Northwoods Conservatives

Yesterday, 4:02 pm

January 28, 2025, the 28th day of 2025 Complete and Unconditional Surrender There are way too many people out there professinf Christianity, while never becoming a new creation in Christ. It makes ... View MoreJanuary 28, 2025, the 28th day of 2025 Complete and Unconditional Surrender There are way too many people out there professinf Christianity, while never becoming a new creation in Christ. It makes a bad impression on true Christians who get lumped in with them. The problem comes when someone thinks they are saved when they are not. Expectimg God's blessings without any real commitment on their part, they have often repeated a simple prayer, with no real comprehension of what it means. They were not serious, so Jesus cannot take it seriously. Through preaching, a Christian concert, camp or program they have taken an emotional step. They may have felt some conviction. They may have felt sorry for their sins. But they have not fully and completely surrendered to Jesus. So they remain unsaved, unchanged, with only the emotional high for a time to sustain them. And sometimes a church or Christians ready to encourage them in their new walk. But they never got on the right path. They never became a new creation in Christ. They have no eternal life. They are still spiritually dead in their trespasses and sin. Part of the problem is that the most evangelistic groups emphasize grace and the free gift of salvation, without emphasizing that we are surrendering our lives completely and utterly to Jesus. This has led many into a false sense of security, while also not giving them the presence of Jesus in them and all that that entails. Saying that Jesus is our Lord, goes beyond mee words. It has to come from a full and complete surrender to the One we are calling Lord. It means we are leaving behind our allegiance to this world and Kingdom of Darkness that rules in so many spheres. It means that we not only feel sorry for our sins, but we repent and turn from them. And as in any true surrender, nothing can be held back. It is not a cease fire, but an unconditional surrender when we surrender to Jesus as our Lord and Master, our King. It means we have left the Kingdom of Darkness behind. We have renounced it. And we are totally committed to going forward in the Kingdom of Light--the Kingdom of God. If we think that the Creator God of the Universe--of the Heavenly places and all the places and spaces we don't even have names for--will be satisfied with a half-hearted "sorry" or even heartfelt tears of repentance that falls short of complete surrender, we have been misled. When we have been bought with the shed blood of Jesus, He owns us. Not understanding this has led many into false conversions. They will not stand because their prayer was not based on the whole truth. This is especially a shock for those who want a place in Heaven, but do not want to change their lives--who don't realize that not only is our life no longer our own, but also our body. "Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit Who is in you, Whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s." I Corinthians 6:18-20 Without being God's fully and completely, we are not saved. There is no middle ground, no partial surrender, no keeping back anything. False conversion is easy, and every false convert is a success for Satan, the "father of lies" And as long as they are allowed to claim the name of Christ, while not being His, they endanger not only their own soul, but the reputation of true Christians. Most false converts are unaware. If they are feeling like they are not saved, they are usually told to have faith in their prayer of salvation. They may have been baptized. They may have made a public confession. But their heart still is unchanged. They do not understand that Jesus is the One trying to open their eyes to their condition. Jesus is the truth. He does not want us living a lie. He does not want us to be deceived or to deceive others. Many false converts are trying to live up to what they think God expects from them. Seeking righteousness is usually a step that leads to salvation in the unsaved. But in a false convert, they will usually fail in their attempt because they will never feel it is good enough to please God, because it never can be outside of the power of the Holy Spirit granted in the new creation birth. Some may try harder and frustration will come when they fail. Some wll just give up. The danger comes because they won't seek to be saved, if they already think they are. They may think this is all salvation is and it is what everyone else experiences, but does not admit. False converts do not have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them, so they don't get the peace, security or the prodding that true Christians have. They cannot draw on the strength of Jesus to sustain them. They are not a new creation in Christ, but they believe they are, so they may feel Christianity has failed them, or it was all just hype. Anyone truly saved knows better than this. But only those who have surrendered their all, can claim this. But do not despair if you find yourself in this situation. All it takes is doing it right this time! Jesus has been working on you to awaken you to the truth. Turn to Him! Repent, and do a full and unconditional surrender of yourself to Jesus as your Lord, your Master and your King! Stay strong! A full and unconditional surrender is required to be saved! NAN

