Category: Encouragement For The Downcast

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Prepare For His Return For Us

18 The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor. ~ Luke 4:18-19

Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. That is who Jesus is, and He has done all of that for us. We are living in the year of the LORD’s favor, which speaks of the fiftieth year—the year of Jubilee, because of Him.

Jubilee was the year when all was forgiven. All debts were canceled, slaves were set free, and all property, the inheritance, reverted to its original and rightful owner … And it was Jesus who accomplished all of that for us. But He didn’t leave it at that; He gave us even more …

Eternal life with Him in blissfulness. No eye has seen. No ear has heard. No mind can imagine all that God has in store for us. He’s coming back to get us one day. The day that the Apostles and the early believers called the ‘Blessed Hope,’ or our ‘Blessed Hope.’ So, be encouraged. Kindle your flame. Build His Kingdom.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Prepare For His Return.

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Buried With Him

We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we will certainly also be united with Him in a resurrection like His. ~ Romans 6:4-5 NIV

Yesterday, we celebrated Easter, proclaiming, “He is risen!” Jesus, who was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities (Isaiah 53:5), rose from the dead, defeating sin and death. The empty tomb isn’t just a Sunday story—it’s the power for every day, including today, Monday. Romans 6:4 reminds us that because Jesus lives, we too can live a new life, united with Him. His Resurrection means your past doesn’t define you, your failures don’t bind you, and your future is secure in His love. 

As you step into this week, the demands of work, family, or struggles may feel heavy. But the same power that raised Jesus from the grave lives in you. His wounds brought your healing, His rising your freedom. You’re not just surviving Monday—you’re living as a child of the risen King. Let the truth of the empty tomb shape your attitude, decisions, and interactions today. Where you’re tempted to give in to worry or sin, remember: Jesus is alive, and He’s with you, calling you to walk in His new life.

Why don’t you take a moment this morning to name one blessing and thank Jesus for it. Then, identify one challenge you might face this week—perhaps a task, a conflict, or a personal struggle. Pray and ask Jesus to fill you with His truth, faith, and grace. Then, choose one small action to reflect His love today: offer a kind word, forgive someone, or pause to thank God for His presence. When you feel overwhelmed, whisper, “Jesus is risen,” and let that truth steady your heart. And remember, the tomb is still empty, and Jesus is still alive. Live this Monday in the light of His victory, for He suffered and rose for you.

Dear Heavenly Father, as I come to You, I ask You to search me and see that there is no wicked way in me. Thank You, LORD Jesus, for the cross and for the empty tomb. I pray for the strength to overcome all challenges and all obstacles. Lead me now with Your grace, and with Your wisdom, in Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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Because Jesus Lives

20 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes” (John 20:1–9 ESV).

On that first Easter morning, darkness still clung to the earth, and despair still gripped Jesus’ followers. They had watched their LORD suffer and die on a brutal cross, bearing the weight of our sins (Isaiah 53:5). Mary Magdalene approached the tomb with a heavy heart, expecting death, not life. But the stone was rolled away, and the tomb was empty! The grave clothes, once wrapped around a broken body, lay folded—a silent testimony that Jesus had risen by His own power. Peter and John ran to see, their hearts stirring with a fragile hope that would soon become unshakable faith.

His resurrection changed everything. Jesus didn’t just endure the cross for us; He conquered death and the grave to make us whole. Now, we have the promises: by His wounds we are healed, and with the chastisement that was placed on Him, He brought us peace (Isaiah 53:5), and His rising ensured our eternal hope. The empty tomb declares that no sin is too great, no sorrow too deep, for Christ’s victory to overcome. On this Resurrection Sunday, let this truth sink in: He is risen, and because He lives, you are never alone, never without hope, never beyond His love.

What does the empty tomb mean for you today? It means He is risen, He is risen indeed, and we are forgiven and we have hope! Perhaps you’re carrying grief, guilt, or fear. Jesus calls your name, as He did Mary’s, inviting you to see Him—not as a memory, but as the living Savior. Let His Resurrection awaken your heart to trust Him, worship Him, and share His love with a world that needs hope.

