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Big God, Small Me: Bigger Than My Religion?

January 28, 2012 By 2 Comments

Pastor James MacDonald

Intro

Today is the first part of a 10 week series on a person – Paul…I have never preached this way before. Pastor James talked about a trip to the Grand Canyon when he was a kid.  How small he felt at how big the Grand Canyon was.  This was the segway into how big our God is and how small we are.

Pastor James believes what the scripture says about Paul.  Paul was Jewish born in Tarsus (modern day Turkey) and martyred in Rome. A great missionary raised in Jerusalem.  He was a Roman citizen who likely came from a wealthy family. His family business was tent making (leather worker).  He was able to support himself..born about 5AD, died 67AD at age 62. Birth name, Saul, educated as a Rabi, who sat under the best professors (teachers)…he joined the opposition to persecute the church.  He was the one whom held the coats while they were stoning Steven. Paul was converted when Jesus Christ appeared personally to him on the way to Damascus.

Paul was a devout Bible man.  A teacher of the scriptures. He was a “Bible Guy” a “Church Guy”…he was religious.

The word religion was used 5 times in the New Testament…the word itself is not necessarily a bad word. The problem with religion is not religious observance, but once you get outside of what Christ commanded you to do, you need to be careful and turn it [religion] down.  Religion is prescribed pattern worship.  It’s extra things added to the scripture that God does not require from us.  Paul was drowning in Religion.  Jesus pulled him out.

1A). Religious leaders can’t save me but Jesus can. Philippians 3:1-3

1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. 2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh

Repetition is a good thing. To go over and over some things is just safe. Beware of dogs – people who distort and/or add to the gospel.

Examples of this are:

  • Religious duty – you have to read the Bible to be saved. Go to church.
  • Moral responsibility – you have to quit smoking before you can be saved, stop living together if you’re not married
  • Flesh mutilators – you have to get circumcised

No one should be allowed to corrupt your mind about the simplicity of Christ and salvation

2A). Good behavior can’t save me but Jesus can. Philippians 3:4, 6b

4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.

Paul was saying if anyone can get to heaven by works it was him.  He was confident in the flesh.

Pastor James mentioned that he wanted to become a Police Chaplin and told a story about his first call and how hopeless the people were; they had no pastor. No church, no one…he said to us that people just don’t know how to be saved.  There are people all around us who just don’t know.  They have never had a caring person or arm around them.  There are people dying without Christ.  Good behavior can’t save you.

3A). My family can’t save me but Jesus can. Philippians 3:5a

5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;

Four things about Paul:

  • Circumcised on the 8th day – Paul was born a Jew…he has this by birth
  • Of the people of Israel – he was from Jacob, the tribe of Benjamin
  • A Hebrew of the Hebrews – he spoke Hebrew…
  • He was orthodox

None of that helped with Paul’s salvation…it counts as zero

4A). My knowledge can’t save me but Jesus can. Philippians 5b

5b as to the law, a Pharisee;

Three signs that you are leaning to hard on your learning:

  • When you know the Word but you are not a loving person.  You have to be growing in love.  It is the truest test of your conversion.
  • When nothing is minor to you – everything is a war, a fight to the death.
  • If you freak when people believe differently

5A). My passion can’t save me but Jesus can. Philippians 6a

6a as to zeal,

6A) How to be saved?

1b) Surrender religious standing. Philippians 3:7-8

7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.
8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ

2b) Submit by faith – to Christ as Savior. Philippians 3:9-11

9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

The service was closed by a video titled “Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus || Spoken Word”

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Living In the Reality of Forgiveness

January 22, 2012 By 4 Comments

Pastor Rick Donald


Psalm 32

Today was the end of an incredible three part series by Pastor Rick Donald – I will post the other two sermons later this week.  The following are my notes taken from the service.  He opened with a reminder about the men’s conference next weekend.

Context – the Psalms were written out of David’s own personal experience. Many believe that Psalm 32 was written out of David’s great sin with Bathsheba (the sin was adultery, deceit, and murder).

