Devotion: Recent Episodes
David Holdsworth
Originally an occasional Sunday Silent Worship Liturgy from the Christian tradition, this podcast is now updated and rebranded as simply Devotion. This ministry is an expansion of the blog Devotion. The aim is to holistically worship Jesus in a broader understanding of that phrase. Worship is not just silence and is not just bands, but a lifestyle of devotion to Jesus. Short Christian audio submissions are warmly invited. More content coming soon...
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" (Psalm 46:10 ESV)
It is hard to be optimistic or positive given how much is going on in the world. Nonetheless let us dare to dream of a better, more peaceful world, where quiet and peacable peoples may thrive. Many of us are exhausted and overwhelmed, but the struggle and pilgrimage towards peace continues in various pockets of society across the world. May the lights still shine. As a Christian I look to the Prince of Peace as the author and finisher of my faith. There is great darkness in the world, but a much greater light.
Adin Ballou, an American Christian pacifist and abolitionist wrote a book called Christian Non-Resistance, in all its important bearings, illustrated and defended (1846), which was widely read and admired by Leo Tolstoy. There is a short poetic part in the book that says:
"The earth, so long a slaughter-field,
Shall yet an eden bloom;
The spear shall be a harvest-tool,
The trumpet's voice be dumb."
Another version is cited as ending:
"The tiger to the lamb shall yield and war descend the tomb," which captures the same powerful anti-war sentiment. It evokes the biblical imagery from Isaiah.
"The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them." (Isaiah 11:6 KJV)
The same verse, Isaiah 11:6, in the EasyEnglish Bible is:
"At that time, wolves and lambs will live together. Leopards will lie down with goats. Calves, lions and fat cows will live together. A small child will be their leader."
The literal fulfillment of Isaiah 11:6 is tied to the establishment of Christ's eternal kingdom, where there will be no more death, sorrow, or pain (Revelation 21:4). The danger will pass as a child can play near wild animals in peace and security under the perfect reign of the Messiah.
I believe His kingdom is both now and not yet. In other words: Christians live in the time between Jesus' first coming and his second coming. The kingdom is already here, but it is not yet fully here. This means we must continue to "Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it." (Psalm 34:14)
Pax et Bonum
Soli Deo Gloria
"The light shines in the dark, and the dark cannot put out the light." (John 1:5 Easy English Bible) In the cross reference and notes of the Easy English Bible it says "The Word (Jesus Christ) is like light. He shows us what is true. The dark means the power of God's enemy, Satan. Satan tries to hide what is true. God's light shines in the dark places and Satan cannot stop that light. Jesus said that he himself was the light of the world." It suggests two other verses: [1] John 8:12 - "Jesus spoke to the people again. He said, ‘I am the light of the world. a. Those people who become my disciples will never walk in the dark. No, they will have the light that gives life.’" (a. Jesus said that he was the light of the world. The Jews lit a special light in the temple during the Festival of Tabernacles.) [2] John 9:5 - "While I am still here in the world, I am the world's light.’" In history and in our own lifetimes there has been both light and darkness. It can seem at times that the world is in such a huge dark mess that all hope is lost. However, tyrants and corrupt leaders come and go, arms dealers are defeated by time and death, empires that oppress crumble like ruined buildings that were built on sand, the war machinery rumbles and blusters for a season but after the proverbial floods the doves come out. All is vanity and all is loss unless the light shines. Gladly He always has and always will shine! In the blitz it was said if you light the smallest light in the pitch black it can be seen miles above and the enemy can see the target below. But, the light of Christ is more powerful than the temple light and the sun combined. It is a bold light. It says to the great darkness, the enemy, "Behold, you are defeated for the light has come!" This light nourishes those who bathe in its glory. This light brings life! My little boy brought a sunflower home from nursery on Mothers Day. It is thriving on the kitchen window. It opens its petals to brother sun and receives the light. In much the same way we must open ourselves up to receiving His light. In turn as we follow Him we must be little lights in this world, spreading the good news. This may be by words in season and out of season and it may also be by peacemaking, love and good deeds. Rest assured His light never goes out!
