1 PETER 1 : RESULT OF OUR NEW BIRTH

 

1 PETER 1

The opening of Peter's letter to God's chosen ones is beautiful to those experiencing trials, suffering, and persecution, they are assured that God Himself chose us, that we are chosen and not forgotten, we are His children, and He is our Father. We, the REMNANTS, were chosen by His Grace, by our Father, and we are sanctified and made holy by the Holy Spirit, and because of Jesus Christ's blood, we are cleansed, and we become part of God's Family. God Himself is the one who gives us new birth as new believers, filled with the life of Christ. RESULT OF OUR NEW BIRTH A. WE ARE BROUGHT INTO A LIVING HOPE (V3)- Because of the Lord's mercy, He gave us new life, bringing us living hope. From death that we could never pay in any way was paid in Calvary, He gave us hope of eternal life because of Christ's death and resurrection. Now death has no sting on us, debts are paid, chains are broken, and we are His own - we become His children, and He becomes our Father. Because of Christ's resurrection, we are assured that all of God's promises will happen and we will experience them in this life and the next. B. ETERNAL INHERITANCE (V4) Because of what Jesus did on the cross and His resurrection, we have an inheritance in imperishable and never ending riches. We should not crave worldly wealth, temporary, can be destroyed, can be lost rather we should crave heavenly riches, eternal and good. Do not focus on material richness, heavenly richness is far more beyond important. Even here on earth, we experience these riches - spiritual richness, peace of mind in this chaotic world, joyful hearts in the midst of life pains, trial, and suffering and assurance of our soul. Our Father doesn't lack in providing for our needs. So whatever trials we experience in this world, we know they are temporary and will pass. We shouldn't be bothered by hardship and suffering; instead, we should rejoice in times of trial because we know what's ahead in heaven is clear to us. We live in hope of a more glorious life waiting for us after this life, making every trial, even death, insignificant. Whether we live or die, we belong to Christ, and this is our joy. So in any situation, we can praise God - in hardship or comfort, struggle or success, in life or death, Praise God! C. FULL SALVATION/DELIVERANCE (V5) - Because of Jesus, God revealed His mysterious will according to His purpose. Now we enjoy life with salvation, we're justified and sanctified, and eagerly await glorification when Jesus returns. Let's strengthen our faith in God's power, keeping us blameless and spotless at His coming. Let's fix our eyes on heaven and finish our race with courage, faithfulness, and perseverance. WE ARE CALLED TO LIVE A HOLY LIFE (1:7-25) We're called to live holy lives as obedient children. Knowing this hope, let's live with holiness. God chose us according to His mercy, making us His children through Jesus Christ. Christ redeemed us with His blood, forgiving our sins. Now we live as God's children, awaiting His return. - Prepare your hearts and minds for action! - Stay alert and fix your hope on the marvelous grace coming to you. - Shape your lives to become like the Holy One who called you. - Love your fellow believers. 1 Peter 1:23-25 [23] For through the eternal and living Word of God, you have been born again. And this "seed" He planted within you can never be destroyed but will live and grow inside you forever. For: [24] Human beings are frail and temporary, like grass, and man's glory is fleeting like blossoms of the field. The grass dries and withers, and the flowers fall off, [25] but the Word of the Lord endures forever! And this is the Word announced to you! -------------------- PASTORA CZAR

JAMES 5: PATIENT ENDURANCE and PRAYER

 

JAMES 5

PATIENT ENDURANCE and PRAYER

The last chapter in James covers many topics related to Christian living for the believers scattered all over the world. First it starts with a warning to the rich and unreasonable, secondly it teaches about suffering and faithful endurance, leading into the power and importance of prayer and lasty restoration of those who are astray and lost.

Warning to the rich

V1-6 is almost and echo of the first part of James 4 where he talks about unanswered prayers due to man’s wicked and selfish desires. Here he points to the rich who are exploiting workers, not giving a fair wage for the work they have done. He warns the rich that to live only for satisfying their own needs, living in luxury, give them fat hearts and make them ready for slaughter. This will not go unnoticed by God and He sees those who are being treated unfairly.

Patient endurance

V7-12 exhorts us to patiently endure in our walk on earth while we wait for Jesus to return. James compares it to a farmer who sows his seed while eagerly waiting for the early rains, working the fields while patiently waiting for the latter rain and the harvest to ripen. In the same way we should also be patient, but not idle.

