Category: OLD TESTAMENT

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GOD WORKS MYSTERIOUSLY; TRUST HIS PLANS – 1 Samuel 9

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A True Believer Should Trust God’s Plans For His Life

(Passage: 1 Samuel 9)

A man called Saul, in the Bible, was committed to his family and busy searching for his father’s missing horse; meanwhile, God had something bigger in mind for him. He wanted to appoint him as the new leader of his people.

God instructed Prophet Samuel to look for a man who would fit the description of Saul and anoint him as the first king of Israel. The Bible describes how the event unfolded and how Mr. Saul became King Saul,

“Now the Lord had told Samuel in his ear the day before Saul came, saying, “Tomorrow about this time I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him commander over my people Israel, that he may save my people from the hand of the Philistines; for I have looked upon my people, because their cry has come to me.” So when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said to him; “There he is, the man of whom I spoke to you. This one shall reign over my people.” “Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head, and kissed him and said: “Is it not because the Lord has anointed you commander over His inheritance?” (1 Samuel 9:15-17; 1 Samuel 10:1).

God’s Ways Are Sometimes Unfamiliar But They Often Lead To Blessing

God’s way is seldom the same as ours; He may decide to surprise us in a way we have least expected. No one can completely fathom God’s thoughts, neither can his thoughts be limited with our limited thinking.

Jehovah will do whatever he has determined to do for his people; nothing can change his plans. No one can thwart the plans of God for his chosen people. In fact, the scripture states, God’s thoughts towards us (his children) are always good. It is written,

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Meanwhile, despite all the great thoughts and plans that God has for his children, believers still have to be careful to not miss their opportunities. God who plans good things for his children can decide to cancel them if he can’t get our cooperations.

Christians have the obligation to obey God’s instructions and faithfully serve him to befit his blessings. We must make our best effort to make God happy – We must obey God and faithfully serve him.

God is all knowing and his time is the best. You may be facing a certain challenge in your life which could relate to health, education, career, or any other. Whatever the case may be, trusting in God is the answer. Have faith in God; talk to him and he will answer your prayers.

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Trust God’s process and never question him. Your testimony is around the corner! James Taiwo Click to tweet


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Pray For God’s Grace To Allow Him To Fulfill His Plans For Your Life

Dear God, please help me to stay within your plans so that I can receive your benefits. Enable me with grace and strength to satisfy your desires so that I can prosper! Please, remember your promises and fulfill them on my life. For in the name of Jesus Christ I have prayed. Amen.


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GOD PROTECTS HIS CHILDREN AGAINST THE ENEMIES – 1 Samuel

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Christ’s Believers Are Guarded By God From Their Enemies

(Passage: 1 Samuel)

David fought and killed Goliath to deliver his nation; he became a national hero as people sang to his honor. Meanwhile, King Saul who ought to be much happier for the deliverance of his nation became jealous of David. He felt threatened and hated David with passion. The king set traps and sought every opportunity to kill David; however, God protected the shepherded boy. None of Saul’s attempt on his life was successful. The scripture reported Saul’s attempts on David’s life,

“The distressing spirit from the Lord came upon Saul as he sat in his house with his spear in his hand. And David was playing music with his hand. Then Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he slipped away from Saul’s presence; and he drove the spear into the wall. So David fled, and escaped that night” (1 Samuel 19:9-10).

 

God’s Protective Power Over His Children Are Unfathomable

God will protect his children from their enemies. The evil ones may attempt to harass God’s children but they won’t prosper. The contrast of their imagination will actualize. The enemies will stumble! Meanwhile, God’s children will make positive advances and prosper; they will have every reason to praise God.

Indeed, God’s power is limitless. He will demonstrate it to favor his children and defeat their foes. God has both visible and invisible weapons that can be used to defeat the enemies and also protect his children.

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As a child of God, you should reserve your trust in God for victory. James Taiwo Click to tweet

Have you been fearful of what evil people may do to you? Fret no more, you have God who is the most powerful being in existence. He will fight your battles and earn you peace so that you can be motivated to keep serving him. Just believe and praise God!