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Nelani Nettrour

January 27, 2025 9:30 am

January 27, 2025, the 27th day of 2025 Chastisement, Trials, Tribulations and Spiritual Watfare Sometimes we may not be able to tell the difference between the discipline and chastening of the Lord,... View MoreJanuary 27, 2025, the 27th day of 2025 Chastisement, Trials, Tribulations and Spiritual Watfare Sometimes we may not be able to tell the difference between the discipline and chastening of the Lord, the trials and tribulations that temper and refine us, and the spiritual attacks of the Devil and his minions. But it is really important that we do. When we are doing things the Bible warns us against doing, and we do not turn from them when God warns us, He will discipline us, to make us aware that our behavior is not acceptable for a child of His. Sometimes the warning will come as a prick of conscience. Sometines it comes in God's still, small voice. Sometimes it comes as we are reading the Bible. Sometimes it comes through the words of a preacher or someone else. However the warning comes, we need to heed it. If we do not chastening is coming, if we are a true child of God. God looks after His children--the true followers of His beloved Son, King Jesus--and that includes leading, guiding and instructing us. But it also meas correcting us, disciplining us, and chastising us, as needed. Like I have said multiple times and in multiple places, it is our own children that we discipline. It is a mark that they are ours and not another's. We may not like the attitude of a friend's child, but it is not our place to deal with their issues. If the parent asks for help or insight, we give it, but that is as a friend of the parent, not as the parent of the child. If we, as professing Christians, sin and continue on in sin, unchecked, without conviction, without punishment, then we are no child of God. When child of God sins, there will be conviction that should be instantly headed. The Holy Spirit within us will convict us and make us uncomfortable on our situation. If conviction goes unheaded, there will be warnings and a time to turn and repent. That may be different iin all people depending on their relationship with the Father. Sometimes God gives us the conviction and the warning and He gives us time to come to our senses. But if those go unheadrd and ignored, then punishment will fall upon us. And if it does not, we should fear that we are illegitimate and not His true child. The closer we are to God, the less time there will be between conviction, warning and punishment because God knows that we know better. It is not that we were blinded by sin's deceitfulness, it was that we got complacent and forgot the danger it poses. Pride, arrogance, stubbornness and not being vigilant have led to many a Christian's downfall. Even though God acts out of love, it is a serious thing, and we should never take His warnings lightly or blame God for our own folly when we are tangled up in it. "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction; for whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights." Proverbs 3:11-12 A good parent will keep their child in check, will not let them run wild or let their temper or emotions control them. It must be addressed before it corrupts the child's behavior and they have a child with self-control issues. The longer the child is left in that state, the harder it will be for them to learn self-control because they are falling into a pattern of giving into their moods. God does not want that from us, so He deals with us speedily. "If you endure discipline God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not discipline? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:7-11 The thing is to let God's discipline train us to be better, more obedient children. No matter what befalls us, even if we are sure we did not do anything wrong, it is still important to check ourselves and ask God if we have displeased Him. It is good to pray something like these verses. "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24 When hard times are not because of a wrong we have done or unconfessed sin, we face trials and tribulation, not chastening. We need to work through it, trusting God for His help and direction. "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, Whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. I Peter 1:6-9 We know that hard times will come, the Bible tells us that. We need to trust Jesus and His process, in the midst of them, and count it a thing of joy because of the work it is doing in us. "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:2-4 The more we read about what our attitude should be in hardships of any kind, the more we get the impression that we should be grateful that God cares for us enough to work on us so diligently to bring out what is lacking in us. "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit Who was given to us. Romans 5:1-5 It seems odd to say, "glory in tribulation", because we would much rather avoid it. But what is produced through tribulation is a character that God can use for His purposes. Though spiritual attacks will also work to strengthen our faith--if we trust God through them--they are usually meant to derail us from the purposes of God. Spiritual attacks can take on almost amy form, physical, emotional, financial, through destruction and distractions. The more important the work God has tasked us to accomplish, the more complex the attacks may become. Or the spiritual attack may be so subtle, that we don't see it as an attack, but merely as part of living in a fallen world. Not all sickness is a spiritual attack, but it very likely can be. Not all sudden distress in our life--or the lives of those we care about--is a spiritual attack, but it most likely is when it comes at those times we are doing that task from God that needs to be done. The Devil will try whatever tactics work on us. While we still need to deal with whatever comes our way, we cannot let it derail us from the mission God gave us. The best way to defeat the Devil is to carry through with what we are called upon to do, despite attacks clearly meant to distract us from that. It will take more prayers and wisdom, but we can call upon God for direction and discernment. Most of us will only see spiritual attacks on a superficial level for most of our lives, because most of what we do is not earth shaking. It is things that having a strong conviction of where we stand with God will see us through. We never know when what we do will impact more than we could ever anticipate. There has to be some kind of spiritual marker that lets the Devil know, because in that case, the attacks will feel relentless until the task is accomplished. So keep at it. Do not get discouraged. God would not have given us the task if it weren't something He knew we could do, even if we feel it is beyond us. When something feels beyond our capabilities, we just need to draw more strength from Jesus to accomplish it. And we need to look for the tooks God already gave us--or will soon give us--to begin that task. More tools may come later, to help us accomplish it, but we have to start with what we have. Before God even asks something of us, He has given us all the tools we need to begin, even if we may need prayer to reveal them to us. Staying close to God, drawing on His strength and seeking His guidance are key to succeeding. We also must keep in right standing with God, by being vigilant so we do not sin. But also confessing and repenting of any sin we let creep into our lives. "Therefore submit to God. Resist the Devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to sorrow. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." James 4:7-10 We also need to put on the armor of God. We need to understand where each spirutual attack will take place, by what is vulnerable without that corresponding piece of armor. We can imagine the physical body parts and objects, along with what is the protective component. But it is not enough to imagine putting on the armor, we need to hold fast to their defensive attribute. And we need to pick up our Bible, the sword of the Spirit--an offensive weapon--while not forgetting our shield, which is faith. "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:10-18 It is a lot to think about. I could write a book on each of these topics, because God has so much to say on them, and Bible study, observations and life experience has taught me a lot. But let this be a help, when hardships befall you, to sort out, where they might be coming from. Stay strong! Let God work His perfect work in you, no matter what befalls you! NAN

