Promises for Your Everyday Life

A Need for Brokenness

6 [You should] be exceedingly glad on this account, though now for a little while you may be distressed by trials and suffer temptations,
7 So that [the genuineness] of your faith may be tested, [your faith] which is infinitely more precious than the perishable gold which is tested and purified by fire. [This proving of your faith is intended] to redound to [your] praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6-7

The word brokenness may strike fear in some people, but it's really not a bad word. God doesn't desire to break our spirits, but He wants to break that outer shell, the flesh that prevents Him from being all He wants to be in and through us. He wants to break off things like pride, rebellion, selfishness and independence. God wants us to be totally dependent on Him, and suffering seems to bring us to that point.

Sometimes people seem surprised that they must go through a time of trial or suffering. Perhaps they've been faithful to learn and obey the Word, and the trials still come. Sometimes trials come simply to test and purify our faith. When these trials come your way, embrace them, because they lead to real, true brokenness. God wants us to live by the Spirit, not the flesh, and this is so much easier when we allow Him to break off our lives any sinful or selfish habit or trait that would keep us from Him. Do you want to be close to God today? Then embrace brokenness, knowing that it will lead to greater things in your future.

Prayer Starter: Holy Spirit, I realize that sometimes I need brokenness. It may not be comfortable, but I invite You to break off and get rid of anything that's keeping me from You.

Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 264
 
You Have a Relationship with Yourself

I, even I, am He Who blots out and cancels your transgressions, for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins.
Isaiah 43:25

Did it ever occur to you that you have a relationship with yourself? You may have never given it much thought, but you spend more time with yourself than anyone else, and it's vital that you get along well with you because you are the one person you never get away from. We should love ourselves, not in a selfish, self-centered way that produces a lifestyle of self-indulgence, but in a balanced, godly way that affirms God's creation as essentially good and right.

We may be flawed by unfortunate experiences we've gone through, but that doesn't mean we're worthless and good-for-nothing. We must have the kind of love for ourselves that says, "I know God loves me, so I can love what God chooses to love. I don't love everything I do, but I accept myself because God accepts me." We must develop the kind of mature love that says, "I believe God is changing me daily, but during this process, I will not reject what God accepts. I'll accept myself as I am right now, knowing that I will not always remain this way."

Prayer Starter: God, like Isaiah 43:25 says, You blot out my sins and accept me, which means that I don't have to reject myself. I am free to love myself in a healthy way because You love me!

Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 266
 
Enduring Like Jesus

Hebrews 12:2​

2 Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

There are usually two sides to everything. The cross has two: a crucifixion side and a resurrection side. Jesus had to endure one side to get to the other. But if He hadn't endured, then we'd all still be left without a Savior and no forgiveness of our sins. Hebrews 12:2 says that Jesus, for the joy of obtaining the prize on the other side of the cross, the resurrection, endured the pain. Like Jesus, we have to endure bad things.

To endure means to outlast the devil; to be steadfast long enough to let the trial do whatever it's going to do in our lives and get from one side of the cross to the other. Whether we're hit by an unexpected circumstance, suffering for doing something wrong or for resisting temptation and sin by doing what's right, we have to go through things.

But waiting for you on the other side of the hard times is the joy of obtaining the prize, the good result. Today, be encouraged by the way Jesus handled trials. He knew the joy that was before Him and persevered until the end. He's given you the power to do the same.

Prayer Starter: God, I want to endure like Jesus. Help me to get a vision for the joy of obtaining the prize that awaits me so that I can endure whatever trial comes my way.


Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 267
 
Put Yourself in the Offering Plate

I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. Romans 12:1

In 2 Corinthians 8, when Paul was talking to the Corinthian believers about their giving, he gave them the example of the churches in Macedonia. He said in verse 5, "Nor [was this gift of theirs merely the contribution] that we expected, but first they gave themselves to the Lord and to us [as His agents] by the will of God [entirely disregarding their personal interests, they gave as much as they possibly could, having put themselves at our disposal to be directed by the will of God]." That just amazes me, because they didn't just give their money, but they gave themselves. I wonder how many of us are willing to write our name down and stick that in the offering plate.

Romans 12:1 says we should offer all of ourselves as a sacrifice to God. This means living for God outside of church. It means being willing to give money, but it also means being ready to love anyone God brings across your path. It means being willing to use any resource you have for His kingdom. So next time you're in church and the offering plate comes around, I encourage you to tell God that you're putting yourself all in for Him!