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Pray In Faith And Enjoy God’s Undeniable Deliverance

Dear God, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ that all the enemy’s works be subdued in my life! I proclaim that my enemies shall stumble in their evil plots. Let every force that contradicts my peace of mind be defeated in Jesus name! Let the deliverance of God be my portion from now on, and forever more! For in the name of Jesus Christ I have prayed. Amen.

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PRIDE IS DESTRUCTIVE TO ANYONE – Esther

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Christians Must Do Away With Pride To Experience God’s Benefits

(Passage: Esther 1)

Queen Vashti dishonored her husband, King Ahasuerus, in the presence of the dignitaries and ran into trouble. The queen turned down her husband’s request who asked her to dance to showcase her beauty. Vashti insulted the king and asked him to mind his business. Therefore, the ruling cabinet was disappointed and dethroned her as the queen of the land. They sort out for a better replacement. The Bible described the incident,

“On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus, to bring Queen Vashti before the king, wearing her royal crown, in order to show her beauty to the people and the officials, for she was beautiful to behold. But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s command brought by his eunuchs; therefore the king was furious, and his anger burned within him” (Esther 1:10-12).

God Can Easily Do Away With Proud People

Pride goes before a fall! All Christians must be humble before God at all times. We must not be obsessed with positions and/or power. We must yield to every necessary correction. Children of God must not forget that we are replaceable. That is, God has plenty of options; he can easily replace anyone’s position. Therefore, all people must tremble before God and ensure not to allow pride to gain ground in our lives.

As Christians, there are certain traits we should do away with, which include cheating, lying, and arrogance. Pride, as one of the negative traits, can lead anyone to the grave faster than he thinks. Sometimes, the reason for pride is baffling. However, whatever the reason may be, do away with pride so that God can increase your days.

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Prayer For Divine Help To Remain Humble

Dear God, please teach me how to be humble before you. Let me yield to your instructions and corrections so that I can experience your promotions. Please save me from pride since it will lead to a destruction! Please, let me yield to the leadership of the Holy Spirit so that I can be successful throughout the days of my life. For in the name of Jesus Christ I have prayed. Amen.

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GOD REWARDS THOSE WHO SERVE HIM – 2 Chronicles

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Christians Should Serve The Lord With A Pure Heart

(Passage: 2 Chronicles 5)

King Solomon made history by leading his people to build a state-of-the-art temple for God. The action pleased the Lord, and He filled the temple with his glory. The scripture reported,

“Indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying: “For He is good, For His mercy endures forever,” that the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God” (2 Chronicles 5:13-14).

Benign Service To God Warrants A Reward

Christians must make adequate effort to satisfy God with their best services at all times. Jehovah appreciates any service that is offered from a pure heart. He rejoices when his children honor him with a pure motive; He also reciprocates their actions with blessings. That is, God will bless anyone who makes Him happy with his or her services. It is, therefore, important that every child of God serves him without an ulterior motive. We must serve God with full devotion and purity of our hearts to receive his unmerited blessing.

God values the work that comes with faith. As a Christian, it is our duty to serve God with a pure heart. God sees our hearts and can always tell when our actions aren’t genuine. Serve God with a pure heart and His presence will never depart from your life.

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Prayer For Divine Assistance

Dear God, please teach me how to serve you with a pure heart. Help me to serve you with full devotion and without reservation. Let my activities provoke your overwhelming blessings, and let my life remain an embodiment of testimony to your holy Name from now on and forever more! For in the name of Jesus Christ, I make my requests. Amen.

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GOD IS GREATER THAN ALL BEINGS IN EXISTENCE – Job

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All Christians Must Be Humble Before God & Address Him With Respect

(Passage: Job 38)

Job found himself in an unfortunate situation; he claimed for his condition. The man complained he did not deserve his ordeal. (Indeed, Job didn’t do anything wrong to deserve his terrible situation; however, God expected him to display humility – even with his current state.) God was dissatisfied with Job’s self-righteous attitude and he challenged him with some persuasive questions to reorient his mind. Job did not hesitate to learn his lesson; he repented of his arrogance and glorified God. God had challenged Job,

“Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me. “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone” (Job 38:2-6).