Take HeartA CatechismBy David HoldsworthAuthors Note:There are many good Catechisms available. But, somewhere along the line Christians in many parts of the church at large seem to have lost this age old practice of simple instruction in the format of questions and answers. In no way is this little contribution meant to take away from good Catechisms already written, but rather to be a compliment to them. This is a simple way for me to share the good news with others. It is my hope that you the reader or listener may find biblical help from the simplicity of the good news. I have included biblical proofs as standard so you may go and examine the scriptures (and indeed your heart) for yourself. Pax et Bonum.(1) Q. What comfort may be found for the believer?A. A heart that need not have trouble or fear. One that can rely on God in troubled times and that can glorify His name. Proofs. John 14:27, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 50:15(2) Q. What message does scriptures give to those still under the weight of sin?A. Come. Come lay your burden down. Come find rest and be sustained by the Lord.Proofs. Matthew 11:28, Psalm 55:22(3) Q. What is the significance of the reoccurring shepherd analogy in scriptures?A. The Lord, God is the shepherd. He is our maker and all His people are the sheep of His pasture. But, all we the sheep went astray turning each to our own ways. The shepherd rescues His sheep by taking the iniquity of us all.Proofs. Psalm 23:1, Psalm 100:3, Isaiah 53:6(4) Q. What does the scriptures say concerning the Son?A. God loved the world so much he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Those that do not believe the Son do not yet have life.Proofs: John 3:16, John 3:36(5) Q. Who has sinned against God?A. None can truthfully say they by nature have a pure Heart or are pure from all sin. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.Proofs: Proverbs 20:9, Romans 3:23Q. If we are all sinful then what hope have we?A. God commends His love to us in that despite our sins Christ died for us. He took all our sins in his own body on the cross and three days after defeated death by rising again. Jesus is the resurrection and the life if we believe in Him we have everlasting life.Proofs: Romans 5:8, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Corinthians 15:3,4, John 11:25(7) Q. How should I respond to this act of sacrificial love?A. If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your Heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the Heart one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.Proofs: Romans 10:9,10(8) Q. What must be done with the burden of my sins?A. In confessing our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive all our sins. Proofs: 1 John 1:9(9) Q. Is there a special sinners prayer I need to say?A. There is a few prayers used by some Christians as sinners prayers, prayers of decision or prayers for salvation. These are evangelistic tools and not salvation itself. A person who says such a prayer is not necessarily saved. Though might be in some circumstances according to the will of God. A person may also find salvation with no knowledge of such a prayer. However, scripture does provide a collection of prayers that may suit a seekers condition at the point of desiring forgiveness and salvation in Christ (see Proofs). Good advice is to simply call on Him to be merciful to you a sinner. Recognise in the moment the troubling of your Heart and seek Him to deliver you. Ask for forgiveness...
May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people, So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain into joy.And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in the world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.Amen(Source Unknown)
I am not a stereotype.I am Autistic. Yes, I am white male. But, not that young anymore, so not fully fitting the media stereotype. I am also not a Savant. I have key interests and areas I am good at. I prefer saying Type 1 to Aspergers (in light of revelations about Hans Aspergers work with the Nazis who are the opposite of all I believe in).No, I do not have any particular known additional learning disabilities.I am Socially Anxious and a shy Introvert.I am not a superhero, although I do follow one!I am not the result of vaccines or refrigerator parenting.I am not void of empathy.I am a highly sensitive empath who cares deeply for a fallen world.I am a bit quirky and a gentle soul.I am who I am.I am Autistic.I am not a stereotype.
