Monthly Archives: September 2026

Christ enthroned beneath a crown, surrounded by kneeling angels and heavenly light
Angels, Bible, Hebrews, Scripture, Worship

THE ANGELS WORSHIP HIM

HEBREWS 1:6

“And when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says, ‘AND LET ALL THE ANGELS OF GOD WORSHIP HIM.’”

One day all creation will bow down in worship before the throne of Jesus. All will acknowledge Him as Lord. I have jokingly said that when I get to heaven, I will probably spend the first million years on my face before Him. To worship Him will be our main job there, so we had better get some practice in down here, don’t you think? Worship should be second nature to us as followers of Christ.

This Old Testament quotation in today’s verse has been widely debated. Some say it comes from the Septuagint translation which is the Greek translation of the Old Testament) of Psalm 97:7. Others say it comes from Deuteronomy 32:43 which also translates it as “God’s angels.” The point the writer is making is all creation will worship Him, even the angels in heaven. It is kind of like a picture we see in Revelation where all gathered around the throne singing, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, Almighty.”

ASK QUESTIONS (Command to Obey, Promise to claim, Sin to avoid, Application to make, Something new about God)

There is definitely a Command to Obey in our verse today. Just like the angels, we are commanded to worship the King of Glory. What does it mean to “worship Him”? The Greek word used here for “worship” is proskynéō “(from prós, ‘towards’ and kyneo, ‘to kiss’) – properly, to kiss the ground when prostrating before a superior; to worship, ready ‘to fall down/prostrate oneself to adore on one’s knees; (DNTT); to ‘do obeisance’ (BAGD).” (HELPS Word-studies) Some describe this word as “the kissing-ground.” That’s why I think I will be on my face for so long in heaven.

I also see an Application to make here. I have to put everything else in my life (family, home, career, money, etc) behind Jesus. He must be my first allegiance. I can only worship one thing. Jesus warns us of this when He said in Luke 16:13, “‘No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.’” This principle applies to anything you put before God.

I even believe we can point out a Sin to avoid. This is implied by the command to worship Jesus and Him alone. To put anything before the Master is sin. It is so easy to relegate Jesus to a weekend event. We go to church and sing and hear a sermon, but are we putting Him up on a shelf the rest of the week? God demands our obedience every day, every hour, every minute. Don’t let your lack of commitment lure you into a complacency about Jesus. To do so will take you down a path you may struggle to return from. Worship the King every day. Start your day in praise and end it the same way.

Lord, I give You praise and worship with the angels. You are the King of kings and Lord of lords.

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Four people, including a yellow furry character, stand at a bus stop beside a red double-decker bus.
Bible, Different, Hebrews, Holy, Messiah, Scripture, Son

THERE’S A DIFFERENCE

HEBREWS 1:5

“For to which of the angels did He ever say, ‘YOU ARE MY SON, TODAY I HAVE FATHERED YOU’? And again, ‘I WILL BE A FATHER TO HIM AND HE WILL BE A SON TO ME’?”

When my children were little, they used to watch Sesame Street. This was long before the show got woke on us. One of the regular parts of the show was “One of these things is not like the other.” Do you remember that? They would have three or four items on the screen, one of which was different than the other three. It helped children identify different objects and similar objects. That’s a great learning tool, isn’t it?

We are basically told in today’s verse that Jesus is not like the other heavenly beings. The writer quotes from Psalm 2:7 and 2 Samuel 7:14. We’ll look at those below in just a minute. These are but two of the 35 direct Old Testament quotations we will find throughout the book. In addition, there are around 30-34 allusions to the Old Testament. Whoever this writer is, we can be assured they had a keen knowledge of the Old Testament.

ASK QUESTIONS (Command to Obey, Promise to claim, Sin to avoid, Application to make, Something new about God)

There is Something new about God in this first quotation from Psalm 2:7. In this passage God is declaring that His Anointed will be the One to reign. Look at this passage in context (verses 6-8). “6‘But as for Me, I have installed My King upon Zion, My holy mountain.” 7 ‘I will announce the decree of the LORD: He said to Me, “You are My Son, today I have fathered You. 8 Ask it of Me, and I will certainly give the nations as Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth as Your possession.”’” That’s our Jesus. He is the Anointed One, high above any angelic being.