David’s trying to tell us with Psalm 32 – “learn from me”.

1) My forgiveness from God is available through confession. (vv. 1-2)

1 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
2 Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

David used three verses to communicate where he was at (words that describe our hearts):

Transgression – means rebellion against God…stepping over the boundary with God.
Sin – to miss the mark…the mark is Jesus…perfect character.
Iniquity – means distorted, twisted.  It reflects the crookedness of our nature.  Our heart is sinful by nature.

“Whose sin is covered” means that which God finds offensive He removes from or puts out of his sight.  God chooses to treat me as if I’ve never sinned. He replaces my sin with Christ’s righteousness.

If sin is what I am, and God offers such forgiveness for sin, how do I get it?  Verse 2 says “in whose spirit there is no deceit.”. The solution to my sin problem is God’s own Son, who hung on the cross.  If I believe that Jesus was the payment for my sin and confess it with my mouth I will be saved.

Pastor Rick shared his salvation story from when he was age 12.

2) My fellowship with God is broken through sin. (vv. 3-4)

3 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah

For when I kept silent – David kept his sin with Bathsheba silent.  He did not confess it (his sin) to God.  David did what you and I do, he hid his sin and his heart got hardened.  When David kept silent his bones wasted away (a picture of aging, weak bones and sickness). When we choose to not confess our sins, to hold them in our heart, it makes us spiritually dead.

Groaning – the sound of a wounded animal crying out.  David used this picture to show how he felt.

Your hand was heavy upon me – conviction.  Because he would not turn from his sin, God was convicting him to bring him to a place of brokenness and repentance.

Pastor Rick told the story of something in his youth.  He could have been in an accident, but because he stopped just for a moment, another car passed him and was hit by a drunk driver.  God used this to convict him.  God eventually broke him. In tears he repented and confessed his sins.  For the very first time he understood repentance.  He had to make choices to change things in his life.

5 reasons we don’t confess our sin:

  • Because we love our sin
  • I rationalize my sin – it’s no big deal…it’s not hurting anyone, yet
  • I don’t see my sin – pride is blinding me
  • We think we deserve our sin – example a husband that embraces pornography because his wife is not meeting his needs
  • I don’t want to deal with the consequences – we don’t want to trust God with the outcome of confession

We forget the joy and fruitfulness of forgiveness.

3) My growth in God is advanced through repentance. (v. 5)

5 I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah

David makes it really clear here that the way to forgiveness comes through repentance.

Two parts to repentance:

  • Confession – I acknowledge my sin to you…we are agreeing with God, God, you are right, what I did was wrong
  • Repentance – this gets us out of the cycle.  To rethink or change your mind toward sin.  I’m changing the way I think about the sin, which will lead to different choices in my life as it relates to that sin

Three important parts to repentance:

  • It starts in the mind – a change in the way I think about it
  • Emotions – it needs to grieve me
  • Will – now I begin to make different choices in my life

4) The promises of God are experienced through humility. (vv. 6-9)

6 Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him.
7 You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.

Pastor Rick shared a story about horses.

Three promises from these verses:

Found – God promises his presence. Don’t take it in your own hands…it only gets worse
Protection – God is a hiding place for us. God protects us in the midst of our sin by reminding us of our position in Christ.  Satan wants you to forget this. God reminds you who He is.
Path – God will instruct you in the way you should go.  God’s Word leads us in the right way.  It keeps us from things that will be painful.

5) My thankfulness to God is expressed through worship. (vv. 10-11)

10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.
11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

Pastor Rick said he was going to let the verses speak for themselves.

My thankfulness to God for my great forgiveness that I find first in Christ Jesus that causes me to come to full repentance.

Do you have you salvation story?

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The Way of Happiness

January 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Pastor Rick Donald

Psalm 1 

The worship leader made an announcement that Lindsay McCaul’s new album would go on sale Tuesday.  It would be available after service.

