Become New with John Ortberg

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Join John Ortberg each day for 10 minutes of spiritual guidance on the person we are becoming.

  1. 14. Why You Should Stop Having a “Quiet Time”

    11 HRS AGO

    14. Why You Should Stop Having a “Quiet Time”

    Why would God include violent prayers in the Bible? In this deeply challenging teaching on Psalm 137, John Ortberg explores anger, injustice, enemies, suffering, and why the Psalms are far more emotionally honest than most modern spirituality. John begins with a provocative statement:  “You should stop having a quiet time.” Using reflections from Eugene Peterson, this episode explores the difference between prayer that merely calms us down and prayer that honestly confronts evil, grief, and the brokenness of the world. This episode explores: - Why Psalm 137 feels so disturbing - The role of anger and indignation - Why suppressed hatred is spiritually dangerous - Prayer as honesty before God - Jesus, enemy-love, and the Psalms - “Our hate needs to be prayed, not suppressed” Featuring reflections on: - Eugene Peterson - C.S. Lewis - René Girard Scriptures: - Psalm 137 - Ephesians 6:12 - Matthew 5:44 #Psalm137 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #Psalms #EugenePeterson #Justice #Forgiveness #BibleStudy 📚 Today's Resources: Eugene H. Peterson, Answering God: The Psalms As Tools for Prayer  René Girard, The Scapegoat  🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: BecomeNew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 Introduction: “Stop Having a Quiet Time” 00:25 Eugene Peterson on Pseudo-Prayer 01:30 “Prayer Is Combat” 02:26 Why the Psalms Talk So Much About Enemies 03:11 Enter Psalm 137 04:10 “How Can We Sing in a Foreign Land?” 04:38 The Most Disturbing Verse in the Psalm 05:13 Why This Psalm Shocks Modern Readers 05:36 The Psalms Refuse Sanitized Spirituality 06:00 Two Kinds of Violence in the Psalms 06:40 René Girard, Victims & Scapegoats 07:08 Indignation, Anger & Injustice 08:06 Why People Want These Psalms Removed 09:03 “Our Hate Needs to Be Prayed” 09:55 Suppressed Anger & False Spirituality 10:18 Jesus, Enemy Love & the Psalms 11:23 Dare to Be Real With God

    13 min
  2. 13. Why We Avoid What Matters Most (Psalm 42)

    1D AGO

    13. Why We Avoid What Matters Most (Psalm 42)

    Why do we avoid uncomfortable truth? In this teaching on Psalm 42, John Ortberg explores self-awareness, attention, distraction, procrastination, and the deep spiritual thirst at the center of the human soul. Using Psalm 42’s famous image — “As the deer pants for streams of water…” — John reflects on how human beings often distract themselves from the deeper realities happening inside them. Why do we avoid certain thoughts? Why do difficult truths fade when we procrastinate? And what does prayer have to do with attention? This episode explores: - The soul’s longing for God - Why humans avoid painful truth - Self-deception and attention management - Procrastination as a spiritual issue - The relationship between awareness and transformation - “The greatest freedom of human life” Featuring reflections from: - William James - Flannery O’Connor - Gregg Ten Elshof Scripture: - Psalm 42 #Psalm42 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #SelfAwareness #ChristianFaith #Psychology #Attention #BibleStudy #Psalms 📚 Today's Resources: Gregg A. Ten Elshof, I Told Me So: Self-Deception and the Christian Life  Flannery O’Connor, The Violent Bear It Away  🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: BecomeNew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 Introduction 00:26 Psalm 42 & the Problem of Being Real 01:08 Why the Psalms Speak to the Soul 01:31 Awareness, Choice & the Human Will 02:19 “As the Deer Pants for Water” 03:18 Pouring Out the Soul Before God 04:04 “Why Are You Downcast, O My Soul?” 04:38 Flannery O’Connor & Avoiding Truth 06:18 William James on Attention & Experience 06:48 The Sneaky Power of Attention Management 07:09 The Greatest Freedom of Human Life 08:21 Forgetting Painful Experiences 09:12 Procrastination & Self-Deception 10:52 Why Moral Convictions Fade Over Time 11:26 “Help Me See What I’ve Been Avoiding” 11:54 Deep Calls to Deep