In the 2 Samuel 7:14 quotation the writer uses God’s covenant with David to point to Jesus. He was in the line of David, was He not? He is the Lion of Judah, right? Here too we see Something new about God. We know Jesus existed long before David came on his throne. But because of this covenant with David, God used his lineage to bring forth the Messiah. No angel was chosen for this task. Only His Son could provide the sacrifice.

Let me ask you a question. Do you stand out from the crowd because of your faith? Would anyone be able to pick you out of the mass of humanity as someone who walks with Jesus daily? We are in the world but not of it. If we appeared in that segment on Sesame Street, what would distinguish us from others? Carry Jesus with you everywhere you go and let Him show others you are different.

Thank You, God, for making me a new creation. My old self has fallen away. I want to stand out in the crowd for my faith.

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Notebook reading “Baby Names We Love:” with boys’ and girls’ names, hearts, stars, and crossed-out entries.
Bible, Excellence, Hebrews, Names, Praise, Scripture, Son

A MORE EXCELLENT NAME

HEBREWS 1:4

“having become so much better than the angels, to the extent that He has inherited a more excellent name than they.”

Names are important. What you decide to name your children will be with them the rest of their lives unless they decide to change it. When my wife and I named our children, we had a list of a few we liked but eventually settled on Christopher Carl and Casey Christine. They both carry our names. I was named for my two grandfathers whom I never met. They both died before I was born. But I am proud to carry their names.

In verse 4 we are told that Jesus had a more excellent name than the angels in that He was the Son of God. No angel could claim that name. There was only one Son – Jesus. Albert Barnes says the name Son “is a more honorable and exalted name than has ever been bestowed on them. It involves more exalted privileges and entitles Him on whom it is bestowed to higher respect and honor than any name ever bestowed on them.”

ASK QUESTIONS (Command to Obey, Promise to claim, Sin to avoid, Application to make, Something new about God)

The only Ask Question I see in today’s verse in Something new about God. I realized that the name given to Jesus (Son of God) is so much more than just a name. It carries with it power and authority that no created being (angels or mankind) could ever hope to attain. Don’t forget what happened to the angel who dared to try to make himself equal to God. Lucifer will forever burn one day in the lake of fire.

The Topical Lexicon says this about the term “more excellent,” “The adjective underscores an infinite gap between created spirits and the incarnate Lord. His ‘more excellent’ name embodies His eternal deity (Psalm 2:7), messianic kingship (2 Samuel 7:14), and saving authority (Matthew 28:18). By employing the term, the author affirms that no celestial being shares Christ’s redemptive prerogatives, thereby closing the door on any form of angel-veneration.”

What is the name you use to call on Jesus? He is God’s only begotten Son, the Son of God, the Son of Man, the Light of the world, our High Priest, our Advocate, our Savior and Redeemer and our soon and coming King. Let me encourage you today to do a deep dive into the names of Jesus throughout Scripture. One of my favorites is not even in Scripture. He was Mary’s baby! And now we are His children. Hallelujah to the One with the most excellent name.

Lord, Your Son has so many names and titles, but You call Him Son.

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Fresco of Christ and God the Father with the Holy Spirit
Application, Bible, Glory, Hebrews, Majesty, Promises, Sacrifice, Scripture

DONE WITH THAT

HEBREWS 1:3

“And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,”

As I write this devotion I have just sat down from a long day that began at 6 a.m. It’s been a 13 hour day. Whew! But I am now sitting in my recliner upstairs doing some writing and relaxing. I love my recliner. I have taken quite a few naps in this thing. It is my place of refuge after a long day. When I plop down my wife knows I am done, I have finished for the day. No more chores for me today.

The writer of Hebrews goes on in today’s verse to describe Jesus as “the radiance of His glory.” He is just like the Father in nature and power. Then the writer tells us what He did for us. “He made purification of sins.” That’s important! His divine blood was the perfect sacrifice to cleanse us eternally. But I want to focus today on the last phrase of the verse – “He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” Jesus was done. He didn’t have a recliner like me, but His throne is just as comfortable. After all, He is sitting there for eternity.

ASK QUESTIONS (Command to Obey, Promise to claim, Sin to avoid, Application to make, Something new about God)

In today’s verse we obviously see a promise to claim. His sacrifice paid the price for our salvation. That salvation is a promise He has made to us once we believe in His name and receive Him as our Lord and Savior (John 1:12). What a promise! Is there a greater promise than that? If you know of one, let me know. And this promise was made to everyone who chooses to follow Him. Hallelujah!