These are my sermon notes; I hope you find them a blessing.  I have to say that I have found this message series by Pastor Rick a true blessing to me.  This  man packs so much into a sermon it can be overwhelming to take good notes…
1)    When I have a passion for the truth. (v. 1-2)

1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

People are looking for what will make them happy…they will never find it apart from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Blessed means happy and joyful

Advice – there are some things I need to avoid when I seek counsel.  The wicked.  A person who is not apart of God.  Pastor Rick said he has a concern for our church when it comes to who we are listening to for advice.  He asked the question, who do you go to for advise? Oprah?

Four false teachings that Dr. Higbee hears:

  • Pursue happiness at all cost; God wants you to be happy
  • Go with your heart; look out for number one
  • You are the product of your dysfunctional past; you have little or no responsibility for your action or past
  • You need a professional to treat your real issues; God is irrelevant he’s only for spiritual issues

Sinner – nor stands in the way of sinners – key word sinner

Avoid the person who chooses sin.  Also, avoid the Internet and reality TV; if you don’t, you’re still hanging out with that sinful influence

Attitude – nor sits in the seats of the scoffer (to ridicule or mock the things of God and His Word)

God’s Word will:

  • Change and transform
  • Wants to tell me right from wrong
  • It will make you wise
  • It gives me a clear picture of who God is

The truly happy man is delighting in God’s word and meditating on it (meditate literally means repeat, repeat and repeat)

If you want to know God’s joy and happiness then:

Ask – if you want, ask, God will do it
Act – you have to get God’s word out. Pick it up every day!

2) When I am a picture of stability. (v. 3-4)

3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

Can you see the picture? Stable and well grounded with deep roots.

The key word is planted (means like a tree that has been transplanted).  The psalmist is saying that we need to make choices everyday, that causes me to be fruitful and bear much fruit in my life.

How do we do this?

  • Commit to a weekend service where you are going to be fed God’s Word
  • Have a personal Bible study, where you are studying yourself about how your life should be
  • Get into a small group
  • Listen to good Bible teaching – turn off your music and talk radio

If I asked you, how can you tell if a tree is healthy – the answer would be, by the fruit.

How can you tell if a Christian is healthy and strong and if the Spirit of God is active in his life – by the fruit

What does that fruit look like?

Galatians 5:22-23

  • Love – God’s unconditional Love – it’s a choice I make to put the needs and interest of others ahead of myself with no strings attached
  • Joy – super natural delight (something God produces in my life) in the person of God and the purposes of God (always at work for his glory and your good even when we don’t see it or enjoy it)
  • Peace – the calm assurance of what God is doing is best
  • Patience – when you’re exercising restraint instead of revenge
  • Kindness – acting for the good of the person, regardless of what they do to you
  • Goodness – the desire and ability to show generosity to another person that doesn’t deserve it
  • Faithfulness – A resolve not to wander away from commitments even when it costs me
  • Gentleness
  • Self control – restraining my passion and appetites

When does a leaf wither? Answer – when it is not nourished. If you have God at work in your life, you can go through tough times without withering. You can still have joy in the midst of what you are going through.

The wicked (those that do not know God) are not anything like that.  The wicked are like chaff (that blow away in the wind).

3)  When I have the promise of eternity. (v. 5-6)

5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Knowledge I will be with God for eternity

The destination for the wicked will be Hell.  They will be separated from God for all eternity.

Which one are you?  Which picture are you?  The happy, righteous, joyful person regardless of what’s happening in your life or the person destined for separation from God for eternity.

You don’t have to be separated from God for eternity….all you have to do is accept,  believe and confess.

 

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Revealed – Seeing The Invisible God

January 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Pastor Rick Donald

What Are You Looking At? Pastor Rick Changed the title to “Revealed…Seeing The Invisible God”

Psalm 19

Communion was done this morning

Pastor Rick announced that they were celebrating the birth of their new beautiful granddaughter – Kylie Ann

1) When I look into the sky I see your presence. (v. 1-6)

1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun,
5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

We have a risen Savior!  You cannot miss that message at our Easter service.  In Psalm 19, he is comparing the creation of God to a choir singing His praises. God is our Creator and Designer, we are put here in this place to manifest His glory.

