PROPHETIC SIGNS THAT WE ARE IN THE END TIMES [A good summary of SOME key evidences--QX]

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The Bible gives many examples of signs that should warn us of the coming end of the age. Six such signs are given by Jesus, two characteristics are given by Paul, and eleven other occurrences are given by the prophets to occur prior to or soon after the end of the age. While we are also told we will not know the time of the End, God obviously wanted us to know when that time was getting closer. As the Christian church is increasingly drawn into the interfaith movement, and as more and more churches go into isolation, preparing to sleep through the growing attacks on their faith, perhaps God knew it would take a few signs to wake us up and remind us that we have work to do.

Unfortunately, many Christians take the verses that tell us we won't know the time of His coming to mean they should ignore any and all scripture that might warn us of this time of tribulation. Others have fallen into the trap of fearing being labeled a "conspiracy theorist" should they display an interest in the Biblical prophecies about our future on Earth. My philosophy is simple. God included it in the Bible and, since God is all knowing, we should trust that it is something we should know and study along with the rest of His Word.

It is increasingly obvious that the time of our Lord's coming is drawing near. Prophecy is being fulfilled daily, and at a faster pace than ever before. Whether you believe in a pre-tribulation rapture, or believe Christians will be witness to the full tribulation, wrath, and final judgments, matters not. The beginning of birth pains and the signs of the times should have the same effect on all of us. It should motivate us to save as many souls as we can in the time that we have left. The Great Commission tells us to be disciples to all nations, bringing the message of salvation through Christ to all people. If the Church is raptured before the tribulation, it is important that we leave behind an explanation for the trials and judgments those left behind will face. How else will they recognize the deception of the anti-Christ and seek instead the truth of the Bible? If we are to endure the tribulation along side them, we will need to be prepared to not only share the message of salvation, but share with them the reasons for God's judgment and hold it up as further proof of their need to be saved.

Below is a study of the prophetic signs God gave us as a warning of the approaching end of the age. Many of them are being fulfilled now and many will be fulfilled in the near future. I would encourage you to study prophecy, know what is coming and be prepared to share it with others.

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In Matthew24:3 Jesus was asked, "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age?" Jesus told his apostles to look for the following signs prior to his second coming and the end of the age.

Matthew 24:5 "For many will come in my name, saying, I am Christ, and will mislead many."

In the last several years many have claimed to be the Messiah. Jim Jones and David Koresh are examples of these false christs as well as countless others who are not as newsworthy. These false prophets are a prelude to the ultimate false christ, the antichrist. Many New Age groups, some even NGO's working for the United Nations, are anxiously awaiting the antichrist, preparing the way for his acceptance as the head of the hierarchy of gods and the one who will usher in world peace.

Matthew 24:6 "And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end."

Rumors of wars in all areas of the world now occur frequently thanks to instant media coverage and the availability of a multitude of 24-hour news sources.

Matthew 24:7 "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes."

More people have been killed in warfare in this century than at any other time in history. As the death toll rises in the Middle East, more and more countries work feverishly to develop devastating weapons of mass destruction. Add to that the expanding threat of terrorism and unpredictable dictators such as Saddam Hussein, and the potential for the outbreak of war exists in nations, kingdoms and places across the globe.

Matthew 24:7 "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes."

As white, Christian farmers are driven out of Africa in increasing numbers, and foreigners move in to replace life-sustaining crops with poppies that now supply 25% of the worlds drugs, famine spreads across the African continent. The undernourished are not limited to Africa, however. A large portion of the worlds 5 billion people suffers from a shortage of food.

Matthew 24:7 "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes."

The number and intensity of earthquakes this century is at a level higher than any other time in history. A staggering number of seismic events occur around the world daily. The earthquake seismic monitor IRIS shows all major earthquakes for the last year. Indicated by yellow and red circles, the seismic events of the last 15 days provides strong evidence of the fulfillment of Matthew 24:7 in our day. By contrast, in the years from 1890 to 1900 there was only one major earthquake in the world.

Matthew 24:8-9 "But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations on account of my name."

Christians are under attack throughout the world today. In the United States Christians still enjoy freedom to worship God without suffering much more than ridicule, hatred, or discrimination at work and school. However in many other countries such as China, Sudan, Africa, Saudi Arabia, Korea, Russia, and many Muslim nations, Christian suffer much greater persecution and often times death for their faith. During the tribulation this suffering will be worldwide and will continue even to the point of martyrdom. These first 5 signs will increase in intensity and severity as the tribulation approaches, much like the birth pangs or contractions of a pregnant woman worsen as the delivery time approaches.

Matthew 24:14 "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all the nations, and then the end shall come."

This prophecy has already been fulfilled through television, radio, missionaries, the translation of the Bible into many languages, and the internet. People all over the world now hear the message of Christ from missionaries who have the means to travel the globe, and via technology that allows us to communicate with people on the other side of the world right from our own homes, churches and offices.

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II Timothy 3:1-5,7 "But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of god; holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."

For anyone who has watched television, read a newspaper, lost a retirement to corporate greed and corruption, or just walked outside their front door, it is obvious this prophecy has been fulfilled by our generation. Our leaders are often corrupt; our cities are filled with crime, brutality, and neon signs proclaiming our sinful, godless nature. The New Age Movement brings in increasing numbers of mystics who claim to be the enlightened ones. They are some of the most educated and influential people in our societies, and yet the most lacking in real truth.

I Timothy 4:1-3 "But the spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons. By means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth."