Selected from LibriVox’s Short Poetry Collection 043: a collection of 20 public-domain poems.Genre(s): PoetryLanguage: English
Final Chapter.In this short book, Ballou defends the notion that non-resistance (today we call it non-violence) is the superior Christian method, and the one practiced by Jesus himself. (Summary by lukeprog)Genre(s): Christianity - OtherLanguage: English
In this short book, Ballou defends the notion that non-resistance (today we call it non-violence) is the superior Christian method, and the one practiced by Jesus himself. (Summary by lukeprog)Genre(s): Christianity - OtherLanguage: English
In this short book, Ballou defends the notion that non-resistance (today we call it non-violence) is the superior Christian method, and the one practiced by Jesus himself. (Summary by lukeprog)Genre(s): Christianity - OtherLanguage: English
In this short book, Ballou defends the notion that non-resistance (today we call it non-violence) is the superior Christian method, and the one practiced by Jesus himself. (Summary by lukeprog)Genre(s): Christianity - OtherLanguage: English
In this short book, Ballou defends the notion that non-resistance (today we call it non-violence) is the superior Christian method, and the one practiced by Jesus himself. (Summary by lukeprog)Genre(s): Christianity - OtherLanguage: English
In this short book, Ballou defends the notion that non-resistance (today we call it non-violence) is the superior Christian method, and the one practiced by Jesus himself. (Summary by lukeprog)Genre(s): Christianity - OtherLanguage: English
In this short book, Ballou defends the notion that non-resistance (today we call it non-violence) is the superior Christian method, and the one practiced by Jesus himself. (Summary by lukeprog)Genre(s): Christianity - OtherLanguage: English
In this short book, Ballou defends the notion that non-resistance (today we call it non-violence) is the superior Christian method, and the one practiced by Jesus himself. (Summary by lukeprog)Genre(s): Christianity - OtherLanguage: English
In this short book, Ballou defends the notion that non-resistance (today we call it non-violence) is the superior Christian method, and the one practiced by Jesus himself. (Summary by lukeprog)Genre(s): Christianity - OtherLanguage: English
In this short book, Ballou defends the notion that non-resistance (today we call it non-violence) is the superior Christian method, and the one practiced by Jesus himself. (Summary by lukeprog)Genre(s): Christianity - OtherLanguage: English
In this short book, Ballou defends the notion that non-resistance (today we call it non-violence) is the superior Christian method, and the one practiced by Jesus himself. (Summary by lukeprog)Genre(s): Christianity - OtherLanguage: English
In this short book, Ballou defends the notion that non-resistance (today we call it non-violence) is the superior Christian method, and the one practiced by Jesus himself. (Summary by lukeprog)Genre(s): Christianity - OtherLanguage: English
Father's Love Letter is a compilation of Bible verses from both the Old & New Testaments that are presented in the form of a love letter from God to you.Each line in the Father's Love Letter message is paraphrased, which means we have taken each Scripture's overall message and summarized it as a single phrase to best express it's meaning. Father's Love Letter used by permission Father Heart Communications ©1999 FathersLoveLetter.com
In this short book, Ballou defends the notion that non-resistance (today we call it non-violence) is the superior Christian method, and the one practiced by Jesus himself. (Summary by lukeprog)Genre(s): Christianity - OtherLanguage: English
In this short book, Ballou defends the notion that non-resistance (today we call it non-violence) is the superior Christian method, and the one practiced by Jesus himself. (Summary by lukeprog)Genre(s): Christianity - OtherLanguage: English
In this short book, Ballou defends the notion that non-resistance (today we call it non-violence) is the superior Christian method, and the one practiced by Jesus himself. (Summary by lukeprog)Genre(s): Christianity - OtherLanguage: English
Preached for Edinburgh Preaching Group - Prayer: Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. Illustrative Opening: Our Daily Bread on 17th February 1996 recounted this story: “When Henry Rolls was walking through his factory in its early days, he overheard a lathe operator say, “Oh, that’ll do,” as he tossed a part into a basket. The part looked all right to the casual observer, but Henry Rolls expected his workmen to use a micrometer and be satisfied with nothing less than precision accuracy. So when Mr. Rolls heard that comment, he reprimanded the man, “That may do for anyone else, but it will not do for Rolls-Royce.” God is satisfied with righteousness. Divine specifications do not allow for sloppy seconds. Jesus brought this out in Matthew 5. First He says to His listeners, “You have heard”—that’s the human standard. Then He says, “But I say to you”—that’s God’s standard. He highlights the standard by which God’s children should stand out from the world. That is the difference between The Kingdom of men and The Kingdom of God. Today's message is Righteousness of the Kingdom READ: Matthew 5:17-32 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveaboveall/message
Luke 24 KJV - Sourced from Bible gateway - Public Domain.--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveaboveall/message