Creation is singing it – there is a Creator, a Designer and He is awesome.

Creation’s message is visual, it is so clear, it is so great, you only need to open your heart to see it.

It’s available – no matter who you are or where you are, we all see the same creation of God and it’s available to us all.

The sun is amazing – Stats:

  • Size much bigger then earth 864,000 miles wide
  • A million earths can fit inside it
  • 93 million miles away from the earth
  • 10,000 degrees at surface ??? Degrees at it’s core

God spoke it and the sun was there

Pastor made a parallel to his son Jordan’s marriage

The sun has a very specific course – rises in the east and sets in the west.  God is in control.

There is nothing that escapes the light and heat of the sun.

What am I suppose to get from this?  The psalmist wants us to walk away with the heavens declare the glory of God…it’s Who God is.  The creation reminds us of Who God is.

Four things God’s creation reminds us:

  • God is faithful.  You can count on Him Hebrews 10:22
  • God is powerful. If God can speak creation into existence…there is nothing that can come into your life (which He allows) that He can’t handle Jeremiah 17:32
  • God is personal.  Luke 12:6-8
  • Praise. God’s creation continually sings out to God of His Glory.  My life should bring God glory.

Question…which of those 4 things is God reminding you that you needed to hear?

2) When I look into the Word I see your promises. (v. 7-11)

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

Pastor Rick made an analogy about the promises he made 30 years ago this May at the alter when he married Lynn. He noted that he has not been perfect over the 30 years with his promises.

God never falls short on his promises.

Six specific promises God makes:

  1. The law of the Lord is perfect – it revives the soul. It warns us.  God’s Word is reliable. It makes wise the simple (openness)…you can take the truth of God’s Word and apply it to your everyday life
  2. God’s Word always directs and orders our path. Keeps us from bringing harm to ourselves.
  3. The commandment of the Lord is pure. It is without blemish.  It gives me a clear accurate picture of who God is…joy, mercy righteous, judge
  4. The rules of the Lord are true and righteous all together. God’s Word is very specific on right and wrong
  5. God is a God who is consistent.  He never changes.
  6. The psalmist wants us to have an insatiable hunger toward God’s Word and living it out in God’s world

When I look into my heart I see your purposes. (v. 12-14)

12 Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

There is a very clear procession

Observation and creation

Information and promises

Transformation and change

God’s Word is not just informational…It is not just to be memorized or learned… it is to be transformational. He wants the Word to change us into His likeness.

Like the sun in verses 4-6

God’s Word wants to expose sin:

  • Hidden sins
  • Unintentional sins
  • Sins of ignorance
  • Secret hidden sins that we are aware of that nobody else knows…the ones we are hanging onto.

God’s Word wants to expose those.

Presumptuous sins…I know what God’s Word says but I want what I want.  As we expose ourself to God’s Word, God will change us.

God’s Word wants to expose our sins…

Why?

Because there needs to be a change…I need to take some things off and put some new things on.

He wants my life to reflect Him and His glory and greatness but I can’t do that until I deal with my sin.

 

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Christmas Carols We All Know – Or Knew

December 23, 2011 By 1 Comment

I miss hearing these songs.  My inspiration for this was a YouTube video by Journey of Faith doing one of those “Flash Mob” thingies…I posted their video here; it’s certainly worth watching.  If you would like to download the lyrics to these songs in a nice printable fashion you can do that here.  If you’re going to use them, please leave a comment below and share how you are going to do that. It would be a great blessing to me and others!

Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ – yes, we all know that December 25th is not Christ’s actual birthday – that really is not relevant.  What is relevant is that Christmas right here and right now is about the birth of Jesus Christ.  There are so many wonderful symbols about Christmas that point to the birth of Christ, right down to the name Christ(mas).  It’s a shame that there are a  few in this country that are trying to destroy this country’s history and Christmas along with it.