Churches today are becoming more and more ecumenical, embracing the New Age interfaith agenda, and denying Christ as the only way to salvation. Giving in to the politically correct media and a corrupt society, they have embrace homosexuality as an acceptable alternate lifestyle and preach tolerance and compromise in place of God's truth for the salvation of the world. The environmentalist movement within the New Age movement lures them into a worship of mother earth, belief in past lives, reincarnation, and Karma while demonizing all those who would eat the meat God gave us as nourishment for our bodies.

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Revelation 9:16 "And the number of the armies of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them."

An army of that size had never existed until China's army reached that number in the 1960's.

Daniel 2:32-33 "The head of the statue was made of fine gold, its breast and its arms of silver, its belly and its thighs of bronze, its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay."

Daniel 2:40-43 "Then there will be a fourth kingdom as strong as iron; inasmuch as iron crushes and shatters all things, so like iron that breaks in pieces, it will crush and break all these in pieces. And in that you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter's clay and partly of iron, it will be a divided kingdom; but it will have the toughness of iron, and partly of pottery, so some of the kingdom will be strong and part of it will be brittle. And in that you saw the iron mixed with clay, they will combine with one another in the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, even as iron does not combine with pottery."

The fourth kingdom of iron is the Roman empire according to Daniel's interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream. The two legs are the division of the Roman empire into an eastern portion called the Byzantine empire which ended in the 1400's and a western portion based in Rome which ended in the 400's. The nations of Europe since the Roman empire dissolved have never adhered or formed one empire but continue as separate nations, however, the European Union now has 15 Member States and is preparing for the accession of 13 eastern and southern European countries.

Zephaniah 3:9 "For then I will return to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent."

Prior to the restoration of Israel in 1948, Hebrew was a dead language. Now Hebrew is spoken throughout Israel.

4. REBUILDING OF THE TEMPLE, RESTORATION OF TEMPLE WORSHIP AND ANIMAL SACRIFICES IN JERUSALEM

For several end time prophecies to be fulfilled, the temple will have to be rebuilt.

Revelation 11:2 "Leave out the court which is outside the temple and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations; and they will tread under foot the oly city for forty-two months."

Daniel 9:27 "And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolation, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate."

Daniel 9:26 "Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing, and the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary."

Some archeologists believe that the temple mount is actually 340 feet south of the Dome of the Rock site, putting the Dome of the Rock within the Court of the Gentiles. This may be the court outside the temple that is left out.

There are many groups already working on preparations for the new temple. The blueprints are already done, the temple garments have been made, and there have already been attempts to lay the cornerstone of the temple. The only thing standing in the way of the construction of the new temple is Islam's third holiest site, the Dome of the Rock and government support for such an undertaking. Some possible scenarios for the rebuilding of the temple are as follows:

1. The persuasion and performing of miracles by the Antichrist and False Prophet convinces the Islamic world to approve the rebuilding.

2. The United Nations will negotiate the rebuilding of the temple following a war with the armies from the North (Russia and Islamic forces). This assumes that the war with the armies from the North is not the battle of Armageddon as some feel and that this attack occurs before the rapture or tribulation period begins. The supernatural destruction of the Russian army and Islamic forces will cause an outpouring of Christian worship and zeal amongst the Jewish people who will reconstruct the temple.

3. It is determined that the site of the first two temples is actually south of the Dome of the Rock, and the court of the gentiles (Dome of the Rock) will be left out of the 3rd temple.

A group in Israel called the Temple Mount Faithful have obtained most of the clothing, instruments and other equipment required for temple worship and are actively preparing for the laying of the third temple's cornerstone.

Numbers 19:2-7 "This is the statute of the law which the Lord has commanded, saying, "Speak to the sons of Israel that they bring you an unblemished red heifer in which is no defect and on which a yoke has never been placed. "You shall give it to Eleazar the priest, and it shall be brought outside the camp and be slaughtered in his presence. Next Eleazar the priest shall take some of its blood with his finger and sprinkle some of its blood toward the front of the tent of meeting seven times. "Then the heifer shall be burned in his sight; its hide and its flesh and its blood, with its refuse, shall be burned. "The priest shall then wash his clothes and bathe his body in water, and afterward come into the camp, but the priest shall be unclean until evening."

A red heifer will be required to be used in the process of purification described in the book of Numbers. In May 1997 the first Red Heifer was born in 2000 years. Another red Heifer was born in Israel in March of 2002.

Daniel 12:4 "But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase."

Billy Graham was quoted as saying, "ninety percent of all the engineers and scientists who have ever lived are alive today." Air travel, space travel, DNA research and human cloning are all examples of the rapid increase in knowledge in our generation.

Zephaniah 3:10-11 "From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia My worshipers, My dispersed ones, will bring My offerings. In that day you will feel no shame because of all your deeds by which you have rebelled against Me; For then I will remove from your midst your proud, exulting ones, and you will never again be haughty on My holy mountain."

In 1984, Operation Moses saw the airlift of 15,000 Jews who had already fled to refugee camps in Sudan to escape starvation. In 1991, Operation Solomon flew 20,000 Jews to Israel from Ethiopia itself. A further airlift began in June of 1999, aimed at transporting the last 3,000 members of the Quara Jewish community from northeastern Ethiopia to Israel.

Ezekiel 38:2,4,8 "Son of man, set your face toward Gog of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him. I will turn you about and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them splendidly attired, a great company with buckler and shield, all of them wielding swords. After many days you will be summoned; in the latter years you will come into the land that is restored from the sword, whose inhabitants have been gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel which had been a continual waste; but its people were brought out from the nations, and they are living securely, all of them."

In order for some end time events to occur Russia will have to be a strong nation with a strong military.