Take a moment to reflect on a burden you’re carrying—something that feels like a sealed tomb in your life. Write it down or share it with God in prayer. Then, picture the stone rolled away, the tomb empty, and Jesus alive, offering you freedom and peace. Today, during Easter worship or communion, pause to thank Him for His sacrifice and victory. Consider one way you can share the hope of the Resurrection this week—perhaps by encouraging a friend, forgiving someone, or serving in your community.

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving the world so much that You gave Your only begotten Son. Thank You, LORD Jesus, for Your obedience. Thank You for Your stripes. Thank You for pouring out Your blood as an offering, a sacrifice for many. I love You, LORD, for first loving me, in Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.

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Abundant Life Pt. 7: Abundant Love

5 God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. ~ Romans 5:5

As we wrap up our “Abundant Life” journey, let’s pause to marvel at God’s love—the pulse of it all. Paul assures us that “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:5). This love isn’t a mere drip but a deluge, an overflowing fountain that floods our very souls, saturating our every step because His is a steadfast love that lasts forever, through His Holy Spirit. It’s the thread weaving through “Life More Abundantly,” where Jesus offers fullness (John 10:10), to “Help My Unbelief,” where faith falters yet holds (Mark 9:24). This love—steadfast and eternal—lifts us with grace (Abundant Grace), steadies us with peace (Abundant Peace), and fills us with joy (Abundant Joy).

But Jesus didn’t intend for this love to stop with us. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). This isn’t a cozy keepsake—it’s a bold marker of who we are. Hoard it, and it fades; share it, and it blazes, showing the world Christ’s transforming power.

Take Sarah, a single mom drowning in bills and loneliness. Her neighbor, Mark, saw her weary shuffle and offered to mow her lawn—no strings attached. At first, Sarah blinked, unsure, but as the mower hummed, a weight lifted. Then came a hesitant “thank you,” a chat over lemonade, and soon, a friendship. She felt truly seen—not just noticed, but valued—and Mark found purpose. That’s Life to the Full (John 10:10): love poured out, forging connection. We can do it too—tune out distractions, listen intentionally, hear a friend’s struggle, and echo Jehovah Shammah, “the LORD is there” (Ezekiel 48:35). It’s a simple step that heals a fractured world.

Then there’s James, stewing over a friend’s betrayal. Inspired by Abundant Grace, he texted, “I forgive you—let’s move on.” Tough? Yes. But the Spirit’s love fueled it, mending their bond and healing their relationship, Ephesians 4:32 in action. We, too, can choose kindness over venom, letting Romans 5:5 spill into our daily life with words of hope.

Finally, picture Maria, grilling burgers for neighbors. Laughter erupts, stories flow—it’s a slice of Abundant Joy (Psalms 16:11). It doesn’t take much—a coffee, a prayer night—to reflect God’s steadfast love. So pray boldly, “LORD, show me one person to love today.”

This abundant life isn’t just ours to hoard—it’s for sharing. God’s love, flooding our hearts, demands an outlet. As vessels of His grace, peace, and joy, we extend His love through Spirit-led acts, overflowing with Abundant Love to transform our world, one connection at a time.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your steadfast love. We love, because Your Son Jesus first loved us. Help me share Your love so that others can be ministered to. Healing comes through Your love, Your steadfast love. Let every soul say, “The steadfast love of God is forever.” In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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Abundant Life Pt. 5: Abundant Peace

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

In today’s world, anxiety pervades every stratum of society due to financial struggles, health concerns, relationship challenges, and the heaviness of life. No one is immune; everyone faces moments of worry and doubt. Yet, Jesus promises us a peace that surpasses all understanding, woven into the Abundant Life He offers. It is deeply reassuring to know that the source of His Abundant Peace—His shalom—lies not in our surroundings but in the unshakable presence of the Blessed Savior.

Shalom peace is no ordinary calm, no simple truce—it’s a mighty, divine force of wholeness, a gift of peace so powerful it unleashes God’s mighty power that conquers chaos and renews our very being. It defies storms, overthrows despair, and mends our brokenness, filling every void within us. Anchored in God’s unwavering covenant love, it wields the authority to heal and restore us, triumphing over any and every circumstance we face. It’s a gift to us from Jesus, our LORD and Savior. This unshakable gift of Abundant Peace is a foretaste of the eternal fullness that awaits all those who believe.