The Bible has many examples of prophets and people who had to patiently endure, while they waited on God. For example, Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Job, David, Hannah. When we don’t see the end yet, in our suffering and endurance we must keep our eyes focused on El Roi, the God who sees. God is faithful, he will bring the harvest, the reward for those who endures in their faith in Him.

Power of prayer

I love how James’s letter flow from one topic into the next. In the waiting, how to we endure? Here, a topic also preached by Paul and Peter, James points to the most important aspect of a Christian’s life: PRAYER. James gives us four out of many reasons (maybe you can search the others for yourself) mentioned throughout the New Testament to pray:

·       When you are suffering – keep on PRAYing about it,

·       When you have reason to be thankful (which is in everything, every day really) – continually sing praises, PRAY to God,

·       Are you sick – GO to the elders of the church and ask them to PRAY over you. Let them anoint you with oil in the name of the LORD.

·       In v15 God promises that the prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, the LORD will make them well, and… anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. This shows us the BEAUTIFUL heart of our LORD and Saviour.

·       In v16 James encourages believers to confess their sins and to PRAY for each other. WHY? So that we might be healed and again just as in v15, James repeats that the earnest PRAYER of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results. He continues to illustrate this importance in v17–18 by giving the example of Elijah who prayed and God stopped sending rain for 3 ¹/₂ years and when Elijah prayed again, God sent the rain.

Restoration of those who are wondering and lost

As the body of Christ, it is our duty to bring back, in love and with compassion, those who are being lead astray from the truth. It does not say judge, or blame, or point fingers… BUT (v19-20) bring them back from the wrong way so that their sins might be forgiven and that their souls be saved from eternal death.

Let us reflect:

·       Do we treat those who are placed under our supervision and care fairly?

·       Are we enduring patiently, in the waiting season?

·       Do we make an effort to PRAY, with faith in the LORD, about everything?

·       What is our attitude toward the lost or the wandering sheep, do we blame and point fingers or do we PRAY for their souls and ask the guidance of the Lord to bring them back into the sheepfold?

PRAYER

Lord we pray and ask that you help us to treat those given under our care fairly, that we persist in prayer in every season, in every situation, giving thanks to you in all things. Keep our hearts humble and steadfast and pure. In Jesus Name. Amen.

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PASTORA HESMA

JAMES 4 : DRAW CLOSE TO GOD

 

JAMES

Chapter 4

DRAW CLOSE TO GOD

Has every effort you made to draw close to God sometimes made you feel even further away from Him? Have you ever been confronted with this question or asked yourself, how do I draw close to God? Why is it necessary for us to draw close to God and how do we even do it when we were born into this world as sinners and are living in a sinful world?

In this chapter of James, he writes to the Jewish Christians who were scattered over the whole world (James 1:1) and reveal the reason for this waywardness, but he also exhorts and gives us practical ways on how we can draw close to God. Let’s explore this a bit further.

1.       Why do we sometimes (or often times) feel that we cannot draw close to God?

The core problem we have as humans as explained in James 4: 1-4 is the condition of our heart and our desires. It is this condition of man’s heart that leads to quarrels and dispute and war and separation from God (distance if you will).

In our core, the sinful nature we were born into, desires these things. When the prophet Jeremiah interceded for the tribe of Judah, he laments in Jer 17:9 "Who can understand the human heart? There is nothing else so deceitful; it is too sick to be healed. Jer 17:10 I, the LORD, search the minds and test the hearts of people. I treat each of them according to the way they live, according to what they do." (GNT)

James addressed this issue about worldly desires to Jesus’s followers, which means that even followers of Christ struggle with this war of good versus evil within us, the longing for worldly things vs the things of the Kingdom of Christ.

2.       God’s answer to cure the state of our deceitful hearts?

If the preceding paragraph is a discomfort to you, it is a good thing, because it means that you do not want to be far from God. So do not despair, as children living under the new Covenant, we can be assured that our LORD God Almighty made a way for us to overcome. How did He do this?

In James 4:5-6 he points to the fact that when we are born again, (v5) God has placed the Holy Spirit within us, who longs for us to be faithful and (v6) helps us by giving us more and more strength to stand against such evil desires. The Holy Spirit is a wonderful, precious gift the Lord has given us, to be cherished and to give the space in our heart He deserves.

 

BUT we have to die to our fleshly nature and desires and humble ourselves as “He has no use for conceited people, but shows favour to those who are humble. (GNT)” (James 4:6b and Prov 3:34)

 

3.       Doing my part - How I can draw close to God?

James 4:7-10 gives us four tools we can use to draw near to God:

·       V7a – Humble (submit) yourself before God. In other words do not be boastful and lean on your own ability and understanding and think that you can accomplish things in your own strength.