Jeremiah 23:7-8 "Therefore behold, the days are coming declares the Lord, when they will no longer say, as the Lord lives, who brought up the sons of Israel from the land of Egypt, but as the Lord lives, who brought up and led back the descendants of the household of Israel from the north land and from all the countries where I have driven them. Then they will live on their own soil."

In the 1970's and 1980's there was a mass exodus of Russian Jews out of Communist Russia. In 1999 the Associated Press reported a dramatic increase in the number of Jewish immigrants from Russia, bringing the largest number of Russian Jews to Israel since the early 1990's.

Revelation 13:16-17 "And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name."

On May 10, three members of a family in Florida became the first people to receive the biochip implant. Each device, made of silicon and called a VeriChip, is a small radio transmitter about the size of a piece of rice that is injected under a person's skin. It transmits a unique personal ID number whenever it is within a few feet of a special receiver unit. VeriChip's maker describes it as "a miniaturized, implantable, radio frequency identification device (RFID) that can be used in a variety of security, emergency and healthcare applications."

Is the biochip the mark of the beast to be used by the antichrist? We can't really know. What is significant is that people are being softened to the idea of a mark or an implant as a means of maintaining security, providing medical information, and regulating a more interdependent world. As attitudes change, fears subside, and people are convinced of the need for such a mark, the true mark of the beast will be easily introduced to the world by the antichrist.

The United Nations, World Trade Organization, International Criminal Court, UN peacekeeping/police force, numerous UN NGO's, and other agencies are preliminary steps to the formation of a one world government. We now have the communications technology, transportation, and the pro-globalization media necessary to usher in the one world government headed by the antichrist. The increasing terrorist threat and the middle east conflict will only speed up the formation of this governing body as fear and promises of better security make more people willing to give up their national sovereignty for global governance.

Revelation 11:3, 7-10 "And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophecy for twelve hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them and kill them. And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which mystically is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified. Those from the peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will look at their dead bodies for three and a half days, and will not permit their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb. And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and celebrate; and they will send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth."

Television and the 24-hour news networks make it possible for people around the world to see the dead prophets and rejoice at their deaths.

Luke 21:28 "But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

Luke 21:32 "Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place."

Suppose the stuff is religious in nature, i.e., assuming everything we discussed regarding the Fallen was true, that they did leave Heaven to come down here, that God really did get so mad, He blew up the place where the Fallen were from?
Even some astronomers will reluctantly admit to the existence, at some point in the past, of a 10th planet.
Suppose, just suppose, the destruction of that planet created a thermo-barometric pressure-wave, so hot it could literally melt rock in seconds, or could envelop a planet instanteously, causing massive heat/pressure differentials? If it could happen, God is the One to do it, and would have had a good reason for doing so.
"destroyed from among the Stones of Fire"

On earth virtually the same catastrophes took place --
DESTROYING CITIES CREATED ON EARTH BEFORE THERE WERE EVEN ADAMS.

Jeremiah 4:23-2:
I looked on the earth, and beheld it formless (laid waste) and void; and to the heavens, and they had no light.
I looked on the mountains, and, behold, they quaked.
And all the hills were shaken. I beheld and lo, there was no man (Adams); and all the cover of the skies had fled.
I looked, and, behold, the fruitful place was a wilderness; and all its cities were broken down before the face of Jehovah, before his glowing anger.
For so Jehovah has said. The whole land shall be a desolation; yet I will not make a full end.

Jeremiah looked into the ages before Adam and described the destruction of the earth.
There were no men, (descendents of Adam), yet there were cities which were destroyed by God's wrath - who dwelt in these cities?

There I go again, asking those cryptic questions. :)

PRAISE GOD! . . . from another FR thread at:

Another example of end times evangelism and Holy Spirit's move amongst Moslems.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1308267/posts

Thousands Turn To Christ In Iran
BushCountry ^ | 12/25/04 | Jeremy Reynalds

Posted on 12/25/2004 1:39:08 AM MST by freedom44

Iranians are turning in droves to Christ.

"This should cause any missiologist to wonder why (so many people from) the nation which had become a model for the rest of the fundamental Muslim world to emulate – the same country that introduced suicide bombing to the world – are now turning to Christ," said Shah Afshar, Foursquare Regional Coordinator for the Middle East, in an e-mail interview.

This phenomenon didn't take place through the efforts of foreign missionaries, Afshar said, because after the country's Islamic revolution of the late 1970's, all foreign missionaries were expelled from Iran.

Much of the evangelism of Muslims in Iran, Afshar said, has been done through shortwave radio and satellite television programs by Iranians who came to know Christ while outside their own country.

"With the revolution there also came a mass exodus of almost 6 million Iranians out of Iran to various countries around the world," Afshar said. "It was there that for the first time many of these exiles were exposed to the gospel, and eventually a great number of them became followers of Jesus—50,000 by some estimates. It is because of these exiled believers and other faithful ones who never left Iran that (this) phenomenon is unfolding."

Understandably, the Iranian authorities are concerned that their influence is waning. One employee of the country's Ministry of Education, Hasan Mohammadi, hired to teach Islamic precepts to high school and university students in the country run by Islamic clerics, encouraged his audience to "Be aware young men; safeguard your beloved Shiite Islam."

When issuing this admonition at a gathering of senior high school students in the north of the Iranian capital in April 2004, Afshar said Mohammadi underscored his point by saying, "Unfortunately, on average, everyday 50 Iranian girls and boys convert secretly to Christian denominations in our country."

According to Afshar, reportedly quoting from a comment made by the 47-year-old cleric and heard by Hamad Egbali, whose son Ali was in the audience, Mohammadi "unknowingly admitted the defeat of the Islamic Republic of Iran as a theocratic regime in promoting its Islam."