This portion of Scripture reveals the key to receiving God’s peace, echoing the old hymn ‘What A Friend We Have In Jesus,’ which tells us to ‘Take it to the LORD in prayer.’ The Apostle Paul encourages us to bring everything to God in prayer with a heart full of thanksgiving. It’s hard to feel anxious when you are filled with gratitude. This serves as a powerful reminder that God cares deeply about the burdens we carry. When we shift our focus from our worries to God’s faithfulness, His peace will guard our hearts and minds. There is Abundant Peace knowing that He has seated us with Him in heavenly places. This understanding reshapes our perception of Abundant Peace, solidifying it with the knowledge that even in our darkest moments, God is working for our good—the shalom peace that restores and sustains us.

Julie, a mother whose young son, Isaac, had been battling a rare form of cancer, was devastated when doctors informed her that there was nothing more they could do. Isaac’s condition had deteriorated rapidly, and Julie faced the crushing reality that she was about to lose her son. Amid endless hospital visits, treatments, and sleepless nights, Julie’s heart was heavy with fear, anxiety, and helplessness. On one particularly difficult day, after receiving the news that Isaac’s time was running out, Julie felt overwhelmed by grief and despair. In the quiet of that hospital room, she didn’t have the words to pray, but she cried out to God from her heart, asking for His peace. As she whispered, ‘God, I can’t do this without You,’ a calm, overwhelming peace filled her spirit. It wasn’t the peace that changed the circumstances, but the peace that steadied her heart, knowing Jesus was with her. A few days later, Isaac passed away, but Julie continued to experience the peace of God, knowing that Jesus was by her side in her darkest moments, holding her heart together when everything else felt like it was falling apart.

Let me encourage you today to examine your own heart. Are there areas where you’re struggling to trust God? I invite you to bring those worries before Him in prayer today, keeping in mind that Jesus has promised us the Abundant Life, which includes His surpassing peace—His shalom. He purchased it for us, and now He offers it to us unconditionally. Isaiah wrote, ‘The chastisement that brought us peace was upon Him’ (Isaiah 53:5, NIV). And before Jesus was taken up, He said, “My peace I give you, My peace I leave with you” (John 14:27 NIV), giving us the peace that He purchased for us.

Now give thanks and receive the peace that Jesus offers. Father, thank You for Your Son Jesus, who endured the punishment that brought me peace. Help me to be thankful and grateful, knowing that You hold all things together with the word of Your power, and that You worketh everything to my good. I receive Your peace right now in the midst of my storm, hold me as I learn to trust You and depend upon You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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Abundant Life Pt. 4: Abundant Grace

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. ~ Titus 2:11-12NIV

In a world where we often feel weighed down by our shortcomings, failures, and struggles, God offers us something extraordinary: His Abundant Grace. This grace isn’t earned or deserved—it’s freely given, a lavish gift flowing from His heart of love. The Apostle Paul captures this beautifully in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where God declares, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” What a promise! When we’re at our lowest, when our strength fails and our weaknesses loom large, His Abundant Grace steps in—not just to patch us up, but to empower us, transforming our frailties into a canvas for His strength.

This Abundant Grace meets us in our deepest need, offering forgiveness where we’ve fallen short and mercy where we’ve strayed. It’s the grace that lifts us from the mire of guilt and shame, assuring us that we are seen, known, and loved by a Savior who bore our burdens on the Cross. Through this Abundant Grace, we experience the Abundant Life Jesus promised—a life not defined by our perfection but by His provision. Paul himself embraced this truth, boasting gladly in his weaknesses so that Christ’s power could shine through (2 Corinthians 12:9). And so can we. When we surrender our inadequacies to Him, His Abundant Grace becomes our sufficiency, turning our brokenness into a testimony of His mercy.

Let’s pause and reflect: Are there places in your life where you feel weak or unworthy? Bring them before God today. His Abundant Grace is more than enough, and it’s freely given, endlessly sufficient, and powerfully transformative. It’s the heartbeat of the Abundant Life, where forgiveness washes us clean, mercy restores our souls, and His strength carries us forward. Receive it with open hands, and let it lead you into the fullness of His love.