    14 min
  3. 12. Psalm 19 and the Problem of Self-Deception

    2D AGO

    12. Psalm 19 and the Problem of Self-Deception

    Why is self-awareness so difficult? In this teaching on Psalm 19, John Ortberg explores self-deception, blind spots, hidden faults, and the surprising difficulty of honestly seeing ourselves. The Psalmist asks:  “Who can discern their own errors?” That question launches a fascinating exploration of: - Freud and the unconscious mind - Cognitive bias and self-deception - Why humans protect their image - The role of feedback and mirrors - Spiritual growth through honesty - Grace, confession, and healing This episode explores how Scripture and modern psychology intersect around one central truth: human beings are remarkably good at hiding truth from themselves. And yet real freedom begins when we become willing to see. Scriptures: - Psalm 19:12–14 - Romans 1 - Obadiah 1:3 Resources mentioned: - Freud - George Eliot - Gregg Ten Elshof - Awakenings #psalm19  #JohnOrtberg #SelfAwareness #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #Psychology #Prayer #BibleStudy #BlindSpots #Psalms 📚 Today's Resources: George Eliot, Middlemarch  Gregg A. Ten Elshof, I Told Me So: Self-Deception and the Christian Life  🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: BecomeNew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 Introduction & Mirror Thumbnail Idea 00:09 Psalm 19 & the Problem of Self-Awareness 00:30 “Forgive My Hidden Faults” 00:58 The Problem With Unconscious Behavior 01:19 Freud, Depth Psychology & the Iceberg Mind 02:08 What Freud Got Wrong About Trauma 02:58 Memory Wars & Self-Deception 03:17 The Hidden Layers Beneath Consciousness 03:52 George Eliot & “Confessing to Ourselves” 04:16 The Four Levels of Consciousness 05:00 Skydiving & Stress-Induced Memory Gaps 05:57 Peripheral Awareness & Hidden Faults 06:31 Self-Deception in Modern Psychology 06:58 Romans 1 & Suppressing the Truth 07:25 The Self-Serving Bias Explained 08:16 The Fundamental Attribution Error 09:03 Everyday Self-Deception & Rationalization 09:53 Praying “Help Me See the Truth” 10:19 Reviewing the Day With Honesty 11:02 Why We Manage Other People’s Opinions 11:35 Freud, Sin & the Depth of Self-Deception 12:01 Inviting Other People to Help Us Grow 12:39 “Would You Tell Me More?” 13:23 Closing Prayer From Psalm 19:14

    17 min
  4. 11. What Bowling Teaches Us About Peace

    3D AGO

    11. What Bowling Teaches Us About Peace

    What does bowling have to do with spiritual life? In this teaching on Psalm 19, John Ortberg explores anxiety, surrender, creation, grace, and the deep human longing for soul rest. Using a surprisingly powerful bowling illustration, John reflects on how most people continue trying to control outcomes long after the “ball” has already left their hands. Psalm 19 offers another way: let go, trust God, delight in creation, and allow your soul to rest. This episode explores: - Why modern people struggle with rest - The connection between anxiety and control - Creation as medicine for the soul - Why the law of God is actually a gift - Soul fragmentation and divided living - How love restores wholeness Featuring reflections on: - Dallas Willard - Theodore Roosevelt - Martin Luther - Psalm 19 Scriptures: -Psalm 19 -Matthew 22:37–39 -James 2:8 #Psalm19 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #DallasWillard #SoulRest #Anxiety #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Psalms 📚 Today's Resources: Dallas Willard, Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ  The Little, Brown Book of Anecdotes, edited by Clifton Fadiman 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: BecomeNew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 Introduction & Bowling Thumbnail Idea 00:14 Psalm 19, Soul Rest & the Gift of Law 01:02 “The Heavens Declare the Glory of God” 01:23 Creation, Perspective & the Human Soul 02:16 Running Life Like a Champion 02:37 Dallas Willard on Soul Rest 03:44 What Bowling Teaches Us About Anxiety 04:31 “Let the Ball Go” 04:55 Teddy Roosevelt & Becoming Small Enough 05:50 Creation as an Expression of God’s Mind 06:09 Why Nature Is Good for the Soul 06:40 Psalm 19’s Surprising Pivot to Law 07:14 “The Law of the Lord Is Perfect” 07:22 Why Modern People Resist the Law 07:56 Law, Grace & Human Flourishing 08:38 What Makes a Good Person? 09:14 Why Humanity Has Revered Wise Laws 09:40 Sweeter Than Honey, More Precious Than Gold 10:09 The Royal Law of Love 10:39 How Sin Fractures the Soul 10:57 The Law Revives the Soul 11:25 Delighting in God’s Big Book & Little Book