There’s another promise – He sat down next to the Father. Do you understand the significance of that? In Psalms 110:1 we read, “The LORD says to my Lord: ‘Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.’” Christ’s position next to the Father symbolizes power and authority. He had done what the Father had asked of Him. He came to earth and died for mankind. Now He is highly exalted, being one with the Father. This act of sitting promises us that no other work is required of Him or us. He has finished it all.

I believe there is also an application to make in our verse. We need to take the time to reflect on His majesty more often. We need to lift praise to Him in song, making melody in our hearts to the Lord. We need to live like we believe in what He has done for us. Can we do that today? I know He would be pleased.

Lord, I thank You for the finished work of Christ and for His sacrifice for me.

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Bearded robed man holding a staff addresses people at sunset
Bible, Scripture, Promises, Appointed, Heirs, Words, Creator, Hebrews

A NEW SPOKESMAN

HEBREWS 1:2

“in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom He also made the world.”

I love to hear a good story told by someone who lived through the event. I’ve known some veterans who survived some horrific battles in World War II, the Vietnam War or the Iraq War. Their stories hold more meaning because they are telling it from a first person account. They knew exactly what happened. You can hear it in their voice. And almost every one of them give God the credit for bringing them home.

Jesus is the One Who tells the story of grace because it is a first person account for Him. He is the giver of grace through His Father. He has the authority given to Him by His Father. That was evident from the moment of creation. We are told that nothing exists that did not come from Him. That is why He can tell the story so well. Let’s look at why.

ASK QUESTIONS (Command to Obey, Promise to claim, Sin to avoid, Application to make, Something new about God)

In today’s verse I can see a promise to claim clearly in the first phrase, “in these last days has spoken to us in His Son.” His words were the Father’s words. Five times in the gospel of John, Jesus as much. In John 12:49-50 we read, “‘49For I did not speak on My own, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. 50 And I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me.’” Again in John 8:28: “So Jesus said to them, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me.’” Other references include John 7:16; 8:26 and 14:10.

I also see something new about God. The writer says Jesus was “appointed heir of all things.” Who appointed Him? The same person Whose words He spoke – the Father. That word “appointed” is tithémi which literally means to place, to set, to appoint or to establish. It’s an Aorist Indicative Active verb (I know that just blessed your heart, lol). That means it was a fact it happened and God did the appointing. All that is belongs to Him and He still chose to come and tell God’s story of His love for us.

Have you stopped lately to thank the Lord for making such a sacrifice? He gave up heaven to come to earth to be treated so poorly. All He did while He was here was love people and tell them how much the Father loved them. He knew His purpose for coming meant a cruel death on a cross. He gave it all for you and me. Give Him praise today. Thank Him for His story telling. It changed the world.

Father God, I praise You and Your Son, Jesus, for the love story You have written on my heart.

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Person praying alone in a sunlit autumn forest
Bible, Hebrews, Scripture, Speaking, Words

ONCE UPON A TIME

HEBREWS 1:1

“God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways,”

Okay, let’s get the elephant out of the room. No one really knows who wrote this book. Church tradition says Paul wrote it. I tend to agree with that. However, many others say it could have been Barnabas or Luke or Clement of Rome or even Apollos. We won’t know the true author until we get to heaven unless God drops us a note from heaven. The point is this is the Word of God and is inspired by the same Holy Spirit. Women say it is proof that men should always make the coffee – He-brews! Lol.

The author begins by stating the fact that God has spoken to mankind for a long time. It’s kind of like beginning a story by saying, “Once upon a time.” Look at the word “spoke.” This is the Greek word laleo. It literally means to talk audible words. But when applied to God, it refers to His “divine self-disclosure.” (Topical Lexicon) God has always wanted to communicate with mankind, beginning way back in the Garden when He conversed with Adam directly. He is still speaking to us today. We just have to listen.

ASK QUESTIONS

I am going to employ a different method in our study of Hebrews. It is the method we teach in Every Man A Warrior to help men develop the skill of studying the word. So, I will be asking some questions of each verse. Is there a command to obey? Is there a promise to claim? Is there a sin to avoid? Is there an application to make? Is there something new about God? Every verse will not answer all these questions, but they will all have at least one of these. Let’s apply those questions to verse 1.

I plainly see a promise to claim in today’s verse. It says, “He spoke long ago.” Isn’t that a promise you want answered? If God spoke to people in past days, don’t you think He still wants to speak to us? Why don’t we hear God speaking? We have way too many distractions. Between our cellphones, tv and the pace of life, we do not pause long enough to hear Him.