Direct link to sponsor/donate - https://waaw.autism.org.uk/fundraising/davidholdsworth2024I am fundraising for the National Autistic Society by taking part in my own Spectrum Colour Walk during World Autism Acceptance Week 2 - 8 April 2024. I will be in my homeland of The Isle of Skye and will do this flexibly around my other activities, with my trusty smart watch, no doubt, ranking up the step counts.As many reading this will know, I have had the privilege of working with Autistic people as a Personal Assistant, Support Worker and Learning Assistant over the years. I was also recently diagnosed with "type 1" Autism myself. So this cause is important to me for those reasons.Please feel free to sponsor/donate to this worthy cause.💜 I am walking for autistic children to have a happy and fulfilled time at school. 💙 I am walking to ensure autistic people are given proper opportunities to work. 💚 I am walking for shorter diagnosis wait times. 💛 I am walking for autism acceptance.Anything you can donate is greatly appreciated and will be going towards creating a better society for autistic people and their families. To read more about the work of the National Autistic Society, visit www.autism.org.uk Thank you 🙂About autism • Autism is a lifelong disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. • At least one in 100 people are autistic which means more than 700,000 people in the UK. • Autistic people have a range of strengths and challenges. For example, some autistic people also have a learning disability and may need support with daily tasks like washing, cooking or exercising. Other autistic people are in full time work and may benefit from reasonable adjustments. • Autistic people may: o Face challenges with communication and social interaction o Be under- or over-sensitive to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light and colours. o Have highly focused interests or hobbies. o Have repetitive or restrictive behaviour. o Experience intense anxiety around unexpected change and social situations. o Experience ‘meltdowns’ or ‘shutdowns’. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveaboveall/message
The Light ShinesThe Dark can't defeat it.I receive God’s Peace.Wait for the Lord.Be strong.Take Heart.My soul waits for Him.I lift my eyes.He is the source of my help.Be renewed.From ashes arise.Cast off the old man.Walk in the Light, as He is light.Amen.More reflections at https://devotiondth.blogspot.com--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveaboveall/message
Some grave news from The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and The Quakers:Not that I want to be alarmist, but the UK is at "watch" level on Genocide Watch... Targeted Groups: Gypsies, Roma and Travellers, Refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants, Muslims and Jewish people, and Trans people"Since 2010, the U.K. has become increasingly hostile to minorities, with the government and far-right parties demonizing refugees, immigrants, and the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) community. GRT people face high levels of normalized racism and discrimination. The government has now passed a law that not only cracks down on protests but also criminalizes aspects of many GRT people's nomadic identity and way of life. Additionally, the government has made multiple attacks on the rights and safety of refugees, including by signing a deal with Rwanda to offshore asylum processes for refugees considered "illegal." In the 2010s, the policy to create a "hostile environment" for "illegal" immigration caused damage for many people originally from the Caribbean in the Windrush Scandal. The U.K. has also seen high levels of transphobia in the media and political discourses, making life less safe for trans people. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland's peace process and recovery from "The Troubles" has been threatened by the U.K.'s exit from the European Union." - Genocide Watch We also know off hand plenty of almost and already genocidal situations across the globe. Let us truly remember the horrors of past and present. Let us as a species repent of our darkness and evil!The Prince of Peace and God of love be with us as we dream and carve out better futures. Lord fogive us for complicity or failure in these matters. Lead us in thy way, light our paths, guide us to freedom.Amen.--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveaboveall/message
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”(Psalm 46:10) Once there was an old man who took his grandson a walk in the countryside. The old man's face was creased with wrinkles. Like the rings inside an ancient log tree, each signified age and wisdom. The man, to the boys surprise stopped suddenly. He was calm, so calm the boy didn't feel it right to interrupt this moment of solititude. 'Listen', the old man said. The boy listened. At first he could hear nothing but his own racing thoughts. 'Truly listen', the man said sensing the boys difficulty. So he tried again. He closed his eyes, took a breath and opened them again. 'I hear it', he whispered. They both fell silent again and listened to the gentle winds and the birds in the trees, and further a field the beautiful sound of a babbling brook. Then they listened to silence itself. 'This my child is real worship.' 'To Jesus?' 'To Jesus.'(A tiny story by David Holdsworth)--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveaboveall/message
Created with the help of Storybird.ai and based on this creative story devotion, I wrote:Be Still“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”(Psalm 46:10) Once there was an old man who took his grandson a walk in the countryside. The old man's face was creased with wrinkles. Like the rings inside an ancient log tree, each signified age and wisdom. The man, to the boys surprise stopped suddenly. He was calm, so calm the boy didn't feel it right to interrupt this moment of solititude. 'Listen', the old man said. The boy listened. At first he could hear nothing but his own racing thoughts. 'Truly listen', the man said sensing the boys difficulty. So he tried again. He closed his eyes, took a breath and opened them again. 'I hear it', he whispered. They both fell silent again and listened to the gentle winds and the birds in the trees, and further a field the beautiful sound of a babbling brook. Then they listened to silence itself. 'This my child is real worship.' 'To Jesus?' 'To Jesus.'--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveaboveall/message