    14 min
  5. 10. Who May Dwell on the Holy Mountain? (Psalm 15 Explained)

    6D AGO

    10. Who May Dwell on the Holy Mountain? (Psalm 15 Explained)

    What actually creates a peaceful life? In this teaching on Psalm 15, John Ortberg explores the ancient biblical vision of an “unshakable” life — a life rooted in goodness, grace, truth, and the presence of God. Psalm 15 asks: “Who may dwell on your holy mountain?” The answer turns out to be both beautiful and deeply challenging. Along the way, John reflects on: Why peace is more than a feeling The connection between character and stability Gossip, envy, greed, ego, and emotional formation Positive psychology and virtue What kind of people we become through daily choices Why “the good life is with God” This episode is practical, thoughtful, convicting, and hopeful all at once. Scriptures: Psalm 15 Matthew 6:33 Luke 23:39–43 #Psalm15 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #Peace #Character #BibleStudy #Psalms #formation  🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: BecomeNew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 Introduction & The Mountain of Peace 00:42 Why Most People Misunderstand Peace 01:21 “Who May Dwell on Your Holy Mountain?” 01:50 Do We Actually Want Life With God? 02:11 The “Sin Room” Illustration 03:01 The Other Gods We Run After 03:41 The Question Psalm 15 Answers 03:48 “The One Whose Walk Is Blameless…” 04:38 Positive Psychology & Human Flourishing 05:21 Speaking the Truth From the Heart 06:09 Slander, Gossip & the Spiritual Life 06:28 Who Is My Neighbor? 07:32 Who Do You Admire? 08:34 Commitments, Oaths & Faithfulness 09:15 Generosity & Stewardship 09:46 “Whoever Does These Things Will Never Be Shaken” 10:17 Peace, Praise & Character Formation 11:05 What If TSA Tested Character? 11:21 Grace, Failure & the Thief on the Cross 11:52 The Invitation to the Holy Mountain

    13 min
  6. 9. Psalm 16 and the Secret of a Steady Heart

    MAY 14

    9. Psalm 16 and the Secret of a Steady Heart

    What’s the one thing that would make today a good day? Psalm 16 says it’s simpler—and deeper—than you think. In this teaching, John Ortberg walks through Psalm 16 and introduces a powerful idea: your life-scape—the inner world where your thoughts, desires, and attention live. Most of us drift through our days reacting to whatever comes. But Psalm 16 invites us to something different: “I have set the Lord always before me.” In this episode, you’ll learn: - What shapes your inner life (your “life-scape”) - Why chasing “other gods” leads to restlessness - How to center your day around one transforming focus - What it means to live with a steady, unshaken heart This is a practical invitation to live today with clarity, presence, and purpose. 📚 Today's Resources: Sam Storms, One Thing: Developing a Passion for the Beauty of God  Jenn Johnson, “Goodness of God”  @ www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0FBb6hnwTo Søren Kierkegaard, Purity of Heart Is to Will One Thing  🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: BecomeNew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 – Opening Prayer 00:20 – What Is Your “Life-Scape”? 00:46 – Psalm 16: The One Thing 01:07 – The “City Slickers” Illustration 01:34 – What Shapes Your Inner World 02:16 – The Illusion of Life Without Purpose 03:06 – The Search for “One Thing” 03:33 – What Scripture Says the One Thing Is 03:55 – “You Are My Lord” (Psalm 16) 04:19 – The Danger of Other “Gods” 04:44 – Modern Idols (Reputation, Ego, Control) 05:05 – “You Are My Portion” 05:30 – Living Where You Actually Are 06:02 – God Speaks Through Your Heart 06:51 – How God Guides Your Thoughts 07:38 – Recognizing God’s Voice 08:04 – “I Set the Lord Always Before Me” 08:18 – Jesus: “Seek First the Kingdom” 08:49 – The Freedom to Choose Your Focus 09:09 – Practicing God’s Presence 09:27 – A Story of Unexpected Grace 10:04 – Becoming a Blessing to Others 10:19 – What It Means to Be Unshaken 10:55 – God Will Not Abandon You 11:08 – The Path of Life 11:27 – Joy in God’s Presence 11:47 – Final Prayer: Walk With God Today

    14 min
  7. 8. A Simple Way to Pray (Psalm 57)

