Day 87: IT’S NOT OVER! — Pastor Bryant
Today’s Reading
Jude – Revelation 17
Yesterday we hit a milestone mark in our journey to completing the bible in 90 days. I have been interacting with you through this blog for the whole process and never have we had a response like the one for the Internet Altar. It said to me several things; one is that the body of Christ is truly going through travail in this hour in a real way. The other is that healing is happening on many levels. Last night when we gathered for bible study, the spirit of intercession hovered over us like a cloud. It was almost as if the prayers going up were being met in mid air with the prayers that were coming down .Amazingly, quite a few wrote yesterday with no prompting that you wanted to continue and that this journey has been a lifeline and a vitamin source that has become apart of your everyday journey. You ought not to look at this as an ending but rather a beginning. I find it intriguing that when you have come to the end of a prescribed course work that they don't call it a conclusion but rather a commencement which is a beginning. As we come to the end of our reading, it’s not our conclusion but rather our beginning. Our reading today makes it abundantly clear.
A book that is often ignored and overlooked and easily passed is the book of Jude. It’s the next to the last book in the bible and consists of only one chapter with 25 verses. It's a letter of admonishment, encouragement and direction. You can tell by its reading that Jude has a heart of a pastor. He encourages us in verse 3 to fight and keep our faith. In verses 5-7 he almost verbatim echoes the sentiment of 2 Peter by reminding us what happens to those who take God’s grace for granted. In verse 9 he gives and shows us that even in death there's a fight for us. Your stock has to go up knowing the devil wants you dead or alive! In verse 17 Jude tells us to remember the prophecies and promises over our lives. In verse 20 he tells us to build ourselves up in prayer as we did on yesterday because there is yet a journey in front of us to be climbed. Then he gives us marching orders in verse 21-23 "Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh". That seems to be the end of the sermon but Jude has something even more profound to say he declares a benediction in verses 24-25 "To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen". When I give the benediction on Sundays and Tuesday nights, it marks the end of the service. Therefore it would seem appropriate that this is the end! Its not! Turn the page and you see...the revelation. My point is this, as we come to the end of our 90 days, get ready for the revelation. God is going to show you a revelation about your gifts, your future, your finance your family and your call. There are those who are gonna come behind you in this 90 day process who will need a little encouragement like we found from our friend Jude. I want them to know what revelations you have received on this journey. Only bear and keep in mind that greater is coming later!
Jude – Revelation 17
Yesterday we hit a milestone mark in our journey to completing the bible in 90 days. I have been interacting with you through this blog for the whole process and never have we had a response like the one for the Internet Altar. It said to me several things; one is that the body of Christ is truly going through travail in this hour in a real way. The other is that healing is happening on many levels. Last night when we gathered for bible study, the spirit of intercession hovered over us like a cloud. It was almost as if the prayers going up were being met in mid air with the prayers that were coming down .Amazingly, quite a few wrote yesterday with no prompting that you wanted to continue and that this journey has been a lifeline and a vitamin source that has become apart of your everyday journey. You ought not to look at this as an ending but rather a beginning. I find it intriguing that when you have come to the end of a prescribed course work that they don't call it a conclusion but rather a commencement which is a beginning. As we come to the end of our reading, it’s not our conclusion but rather our beginning. Our reading today makes it abundantly clear.
A book that is often ignored and overlooked and easily passed is the book of Jude. It’s the next to the last book in the bible and consists of only one chapter with 25 verses. It's a letter of admonishment, encouragement and direction. You can tell by its reading that Jude has a heart of a pastor. He encourages us in verse 3 to fight and keep our faith. In verses 5-7 he almost verbatim echoes the sentiment of 2 Peter by reminding us what happens to those who take God’s grace for granted. In verse 9 he gives and shows us that even in death there's a fight for us. Your stock has to go up knowing the devil wants you dead or alive! In verse 17 Jude tells us to remember the prophecies and promises over our lives. In verse 20 he tells us to build ourselves up in prayer as we did on yesterday because there is yet a journey in front of us to be climbed. Then he gives us marching orders in verse 21-23 "Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh". That seems to be the end of the sermon but Jude has something even more profound to say he declares a benediction in verses 24-25 "To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen". When I give the benediction on Sundays and Tuesday nights, it marks the end of the service. Therefore it would seem appropriate that this is the end! Its not! Turn the page and you see...the revelation. My point is this, as we come to the end of our 90 days, get ready for the revelation. God is going to show you a revelation about your gifts, your future, your finance your family and your call. There are those who are gonna come behind you in this 90 day process who will need a little encouragement like we found from our friend Jude. I want them to know what revelations you have received on this journey. Only bear and keep in mind that greater is coming later!