I am Autistic. My hope in sharing this is that it may help explain 'me' a bit better to those who have known or know me (Family and Friends). I was always considered shy, sometimes "painfully shy." I did a personality test at church some years ago that stated I was also an INFJ Introvert. In time I discovered through other personality tests that I was also both a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) and an Empath. It didn’t stop there though, during Covid I went to a Mental Health nurse who said I had Social Anxiety (NHS). Then only a couple of months ago I was diagnosed (NHS) with what was once called Aspergers, High Functioning Autism, Level 1 Autism or Mild Autism. Generally these days it is known as Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) or just plain old Autistic due to the baggage other labels sometimes carry. It also falls under the category of neurodiversity. I'm not sure where things go from here. I am in a late diagnosis support group run by Autism Initiatives which runs into the early part of December. This is a late diagnosis, for sure, but in a way explains so much. I don't believe this is a disorder, disease or demon. It is merely a difference, a neurodivergence. If people do wish to pray or heal things away, may it be abelism in our society that they turn the fight against. Prayer for tools to manage life are certainly fine too. It seems much of my personality traits and the anxiety were perhaps aspects of the condition. Even my shyness, dislike of crowds and noise are likely part of the condition. Thank you for your patience if you have ever experienced me a bit out of the box or too much in it for that matter. Anyway, if you got this far thanks for reading. I am Autistic and that is OK. 🙂--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveaboveall/message
"Whatsoever we have done to the least of these, we have done it unto Him!""Jesus Wept."I am taking sides, I am taking the side of peace! Will you?(Picture source unknown via social media)--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveaboveall/message
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." - John 16:33Sometimes I despair. I find it so hard to find hope. Shall violent Godless rulers and terrorist/revolutionaries hold our world to ransom forever? Shall poverty and disease be left unchecked in this age of advanced everything? Shall life always be a struggle? Thankfully whatever happens if we follow Jesus we know He has overcome the world and we shall be overcomers!Martin Luther King Jr seems to have referenced this wonderful hymn numerous times in his ministry. It links nicely to our text:We Shall Overcome We shall overcome, we shall overcome,we shall overcome someday!Refrain:Oh, deep in my heartI do believewe shall overcome someday!We’ll walk hand in hand … some day!We shall live in peace … some day!We are not afraid … today!God will see us through … today!(The hymn is Public Domain - via Hymnary.org and the photo is Public Domain via Wikipedia)--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveaboveall/message
Last few verses. Scottish Metrical Version.
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A poem by David Holdsworth developed into a song by C Campbell.
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Based on an essay by David Holdsworth.
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A story by David Holdsworth.
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A Bible reading recorded for Whytes Causeways Baptist church virtual service one Christmas time. Version is the ESV.
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Recorded for Whytes Causeways Baptist church. This includes my own part as raw footage followed by the official recording.
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A Christian Testimony.
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A children's Bible story.
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A message on outreach.
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A short gospel message.
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A piece of "performance poetry." Transcript available at https://devotiondth.blogspot.com/2021/07/behold-i-make-all-things-new.html
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The 9th short and simple silent worship.
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A message on the Trinity. (References: Gingerich (1986) 'Steppingstones to God' Book 1, Lamp & Light Publishers; The King James Bible; Westminster Shorter Catechism; and Shema Yisrael as cited in Victor Gollancz (1951) 'A Year of Grace', Camelot Press)
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A message on John 14:15
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The 8th in the series.
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The seventh silent worship in this series of contemplations.
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Another silent worship session.
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The fifth instalment of this series of silent worship liturgies.
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The fourth part of this series of silent worship liturgies.
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The third episode in this series of silent worship.
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The next silent worship episode in this series.
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The beginning of a series of silent worship podcasts.
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