God Hates Evil Self-Righteousness

God is greater than humans; he is not our equal, and we should not compare ourselves with him. A person who compares himself or herself with God is unwise! God is incomparable to humans. He has everything more than us. No human can measure up to God in terms of knowledge, wisdom or power! God is the greatest being in existence; everyone ought to honor him.

Despite God’s unquestionable authority, he still chooses to only positively deal with humans. God does not do evil; his plans for us, his children are of good, and for good. The Creator hates evil and he will reward all perpetrators of evil with punishment.

God offered an opportunity of salvation for all people so that we can be saved from our sins. That is, God will restore and bless us if we can repent of our sins and confess Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. Anyone who rejects this salvation offer of Jesus Christ will not receive God’s eternal benefits in heaven. The Creator will haul the unrepentant sinners to hell fire. It is important that all people should confess Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior to escape the punishment of hell fire, and also to qualify for the kingdom of God (Matthew 25:41).

God is greater than everyone and everything. He is mighty and absolutely worthy of our praise, which is the only thing we can give. We should be humble before God always because without him, we’re nothing. God bless you as you do this genuinely.

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Prayer For Help To Honor God Always

Dear God, please help me recognize your supreme power and honor you for it. Help me to give you quality praises at all times. Also, since Jesus Christ is your Son sent to save the world, I confess him as my personal Lord and Savior! I give my complete life to Jesus Christ, and I will serve him throughout the days of my life. Please count me worthy of your eternal kingdom! For in the name of Jesus Christ, I make my requests. Amen.

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PRAISE AND WORSHIP MOVE GOD’S HANDS – Psalm

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Proclaim The Greatness of God And Gain His Attention
(Passage: Psalm 84)

Christians are encouraged to praise God at all times. In fact, the scripture encourages us to dwell in God’s presence consistently for his pleasure and for our blessing. That is, a true worshiper of God will be refreshed in his presence and be blessed.

The more you bring God quality praise and worship, the more your blessing will become. If you can praise God genuinely and consistently, you will not lack a good thing in his presence. The scripture states,

“Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they will still be praising you. Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, Whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, They make it a spring; the rain also covers it with pools” (Psalm 84:4-6).

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An Attitude Of Praising God Comes With A Reward

God loves to inhabit the praises of his people; he delights in it. The Creator will forever bless the people who make it a consistent practice to honor God with their resources.

Since much benefits will accompany God’s true worshipers, everyone should cultivate the habit.

No better and faster means of receiving God’s special attention than to praise him consistently. Anyone who intends to receive something special from God should praise God at all times.

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Praise God consistently if you truly want to get his attention. James Taiwo Click to tweet

As a Christian, the only thing you can give God for all he has done for you is to praise and worship him consistently. God appreciates and loves it when you deeply praise his name. No matter how more or little you might think your blessings are, God can surprise you with his miracles if you can praise him more. Praise God now and praise him always.

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Ask For God’s Grace To Praise Him Consistently

Dear God, please teach me how to praise you genuinely and consistently! Give me the strength to praise you with my best efforts so that I can get your attention and be blessed. As I do my best to honor you, please shower your grace and goodness into my life. For in the name of Jesus Christ, I make my requests. Amen.

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GOD DEFENDS HIS FAITHFUL SERVANTS

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The Records of God’s Faithfulness Towards His Children are Uncountable

King Asa of Judah served God and was prosperous in his days. God also, gave him rest from his enemies. The king, who had just five hundred thousand soldiers was able to defeat 1.3 million enemies that challenged him. The scriptures reported,

“Then Zerah the Ethiopian came out against them with an army of a million men and three hundred chariots, and he came to Mareshah. So Asa went out against him, and they set the troops in battle array in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah. And Asa cried out to the Lord his God, and said, “Lord, it is nothing for you to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O Lord our God, for we rest on you, and in your name we go against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; do not let man prevail against you!” So the Lord struck the Ethiopians before Asa and Judah, and the Ethiopians fled” (2 Chronicles 14:9-12).