    MAY 13

    8. A Simple Way to Pray (Psalm 57)

    Ever feel stuck in your thoughts… and don’t know how to pray? Here’s a simple, practical method that actually works. In this teaching, John Ortberg walks through a powerful and practical way to pray your emotions using Psalm 57. Adapted from psychological insights and grounded in Scripture, this ABCD prayer method helps you move from anxiety and rumination to clarity, trust, and peace. You’ll learn how to: - Identify what’s actually triggering you - Name the beliefs driving your emotions - Understand why your feelings feel so strong - Reframe your thoughts with truth - Move into a place of steadiness and action If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to talk to God honestly—this gives you a clear path forward. 📚 Today's Resources: Martin Seligman - referenced for the ABC model/framework John adapted into prayer and the Psalms Mark Twain - quote: “I have lived through terrible sufferings, horrible events, some of which actually happened.” 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: BecomeNew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 – Opening Prayer 00:20 – Why We Struggle to Pray Honestly 00:46 – A Practical Method for Prayer 01:13 – Psalm 57: David in the Cave 01:35 – What Is Your “Cave”? 02:07 – Step A: Antecedent (What Triggered You?) 03:01 – Why Negative Moments Drive Prayer 03:27 – Real-Life Examples (Wallet, Mistakes, Fear) 04:10 – Step B: Beliefs (What Are You Thinking?) 05:02 – Why Writing Matters 05:20 – Naming Fear-Based Beliefs 06:17 – Step C: Consequences (Your Emotions) 06:42 – How Beliefs Drive Feelings 07:08 – Recognizing Emotional Impact 07:47 – Step D: Dispute (Challenge Your Beliefs) 08:08 – Reframing With Truth 08:32 – “Most of My Fears Never Happened” 08:56 – Living One Day at a Time 09:21 – Step E: Energize (New Direction) 09:47 – “My Heart Is Steadfast” 10:11 – From Anxiety → Stability 10:17 – Anticipating God’s Presence 10:43 – Building Life on God’s Faithfulness 11:03 – Putting It All Together 11:28 – God Works in the Cave 11:49 – Final Encouragement

    13 min
  8. 7. A Dangerous Prayer That Can Set You Free

    MAY 12

    7. A Dangerous Prayer That Can Set You Free

    What do you do with anger you can’t let go of? What if the Bible actually teaches you how to pray it? In Part 3 of this conversation, John Ortberg and Rankin Wilbourne tackle one of the most difficult emotions we face: anger. Psalm 109 is one of the most shocking passages in Scripture—full of raw, unfiltered anger. So why is it in the Bible? In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why denying anger isn’t spiritual maturity - How the Psalms give you permission to be honest with God - What it looks like to pray your anger instead of acting on it - How anger can actually be transformed into something healing - This is Part 3 of a 3-part convo on learning to pray your emotions. 📚 Today's Resources: Life Together / writings on the Psalms — Dietrich Bonhoeffer 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: BecomeNew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 – Introduction (Part 3: Anger) 00:24 – Recap: Running Toward the Storm 00:46 – “What Do You Do With Anger?” 01:08 – The Reality of Anger in the Psalms 01:34 – Psalm 109 (The Angriest Psalm) 02:21 – Why This Is So Shocking 02:51 – Owning Your Anger (OWN Framework) 03:27 – The “Alchemy” of Prayer 03:55 – Why These Prayers Are in the Bible 04:17 – Are We “Holier” Than the Psalmists? 05:08 – “Vengeance Is Mine” (Letting Go) 05:37 – Be Angry and Do Not Sin 06:02 – Can You Be This Angry and Still Follow God? 06:28 – A Real-Life Example: Unforgiveness 07:04 – Bringing People Into God’s Presence 07:37 – Expanding Perspective (God, Self, Others) 08:11 – Why This Feels Complicated 08:38 – Everyone Has an Anger Problem 09:18 – Should You Pray Psalm 109? 09:30 – Practical: Naming Someone Before God 10:00 – The Turning Point (You Have a Choice) 10:34 – Admitting “I Am Angry” 11:17 – Psalms as Medicine for the Soul 12:34 – When You’re Not Ready to Forgive 13:00 – Starting With Honest Prayer 13:46 – The Breakthrough: You Have a Choice 14:21 – Final Invitation: Bring Your Anger to God

    17 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.7
out of 5
13 Ratings

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Join John Ortberg each day for 10 minutes of spiritual guidance on the person we are becoming.

Information

  • Creator
    Become New
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    1.1K
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Become New with John Ortberg
  • Show Website
    Become New with John Ortberg

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