He bestows upon me hope and His hope fuels me to have faith. He leads me beside still waters, and this utter peace and joy is what radically changes me. 

Isn’t this what a family should look like? Shouldn’t it be the very safest and best and most relaxing and most loving place to be? Yes. And we can find that in Jesus. He IS our family. He is NOT ashamed to call US His family. In Psalm 136 there are 26 verses and every single one ends with the words – “For His loving kindness is everlasting.” Wow. I guess He knew we’d need to hear that 26 times to finally embrace it’s truth !   

Sing loudly and joyfully with me, like my 4 year old granddaughter does – “We are family! I got all my sisters (and brothers) with me…” You are never alone. Never. “He who 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.” (Psalm 91:1) Our family fortress- the ole homestead – our safe place – is Jesus. Come on home! 

#WeAreFamily

 

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Who you are
Video

What If We Accepted Ourselves For Who We Were Created To Be?

by Toby Osborn
written by Toby Osborn

We live in a culture that is so desperate for gratification and attention from other people.

We want to know that we fit in and are accepted by society, so we will do anything to feel apart of it…

 

…downloading apps, buying likes and followers and making ourselves seem more attractive and popular.

What if we accepted ourselves for who we were created to be?

Being proud of what makes us unique, instead of desperately trying to change who we are to please others.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

“But God in His grace chose me even before I was born, and called me to serve Him.” (Galatians 1:15)

Toby is a filmmaker and photographer from the UK who loves to create fun, inspiring and encouraging content for young people. He is passionate about making videos to tell people about their purpose and inspire them to know their worth and value.
Source: TobyTVLive
Music Used : Direct – Abandon (Ecepta Remix) Here Again – Elevation Worship
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condemn
Articles

Remember: You Are Saved Not to Condemn But To Love

by GOD TV
written by GOD TV

Have you ever tried to share the Word of God to those who are living in sin? Did you share the love of God instead of condemning people? When was the last time you sincerely listened to someone story and tried to understand their struggles?

As much as we want to show the people the truth behind their struggles or sin, we need to remember that God did not save us because we are holy and pure. He did not save us because we are spotless. God rescued us because HE is holy, pure, spotless and we were in need of His grace.

And that’s how we should treat our brothers and sisters who are also struggling. God poured out His love and grace to us from the moment we realized that we need a Savior.

God never condemns us.

Like a Father who longs for His children to come back in His arms, God wants to embrace all of us especially in times when we cannot accept our failures and mistakes. He loves us even in times when we can’t love ourselves. That’s how God cares for us.

So if you have friends who are living in sin, don’t push them away by condemning them. Treat them how God treated you. Don’t pressure them to change; you can never change a person. Only the love of God can transform a person’s heart. Be Christ’s love to them and let the Holy Spirit do His transformative work.

If you’re having a hard time sharing the truth with your friend, Pastor Kris Vallotton shared in his blog, “7 Ways To Be A True Friend To Someone In Sin And Shame”. He cited practical ways that will teach you how to love them the way God loves them.

  1. Be humble by remembering where you came from.
  2. Love people for who they are and not for who they could be.
  3. Don’t parade your accomplishments in front of the broken.
  4. Give people hope without requiring them to change.
  5. Be empathic; listen from the heart without feeling the need to correct their opinions.
  6. Show an interest in their lives.
  7. Often people in shame live in fantasy to numb the pain of reality and give themselves hope – It’s important to understand that when you live in shame, fantasy is where you sustain yourself until you find a place of truth and walk out. Find a way to give people a sense of hope before you destroy their fantasy, as fantasy often numbs the pain of a terrible reality.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

We are not the judge so we do not have the authority to condemn. God wants His children to show the world who He truly is through how we love.

This article was written by Kriza Jo L. Tanduyan.

Source Krisvollotton.com

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Hillsong
Video

LISTEN: Who You Say I Am – Hillsong Worship

by GOD TV
written by GOD TV

No matter who we are – pastor, parent, celebrity, politician, or that famous worship singer – we all struggle with identity, acceptance, and figuring out who we are. And it doesn’t help that Satan whispers lies, reinforcing our fears and doubts in the most deceptively convincing way.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

Whatever you’re going through today, this week, this year, know this: you cannot clearly hear the voice of the Father speaking His love over you, imparting identity in you, until you shut down the lies of enemy. Stop listening to who Satan says you are and begin to find peace as a son or daughter of the Most High King.