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God Will Always Fight For His Children

God is faithful and He will protect his children from their enemies. Although believers may sometimes, face life battles that appear challenging, God is strong enough to overcome them. God will overcome any opposition that confronts his children irrespective of its fierceness! The Creator will protect His children and earn them the victory to ensure they are not ashamed. In other words, there’s no mountain too high or valley too low, that God cannot overcome for us. We (God’s children who trust Him) will live to see the light of another day, and we shall have every reason to glorify Him in the victory.

God is not only our Father but our defender as well. He has promised to protect and defend us against every attack, regardless of its origin. It doesn’t matter what problems you might be going through, call on God, and He will surely answer you!

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Prayer For Divine Help

I appreciate you God for you are my father. You are very capable of taking care of me, as promised in the scriptures. I believe You will fight my battles and earn me victory. Since I am your son/daughter, I am saved and secured! I am blessed in the morning and I am blessed in the evening. I am blessed all day long, and your joy shall ever remain my portion. Please help me keep your testimony of goodness with me forever! Give me every reason to keep singing songs of victory and appreciate your goodness. For in the name of Jesus Christ, I have prayed. Amen.

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GOD IS SECOND TO NONE; SERVE HIM – Ezekiel

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As Believers, We Must Put God First Before Anything

(Passage: Ezekiel 23)

God labeled the Israelites “The harlots” for practicing idolatry. The people would face some consequences for their actions unless they repent. Jehovah handpicked Prophet Ezekiel as a talking point and warned the Israelites,

“Therefore, Oholibah, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will stir up your lovers against you, those you turned away from in disgust, and I will bring them against you from every side” (Ezekiel 23:22 NIV).

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God Will Not Share His Position With Anyone

Christians are not allowed to serve two masters. We are required to serve God alone! No child of God should compare his/her Creator with any other deity. Jehovah is God, and He is the only deity that humanity must serve. Meanwhile, idol worship is not limited to bowing down to images only. An idol may appear in the form of material, money, people, and others. In fact, anything that takes the place of God in our heart is an idol!

A smartphone, laptop, and pocket-book may become an idol. If care is not taken, a person’s wife, husband, and/or a child can become an idol. Nothing must take over God’s position in our hearts.

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Evaluate yourself and be sure you’re not an idol worshiper! James Taiwo Click to tweet

Anyone who claims to be God’s child must ensure that he/she has an undivided attention when it comes to serving God. It is important to emphasize that history has proven that God detests idolatry more than any other form of sin. The Creator has gone an extra mile to prove his point in ancient times; He has wiped out nations and disowned his own children for the sake. He can do the worse again! Therefore, as Christians, we ought to fear God and give him due honor with full (and undistracted) Worship.

God is “the beginning and the end.” He was here before anything became and He will remain after. His importance in our lives must not come after an earthly idol, unless you want to face His wrath. Do away with an idol of any kind and serve God only.

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Prayer For Strength To Serve God

Dear God, please help me to give you an undivided attention, so that you can be happy with me always. Do not let me be trapped in idol worship of any form. Please forgive my past sins of idolatry; help me to stop whatever may be claiming rivalry with you in my life. Let me start to serve you with full devotion, so that you can be pleased to shower your grace and goodness on my life, now and always! For in the name of Jesus Christ, I make my requests. Amen.

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GOD DOESN’T SUPPORT SIN

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A True Believer Should Be Ready To Forfeit Sin For God

The Israelites assumed that God would ignore their sins and protect them from their enemies, but they were disappointed. Despite their attempt to bribe God with casual godliness, they were still punished! (The Israelites brought God’s Ark of Covenant to a battlefield with the hope that the Creator would confirm his presence with them). God refused to defend the disobedient children, and that caused them to lose their treasured Ark of The Covenant to their enemies.