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Nelani Nettrour

January 26, 2025 8:35 pm

January 26, 2025, the 26th day of 2025 Daily Faith It doesn't take anything major to live a life of faith. Once we have repented and surrendered to Jesus as our Lord and Master, it is a matter of o... View More

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Nelani Nettrour

January 26, 2025 8:34 pm

January 25, 2025, the 25th day of 2025 Little Steps Most of our lives we are taking little steps towards the person we are becoming. What kind of person we are going to be, depends on the direction... View MoreJanuary 25, 2025, the 25th day of 2025 Little Steps Most of our lives we are taking little steps towards the person we are becoming. What kind of person we are going to be, depends on the direction our steps take. Are we walking closer to the light, towards life, to truth, to righteousness? Or are we walking closer to the darkness, towards death, to lies, to wickedness? How are we to know what is right and wrong if we have not been taught the truth? How do we know to choose wisely when evil worked hard to dull and destroy the conscience of the youth? Where do we go for direction, to point our steps to? God gave us the written word, the Bible to be a guidebook for humanity, to guide us in the way we are to go. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." II Timothy 3:16-17 Then God sent His beloved Son, the living Word, to guide us in the way we should go, by being the Way. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it." John 1:1-5 When we follow Jesus, God's Word, we will find salvation and eternal life. We will find righteousness and truth. But we won't understand what Jesus-the Word--expects of us, or even the path of salvation without understanding what the Bible says about living righteous and not following after wickedness. The worldly system has been so corrupted that it would lead all to death and destruction. We cannot count on it, on the media or on the educational system to lead any to Jesus. Even many churches have distorted God's word to pick and choose versrs and try to make it say what they want. Or they totally disregard it. The church cannot be depended upon as the light to the world. Only prayerful study of the Bible, seeking God's guidance will lead us to the truth. But we must read the words of Jesus and obey them or we will remain unchanged "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." James 1:22 In the Bible the Book of Proverbs shows how to be wise and discerning on your path to seeking righteousness. It is a good place to discover verses to memorize and keep in your heart. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction." Proverbs 1:7 " Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones." Proverbs 3:3-8 Besides the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John--which should be read to learn some of the life and mission of Jesus, to hear His words and learn His commands, the book of Romans is a good starting place. It explains so much, in simple terms, and outlines much of what is evil, so we can avoid falling into its clutches. Romans should be read from beginning to end, more than once. Even though once we have studied it and understand it, we often pick out and quote particular verses, many do not stand on their own and can be misinterpreted. Without the clear picture the book of Romans paints from beginning to end, those verses won't be fully comprehended by those reading them. But when it comes to making a list of things to avoid, these verses are a pretty good list, even if we have read nothing else. And the reason is clear, even if you did not read the explanation before, that when people refuse to listen to God--when they ignore Him and push Him out of their mind and actions--they are given over to what they do listen do. And each one of these things is wickedness and darkness. "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them." Romans 1:28-32 So, even if you don't know exactly what to do, you can at least know what not to do. The best way to avoid sin is to know what God calls sin and to avoid it. "Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You." Psalms 119:11 When we walk in the way of the world, we are lost, we walk in darkness and death, we are deceived. "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." I John 2:15-17 The only way to know the truth, in this mixed up world of lies and deception, is to study the Bible. God does not sugar-coat anything. Even the sins of His beloved followers are shown when they stumble. But it is because they got back up and walked with God, that they prevailed in the end. Those that did not, were lost. Free will choices have consequences. In the Bible we have an overview of the history that matters most to God. Until the end of the Bible where God shows the final outcome of these thins, nations rise and fall, people are faithful and disobedient, some betray and became hardened, others repent and turn to God. Satan deceives. People are fickle. God's dealing with fickle humanity is clearly seen in the Bible. It can be found no place else. Stay strong! Turn to and follow God's Word if you want to walk in the light! NAN