WE all need to bring Christmas back to December 25th…say Merry Christmas, shop at stores that recognize what the holiday is about, accept the greatest gift of all – Jesus, and be with family and friends.  Sing songs of joy and certainly don’t let our current government and some stores ruin your Christmas Spirit…

Merry Christmas to all -

Away In A Manger

Away in a manger,
No crib for His bed
The little Lord Jesus
Laid down His sweet head

The stars in the bright sky
Looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay

The cattle are lowing
The poor Baby wakes
But little Lord Jesus
No crying He makes

I love Thee, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
And stay by my side,
‘Til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus,
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray

Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care
And take us to heaven
To live with Thee there

Go Tell It On The Mountain 

Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and far away
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born

The shepherds all were watching
Over their sheep at night
When a guiding star shone from heaven
And the followed that holy light

Got tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born
They found a lovely manger
Where the humble Christ was born
And God sent out salvation
On that blessed Christmas morn

Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born

He brought with Him forgiveness
He live to show us the way
He came to redeem all creation
And to wash all our sins away

Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born

Hark The Herald Angels Sing

Hark the herald angels sing
“Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled”
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
“Christ is born in Bethlehem”
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the newborn King!”

Christ by highest heav’n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin’s womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the newborn King!”

Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris’n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the newborn King!”

It Came Upon The Midnight Clear

It came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth,
To touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on the earth, goodwill to men
From heavens all gracious King!”
The world in solemn stillness lay
To hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come,
With peaceful wings unfurled;
And still their heavenly music floats
O’er all the weary world:
Above its sad and lowly plains
They bend on hovering wing,
And ever o’er its Babel sounds
The blessed angels sing.

O ye beneath life’s crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow;
Look now, for glad and golden hours
Come swiftly on the wing;
Oh rest beside the weary road
And hear the angels sing.

For lo! the days are hastening on,
By prophets seen of old,
When with the ever-circling years
Shall come the time foretold,
When the new heaven and earth shall own
The Prince of Peace, their King,
And the whole world send back the song
Which now the angels sing.

Joy To The World, The Lord Is Come!

Joy to the World, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o’er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai’s height,
In ancient times did’st give the Law,
In cloud, and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O Holy Night!

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O’er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

O Little Town Of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight

For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love
O morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And Peace to men on earth

How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may his His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still,
The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born to us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel

Silent Night, Holy Night

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth ”

The First Noel

The First Noel, the Angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the East beyond them far
And to the earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

And by the light of that same star
Three Wise men came from country far
To seek for a King was their intent
And to follow the star wherever it went.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

This star drew nigh to the northwest
O’er Bethlehem it took its rest
And there it did both Pause and stay
Right o’er the place where Jesus lay.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

Then entered in those Wise men three
Full reverently upon their knee
And offered there in His presence
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
That hath made Heaven and earth of nought
And with his blood mankind has bought.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

The Twelve Days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree.

On the second day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the third day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree!

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin;
Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding;
Oh, bring us a figgy pudding;
Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer

We won’t go until we get some;
We won’t go until we get some;
We won’t go until we get some, so bring some out here
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

What Child Is This

What Child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you;
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby;
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Filed Under: Character, Politics, Spiritual Development Tagged With: , , , ,

Christmas Flash Mob by Journey of Faith at South Bay Galleria – Video

December 23, 2011 By 1 Comment

This was truly a wonderful video made by Journey of Faith at the South Bay Galleria.  The singers have such beautiful voices.  I have to admit, it’s hard not to get on your knees at the end of the video.  If you cry at things that tug at your heart, this will certainly get you.

One of the best video angles was when the camera was from above, you could see the girl singing and Santa next door.  Given a choice, I have to think that most people would choose singing Christmas Carols and being with friends and family.  What happened to Christmas Caroling?  I remember doing that when I was a young kid in Virginia.  Have you done that?  Are you doing that now?  If you are, here are some great carols you can use.   Get them here.