However, God honored his name among the gentiles that hijacked the Ark of Covenant. He severed them with plagues and also publicly embarrassed their idols.  The scripture reported,

“When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon and set it by Dagon. And when the people of Ashdod arose early in the morning, there was Dagon, fallen on its face to the earth before the ark of the Lord. So they took Dagon, and set it in its place again. And when they arose early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen on its face to the ground before the ark of the Lord. The head of Dagon and both the palms of its hands were broken off on the threshold; only Dagon’s torso was left of it. Therefore, neither the priests of Dagon, nor any who come into Dagon’s house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod to this day” (1 Samuel 5:2-5).

In addition, God also significantly destroyed the enemies that tampered with his glory. Many of them experienced premature death.

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God Reciprocates When Tested

God is not an ordinary being; he is supreme, and he must not be compared with any other deity. God will go an extra mile to protect his image among the people. The Creator has enough power to afflict and kill anyone who attempts to tamper with his glory. Hence, all people must tremble before God and honor him with due respect. No one should attempt to be involved in any exercise that might provoke God into exercising his severe authority. Also, every Christian should make a significant effort to witness Christ’s gospel, so that unbelievers can establish positive relationships with God.

Our God is a merciful God. He is Kind and loving, however, he is vengeful. He should not be tested, because whoever does so will face the music. Live righteously and you will experience God’s favor effortlessly.

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Prayer For Forgiveness and Grace

Dear God, I have learned that it is dangerous to engage in any action that can provoke your anger. Therefore, I am determined to operate within the scope of your mercy. I am sorry for all my past wrong deeds, and I ask you to please forgive me. From now on, I will serve you with the integrity of my heart. I believe in your Son Jesus Christ, and I accept him as my personal Lord and Savior. Please write my name in the book of life, and let it be well with me throughout the days of my life. For in the name of Jesus Christ, I make my requests. Amen.

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PROMISES MADE TO GOD MUST BE FULFILLED – 1 Samuel

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Good Christians Must Fulfill All Promises Made To God To Avoid His Wrath

(1 Samuel 1:11)

Hannah was barren; she prayed and asked God for a child, and she promised to dedicate any first child she has to him. Hannah said in her prayers,

“LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head” (1 Samuel 1:11).

God answered Hannah’s prayer, and she gave birth to a son called Samuel! The lady honored her promise and brought Samuel to God. She approached God’s prophet and said,

“Pardon me, my lord. As surely as you live, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD” (1 Samuel 1:26-28).

A Promise Is A Debt; It Must Be Fulfilled

Anyone who promises God anything is under an oath; he or she must fulfill whatever is promised. Jehovah does not take our promises as a joke; he will surely wait for the fulfillment of all promises! No child of God should be too complacent with his or her success and forget to fulfill any needed debt to God. Meanwhile, some people make special promises to God when they were in trouble. They might have said; “God, if you can help me in this situation, I will do so and so for you.” However, they soon forgot their promises once their prayers are answered. God will definitely not be happy with this situation. He wants his children to honor their promises and be grateful to him. He may decide to delay future blessings until his children honor him. Therefore, all people must respect God, and fulfill their promises to him.

 

Have you ever been in a very bad situation and made a promise to God if he helped? Did you fulfill your promise? It is important to know that if you didn’t, you owe God. Once you make a promise to God, you have to fulfill it. I urge you to search yourself and if you find yourself owing, pray to him for forgiveness.

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Redeem your pledges to God as soon as possible!

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Prayer For Forgiveness & Grace To Redeem Pledges

Pray for the strength to keep your promises.

Dear God, I am sorry if I have failed to honor my promises to you. I repent today, and I am determined to mend my broken relationship with you. I redeem all my pledges, and I will make you happy with my offerings. In fact, I will bring a special thanksgiving offering to you, and I will share the testimony of your goodness in my life to all people. Please grant me the grace to fulfill all my promises, and let me remain your favorite child. For in the name of Jesus Christ, I make my requests. Amen.

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