Afshar said it was average everyday believers who evangelized these exiles. He said, "For example, over 30 years ago, a group of what were then called ‘Jesus Freaks,' took the time to share the love of God with (me), which eventually led to my salvation. Because of that simple act of obedience and love, today thousand of Iranian Muslims have heard the contextualized gospel in their own language, which has caused many of them to come to the Lord."

Afshar said those individuals who shared Jesus Christ with him were not trained in Islamic evangelism. But they "were willing to reach out to a scared lonely Muslim boy for Christ's sake. Their motive was not as much converting me as it was just to love and accept me. And today the Lord is asking the American believers to do the same."

Afshar said he is issuing a challenge to believers worldwide.

"Next Sunday ask your church how many of them know any Muslims," Afshar said. "You might be surprised to find out the number of people at your church who work, go to school, or are neighbors to these immigrants whom God has brought to our doorsteps. We have a mandate from Christ himself to go into the whole world."

Afshar said for those wanting some formal training he suggests organizing a seminar at church focusing on successful evangelism to Muslims. Afshar said in addition that Foursquare Missions International staff are also happy to provide assistance.

From:

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Rhodes/7895/com041219.html

RFID AND MARK OF THE BEAST UPDATE
We are living in the days before the rapture of the church. As soon as God raptures home His people, the devil will be free to bring to power his antichrist. During the reign of the antichrist, people will be given the choice to worship Satan and the beast. Those who do will be given a mark. Those who refuse will be killed.
This mark of the beast will allow a person to do economic transactions in Satan's kingdom of the antichrist. This mark will have the ability to interface with computers so that good citizens of the antichrist can be identified.

For many years people thought that mark would involve the use of the bar code currently on all products. But there is already talk of the death of the bar code. In its place will be RFID chips. These computer chips give off a low radio signal that can be picked up and read by terminals connected to a computer. Not only can all products be tagged with RFID chips, so can people!

Rev 13
14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

So have a look at the below article and see how much progress has been made in setting up Satan's mark of the beast technology!

Here is a thought! If the mark of the beast technology is being setup right now, then how close must the rapture be! Are you saved? Are your sins forgiven? Or will you die rejecting the Saviour, the Lord Jesus and perish in your sins? Make your choice and do it now!

Applied Digital Announces Six Point Privacy Statement at ID World Congress in Barcelona, Spain
Monday November 22, 8:30 am ET, Company Outlines Privacy Standards as U.S. Distributors Begin to Market VeriChip(TM) to the Medical Community; Michael Krawitz, Esq. named Applied Digital's CHIEF PRIVACY OFFICER

DELRAY BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 22, 2004-- Applied Digital (Nasdaq: ADSX - News), a provider of security through innovation(TM), announced today that its Chairman and CEO, Scott R. Silverman outlined the Company's new six-point privacy statement as part of his Keynote Address at the 2004 World ID congress in Barcelona, Spain.

Recognizing the Company's role in the development of RFID technology world-wide, Mr. Silverman stated in his speech at the conference that: "It is our duty educate and unite rather than isolate and divide...We as leaders in the RFID industry must be proactive in our privacy efforts...We must engage, and, in turn, educate and unite world leaders, privacy groups and, most importantly, the world population."

The Company's six-point privacy statement is as follows:

1. VeriChip should be voluntary and voluntary only. No person, no employer, no government should force anyone to get "chipped."

2. Privacy must be a priority at the highest levels of our organization and as such we will have a Chief Privacy Officer who, with privacy experts, will be charged with addressing the day-to-day global evolution of this technology.

3. We will immediately address privacy and patients' rights in all consumer, distributor and medical documents related to VeriChip

4. VeriChip subscribers are able have their chip removed and discontinued at any time.

5. Privacy means different things to different people, so only the VeriChip customer should designate the groups that may have access to his or her database information.

6. We pledge to thoughtfully, openly and considerately engage government, privacy groups, the industry and consumers to assure that the adoption of VeriChip and RFID technology is through education and unity rather than isolation and division.

Mr. Silverman noted that the Company's role in the development of RFID technology world-wide had changed since the FDA granted clearance for it to market the VeriChip(TM) for medical applications. "We recognize that the since the FDA granted us clearance to market the VeriChip(TM) for medical applications and leading medical device distributors such as Henry Schein, Inc. have agreed to market the product, that it is incumbent on us to ensure that we can secure the medical records of all VeriChip(TM) subscribers. We will work closely with all of our key constituencies, including consumers, distributors and hospitals to make the rapid adoption of the VeriChip(TM) as broad as possible. With significant opportunities for VeriChip(TM) in other areas such as security, we will strive to apply these standards consistently and uniformly across all of our target markets."

As part of Applied Digital's privacy policy, it has appointed Michael Krawitz to the position of Chief Privacy Officer. Mr. Krawitz currently serves as the Company's Executive Vice President and General Counsel. Krawitz, 35, will work closely with privacy experts, medical experts and community leaders to immediately address privacy and patients' rights issues.

"VeriChip's principal attribute is its ability to deliver information and verification," Krawitz said. "To ensure that this attribute is a benefit and only a benefit, we are making privacy our priority and our commitment. It's good business and it's responsible behavior for a leader in an area of RFID technology."

About VeriChip:

VeriChip Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Applied Digital. The VeriChip product is a subdermal RFID microtransponder that can be used in a variety of security, financial, emergency identification and healthcare applications. About the size of a grain of rice, each VeriChip device contains a unique verification number that is captured by briefly passing a proprietary scanner over the VeriChip. In October 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared VeriChip for medical applications in the United States. VeriChip is not an FDA-regulated device with regard to its security, financial, personal identification/safety applications.