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Nelani Nettrour

January 24, 2025 9:20 am

January 24, 2025, the 24th day of 2025 Every Single Day It is not just here and there that God is working with His people, but every single day.... View MoreJanuary 24, 2025, the 24th day of 2025 Every Single Day It is not just here and there that God is working with His people, but every single day. And it is not only here and there that God is drawing the lost to Himself, it is every single day. Some days it may be more obvious to us than other days, but that doesn't change the reality of it. If God stopped working with us and for us, the Devil would be constantly bombarding us, relentlessly and viciously. We would have no strength left. That we are not constantly being beaten down and beaten up, is God's great mercy on us, His protection shielding us, His strength empowering us. It is not a little thing. It is not a small thing. It is an amazingly magnificent thing that we may never even realize. But when we do, the awe of it fills us! Who are we that God should care so much? And why do we take His care of us for granted? Or assume it is by our own power and might that we stand? God, in His majesty and power still deems it appropriate to care for all of us, even when we ignore Him or race ahead of Him. It is not that God needs to find us, when we finally call out to Him in our need. He was, and is, already there, working and waiting until we realize the truth. We are the blind ones who cannot see. We are the lost ones, going in circles. God is the One Who is ready for us to be ready for Him. Jesus is the One Who made the way back to the Father, back to reality, back to hope, back to life. We are the ones who are receiving blessings every single day, as if they are our right, as if they came with no cost. But the cost was so immense, so immeasurable, so priceless that it could only be given as a gift. And we, as a people--more often than not--ignore, snub and reject that gift. Why? Because to receive it, requires us to realize and admit that we don't deserve it. And in admitting that, we realize we have been following the enemy of God as we followed our own desires. In that moment of truth many of us do not receive salvation, but instead walk away, as shame or pride or ambition holds us back from turning around and following Lord Jesus instead. Foolishness imprisons those who refuse to see the truth and would rather walk in a lie. And the Devil is content with that. But God is not. So, until death takes us, Jesus is at work on us. He brings help to us. He brings truth to us. He guides and guards us, giving us chance upon chance to turn around and face Him. Whether we do or not is entirely in our hands. "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'" John 14:6 Jesus made the way because He is the way. Jesus speaks the truth because He is the truth. Jesus can give eternal life, because eternal life dwells in Him. Lord Jesus made te way, lit the way, offers salvation, but He will not make us repent, surrender and follow Him. That is our part. That is our choice. That is our free will action. And no matter what we want for anyone we love, we cannot do what God Himself will not do, and that is force them. And it wouldn't work even if we could. The Kingdom of Heaven will never open to those who refused Jesus, the King, the Lord, the Saviour, Who is also the door. "Then Jesus said to them again, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.'" John 10:7-10 A door. The entry point that must be walked through to enter an otherwise closed place. Knowing that the door exists is not enough. Having the door pointed out to us is not enough. Knowing the door is the way to forgiveness and eternal life is not enough. Without going through that door, we are still outside. Stay strong! You alone can take the step through that door and enter salvation! NAN