No this is not the end this is the beginning as Pastor stated. As I was reading God's word today God told me open doors. Which means when there is open doors you walk through, utterance, opportunity, access, speak up, decree a thing. I began to cry out for the body of Christ and decree and declare that everything thats been held up in the realm of the spirit I decree and declare that it is being released to the body of Christ right now in the name of Jesus!
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I agree I know greater is coming later! I recieve that one! I have tears of joy today cause I finished this! But again I know its not over for me cause I am going to try and stick with this routine but once your disciplined in a thing you just don't want to stop and that is the goal not to stop but keep on going in our faith to the greatness that God has for us cause everybody will come to the next dimension to get the GLORY that God has for us.
trying to stay faithful Pastor Bryant I started something years ago and somethings just won't stop till God has that last say! Glory to your name (JESUS)!
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This has been a challenge, but praise God I was able to follow through. Its always helpful when others are with you on the journey! I have acquired a sense of commitment and discipline in reading the word of God that I didn't have prior to this journey. I wouldn't trade this 90 days in the bible journey for nothing. I'm glad for all of the trials and obstacles I've had to endure this summer. I know I'm equipped and strong for the battle. I have the victory!
Thanks for making summer 2008 unforgettable! I will continue reading daily.
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This is certainly not the end for me it's the beginning, i,m gonna read the bible in 90 days again and again until i've committed it to heart as part of me. it,s been difficult for me these past weeks as you all know I've been having trouble with my daughters mother. so i was unable to be online as i wanted but i kept reading every day, i just wanna say it's a wonderful feeling having you all as support through these past days and i appreciate it, you all are my brothers my sisters my mothers my fathers my cousins my FAMILY and FAMILY NEED TO STICK TOGETHER. so i do hope we can keep in contact with each other as time goes on. PASTOR BRYANT I FIRST SAW YOU ON THE TELETHON ON TBN AND I LOVED YOUR ANOINTING SO I STARTED SEARCHING ON THE NET FOR YOU AND GOD GUIDED ME TO YOUR SITE AND HERE I AM BREAKING BREAD WITH YOU AND ALL THE SAINTS, AMEN PLEASE SAY A SPECIAL WORD FOR ME AND MY KIDS I NEED A GENERAL BREAKTHROUGH. GOD BLESS LOVE YOU ALL.
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The awesome thing about God and His word is that you can receive new revelation from the same thing you read yesterday, last week, last month or last year.
It just requires you did deeper and to open your heart and understanding so that you can receive the true riches of God.
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Pastor Bryant, To god be the glory.First of all i just want to say that god is in control due to the fact that i have been reading these blogs from day 1 and never have a seen a response as that of yesterday.God is an awesome God , I knew that the saints out there was reading your word but it just goes to show up who you that even though the end is coming near for the 90 day bible reading,it doesn't mean it is the end for us as believers only higher heights . I missed sending out a request on the altar on yesterday but i just desire your prayers as i go stronger in the lord.Every since You came to Charleston SC on June Th.The scales have been taken off of my eyes and the shackles off of by feet and I've release a lot of baggage that was holding me down. And just as i was releasing the baggage the lord started and still is opening doors for me. Just to share a blessing with you , on that same night you asked 20 people to sow a seed of 180.00 which it was bill money and i wasn't working at the time due to injury on the job but in excellent faith i did it and i sowed the seed from my heart and could you be believe a week later i received a check for $6,000. But the funny thing is is that i feel within my heart that it would have not happened if i didn't stay steadfast and release my baggage and come back to christ. I just wanna say to God be the glory. I ask your prays for me and my family that god will forever keep my Mind to live and do his divine will.GOD BLESS And Forever keep you because your The car that you desire is on the way to your driveway.
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I knew I should have checked the Blog when I found myself in the Office crying over this old song, I even had to get all the words from a website it got so deep:
Too Close To Heaven
(written by Alex Bradford)
(recorded by Professor Alex Bradford & The Bradford Singers)
Verse 1
I'm too close to my journey's end,
I'm too close to turn back to a world of sin,
I would take nothing for my journey right now,
I've gotta make it to heaven somehow.