·       V7b – Resist the devil and he will flee from you. If you have a struggle with something do not go to that place of temptation, avoid it as far as possible. Find scripture that you can use as a weapon to help you resist.

·       V8 – Draw close to God, wash your hands and purify your hearts. Choose to live a life of purity, with your thoughts, your body and your actions. If you stray (all of us do), be quick to repent and return to Jesus who paid the price so that you can draw close to God.

·       V9 – Let there be deep sorrow and grief for you sin (not merely the consequences thereof). Do not feel shameful because you stumbled, all of us do in our walk with the Lord and is in need of Jesus our Saviour.

In v10 James reminds us of the promise that when we humble ourselves before the Lord, he will lift us up. The humbling process might be painful, but it is so worth it to experience that closeness and intimacy with God when we do.

Let us reflect

·       When we pray to God is our prayers to satisfy our own fleshly desires, to provide for our comfort, our status, our worldly reputation or… is it truly aligned with His vision and His will for us? If we ask only to satisfy our needs, we are befriending the world.

It is a hard question to answer if you are 100% honest with yourself, but God gave us a helper, the Holy Spirit. God is quick to forgive and redeem us, when we humble ourselves in His presence and surrender/yield control of our lives to Him fully.

Let us Pray

LORD God Almighty, King of kings and Lord of lords, our Saviour and Redeemer we enter your courts with thanksgiving in our hearts, we enter your courts with praise for You only want what is best for us. Search our hearts and our minds Lord, create a clean (humble) heart within us and renew our minds to align with Your will for us. Help us Lord to resist worldly temptations and deliver us from the evil one. For to you alone belongs the Glory and the Honour and the Majesty forever and ever. Amen.

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PASTORA HESMA

 

JAMES 1 : GENUINE FAITH

 

James 1 teaches that real faith is seen in how we respond to trials, temptation, God’s Word, and everyday life. It moves believers from hearing the truth to living the truth.

True faith endures trials, resists temptation, trusts God’s wisdom, and lives in obedience to His Word.

Joy in Trials (v.1–4)

“Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds.”

Trials:

• Test your faith

• Produce perseverance

• Lead to spiritual maturity

Verse 4:

“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete.”

Difficult seasons are not meant to destroy you—they are meant to grow you.

Ask God for Wisdom (v.5–8)

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God…”

God promises to give wisdom generously.
But we must ask:

• In faith

• Without doubt

A double-minded person is unstable.

Trust God fully when you seek His guidance.

The Truth About Temptation (v.12–18)

Verse 12:

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial… they will receive the crown of life.”

Important truths:

• God does not tempt anyone

• Temptation comes from our own desires

• Desire leads to sin

• Sin leads to death

But God gives:

• Good gifts

• New life

• Truth

Temptation begins in the heart—guard your desires.

Let us reflect:

So how does a believer respond to hard times?

How does faith in Christ reveal itself in a believers?

What do believers do when they lack wisdom to make a decision ?

What choice does real trust in God lead us to make?

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PASTORA VAJIRA - JCRC SINHALESE 

HEBREWS 12: RUNNING THE RACE WITH ENDURANCE

 

Running the race of faith with Endurance

Hebrews 12

  1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

  Keys to staying in the race

1)Lay aside every weight:

Let us lay aside all the weights that we have and have been holding on that slow down our spiritual growth, such as our unnecessary worries, our unhealthy habits, hidden sins and all the worldly distractions that surround us.

2)Put away sin which clings so closely 

Ephesians 4: 22- 24 -  to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

3) Run with endurance

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.

25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.

27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

4)Looking to Jesus. (not to self or others) because each and every one has different battles or weakness

Philippians 3:3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—

Let’s reflect

Hebrews 12:1 and 2 reminds us that the race of faith is something “God has set before us and urging us believers how we can endure when faced  with trials and persecutions.The Apostle Paul wrote with his letter to Timothy I have finished the Race and kept the faith, and that’s the place where we all want to get, for the Lord to tell us Well done good and faithful servant, it’s one thing to say I’m in the Race if you’re in Christ today but the important thing is STAYING IN the Race.  

“Therefore, all the POWER we need to Run and Finish the race well is in us now through him, which is his Holy spirit that helps us put off the old life, laying aside sins that clings so closely(addiction) he also helps us exercising self-control which is the Fruit of the Holy spirit in discipline and endurance. 