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” (1 John 3:1)

“‘And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me,’says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:18)

Today, let’s silence the enemy by signing this song over ourselves. You are who HE says you are.

Who You Say I Am – Hillsong Worship

Who am I that the highest King
Would welcome me
I was lost but He brought me in
Oh His love for me
Oh His love for me

Who the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed
I’m a child of God
Yes I am

Free at last
He has ransomed me
His grace runs deep
While I was a slave to sin
Jesus died for me
Yes He died for me

Who the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed
I’m a child of God
Yes I am
In my Father’s house
There’s a place for me
I’m a child of God
Yes I am

I am chosen
Not forsaken
I am who You say I am
You are for me
Not against me
I am who You say I am

Words and Music by Ben Fielding & Reuben Morgan
© 2017 Hillsong Music Publishing

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Let's Get Real
Articles

‘What Does it Mean to Get Real?’ New Chat Show asks

by Deborah Armin
written by Deborah Armin

Many Christians struggle with opening up about what’s really going on in their lives. Church culture can sometimes dictate how we relate to one another. Many times people hide their true feelings to avoid being seen as having lack of faith. However, we hope that’s all about to change with Let’s Get Real, the exclusive new series on GOD TV that airs on Mondays at 9.30 pm.

You can watch the first episode above, hosted by Sue Eldridge of Presence Ministries International, who opens up this new and exciting talk show with the question “What does getting real mean?” The panel joining Sue to discuss this issue are Alison Wilson; Chris Larkin; and Marj Rossol. Also, special guest, Nancy Goudie joins the panel to share her testimony of overcoming grief and talk about her Spiritual Health Weekends.

Keeping it real is an issue many of us grapple with, Sue shares her struggle with not being able to relate to the impossibly beautiful images of slim women in ministry. But the reality is many women suffer from weight issues, learning to accept you’re loved by God, whatever shape you’re in is liberating, as many on the panel have discovered.

Chris Larkin says it’s important to be yourself and not be intimidated. Marj Rossol shares how when she was younger she tried to be who she thought people wanted her to be. “It’s been a journey for me finding out who God says I am, I’m a work in progress and learning to accept you’re loved unconditionally is liberating.”

The women grapple with what it means to be real, given that within church there are unspoken rules about appearance and demeanor. Sue felt out of place, not wired like church expectations and ‘standing out like a sore thumb’ in her short skirt and black eyeliner! But she soon realized she didn’t fit into the world either, with her love of God.

Alison candidly shares about how her traumatic childhood meant being real in church was difficult especially after someone prayed for her with the unspoken expectation that everything would be better. “The next time they asked me, I felt obliged to say, ‘yeah, yeah I’m feeling loads better’.. when in fact I wasn’t. It only reinforced my sense of disassociation with my real self.”

Where do we get our sense of reality?

The ladies talk about where we get our sense of reality. For some, it’s from films, TV, books, or the people they’re surrounded by. Nowadays it’s also social media, the impossibly beautiful images posted by EVERYONE. So ‘Let’s Get Real’ dives in, taking off the masks and grappling with what it means to be authentic. This is a place where anything and everything can be talked about as we discover what it means to be true to oneself, in the hopes it will set others free.

Special guest Nancy Goudie shares her heart-wrenching journey of losing her husband and having to reconcile the loss with what she was believing for? “God, where are You in all this?” This was a question that ultimately led her to surrender and say “God, I’m gonna trust You through this”. Have you suffered an unexpected loss? Check out Nancy’s book ‘Our Greatest Adventure’. Nancy also organizes ‘Spiritual Health Weekends‘ in the UK, where you can go and get a spiritual as well as physical pampering session.

As an honest ‘real’ kinda gal I find this series a refreshing look at what it means to be real. It takes on the airbrushed perfect images we so often see in the media, or the platitudes spoken in church settings. This has sometimes caused me grief because my honesty went against the unspoken rule of “keep it to yourself’, don’t show them how you really feel, they can’t handle it.”  This series promises to allow those of us with less than perfect bodies and lives a freedom we haven’t experienced before, so let’s get real, ladies!

Read more about Let’s Get Real including details of other episodes.

This article was written by UK author and speaker, Deborah Armin who is a graduate of the London School of Theology. Her book On My Way Home: One Woman’s Journey in Search of the Unknown God, is published by Authentic Media. Deborah is also a staff writer for GODTV.com.

 

 

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