Enjoy and Merry Christmas to all !!

Filed Under: Politics, Religion, Video Tagged With: , , ,

Lord Change Me: The Power of Biblical Friendship

December 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Intro: Last message in this series (Lord Change Me).

1A) Lasting change requires Biblical friendship.

Proverbs 12:26
People who change are surrounded by Biblical caring friends.

26 One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

  • Abraham had Sarah and Lot
  • Moses had Aaron and Jethro
  • Joshua had Caleb
  • Ruth had Naomi and Boaz
  • Ester had Mordecai
  • Paul had Barnabas, Silas, Timothy
  • Jesus had 70, 12 and 3
  • Peter had John

Jesus sent them out two by two.

We are not supposed to be doing this alone.  We need our Christian family.

How many of our friends are friends of the flesh cultivating in you things that are against God.

2A) A Biblical friend holds you up when you stumble.

1 Samuel 23:16-18 ESV
16 And Jonathan, Saul’s son, rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God. 17 And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Saul my father also knows this.” 18 And the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. David remained at Horesh, and Jonathan went home.

1b) Notice presence. v. 16a – Jonathan, Saul’s son, rose and went to David.

Jonathan had everything to lose.  He was risking his own position…if his father killed David Jonathan would be king.  There was no way Jonathan was going to let his friend down.  If you don’t know what to do, know that presence is never wrong…

2b) Notice prayer. v. 16b – and strengthened his hand in God.

Presence has to be more than just being there.  Jonathan helped to strengthen David’s hand in God.  Pastor James believes Jonathan prayed for David. Don’t just make small talk.  You have to pray for the person – right now!

3b) Notice protection. v. 17 – And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Saul my father also knows this.” Do not “counsel to the flesh”. Don’t flame the issue with worldly advice and insight the issue.

Loyalty – when we stumble we need friends that protect us with fierce loyalty.  Are you a loyal friend? Focus on being a loyal friend to someone – not do I have a loyal friend.

4b) Notice promise. v. 18 – And the two of them made a covenant before the Lord. Be committed to the person, not to the person that you think they are.  Don’t be committed to what a person does for you.

Friendships should be verbalized

ATC (Absolute Total Commitment) You will never suffer by my hand.  I will never say or do anything, knowingly, against you.

 Key ingredient: Love Proverbs 17:17 – A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

3A) A Biblical friend holds you down when you stray.

Just when David got comfortable he got in trouble.  That’s what the enemy does; he gets you alone where you can be tempted.

(2 Samuel 12: 1-15)
1 And the LORD sent Nathan to David. He came to him and said to him, “There were two men in a certain city, the one rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had very many flocks and herds, 3 but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought. And he brought it up, and it grew up with him and with his children. It used to eat of his morsel and drink from his cup and lie in his arms, and it was like a daughter to him. 4 Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the guest who had come to him, but he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.” 5 Then David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the LORD lives, the man who has done this deserves to die, 6 and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.” 7 Nathan said to David, “You are the man! Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul. 8 And I gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives into your arms and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more. 9 Why have you despised the word of the LORD, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.’ 11 Thus says the LORD, ‘Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. 12 For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.’” 13 David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” And Nathan said to David, “The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die. 14 Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the LORD, the child who is born to you shall die.” 15 Then Nathan went to his house. David’s Child Dies And the LORD afflicted the child that Uriah’s wife bore to David, and he became sick.

Verse 7 is the moment of Biblical friendship. Nathan risked it all to confront the king.  That is what a true friend does.  Psalm 51 flowed from a Biblical friend that was willing to hold David down

Everyone needs someone who will look into your eyes and say you are neglecting you own wife.  You want to be xxxxx but you can’t even xxxx.

Key Ingredient: Truth – all love but no truth is hypocrisy and all truth but no love is brutality. The power is in the Balance

4A) Change that lasts:

  • Choose a friend committed to change – stop picking friends that want to play.  Stop picking friends on infinities but choose friends on a passion for the same priorities. Forge a friendship with someone of the same sex that can help you become a better person.
  • Review Biblical pattern for change
  • Commit to mutual accountability for change – how are you doing with _________?