Prayer Starter: God, I want to give all I have to You. I offer myself as a living sacrifice. Show me how You want me to use the resources You've given me for Your glory.

Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 268
 
Pursuing the Right Kind of Knowledge

For I resolved to know nothing (to be acquainted with nothing, to make a display of the knowledge of nothing, and to be conscious of nothing) among you except Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and Him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2

Many Christians suffer because they're too busy seeking carnal knowledge instead of the Word of God. The Lord Himself said, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..." (Hosea 4:6 AMP). Paul was an educated man, with a wealth of carnal knowledge. He thought himself better than others and even sought to kill Christians.

Thankfully, God had other plans for him and revealed Himself to Paul in a way that changed his life forever. When Paul realized that seeking carnal knowledge didn't compare to the importance of spiritual knowledge, he decided to only pursue that instead. Like Paul, we need to realize the importance of learning spiritual things. Instead of seeking worldly things and filling our heads with things that don't matter, we need to dig in and fill our minds with God's Word.

I can tell you from experience that knowing God's Word will change your life. It turned Paul into one of the greatest Christians who ever lived, and it can transform you and lead you into your amazing destiny in Christ. I encourage you today to seek out the spiritual knowledge found in God's Word. Let it fill you up and take you over!

Prayer Starter:
Lord, I don't want to waste my time with carnal knowledge that doesn't matter. Like Paul, help me to only pursue the spiritual knowledge found in knowing You and knowing Your Word.



Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 269
 
God Causes Things to Happen at the Right Time


For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive ordisappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day.
Habakkuk 2:3

Are you waiting for the desires of your heart to begin to manifest? Are you praying for bondages to fall off of you so you can see your dreams come to pass? Are you waiting and praying for the salvation of friends and family? Are you trusting God for prosperity, favor, promotion, honor, and all the blessings found in His Word?

Are you tired of waiting for harvest time in your life? Are you frustrated, crying out, "When, God, when?" Then you need to understand that God's timing is often a mystery. He doesn't do things on our timetable. Yet His Word promises that He will not be late, not one single day. God causes things to happen at exactly the right time! Your job is not to figure out when, but to make up your mind that you won't give up until you cross the finish line and are living in the radical, outrageous blessings of God!

The more you trust Jesus and keep your eyes focused on Him, the more life you'll have. Trusting God brings life. Believing brings rest. So stop trying to figure everything out, and let God be God in your life.

Prayer Starter:
God, I know that Your timing is perfect, even when I grow tired of waiting. Help me to trust in You and rest in Your plan for me.



Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 270
 
Putting on the Gift of God's Righteousness

1 For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness].
2 Corinthians 5:21

Here are two very important questions that you need to ask yourself: 'Do I know who I am in Christ?' 'Am I walking in righteousness?' Too many people can't properly answer these questions and it keeps them from living in the freedom and peace that God designed for them to walk in. The moment we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior, the Bible says God takes away our sin and gives us His righteousness. It's a gift, and we don't need to earn it. But we do need to put it on, and every time we do, we receive His peace.

When you know who you are in Christ, worldly obstacles won't matter anymore. When you know that He loves you and He died for you, you'll just get up every day and do your best to love God. When that happens, when you know who you are in Christ, you can put on and walk in the righteousness that He purchased for you. As you experience His love for you, your natural response will be to live for Him with all that you have.

Prayer Starter:
Lord, I want to be constantly aware of who I am in You. Help me to remember all that You've done for me so that I can daily put on Your righteousness.


Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 271
 
Get Up and Clean Up!

Jesus said to him, Get up! Pick up your bed (sleeping pad) and walk!
John 5:8

In John 5, there's a story about a man who I believe represents a lot of people who refuse to change. During a Jewish feast in Jerusalem, Jesus visited the Bethesda pool where sick people gathered, hoping to get healed. One of the people waiting to get healed was a man who had been crippled for 38 years. When Jesus saw him, He asked if he wanted to be healed.

To me, the man's answer tells us why he hadn't been healed in 38 years. He said, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred." Bottom line, the man was avoiding responsibility. His second problem was that he blamed others. The man said, "While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me." How did Jesus respond? Jesus didn't feel sorry for him. Instead, Jesus said, rather sternly, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk."

For change to occur in your life, you can't be a prisoner of your circumstances. Know that God is willing to help you today. You just have to decide to trust Him, get up, and actively pursue the freedom He's giving you.