About Applied Digital

Applied Digital develops innovative security products for consumer, commercial, and government sectors worldwide. Our unique and often proprietary products provide security for people, animals, the food supply, government/military arena, and commercial assets. Included in this diversified product line are RFID applications, end-to-end food safety systems, GPS/Satellite communications, and telecomm and security infrastructure, positioning Applied Digital as the leader of Security Through Innovation. Applied Digital is the owner of a majority position in Digital Angel Corporation (AMEX: DOC - News). For more information,

visit the company's website at

http://www.adsx.com.

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041122/225384_1.html

Another from BILL SOMERS' SITE:

He Hugged Me!

Conrad Lampan

Christmas time. A good time for reflection, and a time to remember what He has done for us. I feel like sharing a very personal testimony with you all, and I pray that you may be encouraged.

It was back in the beginning of year 1993. I suddenly learnt how God takes our prayers to the letter. I had just asked the Lord to “organize” my life, only to find out that God has a rather different concept of what “organize” means. Too late. I had already prayed and God was only too eager to answer that prayer. My life had been sort of messed up, so I just told God to take control. Frankly, it was like trying to quench a fire with gasoline. But then it happened; in the middle of turmoil Jesus hugged me; just like that, and everything changed.

I usually went to my room at about 8 PM to read and pray before going to bed later on. I would put some music and read some book, read my Bible and pray, or just “be” there with the Lord. That particular day in the summer of 93 I was at my brother’s house at about 4 PM and I began to feel an urgency to go back to my place and pray, although I did not have a prompt to pray for any specific issue. I took off somewhat startling everybody as I had just arrived a few moments ago, and arrived at my house about one hour later.

All the way home this desire, and hunger inside grew to an almost unbearable level. As I arrived at my place, I just went upstairs to my bedroom and immediately went to my usual kneeling place by a chair and knelt down. I could feel the presence of God in a rather unusual, very strong way, and although I wanted to pray, I was there without know what to say. I just knelt down and I said: “Jesus, would you hug me?” while at the same time I actually wrapped my arms around as if I was hugging someone. And then it happened.

All of a sudden the place was inundated by warmth as I had never experienced before. Suddenly I was literally hugging someone, I was touching someone physically; we were embracing each other. I could feel a head resting in my left shoulder, and could feel the touch of soft hair on my left cheek. I didn’t dare open my eyes, I wanted to see Him but at the same time I was scared. It was at the same time awesome and awful. I didn’t dare move either, I was just stuck there feeling this amazing love and at the same time experience the fear of the Lord in a way I never felt before.

I began to cry almost uncontrollably; the only way I can describe is like when babies cry so much that they stop breathing for moments (in Spanish this is medically called “sobbing spasm”); the fact is that I could not breathe, I just wept and wept and wept. After some time –I actually lost sense of time- I managed to speak, and I just said: “Lord, I want to go with you, I just want to go up hugging you”, for the first time in my life I heard an audible voice, if from the outside or from the inside I don’t know, I only know I heard Him say: “Conrad, I still want you here” Slowly He began to “withdraw” until I could not feel Him any more in a physical way, but His presence remained there and I can say it is still with me.

When things seem to go wrong, or I do feel down, or frustrated; when all the forces of hell seem to be loosed, and there are troubles of every kind, and trials; when it seems that all the things I gave my life too have been lost, and that all I have is ashes; and when people do not seem to understand, or even worse when people scoff or laugh at me –sometimes I even feel that some people literally laugh when reading this testimony- then I remember that night back in time and I can say “He hugged me!” Then, as the old song goes: “It is well with my soul”

Conrad Lampan

"The Power of a Surrendered Heart"

by Cindy McGill

Vol VII 12/23/2004

"TO GIVE ONESELF UP INTO THE POWER OF ANOTHER"

Lately, I have been meditating on how I can love God with ALL my heart, mind, soul, and strength.

What does that really look like? Is it possible?

That would mean that everything in my life would take second place to my love for God. EVERYTHING. Wow!! What a thought.

I asked the Lord how I might obtain such a love and I felt He whispered to me, "Surrender."

According to the dictionary, the word surrender literally means:

1 a : to yield to the power, control, or possession of another upon compulsion or demand b : to give up completely or agree to forgo especially in favor of another

2 a : to give (oneself) up into the power of another especially as a prisoner b : to give (oneself) over to something (as an influence) intransitive senses : to give oneself up into the power of another : YIELD

Now, that is powerful -- "To give oneself up into the power of another." That is just what Jesus did for the Father and for us.

THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE

There is no more secure place to live, than to give our lives up to the One who is the essence of Love itself and gave Himself up for us. The One who made us and only has our best interest in mind. Our Destiny Maker, our Path Creator, our Heart Transformer, our LORD.

Romans 12:1-2

"I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

Surrendering to the Lover of our souls is a very safe place.

Proverbs 18:10

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe."

SURRENDERING OUR WAYS

We know that His ways are above our ways and His thoughts are higher than ours. As we place ourselves back on the potter's wheel in this season of transformation, we will find that God wants to reshape our hearts and minds so we aren't hindered in the coming days by our own expectations or comfortable ways. His skillful shaping and molding in our lives only gives way for greater fruitfulness in His kingdom. He is the MASTER potter.

Seeing what lies ahead, He takes us and transforms us into a vessels of honor to be used by the King.

SURRENDERING OUR HEARTS

God can do much with a surrendered heart. A heart that will be made tender by His love. A heart that is quick to forgive, patient, and looking for the good in people. This kind of heart is willing to undergo that "circumcision" or "cutting away" of any hardness that has formed on it because of hurtful times. The Surgeon of the "circumcision" always gives a Holy Ghost anesthetic, when such a procedure is required.