God wants to work through us to help each other live Biblically.

 

Filed Under: Politics, Sermons and Lectures, Spiritual Development Tagged With: , , , ,

Lord Change Me: The Power Source

November 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Sermon by James MacDonald of Harvest Bible Chapel on November 20th 2011

1A) The exhausting life. – The desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.  This is not God’s desire.

Pastor James said that this message may be the single most important breakthrough he’s had.

For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. (Romans 7:15-19 ESV)

I do not have the ability to change without God.

Where does the Christian power come from?  Pastor James said that this book on that topic by Charles Price changed his life -For Real.

2A) The exchanged life.

Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. (Romans 7:24, 25 ESV)

The power for the Christian life is not you.  It is Christ in you.  It’s about resignation and surrender to let Jesus work through you.

Jesus Christ is alive right now. He is here right now.  It has never been His intent to stand off to the side and watch us live our life.  Christ died for me and wants to live through me.

Pastor James read and talked about this book by W. Ian Thomas, The Saving Life of Christ. 

Other verses on the topic:

  • Galatians 2:20
  • 2 Corinthians 4:11 – wow!
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:14-24 look at verse 24 to see who will do it!
  • Romans 5:10

3A) The empowered life.

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. (Romans 8:1-13 ESV)

1b) Spirit filling defined. – Ephesians 5:18 is the pinnacle of new testament teaching on the filling of the Holy Spirit. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. To be overcome by a power greater than your own. To be controlled by. It’s not talking about having a little bit. Its saying “be filled”.

 2b) Spirit filling analyzed. – At conversion we get all of the Holy Spirit.  The question we need to ask is-does the Holy Spirit have all of me? One baptism, many fillings.

3b) Spirit filling illustrated. – Ephesians 5:18 says to not be filled with drunkenness but with the Holy Spirit.  When you are drunk, you have no control over your tongue, body or emotions.

4A) Proof of the Holy Spirit.

1b) Leading. v. 14 – The Holy Spirit will and does lead you.  You have to let it.

2b) Confidence. v. 15a – One of the truest indications of living life in the flesh is fear.  Living life in the Spirit, you will have confidence in your salvation and your place in God’s kingdom.

3b) Intimacy. v. 15b – God is our Abba Father – this is especially true for men as men need to look to the Father for replenishment.

4b) Security. v. 16 – It’s the job of the Holy Spirit to confirm that you are part of God’s family.  When you sin or grieve the Holy Spirit you are deadening yourself to the Spirit’s voice.  If you repeatedly do this you will eventually silence the Spirit’s prompting.

 5b) Identify. v.17 – What does God have in store for you as a believer?

5A) Hindrances to Spirit filling.

1b) Grieving the Holy Spirit. Doing things we shouldn’t – the spirit has to hear everything you say.  See everything you look at.  Participate in what you do.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30 ESV)

2b) Quenching the Holy Spirit. Not doing things we should.

Do not quench the Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:19 ESV)

6A) How to be filled with the Spirit.

1b) Confess. 1 John 1:9 – Confess your sins

 2b) Ask. Luke 11:9-13 – Lord will you fill me with the Holy Spirit and drive out the darkness and doubt.  Do for me what I cannot do. Bring glory to yourself where I cannot.

3b) Believe.  Mark 11:24 - Believe.

Conclusion:

Moment by moment just lead me God.

Ok now get off of the flesh on “auto-pilot”.

Filed Under: Politics Tagged With: , ,

Alcohol and Drunk Driving – A High Cost

November 16, 2011 By 4 Comments

So when I woke up this morning, I had no idea I was going to write about drunk driving; but everything changed when I saw some friends on Facebook with drinks in their hands and then started to read some of the blogs I’m signed up with.  One, the Phoenix Real  Estate Guy, had posted on  his experience with drinking and driving when someone he knew, 16 year old Kelly Tracey, was killed a couple of years ago.