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Nelani Nettrour

January 23, 2025 9:14 am

January 23, 2025, the 23rd day of 2025 With the Warm, Came the Snow Yesterday morning it was 29 degrees warmer than it was the morning before. That put it at 2°F. And with that warming, had come t... View MoreJanuary 23, 2025, the 23rd day of 2025 With the Warm, Came the Snow Yesterday morning it was 29 degrees warmer than it was the morning before. That put it at 2°F. And with that warming, had come the snow. We woke up to a fluffy coating of whiteness. And though we were not going anywhere in particular, it still needed to be shoveled. Paths need to be maintained, not just trampled down. It kept snowing on and off throughout the day, into the night. Even keeping up with it during the day, there was still some shoveling to do this morning. Again, we thanked God that it was light and fluffy, not wet and compacted. Now, it really depends on if you wanted more snow or not whether you saw the snow coming down as a blessing or not. It was a light and fluffy snow, but it still added up. It still needed to be dealt with. And though that made the task easier, it still was an added task. Throughout the day it warmed up quite a bit until we were up to 18°F, which really felt nice. Being outside in it, was not painful and didn't require us to be bundled until we could barely move. What a difference a day brings! Winter up here, reminds us of the unpredictability of life, of plans, of one day to the next being anything like the same. Sometimes that is wonderful. Sometimes it is not. And it is often a matter of our perspective, what we are wanting and hoping for. That is a good lesson to be aware of every day. And like the saying that "one person's trash is another person's treasure," freezing days or snowy days are "some people's banes, while other's balms." The unpredictability of snow has a weird affect on people. If we could just be sure it was going to stop before covering all of our shoveling over, again and again, it would be easier to accept. But knowing that 2 inches easily grows to 4 to 6 and beyond can be a little concerning, especially if we have places to go and things to do besides shoveling. The best thing is always to take it as it comes, whatever the day brings. Of course if it is what you wanted, rejoice and be grateful. But realize that answered prayers for one person may not necessarily be an answer for another. Rejoice, but understand that others may not. And if it was not at all what you were hoping for from the day, look for the good and the beauty in what may be a bother. Snow covered trees, bushes, branches and even ourselves, make enjoyable winter pictures. Watching the snowfall with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa in the warmth of our home is also a pleasant sight, even if it means more clean up of it later. Do something fun like catching snowflakes on your tongue or trying to get a picture of snowflakes on your nose and eyelashes before they melt--not as easy as it sounds. It doesn't take much to have fun when your attitude is to see, find and enjoy the day. Stay strong! Little things, like little snowflakes, can easily pile up. Be sure to pile up the good thoughts and deeds, not the bad. NAN

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