Heavenly Father, I surrender all to You. All of my cares, my worries, and all of my concerns. I confess all of my shortcomings and all of my mistakes. Please forgive my straying, help me to live a life worthy of Your Abundant Grace that You have lavished on me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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Walk Like Joseph

33 Now therefore let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt. 34 Let Pharaoh proceed to appoint overseers over the land and take one-fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt during the seven plentiful years. 35 And let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it. 36 That food shall be a reserve for the land against the seven years of famine that are to occur in the land of Egypt, so that the land may not perish through the famine.” ~ Genesis 41:32-36

Joseph was a prisoner; forgotten by the man he had interpreted the dream of for 2 years. Now, he was standing before Pharaoh, and he held all of the cards. He had nothing to lose. Imagine if Joseph told Pharaoh exactly what needs to be done. He very well could have kept that information to himself. A lot of people would have been like, “What’s in it for me?”

They would reason that, “Look, I’m a prisoner, and unless you free me, I’m not telling you anything, neither am I giving you any information. If you put me in charge, then I will help you. Then I will give you my good advice.” But not Joseph. Joseph explained to Pharaoh exactly what must be done with no hesitation at all.

Impressed, Pharaoh took off his signet ring and put it on the finger of Joseph. In so doing, Pharaoh bestowed on Joseph the full power of Egypt. In one day, Joseph went from prisoner to second in command of all Egypt, the superpower of that day.

Joseph embodied honesty. He didn’t try to use his God-given gifts to his own advantage. He didn’t try to make himself great. He simply accepted the hand dealt to him and tried to live for God regardless of whether he was in the house or in the gutter. Why? Because he fully trusted in the LORD. He fully believed that the LORD had him no matter what the enemy tried to do to him. Joseph grew wherever he was planted, and the LORD was faithful to him.

Joseph went from prisoner, living in the jail, to second in command over all of Egypt, answering only to Pharaoh in just one conversation. He was faithful to God, so God was faithful to him. Even if the cupbearer forgot Joseph, the LORD God didn’t.

There might be people that you’ve helped, that you’ve been there for, that you’ve invested into that have been elevated and have forgotten you, but don’t be discouraged, angry, or upset. The LORD God hasn’t forgotten you. He hasn’t abandoned you. If you remain faithful to Him, even when you have every right to be upset and bitter, the LORD will remain faithful to you, and he will elevate you because the LORD elevates the humble.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Walk Like Joseph.

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Grow In The Crucible

1 Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt, and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, had bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there. 2 The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 His master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD caused all that he did to succeed in his hands. 4 So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had. 5 From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had, the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; the blessing of the LORD was on all that he had, in house and field. 6 So he left all that he had in Joseph’s charge, and because of him he had no concern about anything but the food he ate. ~ Genesis 39:1-6

You know the story of Joseph. He was sold by his brothers to the Ishmaelites, who then brought him down to Egypt, where they sold him as a slave to Potiphar. But God was on his side and caused everything that he did to prosper. While serving as a slave in a foreign land, he was accused of attempted rape and sentenced to prison, but even in that, the LORD caused Joseph to prosper and be successful.

No doubt, Joseph was in the crucible. And as I said in our first message, we live a lot of life in the crucible. The fire may not be turned up as hot as it was turned up for Joseph or for Job, but nonetheless, we still live a lot of life in the crucible. And it’s all because of our attitude in the crucible, the amount of time we spend there. The more we resist, the longer we stay. Learn what you need. Purge what needs purging. It will be time well spent.

Therefore, don’t allow the downs to keep you down. Find the good in each and every situation. Find something to rejoice about it. Find something to thank God for. Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers. His big brothers, who were supposed to protect him, sold him to Ishmaelites, his cousins. Who then sold him to Potiphar. Joseph had every right to be upset, bitter, angry, but there is no record of that. There is only record of Joseph being blessed by God.

This tells me that no matter how difficult your crucible may be, if you will refuse to allow it to sprout a root of bitterness in you, the LORD will bless you. If you will refuse to sin in secret, the LORD will bless you. If you will strive for righteousness, the LORD will bless. The LORD will bless His people who are faithful to Him. Therefore, let your joy continue grow even in the crucible.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Grow In The Crucible.