We are to die to ourself because his power is made perfect in our weakness and just let his holy spirit to run this race of endurance because he has done it and overcome it, in Philippians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

*He is the author and finisher of our faith

*He endured the cross, his endurance lives in us

*He is seated on the right hand of God (Honour and strength)

Let us be reminded of his promises, get our eyes off ourselves and look to Jesus every single day, believing in God’s word and not our experiences.

Hebrews10:21-25

21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God,

22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,

25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing nearby.

 Heart Check:

1. What are the things that are not necessarily bad but, is slowing me down or adding weight?
2. What are some of my sins which clings so closely, also known as addictions that I need to put off?
3. Where do my eyes linger more is it on my problems or on Jesus?
4. If I continue to run at my current pace with my current focus ,will I finish the race set before me well?

 ________________

PASTORA KATHY

HEBREWS 11 : BY FAITH THEY LIVED, BY FAITH WE LIVE / POR FE VIVIERON, POR FE VIVIMOS.

 

BY FAITH THEY LIVED, BY FAITH WE LIVE.

HEBREWS CHAPTER 11

What does faith mean in Hebrew?

Emunah means belief, trust, faithfulness, or loyalty. It refers to trust in God, in His promises, and in His plan.

Hebrews 11:1“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

1. FAITH AT THE BEGINNING OF HISTORY

 Hebrews 11:6-7

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.”

2. ABRAHAM'S FAITH AND OBEDIENCE

Hebrews 11:8 “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.”

Obedience: In Hebrew, Shema means “to hear”; it implies not only hearing but also acting accordingly.

3. FAITH LEADS US TO SALVATION

 Hebrews 11:16 “But they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.”

God, in response to their faith and longing, has prepared a heavenly city for everyone.

4. GOD'S PURPOSE.

Hebrews 11:23. “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.”

God has perfect plans for us from the moment we are born.

Ephesians 1:3-4

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places of Christ, 4. even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.”

 5. MOSES MADE THE BEST DECISION.

Hebrews 11:24-25 “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated along with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.”

In Moses’ heart was a fervent calling and a mission from God.

6. THE PROMISE.

Hebrews 11:26 “considering the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.”

Moses’ faith allowed him to have a clear vision focused on God’s purpose.

7. IN FAITH WE ARE VICTORIOUS.

 Romans 8:18 “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

LET US REMEMBER.

• Faith is the foundation for pleasing God, which implies that faith is necessary to have a relationship with him.

• Faith implies immediate obedience, which leads us to salvation.

• The characters in Hebrews chapter 11 not only had faith in God to achieve victories on this earth, but it also allowed them to see and embrace an eternal future with God.

LET US REFLECT.

What evidence is there in my life of an active and persevering faith?

What is preventing me from taking a step of faith?

Am I willing to lose temporary things for something eternal, like Moses?

_________________________

ELDER CATALINA 

SPANISH TRANSLATION

POR FE VIVIERON, POR FE VIVIMOS.

 

 HEBREOS CAPÍTULO 11

 

¿Qué significa fe en hebreo?

 

Emuna significa creencia, confianza, fidelidad, o lealtad. Se refiere a la confianza en Dios, en sus promesas y en su plan.

 

Hebreos 11:1

 

“Es, pues, la fe la certeza de lo que se espera, la convicción de lo que no se ve.”

 

1.    LA FE EN EL INICIO DE LA HISTORIA.

 

Hebreos 11: 6-7

 

“Pero sin fe es imposible agradar a Dios; porque es necesario que el que se acerca a Dios crea que la hay, y que es galardonador de los que le buscan. 7 Por la fe Noé, cuando fue advertido por Dios acerca de cosas que aún no se veían, con temor preparó el arca en que su casa se salvase; y por esa fe condenó al mundo, y fue hecho heredero de la justicia que viene por la fe.”

 

2.    LA FE Y LA OBEDIENCIA DE ABRAHAM.

 

Hebreos 11: 8

“Por la fe Abraham, siendo llamado, obedeció para salir al lugar que había de recibir como herencia; y salió sin saber a dónde iba”

 

Obediencia: En hebreo, Shema significa “escuchar”; no solo implica oír, sino actuar en consecuencia.

 

3.    LA FE NOS CONDUCE A LA SALVACIÓN.

 

Hebreos 11: 16 “Pero anhelaban una mejor, esto es, celestial; por lo cual Dios no se avergüenza de llamarse Dios de ellos; porque les ha preparado una ciudad.”