Prayer Starter: God, I don't want to be a victim of my circumstances. I want to change. I receive Your strength and Your freedom today. I believe that real change can occur in my life as I walk with You.


Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 272
 
Forgiveness: The Path to Real Peace and Joy


But love your enemies and be kind and do good [doing favors so that someone derives benefit from them] and lend, expecting and hoping for nothing in return but considering nothing as lost and despairing of no one; and then your recompense (your reward) will be great (rich, strong, intense, and abundant), and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind and charitable and good to the ungrateful and the selfish and wicked.
Luke 6:35


A few years ago someone told me about a person who was doing business with our ministry and making a good deal of money because of their relationship with us. My friend happened to be at the same restaurant, seated in the next booth, and overheard their conversation, which just happened to be about me - and they weren't saying good things either. At first I got mad and just wanted to tell him that he was never getting our business again.

But in bed that night, the Holy Spirit said to me, "You're not going to do any of those things." He said, "No, you're going to do what you teach. You're going to go buy him a present, and you're going to tell him how much you appreciate the services that he's given you all these years." Needless to say, I resisted at first.

But eventually, I relented and bought him a gift. What I remember most about the situation is that as soon as I started taking action to do something good for them, it just got so funny to me. I was laughing out loud in my house, all by myself. When we can look at people who've hurt us with compassion, there's a party that goes on inside of us. So who can you forgive and do something nice for today? Practice forgiveness and follow the path it leads to real peace and joy!

Prayer Starter: God, I want to obey Your word, which tells me to be compassionate and good to those who have hurt me. I know that when I do, I will experience peace and joy on the inside.


Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 273
 
Don't Give in to Fear


NOW [in Haran] the Lord said to Abram, Go for yourself [for your own advantage] away from your country, from your relatives and your father's house, to the land that I will show you.
Genesis 12:1

The Bible tells of a man named Abram who trusted God in spite of his own personal fear. How would you feel if God told you to leave your home, your family and everything that is familiar and comfortable and head out to an unknown destination? Full of fear? That's precisely the challenge Abram faced, and it frightened him. But God's words to him were "Fear not."

Many times we think we should wait to do something until we are no longer afraid, but if we did that, we'd probably accomplish very little for God, for others, or even for ourselves. Abram had to step out in faith and obedience to God, despite his fear. If Abram had bowed his knee to fear, he never would've fulfilled his destiny to become all God created him to be, the father of many nations. Giving in to fear alters God's best plan for your life, so do what He wants you to do...even if you have to do it afraid! Like Abram, you'll find that the rewards are great.

Prayer Starter: God, You were faithful to Abram when he obeyed You in spite of fear, so I also decide to put my fear aside and do whatever You tell me to do.


Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 274
 
Identify the Battlefield

For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow anddestruction of strongholds,
2 Corinthians 10:4

Did you know that we are in a war every day? Looking around at all the suffering, we may think the battles are just taking place externally, but in reality, we're losing the advanced and more important conflict, the battle in our minds. When we fail to identify the battlefield, we also fail to correctly identify our foe. We tend to believe people, money, religion or "the system" are our problems. Unless we renew our mind, we risk continuing to believe those lies and making important decisions based on deception.

Each day our minds are bombarded with a constant stream of nagging thoughts, suspicions, doubts and fears. While any one of these can cause defeat and devastation, grabbing on to God's truth can bring victory and joy. You may have some major strongholds in your life that need to be torn down. Let me encourage you by saying, "God is on your side." There is a war going on, and your mind is the battlefield. But the good news is that God is fighting on your side!

Prayer Starter: Holy Spirit, I don't want to be deceived, ignoring the real battle that's happening in my mind. Keep me on guard so that I can fight the good fight. With You on my side, I can't lose!


Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 275
 
SMILE!


A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.
Proverbs 15:13

Everyone knows how to smile. It's one of the greatest gifts God has given us. A smile makes people feel good, and people look so beautiful when they smile. When the joy in your life is obvious, it rubs off on others. But when you keep God's joy locked inside you and don't allow it to show on your face, you're depriving those around you of a pleasant and refreshing experience. Most people really don't understand how expressing joy will change their circumstances and, perhaps, the lives of others.