This heart-tenderizing transformation produces strength to move forward in overwhelming compassion, creating an atmosphere where miracles can flow. It's what Jesus experienced when He healed people oppressed by the devil. This tender heart hears God's heart, and God's heart is for the lost and dying world.

SURRENDERING OUR LIVES

Galatians 2:20
"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me."

Recently, I was in a conference where the leadership was talking about our need for change in our churches. It seemed so evident to all, but in the elevator I overheard one of the pastors express an unwillingness to change.

The comment went something like, "...That would strip away my whole identity. We are fine the way we are."

There is a danger sign when our "identity" is wrapped up in how we do things, how we function, our gifting, or our callings. We must be careful that we don't lose sight of the One who gave us these things. What if the Lord wants to use us in a new way? It is more about who Christ is in us than who we are in Christ.

THE POWERFUL RESULTS OF SURRENDER

A surrendered life produces great freedom to new expressions of the Spirit. This must have been what the people felt who were gathered in the upper room in Acts 2. They began to have a POWERFUL encounter with the Holy Spirit and the result didn't just affect their lives, but the whole city and region, IMMEDIATELY.

Surrender is what Mary chose in obedience to a request made to her by God. Until that time, such a request had been unheard of; but the result of her surrendered heart caused Jesus to be born through her. Mary LOVED Jesus, with all of her heart, all of her mind, all of her strength, and all of her soul. This love is the result of SURRENDER.

GIVING GOD FREE REIN IN OUR LIVES

As we enter into this season of harvest, where spiritually hungry people are looking for the true "Bread of Life," let us keep a surrendered heart so Jesus can be birthed through us and then in the ones we meet.

Let us set aside these next few days and weeks to surrender to God and let Him transform us -- according to His plan for our lives -- for the upcoming season we are entering into. Let's give God free rein in our lives and ministries to add to or to take away anything He sees would not be useful for the upcoming days...

Surrender to the King of all Kings and WE'LL GIVE HIM ALL THE GLORY...CHRIST THE LORD!!!

Have a very blessed Christmas.

Cindy McGill

CLICK HERE: www.hopefortheharvest.com

Another from Bill Somers' site:

Continue To Listen To My Heartbeat

Olivia Reitz Long

faithbuildersministries@yahoo.com

December 10, 2004

"One of His disciples, whom Jesus loved (whom He esteemed and delighted in) was reclining (next to Him) on Jesus' bosom." John 13:23

I have spoken of perilous times that are now closer than anyone can think or imagine. I have spoken to My own of cleaning their house in full repentance of what they see and choosing to walk fully in the holiness I have asked of you. Sadly, many still do not see, to these I will only say that if you could see what is 'about' to spring on the world it would shake you so, that you would be on your face before Me.

My Faithful Ones, you do see for you only long to lay your head upon My chest and listen to My heartbeat. My Beloved, even so, many of you are concerned of what will happen to you. You have been in a desperate situation and for a long period of time - emotionally, financially and even spiritually at times. You have tasted the desperation that many of My children are living in and have lived in for most of their lives. You have experienced their every heartfelt cry. You have experienced the desire to give up. You have experienced the feeling of going under. You have experienced the fear that you would miss Me or My direction. Now that you "know" of the impending events on the horizon, you wonder where does that leave you because nothing seems to be changing and the time is so short. It would appear that financially you must be doomed. It would appear that you never will be healed. It would appear to you that you are not in the geographical spot that I have ordained for you. It would appear that with precious little time remaining that My promises to you are not in place. It would appear that all might be lost for surely there is not enough time remaining for all this to come about .....BUT .... trust the I AM for truly NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOUR GOD! I can tear down and I can RAISE UP all in one day! It's all in MY PLAN and you will not miss what I have called you to accomplish!

You have brought to My remembrances My many words and promises. I have seen your frustrations and I have heard every question. Beloved, I AM bound by My Word. Know this, I have been paving the way. I have been preparing you to walk the path I have destined for you. Yes, this path was prepared for you but you will never walk it alone for the I AM is ALWAYS with you and you are learning that you are My chosen vessels of light but to live in the light, you have to let go of any demands or expectations of how life 'should' be for you. LET GO! Flow with the way that your life is and how life may become. In doing this, fear and uneasiness lose their power!!!

The hand of your Almighty God has gone before you, My child. You have taken up your cross to follow Me and yes, the load has been extremely heavy but I AM your portion and your help... and yes, perilous times are coming and approaching quickly, but you are yoked to Me through all the many trials you have experienced. FEAR NOT! I AM about to manifest Myself in your life in a very big way to bring about the changes which are necessary for you and those like you to fulfill your destinies in the troubled times ahead.

For any who are called to be with you, it shall be done and I shall supply all that is needed to accomplish My will. Continue to lean on My bosom ..... continue to listen to My heartbeat... FEAR NOT for all shall be made clear in these closing days. Perilous days on the horizon? YES, but I have spoken words of life to you, words of truth, words of revelation and words of instruction. Even now, your heart cries out to Me, "Will I hear your words at this most crucial of times?" I say to you that you WILL hear My Words because you have chosen to follow Me with all that is in you. You Will hear My words and you Will see all come to pass. You will meet your Teacher in a few days hence and you will minister to many, be prepared to go! - It is all arranged. When you go to bed at night go with the knowing that when you awake all is in motion. Everything you have been shown, everything that you have waited for, everything that you have hoped for, everything that you have clung to me for happens in what now is a very short span of time. My children of faith, let your faith soar - the day of promise is nigh, continue to rest in Me and to listen to My heartbeat!