The wave of frustration over the pointless deaths of so many people got to me and I needed to do a little research on the subject.

Why do so many people drive after they have been drinking?  Why does society put up with it?  Why is such a destructive drug so widely desired and given such a prominent place in our lives? Why is it socially acceptable to be intoxicated – to lose your inhibitions that protect you and cause you do to things that are naturally destructive?

Alcohol Facts:

  • Alcohol is bad for your health
  • This year, it is estimated that 10,800 people will die in a drunk driving crash
  • Alcohol destroys families
  • Every minute there is one person that is injured by alcohol related crashes
  • Alcohol directly causes death
  • Over 30% of all accidents involve alcohol
  • Alcohol changes your perception
  • One in three 8th graders drinks alcohol
  • Alcohol alters your thinking

I suggest that if you are reading this article, then change must start with you – whether you drink or not, the odds are 1 in 3 that you will be affected by a drunk driver in some way.

What you can do…

  1. Watch the video below – Warning: it is graphic with some disturbing images.  It is well worth your time and by far the best video I have seen on the subject
  2. Share this post with your friends by using your social media outlets
  3. Resolve to never drive with alcohol in your system
  4. Become more aware of the negative effects alcohol has on your health and family

Statistics and information were provided by:

  • The Century Council
  • MADD
  • National Highway Traffic Safety Association

 

Filed Under: Character, Politics Tagged With: , , ,

Character Building 101 – Putting God First

April 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Questions we must ask ourselves…am I giving God the priority in my day?  Am I starting my day (first fruits) with God by reading His Word – the Bible?  What are my goals for each day?  Am I seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness in my life?  Do I design time with God like I do family, work and play?

Matthew 6:33
33But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

God promises that if you seek Him first, food, shelter and clothing will be provided to you; thus eliminating the need or the excuse to place work or the idea of working to survive ahead of seeking God first.  If our basic needs will be taken care of, what would be our reasoning for placing our priority for day to day living not on Him?  It would simply be to put our own personal desires for prosperity, pleasure and authority ahead of God…thus we are not putting God first.

This is difficult on a daily basis, especially when first starting, since most of us have grown up (especially in the American culture) thinking of me, me, me.  For me, I know that scheduling time on my calendar first thing in the morning and being consistent with it is the only way to overcome years of habit.

Image: Idea go / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

If we are honest with ourselves, we would say that the reason God is not placed first in our lives is because we have other priorities.  These priorities are not the same as God’s priorities for our life.  When I look at my priorities, it is easy for me to say they are based on providing for my family and doing the right thing.  In reality, if I was just trying to provide for my family, my day would look remarkably different.  My time, emotion and energy spent with my family would be just as intentional (love that word from my good friend Pastor Joe LaCognata) as it was in the time, emotion and energy I place in work and personal pleasure.

As people, we tend to be goal or outcome oriented; we strive for things or an outcome we desire.  Things like wealth, status, familiarity and comfort.  Putting God first would necessitate that we change what we strive for and go after things that are of God’s kingdom; thus, not what we consider our treasures.

Matthew 6:19-21
19Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

When we attempt to do this, it feels like a war in some ways.  Most of us would acknowledge that we want to put God first; however, it is a struggle to do so as we often do that which we do not want to do.  I have come to love this battle, as for me it is concrete proof of the war that wages inside of me; that of my spirit which desires God, and that of my flesh which desires self or sin. I am so grateful for Paul’s words in the book of Romans 7 that describes this battle in detail.

Romans 7:14-20
14For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. 15For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

There is a clear reason for this battle and it comes from the two natures that live inside us. It is not possible to serve or follow both.

Matthew 6:24
24No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

The idea of putting God first means that nothing comes before Him.  For me, and I believe most people agree, that means giving God the first part of my day.  I look at it as the first fruits of each day – after all, every day is really a gift from God.

Filed Under: Character, Politics Tagged With: , , , ,
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