Living your life with the joy of the Lord will chase off negative, depressing circumstances. And when we have His joy deep down inside of us, we can't help but put it on display by smiling! I never would have thought that smiling was such a serious matter, but God has shown me how revolutionary a simple smile can be. Expressing joy through the calm delight of smiling brings good things into your own life and shares the joy and light of the Lord with others, so smile!

Prayer Starter:
Lord, remind me to smile daily! You've given me great joy, and I want to display it and brighten the lives of others!


Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 276
 
The Humble Get the Help

Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you,
1 Peter 5:6

Since Jesus invites us to cast all of our care and worry on Him, why do so many of us refuse to let go? Apparently, we're not yet fed up with being miserable. The only way to have victory in our lives is to play by God's rules, and He says we must quit worrying if we want to have peace. So when things come our way that cause us to be concerned, we need God's help. How do we get it?

First Peter 5:6 says that we need to humble ourselves. That seems pretty clear and simple, yet some continue struggling because they're too stubborn to ask for help. But the humble get the help. So if your way isn't working, why not try God's way? All of us would be better off if we'd learn to lean on God and ask for His help. When we humble ourselves and ask for God's help, then He's able to release His power in our situations. It's only then that we can really enjoy life. So humble yourself today and let Him take care of your worries.

Prayer Starter: God, I know that I can't run my life on my own, so I humble myself today and ask You for help. I trust You and give You control in my life.


Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 277
 
Don't Bow Your Knee to Fear

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Psalms 56:3

Fear is not from God, but from Satan. Every time you feel fear in your life, it's a manifestation of the kingdom of darkness. I often say in my teachings that fear is the "master spirit." It's the spirit Satan uses to try to rule God's people and keep them from coming under the leadership of the true Master, Jesus Christ.

Multitudes of people never fulfill the call of God on their lives simply because every time they try to go forward, the devil uses fear to stop them. Is he using fear to stop you? Satan uses fear to keep people from enjoying life. Fear brings torment, and you surely can't enjoy life and be tormented at the same time. The devil brings fear, but you can choose not to bow your knee to it.

David said, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in You. I believe it's safe to say that when you make an effort to pursue God wholeheartedly and follow Him, the enemy will attack with fear. However, if you put your confidence and trust in God, He can help you overcome your fear and move forward.

Prayer Starter: God, I don't want to bow to fear. I put my confidence and trust in You. I know that I can rely on You to help me through my fear.


Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 278
 
You Can Be Alone Without Being Lonely


Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

Loneliness often manifests as an inner ache, a vacuum, or a craving for affection. Its side effects include feelings of emptiness, uselessness or purposelessness. There are many causes of loneliness, but many people don't realize that they don't have to live with it. They can confront it and deal with it. It's important to realize that just because you are alone, it doesn't mean you must be lonely or lonesome.

While it may not always be possible to avoid being alone, there are always answers to loneliness. God's Word tells us to be strong and courageous, for God is always with us. In the natural, you may be alone, but that doesn't mean you have to be lonely, because spiritually, God is always there. He will never leave you or forsake you.

The next time a feeling of loneliness tries to manifest in your life, I urge you to remember Deuteronomy 31:6. Declare out loud that God is with you and begin to talk to Him. As you make room for Him, His presence will fill your life. You don't have to be lonely when God's presence is with you wherever you go.


Prayer Starter: God, I'm so glad that You're always with me. I know I never have to feel lonely with You by my side.



Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 279
 
God Can Use Cracked Pots

Yet, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our Potter, and we all are the work of Your hand.
Isaiah 64:8

God doesn't require us to be perfect, He made us, and He knows we're human and will make mistakes. Our job is to get up every day and do our best to use the keys He has provided for us. And when we fail, we must get right with God, receive His forgiveness and go on. Many people feel that God can't use them because they're not perfect, but this is a lie. God (the Potter) uses cracked pots (that's us) to do His work.

As Christians, we are containers that God wants to fill with His goodness and light. Then we're to carry that goodness and light to a dark world, sharing it with people everywhere we go. Don't be afraid of your flaws; acknowledge them and allow God to use you anyway. Quit worrying about what you're not and give God what you are. As a cracked pot, you can accomplish wonderful things.

You can make somebody happy. You can encourage, edify and exhort those around you. You can use your gifts and talents to serve God.

Prayer Starter:
God, I may be a 'cracked pot,' but You are the Potter and You can use me for Your purposes despite my flaws. Fill me with Your goodness and light so that I can carry it into the world around me.


Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 280
 
Listen for the Still, Small Voice

And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire [a sound of gentle stillness and] a still, small voice.
1 Kings 19:12


To find peace in our lives, we simply need to obey the promptings God gives us each day. A prompting is a "knowing" deep down on the inside, telling us what to do. First Kings 19:11-12 refers to this knowing as a still, small voice. A prompting isn't a whack on the head with a hammer!

In 1 Kings, the Lord didn't use the great and strong wind, the earthquake or fire to prompt Elijah. His voice came to Elijah as a sound of gentle stillness and a still, small voice. A prompting doesn't even have to be a voice at all. In fact, God often gives direction by speaking to your heart rather than to your ears.

If we'll simply learn to listen to God and do what He says, we'll discover that things will go well for us. No matter what the situation, we need to listen to God and obey His voice. You may not understand the reasons that God is asking you to do certain things, but as you listen to His voice and obey His direction, you can experience a peaceful calmness. So listen up!

Prayer Starter: Holy Spirit, help me to listen closely to hear Your promptings every day. I want Your peace, so I will listen to You.


Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 281
 
When Praying for Others Is Hard

bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Luke 6:28

How do you respond when someone hurts your feelings? Do you let it rob you of joy? Or maybe your emotions run wild? Luke 6:27-28 tells us what we should do when people hurt us: We must pray for them and bless them.

Can you believe that? We're to pray something like, "Oh, Lord, I pray that You'd just make them so happy!" I still don't get that, but I'm willing to do it in obedience and say, "Lord, I don't know that I really want them to be happy, but I'll pray that in faith anyway, because You're telling me to bless them with Your presence."

Choosing to pray for them is one of the most difficult things God asks us to do, especially if we believe that whoever hurt us is in the wrong and doesn't deserve to be forgiven. But God instructs us to practice forgiveness. And when we choose to follow the path of forgiveness, we will experience the peace and joy that come through obeying God's Word. When you obey God, He can help you overcome the pain and enjoy life more.

Prayer Starter: God, it's hard, but I pray for those who have hurt me and ask You to bless them. Help me to release the hurt and forgive them.


Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 282
 
Are You Seeking the Right Stuff?


For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,
Romans 14:17

Romans 14:17 defines the kingdom of God as a life of goodness, and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. We are to seek His kingdom, but a lot of people spend their life seeking all kinds of other stuff. When it comes to righteousness, peace and joy, they don't have any because they're chasing after other things.

I used to think that if I had all kinds of worldly stuff, I'd have no worries and my life would be peaceful, but no matter how much stuff I gained, it never really brought peace. True peace comes from being one with God. It's important for us to understand this because I think a large majority of Christians spend their whole life searching for the wrong things, when our real treasure is in Jesus.

So what are you seeking today? What's your treasure? Worldly things will ultimately leave you unsatisfied, but if you seek God and His righteousness, peace and joy, you can experience the completely satisfying and fulfilling life God wants you to have. Go after Him today.

Prayer Starter: God, I decide today to stop pursuing worldly things that will not satisfy. I want to be one with You, so I seek Your righteousness, peace and joy.


Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 283
 
How to Travel the Smooth Road

He hides away sound andgodly Wisdom andstores it for the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with Him); He is a shield to those who walk uprightly andin integrity,
8 That He may guard the paths of justice; yes, He preserves the way of His saints. [I Sam. 2:9; Ps. 66:8, 9.]
9 Then you will understand righteousness, justice, and fair dealing [in every area and relation]; yes, you will understand every good path.
Proverbs 2:7-9

On the road of life there are spiritual signs along the way. In order to stay under God's protection, you must obey these signs that tell you to trust Him and not worry. Don't be afraid; have courage. If you'll pay attention to these signs, you'll find it's easy to stay on course. You'll experience the protection, peace and joy that only God can provide.

However, if you fail to heed the signs, you may notice that the road seems a little bumpier than usual, and you aren't as confident in your ability as you once were. You may become anxious about the unknown things waiting around the corner, and even veer off the road.

You and I don't need to be anxious because God wants to guard our paths and preserve our way. Why waste time ignoring His signs and becoming anxious when it isn't going to solve anything? Have an attitude of obedience, and when you see His signs, follow them. When you follow His instructions, you'll always arrive safely at your destination.

Prayer Starter:
Holy Spirit, help me to see the spiritual signs that You've placed for me on the road of life. When I see them, I will obey them and follow You safely through life.


Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 284
 
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