I'm too close to my goal,
I'm too close to saving my soul.
Chorus
I'm too close to heaven,
(And I can't) turn around, turn around.
Verse 2
I'm too close, I can almost see God's face,
I'm too close and I'll tell the world I love His grace.
I'm so close because He's holding my hand,
and I know He will lead me to the promise land.
I'm too close, I wanna see my mother again,
I'm too close, shaking hands with all my friends.
Chorus
-Stay Blessed Everyone
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SM,
Oh Praise God! I can feel those words deep down in my spirit.
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I agree that healing is happening on many levels for us the body of Christ and now it’s time to give Him praise for what we’ve read, seen and heard because God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. We know there is no failure in God and He answer prayers according to His perfect will for our lives. Surely God’s word (logos and rhema) will not return to Him void but it will prosper in the place that He has sent it, so when we by faith speak spiritual truths (logos and rhema), which is the will of God for our lives it becomes effective, therefore, we tell the atmosphere it’s coming and it’s not over!
Pastor I thank God for how He led you to lead us in intercessory prayer last night and I hope it will happen more often as we all need to stay at the altar. This is not for you but I thought it would be good to share with the body of believers what I heard your mentor say many years ago and that is “it’s hard to talk about someone you’re praying for.” Thank you again Pastor for your prayers God met with us to change everything that was a concern to the believers who know that our hope in God does not bring shame! The devil should know that I shall live and not die and declare the glory of the Lord! It is written that eyes have not seen nor ears heard and no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.
Now unto Him who is able to keep us from falling and to present us before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen". - I am getting ready for the revelation... greater is coming! God keeps His promises!
Good message last night - I definitely had a ouch moment.
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Hello, last night i did not go to bible study nor did i watch it on line. I kept looking at my clock saying what is happening in church now. I have not been able to complete the 90 days on time I'm reading 2nd kings. What i have read thus far has been absutely a revelation to my spirit. I feel like i have hit a snag for some reason. After reading your blog, i felt like i should have been there. Realizing the enemy has a plan for me also. But GOd's plan shall prevail. I'll be there next week.
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God can Turn anything around so just because you are last does not mean you wont be the first. He is the Alpha and Omega and where he places you is his choice.
(yes a song)
Sometimes you have to speak the word over yourself
the pressure is all around but God is present help
oh the enemy created walls but remember giants they do fall
speak over your self encourage your self in the lord
oh as I minister to you
oh I minister to myself (because I am not finished either)
life can hurt you sooo
till you feel there's nothing left
no matter how you feel (Feelings =Flesh, Flesh = weak)
Speak the word (but we need to finish to do that)and you will be healed
Speak over yourself
Encourage yourself in the lord.....
Really, I accomplish many feats during the day for those who are wondering(Lol)But I know God has more work for me to do! So I am just waiting on him, but in the mean time
I'm Encourage(repeat 4xs)
I'm Encourage(Repeat till the end)
Speak over yourself encourage yourself in the lord oooohhhh ooooohhhhh
Stay encouraged!!!
Oh Lol=Laugh out Loud
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Dr. Bryant, that was a true word of the prophetic that you gave today at the very end of the noon time Bible class. Overcoming, getting through a situation, and winning the prize, thanking God for getting you through.
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YES! YES! I only caught the last 15 minutes or so because I was on the job.That word on OVERCOMING was awesome and there was another one... In your trials God gives you revelation and many times we miss it because we stay focused on the trial. Dr Bryant thank you these 90 days in the Bible has been an empowering journey for me...It is a commencement not an ending for me.
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Pastor Bryant,that was awesome that you allowed everyone to come to the forum with their prayers and supplications.I did't log on to late to read the blog for yesterday,but I did lay my request at the altar and I know that you will be lifting me me up prayer.You will be passing on the blessings just like Elijah did for Elisha,he passed the mantle on.
No this is not the end,this is the beginning of"SOMETHING BIG!!!!".You will be hearing of Teresa S.in Georgia vis satellite,a book,radio, or just maybe a testimony witnessing and lifting up the name of JESUS.My name will be now called "VICTORIOUS".(SMILE)
Reading the chapters for today starting with JUDE.Jude is warning believers how they we are to conduct ourselves with humility in the spirtual realm.Our responsibility to the authority of God himself,not to ursurp his authority by taking it out on others.It is a passionate warning to belivers whose faith is under attack.He urge us to stand firm in faith.Persuasive teachers of false religion is still around today.To build ourselves up in the our most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit(Jude 20).