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I’ll Never Forget You

15 Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. 16 Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me. ~ Isaiah 49:15-16

I know some will say that this portion of Scripture was written to the Jews and for Jerusalem, and they are right. Jerusalem was destroyed and the Jews living there, along with the king and the royal family, all the nobles were taken into captivity. Through all the destruction and sorrow, and pain that they suffered despair began to set in. Zion, another name for Jerusalem, started to complain that the LORD had forsaken them, that their God had forgotten them. So, God sent them a reassuring promise.

God said, look, “Can a nursing mother forget the child of her womb?” Normally, a good mother will never forget the child she bore. But God continued, “Even if she does, it’s highly unlikely, but even if she does forget her child that she is nursing whom she just gave birth to, I will never forget you. I can’t forget you, because I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” This is referring to Jesus’ crucifixion. The nails that were pounded into the palms of His hands, bursting through blood vessels and coming out on the other side and then driven into the wooden beams of the cross, imprinted, or engraved our names on the palms of His hands.

That is how I know that this promise is for us as well. Because Jesus did not die such a horrific and cruel death as death on a cross for the Jews of Jerusalem only, but for us as well. Therefore, if our names were imprinted, or engraved on the palms of His hands as well, how can He forget us? And if He cannot forget us, that means we are ever in His sight and on His mind.

There is nothing that you are going through, or are experiencing that God does not know about. It may seem like you are in it all alone, and by yourself, but that is a lie from the enemy. Your God is there with you to shield you and to protect you. Yes, you may experience the storm. Yes, you may experience the earthquake, but God is right there just in case you stumble so that you will not fall. He will catch, He will lift you up. So, rejoice and be glad, for your God has not forgotten you. He is coming back one day to get us. All of us who have kept His commandments and who are waiting for His great return.

Father, thank You that You have not forgotten me. Please see the situation that I am in and give me peace in my storm. Speak to it so that it may calm, in Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.

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God’s Promises Are Trustworthy

14 “And now I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the LORD your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed. 15 But just as all the good things that the LORD your God promised concerning you have been fulfilled for you, so the LORD will bring upon you all the evil things, until He has destroyed you from off this good land that the LORD your God has given you, 16 if you transgress the covenant of the LORD your God, which He commanded you, and go and serve other gods and bow down to them. Then the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you, and you shall perish quickly from off the good land that He has given to you.” ~ Joshua 23:14-16

By now, Joshua is old and advanced in years. He had led Israel for many years. He is now 110 years old, and the time of his death has come. He and Caleb were the only two men of fighting age who came up out of the land of Egypt during God’s great deliverance of the Israelites out of the land of slavery to enter the Promised Land. All the other men of fighting age perished in the desert because of unbelief. He knows how fickle these people are. So, he gathers the whole assembly of people, all the tribes of Israel, he calls them to Shechem and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers, and there he presented them before God.

Joshua reminded them of where they came from and what God had done for them, and what He was still doing for them. He knew that they were prune to stray from their God, so he warned them to fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and in faithfulness. He also told them, “Look, you yourselves know that all of God’s good promises have been fulfilled for you.” Not one of His good promises has failed.

Now, here is the kicker. Now, in verse 15, Joshua begins to explain to the people saying, Look, The LORD your God has fulfilled all of the good things that He promised concerning you, but please understand that just like He fulfilled the good things, He will also bring upon you all the evil things that He has promised, until He has destroyed you from off this good land that He has given you.

Therefore, the LORD our God is a promise keeper. Whether the promise is good or whether it is for evil, as long as the requirements are fulfilled, God will bring that promise to pass. Now, understand this, God has given us great and awesome promises. Some are great blessings, and others are not so great.

For instance, Jesus promised that He will be back to get all of us who love Him and are waiting for His appearing. He also promised that if you are not waiting or do not desire Him, you will be left behind. So, just like God fulfilled all of His promises to ancient Israel, so will He fulfill all of His modern promises to us.

Therefore, stay awake, pay attention, and watch and pray so that you will not be left behind. Jesus is coming back real soon.

Heavenly Father, thank You that You are a promise keeper, and You will fulfill everyone of Your good promises to me, good or bad. Help me to be obedient so that You can fulfill Your great and awesome promises to me, and that I might reap the fat of the land, and live in your abundance. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

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