I see an application to make. He spoke “in many portions and in many ways.” Barnes says, “It was not all in one mode. He had employed various methods in communicating his will. At one time it was by direct communication, at another by dreams, at another by visions, etc.” I cannot put God in a box and expect Him to only speak through one source. I know He speaks through His Word. That’s clear. But He can also speak through a song, a person, creation or any other way He chooses to speak. I don’t expect to hear a booming voice from heaven, but He could speak that way if He chose.

Ask yourself today if you are really listening for His voice. Tune your ears to His frequency. Get alone with God and listen. I mean really listen. I pray you hear Him loud and clear. And when you do hear Him, do what He says. Amen? Amen!

O Lord, speak! I want to hear Your voice. I will do as You ask.

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Bearded man reading a book beside a smiling man holding a beer mug
Bible, Foolishness, Romans, Scripture, True, Trustworthy, Wisdom

WISDOM FROM ABOVE

ROMANS 16:27

“to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen.”

(This is our last devotional blog in Romans. What a great journey these past 433 days. I believe the Lord is leading me to begin a verse by verse study of the book of Hebrews next. Join me tomorrow as we spend the next 303 days together in this great letter from an unknown author.)

I have known some wise people in my lifetime. They were people to whom I could go for advice. Some had wisdom earned through decades of hardship. Others had book-learned wisdom about a certain topic or field. Still others just had that commonsense wisdom which can’t be taught. I try to be wise in my actions and words, but I fail sometimes. I am not alone, however. The wisest man in the world is said to have been King Solomon and look how he turned out.

The Expositor’s Greek Testament says this about the statement “to the only wise God.” It says, “this description of God suits all that has just been said about His great purpose in human history, and the hiding and revealing of it in due time.” God always uses the greatest wisdom in His decisions. Why? Because He is the “only wise God.” There is no other!  

APPLICATION

In 1 Corinthians 1:25-27, Paul talks about this wisdom of God compared to man’s. “25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than mankind, and the weakness of God is stronger than mankind. 26 For consider your calling, brothers and sisters, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; 27 but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,” What the world says is weak, God says is strong. What they call foolish, God calls wise. A lost person cannot begin to understand that, can they?

I really love how James explains this wisdom in James 3:17. “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle,  reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, free of hypocrisy.” Just look at the definition of wisdom in this verse. Does that describe your wisdom? If your wisdom derives from God, it should. But if you are like me, I have a mixed bag of wisdom. Some comes from the world. Some comes from my dad. But the best wisdom I have ever found comes from God’s word.

Psalm 119:105 is a favorite verse for many. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” God’s wisdom will light your path. It will guide you as you take each step. Sometimes His wisdom may appear foolish, but we have to trust that He knows best. Remember what we are told in Isaiah 55:8-9. “8 ‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ declares the LORD. 9 ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.’”

Thank You, Father, for the wisdom from above.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Radiant angelic figure above a worshiping crowd in a mountain valley
Bible, Scripture, Creation, Gospel, Manifested, Mystery, Romans, Creator

DISCLOSURES

ROMANS 16:26

“but now has been disclosed, and through the Scriptures of the prophets, in accordance with the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith;”

When you sell a home, you are obligated to disclose any known defects in the home. You may have some you are not aware of, but you at least have to share what you know about. That’s just being truthful. That establishes a trust between you and the buyer. You, after all, expect the same from the seller of the home you want to purchase, right?

God discloses truth to us bit by bit. We are not able to handle the whole truth all at once, so He gives us what we need as we need it. Paul is declaring such a disclosure by God of the mystery of the Gospel. Looking back at last week’s verse, we read, “according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past,…” This leads directly into today’s verse that starts with “but now has been disclosed,…” Let’s take a look at this disclosure.

APPLICATION

First of all, the word “disclosed” is phaneróō “(from phṓs, ‘light’) – properly, illumine, make manifest (visible); (figuratively) make plain, in open view; to become apparent (‘graspable’).” (HELPS Word-studies). Notice the -oo at the end of that word. That ending in the Greek puts the emphasis on the result of the action of the verb and not just the action. In other words, the mere act of disclosure of the mystery of the Gospel is one thing. But the impact that disclosure has on us is another story.

We see this word used by John in 1 John 1:2. “and the life was revealed, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was revealed to us…” Jesus manifested Himself to mankind when He took on human form. He manifested Himself again in all His glory when He was transfigured before James, Peter and John. That was after He had already spent quite a bit of time teaching and leading these men. Only then were they ready to see Him in His glory.