Another doc from BILL SOMERS' site:

Follow Me Into Joy

Sandy Warner

Nov 29, 2004

My dearest wife, My bride, how I have longed to hold you and embrace you as My own. I know your cares, I know your fears, I know your struggles and your uphill journey to overcome. The road has only become steeper in time and more narrow. Yes, I know your failings. I understand your pain and your many tears. Did you think I would come to you to scold you?

Do you really want to quit and give up? Never. As you come to the end of your rope in so many battles, I only ask that you totally lean all your weight upon Me. Let Me carry you to your goal. Allow Me access to put the pieces of your life back together again and I will sustain you in My peace. Resist meddling in My will and bring all things to Me in prayer. I will bring you the answers you need and help you resolve issues for which you have no answers. I will help you soar above it all, and come safely to your destination, being rooted deeply in My love for you.

You have been asleep in your understanding of My earnest love for you and My desires over you. I have earnestly waited for you and am searching you out from the places in which you are hiding. Did you think you could hide from Me, My dear one? You have known tears, but I want to teach you to laugh. There will come a day when you shall throw your head back and belly laugh with Me! Impossible? Not in My vocabulary. Why don't you follow Me into a journey of new beginnings and I will take you there? I will replace all your shame and your sorrow and give you double portion joy.

Ps 56:8-13 TLB

You have seen me tossing and turning through the night. You have collected all my tears and preserved them in your bottle! You have recorded every one in your book. The very day I call for help, the tide of battle turns. My enemies flee! This one thing I know: God is for me! I am trusting God-oh, praise his promises! I am not afraid of anything mere man can do to me! Yes, praise his promises. I will surely do what I have promised, Lord, and thank you for your help. For you have saved me from death and my feet from slipping, so that I can walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

Isa 61:7 NLT

Instead of shame and dishonor, you will inherit a double portion of prosperity and everlasting joy.

Click here for specific rhema behind this Word to Ponder: http://www.injesus.com/Groups/ViewMessage.cfm?MessageId=JB006M9V&GroupID=EB005Z4Z

Having Turned A Corner

Sandy Warner

Dec 8, 2004

Having just turned a corner in your life, you shall soon discover that you can see a great distance into your future. I have expanded your horizons and given you the expanse. Now call upon Me to open your eyes. New vision is coming!

It is My will and way, in every way, that you grow up into maturity. I AM connecting you for a another, yet deeper plan. I AM going to touch some sensitive areas in your life. We shall work together to break the bondages that have held you back from coming into the full measure of your inheritance. In the process, I AM going to make you holy bold. This shall be hair curlin', call-it-like-it-is speech. Wanna come? Let's go.

Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Chris. (Eph 4:13-14 NKJV)

Words to Ponder are summaries of prophetic revelation, punched with the word of wisdom and written under inspiration. [Sandy Warner: swauthor@usa.net / website: www.thequickenedword.com ]

Prayer Warriors Grafted With Leaders

Sandy Warner

Dec 6, 2004

I AM issuing a holy work by appointing prayer warriors and grafting them together with leaders. I will bond and connect them together for the breakthroughs they need. United together they will make beautiful bread. This is a good work and I shall perform it. It is My good pleasure, My holy work on earth.

I must touch these united ones with My passion before I release My touch on earth through their prayers. I will plant in their hearts a deep yearning to uphold and lift in prayer that which I am birthing. Always on guard, to protect nations within their womb, these, My prayer partners, are united as an altar of sacrifice. Come forth and bring to birth that which I have planted deeply within.

1 Tim 2:1-2 NKJV

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority.

Words to Ponder are summaries of prophetic revelation, punched with the word of wisdom and written under inspiration. [Sandy Warner: swauthor@usa.net / website: www.thequickenedword.com ]

On The Wings Of Prayer

Sandy Warner

Dec 10, 2004

Beloved, I am teaching you the power of unity as you join with others in prayer. I shall greatly multiply your efforts as you battle, declare and stand for My will and freedom upon earth, even as it is declared in heaven. Bring forth your good fight and I will provide you a safe canopy to ride higher and higher upon the wings of prayer. These wings will take you above the oppression and resistance. Stand, bind, rebuke, declare and move forward as I lift you up and out upon the wings of prayer. Multiplied, multiplied, multiplied for good measure, all over the world your prayers are moving others forward.

2 Cor 10:3-6 NKJV

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

Words to Ponder are summaries of prophetic revelation, punched with the word of wisdom and written under inspiration. [Sandy Warner: swauthor@usa.net / website: www.thequickenedword.com ]

Transparent Pain

Sandy Warner

Dec 12, 2004

TRANSPARENT PAIN

What does it mean to show my face

When my heart is veiled with disgrace?

For every day I fall short of You

Striving to live my life brand new.

In sobering thought I face my shame

There is no one else that I can blame.

Why is it like this, when Your love is so pure?

I know that I am favored, with Your grace assured.

This shame is lurking beneath its cover

I want it gone, I want it over.

How can I be free to walk in destiny

When the chain of shame keeps me in pain?

As I cry out for certain deliverance

Your Word is my freedom and recompense.

You told me confession is good for the soul.

As I bare my heart, You will make me whole.

So be free oh soul to unload your pain

Receive His great grace and you won't be the same.

At last when I release this burden of silence

Tormenting self thoughts are no longer violent

From striking myself with flagellating whips

In self condemnation leaving my heart ripped.

Let me release the shame and be set free

As I trust in You for my dignity.

It is not in myself to win this race

It is merely my desire to see Your face

To know Your heart, to know Your ways.

It is in Your love that I stand amazed.

Not my will but Thine be done

As I yield my heart that we may be one.