Coming in to Revelation.John's vision in the book of Revelation gives us a glimpse of Jesus Christ as the returing King of kings.John's warnings to the seven churches of the Romans province of Asia (REV.2-3) Reminds us that our attitudes and actions are important to God.We read of the glimpse of Heaven(Rev.4-5).God's judgement(REV.6-11).To go on we see God's protection for the woman and child(REV.12).The picture John paints through his vision is one of initial horror and judgement but ultimate beauty and rest and victory for our God.
Today as I continue on this is not the end, It is the beginning of another level in God.And as I reach another level,I know I will have to face another devil.I know there is a price to pay for the anointing. But when I think of that place called"NEW JERUSALEM" A place where I can put on my white robe,receive my crown thats filled with jewels,a place where there is no more death,no more crying,no more lying there,no more backbitting,no more sickess,where everyday will be filled with joy.I'M WILLING TO PAY THE PRICE HERE!!!!!
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WoW, "Rev" Teresa. You Go ahead, woman! This word is awesome! I'm claiming you as my sister in the most holy faith right now.
Thanks a million, Truly
Experiencing
Redemption
Excellence
Salvation &
Anointing !
God Bless you/us to higher ground now, in Jesus Name.
Sister Renaya
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Sis Renaya,
It truly has been a blessing to be uplifted each day from each saint comments.You are my sister,and one that I love and don't even know,but I know we are connected through Christ Jesus.Stay Encouraged Love Ya Sister!!
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Pastor Bryant, I wholeheartedly receive this Word in Jesus name! I only see myself living the good life, seeing the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. In spite of all the things I am going "through", I choose on purpose to see an inner image of prosperity, refusing all negative images about my future. Today's on-line bible study of Revelation was so powerful, for it blessed me in a special way. I thank God for having you as my Pastor.
PS: Pastor Bryant, I ask that you and your ministry staff to lift me in prayer of my prayer concerns I've placed in yesterday's blog. The prayers of the righteous avails much. God bless you.
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Definitely awesome Doc. Since Im learning more and more about God through his word, this truly is the beginning of great things. I look forward to God's revelations.
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TO THE PASTOR OF EMPOWERMENT TEMPLE, THIS NOTE IS TO LET YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I HAVE ENJOYED READING THE WORD, AND YOUR BLOGS. I HAVE FINISHED THE READING TODAY. I WANTED TO BE ONE OF THE FIRST TO FINISH. EVEN THOUGH YOU AND THE EMPOWERMENT FAMILY ARE MILES AWAY FROM MY COUNTRY HOME IN GA. I FEEL LIKE I AM THERE WITH YOU BECAUSE OF THE INTERNET. I HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING YOUR MINISTRY SINCE THE APRIL 2007 TELETHON ON TBN. WATCHING YOU ON THAT PROGRAM LITERALLY CHANGED MY BEING FROM A MEDIOCRE MUNDANE MIDDLE OF THE ROADER TO AN EMPOWERED EXCITED AND ENERGETIC CHRISTIAN. GOD IS IN CONTROL AND I KNOW HE HAS CERTAINLY HOOKED ME UP BY HELPING ME FIND YOU AND THE ENTIRE EMPOWERMENT FAMILY. JAMAL I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU. ONLY GOD KNOWS HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE TOUCHED BECAUSE YOU KNOW HOW TO "PREACH BLACK MAN". THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU BECAUSE HE HAS CERTAINLY BLESSED "THIS WHITE MAN". GREG HOBBS
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Pastor Bryant, today's online bible study and this posting are truly Fresh Manna from Heaven! When I started Reading the Bible in 90 Days, the first thing I asked God for is wisdom and discernment. Now that we're approaching the end (a new beginning), I'm now asking God for revelation concerning me. Thank you for allowing God to use you in a mighty way. I also ask that you keep me in prayer concerning my prayer concerns posted on The Internet Altar. God bless you.
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The Best Is Yet To Come!!!!