God discloses Himself to us in many ways. Look around today and see how He is revealing Himself to you. It may be in your children or grandchildren. It may be by showing you something in His creation. God is always seeking to show more of Himself to you, but you must be looking. Don’t overlook this manifestation today. You really don’t want to miss it.

Lord, I am looking for new manifestations of You today. Open my eyes that I may see.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Two workers install wooden pilings beside a lake using a mounted construction machine
Bible, Established, Immovable, Romans, Scripture

ABLE TO ESTABLISH

ROMANS 16:25

“Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past,”

I remember many years ago helping my dad set some post for a boat dock on a lake near our house. A friend of ours had bought the lot and was building a house but really wanted a dock. So, while the lake was lowered for winter rains, my dad and I started that project. In order to set post that will last and not start to lean or tilt, you have to set them in concrete. That means you have to dig a whole at least 1/3 of the length of the pole. That was hard work, but as far as I know, that dock is still there today.

Paul uses the Greek word stērízō which is translated as “establish.” HELPS Word-studies says it is “(from stēringks, ‘a support that fixes, plants down’; akin to hístēmi, ‘to stand,’ having a duplication of the primitive Greek root/sta, ‘to make stand’) – properly, set fast (fix); give support to secure (firmly establish); solidly plant (which eliminates vacillation).” Paul is closing this letter by reminding these believers that it is God who establishes them, and what He establishes can’t be moved.

APPLICATION

The Topical Lexicon says stērízō “marks a decisive action that renders a person, community, or reality firm, unwavering, and immovable. The verb never implies mere rigidity; it points to divinely enabled stability that equips God’s people to advance in obedience, endurance, and hopeful expectation.” I like that – unwavering and immovable but not rigid. We see this word used in one of my favorite verses, 1 Peter 5:10. “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” The word “confirm” is stērízō.

We also see this word used in 1 Thessalonians 3:13 where Paul writes, “so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.” Paul uses it again in 2 Thessalonians 3:3, “But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”

All these uses of the word should encourage us, shouldn’t they? God has our back. He knows what He is doing. He is the One who can set us fast in our beliefs. We have to yield, however, to His touch. Just like those posts my dad and I set all those years ago had to yield to our placing them in those holes. God will establish you where He wants you. Trust Him. He knows best.

Thank You, Lord, for setting me firm in Your truths.  

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Pastor leading worship from a pulpit before a seated congregation
Bible, Grace, Prayer, Romans, Scripture

A CLOSING BENEDICTION

ROMANS 16:24

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”

Can you believe we have only four verses left in Romans? Where has the past 429 days gone? That’s how many verses we have covered so far with just verses 24-27 in Romans 16 remaining. Today’s verse is actually not in some of the translations because it seems to have been added in some of the later manuscripts. You may have it in your Bible, so I decided to include it in our study.

Paul closes out his letter to the Romans with a benediction. You have probably heard a benedictory prayer in your church. It’s the closing prayer at the end of the service. I’ll never forget the time I called on a chairman of the deacons in a church I was serving to close in prayer. We all bowed our heads and waited. Nothing! I looked up and he was shaking his head, so I prayed. After the service, he made a beeline to me and said very forcibly, “I don’t pray in public. Never ask me to do that again.” That saddened me then and still does today.

APPLICATION

But Paul doesn’t hesitate to pray, does he? He simply says, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” Isn’t that a simple yet profound prayer? Paul had just written these exact words back verse 20 which says, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” Some scholars suggest that today’s verse was actually written by Paul’s hand and not Tertius’ hand. That really isn’t an issue, though.

Let me encourage you to look at every letter written by Paul in the New Testament and see how he ends each letter. You will find some similarities in his closing words. Here in verse 24, Paul is praying these believers in the church at Rome would experience the grace of Jesus. That was not a small thing in their city. Grace was needed daily to survive in such a pagan society and facing persecution from the Roman government as well as the Jews.

Why did the Holy Spirit inspire Paul to write these words not once but twice? Grace is the foundation of the teaching which Paul had delivered. As a former Pharisee, he knew it was only through grace that we are saved. It is only through grace that we can deal with others. It is only through grace that we can forgive others. Grace is sufficient. Amen? Are you receiving and giving grace daily? Practice this benediction in your life today. Wish to all you meet the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.


Fill me with Your grace until I am overflowing on others.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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