James 5:16 KJV

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Follow Me Into Joy

Sandy Warner

Nov 29, 2004

My dearest wife, My bride, how I have longed to hold you and embrace you as My own. I know your cares, I know your fears, I know your struggles and your uphill journey to overcome. The road has only become steeper in time and more narrow. Yes, I know your failings. I understand your pain and your many tears. Did you think I would come to you to scold you?

Do you really want to quit and give up? Never. As you come to the end of your rope in so many battles, I only ask that you totally lean all your weight upon Me. Let Me carry you to your goal. Allow Me access to put the pieces of your life back together again and I will sustain you in My peace. Resist meddling in My will and bring all things to Me in prayer. I will bring you the answers you need and help you resolve issues for which you have no answers. I will help you soar above it all, and come safely to your destination, being rooted deeply in My love for you.

You have been asleep in your understanding of My earnest love for you and My desires over you. I have earnestly waited for you and am searching you out from the places in which you are hiding. Did you think you could hide from Me, My dear one? You have known tears, but I want to teach you to laugh. There will come a day when you shall throw your head back and belly laugh with Me! Impossible? Not in My vocabulary. Why don't you follow Me into a journey of new beginnings and I will take you there? I will replace all your shame and your sorrow and give you double portion joy.

Ps 56:8-13 TLB

You have seen me tossing and turning through the night. You have collected all my tears and preserved them in your bottle! You have recorded every one in your book. The very day I call for help, the tide of battle turns. My enemies flee! This one thing I know: God is for me! I am trusting God-oh, praise his promises! I am not afraid of anything mere man can do to me! Yes, praise his promises. I will surely do what I have promised, Lord, and thank you for your help. For you have saved me from death and my feet from slipping, so that I can walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

Isa 61:7 NLT

Instead of shame and dishonor, you will inherit a double portion of prosperity and everlasting joy.

Click here for specific rhema behind this Word to Ponder: http://www.injesus.com/Groups/ViewMessage.cfm?MessageId=JB006M9V&GroupID=EB005Z4Z

Having Turned A Corner

Sandy Warner

Dec 8, 2004

Having just turned a corner in your life, you shall soon discover that you can see a great distance into your future. I have expanded your horizons and given you the expanse. Now call upon Me to open your eyes. New vision is coming!

It is My will and way, in every way, that you grow up into maturity. I AM connecting you for a another, yet deeper plan. I AM going to touch some sensitive areas in your life. We shall work together to break the bondages that have held you back from coming into the full measure of your inheritance. In the process, I AM going to make you holy bold. This shall be hair curlin', call-it-like-it-is speech. Wanna come? Let's go.

Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Chris. (Eph 4:13-14 NKJV)

Words to Ponder are summaries of prophetic revelation, punched with the word of wisdom and written under inspiration. [Sandy Warner: swauthor@usa.net / website: www.thequickenedword.com ]

Prayer Warriors Grafted With Leaders

Sandy Warner

Dec 6, 2004

I AM issuing a holy work by appointing prayer warriors and grafting them together with leaders. I will bond and connect them together for the breakthroughs they need. United together they will make beautiful bread. This is a good work and I shall perform it. It is My good pleasure, My holy work on earth.

I must touch these united ones with My passion before I release My touch on earth through their prayers. I will plant in their hearts a deep yearning to uphold and lift in prayer that which I am birthing. Always on guard, to protect nations within their womb, these, My prayer partners, are united as an altar of sacrifice. Come forth and bring to birth that which I have planted deeply within.

1 Tim 2:1-2 NKJV

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority.

Words to Ponder are summaries of prophetic revelation, punched with the word of wisdom and written under inspiration. [Sandy Warner: swauthor@usa.net / website: www.thequickenedword.com ]

On The Wings Of Prayer

Sandy Warner

Dec 10, 2004

Beloved, I am teaching you the power of unity as you join with others in prayer. I shall greatly multiply your efforts as you battle, declare and stand for My will and freedom upon earth, even as it is declared in heaven. Bring forth your good fight and I will provide you a safe canopy to ride higher and higher upon the wings of prayer. These wings will take you above the oppression and resistance. Stand, bind, rebuke, declare and move forward as I lift you up and out upon the wings of prayer. Multiplied, multiplied, multiplied for good measure, all over the world your prayers are moving others forward.

2 Cor 10:3-6 NKJV

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

Words to Ponder are summaries of prophetic revelation, punched with the word of wisdom and written under inspiration. [Sandy Warner: swauthor@usa.net / website: www.thequickenedword.com ]

Transparent Pain

Sandy Warner

Dec 12, 2004

TRANSPARENT PAIN

What does it mean to show my face

When my heart is veiled with disgrace?

For every day I fall short of You

Striving to live my life brand new.

In sobering thought I face my shame

There is no one else that I can blame.

Why is it like this, when Your love is so pure?

I know that I am favored, with Your grace assured.

This shame is lurking beneath its cover

I want it gone, I want it over.

How can I be free to walk in destiny

When the chain of shame keeps me in pain?

As I cry out for certain deliverance

Your Word is my freedom and recompense.

You told me confession is good for the soul.

As I bare my heart, You will make me whole.

So be free oh soul to unload your pain

Receive His great grace and you won't be the same.

At last when I release this burden of silence

Tormenting self thoughts are no longer violent

From striking myself with flagellating whips

In self condemnation leaving my heart ripped.

Let me release the shame and be set free

As I trust in You for my dignity.

It is not in myself to win this race

It is merely my desire to see Your face

To know Your heart, to know Your ways.

It is in Your love that I stand amazed.

Not my will but Thine be done

As I yield my heart that we may be one.

James 5:16 KJV

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

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