 

Dios, en respuesta a su fe y anhelo, ha preparado una ciudad celestial para todos.

 

4. EL PROPÓSITO DE DIOS.

 Hebreos 11:23.

 “Por la fe Moisés, cuando nació, fue escondido por sus padres por tres meses, porque le vieron niño hermoso, y no temieron el decreto del rey.”

 

Dios tiene planes perfectos para nosotros desde que nacemos.

 Efesios 1: 3-4

 Bendito sea el Dios y padre de nuestro señor Jesucristo, que nos bendijo con toda bendición espiritual en los lugares celestiales de Cristo, 4. Según nos escogió en EL antes de la fundación del mundo, para que fuésemos santos y sin mancha delante de él.

 5.MOISÉS TOMÓ LA MEJOR DECISIÓN.

 Hebreos 11:24-25

  “Por la fe Moisés, hecho ya grande, rehusó llamarse hijo de la hija de Faraón, 25 escogiendo antes ser maltratado con el pueblo de Dios, que gozar de los deleites temporales del pecado”

 

En el corazón de Moisés había un llamado ferviente y una misión de parte de Dios.

 

6. LA PROMESA.

 Hebreos 11:26 “teniendo por mayores riquezas el vituperio de Cristo que los tesoros de los egipcios; porque tenía puesta la mirada en el galardón.”

 

La fe de Moisés le permitía tener una visión clara puesta en el propósito de Dios.

 

7. EN LA FE SOMOS VENCEDORES.

 Romanos 8:18 “Pues tengo por cierto que las aflicciones del tiempo presente no son comparables con la gloria venidera que en nosotros ha de manifestarse.”

 Romanos 8:37 antes, en todas estas cosas somos más que vencedores por medio de aquel que nos amó.

 RECORDEMOS.

          La fe es la base para agradar a Dios, lo que implica que la fe es necesaria para tener una relación con él.
La fe implica obediencia inmediata, la cual nos lleva a la salvación.
Los personajes de Hebreos capítulo 11 no solo tuvieron fe en Dios para alcanzar victorias en esta tierra, sino que también les permitió ver y abrazar un futuro eterno con Dios.

  REFLEXIONEMOS.

 ¿Qué evidencia hay en mi vida de una fe activa y perseverante?

 ¿Qué me está impidiendo dar un paso de fe?

            ¿Estoy dispuesto a perder las cosas temporales por algo eterno como Moisés?

 

 

 

 

HEBREWS 10 : SUPERIORITY OF CHRIST'S SACRIFICE

 

Hebrews 10 emphasizes the superiority of Christ’s sacrifice over the Old Covenant sacrifices and calls believers to faithful living and perseverance. It is a chapter of warning, encouragement, and hope.

The central message is that - Jesus’ sacrifice is once and for all, giving us full forgiveness and direct access to God, so we are called to persevere in faith and community.

WHAT JESUS DID? (V9)

1-      REMOVED THE SACRIFICES AND OFFERING

2-      DO THE WILL OF THE FATHER

HOW?

1.       THROUGH HIS BODY (V20)

o   To all who believe, the body of Jesus had permanently removed the barrier to the Holy of Hollies.

o   No more of the traditions and religious rites and rituals.

 

2.       BY HIS BLOOD (V19)

o   To all who receive HIM, has the righteousness of Jesus in the presence of the MOST HOLY GOD.

o   He is our confidence to enter the Holy of Hollies.

V23 – Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

JESUS IS OUR REDEEMER – from the penalty of sin

HE IS OUR HOPE – to reign with him in eternity

HE LIGHTS OUR PATH – to keep us from falling away

Therefore, let us strive to live our lives worthy of the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus and be worthy of the calling that not everyone receives.

o   Be in fellowship with the body

o   Be equipped and mature in faith

o   Be able to teach and keep the sound doctrine

o   Give love every day and in every way as Jesus would

Hebrews 10 exhorted us about:

1. The Old Covenant was temporary; Christ’s sacrifice is eternal.
2. Jesus’ blood fully forgives and perfects us.
3. Believers have bold access to God.
4. Community and encouragement are essential.
5. Perseverance in faith is required for final salvation.

Let us reflect:

·       Do I trust fully in Christ’s sacrifice for my salvation?

·       Do I come boldly to God in prayer, without fear?

·       Am I living faithfully and encouraging others in the faith?

·       Am I persevering, even when trials come?

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PASTORA MARILOU