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Grace and Peace Pastor Bryant,
To me this was not just reading through the bible in 90 days. It was a way of not just being a number out of the 10,000. It was a source of connection with you. Pastor Bryant during this time you have shared with us your going's and coming's, your view of what God expects of us, your personal views on life. We also got to know your ministers in a new way. For some of us this connection of who God is in your life and how we should let God be in our lives through the Word of God. Its just another way to connect via Technology to reach out to others in the virtual world. Let me be honest, sometimes I still read the horoscope. But it does nothing compared to empowering us(world) through the Word.
God bless you for the vision of connecting through the world through the Word. It just has been much more than that. I was thinking maybe we can raise the bar or take it to another level by adding lessons on how to study the bible in a year via "Commentaries", "Strongs" & different versions of the bible.
We know your busy and this may not be feasible or even timely, but it was just a thought.
We love you Pastor Bryant but God loves you best. "It ain't over"
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NO, IT'S NOT OVER! IT'S EXAM TIME!
Dear Dr. Bryant & People of Power:
The books of Jude and Joshua lets us know that the life of the Saved & the Remnant is not easy. As the life of a conqueror requires being very strong, steadfast, & "influential" enough to prompt others to Christ. Sometimes life can deal an overwhelming hand that knocks you down & causes you despair.
Has someone you love or want to be close to changed & become unfair to you?
Is it a lot easier to win the attention of the opposite sex if you just relax your morals & principles & become their dream-thing & get with THEIR program?
AND
Teenagers & young adults, do you find in the world lots of times where the popularity, fun, and action is, -- the moral code you were taught about God-- IS NOT (present)?
Sooner or later you discover that those that are running things are false teachers. They're enemies of the Bible and they're enemies of God; but they're VERY popular. Correct? Well, choose character over popularity and you'll go further and will enjoy a "quality life."
Although serving the Lord can be very lonely and frustating for long times, KEEP HOLDING ON to the Lords hands! And if you do, you will outlive, outshine, and out-prosper those who refuse to obey Him.
Remember what the Lord has declared concerning you?
He said, "I know the plans I have for you -- plans to PROSPER YOU & NOT TO HARM YOU, plans to give you HOPE and A FUTURE ...and I will bring you back from the place from which I carried you into exile (a lonely or horrible place or situation). (Jer 29:11 NIV)
The book of Jude presents an implicit "commandment":
When things get tough or are going extremely well, my friend be cautious. Don't backslide & don't start listening to false teachers of any kind who are self-seeking & who'll leave you broke, busted, & disgusted in the end.
REMEMBER "if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments ... the Lord your God will set you high above all.... & all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you. You shall be blessed in the city & blessed in the country/field. The fruit of your body will be blessed (too). And you will be blessed when you come in (to situations) & you'll be blessed going out (of your situations). (Deut 28: 1-6)
"The Lord will cause your enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before your face. They'll come against you one way, but they'll flee from you seven ways (completely)." (Deut 28:7)
So CHOOSE FOR YOURSELF THIS DAY (AND EVERYDAY) WHOM YOU WILL SERVE." (Josh 24:15) Hint: The right answer is God, of course.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER THE PROPHECIES AND PROMISES THAT GOD'S PEOPLE SPOKE INTO YOUR LIFE!
Allow the Lord to be your lifelong best friend & you'll win more & more. On the real, God's truly the most loving & powerful Spirit to have in your soul.
God bless u real good now!
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IT'S NOT OVER YET -- NOW IT'S TIME FOR THE TESTS!!!!!
1.) We are to contend for our -- most holy faith.
2.) Rejoice evermore and pray without -- ceasing.
3) Pray and walk in the -- Spirit.
4.) For many deceivers have entered the world who confess not that -- Jesus has come in the flesh.
5.) This is a deceiver and an - antichrist.
6.) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of -- knowledge.
7.) As He who has called you is Holy, so be you holy in all manner of converstaion; because it is written -- be ye holy; for I am holy.
8.) Love the Lord thy God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all -- your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself.
9.) And this is love --that we walk after His commandments.
10.) And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all His commandments which I command thee this day, that -- the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:
And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee -- if thou shall hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God.
I hope you'll pass with flying colors every test you'll take in your lifetime; but in case this is a little too lofty, know that the grace and mercy of the Lord can cover you.
Thank you for one of the best soul stirring 90 days of my life -- reading the Holy Bible, having an affair with the Lord. And I know -- I never could have made it without you.
Thank you for your support!
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